Note: The beginning excerpt from Sora, is a journal entree mimicking those from the time, it is meant to have poor spelling and grammar, as do some of the dialogue.

April 3rd 1845

After traveling 208 miles, we finally reached Independence! Me and Roxas, my cousin, was just simple poor farm folk before desiring to make it on our own out west. They're sayin' lots of farmland is out there. Lots of Indians and critters on the way too, but they don't scare me. Were also brining my best friend Riku. He is a merchants boy, which means he is more well off then the rest of us, we met when we was just kids, his father bought some of our crops to sell, I meant to show him one of my favorite cows, Fluffy, I got to name her, and right as I brought him in the barn she was giving birth! Needless to say he is still somewhat traumatized by the experience but we have been best friends ever since. He is coming along to try and start a new life, he couldn't stand Hannible, were we lived, too small. I tried telling him there was nothing out west but keeps saying he is going to start a city as big as Independence, hope it works out.

~Sora

"Sora" A boy called as the brunette jumped out of the small wagon his hand going to his brown hat to keep it from flying off in his haste. The fifteen-year-old boy was of average height and with bright blue eyes and brown hair that stuck up no matter what he tried. He had on a dirty white long sleeve button up shirt that was tucked into brown pants; with brown overall straps attached to them and brown boots.

"This is amazin', the hustle and bustle! I can't wait to get out on the trail!" He exclaimed as a blonde boy stepped up next to him. He was taller and older by a year; his hair was also a mess and his blue eyes matched Sora's. The two boys looked practically related and in fact, they were, cousins. He had on a similar long sleeve dirty white button up shirt that was tucked into in brown pants. He however had a black jacket on over and black boots.

"Sure is a lot different from the farm"

"Mama, would never believe this, Roxas, neither of them would!" He stomped his foot in excitement as the third boy came walking up pocketing the money he had just received from selling the wagon and leading a large horse behind himself.

"Jeez Sora, please don't just jump off wagons like that" He had a stern look in his teal green eyes. His shoulder length silver white hair, which was a result of some genetic diaease, was pulled back into a low ponytail. He had tan pants, nice black boots, a nice white shirt and green jacket with knee length coattails.

"Oh hush up Riku I jumped off a horse bareback and nearly broke my neck, but I am still here" Riku started him, shocked for a moment or two before shaking his head and pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Don't tell me stories like that" Handing the rains of the horse to Sora and a small pouch of change to Roxas and looked at the two younger boys very seriously. "You are to spend this money on four oxen and a regular size wagon and nothing else do you hear me!" the brunette nodded, whole heartedly while the 16 year old blew some blonde hair out of his face half listening.

"We ain't babies, we can handle it!" He huffed and turned around to find a place to buy animals Sora at his heels. Riku shook his head again and walked toward the general store to buy other supplies. He was surprised to see it wasn't crazy busy, there was only two girls in there. One was in a nice white dress with a white bonnet, her blonde hair up in ringlets. The other had a nice muted pink dress; her apple red hair was up in a bun. Both of them were very pretty as far Riku could tell and very well off. The redhead was the one talking, and she seemed to be arguing with the man.

"But sir we need one egg" She had a strong accent, and Riku couldn't place where she was from, not that many people around here weren't from these parts. She looked annoyed, but retained a smile, the man, however, just looked plain pissed off.

"Well we can't sell you just one" His face was turning red, you could tell he was trying to save calm, less he lose a customer, but that was slowly going to poop.

"But back in New York-" Aw so that where she was from.

"Well we ain't in New York are we Missy! Now you either by the whole dozen or get out of my store!" The man yelled Riku then decided he should step in.

"Is there a problem?" He asked, coming forward looking the two girls in the eyes, they probably didn't know how to handle something not being given to them if Riku had to guess.

"This man won't sell me an egg," She demanded.

"Well Ma'am, that's not how things work around here, I understand you're from New York, so customs there must be much different, lovely accent you have there" He smiled a mature smile which seemed to intrigue and overwhelm the girls at the same time. "Sir" He turned to the man, "I would like 6 sets of clothes, 900 lbs. of food of all types grains, dried, anything you got that can last, two guns 50 boxes of ammunition, 3 blankets, two fishing poles, some medical supplies and I believe that will be all"

"Traveling the trail I take it" Riku nodded and the man turned to find all the necessities.

"What trail, sir?" The red head asked again, and from how the boy took it the blonde didn't talk.

"The trail to Organ, my buddies and I are going to start a new life." He said, gathering the stuff and walking out to find, Sora and Roxas in the same spot with a wagon four Oxen and no horse.

"Had to buy the spare parts so we sold the horse" Roxas shrugged as Sora made friends with the Ox, naming all of them.

"Wonderful" Riku's voice dripped with sarcasm, something most people didn't understand, as he put the stuff in the back of the wagon.

"Excuse me sir" He heard a familiar voice say, turning around he noticed the two girls from the shop coming up holding the blankets.

"You forgot these" He smiled at them again, taking the blanket in hand, under neither that they had four new dresses.

"We would like to come with you" She declared, Riku's smiled faded and eyebrows start knitting together.

"What?"

"They can come," Roxas, affirmed looking the blonde one up and down, much to her chagrin. The oldest of the three boys pulled them away, his stern look from earlier returning.

"You want to bring them? We don't have enough food or space!" He demanded, these two never thought with their heads, especially when girls were involved.

"We will make room, besides, most who traveled west have much bigger teams than this, maybe better to bring them along" Roxas pointed out, and suddenly he was making sense. With a sigh, Sora ran over to the girls. Both were slightly shorter then him, a bright smile on his face.

"We would be happy if you two ladies joined us, I'm Sora by the way"

"Namine" The blonde spoke for the first time, her voice was small and timid.

"Kairi" The red head spoke up a little louder than her friend. Sora's blue eyes lingered on her a little longer before turning to Riku.

"We heading out?"