Poutiriao English Final Book

POUTIRIAO

STORY 1

SONG Poutiriao

Poutiriao — Poutiriao! The gods decreed that they stand as warrior chiefs Holding the mana of Ranginui and Papatūānuku Shielding the world, warding off humankind Poutiriao, pou pou, Poutiriao — Poutiriao, pou pou, Poutiriao!

From the four winds come these four, sharp as adzes Forged and tempered to stand as a house of war Great power shall be theirs, to become as gods Poutiriao, pou pou, Poutiriao — Poutiriao, pou pou, Poutiriao!

From Tāwhiri comes the mana of the wind From Tangaroa comes the mana of the water From Tū comes the mana of fire From Tāne comes the mana of the forest Pou! Poutiriao! (Call it forth; carry it on)

Narrator: The year is nineteen hundred and ninety-eight. The place — the Belly of the Fish, the Fish of Māui, Aotearoa. The old woman has completed her work. She has trained the four children to be warrior chiefs. Through these children, the mana of the gods shall be protected. They are being tormented by a sorcerer tohunga. His desire is to bring the gods down beneath his feet. The survival of humankind, the survival of the gods, the survival of the world — all rest in the hands of these young chiefs.

Nehu: 'Pooh! Hey, bro! Who's making that stink! You?'

Tūrei: 'Not me! It was that girl over there!'

Wai: 'Ha! Shorty!'

Tūrei: 'Short! What's it to you! Though small, I am greenstone!'

Wai: 'No way! Though small, you stink! And your farting!'

Narrator: The children are in the forest. They are guarding the old woman who trained them. But before long, the youngest begins to stir up trouble again...

Tūrei: 'Hey, mate, what do you reckon we're doing here?'

Nehu: 'Dunno! Guarding!'

Tūrei: 'Guarding what? Guarding who?'

Nehu: 'The old woman! She's got the knowledge!'

Tūrei: 'Ask her what we're doing then!'

Nehu: 'You ask her.'

Tūrei: 'Eh! Hey! You're right! I'll ask her! Alright then, Nanny! Piri wants to know what we're guarding... because his itching is really bad...(laughs).'

Nehu: 'You little trickster! Come here and I'll thump you...'

Whatu: 'Stop it! Sit down!'

Narrator: The old woman's gaze fixes hard on the four children. She shakes her head in disbelief.

Whatu: 'If the survival of the world lies in your hands, my dears, then we are truly done for!'

Narrator: The old woman straightens herself and speaks...

Whatu: 'My name is Te Whatu. I am not of this world. I am from the world of the gods. I am a mareikura — a celestial maiden. The gods sent me to train you. Why! To help you! To be warriors. To be chiefs. To be Poutiriao.'

Narrator: The children do not move a muscle. Their ears are wide open. The old woman speaks again...

Whatu: 'Wait a moment! The tail is wagging the head. I must begin from the beginning. So, children, this is the purpose for which you have been trained. Now, listen...'

Narrator: The old woman sits perfectly still. She raises her head. Her eyes are completely white. She grips her walking stick tightly for support. She begins...

Whatu: 'We are returning to Hawaiki, the true homeland of your ancestors. To the time before they migrated to Aotearoa. We are going back, one thousand years...

Incantation: I am swept along, the wind is a demon wind, a god wind, an ancient wind — To Hawaiki below, Hawaiki above, To Hawaiki great, Hawaiki long, Hawaiki far away —

Whatu: There was a man named Te Ringa Tohu. His tribe was Ngāti Whatarangi. This old man was deeply loved by his people — he was a tohunga, a protector. He did much to help his tribe. They all adored him.

Yes indeed! The whole world lay open before this man, Te Ringa Tohu. But there was one problem. He suffered from a terrible disease — leprosy.

The nature of this disease is that it eats you alive, like a parasite. It devours the skin, and the curves of the body — the cheeks and the nose. In the end, the skin becomes scaly, raw, and cracked, utterly hideous.

Now, to hide his disease, he covered his entire body with clothing. His tribe did not know he carried this leprosy.

But one day, trouble began. Two young men were returning from bird-snaring. They happened to hear Te Ringa Tohu performing his dawn karakia, and they were struck by the length of his nose.

Son 1: 'We've got heaps of birds, mate! The tribe will be happy.'

Son 2: 'For sure we'll feast tonight.'

Son 3: 'And you'll be chasing after your sweetheart.'

Son 2: 'What's it to you! You're just a show-off!'

Son 3: 'Show-off! You're the show-off! Ha! My cheeks are so swollen from that woman kissing me...'

Son 1: 'Hey, wait! Hey! Listen!

Karakia: Te Ringa Tohu

'A peaceful current, a peaceful tide — A peaceful tide from the sacred spring Water pure, water springing, water of life given by you, Io-te-waiora! Let the source be drawn from the dark waters of Tūānuku Let the source be uplifted to the life-giving mana of the ancient life-force Let it settle firm, Uie, Tāiki e!'

Son 2: 'Leave him be! That's Te Ringa Tohu preparing himself.'

Son 3: 'What's it to you, I've gone to look!' (whistles)

Son 1: 'What's he doing?'

Son 3: 'Ssh! He's washing. But look! His appearance is horrifying.'

Son 3: 'It's true! That man is covered in sores!'

Son 1: 'Eii! He's completely covered in scales and cracks!'

Son 2: 'He's not human! He's a demon!'

Whatu: Through the treachery of those wicked men, Te Ringa Tohu was ruined. That very day, the tribe was gathered. The purpose — the baptism of the firstborn grandchild of the chief. Te Ringa Tohu was the tohunga conducting the ceremony. There was another, older tohunga named Tū-te-rae-poupou. This elder was jealous. One of the guard sons was his. The thought came to Tū-te-rae — he would expose Te Ringa Tohu.

The whole tribe had assembled. The preparations were about to begin, when Tū-te-rae stepped forward...

Tūterae: 'Seek and pursue, let the mind be drawn, let the intellect desire, let wisdom be attained, let health and vitality be gained, let it be possessed, let it be seized — tīhei mauri ora!'

Whatu: Tū-te-rae recited the whakapapa of the chief's grandchild. Because of the excellence of his delivery, the tribe's anxiety eased. They were filled with wonder.

Tūterae: 'A chief! A demon! An ancient one! Without blemish!'

The People: 'Yes!'

Tūterae: 'He is sacred! The hand that baptises the chief must also be sacred! Let the hand be pure! Let the hand be sanctified!'

Whatu: Tū-te-rae pulled away the concealing garments of Te Ringa Tohu.

Tūterae: 'There! Look at this sacred hand! It is a hand of filth!'

Whatu: The people cried out in horror. Te Ringa Tohu stood before them, exposed. The terrible leprosy was plain to see.

Tūterae: 'This man is a demon! A man-eating parasite. He is the very Kumi who has been murdering us in days gone by. Kill him!'

Whatu: Te Ringa Tohu was rejected by his own tribe. He was thrown down. He was trampled by the people. He was beaten. He heard the voice of his foster mother, who had raised him. He stood up, his mother weeping for him. He stretched out his hands to shield his mother. But at that very moment, the blade of a taiaha flashed. The old woman's head was split, she fell, dead.

As for Te Ringa Tohu, he was driven away. He was chained to a stone. With blood flowing, he was abandoned. He was an outcast. He had become like a maggot. He crawled away.

Te Whatu: 'Te Ringa Tohu died from his desire for revenge.'

Te Ringa: 'The earth shall be soaked with blood. The rivers shall run red. It will never be satisfied!'

Karakia: Te Ringa Tohu

'Tāwhiriwhirinuku, Tāwhiriwhirirangi! Tūtakangāhau, Tū-te-oropewa, Matahauariki Tūkāraerae, Titi-whakataka, Marangai-areareare Arise! Arise!'

Whatu: He called upon Tāwhirimātea, the god of the winds, to send some of his storm children to him.

Te Ringa: 'Give them to me, Tāwhiri. Give me some of your children. I will help you. I will destroy the descendants of Tāne and all the rest. I will bring them down!'

Tāwhiri: 'But you are only a mortal! You are strong!'

Te Ringa: 'Yes! I am very strong! Through the burning of my heart I will succeed. I will crush the people who beat me, who trampled me, who stabbed me. Tāwhirimātea, give me some of your children. I am still strong.'

Tāwhiri: 'Then take them! Here are my descendants! This is Takamaitū the thunder, this is Hine-uira-te-hikorangi, and here are the descendants of Titi Matakakā. They will help you.'

Te Ringa: 'I-a-ha-ha! I abandon my human name, Te Ringa Tohu — I am no longer human! From this moment I shall bear a demon's name — Te Rangi Kaupapa! Through me, the horizons of the sky shall shake! Through me, the mountain peaks of the earth shall tremble. TE RANGI KAUPAPA! THE DEMON OF THE WIND! I-a-ha-ha!'

Whatu: This man spoke true. The sky shook, the earth trembled at his doing. He destroyed his own tribe. Tū-te-rae-poupou and all his descendants were overthrown as food for the maggot.

He flattened the people's pā, the houses, every place. Not a single person was spared by him. But he did not stop there. He uprooted the trees of Tāne, he slaughtered the birds. He levelled the great forests, the land was stripped bare, it withered. He destroyed the natural world.

From this, Tāwhirimātea became enraged...

Tāwhiri: 'You are committing great evil! The natural world has been damaged. This cannot be permitted.'

Te Rangi: 'What do I care! If you haven't got the guts, then step aside! My work is vengeance. I will not spare a single soul!'

Tāwhiri: 'Kss! Be careful. With just one breath from me, you would fall!'

Te Rangi: 'Ah, what do I care!'

Tāwhiri: 'Stop! Listen carefully, human! I withdraw my consent. Never again shall your name be carried by the winds. Never! Never! Never!'

Te Rangi: 'You say so! Wind! Mere puffs of wind! And here is my word to you, Tāwhirimātea. In time, I shall return to humble you as my slave! I-a-ha-ha!'

Narrator: The four children sit still before the blind old woman Te Whatu. Their eyes are wide with terror.

Tūrei: 'Eii! How frightening! If I'd been there, I'd have smashed that man's head in! I'd have clubbed him until he fell! There! There! You and your slave food!'

Nehu: 'Eh! Stop your boasting! Sit down!'

Tūrei: 'Sit down! Sit down! You're all so heavy!'

Nehu: 'How terrifying, Nanny! Your story is amazing. But what does it have to do with us?'

Whatu: 'That is your purpose!'

Tūrei: 'Well, what is it?'

Nehu: 'Our purpose?'

Whatu: 'Yes! Your purpose! Through you, the demon Te Rangi Kaupapa shall be stopped.'

Narrator: The old woman has spoken her purpose. The path has been laid open. In time, the four children shall walk it. Through them, the world shall be protected. They shall be the Poutiriao.

STORY 2

Poutiriao

Narrator: The four children sit nervously before the old woman, Te Whatu. She has already told them that their purpose is to stop the sorcerer-demon Te Rangi Kaupapa. The four of them tremble with fear.

Tūrei: 'We'll beat that old man ourselves! Ha! Because you're blind, you can't see we're just kids.'

Nehu: 'Yeah! Look at Tūrei. He's barely this tall. And his legs haven't even grown hair yet.'

Narrator: Te Whatu raises her head. She speaks.

Whatu: 'Whether you like it or not, Rangi Kaupapa is coming. His purpose is to destroy the world. What will you do? Fight, or run? Now, think carefully!'

Narrator: For the rest of the day, the four debate this purpose. As the sun sets, a decision is reached. Because he is the eldest, Nehu speaks.

Nehu: 'Nanny! We will fight. Whether we die or survive. You must teach us.'

Narrator: Te Whatu is overjoyed. The children have passed their first test. They have pushed down this thing called fear. From now on!

Narrator: Te Whatu begins to teach the children the arts of the whare tū taua — the house of standing warriors.

Whatu: 'Steady, Piri. Don't let anger control you. There! Do it again!'

Narrator: Piri and Tūrei stand face to face. Their weapons are pouwhenua — long fighting staffs. Although Piri is much bigger than Tūrei, Tūrei strikes Piri's jaw.

Tūrei: 'Whack-a! My name is Tūrei Van Damme, and you must be Piri Van Dumb! Iahaha!'

Narrator: Piri dies of shame. His lip drops. His weapon is thrown to the ground.

Whatu: 'Control your anger, Piri! If you let anger carry you, you will die!'

Piri: 'But listen to this big-mouthed fire-eater! He's as annoying as a buzzing fly.'

Whatu: 'Piri, do you still remember when we first met? What was my sign to you? We must go back to that story.'

Narrator: It was midnight. Piri had just come out of the dance hall. He was walking home when some men appeared.

Man 1: 'I'm going to smash you!'

Piri: 'What do you want! Who are you?'

Man 1: 'I'm the husband of the woman you're messing with. You seduced my wife! Get him, boys!'

Narrator: The men charged in. At that very moment, lightning flashed, and Te Whatu appeared as a spirit. She struck the ground with her tiripou — her lightning staff. The attackers froze solid. Piri stared, his eyes as wide as dinner plates.

Piri: 'Wh...wh...what...!? Bro! Who...!'

Whatu: 'Do you want to be helped?'

Narrator: Piri shakes his head in confusion.

Whatu: 'The choice is yours!'

Narrator: The old woman spins. The men are released back into the fight. They beat Piri. Te Whatu strikes the men again.

Whatu: 'It seems you are being beaten! Should I help you?'

Narrator: Piri doesn't know which way is up. Deep down, he is pleading. The men recover and begin to lay into him again.

Man 1: 'Hold him down! Grab his arms. I'll fix his pretty face so it looks like a monkey's!'

Narrator: Then Te Whatu enters. The flight of her tiripou is like lightning. It flashes, it blazes, it strikes everywhere. The men fall before her. She turns to Piri.

Whatu: 'My boy! Your size and strength are wasted when your anger rules you like a foolish chief.'

Narrator: From the shock, Piri collapses. He is overcome by a deep, long sleep.

Tūrei: 'Piri the tough guy, Piri the hard head. (An angry heart is food for the maggot.)'

Narrator: The children continue their weapons training. Tūrei keeps taunting Piri. Smoke practically pours from Piri's ears.

Whatu: 'Turn your anger into controlled power, my boy. Through controlled power, you will rise above the flames.'

Narrator: Piri follows the old woman's signs. His heart burns, his blood rises.

Piri: 'Iahaha!'

Narrator: Piri attacks. The blade of his weapon cannot be seen. Tūrei flies backward. Then — crack! Tūrei cries out.

Whatu: 'There! You have done it. The treasure you hold is the ihi — the controlled power — of Tūmatauenga. Hold onto it!'

Narrator: The children sit down.

Whatu: 'Te Rangi Kaupapa holds many powers. One of them was given by Whiro. He opened the Tatau-o-te-Pō — the Door of Night.'

Chant of the Heart

Open the demon! Open the ancient one! Open the Door of Night! Let the tide of night sweep in, long and dark Let the swarm of nightmares surge forth, ie ie!

Whatu: 'After Te Rangi Kaupapa finished his assault on Tāwhirimātea, he turned to the god of death, Whiro-te-manatū. Whiro agreed to open the tatau-o-te-pō. That is the doorway between night and the world of light.'

Whiro: 'To you I give my sacred weapon. Through it, the door shall open.'

Karakia

This door belongs to whom, to Whiro! This door belongs to where, to the night! This door is the Door of Night! Let the multitudes of Maiki-nui, Maiki-roa, Maiki-kahukahu surge forth!

Whatu: 'The tohunga chanted his karakia. The weapon began to spin. A whirlwind appeared. From within his eye, a shadow emerged. It grew a head, it grew a body. Terror took hold! They had entered the world of light — the fleshly descendants of Whiro.'

TRK: 'Enter, my pets, enter the world of light. Enter into Te Rangi Kaupapa.'

Whiro: 'This is Kahukahu, the nightmare demon who brings sleep-paralysis. (his voice). These are Kumi Waenui and Kumi Panerua from the underworld, (their voices). This is Tūoro, the ancestor of maggots. (his voice). These are the swarm of nightmares. They will support you. Care for them.'

Narrator: The children's heads droop with dread. Then the youngest speaks.

Tūrei: 'How can we possibly defeat those man-eaters? We'll be killed for sure.'

Whatu: 'Yes! If you stand alone, you will die. But each of you holds a sacred treasure. Piri holds the ihi of Tūmatauenga. And what of yours, Waitohu? Nehu? Tūrei? I explained this when we first met. Now, let us return to those stories.'

Narrator: The setting is a bay at the tail of the Fish. Waitohu is swimming with her companion, a dolphin named Pahu. The dolphin is pulling Waitohu toward a fishing boat that is working at speed.

Waitohu: 'Hurry, Pahu! They've started hauling up their net. Quick!'

Narrator: Their purpose is to disrupt the boat's work, to cut the net so the caught fish can escape.

Waitohu: 'We're too close now. Dive!'

Narrator: They dive together. The net is full of fish. Waitohu's ears hurt from their cries. She quickly cuts through the net. It rips, it tears. She and Pahu are bumped by fish escaping through the holes. They surface for air.

Man 1: 'There! It's the dolphin! Get it! Shoot it!'

Narrator: The fishermen are furious. They have seen Pahu interfering with their net. Waitohu is lucky — she hasn't been seen. The men are in a small dinghy.

Man 1: 'Shoot the dolphin! Don't let it get away!'

Narrator: A gun fires.

Waitohu: 'Dive! Dive! Or they'll shoot us!'

Narrator: They dive. But Pahu is so fast that Waitohu is thrown off. Pahu disappears. Then, from the darkness of the deep water, a fish comes speeding toward her, green as jade. The last thing Waitohu remembers is grabbing it, holding it, being carried by it, and then losing consciousness.

Narrator: On the shore, Waitohu and Te Whatu sit talking. The girl can't believe she is still alive.

Waitohu: 'But who saved me, who healed me? Was it you?'

Whatu: 'Yes!'

Waitohu: 'But how...?'

Whatu: 'Me and your companion!'

Narrator: Pahu's voice chatters. Waitohu listens.

Waitohu: 'His words are confusing. He says you are closely related to him.'

Narrator: Te Whatu laughs. She says...

Whatu: 'What he actually said is that I am his sister!'

Narrator: Waitohu is completely shocked. Then she bursts out laughing.

Waitohu: 'You understand his language?'

Narrator: Te Whatu laughs again.

Waitohu: 'Then who are you? Are you from here?'

Whatu: 'Ah, this is how I must answer! You are like the water. You and Tangaroa are as one. Through these great gifts of yours, I was drawn to come. Greetings, my girl, my name is Te Whatu.'

Te Whatu: 'Now, Piri's treasure is the ihi of Tūmatauenga. Waitohu's is the gentle heart of Tangaroa. And what of yours, Nehu? Do you still hold it?'

Nehu: (whistling) 'Come here! (calling to the kererū) Fly down here. Fly down!'

Narrator: Nehu is in the forest, in the Urewera. He is a bushman. At this moment he is luring birds. The forest is still. Nehu is still. Then...

The birds scatter in panic. The bird Nehu was patting, a kererū, has been shot. Nehu hides. He watches. Before long, a dog appears. Behind it, two men follow. They pick up the bird and put it in a bag. The bag bulges with kererū. Nehu is furious. As the pair turn, he stands and runs to tackle them. The dog hears him and barks. The men turn quickly. One raises his gun. It fires. Nehu falls. His right hip burns fiercely. He has been shot. The men run off into the dark night. And Nehu is left to the night.

Piri: 'What happened then...'

Narrator: Nehu slowly shakes his head.

Nehu: 'I dunno! While I was lying there, I dreamed of a giant bird. It took the cold from my hip...'

Whatu: 'It is true! The bird you saw was your guardian. It saved you. You hold the mana of Tāne.'

Tūrei: 'Hey! Stop this nonsense! This whole thing is a setup. I'm telling you, we'll be slaughtered by that terrifying tohunga. I'm not joining!'

POUTIRIAO

STORY 3

Narrator: The old woman Te Whatu has shown the sacred treasures of each of her warrior children — except for the youngest, Tūrei. This boy does not want to join the fight against the sorcerer-demon Te Rangi Kaupapa.

Tūrei: 'You lot are being completely fooled. Don't listen to that old woman. I can see the future — we'll all be defeated by Te Rangi Kaupapa. We can't beat him.'

Whatu: 'Tūrei, hold fast. Let us return to when we first met, and there draw out the lessons that are right for you. Come, let us go back!'

Narrator: The place is Tāmaki Makaurau — Auckland. The action is on the main street, right in the heart of the city. Tūrei slips out through a back alley. He follows a woman carrying a purse. Then, in the blink of an eye, he snatches the purse, yanks it, grabs it, and bolts away. The woman's mouth falls open.

Woman: 'Help! Help! My purse has been stolen by that thug!'

Narrator: But Tūrei is so fast that no one can catch him. He laughs and disappears like the wind.

However, his laughter is short-lived. The piercing wail of a police siren cuts through the air.

Narrator: Tūrei ducks into a shopping mall. He goes straight to the toilets. He takes off his jacket, throws it away, and pulls a cap from his pocket. Now his appearance is completely different. He checks the stolen purse, counts the money. More than a hundred dollars. His mouth waters. Then the toilet door creaks open...

Thug 1: 'There you are! We figured you'd only come here once to hide.'

Narrator: Tūrei's stomach clenches. The two men who just entered are from a notorious youth gang.

Thug 1: 'Hand over the money!'

Tūrei: 'Like you've got the guts!' Come and get it!

Narrator: The boys charge in. But Tūrei slips away like the wind. He grabs a broom from the corner of the room as a weapon. Then — the last thing the two thugs see is a constellation of stars spinning inside their heads. But the trouble isn't over. As he exits the toilet, the police are coming.

Police: 'There he is. After him! Quick! Fast!'

Narrator: The little rascal runs again. The police are closing in. And ahead of him, some men are blocking the way. Then... a flash of lightning... Tūrei's head explodes with pain. He falls. Down for the count.

Narrator: When Tūrei wakes up, he is in his whare — his hut — with Te Whatu sitting beside him.

Whatu: 'There you are, my boy! I snatched you from the hands of the police. Know this — you hold a treasure... the flight of the wind... you hold the standing of Tāwhirimātea...'

Narrator: The children are all talking together. Te Whatu speaks...

Whatu: 'The purpose will carry us all. So for you, youngest one, let Tāwhirimātea carry you. Now, what is your decision?'

Narrator: Tūrei weeps. His head hangs low.

Tūrei: 'I'll join! Let Tāwhiri guide me.'

Narrator: In the days that follow, Te Whatu sees that the children are steadfast. Their weaving of the whāriki — their foundation mat — is true. The youngest's heart has settled. So she calls them back to the stories of Te Rangi Kaupapa.

Whatu: 'Most of the destruction in the world comes from Te Rangi Kaupapa himself. He sent his demons from Whiro to destroy the world.'

TRK: 'Go, Kahukahu! Fill the people with terror!'

Kahukahu: 'I will destroy them...!'

Whatu: 'This Kahukahu I speak of — his work is to bring sleep-paralysis. The demon enters the dreams of people, torments them, drives them completely mad.'

TRK: 'How are you, swarm of nightmares? (in the nightmare tongue) You will torment the people!'

Whatu: 'From these maggots came the stories of all kinds of demons, spirits, and terrifying beings of the world.'

Nightmares: 'Destroy the people! Destroy! Destroy!'

Whatu: 'Later, Te Rangi Kaupapa saw the technology of humankind. From ancient times, humans have been skilled at making tools to help themselves, to ease their work, to speed things up. So a seed was planted within Te Rangi Kaupapa.'

TKR: 'I will punish them by making them build weapons of destruction. Through their own hands they shall destroy themselves!'

Whatu: 'And so, whose was the whispering voice that told humans to build bombs, guns, missiles and torpedoes? It was Te Rangi Kaupapa.'

TKR: 'Iahaha! Wage war until you all die. Let the land be covered with your dead, let the sky be filled with gun smoke... until only I remain!'

Whatu: 'And as he punished humankind, a new form emerged. Through humanity's strength in pursuing technology, they began to destroy the world. Who was struck first? The children of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.'

TKR: 'My boy! Humankind is completing my purpose. Now, destroy Tāne so he falls completely.'

TKR: 'Destroy his descendants. Tear the birds apart.'

Whatu: 'Te Rangi Kaupapa saw the factories of humankind and said...'

TKR: 'Dump the waste into the water. Blacken the water. Make it filthy. Poison the descendants of Tangaroa.'

Whatu: 'He saw the countless ships, and he smelled the toxic fumes rising up.'

TKR: 'Yes! Destroy the winds of Tāwhirimātea. Poison him, so he becomes permanently sick.'

Whatu: 'From this, the tohunga truly saw his purpose. Through human technology, the gods would be destroyed — Papa, Rangi, and the entire world!'

The Roar of Rangi Kaupapa

I roar, I roar My missiles and torpedoes thunder Fired to the sky, fired to the earth! Trampled beneath! Overthrown beneath! Fall! Die! Food for the maggot! Iahaha!

Whatu: 'That is Te Rangi Kaupapa! Through him came all the evils of the world!'

Piri: '(Whistles) I have just one question, Nanny — can we really defeat him?'

Whatu: 'Yes! I believe it!'

Piri: 'Then how?'

Whatu: 'Tāwhirimātea has decreed a way.'

Chant

Let the main path be cleared for you by Tāne-te-tokorangi Let the floating path be woven for you by Tāwhirimātea Let the cliff path be strengthened for you by Tangaroa Be freed by it!

Whatu: 'Throughout the centuries that Te Rangi Kaupapa worked his evil, Tāwhirimātea watched him. When Rangi Kaupapa was corrupted by human technology, Tāwhiri saw this and sent a taniwha. He called upon his elder siblings, and the danger was explained. Their anger grew great, and then Tāwhiri himself decreed a way.'

Tāwhiri: 'We must search for humans who will stop the sorcerer-tohunga. Great powers must be given to them so they can defeat him.'

Whatu: 'The gods agreed. They fashioned a treasure that holds the mauri — the life-force — of the gods. This treasure is pounamu. Its form is a tattooed face. The markings on the forehead belong to Tāne Mahuta; the right cheek to Tāwhiri-o-te-hau; the left to Tangaroa-o-te-wai; the jaw to Tūmatauenga-o-te-ihi. The treasure was split into four parts; each part holds the tattoo of one of those four gods. Each part was placed inside an ordinary stone, to be held and hidden. These four stones were left in the house of learning of the gods — Wharekura.'

Tāwhiri: 'The purpose for humans is to join these parts together. If they succeed, they will receive the great power of the gods. I will send the voice of thunder, the lightning, and my crackling winds.'

Tāne: 'I will give the powers of the standing forest.'

Tangaroa: 'I will grant the power of the water.'

Tū: 'To me belongs the flame of fire. I give the burning of the heart.'

Tāne: 'How can we be sure that those who receive these great powers will not become like Te Rangi Kaupapa, and turn to devour us?'

Tangaroa: 'Through the trials, the true warriors will be revealed.'

Tū: 'Yes! The first trial shall be mine, arranged by Tūmatauenga. The work is combat.'

Tāwhiri: 'The second trial shall be mine, arranged by Tāwhirimātea. The work is foresight, to see who looks toward our breath.'

Atua: 'Name these many warriors Poutiriao — gods, demons, ancients — through them the world shall be protected — iahaha!'

Tūrei: 'Cha! We'll be like the gods. How terrifying. I'll take Tāwhiri's power.'

Piri: 'True that! You've got the big mouth.'

Wai: 'And the worst of the bad winds — the stinking wind!'

Whatu: 'Hah! You lot are still wearing nappies, and already you want long trousers. Two trials have already been set up, but no warriors have yet been seen. Te Rangi Kaupapa has killed the previous champions.'

Whatu: 'Rangi Kaupapa sent his demon Kahukahu to destroy the previous champions.'

Kahukahu: 'Come to me...'

Champion: '(screaming) Aaagh!'

Whatu: 'Kahukahu drove them mad. Through madness they died. They all died like dogs. So, my friends, is this what you want? If you hold to my word, Rangi Kaupapa will hear of you, and he will send Kahukahu after you again. The terror will never end until you are all dead!'

STORY 4

Narrator: The place is the Belly of the Fish. The action is among the shifting mountain ranges. Inside the womb of Tongariro mountain, the sorcerer-tohunga Te Rangi Kaupapa has built his fortified pā. He is at work.

TRK: 'Blast it! What's wrong! I've completed my experiments! All the signs are correct! But the plan is still failing! What's the problem!'

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa is working furiously with Whiro's demons. His purpose is to create new kinds of monsters. He has fused the underworld demons Kumi Panerua and Kahukahu — the sleep-paralysis nightmare. But the fusion still isn't right. The sorcerer works again.

TRK: 'There! Live, you demon!'

Narrator: The monster has two heads. Each head has a huge mouth. The idea is that when the mouths open, terrifying spirits emerge.

TRK: 'Open! Open your mouths! Yes! Just like that! Stronger! Stronger!'

Narrator: The monster's mouths open.

TRK: 'Let the demons come out! Where are you! Fly out and terrify the people. Stronger! Stronger...'

Narrator: The monster's effort is nothing but hot air.

TRK: 'Ha! What is that! That's it! You're useless! You've completely shamed me...'

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa tears at his hair. His experiments still aren't working.

TRK: 'Blast it! But I won't give up! The pain still burns inside me from what humankind did to me. They turned me into a demon, into a disease, into the very Kumi — iahaha!'

Narrator: Te Ringa Tohu has been abandoned by his tribe; that is the true name of Te Rangi Kaupapa. The old man was struck by a terrible disease — this disease ate his skin. Because of the horror of his appearance, he was cast out. To his tribe, he was a Kumi — a man-eating taniwha.

TRT: 'What they are planning, I will complete! I will become like the Kumi.'

Narrator: Standing near his tribe's village is a mountain. On the mountain is a cave. Inside the cave is a maggot. This maggot is a true Kumi. Te Ringa Tohu killed the Kumi, and in its place he stood as the Kumi. He began killing people as food for himself.

TRT: 'You have turned me into a demon — through flesh it shall be satisfied!'

Narrator: Before Te Rangi Kaupapa are his computer tools. He is a tohunga at operating these kinds of technologies. His greatest expertise is in genetic engineering, DNA manipulation, and computer building. He speaks to his monsters...

TRT: 'I have seen my purpose, my friends! I shall create a new race of gods; the body from humankind, the brain from the computer. Your strength will also be inserted, yes, my pets... that would be very good for you... mmm... and your beauty!'

Narrator: While Te Rangi Kaupapa is weaving his new plan, the old woman leader is chanting karakia over Te Whatu's children.

Karakia

Tāne-te-tīmatatanga, Tāne-te-kunenga, Tāne-te-taketake Here I am, your apprentice, your student, your pupil soaring upward within you, O Rua Rua-i-te-pupuke, Rua-i-te-pūkenga, Rua-i-te-horahora e!

Narrator: She chants so that her true form and true power may emerge — the power of the mareikura. This old woman is indeed a mareikura. The fall of her karakia words is gentle. Before long, her body begins to turn. Her back straightens and lengthens, her legs grow longer, the colour of her skin turns to the colour of greenstone. Then, a faint sound is heard... footsteps.

Te Whatu rises swiftly. She is faster than the flash of lightning. She flashes to the door of her whare, and seizes the person hiding there. His eyes are blazing, unblinking.

Tūrei: 'Aiii! Wait! Wait a moment! It's only me. Tūrei. I'm looking for Te Whatu...!'

Whatu: 'You have found me! I am here!'

Narrator: Tūrei's mouth gapes like a fish gasping for air.

Tūrei: 'But you look like greenstone.'

Narrator: Te Whatu chants again, and her form returns to that of the old woman.

Whatu: 'Wretched boy! Your spying work! Train your older siblings. I will explain.'

Whatu: 'When the gods' sacred treasure was completed, Tāne asked a question...'

Tāne: 'Tāwhiri, who will guard these stones so they are not stolen?'

Tāwhiri: 'The mareikura will. They have long dwelt in the world of the sky, among us. The tribe will not steal the stones.'

Whatu: 'Our ancestors were called!'

Tāwhiri: 'To you falls this task, Manomano.'

Mano: 'Yes! We shall guard them.'

Whatu: 'Some of us were sent by the gods to the far corners of your world to train warrior chiefs. We appeared twice, twice there were Poutiriao trials, but still no band of warriors was found. So I was called by Tāwhirimātea.'

Tāwhiri: 'We are in trouble. Te Rangi Kaupapa has killed the previous champions. So your purpose, Te Whatu, is to go and find the right people. Do not reveal your purpose to anyone, or word will spread, and you will be taken.'

Whatu: 'I was sent by the god, your own natures led me. So, I came.'

Narrator: Te Whatu stands. She takes her kaitaka — her ceremonial cloak — and speaks.

Whatu: 'Here I stand, my name is Te Whatu-manea-o-te-kura. I was born from the fourth rewanga of Rongomai-te-ngāngana in the sky. I am five thousand years old. I am a mareikura. I am eternal life!'

Narrator: Te Whatu raises her hand. Lightning flashes. As her words flow, her form shifts to that of the mareikura. She is a being of greenstone.

Whatu: 'Wai, let your mauri align with that of the fish. Be strong!'

Narrator: The mental powers of the children are being sharpened. Waitohu is in the water. Her purpose is to draw fish to her. Her brow furrows deeply as she concentrates on aligning her mauri with that of the fish. Then...

Wai: 'They're coming! They're brushing against my feet. Look! Look!'

Narrator: The water churns with the multitude of fish drawn to her.

Whatu: 'Excellent, my girl! Excellent! Nehu, the weapon is yours!'

Narrator: Nehu begins. Before long, two pīwaiwaka — fantails — land. Their voices chirp. Nehu sits, saying nothing.

Whatu: 'Tūrei, it's yours!'

Tūrei: 'Yes! Easy as!'

Narrator: He rubs his eyes. His brow is still furrowed.

Whatu: 'Be strong!'

Narrator: Then, from behind, Piri lets out a massive fart.

Piri: 'Hūūwi! You've done it, Tū! Look at that big mouth puffing out. (huge laugh)'

Narrator: Tūrei glares at Piri with hatred, then sits in shame.

Whatu: 'The bird, the fish, the insect, the tree, the water, the wind — all things of this world are your elders. Your lineage, the human lineage, is the last to emerge from Tāne Matua. Your standing is the standing of the youngest. If your standing is true, you will be loved by your elders.'

Narrator: For the rest of that week, the children's mental powers are sharpened, until they are all tohunga at aligning with the descendants of Tāne, Tāwhiri, Tangaroa, and Tūmatauenga. Then one night, Te Whatu says...

Whatu: 'Te Rangi Kaupapa's dwelling is not very far from here.'

Narrator: All the children lean in close.

Piri: 'Really! Where is it?'

Tūrei: 'You've already seen it!'

Whatu: 'No! The gods showed me. It stands in the belly of the snow-capped mountain!'

Piri: 'In the belly! But how? Wouldn't he burn in the molten fire?'

Whatu: 'This man has become like a god. He cannot die from fire.'

Piri: 'What's stopping us from going to kill him right now!'

Tūrei: 'Yes! Let's go! We're still strong!'

Whatu: 'AAA! Through recklessness, you will die! Only when you have received the garments of the gods will you be ready! For now, you are merely breakfast to him!'

Tūrei: 'No way! He'll break his teeth on us, and we'll escape!'

Whatu: 'Tūrei! The only thing that will break is the toki — the adze. You are a child who breaks the adze!'

Narrator: Hine-marama — the moon — has risen in the sky. The custom is that while the children sleep, then...

Tūrei: 'Wai? Are you asleep! Wai! Wake up!

Narrator: 'The child who breaks the adze — Tūrei — is whispering...

Wai: 'I'm still awake! What do you want?'

Tūrei: 'We should go to Rangi Kaupapa's dwelling.'

Wai: 'What for?'

Tūrei: 'Let's go and see Rangi Kaupapa.'

Wai: 'Hey! You're crazy.'

Tūrei: 'No! Just go and have a quick look!'

Wai: 'Ha! Stop it! Go to sleep!'

Tūrei: 'Ha, you stop it! Wimp!'

Narrator: This little rascal won't sleep. When he hears Waitohu snoring, he gets up and goes outside. He prepares himself for an astral flight to Rangi Kaupapa's dwelling. He chants his karakia, and settles.

Tūrei's Karakia

Let the sign of Rongo be chanted Rongo-tū, Rongo-tā, Rongo-taketake The sign of tipi, of tipi-nuku, of tipi-rangi Of tipi tūhāhā e!

Narrator: As he chants, a gentle wind of peace blows, and Tūrei's spirit rises upon this wind. It rises, it rises, and flies away over the rivers, the oceans, and drifts over the hills, the highest peaks.

Narrator: Before long, Tūrei's spirit arrives at the base of Tongariro mountain. He flies around the mountain, sees a cave on the side, and descends to enter. The cave is utterly dark. He glides carefully until he reaches a wide open pit. The pit is vast and deep. He stands, waits, listens carefully. Then a voice rumbles...

Tūoro: 'Ah, you have come...hahahahaha!'

Narrator: With his heart pounding in absolute terror, Tūrei stands frozen solid, his mouth open but his voice swallowed...

Tūoro: 'Enter, my boy...'

Narrator: Before him lies a monster. Its name is Tūoro. Its head is bigger than a house; its eyes are like pools of blood, it has two mouths, crammed with rows of sharp teeth; its body is like a centipede. The demon stands rearing up. Its head lunges backward, preparing to strike at Tūrei. It lashes out, and the boy is knocked flying. Tūoro's mouth opens... pus spurts forth... and reaches again for Tūrei.

STORY 5

Tūoro: You have come…

Narrator: The mischievous youngest, Tūrei, has astral‑travelled to the belly of Tongariro mountain, to the fortified pā of the sorcerer‑tohunga Te Rangi Kaupapa, on a spying mission.

Tūoro: Enter, boy…

Narrator: Tūrei comes face to face with Tūoro, one of the demons of the destructive old man. Tūoro is a huge worm; his two mouths are crammed with sharp teeth. The monster’s hard head lunges to strike Tūrei…

Tūoro: It is you who have come to the mouth of death…

Narrator: Tūoro strikes. Tūrei slips away, his movement a backward flight. The worm strikes again. Tūrei dodges again.

Tūrei: Ha! You’re just like Jabba the Hutt. You’re all blubber!

Narrator: Tūoro is enraged. His tail lashes. Tūrei is struck. He falls. Tūoro’s huge mouths open. Tūrei smells his toxic breath… then…

Whatu: HOLD THE BREATH!

Narrator: It is the old woman Te Whatu. She has followed Tūrei.

Whatu: MY POST IS A FISH! MY FISH OF NĀGĀHUE! HOLD!

Narrator: The old woman’s skin gleams like pounamu. She stands alert. In her hand is a pounamu patu. Lightning flashes from the body of that weapon.

Whatu: FLY!

Narrator: The pounamu fish flies straight forth. It slashes through Tūoro’s head. The worm’s mouth cries out. His head droops limp. Blood drips from the gashes of the pounamu fish. Te Whatu lifts Tūrei. She takes her patu again, and the two of them disappear into the cloak of night.

Waitohu: There you are! You reckless thing! I told you not to go there. But no, you wouldn’t listen. That’s your trouble. Because of you, we could have died.

Narrator: Tūrei and his grandmother have safely reached their home. His older siblings are tearing strips off him.

Piri: What now! Your mouth is shut. Not a peep of argument. That’s a first.

Narrator: Piri stands to leave. He is very sulky. Then he turns and speaks again.

Piri: The place you cannot see, my heart is aching with pain because of you. How would it be if you had died? I would have had to mourn you!

Narrator: Tūrei begins to weep, his shoulders heaving. The eldest, Nehu, speaks.

Nehu: Weeping is right! When you feel pain, we feel pain.

Te Whatu: Yes, boy! By Tears, by Mucus, it shall be satisfied. Stand alone and you fall. Stand together and you hold.

Narrator: The older siblings show compassion for their younger brother. They embrace him; they hongi. Let evil be separated by flowing water.

Te Whatu: Aiii! Without doubt, word has reached Te Rangi Kaupapa about you all. I know he will come hunting.

Narrator: At Te Rangi Kaupapa’s volcanic dwelling, word is being spoken. Tūoro is explaining to his master about the people who had secretly entered their home.

Tūoro: Yes! There were many of them.

Narrator: The demon also looks pitiful.

TRK: Is that so — there were many of them? We didn’t sense them!

Tūoro: Ummm! I don’t know!

TRK: Was one of them a pounamu woman?

Tūoro: Yes! Five metres tall.

TRK: Did she throw her pounamu patu?

Tūoro: Yes indeed! Bigger than you it was! Tūoro was slashed and slashed! Painful too!

TRK: Mmm! I know now who they are! The woman is a māreikura. Those people are her servants. The only thing I don’t understand is that māreikura are usually tall.

Tūoro: I don’t know! Maybe this is a different tribe!

TRK: Enough! I will send Kahukahu to hunt them.

Tūoro: Ooo, watch out in the night! Kill them!

Whatu: Do not forget my sign. Work alone and die; work together and succeed.

Narrator: Te Whatu laughs, turns, and leaves. Her children have reached the second level of learning. The way is teamwork. Their task is to run — ten kilometres long. The catch is, they must carry a huge log together.

Nehu: Right! Lift together. Three, four…

Piri: Bro! My back is bending from the weight!

Waitohu: Iii! Disgusting! The insects and dirt are still clinging.

Tūrei: Nehu! Switch sides with me. I’ve got the heavy end!

Nehu: Yes! That’s right! Let go, friends!

Piri: Right now?

Nehu: No! No! Wait a moment…

Waitohu: My hands are slipping…

Tūrei: Move! It’s falling…

Piri: Ooww! My big toe!

Narrator: Piri sits down! He rubs his big toe. The children look at each other and burst out laughing.

Tūrei: What was that saying of the old woman! Heavy feet, soft skin!

Narrator: They stand again.

Nehu: Are we ready? Then… three… four…

Waitohu: Good?

Nehu: Feet good, poai?

Piri: Yes!

Nehu: Tūrei?

Tūrei: Yes!

Nehu: Right! Let’s go!

Narrator: The children’s teamwork in carrying the log is steady. As their shadows shorten, they rest, basking in the sun. Before long, the laughter of the children mingles with the voices of the forest birds.

Piri: Are these tasks good for you, Wai?

Waitohu: Yes! Good work! Hard, but good hard. How about you?

Piri: Much the same! The only trouble for me… no women around!

Waitohu: Ha! You and your ways!

Tūrei: Women! What for. That’s not a problem, it’s good!

Piri: In time, poai! When your balls drop, you’ll understand!

Tūrei: Eh! What does that mean?

Piri: Hoo! Very meaningful, the ways of the bees and the birds…

Nehu: Piri…! Leave Tūrei alone! It’s just nonsense talk! And don’t forget, Piri, it was you who broke the edge of his taiaha. Yes!

Narrator: The children successfully complete their long run, their teamwork run. They are happy.

Tūrei: Hey, stand up girl, Wai. You’ll be buried by me.

Piri: Watch Wai carefully. She’s being sneaky!

Tūrei: No! Uēuē!

Wai: I’ll start!

Wai/Tūrei: E hei tama tū tama, tama tū tama

Wai: TŪ TAMA

Tūrei: TŪ TAMA

Wai: TŪ TAMA

Tūrei: TŪ T‑A‑M‑A

Wai/Tūrei: Tama tama tū tama, tama tū tama

Tūrei: TŪ TAMA

Wai: TŪ TAMA

Tūrei: TŪ T‑A‑M‑A… eh! It’s useless….

Narrator: Then, at that very moment, Te Whatu stands bolt upright, clutching her chest.

Te Whatu: Aagh! My heart!

Narrator: The children are startled. They rush to hold her.

Te Whatu: Aagh! The Door…

Narrator: Te Whatu’s eyes bulge. Her stance trembles.

Te Whatu: I feel the shudder. The Door is being opened… the Door of Night… aaagh!

Karakia: TRK

This door belongs to whom, to Whiro! This door belongs to where, to the night! This door is the Door of Night! Let the multitudes of Maiki‑nui, Maiki‑roa, Maiki‑kahukahu surge forth!

TRK: I call upon you, Kahukahu. I pray to you, swarm of nightmares. Enter into the world of light!

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa is opening the Door of Night. Kahukahu the sleep‑paralysis demon and the swarm and multitude of nightmares — the people of destruction — pour forth.

Then Whiro‑te‑manatū, he of the tide of night, appears.

Whiro: A warning, human! The standing of Tūmatauenga has risen! The gods are coming in anger!

TRK: Ha! Just one thrust of my kotiate and they will be severed!

Whiro: Is that so! Tūoro was defeated by just one…

TRK: Ha! Tūoro! You liar! What does it matter! I killed the previous champions before; I will also trample these ones down, like trampling the maggot!

Whiro: Be careful! By Hūhū the Tōtara fell. Therefore, you are not the right person to carry this task…

TRK: I am the right person! Before long, the world of humankind shall be mine — shall be ours!

Whiro: Complete it! Confirm it! This talk has gone on too long…

Wai āio, tau marino Me he papa pounamu Te korowai o Hine moana

Narrator: Waitohu’s voice is like water. She is soothing Te Whatu.

Nehu: How is she?

Wai: She is gaining strength.

Nehu: Will she live?

Te Whatu: Ha! Boy! I will definitely live! Are you afraid I will abandon you all?

Narrator: The old woman sits. Her mouth smiles. All the children draw close.

Te Whatu: The tohunga is sending his demons. Soon he will agree. Piri, you shall be our watchman tonight… no matter what, do not fall asleep!

Narrator: This night is a dark night, a night of dread, a night of deep sleep. The fire is nearly out. The sleep of humans is deep. Piri the watchman is muttering to himself.

Piri: Don’t sleep, don’t sleep! Ahaha! What is your name, friend? Piri the champion of the rugby world. Cullen has passed the ball to Lomu. This man is a train. People are smashed aside. Only one defender remains. Angry Piri! There! Smash! Hika mā! Lomu is severed. Piri takes the ball. He runs to the left, he runs to the right. Cullen is trampled, Wilson is pierced, Randall is pushed aside; then the wonder of this man — he has scored a try… iahaha!

Narrator: Alas! However fast the mouth runs, the mind does not follow. Piri is overcome by sleep.

Narrator: Kahukahu descends. His face is gaunt. His nostrils are mere slits. His nose is like a pig’s snout. Around his neck sits a demon. This demon watches Piri carefully. He shakes his head. The demon gently flies forth, entering through Piri’s ear.

Narrator: Piri’s dream is pleasant. He is floating on a cloud. Before him stands a beautiful woman, beckoning to him.

Woman: Piri… Piri… it is me, Piri! Take the patu…

Narrator: Piri stands, taking Te Whatu’s pounamu patu hanging in the corner of his whare.

Woman: Piri… Kill the māreikura… kill… kill…

Narrator: Piri enters Te Whatu’s whare.

Woman: Kill the māreikura… strike…

Narrator: Piri’s hand rises. His mind is filled with the image of his girlfriend’s beautiful face… her honeyed voice… her hair like flowing water… The hand holding the patu lowers to strike Te Whatu.

STORY 6

Tūrei: P‑i‑r‑i!

Tūrei: Wake up! Wake up!

Narrator: Piri has been entranced by Kahukahu the sleep‑paralysis demon. He has been led to kill the māreikura, the guardian old woman, Te Whatu. Because of his itching, the youngest, Tūrei, wakes. As he goes outside, he sees Piri entering the old woman’s whare. Tūrei punches his older brother, snatching the pounamu patu held in Piri’s hand.

Tūrei: Wake up! Wake up!

Narrator: At the sound of voices, Te Whatu rises. The older siblings arrive.

Whatu: Restrain him! Strike the face!

Narrator: At the blow, a screeching voice emerges. Soon after, the demon flees. It runs outside.

Tūrei: Iiii! Did you see! How weird he looked!

Piri: What? What? What am I…? Who struck my face?

Tūrei: Are you okay?

Piri: Yes! What is it?

Tūrei: Don’t you remember?

Piri: What?

Narrator: Piri shakes his head in confusion. Then Nehu’s hand rises. He listens carefully.

Nehu: Listen! Listen!

Nehu: What is that?

Narrator: Wai stands and goes outside to look. Then…

Wai: (gasping, thunderstruck)

Narrator: They all run outside… Bro! Words are lost! Waitohu stands rigid. At her sides, short hakorea are plucking at her hair. Another is hopping on her stomach. At her two feet, others are gnawing at her… the swarm of nightmares has arrived.

Nightmares: There they are! There! The short one is mine. Yes! The ugly one! His bulging eyes are mine! The one like a dog! Delicious!

Nehu: Just one trick!

Narrator: Nehu head‑butts one. That one’s face is flattened.

Piri: I’m a dog! There! Eat that one!

Narrator: Piri strikes out. One cries out.

Tūrei: I say! If I’m the ugly one, what does that make you?

Narrator: Tūrei punches out. One is like a bird; it flies. The demons run in together. Then a screeching voice rises to the sky.

Narrator: Tūrei is surrounded by some. Their bird‑like beaks are gnawing strongly, like a person eating. They stand over him for a long time, then they vomit all over the boy. Goodness! Tūrei is completely covered in pus. He goes rigid. Ha! He no longer has the strength to move. He has been turned to stone!

Waitohu: Is he still alive?

Piri: I don’t know! But the look on his face is terrible. He’s crying out!

Whatu: Stop, you two! This is a new form! I don’t know how to fix it.

Narrator: The dust settles. The swarm of demons that were struck have fled. At the retreat of that swarm, Te Whatu takes a torch. By the shining of light upon them, they are blinded.

Nehu: Smash them so the rigid skin breaks apart.

Waitohu: With light again?

Narrator: Tūrei stands rigid as stone.

Waitohu: Wait a moment! Let me get the torch.

Narrator: As Waitohu stands, she bumps Nehu. He is drinking water. The water spills, splashing onto Tūrei’s foot.

Piri: Hey! You lot! Look! His toe is moving. The rigid skin there has gone.

Waitohu: It was the water! Pour that water over him.

Waitohu: Wiii! Very right! The insect skin is dissolving.

Tūrei: (vomiting) How awful! Yuk! The demons’ pus is just like rotten maggots.

Whatu: Boy! Gone as a worm, returned as a baby! That is you!

TRK: Whose fault is it then? Mine!?

Kahu: It’s my fault! The demon’s fault! The demon’s!

Narrator: The demons have already arrived before their leader, Te Rangi Kaupapa. That one’s trousers are trembling.

TRK: What do your failures matter! The point is you are the best of my pets! You also abandoned your younger siblings. Useless!

Narrator: At that very moment, his computer’s warning voice screeches. The old man turns.

TRK: What now! Without doubt, this one’s brain has malfunctioned.

Narrator: A warning message flashes.

TRK: (reading) An intruder has entered. Your files are being accessed. Is that so! Unauthorized entry.

Narrator: He taps the keyboard.

TRK: Where is that thief from!

Narrator: The machine answers.

TRK: From outside! Impossible!

TRK: Trace the connection!

Narrator: The machine answers again.

TRK: From Tāmaki! Impossible!

Narrator: Then the computer’s voice blares out.

Computer: UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY! UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY! THE FIREWALLS HAVE FALLEN! THE CORE HAS BEEN BREACHED! WAKE! ARISE! BE ALERT!

Narrator: Only then does the old man speak.

TRK: Kahukahu! Wake up!

TRK: You have another task! Fetch the people who have entered my computer. Do not return until they are all finished!

Narrator: Kahukahu turns straight away, flying off into the darkness of night.

Tutu: Hey! Look here! I’ve entered! Look at these plans!

Kutu: What is the meaning!

Tutu: It seems genetic engineering is being done!

Kutu: Kūru! Pirīmo! Genetic engineering!

Narrator: The two mischief‑makers are in Tāmaki, in a warm house. They are both computer experts. They have breached the fortified computer of Te Rangi Kaupapa.

Tutu: Behold! Look at the appearance of that demon!

Narrator: The thing being discussed is a computer person.

Kutu: Heavy too! The person who did this work is a true expert.

Tutu: Naaa! You’re good! You’ve got the brain!

Kutu: Whooaa! Look at that! The end of the worm’s jaw!

Narrator: Displayed on the computer screen is an image of Kahukahu.

Tutu: What is that on its neck?

Narrator: The demon’s eye blinks.

Kutu: Yes! Did you see that! It moved again!

Tutu: (laughing) Your brains are fried by drugs, eh!

Narrator: The demon’s eye blinks again. The boys are startled.

Kutu: No! No! That thing is alive!

Kahu: That’s right!

Narrator: Kahukahu rises from the screen. His appearance is magnified. He flies down upon the two boys.

Kahu: Hahaha! Boo!

Narrator: Their screaming voices are not heard.

Narrator: When the two mischief‑makers wake, they have been tormented by Te Rangi Kaupapa. When the sorcerer‑tohunga sees that these intruding rats are very knowledgeable about all forms of computer technology, he desires them as his pets. He says…

TRK: You two are true experts… I want you to help me…

Tutu: To do what?

Kutu: Yes! Yes! To do what!

TRK: To use computers…

Kutu: (to Tutu) Watch out, mate! Yes!

Tutu: In that case, we don’t want to?

TRK: That’s simple… you will be fed to Panerua!

Panerua: Oooh! Fresh meat! I’m hungry!

TRK: No! Is the decision made?

Kutu: Very! Very! Ay yes! It is made!

Tutu: What exactly is our work?

TRK: Yes! That’s right! I must show you. Kuru? Come here!

Narrator: From a room emerges a computer person. Three metres long. This iron man also has many arms. He lifts the two boys.

TRK: Very good, boy! (to them) My creation is still failing. You two will fix it. Yes!

Narrator: They are thrown by the monstrous being.

Tutu/Kutu: Aagh! Yes! We will do it!

TRK: Ah! That’s settled! Any more questions?

Tutu/Kutu: No! No!

TRK: Good! Tomorrow we begin, yes!

Narrator: Te Whatu has been called by Tāwhirimātea. The demon horde is worried.

Tāwhiri: How are the children?

Whatu: They are steadfast!

Tāwhiri: Are they ready?

Whatu: Not yet!

Tāwhiri: The trial is being moved forward…

Whatu: It cannot be! If the children enter too early, they will be killed.

Tāwhiri: Word has come. Before long, Te Rangi Kaupapa will finish building his human‑computer army. The trial must be moved.

Whatu: If you eat the karaka fruit before the time is right, you will be rash. If the children enter at this time, they will fall. Then, the world will fall into the hands of Te Rangi Kaupapa… do you still remember the final trial…

Narrator: Te Whatu’s thoughts turn back…

Narrator: Not a single warrior reached the second trial level — that is, the spiritual trial. While the gods were conferring, the multitude of Te Rangi Kaupapa arrived.

TRK: You are dead!

Tāwhiri: How did you enter! This place is for the gods alone!

TRK: Yes! I am also a god!

Tāwhiri: You are a human!

Narrator: Tāwhiri throws lightning to strike Te Rangi Kaupapa. But he deflects it.

TRK: I am a god, fool! Lightning cannot touch me!

Narrator: The gods are horrified.

TRK: No warrior will be seen! I myself killed the previous champions before they even reached the trial!

Narrator: The demons are horrified.

TRK: The world shall be mine! You shall descend to night! Iahaha!

Narrator: The tohunga releases his multitude: the kumi, the tūoro, the hore, the taipō and the hakoturi. The sky trembles, the earth trembles. In the end, by fleeing, the gods survive.

TRK: Hahahaha! The power is mine! Run! Rabbits! Run!

Narrator: Te Whatu looks at her children. She is worried. She says…

Whatu: We are in trouble, friends! The trial has been moved forward.

Narrator: The children look at each other.

Tūrei: What is the matter with that?

Whatu: What is the matter? The matter is huge! First, you are not ready. Second, if you fall, the world dies. You are still wearing nappies! Therefore, you do not truly understand! Upon your shoulders, the world rests. If the back bends even a little, it will fall completely, disappear, forever….

STORY 7

Narrator: Te Whatu and her four students sit together. They are resting on a hill, looking out at the lake, at Taupō‑nui‑a‑Tia. The calm is settled, like a pounamu plain. The lessons are finished. The old woman is lecturing.

Whatu: Have you heard the water again? Have you also heard the wind?

Narrator: The children shake their heads.

Whatu: Have you heard the sky? Have you also heard the earth?

Narrator: The old woman takes a pebble, showing it to them.

Whatu: Its message is: grind the pebble until only a single grain of sand remains.

Narrator: She does so. Before long, only a single grain remains.

Whatu: There! Look! This is you. You are the single grain. But you must know: though you are one, you are a grain from the pebble. The pebble is from the earth. Therefore you know, you are connected — from the earth to the sky, the sky to the earth, to humankind, to the fish, to the birds, to the trees, and to the entire world.

Narrator: She pauses, then speaks…

Whatu: The lessons are finished! The words are spent. You are ready. Tomorrow the trial begins. Stand! Be strong! Be alert!

Taki Hau (Whatu)

Fly forth, O wind, the wind that shivers, the wind that wavers The wind of Tāwhirimātea from within Tāwhirirangi, from Tāwhirinuku Stand, O breath of heaven descending; stand, O breath of heaven ascending Blow forth!

Narrator: They are carried by the wind of Tāwhirimātea to Titiraupenga mountain, on the northern side of Lake Taupō. They enter a cave. They descend into the belly of the earth. Before long, they reach a wide cave. A guardian appears.

Guardian 1: The greetings of the sky to you, O protector.

Whatu: The greetings of the earth to you, O younger sibling.

Narrator: They hongi.

Guardian 1: Manomano awaits you all! They are led onward.

Narrator: The children’s eyes are wide at the appearance of the huge cave, and the people busily working. There are many people. They are from all corners of the world. Most are adults. Then a voice shouts out…

Champion 1: Hey! Look at that child! Still wearing nappies!

Narrator: That man mocks Tūrei! His walk is swaggering. He is like a big monkey.

Champion 1: Hey baby! Has your mother changed your nappy? Hahaha!

Narrator: Tūrei strikes out quickly.

Tūrei: You know, you’re right — from the monkey the human descended!

Whatu: Tūrei!

Tūrei: He started it!

Champion 1: I’ll finish it!

Narrator: Te Whatu intervenes, saying…

Whatu: Forgive me, my chief! My child’s mouth is loose. I myself will correct him!

Champion 1: Humph! Lucky for you, boy!

Narrator: The big monkey turns and disappears. Te Whatu glares at Tūrei.

Guardian: Te Whatu, Manomano is still waiting.

Narrator: The party is led to the chief of the Māreikura, to Manomano. She is a humble old woman. A very old woman. Older than the mountain.

Mano: You have arrived, daughter!

Whatu: The greetings of the sky to you, old woman! How is the Upper Reaches?

Mano: Still standing apart. Still unshakeable.

Whatu: Here are my students. Their standing is of the heavens! Their summit is sacred!

Narrator: Manomano bows her head.

Mano: To you the sign?

Whatu: The sign is pounamu!

Narrator: Te Whatu takes from her neck a treasure. It is pounamu. Its form is a tattooed face. She gives it to Manomano. Manomano examines it carefully, and speaks.

Mano: The battle arena is open to you all.

Whatu: May the year be pounamu, O mother!

Mano: And to you!

Narrator: The children have entered. They have reached the doorway of the whare tū taua consecrated by Te Whatu. Before long, they enter inside… The old woman and her attendants go to sit.

Waiata Haka

Narrator: The entertainments begin, the amusements. The warrior champions emerge; they haka. The birds appear to sing. The women come to perform poi. Then a warning voice proclaims.

Narrator: Manomano stands, and speaks.

Mano: Matariki has reached the threshold of the sky. Wero‑i‑te‑ninihi and Wero‑i‑te‑kokota are drawing near. This is the sign of the demons. Let the trial begin.

Narrator: Forty kākā tarahae in all. Some are men, some are women. Some are black‑skinned, white‑skinned, brown‑skinned. The names of two champions are called. They stand. They ascend to the battle arena.

Mano: The first section is weapon combat. The weapon is a long weapon. There is only one rule: it is not permitted to strike a person dead. Begin!

Narrator: The champions stand facing each other. One is from Japan; he has a long sword. One is from England; he has a thin sword. They lock eyes, and fly at each other.

Piri: Behold! The Japanese man’s sword cannot be seen!

Tūrei: Listen to its sound — a whistle. Just like our ways.

Narrator: The two thrust at each other. The Englishman’s hand is slashed. His chest is gashed by the piercing eye. Blood flows. The Japanese man spins his sword, carving the air, and finally the Englishman stands defeated.

Piri: (whistling) Amazing! Amazing!

Tūrei: Did you see that! Struck completely!

Narrator: The trial leader stands, and Nehu is called with a woman from China. They ascend to the battle arena.

Tūrei: Do the deed, Nehu!

Narrator: Nehu’s weapon is a spear. The woman’s is a halberd. They are alert; they begin.

Narrator: They thrust at each other. They stand apart, they strike, they parry. Nehu plants his weapon to stand, and strikes the woman. In the blinking of an eye, the woman falls, and Nehu enters, the point of his weapon at her throat.

Tūrei: Watch out! You’re the man!

Narrator: Tūrei and his friends haka.

Tūrei and friends: Iahaha! ka mate ka mate, ka ora ka ora, ka mate ka mate, ka ora ka ora, tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru nāna i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā!

Narrator: After Nehu, Piri is called. His weapon is a taiaha. Within five seconds, his opponent is finished. Then Waitohu is called; her weapon is a hoeroa. She fights a black‑skinned man with a long halberd. Waitohu is struck by that man. The rippling water shatters, the ihiihi rises, and the man is struck by Wai. Later, Tūrei is called.

Whatu: Be careful, boy! Do not stand swaggering. Enter, strike, return!

Narrator: Tūrei’s opponent is from France. He has a sword. Tūrei’s weapon is a tewhatewha.

Piri: Don’t bow, Tū.

Leader: Stand, ready, be alert!

Narrator: The Frenchman’s hand rises to delay the fight; he looks carefully at Tūrei, and says…

Frenchman: Wīwiwiwiwi! A child has been sent to do the work of an adult!

Narrator: Tūrei merely laughs, enters, and strikes the Frenchman’s foot.

Tūrei: Whoo! Good one!

Narrator: The Frenchman is angry. He chases Tūrei. But however he tries, he cannot catch the child. Tūrei dodges about.

Tūrei: Has the wind run out, old man?

Narrator: Tūrei stands, his mouth is sharp…

Tūrei: Whose is the voice that stands, whose is the voice that falls — it is Tāwhiri’s…

Narrator: The boy enters, severs the Frenchman’s legs, strikes the jaw, and the point of the tewhatewha enters the man’s nostril.

Tūrei: Take that, old man!

Narrator: Tūrei descends from the battle arena, and returns to his seat.

Piri: Give me five!

Narrator: Later, the big monkey who had mocked them at their arrival stands. The monkey’s weapon is just a stick. He strikes his opponent’s head. His opponent’s hand breaks from him. The man is merely playing, like a cat and mouse. He calls to the crowd.

Champion 1: If you want to stay alive, go back. Leave! This trial is mine!

Narrator: He turns to Nehu, and opens his mouth…

Champion 1: You are the one I want.

Narrator: The monkey’s foot rises, and stamps down.

Champion 1: There you are! Just a worm! I will trample you!

Narrator: The monkey man descends from the platform. His eyes are red like a man‑eating insect.

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa is still doing genetic engineering. At this time, he has transferred the genes of his computer person Kuru and the genes of his new pets — the two who had entered his great computer.

TRK: Your arrival to me was a mere snack. But now, ah, you have become true humans.

Narrator: Through the gene transfer, the two have become huge. Two and a half metres tall. Their arm muscles are bigger than a rugby ball. Their legs are like tōtara trunks. Te Rangi Kaupapa looks at their iron bodies, and says…

TRK: You shall be named Tutu. Your friend shall be named Kutu. Indeed, those are very good names for you… Turu and Kutu!

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa turns to his computer, tapping the keyboard. He says…

TRK: Now! I must test you. Tutu! Strike Kutu.

Tutu: (monkey voice) Strike! Strike! I will strike him!

Narrator: Tutu turns to Kutu. His arms rise. Then he embraces Kutu, and kisses him instead.

TRK: Stop! Stop! What are you doing?

Tutu: Tutu loves Tutu. Tutu kisses. Love instead!

TRK: I told you, strike him! Strike him hard!

Tutu: Tutu hug! Tutu kiss! Love instead!

Narrator: Then Kutu turns to his friend, and says…

Kutu: I want my mummy! (crying)

Tutu: Me too! (crying)

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa is furious.

TRK: The ultimate uselessness! Protege mā. My use of genes has failed. In time it will be right; the whole world will tremble before me…

Narrator: The old man returns to his keyboard.

Narrator: Te Whatu’s students have entered the single‑combat trials. Nehu has finished his opponent well. Now Wai is fighting.

Narrator: Before long, her fight is finished. It is a man from America.

Narrator: Piri is called. His fighting opponent is the big monkey.

Nehu: Kick his jaw, Piri!

Tūrei: Aim for his eyes!

Narrator: They begin!

STORY 8

Nehu: No! Piri!

Maki: Iahaha! I will break you!

Narrator: The children are at the breast of Titiraupenga mountain. They have entered the Poutiriao trials. Piri stands face to face with a giant man, his appearance like that of a big monkey. Piri has been challenged.

Nehu: Stop! He will die!

Narrator: The Maki lifts Piri high. He smashes him down upon his kneeling knee. The cracking of Piri’s back is terrifying. His back is broken!

Maki: Die!

Tūrei: Piri!

Narrator: Nehu ascends to the battle arena. He pushes the Makinui aside. Tūrei enters straight to Piri’s side. The child is like a snapped stick.

Tūrei: Piri! (crying) Piri! Wake up! Wake up!

Nehu: Piri? Don’t move! Stay still. The rats are coming.

Narrator: Te Whatu enters with some other māreikura. At that same time, the voice of Manomano, the chief of the māreikura, is broadcast.

Mano: Hold him! Bind him!

Narrator: The giant man is surrounded by the māreikura. He is caught. His hands are bound.

Mano: Hold him fast; do not let go! Do not release!

Narrator: Te Whatu’s hand rests upon Piri’s body. She feels about.

Waitohu: How is he? Is he okay? Will he live?

Tūrei: Nanny? How is he?

Narrator: Piri’s eyes flutter. Then his body trembles, and breath gasps from his mouth.

Nehu: What has happened? What?

Narrator: One of the māreikura carefully feels Piri. Her hand rests on his throat, feeling for the pulse of his heart. She shakes her head.

Mareikura 1: He is dead! His back is broken!

Tūrei: (weeping) No! It’s not right! Let me look!

Waitohu: (weeping) It’s not right! He is still alive…

Whatu: (very gently) He is dead, my children!

Nehu: Eiii! Piri! Piri! Rise! Rise!

Narrator: Then Tūrei stands… his angry voice splits the mountain floor.

Tūrei: I will get you!

Narrator: He runs straight to the face of the giant Makinui. He leaps upon the māreikura holding him. He raises his weapon, and strikes the giant’s knee. Then Manomano’s voice rings out…

Mano: Stand! The blood has already flowed.

Narrator: Tūrei is held.

Tūrei: You are not a human! You are an animal! A parasite!

Maki: Hahaha!

Narrator: The giant Makinui is judged. Manomano stands, and says…

Mano: The sun has set! Night has fallen! Because of you, this evil deed! For this great sin, you are cast out. Furthermore, because the darkness of your heart for this evil deed is not seen: from this time, not a single person shall approach you. You shall live alone forever.

Maki: Ha! Your words do not touch me. My father is a great father. My father is a strong father. My father is TE RANGI KAUPAPA!

Narrator: The Makinui throws off the māreikura guarding him. He snatches one’s spear. He pierces another. As he strikes about, the appearance of his body and face changes. His skin peels off. The demon stands; the skin of his face is torn away. His eyes are mere holes. His tongue is like a lizard’s. His skin is covered in pus. He has a tail too, like a kangaroo. His wetiweti screeches. The earth trembles because of him.

Narrator: He strikes the māreikura one by one. One is trampled down to death.

Guardian 1: Hold him fast!

Narrator: The Makinui turns to Manomano.

Maki: You shall be food for me!

Narrator: Then Te Whatu stands. Her form changes to her true form. She is a pounamu person.

Whatu: Eeeii! HOLD THE BREATH!

Narrator: Her pounamu patu flies forth to slash the Makinui. What is that to him! He continues running to strike Manomano. From the hollows of the cave, the voices of the māreikura burst forth.

Narrator: The demon giant reaches Manomano. He raises his hand to strike her head. Then, from behind, a voice shouts out…

Nehu: No! Here is the payment! The fish of Whiro is mine!

Narrator: Nehu’s spear voice hums. He pierces the Makinui, straight to his heart.

Narrator: The terrifying demon falls. Dead.

TRK: Kuru! You are ready!

Kuru: The preparations are complete!

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa stands, following his computer person, Kuru. Before long, they emerge into a wide cave within the eye of the world. The place is filled with machines. It is a factory of iron beings.

Narrator: Soon, they emerge into another wide place.

Kuru: Stand! Be strong! Be alert!

Narrator: The appearance there is amazing. Before them, rows of computer people stand. Thousands stand shining.

Kuru: Posture!

Army: Hī! Hā! Kss!

Kuru: Feet, stamp!

Army: Hī! Hā! Kss!

Kuru: The army is ready!

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa approaches.

TRK: Aah! The beauty!

Narrator: There are two types of these machines. One has big feet, strong feet for kicking. Its arms are small. The left hand is a piercing spear. The right hand is a net gun for binding enemies. That hand also throws iron spears. On the shoulders are electric blast guns. Beneath the feet are jet engines.

TRK: What is your name, warrior?

Machine 1: I am Whana 25938; third army, fourth division.

Narrator: The second type has big arms for striking. In the chest is an electric blast gun; on the shoulders are explosion guns. The whole body is a piercing spear. The machines are more than three metres tall.

TRK: Test them, Kuru!

Narrator: The two iron beings stand. They begin to fight.

Narrator: In the end, the strong feet kick about; the strong arms strike about.

Kuru: Move further. Gun battle!

Narrator: The two run far apart. The electric guns fire; then the big arm releases an explosion, and the big foot is blasted.

TRK: Are these armies ready?

Kuru: Yes! They are ready!

TRK: Let them stand alert! Soon they will be released.

Tūrei: What should we do now? This plan is broken!

Waitohu: Let us return home…

Tūrei: Yes! It is broken…

Narrator: The children are conferring. Because of Piri’s death, they are in trouble. What should they do? Should they remain to pursue the Poutiriao trials? Or return home?

Tūrei: What are your thoughts, Nehu?

Narrator: He breathes in, and says…

Nehu: We must remain!

Narrator: His friends do not argue.

Nehu: We must ascend the trials; to be poutiriao!

Narrator: Tūrei and Waitohu bow their heads.

Nehu: We must bring down Te Rangi Kaupapa… then it shall be satisfied…

Narrator: Nehu stands, and says…

Nehu: I will not rest until Piri’s death is satisfied; this is my response to him. What are your thoughts?

Narrator: They look at each other.

Tūrei: Yes! I am with you!

Waitohu: I am too! Do the deed.

Narrator: Te Whatu wipes the tears from her blind eyes. She embraces her children. There is another word in her embrace.

Whatu: The trial is beginning again. Let us be swift.

Whiro: One of Te Whatu’s children is dead. Good!

Narrator: Whiro and Te Rangi Kaupapa are talking together.

TRK: Yes! My demon killed him! E koe koe!

Whiro: How long until our armies are released?

TRK: Not very long! At this very time, the moka and wene are being prepared.

Whiro: You are a great man! I must congratulate you, that is right!

TRK: Do not worry! Very soon, our armies shall stand. The world shall die by us.

Narrator: The children hold firm to their great word. Not one of them falls. Now, at the end of the first day of the trial, the three of them are at the top.

Leader: Third place, Tūrei…

Leader: Second place, Waitohu…

Leader: First place, Nehu.

Whatu: There! Go. Ascend to Manomano.

Narrator: They ascend to the platform.

Mano: The sun rises, the sun sets. Despite the death of your friend, we all see: you are great‑hearted, and steadfast. On this day, the standing of the Māire was seen. It is you standing here. Tomorrow are the short weapon battles.

STORY 9

Narrator: The māreikura are gathered. This tribe is all women, all gods. They are the ones who brought down the chief stone, the pounamu. Word has reached them that the war machines of Te Rangi Kaupapa have been launched — the destructive old man who is pressing upon the gods. The desire of this sorcerer‑tohunga is to bring down the mana of the gods. What he truly wants is to take the real world, the world of humankind, the world of light. The chief of the māreikura is Manomano. She is an ancient old woman. Older than the mountain. She speaks.

Mano: How many armies have stood forth?

M’kura 1: Two. More than two hundred warriors in each army.

Mano: Are they heading toward Tāmaki?

M’kura 1: Yes. As we speak.

Mano: What is the appearance of those warriors?

M’kura 1: They are all iron people. The report from our scouts is: they are all three metres tall. They have big guns, explosion guns, and piercing spears.

Mano: Can they be defeated by human beings?

M’kura 1: No! They will be mowed down… dead.

Mano: We must enter. It is known that the gods, Tāne and his kin, are not strong at entering into the troubles of humankind. That is a custom from ancient times. At this time, the Poutiriao are being woven. But in the end, these warrior chiefs have not yet been seen. Soon that group shall stand. When they stand, the adze shall be given to them. They shall protect against Te Rangi Kaupapa. (pause) At this time, we ourselves shall decide the sorcerer‑tohunga.

Narrator: Her chiefs agree. They stand, and return to prepare themselves for battle.

Narrator: The place is Titiraupenga mountain, on the northern side of Lake Taupō. Inside the belly of this mountain, the trial is being held to determine who shall be the champions to ascend as Poutiriao, to protect the world. The greatest champions of the world have been gathered for this trial by the māreikura. This is the second day of the dust‑raising contests. On the first day, the long weapon battles were completed. On this day, the short weapon battles will be completed. The trial has not yet begun. The children trained by the guardian old woman Te Whatu are conferring.

Wai: I still cannot believe Piri has died. Are we still strong? Can we still do this?

Nehu: How else can we be? What else can we do? We must honour Piri — his mana, his spirit too — that is right. We must do the work to finish on his summit.

Wai: But what if we cannot finish?

Nehu: If we cannot finish, we must die, that is right. So be it!

Narrator: The youngest sits listening. Tūrei enters.

Tūrei: If we die, we die as chiefs. The important thing to me is: we must strive with all our strength to complete our purpose. By that, Piri shall be honoured.

Nehu: Yes! You are right! Be strong! Be steadfast! Hold firm!

Narrator: They embrace. Tears still flow. Outside their room, Te Whatu is listening. Her appearance is very heavy. Her stance is tightly closed. She wipes her tears. Inside her heart, a parasite is eating. She turns, and goes.

Tūrei: That Japanese man was fast, yes! Don’t make me fight him!

Narrator: The trial has begun again. The short weapons are the task. Some peoples use māripi. Some of those māripi are straight and toothed. Some others are curved and toothless. Some people hold two māripi; others, only one.

A black‑skinned man has a short halberd and wears armour. He ascends to the platform; a Chinese man too. His weapon is a club bound to an iron chain. They stand facing each other — the Chinese man and his opponent, a white man holding a toothed māripi.

Narrator: Because of the speed of the Japanese man’s weapon flight, the weapon can no longer be seen. Only its whistling sound is heard.

Tūrei: Bro! Look at that! How to fight against that type!

Narrator: The Chinese man’s weapon flies again. Because of the heavy weight of his opponent’s foot, the head is struck. The white man falls.

Tūrei: Ouch! Delicious too! His head really popped. He got a hickey too.

Te Whatu: The feet are the matter. If the feet are light, it is right. Do not stand stiffly together. You will be like that white man, cut down.

Leader: Tūrei Nīkora! Fātīm Hussein!

Tūrei: Ah! This is me!

Nehu: Be strong, Tūrei. Don’t forget! Honour Piri!

Wai: By Tāwhiri, Tūrei. Be swift!

Narrator: Tūrei’s weapon is a pūrerehua, the treasure holding the voice of the wind. Te Whatu directed his movements.

Tūrei: That is not a weapon of war! It is a child’s weapon!

Whatu: Is that so!

Narrator: Te Whatu spins the pūrerehua. The sound whistles like the wind. The treasure flies downward and strikes Tūrei’s head.

Tūrei: Ooow!

Whatu: This is just a child’s weapon, yes! Yes!

Narrator: The pūrerehua is spun again so that the wind gusts; Tūrei dodges about, the cord of that weapon turns upward into Te Whatu’s hand, she holds the body, the cord in between is wrapped around Tūrei’s neck — he is strangled.

Whatu: Tāwhirimātea defeated Tūmatauenga! Do not forget!

Narrator: Tūrei’s head is full of Te Whatu’s demonstrations. He stands dazed, and begins to spin his treasure. From Arabia is his opponent. His weapon is a curved māripi. The man throws his māripi from one hand to another. The man enters; his māripi thrusts at Tūrei. Tūrei lowers his pūrerehua and strikes the opponent’s head. The man is angry, and reaches about for the child. The pūrerehua cord is turned onto the old man’s hand; Tūrei pulls it. The man runs forward, runs off, his māripi lost to the side. Tūrei begins to stand on his feet, and whirls about just like the kākā bird. He holds the body of the pūrerehua, shortens his cord, and strikes about. He turns; the cord catches the man’s throat, and strangles him. The man’s eyes bulge, and redden.

Tūrei: Bow down! Bow down!

Narrator: The man trembles. He descends from Tūrei’s weapon trial arena.

Wai: Tāwhiri has arisen in you. His voice is truly heard!

Narrator: Tūrei searches for Te Whatu.

Tūrei: Where is the old woman?

Nehu: I don’t know! Maybe she went to pee!

Narrator: At that same time, Te Whatu is going to another place. She is occupied by another purpose. Piri! He was killed by the giant Makinui.

Narrator: The blind old woman follows the passageways until she reaches a wide room. In the centre, a huge pounamu plain lies. Upon this plain, the body of Piri is laid out. Te Whatu approaches. When her hand touches the pounamu, her form changes to her true form. Her hand holds the stone plain; her appearance is like a person listening.

Whatu: Very good! It is nearly finished! Before long, boy, your back will be joined, your whole body will be made right. Then this wrong will be corrected!

Narrator: The māreikura begins to oriori. Her task is a call to Tāwhirimātea.

Tāwhiri: What is your task?

Whatu: We are in trouble!

Tāwhiri: The child’s death?

Whatu: Yes! The purpose cannot be completed! By the four, not by the three, it will be finished.

Tāwhiri: By another, the fourth shall be filled.

Whatu: But these four are united. If another enters, it will be diluted.

Tāwhiri: What do you want?

Whatu: That the child be raised.

Tāwhiri: From death?

Whatu: Yes!

Tāwhiri: But it is not right! Humans do not die and return. This was arranged by my own mother, Papatūānuku. It was also decreed by Māui‑tikitiki.

Whatu: But the child fell because of a wrong. An injury! A misfortune!

Tāwhiri: Except for that…

Whatu: But you too… you caused him to fall…

Tāwhiri: Be careful, little woman… there is death in your words…

Whatu: I am right… you pressed to move the trial forward… I said the children were not ready… but you would not listen.

Tāwhiri: Whatu! I hear your pain, your heaviness. But I am still right… as we speak, the earth is trembling from the armies of Te Rangi Kaupapa…

Whatu: In the end, are you not listening…?

Tāwhiri: In the end, it is you who are not listening!

Whatu: (sobbing)

Tāwhiri: The fault is yours that the child fell. You did not carefully protect him!

Tāwhiri: Therefore, weave, sew, correct…

Narrator: Wai is called to fight. She stands face to face. Her weapon is a mere whītau. This mere is pounamu; the whītau is long. Her opponent from Asia has two thin clubs bound to an iron chain.

Narrator: The weapons of the opponents whirl about, like the flight of dragonfly poi. Wai dodges about. She stamps her foot to enter quickly, and stabs her man. She spins her mere whītau, and strikes the curved weapons of her opponent. She holds her patu again, and strikes the man’s temple with the handle. He falls. She enters again, and holds her patu to the throat. The man bows.

Wai: Whoo! How fast that man and his weapons!

Tūrei: Nah! You are even faster!

Leader: Nehu Maioha! Wing Chu Hō!

Tūrei: Wing Chu Hō! (mocking) You won against that Chinese man — very flashy!

Wai: Good on you, Nehu! There is not a single person here at your level!

Narrator: Nehu winks, and turns to the battle arena. His opponent’s gaze is hard upon him. They lock eyes, and begin. This is the Chinese man holding weapons bound to an iron chain. The way of his weapon is spinning. Nehu’s weapon is a tī‑rākau Māire.

Whatu: The Māire is the hard weapon of your ancestors. It is soaked in water, burned in fire, moistened, burned, and becomes very hard. It will never break! This is the tī‑rākau; by it your opponent will bow.

Narrator: The Chinese man’s weapon passes by Nehu’s ear. Nehu strikes his own face with the tī‑rākau. The weapon turns inward, and pierces the glaring eye. The Chinese man stumbles, and falls. But it is merely a feint, a trick. He quickly rises to his feet, and strikes Nehu. They stand alert together like poaching birds. They thrust, they thrust. They parry, they block. They are somewhat equal. Then Nehu presses again; he enters, his weapon singing. The Chinese man cries out, bows, and falls to the ground.

Narrator: The people strongly support Nehu.

Whatu: The standing is right! The standing is right!

Narrator: Te Whatu… she has returned.

Tūrei: Where were you?

Whatu: I was doing the work of an old woman…

Wai: Watch out, Nehu! Piri has woken for you!

Leader: Ears listening!

Narrator: It is the leader…

Leader: The explanation of the judges: four people must ascend to the platform, for the final section of this trial task. They are Nehu Maioha, Wai Rangitū, Tūrei Nīkora and Wing Chu Hō!

Tūrei: What is this custom, nanny?

Whatu: I don’t know! But ascend! Be swift!

Leader: Only one trial remains…

Narrator: The leader speaks again…

Leader: The battle against Rarupapa of the Demon Horde…

Tūrei: Who is Rarupapa?

Wai: Who? Not who! But rather, what exactly is Rarupapa.

Narrator: At that very time, a growling voice emerges.

Tūrei: What is that thing!

Narrator: From the roof of the cave, a wide platform descends. Upon the platform is the thing called Rarupapa. As the platform descends, Rarupapa’s feet are seen first. So huge. They are also hairless.

Nehu: Who has a gun?

Wai: A gun! Who has a bomb! Look at the size of that thing…

Narrator: Then a terrifying voice splits open… Rarupapa leaps from the platform.

STORY 10

Tūrei: What is that thing?

Wai: I don’t know! But it seems it is not very friendly. More than that!

Narrator: The demon called Rarupapa leaps onto the platform. It trembles above! It trembles below! The platform floor trembles.

Narrator: The warrior chief children have reached the trial level of the Poutiriao weapon battles. Inside Titiraupenga mountain, on the northern side of Lake Taupō, the trial is being held. At this time, only one level remains to finish: a battle against a giant of the Demon Horde. This giant is a huge demon. Three metres tall. Half fish, half demon.

Nehu: Don’t stand close together. Move apart!

Wai: It’s coming toward me!

Tūrei: Strike with your patu!

Narrator: Then the Chinese man enters. His weapon of war is heavy.

Narrator: The demon cries out in pain. It turns straight toward him. Then Tūrei begins to spin his pūrerehua. The treasure turns around the giant’s leg stumps. It circles. The demon sways.

Nehu: Iahaha! Nehu darts in and pierces Rarupapa’s eye. Soon after, the Chinese man leaps up and strikes its head.

Wai: Move further — it is swaying. It is falling.

Narrator: Wai’s pounamu patu flies, and pierces the giant’s knees. It cries out again.

Tūrei: It’s falling! Be careful.

China: Iiiiiaaaaiiiii!

Narrator: The Chinese man’s leap is strong; he strikes the demon’s back. It cries out again. It falls. Rarupapa is defeated.

Whatu: Very good indeed! You worked together! Where is your friend?

Narrator: Te Whatu is speaking of the Chinese man, the newcomer.

China: My name is Wing, but to my friends, I am Win. Because I win at everything.

Narrator: Tūrei looks at Nehu; his eyes bulge, his shoulder lifts.

Tūrei: You didn’t win in your fight against Nehu!

China: Not at this time, but in time…

Wai: Very good to meet you! You saved me.

China: Well then, let it be satisfied with a kiss!

Narrator: Waitohu’s face is warm.

China: What? Are you embarrassed?

Narrator: In the blinking of an eye, the Chinese man reaches to Wai, and kisses her cheek. The girl dies of embarrassment again.

China: There! We are satisfied!

Narrator: Nehu and Tūrei’s appearance is angry. Hot words are nearly thrown; then the voice of Manomano, the chief of the Māreikura, is broadcast.

Mano: This level of the trial is finished. Four of you have ascended… Nehu, Waitohu, Tūrei and Wing… ascend again.

Narrator: The place is Papakura, in Tāmaki Makaurau. At the office of the supreme chief of the main army of Aotearoa, the purpose is being discussed. The chiefs are meeting. Word has reached them about the armies of Te Rangi Kaupapa.

Ūpoko: How long until they arrive?

Ranga 1: Three hours.

Ūpoko: Are you saying they are all iron people?

Ranga 1: Yes! More than four hundred.

Ranga 2: Their height is also like a rugby post.

Ūpoko: Do we know where they came from?

Ranga 1: That matter is being carefully examined at this very time.

Ranga 2: One report says the iron people emerged from the mouth of Tongariro mountain…

Ūpoko: Tongariro mountain? How could that be…?

Ranga 2: It is not known at this time…

Ūpoko: What have we done to this time?

Ranga 1: Fighter planes have been sent to pursue…

Ranga 2: Ironclad warships have also been sent to the south of Kirikiriroa…

Ranga 1: Following behind them are warships and warriors from Waiōru… there are three battalions… it is reported that there is a massacre… many of our warriors have fallen.

Ūpoko: How are the people of Pūtāruru town? Have they been evacuated?

Ranga 1: Yes! But the trouble is, the roads are packed… all the way to Tāmaki.

Ranga 2: The people of Tāmaki are also being warned, not to go outside no matter what. But the barricades have been broken.

Ūpoko: Friend, give me a straight answer: are we strong enough to resist these armies?

Ranga 1: If the artillery is sent… yes! But I know, some of the local people will die.

Ūpoko: How many?

Ranga 1: Some hundreds… four to five hundred perhaps…

Ūpoko: If we do not send… how many?

Ranga 1: All the people from Kirikiriroa to the northern boundary, up to a million and a quarter…

Ūpoko: Heke!

Heke: Yes General!

Ūpoko: Phone the Ministry of Defence! Phone the Prime Minister!

Narrator: The place: a hill south of Eketahuna. The warriors of the whare tū taua of Waiōru are fighting the computer people.

Toa 1: We are being attacked! Retreat! Retreat!

Maitai 1: Kill the people! Low wind‑slice!

Narrator: Trample! Hī! Kill! Throw them down! Food for the maggot! Kss!

Toa 1: There are too many of them! Retreat!

Maitai: Trample! Hī! Kill! Throw them down! Food for the maggot! Kss!

Toa 1: We are breached! Run!

Narrator: Then, at that time, some of the human warriors point to the sky.

Toa 2: Look at the sky! Some are coming from the sky! We are finished. Completely exhausted!

Narrator: But, as the soldiers watch, the māreikura armies descend from the sky. The ears burst from their terrifying appearance.

Māreikura: HOLD THE BREATH!

Narrator: The māreikura stand in the form of a circle. Their arms are extended; their pounamu patu touch each other.

Māreikura: RELEASE!

Narrator: Then, from within their eyes, a kind of lightning flies; it touches their patu, and shoots straight toward one of the iron people. The iron being is exploded…

Toa 1: They are bringing down the iron people… they are helping us… boys, be strong! The reinforcements have arrived. Be strong!

Narrator: The human horde gains ihi again. They stand, and turn toward the iron army marching on. They rise to the flame of war.

Narrator: Manomano and Te Whatu sit together.

Mano: Do you want to speak to me?

Narrator: Te Whatu’s head droops.

Whatu: There is a very great matter with me.

Narrator: Mano sits back; her head bows.

Whatu: The fault is mine that the child died — Piri.

Narrator: Manomano sits silent.

Whatu: This child was not ready for battle. The fault is mine alone. But the child paid the debt.

Mano: This is known, Whatu. But you yourself must carry this heaviness, that is right.

Narrator: Manomano’s eyes are full of compassion. She extends her hand to Whatu’s shoulder.

Mano: How can I help you?

Narrator: Whatu’s head bows again.

Whatu: You must release me…

Mano: What?

Whatu: You must release me…

Mano: Then, explain to me…

Whatu: My breath, for the breath of the child… my wind, for the wind of the child… my life, for the life of the child.

STORY 11

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa… he is before his computer. He is watching his armies fighting the māreikura. As he watches, one of his iron keretao falls.

TRK: (pounding the table) Blast! Those māreikura are ship‑capsizing flies. Who told them to enter! Long‑nosed ones! (pause) But I have a plan for them!

Narrator: The old man reaches for a telephone. He presses his control button…

TRK: Kuru! Are you there?

Kuru: Yes!

TRK: How are the preparations?

Kuru: We are being gnawed by the māreikura.

TRK: Good! That is merely the bite of the sandfly. Just one swish of the dragonfly’s tail — ha! — the trouble is over!

Kuru: What is the sign?

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa is clear about the battle customs of the māreikura. One of their customs is: they stand in the form of a circle, they extend their pounamu patu, these touch, and straight flying lightning emerges.

TRK: Listen! When the greenstones stand in a circle, shoot them. At that time, they are gathering all their strength; therefore, their hearts are open.

Kuru: Good! It shall be done!

TRK: How are the humans?

Kuru: They are running. One footstep, and they are flattened!

TRK: The power is yours, friend! Do not let them fall!

Narrator: Te Rangi Kaupapa is joyful. He is nearly at the peak of his mountain. Before long, all the people of the world, all the gods, the sky, the earth — all things — shall bow before him. Their teeth shall chatter, their knees shall tremble, at the hearing of his sacred name… Te Rangi Kaupapa… The Great Father of all worlds.

Narrator: The four children have reached Wharekura, the house of learning of the demon people of the sky. They are waiting outside the house. They are being chanted over by Te Whatu. She is explaining the customs of this level of the Poutiriao trial.

Whatu: Remember: Tāwhirimātea and his kin fashioned a treasure to hold the mana of the Poutiriao. By these powers, Te Rangi Kaupapa shall be protected.

Narrator: The old woman’s hand points to the house.

Whatu: Upon the four altars of this house are stones. Inside each stone is a section of the treasure fashioned by the gods. Inside each section is a great power. In one is the power of water; in one, the power of fire; one, the power of earth; one, the power of wind. Your task is to choose which stone holds which power.

Narrator: The old woman falls silent. She sits, her head bowed. At the rising of her head, her tears fall.

Whatu: This is the time, children… this is the time for all lessons to be completed. Let your heart, let your spirit guide you — not just your head.

Narrator: She looks directly at the newcomer, at Wing Chu, then at her students.

Whatu: This friend of yours — help him. Do not leave him behind. By him, perhaps, the purpose will be completed.

Narrator: To Wing, Te Whatu speaks.

Whatu: By the eye of your heart, you shall be shown.

Wing: Hey! Don’t be surprised! I will finish it…

Whatu: Ssshhh, boy. Do not let the tongue speak; let the heart…

Narrator: Te Whatu stands, and embraces them all…

Tūrei: But where are you going? Aren’t you staying?

Whatu: No, boy! You alone must cross the threshold of this house. The time is yours…

Wai: But we will see you again, won’t we?

Whatu: Yes! I am inside your hearts.

Narrator: The old woman turns, and disappears… At that very time, the door of Wharekura opens.

Narrator: Te Whatu has returned to the world of humankind. To Titiraupenga mountain. To the room where Piri lies. Her hand touches the pounamu plain holding the body of the child. Her mother enters — Manomano. She sits beside her. Te Whatu sits upon the pounamu plain. Mano sits at her side.

Mano: Are your children well?

Whatu: Yes! They are well.

Mano: Are you well?

Whatu: Yes also!

Mano: Let us begin.

Taki (by Mano)

A peaceful current, a peaceful tide, a peaceful tide from the sacred spring Water pure, water springing, water of life given by you, Io‑te‑waiora Let the source be drawn from the dark waters of Tūānuku Let the source be uplifted to the life‑giving mana of the ancient life‑force Let it settle firm, Uie, Tāiki e!

Narrator: Te Whatu cups her hands to her mouth, and breathes out. The appearance of this breath is like a shining light. She holds her breath in her hands, and places it into Piri’s pounamu plain. When the breath touches the pounamu, the whole plain shines; Piri also shines, and he begins to move. Te Whatu lies upon the pounamu plain. By time alone, they two shall gain life.

Tūrei: What should we do?

Wai: Ssh!

Tūrei: What are you listening to?

Wai: Sshh!

Nehu: Come here to me! Sshh!

Narrator: The four have entered Wharekura. The beating of their hearts is rapid from anxiety.

Tūrei: I am itching…

Wai: Tūrei! Ssh! Quiet now!

Wing: I have a plan! Crush the stones so we can see which section is inside…

Nehu: No!

Wing: Who said you are the chief?!

Nehu: I am not our chief…

Wing: Right! I propose: crush the stones!

Wai: Stop it, Wing! Listen…

Wing: To what?

Wai: Listen…

Narrator: The children listen hard.

Wai: Do you hear that?

Tūrei: What, Wai! What?

Wai: I am hearing the water…

Narrator: Wai carefully walks to one of the stones. She stands, and listens. She shakes her head, and moves to another.

Wai: Here! Here is the water!

Wing: How do you know?

Wai: Because I am listening! This is the eye of Tangaroa.

Narrator: The girl turns to Nehu.

Wai: You hold the mana of Tāne, Nehu. The trees, the birds, the sands too… call them… from your heart.

Narrator: Nehu’s memories return to the time when he was working in the forest, beside the fruits of Tāne. He becomes one with it. Inside his whatumanawa, the cry of the bird is heard, the murmur of leaves is heard, the voice of insects, the voice of the earth. Then…

Nehu: I am hearing… I am hearing… kora rā. That stone.

Narrator: He approaches it.

Nehu: All the voices of Tāne are inside… I am listening. This is the stone of Tāne…

Wing: Hey! Stop, you two! I am not hearing…

Narrator: The boy runs to one of the stones…

Wai: No! Don’t touch… wait for Tūrei… the stone that remains, that is yours…

Wing: This is the mana of Tūmatauenga…

Wai: No!

Wing: Here — (Nehu: No!) — is the mana of fire!

Narrator: Wing seizes the stone, lifts it, and throws it to the floor to break it…

Narrator: The stone shatters to pieces. Then a voice from beyond emerges.

Wing: Yes! I am right! I have risen above on the flame of fire!

Narrator: The flame runs. The fire licks the roof of the house. Wing stands in the midst. This is demon fire. Then…

Tūrei: Look!

Narrator: The treasure hidden in the stones by the gods rises up. Its form is a tattooed‑face section. It is seized by the demon flame; then, like a hand carving, the flame burns the tattoo lines that were hidden.

Wing: It is coming to me! Tūmatauenga! Tūmatariri! Tūkaitaua! Here I am, calling to you… stand!

Narrator: The fire has carved a tattooed face. The mouth of the face opens; the teeth chatter; then a foul wind blows forth…

Moko 1: Here I am, blowing forth… iahaha! I am Tāwhirimātea of the wind…

Narrator: The foul wind feeds the fire. It is fed.

Moko 1: By the wind the fire is fed… by the wind the fire is also extinguished…

Narrator: The great wind extinguishes the fire. Wing is lifted (Wing: Ka..o…!) and carried outside Wharekura… his voice is merely screaming, caught in the walls… (Wing: aiii/ehara) The newcomer is gone.

Narrator: The dust settles. The three remain inside Wharekura. The peace is calm. The stone crushed by Wing is still intact upon the altar. The children are still.

Wai: What now? I still hold the eye of Tangaroa.

Nehu: I still hold the eye of Tāne. Tūrei? Choose which is Tāwhiri’s.

Tūrei: That one! There!

Nehu: The one that was tampered with? Then, the gods have tested it. Call it again!

Narrator: The eye of Tūrei’s heart opens. Inside his heart, the wind is seen gently blowing; inside his ears its voice is heard; the warm wind touches his skin…

Tūrei: Here it is! Here is the mana of Tāwhirimātea.

Wai: What about the mana of Tūmatauenga?

Nehu: I don’t know! But it is quiet now. Let us finish the section for ourselves. Leave the rest for the gods to show later.

Nehu: This is the time, friends! Though Piri is not here in body, I still hear his spirit. We are four! Not three! Let us hold to that!

Narrator: Nehu straightens himself.

Nehu: Follow my signs!

Narrator: He carefully lifts his stone, rubbing it in his hands so the stone feels his skin from Tāne.

Nehu: Wai, hold out your hands! Press them upon your stone. Tūrei, blow yours with gentle wind.

Narrator: The two use the signs. Then, they wait…

Narrator: Lightning flashes, and runs to them all. This lightning touches the three stones. The stones split. From within, the treasures decreed by the gods rise up. These are illuminated. All the colours of the rainbow shine forth. The treasures rise, and cling together. They are illuminated as another face bearing a tattoo. The markings of the forehead are clear, and those of the cheeks. Only the jaw is not seen. Then a voice emerges…

Piri: Hey! Friends! You have forgotten the jaw.

Narrator: It is Piri! Te Whatu has raised him.

Tūrei: Piri?

Wai: Is that you, Piri?

Nehu: Have you returned as a demon, or what?

Narrator: The tattooed face has become like Piri’s.

Piri: Don’t be surprised. There are many words. Later it will be explained. At this time, another purpose is moving…

Tūrei: Piri! Watch out! Piri! You have been resurrected!

Piri: Hey! Hey! Short! I am not abandoning you! But wait, until this purpose is finished… (pause)

Narrator: Are we ready? This is the sign. Tūrei, take the stone of Tūmatauenga. Throw it into the mouth of this face. Then all of you, be still!

Narrator: Tūrei follows the signs exactly…

Piri: Hold fast! We are being carried to the eye of the Poutiriao — iahaha!

STORY 12

Poutiriao

Piri: Hold fast! We are flying to the eye of the Poutiriao!

Narrator: Te Whatu has raised Piri. The bond between the children is held again. At this time, they are emerging into the demon world, into the world of the gods — the world of Tāwhiri and his kin.

Tūrei: Yīihāaa! Piri!

Narrator: Piri’s arms reach out to Tūrei.

Piri: Here I am, friend!

Narrator: All the children are weeping hotly. They are full of questions for their friend, who has just been raised.

Wai: How did this happen, Piri? Were you truly dead! Have you become a god?

Piri: No! It is just me!

Narrator: He quickly explains the circumstances concerning his resurrection.

Wai: Then, how is Te Whatu?

Tūrei: Will we see her again?

Piri: Yes and no! Yes, we will hear her again, but no, we will not see her face to face. Never mind; in time you will understand.

Narrator: Then Te Whatu’s voice emerges…

Whatu: Piri is right.

Nehu: Te Whatu?

Tūrei: Nanny! Where are you?

Whatu: I am inside your heart.

Wai: How does that work?

Whatu: I am in the spirit world. I do not have a body.

Tūrei: Are you still strong enough to help us?

Whatu: Yes, Tūrei! I myself will guide you. Stop now! The first sign to you: the gods are waiting! Be swift!

PART 2

Tāwhiri: You have arrived!

Narrator: Tāwhirimātea, the god of the winds, faces the children.

Tāwhiri: You have ascended to the summit of summits. This is the first time a human has entered into us. A great purpose has brought you here.

Narrator: The gods begin to explain the purposes concerning Te Rangi Kaupapa. Tūmatauenga, the god of war, stands forth.

Tū: The real world, the world of humankind, the world of demons, is being attacked by Te Rangi Kaupapa. He holds powers that are not right for him to hold. He has already stood as a god.

Tāne: Therefore we arranged that some of humankind should stand to protect against him. Now, here you are who have come!

Tāwhiri: We have already seen: you are united. You are also facing us and our descendants — that is, the trees, the birds, the fish, the wind, the fire, the water, the sky and the earth, even to humankind.

Tangaroa: Children! Welcome to the world of the Poutiriao.

Tū: Stand forth to receive the tributes…

Tāwhiri: The great powers…

Tāne: The sacred…

Tū: The missiles and torpedoes…

Gods: Hold fast! Uiē! Tai kī e!

Narrator: The light shining upon the children is strong. They stand. Magic lightning flashes about. They are joined by a rainbow flame. Their bodies are filled with this flame. They are lifted by a wind. The wind begins to whirl about; it shoots forth, it shoots back. Then a light, stronger than that of Tamanui‑te‑rā, shines forth. Auē Taukiri. Nehu, Piri, Waitohu, Tūrei have gained chiefly power. They have ascended to the Poutiriao summit. They have become like gods. Behold!

All: POUTIRIAO! HOLD THE BREATH!

Nehu: The mana of the forest!

Piri: The mana of fire!

Wai: The mana of water!

Tūrei: The mana of wind!

All: Join and hold fast! Uiē! Tāi kī e!

Narrator: The four stand tall. Their appearances are amazing. Their garments are completely different. They wear armour, thick cloaks. Nehu’s is a garment fashioned from the skin of a tree. Piri’s is flax woven tightly, with pads on his shoulders. Waitohu’s garments are made from the hard shell of the crayfish from Tangaroa’s ocean. Tūrei’s is like a second skin, clinging to his body. All their garments are for protection. Therefore, they are not pierced by cold or anything else. Beyond their garments, the most amazing thing: their faces are tattooed. The boys’ faces are covered with kōwhaiwhai markings; Waitohu’s is a tattoo on the jaw and forehead. On their feet are pūhoro tattoos, and rape on the back cheeks. They have stood in the standing of the warrior chief.

Nehu: Are we well again?

Tūrei: I know! Piri, are you?

Piri: Yes! My head is still somewhat dizzy, but I know I am well again! Wai, how are you?

PART 3

Wai: Very, very well indeed! I am feeling the greatest strength. A great life is touching me.

Nehu: Nanny? Are you still there?

Whatu: Yes! I am watching you all carefully!

Nehu: But you are blind…?

Whatu: In the world of spirit, the eye of the heart is the eye for you… Your appearances are very, very beautiful.

Tūrei: Yes? Aren’t we being tattooed? The appearance of my garment — it is very clingy skin; my whole body can be seen. All the parts.

Whatu: The appearance is very good, boy.

Nehu: What should we do now?

Tūrei: How do we operate these weapons?

Whatu: We do not have time to fiddle with your torpedoes. We must return straight down to the earth. There are the purposes to be completed by you. There are the armies of Te Rangi Kaupapa.

Narrator: The children have reached their hidden home in the forests beside Lake Taupō. Te Whatu has summarized the explanations of their new weapons. At this time, they are preparing to meet the computer people of the sorcerer‑tohunga.

Whatu: There is no explanation beyond these. By the lightning of your mind, the calm of your heart, and the peace of your spirit, this purpose will be completed. Any more questions?

Narrator: The children are silent.

Whatu: Therefore, are you ready?

Narrator: The children look at each other, and shake their heads.

Whatu: Then, let us go. The survival of the world is in your hands.

All: POUTIRIAO! HOLD THE BREATH!

Nehu: The mana of the forest!

Piri: The mana of fire!

Wai: The mana of water!

Tūrei: The mana of wind!

All: Join and hold fast! Uiē! Tai kī! E!

Nehu: Tūrei! Call the wind of the floating path; let it carry us…

Narrator: Tūrei turns his pūrerehua; the whistling sound blows.

PART 4

Tūrei: Popohau! Apuhau! Blow forth!

Narrator: Lightning flashes. Thunder crashes. A wind of heaven, a whirling wind emerges…

Piri: Yippi yai yah! Iahaha!

Narrator: The children are carried by this demon wind to before the armies of Te Rangi Kaupapa.

Narrator: The earth is covered with computer people. Their iron skins shine. The demons run before the māreikura. The pounamu people are being pressed.

Nehu: We have reached the time, friends! Let our spirit carry us!

Piri: What is the command, Nehu! I want to enter…

Nehu: Are you still like that…

Piri: Yes! Be swift, friend!

All: Stand on land! Stand on sea! Stand to the sky, iahaha!

Narrator: Piri runs forth, straight before the destructive army.

Piri: Friends, you must surround them! I am counting to three.

Narrator: The soldiers march on.

Piri: One! Two! Three! Ha? Is that so! TAIAHA!

Narrator: Piri’s taiaha stands upright.

Piri: Tū‑ku‑na!

Narrator: He runs forth into the midst of the warriors, his weapon like lightning. He strikes, slashes; a leg is severed from one, that one falls. A head is struck from another, another’s arm. Then this boy is in trouble… he is surrounded by many demons.

Piri: You lot! Support me!

Narrator: The youngest, Tūrei, arrives…

Tūrei: TEWHATEWHA! Tū‑te‑oropewa!

Narrator: Tūrei’s tākau turns before him; then he dives to the ground.

Tūrei: Dive!

Narrator: The lightning flies from the point of his weapon, touching the earth, turning about in the form of kōwhaiwhai…

Piri: Watch out!

PART 5

Narrator: The iron beings standing in a circle are electrocuted. Sparks fly, and they fall about.

Piri: Good one, but can you do this?

Narrator: Piri spins his taiaha in a rage, his right hand holding the arero, and strikes the liver to the ground.

Tūrei: Whhoooaaaa!

Narrator: The earth trembles. Ruaūmoko has been awakened. The earth splits, it undulates, it quakes. Wide mouths open. The evil iron beings fall into them.

Nehu: Hey! You two! Be careful! They are releasing the big bombs.

Narrator: Nehu! He is watching their work.

Wai: I will get them!

Narrator: Waitohu has entered. She has a shield fashioned from the shell of the pāua. Her task is like that of a magnifying glass: to enlarge the rays of the sun, and burn. She raises her shield; it is turned by the sun, and the rays reach out to the bombs thrown by the warriors, and they explode.

Tūrei: Eeei! That was pretty good, yes!

Narrator: Then, at that time, a screaming voice emerges, and screeches forth…

TRK: Who is this standing forth… I am Te Rangi Kaupapa! Rangi Kaupapa!

Narrator: The demon has arrived. Te Rangi Kaupapa has arrived.

TRK: Welcome to my world! Hear my mana! This is the mana of Te Rangi Kaupapa. Army! Fly!

Narrator: Auē the terror! All the iron beings rise to the throat of the sky, to the side of their father. Jet engines are at their feet.

TRK: Stand, army! Be ready!

Narrator: The hands of the iron soldiers rise.

Nehu: You lot! Draw close! Draw close!

TRK: Piercing spears! Ready!

Army: Hī!

Poutiriao: Fire! Water! Forest! Wind! Join and hold fast! Release!

Tūrei: Here is the wind Titi mata horokakā!

TRK: You shall be struck by the demon fire of my piercing spear bombs! Release! Enter!

Narrator: At that time, the eye of the sky opens.

Narrator: From its corner comes Titi mata horokakā, the first of the winds of Tāwhirimātea. The evil armies release their piercing spears. The demon wind rushes forth; the iron beings, the spears, the bombs, the cold — all are swallowed into the throat of Tāwhirimātea. Only one thing is heard…

TRK: No! No! I will not be defeated by you! Te Rangi Kaupapa shall stand, shall stand, shall stand e…

Narrator: It is finished! The mana of the Poutiriao has stood. They are merely children. But within their hearts is the ancient mana of the gods; the mana of the real world, the world of humankind, the world of light… behold!

End of Story