Chapter 13
Moonlight Tears
It was the day of her wedding. Hina watched her mother press some flowers into her hair. Mother didn't approve of this marriage, but seeing Hina so happy, she couldn't stand in the way of that happiness. Moana was about ten years old now, and seeing the young girl grow was a privilege.
"Now, do we have everything?" Sina walked into the hut, "We are about to get started." For some reason, as Hina took some wild flowers from Moana, she couldn't feel anything but sadness.
Afa knew and understood. It was a terrible burden to not know who you really are. She smiled at the thought of him. She was so excited to spend the rest of her life by his side. The three women of her family escorted her to the hut doorway.
Hina wanted to get married on the beach, with the moon high in the sky and reflecting on the waters edge. "Moana, stand behind Hina." Sina instructed her daughter. Moana obeyed with a smile. "Come, it's time."
Hina began to walk through the village, with all her neighbors and friends smiling. As they gathered near the beach, Hina saw Afa standing next to Tui, who would officiate the service. He held out his hand to her, and she put her hand in his.
They both stood in front of Tui, who began to speak, just as they were about to kneel, Hina felt something speeding towards the island. She swung her head out to the ocean waves and saw something slithering towards the beach. "Te Tunaroa!" Tala screeched. "Everyone back to the village."
All the islanders ran for shelter as Hina franticly searched for her bow and arrows. Oh course, that creature would ruin her wedding day! She would send him back to the realm of the monsters for good this time! "Afa, get back to the village. I will be there soon."
"No, I will not leave you to this enemy alone." Afa grabbed his spear along with the other warriors of the island.
"Well, well, well. Little Hina. You have gotten lovelier since the last time we met." The giant eel slithered onto the beach from the ocean waves.
"You have no business here eel." Hina hissed, pulling back her bow and arrow. "Leave before you get hurt like last time."
The eel hissed. "I don't think so little girl. You are mine and you will come with me." Hina fired her first arrow as the warriors began to ttack. One by one Te Tunaroa knocked them over to the side, until he was a few feet away from Hina. "Now, come child. I will leave for village in peace."
Hina drew back another arrow when the eel let out a Schick of pain. Afa drove his spear on the back of the eel's head. But Te Tunaroa swung his hand, casing Afa to hit a huge rock on the side of his head. "NO! AFA!" Hina yelled. She turned her attention back to the eel and fired the last shot.
The arrow hit the eel right between the eyes. Te Tunaroa screeched in pain before retreating into the waters. "Soon little Hina. I will be back. And you will be mine!"
Hina dropped her bow and ran over to Afa, who was groaning in pain. "Be still Afa." Hina strocked his hair out of his face. "You will be alright."
Afa slowly opened his eyes, and cupped Hina's face. Tears slide down her cheek. "You look beautiful tonight." Hina closed her eyes, feeling the touch of his hand on hers. "My lovely bride…" With a final breath, Afa fell back against the sand, his eyes closing forever.
Hina let out a cry of anguish before collapsing on Afa's body. Hina made a vow that night, as her brother and mother prepared Afa for burial. She would hunt down Te Tunaroa and avenge Afa's death. If it was the last thing she did.
Wow! I had emotional rollercoasters about this chapter. Yes, Afa is dead and Hina must move on. But, this is the final chapter before the 'movie' storyline starts. That should get interesting.