Where Mountain Meets Sea: HAWAII'S STORY (1)

The Birth Of The Kingdom

A/N: And now, this book is to be properly rewritten, as to keep headcanons and plotlines nice and together! Thank you all for your lovely comments and your support!

In the heart of the vast oceans, beyond the vibrant blue expanse, lies a place of breathtaking beauty known as Hawaiʻi Nei. There were plants and birds and bugs found nowhere else, flowers only dreamed of, and most of all, the mountains and valleys and oceans. Located thousands of miles away from any other lands, this was a picture of untamed, lush beauty, prime for the picking.

But beyond its physical beauty, Hawaiʻi Nei was, and is, the land of kamaʻāina, children of the earth.

The name "Hawaiʻi Nei" is not merely a designation of a homeland but an expression of endearment. It, in its literal sense, translates to "our beloved Hawaiʻi." The word "nei" means a sense of intimacy and belonging. It means our own.

For Hawaiʻi was, and always will be, our own.

Before the Hawaiʻi we know and love, there was another, an older one, from the dawn of civilization on these tiny islands in the Pacific. He has been there since seemingly the beginning of time.

Clever, quick-witted, and deeply respected, he was revered as a god in his homeland. Bound by the sacred kapu, or taboo, he was set apart from the common folk, a symbol of divine presence. His people were devoted, and he, in turn, watched over them with unwavering loyalty. He was theirs, and they were his.

As the years passed, he witnessed the growth and transformation of his home. He saw his people evolve into a complex civilization, their ingenuity and dedication shaping a thriving society. The islanders regarded him as a benevolent spirit, a protector of the civilization they had painstakingly built together.

He found solace in the serenity of his secluded paradise, where peace enveloped him in a warm embrace. There, amidst the lush greenery, he revelled in the beauty of the land that fed him. The trees provided him with cool shade, the crystal-clear waters quenched his thirst, and an abundance of food sustained him.

The aikāne of which he had been graciously given by the gods were good and made for him. Lovers, both male and female, were blessed to be his, and oddly, he was theirs.

Among his many blessings were his children, each one a unique soul with their own path to forge. They were the multitude of districts created by the chiefs, who often visited him, seeking his guidance and blessings. They revered him as a patriarch, a source of knowledge and inspiration.

In this tranquil haven, he reflected on his life's journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the landscape, he felt a profound sense of fulfilment.

Every night, he would stare at the stars, hoping someone was staring at the same. And every night, he thought that perhaps someone was thinking the same thing across the world.

Though conflicts occasionally arose, they were confined to the squabbles among his children, sparing him from the burdens of personal turmoil.

Beyond the boundaries of his world, his existence remained largely unknown, save for his numerous brothers dwelling in the islands of Polynesia. Each of them was immersed in their pursuits, charting their respective paths.

No mortal soul held sway over him, for he stood above the ali'i, the hereditary rulers of the islands. The days flowed into weeks, weeks into months, months into years, and years into centuries. It was a life of unparalleled beauty, where he reigned over his destiny.

However, fate took an unexpected turn with the birth of a young man named Paiea.

Prophecy foretold that he would be the one to unite the islands under a single banner. As Paiea grew, he demonstrated the qualities of a capable leader. His vision for Hawaii's transformation into a kingdom captivated the old one, who keenly observed the unfolding events.