Author's Note: Aikachi is © Aikachi – thank you for letting me use for for this story!

Simone had risen early. As thoughtful eyes stared out the window, she took a moment to indulge in the pleasant warmth of the first rays of the sun as they broke through the trees.

She quickly dressed and moved out of the silent bunkhouse, stepping slow and light along the floorboards so as not to disturb any of her fellow colonists. She was especially wary of Wolf at this point, even moreso as her eyes moved to Jake, who was still sleeping soundly in the bunk. She sighed, shaking her head as she readjusted the covers; she could trust her second-in-command to abide by the code of the colony, couldn't she?

The thought was still heavy in her mind as Simone exited the bunkhouse, already starting to stress building up. She needed to clear her mind for today's events.

Lena had been awakened by the creak of the door, though pretended to remain asleep until she was sure her matriarch had been gone for several moments. Her eyes opened cautiously, her movements becoming of less hesitance as she realized that she was the only one awake.

With the same quiet stealth, Lena too exited the bunkhouse unnoticed.

Taking the moment for herself seemed to have been the appropriate therapy for Simone. She had seeked out her favorite spot in the bayou and was overlooking the calm waters, breathing deeply, even taking a moment to tilt her head back and smile.

The sun. Gods, it felt so good.

Simone's perch was sacred to her; it was high enough for her to see her village from the top of a steep, lush slope. A perfect lookout point; though clouded enough by trees for her to hide if need be. Perfect shade offered by the gnarled trees, with branches thick enough to climb on. And Simone smiled as she thought about the impending summer; when the small hilltop would burst to life with wildflowers.

Amid her smile, Simone's thoughts soon clouded with worry; she worried about many things in her status. Will there be a good harvest this year? The hunting good enough? Any communications that needed to be made by the neighboring colonies? And, most of all, are the pirates returning?

These were all things that Simone's own mother had neglected to tell her of, and her jaw suddenly clenched into place. Her eyes closed as her brief moment of reverie escaped her. Gods, Simone hated that woman.

"Miss Lenoir."

Simone's eyes snapped open as she turned expectantly, and saw Lena standing several yards off. She smiled cordially and nodded her head, moving toward her younger companion; obviously the presence of a friend had put her into somewhat lighter spirits.

"Good morning, Lena. What brings you out here?"

"You came out here again," came Lena's soft response.

"Excuse me?"

"You're coming out here a lot. At least a few times a day. Is something on your mind?"

Simone had to give merit to her charge's gentleness; no wonder she had chosen Lena as the lead cook for the village. A smile spread on Simone's lips – it was almost strained, and that nervousness in the Matriarch's eyes was a red flag for Lena.

"There are things on my mind, Lena. I just…"

"You worry," Lena answered simply. She offered a smile, playfully bumping Simone with her shoulder. "Don't fret, Miss Lenoir. If you're worried for Jake, I understand."

"It's not just the boy. There are other things," Simone murmured gravely. She almost felt selfish, as though she didn't want her personal business to interfere with her relationship with her followers.

"Is it Sylvia?" Lena asked, referring to Simone's mother. And at the mention of the name, Simone instantly came to a stop, bowing her head a little. Her action needed no words, as the younger woman turned and gave her Matriarch another affectionate nudge on the shoulder.

"Come now," Lena said, almost chiding. "You're better than that. Don't beat yourself up. You're better than the old tyrant could ever be. What you did was the right thing and we all know it."

Simone's throat clenched and for once could not find something to say. She lifted her head back up and Lena smiled wider as they walked slowly down the path toward the village.

"What's up for today?" Lena asked.

"A big day for Jake. We're going to have the entire colony come together so he can socialize, and hopefully find him a suitable caretaker."

"You mean a parent? Why don't you?"

"Oh, come now, Lena. I haven't experience; not to mention I'd be away from him a lot. He needs someone who will be there for him."

"Good point."

"Now," Simone added, clearly smiling. "We need to get everyone out of bed so we can start this celebration."

"A celebration?"

"Why, yes. We are welcoming a new member into the family. Now go before everyone sleeps till noon."

Lena grinned, offering a similar reply from Simone before she bolted off.

As soon as Lena had gone, those dark thoughts returned… Simone growled under her breath, trying to shake them away. Everything about these thoughts hurt; sometimes they even caused excruciating muscle spasms. Simone hated it; hated thinking about it, hating reliving it. She was sure that if it wasn't for her little colony, she would have gone mad from it.

But even with their comfort, the memories were still eating her alive.

And would eventually consume her.

The low hum of voices around the table blended with the crackling of the flame that roared in the cooking pit near the kitchen. The aroma of various foods wafted through the air, thick and tempting. But the hungry colonists knew better than to rush the kitchen before breakfast was ready.

Jake was walked by Simone toward the table, and he felt all eyes on him at this point. It made him nervous, but he looked up as he heard his escort's comforting lilt.

"Keep your head up, Jake. Be proud. After all, you want them to meet the best of you."

Jake's eyes lit up, if only slightly, before he did as Simone instructed. He smiled at the colonist's faces while going to the table to be seated.

Some of the faces were curious and perceptive.

Others were friendly and warm.

Even Wolf seemed to be smiling. Jake felt a wave of relief wash over him.

"Alright, everyone," Wolf announced as he saw the trays of food being brought out. "To the table." As everyone did as he told, he moved to walk up and meet his wife as she brought up the rear of the breakfast train, carrying a large pot in her hands.

"How are you feeling?" Lena murmured, briefly resting her forehead against her husband's.

"Just fine. Saved a spot for you at the table. Hurry before Fi and I get to it first."

A brief chuckle and Wolf moved to the table while Lena and the others started to dish out the meals.

Amid the chatter, Jake took a moment to recognize everyone's faces. He waved at Fiona, who was seated a few spots down, and he got a wave in return. He examined the person next to him, trying to think of a suitable way to start a conversation.

It was a woman seated to his right; she was fairly small, shorter than Miss Lenoir. Her hair was shoulder-length and reddish, tied into a loose bun. Her eyes were dark, a bit slanted, and her features a bit softer than some of the others. Here goes.

"Hi!" Jake offered as the woman turned.

She smiled readily. "Hello there. You are Jake, right?"

Her voice was crisp and light, which invited the boy to say more. He smiled.

"Yeah!" He even puffed his chest a little, some of his old demeanor and confidence returning. "What's your name?"

The woman chuckled softly. "My name is Aikachi."

Jake wrinkled his face a little. What a strange name. "Aikachi? I've never heard that name before, ma'am." This only got another gentle laugh from her.

"They just call me Aika," she added.

"Aika? It's nice to meet you, Miss Aika," Jake said, nodding his head to her.

Simone sighed with relief, watching Aika and Jake speak. She couldn't hear what about, but it seemed like it was going very well.

Her relief faded as old memories haunted her once again. No… not here. She furrowed her brow, temporarily banishing the thoughts from her mind in time for her to say Grace wit the others.

Gods, why is she feeling this way on a day that should be so joyful?