Stars Align

Maui's Comfort

Moana stormed off to her hut on the hill. The adobe walls and stone floor felt so familiar, but in her frantic state of mind it seemed almost distant. She sat down on her cot and stared at the necklace her grandmother gave her. She then saw the tapestry hanging over her entryway shift.

She looked up to see who it was, and saw the tall Aisake standing there.

"Hey," He smiled, "Can I come in?" Moana sat up straight and nodded. Aisake walked over to where she was sitting and sat next to her.

"I'm sorry," Moana said after a few minutes of awkward silence, "I should've just talked to you there instead of walking off. I guess I'm just a bit stubborn."

"It's fine," Aisake reassured her. Another minute of awkward air filled the hut as the two sat together. "I know you don't want to marry me." Moana looked up at him, shocked.

"No,no,no—," Moana began, but Aisake cut her off.

"Listen, Moana, you don't have to make excuses. I don't want to be rude, but I don't want to marry you either. Don't get me wrong you're smart, adventurous, and beautiful," Aisake said, and Moana thanked him, " but I'm perfectly fine sailing alone and being my own person. I'm only 18, and I want to find myself. Also, I'm pretty sure it's just so you guys can see how amazing the Lā is and want to merge with us." Moana stared blankly, thinking about how sure her father was that Inu was going to help.

"Anyway," Aisake said, standing up, "I'm going back to the hut. I'll tell them that you need some time to reconsider."

"Thank you so much," Moana stood up and smiled at him, "You're a good guy."

Aisake smiled and left.

•••

Moana spent the rest of the afternoon laying in her hut, contemplating the gravity of the situation. She had a say in the matter, but either way would bring her unhappiness. If she marries Aisake, it would be a loveless marriage and her island could get overrun by Inu. If she declines, however, another plague could hit her village, and her island could be destroyed.

The only place she could think to clear her head was the ocean. She waited until it was dark and the whole village was asleep to go out and grab her canoe from her dock. She quietly untied it from the post and strategically sailed beyond the reef.

The ocean's rhythmic waves and the occasional splash of cold water really helped relax her brain. Out here she could properly work things out in her brain and try to sort things out.

Suddenly a large object landed on the edge of her boat, causing her to almost slide off. She quickly jumped up, alarmed. At the edge of her boat she saw Maui in hawk form. He quickly transformed into his regular self and smiled at her.

"Maui!" She yelled and embraced him. Maui hugged her back and then departed. "What are you doing here?"

"I don't know, am I not allowed to visit my best friend?" Maui joked.

Moana laughed, then sat back down on the boat. She looked longingly out to the sea, and wished she were able to make the decision tonight. So much rested on her shoulders, she just wanted to tell Maui so much— but it was so awkward. They haven't really talked in a year, he left to find help when her island got sick and only came back again to deliver a remedy.

Maui notice Moana deep in thought and sat next to her.

"Hey," he smiled and looked at her, "what's wrong?" Moana sighed and looked at him kindly.

"I'm getting married, Maui," she said bluntly. Maui was taken back again, his heart dropped to his stomach.  He looked at her for a bit and then began laughing. Moana furrowed her brow and crossed her arms. Nothing about her situation was funny, and she did not like him laughing about it.

"You HAVE to be kidding me," he laughed, "marriage? That's classic." He continued chuckling until he noticed Moana's grave expression.

"Maui, I'm serious," she said. Maui stopped smiling and sat there awkwardly.

"I'm sorry Moana, it just shocked me a bit. I guess I thought you were joking," Maui said.

"It's complicated. Some villagers are showing signs of sickness. A nearby island nation called the Lā offered Motonui a relief island, it's small and peaceful. It could really help if another plague occurred. But, on one condition," Mona sighed and continued, "I have to marry the chief's son, Aisake."

"So, he's a jerk?" Maui asked.

"No, he's actually pretty smart and kind," Moana said, "he's just— I don't know. I don't want to get married." Moana started to sniff, and a tear rolled down her cheek. "There's just so much pressure and I don't know what to do. I have to marry him." She said, "but I don't want to."

Maui embraces her in a hug and let her cry into his shoulders. Moana hugged him back tightly. After a few minutes she looked up into his big caring eyes. He had changed so much, from being condescending and self absorbed to being caring and kind.

Moana felt something in my stomach, like butterflies flying, yet she pushed the feelings away. Maui was stable and immortal, knowing what to do and had a clear view of what he was going to do in 200 years. Moana was the opposite. Headstrong and stubborn, she always had it her way. She was unpredictable and, to a god or demigod, dainty. One fatal mistake could mean she's gone forever. Moana wouldn't be selfish enough to break Maui's heart.

She broke away the hug and sat next to him on the boat. After a few minutes of them looking up at the stars, Maui broke the silence.

"Listen, Moana, I'll always be a shoulder to cry on if you need me," he said

"Thank you Maui," she smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Your welcome."