Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Moana. All belong to Disney and the story's creators. I only own Lahela. I hope you enjoy the story. Reviews are greatly appreciated. - Shadowmoon

Chapter 3

The air was thick with worry around the village as people slowly began to realize the devastation that was lurking nearby in relation to all the problems that they were facing. It was causing a tension that seemed to be pushing Moana closer to where she needed to be. It wouldn't be long before she was on the ocean despite her family's wishes.

Everything seemed to pass in slow motion from Lahela's view. She could see each little change within the island and each trial forced upon the villagers. The time would soon be upon them. It is why she had found herself sitting upon the sand more often now, conversing with the ocean, or stating her annoyance depending on the day. It was in that setting that Moana found the goddess.

Feeling dejected from trying to convince her father of ways to help the island, she had retreated down the path from the village that led to the ocean shore. Even if the walk wouldn't give her answers she needed or some kind of guidance, it would at least give her a moment of peace and calming that she desperately needed. What she expected to be an abandoned beach turned out to be the current residence of Lahela.

Moana's steps stalled as she looked over the goddess, unsure of what to do. In a way, the woman looked more relaxed than she was used to. From her spot off to the side, she could see her crimson hair cascading down her back and over her arms that were propping up her upper half as her legs rested lazily in front of her, one ankle crossed over the other as she stared out at the sea. For a moment, Moana almost thought that the goddess was talking to someone, though she couldn't hear what was being said.

She supposed the goddess might be out there for the same reason as her. Certainly, she wasn't the only person in the world that found herself talking to the ocean when she needed to work out her thoughts.

With her decision made, she quietly stepped towards the Lahela before she spoke. "I didn't expect you to show up again. At least not this close to the village," she glanced back the way she came as she realized just how odd it was to see her when she wasn't half away across the island.

Lahela shifted enough to look over her shoulder and shrugged, skipping a greeting as Moana had seemed to do as well. "True. I prefer to remain unseen. It can't be helped though. I'm sure you have noticed a change around here. Something big is happening. Something important."

Moana nodded as she shifted her weight for a moment. "I have… The fish are gone, fruit is dying…" she trailed off as she sat down in the sand, facing Lahela. "You know what is happening them. Please, you have to help us. You can help my people."

When Lahela scoffed in reply and gave a weak laugh, Moana couldn't help but frown. "I can't just help. It's not that simple. But I think you already know that. I won't help your village but I may just help you." She stood up then and shook her skirt, ridding it of sand. "When you have more answers and you are ready, come find me at the old temple."

"Wait!" Moana shouted in alarm as she quickly pushed herself off the ground. "What do you mean? How am I supposed to find answers? You don't tell me anything!" She nearly cringed at the whining voice she had nearly picked up, but she couldn't deny that this was bothering her. This was serious and Lahela was doing nothing.

Lahela looked at her exasperated. "Figure it out. I'm sure there is someone you know that might have answers. Someone who knows many tales, most likely. I would start there. Now… good luck, Moana." She gave a small wave and turned around, walking down the beach at a casual pace though she had no worries about whether she would be followed.

Only a few days had passed yet it already seemed to make a world of difference around the island. A quiet, somber feeling settled over everything. It was a feeling not just noticed amongst the humans either. Lahela could see it in some form throughout all life on the island. It was just step along the path that led to the eventual death of the island. This wasn't the first time she had seen it, but it was the closest she had been to it.

Over the years, she would always leave once the first signs appeared. What happened to the people and animals were never her concern. It wasn't as if she had a way to stop it. This was different though. After nearly fifteen years of observing this island, following Moana and seeing how she lived her life as she waited, she knew more about this group of people than she ever intended to know.

Footsteps echoed around the temple grounds as the sound broke the silence, drawing Lahela's attention to the familiar figure racing towards her. Moana carelessly jumped over the occasional rock and fallen branch that got in her way as she spotted just who she was looking for.

"Lahela! You said you would help last time. So please! Help me now!" The panic was clear on Moana's face and in her voice as it wavered, paired with her racing heart as she braced a hand against her chest, mostly likely due to a combination of anxiety and physical exertion.

Rather than looking at Moana, Lahela turned to the side, staring off towards where the ocean would be if it weren't for the barrier of trees blocking the view. "I assume you've figured out what needs to be done, why this is happening?" she asked calmly, ignoring the frantic feel from her company.

"Yes!" she exclaimed before taking a breath, realizing that she didn't need to keep yelling. The edge couldn't be kept out of her voice though. "Gramma Tala told me everything. About Maui, the heart of Te Fiti, even about my ancestors. I have to go and find Maui; get him to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Then my people will be safe." She paused a moment as she stared at the goddess, not saying anything. "You said you would help."

Lahela didn't reply immediately. She shifted as she crossed her arms in front of her chest and studied Moana. There was no doubt in her mind that she was determined to carry this through. But that didn't mean she was convinced that this girl wouldn't simply get herself killed during all of this. "I'll help you, but you need to prove you can do this. It won't be easy."

"I can do this. I have to," was Moana's firm reply.

With a nod of acceptance, Lahela made way with their plan. "We will leave as soon as possible. Go back to the village and get what is needed. I will be waiting for you. Once you are ready, meet me in the cavern where your ancestor's boats have been stored."

A flickering glow blazed around the cave as the fires that lined the area illuminated the large vessels that once travelled the ocean. Lahela stood within one of the shadows as her feet dipped into the water as the occasional wave brushed against her ankle. The small waves could hardly be heard over the roaring waterfall that cascaded over the entrance of the cave. Combined with the crackling of the fire behind her, Lahela couldn't help but feel that the sound of the cave was meant to help push people on, encouraging them to take that step forward rather than bend in fear of the power water and fire could hold.

She was sure a few hours had already passed since she parted ways with Moana based on the distorted moon that could be seen from beyond the falls. Moana would be there soon, and it would be time to leave. It was a strange feeling. Lahela could hardly remember the last time she had actively done something to aid anyone or anything besides herself. In a way, she wasn't sure this was even for someone. The ocean had been so persistent so this was one way of getting it to stop. That was at least what she told herself. Why else would she do this if she had such low expectations for Moana?

Regardless of her reasoning though, she was in fact there, willing to step on a boat with her and help her find Maui.

Just as she expected, it was only a short wait before she heard Moana approaching from the tunnel opening. There was a silent exchange as they pair looked at each other. No words were needed. Lahela could tell Moana's departure from the village hadn't been an easy one, but it seemed to be a push she needed. The heart of Te Fiti was in her hand as Moana looked from it to the boats. It was almost as if it were a sign. Out of all the boats lining the ground, one stood out from them all as the sails were marked with a design similar to that of the heart.

Moana gripped the heart tight as she walked towards the boat and Lahela followed. Together, they quickly pushed it into the water with enough momentum to initially get them moving before they jumped onto it. And just like that, they burst through the curtain of the waterfall, soaking wet but ready to face what came next.

There was one final task in getting off the island: the reef. Lahela knew it had caused trouble for Moana in the past, but knew, somehow, it was truly a problem that would be left in the past. As the two looked back towards the island, one building stood in the distance as the only light surrounded by shadows. But then it was out. Nothing needed to be said as Lahela saw the look on Moana's face. It was the building Moana's grandmother had been in. Out of the darkness, a change could be felt. A guiding light appeared for Moana; a manta ray swam right from the island and led them out of the reef. The goddess watched as Moana gave her silent farewell. Even she knew when a moment was worth leaving alone.