Cloud and many others looked up in amazement as the two dragons who had constantly sought to destroy Shadow were now backing her up against an even stronger foe. "This doesn't make any sense! Those two always tried to kill her. Why do they help her now?"
Sefiroth walked up to them. "Because they now understand. In many ways these three are like Shadow. They were drawn from their world. But they had no idea of the danger Jenova represented. Indeed, they thought her a hero. It seems Shadow finally got through to them…"
Cloud was stunned. He had no idea of what was going on. "I thought that they worked with Jenova, trying to kill Shadow!"
"No. They sought to help this world. It took a long time, but it seems Shadow finally convinced them that she was only trying to protect this world, not destroy it. And now, they will help her end the threat they themselves helped to create…"
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Overhead, the three dragons blocked the way, keeping Jenova from attacking the others. But only Tepo knew the truth at the moment. If they failed to stop Jenova, the world would be at her mercy. And that mercy could lead to the world's destruction.
"It seems I shall have to teach you dogs to heel… Destruction from above!"
Jenova shot out her needles yet again, allowing them to poor down on the three dragons. But Shadow wasn't about to give up that easy. "Mighty knights! Come to my aid!"
The noble knights of the round, summoned into battle by Shadow, attacked Jenova. And yet, in this place, even these mighty warriors were not impervious to Jenova's attacks. Lashing out with her tentacles, Jenova attacked the knights, even as they sought to halt her advancements. At the same time, the three dragons joined the fray.
Soon the knights had lost their strength, and they once again returned to the realm from which they came.
"Fire Breath!" Ryu let loose a devastating fire attack, and Jenova screamed in pain. But she wasn't ready to give up. She countered with an aqua breath attack, which threw Ryu back, and temporarily took him out of the fight.
Tepo, seeing that Ryu had Jenova's attention, launched an attack from behind, taking yet another piece out of the damaged hide of the monster. Jenova tried to attack him, but Tepo was too fast, and drew out of range before Jenova could reach him. It was now a two on one match.
The two dragons circled Jenova, just out of her reach, watching and waiting for an opportunity. But Jenova wasn't about to let them have the time. As soon as Tepo flew in front of her, Jenova launched a powerful energy projectile attack. Tepo was thrown back and now only Shadow and Jenova remained.
Shadow was careful to keep to one side. Jenova had already taken down the other two. Now she was the only one standing between Jenova and victory.
Jenova launched her destruction from above attack again. Shadow felt it hit her, and she knew she couldn't take much more. Several of the needles pierced her wings, and Shadow crashed.
Jenova approached Shadow, determined to end the battle here, and now. Lashing out with her remaining tentacles, she wound them around Shadow. Shadow could not find the strength to struggle, and they were too tight to escape.
Jenova began to laugh. "I won. There is no way you can stand up to my power. Now I shall put your resistance to rest. You will be mine…"
Shadow closed her eyes, knowing Jenova was right. She did not have the power to struggle anymore…
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Sephiroth watched the battle intently. Both he and his brother wanted to help shadow, but they knew they'd only be in the way. They were shocked, as suddenly only Shadow was left, and she too fell to Jenova's attacks.
I
"Brother! We must lend Shadow our strength…"
"No. Not ours. We must do something else. Brother! Lend me your power, or all is lost…"
/I
Sefiroth felt his brother's strength, and knew now he had to act. Closing his eyes, he felt out the link that connected him to Shadow.
I
"In the name of Shadow, last remaining Guardian of the realm of summoned monsters, I call you forth. Please, aid Shadow in her time of need…"
/I
Sefiroth and his brother could only look on in concern, and hope their call was heard…/FONT/BODY
