Never take for granted the strength, the loyalty
or the love of an island girl.
'It was a weird dream. - But a really good one!'
UNCORRECTED RAW CHAPTER
Maliciously the night greeted Moana when she shot up. Bathed in sweat she looked around, her heart racing. Another nightmare.
How long would things continue to be like this?
Shaking she hunched down, hugging herself, curled into a ball when she didn't recognize her surroundings at first. The sudden darkness had shocked her for a moment, the foreign smells and only slowly did she notice the quiet cackle of the flames as they ate away at the dry wood.
She was still in the hut where she had fallen asleep a few hours ago.
For a moment she held her breath, telling herself she was Moana of Motunui, voyager, daughter of the chief ~ Stubborn girl that got her best friend into danger, the princess beset with nightmares; *deadpan* did I forget about something? ~ Okay, this really didn't help.
Exhaling slowly the young women told herself to calm down - SHE FORCED HERSELF TO RELAX!
Then she noticed the stertorous breathing which wasn't hers. Whimpering, pleading sounds shut her up and Moana spun her head around.
Following the noise of a heavy breath it didn't take her long to spot the big figure sprawled out on the floor. His chest was heaving quickly, a slight glow emitting from his skin. He was drenched in sweat, his face red a puffy. Throwing his head around every now and then aches and suppressed moans of pain escaped him.
Immediately Moana's nightmare deflagrated and she scrambled to the side of her friend. "What is it!?" Clueless she scanned his body for any wound that could have opened up again, but there were none. Pink scars and scratches remained, scars which would be gone until morning came.
And still pearls of sweat dripped from his neck, running down his temples as he gritted his teeth. Shaking he threw his head back once more, which hit the hard wood with a loud clonk.
Quickly realizing he wasn't about to wake up, Moana knelt beside him, catching his face just before he could slam it into the ground. It was as if he wanted to get away from something, run from things she could not see. Was he... having a nightmare as well?
"Maui, calm down!" she said in a soothing voice.
Cupped in her hands was the halfway squished face of the demigod. Deep lines of distress ridged his forehead. When her delicate fingers gently held his head in place, tracing small rosy scars he stopped baring his teeth, trashing around, but relaxation wouldn't come easily. He groaned, eyes moving beneath his heavy lids.
What did a demigod dream about, she wondered.
"Hush now, I'm there. *feels for his forehead* The great Maui's got nothin' to worry about. You're safe here!" For a moment she truly expected a smug reply, but this was just wishful thinking. Instead her hands burned like they were on fire the longer she held onto him. ~ Dang it! And I thought he was over the worst! ~ A dangerously high temperature emitted from his reddened face, his huffing breath indicating he didn't took the uncomfortable heat too well. Fever had come back to him one night after the other and she wouldn't dare to think about what would happen if he wouldn't awake soon enough. "It's just a dream, just a dream!", she spoke, soothing words tickling his ears like a tune that was familiar, yet far, far away. Blackish locks brushed against her hand as he shifted, silky and gentle. Maui's still frowning features lost their severity. A thin layer of sweat covered his skin, running down his temples and neck.
~ How long has he been rummaging around without me noticing!? - Kae! Again I was too wrapped up in my own pitiful thoughts! ~
As much as she was concerned though, Moana couldn't shake the feeling that this was a good sign. Somehow. He hadn't moved in days, not spoken, overcome by a numbness she couldn't take from him, no sign of life other than a thin breath; moving, groaning, even aching meant he was alive, not gone and maybe willing to come back. Soon.
So she hoped.
The crackling wood in the fireplace turned to ashes, became grey and lifeless, dry and numb like the falling flakes of a volcano as time progressed. Broken remains of what once was, only few embers continued glowing throughout the night. Moana tried her best to stay awake.
"What were you dreaming about?"
For our heroine to spend just another night without sleep, taking care of him, it was a bittersweet torment she was ready to go through. Refreshing the cooling cataplasm every few minutes or so, she sat there, almost falling asleep herself.
"Do you even dream? I mean *pokes his nose, ironic smile* - a real wayfinder actually doesn't sleep, right?"
Tenderly stroking his thick head, she watched his quarry face relax, leaning heavily against her supporting hands. Her palms so tenuous like children's hands, carrying love and warmth inside them.
"… I bet you do.", she whispered, more to herself than to anyone really.
Moana wasn't used to him being silent. He was an overactive, dorky jerk, always searching for somebody to fool – most of the time resulting in her being tricked. [Anyone rememberin' the 'fallin-to-my-death-cry'? ]
The crunching sound of his teeth eased with time, at some point he had stopped clenching his jar completely. Calmed by her touch the demigod relaxed. Raven-black curls dangled loosely from his forehead, dark brows giving up their grumpy demeanor. He felt like home, cozy and warm, taken care of. Loved.
Maybe he had needed some attention, a little affection – who didn't? She clearly did.
She wanted to help. To make a difference. And whether he would leave her behind or not, one could be sure that Moana Waialiki of Motunui would never ever forget about the greatest friend of the whole wide world, no matter what happened. He was a good man, dear and proud. ~ You can throw me into the ocean a thousand times… ~ Never would he bring her to hate him.
Yet this didn't mean she would take his awfully loud snoring for granted.
How one man's thunderous snore could keep a whole village awake was a mystery to her. So after a while of patience growing thinner and thinner and THINNER than a paper towl, Moana simply pinched him in the nose. ~ Stop. Snoring! ~ – bringing the annoying sound to an end.
"Okay seriously, fever's alright, but snoring you can add to the no-no-list!", she deadpanned, giving the sleeping man an unenthused look.
He didn't really inhale through his mouth however
and while the entire tribe of sleepless people sighed loudly, hoping their kids could finally catch some sleep, Moana grew uncomfortable. ~ Wait a sec!? Ö-Ö He didn't stop breathing entirely, did he!? ~
He had stopped breathing entirely.
"Maui? – Oi, what are you doing!?" His cheeks blew and a weird strangled sound escape him as if he was about burst, face growing redder. Then purple. ~ You gotta be kidding me! Ö.Ó ~
Worried shitless she let go of his nose and instantly the accrued air blew out like hot steam – aaand he continued snoring. Louder.
"Ugh…" ~ Maybe he's never sleepin' cause his snoring is UNBEARABLE!? ~
[That was a lie. It was bearable. In fact so bearable she could imagine living with it for the rest of her days, night by night.]
Frustrated the teine watched him, pondering whether to stuff his nose with whatever she could find – but soon skipped the thought when a sizzle joined the snoring. Looking up from busy hands setting him down on the ieotoga Moana realized his lips were moving. She barely spotted his exposed tooth gap, every now and then hiding from view when he mumbled. Clearly he babbled something.
Astonished she huddled closer, trying to make out what he was saying.
Was it a shame she couldn't keep herself from fantasizing? From imagining how it would be to hear her name coming out of his mouth? Quietly whispering each letter, calling to her from the depths of his dreams?
("Stop it!"), she scolded herself in a hushed voice, knocking against her own head as if to clear it from these shenanigans, ("That's stupid!") And would be totally unlike him.
~ Nope. Not gonna happen. ~
Yet her heart beat a lot faster the closer she came, eyes resting on his lips. ~ This… this is crazy! - I'm crazy!~ She leaned in, a little closer.
("What? What is it?"), she asked, curiosity itching beneath her nails, "I swear, if that's just a trick I will bug you the hell out of you – this ain't funny!"
When she propped one hand up to carry herself over his sprawled out body, half way hunched down to even reach his face her pulse raced along with the speeding winds of the ocean, causing her to shiver as they hit the island. A cool breeze filled the hut carrying the scent of the sea.
Steadying herself to try and filter some of his words, curls of long brown hair ran down her shoulders, softly tickling his chest. Hiding her embarrassment the young chief had a hardly concentrated look on her face, offering an open ear, hoping to catch a phrase. He stopped.
~ Come on! What were you saying!? ~
Sensing a soft exhale on her neck, Moana shivered. He was so close. His smell enveloping her like a blanket made it hard to tell, whether she was grossed out or really enjoying it.
Did she have to feel bad for loving his scent?
There was a slight pause.
SNOOOOOOORE!
Snoring ever so carelessly Maui turned to his side.
Moana flung her head back. Distracted, to say the least.
"Seriously!?" Even when asleep he was a jerk. "I can't believe it!"
~ Just when I considered complementing how adorable you can be! ~
She loosened her grip, about to pull back when her eyes fell on a small figure that had been frozen in place for days on end in a sleeping position. Mini-Maui yawned, rubbing his eyes.
Moana stared at the tattoo, dumbfounded.
No sooner had the inkling stretched his arms and legs he spotted a sad Mini-Moana sitting on her canoe, hugging her knees. ~ Did he - ? ~ As a grin slowly crept into her face, movement came to the tattoos and it was as if a spell had been broken. Happily dancing around one another Mini-Maui and Momo greeted each other with a big hug. ~ Yeah, I know. ~
Moana had a warm glow in her eyes. ~ How I'd wish for one of these. ~
Sometimes fate's a funny thing. Did the tattoo just wink?
Huge, brawny arm lazily dropped down on her. Moana had no chance of scrambling away. When his second arm chained her to his chest like a treasure, a defenseless grunt escaped her and she forcefully cocked her head back. "Ah!? – Hey!", she squeaked, fumbling to somehow move his heavy arms to get up. ~ HE'S AWAKE! *joyful* HE WOKE UP! FINALLY! ~ Anger could only so long cover the amazing feeling of happiness she just felt. She longed to look into his eyes, chocolate brown orbs she hadn't seen in days.
"Ugh! - *gets squeezed further* Maui! Just lemme – "
Her cheerful demeanor fell the moment she caught a glimpse of his face. The windows to a soul she had often dreamed about stayed closed. His chest heaved in steady breaths. A heavy heart thumping beneath her. Maui was still asleep.
*belied* "What?"
The none-existing effect of a friendly smack just confirmed that. His long, dark lashes fluttered, but other than that calm and still his face displayed something close to satisfaction.
"But I thought…?"
Sleep-hugging wasn't unusual – for her. But with a guy like Maui things could get kind of life-threatening. Muscles bulging he held her close, pressing her face deeper and deeper into his chest as if he planned to absorb her. Drown in her. "Nonono – that's no good!", she screeched squirming out of his grasp. ~ I thought he had woken up!? Mini-him did! ~ With reddened cheeks she had to take notice of how slippery he was and so getting up was a rather soggy task. Impossible even.
Actually she didn't want to get up. She wanted to stay. Hug him back, feel him as long as she had the chance. But if he had embraced her unwittingly, she feared he wouldn't appreci-
With a yelp she found herself resting on the fine mat, an unexpected weight resting on her much smaller body stealing her breath away. ~ Woah, WOAH, WOAH!? CLOSE! TOO CLOSE! ~ Panicking she had to get along with the fact that he wouldn't let go of his pray for however long.
Never steal from a sleeping baby you know. Clenching her tightly the hunk of a man had rolled on top of her. No doubts, Moana had quite some troubles there. "Ma-Maui, you're really, ugh, heavy! I can't *shifts* breath! Hey! – MR. SNORE-IN-MY-FACE! GET UP!"
She might have underestimated his weight just a little.
His hulky frame pressed onto her lungs, burying her almost entirely beneath him. ~ Okay don't panic, panic, PANIC!? ~ His arms, big hands to either side of her caused a sudden heat rushing through her body, which colored her entire face a deep shade of red. She didn't like the feeling of being pinned to the ground, nor did she know how to get him off now that she was trapped. Silky strains of ebony-like hair covered her chest and bosom, tickling her skin with a sweet sensation that upset her even further. "I – Maui, if I find out you just pretend to be asleep, I will - !"
She would what? Kiss him for being so overly cute and all over her and doing exactly what she secretly wished for?
Ashamed she looked away.
She tried to hate it, she really did. ~ This is so… unchiefly… ~
Hot breath caressed the skin of her chest.
Sleepily smacking his lips the grown man mumbled something to which she felt his voice vibrate in the depths of her body. Weird feelings got stirred up inside of her, feelings that got shoved to the back of her mind when she finally yanked her arms free. "YAS!" – Unintentionally so his head including limp shoulders dropped down on her again – "UGHH… you… *pushes* definitely *struggle* HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR FRIGGIN DIET!"
Bathing in glory she finally held his brawny forearm above her head – "HA!" – yet this seemed to be fairly uncomfortable for the immortal so he effortlessly pulled her closer. Moana blinked, puzzled and weirded out. ~ This… this is a real thing happening just now. ~
If she had been more experienced with these kinds of things she might hadn't been that upset.
Burying his face in the crouch of her neck, Maui sighed into the seething depths of her hair. Instantly she grew quiet, holding her breath at the sensation of his nose and libs pressed against her skin, sending a rush of thrills through her squirming frame.
("Now I know which part of the story definitely not to tell dad when I'm home"), she whispered nervously, blowing his hair out of her face. She clearly felt the spot where his lips touched her skin. It was getting burning hot. Absolutely squirm worthy and weird and yet… not totally unwelcome.
She had stopped resisting. Lay there, her eyes shut, the young chief forced herself to gather some helpful thoughts. But he literally made thinking impossible. This was the closest she had ever gotten to a man.
In a steady, fast pace the heart in his chest pounded so loudly, she could feel it. Her own beat just as loud and the longer they lay there, the more she enjoyed the sound of two beating hearts becoming one. Thumb.
~ This… this is wrong. He already told me he didn't want to be around me anymore… ~
Thumb
~ For the sake of Te Fiti, he will leave me for good if I risk telling him about my feelings. ~
Thumb
~ I… I'm scared of losing him, if I do… yet I know I shouldn't be!
I should be strong, should stand my ground, be independent - But... ~
Maui shifted a little, nudging his face against her as if asking for permission.
Thumb-thumb
She should be okay without a man. That's how the story goes.
But... it would be so nice to just...
Thumb-thumb thumb-thumb
Hesitantly her hand sneaked up to his face, stroking a dark curl aside that revealed his fluttering lids. He still kept snoring of course, but much quieter now, his shoulders rising and falling with each inhale.
With a smile he greeted the girl's hand as she tenderly traced his jawline, eventually tangling in his thick, dark hair. She couldn't keep from grinning herself. It felt so nice.
Being with him.
Thumb-thumb
"... I love you too... big dope", the sleep-deprived wayfinder mumbled, leaning her cheek on the crown of his head. Embracing him. "Wake up soon, okay?"
A muffled sigh was the last thing she heard. It sounded calm. Affirming. Like a quiet promise.
Her eyes fell closed soon after, playing with his curls, a happy grin on her lips.
Something told her she wouldn't have to wait for too long from this moment onwards.
A weird dream.
Convinced imagination had yarned its own tale the demigod's thoughts moved on. He soon forgot about pictures and chants, faced new images of people he might have known, or maybe not. Time didn't pass here. Scenes played in front of his mind, his inner eye always awake, but somehow asleep. The world had just stopped spinning around. An empty void stretched in front of him.
Bitter was the taste emptiness had left in his mouth.
Lots of things crossed his mind during the time he spent floating in the unknown realm. Different bubbles popping up out of nowhere, carrying memories of the most different places. Fairly often, however, the image of a young girl appeared. Out of nowhere.
At first he didn't mind her at all, distracted himself with the image of a huge crab, an eel or some women with pretty faces.
Yet through some door in the back of his head the young female had invaded and was present in all the big and important and tremendously colorful memories rushing by. There she was, patting the head of a small pig, in another tears prickled in her eyes while she held a small object, then a memory of her sitting right next to him on a boat. Eventually a huge impression of images flickered into sight, emerging from a dozen of memories of the wind and the sea circling all around her.
Blinded Maui shielded his eyes from the bright green light emitting from her hands. A stone, green and pulsating rested in her palm as she held it high into the air. Awestruck Maui watched her as she stood on a cliff, her silhouette coated in the green glow.
He felt the urge to kneel in front of her, bow down in respect – but he didn't. The smell of magma filled the air, a shadow loomed over him. Only now he realized how hard he had clenched his fists.
Hot steam rose the moment her feet touched the shore and as warm water separated, creating a gateway for the girl, the ocean swept him away.
Pulled him down and away from her.
"Ugh, man. *groan* What a dream..."
Somebody was cooking something.
He yawned, widely, baring his teeth like a lion. Best slumber he had in ages.
Yet something bugged his cozy warmth. He couldn't put his finger on it. Blinking confused he slowly opened his eyes to the wooden ceiling above. – Sky looks weird today. –
Flatly the ceiling of the hut stared back at him. – Somehow so… sooo… woody? –
The sound of his fingers fidgeting brought him back to his senses.
Furrowing his brows the demigod blinked again, then shook his head. – I'm no longer on the boat! – Quickly he sat up, intending to look around, but instantly a booming migraine clawed at his head. "SHHHHH!", he moaned, pressing huge hands into his face. His skull felt like exploding. A loud heartbeat pounded against his ears, but there was something else too.
Why was his hand wet?
Disgruntled the demigod looked up, examining a thin layer of water covering his palm. Seeking for the cause he spun his head around, stopping when he found himself to be in a fale!? Covered in a really really REALLY warm blanket! "What? Where is my - ?"
Then he discovered the bowl full of water right next to the fine mat and a tiny pit where his hand had been dangling in it.
The demigod started doubting his consciousness. Ö_Ö
Just then muffled giggles were heard and he cocked his head up and away from the bowl. Blinded by the early day he lifted his arm to shield his eyes. There in the entrance children were watching him with expecting eyes. - Wait a minute! -
Children?
- TOGAFITI! - The first thing coming to the trickster's mind was the old joke he had played on too many people, but now becoming a victim himself was something his pride strictly forbid. – Glad I didn't pee myself. - Or at least he didn't think he did.
Grimly he shot up, staggering and lunging at the kids. "HEY!"
The children yelped, quickly scattering to their feet, all huddling behind their big sister. Māota swallowed hard. She didn't think it would work!?
Confused Maui stumbled towards them, his steps uncertain and while doing so, the blanket which had covered him almost entirely now slid to the ground and revealed-
more than it should have.
Eyes bulging from their sockets the kids stared – "You must be kidding me" and Maui suddenly realized this was all but a bad dream.
Bare ass naked he looked down on himself, embarrassment shooting up his cheeks as he cursed the hobo that had stripped him.
"This is just great."
Leaping to their feet, shouting and squealing the children ran, catching the attention of the entire village. Dumbfounded the demigod stayed behind, godly butt cheeks gleaming in the morning sun.
"Wherever possible it can get worse, right?", he deadpanned, looking down to his chest, where a happily dancing Mini-Maui offered him a big hug. Rubbing his eyes the man sighed.
"Yeah, yeah."
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! WAAAAAH!"
Startled the villagers turned around to the group of young children that came running to the coconut grove. Tausa, the young chief, quickly leapt from a nearby tree, handing his basket to one of the other men. He caught the kids and shushed them before they could stir up a tumult – his people were some hotheaded folks. It took him a while to get the good news out of them.
"He's awake?"
Back in the hut Maui frantically searched for his leaf skirt, but it simply wasn't there. Gladly he had taken notice of his hook leaning close to the wall and some plates and whatever else, but no Moana. Then he spotted the neatly folded blue bundle of tapa.
Hesitantly he picked it up. Mumbling to himself.
"This day is getting worse with each passing second."
Women of all age groups had gathered around a huge stretched out cloth, wooden tools carefully progressing over the freshly died tapa. Moana was helping her newfound friend Avoca, a girl that had found a special interest in braiding Momo's beautiful hair, when Tausa suddenly stormed in, interrupting their work schedule.
Scanning the many different faces for that of the young foreigner, an exited grin brightened his mood. - "Moana!"
She was faster running up the hill than one could say hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia.
[Respect to those of you that read the word without a knot in their tongue.]
Swaying slightly, the demigod pulled up the edges of his makeshift-bound 'ie faitaga. He didn't know how to wrap such a thing around himself the way Moana's father and the other villagers did, but everything was better than wandering around an inhabitant island, forced to show off what nature had provided him with.
Maui shifted uncomfortably.
He stepped outside the small fale and once again was blinded by the sun kissing his skin. Baby blue sky stretched far to the horizon. Squinting his eyes he took in the view of a village about the size of Motunui that stretched down a long grassy hill. Leading down to the shore were coconut palms and other trees grew, different crops, slightly bending in the breeze. A smell of earth sunk into his nose and he would have lied when saying the fresh grass beneath his toes didn't feel amazing.
Further down people had stopped doing their work, others came out of their huts to look at the large man further up on the hill.
He blinked against the light, slowly adjusting to the brightness of the world around him when live began to kick back in. There he was. Alive, or so he guessed.
"Where the heck am I?"
Maui, demigod of the wind and sea, could barely process his newfound sight of the island, when a small explosion caught his attention. Purplish-pink smoke rose from the hole of a shaggy hut high up on the mountain. Another broken roof.
Startled he watched the weird purple cloud rain down on the fale, so did all the other villagers. "What just happened?", a croaky voice spoke, startling Maui to the core - it belonged to an old man whose one eye was bigger than the other. Creepy old dude had popped out of nowhere.
Caught up in his puzzlement, however, the demigod did not notice the welcoming sound of bare feet stroking the grass.
"Awkward bird-nest", he gulped, shaking his head.
/ Out of nowhere an invisible force bumped right into him, causing the hunk of a man to sway, almost stumble.
Unprepared his hands flung up in an "Not my fault!"-kind of way, when something soft and fury brushed against him. At first he had to blow some damn hair out of his face until he noticed what had almost knocked him off his feet. - ?!
He had to blink a few times - tender brown arms slung around him - blink once more, before the sweet smell hit his nostrils and he full on dwelled in the sensation that was his chief of Motunui.
His heart skipped a beat as he greeted her alike.
Moana had an iron grip around his neck.
He could barely hear her breathing for she had her face buried deeply in the crouch if his neck. Her feet didn't touch the ground anymore, as brawny, huge arms wrapped around her back and picked her up. Relief displayed on his sighing features as he embraced her, dearly.
~ YOU'RE AWAKE! GOSH DO I LOVE YOU - FINALLY AWAKE!
Risking a few broken ribs the girl nuzzled into him, smiling a foolish carefree smile that suited her so much better that this pained sensation of anguish. And found him to be overly lovely to look at with his puzzled sleepy gaze.
"Heh, nice to see you too", he hummed against the crown of her head, his voice echoing through her body like a drum. She had missed his cheeky grin that stretched from ear to ear. Soft squeezes drawing her closer to him had her heart skip a beat.
It was impossible to put in words how glad she was.
Forgetting all about her weariness when she had spotted his masculine figure on the hill the girl had made a blind dash for him, throwing herself at him without a rational thought or chiefly behavior. HE'S AWAKE, her senses had yelled at her, joy carrying her feet afar as she had run.
She laughed, huffing breath dancing across the tapestry of his skin. Causing him to imagine, how it would feel like to be greeted like this whenever he returned home.
- Home... wait, what am I thinking? -
"You're awake!", she happily exclaimed as she clenched him tighter.
Maui chuckled, a little embarrassed, softly patting her back.
"You have a thing for stating the obvious, don't you?"
Smiling she smacked his shoulder, but so much lighter than she used to. Thank god, she was okay. He didn't know what he would have been capable of if something had happened to her.
It was then he took notice of the other people.
During their quick reunion villagers had gathered around them, watching with big eyes and gaping mouths, quiet, they were quiet. The children, Māota to their front, hid behind their mama's legs, all regarding the huge man. Maui's cheeks burned up.
He was a little out of practice.
"Um, your friends?" he quietly mumbled, barely audible. Moana had to force herself not to screech when his huffing breath tickled her scalp. ~ Oh, right! I totally forgot about them! ~
Slipping out of his embrace the young chief greeted their questioning faces with a sincere smile. Avoca was beneath them. Sheepishly she grinned at the sight of Moana holding the disorientated demigod's large hand.
They looked like a weird couple.
"Dear people of Kahurangi," the foreign girl announced, "This-"
She opened her palms towards the hero of men when Tausa and three others interrupted her, they sprinted by in the direction of the purple cloud rising higher into the morning sky. As all heads went around and Moana gulped at the wheezing men, Tausa spared a moment. He was the chief of the island after all: "Waaah! *stops on one foot, turns towards his folks*, Karanga! Welcommauishapeshifterdemigodofthewindndseaheroofmen! – Moana, I *takes a breath* gotta go! *points at the mountain* Gramma!"
Humiliated he hoped that this time the old hag at least had a good reason for this.
Maui lifted a dark brow. The talking beanstalk of a man seemed to be acquainted with Moana. He looked young, callow, about her age probably, - but what did he care. Around his neck there were three comparably small shark teeth on a red cord, his hair rather short, unspectacular in Maui's opinion. – Boy didn't even finish his tattoos yet. -
He didn't want to like him so far.
In suspicion the demigod watched Moana wave after that guy, then she stepped forward again.
She cleared her throat.
- Wait a sec, when did she change her clothes? -
"Dear people of Kahurangi, *exaggerates for his sake* I have the indescribable pleasure to introduce to you the one and only demigod of the wind and sea, the hero of men and women. *turns to look at him, proudly*
My friend, demigod Maui."
Moana pulled up his hand, rising it in front of the people in a celebratory way. Silence followed.
His chest had swollen proudly at her words. He especially liked the part of 'I have the indescribable pleasure to…' – yeah, that's been a real good part. Aside from that though, he felt very on edge and clueless now that he stood in front of them.
Not only had his surroundings changed completely during his short slumber (How long was he out!? A few hours, he guessed.), but Moana also had!?
- What happened to her old clothes!? – The bluish fabric made him mentally taken aback for he didn't recognize her immediately. Instead of red she now wore blue and green, small circles and waves covering the tapa around her chest. Colors that matched with his own, so he noticed. Colors he liked. It was different, but good somehow. The colors of nature.
Awkwardly goggling at her, Maui found himself speechless.
There even were pinkish-white flowers braided into her long curly hair and her bruises…
Yes, he had noticed them. Bruises and scratches, scars that had soiled her immaculate body now already looked a few days old. How could that be? He clearly remembered backstabbing his own brain while regarding her bruised back on the canoe when he – he had decided to bring her back.
- Oh... right... -
Maui shook his head. He couldn't have been out for long, could he?
There was a soft squeeze, instantly he met eyes with Moana who gave him an urging look. He had been staring into nothingness for a little too long this time.
Forcing up a smirk he found his consciousness again – soon to replace it with lovable smugness. Maui cleared his throat.
"Talofa, folks! *playfully bows* As my dear friend *gently picks her up, setting her in front of him* Moana here, already proclaimed: *sincere*
It's an honor to be here!"
Unsure he looked around the listeners. Their faces were covered in white paint and at first a shock went over him, thinking they were back there. But then his bitter features lightened at the sight of the children, staring at him in wonderment. They weren't scared of him. None of them were.
"I don't have a clue how long I've been out *thankful glance at Moana*, but I guess someone will fill me in on what I've missed – anyways," Enjoying the attention of the kids and the people in general the tightness in his chest faded. So while talking on a high podest mini-Maui waved and bowed down in delight.
"I am thankful about all means that you took good care of Moana and, *rubs his neck* well, didn't let me die, I guess.
Sooo ~ Thanks a lot, you people. *lowers his head* You own my greatest respect!"
To everybody's surprise, most of all to Moana's, Maui then knelt down on one foot, bending his arms at a weird angle to bow in front of the villagers. A gesture of gratitude. He? Maui!?
~ Great, now he finally went nuts. ~
Speechless she eyed his furrowed brows as he kept his eyes close in honor, when suddenly man by man, woman by woman the people of Kahurangi also lowered down, the entire tribe silently honoring the dignified moment.
…?
Confused about the ongoing silence Maui cracked an eye open.
- Oka fefe...-
Seeking for help he glanced at Moana, who was the only one still standing. She beamed a cheeky grin at him. More than that, she herself seemed to beam with pride and happiness.
("Maybe tell 'em to stand back up?"), she suggested, lovely sarcasm supporting her words. He blushed a little, not sure why though.
Maui got back to his feet – swayed a little to which Moana immediately steadied him.
("I can stand on my own! *gently shakes her off, teasing* Thanks, mom.) *looks around*
"And you're welcome. Please, get back up!"
That he didn't have to say twice.
While old and young gazed up at the foreign man, Moana searched for Avoca's face among the crowd. ~ Could you please buy us a little time?! ~ Finally she had exchanged looks with her newfound friend. The girl nodded.
"I will take Maui to Akeakama and Tausa'afia to express our gratefulness. We will return soon!", Moana announced and took the baffled demigod once more by his big, clumsy hand.
Behind them she heard a sturdy voice yell: "That's been enough staring for today! Work doesn't wait, remember? Go! Go!"
Since Avoca was Tausa's niece and thus part of the royal family, nobody complained as they went back to work. Okay, nobody but the children and about fifteen guys that simply were too noisy and excited not to follow the two voyagers.
As she pulled him through the amount of onlookers Moana did never even dare to look elsewhere than the path leading further up towards the old hag's fale. Maui on the other hand, who had trouble processing the new names he had heard – Akamama and Tossa – every now and then winked at the kids than were hunched behind bushes and palm trees. Grinning and grimacing in a row they pointed small, sharp sticks at him, attempting to jump him.
Weird toddlers, he thought.
- En why are they all dressed in blue!? –
"Where are you leading me again, chief curly?", he mumbled, only now noticing he should stop trying to wind out of her tight grip. Moana held his hand with all her might, unwilling to give it free. She herself didn't do it on purpose, but rather out of reflex. The chance of losing him again was simply too big.
"You'll see", chief curly replied with a wicked grin, "Akea was dying to meet you!"
Maui found himself sitting across of beanstalk and a weird old purple-pink lady.
The hag narrowed her eyes at him, which would have almost made him feel uncomfortable if she didn't look so stupid with the purple powder covering her entire body. Like a big joke boy and witch sat in front of him. Tausa wasn't it the best of moods now that he had to face a mighty demigod like this.
Eventually Akeakama opened her mouth to say something, but instead coughed out a dusty, purple cloud before speaking. The others in the hut aside from the four people involved stared of into nothingness, whistling. External shame, the demigod thought. Maui couldn't believe those goofballs were to run an entire village - compared to Moana they were a laughingstock.
"Hmph-hm," Akea cleared her throat, then pulled her lower lip forward as if to look like a respectful elder in her weird purple masquerade, "Welcome, demigod Maui, on our island. Kahurangi feels honored to host a new generation of voyagers."
Tausa had to force himself to look serious, for he was amazed by the living person that was in front of him. A man as strong as a rock (and just as heavy), bristling with strength and mana, the tapestry of his skin verifying his position. Maui was an amazing sight to look at.
The young man nearly exploded out of excitement, burning to see him shapeshift.
His gramma, however, shared an equally bored expression as the demigod.
"Uh, yeah.", he replied drily, suspiciously eying the two of them.
~ Wow, he forgot about his manners pretty fast. ~ Moana elbowed him quickly and hissed something like: ("Amiotonu!")
He flinched, then addressed the healer and her grandson slightly more dignified.
"Mo gave me the quick version, and I feel obliged for your yelp. I - *nods* we highly appreciate what you did for us."
Amazed by his change of habit Moana glanced him. It was the first time he had ever spoken of them as a team. They shared a minute of silence.
"Okay", Akea shrugged.
A few of the folks that had followed the voyagers inside began to chuckle at Maui's dumbfounded expression.
Nobody but him seemed surprised by the non-formal reaction of the old hag, not even Moana, which left him clueless even more.
- 'Okay.' You've ever heard anyone say 'OKAY?!' to an immortal!? -
Oh I can tell you, he wasn't pleased in the slightest.
"Just one question, may I?", he suddenly quieted them with a fake smile the old lady instantly dismissed, "Where's my skirt? You know, the leaves I was wearing? *annoyed, forced friendly hand motions* Green shred 'round my waist? - Where is it?"
He longed to have that thing back, nothing was more comfortable than clothing he made himself. More than that he longed for a slightly better treatment than a simple 'okay'.
Clenching his jaw he watched the knotted witch get to her feet, purple powder falling off her clothes.
Akea's eyes suddenly became sharp, piercing dots. She fumbled with something inside her skirt's pocket.
To her this man seemed everything else but grateful.
"That old rag?",
she jeered unaffected and Moana thought she saw something smooth and pink glinting in the old woman's hands, "Go ask the girls. I'm not the one responsible for style and flattery, handsome!"
Maui made a face, indescribable. He wasn't sure of whether to be offended or grossed out.
Moana forcesd herself not to laugh out loud.
Akea smiled cheekily with her wrinkled face and pointed at a young female who instantly went pale.
She upon others had taken a quick sniff at his skirt - "WOAH?!" - deciding by all means to wash this thing.
"Y-yeah, I-I-I will bring it right away!?", the girl stammered.
The moment Maui turned and approved her offer with a flirty smirk her cheeks burned up so bright red, the island girl instantly stumbled out of the hut. - Thanks, I guess? -
Pleased with himself the demigod crossed his arms.
But the village's eldest smacked her lips in bitter judgement.
Who was he to decline their present of clothing? (Well, a god apparently, but not a generous one in her opinion.)
Was the 'ie faitaga they made for him not good enough?
"But of course it would be rude to decline the wonderful apparels you have bestowed us with", Moana calmly said, giving Maui a demanding look. Her eyes shouting: ~ DON'T. MAKE. TROUBLE! ~
His eyebrows shot up at the tone in her voice.
Akea began cackling.
Smart girl. "However, since the two of you interrupted our boy's feast three days ago", the old hag enjoyed the wide-eyed look on Maui's face, "We could need a little help around the village to prepare the ceremonies a second time."
A few teenage boys had their arms crossed stubbornly.
"Thus it would indeed be 'highly appreciated' if you could lend us a hand."
And this wasn't a friendly suggestion.
Run over by information - THREE DAYS!? I WAS OUT FOR THREE DAYS!? - Maui stared at her, mouth agape. Did this old (purple) witch just dare to order him around?
"Tulou?", he laughed dauntingly, ignoring the goggling eyes lingering on his tattooed back,
"Excuse me?" Who did she think she was to command a demigod!
"You're excused." Akea smirked satisfied, meeting eyes with Moana who just shook her head at Maui's behavior. At least the foreign girl had warned her about his temper.
~ Everyone has the right to be stupid. But YOU are abusing the privilege!~
"Moana will show you what there is to do!"
- WHAT!? -
Saying that she turned around, pulled the mask into her face - coughed a little, and scurried away, leaving a trail of purple dust behind. Just like that. Gone.
Mumbling the people nodded at Ma - nonono, they nodded at Moana! At Moana, fearing to get pierced by Maui's deadly gaze. In a quick pace the last of them went back to work as well. To say the demigod was pissed would have been an understatement.
Speechless he stared after the weird lady.
"Can you believe this?!", his fingers motioned the attitude of claws tearing something apart, "she - she just dared to boss me around?! Just like that!"
"Yup." Moana rolled her eyes and picked up a broom that was stored behind empty bowls and other things they had yet to tidy up. Not like she had never bossed him around, right? "Just like that."
"In what kind of crazy bluetit's nest did I land here? Ghastly old wi-", he ranted and yelped when he turned around expecting Moana but instead found himself face to face with a young man. Beanstalk
had finally managed to get rid of the purplish powder on his face and now gradually took the hand of the demigod, shaking it happily. - Ugh, great. -
"Talofa! I - *searches for the right words* our introduction has been a bit brief, that's why, my name is Tausa'afia Toloa of Kahurangi! - Please excuse my grandmother, *tops shaking his hand, whispers* she can be fairly, umm, demanding? Yeah."
While grinning excitedly the young chief didn't notice Maui shaking the colorful dust off his hand.
He gave the 'boy' an unimpressed look. "Yeah, I can see that."
Our retrieved hero, though not being back to his best shape yet, didn't like the idea of having to address this pipsqueak like a man. 'cause if he did, that meant he had to treat him like rival too - and by now he didn't want to think about the looks this boy had shared with Moana so far. Boy had his whole life ahead of him and he was too nice to end up with a broken arm or two.
Beanstalk or Tossa or whatever his name was, had spent whole three days with her, while he was knocked out. The grown man's chest grew a little tighter as he blankly stared through the smiling face of that hobo.
Three days. He had left her all to herself for three days.
Maui's egomaniacal demeanor faltered.
And all of that after he had promised to never let her down ever again.
~ What's up with him? ~ Realizing something in the demigod's expression had changed Moana interrupted. "Uh, Tausa, I think it's been a little too much for the early morning *feels Maui's icy stare on her back* may I have a word with him first?"
She gave Tausa a pleading look and cocked her head towards the exit. It took him a moment.
"You know I can hear you?", Maui grumbled flatly, still gazing at the princess.
Eyes growing wide in realization Tausa slapped his forehead and slowly retrieved.
"Oh! Of course! Of course! *looks around as if seeking for work* I, uh, sorry! - I gotta go! *points left* Toe feiloa'i!" Laughing awkwardly he took a few steps backwards, then shook his his head. ("Gosh, I'm such a dork!") And cursing went up the hill.
...
"Are all of these people total jerks?"
Moana's reply was a deadpanned look.
/ "I, aheh, um," Tausa stumbled by a last time, pointing to the right, downhill this time, "Gotta go that way-" Grinning stupidly he walked by, very ashamed. Chances were he didn't hear the insult. Moana glared at the Maui, who looked after the hobo with joy. - Such a dork. -
"What?"
"Unbelievable!", she growled, rubbing her nasal bridge.
He shrugged unimpressed.
Now that they finally were alone Moana had expected him to get down to Business. They hadn't talked for long mind you.
But Maui had his back turned towards her, arms akimbo. Was there nothing else he had to say? Her look jamming holes into his back, she still held the broom.
Overjoyed the inky manifestation of conscience waved at her over his shoulder.
I wasn't fair he played that kind of tricks on her...
"Three days, huh", he mumbled after a while of silence. She didn't really know what he had in mind at that moment, but she clearly dismissed the way he hung his shoulders.
Maybe now wasn't the right time to have a heart to heart talk. Somehow she had to lighten the mood. The wooden stick of the broom gently knocked against his back.
"Aww, 'muscle up, buttercup!' *hideous smirk* At least you finally got some real clothes! It suits you, no lie!", she waited for him to turn around and offered him the tool. Maybe his own cheesy lines would cheer him up a bit.
"Harhar!", he scoffed, but grinned and pulled up a daring brow much to her delight.
~ There! That's ma douche number one! ~
As quickly as his toothy grin had appeared, however, it dropped as he realized what she held in hand. The broom mocked him with its... its... woodyness!
"But nope. Ah, *wink* you almost got me there!", shaking his head he gave her back the cleaning device. "The greatest man of the world surely won't give the floor a sweep." Moana wouldn't take that for an answer though.
"Fit enough to brag, fit enough to work!" And shove it back towards him.
"No can do." *pushes back to Moana, grins nonchalantly*
*nubile smile* "Scared to lose a competition against a 'little girl?'" *pushes forth*
"'Woman'", he corrected her cockily and blinked back alike, "Nice try though." *pushes back*
"Fale-taeao e le afiafi!" Her patience grew short. "Who sits at home in the morning will not eat in the evening!"
*emphatically* "Fine by me!"
"Maui!" This time she didn't let him push the broom back to her but rather kept her hand on the stick. Her voice was that aggravated mix between a rumble and gurgle and his cheeky smile slowly faded. He listened. "Now go sweep the front!", Moana told him firmly, "Before this broom meets your ass - cause it caaalls you!"
Her eyes were narrowed at him and though he knew she wasn't really angry he also knew this was final. No debate.
- ... guess I'm dept-crippled. -
Making a face he snatched the broom from her hand and turned, cursing something in a language she didn't understand.
"'Go sweep the front before this broom kicks your ass' - Bleh-bleh-bleh!", he aped her in a high-pitched girly voice, like he always did.
She looked after him, a bit proud that he had finally obliged - something he rarely ever did. ~ Childish goofball. ~
Somehow this made her happy. And if he would have been honest about it, he also was.
Little romps were what made their friendship what it was: exciting
"Fine then, Maona, you had three days and three nights to think of a proper love confession. *takes a deep breath*
Lets see how this will turn out!"
teine -girl
ietoga - fine mat
togafititi - trick
Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia – fear of long words
'ie faitaga - man-skirt
fale - hut
Karanga! - WELCOME!
Oka fefe! - Omg!
Amiotonu! - Good behavior!
Tulou? - Excuse me?
bluetit - bluish birdie
Talofa! - Hello!
Toe feiloa'i! - See you later!
Fale-taeao e le afiafi. - Who sits at home in the morning will not eat in the evening.