It was another sickeningly sunny and warm day on the beach of Destiny Islands. I sat in the comforting shade of a palm tree, watching Sora, Riku, and Kairi act like children even though Sora and Kairi are sixteen and Riku seventeen. It makes me a little nauseous. I wish they'd just grow up. Oh, I suppose I should introduce myself.
I'm Skye Strife. Before you ask, yes, Cloud is my older brother. I lived with him after our parents died back in Midgar. He ended up having to raise me and we moved to Hollow Bastion. That's where I met Kairi. She had lived with her grandmother and she was always trying to set us up to become friends. Kairi being a year younger than me, I tried to distance myself as much as possible. Damn she was annoying. She hasn't really changed. Life in Hollow Bastion was..well, average.
Then it all went to hell.
All I can really remember were strange creatures attacking. Cloud, Leon, and Yuffie were always off fighting, so I had to stay pent up with Kairi and her grandmother. Damn old lady was always treating me like I was related to her or something. She was overprotective I guess.
And then we left.
She took me from my brother. From Leon. From Yuffie. From the only people I had ever considered a family after my parents' death. She took me from them and brought me to this hell hole. To strange faces and people. To unfamiliar surroundings. My own personal hell. In retrospect, I think that's what made me so antisocial.
That, or Sora.
Sure, he was friendly. He welcomed both Kairi and I with open arms. Well, more of open arms that were already tight around you before you had time to refuse. Riku was different. I was drawn to him from the moment I saw him. It might have been the aqua eyes, or the shining silver hair. I'm not really sure. He was the first and only real friend I've made here. But enough about me and my past. I have a story to tell.
I continued watching and scoffed. I turned my attention back to the book in my lap. That's all I ever do anymore is read. I heard footsteps approaching and looked up to see Riku staring down at me.
"What do you want?" I inquired in a sour tone, "Don't you want to go play with you fwiends?"
"Don't start with me. You looked lonely. Thought I'd keep you company."
"Well, I'm a little preoccupied, but if you insist.." I said as I gestured to the open spot next to me.
Riku sat down and just stared straight ahead. He was obviously thinking about something. Something important. He has a sort of air about when he is.
"Hey, Skye?" he asked.
"Hmm?" I replied only half paying attention. Please no stupid rambling…I thought.
"I think we should all leave again."
"What?!" I asked, surprised. My eyes must've been wider than I thought because Riku was chuckling a little.
"I think we should all leave again. Me, you, Sora, and Kairi." he answered with a slight tone of excitement laced in his words.
"And why do you say that? We just got back again. And I doubt any of our parents will be thrilled about us leaving again." I said turning my attention back to my book.
"Who cares? I'm going to be legal in a couple days, and we just up and left last time. C'mon. It'd be fun. Just like old times. And I know you want to see your brother again."
I just made a soft "hmph" noise in response.
"You know I'm right. Sora and Kairi already agreed to it."
"Then why don't you go? You don't need me."
"Yeah we do! It wouldn't be the same! Pwease Skye?" he begged.
I turned my head to face him and saw what I knew I would, but didn't want to. He was pouting and using the eyes. I can never resist those and he knows it, the bastard.
"Fine," I sighed, "But you guys are doing all the work. I'm just along for the ride."
"Oh thank you, Skye! I'm so glad you're coming!" he nearly shouted.
He jumped to his feet, but before darting away, bent down and pulled me into a quick kiss. It only lasted a millisecond and then he was gone.
What the hell was that? I though to myelf. I touched my fingers to my lips and blushed a little. I could've sworn he had it for Sora…Oh well. He knows how I feel about him.
End Chapter 1