Weeks seemed to pass in the world of the summoned monsters. All three were becoming concerned. Especially the brothers. They had no idea how long Cloud would chose to hold his word.
It was at another meeting with Bahamut ZERO that the truth of the matter hit them. Sephiroth turned to Bahamut ZERO. "How much longer shall we remain? Surly by this time Shadow's strength would be great enough to permit us to return…"
Bahamut turned to the three in surprise. "You do not know? It has only been two days in your world. Time flows differently in this realm compared to yours. But I had forgotten you are not of this realm. Never before has an outsider entered our realm, and it has been ages since a new Summoned monster joined us. Still, perhaps you are right. I know that you have much to do. And I wish you luck…"
With that, the three were returned to their bodies…
CENTER* * * * */CENTER
I
Meanwhile…
/I
Cloud looked at the three still formed. Looking at Sephiroth in this condition, unconscious, it was strange to believe that this was the same man who had threatened the life of a very planet. Zack came by at that moment. "No change?"
Cloud shook his head. "They haven't moved in almost two days. And I'm not sure why. The injuries they sustained, or that Shadow sustained healed over a day ago. I'm sure Tifa must think I'm insane…"
Zack shook his head. "She's not sure what to think about the situation herself. She's slowly coming to grips with the idea that Shadow did risk her life to save us. But she still can't accept the brothers. I think what's really bothering her is the way you seem to accept them…"
Cloud shook his head. "I don't accept them. At least not the way Tifa thinks I do. But I can't turn my back to the fact that I do know what they went through. And I can't ignore the fact that to kill Sephiroth, I would need to kill Shadow. And I can't do that…"
Suddenly there were screams of "Monster!" from outside. Both Zack and Cloud rushed out, only to be met by a pair of dragons descending on the town.
The same two dragons that had constantly challenged Shadow…
CENTER* * * * */CENTER
As soon as Cloud left, the three figures began to move. Sefiroth was the first to awaken. "It seems that Cloud decided we were not worth it after all…"
Shadow stood up, and stretched her wings. Then stopped. "I don't think he gave up on us…" There was a reptilian scream from outside the cabin. Shadow spread her wings, then flew towards the door, and exited the build. She rose about the town, and retook her normal size. And then she issued her challenge…
CENTER* * * * */CENTER
The larger dragon flew towards Shadow, then turned and flew away. Shadow watched for a moment, then followed. She knew what he wanted. The two flew west for about ten minutes, landing a fair distance away from the town. Then the other dragon turned towards her. "I'm not sure about our battle anymore. I'm not sure what is right…
What do you fight for?"
Shadow was taken by surprise. "What do I fight for? I fight for what I believe in."
"And what is that?"
"Freedom, justice, and because I will not allow those to whom I owe a lot fight alone."
The other dragon nodded. "Yet I don't know what I fight for anymore. What I was told at first no longer seems to apply. I don't know what it is I fight for, or who is right…"
Shadow nodded. "You're like me. A stranger in a strange world. But for me, it was easy to choose a side. I have seen what Jenova wants. She tired to control me. I owe my freedom to another…"
"Rei told me the same thing. But I wouldn't listen to him. And now, I'm not sure which side is right…"
"I cannot tell you that, if that is what you are asking. I'm not sure if I'm on the right side myself. I only know I'm not on the wrong one."
"Is there a difference in this case?"
"I'm not sure. Where I came from, dragons, magic, swords fights… All of this was just fantasy. None of it really existed. And I'm still not sure it doses. This is hard for me to accept, and adapt to."
The other dragon nodded. "You have given me something to consider. We shall meet again. But I cannot say how…"
Shadow nodded, and the other dragon flew off. Shadow turned and flew back towards the town. She knew there was much that would soon be decided. What she wasn't sure was what the final outcome of that would be…/FONT/BODY
