Cosmo Canyon

As the buggy heads west of Gongaga, it passes what appears to be a giant observatory on top of a cliff. As soon as it does, the buggy begins to spark and stop.

CLOUD

The buggy attempts to lurch forward, but more sparks come out and the buggy stops again. With a puff of smoke, it no longer moves forward. Cloud gets out and faces it.

Oh, man… a breakdown? Now?

Cloud and crew head up to the entrance of the nearby village with the observatory known as Cosmo Canyon. As they do, Red runs past them to the entryway guard.

RED

I’m home! It’s me!

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

Hey, Nanaki! I see you’re back in one piece. You should go and greet Master Bugenhagen.

Red runs on ahead, further into Cosmo Canyon.

CLOUD

Nanaki?

BARRETT

I finally made it… This… This really is Cosmo Canyon!

AERITH

Cosmo…… Canyon? I wonder if there’s any connection to the planet… or the Ancients.

TIFA

Red was acting a bit strange just then… And he sounded different, too… Did you notice it?

YUFFIE

Hmm… I wonder if they have any here.

CAIT

Whoa… So this is Cosmo Canyon.

Cloud approaches the entrance.

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

Welcome to Cosmo Canyon. Are you familiar with this area?

CLOUD

Yeah
Not really

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC (Yeah)

You told a lie. That is not treated lightly here in Cosmo Canyon.

Special Note: If selecting yeah, Cloud must then talk to Entryway Guard NPC and select the honest answer, Not really, to continue forward. Basically, he won’t move on until he tells the Entryway Guard NPC the truth.

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC (Not really)

Then allow me to explain. People come here from all over the world to study ‘planetary bioscience’.

Barrett waves his hands in the air.

BARRETT

Woaaah! It’s really Cosmo Canyon! I’ve always wanted to visit this place!

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

But… we’re fully booked right now, so I can’t let you enter.

Barrett looks up at the facility as though disappointed. Red runs back down the stairs.

RED

These people helped me a little on my way here. Please let them come in.

Red runs back up the stairs.

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

Oh, is that so? You helped out Nanaki? Well, then, please enter.

CLOUD

What the heck is a ‘nanaki’?

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

Nanaki is… Nanaki. That is his name.

Screen fades to black.

CLOUD

I guess we should call him Nanaki from now on.

Yeah (If selected, name changes to Nanaki.)
It doesn’t matter (If selected, name stays as is.)

Special Note: Since the mod gives the option to change Red’s name, I will be identifying him as Nanaki from now on, but the player can do either one.

Screen changes back to Cosmo Canyon. Cloud and the others run up the stairs to where Nanaki is waiting on a stairway landing.

NANAKI

This is my hometown. My clan came to protect this beautiful canyon and those seeking knowledge about the planet. My mother fought bravely and died as a warrior—but my father fled, like a coward he was. I’m the last of my clan now.

CLOUD

Coward?

NANAKI

Yes. My father was a despicable coward. I’m all that’s left to protect this place. My journey ends here.

A voice shouts from above.

BUGENHAGEN

Ho! Nanakiii! You’re home!

NANAKI

I’m coming, Grandpa!

Nanaki runs up the stairs and into the main facility.

BARRETT

Good timin’. Let’s take a breather. I got stuff I wanna find out about too.

AERITH

Let’s rest for a while. There are a few things I want to ask about as well.

TIFA

Perfect timing. Why don’t we take a break? Let’s explore this place on our own for a while!

YUFFIE

Time out! Time out! Time out! We’re taking a break now, right? Okay, it’s decided!

CAIT

We’re all oot of breath. Let’s take a wee break?

The party members wander off.

SIGN BY MAIN FACILITY DOOR TEXT

Great cocktails at the Starlet pub! Fluffy beds at the Schildra inn! Please drop by anytime! We’re right next to Cosmo Candle!

Heading into the Starlet pub, the bartender stands at the counter while a man sits at one of the tables. If Tifa and Aerith were the party members, then they will be sitting at another table across from eachother.

BARTENDER NPC

Welcome. Would you like to try our original cocktail, the ‘Cosmo Candle’? Drinking can be quite beneficial, you know. It comforts the heart. …In moderation, of course.

Talking to the man sitting at the table...

ELDER BUGA

Ah, I see. You’re the ones that brought Nanaki back. Thank you ever so much.

AERITH

Maybe someone here knows something about the Promised Land or the Ancients.

TIFA

What’s gotten into Nanaki? He ran off like a child.

Heading upstairs to the Schildra Inn…

INNKEEPER NPC

Welcome to the Schildra Inn. It’s 100 gil a night. Would you like to stay?

CLOUD

Yes
No, thanks

INNKEEPER NPC (Yes)

Have pleasant dreams of the planet.

Screen fades to black.

Were you able to hear the whispers of the planet? In that case, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

If Cloud does not have enough gil…

I’m very sorry, but you don’t seem to have enough.

INNKEEPER NPC (No, thanks)

In that case, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

There’s a flyer by the innkeeper’s counter.

TURTLE LOUNGE FLYER #5

These cocktails are good, but our local brew’s the best! Stop by the Turtle Lounge!!

Back outside the pub, there is a bonfire with a boy around near it and a man in a hard out walking near some stalls.

HARD HAT MAN NPC

This is Cosmo Canyon. It’s quite a mystical place, isn’t it? Have you also come here to study planetary bioscience?

CLOUD

Something like that
Not really

HARD HAT MAN NPC (Something like that)

As I thought. They say there’s an incredible observatory here. I’d love to see it if I get the chance.

HARD HAT MAN (Not really)

If the buggy broke down…

I see. …What? Your buggy broke down? Oh my. Well, I guess that isn’t too surprising. After all, there aren’t really any decent roads to speak of around here. Tell you what, leave it with me. I might not look the type, but I’m pretty handy when it comes to mechanics. Why not take a look around Cosmo Canyon while I fix your buggy?

Hard Hat Man NPC runs out through the gate.

If Cloud and the others happened to came to Cosmo Canyon on foot, so the buggy doesn’t break down…

Oh? Well, there really isn’t much else to see around here.

Heading up a ladder leads to a General Store.

GENERAL STOREKEEPER NPC

Hello. Welcome. Looking for anything in particular?

The General Store opens. When heading back down the ladder and talking to the boy near the bonfire…

CAMPFIRE BOY NPC

Yaaay! Nanaki! Nanaki is back! Thank the flame! See this fire? It’s called Cosmo Candle. It has been burning for as long as anyone can remember, which is why people say it’s a holy flame that protects the canyon. I heard it did go out once though, looong before I was born. The elders say something really, really scary happened, but I don’t know what.

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

Since you’re here, why don’t you have a listen to what Master Bugenhagen has to say?

Finally entering the main facility, Cloud will come upon the Tiger Lilly Weapon Shop.

WEAPON STOREKEEPER NPC

Oh! Welcome! The people of this canyon aren’t too fond of violence, so just about everything here’s a replica. But, not to worry… some of them are the genuine article.

Reading the sign by the shop stall…

TURTLE LOUNGE FLYER #4

Now hiring part-time! Looking for people who can stand long hours of boredom! For more information, please contact the Turtle Lounge!!

Continuing up the stairs and into the back room. An old man is searching through lower cupboards. If he was in the party, Barrett is standing and facing the doorway with his arms crossed.

ELDER HAGO

Where did I put it? I know it’s around here somewhere.

BARRETT

There was once this guy who studied planetary bioscience here. He was so deeply affected by the teachin’s that he decided he couldn’t let things carry on as they were. So, he went to Midgar an’ formed Avalanche. …You’re not interested, are ya?

CLOUD

I am. Go on.
Yeah, not interested. (If selected, Barrett stops talking.)

BARRETT (I am. Go on.)

Guess you could say this is where Avalanche was born. I always wanted to come here. An’ now, finally… I have.

Barrett turns around, facing away from Cloud, and raises his hand to his face.

We’ve been through… a lot.

CLOUD

How does the story end?
I’m not interested (If selected, Barrett stops talking.)

BARRETT (How does the story end?)

…It already has. Avalanche is dead.

Continuing higher up in the facility, Cloud enters a foyer that has a ladder, a seeled door and three tunnels. I boy paces back and forth in front of the seeled door.

DOOR BOY NPC

Master Bugenhagen ‘seeled’ this door shut. It won’t open. Do you think he used super glue?

If Cloud exits the first tunnel, it will take him outside. The second tunnel leads to a Materia Store. If she was in the party, Yuffie will be standing and looking at the shelves. The Materia Storekeeper NPC is on the floor slumped against the counter.

YUFFIE

Oh, man! This place is a real drag. Even their materia sucks.

MATERIA STOREKEEPER NPC

…mumble…mumble… Sir… your change. You forgot your change. …mumble… …Coming… Are you here… to shop?

CLOUD

Yup
Nope

MATERIA STOREKEEPER NPC (Yup)

Is that so? To… shop… You’re here to shop!?

He bolts up to his feet and faces Cloud.

H-how rude of me! We hardly ever get customers, you see. But you CAN count on our materia!

MATERIA STOREKEEPER NPC (Nope)

Is that so? Then let me …yawn… sleep.

Heading down the last tunnel of the foyer is a kitchen area. A woman wonders around preparing.

WOMAN NPC

Argh, I’m so busy. I really could do with some help around here. …grumble…

If Cait was in the party…

CAIT

This place seems tae hold a lot o’ secrets. Hey! What time’s dinner?

WOMAN NPC

All right, all right. I’m making it now. But what I’m pondering is… which one of you will be eating it?

Cloud continues on up the foyer ladder and into the observatory. Nanaki and Bugenhagen are standing in what appears to be Bugenhagen’s living quarters.

NANAKI

Cloud, this is my grandfather, Bugen. He’s incredible. He knows everything.

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. I hear that you’ve been keeping an eye on Nanaki. I’m most grateful. For Nanaki is still a child, you see.

NANAKI

Oh, Grandpa! I’m 48…

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. Nanaki’s tribe has incredible longevity. While he may be 48 in human terms, this is really only equivalent to around 15 or 16 by his tribe’s.

CLOUD

15 or 16!?

BUGENHAGEN

He comes across rather taciturn and pensive. You thought he was an adult?

NANAKI

Grandpa… I want to grow up. I want to be able to protect you and the villagers.

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. No, Nanaki. You are not quite ready for that yet. You mustn’t overstretch yourself, or it will one day destroy you.

Bugenhagen looks up and points to the sky.

You’ve seen it, haven’t you? …The great Mako city, which stretches up to the heavens—built to grasp at the very stars themselves.

He lowers his head and hand.

That sets a bad example. Looking up all the time makes one lose perspective.

He jumps on the table and faces the fourth wall.

When this planet’s time is up, only then will we understand… understand that we know absolutely nothing.

CLOUD

The planet will die?

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. It may be tomorrow, or a hundred years from now. But it has not long to go.

CLOUD

How do you know this?

BUGENHAGEN

I’ve heard the ‘celestial scream’.

A whirring and pulsing noise starts up. Cloud looks around confused.

CLOUD

What?

BUGENHAGEN

A sound made by all that sparkles in the heavens. At this very moment, some stars and planets are being born, while others are dying.

A keening noise joins with the other sounds.

CLOUD

What was that just now?

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo… A scream from OUR planet. ‘I am in pain. I am suffering.’ Is that not what it sounded like?

NANAKI

Cloud and his friends are on a journey to save the planet. Why don’t you show them your pride and joy—the machine?

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. Save the planet!? Ho, ho, hooo! That is quite impossible. For what could mere humans hope to accomplish? But, then again, I suppose it can’t hurt to show you.

DOOR KID NPC

Master Bugenhagen!

Bugenhagen, Cloud, and Nanaki turn to face the kid. He walks into the room.

More odd looking people just arrived.

BUGENHAGEN

Now, what’s this? The place is rather busy all of a sudden.

NANAKI

They’re Cloud’s friends too. I’ll go and welcome them.

Nanaki starts for the door.

Oh, yeah, Cloud… you can only bring two of them with you. Grandpa’s machine only has room for three people.

BUGENHAGEN

Not to worry. My machine won’t grow legs and run away. Go and find your friends.

Cloud runs off to invite two people.

BARRETT

What?

AERITH

Hmm?

TIFA

Are you going somewhere?

NANAKI

Now resting in a back room of the bar. Don’t worry about me. I’ve seen it loads. I haven’t been back here in ages, so let me rest for a bit…

YUFFIE

Gawd! I HATE studying!

CAIT

Dae ye need me?

When talking to the Entryway Guard NPC again…

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

Have you seen Master Bugenhagen’s machine? If you haven’t, you really ought to do!

After selecting two party members, Cloud’s group goes back to the observatory.

BUGENHAGEN

Here. Over here. The door’s unlocked. Come in.

Cloud enters the room. Inside is a machine near the ceiling that shows planets and other astral bodies similar to a planetarium. The middle of the room has a platform that raises up to it.

If Cloud tries to operate the machine…

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. Only I am able to operate this machine.

Cloud talks to Bugenhagen.

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. Are you ready? Then let us begin. Stand there.

Cloud stands on the platform, Bugenhagen flips a switch, and the platform raises them up to the planetarium. The group looks at the images in awe.

BARRETT

Now ain’t this somethin’!?

AERITH

So pretty! It’s just like the real thing, Cloud.

TIFA

Wow! It’s like we’re really in space!

YUFFIE

Whoa! Gotta hand it to you… not every day you can surprise me!

Bugenhagen floats up toward the image above them that resembles a solar system.

BUGANHAGEN

Ho, ho! Isn’t it marvellous? I take great pride in this laboratory of mine. All the workings of the universe have been entered into this three dimensional holographic system.

BARRETT

Whoa! A shootin’ star!

AERITH

Wow! A shooting star!

TIFA

Look! Look! A shooting star!

YUFFIE

W-what the…?! A shooting star!

A shooting star flies across. The group watches as various space objects move in the holographic display.

BARRETT

Amazin’!

AERITH

Oh, it’s beautiful!

TIFA

Amazing!!

YUFFIE

Ooooooh!

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. Yes, indeed. Well, let us get down to the matter at hand. Man must eventually… die. But what happens after death? The body decays and returns to the planet—that much we all know. But what of consciousness? The heart… The spirit… It, too, returns to the planet. And not only that of man. The same applies to all living things on the planet—nay, the whole universe.

He raises his arms up high.

The spirit that return to the planet join together and race around it. They form a surge that rushes, converges, and separates constantly all over the planet. We call this the Lifestream. Lifestream… A path of spiritual energy which flows around the planet.

He lowers his arms back down.

‘Spiritual energy’. Never forget that term. New life… Children are blessed with spiritual energy and are brought into the world. And when the time comes, they die and return to the planet once more. There are some exceptions, of course, but this is essentially how our world operates. It’s a lot to take in. Perhaps you’ll understand it all better if you watch this…

On the model of the planet, a man is born and dies. His essence is merged with a dying tree and their energy courses around a planet. That energy forms a new man, who is born and then dies. His energy then courses. The various spirit energies course and cover the planet. Bugenhagen floats beside the model, looking at it.

Spiritual energy is the source of life for trees, birds, and man. No, no, not only of creatures… The planet itself depends upon spiritual energy. But what if that energy were to disappear?

Bugenhagen lifts his arm and the spirit energy gets sucked out of the planet’s model. The planet model turns black, breaks apart, and falls in pieces.

These are the basics of planetary bioscience.

Cloud crosses his arms and taps his foot.

CLOUD

If the planet is deprived of spiritual energy, it will perish?

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. Spiritual energy fulfils its role precisely because it is one with nature. When spiritual energy is forcibly extracted and processed, it is prevented from accomplishing its true reason for being.

CLOUD

You’re talking about Mako energy, right?

BUGENHAGEN

Mako reactors are rapidly depleting the spiritual energy of our planet. The reactors produce highly concentrated spiritual energy, which they call Mako, but it’s the planet itself that is being consumed. In other words, the use of Mako energy has only one outcome… The complete destruction of our planet.

The platform lowers back down and Bugenhagen turns off the machine.

That was the tale of our planet …and those who inhabit it. Do you wish to learn more? Then you would be wise to listen to the words of the elders.

If Cloud speaks to Bugenhagen again…

BUGENHAGEN

Nanaki said his father was a coward? So, Nanaki… that’s what you believe…

Cloud and the group continue exploring and run into Elder Hago. He is still searching through the cupboards.

ELDER HAGO

Ahh, here it is! My work here is to create books from our knowledge of the planet and the legends handed down in this canyon. That way, I can teach the children all manner of things, even after I have returned to the planet.

He turns around and notices Cloud.

Mmm? Oh, we have guests again. Good. Good. I know. I know. You came to ask me something correct?

CLOUD

It’s about the Promised Land
Not really

ELDER HAGO (It’s about the Promised Land)

Ah, the Promised Land. So, that is what you wish to learn about. Plainly speaking, the Promised Land doesn’t actually exist. At least, this is what I believe. Well, no, it does exist. Hmm… I suppose it works both ways. See, while it doesn’t exist for us, it did exist for the Ancients. To put it bluntly, the Promised Land is where an Ancient died. The Ancients led a harsh, nomadic life. Theirs was a life dedicated to fostering spiritual energy by raising trees, plants, animals—all kinds of living things. In life, they knew only toil. And when their journey ended, the place where they returned to the planet—that is to say, the place where they died—THAT is the Promised Land. Hm? Supreme happiness? Well, the moment an Ancient returned to the planet was the moment they were released from their fate… their obligations. I suppose that could be considered supreme happiness? That is what I believe anyway. Nobody really knows the truth.

ELDER HAGO (Not really)

Oh, I see. I’m sorry, but I can only really talk to you about legends and folklore.

ELDER HAGO

Your friends are waiting for you at Cosmo Candle.

As Cloud heads back outside, the party members not with Cloud are sitting around the Cosmo Candle.

If Cloud talks to the Entryway Guard NPC…

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

Oh, leaving so soon? But it appears your friends still want to learn more about the planet.

If Cloud enters the pub and speaks to Elder Buga…

ELDER BUGA

Why, hello there. What can I do for you?

CLOUD

Tell me about the Ancients
It’s nothing

ELDER BUGA (Tell me about the Ancients)

Ah, the Ancients… You know, they always bring Professor Gusto to mind, who visited us from time to time. As a Shin-Ra scholar, he researched the mysteries of the Ancients. He was an incredibly honest and sincere person—not at all what you’d expect from Shin-Ra.

Let’s see, must have been about 30 years ago now… He had finally found the remains of an Ancient and was elated to say the least.

As I recall, he named it Jenova and embarked upon all manner of research. Then, one day, he arrived here looking thoroughly exhausted. He kept muttering that Jenova wasn’t an Ancient—that he’d made a terrible mistake. I haven’t seen him since. Apparently, he never returned to Shin-Ra. If should come across the professor, perhaps you can deliver a message for me. Tell him that the old man in Cosmo Canyon—the one who likes a drink—wants to hear more about the Ancients. It would be nice to discuss them with you further, but, sadly, almost everything in regards to the Ancients is based on legend and myth. Nobody knows the truth.

ELDER BUGA (It’s nothing)

Hmph. You’re no fun. I wanted to tell you a nice long story.

ELDER BUGA

By the way, your companions have gathered in front of Cosmo Candle. Are you leaving so soon?

Cloud and party join the others at the Cosmo Candle.

NANAKI

…

If Cloud talks to Barrett, he’ll sit down next to him.

BARRETT

Cosmo Canyon… Avalanche was born here. I promised the guys… promised ‘em that once we’d saved the planet from Shin-Ra, we’d go to Cosmo Canyon an’ raise a toast. Biggs… Wedge… Jessie… Gone. They’re all gone. All for the sake of the planet. …Is that the truth though? Was it for the planet? No, we… I… I just hate Shin-Ra. What right… do I have to continue on this journey? What would they… What would they think of me now?

Barrett shakes his head.

…I’ll never know. But I’ve made up my mind. If there’s anythin’ I can do to save the planet or the people livin’ on it, then I’m gonna do it! I’ll leave it to others to decide if it’s justice or revenge.

Barrett stands up and shakes his fists in the air.

Urrrrrgh! I’m gonna do it!! Reborn! Avalanche is reborn!

Barrett sits back down and Cloud stands up. If Cloud talks to Aerith, he’ll sit down next to her.

AERITH

I learned a lot. The elders taught me many things… About the Cetra and the Promised Land.

Aerith lowers her head.

I’m… alone. I’m all alone now.

CLOUD

But I’m… WE’RE here for you?

Aerith shakes her head.

AERITH

I know. I know. But… I’m all that’s left… of the Cetra.

CLOUD

Does that mean we can’t help?

Aerith looks away from Cloud and Cloud stands up. If he talks to Tifa, he’ll sit down next to her.

TIFA

Bonfires are strange, aren’t they? They make you remember all sorts of things.

She turns to face Cloud.

Cloud, five years ago… Cloud looks at the bonfire and nods. No. Never mind.

Tifa faces the bonfire again.

I can’t ask you about that…

Cloud faces Tifa.

CLOUD

Why not?

TIFA

Because you’ll change. You’ll… drift away from me again.

Tifa faces Cloud again.

Cloud… you really are yourself… right?

Tifa goes back to staring at the bonfire and Cloud stands up. If he talks to Yuffie…

YUFFIE

What a boring place. Just like I thought. I wanna go somewhere else! Let’s go hunt for some materia!

If Cloud talks to Cait…

CAIT

Ah wonder how many years it’s bin since then… Gosh, ah’m rememberin’ all sorts…

If Cloud speaks to Nanaki again, he’ll sit down next to him…

NANAKI

A long time ago… …when I was very small, we were all around this fire.

Nanaki shakes his head.

…No. I don’t want to talk about it.

CLOUD

What is it?

NANAKI

It’s about my parents. When I talk about my mother, my chest bursts with pride. But when it comes to my father… my heart is filled with rage.

Bugenhagen approaches.

BUGENHAGEN

You still can’t forgive him?

NANAKI

Of course not. He… let Mum die. When the Gi attacked, he ran off on his own. He abandoned her and the people of the canyon!

BUGENHAGEN

Come, Nanaki, there is something you should see.

NANAKI

…?

BUGENHAGEN

It’s a little dangerous. Cloud, will you and one other accompany us?

Cloud chooses a party member. The others stay by the Cosmo Candle.

BARRETT

Where’re they goin’?

AERITH

What doe he want to show Nanaki?

TIFA

Can I come?

YUFFIE

I wonder what he wants to show him. It’s gotta be something fantastic—like materia that’s been handed down for generations!

CAIT

Dangerous? Count me oot.

If Cloud heads back to the bar and talks to Elder Buga again.

ELDER BUGA

Mmm. Marvellous. That bartender’s cocktails hit the spot every time.

If Cloud talks to the Entryway Guard NPC…

ENTRYWAY GUARD NPC

Hm? If you’re looking for Master Bugenhagen, he was heading for the Forbidden Door. It’s the big iron door on the way to his quarters. Where does it lead anyway? It’s been sealed off for as long as I can remember…

Cloud, Nanaki and the other party member join Bugenhagen at the sealed door.

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. Are we all set?

CLOUD

I guess so…
Just a minute

BUGENHAGEN (Just a minute)

What? Not ready? You let me know when you are.

BUGENHAGEN (I guess so…)

Ho, ho, hoooo. Then shall we be going?

Bugenhagen reveals a secret button, presses it, and the door opens.

BUGENHAGEN

All right. In you go.

NANAKI

Huh? Won’t you be leading the way, Grandpa?

BUGENHAGEN

What? I thought I said it was a little dangerous. You’d have an old man go in first? Don’t worry. I’ll be right behind you.

Cloud and the group enter the cave.

If Cloud tries to turn back and exit the cave…

BUGENHAGEN

What’s this? You’re turning back? I shall be waiting here, so come back as soon as you’re prepared. This door can’t be left open indefinitely, you see.

If Cloud returns…

Good. Good. Let us proceed.

The group climbs down to the bottom and enters the first chamber. Inside the chamber are caves, when entering a cave.

CLOUD

A strange looking rock…

Break it open
Leave it alone (If selected, nothing happens.)

If Cloud chooses to Break it open, almost all of them start a fight, but one opens a secret doorway. As Cloud and the group approach the new doorway…

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. The ghosts of the Gi tribe haunt this place. They were all defeated by a certain warrior.

NANAKI

Who?

BUGENHAGEN

But even in death, the vengeful spirits of the Gi lingered, unable to return to the Lifestream. We still have much ground to cover. Ho, ho, hoooo.

Cloud and group make their way along winding paths until they reach the exit, leading to another chamber.

BUGENHAGEN

As you can see, this cave leads to the other side of Cosmo Canyon. The Gi were larger than us and, above al else, merciless. Had they invaded from here, they would have met with little resistance.

NANAKI

…

BUGENHAGEN

Let us proceed.

In the next chamber, there are five paths that can be taken. Cloud takes the second path and continues until they reach the exit, leading to the final chamber.

BUGENHAGEN

The warrior ran through this cave alone. Fighting the Gi Tribe attackers… One after another.

NANAKI

Grandpa… Who was the warrior? Ho, ho, hoooo… We’re almost there.

They enter the final chamber, where an evil face blocks the exit.

BUGENHAGEN

What in the world?

NANAKI

Grandpa, is this?

BUGENHAGEN

They perished… and yet… …the specters of the Gi… …linger here like stagnant air… This does not bode well for us at all!!

The face warps and transforms into Gi Nattak. After defeating Gi Nattak and his two fire minions…

BUGENHAGEN

Thank you, Cloud. Without your help, we never would have survived. And, Nanaki… it would seem that you have grown remarkably strong as well.

NANAKI

Heh, heh. You really think so?

BUGENHAGEN

I was right. Bringing you here was not a mistake. Come. What I have to show you is just up ahead.

They exit the cave and Nanaki begins to climb a pile of rocks.

NANAKI

This is…

The third party member attempts to follow, but Cloud lifts his arm to stop them.

BUGENHAGEN

The warrior fought against the Gi, right here. He kept them from taking even a single step into Cosmo Canyon.

Bugenhagen floats over beside Cloud.

And… he never returned to the village again…

Bugenhagen raises his arm into the sky.

Behold, Nanaki, the face of the warrior… Seto. Your father.

The camera pans up to the top of the cliff side. A statue in the shape of a creature like Nanaki stands with arrows stuck into it.

NANAKI

That… That’s… Seto?

BUGENHAGEN

Seto continued to fight the Gi at this very spot. He never stopped protecting the canyon. Even as the Gi’s poisonous arrows were turning his body into stone… Even after he had chased them all away, he stayed here to protect us. And he still does…

NANAKI

Even now?

The camera pans back down to the group.

BUGENHAGEN

You thought him a coward who had simply ran away. But he alone gave his life to defend Cosmo Canyon. This is your father. This is Seto.

NANAKI

This… is Seto? …!? Did Mother know?

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo… She knew. At the time, they asked me to seal the cave shut… …and not to tell a soul. They said that the cave should be forgotten about.

NANAKI

…

Bugenhagen turns to face Cloud.

BUGENHAGEN

My apologies, Cloud, but would you mind leaving the two of us alone?

Cloud nods and leaves. The third party member looks up at Nanaki and follows Cloud out. Bugenhagen turns back to Nanaki.

You must continue your journey with Cloud and the others.

NANAKI

Grandpa!?

BUGENHAGEN

Listen to me, Nanaki.

He begins to pace back and forth.

They say they wish to save the planet. Truthfully, I don’t believe it can be done. For even if they shut down every Mako reactor, it will only postpone the inevitable. Even if they stop Sephiroth, it will be for naught. All that there is shall perish eventually.

He stops pacing.

But lately I’ve been thinking… Isn’t there something… anything that we can do as dwellers—no—as a part of the planet, when it suffers so horribly? Regardless of what happens, shouldn’t we at least try? Or are we to sit here meekly accepting our fate?

He shakes his head.

I am too old to do anything about it now. This year, I’ll be 130. Ho, ho, hoooo.

He raises his arms up.

That is why you must go, Nanaki! You must go in my stead, and find out for yourself.

He lowers his arms back down.

NANAKI

Grandpa…

BUGENHAGEN

I wanted to show you the truth about your father before you left. I am so glad that you came back while I was still alive.

Nanaki shakes his head.

NANAKI

Don’t talk like that. If you left me, I…

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. I have lived long enough.

Nanaki stands up.

NANAKI

Grandpa! You have to carry on living! For me! But I’ll go. I’ll find out what’s going to happen to the planet and then come back and tell you everything.

BUGENHAGEN

Nanaki…

Nanaki jumps down one rock lower.

NANAKI

I am Nanaki of Cosmo Canyon—the son of the warrior, Seto! I’ll return a warrior true to that noble name! So, please, Grandpa…

Droplets fall from the sky. Nanaki and Bugenhagen look up.

BUGENHAGEN

Those are… Seto’s. Oh, Seto…

NANAKI

Seto… Fa-Father…

Nanaki jumps up to the top of the rock pile and howls. The camera pans up the show that Seto’s statue is crying. The scene changes to everyone in the party, except Nanaki, sitting around the Cosmo Candle.

BARRETT

If the buggy had broken down as opposed to walking to Cosmo Canyon…

By the way, the buggy’s been fixed.

Cloud stands up.

CLOUD

Should we get moving?

Aerith stands up.

AERITH

So, it’s goodbye, Nanaki.

Barrett stands up.

BARRETT

That’s jus’ the way it goes. Too bad… He came in really handy at times, didn’t he?

Cloud chooses his party and the group leaves the Cosmo Candle. Cloud faces toward Cosmo Canyon and shakes his head before walking away from the Cosmo Candle as well. The party begins to make preparations to leave.

HARD HAT MAN NPC

Hey, I finished your buggy. You’re back in business and can travel the world once more.

CLOUD

Let me repay you
Thanks! (If selected, nothing happens.)

HARD HAT MAN NPC (Let me repay you)

No, it’s quite all right. We should help each other out in times of trouble.

CLOUD

Please, take 1000 gil
I guess so (If selected, nothing happens.)

MAN IN HARD HAT NPC (Please, take 1000 gil)

Are you sure? Then I graciously accept. Oh, yeah, have you stayed at the inn yet? There was a pretty looking bottle on the sofa there a while back. Was it yours by any chance?

If Cloud does not have 1000 gil…

You don’t have 1000 gil. It’s not nice to tease people like that.

If Cloud speaks to the Man In Hard Hat NPC again or if the buggy had never broken down…

MAN IN HARD HAT NPC

Mmm… I feel sure the teachings on planetary bioscience are true. But perhaps once you have experienced the convenience of Mako energy, it’s hard to go back to the way things used to be.

Cloud and the group head down the steps to leave Cosmo Canyon. Nanaki runs behind.

NANAKI

Wait for me! I’m coming too!

CLOUD

Huh?

Bugenhagen floats down the steps to them.

BUGENHAGEN

Cloud… Please look after Nanaki.

CLOUD

What happened?

NANAKI

I think I grew up a little—that’s what happened!

Nanaki runs on ahead down the steps.

BUGENHAGEN

Ho, ho, hoooo. Come back whenever you are in need of my knowledge.

Cloud and the others return to the buggy and continue on.