The sky had turned pink, but Kairi was in no hurry. Her school bag hung limp in her hand, weighing almost nothing. She shuffled her feet along the cobblestone street, listening to the gulls calling to one another at the shore.

It didn't seem that long ago when she had saved Sora from the heartless, but things had inevitably gone back to normal. Sora was still out there, fulfilling his destiny, and she could not help but feel a slight bitterness for it. She wanted to join him, fight along side him.

"I'm home." Kairi called out to her grandmother, basking in the warmth of her little cottage.

"Kairi dear, I was starting to worry." Her old grandma shuffled into the kitchen, wearing her sleepy smile.

"Sorry, I decided to take the long way." Said Kairi.

"Quite alright, did you have a nice day?"

Kairi sighed, and gazed out the window at the shore. "Yes, it was fine."

Her grandmother smiled. "Are you hungry?" She was already pulling a plate out of the cupboard.

Kairi nodded, smelling the stew as it simmered on the stove. A pot of rice stood next to it, and it made her stomach growl.

"Thank you." Kairi smiled at her grandmother, digging into her plate of stew. The warm, rich meal seemed to give her stomach a hug, and it was so good she ate two more plates, before retiring for the night.

Kairi trumped up the steps to her little room. The window stood open, allowing the warm night air to drift lazily in and fill her room with the sweet salty scent of the ocean. She collapsed on her bed in a tired huff, and stared at the pictures she had taped to her ceiling.

There was one, with her, Riku and Sora standing arm in arm in King Mickey's castle, with goofy grins on their faces. Another consisted of just her and Sora, watching the sunset together on a warm spring night. Loneliness tugged at her heart, and Kairi felt that familiar emptiness in her.

What was one to do without their very best friends? Sure, Selphie was great, but Sora and Riku had always been there. They knew everything about each other, and traveled together and fought side by side. Now, the boys were still out there actually doing something, while she went to school, did homework and lie in bed. Kairi had had enough.

"Sora and Riku may think that it's safer for me here, but I don't care. I miss them and I'm going to find them!" Kairi leaped off her bed and hurried to discuss her decision with her grandmother.

"Grandma, I want to go join Sora." Kairi said bluntly, standing in the kitchen. Her grandmother put down her tea cup and gazed deep into her eyes.

"I figured you might. You have been a bit withdrawn ever since you returned. Go, do what you need to do. Just promise me you'll be safe." Her grandmother said, standing to embrace Kairi.

Kairi felt tears sting her eyes. "I promise. I love you grandma." She hugged her grandma as tight as she could before she left to pack her things.

Kairi placed five days worth of food and water in her rucksack, along with a compass, a locater and a picture of her, Sora and Riku. She knew it wouldn't be an issue to fine someone who had last seen them.

Lastly, she removed her treasured keyblade from her closet. She stroked the intricate handle, and placed it in the holster on her hip. Taking one last look around her room, she ran off into the night.

Sora, Riku, I'm coming to get you guys. I'll see you soon. She thought as she left Destiny Islands.