A/N: Hi guys. Sorry it's been awhile since my last update. Preparing for college is hard work, ya know. But I'm hoping that my next few chapters won't take quite as long, though I can't make any guarantees as I'm moving into school in a few days. Anywho, enjoy!

Yay, reviews! Or at least my two little reviews...come on peoples, you're kinda bummin' me out here. I can see that you're signing on, so please review. Even if you don't like it.

But first...

sweetypie15: Many thanks to one of my most loyal reviewer. It is wonderful to know that someone is paying special attention to my story. Thanks for not killing Jack--hehe, we're not through with him yet. He's going to be needed in the next few chapters, though I'm not sure what you're going to think of him by the end of this one...anywho, enjoy!

Phoenix-Talon: Let me just say that you're support through this story has really helped me to keep going. And I love Jacey! I'm glad you didn't think I was Jack-bashing. And I'm really glad that Fiona is appearing to be more human. I must admit though, she's becoming a darker character than I originaly intended her to be. You'll see what I mean in the next few chapters. I would say that Fiona is about a black belt, but what I picture her doing isn't really judo--it's more quaterstaffing. She uses her cane a lot in her fighting. Think old-fashioned Master Splinter from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, for lack of a better example. He used a quaterstaff, right?

And thanks to those of you who didn't review (though I wish you would).

HALT!If you haven't reread the story, this is where things could get a little sticky. I would advise you to turn back now and reread those chapters.

With that said, on with the show!

Chapter 9: Into the Caves

Fiona sat quietly on her mat, running her hands through her small bag. She had been fortunate enough that someone had found one of her bags, though it was one that only contained clothes (she had been hoping that some of her books would turn up). But at least the clothes were her clothes.

Feeling next to her for her other bag, Fiona rifled through it as well, going over its contents in her mind as her fingers touched them. Satisfied that everything was where it was supposed to be, she placed the small knapsack into her bag and rolled off of her mat, kneeling next to it and rolling it up. Grabbing her cane, she stood and placed her mat under her arm and her bag over her shoulder.

"You ready to go?" Fiona turned to find John heading towards her.

"I think so," she answered as he approached.

John nodded. "Need a hand with that?" he asked, offering to take her bag.

"I think I can handle it," Fiona said with a laugh. "Just so long as you keep an eye out for any low lying branches."

"Well, I think I can do that," John said with a smile.

The two set off for the caves that Jack had discovered. The doctor had been going around trying to convince people to move to the caves, though Fiona was amused when she found out that he'd left talking to her up to John.

"It sounds as though Jack's been having a little trouble convincing people to move to the caves," Fiona remarked as they moved through the jungle.

John brushed some hanging vines out of their way and guided Fiona through a tricky part of the path. "Been eavesdropping again?" he asked with a smile.

"Only a little," Fiona answered.

"Well, I'm glad it didn't take much to convince you," John said.

Fiona shrugged. "It wouldn't have been practical for me to stay on the beach," she answered. "Though I don't think that Jack should want everyone at the caves. It makes sense to leave some sentinels on the beach to keep watch. Just because rescue is unlikely doesn't mean that it's impossible."

John nodded, deciding that made sense. "I think the caves are going to turn out to be a good decision in the long run. I went there earlier with Jack; they'll provide good shelter, and with the natural resources there…we'll all be better off."

Night fell on the caves just as many of the new "tenants" came in to set up camp. Fiona sat next to John by one of the fires, and after awhile Jack came over and joined them. Cocking her head to the side, Fiona listened to the soft strains of guitar music coming from somewhere behind her.

"Is that Charlie?" she asked softly. John glanced at her, then back at where Charlie was sitting with his beloved guitar.

"Yeah," he answered, continuing to poke the fire with his stick. Fiona smiled.

"It's nice," she said, speaking to no one in particular. John grinned, glad that Charlie's guitar was comforting more than just Charlie.

After awhile, John stood and patted Fiona's shoulder to get her attention. "I'll be right back," he told her, leaving her and Jack alone for the moment. They sat in silence for a few moments before Fiona cleared her throat to speak.

"Jack, I…wanted to let you know that this was a very wise thing to do, moving people to the caves. You were right to think about forming more permanent shelter. It was a very good idea."

The doctor watched the young woman carefully. He recognized a hand of truce when he saw it, and he wasn't one to want discontent among people if it could be avoided. "Thank you," he said. "And…I'm sorry, if I…offended you, before. I just…want to keep everybody safe, you know?" The young woman smiled softly in understanding.

"And hey, you know—if you have any suggestions or something, just let me know. Most of us are still strangers and some of us might have more experience than others," he added. Fiona nodded.

"Alright."

Jack smiled. "Good."

"No luck?" Fiona asked as John and Ethan collapsed by the campfire late the next evening. John shook his head.

"Nope. But Ethan spotted some tracks that might be useful. We're not sure yet," he answered. Fiona nodded, though Ethan looked at her quizzically. John left to get some water, leaving Ethan sitting there studying Fiona carefully.

"So you're Fiona," Ethan said, breaking the silence. The young woman inclined her head.

"I am," she answered. "You must be Ethan."

He nodded. "That's me." They sat in silence for a moment before he ventured to speak again.

"So…how did you know?"

Fiona cocked her head in his direction. "Know what?"

"That we hadn't had any luck hunting."

The young woman smiled and tapped the side of her nose. "No blood," she answered. John walked up just in time to hear the last part of their conversation.

"Fiona's senses are sharper than ours," John explained as he sat down and handed Ethan a bottle of water.

"Well, with the exception of my eyesight," she added with a grin. John, used to Fiona's odd sense of humor, smiled, while Ethan just raised his eyebrows.

Using her cane, Fiona stood and stretched. "I'm going to bed," she said. "Night, gents."

"Night," John called over his shoulder as she walked off. Ethan watched her for a moment, observing how she moved and maneuvered around the camp.

"Interesting," he murmured under his breath. "Very interesting.

Fiona winced, listening to the sounds of Shannon's strained breathing. She wracked her memory, knowing that there was something there that she could use to help. If only she could remember the right ingredients…

The sound of flesh assaulting flesh met her ears, and lifting her head she caught Sawyer's voice and…was that Jack?

Realizing that no one else was going to do anything to intervene, Fiona stood quickly and crossed the space to the river in just a few steps. Before she knew it, she was in-between the two men, one end of her cane pressed against Jack's chest, preventing him from lunging at Sawyer again. "That's enough," she snapped, as Sawyer got to his feet and wiped the blood off his lip.

"Fiona…"Jack started, clearly wanting her to butt out. Fiona's head whipped around in his direction.

"I said, that's enough," she answered in a firm tone. "Now I've already kicked both of your asses once before, and I won't hesitate to do it again. But if you two feel the need to battle out your alpha male tendencies, then do it somewhere else. Not here." With that, she lowered her can and took a step back.

"Not here," she emphasized slowly, in a lower voice. Jack glanced around at the shocked and almost fearful faces watching them. He took a deep breath, before looking back at Sawyer, who was smirking at him.

"Whatever you say, Sights," Sawyer said, still smirking at Jack and sauntering off. Jack cast a look in Fiona's direction before heading off into the jungle, Sayid heading after him. Fiona sighed. Well, at least one crisis had been averted.

Well now, what'd ya think of that? Sorry it was sort of short segments, but this was more of a bridging chapter. Things will get much more interesting in the next chapter. Till then, save a muse, send a review!