Along the coast where Haikili and Kaipo lived was a series of dangerous rocks that were constantly being washed by the changing tide of the ocean. Dangerous creatures lived out there in the depths and the sharp rocks themselves could be dangerous if the waves shoved someone against them. It was part of the reason that Kaipo had picked this little island in the first place, choosing a place that was both near and far from the hapuna town along the main island. One could only cross the land bridge when the tide was low enough to connect them to the mainland and no ship could enter the island from the outside thanks to the outlay of rocks and dangerous creatures to the western side. When Haikili had argued with Kaipo about his desire to go out into the world, the Kawena had glanced over him and finally let out a soft sigh. “What do I do with you? I don’t think you’re anywhere near prepared to go out into the world, not not.”

“How do you know?” Haikili protested, only having a few months of training and feeling so much stronger already. His heart was still dark, his spirit full of rage against earthlings at the time and making him more reckless than he had ever been before. If he didn’t go out and chase the pirates now then they would get away! How would he ever get justice for his mothers? “You can’t stop me from leaving, Kaipo.”

Another sigh. “You’re right. I can’t stop you, but I can warn you.” The Kawena frowned as he looked over Haikili. “You’ll waste your chance and meet your mothers far sooner than you should if you leave now. What about this? I can give you a challenge, a dare if you consider it instead of blindly leaving. If you can accomplish this then I’ll let you go whenever you want. I’ll even help you with supplies and the like.”

“Fine.” Haikili nodded as he considered the option. It would be much better to have support before leaving, that much he did realize despite his frustrations. “I can take on any dare you give me.” He was so much stronger now, emboldened by the power of the storm that there was nothing Kaipo could ask of him that he couldn’t accomplish.

It was then that Kaipo led him to the cliffs that decorated the edges of their small island, showing Haikili for the first time the rocks that jutted out from the ocean along the western edges of the coast. “See those rocks?” He asked, pointing out as the waves crashed along the dark forms that almost gleamed like onyx. “Those are considered trial rocks by some who follow ancient ways. Many lives have been lost there by fools who thought they could simply swim around them and conquer the ocean beneath.”

“Is that so?” Haikili tilted his head as he looked over at the shapes, disdain written clearly on his features. It was just some rocks, why couldn’t they be easily dealt with? Even before losing his mothers the hybrid probably would have taken on the challenge one day, feeling like he could take on the world with how bold he was. Now he was just a burning pit of rage that didn’t want to allow anything to be in his way. So what could those rocks do to him?

“Climb to the top one at the center and I’ll consider you ready to take on the world.” Kaipo offered. “I only ask that you allow me to know when you want to take on the challenge so that I can watch over you.”

“Easy.” Haikili replied with a smirk before preparing to go out and promptly being washed ashore within the next hour. Up close the waves were tougher, the current there trying to rip anyone to the side who dared to enter the depths there and for those who didn’t get ripped apart by the ocean and the rocks there were creatures waiting for Haikili who wanted blood. So while Haikili took on the challenge, he failed many times over the next several months, each time being either washed ashore or dragged back by Kaipo who rescued him. It was only after meeting Valu again and seeing those art pieces that he felt troubled enough to go out to the challenge spot, Haikili taking up the dare once more and finally waving towards Kaipo from atop of the cursed rock that gleamed from the ocean depths. This time he hadn’t rushed into things, taking his time to survey the area and to calculate any dangers before jumping in. And his patience paid off as he took his victory, realizing how much work would go into surveying any problems instead of just dashing blindly in…the very lesson that Kaipo had been trying to tell him months ago when he first issued the challenge and Haikili accepted.

[827]