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Quote by Keala Kendall

“A glowing manta ray swam through the dark sea, radiating wicks of iridescent blue. The manta ray shimmered as it floated toward Moana--- the very same one that had guided her out of the reef back home. Its wings glided gracefully though the water, reminding her of a dancer until it dove under, robbing Moana of her view. "You are a long ways past the reef," a voice murmured softly. Perched beside Maui's stone figure was her grandmother's spirit, wearing a sad smile. "Gramma?" A familiar sly look flitted across the spirit's face, wrinkling her white brows. She tilted her head toward the manta tattoo on her back. "Guess I chose the right tattoo. "Gramma!" Moana shouted, running into the spirit's arms. She hugged her tight as a strange cold eased into her, breezing over her skin where she touched her gramma's spirit. But she ignored it, pressing her face into her gramma's neck, inhaling notes of her familiar coconut oil aroma. She'd always rubbed it along her skin and worn it in her hair, along with the red hibiscus she gathered.”

Quote by Keala Kendall

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How Far I'll Go

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Keala Kendall

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“But the ocean chose you, and I believe you were chosen because of who you are--- not despite it." Moana's chest tightened. She thought of the first time she'd waded into the ocean's tide. The memory was hazy after the years, but she could still remember the shape of the pretty shell she'd found--- and the turtle on the sand she'd chosen to help, instead of claiming that shell for herself. Only then had the ocean's waves revealed the glimmering heart. "Maybe you're right." "Of course I am." Afā grinned, and Moana saw a flash of her father in him. They had the same self-assured grin, the same brazen spirit. "We can't let our mistakes define us, right?" Moana sniffed at the familiar words as Afā went on. "I look at you and I see so much strength and pride--- and I know you're not a failure, so don't forget who you are.”

“You would've found your way, Moana. You helped me remember we have salt water in our blood. We can never be lost on the ocean's waves. It will always draw us together." Moana cried freely as Afā began to glow, and she knew she was looking at his spirit now. He would disappear into the spirit realm to join their ancestors. "You are the culmination of all our people's hopes and dreams," Afā said, touching his forehead to hers. But there was no shared breath between them. Because this was not a greeting; this was a goodbye. "I see our ancestors in you, Moana--- and they're proud of you. You've turned the tides of our island's future, and our ancestors know you're gonna teach future generations how to find their way. Remember, you're carrying our traditions on. You could never be a failure to them.”

“Soon I will have everything I need to resurrect myself and my people--- and you're just a girl, Moana. What can you do to me?" Noe's hands rose into the air, and Moana lunged. Noe had asked. Moana pulled back her heavy stone arm and punched the girl solidly in the jaw. The hit landed, sprawling Noe onto the sand. She looked up. Shock bled through her eyes. "You're not the only one with a foot in death now, Noe," Moana said, lurching toward her with her volcanic fist again.”