I have always wanted to write an AU for Harvest moon that involved lots more action then what the series provided. Be ready people, this story will go far away from the norm. of the Harvest Moon universe.

Disclaimer: I do not and cannot own any of the Harvest moon franchise. If I did it would be a bit more violent.

Finding Green

Chapter One

The birds had started their daily song a few hours ago yet the young farmer was not going to budge from her bed. The sounds of nature only caused her to turn over and hid away in her blankets. Spring had just sprung and getting back into the swing of things was hard to do. After months of simply feeding chickens and socializing the young farmer was not happy about working from dusk till dawn. Her tools had grown rusty in the short months and now she was having to clean them and get them fixed. Luckily the boy Luke had lots of free time.

Tossing over, the brunette opened one eye and gazed out her window, a blank expression on her face. Today was a Wednesday and every Wednesday she was supposed to go volunteer at the clinic so Jin could have a few hours off. Her clock read 11:09 and she knew she needed to get out of bed. Tossing her feet out from under her covers the girl stretched and let her back and shoulders pop loudly. Maybe she could go riding today. Standing slowly she rubbing her eyes and took in her surroundings. Her floor was littered with food containers and clothing she had yet to wash.

Kicking her way through the room, she pulled a tea bag out of the cabinet and began to boil some water. Strumming her fingernails on the counter the girl looked back out the window. The sky was a deep blue and she could hear the gentle rattle of the wind on her window. As the kettle yelled she removed it from the stove and made herself a cup of tea. Moving her way over to the table, she pulled out a chair and lifted some books out of it and sat them next to her. Plopping down in the chair, she sighed heavily. She had been having trouble sleeping as of late and was beginning to wonder why. It wasn't just because she had to wake up earlier again, no it was something else. She kept having dreams that woke her up in a sweat. Mostly, it was just her running away from something loud and possibly deadly. She didn't know.

Finishing her tea, she left the cup on the table and moved over to the dresser. Pulling out her usual attire, orange top with blue jeans, she ran a hand through her hair and headed out.

As she walked down the path she tugged the bell and her chickens came running out in a herd. They squawked at one another, lingering near the door. Sending them an odd look the girl didn't think to hard about it and made her way to town. At 11:30 she was to take over for Jin until he returned around 3. It wasn't very long but it was just the amount of time he needed. Probably to run to his girlfriends home and love on her.

The girl smirked at the thought. Anissa was such a kind sweet innocent woman. It was hard to believe she was sexually active outside of marriage.

Kicking a pebble into the ocean the girl shielded her eyes and watched it fall. A few crabs scattered about near the shore, but otherwise the ocean was calm.

The trail to town was well worn, though she never saw many people or carts go across it. Coming to the bridge, she let her hand rest on the railing and looked over. Toby was stationed down below, his fishing pole out in the ocean. He was knee deep in water, having taken to hiding when he fished recently. He looked up and waved shyly at her before flicking the line.

Turning towards town, she made her way past the mayors office and up the hill. The school was silent, as most days went, but Gill was inside cleaning the desks. A large collie barked nearby, Gill had taken an interest in feeding it so it took a interest in guarding him.

Pushing the door open to the clinic the bell above the door rang loudly alerting the staff. Jin appeared, already out of his coat. "Akari!" He exclaimed, clearly more excited that she was relieving him then seeing her. "The list is on the wall if you need anythi-"

"Yes, yes. Go see her." She smiled as he rushed past, a hand nervously running through his hair while the other loosened his tie. Nodding at the old crone, Irene, who watched her like a hawk Akari moved to Jin's desk. The list was on the wall above it and she removed the clipboard from its peg silently. The only appointment today was for Bo. Looked like he dropped something on his foot and sprained it. Just a check-up nothing serious.

Flipping the next few pages she read through the list from the past week, liking to keep up with the villagers. Luna had come in for a cough, Julius thought he was about to die from some dust in the air, Owen smashed his shoulder in the caves. Not to much that was exciting. Everything was normal. Setting the clipboard down she sighed and looked over his desk. A few medical journals were propped up, some short reading he was probably doing. Her book, that she had taken to reading in order to actually help the people, was in his drawer. She pulled it out and flipped around in it. She needed to read up on anatomy again. She used to just agree with what the villagers thought they had but slowly she had begun to learn that they didn't know anything about anything.

Pulling out her bookmark she turned to the chapter on viral disease and sanitation practices.

Around 2:50 Jin walked into the clinic. His face was flushed and he looked a little crazy. Akari slowly closed her book as she saw him sprint over to Irene. "Quick I need you to grab all the medical supplies you have and get all your belongings into one bag!" The elderly woman looked at him wide eyed before her gaze flickered over to Akari's equal expression. "Go woman!" He yelled before running around the corner. He tore open his medical cabinet and began filling a bag with supplies. Akari watched as Irene quickly ran into the back and filled a bag, trusting in his words. Akari took a tentative step forward and reached out touching his shoulder. He turned quickly slapping her hand away before realizing it was her.

Licking her lips she began to voice her question but he beat her to it. "There is a wildfire that has taken over much of the farmland near Flute Fields. Anissa's father ran out to check and he returned covered in blood. There are these things," he spat the word, "that are out there killing the nearby villagers. They are burning the land so they can move through to our town and do the same. They have these flags with our Goddess on them hanging from a tree." He adjusted his glassed. "I have to get packed. You need to get yourself ready." He pushed past her and ran into the same room as Irene and began listing things he needed.

Akari felt her body shake. This wasn't real right? This was another nightmare she was having. Running out of the clinic, the book still clutched in her hand she saw the smoke. It was a black cloud shooting into the sky. The blue of the sky had turned to a purple and she could hear the others in town. They had gathered in the square it sounded like. Taking a last look behind her into the clinic, she rushed up the hill to the square. In the midst was Cain and Craig both talking at the same time. Perry stood by the church doors, his book clutched to his heart with his robes disheveled. Mira, who had more then likely been praying as well, looked on with an open mouth her face pale as the moon.

Hamilton finally pushed forward through the two men and held his hands up with Gill at his side. "What we need to do is plan. We have no forces here, we never had any need, so they would kill us instantly. We need to run home and grab what you can then head to the dock. We will all hop on the boat and get to safety."

"What if this is more than just here! What if they are waiting out on the ocean!?" Hayden yelled as he pulled his daughter Kathy closer.

"We can't abandon the Goddess!" Yelled Mira.

"What if we don't make it in time? How much time do we have?!" Screamed a hysterical Ruth.

Akari felt a hand rest on her shoulder and looked behind her to see Luke standing with Owen and their families. Julius was running up the hill not far behind. All of them had bags over their shoulders, both Owen and Luke held their tools as if they were weapons.

"We need to plan," Owen yelled over the noise. Quickly the villagers turned to see him stand before Akari. "Now is not a time to panic. If you do you will die." A few people gasped but he pushed on. "They are here to destroy the Goddess pond. They will kill whoever gets in the way. They are zealots and heathens. Until we get to safety that is all that is needed to know." Looking behind him, he nodded at Luke. "We will meet no later than twenty minutes from now. Go home quickly and grab what you need and nothing more." He turned quickly and Akari rushed out of the way as the villagers surged after him. Mira looked tentatively at Perry before she too rushed after them. Julius met her at the hill and embarrassed her before handing her a bag. Tears in her eyes she hugged him again and they ran to the pier. Akari turned once more to see Craig, Carter, Hamilton and Gill all talking loudly.

Turning she ran at full speed to her farm. She passed clusters of people but paid them no mind as she ran. Sprinting over the bridge it flashed in her mind that this may be the last time she saw this beautiful place. I just paid off my farm too.

Rounding up the hill she noticed her chickens were no where to be seen. They were on their own now. Throwing open her door she looked inside and tried to determine what had meaning or use to her. She grabbed her rucksack from the bedpost and checked to make sure her money pouch was inside. She then grabbed a few things of clothes, two tops one pair of jeans, and then she stood by her bed. A few photos on the wall watched her as she analyzed their worth to her. She took the one from her first harvest festival and stuffed it inside. She then grabbed her camera and put it in the bag. Turning to her kitchen she grabbed the tea box and some rice bags, all that she had. On the far wall were all the tools that Luke wasn't fixing. Her sickle and watering can. All her others tools were gone. Grabbing both she attached them to her bag on the small clasps meant for them. Chewing her lip she grabbed her extra work shoes and tapped her fingers on her arm in thought.

Food check. Photos check. Camera. Tools.

In a short list she didn't have much to her name. Stepping out of her farmhouse for possibly the last time she looked out towards the smoke. It was getting close. Pulling her camera out she focused and took one shot at the dark smoke then another of her poor farmhouse. Akari rushed over to the barn and unlocked the latch. Inside was a cow and a horse. Patting the cow on her hind quarters the old girl moved to the door on instinct. She would either die here or they would keep her for milk or meat. Not a good fate either way.

The horse looked down at her, his watery eyes conveying nothing. She ran a hand along his neck and pressed her forehead against his nose. He smacked his lips at her but nothing more. Tossing on the saddle and fastening it down quickly she could actually smell the burning trees now. The Witch in the woods was hopefully safe. She quickly pulled herself up on the saddle, her bag bouncing heavily. Kicking her feet the two took off towards town.

Her hair flying behind her Akari didn't look back. She didn't look at the burning trees. She didn't look at the dark sky or the still calm sea. She didn't look back.

As she dismounted, Bo ran up to her, a slight limp in his step. He rubbed the horses neck and noticed the tears in Akari's eyes. Wrapping his small arms around her he hugged her tight. Akari buried her face in his neck, enjoying the small calm in this thunderous storm.

Gill was standing on the plank with hands resting on his hips. Hamilton was on the deck, not looking at the people.

"We have limited room. Not everyone will be able to go with us." A cry of outrage sounded followed by the cries of some of the women and children. "Obviously mothers and children may board," he said pointing at Taylor and Ruth then at Chloe, Paolo and Bo. Bo quickly looked to his father who had his arms folded.

"Who says you can decide who goes!?" Bellowed Dale his face red. Taylor and Ruth both moved past Gill to board the ship, not looking at the others. Paolo moved near his father Ozzie and held his hand. Chloe looked to Owen and Ramsey her lip quivering.

"I am the order that we need!" Gill yelled as he stamped his foot. A very inappropriate time for a tantrum. Akari rubbing her horses nose as he continued. "We need just the people who can help us."

"We all can!" Yelled Kathy who was clutching her fathers arm both with large bags on their shoulders. Chase stepped forward and fisted his hand.

"You are not essential Gill! If you think you will help us you are mistaken!"

"Now is not the time to turn on one another!" Gill yelled back his voice quivering just a little.

"You did that for us when you said not all of us could go." Jake said as he comforted his sobbing wife Colleen.

Owen and Luke both came forward next. "We need to think rationally people," Owen yelled. Luke made his way through the crowd, patting people on the shoulders and heads and kissing the young ones foreheads. He pulled Akari into a hug before moving towards the plank. Pushing Gill aside he began to speak.

"I will be staying." He said plainly.

"Luke!" Bo and Dale yelled.

"Someone needs to fend them off so they don't follow us or hurt any of you. I will stay and anyone who wants to die with honor protecting your loved ones can stay too. I will make this easy for you." He held up his ax to the sky and closed his eyes. "The goddess wants me to help you in this way." His eyes were wet and Selena quickly charged up the plank to him. Her hand touching his arm she closed her red eyes briefly before turning them to the people.

"I will stay with this man who I love. I will fight by his side to the best of my skills." She flicked her wrist as she pulled a small blade form her thigh. She tossed it up and pointed it towards Gill. "Are you a coward who will not protect these women?" She hissed at him. The duo walked down the plank and stood near the lighthouse.

Phoebe quickly joined them, a hammer fastened in her hands. Her mother and father surged forward but she shook her head. She was destined for this, they would understand. Calvin quickly joined her, clasping her hand in his. His guitar was held to the side. She eyed it and laughed before offering an extra hammer she had. Mira walked up next, Perry at her side. She shook her head as Julian reached out to her. Tossing him a bag, filled with her prized possessions no doubt, she turned away.

Akari stood frozen. The remainder began to make their way on board, not having any objections from Gill who just stood by silently. Looking up towards the mountain she prayed to the Goddess. Protect them, and protect us.

The boat shot out like a rocket, Pascal yelling orders at his makeshift crew. Akari was posted in the cabin with him and Paolo. The young boy continuously looked towards the village with sad eyes. He would reply to Pascal but not even to his father when he came to check on him. It was traumatizing to rip a boy from his home, even for adults. Ruth stood by the railing holding her son tightly, her husband below deck. Anissa stood by Jin who was going through his bags keeping inventory. Owen stood off with Ramsey as they looked at the many maps that Pascal had provided. Luna stood off with Candace and their grandmother all huddled in a large blanket. The rest of the town was downstairs in the few rooms the ship provided.

"Akari?" Pascal said drawing her back. Shaking her head she turned to him trying her best to smile. He nodded at her in compassion. "You should go below deck, you always got sick on trips anyway." Akari nodded and stood slowly, placing the nautical book down. Paolo quickly took her seat and pulled it up next to the captain.

Closing the door quietly behind her Akari inhaled as the breeze pushed them on. Turning to see the mainland, now just a spot on the horizon, she held a hand to her heart as the dark smoke now just looked like the smoke of a fire going out while camping. They had left so many behind. Calvin and Pheobe. Luke and Selena. What of the Witch and Wizard? Had they stayed to help or simply fled? Turning towards Gill who stood on the edge with his dog she felt a throbbing in her heart she rarely felt. She hated him in this moment. Not only because he said that someone would need to stay, but also because he didn't even think he could be one of them.

Rubbing the bridge of her nose she made her way below deck. Kathy looked up from her spot next to Maya and Chase, her hair a mess and her face wet. Maya was openly bawling and Chase awkwardly pat at her back. Renee stood not to far off, her hands tugging at her dress. Her mother and father were standing next to Toby talking quietly. The man had opened his eyes, their darkness making him look sad. Julius tugged at a stray lock of hair while gazing into the bag Mira had tossed to him.

Licking her lips, Akari walked to the far wall that was mostly vacant. Leaning against the wood she closed her eyes and embraced the gentle rocking of the ship. Her bag was on the floor near Craig who bent over and brought it to her. "Thanks," she said quietly placing it by her feet. He removed his hat, bending it in his hands. "Craig? Are you ok?"

"I saw them you know," he said his eyes big. "Those people...things were just singing as they burned things. There were people just being killed and they sang out against our Goddess." He closed his eyes, his hat shaking. "I am sorry to trouble you," he said as he walked away. Akari watched him go. The whole village was tired and she realized that they didn't know where they were going. More than likely Pascal would stop at Toucan Island and get Samson and Sue.

That seemed logical. So they would stop and talk to them, see if they would join them or figure out what to do next. Would they go back? Where would they go from here? Did Pascal know? Did Hamilton or Gill? Rubbing her eyes she looked over at one of the rooms. Looking around the door frame she saw it empty and quickly tossed her bag near the bed and sat down on the overly firm mattress. Inhaling deeply she slowly let the breath out then decided she needed sleep.

Samson and Sue knew something was wrong the moment the ship docked and people poured out onto the beach. The children took to running about, not yet aware of the severity of what had happened. Hamilton and Gill approached the couple and Sue instantly paled. The couple exchanged a look as the Mayor of what once was Castanet told them their story. Samson turned his eyes to the mainland, now just a small dot with a line above it. "We knew something was wrong. The ocean feels wrong." He gestured for them to move into the main house after him.

A few people stayed on board, not ready to leave. Akari walked along the plank, her back hurting from her nap. Shading her eyes she looked up to the sky that suddenly looked as it had earlier that day. She couldn't believe this was the same day. It was around six pm, but on the island the sun didn't set till close to 9. Her stomach rumbled and she realized she had yet to eat that day. Her tea that morning had been all her poor stomach had been given. Sniffing the air she found her way into the island shop. Sue motioned her in, already standing at the stove cooking. "Need to feed everyone," she mumbled as she added some spice to the soup.

"Would you like help?" Akari asked gently. When Sue shrugged Akari moved to the vegetables on the cutting board and began to cut. After a few minutes of silence Samson yelled from the other room and Sue looked up sharply.

"Did," she closed her eyes gathering her strength. "Did Selena stay behind?"

"Yes," Akari told her not looking into her eyes.

"I see," She sighed heavily then squared her shoulders. "Well she is a strong girl. If anyone has a chance its her and that boy." Looking around, she bit her lip briefly. "Can you handle this for a bit?" Akari nodded, though she had no idea what she was doing, and watched the worried mother walk away.

She was lucky because at that moment Chase and Maya walked through. Chase moved into the kitchen, after banning Maya back outside, and pulled his shirt down. "I left my damned apron on the island. I don't know how I forgot it." He mumbled before taking over the fish that Sue had been seasoning. "Can you get out the spices and the potatoes?" Akari looked around lost. She found the spices in the cabinet but was at a loss for the potatoes.

"Um...I can't find them?"

Chase sighed deeply. "Look around outside for something then? Anything that can add to this. We have a lot of food to cook and not a lot of time. We are going to be here overnight at the least. See if Toby has caught any fish and bring them back?" He quickly turned back to gutting the fish and checking on the soup.

Akari nodded, she would look for Yolanda too and send her in to help. Passing through the doorway to the main lobby, she heard Sue's sharp voice as she addressed Gill.

"You are fools," she hissed. "You knew about it and didn't stop it?!"

Akari felt her heart skid to a stop and pressed herself against the wall. What?

"We didn't know for sure," Gill protested his voice low. "We heard rumors and a few cities requested aid. We are a peaceful town! We don't even have police! How did we know that they would target us?"

"They are traitors to the Goddess. They turned many centuries ago," Samson said in mellow tones.

Hamilton spoke up. "They had never shown any indication that they would come to our holy site. It was always about the temples in the past."

"What century is this?" Sue whispered. "That they go around like barbarians and-" She cut off with a sigh. "What's done is done. We need to make plans," Akari heard a drawer open and something heavy fall onto the table. "This is the map of the known world. Here we are," she heard the paper move, "here is Flowerbud village, the origin of the Goddess, and here is Mineral Town." She shuffled the paper again. "These are the sacred woods, and here is the dark ocean. The city of the Goddess rest here," the paper shook loudly. "I think your best bet is to go there." Samson agreed verbally and Gill 'humphed' in response. "Do you plan to ever take back our home? To go back for them?"

"At this moment it is illogical." Gill said automatically.

"Not to say we won't someday," Hamilton quickly shot in. "Just at this time," he sighed, "we don't have the security. We had too many civilians who had no defenses to save them. The people who stood a chance were Owen, Luke maybe the farmers. Who knows." Hamilton sat down, the couch making a noise in protest. "We will stay here for the night, maybe another. We need to get our minds together and talk to them. No more decisions on our own Gill." She heard Gill began to speak but Hamilton stopped him. "No Gill. They have a say in this. It is their lives and family." The group grew quiet and Akari took it as a sign to leave. Going the other way, she mulled over the conversation she had just heard.

The sun was still bright and Akari stood, taking a moment to adjust. The children ran about, other than Bo who sat with Toby and Dale on the beach fishing. Akari walked over to them, trying to decide what to say. Toby looked up, a small bucket of fish already next to him. Dale turned his eyes to her and smiled a truly sad smile. "I'm glad you came," Dale told her. Bo nodded as well as he tugged his line. "I'm happy Luke followed his heart, I just wish I had had more time to know it." He shook his head and returned to fishing.

"I'll, um, take this and be back in a moment," Akari said taking the bucket. Seeing Yolanda she rushed over to her and asked her to help Chase. The woman smiled and took the bucket with her to the house. Akari stood there and looked around at all the people. Anissa and Jin were collecting the herbs that grew here, her parents and Irene both sitting in the shade. Ramsey and Owen were gazing into the distance, towards the home they had left. A few still lingered on the boat and Akari decided to head up the hill, to the overlook that looked the opposite way of the island. On her way she gathered a few bananas and pineapples as she maneuvered her way throw the woods. As she climbed higher the trees grew thicker and taller till she had to find the path. The cry of a panda sounded nearby and Akari soon found herself at the cliff edge. She sat down with the fruit she had found and gazed at the sun as it began to move lower. It was still only about 7 but she could feel the chill start to set in.

A rustling behind her made her jump and she spotted the bright red hair of the smith. Owen nodded at her as he approached the cliff. Standing next to her he tilted his head and smiled at her. "Crazy day huh?" He said awkwardly. Akari nodded, a very small smile on her lips. "I, um, how are you doing?"

"The hardest part was leaving my horse." She shook her head and ran her thin fingers through her hair. "I think you and Renee would understand more than anyone how hard that was."

"Don't worry," he said his hand awkwardly resting on her shoulder. "Someday we will go back. We will go back and take our home back."

"We don't even know if it is gone really." Akari said turning her face up to his. He nodded before shifting his gaze to the ocean. "They only wanted to destroy the Goddess pond and tree." She whispered as a breeze blew past.

"Do you think we would have let them? They were burning the land nearby, Craig saw them murder people. They wouldn't have only destroyed the pond. They would have destroyed us with it. We represent what they hated, what they wish to kill." He shook his head, his hand falling away and forming a fist. "We just have to make plans."

"I think we are going to the City of the Goddess," Akari said, moving her hands up to rub at her arms. "Sue was talking to Hamilton and Gill about it. We could probably call for sanctuary from them." She looked up to see his face harden.

"That is a far way away. It will take months and months to get there." He sighed, his shoulders sinking low. Sitting down on the ground he pat the spot next to him and Akari sat next to him. "Will you be okay?" He asked again.

"I don't have the connection with that land the way you all did." Akari said honestly. "I'm not saying I didn't love it, but it wasn't as much my home as it was for you all. I never had family there, I didn't see the land grow."

"Akari, we are all a family now." He said simply. Wrapping his arm around her he hugged her close. "Even if it doesn't feel like it, we are all in this together now."

The group met that night as Sue and Samson set out long benches on the beach. They had eaten the food and many of them still craved more. Luckily, the island was covered in fruit and some fish so they added some more. Akari sat next to Bo and Dale and braced herself. Gill and Hamilton were fidgeting nearby with their maps and she knew what was coming. Pulling the blanket closer, she edged closer to Bo who was also shivering. Offering to share the warmth he edged up next to her and she hugged him to her. Samson came up to them and patted Dale on the back, the two men sharing the sadness of losing their children.

"Ok, everyone quiet down," Gill started. A few boo's were sent his way and Hamilton quickly took over.

"Now, now." He chided. "We don't need to fall apart like this. Now more than ever we need to stand strong."

Sighing loudly Owen stood from his bench and moved to stand by Gill. "Everyone quiet." He said loudly. "We need to plan things out. For all we know the enemy is moving quickly towards us."

"What enemy?" Maya asked in a squeak.

"We don't really know," Sue said as she joined the head of the group. "What we do know is that we need to distance ourselves and fast." She tugged her husband in their direction "We can make plans as we go, figure things out. But we can't sit here waiting."

"What if they are holding their own over there," Dale barked. "What if my son is still alive just waiting on us to re-appear."

"When they decided to stay they knew they were in it for the long haul. If they do survive they will be hiding. It's a big place, they can handle themselves if they don't die." Gill said harshly.

Akari knew he said these things to keep everyone on the same train of thought, but he did so very negatively. As a ripple of anger flared through the group she felt Bo shrug out of the blanket and stand. "They stayed so we could be safe and get away. We should honor them in this and do what they wanted."

The group grew quiet as the young boy rubbed the tears from his cheeks. "I refuse to let him die in vain." He said before turning to his father and hugging him tight.

"That is why we have made a plan. We need to stick to it and we just may make it." Gill pulled out the map and showed everyone their current location. Explaining to them about the city of the Goddess and their plan to claim sanctuary Gill let the group fall into a contemplative silence.

Akari was relieved when everyone agreed to stick together, even Sue and Samson would join them. "We need to gather everything we can, even the beds from the houses here." Hamilton said. "We will leave tomorrow night if we can."

The group broke up, some going to the ship to sleep and the couples going to the bungalow to enjoy the last good night that they would experience for some time. Akari found herself sharing her room and bed with Maya and Kathy, all trying to squeeze in. All night Maya sniffled and Kathy eventually sighed heavily and got up. "Maya come on lets get a drink. Akari are you awake?" Kathy whispered.

"Yeah," she replied following them out. The snores of the others mixed in with some crying. Akari clutched the rail as they ascended the stairs and the waves rocked them. "Hey guys?" The two girls turned to her both looking exhausted. "It's going to be ok," it was all she could offer but it caused both to smile at her.

"Come on, lets get something to drink while we can." With that they grabbed a bottle of alcohol and wondered onto the beach all taking long drinks. Kathy sighed and fell back hard on the sand. "Do you think they are alive?"

"Who?" Maya said with a sniff.

"Any of them that stayed behind."

"I'm sure they are," Akari said pulling her knees up to her chest.

"I want to believe you," Kathy said.

"I will," Maya said rubbing her eyes. "I refuse to believe they wouldn't make it."

The three girls looked out to the calming waves. "As long as we stick together," Kathy said letting the conversation end.

Akari looked over at the two girls and realized that as much as she wanted to believe it, she didn't know if that was true.

A/N: So there we go chapter one! R&R all thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated. Character development stories are my favorites!