The two sides continued to watch each other, neither making a move. Each waiting for the other to move first. One side wished to start a fight, the other avoid one. But both would rather die fighting than surrender. Dragon Shadow knew the situation was nearing the breaking point. Any moment now, both sides would break out in battle.
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The situation never came to that. Just as it seemed a battle was inevitable, a different fight broke out. Two inhuman voices rang out from the passage that Dragon Shadow, and the others had emerged from. One voice was that of the Gallant beast. The other was of…
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"What's he doing here?" The first warrior took a step towards the passage from which the sounds of battle rang. Neither side made any move to attack the other. Cloud and the others emerged from the passageway, all trying to see who or what was fighting. The sounds of battle came closer, until the two combatants broke into view. One was Vincent, in his Gallant beast form. The other was a giant, two legged tiger. Both were bleeding from several wounds. They now circled in the hall, the others forgotten, or unnoticed, in the heat of battle.
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Both creatures halted. Then, with a scream, the battle resumed. Both parties stood watching the battle, their own quarrel forgotten in the chaos. Then, as if noticing their observes for the first time, the two beast broke off their own battle. Gallant beast turned to look at Cloud, while the tiger turned to look at the two warriors.
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The first warrior looked up at the tiger, then at Dragon Shadow. "We'll meet again…"
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With that, the two warriors, and the tiger vanished down the passage. The only way out of the room…
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As the tiger vanished from sight, Vincent took on his human form once again. No one said anything. Vincent stood, watching the passage down which the warriors had vanished. "Another such cursed as I…"
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The others turned to look at him, but Vincent said nothing else. Dragon Shadow, from her perch on Sefiroth's shoulder, looked down the hall. "I guess we go ahead. Since we can't turn back, and the others are trapped…"
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No one said anything, but the group moved forwards, down the path. Once again, it became narrow, forcing them to move forwards in a single line. Everyone was tense, knowing they were expected. And still the passage continued. Further and further on.
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Suddenly, a faint light could be seen in the distance. As the small group traveled down the path, it grew stronger, until it was very bright. And still, they were no closer to its source. But they all knew who waited for them.
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Each had a reason for hunting her. Revenge, fear, hate, honor, and justice. These were the powers that drove the party on. And soon, they met whom they had expected from the start. But they didn't expect the other beast with her…

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CENTER* * * * */center

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Jenova laughed as the six entered the chamber. "So the slaves challenge the master!"
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Cloud's hand rested on the hilt of his sword. "We haven't come to challenge you. We've come to destroy you!"
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The silence that followed was broken only by the growl coming from deep within Dragon Shadow's throat. Jenova laughed again. "I shall win this time. Even now, my power is growing!"
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A growl that came from an unknown source echoed throughout the room. Jenova laughed harder, and Dragon Shadow became very nervous. She suddenly began to suspect what was creating the noise. "Lavose…"
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Jenova only laughed harder. "So you know of my new puppet? Then feel his power!"
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Dragon Shadow knew what was going to happen. And she knew of only one way that anyone would survive.I"Listen all of you. Go find your friends, and get out of here. Now! I'll keep her busy, and meet you latter."/I
/IP
Cloud shook his head in surprise. I"What do you mean? I'm not leaving you here!"
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"I don't have time to explain. If you don't do as I say none of us will survive. I'm the only one with the strength, or size to challenge them. But I also have no intention of dying here. If anyone stays behind, you'll only be in the way. Please, trust me...
/IP
Slowly the other three nodded. Cloud turned and spoke with the others. The, as Dragon Shadow launched herself towards Jenova, they fled. None of them looked back, fearing what they'd find. They escaped down a new corridor, which they could only hope would lead them to their companions. And behind them, echoed the voices of the combatants.
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Only Dragon Shadow had lied. In truth, she knew this was a battle she couldn't win. But she smiled to herself. And quietly, in her mind, she told herself one thing. "For once, I can make a difference. What is one life, compared to the others…?"
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And she prepared to fight a battle she knew she'd loose…/FONT/BODY