Alex and Leiko sat down on opposite seats, facing each other. The bus wasn't that full, and they would rather sit with someone else than together. It was weird for brothers and sisters to sit in the same seat.

"At least we don't have to share rooms," Leiko said, pocketing some of the money Alex gave her for lunch.

"Yeah, but we have to share the same house, school, bus…"

Leiko made a face. She had long, curly brown hair like her mother, but her eyes were a sharp and commanding brown, like her father's. Alex made a face back. He had black, spiky hair, like his father, but his eyes were a softer brown, like his mother's. The bus stopped and a tall, gangly boy with long blonde hair sat next to Alex.

"What's up, Phil?"

"Not much, bro, you?"

"My mom gave me lunch money because you ate all my turkey."

"Sweet! So it worked!"

"Damn straight!"

They high-fived each other.

"You did it on purpose?" Leiko hissed.

"Yeah," he bragged, but his smug look suddenly darkened. "You're not gonna tell her, are you?"

"Not now that you shared," she said gesturing to the money in her pocket. "But you won't be able to pull that stunt twice."

"Yeah, Dad'll catch on."

Phil shuddered. "Your dad scares me," he said.

"Why?" asked Leiko, incredulous.

"That scar, man! What'd he get in a knife fight?"

"Uh… something like that," said Alex, with a knowing look at Leiko.

In truth, their father had been struck by a woman named Lady Yunalesca. She had blinded and scarred his right eye in a fight. Although their father had come from a completely different world, he had fallen into their mother's almost 20 years before. They had gone through ordeals in their father's land, Spira, and ended up coming back here to live. They had been to Spira, before, though not often. Their parents' friends mostly came over on weekends, bringing their children with them. First, there were Yuna and Tidus' triplets: two boys, Jecht and Braska, and a daughter, Aura. Jecht had long, choppy brown hair and eyes, not to mention somewhat of a chip on his shoulder and an adventurous attitude. Braska had dirty blonde hair and deep, crystal blue eyes, and loved to laugh. He had a penchant for trouble, like Jecht, but never seemed to go looking for it like his brother. Aura, however, was different. She had the same brown hair as Jecht, but she also had beautiful green eyes that never seemed to end. She was quiet and pensive, and although she was technically the youngest of the three, and her brothers tried to protect her, she simply radiated a strong sense of power and dignity far beyond her years. She wasn't talkative, but she was still friendly… when she didn't feel like she had some sort of mission to accomplish, anyway. Leiko saw her as her best friend.

Then, there was Wakka and Lulu's son, Vidina. He was the oldest out of all of them by almost 3 years, and they all looked up to him as a sort of leader. He resembled his father, Wakka, with broad shoulders, toned muscles, and orange hair that curled up from his widow's peak and over his head like a dreamy feather. He also played Blitzball for the Besaid Aurochs, like Wakka had, but was more successful than his father. He was kind, and playful, and laughed as much as Braska. He had the typical Besaid Island accent, which to Leiko was Hawaiian. She had always felt an odd sort of connection to him, and she wasn't quite sure of what it was. She supposed that since her and her mother's names were Hawaiian, and the people and island of Besaid so strongly resembled the state, it was comforting and familiar and… she didn't dare admit this to anyone… exotic.

"You ok?"

"Huh?"

Leiko had been daydreaming again and Alex was looking at her in concern.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine." When he still stared at her, she rolled her eyes and explained, "Test today."

Alex made a face and turned back to his friend Phil. They continued chatting until they reached school.