What if Kohane got close to Ka'ani instead?

Ka'ani was constantly overshadowed by Tsu'tey. Even up until Iknimaya. But Kohane was always there.

"Who do you have eyes for?"

"What?!" She exclaimed, "I don-I don't, I'm not looking for a relationship right now Rìni." She stated.

"But you definitely have eyes for someone, right?" She goaded.

"No, I really don't."

Well, that's not completely true. Tangek is handsome and funny, and Ka'ani is sweet and inquisitive. She didn't know if they really liked her or if it's just their curiosity. She didn't blame them. And it's not like she could be with any of them anyway. Someday, she'll have to leave, whether she liked it or not.

However, she didn't leave.

And after Hahaw's death, Ka'ani was a comfort. He had really stepped up. Welcoming in his tone and presence. Kind and thoughtful. Talking to him was effortless.

After Iknimaya, the pair would fly together. Soaring and playfully chasing each other.

At night, on one such flight, Toruk injured her Ikran and Ka'ani had to help them home. He received a punishment in Kohane's stead with her still reeling from the pain shared through her bond with her ikran.

Ka'ani pulled her from the tear gas fog the RDA launched. And he treated the wound over her eye. That sweetness he had, became rash and angry when the battle came. He was among the lucky.

The same couldn't be said about Koha.

"No. No no no no no-" he strained as he began to hold her wounds closed with his palms.

"Hey, you-" Koha smiled at him softly, weakly.

"Stay with me!" He begged. He was already crying and shaking.

The AMP suit had bayoneted her, a huge and deep slash had stained her abdomen. The pilot was killed only moments ago.

"I'm tired. Really sleepy, Kani." She whispered. She had sat with her blood spilling out for what felt like hours before anyone came. She felt lucky that Ka'ani found her.

"Keep your eyes open, don't sleep!" He told her.

Her fingers touched his cheek for a moment.

"So, cute. You are, I mean." She was lightheaded and loopy.

"Koha-" his voice wavered as he leaned into her touch. He grit his teeth and pulled her hand away, placing it over her wound.

"Don't cry, Kani... I love you." She whispered to him, she pulled him close, his forehead rested against hers as he cried.

She chuckled softly, painfully and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"I'm... just going to... rest for a moment..." she whispered.

Her heart rate slowed, her breathing steadied. And her eyes shut for the last time.

Realization ripped through Ka'ani. His heart shattered. He cradled her body, willing her to wake up. All the lights on her body, her expressive little freckles had gone dim. She really was gone.

He rocked with the pain. Sobs and cries ripped out of his throat.

It was a long time before anyone found them.

It was Tangek who arrived late, Tsu'tey behind him. They found Ka'ani passed out with a very dead Kohane in his arms and lap. She looked peaceful, cradled like a baby in his arms. He didn't move. He was tired too.