Chapter 1

New Beginnings

She stared at their new island –Pele. It was named after a god, due to the Volcano in its center. They had voyaged for a week now, and she felt exhausted. So exhausted, in fact, she didn't bother getting off the canoe. She had leaded her people throughout the ocean during the whole journey. She watched them begin building right away. She felt overwhelmed for a second. Her parents and some villagers stayed in Motunui, she told them she'd continue voyaging alone. She knew she was going to pull this off; she was Moana of Motunui, after all. But something was off. She felt something was missing. She tried to convince herself that she was OK. She wasn't. She tried several times to dismiss the fact that although it's been ten years since Te Fiti's heart was restored, her demigod sidekick has disappeared. He was never seen again. Not by the villagers, nor by her. The giant hawk she used to see roaming over the skies of Motunui has never come back. She didn't know how to feel: worried or infuriated? Was he just ignoring her or has something happened to him? The thought of never being able to see him again could send tears streaming down her cheeks. She always dreamt of him.

In the end, she came to a conclusion: He's probably taking care of demigod business. He's been trapped on an inhabitable island for a millennium, so he needs to make up for it. If she had the chance of seeing him again, she'd forgive him.

Little did she know that he wasn't taking care of demigod business.

And he wasn't ignoring her either.

She went to check on the villagers' work. Then a familiar voice was talking to her.

-"Chief, we built some tents for the night. The island has many good resources thankfully. You should probably get some sleep, you must be tired." It was Fetu, a good friend of hers.

-"Thanks, Fetu. You did quite improve at wayfinding, you know." She flashed a grin at him. "But I should probably help unpack with the villagers."

She then got to check on her canoe, she removed whatever was in storage –including the old rooster (Hei-Hei!)- and went to put it in a sheltered place.

Later that day, the villagers gathered around a campfire as Moana made her speech.

-"People of Pele. After a week of wayfinding, we found the beautiful island that we will call home. It has plenty of resource such as coconut trees and various types of fruits, as well as very rich grounds. We must make the most out of this island in two years before we set sail again. Today, we rest. As of tomorrow, we will all have to work hard to make this island flourish. Thank you!"

People clapped and cheered for her. She was the one who saved them from doom before, the one who dared to face the elements and bring an end to what seemed like an eternity of darkness, the one who found Maui and got him out of his island and practically forced him to accompany her on her journey. She let out a sigh, headed back and sat on a tree branch next to Vea, her best friend. Vea noticed the gloominess in her friend's eyes.

-"Moana, what's wrong?" Moana looked at her, she hesitated at first, but decided to tell Vea, she trusted her with everything, and she told her about Maui, about her connection with the ocean, everything. "Is it Maui again?"

Moana nodded. "I don't know Vea, ten years is a lot of time. He couldn't forget me, I think. But that's not bothering me so much. It's just that… It's sad to see Motunui, without its people, its beautiful reef. I mean, I grew up there. It's where I made all of my memories. And we just left."

Her friend pulled her in for a hug, she was like a mother to her. She was 27, a year older than Moana.. They looked quite alike, just without the curly hair.

-"I know being a chief is hard, but you need a break. From all your duties. Just.. be with the ocean. Alone. Process your thoughts, because over-thinking may affect your job. You being sad equals your people being sad. It's how it works. I can back you up."

-"I guess..." She sobs "It's not a bad idea." She let a smile out, she knew she had a great friend.

That night, Moana searched for a secret hideout in the island. She found a place not so far away from her tent, and was hidden by thick bushes.

She sat on a rock, the ocean then came out to greet her. She reached out to caress it, just like a pet. It seemed to be pointing at something, she saw the shape of a hook next to one of a heart being drawn in the stars. She gasped as she held her oar next to it, remembering the first time she met Maui. She tried so hard to not let the tears out, but who would she be hiding them from?

She then saw the ocean parting, letting her come in. She didn't understand. Walking in, she felt the ocean wanted her to see something. It then stopped. But she could see a pink light through the water. She took a deep breath, then dove in. What she was about to see, was not going to make her happy.