Chapter Two

“Matoran of Ga-Koro hear me!” Nokama proclaimed. “I have returned with great news. The Turaga of Mata Nui have been in conference in Kini-Nui, pondering the Great Thoughts. The swarms are gone, and the evil plot of the Bohrok-Kal is defeated. A time of Peace is upon us. We sought a way to honor this new prosperity. Therefore, we have decreed a great Kolhii Tournament. Matches will be played all across Mata Nui, and the Championship will be held at the season’s end in the newly built Kolhii Stadium in Ta-Koro. Each Turaga need choose two champions to represent their village. It was a hard decision, and it may surprise some of you. I’ve chosen Macku! And… Hahli.”

As everyone looked with surprise at Hahli, Nokama went to her hut. Hahli followed, taking the northern pathway. Inside Nokama’s hut, which was bigger then the others, there was a giant flower. Nokama was standing in front of it.

“Welcome, Hahli. You have been chosen as Kolhii Champion of Ga-Koro, and that is a grand honor. It also means grand responsibility,” Nokama greeted her.

“What is Kolhii?” inquired Hahli.

Nokama tilted her head at Hahli’s seeming ignorance. “Kolhii is the Great Sport of Mata Nui. Some think it a simple game, but it is much more than that. The principles of Kolhii reflect the virtues of our society.”

“Virtues?”

“Long ago, the Great Spirit Mata Nui illuminated the three Virtues: Unity, Duty, and Destiny. We embraced these gifts, and, by combining them in different ways, each village derived from them the six Principles.”

“Unity?”

“In Ga-Koro we embrace the Virtue of Unity, and the Wall of Stars is our guide. The Weaver, Shasa, spends much time contemplating Unity. You would do well to visit with her, as she might help you to learn more.”

“Duty?”

“Turaga Vakama and the Ta-Matoran pursue the Virtue of Duty in the shadow of the Wall of History. If you seek insight to that Virtue, you should do so in Ta-Koro.”

“Destiny?”

“In the temples of Ko-Koro, on the slopes of Mount Ihu, stands the Wall of Prophesy. There, adepts meditate on the Virtue of Destiny.”

“Principles?”

“We must honor and protect them: they are our vessel in the wild sea of the world, and with Principle in our heart we can face down great evil. Kolhii is one way to learn them. The more you understand, the better you will be at it. In Ga-Koro we focus on the Principle of Purity.”

“Purity?”

“Marka, the Shipwright, studies Purity, the Principle by which Ga-Koro thrives. Speak with her and she may impart some of her knowledge…”

Hahli nodded. Nokama said she would have to take the virtue to heart if she would face down great evil. But what did she mean? “Evil?” she asked.

“In the Dark Time, even before the Swarms came, the Makuta infected the Rahi-beasts, and poisoned the waters around Ga-Koro. Kotu remembers this time well, for it was she that tamed the Tarakava. She knows of Poison, and may speak of it.”

“Can you tell me more of these principles?”

“There are many wise Matoran in this village and throughout Mata Nui. They can help you understand more.”

There was one question left burning on Hahli’s mind. “Why did you choose me?” asked the Ga-Matoran.

“The choice was not mine to make. If it had been, I would have chosen Kotu, as everyone expected,” Nokama said bluntly, shrugging.

This was not the answer Hahli expected. “If you did not choose me, who did?”

“I consulted the Sacred Waters. They offer me much wisdom… but it is a precious gift, and one that is not lightly granted,” answered Nokama enigmatically.

“The Water chose me?”

“The image was cloudy but unmistakable. I confess it was a little strange for it to advise me on what I thought so small a matter as Kolhii… but it is done. I suspect that both you and I, and indeed all of Mata Nui, will come to know why you were chosen… in time.”

Hahli nodded pensively. Nokama’s response didn’t give much in the way of answers. “What should I do now?”

“You are untrained in Kolhii, and must improve your skills if you are to win the Championship. Talk to Macku, for she is skilled, and can help you to learn the game. When you are ready to play the match against Onu-Koro, come speak with me, and I will arrange it,” answered the Turaga.

Hahli nodded, then told the Turaga, “Thank you. Goodbye.”

“When you feel you are ready to face the team from Onu-Koro, tell me and I will announce the match. Farewell, Hahli. May Gali’s wisdom guide you,” Nokama replied.

As she was leaving, Hahli noticed a golden key beside Nokama. She picked it up.

✴        ✴        ✴

The first thing she did was run home to Amaya in amazement. The Ga-Matoran was jumping up and down by the time she arrived. “Hahli! I can’t believe it! You’re going to be our Kolhii champion along with Macku! It’s unbelievable!”

“Kolhii champion?” Hahli asked, still in a daze.

“You’re going to have to train hard if you’re going to win! Kolhii players need to be very fast!”

“Fast?”

“Ga-Matoran are famous for their speed. Kai, the Sailor, is very quick. Maybe you should ask her!”

Hahli hurried to find Macku, and her new team-mate greets her warmly.

“Hi Hahli. I guess we’re team-mates now! I know you’ve never played Kolhii before, but I trust Turaga Nokama. I can help you with your game. Just ask!” offered Macku.

“How can I get better at Kolhii?”

“We Ga-Matoran believe that Speed is the way to victory. If you can learn the secret of Speed, you can win! There might be some around Ga-Koro that can help you to get faster. And don’t forget to teach me any tricks you learn!”

“Can I practice?”

“To be great at Kolhii, you need to improve all six of your skills. It is rumored that masters can be found in the wildernesses of Mata Nui, but I don’t know where. If you find them, maybe they can teach you.”

“I’d like to practice,” said Hahli.

“If you’re going to get good at Kolhii, you need to train in all of your skills. I’ve heard of a Ga-Matoran that knows about Speed… you should look around, maybe you can find her.”

“I want to know more about Kolhii,” said Hahli.

“I’ll help in any way I can! Ask away,” said Macku.

“What are the rules of Kolhii?”

“The rules are simple: get the ball, and get it in the enemy’s team goal using your Kolhii stick, feet, head, or body… the only thing you can’t use are your hands,” stated Macku.

“How many teams are there?”

“All the Tournament matches are played with two teams and two goals, but the Championship will be played by three teams and three goals. That’s harder, but it’s not for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about that yet,” answered Macku.

“How many players are on each team?”

“There can be any number of players – as long as the teams are even. All the Tournament matches have two players per team.”

“What positions are there?” asked Hahli.

“I’m goal-keeper, and you’re forward.”

“How do we win?”

“There’s four quarters. The team that has the most goals by the end of the fourth quarter is the winner! If it’s tied, though, it can go into overtime.”

“Do I need any equipment?”

“We use the Kolhii stick to play, now… it’s kind of a new thing. It’s important to have a good Kolhii stick. Kailani can make a new one for you if you give her the materials. Some wood is better than others!”

“Kailani?” asked Hahli.

“Kailani makes all kinds of things. Her hut is in the town square,” said Macku.

“Wood?” asked Hahli.

“You should ask around to find out what the best materials are for a Kolhii stick,” said Macku.

“Who do we play?” asked Hahli.

“Onepu and Taipu, the team from Onu-Koro, are here to play a match. They’re camped near the beach,” answered the goal-keeper.

“Where do we play?”

“We play at the Kolhii Pad, south of the Town Square.”

“When do we play?”

“When you’re ready, go tell Turaga Nokama. She will send word to the Onu-Matoran Team to meet us at the Kolhii Pad. I’m ready whenever you are!”

“Do you have any advice?”

“Onu-Matoran have incredible Stamina. They can play for hours without ever getting tired. But they are slow!” said Macku.

“How do you know so much about Kolhii?” Hahli finally asked.

“I visit Hewkii of Po-Koro every now and then. He’s the best Kolhii player in all of Mata Nui! We spend a lot of time together… playing Kolhii of course!” stated Macku.

With nothing more to ask, Hahli told Macku, “Goodbye.”

“I’ll be in my hut or with Turaga Nokama if you need me,” Macku replied.

✴        ✴        ✴

In the town square, Hahli noticed a hut she had not seen before and headed toward it.

There was a sign that said not to disturb, but Hahli ignored it. The hut was locked, but once she tried the key she found at Nokama’s, it opened.

As she entered, she noticed a Matoran.

“Gali save us! Uh? Who? What are you doing in my laboratory?” the Matoran demanded.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Nixie! This is my private astrolaboratory. I am very busy studying the Wall of Stars! Who do you think you are?” the Matoran snapped.

“I’m Hahli,” she answered.

“Hahli… the assistant flax-maker? Now, where have I seen that name before?” muttered Nixie to herself.

“My name?” asked Hahli.

“Oh! I know! Hm…” Nixie exclaimed.

“What are you doing?” Hahli questioned.

“I’m working on the Formula… Something is stirring… I don’t know what, but the Stars are making strange patterns, and there are storms, like in the old days…” said Nixie, more to herself than to Hahli.

“Formula?” asked Hahli.

“The Stars are very precise. The first part is easy: the first letter of the patron Toa of Unity. The second part is harder. Start by multiplying the villages by the Principles they follow. Add the Great Spirit and his banished Brother, and also the Toa Kaita… finally, add the Virtues. Subtract one for the Chronicler, divide by the number of Toa…” Nixie related.

“What does it mean?” asked Hahli.

“I don’t know… it’s very strange.”

Wishing to leave, Hahli told the astrologer, “Goodbye.”

“Hm…” Nixie mused, barely noticing her exit.

✴        ✴        ✴

Recalling that Shasa mentioned Unity in her speeches, Hahli went down to her hut.

As she entered, Shasa said, “I am glad you were chosen to be Kolhii Champion, Hahli. I am sure you will honor Ga-Koro and Mata Nui. Did you want some weaving?”

“Weaving?” repeated Hahli.

“Sailcloth, nets, that sort of thing. Weaving teaches a lot about Unity,” stated Shasa.

“Unity?” inquired Hahli.

“Unity is what makes a Fishing Net strong! Unity is what we strive for in Ga-Koro. We depend on it to do our work. If the Weaver’s reeds are not united, the cloth is weak. If the Sailor’s flax is not united, the rope is frayed. And only united together, can the people of Ga-Koro speed their works on Purity,” said Shasa.

“Work?” asked Hahli.

“The Great Spirit charges us with the task of keeping the Waters pure. But the sea is boundless, and the lakes and rivers flow endlessly. Alone, I can’t do what it is asked. But united, we can do it! Here, take this charm. I have carried it a long time. Let it always remind you of the Virtue of Unity!” said Shasa, handing Hahli a small circular stone with a symbol on it.

“Pure?” said Hahli.

“From Unity comes Purity! Marka the Shipwright knows more about Purity, if you’re interested.”

“Goodbye,” said Hahli.

“Gali’s Wisdom be with you,” replied Shasa.

Hahli hurried back down to the docks.

“So you’re our new Kolhii Champion, eh?” said Marka as she saw her “Well, stranger things have happened. Best of luck. I suppose that now you’ve got Kolhii to train for you won’t be off fetching supplies for my shipyard.”

“Supplies?” asked Hahli.

“Rope, sailcloth, rigging, you name it! I’ll trade widgets for any you can bring me,” assured Marka.

“Boat?” repeated Hahli.

“Good ship-building is an art! Maybe someday I’ll make you one.”

“Shipyard?”

“These boats are built for speed! They are made from very Pure materials,” said Marka.

“Pure?”

“Unity grants Purity. Purity is what we strive for in Ga-Koro. It’s our job to keep the waters Pure. If your mind is Pure, you can have Visions, like Turaga Nokama and Toa Gali. And most of all, Purity grants Ga-Matoran great Speed!” exclaimed Marka. “Here! Since you’re so interested in Purity, take this stone. It bears the symbol of Purity. I found it once, a long time ago, while cutting some wood near the falls. Maybe it can help you, somehow.” While speaking, she handed Hahli a stone like Shasa’s charm, but with a different symbol.

“Speed?”

“Speed comes from Purity. I use only the purest wood and seaweed in my boats. If you want to know more about Speed, you should talk to Kai, the Sailor,” answered Marka.

Hahli nodded and went immediately to Kai’s house.

“Hello Hahli, our new Kolhii champion! What an honor! I’m making Rope as fast as I can. Maybe you can help!” said Kai as Hahli entered.

“Fast?” asked Hahli.

“If you want to improve your Speed, you should talk to me. Sailors are very speedy!” said Kai.

“Sailors?”

“Ga-Matoran are famous for their Speed! When the water’s Pure, you can go very fast in the open sea. From Purity comes Speed. Here, take my charm! It represents Speed. It’s very old. Maybe it will bring you luck!” Hahli took the charm which looks similar to the others she already has.

“Speed?” inquired Hahli.

“The fastest thing I ever saw was the Takea Shark, deep beneath the sea. It’s terribly dangerous, but legend has it that the Takea will teach its Speed to anyone that can catch it!”

“Catch it?” asked Hahli.

“You can find it at coordinates C9 way out at sea. I bet Pelagia can take you there,” said Kai.

✴        ✴        ✴

As Hahli was walking toward the village, she decided to take the walkway leading to the beach. After passing the gate, she found herself on the beach. She decided to turn right and saw two Matoran camped on the beach. But they were not Ga-Matoran, as one was an Onu-Matoran, and the other seemed to be Hafu, a Po-Matoran.

As Hafu saw her, he said: “Hello. Is it always so bright here by the sea? The waves are so loud! It is very pretty though. Do you have any thing for a headache?”

“Hello, Hafu!” greeted Hahli cheerfully.

“I am not Hafu! I am Taipu! Why does everyone think I am Hafu, and he is me? We’re not even from the same village!” the irritated Matoran exclaimed.

“Headache?” asked Hahli.

“When we left Onu-Koro, Turaga Whenua said we can win if we use our heads. When the ball is headed for the goal, it is my job to stop it, so I use my head! Onepu says that is not what he meant. We have been practicing a lot,” said Taipu.

“Goodbye,” Hahli said.

“Goodbye!” Taipu replied.

Meanwhile the other Matoran had caught sight of her, “Look, Taipu. It is one of Toa Gali’s water-maidens. Good day to you, Ga-Matoran! I hope you are well!”

“Who are you?” asked Hahli.

“I’m Onepu, High Commander of the Ussalry, Veteran of the Makuta Wars, Right Hand of Turaga Whenua, and Champion Kolhii Forward of Onu-Koro. At your service, my Lady,” said Onepu.

“What are you doing here?” asked Hahli, gesturing to the shabby shack the two Onu-Matoran were camped out in.

“Ah, you have noticed that our humble accommodations do not suit my station. Do not fret, good Lady! I am as rugged as any Onu-Matoran. Besides, we remain only until we have won the Kolhii match for Onu-Koro. Then we shall journey home, to receive accolades befitting a returning champion,” said Onepu.

“Goodbye,” Hahli said.

“Farewell!” Onepu said with a flourish. “Perhaps we shall meet again one day, in the halls of great Onu-Koro!”

Before leaving, Hahli took a look at the krana pit and admired the Naho Falls, rushing out of a statue of the great Kaukau Nuva.

✴        ✴        ✴

On her way back to the town square, Hahli stopped at the Barter Shop. Inside was a Ga-Matoran.

“If you’re looking to barter, stocks are a bit low until the merchants can get into town,” she said.

“Who are you?” asked Hahli.

“I’m Okoth, the Trader. If you’re looking to barter, this is the place!” Okoth answered.

“Barter?”

“I trade for widgets.”

“Widgets?”

“Haven’t you got any? They’re very useful! You can trade widgets for lots of things.”

“Will you trade with me?”

“All I can trade now are Air Bladders, for swimming. They’re five widgets each. I’m afraid I’ve got nothing else to trade until the merchants get back into town,” said Okoth.

Hahli nodded and agreed to purchase an Air Bladder. Okoth smiled and retrieved one, saying, “Here you go! Come back soon!”

As Hahli was about to leave, she realized that to practice speed she would have to stay underwater for a long time. Turning around, Hahli decided to buy as many Air Bladders as she could. “Great, a bulk sale! Let me know if you need any more!” the Trader exclaimed.

✴        ✴        ✴

To get more Air Bladders as well as a Kolhii stick, Hahli would need more widgets. To get more widgets, Hahli would have to sell supplies to Marka. Hahli immediately got to work.

Hahli collected a great amount of Harakeke, Cowrie Shells, Bamboo Wood, and Seaweed. Then she went to Amaya’s hut.

“Hi again!” said the Ga-Matoran “If you’re not too tired from your Kolhii training, I could sure use help making Flax for Kai. I’ve never had a Kolhii champion help me make Flax, though. It’s unbelievable!”

“Unbelievable?” repeated Hahli.

“Well, you’ve never played Kolhii before! And Kotu is our best player. But Nokama chose you. Strange, isn’t it?” said Amaya.

Hahli then gave Amaya the plants and shells needed, getting a quantity of Flax in return. “Okay! Here you go,” Amaya said, handing it over.

The next stop was Kai’s house. There, Hahli said, “I’d like some Rope.”

“Sure. I need 5 String for each Rope,” Kai replied.

Hahli gave all her Flax to the sailor, who looked skeptically at her. “Sure, bucko. It’s heavy!” True to her word, however, she made String and Rope out of all of it and gave these to Hahli. The more she made, the greater her incredulity grew. “Blimey, that’s a lot of rope!” she muttered.

Going back on her way, Hahli stopped at Shasa’s house. There, she handed over the String and Rope.

“I’d like a Sailcloth,” she explained.

“Going sailing? Okay!” Shasa said, moving quickly. “Here you go.”

“I’d like Rigging,” Hahli added.

Shasa smiled knowingly. “Building a boat, eh? Sure.” Again, she wasted no time. “Here! Careful, it’s heavy!”

Hahli was almost ready, but first she needed to get a Kolhii stick of her own. She stopped at Kotu’s house to obtain a Bamboo Pole from her Wood. Kotu was still stunned and dejected.

“Hello, Hahli. I guess you’re our champion forward, after all. You may be as skilled as I am, one day. But you must beware. Fear and doubt can poison your mind, and your skill,” she advised.

“Poison?” Hahli asked.

“Poison is the opposite of Purity,” Kotu replied, handing her the Bamboo Pole.

Then Hahli went to Kailani, who greeted her warmly. “Hello, Hahli! What’s it like to be our new Kolhii champion? Can you believe Nokama chose you? You’ll have to train hard. I’m happy to make a Kolhii Stick for you if you need one.”

Hahli gave Cowrie Shells to craft the Fishhooks necessary to make a Kolhii stick, asking then for the stick itself. “I’d like a Kolhii Stick.”

This time Kailani’s response was quite different from when Hahli asked on behalf of Macku. “Of course, of course, Champion! One moment… Here you go!”

Finally, Hahli returned to the docks.

“I have some supplies to trade,” she informed Marka.

“No kidding? Great! I’ll barter one widget for a Rope or Sailcloth. Rigging is worth 30 per,” replied Marka.

As Hahli traded the Rigging for the widgets, Marka remarked, “Great! I need all the rigging I can get.” As Hahli traded the Rope, the Shipwright added, “It’s a deal! When the docks open I’ll be all set to fill these orders.” And as Hahli pulled out the Sailcloth, Marka’s eyes widened. “Sailcloth, eh? You’ve got Shasa working hard, I see. Deal!”

After trading most of her supplies, Hahli set off for Okoth’s shop, where she bought as many Air Bladders as she could.

✴        ✴        ✴

Hoping to find someone who will take her at C9, to catch Takea, Hahli returned to the docks.

Reaching the dock where she previously found Bamboo, she spied a Ga-Matoran, and behind her a docked boat.

“Hello, Hahli. Can I take you somewhere?” the Matoran asked.

“Who are you?” asked Hahli.

“I am Pelagia. I run the Ferry,” answered Pelagia.

“Ferry?” asked Hahli.

“I can’t take you to any of the other villages right now, on account of the storms. The sea has been angry lately. I do not know why. But I can take you deep-sea diving, if you wish,” answered Pelagia.

“Deep-sea diving?” repeated Hahli.

“Sometimes Toa Gali swims there, to care for it and keep it Pure. And there are… things… in the darkness of the Deep. If you wish to dive, I suggest you take some Air Bladders with you.”

“Air Bladders?”

“Even Ga-Matoran can run out of air, if they dive down deep,” explained Pelagia. “Okoth has some for trade if you wish. If you have great stamina, you can hold your breath for longer.”

Her curiosity satisfied, Hahli asked, “Will you take me somewhere?”

“Ferry service costs 1 widget. Point out on my Sea Chart where you would like to go. Agreed?”

Hahli nodded. “Okay.”

“Hold on, let me get out my Sea Chart.”

Hahli paid Pelagia, and the two quickly embarked. Once at the right coordinates, Hahli dove. Reaching deeper waters, she saw a Takea Shark swimming between some seaweed. She swam toward it and tried to match its pace by swimming along with it. After catching up to it four times, Hahli became much faster, gaining speed.

After practicing her speed, Hahli resurfaced. Pelagia sat upright from where she was relaxing. “Ready to head back to port?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Batten down the hatches!” she declared.

The boat cut through the ocean like a knife, and before long the boat pulled back into the harbor.

“Goodbye,” Hahli said, waving as she headed out.

“May Gali protect you,” Pelagia replied over her shoulder.

✴        ✴        ✴

Once back in Ga-Koro, Hahli went to Nokama’s hut.

“I am ready to face the team from Onu-Koro,” Hahli said.

“Very well. I shall inform Turaga Whenua. You may report to the Kolhii Field. Good luck, Champion,” Nokama returned.

Hahli headed for the Kolhii Pad and a match between the Ga-Matoran and Onu-Matoran ensued. Making use of the Speed gained from her training, Hahli was able to sprint around the Onu-Matoran to score goals. To the shock of all watching, she and Macku emerged victorious.