The train had led Kairi to a place called Destiny Islands. The sun was just rising and crisp air hit her face as she walked down the town. The island looked like a calm and leisurely place, a nice change from the fast paced busy city life that she was accustomed to in Traverse Town. Though at first delightful at the area she ended up at, she began to worry about her impulsive behavior and feared that she made a mistake about leaving her comfortable home when she found herself tired and lost without a place to stay. She decided to go around town and ask the locals to direct her to any hotels she could spend the night at. She spotted a small bakery and a nice looking woman with shoulder length brown hair through the glass window selling baked goods. Thinking she could get directions from her she walked into the shop and approached the woman who greeted her with a small hello.

"You're not from around here are you?"she asked Kairi.

"Uhm...no. How could you tell?"

"It's a small island dear, and practically everyone around here knows each other."

"Oh. Heh. I must really stick out then." Now that the woman mentioned it, Kairi did notice a lot of people starting at her when she arrived, however she just shook it off because she was used to getting stares, what with being the daughter of the mayor and all that.

The brown haired woman smiled warmly at her and said "Well if you don't mind me asking, what is a girl like you doing in a small place like this? You look like you come from a family of fortune judging by your clothing. It isn't everyday we get a visitor like you around these islands."

"Well, I needed some time off from home, so I was wondering if you knew of a hotel around here I would be able to stay at?"

Frowning the woman replied "I'm sorry, but like I said before we don't get very many visitors around here so there are none."

"Oh, I see" Kairi mumbled sadly. Well there goes my fantasy vacation she thought, sighing.

"But if you would like, I have an extra room at my place that is not being used, you are welcome to stay if you want." the kind woman said not wanting to disappoint her.

"You really mean it? I would love that! Thank you so much Miss..."

"Audrey, call me Audrey"

"Thank you Miss Audrey, I am so grateful, and I'm Kairi"

"Kairi, that's a pretty name."

"Thank you."

Audrey smiled and nodded "Well I guess I can close for a while so we can go to my place right now and get you settled, does that sound alright with you?"

"Of course!" Kairi agreed and followed Audrey to her home.

The house was extremely small with old worn out furniture that looked as if it had been in the family for years. Despite it not even coming close to the luxurious home she was used to, she found the place very homely and comfortable. Audrey showed her to her room and told her "I hope you are okay with staying in here. I'm sorry I have nothing better to offer you. You've probably already noticed my substandard living conditions by now."

"No, no, I actually like the place. It's very simple and cozy, I'm very gracious to you for even giving me a place to stay. If anything I'm worried about being a burden to you and want to repay you in some way. Would you let me pay for rent?"

"Oh nonsense! You aren't a burden to anyone forget about costs. If you would really like to repay me a simple helping hand around the house with cooking or cleaning would do. Besides I'm pretty sure my son wouldn't mind having a cute girl like you stay here."

Kairi blushed at her comment and thanked her again, while mildly wondering about what her son was like.

Audrey stepped out of the room telling her "I'm just teasing you dear. I'm gonna get back to work and then buy some more groceries since it looks like we will be feeding three tonight. You would be surprised at how much my boy eats. Feel free to make yourself at home or explore the island." And with that said Audrey was out of the room leaving Kairi alone. She yawned ad decided to get some rest since she wasn't able to get any sleep on the train.

...

Sora tilted his face up to the sun, enjoying the nice cool breeze of the wind that blew through his chocolate brown hair. All he could see in front of him was the beautiful ocean that ran for miles. He was standing up with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his shorts just staring out into the water. He looked extremely relaxed with the sun and ocean around him. It was so peaceful and at that moment, it seemed as if he were the only one under that magnificent blue sky. He felt like he could stay there at the beach forever, just enjoying the sight and weather until something caught his attention. Out of the corner of his eye he had seen one if his friends Tidus running to him. Sora turned his head towards him and watched as he approached. His friend had this glow in his eye that showed he was excited about something.

"Hey man, whats up?" Sora asked.

"Did you hear about what everyone has been taking about?"

"No. Surprise me. What's the big news?" Sora asked, eyebrows furrowed, wondering what it was that could have gotten the whole town talking.

"There's a new girl here from the city visiting the islands. And from the sounds of it she comes from big money."

"Tch. Is that all? What the hell is the big deal anyway? So the spoiled brat has some money. She should just go back to where she came from. We don't need another one of them messing life up for everyone" Sora snarled fiercely. He was referring to a man who had come to visit from the city as well and had won the heart of his mother before he was born. He was a cold man who was extremely wealthy. Sora never really figured out what it was that his mother saw in him, a man who loved his money more than he could ever love her

But she did nevertheless love him, which resulted in her becoming pregnant with Sora. From all the town gossip Sora learned that his father had left his mother to go back to the city not even knowing he had a son, and maybe not even caring.

"Whoa bro, just wondering if you had heard, no need to murder anyone." Tidus said with both hands up, after receiving a death glare from Sora. Sora closed his eyes and sighed "Yeah sorry, it's just that...you know."

Tidus nodded his head understandingly "yeah I know how you feel about them, sorry for bringing it up... I'll just give you some time alone now" he told him sadly waking away. He knew how much hate Sora had for city folks, especially rich city folks, and he hoped that his friend could someday set aside his hate and learn that they are not all the same. Little did he know though, that that time would come sooner than later.

...

Sora arrived home and yelled "Mom I'm home!". After receiving no reply he called out a second time "Mom?". 'She should be here' he thought. 'It isn't like her to leave the house without telling me what plans she has for the day and where she would be headed '. He searched around the house, thinking it was unusual for her to be gone this time. While he was about to check to see if she was inside her room he stopped in his tracks when he saw a light in the unused bedroom. 'What could she possibly be doing in there' . He knocked once asking softly "Mom, are you in here?" With no reply he opened the door and his heart stopped at what he found.