Costa del Sol

The cargo ship arrives in the Costa del Sol harbour. Everyone gets off of the ship onto the port. There are three sailors scattered about, a man on top of the nearby lighthouse waving at everyone below, a man in a speedo on a sea plane, and a woman lounging on its wing. Yuffie runs over to the sea plane vacationer wearing a speedo and waves at him before running back to join the group.

BARRETT

Damn… Sure is hot here! But at least I could say good-bye to that tight sailor suit. Listen up! Make sure you blend in from here on. Got it?

AERITH

Oh, too bad… I liked your uniform. You looked so cute in it.

BARRETT

Whaddya mean ‘cute’?

TIFA

You did. Hehe… You know what? You should use that sailor outfit as pajamas! Don’t you think so, Cloud?

CLOUD

Sure
Concentrate on Sephiroth

CLOUD (Sure)

Laughing. Yeah, it suited you perfectly. You looked like a bear wearing a marshmallow.

BARRETT

Wha…!? Mind your own business! I like my regular gear. It jus’ don’t feel right without it.

CLOUD (Concentrate on Sephiroth)

This isn’t a holiday. We’re after Sephiroth. Let’s move it.

BARRETT

Hmph. You’re the one always laggin’ behind. C’mon, let’s get the hell outta this tourist trap.

RED

…huff…puff… Would you all kindly hurry? The heat here is drying my nose.

YUFFIE

Yeah, mine, too!!

CLOUD

All right. We’ll take a short break, then head off. Don’t wander too far.

BARRETT

Bah! Talk about bein’ too big for your boots!

Barrett leaves.

TIFA

I think I’ll go for a swim.

AERITH

Yeah, me too!

She approaches Cloud.

Hmm, Cloud… Something on your mind? That cool façade is cracking…

She runs back over to Tifa.

Well, let’s go!

Tifa and Aerith leave together.

RED

Oh, just look at this fur… I’m going to find someplace nice and cool to rest up.

He crawls away.

YUFFIE

Don’t bother looking for me!

Yuffie runs away.

Special Note: This Aerith exchange seems to happen if Tifa is in the party with Cloud, but not Aerith. This then sends Aerith to the beach by herself.

AERITH

Maybe I should get a tan for a change. Hey, Cloud, which do you prefer?

CLOUD

I like fair complexions
A healthy tan is nice

AERITH (I like fair complexions or A healthy tan is nice)

I’ll keep that in mind…

Aerith leaves last.

PORT SAILOR NPC

You’re stowaways, right? It’s okay. I’m used to it. The truth is, before I got a job here, I was an expert at sneaking aboard ships.

If selected again…

This is Costa del Sol’s harbour. A paradise of sunshine and perpetual summer. Yeah, okay, that sounded corny. If you’re looking for tourist information, head on into town.

Another sailor runs around the harbour.

PORT SAILOR 2 NPC

Stay out of the way. This is Rufus’ first visit since becoming president. He’s here on business this time. I wish I were him, that’s for sure. We’re about the same age and he already runs an entire company.

Cloud walks over to the helipad by the lighthouse with the man up top on it.

SAILOR ON HELIPAD NPC

Oh, man… The Shin-Ra Manager won’t come down. He’s here on business. At least, he would be if he hadn’t forgotten and gone out partying all day long.

Cloud walks over to the sea plane.

WOMAN ON SEA PLANE WING NPC

Perhaps workaholic deckhands can’t appreciate it… …Gazing at an endless sky, over a marine blue sea, while napping on the wing of a Cessna. Ahh! You can’t beat it!

SEA PLANE MAN IN SPEEDO NPC

Heh, heh… I hear the Shin-Ra brass will be arriving soon. Got nothing to do with us though, has it?

Cloud leaves the dock and a helicopter comes in. Shin-Ra Manager has come down from the lighthouse and waves the helicopter down to the helipad. Two sailors join him, then they all salute. The sea plane NPCs watch at a distance. Rufus and Heidegger walk off of the cargo ship.

PORT SAILOR NPC

Welcome to Costa del Sol, sir!

The helicopter lands fully on the helipad.

RUFUS

Hmph. Thank you for your efforts.

HEIDEGGER

Gya, ha, ha! Hurry it up with the helicopter!

PORT SAILOR NPC

Yes, sir!

Rufus and Heidegger walk onto the port.

RUFUS

I’m told Sephiroth was on board?

HEIDEGGER

…Yes.

RUFUS

And it seems Cloud and the others were as well?

HEIDEGGER

…Yes.

RUFUS

They all slipped through. It’s a total disgrace, Heidegger.

Port Sailor 2 NPC runs up to Rufus and Heidegger.

HEIDEGGER

Sorry. I’m… ashamed of myself.

RUFUS

And I’m growing tired of your apologies.

PORT SAILOR 2 NPC

Preparations are complete, sir.

Rufus begins to walk toward the helicopter, then turns around to face Heidegger.

RUFUS

You’d better start doing something. I’ll be expecting results.

As Rufus walks toward the helicopter, Heidegger charges at Port Sailors 1 and 2, throwing them into the ocean. He then goes after Sea Plane Man In Speedo NPC. Rufus gets on the helicopter, and it takes off.

------------------------------------------------------

The scene changes back to Cloud as he explores the town.

If Cloud goes back to the harbour…

SEA PLANE MAN IN SPEEDO NPC

Hey! Get back!! Put one fingerprint, scratch, or dent in this, and I’ll put one on your head! It’s a plane, you moron… Something you’ll never be able to afford. Gawk all you like, but do it from as far away as possible.

WOMAN ON SEA PLANE WING NPC

Quite handsome… Oh, don’t worry. I’m not talking about you. I’m talking about President Rufus. He’s so charming. Something about that blond hair and double-breasted suit appeals to me. Not to mention he’s stinking rich!

There’s a sailor working on a white sailboat next to the sea plane.

SAILBOAT SAILOR NPC

I bet you’d love to steer one of these?

CLOUD

You’re right. I would!
Looks tricky

SAILBOAT SAILOR NPC (You’re right. I would!)

There’s no better feeling. Shin-Ra’s selling this one, and I’m thinking of tapping into the tourist market here. But I can’t just dive in at the deep end. I’d better think this through…

SAILBOAT SAILOR NPC (Looks tricky)

Yup! There’s no way a novice could handle this.

PORT SAILOR 2 NPC

Rufus complimented me on my work here! Wow! I guess a job well done really does pay off!

Shin-Ra Manager is standing on the helipad.

SHIN-RA MANAGER

Aaaaaargh!! I’m quitting!! I mean it! This is the final straw!

He runs to the edge of the helipad and looks out to sea.

Heidegger, you son of a bitch!! And Rufus, you pompous ass!!

If Cloud walks up and selects him again…

Boy, that sure felt good.

PORT SAILOR 1 NPC

Damn. I’m soaking wet, right down to my underwear. Ooh! I bet you’re what’s left of that group Avalanche! Quick, get out of here! Heidegger’s in charge of the cargo ship. It’d mean hell for all of us if he found you here.

Cloud runs back into town…

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK NPC

Do you ever get bored?

CLOUD

Not really
Yeah, we fight all the time

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK NPC (Not really)

Oh? Well, I do. Back to work for me!

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK NPC (Yeah, we fight all the time)

No, that’s a good thing. You shouldn’t take it for granted. Just look at me… stuck here all day. Must be amazing fighting dragons and strange beings. Come to think of it, they say there are these giant bird-like monsters at Mt Corel which have an attack that can turn you into stone. You’d best be prepared if you’re heading out that way. Anyway, it’s back to work for me!

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK NPC

Welcome to the Costa del Sol tourist information centre. What do you need to know?

CLOUD

I’m looking for an inn
I’m looking for the shops
Tell me about the sights

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK NPC (I’m looking for an inn)

Let’s see… I recommend the place located just outside the centre. To be honest, that’s the only hotel there is here.

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK NPC (I’m looking for the shops)

If you’re looking for souvenirs of materia, I recommend Butch’s stall. …Oh, right, maybe you’re looking for something a little… different? In that case, you should try enquiring at the bar.

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK NPC (Tell me about the sights)

Wait there one moment. I’ll check the guidebook. Costa del Sol is the gateway to the western continent. One of only a handful of resorts in the whole world, it has been a popular destination for countless generations. Oh, come on, no-one gives a crap about that! If you’re looking for fun, I recommend the beach. Plenty of cute girls there too. By the way, are you… wealthy?

CLOUD

Kind of
No

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK NPC (Kind of)

Ha. Yeah. I could tell just by the look of you! The Gold Saucer may interest you then… Heading there after a nice relaxing stay at the Costa del Sol is something any good tourist should consider doing. You’ll have the time of your life. Trust me. The Gold Saucer is way south of here. It’s a wondrous theme park and amusement arcade. Travelling there on foot is pretty rough though… You’ll have to cross the mountains and valleys. But if you’re out on your travels, you should definitely give it a go.

WOMAN AT INFO KIOSK (No)

I thought so. But maybe you’re still interested in the Gold Saucer? The Gold Saucer is way south of here. It’s a wondrous theme park and amusement arcade. Travelling there on foot is pretty rough though… You’ll have to cross the mountains and valleys. But if you’re out on your travels, you should definitely give it a go.

If Cloud enters the door above the info kiosk, he walks into a nice villa. A man in a gray suit is laying on one of the beds.

GRAY SUIT NPC

…Fluffy bed…mmm… …So…comfortable… …Such a fluffy, comfy bed… …Just a little longer… Huh!? He gets up out of the bed and faces Cloud. Oh my… a potential buyer. Well, this is embarrassing. Please take your time and have a good look around. Are you seriously considering buying?

CLOUD

Buying what?
I’m outta here (If selected, nothing happens.)

CLOUD (Buying what?)

What are you selling?

GRAY SUIT NPC

Come now. You’re pulling my leg? I’m talking about this villa. It belonged to the late President Shinra and recently came back on the market. What do you think? It’s built on a large lot, has luxury furniture—including a fluffy bad. There’s even a basement to boot! It’s known to the locals as the Shin-Ra Villa. Of course, we’re not just giving it away…

CLOUD

How much?
I’m not interested

GRAY SUIT NPC (How much?)

Wha…? How do you plan on buying it without a carrot to your name? Since you’re curious, I’ll tell you the asking price… It’s a steal… only 300,000 gil. And still out of your range. Yeah, out! Go on! Out!

If selected again…

Nnng! Stop wasting my time!

GRAY SUIT NPC (I’m not interested)

I thought as much. I won’t keep you then. What do you think? Isn’t it fabulous? Owning a real villa… Imagine what that feels like. Think of the prestige! But, hey, there’s no need to rush into things.

If Gray Suit NPC is selected again after saying I’m outta here…

GRAY SUIT NPC

What do you think? Isn’t it fabulous? Owning a real villa… Imagine what that feels like. Think of the prestige! But, hey, there’s no need to rush into things.

If Cloud has 300,000 gil when he woke Gray Suit NPC, he’ll jump out of bed.

GRAY SUIT NPC

It’s a miracle! Someone with real money! I probably shouldn’t ask, but… are you really going to buy us?

CLOUD

Pay the 300,000
I’ve changed my mind

NON-CHARACTER TEXTBOX (Pay the 300,000)

Welcome to Cloud’s Villa!

GRAY SUIT NPC

Aw, man. Fare thee well, my dear fluffy bed!

Gray Suit NPC leaves.

If Cloud leaves Cloud’s Villa and then re-enters the bedroom...

CLOUD

This is MY villa now.

Rest
Move on (If selected, nothing happens.)

If selected Rest, the screen will fade to black and come back to show Cloud preening his hair in the bathroom mirror.

GRAY SUIT NPC (I’ve changed my mind)

Phew… My fluffy bed is safe.

If Cloud heads to the villa’s basement, there’s a man asleep at a desk. A bunch of crates and other items are strewn about.

If Cloud takes something, the sleeping man will bolt awake.

SLEEPY CARETAKER NPC

Oh! The items here are on the house, so feel free to help yourself.

He goes back to sleep at the desk.

SLEEPY CARETAKER NPC

…SNORE…SNORE… …hnng… My back’s killing me!

He wakes up with a bolt.

Oh! Welcome. I’m the caretaker. Nice to meet you. Well, then, if you’ll excuse me? Goodnight.

He falls back asleep at the desk.

…SNORE…SNORE…

Cloud exits the villa. On the upper floor of the corner bar, a woman occasionally peeks out the window. If Cloud enters the bar, inside there are two surfers, three buff guys at the bar, and a homeless looking man in the corner.

MALE BARTENDER NPC

Welcome to Bar del Sol… Here’s to tropical nights!

He gives a cheers motion at Cloud.

FEMALE BARTENDER NPC

Hey, thanks for dropping by. <3 (That’s one, two… four little fishes… Not bad!)

WAITRESS NPC

You want drink? Iz okay. Enjoy.

SURFER 1 NPC

We’re all heading over to the Gold Saucer later. We’re gonna make a ton of money at the Chocobo Races. Then we’re using the winnings to take a trip to Icicle Lodge for some snowboarding.

SURFER 2 NPC

Yeah, snowboarding’s where it’s at. I’m absolutely sick of surfing.

BUFF MAN AT BAR 1 NPC

…pant… I can’t stand hot places.

BUFF MAN AT BAR 2 NPC

…HIC… Mm? Wanna order? Wel, too bad. There’s nothin’ left.

MUKKI

This place has really grown on me. You could walk ‘round here naked, and no-one’d look twice.

MAN IN THE CORNER NPC

Come on. I’m begging you. If you don’t buy anything from me, I can’t make ends meet.

A Weapon Store opens up.

A little ways down the street is Johnny’s house. Johnny stands around nervously in the kitchen while a woman is taking a bath in the tub.

JOHNNY

Whaa…!? It’s y-y-you!! Hey, it’s really you. Mr Ex-Soldier, childhood friend, travellin’ lady’s man. An’ a frickin’ murderer!! …Uh…what was your name again?

CLOUD

You first. Who the hell are you?
I’m Cloud, and don’t you forget it.

JOHNNY (You first. Who the hell are you?)

You think you’re so high an’ mighty, dontcha!? Oh forget it! I don’t wanna talk about it. Let’s just let bygones be bygones.

JOHNNY (I’m Cloud, and don’t you forget it.)

I guess it’s been a while. You reall don’t remember me? Well, that’s cool, ‘cause I don’t want anythin’ to do with ya. I’ve started a new life here, see? Look, I know there’s a bit of history between us, but… Oh, forget it! I don’t wanna talk about it. Man, I wish I could just turn my feelin’s on and off like you guys seem to do!

WOMAN IN BATHTUB NPC

I feel so sorry for Johnny. He’s had a hard time lately—suffered some real setbacks. That’s why he’s all depressed.

JOHNNY

Hurry up an’ beat it, will ya? I’m happy now, so stay outta my new, peaceful life.

Back outside, there are two women walking around…

WOMAN 1 NPC

Shall we play our hand around here?

WOMAN 2 NPC

Not yet. Remember… no compromises.

WOMAN 1 NPC

You’re right. After all, this trip was expensive. But only your average joes are trying to hit on us.

WOMAN 2 NPC

Well, it must be because we’re so beautiful?

WOMAN 1 NPC

I guess so. But I envy the plain Janes.

WOMAN 2 NPC

Maybe we should just make do?

WOMAN 1 NPC

Not yet. Remember… no compromises.

WOMAN 2 NPC

You’re right. After all, this trip was expensive.

Nearby, Red is resting in some shade and using his tail to lazily hit a soccer ball with two kids, a boy and a girl.

RED

Hm. How interesting… It’s not as if I’m moving it on purpose. It just seems to have a mind of its own.

LITTLE GIRL NPC

I heard him—that big dog… He talks like a human! ‘Grandpa, I’m so warm.’ That’s what he said! It was sooo weird!

LITTLE BOY NPC

One, two, three... KICK!

If Cloud kicks the soccer ball at Red, it’ll hit him and he’ll jump up and growl at Cloud before settling back down.

If Red is in your party…

LITTLE GIRL NPC

Some creepy old guy was calling to me at the beach. I got scared, so I’m playing here now instead!

LITTLE BOY NPC

One, two, three… KICK!

Nearby, a caravan rests with goods on display. A large man in a trench coat is waving people toward the booth. If Yuffie is not in your party, then she is helping to tend the stall.

BUTCH

The cutie working here part-time has been a godsend.

YUFFIE

Ah, Cloud. Help me make some money, why don’t you? I’m selling materia. Come on! Buy something!

If Yuffie is in your party…

BUTCH

I should probably just hire some feisty young girl. Take it easy.

At the item shop next to the inn…

ITEM STOREKEEPER NPC

How about a Gold Needle, as a memento of your delightful trip? Made specially, right here in Costa del Sol!

Inside the inn, Barrett is wearing the sailor suit and posing in front of the bathroom mirror.

BARRETT

OH YEAH! Mmmm… Marin! I wonder how my little girl is… I’ll be wearin’ this when I come see ya, Marin. OH YEAH! Yo, it’s taken!

The innkeeper is nearby walking around the pool table.

INNKEEPER NPC

Ugh. I feel god-awful. Hey! Weren’t you with that big sailor?

CLOUD

What if I was?
What big sailor?

CLOUD (What if I was?)

What’s the matter?

INNKEEPER NPC

Can I have a word with you about him? He just busted in here all of a sudden and took over the restroom. He’s been preening himself in there ever since. Will you do something about it? …sigh… If you’re checking in, would you at least pick up the bill? Will you be staying? It’s 200 gil a night.

CLOUD

Might as well
No, thanks

INNKEEPER NPC (Might as well)

Enjoy the soothing sound of the waves. Sweet dreams.

Screen fades to black and changes back to the inn.

Good morning. Have a pleasant trip. Your group has passed on. Uh… Sorry, that came out wrong. What I meant to say was… they’ve moved on. …Moved on ahead of you, I mean!

If Cloud doesn’t have enough money…

INNKEEPER NPC

Hang on! You don’t have enough!

INNKEEPER NPC (No, thanks)

Are you sure? Well, maybe next time.

CLOUD (What big sailor?)

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

INNKEEPER NPC

I must have the wrong man, then. I’ve got a bit of a problem, you see. Some guy’s taken over the restroom. He hasn’t even paid for a room yet.

Barrett comes running toward them in his normal clothes.

BARRETT

Yo, Cloud! Still early, ain’t it?

Cloud shrugs and Barrett runs back to the bathroom.

INNKEEPER NPC

So he’s not a friend of yours, eh? Liar. Anyway, will you be staying? It’s 200 gil a night.

CLOUD

Might as well
No, thanks

INNKEEPER NPC (Might as well)

Enjoy the soothing sound of the waves. Sweet dreams.

Screen fades to black and changes back to the inn.

Good morning. Have a pleasant trip. Your group has passed on. Uh… Sorry, that came out wrong. What I meant to say was… they’ve moved on. …Moved on ahead of you, I mean!

If Cloud doesn’t have enough money…

INNKEEPER NPC

Hang on! You don’t have enough!

INNKEEPER NPC (No, thanks)

Are you sure? Well, maybe next time.

If Barrett is in your party…

INNKEEPER NPC

Hey, a cute girl was here earlier looking for you. Maybe you should go find her. Or are you just going to forget about her and go to bed? It’s 200 gil a night.

CLOUD

Might as well
I’ve changed my mind

INNKEEPER NPC (Might as well)

Anything you say… Enjoy the soothing sound of the waves. Sweet dreams.

Screen fades to black and changes back to the inn.

Good morning. Have a pleasant trip. Your group has passed on. Uh… Sorry, that came out wrong. What I meant to say was… they’ve moved on. …Moved on ahead of you, I mean!

INNKEEPER NPC (I’ve changed my mind)

Well, of course you have. Don’t worry about it. You can always stop by later.

Cloud heads down to the beach. If not in the party, Aerith and Tifa are already at the beach and staring toward the right.

AERITH

Cloud!

TIFA

Over there! Look!

The camera pans over to Hojo relaxing on a beach chair with three girls in bikinis surrounding him.

CLOUD

Hojo?
That girl in the bikini?

CLOUD (Hojo?)

Is that Hojo?

Tifa turns around to face Cloud.

TIFA

You should go talk to him.

CLOUD (That girl in a bikini?)

Not bad at all…

Tifa turns around to face Cloud.

TIFA

Oh, come on!! Over there. It’s Hojo from Shin-Ra. Stop messing around and go talk to him!

There are two men at the beach, if Cloud talks to them before Hojo while…

Tifa, Aerith, or both are in your party.

BEACH DUDE 1 NPC

…sigh… They’re spoken for.

BEACH DUDE 2 NPC

What about that one? She’s all right?

BEACH DUDE 1 NPC

Yeah, but she’s got some guy with her.

BEACH DUDE 2 NPC

Nothing I can’t handle. Don’t you worry.

BEACH DUDE 1 NPC

Right…

Neither Tifa nor Aerith is in your party. They’ll be standing on the beach watching Hojo.

BEACH DUDE 1 NPC

…sigh… They’re spoken for.

BEACH DUDE 2 NPC

Heh. Well, what about those two?

BEACH DUDE 1 NPC

Heh, heh. I like the one on the left.

BEACH DUDE 2 NPC

I guess that leaves me with the one on the right.

Cloud walks over to where Hojo and the three girls are.

BEACH WOMAN 1 NPC

Goodness. Can I help you?

CLOUD

I have business with this man
Is that Hojo?

BEACH WOMAN 1 NPC (I have business with this man)

(Who do you think you are?) Professor Hojo. <3 Some scary man says he has business with you.

BEACH WOMAN 1 NPC (Is that Hojo?)

(What’s with this guy?) That’s right. <3 It’s the professor. <3 Professor… <3 Someone is here to see you. <3

HOJO

I’m busy.

BEACH WOMAN 2 NPC

…As he says. <3 What a shame. <3

If Cloud had tried to talk to Hojo and not the woman laying in front. Cloud will hop if front of Hojo and face him.

HOJO

Haw, haw, haw… Very well, since you’re so pesky. Ah. Long time no see, Cloud.

If Cloud was already standing in front of Hojo to speak to him...

HOJO

No. Wait. I remember you...

Hojo sits up in the chair.

Ah. Yes. Yes. Long time no see, Cloud.

Tifa and/or Aerith join Cloud and the others, depending on party formation.

CLOUD

Hojo…

HOJO

We all need to unwind every so often, do we not?

CLOUD

What are you up to?

HOJO

I would have thought that’s obvious. I’m getting a tan.

CLOUD

Answer me!

HOJO

Hmm. I believe we are both in pursuit of the same thing…

CLOUD

You mean Sephiroth?

HOJO

Did you see him?

Cloud nods.

HOJO

…Hmm.

Hojo stands up on his beach chair and begins thinking.

CLOUD

What is it?

HOJO

Well, it’s only a hypothesis, but… …have you ever had the feeling that something is calling you? Or felt compelled to go to a certain place?

CLOUD

The only place I want to be right now is where Sephiroth is. To beat him! To settle the score!

HOJO

I see. Then my hypothesis may be correct. A Soldier… Haw, haw, haw! Would you like to be my guinea pig?

Cloud grabs his sword and begins to raise it.

Oh, what is this? You’re going to kill me?

BARRETT

Yo, takin’ him out here is prob’ly not a good idea.

AERITH

Cloud, stop! We won’t learn anything if he dies!

TIFA

Stop, Cloud! I know how you feel, but you just can’t.

RED

…huff…wheeze… Stop, Cloud!

Red passes out from the heat.

YUFFIE

Knock it off, Cloud! It might not be any of my business, but he has information we need, right?

Cloud puts his sword away and shakes his head.

HOJO

Hee, hee!

He walks toward Aerith.

Incidentally, aren’t you the Ancient girl?

AERITH

I’m called Aerith. The least you can do is remember my name. I need to know something, Professor… I know I’m an Ancient. My mother told me.

HOJO

Your mother? Oh, you mean Ifalna. How is she?

AERITH

You don’t know!? She died.

Hojo starts laughing.

HOJO

Is that so?

AERITH

Professor… Is Jenova and Ancieant? Is Sephiroth an Ancient? Do we share the same blood?

HOJO

…mumble…mumble… …to the west…

AERITH

Oh, so you’re not going to answer me now, are you? You’re hiding something!

Hojo sits back down in his chair again. Red stands back up.

HOJO

…

TIFA

Hey! Answer us!!

RED

Grrr… wheeze… pant…

Red collapses from the heat and then gets back up. Cloud shrugs.

CLOUD

It’s no use. We’re wasting our time.

If not in the party, Tifa and/or Aerith take off back toward the town. From here, Cloud can continue to explore Costa del Sol.

BEACH WOMAN 1 NPC

He never takes off his lab coat, even in this heat. I guess that’s the mark of an intellectual. <3

BEACH WOMAN 2 NPC

I’d be honoured to be Professor Hojo’s guinea pig!

BEACH WOMAN 3 NPC

I’ll interpret the professor’s mumbling for you. They passed over Mt Corel, to the west, and are continuing onward. Did you get that? I haven’t got a clue what it means.

BEACH DUDE 2 NPC

Now swimming in the ocean.

Eaaagh!! Help! …pant…pant… I can’t breathe!

BEACH DUDE 1 NPC

If you’re heading out to Mt Corel, you should probably buy some Gold Needles. You know what they say… …luck favours the well prepared and all that. Don’t count your chocobos before they’ve hatched. Be smart like me!

If Cloud goes back to Johnny’s house, Johnny and Tifa are sitting on the beds talking. The woman is still in the bathtub…

Special Note: This scene happens if Tifa was not in the party.

TIFA

…That’s right!

JOHNNY

Yeah, yeah! That was…

TIFA

Hehe!

JOHNNY

Hahahaha!

TIFA

Oh, stop it! …Really!?

JOHNNY

An’ that time when…

TIFA

Yeah, I remember!

Cloud enters the bedroom. Johnny and Tifa turn to look at him.

Cloud… Sorry, but is it okay if I spend the day with Johnny? It’s been so long since we last met, and it’s nice to be able to take a break. I’ll try not to be back too late.

CLOUD

Worry?
Yeah

CLOUD (Worry?)

Cloud shrugs.

Worry? I’m not worried.

TIFA

Oh…

CLOUD (Yeah)

Cloud puts his hand on his hip.

Just remember we’re leaving early tomorrow.

TIFA

Yeah, I know.

JOHNNY

We’re just talkin’. Don’t go takin’ it the wrong way.

If Cloud heads back to the inn, Aerith is lying on one of the beds. She sits up.

Special Note: This scene only happens if Aerith wasn’t in the party.

AERITH

Whew… I’m feeling a little tired. There’s so many things I don’t understand.

She turns her head away from him.

I feel a little uneasy.

She turns her whole body and faces him.

Say, Cloud… How do you feel about me?

CLOUD

I dunno
Nothing much

CLOUD (I dunno)

Cloud shakes his head.

I’m not sure.

AERITH

…I understand. After all, even I don’t get it. …How I feel about myself, I mean. I wonder what part of me is an Ancient. What did the Ancients behave like? It’s strange, isn’t it? I just don’t know. Argh, I’m going in circles. Is there even an answer? Everything’s so complicated.

She lays back down.

I’m going to sleep.

CLOUD (Nothing much)

Cloud shrugs.

Sorry, but I haven’t given it much thought.

AERITH

How can you say such a thing? Sometimes you make me so cross! Hmph! Just forget I brought it up!! I don’t want to talk about it!

She lays back down.

If Cloud pays to stay at the inn now…

INNKEEPER NPC

Enjoy the soothing sound of the waves. Sweet dreams.

Screen fades to black and changes back to the inn.

Good morning. Have a pleasant trip. Your group has passed on. Uh… Sorry, that came out wrong. What I meant to say was… they’ve moved on. …Moved on ahead of you, I mean!

If Cloud talks to Butch at his Materia Store after staying the night…

Special Note: Butch says this even if Yuffie was in the party and therefore, has been with Cloud the entire time and not helping with Butch's Materia Store. An entertaining oversight, I suspect.

BUTCH

She took me for a ride—that girl I hired. Ran off with all the takings. And the materia. I guess if something seems too good to be true, that’s because it is! Well, feel free to have a look. …At what’s left anyway.

If Cloud checks on Johnny again after staying at the inn, he is sleeping on the bed and the woman is still in the bathtub.

JOHNNY

…mumble…mumble… (You better make Tifa a happy woman.)

Back at the beach, Hojo has left and the three women are now lounging in beach chairs. Beach Dude 2 NPC is walking around talking to the girls, while Beach Dude 1 NPC swims in the ocean.

BEACH DUDE 1 NPC

Eaaagh!! Leave me alone! …ublk…glug…glug… I’m drowning!!

BEACH DUDE 2 NPC

At the Beach Women NPCs.

C’mon… hehe… Let’s get to know each other.

BEACH WOMAN 1 NPC

You won’t believe what I saw yesterday… …A man in a black cloak emerging from the sea, like he was riding a wave! I think he had a ticket for the Gold Saucer. No, wait, that can’t be right… I must have dreamt it.

BEACH WOMAN 3 NPC

Did you hear? President Rufus paid us a visit yesterday. He’s Shinra’s son all right. When he was younger, we nicknamed him ‘President Brat’! He hasn’t changed, either. He’d fit in nicely with the stuck-up surfers around here.

BEACH WOMAN 2 NPC

Oh, Professor, where could you be? He must’ve made a discovery or solved something. <3 Hmm… Did he head west for Mt Corel, I wonder? I miss him. Whenever Professor Hojo discovered something, he would grin like a child and laugh ‘Haw, haw, haw’. I might just follow him, past Mt Corel, and all the way to the Gold Saucer. The perfect holiday for two. <3

Cloud and the others leave Costa del Sol and head for Mt Corel.