*Katos' silence had always been taken as permission to proceed with the conversation, he was unsure why that suddenly changed. As he watched Necrosis run off in the distance, he realized how very little it mattered if he had the zabraks help or not. He looked back to Rebellious and put his hood down and pulled the mask from his face.*

I had come alone, he was already here, just...sleeping. Regardless, he will come back or be left behind yet again. My time is to precious to hunt him down a second time. Please, continue with your proposition.

Chapter I

*To understand the story of Noelani, Elikapeka and Raan, one must visit a tragic past that happened many years ago when they were all young. It is now a story only known to Raan— one he prefers not to tell— yet now this story must be retold as a means to understand the kind of person she was and the reason behind Elikapeka Hekekia's scars. It may give some readers somewhat of an insight into Raan's life and what shaped him to be the person he is today.

Now lend me your eyes and ears, as we visit the Hekekia Residence located on the outskirts of Kadaara where . . .*

Maleko Hekekia had been tip-toeing his way down the stairs, a bat in his hand as he slowly approached the living room. He wasn't quite sure what he was expecting to find, but he knew that it was a little too early for anyone currently in the house to be awake— so the question begged, was there a burglar in his living room? Maybe he should have considered notifying the local authorities first before taking matters into his own hands. Then again, it could have been a stray cat that probably sneaked through one of the open windows looking for food.

In the end he knew that the only reason he hadn't contacted authorities was because he didn't want to concern his wife who was still sound asleep. Not to mention that Elikapeka and Noelani were no doubt passed out in their room downstairs— the previous night had been filled with celebration over Elika's graduation from the University. The girls had been up late, talking with their friends and no doubt indulging in all manner of alcoholic beverages that would leave them highly inebriated.

There is the slight possibility that it could be one of them in the living room. Thought Maleko, reaching at the bottom of the staircase and strengthening his grip on the bad in his hands. Noelani was known to wake up in the middle of the night or very early in the morning to grab a snack, and their daughter was somewhat of an insomniac regardless of how inebriated she was. Why hadn't he considered this possibility? More than ever, he was now glad for not overreacting and doing something stupid before conducting his personal investigation. But what in Shiraya's name is that sound? He couldn't make out what it was, but it sounded like metals being taken apart. Or put together. It made no sense to him. Who would be taking things apart at five in the morning? Certainly not the girls— and most definitely not his wife! Haukea was still in the room, after all.

Deciding that he couldn't gather any further evidence without seeing what was really going on, Maleko gave up on thoughts and slowly got on his knees before crawling into the living room, making sure to hide behind the couch and only look from the corner. A sneak-peek would do the trick and end his ridiculous train of thought— or so he had thought, but what he saw next got the adrenaline flowing through his blood, a sense of fear slowly finding it's way to all parts of him . . .

His protocol droid— or what was left of it— was laying in bits on the floor. Parts were scattered all over the place, and at the center of the living room, the culprit was seated on the floor, his back facing Maleko while he worked on something. For one thing, he was human, which gave Maleko a bit of confidence— if he could get close enough and knock him good on the head, there was no doubt that the culprit would collapse.
With this in mind, Maleko approached the culprit ever so slowly (he was back on his feet, and lucky enough, the sound of the air conditioner was blocking out his steps towards the man in the middle of the room.

Slowly raising the bat when he got close enough, Maleko prepared to swing really hard when something stopped him in his tracks— the man in question, looked somewhat familiar. Maleko couldn't see his face, but recognition was slowly finding it's way to his mind as he continued to observe the man before him— or his hair, to be precise. It was long, red-gold in color, reaching the man's shoulders. But more than anything else, were the two braids protruding from either side of his temples. There was but one Jedi Padawan in Maleko's memory that possessed two braids.

" . . . Raan?!" Said the older man, lowering his bat and taking a step back. He hadn't seen the boy in almost a year. "Boy, is that you??"

Raan Jade turned around to look up at the man addressing him— to be precise, he looked up but his eyes were closed, a smile on his face as he said. "Old Man Hekekia. I see you haven't died of old age yet. How ar—"

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING DISASSEMBLING MY DROID AT 5AM, BOY??" Poking Raan with the bat, Maleko decided to drop it before letting out a frustrated groan. "And how did you get in here? Where've you been during the last year and why didn't you tell me you were coming? Haukea's been worried sick about you, and I know we aren't allowed to ask what you do when you aren't at the University but give me a break, kid, we worry a lot you know? Are you trying to give my wife a heart-attack? Just who do you think—"

"Aww, the old man was worried about me." Interrupting Maleko was something Raan had always loved to do. "Just say that you missed me and—"

"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME, BOY? DO YOU WANT TO FIGHT??"

Chuckling, Raan shook his head, his eyes were still closed but he knew that Maleko wouldn't comment on it or view it as an insult. "My apologies, Old Man Hekie—"

"HEKIE?? BOY, YOU ARE SO ASKING FOR IT!"

"I was on a mission." Raan continued, a smile on his face. "I had no means of communication so I couldn't really comm you or Mrs. Hekekia. But I asked Noey to tell you that I would return as soon as I could."

A mission always meant some matter that was Jedi-related. Everyone at the Hekekia residence knew not to inquire any further when that word was mentioned. It couldn't be helped, Raan was Jedi after all. He would occasionally vanish for months only to return later . . . and sometimes with bruises. Still, Maleko respected Raan's unmentioned request to never ask for details.

"Aye. That was a year ago, boy." He said, noticing the bruises on the boy's face, and upon closer inspection, the slight loss of weight. Raan looked more manly now, and a little less like the boy they had seen last year. In some ways, Maleko felt sad for the boy. "Is . . . everything alright? Anything I can do to help at all?"

Raan tipped his head to the side, and although he couldn't see Maleko (his eyes were still shut), he could sense the man's sadness and in turn smiled all the more. "Actually, there is. How about you stop worrying about me before your heart gives out, old man? I'm fine, see."

A droid arm was sent flying in his direction but Raan dodged it fluidly and continued to look in Maleko's direction. "Ceasing an attempt to take my life might also help. Not only is it futile but Peka is a light sleeper and will no doubt hear the slightest noise."

Running a hand over his face to control his urge to beat up the boy, Maleko changed the topic. "Now then, why are you disassembling my protocol droid? It was a gift from Haukea's father and while I'll admit that it's been a bit on the slow side lately, there was no reason for you to—"

"Controller chip was a little damaged. That was the cause of the . . .what did you call it again? Slowness?" Resuming his work on the chip, he added, "Not to worry though. I'm almost done. Also, I polished the parts and replaced a few screws. I don't think Mrs. Hekekia's father would be proud of the way you mistreat his gift to you."

"Perhaps you should stop thinking, Boy." He paused, his eyes widening in the process. "Wait. When did you learn how to . . ."

Raan snickered, "Ah. Something I picked up along the way. No worries, I'm no prodigy like your daughter but every now and then I can produce a trick or two from my sleeve."

Maleko sat back in his chair, silently observing the boy. He was remembering a time when both Elikapeka and Noelani had explained to him how Raan was actually smart when he wasn't lazing around or running away from any form of responsibility. Noelani in particular, had claimed that one of Raan's instructors had come to her begging that she convince the boy to join the Advanced Class, and Elikapeka pointed out how she had tricked Raan into thinking he was playing a game when in actual sense she was testing his strategical skills— according to her, he had always been twenty steps ahead despite whining that it was all a drag. If confronted about it, Raan would simply try to change the subject or make up a joke about it— but the boy was simply brilliant. At least from Maleko's standpoint.

Not only that, but whenever he visited, Raan always helped with the handy chores and heavy-duty work. In essence, he was the son Maleko never had.

"Well, thank you." Said Maleko sincerely. "At least let me pay you for your services."

"Aye. Your daughter's hand in marriage should suffice."

Rolling his eyes, Maleko got on his feet and left the living room to grab something from the fridge. He may have changed . . . but he's still got his sense of humor. That thought alone, brought him a peace of mind. However, upon opening the fridge, he found it completely empty, and once again Maleko Hekekia found himself running a hand across his face to control the urge to give the teenage boy a beating.

As he returned to the living room, he inhaled a few times before finally mustering the control he required to say, "I should have known that your presence in this place would mean emptying my entire wallet on food."

"Oh, about that . . ." Once again, the boy with his eyes closed looked apologetically in the older man's direction. "I can pay you back—"

"No, thanks." Grabbing his keys from the counter, Maleko said, "It is a father's duty to provide for his family. You are a growing boy, after all."

"Tsk." Raan turned back to the protocol droid he was assembling, wondering if the Old Man had said those words on purpose. Did he know how much hearing such words meant to him? "Don't go about trying to sound cool, Old Man. It is very unbecoming of you."

Maleko laughed loudly, before turning to leave. "I am cool, Young Man." Pocketing the speeder keys, he added, "Oh, and Raan . . ."

The only indication that he was listening was how he suddenly sat up straight, despite not turning his head to face Maleko.

"Welcome back home." That said, Maleko left the leaving room, and soon after that, the residence. It was time to go buy breakfast before everyone else woke up . . . and killed Raan.

Moments after he heard the entrance door shut, Raan's fingers momentarily stopped what they were doing and he sat silent for a moment. "I . . . am home." He muttered to himself, almost in response to Maleko too.

He didn't know how long he worked on the droid for though, because when he turned to a presence he was sensing and opened his eyes, it was to find himself looking into Noelani's eyes . . . and his entire face turned red.

Noelani's lips curled into a smile and with the faintest hint of mischief playing in her eyes, she pressed her nose against Raan's. "Little Lordlin' . . ."

It may have been a year since he last saw her, but Noelani was still the prettiest woman he had ever seen.

Chapter II

*It is difficult to explain the nature of Raan's relationship with Noelani. If you were to ask Raan, he would scratch his head and pretend not to have heard you. If you inquired on the matter from Noelani, she would grin mischievously and ask why you wanted to know. But, were you to look into Raan's mind, the only explanation you would get was that he loved her . . . and he loved Elikapeka. That was all.*

Unaware of the trance-like state he was in, Raan continued to study every little detail of Noelani's face, and as he did so, Noelani marveled at the intensity of the boy's gaze. In his green eyes, she saw a lot of things— things like how he had missed her, or the innocence and awe with which he looked at her. Just what was going on in the kid's head?
On his end, Raan was simply amazed at how Noelani had the same effect on him no matter how many times he saw her. There wasn't any part of her that wasn't perfect, in his eyes— be it her waist-long dark hair, or those eyes that appeared hazel when she was lost in her own thoughts, blue when she gazed at the sea and brown whenever she looked down or happened to be indoors. He could go on and on describing of part of Noelani, but at the end of the day it all came down to one thing, she was beautiful.

"Hey . . . Lordling?" A line of concern appeared slightly above her left eyebrow, "Are you alright?" This time she brought a finger to his chin, tilting his head gently upwards, and in so doing, causing the color in his cheeks to return. "I get that I'm exceptionally attractive but . . ."

"Tell me something, Noey." Those were the very first words he uttered, subconsciously wondering if his first words to her in a year should have been much cooler.

Is it me, or is his voice a little deeper? She wondered, noticing that while he seemed thinner, his shoulders had broadened and his body more toned. "Anything." She replied, "Ask away."

"Have you . . .always looked this hideous when you wake up?" He cocked his head to the side, bringing his own hand to her chin to hold it in place. "Or could it be that this is what you look like without your make-up? Holy heavens, look at you—"

He didn't know when or how it happened, but one moment he had been talking, and the next had found him literally planting his face to the floor, Noelani's hand threatening to press harder if he resisted. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorrrryyy!"

"Shiraya's limbs!" Noelani proclaimed, calmly, "Just when you think he's kinda cute and mature-looking, the boy opens his mouth and lo and behold.." She pressed his face harder against the floor. "He opens his mouth and all hell breaks loose. It was my mistake to think that he had finally learned how to act around women . . . whatever shall I do with this child?"

Tapping his hand against the floor endlessly to indicate that he had given up on all attempts to retaliate, Raan tried to say something only to have his lips sealed by Noelani's other hand as she said, "Oh I'm not done with you yet, Lordling . . . I think it's best I teach you a lesson before my darling sees us and—"

"Raan! Is it really??" It was Elikapeka's voice, soothing and melodic as she stifled a yawn and widened her eyes when she realized that she wasn't dreaming. "You're back!!"

"Well speak of the devil..." Whispered Noelani to Raan . . . only to realize that he was no longer stuck under her and when she next looked to where Elikapeka had been, it was to find Raan enveloping her in a bear-hug.

"'PEKA!!!" Raan was rather ecstatic. Trying his level best not to crush the petite woman as he continued to squeeze her in a bear hug! "You've gotten smaller! Have you not been eating again? Please, please tell me that you haven't been dieting again! Wait, could it be that you're bulimic? What happened to you—"

Giggling and embarrassed at the same time, Elika patted Raan on the shoulder signalling that he put her down and let her catch her breath lest she died of asphyxiation.

"Please don't kill my girl! And watch where you're touching her, you senseless little—"

Paying no heed to what Noelani was saying, Raan, as always, let his overly protective nature for Elikapeka kick in— and despite the fact that she was his senior by two years, he always treated her like the youngest of the bunch. His fingers ran into her hair, tucking it neatly behind her ear and reaching for the strap of her nightgown that was threatening to fall of her shoulder, placed it back where it belonged. Satisfied with his actions, he smiled, taking his time to study Elikapeka while she replied . . .

*Elikapeka, in Raan's view, was the most innocent being in existence. While generally shy, every now and then she could exhibit a little boldness— most notable whenever she was with the love of her life, Noelani. Just looking at Elikapeka always aroused a need to fiercely protect her— at least, this was the effect she had on Raan and despite not being fragile in any way, both Raan and Noelani always treated her like glass. Which sometimes earned them both a glare— but even a frustrated Elikapeka was very adorable in their eyes.

Now you must understand, this was a long time ago, and as such, our dear Elikapeka's eyesight was all too perfect and one of her most striking features was her eyes, or to be more exact, their power of observation. Nothing escaped those eyes— and when she looked into your eyes, you couldn't really turn away from her gaze. She may have appeared fragile at times, but on the rare occasions when her personality came to light, you came to learn that hidden in that petite body was a lady with an unparalleled strength of character.*

" . . .Anyway, did you hear anything I said?" Asked Elika, her eyes narrowed as she noticed that Raan was once again in his trance-like state.

"S-sorry. No. Would you care to repeat it, please?" He said, removing something closely resembling to lint from her gown. "I promise to listen."

"That's alright, Raan. As I was saying, I didn't get smaller." She smiled, looking away in a somewhat embarrassed manner at the way Raan was treating her like a child. "You just got bigger."

Noelani stifled a laugh that was threatening to burst out.

"You've even outgrown dad. What are you . . ." She did a quick mental calculation, being the prodigy she was. "Six-and-three now? You've added four inches since we last saw you."

Quite conscious of his height, Raan's cheeks once again gained a little color while Noelani was openly laughing at the exchange between the two. To her, the entire conversation sounded so . . . different.

"And . . . you're a year away from coming of age, Raan." Elika giggled, still not looking into Raan's eyes. "I take it we won't be able to manhandle you much longer."

Unsure of whether Elikapeka and Noelani were both teasing him about something he wasn't really grasping, Raan took Elika's face in his hands and said, "Peka . . . before I come of age, I've always been dying to ask this of you."

"Yes?"

His green eyes met hers. "I want you to . . .do it with me. Here and now. Noey won't mind."

Elika's face turned almost as red as her hair as she covered her face. "Do . . .it?"

Noelani's skin turned completely pale. "D-did he just ask you to . . ."

"That's right. I feel like Peka is the one to introduce me to the world of a—"

He never got to finish his sentence— just like before, he found himself on the floor while both ladies were either kicking or slapping him wherever they could. Even the innocent Elikapeka wasn't holding back this time . . .

Ten minutes later . . .

Maleko Hekekia returned to his residence to find his daughter and her soul mate standing over Raan— or to be more accurate, giving the boy a beating. Dropping all his groceries, he ran over to the small group and tried to get the girls to give up on their violence . . . Raan was motionless— causing the girls (who were still trying to regain their breaths), to worry that they may have really incurred some serious damage on him. He had, after all, just returned from a mission.

It was upon closer inspection that Maleko heard Raan snoring, and in so doing, realized that somewhere in the midst of all the beating, the boy had simply . . . fallen asleep.

Looking at the two girls, his expression went from stern to puzzled . . . followed by laughter. Only Raan could pull off something like that.

"No matter." Said Maleko, getting on his feet. "If memory serves, the boy will wake up to the sweet aroma of Haukea's cooking. Will one of you go fetch him a blanket?" When the girls raised their eyebrows, he added, "There is no way I'm carrying that dead weight to his room!"

Chapter III

*Noelani always brought out the best in people— it was what made her special. Her personality was such that being around her alone was enough to bring one from their worst nightmares to their best days. She had a habit of referring to herself as one who brought the balance amongst people.

. . . But the only person to bring out the best in Noelani, was Elikapeka Hekekia. This, in Noelani's eyes, made her the most important person in her life. Raan had always suspected it to be the reason Noelani fell hard for Elikapeka.*

"So I was thinking we should go out tomorrow," Said Noelani, holding her lover's hand in both of hers. "To that park where I first met you— and perhaps we could drag Little Lordling along."

Elikapeka, just like Raan before her, was currently dazzled by Noelani's beauty. In the six years they had known each other, Noelani only seemed to be getting prettier. . . and not just on the outside either. "Sure, Noey. But why? The place is kind of old now, and—"

"It is the root of all our history together. That and . . ." She smiled, "It was Little Lordling's birthday last week, Eli. I'm not sure what happened to him but I feel like it might help ease his mind."

They were outside on the porch, Noelani leaning against the railing while Elika was facing her. It had been thirty minutes since they had given Raan the beating of his life, and until a while ago, Elika had been expressing her concern to Noelani. Apparently her observational skills suggested that Raan's most recent mission hadn't just affected him physically. There had been something dark about him— something Elika couldn't quite comprehend but knew that they needed to help him with. So, in her concerned state she had asked her lover for advice.

"Why don't we try asking him to talk about it— shush," Elika pressed her index finger against Noey's lips, "I know what you're going to say. We can't ask him about his missions, yes, but there is something that's affecting him, and I know that if you were to ask him, he might open up."

Sighing deeply, Noelani waited for Elika to give her a chance to talk before saying, "I'll . . . see what I can do. But only if you allow me to . . ." She wrapped her arm around Elika's waist and pulled her closer.

"Wait, N-Noey. We're outside. Someone might s-see"

"Ever the shy one. God's how cute you are." But she wouldn't hear any of Elika's protest. "When Shiraya blesses me with someone as special as you, Eli, there is no way I'll hold back on the cherishing part. Now then . . ."

"N-Noey, no, wa—"

Noelani's lips pressed against Elika's, and the two were locked in a passionate kiss, oblivious to the world around them for the moment . . .

Twenty minutes later, Elika was leading Noelani back into the house, her cheeks red from blushing. She was looking at the floor— as she always did whenever she was mad at Noelani for making her do something against her will— although, truth be told, she wasn't against it to begin with. She was more mad at herself for complying so willingly.

"Oh dear." Came Haukea's melodious mezzo-soprano voice, followed by light laughter. "Is our Elika mad about something again, Noe?"

Haukea Hekekia was a replica of Elikapeka— or if you wanted to get really specific about it, Elika looked just like her mother. In fact, they were such a splitting image that sometimes people teased Haukea by stating that she birthed herself. Maleko, in particular, liked to joke about how Haukea never needed him to produce a daughter like Elika.

"Morning 'Kea." Noelani only left Elika's side to go and hug her mother. "Yes, I fear that Eli might be mad at me for—"

One look. That was all it took, for Elikapeka to convey a message to her lover. A message that promised a horrific experience if she dared say something she wasn't supposed to say to Haukea.

"—Taking her to the porch this early in the morning." Noelani finished, smiling nervously.

Elikapeka must have inherited her skills of observation from her mother, since Haukea looked suggestively from her daughter, to Noelani before saying, "Oh. I see. Elika isn't exactly a morning person, is she? Such a little creature of the night."

"Well forgive me for not being normal." Said the pouting Elika before turning around to see who it was that had just placed a hand on her shoulder. "Dad, please tell Mom and Noey to leave me alone."

"Of course, pumpkin." Said the sympathetic Maleko before looking to where Noey and Haukea were standing. "You heard the little creature of the night, ladies. Leave her alone—ouch!"

Elika had just pinched her father's arm before walking to the kitchen to start setting out the plates for breakfast. "You're all a bunch of meanies!"

"Yes we are, but we love you, honey." Haukea said, before looking over to Noelani. "Noe, please be a darling and go wake Raan for me. He must be really tired since he isn't already in the kitchen."

"Right away, ma'am."

On her way to the living room, Noelani thought about her conversation with Elika. Maybe she's right— something's really wrong with Raan. Not only had Elika noticed but it seemed Haukea had as well. Raan's legendary sense of smell never failed him. Whenever Haukea had cooked, he would be the first person in the kitchen and the last to leave. Yet how could he still be sleeping even though the aroma of Haukea's cooking was all over the place?

Reaching where Raan was, she noticed how he was still in the same position they had left him in— on his back, covered in a blanket and breathing so lightly that it almost looked as though he wasn't breathing at all. He must be tired indeed. Kneeling beside him, she brought her hand to his cheek and almost pulled it away— his body temperature was so high it nearly burned her. Unsure of what was going on, she brought her other hand to his chest. Heart's beating really fast and hard.

And then she noticed the couches and tables were all shaking, the only reason they hadn't it all the way in the kitchen was because of the carpet underneath. "Raan.....Raan, wake up." She knew that panicking would get her know where. Never before had she seen Raan use the Force, and the fact that this was occurring in his sleep was a very bad sign.

"Raan!" She called to him again. It was best she dealt with this now. Calling the others might cause panic— or someone could get hurt. But even she couldn't help the fear that was crawling up to her heart— not the fear of his abilities . . . but fear of not knowing how to help . . . or if Raan would ever be alright again. She was no medic but she knew that brain cells would deteriorate at a certain body temperature— and she had never sensed a body that hot before. What in Shiraya's name is going on?!

Without realizing it, Noelani's hand reaches up to the tiny chain around her neck bearing a figurine of Shiraya. In a silent prayer, she asks for the Goddess to help in any way possible, promising to never curse again if something could be done about Raan.

"Please, Little Lordling . . ." Her voice is so faint it's almost inaudible. "If this is a trick, stop it now."

No response.

"Raan . . ." She noticed that her hand on his chest was beginning to shake, and only then does she realize how nervous she is. Was Raan . . . in a coma? ". . . Please come back to me."

Chapter IV

*Raan was known to blame himself for a lot of things, and most of the time he was wrong for doing so. Yet, there was one incident that he would forever blame on himself with pure conviction that he could have avoided it if only he had trusted his animal-like instincts. Perhaps he would have been a different person then . . .*



When he woke up again, it was to find Noelani leaning on him, on the verge of tears as she tried to shake him in an attempt to wake him up. Without warning, he sat up and pulled her into a fierce hug, causing a sudden gasp to escape her lips, but even then he didn't let her go.

Noelani had known that Raan would be fine from the moment the furniture around them stopped shaking, yet she hadn't expected the hug so suddenly. In her world, she had envisioned Raan opening his eyes ever so slowly— as any normal person would when returning from deep slumber. But nonetheless, she returned the hug just as fiercely, glad to have Raan back although she didn't quite understand what had just happened, nor did she know how to make sure it didn't occur again. "Just . . . what happened to you on that mission, Raan? Talk to me, please."

It wasn't uncommon for Noelani to call him by name, but it was very rare to hear a concerned tone from her. Noey was old school— with the exception of her lover, she never openly showed concern or worry to anyone else. Yet here she was, displaying an emotion that completely moved the red-head male.

She thinks my mission is the cause of all this? Thought Raan, slowly regaining his breath as he processed whether or not he should inform her of his nightmare. "Noey, I am deeply honored that you worry for me but please know that my mission has nothing to do with what just happened." Loosening his grip on her, he continued, "It just so happens that I was having a nightmare. That is all. And if at all possible, I would appreciate it if you didn't tell the others about my little . . ."

Noelani began to chuckle. So even if it was her, Raan wouldn't open up, eh? She wasn't entirely surprised. It had been a year, so maybe a lot had changed about him, and she knew that he just didn't want to worry her. She wasn't sure whether to be pleased or disappointed in the lack of trust he exhibited. "Don't worry, Lordling, your secret is safe with me." She patted him gently before sitting back. "But . . . I wish you wouldn't try to act all tough around me. It's alright to show weakness, Raan." She brought her hands to his cheeks. "You're only seventeen. Please don't grow too fast. You'll be an adult in your own time— until then, live a happy life, enjoy whatever it is that teenagers enjoy, heck, get a girlfriend, or boyfriend, whichever way you swi—"

"Noey! First of all, I am Jedi. Second, was I to take an interest in romance, you can rest assured that I would only go for girls, thank you very much." He said, pouting that she would even dare make jokes like those at a time like this. "Hrmph! How could you—"

"Alright, alright. I am sorry." She laughed, punching him on the shoulder. "Gosh, can't you learn how to take a joke? See what I mean? You shouldn't be so serious. There's so much more to life than taking everything to heart." Her expression turned serious again. "All I'm trying to say, is that I'm here if you ever wish to open up or talk about anything . . . and I'll be around for a long time. Also, just because you've gotten so big doesn't mean you should treat me like a weak little girl and hide things from me. If you think that I'll worry so much and therefore avoid telling me things....well, let me just say that you're wrong, alright? I'm older and stronger than you, kid, and if you don't believe me, we can take this outside anytime and I'll—"

"Fine, fine! Sheesh, Noey, no need to go on and on! I get it." He raised his arms in surrender. "I'm sorry! I'll tell you right now. Anything to stop you from giving me the speech!"

Laughing genuinely, Noelani sat back and devoted all her attention to Raan. "Out with it, then. I've got plenty more where that came from." A smile.

Heavens, she's so beautiful and completely unaware of it. Thought Raan, before deciding that he would indulge in optical nutrition another time. "I had a nightmare about you..." He said, and told her everything he could remember from it. Not missing a single detail, and when he was done, "I know this may sound silly but . . . for the next month or so, please make sure I'm with you whenever you and Peka head out." His eyes, were once again closed, a polite smile on his face as he said, "Please, alright?" But even then, Noelani could tell that he was begging for her to say yes despite the fact that he was basing it all on a dream.

Given any other circumstance, Noey would have laughed, but the look she received from Raan— well, it wasn't exactly a look since the brat was doing that thing he sometimes did of closing his eyes, didn't he think he looked cool doing it or something—she couldn't bring herself to make light of the situation. "Thank you for sharing." She meant it, "But, let me ask you something . . . do you possess The Sight?" When Raan didn't comprehend what she meant, Noelani explained. "Perhaps the Jedi have a different name for this ability, but my people believe that the Moon Goddess blesses a chosen few with a ability to see into the future, be it in the form of dreams or other methods."

"Precognition." Raan said, understanding the definition. "Or Visions, I believe. But to answer your question, I don't think I do. I'm told that my elder sister possessed such an ability but . . . I'm different. My abilities, even amongst Force Sensitives, are quite rare— sorry, I'm going off topic."

Noey shook her head, "It's alright. You seem almost certain that you don't possess this ability then. In which case I would say to disregard the nightmare as that. I cannot see you bringing about death, anyway. I'm way too strong to die at your hands."

This made Raan laugh. Noey was no doubt trying to cheer him up, and it was working like a charm.

"But, in the event that you might have awakened this ability, I will tell you now that the one way to prove it wrong is to not be intimidated by it. My Eli would never say or do the things you just dreamed of. Blood smearing and scary words like those? Can you even picture her glaring at all."

Raan paused, trying to picture the innocent Elika glaring or even saying anything extremely dark and deep. The thought alone was ridiculous— and Noey must have realized Raan's conclusion since the two burst out laughing immediately.

"You see?! Exactly. Also," She looked into the teenager's eyes, "Do you think that visions would stop me from living my life? Are they not there to help me stay alive to begin with?" When she noticed the worry returning to Raan's green eyes, she slapped him ever so gently on the cheek. "Listen, the Moon Goddess has a purpose for each and every one of us. I know you don't believe in her but I do. All this to say that when my time comes, there will be nothing you or the Force can do. It will be my time. So." Noelani jumped into Raan's lap, giggling when the boy's cheeks turned red. "Tell those visions to go haunt someone else, Little Lordling!"

"B-but..." Raan looked away, noting that he must have opened his eyes at some point. "You didn't promise!"

"Oh for crying out l—" Noelani sighed, Raan was really worried and while she didn't want to admit it, there was no way she could say no to him when he had that face about him. Not only that but the little episode a few minutes ago had pretty much shaken her. Right now she was so glad to have him back that she couldn't exactly refuse anything he asked of her. "Fine. I promise! But just for the month, alright?! I know you miss me too much but really, has it come down to you chaperoning me now?!"

He wanted to say thanks, but he didn't trust his ability to speak at the moment since his throat felt rather clogged at the moment and no amount of throat-clearing would help. So instead, he leaned close and kissed her on the cheek, closing his eyes again and gracing her with his boyish smile.

"Sheesh, what am I going to do with you?!" Noelani was shaking her head. "Back for only a few hours but you're already causing upheavals. What a handful, you are . . ."

"And you seem to have gained a little weight since I last saw you, Noey." He moved his thighs a little to emphasize his point. "What have you been eat—" That gained him another slap.

Sighing, Noey said, "There are things you just don't say to a woman, Raan. First, you tell her she's beautiful all the time, and second, no matter how blotted up she looks, you tell her she's as thin as a stick. Got it?"

Raan nodded wisely as if to say, I see.

"Now then, one secret deserves another." Noelani produced a small cube in one hand, and before Raan could ask where it had come from, opened it to reveal a most beautiful of rings.

Raan's eyes widened . . .

"Well, what do you think?" Asked Noelani, a trace of nervousness in her voice. "I know it isn't the best but—"

"Noey." Raan looked at her, "That is the most amazing thing I've ever seen . . . but I must decline."

"W-what?"

"I'm not emotionally prepared to get married to you, so I'm afraid I'll be turning down your proposal—"

"Why you arrogant little . . ." Taking care to hide the box again, Noelani spent the next five minutes torturing Raan. "Darn right you're ten years too early to get married but even if the ring had been meant for you, how dare YOU turn ME down! Me! Oh the nerve!"

It took a while for the torture to stop, but when it finally did, the two had completely forgotten about the nightmare and were now focused on the more important matter— the proposal.

"So . . . when are you going to ask her?" Raan asked, smiling sweetly and wrapping his arms around Noey. "If you say now then I'm going to drown you in the closest lake, lady. You can take that as a promise!"

"Oh no, no no no. Never. I'll be doing it tomorrow under the pretext of . . ." She looked apologetically at Raan. "Celebrating your birthday. I know you're good at knowing when the moment is right to do things— so I'll be counting on you to act your part so she suspects nothing at all."

Raan shook his head, feigning disappointment. "And as usual, you'll be using me to do all the dirty work. Why don't you just do us all a favor and let me propose to Peka instead, hmm? Let's face it, I would make her happier. After all, I've got the one part she might—"

"Shut up." She sealed his lips. "That part is NOT necessary! Believe me." She grinned evilly. "But since we're on the subject, can I ask how it is that you would know? Hmm? Last I checked, you were—"

"MAKING US ALL WAIT FOR THE FOOD TO GET COLD!" It was Maleko. "Now if you two are done wrestling, please join the rest of us normal folks for breakfast before my wife throws a tantrum."

"Please, Mal, everyone knows that you're the only one who throws tantrums."

"What she said, Old Man H."

"WHATEVER! Just hurry up please." Rolling his eyes, the Patriarch Hekekia left the living room to head back to the kitchen.

Laughing, the two got on their feet and followed shortly. As they did so, Noelani looked up at Raan and mouthed a thank you. Raan pointed at himself and shook his head, then he pointed at her and nodded.

Noelani had always brought out the best in Raan. She had never known just how much she meant to him, but the truth of the matter was, she had been his Light . . . just as Elikapeka was hers.