Uses fighting-game-style button inputs called "Blitz". You can execute his commands by rolling the D-pad or simply mapping the directional arrows.
At the end of the Floating Continent (World of Balance), you will be given a countdown timer to escape. You must choose to wait at the airship jump point until the timer hits 0:05 seconds. If you leave without him, Shadow dies permanently. final-fantasy-vi-codex
Final Fantasy VI has one of the largest casts in the series. To maximize their utility, you must understand their special mechanics: Uses fighting-game-style button inputs called "Blitz"