Shinryu growled as he healed the scratch on his mussel scale. The wound was starting to sting and annoy him.
"He dare attack me! That bold boy with the tail! No doubt he's angry enough to kill me, all because I took care of that fool kuja. But I'm afraid he'll become my snack before he can even lay another blow on me."
"So it was true that one of those Cosmos warriors were able to injure you," came a voice. Shinryu sighed in annoyance as he turned his head towards the stranger.
"Merely a scratch, Golbez, I assure you."
"Then why are you so eager to get revenge?" Golbez asked. Shinryu remained silent, and Golbez continued. "If it is 'merely a scratch', then why are you so concerned on having those warriors destroyed? Are you afraid?"
"Nonsense. I'm the dragon god and this world belongs to me. I have nothing to fear," Shinryu said, though Golbez could sense the fear in his voice.
"Yet you hide in the mountain while you know that those warriors are now at the edge of your domain? I wouldn't wait for them to come to me. If I was as powerful as you, I would be out there fighting them now before they can have a chance."
"Do you question me,Golbez? The vary being that brought you back to life and lending you strength?"
"Of course not. I am thankful for what you have done for me, but how long will it last?"
"Sounds like you are defying me! You are not doubt a traitor! You think I don't know about you going off and giving hints and clues to the Cosmos warriors when you obeyed Chaos?! For all I know you could still being doing that!"
Golbez didn't say anything further, for Shinryu had clearly lost his cool.
"Leave me, you fool! Before I burn you to crisp!" the dragon god marched away and Golbez was alone. But he wasn't for long.
"Someone sounds angry! Is there going to be a fight?" It was Jecht. "Mind if I join in?"
"You'll have to find another challenger, Jecht. Shinryu walked off," Golbez told him. Jecht smirked.
"But you're still here, Golbez. Are you going to run away as well?"
"Indeed. I have other business to tend to," and Golbez disappeared.
"So here we are, eh?" Tidus chuckled, "Shinryu's domain."
"We're here at last," Terra said.
The twelve stared up at the mountain. Lightning frowned.
"How are we suppose to get inside?"
"Maybe there is a secret door?" Firion said as he felt around with his hand on the mountains steep wall. Nothing was happening.
"Scratch that plan," Vaan said with a shrug.
"Maybe we're looking in the wrong area?"
"In that case, we should spread out and look for any possibilities of an entrance," the Warrior said. No one disagreed.
Kupo trembled. The Warrior noticed.
"Are you alright, kupo?" Kupo shook his head.
"I just don't know what we're going to find. We have no way of knowing if Prince Radiant is still alive. I just hope that we can save him."
"I understand your concern," the Warrior acknowledged, "I too worry for his safety. And I hope for the safety of this world, as well. Once we destroy Shinryu, Prince Radiant will no doubt have the throne back."
"If he's still alive to reclaim it," Kupo said, sounding sad. Warrior frowned.
"You mustn't give up hope. We don't know his current situation."
"You're right, Warrior. Sorry for sounding so doubtful," Kupo nodded after a moment.
"Worrying for your comrade's safety is understanding and it can often lead to doubt when you are unsure of the possibilities. It is nothing to be shamed about. But I don't want you to give up."
"Do you suppose he's alright?" the moogle looked up at him, the worry in his eyes. The Warrior was silent for a moment. Then he shook his head.
"I cannot say for certain."
"Kupo is worried. I could tell for a long while now," Cecil said. "I bet he's scared too."
"We'll beat Shinryu. I know that," Zidane said. He didn't sound like his cheery self. Firion was with them too and he exchanged a glances with Cecil.
"Are you alright, Zidane?" he asked him.
"Yeah, I'm just going to poke Shinryu's eyes out when I see him. I'll make sure he pays for what he did to Kuja."
"Zidane, are you sure this about Kuja? Don't you want to save this world?" Firion asked.
"Of course I care! But Kuja's my brother! I have to avenge him!"
"I don't think revenge will bring Kuja back. Saving Prince Radiant and this world are the main objective-" Cecil began, but Zidane cut him off.
"You can say that so easily! You don't know how I feel because you still have your brother!" Realizing what he said, Zidane looked away and fell silent. His friends could see the shamed look on his face.
"I'm sorry, Cecil. I didn't mean to say that...I...I'm just upset about Kuja."
"I do know how you feel. I want my brother to join our side as well. I think I would be just as upset if I found out he was dead and I couldn't save him," Cecil nodded in forgiveness and understanding.
"No doubt I would be just as angry if one of my friends had fallen," Firion said. "I would try to do whatever I could if it meant I could help them."
"I just wish I could go home now. And not have to worry about this again." Firion and Cecil nodded.
"I think we all wish for that."
They were silent for another long moment until Zidane decided to speak.
"Let's just...find that stupid entrance."