Author Notes: I do not own Moana nor any character affiliated with the story, all rights belong to Disney.

Chapter One: The Cheiftess

"This is the third grove we've planted, but the taro root is still not growing properly, chief."

Moana sighed as she looked at the withered crop, "Is there nowhere left on the island available to try for another grove, Hana?"

"There is one other spot we could try, but it is very rocky soil."

"Well, perhaps this islands rocks are a little more forgiving than what we're used to on Motunui, let's give it a shot."

The farmers nodded and walked away with what little crop they had harvested towards the new area they were directed to. As she watched them go, she didn't notice as someone came up behind her.

"Another taro grove, huh?"

Moana turned to see a young man standing there eating a banana: Ariitea was tall, well built, and had a face that most women dreamed of kissing. But to Moana, he was a friend that she had known since childhood and was secretly happy of his choice to come along to populate their new island of Kahoka. So happy in fact that she made him her lead advisor and he made her responsibilities much easier than doing them alone.

"I don't understand it," she shook her head, "We were very careful about planting this year and had our farmers pay extra special attention to the taro roots needs and we still cannot get them to grow to their full size without rotting or withering away."

"Perhaps they won't reach the size we're used to here, maybe we should instead plant a few extra groves and harvest them whilst their young even though they're smaller. At least then they won't be withered away and there would be plenty of taro."

"… That's actually a really great idea," she smiled, "I hadn't thought of that."

"Happy to help," he smiled.

"Would you run up to the farmers and tell them to replant in all three of the groves we've tried? Let's give your theory a test before we completely lose a crop to rocky soil."

"Sure thing," he nodded, "Why don't you take a break and clear your mind? You look a little worn out."

She breathed out a sigh of relief, "Thank you, I could actually use a break from all of this stress."

Ariitea chuckled and ran in the farmers direction whilst Moana wiped her forehead and turned towards the beach.

Five years, she thought to herself, Five years on this new island and I can't seem to get my people to be as prosperous as my dad can…

Of course that wasn't the only thing on her mind; her parents were due for a visit any day now. It was always nice to see them but somewhere in their time on Kahoka they would make a point to 'remind' her that she would soon need to choose a husband to help her rule her people. They would visit once every six months and she both dreaded and looked forward to it every time. But now she was particularly antsy with the seasons crops not growing the way that anyone would have liked: the coconuts were scarce, bananas too small, even the fishing grounds were constantly changing and they still hadn't quite figured out the patterns each school of fish had set in the lagoon.

A year before they had settled on this brand new island, she had returned from her greatest adventure and had finally convinced her father and subsequently their people to return to their heritage of voyaging and had taught them all how to wayfind. Once everyone who wanted to voyage with her was ready, they boarded their boats and left Motunui in search of their own island. Moana smiled as she thought about that day: gently helping her father steer the canoe whilst watching the horizon, teaching her mother how to tie a quick knot, climbing to the top of the mast and looking out over the blue horizon and then hearing a loud screech to her right only to turn and see a giant hawk cruise right past her to the front of the convoy of boats.

Maui, Moana smiled as she thought about that moment. It made her laugh to remember that everyone looked puzzled as she waved to the humongous bird that seemed to be guiding them, none of them knowing his true identity. But she recognized his antics and followed him as he flew until he lead them to their island which they named Kahoka, meaning 'The Star.' She thought it was a perfect name for their new home since she and Maui bonded over him teaching her to wayfind and read the stars, in a way it was a reminder to her of him. After they landed on the shore, her people started as the Demigod shifted his shape in front of all of them, and they were even more startled to watch the young daughter of the chief run up to him and throw her arms around him in a tight hug. Truthfully, she enjoyed the confusion almost as much as she enjoyed hugging her best friend again. When they finally let each other go, Moana immediately introduced him to her people and encouraged them to look at Maui as one of their own: accepting him and giving him the love he so desperately desired. By the end of the day, her people had grown so fond of the Demigod and he swore an oath to them that he would always watch over them and they would prosper. Everyone cheered and praised him and had a feast in his honour; and when the morning came he said his goodbyes, shape shifted into his favourite giant hawk form, and flew away. It was sad for her to watch him go, but she knew he had a lot to do as a Demigod of the wind and sea and focused her attention on her new home.

It took nearly a year to get a village set up and then her parents left her on her own to govern her people. Her first year as chief wasn't bad, but it wasn't smooth either. She thanked the Gods every day that her people were so understanding that everything was new to them and to her and they would all need time to adjust to their surroundings, but things never seemed to go up. Every year it got harder and harder, and before she knew it she had stopped wayfinding all together because she was too busy trying to lead the people that looked to her.

She reached the beach and sat down on a rock that was positioned near the water, waiting patiently. A smile crossed her face as the waves that had barely touched her toes swirled up into a crescent shape in front of her.

"Hello, Ocean."

The crystal clear water gave her a quick nod then splashed her, making her sputter and laugh.

"I've missed you, too," she smiled.

A moment later, the wave returned carrying a beautiful conch and sat it down in her lap. Moana sighed as she held up the beautiful gift.

"I know," she nodded sadly, "And I wish I could, but my people need me here. I can't go wayfinding now. Not until things are a little bit better under control."

The Ocean didn't move; it seemed to stare straight through her, testing her resolve. When she didn't change her poise, it had a clever idea and dropped back into itself.

Moana looked around, hoping she didn't offend it into running away when a giant wave seemed to crash onto the sand with purpose nearby. She walked over to it and looked down to see pebbles placed very carefully into the shape of a giant fishhook on the shore with the Oceans crescent head sitting up and looking at her as she looked over the sculpture.

"Yeah," she nodded, hoping she understood its meaning, "Maybe if he had been here, things would be better."

The Ocean gave a sad nod then disappeared, leaving the young chief alone with her thoughts.

AUTHOR NOTES: I would love some feedback. I have written a lot of fanfiction but I've never published it, it was all for me. I'm taking a chance here making this available to the world to see how I think things would go for these two characters. I hope everyone enjoys :)