Author's Note: Soooo long...and to think, we're not even on chapter two yet! Sigh, but it's all in good fun!

Cloud

Cloud had been about to answer Tifa's question when a scream pierced the air. Seeing others running to help he started to run aswell assuming that Tifa would follow. He assumed correct as he felt Tifa move with him until he heard the words escape her mouth. It was like slow motion as he turned around and she fell to the floor. "Tifa!", he shouted as he ran back to her, dropping to his knees and raising her head and shoulders into his arms. "Tifa, speak to me, please". Tears formed in his eyes as it seemed the damage to her head must be to blame. Of course she hadn't let him know as she didn't want him to worry and this is what happened. It annoyed him sometimes that she did such things when he could have helped her. Instead she was unconscious and he was upset.

"Hey, can I get some help over here?! She's collapsed, a result of head trauma". He'd heard something about healing properties later as the others returned, hopefully they'd be able to get her there and get her better. Please be ok, please be ok, please be ok, he though, willing his love to pull through. He'd never really cared about anyone before, he was a radical but she'd changed that. He loved her more than anything in the world and in his life. If she didn't pull through he couldn't go on. "Come on Tifa, please wake up", he said pressing his cheek against her forehead. She was breathing and she'd been through a lot but he couldn't lose her this way - not as the result of a Sephiroth related plan. He'd already taken Aeris. If anything happened to Tifa he'd tear the place apart until he got to Sephiroth and he'd kill him.

Wait a minute, he though, his mind racing. That guy... Riku?, wasn't he just accused of killing that girl's friend. Yeah.. and he blamed it on Sephiroth, someone that doesn't let bystanders live yet this 'bystander' is standing here right now to tell the tale. Oh and he also knows where we are.. there's just something off about him. If he had anything to do with this, he's mine!

Gently resting Tifa's head down on the ground he directed Vincent to her side and walked towards Riku, ready to pull out his sword. "You, who the hell are you and what do you have to do with us being here? Or more preciesly what the hell do you have to do with Sephiroth and the fact that my girlfriend is lying there unconscious as a result of the fall that led us here?. He wanted an answer and he wanted the right one. If he didn't hear what he wanted to hear.. well, things wouldn't be pleasant for Riku.

Rinoa

Rinoa had been momentarilly lost in her own little world until Squall broke into her thoughts. She smiled over at him, "I'm Okay..." She then frowned as her eyes studied his wounds, "But it looks like you're not fairing too well." She bit her lip as she reached over for his hand and squeezed it softly. She then heard Riku's words and sighed, she didn't want to trust him, but what other choice did they have? He was probably the only one that knew the place. Then Rinoa's eyes widened as she saw A blonde-haired man walk up to Riku and threaten him. It seemed everyone was bound to have an outburst on Riku at one point or another. Who would be next in line? Rinoa's gaze lingered on everyone as if studying them for any signs of anger. Then she realized what she was doing and snapped her gaze back at Cloud and Riku.

Seems like Riku has some serious explaining to do....at least...more in depth explaining....

Rinoa sighed before resting her head on Squall's shoulder. She was exhausted, and she would just about do anything to get some sleep in a comfy bed. By the looks of it, that wasn't happening anytime soon. She closed her eyes, and despite the chaos that was going on around her, started to drift off to sleep. She blinked open her eyes every so often, but the temptation of rest was eating away at her every second. She closed her eyes again and started to fall alseep on Squall.

Rinoa was dreaming of going to Edea's prison again. She dreamt she heard someone behind her, and threw back her fist to punch whoever it was. She let out a howling shriek and opened her eyes, only to realize her fist had made contact with the tree, right above Squall's head. She winced and and started to make grumbling noises while shaking with pain.

"Ow.."

Squall Leonhart

Squall slowly shook his head as he watched Rinoa's eyes trail over his body, obviously disapproving of his wounds, but he would surely do It all over again if it came down to it. He loved Rinoa, and nothing was going to happen to her, no matter what. However, while he was gazing at Rinoa his eyes instantly drifted off towards where Riku stood, currently being threatened yet again by the blonde haired man with the large glimmering sword, which he obviously knew how to use. Studying the situation thoroughly, he was momentarily lost in Riku's reaction before immediately shooting a glance over his shoulder, only to see Rinoa's pale arm outstretched, and her fist dented within the tree trunk behind him.

Allowing his eyes to dance across the length of Rinoa's arm, he merely sighed and frowned as she shook in pain. Wrapping his own palm around her fist and bringing it up to his lips, kissing it slightly as if that would make it better, and resting it in Rinoa's lap as she leaned up against him, his other hand raising up to her exposed arm and rubbing it up and down, trying to comfort her more as he rested his chin on her other shoulder. Glancing at her once more as he spoke, concern evident in his voice as he ignored the others around him, all attention focused on her.

"Rinoa, are you ok?" he asked once more for what seemed like the millionth time. Continuing to run his hand up her arm as he spoke softly into her ear, obviously concerned for her well being. "Maybe we should get to the Oasis he was talking about, it'll make you feel better" He nodded and held her hand In his, rested on her lap before remembering the young girls response to his question...her name was Rikku as well? That was odd, and slightly entertaining in the same sense. Smirking, he looked up towards Rikku and smiled, hoping to make them all feel better.

"Ironic", he forced a soft laugh into the conversation- once again trying to get used to being around everyone, and trying to unwind and dismiss the uneasiness that lingered in the air around the group, seeming to crackle absentmindedly like static electricity.

Riku

Riku's eyes remained covered by his eerie, yet attractive pale hair. Parted slightly to reveal his left eye, which was currently trailing the gaze of the girl who had introduced herself as Rikku...which was unsettling to say the least, his mind trying to ignore the fact that she seemed so infatuated by his Keyblade. He shouldn't have given her the name of his weapon in the first place, it was obvious it was mystical...and he knew she knew that it was, from the pure fact the Heartless were scared of it- seeing it was possibly the one thing that could destroy them all, it was forged from pure light...well at least, it was supposed to be, instead- Riku's was tainted with the darkness itself, the same darkness that consumed his heart and made him no better then the monsters he fought, in a sense...he was heartless as well.

However, his thoughts were quickly diverted when the blonde man with the large sword approached him, his words actually causing a slow smirk to spread across his features. Was he actually threatening him? That was Clouds first mistake, if he tried to battle Riku...he wouldn't stand a chance, he held the Keyblade, and no one could defeat him with it. Sighing, Riku's hair remained over his face as he spoke, emotion lost within his features as he looked up towards Cloud, a daring glance piercing the air between the two as he spoke.

"I've told you- my name is Riku. Sephiroth rudely interrupted me not to long ago, I escaped, and appeared here- where you all have been laying unconscious, prey for the darkness for who knows how long, and I- have nothing to do with the girl, but if you wish to revive her, I suggest you gather your strength. We move to the Oasis soon", he didn't give any room for discussion before rudely brushing Cloud off. Side-stepping the young man and standing in front of him, Cloud to his back as he watched Rikku stand up- obviously alright with making her way to the Oasis. He nodded and craned his neck to the side, giving Cloud one last comment in response to his rude threat.

"And if you wish to make it to the Oasis, then do not test me- I am your guide, not your enemy. Yet, it is not wise to anger me", he smirked and brushed his hair out of his eyes. Gripping the Keyblade's hilt that he had sheathed, and standing in front of the group. Showing that they should get ready for the travel to the Oasis, the light was beginning to dim around the clearing, and once the darkness consumed it fully...Riku wouldn't be able to save them all.

Rikku

Rikku grinned in response to Squall's comment, and reaching over she grabbed a largish sturdy looking branch. At which point a very angry guy with blonde hair (that was quite the spikiest she had ever seen) approached Riku angrily demanding answers, he was quite right to be angry at Riku, who was of course being obnoxiously vague. Mainly she recognized the worry, for what it was. Setting the branch across her lap, she surreptitiously watched the two men, wondering if it was going to escalate into a fight. Noting the smirk on Riku's face, she thought that perhaps he was being overly c.ocky. Mr. Spiky's stance was like just like Auron's, and he had probably been the deadliest man with a sword that she had ever seen. Not that Rikku knew all that much about fighting with those big swords, far too hampering, however, whenever Auron had that look, he had sliced a fiend into little bits before a minute had passed. Still with that odd keyblade of his... who knew. It would probably just be a bad situation all around if a fight broke out. Mostly she hoped that Spiky would get some answers, but of course, Riku just brushed him off and created even more questions in the process.

Interrupted what?

Shrugging, she decided she'd hold off on that question for the oasis, where she could only hope they could stay at least somewhat safely for a while. Digging the branch into the ground, she used it to get to her feet. There she was on her feet again and now she could use it as a crutch. She was about to head over to the fallen girl, when he made her way to the fallen girl, moving much faster then she had been just hopping around. Sitting down again, nodding at the brooding man, who was keeping a watch on the girl, she leaned forward examining her. She wasn't a medic by any means, but when you live in the desert, you have to know something, or you won't survive. She immediately picked up on the head wound, and sighing she pulled the last bolt of the colored scarf from her hair, letting her hair fall down to her waist, loose but for the random braids. She hated to bloody it, Gippal had given it to her, but this was more important and quickly she tied the bandage, staunching the blood flowing from the other girl's head. She hoped for the girl's sake and the sake of Spike, that the oasis did indeed have the healing properties that Riku had claimed. Getting to her feet again, she turned at Riku's comment, her braids swinging around also and smacking her in the face.

Eap!

Impatiently, she grabbed at her goggles that lay around her neck, which were thankfully unscathed from both falls, and pulled them up on top of her head, snapping them in place, so that they'd work as a headband. Leaning on the staff, she narrowed her eyes at Riku. She thought that all things considered eight against one would be rather good odds so he better wipe that smug smirk off his face. Abruptly, Rikku smiled.

"Fine then, kieta, lead the way."

Kieta meant guide, but he didn't know that... and once they got the oasis, assuming that Mr. C.ocky, was human and slept like normal people, then she'd get her chance to examine the keyblade, banish the mystery. Glancing at Spiky, she wondered if he was going to let it drop also, at least until they got his girlfriend to the oasis, or whether they'd have it out right now.

Cloud

Cloud listened thoroughly but wasn't getting the right answers. All he heard just made him even more sure that this was not a friend, but a foe. No one simply escaped from Sephiroth, no matter how great and powerful this c0cky young man seemed to believe he was. Innocent bystanders, any bystanders, hell even anyone around Sephiroth was killed when they overstepped their usefulness. Yet this man escaped and knew everything about the place they had mysteriously fallen to. Who knew what awaited them at the Oasis? More 'heartless'? Sephiroth? Who was to say that Riku didn't just help the young girl to gain their trust, only to betray them later. Cloud was not taking the girl he loved anywhere this man led them, this supposed 'guide'. There was something about his attitude, his confidence – he knew more than he let on. He didn't seem scared of him, that wasn't wise and it wasn't wise to simply push him aside to the extent of even taunting and patronising him. He said he was not their enemy, who said he wasn't guiding them to Sephiroth, to death.

Looking over to his beloved, unconscious and bloody on the floor of this unknown land, Clouds anger soared. He wanted Tifa to get better and maybe the Oasis was a place she could be healed, but he was certain his group could get there. In fact they'd all get there because unlike Riku, no one else knew where they were and seemed to be in the same predicament as Cloud. Riku though that just because he was a guide and could 'help' them that he was untouchable, well he was wrong. It wasn't wise to test him? Oh he'd test him alright, in fact he'd had enough of talking. Fine, lets see how tough you are against me you c0cky son of a....

"You know what, it's not wise to anger me either, but then again – it's a bit too late for that", he said as he spun Riku around by his shoulder. Swiftly drawing his sword from it's sheath as he directed it through the air aiming at Riku. He'd probably deflect it, he seemed skilled enough, he held a good looking blade but no one was as skilled as cloud except Sephiroth and it'd be his turn soon. First though, he'd be a guide himself, he'd guide his sword straight through this guy.

Riku

Riku's silent smirk could be perceived as arrogant and c0cky to some, yet he had been trapped in a void of pure darkness for years, and currently, Cloud was the only entertainment he had gotten in five years. Ignoring the blonde man behind him, he nodded towards Riku and gripped his Keyblade as he glanced out towards the dense thick greens around them. Which were becoming darker by the second, tendrils of shadow seeming to slither across the ground, like intangible snakes- waiting to pounce on their prey- and when they did, Riku wasn't going to be there. He nodded and took a step forward, pulling out his Keyblade to start cutting a path into the trees for the others to follow- yet as he set his eyes on the smooth blade of his weapon, his eyes instantly caught the reflection of Cloud's body leaping into action- or more precisely, Cloud's hand reaching towards his shoulder. Spinning around just as Cloud layed a hand on his shoulder, Riku rolled his eyes and pulled out his weapon to its full extent, easily parrying Cloud's blow and catching his blade within the indents of where the 'Key' shape of his weapon formed out.

"I am not your enemy", his emotionless eyes stared into Cloud's, his weapon holding Cloud's over sized sword effortlessly, he didn't want to fight Cloud- he knew by the look of him he was a Warrior, and eventhough Riku was confident in his tactics, he didn't want to kill a potential 'aquantince' so soon, if Cloud proved useful...then he could be helpful, at least somewhat. Sighing, Riku pushed on his blade, downward- bringing Cloud's blade towards the ground, showing him that Riku did not wish to battle. The shadows were stretching further into the light, beginning to swallow it whole and expand the darkness even more- and Riku did infact want to get the group safely to the Oasis, he wasn't completely lying in the fact that he wanted to guide them, he was just undecided in his own alleigance, if he was going to use them for his own self gain, or if he was going to truely, help them and guide them through this world.

"The Heartless are attracted to your anger, I will answer questions once we get to the Oasis", he nodded as he spoke. Swinging the keyblade in a large wide arc out infront of him, the blade easily slicing through most of the greens and cutting the beginning of a rather crude path in the direction he remembered the Oasis being in. Looking over his shoulder and speaking to the group as a whole, resting the keyblade at his side as he spoke.

"If your well enough, carry the wounded. Everyone stay together, the Oasis isn't far, but if you wander off in this World- you may never be found". With those final words, Riku turned back to the trees and slashed his blade once more, cutting a clean slice across a tree branch, which fell to the floor beside him not a few moments afterward. Stepping into the trees and cutting the dangerous throwns and vines he found, cutting a path to the Oasis...which was not very far off.

Squall Leonhart

Squall glanced towards Rikku as she obviously was amused by his comment, watching the events around him as the blonde young man confronted Riku. His own eyes hardening as he over heard their conversation- this was no time for fighting. And Squall was beginning to stand when Riku took the words right out of his mouth, somwhat. They had all been thrown into a situation that they weren't familair with, but they were all obviously warriors- so they could get through it, if they worked together. Eventhough Squall wasn't in a hurry to befriend Riku, he had no choice but to trust the man until they learned more about him, so far he had done nothing to harm any of them, saved one of their group from a slow excruating death- and eventhough Squall had no doubt Riku had done that to gain respect from the group...Squall had seen it in his eyes. The feint flicker of emotion in his eyes when Riku heard the scream, and eventhough it was Rinoa's...he had known about Rikku as well, and for a brief moment, Squall thought he saw fear in Riku's eyes, not for himself...but for Rikku.

"Rinoa, you ok' to walk?" he spoke towards Rinoa whilst standing up, running his fingers along her raven dark hair and looking towards Quistis- who was in no shape to walk on her own yet. He had no doubt that he would have to help her at least half the way to the Oasis, and Rikku didn't look too good either- or at least, her ankle didn't. He sighed and lowered a hand out infront of him, for Rinoa to grasp and pull herself up with. His eyes dancing across the crowd of people and landing on the unconcious girl the blonde man had spoken about- her wound had seemed to lessen in blood flow since Rikku had helped, but he knew they had to get to the Oasis soon, or she wouldn't make it out.

"Siefer, make yourself useful and help Riku", he craned his neck over his shoulder as he spoke. Directing it towards Seifer before glancing back towards Rinoa, the slashing sounds of Riku's sword becoming less and less audible as he continued ahead of the group, obviously wanting to see if there was any Heartless dwelling in their way- and to dispose of them before the creatures had the chance to attack the weak and injured.

Cloud Strife

As he brought his sword down, the attack was blocked, just as Cloud had suspected. It was caught in an indent of the sword, looking somewhat like a key. He figured it was the Keyblade as mentioned earlier, made perfect sense but he was too angry before to care. Usually in a battle like this he would enjoy it and although he knew he could win, he wanted to get Tifa to safety, to the Oasis.

"Fine", he said, lowering his sword after Riku's decline to fight. "We'll get the wounded healed first but let me tell you, you ran from Sephiroth, well I'm as skilled with a sword as he is and if this Oasis is some sort of trick then we will fight whether you'd like to or not, and I will kill you". With that he turned from Riku and replaced his sword in it's sheath. Walking over to his love Tifa, he let Rikku know that even though he was fighting, he noticed her kind act with a simple yet heartfelt; "Thank you". He added a smile and a gentle touch on the shoulder with it, showing he meant it with the look in his eyes. He then walked over to Tifa, leaned down, picked her up in his arms and kissed her on the forehead.

"It's ok baby, you're going to be fine", he said before looking towards Vincent and Yuffie. "Come on, let's go.. there's not much else we can do and there's no way I'm losing Tifa". With that he set off after Riku, still unhappy with his answers but more concerned about Tifa to let it get in the way, there'd be time for more of that later. He had absolutely no intention of wandering off, he'd get Tifa to the Oasis even if it meant his life. If the heartless came, they came, if Sephiroth showed up, he showed up but Tifa was going to make it to the Oasis and she would live.

Rikku

Rikku watched as Riku tramped off into the woods. She guessed that settled it, but she didn't think for very long though. She gave Cloud a small smile when he thanked her then watching as he lovingly picked up the girl, she felt her heart wrench for Gippal and for the blonde man and the unconscious girl. She wouldn't die, she couldn't, she had seen so much death in her short life, she didn't want to see any more. Rikku gave him a determined nod.

"She'll live, she's a fighter, I can tell."

Rikku turned away, concentrating on walking with the crutch, she didn't want to be a hassle.

Vincent

Vincent watched the scene with an indecipherable look on his face, then looked down at Tifa. Hearing Rikku's comment he nodded.

"She'll be fine."

Then standing up swiftly he walked over to Yuffie, who was limping around, and without saying a word he grabbed her arm to help her along.

Rinoa

"Squall for the 50th time, I'm fine, okay? Now be a pal and go help Quistis, she's in bad shape." Rinoa smiled at him and gave him a small kiss on the lips, before reaching inside her coat and pulling out her pinwheel, which basically looked like a crossbow. Rinoa smoothed out her hair before dusting off her clothing and looking around at the group. "This is it, we most likely we'll have to fight, so I suggest you prepare your weapons, if you choose not to, well then, you'll probably get hurt. Even though I don't know half of you, I don't want that to happen."

Rinoa smiled slightly before walking over to Rikku and whispering, "By The way, if you didn't already hear me talking before, my name's Rinoa." She gave her a smile before examining her ankle. "Yeah, Seifer should definitely help you out, he's an okay guy, except, he can be a jerk sometimes." Rinoa laughed slightly. She would use her powers on Rikku's ankle, but sometimes it took way too much out of her. Rinoa thought it would be best to offer anyway, "Want me to heal that for you?" She gestured towards the other girl's ankle.

Rinoa heard a rustling in the trees behind her and bit her lip, "Err...Hold that thought." With that, she turned and saw that it was now getting visibly darker in the clearing, almost all the light was gone. That was when she saw the creature, the heartless, start to spring out. Rinoa shot it with her pinwheel twice, and it was instantly defeated, but she knew more would come. Rinoa turned to the others with urgency in her soft voice, "I suggest we get out of here Now! More will be here very soon." She heard the sound of more coming and she side-rolled onto the ground as one jumped towards her.

Rinoa got up and started to shoot at them, before standing in front of the injured members of the party, as to protect them. "Come on! We Need to Go NOW!" She shouted this as she continued to shoot her weapon. "Hey Over here!" She shouted this as to focus the heartless's attention onto herself. It succeeded, She ran into the forest, but made sure the clearing was still in sight. She knew she could protect herself easily. Rinoa started to shoot at a rapid pace at the heartless, and urged the others to get out of there.

"I'll follow soon!" She shouted from behind the trees and she continued to dodge, roll, duck, spin, and shoot the heartless. Rinoa was lucky not to be harmed by any of them yet, but she didn't know how long she could hold, which was why she wished the rest of them would get out of the clearing, they would most likely have a better chance at escaping now, then if she went back with them. Rinoa sighed loudly before continuing her struggle with the heartless.

Seifer

Seifer glared at Squall for giving him orders, besides...did he have any power to do that when they were lost in an unknown world? However, he knew there were more important things happening, so he complied. Seifer waited until they were ready to go, but then the chaos started. He heard all of what Rinoa said and sighed, It seemed it was going to be another long night. Seifer was about to let Rikku walk out on her own, when he realized that she was going way too slow. Seifer smirked before sneaking up behind Rikku and swinging her legs out from underneath her.

He Held her against his chest and started to walk out of the forest. That was until he heard Rinoa's urgent shouts for them to leave quickly. She didn't have to tell him twice. Seifer bolted out of the forest and started to follow Riku, after all he was their guide, and Seifer knew he wouldn't get far if he didn't follow him. Seifer turned for a moment to see if the others were coming, if they didn't, most likely they would die, or at least be seriously hurt.

He sighed, Why did he care? He didn't know half of these people, it didn't matter to him if they died, most likely they deserved it. Or Did they? Seifer was still having a hard time making up his mind, he wondered wether he should help, or let the destruction happen. For now, anyway, he would help, otherwise it would 'cause his own destruction and that could not happen under any circumstances. So Seifer waited until the others caught up, partially because Riku was starting to stop and wait for them too.

I don't even know why I do half of these things...

Cloud Strife

Cloud nodded at Rikku's statement, offering her a brief, determined smile. Then he swiftly headed after Riku until he heard Rinoa's shouts. The decision was an instant one, he was going to help. "Vincent, take Tifa, make sure she gets to the Oasis. I'm counting on you and so is she", he said handing Tifa over to him with a last kiss on her forehead - not a goodbye, a 'see you soon' , she'd be fine the next time they kissed. "Go, now!".

With that he drew his sword and ran backwards towards Rinoa, slicing one of the heartless in half without a second thought, he'd said she was getting to the spring and this would help to ensure it would, it would also increase the changes of Rinoa surviving the attack for who knew how many heartless were coming. He felt partly to blame as they were drawn to his anger but he couldn't think about that now. Seeing another two jump out he finally got a look at them, they were dark, empty, depressing and he could tell by their eyes, they were simply pure evil. They could take his heart if they managed to but not without one hell of a fight, they would not however get Tifa's.

"Hey... Rinoa, we've got to keep them back as long as we can, it's the only chance for us all to get out of this alive". More kept coming as they begun to multiply but he managed to avioid them performing rolls and dodges before slicing them multiple ways. Rinao, he could see, was also more than holding her own and with every kill they made and the more time they fought, the others- and Tifa were closer to the Oasis and closer to being restored. The darkness closed in on him but he could tell they were putting a dent in them somewhat like a ray of light. There was hope and there was life, and he'd fight with every last breath so that Tifa, and the others would live. Of course, he also planned that he and Rinoa would get out of it. Although the heartless kept coming he could tell that himself and Rinoa had the advantage, as they were accomplishing what they wanted, to distract the heartless. The heartless didn't care, as long as they got hearts, but they wouldn't be getting any that day. "That's it, we're gonna do this", he said, taking a glance over to Rinoa who had just killed another one of the heartless. "They can't be far now, that Riku guy said it was close". With that he continued to fight...

Riku

Riku was well ahead of the others, his eyes wrapped with a blind-fold he had taken out of his pocket, it helped him concentrate- and the area around him was pitch black anyway, he had spent years in the dark...he knew how to manuvere it. He just hoped the others could follow the sound of his keyblade slicing through the darkness, and follow his lead. However, as the first beams of sunlight began to break into the darkness as they neared the Oasis, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning his head and taking off his blind-fold in one swift movement, the light ahead of him giving him enough illumination to make out both the man who had threatned him, as well as Rinoa sprinting off deeper into the forest...which he had said specifically not to do. Opening his mouth, he let out a startled...and somewhat, fearful voice for the others. His words echoing through the darkness as he looked off towards where he had last seen the two Warriors.

"NO! Do not go into the Forest!". His words came out more genuine then he had wanted, and he quickly remembered the gaining Warriors behind him- who were depending on him, Riku may not have shown it...but he didn't know what he was going to do, he was still undecided- but he did know one thing- he did not want anyone to die...at least not yet. Grunting, he turned back to his slicing and dicing as he ran through the forest, yelling over his shoulder as he did so- approaching the light which seemed to wash out of the Oasis not to far ahead.

"Everyone! Stay close, keep running!", his own movements sped up, although he made sure to stay back long enough for the rest to catch up with him. His eyes locked infront of him, he hoped the young blonde haired man and Rinoa were strong...or they might not make it out of the darkness alive.

Squall Leonhart

Squall stopped in his tracks as well, having followed up the rear behind the others, Quistis's arm latched in his, and her arms held by his arms as he sprinted into the forest. Following the others and watching as Rinoa dove off into the forest, attempting to drag the Heartless with her. Letting out a startled cry, Squall stopped in his own tracks as Riku slowed as well, obviously as surprised as he was. He began to sprint off into the woods after Rinoa when he remembered Quistis in his arms, he looked down into her eyes and frowned, looking ahead and catching Riku's eyes. At first, Riku seemed sure not to let Squall leave...but obviously, he had seen something into the young SeeD members eyes- something that reminded him of his love for Kari, and Riku was at his side in a moment, taking Quistis and telling him to go after her, before sprinting off ahead of the group towards the Oasis, which was becoming visible from the darkness.

"Quistis, don't worry- We'll all be back". He frowned once more for leaving Quistis with only Seifer- and the others which he knew nothing about, although he knew Quistis could hold her own- she was also wounded, and if Riku hurt her at all...he was going to have to go through him. Shaking his head, Squall pulled out his sword and sprinted off into the deeper parts of the forest, before catching the beautiful blue of Rinoa's coat, as he spotted her and the unknown man, his eyes instantly lit up in hopefullness, and he quickly pulled the trigger and shot what looked like a heartless that was emerging from even more darker shadows, that oddly seemed to be surrounding them. However, as the bullet pierced the Heartless, it didn't explode like usual....instead- it seemed to slither away, which was when Squall discovered it wasn't a heartless he had shot...but, a tail of a much LARGER Heartless.

"RINOA!", he quickly rolled towards his love, as well as the blonde man who had ran after her. Glancing up towards the creature he had shot, which was much taller- and more powerful then the smaller ones. It had seemed Riku hadn't been lying when more stronger creatures dwelled deeper in the forest...and it looked like they were face to face with one...and were being surrounded by a few more. Waving his Gunblade out infront of him, he killed a few more of the smaller heartless creatures, but they seemed to have backed away, allowing their larger brethen to take control. Tightening his grip on his Gunblade, he glanced towards Riona and the blonde haired man, signaling that they needed to get back to the Oasis as soon as possible...these heartless were much bigger, much stronger...and Squall wasn't so sure, that with all their injuries from the fall- that they could take them, or at least...not all of them, not without the others. For more larger creatures were beginning to emerge from the blanket of darkness that had engulfed them, one after another...

Vincent

Vincent nodded and setting Yuffie upright he let Cloud drop Tifa into his arms. Briefly he considered shifting so he could carry both of them, but Yuffie wasn't too much the worse for wear, she'd make it. Running as fast as he could, the three finally made it to the clearing. Immediately he walked over and setting Tifa next to the Oasis, he cupped some water in his hands and poured it over her head. If this spring was as potent as some of the ones back in their world, the wounds would heal.

Rikku

Rikku hobbled along as fast as she could, which still wasn't that fast, but she was trying when that other blond guy Seifer came up behind her and grabbing her began to run.

"H-Hey! Wait! No, I can--"

The blonde guy obviously wasn't listening, and as more heartless arrived, she decided she might as well silence her protests for now. Finally the burst out of the woods at the oasis and the creatures didn't seem to follow. She turned and narrowed her eyes at Seifer, and began to squirm, rather annoyed with the pick up and run, despite what was going on.

"Ok, you can set me down now!"

Cloud Strife

Cloud thought he heard shouts in the distance as he continued to fight the heartless. One sounded like Riku but he couldn't be sure. The other, on the other hand, was confirmed as a man broke into the clearing..Squall is it?. Cloud turned as he killed two more heartless and witnessed one of Squall's shots. A shot at a black mass similar to the heartless but that didn't dissapear. The creature turned around and left Cloud only with the word; "crap".

"Umm, Rinoa...we've got some bigger problems, lirerally", he said as he killed a few more, noticing another large heartless appear. Running towards the previously shot biggun he sliced through it with his sword, but still it survived. Another through slices in it's body and still nothing.. even though it was barely left standing. "Squall, give it one more in the head", he said, checking on Rinoa while disposing of another, what know seemed to be mini heartless. And we were worried about the other ones.. i sure hope Tifa's ok.. they should be there by now.

"Squall, how close are they to the Oasis, or in more blunt terms, how long till we can get the hell out of here?!", he said while moving from the swipe of a large heartless. Rinoa was lucky she wasn't alone and they were both lucky Squall had come to help or they'd be dead and so would the others, including Tifa. I must remember to thank him after, he thought, completely trusting these new allies. They both seemed very skilled with their weapons, they were all great warriors and were there for a reason.. something to do with Riku... or perhaps just Sephiroth. For now though, the enemy was the heartless and while the numbers of the smaller ones were dwindling, more large ones were appearing. If he was correct and the others had reached the Oasis, the three could definately fight their way out and back to their personal friends and newly aquainted allies.

Seifer

Seifer shielded his eyes as the sudden light of the oasis spilled into his eyes. He then set Rikku down and looked at her, clearly annoyed. "I could at least get a thanks, I mean, you were injured, and I offered to help, out of the kindness of my heart." Seifer smirked before walking over to the water and examing it.

He didn't see how this place was so magical, unless it proved to heal everyone's wounds. Seifer sighed before turning around and studying everyone's expressions, some were fearful, some were bored, some looked like they were out of breath. He couldn't help but flash a huge grin at the sight, but he had a feeling they would question him so he stopped.

Rinoa

Rinoa knew they had to get out of there, she knew there was no way that they would be able to defeat whatever this large creature was, under any circumstances. Rinoa bit her lip, Squall was a few feet away from her, and Cloud a few inches. She studied the path back towards the Oasis and decided it wouldn't be that hard to get back.

"Okay...Let's get out of here." Just as she said this, Rinoa was trapped in darkness, she couldn't see Squall or Cloud and she was shaking with a new fear. "Squall?" She realized the creatured must have blocked her off from them. Rinoa sighed and looked for a way around the creature. She winced and cried out as white-hot pain was sent up her stomach. She felt her skin tear on her stomach, and realized that she had been cut, but she didn't know how severe it was. She was tired, and losing strength quickly.

Rinoa was just about to give up hope when she saw the shadows move, and she saw Squall again. Rinoa examined the wound and decided it wasn't too bad. She then bolted towards Squall and grabbed his hand. That's when the huge tail of the creature came swining towards them. Rinoa tackled Squall to the ground with all her strength, despite the pain in her stomach. She then pulled him up and motioned Cloud to follow them as they fled the dark forest.

Rinoa made out the clearing through the darkness and pulled Squall down the path towards the Oasis. Finally all three made it to the Oasis, without much damage. Rinoa collapsed onto the ground tiredly, her heart beating at a rapid pace. She took long and heavy breaths and looked around to make sure everyone had arrived safetly, and they had.

Now...where do we go from here?

Riku

Riku had made it to the Oasis as all the others did, except Squall, Rinoa- and the man that had threatened him, which didn't sit with him too well . He knew that they should have stayed together, who knew what dark forces lurked in the forests shadows, the sunlight only managed to creep through the large canopy of leaves and branches in some areas of the forest, and even those area became blanketed with cold and darkness as nightfall came...which hopefully, wasn't close. Riku was thankful he had arrived during the daylight, for when the sun went down, the forest was even more dangerous then it was when light flushed through the shadows. Larger, more powerful and primitive creatures emerged, the original heartless that inhabited the Forest planet. Sighing, Riku shook his head and looked back towards the Oasis, small flecks of silver and white energy swirling underneath the waters surface, obviously the healing Magick that flourished within its clear waters. Sighing once more, Riku dipped his arms in the water and brought splashes all over his body, the blood that ran from his shoulder instantly glowing white hot as it simply faded from view, that same energy filling his shoulder wound and healing it completely. As well as all of the other wounds he had encountered.

"Get the wounded into the Oasis, the healing properties will work faster if they are within the water", he spoke as he watched a rather quite looking man cup water and wash it over the badly wounded girl that the blonde haired man had been so worried about. Taking his hands out of the water and standing up, fully healed and refreshed as he looked towards the group. Motioning for the others to make contact with the water, the light that flourished in the clearing seemed to be...pure, it was as if the Oasis itself poured pure bright light out of its depths, keeping the darkness at bay- and becoming one of the only safe spots from the Heartless and numerous other monsters when the sun went down.

"There's no telling when the sun will go down, we should set up camp here as soon as possible. Travel into the forest for supplies in groups, we rest tonight, and plan our next moves in the morning", his words weren't orders as they were guidance suggestions, he himself didn't want to explore the forest when the moon, or rather moons rose- which was when the darkness had its most pull, when it was most powerful.

Squall Leonhart

Squall shifted his gaze through the darkness, holding his blade out in front of him and shooting another bullet towards the one the blonde haired man...who he believed was Cloud instructed, slashing another shadowy tendril at his feet and slicing it In half. He completely agreed, they needed to get to the Oasis soon- but before he could even think of how to answer Cloud's question Rinoa already had him on the ground, before abruptly pulling him upwards and rushing both of the young men out of the darkness, the large creature behind them letting out a large ear splitting bellow which rocked the trees themselves, slamming a massive shadowy fist into the nearest tree, and smashing it in two. The loud crack of the bark shredding to pieces filling the forest as well.

However, once he got out into the opening of the Oasis the first thing he had on his mind was Rinoa, who he had noticed was bleeding from her stomach, as well as many other wounds as well. Struggling to regain his own footing as he knelt down next to Rinoa, he winced in pain from his leg wound and picked her limp body up, catching Riku saying that the healing properties worked best if they were in the water. So without hesitation, seeing how well it worked on Riku, he rested Rinoa closet to the Oasis, picking up large amounts of the water and dumping it over on her exposed body, the magickal energy hopefully filling her wounds and healing them up completely, as they did with his own wounds as he splashed large amounts of water on himself. Taking off his beautiful jacket and setting it down beside him, warming up Rinoa slightly with it as he glanced headlong towards Cloud, smiling genuinely towards the man and nodding towards him in thanks.

"Thanks...Cloud right? We couldn't have gotten out of there without you, and I owe you...for helping Rinoa", he smiled once more and turned back to Rinoa, hoping her wounds had healed up as he stroked her cheek. Brushing out her beautiful silkily raven hair and leaning in to kiss her on her lips, sitting down next to her as he continued to wash over her wounds with the water. Looking down at her Pinwheel and smiling sadly towards her.

"Glad you still know how to use that thing, you were amazing back there", he nodded as he spoke. Continuing to stroke her cheek, he wanted to make Rinoa realize her true potential- he had trained her in Balamb, as he was- and she could do more then hold her own against enemies, as she did with the Shadow Monster. He just needed to make her realize that she wasn't helpless, she never was...ever since the day he had met her- he saw the fire in her, and she just had to find it, and use it.