Whatever creature guarded the shrine, it wasn't about to come out and meet them. They would have to meet it. Steeling herself, Tifa stepped into the shrine and at once saw the guardian that blocked their path.

Maliris. She rose up out of the shadows, a gigantic serpent-like creature, and with far too many arms for Tifa's liking. Not only that, each of those arms wielded a blade.

"Little girls," Maliris hissed. "A poor show, Sky People. The power of Terra will snap your blades..."