The next morning, I had risen just before dawn, given Kasen the tightest hug ever, and then begged him to drop me off at Master Obi-Wan's hovel on his way to his last day of work at Lana's. (I wasn't going, due to the fact that I couldn't face Anton today with my emotions as unpredictable as they had been.)

"That's not on my way, Keelee," he had laughed.

"But…" I protested. He held up a hand, grinning.

"But, I'll take you anyway." He smiled. "It's the least I can do for a friend."

When we finally reached Master Obi-Wan's secluded hovel (which, he recently had informed me was located in the Jundland Ruins – Thank the Force for wise Masters; I could never survive in this universe alone!), Kasen stopped the speeder and walked over to help me down and out of it. He held both my hands in his own, and stayed that way for a few minutes longer than he should have. I felt tears welling up in my eyes – I was suddenly overcome with great sadness.

"Oh, Keelee," Kasen breathed sadly. I stepped close to him and buried my face in the soft-yet-scratchy fabric his Jedi robe; he rested his cheek atop my head and stroked my hair gently.

He pulled back and looked down into my eyes.

"You tell that Anton Flasgo to --- no, better yet, I will tell him myself to take good care of you," Kasen said wistfully.

"Oh, I don't think…"

"I know you don't," he teased, but his eyes shone with a knowing.

I inhaled sharply and let go of him, walking into Master Obi-Wan's home by his side. Master Obi-Wan looked pleased to see us, but he didn't seem surprised. I watched somberly as the two Jedi embraced like father and son, smiling to myself. They were both so very different, and yet I loved them both the same, so very much. I had come to realize more and more each day why attachment was not only frowned upon, but forbidden for a Jedi. How can you not fear the loss of your very heart?

Despite my growing attachment to Anton (that I strangely did not regret), I knew that Kasen would always be special to me. Saying goodbye to him (if only for a while) now felt like saying goodbye to a brother – like bidding sweet Keeloh farewell. It was nearly depressing, and I had to be mindful of my feelings as to not collapse in despair in Master Obi-Wan's visiting area.

Master Obi-Wan and I followed Kasen outside, to see him off respectfully. Master Obi-Wan gripped his shoulders and told him that the Force would be with him, always. Then they embraced, and Master Obi-Wan disappeared back inside. (Sigh, Jedi Masters trusted vulnerable young Padawans far too much.)

As I embraced Kasen for the second and final time, I felt a strange peace – maybe flowing from Kasen himself – and it made me smile.

"Stay out of trouble," Kasen squeezed my shoulders as he instructed, "and mind Master Obi-Wan's wisdom. And be careful with that lightsaber! Next time it could be your ear that I'm holding in my hand." The mischievous twinkle in his eyes gave way to seriousness as he stared hard into my face.

"Never, ever turn your back on the Force, Keelee. It will guide you, if you are willing to listen." His lines went from a serious line to a giant, curved grin.

"May the Force be with you, my young Padawan," he teased.

"May the Force be with you, Master Johl," I teased back.

Both of our eyes were sparkling, I was sure of it. But this time, it was not with tears. It was with a knowing that all would be right again someday. And as he bowed his head respectfully and swung himself into the speeder, our hearts weren't heavy. They were light with the excitement of all the things to come in our new lives, good and bad.

As he turned on the speeder and I listened to its repulsors hum, he turned his head, smiled without his teeth, and tossed me a wink. I playfully blew him a kiss in return.

I watched until the speeder was just a shining dot against the horizon, watched Kasen leave to find his way.

But I knew it wasn't forever.

I just knew.