Reykjavik, Iceland... A city of advancements; cultural, and economic. A city that draws together travelers from all over the world. Be that for vacation. schooling, or personal affairs. Today, however, on an unusually brisk spring day... A group of unwitting travelers are, unbeknownst to themselves, drawn together - as if by some sick sense of fate, or destiny. Hailing from vastly different backgrounds, and experiences, they will have to learn to live with each other's quirks and short comings if they have any hope of survival.

:: ::

The airport in Reykjavik was bustling as wasn't out of the ordinary, especially considering the time of year. Spring always brings out the best, and worst in people. Debauchery, vacations, and all sorts of other pleasures of the mind and soul. A young woman was seated near her terminal, reading a fashion magazine - not something she was particularly fond of, but it was an easy read. She had tan skin, long auburn hair, and matching brown eyes, her suit she wore screamed importance, she had to be around twenty-five at most. She was deep in her own head, barely even acknowledging the columns she was reading.

A shrill voice, filled to the brim with undeserved entitlement broke the young woman out of her mind...

"Ty, can't we upgrade to first class?!" The young womans voice echoed as if the airport were a cave, she was blonde, twenty-three, with blue eyes, and pale skin. Her physical beauty could all but hide her sense of entitlement.

The man who had sat beside her, accompanying her in the airport took in a deep breath. The man called Ty, real name Tyler, was a man of average height, and build, twenty-six years of age. He had stubble on his face, and slicked back hair - for all intents and purposes, he was a handsome guy. He took in another sharp, annoyed breath, before speaking, "Hope... This was last minute; your father didn't have the time to upgrade us to first class."

The woman named Hope huffed, as she crossed her arms, "Are you kidding me?! I knew daddy didn't love me. You're supposed to be my boyfriend and stick up for me! You're useless!"

Tyler didn't even seem fazed by the outburst or abuse he sustained at his girlfriend's hand - or voice. He seemed more concerned with the innocent bystanders being forced to bear witness to Hope's childish tantrum. It was fairly normal around her, it had to be all about her - what she wants, needs... Money and fame will do that to a person. Tyler looked around, seeing the tan woman watching them, her brow arched in a form of confusion - or intrigue. He mouthed what looked to be the word sorry, before taking Hope's hand.

The woman got up as boarding began, a name tag hanging loosely on her suits pocket near her chest, revealing her name for the record - Jade Moore.

:: ::

As boarding progressed and more passengers took their seat, a young man, about nineteen, sat down in his seat, after putting his bag in the overhead compartment. He sat down in his seat, leaning back - he had the window seat, so he looked out at the airport. He was young, boyishly handsome, with shaggy brown hair and eyes that matched. He was wearing a grey hoodie that was zipped up - it had on the word, Miami. He was disturbed as a young woman poked him on the shoulder. The young man turned to look at her, blinking in shock at her. She was young, eighteen, with blonde hair, pulled back in a ponytail - she had on glasses, and a kind smile.

"I don't mean to interrupt you... But, I think this is my seat." She said, sitting in the aisle seat beside him.

"I'm not complaining." He said, watching her for a moment. "Not at all."

Maybe this flight home won't be so bad... He thought to himself - if only he knew how wrong he was.

"I'm Lyra." She said, turning back to him, holding out her hand - her fingernails were painted pink.

"Matthew... But, uh... I prefer Matt." He responded, gently taking her hand and shaking it. "You're American."

"Miami, born and raised." She said, looking past him, to the outside. "You?"

Matt looked at her, before answering, "Same here. Go Dolphins."

That earned a small giggle from Lyra, as she looked away, "Go Dolphins." She repeated, "My brothers a fan."

"He's got good taste." Matt said, unzipping his hoodie, to reveal a Miami Dolphins t-shirt.

"So do you, in that case." Lyra said, watching him, with a sweet smile.

"You have no idea." Matt responded.

Was that flirting? If not... What was that? Lyra thought to herself, before turning away, and looking up as the captain came on.

"Good morning, Oceanic Flight 449, my name is Damon Mitchell, and I will be your captain for this flight. The skies should be clear for smooth air. Please, fasten your seatbelts, and once we reach cruising altitude, your lovely flight attendants will come by for anything you may require. Thank you for flying with Oceanic." The captains voice came throughout the cabin.

"Here we go." Matt said, pulling his seatbelt tight. "The point of no return."

Lyra took in a sharp breath, she was putting up a facade of calm throughout their little interaction, all to hide how scared she truly was - she hated flying.

"Point of no return." She repeated, more to keep up the calm persona she had built. She blinked as she felt something touch her hand... It was Matt's hand.

"It'll be okay. The captain said smooth skies... And I am inclined to believe him." Matt says, smiling at her... his calmness and gentleness - his caring nature... It had put Lyra at ease enough to let her relax.

"Thank you." Was all she managed to say as the plane began takeoff.

:: ::

One month before this dreaded flight...

A hospital in Miami, The Jackson Memorial Hospital. A woman stepped off an elevator onto the second floor. She walked up to a nurse sitting at a desk, typing away on a computer.

"Where is William Moore's room?" She asked. The woman had flowers in her hands, as well as a card.

"Mr. Moore isn't accepting visitors right now, I'm sorry. But, I can have a nurse bring him these flowers and the card?" The nurse asked, looking up at her.

Jade took in a shaky breath, her heart pounding, breaking in her chest, "Please. I'm his daughter, He'd want to see me. Just, ask him. Please."

The nurse looked up at her, before whispering something to a doctor seated beside her. To them it was obvious - Jade's flushed cheeks, her bloodshot eyes... She had been crying, a lot.

The doctor got up, turning to Jade, "Follow me. I'll ask him if he wants you in the room."

Jade paused a moment, for the first time since arriving, her eyes lighting up, "Thank you both. Thank you so much."

:: ::

In the present time, on Flight 449, as cruising altitude was reached, a woman unbuckled herself, pulling out a book from her carry on, to read. She was brunette, with makeup on her face, and green eyes. Her hand was shaking as she opened the novel she had brought - Pride & Prejudice.

Beside her, sat a young girl of about twelve years of age. She pulled her sleeve down as it had started to ride up, before looking at the aisle across from her, where a man was seated. The man across from her was dark-skinned, with short hair, wearing a suit, his tie undone and hanging loosely around his throat. He was reading a wildlife journal, specifically targeting Africa.

"H...Hi, mister." The young girl said to him, in a whisper, as if to hide her conversation from her mother, she had an accent - she was from Iceland, that much was obvious.

The man perked up, hearing the young girls voice, turning to face her, as he smiled, "Hello."

"What's that?" She asked, pointing to what he was reading.

"Oh, this?" He asked, closing it, to show the cover - that just showed a man posing with a rhino. "Just a little light reading."

"Sophie, darling, don't bother the nice man." Her mom suddenly piped up, her voice barely above a whisper.

The girl called Sophie frowned, before turning to face forward again. Seeing the disappointment on the young girls' face, the man leaned across the aisle to talk to the mother.

"Miss, my name is Jesse." He began, smiling at her, to ease her worries, "I promise you, it's no bother. I am happy to answer any questions or talk to your daughter."

"I'm Grace." She said, her rigid position seeming to soften a tad. "Okay... I appreciate that."

Jesse offered the magazine he was reading to Sophie, for her to look at. The instant he made the offer, her face seemed to light up - full of childhood curiosity and wonder.

"I love animals." Sophie said, looking down at the cover, before tentatively opening it, "We have... had, two dogs and a cat."

"Had?" Jesse inquired, looking at her. His question seemed to upset her, but showing maturity for her age, she simply changed the subject.

"Have you ever seen any of these animals... for real?" Sophie asked him, showing a page talking about the lions of Africa.

Jesse looked at the page, and nodded solemnly, before speaking, "Yes." He answered, simply, "Up close and... personal."

"That's so cool." Sophie said, with a smile as she flipped through the magazine.

Jesse watched her as her eyes skimmed the words on the page - now talking about silverback gorillas. She seemed fascinated by every word on the page, like everything else around her seemingly melted away.

:: ::

One month ago...

The doctor exited the room, as he looked at Jade, "He will see you."

Jade looked up from her phone, she had been texting someone while waiting on the doctor. She got up, bowing her head in gratitude. Jade took in a deep breath, before stepping in. The sounds of the heart machine were filling the room... beep beep beep. Her father was hooked up to numerous machines, most of which Jade knew the purpose of.

"Daddy..." She whispered, setting the vase of flowers in her hands on the table beside him. He was conscious, and aware, but looked skinny - having lost a lot of weight since admission. "How do you feel?"

"Better... now, since you're here, Jade." He says, weakly holding out a hand for her to touch. "How's the business?"

"You're... Daddy, you're dying, and you're still worried about the business?" Jade asked, clasping his hand in both of hers, gently, "I don't care about that, right now."

"That business is our livelihood... the livelihood of hundreds of people." He says, gently, looking up at her as much as he could. "They don't deserve to suffer just because I am indisposed."

"You're not just indisposed, you have cancer." Jade reminded him, bringing his hand to her cheek, as she let a few tears escape, "But... It's doing fine. Lucas has taken over, while you're here... He's asked me to travel to Iceland, to seek ground for a new location." Jade explained, knowing he'd want to be kept in the know. "But, I can't leave Miami, not while you're here. I can't leave you alone."

"Jade... I had in my will, if I succumb... You are to inherit Moore Technologies. You'll need to be able to make the tough calls... Like I've had to do, for your whole life." William whispered, looking up to her, "Go, Jade... Do what Lucas has asked."

Jade watches him, closing her eyes, "One month. That's all it'll take to finalize the property, get it staffed, and up and running. Can you hold on one month, daddy?"

William looked at her, before looking at the ceiling, as if choosing his words very carefully, "Yes. I'm a fighter, Jade... I can keep fighting for one more month."

"Thank you..." She whispered, kissing his forehead tenderly, before placing the card she had bought beside the flowers, "I'll see you in one month."

"I love you, Jade." William says, as she let go, and backed away. "I am so proud of you."

Jade closed her eyes, letting more tears fall, "I love you, too, daddy. I'll keep the business going. I promise you."

With those final words, she turned on her heel, walking out of his room, her head held high, a new fire in her eyes - a drive to prove her father wasn't wrong about her. To prove... He was right to entrust his business - the family business, to her.

:: ::

In the present...

Jade put the book she had bought in Iceland down on her lap, looking out the window as the plane cruised on, just as the plane shook violently.

"Thought the captain said clear skies!" Lyra cried out, causing Matt to squeeze her hand lightly. They were seated directly behind Jade.

"Just a bit of turbulence. That's normal." Matt assured her, gently releasing her hand as she took in a shaky breath.

The calm didn't last long, as a second longer, rougher turbulence shook the plane violently.

Sophie cried out, instinctively hiding her face into her mother's arm and shoulder. The light to buckle in came on, just as a third bout of turbulence struck, causing the masks to drop from the ceiling.

"It'll be okay!" Jesse shouted to Sophie and Grace, over the noise and screams coming from the passengers.

"Mom, I'm scared!" Sophie cried out, as Grace buckled them both in.

"It'll be fine, I won't let anything hurt you." Grace tried to calm herself, but her voice was shaky - terrified.

Jesse put a hand on Sophie's shoulder, "I got you both. Nothing will happen to either of you." He said, in a surprisingly calm tone.

As if on cue, or some sick joke from God... The tail of the plane ripped off, as a few of the passengers back there were sucked out. It was right behind where Lyra and Matt sat as he held her hand tightly... just as everything went dark.

:: ::

Next thing he knew... Matt was waking up on a beach, around him, crying, screaming, and the sound of an inferno burning filled his ears. He slowly, shakily got up, looking around, as he saw bodies lying haphazardly all over the beach - as well as plane debris. He slowly turned toward the ocean behind him, to see bodies floating in the water... most still, some barely moving. And beyond them... nothing. Water, as far as the eye could see.

Looking down, at himself... He saw blood, as a deep cut was poking through a tear on his shirt. The adrenaline of the crash seemed to distract him, and make the pain almost numb... but it all came rushing back, as he shakily fell to his knees, holding his side... One word, a name, escaping his lips, barely audible above the screams and cries around him, "Lyra."

With that word, reality truly set in... They were trapped, stranded, alone on a deserted island. Thousands of miles from civilization. How are they, to even hope to survive? Survive each other, let alone what dangers lurk among the jungles and mountains on the island. Only time will tell...

A/N: This chapter was just to introduce some (Not all), of the characters we will be following. I'm truly excited to write this one, and I hope you're as intrigued as I am. What dangers and mysteries will threaten them? What caused the crash? Who else will we grow to know?