I do not own Moana or any of the Toho/Universal content used here. Some OC's

Water. Everywhere one looked, there was water, stretching out over the horizon and beyond, encompassing all that lay before them. Its crystal blue colour glimmered in the sunlight and the smell would fill the nostrils of anyone who happened to be sailing here. What made it more amazing was the complete reflection it seemed to be having far above; the sky was also and stretched on for what seemed like forever. One would think that maybe there were two seas for the people of the world below, the one they were currently on and one that existed over their heads. Maybe there were more boats up there going back and forth between islands. Maybe that was what the clouds were.

Such were the squeals and ideas of the children who played aboard the deck of the boats that sailed calmly across the open water, their wooden hulks guided by the wind in their beautifully ink patterned sails, each one steadily keeping pace with the other. Given that it was sunny, most of the people on the vessels were milling about too with the children; talking, eating a midday meal, looking out across the water in search of their destination. The children were playing a variety of games including chase, 'find the coconut filled with sand' – an activity where said object was hidden on or below deck and they were to scour the boat in search of it – or simply play fighting or a ball game with a coconut or another piece of fruit. Many times the adults would call out to them to be careful and not fall into the water, lest the 'scary' sea monsters emerge and gulp them down as a snack; something the children were quick to remember and would squeal and run for cover whenever they moved near the edge of the deck. Such actions made those who witnessed giggle with delight.

Among them was a man who was tall and had stocky build, tanned skin, a thick but short crop of black hair, graying in some areas and a pair of chocolate brown eyes. A red legless covering akin to a skirt was wrapped around his waist, and small red bands covered his wrists and ankles. A necklace made of shells was placed around his neck. Tattoos adorned the top left side of his chest, shoulder and forearm, each one looking like a mixture of shapes and random patterns, but to him each told their own story, their own part of his island's history, mythology, the stories passed down from generation to generation. He was as much of a piece of the island's history as was anyone else that had come before, was present and would exist long after his time was over.

Currently he stood at the front of the boat, gazing out across the ocean, his face relaxed, composed and eyes slowly searching the horizons for their island destination. They had been travelling for a few days now, the wind having been good enough for them to leave Montunui after a small storm. The boat he was on was the largest, signifying his leading role and the head of the small fleet. About five other smaller ships surrounded his, two a few tens of metres behind, one to the left and one to the right. Overall, there were just under a hundred who had left Montunui in search of where their families, friends, and even strangers whom they cared about nonetheless, had gone. Every day he had been hoping they had been going the right way, trusting in the ocean, the stars of the night and the wind to take them to their destination. It was all built on hope; the feeling that they would get there by chance or by the winds of fate and the mercy of the ocean. All of it was hope, for he knew just how what was before him was something that although so beautiful beyond comparison, could easily take a life. Or in this case if it decided to be incredibly merciless, tens of lives.

"Aloha, honey!"

He looked over his shoulder to see another tanned skinned woman walking over. Her face was beautiful with a small nose, brown eyes that could stop him dead in his tracks – something that had happened many times since their first meeting many decades ago – and long black hair that was tied into a braid held together by vines from a tree; said braid draped over her shoulder. She wore a long two layered dress that was colourful on the one closest to her skin and cream coloured on the outer layer, both coming short of her feet. A small vine necklace with a clam tied to it was around her neck a small shell bracelet adorned her right wrist. Though she too looked slightly aged, the smile and beauty of his wife, Sina, never ceased to amaze him and make her look at least ten years his junior, despite there being only about three between them.

He smiled back at her, greeting her with an "Aloha," that was practically natural amongst their people. When they reached each other, they hooked arms and she leaned on him, their eyes meeting with the same passion that seemed to be reborn every morning they woke up, never once faltering. The adult pair resumed looking out over the water before them, listening to the the boat as it pushed on through the water, the sounds of various conversations and activities of the people behind them and even the occasional call of a white feathered bird that swooped overhead; it seeming to be in the same search for land as them.

"It'll be exciting to see them all again, Tui." Sina said, calling her husband by his name rather than title.

He gave a slight nod, his lips forming a small smile. "Without a doubt." He replied, pausing a moment or two to intake a breath of fresh air, the smell of the salt water filling his nostrils. "Especially you-know-who." He added with a slightly amusing tone.

Sina tittered. "Of course. Moana." She said but then reminded herself. "I mean, Chief Moana."

"Yes, she's no longer a little girl anymore." A pause as his and his wife's eyes met once again. "But to us, she always will be."

She gave a noise of affirmation. "And the gods were lucky to bless us with her. I have no doubt the tribe will be prospering under her."

Tui nodded to himself as if to say: That's my girl.

Their daughter, Moana, was, and still is a loved much member of their tribe. Her joy, happiness and ability to see the best in everyone made her the pinnacle of positivity. She had been that way from when she was a toddler, always ready to make her or other children laugh with her curiosity, humorous antics and, sometimes, stubborn headstrong personality. There was no doubt much of this had come from her late grandmother, Tala, who had taught her to be calm, collected and yet mischievous and playful as the ocean. By the time she had grown up, she had become a strong woman, something that her mother had remarked as being "Just like her" when she had been younger. Moana had quickly grasped the necessary rules of leadership, planning, fairness and perseverance and developed into the chief her father and grandfather and their ancestors had been.

And it seemed to have come at the right time. Montunui had been slowly dying at the time when their 16 year old daughter set off to restore the heart of Te Fiti, a goddess who had brought life to the ocean and its many islands. For about three days and four nights she was gone, and when Tui had learnt of Sina having helped her go it had put a strain on their marriage to the point where Sina began wondering if she had made a mistake letting her go. But when Moana had come back over the reef and leapt into their arms on the beach, tears rolling down their faces, she and her husband had been overjoyed beyond all measure and listened to Moana as she recounted her journey. Everything down to the last detail from the moment she left to finding Maui, the shape-shifting god who had been responsible for taking the heart in the first place, to going to Lalotai to restoring Maui's self-confidence and then finally restoring the heart, and with it all life to the ocean. She had become a hero.

But still, even though four years had passed and the event was now a story of inspiration, courage and hope, Sina occasionally felt guilty over letting her daughter go so easily. At least I or her father could have gone with her. We could have gone through it together. Tui had always been quick to remind her even though it had been rather foolish on her part, he no doubt would have refused to let her go anywhere near the water, would have burned the boats that they were now using and even gone as far as keeping Moana a prisoner on the island. Such a thing would have doomed them all.

We had all learnt something from then he thought to himself. And Moana came back safe and sound. That's all that matters.

"I see it!" A voice called out from above, all heads turning to look at the source. One of the men, a tall, athletic person with a green legless covering similar to Tui, was holding onto the wooden mast with one hand and shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked ahead. His face lit up and he cried out: "Dead ahead!" emphasising it by pointing far ahead across the water.

Everyone looked in the direction he was pointing and saw, a few miles away just over the horizon, the top of a series of hills that seemed to stick out of the water like some kind of gateway. Even though they were far, those on the boats could see the greenery that covered the mountains, each gradually getting bigger as they approached, their points reaching higher into the sky as if they were growing. Those on the boats rushed to the front, all beaming with smiles and excited chatter. Tui and Sina smiled at each other once again and joined everyone in looking ahead at the coming island.

The jungle undergrowth was always inviting; its myriad of colours, various animal sounds and the warmth were always a pleasure to hear, smell and see. In a way it was inviting, beckoning, even seductive in its ability to get people to walk through them, to scour its various hidden areas, the many nooks and crannies so to speak. Who knew what would be in them? Anyone who was new to the island would immediately associate such scenery with mystery, hidden treasures, natural wonders, maybe even danger.

Those were the things that the inhabitants of the island had thought of when they had landed here about three years ago. It had been unexplored and was rich in fruit bearing trees, had soil that was edible for farming and the waters around it were popular with fish, particularly with the lagoons at the back of the island. There were even a few small bird flocks and wild pigs that lived in scattered populations across the island. All of this had been akin to landing on a new planet for the inhabitants. This island was amazing! It was rich, beautiful and perfect for another village! They had struck gold and were quick to seize the initiative.

With a rush of excited adrenaline, Moana sprinted through the jungle, eagerly jumping over logs and thick tree roots, pushing branches out of the way. She even managed to swing across a wide riverbed using a rope tied to a branch of a tree that stuck out over the river but she barely paid it any attention. Right now, she was set on one thing. Get to the beach! Get to the beach and nothing else!

It took her about five minutes to get there, during that time she had almost lost her flower ring headdress, a symbol of her status as chief of the island. This jungle was never ending, and I've walked in it countless times since we came here! Eventually, she emerged from the jungle and found herself in a grassy area between a small grove of trees on one side and small patch of farmland on the other. Ahead of her were several buildings built out of bamboo, vines, leaves and other materials. Through a 'path' in the trees about two hundred metres ahead of her was the beach, and the large boat of the Montunui flotilla. Several inhabitants were already rushing towards it, enthusiastic to greet the arrivals.

Her heart leapt with joy as she rushed ahead to join them, everything else passing her in a blur. Before she knew it, she found herself on the beach and a sea of people before her, hundreds of voices happily welcoming, congratulating, laughing and conversing with each other as the inhabitants welcomed the arrivals. Her smile grew even wider and she joined in the mass, quickly becoming engulfed in the waves of 'Alohas' and happy greetings and such that came her way. She replied in due, embracing all who did her and welcoming them with happiness and 'glad to see you'.

"Ah, there she is! Chief Moana!"

Suddenly, she was swept up in a powerful pair of arms and embraced so tightly that she was sure her ribs were on the verge of breaking. Those around her chuckled loudly as she looked up and, though struggling for breath, met the cheerful face of her father. She was quick to return the embrace, cuddling into her father as another pair of arms joined them, embracing her with the same love that she felt from her father. She looked and saw her mother and pulled her closer, the three of them forgetting the world around them for a moment as they relished in each other's company. Not as chiefs or warriors or as people of Montunui, but as a family. They were reunited once again.

After a moment, the three released each other and Tui set his daughter back on the ground. "It's wonderful to see you again, Moana." He said.

"Me too," she replied softly, trying to hold back a few tears of happiness and her mother lovingly placed her hand against her cheek. "I've missed you guys so much."

"And we you, Moana," Sina replied, planting a little kiss on her daughter's forehead, earning a little giggle from the crowd around them.

The young chief giggled and brushed her long, wavy black hair behind her ears as she stepped back a pace and cleared her throat.

"Well, mother and father, and fellow people of Montunui," she declared, making sure her voice was clear and heard by all. All conversations fell silent as people on the shore and on the boats listened to the young woman. "I'm so glad to see you all again. It's always a pleasure for our brothers, our sisters, our mothers, fathers, friends and alike to come to us again from across the sea. It warms my heart." She paused for a moment to let her words sink in, pleased that many of the new arrivals were welcomed here. "Even though many of you were present here so long ago when we founded this island, I feel it appropriate to say. I welcome you to Kalea."

When her words finished, everyone cheered and some even applauded. Oh, it was so good for many of them to be back with their families who they had not seen for so long. Whether related or not, it was a family reunion they all appreciated and had been looking forward to. It was time to celebrate.

As those on shore took to helping the arrivals unload the boats, the children immediately running into the jungle to begin enthusiastically exploring the island as if it were a new world, Moana turned back to her parents.

"Well, how about I show you around?" she offered brightly.

Chief Tui nodded and waved his hand. "Lead the way."

And with that, they joined their daughter towards the village, happy to see that things were well, and everyone was also doing well. But most of all, they were beyond graceful to be with their daughter and proud to see how far she had come.

The night had set in quickly over Kalea island, filling the sky with an amazing display of stars that seemed to resonate with beauty and tranquillity, its very existence on this almost completely clear night able to make even people filled with anger and frustration feel relaxed and at peace with themselves. The moon shone brightly as it slowly moved across the night sky, lighting up the ocean surrounding the island like a lighthouse, and casting a silhouette across the back of the island as the row of mountains at the centre stood tall and proud like kings before their people.

Far below in the village, it was a buzz of activity as people watched the show of eight women, each dressed in knee length skirts made of fabrics, cloth that covered the top and centre of their torsos and each adorned with a crown made of flowers and seashells, danced to the beat of tribal musical instruments. Around them was a ring of spectators, all of them watching the show interestingly. A few torches were placed throughout the viewers, lighting up the area around them so as to help them see what was going on.

Sat in front of the show, in the middle of the viewers, were Tui and Sina, both looking on happily as Moana led the dance, each woman moving in rhythm with her with turns of their hips, gentle sweeps of their arms and moving so gracefully with their feet it was like they were the water itself. They moved with fluidity and care, not hoping to outdo the other but each moving in unison with the other. All played their part like a living body, each of them being … shall we say, the 'limbs' and 'organs' that ensured life.

As the last beats of the drums came to an end, the dancers brought their display to a halt with a final spin on their toes, all coming together to form a circle. When they were just a foot or two apart, they stopped, their backs facing the crowd around them. At this, the music ended and the women bowed to as applause ran out among the inhabitants. A few of the males whistled out to the ladies, some of who replied with winks. Moana caught this happening with one of the girls a year older than her, and her fiancée and smiled and rolled her eyes and chuckled to herself.

I'm glad I sleep heavy. She mentally commented to herself.

Tui clapped loudly and stood up, pleased with the display.

"Well done, ladies! Well done!" he congratulated them as they filed out into the crowd. He and Sina walked forward and hugged Moana, praised her for her performance, and then Tui looked at the many faces around them.

"An amazing performance and I thank you all for it, and for the welcome we have received here." He said. "I must say, when we left Montunui I was always wondering if we would ever see land again, if we would be able to meet one another on such occasions as this." A pause as he let his words sink in. "But I am glad that we landed, and I am also glad that we are by our people once again. You have all, my daughter included, come very far in the three years you have been here. You have persevered and never allowed your happiness to be taken from you."

Cheers ran out through the crowd, even coming from Sina and Moana. The chief allowed them to carry on for a moment before raising his hands to call for silence.

"But this credit does not go to me. It goes to all of you." he continued, spreading his arms out to emphasise everyone. "Despite the danger of nearly losing everything we worked for many years ago, we carried on and have become stronger than ever. Our love and compassion for each other is insurmountable and continues to grow. And no where is this more present than my daughter."

All eyes fell on the young woman in unison with the cheers and applause rang out again, some whooping her name and others calling out with "Well done, Moana!" and "We're glad to have you!" All the attention made her blush and she smiled meekly and waved nervously.

"I am glad to have left you in good hands for so long and I am sure she will continue to make us all proud. Moana," he turned to his daughter and put his hand on her shoulder, staring lovingly into the eyes of his daughter. "I'm very proud of you and what you have done. I'm glad you are my daughter."

She smiled back at her father and embraced him tightly, the words bringing a tear to her eye. "Thanks, dad. I love you."

She meant it, every fibre of her body did. Her parents had been sceptical of her obsession with the sea and her want to forge her own path in life ever since she was young, hoping she would grow out of it or, at least with her father, she would be taught to realise that she was happy where she was. In a way, they had been right. The lifestyle they had was indeed very happy, beneficial and worth living, but it had lacked the adventure, the desire to explore, the curiosity and the want to discover new homes for their people to build, grow and prosper. She had helped Montunui rediscover their past traditions, their quest for seeing the world and helped restore balance across the seas. It was that, and their desire to embrace it wholeheartedly that had enabled them to go on to even better things.

I couldn't have done it without grandma, though. And my family and people. Moana would often think to herself at times whilst making sure the island was in order, thoughts of the former making her feel momentarily sad. If only she was here to see this.

But she knew she would be, and she was sure that she was proud of her granddaughter for taking them this far.

The two released each other after a moment and Tui cleared his throat and spoke once more.

"Well, thank you again for the lovely performance ladies. But now it is time for us to get some shut-eye. It will be a new day for us tomorrow."

Everyone agreed and gradually began to head home, the parents carrying or leading the children by the hands. As Tui, Sina and Moana bade the people goodnight, the young chief paused for a moment to look up at the stars and then at the sea, her thoughts away to her journey, her grandmother, to her times as a child and having brought everyone this far. It was what brought them to where they were now; living on a safe island, everyone being happy and their society thriving. Despite all the odds they had faced, she had managed to bring them to this point, and further if it carried on like this.

I'm grateful to everyone, especially … her thoughts drifted on him, the one who had helped her on her journey so long ago.

"Moana!" her mother called out from nearby; the young chief looking at her to see her parents walking in the direction of one of the main buildings. "Come, you need to get some sleep."

With a nod, she glanced once more at the sea, quickly thinking of him again, wondering where he was, and if she would see him again.

I hope so was all she could think of as she rushed to re-join her parents.