Chapter 5: A Daughter
Hina danced with the waves at the shore. Tala encouraged her to mingle with the village. Hina did as her guardian asked, talking to a few villagers a day, but she spent most of her time on the beach.
The ocean gave her a peace of mind, and there she could be free. As she danced, Hina noticed a young toddler come down the bank. It was the Chief's little daughter, Moana. Hina ducked down, trying to make sure that the toddler was going to be safe.
Moana wanted a sea shell, but saw a little baby turtle being pestered by birds. Hina, amazed watched as Moana guided the baby turtle to the ocean. That little toddler was a special child, forgetting her own selfish desires to help those in need.
As Hina was about to escort Moana back to the village, the ocean took a form. It looked at Moana as she tried to get the seashell it offered. Just then, Hina heard the Chief's voice, and she hid down into the bushes more. She didn't want the Chief to see her.
The ocean pulled Moana back to shore before disappearing. "Moana! Oh, there you are. Moana, what are you doing? You scared me."
The Chief picked up his daughter. "Fun, I want go back."
"I know, I know, but you don't go out there. It's dangerous. Moana, come on... Let's go back to the village. You are the next great chief of our people."
Sina, Moana's mother said. "And you'll do wondrous things, my little minnow."
Once Hina knew they were gone, she moved out from her hiding place. She walked to the ocean edge. "I saw you." Hina said. The ocean rippled, taking form again, looking at her. "What did you give her?" The ocean cocked its head, before splashing her.
Hina laughed, removing the water from her face. The ocean disappeared, but she heard a laugh from over in the bushes. Tala, walked back to her with a smile. "The ocean chose you and Moana." She took the young girl's hands in hers. "It chose me to be your mother, if you'll have me?"
Hina, shocked glanced at Tala's hands. It was a necklace, made of seashells. "Be my child, Hina and I will be there for you always."
As Hina cried, she hugged Tala, who hugged her back. "Yes…mother."