The group raced along the Tethe'alla bridge. Desperate to get to the other side before the Papal Knights did something to Raine and Genis. Lloyd seemed the most determined.

For Cloud his life was turning upside-down again. Colette was losing her soul, his rival (as much as he disliked him) whom he trusted betrayed him, and he had failed to protect Genis and Raine. Cloud was also determined, determined not to "fail again"!

Running along just behind Cloud was the young pirate, Vyse. Vyse admitted to himself he knew very little about present situation. Being Lloyd's twin brother, though, he could never forgive himself if he ever turned his back on Lloyd or his friends. It had been pointed out that even if the brothers don't look at all that much alike they still retained similar behaviors and personalities.

Trying hard to keep up with the other three swordsmen was Tethe'alla's Chosen, Zelos Wilder. Zelos had been deemed idiot by the rest of the group. By the way he fought, Cloud found it very similar to Kratos's style. That wasn't the reason why Cloud had turned a cold shoulder upon him though. Cloud could see that Zelos was nothing but a philandering idiot. He wanted nothing to do with Zelos and preferred to keep Colette, in her present condition, away from him.

The others following just behind the swordsmen were a summoner, a flower girl, a priestess, a young lumberjack, and Syveraunt's Chosen, currently soulless. Hopefully that condition would be changed soon. As the group ran something reminded Cloud of his rival before Kratos; Sephiroth. He sighed resentfully as he thought that he'd never find Sephiroth. He felt his heart grow cold with the thought of the silver-haired man.

Upon reaching the other side of the bridge they found that the drawbridge was opening. "No, damnit!" Lloyd shouted in angst. He started to run for the bridge, but Zelos stopped him. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked. "Out of the way, moron!" Cloud shouted. "Use your heads! If we fall from here we'll die!" Zelos yelled. "If we don't save them, they'll die…" Aeris replied. "I'm willing to take that chance for myself, so long as I at least try, I'm willing to die for my friends!" Lloyd retorted.

Zelos would've stayed behind but Sheena dragged him. By now the gap was too widely open and they missed the landing. Vyse prepared himself to be swallowed up by the watery grave. "Undine, help us out!" Sheena cried! Instantly a rush of water swept up and pushed them back to safety. Sheena was busy talking to Undine that she didn't notice that the others had rescued Genis and Raine.

The Papal Knights were not happy. Instantly the group was swarmed. "Everyone get ready, we'll fight our way out!" Cloud yelled. The Papal Knights rushed at the group and the group rushed back. "Blade Beam!" Cloud called out as he slammed his sword against the ground. Instantly a rush of energy flowed from the sword and into the nearest enemy. Smaller waves of energy split off and hit his friends. "CUTLASS WRATH!" Vyse called out as he went into a fury of slicing attacks. Before long the Papal Knights could no longer fight. Those that could got up, the swordsmen looked at them. The knights retreated, for lack of strength and exhaustion.

"Thanks for rescuing us…" Genis said to no one in particular. Cloud walked up to Genis. He bent down and placed his hands on his shoulders. "We're your friends… We'll always be here to help you…" Cloud replied. "Yeah, I'd rather die than let any of my friends down…" Lloyd retorted. "Friends of my brother's are friends of mine, you can count on me…" Vyse supported. "What say we head for the Rheairds?" Zelos asked. "And how would you suggest we carry them?" Sheena asked. "That's easy, just leave it to me!" he replied.

So the group left for the Fooji Mountains. Something about Zelos's present mood disturbed Cloud. Something just didn't seem right…

(A/N:If you are going to insult me then don't bother reviewing!)