Chapter one : MALIHINI

Where does the line between battle and massacre lie? Is it drawn with regard to power or to purpose? Long ago, on a date lost to the history books, on the island of Rapa Nui, things were quiet, and the people were happy. Everything had a place, everyone had a purpose, and that’s how it had been ever since the people there could remember. The plants were green and flourishing, because, in a place like this, the people didn’t rule over nature. Instead, they were a part of it. The water was rough to the eye, yet gentle to the touch. The fruit was sweet and plentiful, and beach sand stuck to feet. Nothing was dry, nothing was ugly, and everything made sense. The island was like a well-oiled machine in a land where machines did not yet exist. But as all good storytellers know, nothing good lasts forever…

Our story begins on the day the people awoke suddenly to a world where nothing made sense. The sounds of gunshots, which to the people sounded like the thunder they feared and respected, filled the air. The sight of white skin, which had never been seen before, crowded the horizon. Thick smog and smoke from the monstrous ships now polluted their once clear air. Women scrambled for their children amid the chaos and panic, while the men of the nation tried to fight back. The fight was to no avail, tragically; even the mightiest warrior could be killed with the single pull of a trigger. Spears and wood simply couldn't match iron and steel. Confusion and fear consumed the entire shore. Children were ripped from their mothers’ arms and fathers from their families. Some of the people were killed, others were tied up, their once-simple lives lost forever.

The minute word of the invasion broke out on the shore, and it quickly spread to the Chief. One of the messengers said to the Chief in terror, “Chief! Invaders on the shore!!”

But the Chief, big of stature, stout in build, and calm of mind, had become accustomed to the occasional rouge traveler, so he told the messenger, “Just send some of the men to take care of them.”

“No, Chieftain, you don't understand. Our finest warriors were powerless against them. They have weapons unlike any we've ever seen!”

A wave of fear washed over the Chief.

“And that's not all! The vessels! They are riding into shore at impossible speeds, shining like the sun, and they are bigger than the hut I sleep in,” the messenger continued, speaking without taking a breath.

With fear consuming him, the Chief rushed out of his hut, knocking over furniture on the way. Such a loss of control would be looked down upon under normal circumstances, but his close staff seemed to understand as they, too, were at a loss of stoicism. Once outside, the Chief could see what unspeakable things were happening to his village and people, the people he grew up with, and the people he had sworn to protect. He bowed his head to the floor, with a look of disdain and contemplation. The lives and legacy of Rapa Nui would be dependent upon this decision. After several seconds passed, a new look came across his face, making it clear that he knew what to do. Wasting no more time, the Chief looked to the sun and beat his chest in a rhythmic and primal beat. A deep silence followed but was soon interrupted by a bright flash that would blind anyone who looked directly into it. Out of this flash came a bird that was covered in tatau (tattoos) and was as big as the Chieftain himself. He had long, slender legs with almost pure white feathers, and his tatau were more complex than most warriors’.

After enjoying a solemn and short embrace with him, the Chief told the mysterious bird in a worried, yet firm, voice, “Fly! Fly as fast as you can. Let the monarch of Hawai’i know what has happened here today.”

The bird nodded in understanding and flew off hastily, eyes fixed on where the sea touches the sky. The flapping of his wings were so powerful that even the Chief himself could barely stand on his own two feet. Then, without a second thought, the Chief ran out into battle. He knew this could be his last battle, but he believed it to be better to die a warrior’s death in battle than a coward’s in hiding.

Several days later, on the island nation of Hawai’i, the bird reached the shore, and he could see all the island had to offer. The island was filled to the brim with color, which reached from the green of the trees, to the red and pink of the flowers, and all of the way to the bright turquoise of the shallow waters, with every color in between in the rainbows that paint the sky. Near the top of a mountain was the King's Hale (House). The Hale was of a simple build, however, one could still tell it was of higher quality through its grand and elegant carvings and greenery. In his chamber sat the King, King Kamehameha, who was big in stature and solid in frame. He was dark, covered in tatau, his facial structure was sharp and defined, much like the rest of his body, and it was easy to tell by his features that he was no stranger to hard work and battle. Throughout his kingdom, the King was feared and well respected. Many rulers in close lands had their names heard and respected, but none quite like King Kamehameha. He was ruthless and showed not a shred of fear in battle. He led his people well and his military achievements were unmatched. The king had helped his country prosper. Everyone knew that one should never risk a quarrel with the King.

His wife, somewhat counter to the King, was small, frail, and shy, often not wanting attention. One could tell simply by a glance that the two did not truly love each other; the King simply needed a wife to carry his successor. She had a hidden hatred of the King, though, because of certain events no one dared to speak of in front of the king. Not a day passes where she doesn’t wish to go back home to her family and people.

Before the sun went down, the King and his wife ate, him feasting on an elaborate meal, his wife barely touching hers. Halfway through, they heard a quiet flapping in the distance. Slowly the flapping got closer and closer, and the two monarchs stood up out of their chairs, looking out the opening in the Hale. Two men, the King’s servants, rushed in front of the couple out of loyalty to protect them, but the King pushed them aside claiming, “I am my own protection, you two could not kill anything that I couldn't.”

Moments later, the once majestic and clean-cut bird came crashing into the mighty Hale. Tattered and exhausted from the journey, the bird collapsed on the floor unable to get a single word out.

Unphased by the turn of events, the King said to his servants, “Tend to his injuries and let me know when he awakes. If he escapes it'll be your heads.”

The two then picked up the bird at either end and carried it out of the Hale. One said, “I have never seen a bird this massive. Why does it have tatau?”

“You've never heard of Aukane?” replied the other in disbelief, “Aukane are given to those chosen by the Gods to be destined for greatness. When a chosen one is born, an Aukane is born with them and they are linked until death. Our own king has one, how could you not have known this?”

“I've never seen the King fight and I've never known anyone with an Aukane,” said the first servant.

“You idiot, you should learn more about those above you,” the second scolded.

Four days later, the bird awoke and slowly walked out of the hut he was in. He found one of the servants and asked, “Where is your king? I have an urgent message to give to him.”

The man, slightly stunned from the fact this massive bird could talk, replied shakily, “H-he's just up the mountain past the waterfall. Speak wisely or you will be cast in the fire and used to feed the people.”

The bird glared at the man but quickly moved on out of lack of interest. It took the bird just over an hour to reach the King’s mighty Hale once again. Now that he had healed and his nerves were more settled, he was able to take in the journey with less distraction. The bird’s powerful wings lifted him up the mountain with ease. He flew through waterfalls and could see for kilometers past the shore. Every inch of the mountainside was blooming and full of life. Surrounded by all these vibrant elements, though, he couldn’t help but think about his chief and the people of Rapa Nui, who were not so fortunate. He needed to know who was still alive, and what the fates of those who still are would be. With every face on the island who’s light had been stolen from them went through in his mind, his anger towards the Malahini (invaders) rose inside. He let out a screech of anger and frustration, but turned his focus back to the journey moments later. After a bit more traveling he reached the Hale. When he entered the chambers, he bowed and respectfully informed the King, “Aloha, King Kamehameha. I have an urgent message from the chief of Rapa Nui.”

“What is it?” replied the King with little regard.

“Malihini have come without warning and have taken our island. Without honor they killed our men and enslaved our women and children!” he cried, again revisiting his memories of what happened.

“How does this concern me?” said the King.

“They weren't normal people, for their skin was white like the clouds and they had sticks capable of harnessing thunder.”

“What has happened to your other half, the Chief?” asked the King, interest growing.

“I’m not certain. The battle was unforgiving and I left as he rushed in, but he is alive since I am still here. Listen, these Malihini are too strong for any single island nation to fight against alone, that much I can promise you. Monarch, we have to unite the Great Triangle of Tides (ocean segment of Polynesia)!”

“Don't tell me what I have to do, bird!” snarled the king, “I can kill anything under the sun, shy of the Gods.”

“My apologies, sir,” said the bird quietly, “but you must listen to reason. You know how formidable the Chief is, you and he have fought on many occasions. Even he stood no chance against these Malahini. I am not even sure how he still breathes.”

The king stared at the bird for what seemed like an eternity, then looked away sharply when he finally began to speak. His pride could not allow him to look into the bird’s eyes while admitting his premature fault, “Very well, rest here a couple more days if you need and then go inform the rest of the Triangle of Tides of what is happening.” the bird nodded and started to walk away, but turned back when the King remembered, “Oh! And let them know that Keilani is paying them a visit,” he said with a sinister grin.