Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Moana. All belong to Disney and the story's creators. My character is loosely based off of Polynesian mythology, which I honestly don't know much about.

This and the next chapter were intended to go together but I figured I'd get this bit posted while I iron out the transition into the actual story. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story. Reviews are greatly appreciated.

- ShadowMoon2430

Chapter 1

Brown eyes traced over the members of the village with a scrutinizing gaze. The human village buzzed with people talking and working. It seemed like every other village Lahela has glanced at through her years of traveling. There was something special here though. She just wasn't sure what it was. The ocean had been adamant about her stopping at this island for some reason. She was curious to find out why, though she worried her time was being wasted. After all, she had spent so much time harassing the ocean that she would not be surprised if she was here on a wild goose chase.

Despite the thoughts, she shook her head lightly before pushing her crimson hair out of her face. If she was patient, she would find her answer. Weeks passed though without answer. Adults working, children playing, teaching and building the constant cycle, but nothing appeared to be important in her eyes.

The goddess glared out at the ocean as she sat on the edge of a cliff that overlooked the village and shore. This waiting game was getting ridiculous! What was she becoming. An exasperated sigh escaped her lips before she turned her eyes towards the shore. A curious look soon crossed her features though. A small child was wandering over the sand, giggling as their eyes took in everything.

"I've been waiting on a toddler," the goddess mumbled, glancing at the ocean once more. Not waiting for a reply, she jumped from the cliff and eased out of her fall with a roll onto the sand. She pushed herself back up and walked with quiet steps. She wasn't concerned if the child saw her or not, she had only one goal and that was to get a closer look at what was unfolding.

A shell gently brushed onto the shore. She could see that the little girl wanted it but she surprised the goddess when she selflessly turned away from it to aid a baby turtle as it tried to reach the sea instead.

Lahela watched the scene continue to unfold in silence. The ocean truly believed this girl could return the heart? At least she knew her annoyance was justified now. She couldn't believe the ocean kept that thing hidden for so long! Surely someone else before this girl would have been capable of doing the job as well.

She would just have to see for herself.

The redhead watched in amusement as the young girl made her way through the trees. Lahela picked her spot carefully when she had settled on the island for the wait. Villagers never came here due to its past use as a religious ground. Very few would venture here, and she always knew when they set off to come here. Children were kept mostly inside the village as well. A dense maze of trees had to be traveled through to reach her. Yet here she was, the young chosen one, Moana as she had learned over the past couple years, wandering through the trees without a care in the world.

The platforms she currently sat on, stacked ages ago to create the temple, were already covered by moss and the touch of it worn down by the weather. Her spot above it all gave her a view of anyone that walked through. Though someone might catch a glimpse of her as well, it was unlikely that they would be looking up if they wished to make it through what was left of the forgotten path.

That is why she had time to watch as Moana made her way towards her, stumbling along the way, but pushing on anyway.

As Lahela jumped down in a graceful movement, Moana burst through the trees with a giggle. Her laughter faded as a look of awe took over her face as she looked over the area that lied before her. That's when she spotted Lahela walking down from the temple.

The look Lahela was given was one she knew well. Children still looked at things that were different with curiosity rather than distrust. Walking around anywhere without at least altering the appearance of her hair tended to catch people's eyes.

"Who are you?" The simple question made the goddess smile as she shook her head.

"Lahela," was her simple answer, waiting for the girl to go on.

Moana tilted her head before she grinned as she ran forward to get closer to the stranger. "I'm Moana! Do you live here? I've never seen you in the village before."

Lahela moved the last few feet between them before she crouched down in front of the girl. "That's because I don't live there. Can you keep a secret for me though? Don't tell anyone you came here. This is a sacred place and I would hate for you to get into trouble."

It was a simple enough reason, though not exactly true on Lahela's part. She could tolerate children, chosen or not. She would be keeping her eyes on this girl for years to come though. The last thing she needed was for Moana to constantly be coming here. She was not moving from this area and this girl would not ruin that plan.

As Moana's eyes widened, the goddess knew she understood her message. "But why don't…"

Before Moana could finish her question, Lahela raised a finger to her lips silencing the girl. "Those are my little secrets. Maybe you'll find out someday. You best head back though. You are far too young to be out this deep. Until next time." She didn't wait for a response as she spun the girl around and pushed her towards the path she had just come up. With no eyes on her, she snapped her fingers as she summoned a bolt of lightning.

Startled by the sound, Moana let out a scream as she turned around only to see the spot Lahela had been standing at empty. She called out the goddess' name but after no reply, continued back towards the village.

Silence continued for multiple minutes before Lahela moved out from behind the temple with a smirk on her face. While she didn't often use that trick, it was a fun way to startle people. Moana would have questions and if she was lucky, perhaps someone would be able to give her answers. If Lahela was going to be stuck there for a while, she could at least entertain herself.

I hope you enjoyed the first true chapter. It took a little bit longer to write due to trying to dig up information on the internet for a history I know nothing about. Anyway, thanks for reading and let me know what you think!