A great hawk beat its wings, carrying itself high above the small spit of island sitting among miles and miles of ocean. It wasn't supposed to be a pit stop, but it'd soon turned into one when the Ocean began throwing temper tantrums. And giant birds. For the hundredth time, the giant hawk dove and rocketed away from the island. And for the hundredth time, a corkscrew of seawater shot up and knocked him off course. He toppled into the ocean with a great splash.

This time when he broke the surface, it was accompanied with a small zip of magic, and Maui, shape-shifter and demigod, was back to treading water. He threw back his head and wailed, "Oh, come on! Are you kidding me? What have I ever done to you, huh?"

He pounded the sea water with his fists, creating a small rain shower all to himself. "What do you want from me? I've got demigod things, special missions, monsters to battle, and I've missed out on a thousand years of it. Why won't you let me go already?"

The demigod growled and began to swim back to shore. He had not witnessed the Ocean consciously moving and acting up in these ways since his journey with a young mortal. "Tch. Where's Moana when you need her? Ow!"

Maui paused to look down at himself. His Mini-Maui tattoo had his hands on his hips and was impatiently tapping one foot. "Okay, okay, hang on." Maui swam back to the island.

When he was standing on the beach again and lifted his arms in a shrug, full attention on Mini-Maui, the tattoo of himself gestured flatly to the print of a girl on a boat that shared his chest.

"Huh? What … Moana?" Maui steeled himself with a thoughtful, semi-frown. He addressed his tattoo seriously. "Is that what this is about?"

Mini-Maui, arms crossed, gave a strong nod.

Demigod Maui turned at the sound of splashing. A wave of ocean had risen and was adding a few confirming nods of its own. Well if that wasn't a significant answer, he didn't know what it was.

Maui held out his hands, allowing himself a sigh and a bit of a smile, one hand still gripping his fishhook. "All right, I get it now. Moana. Huh. Guess it's about time for a visit from yours truly." He twirled his fishhook, a thoughtful grin spreading across his face. "Wonder if the kid's grown a couple inches or not? It's been awhile, hasn't it?"

Mini-Maui nodded brightly before beckoning rapidly at the horizon away from the island; let's get going.

"I guess it's time to drop by Motunui, then. Gotcha."Maui transformed back into giant hawk form, gave an excited call, and took off with all the speed and glory that was part of his demigod role.

The Ocean threw up a sudden tidal wave, snatched him from the air, and re-directed him another way. Hawk Maui blinked. Ocean began to push at him from behind and the demigod squawked and spluttered, "Okay, all right! New direction, I got it."

The island that the Ocean guided Maui to was not Moana's beloved Motunui. He remembered it as he'd viewed it from the skies, sweeping along in the air as she and a band of her people set sail on a brand new voyage shortly after Te Fiti's restoration. That was the last time he had laid eyes on the spirited teen.

Maui wasn't quite sure how long it had been since that time. Couple years? Five? Six? He wasn't sure. He hardly counted the days anymore ever since Moana's arrival on his tiny island prison had set him free and returned him to a life of demigod-hood among the seas. A small pang flared within himself, but even while he flew in his hawk form he knew it wasn't his Mini-Maui trying to get his attention. Nah. That was guilt he felt.

Better make a note to apologize for his carelessness. If teenager Moana had been stubborn before, there was no telling how stubborn she would be as an adult. Of course, he wasn't about to go pleading on his knees or anything. Hey, he had a reputation to uphold.

A quick, "Whoops, sorry I haven't been around lately," would be all that was needed. Then the kid could introduce him to the new sights of this new island of hers. Heck, maybe she'd even be a married woman with a kid or two of her own. He hadn't considered that. Just how much time had passed … ? Hawk Maui shook himself and smiled. A small cliff-side stood out over the edge of the island, perfect to make his entrance- er, landing. He dove, pulled up and with a burst of magic from his hook, Maui in full human form thudded to the ground. He straightened himself and looked around. A forest of tropical growth and trees and various, bright plant life stretched ahead of him, running to meet a steady mountain looming at the center of the island. He tilted his head at the surrounding floral and greenery with an optimistic hum and a nod from his head.

"Huh. Looks nice and peaceful."

"We named it 'Feleti,' for it brought us peace after we weathered storms on our way here," an unknown voice said, just as a man stepped into Maui's view. He was hefty in appearance, though not as muscular as Maui of course, and had nowhere near the amount of tattoos as the demigod. Judging by the crown of shells and bright greenery on his head of long, black hair, Maui guessed him to be either the chief or someone of similar importance. "Feleti. Means 'peace' doesn't it?"

The stranger offered a smile and a deep, respectful bow. "Welcome, demigod Maui. We have awaited your arrival." When he stood upright again, it was with a genuine, bright smile. He shrugged. "Heh. There were some who doubted Moana's claim, but not I."

Maui swung his fishhook over his shoulder and relaxed, easily sensing this chief before him was more likely to be a hearty friend than a possible threat. "Moana knew I was coming? Well, guess it makes sense. Must've persuaded you all to voyage pretty far, since she's not on Motunui anymore."

As he spoke, he and the chief fell into stride, Maui assuming he would lead him to the rest of the people, and more importantly, Moana. He wrestled with the urge to ask after her, or demand to see her instantly. It wouldn't be very demigod-like to make impatient demands, especially when this kind chief greeted him so respectfully.

The chief said, "Moana is a very cherished woman among our people, and her devotion to us and the island has never wavered. She even named her grandson 'Feleti,' after the island."

Maui's casual smile faded. She named her what?

"Wait, grandson?" Maui swung to face the chief, frowning. "Moana can't …She … She doesn't have a grandson, that's ridiculous."

The chief looked at the demigod as if he'd gone and summoned his shark-head. "Ahh, no, it isn't."

At that moment, a breathless young man came running into view. He was slight compared to the chief, but sturdy looking, and had a very youthful face. Leaves clung to his sleek, black hair from his frenzied run. "Cheif! Is it him? Is it Maui?"

Maui turned his gaze onto the boy, silently daring him to say something else ridiculous about Moana. The boy stumbled backwards, his wide eyes staring at the incredible difference between the island chief and the very massive, fishhook-wielding being. "Oh, my … that's a demigod … M-Moana's waiting on the beach."

Maui thundered past the boy, crashing through the overgrowth that bathed the island's hills, a determined frown settling in his face. He would see her for himself. Moana would explain this silliness. It must be some joke of hers, after all, she knew he was coming. It would be just like her to play a prank to get back at him for taking so long. Her and the Ocean, they were both in on it. Give the demigod a little shock in return for the few years he'd been absent. "The kid's just pulling my leg. That's gotta be it."

On his chest, Mini-Maui shrugged in a confused manner.

Maui burst onto the beach below and slowed, swinging his gaze left and right. Nearby, an old woman stood observing the waves. In the distance beyond her, a group of kids were playing on the beach, and he could see a small slope that led up to the start of a village peeking into view. But still no Moana.

"Oh, hey! Excuse me," Maui approached the old woman. He smiled politely. "Maybe you can help. Do you knowwww … ?"

His question shriveled up before it could fully leave his throat and Maui fell into dumb silence. Because the old woman had turned around, and he saw her now. Saw who she was.

The woman's face was wrinkled, worn and soft-looking like leather, but her brown eyes had that same spark he'd seen so many times before. Tears welled up behind those eyes. "Maui." She trembled for a moment before stomping over to stand directly in front of him, looking up at his face, taking in every detail of the demigod with a concentrated stare. Her wide mouth pulled back into a wavering smile. "I have waited so long for you, my friend."

"Moana?"

She grinned, but it wasn't a proper grin. Sadness mixed with it's usual joy, pulling bitterly at her worn facial features.

He dropped his fishhook and it embedded itself into the sand. He spread apart his hands. "H-How … I … Moana?"

Other than the day he was struck from the sky and trapped on an island, the demigod had never felt so shocked before. No, no, no. This was impossible! Dread and disbelief gripped his very being as his eyes washed over Moana. Her once long, dark curls were now wispy and silver, but she kept her hair hanging loose, the sides gently pinned back with a red flower. The same necklace from her Grandma Tala, the one that had concealed and carried the heart of Te Fiti across the ocean was still in it's rightful place around her neck. Her wardrobe now had some splashes of gray mixed with the bright coral that she seemed to favor, and her once strong frame was now a little plumper, and she possessed a stoop in her back. Gone was the youthful princess. Here stood an old woman before him, her smile slowly shifting to a look of confused heartache. Moana's brows knitted together and she glared. Her voice sounded choked. "Maui. Why didn't you come back before now?"

Why? Even he asked himself the question. "I didn't know. I didn't realize …"

"It's been decades," Moana emphasized, spreading her hands apart as if to measure the length of time. "You really didn't even think to come and see me? No, I have to ask the Ocean to bring you."

"Uhhh … What can I say?" He lamely scratched the back of his head, racking his mind for the right things to say. To tell her the truth, because this was his Moana, now an old woman, who waited several upon several years to see him again, and he'd been entirely clueless as to how long it had been. She deserved the truth from him. No sidestepping to avoid the consequences. He would lay himself vulnerable to her judgment. The demigod's shoulders drooped with sorrow. "I … have no excuse."

"Really?"

"I … I forgot."

At Moana's look of deep hurt, Maui face-plamed. He hurriedly explained and threw up his hands to ward off the unseen barbs of horror he sensed welling up within the old woman, "No, Moana, not you. Not ever. I'd never forget you. I forgot about time, I guess. Look, it's … How do I explain it? I'm a demigod. I don't really have a … well, a deadline. I just keep going. A hundred years for me is the equivalent of a few weeks for you mortals, know what I'm saying?" Maui laughed nervously, then quickly sobered. "That's how I see it. I just didn't think …"

He sighed heavily and bowed his head. "Wasn't using my head. I had no idea that I could allow this to happen. I can't believe it's happened. How I didn't see it … I have no excuse for my carelessness, Moana." Maui shut his eyes. "I am so sorry."

The calming breeze was all that spoke for a few long, strained moments. Then Moana stepped forward and held out her hands. Maui glanced at them and winced. Even her hands were different, now worn and aged. He carefully allowed the tiny old woman to hold them, her grip surprisingly tight. Looking into her face showed nothing but strong emotion to match her grip.

"I see. I see. I forgive you, Maui."

He lifted his head. Surely he hadn't heard that right. "You're … You're joking." Maui snorted a laugh in disbelief. "Maybe your head's a little scrambled from the years."

The old woman released him and expertly slapped his arm.

"Ow." Maui stiffened, eyes growing wide. He grimaced, feeling every bit like the foolish child her smack had hinted at, but he wanted to make himself clear. "Moana, don't you get it? I've done the one thing I swore to myself I'd never do again. I let you down."

"You made a mistake, Maui. I make 'em too. Guess a demigod's gonna make different mistakes than us mortals, yes?" Moana smiled, and it was her signature, real smile. "Now … Now you are here."

Maui stared at her. She had always proven herself to be more than he first realized. More confident. More determined. More forgiving. And here he'd thought there wasn't anything she could do that would teach him a lesson again. "You're really forgiving me."

Moana gave one blunt nod, grinning. "Yup. You're welcome."

The day went by, and Maui was welcomed with all the excitement and respect in the world from the people of Feleti. The island was prosperous and its inhabitants took care of their home and themselves with great care and responsibility for their own lives as well as that of the island. The Chief, whom Maui discovered was named Kimo, was very gracious and laid back, and Maui could see obvious pride in the man's eyes as he showed the demigod the village and his people. Men and woman looked at him with awe and respect. Little ones crowded together to peer at the demigod with large, dark eyes from a safe distance, but he would always notice. The encounters with the island's kids soon turned into one big game of 'spot the hiding kiddos,' and every time he did the game quickly changed into 'chase the children,' until a victim was caught and taken prisoner. Which simply meant the lucky child scored a ride on the demigod's shoulders.

At the end of day any sort of unease and need to appear 'pleasing' to the visiting demigod had faded, to his relief. He was just an average guy given powers and long life. Maui would rather appear as a friend than only a mighty being to humans. Maui knew Moana had a good, secure life among the people of Feleti.

Yet no one had made mention of her having a grandson. In fact, he was never introduced to anyone that was said to have been one of her relatives.

The sun was setting by the time Maui finally had Moana all to himself. They stood on the cliff he'd landed on, facing the color-changing, orange and purple sky. Moana inhaled deeply. "It's a good island."

"I know that," Maui replied slowly. He was still trying to get used to Moana's aged self. It was hard, since she was really the only human he had spent a significant amount of time with to the point of becoming friends. He knew of no one from before that aged and changed before his very eyes over what felt like a tiny amount of time. "Moana, I've kinda missed out on some of your life."

The old woman threw him a 'Seriously, Maui?' look.

He snorted. "Okay, yeah. I've missed out on a lot. And I've spent all day with you and your people, but I haven't been told about you."

She turned to face him, smiling softly. "Welp, what do you wanna know?"

"You got any family?"

Moana's face lit up. "Oh, I sure do. Guess I'll start from the beginning." She eased herself down to the ground and Maui followed her example with a soft thud. She launched into a long story of her past, from her early years guiding her people across the waves as they embraced wayfinding into their lives once more, to the islands they discovered, and then to her eventual marriage to a fellow voyager named Hahona.

Watching Moana speak of her husband revealed a side of her that Maui had never seen. She swelled with pride and peaceful adoration for the man he had never met. Clearly Moana loved this Hahona person with all her heart. He dared not ask why he hadn't met the man yet, fearing the answer wasn't a happy one. Otherwise she would have introduced him to Maui by now. She would tell him in the rest of her story.

"We had two sons. Heketoro, my first born, and Maru. When he was only seventeen, Heketoro's passion for wayfinding was as strong as mine was as a girl. We encouraged him in his dreams to explore the world … He built his canoe on his own, made careful plans and listened to our advice. Then the day came for his departure."

Moana's dark eyes filled with tears. Her hand moved to grip her necklace. When she spoke again her voice was gripped tight with emotion. "Had I known that was the last time I would see Heketoro, I would have begged him not to go. We never saw our son again. He vanished among the waves. Not even Ocean could find him for me."

Maui found he wished he could say something encouraging, but nothing came to mind. Here was his best friend, a grown woman and mother, who had experienced the loss of a child. Surely anything he had to say wouldn't heal that type of pain. He had no idea what counsel to give in this type of situation. It was a great contrast to his own origin story, as a baby tossed into the ocean, utterly rejected by its parents. For a brief moment he wondered bitterly if his own parents had ever felt such pain over losing him. He steadied himself and focused on Moana.

Her face twisted at the memories of the dark past, but Moana squared her shoulders, took a deep breath and lifted her head to continue. "Maru married and gave me two grandchildren – Feleti, and Tala, whom I named after my own grandma."

"And Feleti was your grandson, named after the island."

She nodded. "Yes. We stayed here for many years, all of us. Until Tala married and left with her husband, for they both decided to return to the island their parents were born on: Motunui."

Moana's face became shadowed and her fingers wove around strands of grass at her side. "A few years ago, our people were struck by an illness. Many, many lives struggled to live, and some did not." She closed her eyes. Her voice was heavy. "Maru and his wife did not survive. Hahona fought against his sickness for days, but in the end he did not have the strength to outlast it, either."

Maui bowed his head respectfully. "And you were left with only Feleti."

Moana looked up. "Mm. Yes. Feleti. Oh, Maui, I wish you could have had the chance to know him … Such a strong, voyager's spirit. And he lived off of my tales of the demigod called Maui when he was a little one." She weakly clasped her hands before her. "My grandson died in an accident on the mountain sitting in the distance behind you, only a few months ago."

Maui grimaced and sighed. "Moana … I wish I'd been here," he confessed quietly.

"You can not change the past, Maui," she assured. "I am not the only woman to be effected by the loss of her family."

Moana had lived a life and knew and loved many people in her time. This he understood. And here she'd lost nearly all of them. All while he sauntered off into the horizon, finding monsters to beat up and general demigod missions to busy himself. But time had robbed them both in the end. Now he thought he understood her a little more. The young Moana might not have been so ready to show him grace for his careless blunder. But this was an elderly woman, who'd seen much, loved even more, and was lonely for her friend. "I've been really stupid all these years. Is there anything I could do to make it up to you, Moana?"

She tilted her head and the beginnings of a spunky glimmer seemed to shine in her eyes. "Good that you asked that. Saves me the trouble of bringing it up."

"Bringing up what … exactly?"

"There is something you can do, Maui. All I want is to see my granddaughter again. My only family left alive on this earth."

"Oh." Maui relaxed and nodded, catching on. He lightly grasped the handle of his hook laying dutifully beside him and smiled proudly."And, of course, you'd like me to ensure the voyage and everyone on it gets there safely and quickly, right?"

Moana did a weird wave of her hand. "Ehhh, sort of. No one else is coming. Just you and me."

"Say what?" He froze. That caught him by surprise. Now he took a long pause to read her expression.

"You and me." The old woman folded her hands, seeming very pleased with herself. "Like we did once, a long time ago."

Something in Maui lurched. Because, to him, it wasn't a long time ago. In Moana's case, it was a far off memory of another life. He did his best not to let his regret show too much, but on the other hand, he still wasn't sure he understood her. "You and me, huh?"

"And no tricks." She held up a swift finger and lifted an eyebrow. "I know you have your powers, Maui, but this journey will be without any cheating."

"Pfft, cheating?"

"It's been awhile since I had my last voyage," the woman said, a longing glitter in her eyes as she seemed to focus on some unseen horizon beyond Maui. He even glanced over his shoulder to check, but saw nothing new. Moana sighed. "I want to enjoy it fully for what it is."

"And no one else is coming? Just you and me?"

"Yup."

"No one else will take you?"

Moana smirked. "Never asked 'em. But it's all good. You're here, and you'll do it."

Maui began to protest and promptly snapped his mouth shut. Yeah, he really had no grounds to put up a fight against her. Not after his irresponsible mistake. Moana watched him closely and her smirk grew; she knew she had him exactly where she wanted him. "Come on, Maui. One last adventure together. What do you say?"

Before he spoke he spared a glance at Min-Maui. The tattoo was leaping and cheering silently in encouragement. A smile slowly spread across the demigod's face. "I say we leave in the morning."

"Moana, no!"

The boy who had approached Maui and Chief Kimo earlier stumbled out from the bushes. He glared at the elderly woman seated on the grass and balled his fists. Maui absently glanced him over from head to toe in only half a second. The kid was slim, barely had any decent muscles – well, in Maui's mind at least – and if he thought his pose was meant to be intimidating or final, well, joke's on him. The young man stared squarely at Moana. "You're not going."

She tilted her head back, still smirking. "Why not?"

"Because you can't. You're not strong enough for a journey across the ocean without the rest of the people. It's lunacy."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Kid." Maui stood to his feet and to his full height. Everything about his attitude was relaxed, but he had to admit he enjoyed seeing a quick flash of nervousness in the boy's expression when faced with the towering, mighty Maui. "Honestly, you ever heard of Maui? I'll give you a little hint. Shape-shifter? Demigod of the wind and sea? Hero to all?" He bent over and whispered, "That's me."

"That's Maui," Moana's rich voice added cheerily.

"But, Moana is an old woman."

Maui casually sealed his mouth and shifted his weight, knowing full well he didn't need to fight the boy's statement. He hadn't known the aged version of Moana for very long, but he definitely knew not to challenge her. It never worked in the past, anyway.

To Maui's surprise, Moana did not sound at all annoyed or offended at the defiant boy's remark. She got to her feet slowly and said, "Yeah, I know. I know that very well, Akamu. But if you don't understand now, I think one day you will. It's because of my age that I must voyage now."

Akamu, as his name appeared to be, looked dejected, then quickly resolved himself again. "If it means so much to you to return to your family, then you won't be stopped."

Maui blew an ungraceful burst of air through his lips. "Yeah, kid, as if you could have stopped her."

"Though it would be far more safer and reasonable for you to go with a group of ready wayfinders than a single demigod, I cannot make you change your mind."

"Nope." Moana shrugged lightly. She must have seen Maui bristle at Akamu's ignorant implication that he wasn't enough to ensure her safety, because she smacked his side. Maui frowned dully, but kept his lips sealed.

Akamu sighed. "So I'm going, too."

Maui and Moana glanced at each other. The demigod searched her face, silently asking if she thought this was a good idea or not. Hey, he couldn't really care less if the little punk came or not. Maui would easily have control over the voyage and steer Moana to safety no matter what. They both knew he was enough to protect her. The choice was hers. She seemed to understand his thoughts and nodded slowly. A strange weariness clouded her face, one that the demigod could not make sense of. But when Moana looked at Akamu, there was nothing but approval on her warm face. "If that is what you want."

Akamu nodded. "I swore to watch over you, Moana."

Maui lifted an eyebrow. "Eh?"

"But you know what you're getting yourself into?" Moana continued, eyeing the boy. She looked somewhat mischievous for reasons unknown. "A voyage on the waves, out in the middle of the ocean?"

"I'm aware of that." Akamu shifted and glanced away from them, his own face clouding.

Maui leaned over to ask Moana, while still watching the boy, "Whaaat's that supposed to mean, Moana?"

"Means he's afraid of the water. Akamu's never gone out on a boat, either." Not to be discouraged in the least at her answer, the elderly woman rolled her shoulders and smiled, already starting to walk away. "Now, we've got a big day ahead of us. We need our rest. Akamu needs to let the reality of his choice sink in. Hah! Little joke there." She cackled softly as she disappeared down the slope of the cliff.

Maui had to admit it. Boy, was he proud of the spunky grandma Moana had turned into. He shared a glance with Akamu and grinned at the boy's paling face. "Can't swim, huh?"

"No," Akamu admitted.

"Well, you got all night to change your mind." Maui swung his hook up and over his shoulder before striding effortlessly after Moana, humming a light tune. When he caught up to the old woman he asked quietly, "Sooo, that kid made a vow to protect you, huh?"

"Yes. That he did. You see Maui, Akamu and Feleti were strong friends. And now without Feleti around anymore, Akamu feels I am his responsibility."

"Least he's got a good heart."

"He does, yes. Determined, too. But out on the ocean?" Moana paused to look up at her friend. "Hm. I honestly wonder if this is a good idea. But, I won't rob him of his ability to choose for himself. If he goes with us, then he goes with us."

Maui nodded lightly. He really didn't see much of a problem here. It may turn into an annoying voyage if the boy proved to be scared witless the whole time, but then that would also provide great entertainment at the end of the day. Besides, it wasn't as if he hadn't sailed with Moana and a nervous chicken before. "Gotcha."

"And," Moana suddenly reached up and gripped his earlobe. Not as strongly to cause him any pain, but definitely enough to capture his attention. She pulled him down. "You try any funny business with that boy's nerves, and you'll have me to answer to."

The demigod grunted and did his best to meet her eyes, forced to look sideways at her. "You know I'd never try and challenge you, Moana," he said innocently.

"I hope so." Moana let go and began walking again, chin held high. "We both know I've faced my fair share of gods in the past, Maui. Didn't back down then, and I won't now, either."

Maui returned to walking alongside her, laughing softly and holding out his hands in submission. "Okay, I get it. I won't torment the kid … much. But let me be serious, Moana. I'm doing this for you only on one condition."

The silver-haired woman tipped her head back to regard him curiously, one eyebrow lifting.

"Don't say, 'one last adventure together.' Capiche?"

Moana didn't say anything at first. Slowly, she reached out and laid a gentle hand on his forearm and gave the strong limb a weak, almost calming squeeze. It should have been reassuring, but to Maui's confusion it was far from it. He had the sense she was acting out of defeat, somehow, but he didn't know why.

"Okay, Maui." She kept on walking.

Author's Note: Maui's character is interesting to write, and I hope I did him justice. This chapter was supposed to end with the beginning of their voyage, but it was already running pretty lengthy. I know Moana's story of her past seems rather grim, but in order for this story to work I needed her to have endured a long life and loss of loved ones.

I thank everyone who has favorited and followed this story or left me a review. Writers appreciate hearing feedback for their work! Please leave a review.