Kamaile by Joni Keamoai

Kili & Alohi 💋

Manā

Ho'omana moved through the fields with practiced ease, his mind balancing the responsibilities of a chief with the ache in his chest. The months of tireless work in Wai'awa had left little room for his own grief, yet he cherished the rare moments with his Ohana. His in-laws, retired farmers, maintained a small lo'i and orchard, enough to tend to while still making a modest profit.

Iokepa had taken over the larger farmland, and Lilinoe devoted her days to midwifery, caring for newborns with gentle hands. Now, with Pūnohu living in Manā and assisting in the chief's duties, they finally found time to be together without having to be apart.

Yet, even amid these quiet moments, Ho'omana's thoughts returned to his daughter.

"Aww, my poor daughter," he murmured silently. She must be carrying so much grief... losing her mother, feeling alone... I wish I could be there with her.

He clenched his fists, guilt gnawing at him. What have I done? I must bring her home.

⸻

Kamaile

Alohi hummed softly as she watered the garden, letting the rhythm of the water soothe her restless heart.

"Hmmm la la la la la la la la la hmmmm," she sang, scattering seeds for the birds.

"Aloha," she greeted the small creatures that flocked around her, their wings fluttering like whispers of magic. Even the birds know my heart, she thought with a small smile.

Today, she would meet Kililau at the stream—the very place where their first adventure had begun. Tutu Hali'i had left early for Nounou, leaving Alohi alone in the grove, yet not lonely; anticipation hummed through her chest, confusing and exhilarating all at once.

Am I happy... or just excited? she wondered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Does it even matter? I'll just enjoy this moment.

The birds followed her as she moved, and above, a graceful albatross named Mōlī circled, sending silent messages from her friends in the sea—Nai'a, Honu, and Li'a—who missed her dearly. A tear slid down Alohi's cheek. I wish I could speak to them... I wish I could tell my dad about this too.

⸻

Wainiha

"Mā i hele ana wau," Kililau called over his shoulder, glancing back at his mother.

"Oia!" she called, waving. "Paha ho'i hou oe mamua o Kou papa." Reminding him to return home before his father.

Kililau nodded, heart pounding with anticipation. His father, Ha'ikū, and uncle Kahiau were away discussing land and sea, their voices echoing through the Nounou fields. Today, however, his mind was not on farming or politics—it was on her.

He needed to focus on his mission.

Find out the real reason she's here. What is she learning from Tutu Hali'i? he thought, adjusting his eke.

⸻

Kamaile: The Stream

Alohi moved quietly, slipping behind the bush as she approached Makana. The rustle of leaves beneath her feet was a gentle warning, and she paused, listening. Soon, she heard footsteps—the careful, youthful rhythm of boys heading to the pond below. She waited, hidden, until the path was clear.

The stream appeared just around the bend, sparkling in the afternoon light. Alohi froze, sensing something magical in the air. Above her, Mōlī glided gracefully, wings cutting the sun-dappled air, carrying greetings from the sea.

"Aloha," she whispered, smiling. Her hands reaching up as if to touch him. Even the creatures of this island know my heart.

A shadow approached. She didn't hear it until a soft voice broke the moment.

"Alohi?" Kililau's whisper was careful, almost reverent.

Startled, she jumped, heart fluttering.

"Kalamai," he smiled, his hand gently brushing her shoulder.

Reflexively, she slapped his chest. They both burst into nervous laughter, cheeks burning, hearts hammering.

⸻

They spent the next hour in the water, laughing, teasing, splashing—two souls discovering each other in a world that felt vast yet intimate. When Kililau led her to the waterfall, he grasped her hand, their fingers intertwining like the vines that clung to the cliffs above.

Alohi's heart raced. He's holding my hand... he's really holding my hand.

Kililau's breath hitched every time she looked at him, her dark eyes holding the depth of the ocean. I've never felt anything like this... I'm not ready, but I can't stop myself.

The water pooled around them, glinting in the sunlight. Nervously, he leaned closer, lips trembling against hers.

Their first kiss.

Alohi's mind spun—warmth, shock, wonder, and the tiniest pinch of fear. Is this real? Am I allowed to feel this? Her heart screamed yes. She pressed closer, tasting the salt and sunlight and his courage.

Kililau thought he would be awkward, clumsy—but the moment she responded, shy yet certain, all nerves melted. I want to protect her, hold her, never let go.

They lingered there, breaths mingling, hearts syncing with the rhythm of the sea and the hidden magic of the grove. Time seemed suspended; only their laughter and soft whispers broke the silence.

"Ummm... so, was it hard to leave?" Kililau asked, still holding her hand.

"Leave?" Alohi tilted her head, a look of confusion flashed across her face.

"The grove?" he clarified.

"Oh... umm, Tutu left  yesterday at dawn to Nounou, so no, it was fine," she explained, a mischievous sparkle in her eye.

He smiled, longing and worry mingled in his gaze. I want more time with her... but I can't risk getting caught.

"Good," he said simply, though his heart thudded.

⸻

The walk back to the trail was quiet, yet charged with unspoken feelings. Hands still intertwined, hearts still racing, they moved together toward reality—the path back to responsibilities, family, and rules that threatened to keep them apart.

"So... how long will you be living here?" he asked, voice soft.

"I'm not sure," she admitted. Learning from Tutu Hali'i... there's magic, la'au lapa'au... even protection from unknown spirits. I don't fully understand it yet. Her inner thoughts reminded her.

Kililau's eyes widened with wonder and awe. She's amazing... fearless... magical.

"Ok," he said, squeezing her hand.

At the clearing, they stopped.

"I won't be able to see you anytime soon, but I'll be at the lo'i often if you can make it to the pond some days," he announced, a hopeful lilt in his voice.

"Ok," she nodded, a small, wistful smile forming.

They exchanged a shy, lingering kiss on the cheek before parting, each step away from the other tugging at their hearts, yet leaving a smile that neither had known before—a smile born of first love, magic, and a promise of more.

They were beginning to understand the pull of each other's hearts... a pull as old as the islands themselves.

Kililau now realizing one important thing.

That as long as he was around her and looked into her big beautiful brown eyes. He'd be under her spell. Every single time.

Mission Failed.