So, I've just about got this episode wrapped up. I've written and proofread like 90% of the final chapter, and am ready to complete the maybe/maybe not canon side-chapter I mentioned before. Woo, about to start in on the spookytiem chapter! ...a couple weeks late! TwT But hey, it could be worse! xD
Anyway, reflecting back on it a bit, particularly in regard to said questionable aside- Hoku surprisingly really grew on me. More than that, I really like how she and Kuna (in my mind at least) really click as friends. In a way, if circumstances were otherwise, I could see her growing into Kuna's equivalent to what Naira is to Lykou- a non-romantic best buddy [s]that's okay with getting a bit intimate at times[/s]. It's just a shame that they're about to be separated by distance at the end of all this. Which is all the more reason I want to write up this little aside I have planned, even if it ends up being non-canon.
I actually have ideas that she, Kani, and Kalei will probably end up being inspired to reignite the old tradition of their people sailing the seas in a grand quest of exploration eventually after Lykou and Kuna leave. If it wasn't for that, I'd definitely try to find a way that they could end up visiting them again in the future, because I really would love for them to stay in touch. Would need to find Hoku a romantic interest, too, though. Because honestly, I just love the idea of her and Kuna being like each others' wingman/girl best friend type thing. Maybe even siblings from another mother type deal. [s](you know minus the whole potential them banging at least once deal)[/s]
....I do feel slightly uncertain given I've definitely pushed this whole thing as a gay romance subplot in an adventure story, and for sure Kuna's heart is very definitely still with Lykou, but I guess my inner bisexuality is winning out in the end a little bit, hehe. I just hope that won't put too many folks off or anything. Like I said, I'm still very much putting the whole "Kuna losing his virginity to Hoku" thing up to vote as to whether or not it's canon after I post it. But either way, I really enjoy how compatible as friends they are in my head, at least.