Hoku, the chief's daughter, stands on a wooden terrace, her hair catching the breeze, eyes distant as she watches the preparations. Her beauty is the talk of the island, but her heart is heavy. Below, her father, the Chief, discusses the arrangements, his face stern but proud.

Koa[/@ch_3], the tribe’s strongest warrior—strides forward, muscles rippling, his confidence as bold as the sun.] Koa grins and flexes for the crowd, wearing only a small loincloth. Children gasp and elders nod approvingly. "When I marry Hoku, our children will be the strongest in all the islands!" His words thunder and a cheer rises up, but Hoku flinches, glancing away toward the jungle path.

Ahe[/@ch_4], the swift-footed village runner, waits as Hoku approaches.] Hoku speaks in a trembling whisper, "My heart will not follow my father’s wishes. I love you, Ahe." Ahe, tall but slender, takes her hands in his, his eyes shining with hope. "Then let me win your hand with honor," he promises, determination in every line of his runner’s build.

"Only the victor of the round circle may wed my daughter," declares the Chief. Koa steps into the circle, chest out, arms like tree trunks, and lets out a deafening warrior’s yell. Ahe enters opposite him, face calm, poised on the balls of his feet, eyes never leaving his opponent.

Koa[/@ch_3] flexes, smirking, while Ahe crouches, every muscle taut.] "You are no match for me, runner. Surrender now," taunts the warrior, grinning. "Strength is not all that matters," replies Ahe, voice steady. In a flash, Ahe darts forward, striking with his head against Koa’s massive chest. Koa staggers, shouting "DAMN!" as he crashes to the sand. Ahe leaps atop him, fists flying in a blur—precision and speed overwhelming brute force. The crowd gasps as Koa is pummeled, his strength useless against the onslaught.

Ahe[/@ch_4] stands, lifting Koa with surprising strength and throwing him at the feet of the Chief. The villagers stare in disbelief.] Chief looks to his daughter, who steps forward, hope shining in her eyes. Koa, bruised and beaten, rises unsteadily and flees into the night, his pride shattered. Hoku and Ahe embrace in the center of the ring as the drums resume, now beating for a new champion—one whose heart, not his muscles, has won the day.