Moana pulled hard on the sail and veered her boat to the left. She'd been back on the ocean for four days now, and was absolutely loving it. After returning back to her island Motunui, her people had been eager to reconnect with their true way of life and begin voyaging again. After a long few weeks of debate and preparation, they'd packed the canoes, filled with coconuts, mangos and other island fruits, repaired the sails and set off to explore new islands. Moana had never felt more like herself, as she stood up on the eagle's nest of the leading canoe. The sunlight rained over the everlasting ocean as she guided her people across the sea.
"Moana! Dolphins!" The kids called from the deck. They'd adapted better than she expected, loving being on the water with the ocean life. Moana swung down on the ropes of the sail and joined them at the front of the boat. Sure enough, a pod of dolphins leaped along side them. She laughed as the children celebrated with joy.
"They're beautiful, aren't they? They might lead us to a new island!" She patted one of the girl's heads before making her way back to the centre of the canoe. All up they had about 12 boats, filled with her people. It made her so proud.
"Hello Father, Mother," she greeted her parents.
"Good view from up there? I've got a feeling we'll be reaching a new island soon." Her Mother, Sina said.
"It's beautiful. There were no signs of an island in the distance, but it's been a few days. We must be close now." Her father smiled proudly. Tui was still wary of the ocean, but had more faith in his daughter after hearing about the journey she'd taken. Speaking of her epic journey, Moana hadn't seen Maui since she'd returned home. She imagined him exploring islands on his own, since he'd been stuck on that island of rocks for a thousand years. Regardless, she still thought of him. Whenever she saw an eagle, or his engraved autograph on her ore. At the time it had annoyed her, but now she cherished it. Despite his vain and mischievous nature, she found Maui to be a great companion and a loyal friend. She missed him.
"Storms! Ahead!" Breaking out of her thoughts, Moana climbed back up to the eagles nest and looked ahead. Some distance ahead of them, a dark storm was brewing. She frowned.
"Put everything that's loose into the compartments! Hold on tight, man the sails and head straight on!" They had dealt with a few storms before, but this one seemed bigger. But it's fine, they could handle this. Despite not sailing since their ancestors had, the people were natural wayfinders, and worked together remarkably. The men lined up on the sail ropes and mothers gathered their children, and leaders of each of the boats signalled each other ready. Moana took a breath, and the canoes headed onward. As they progressed the clouds became darker, and the cracking became louder. The waves grew higher and higher until the canoes were struggling to stay afloat.
"Hold on!" Moana called to her people. Women and children screamed as the canoes thrashed around in the waves. Moana clutched the mast as she saw a boat almost capsize, but it's okay. They were prepared for this. She had taught them how to get through this. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a kid, barely holding on the side of the boat. She gasped and climbed down the mast as quick as she could, jumping part way. She ran along the edge of the boat, dodging the sail as it swung out of control. The boy was loosing his balance and almost slipped, Moana lunged for him and caught him, quickly handing him to his mother who had just realised what was happening.
"Thank you!" Moana nodded and the woman retreated with her boy. She quickly scanned around, checking on the rest of her people in the giant canoe, when out of nowhere the must swung back, knocking her over the side of the canoe. She plunged into the cold dark water and quickly tried to resurface. The storm seemed endless. She looked around frantically - had anyone even seen her fall? Why was no one holding a rope, or even a hand?! She coughed and took a great breath as another wave approached. She dived under and resurfaced. The boats were moving away - how have they not noticed yet?!
"Help! Mother! Anyone, help!" But over the crashing of the waves and the strikes of the lightning they could not hear her. The water was getting colder, her eyes were beginning to close. No. I've travelled the entire ocean, I've been to the realm of monsters, I've faced the goddess at her worst. I can survive this.
"Ocean! Ocean please help me!" The ocean didn't seem to respond and Moana panicked even more. Suddenly lightning struck a nearby boat, the mast collapsed as the sail broke into flame. Moana eyes widened.
"Ocean, please, save my people. Please, look after my people." She was shivering now, her limbs didn't want to move. A piece of wood from the fallen mast drifted over to her, and she clutched it for dear life. "Please Ocean…save my people…" And her eyes began to close.