Midgar: shin-ra headquarters
Cloud, Tifa, and Barrett stand before the Shin-Ra Headquarters.
BARRETT
Hey, you outta know all ‘bout this buildin’?
CLOUD
No. I don’t. Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve been to the headquarters.
BARRETT
Well, I’ve heard a few things. Check this out… The floors above the 60th are special. Not even guys who work here can get to ‘em easy. I reckon that’s where they’ve taken Aerith. No-one’s expectin’ us, so let’s get in there!!
Barrett begins to run toward the entrance.
TIFA
Now, hold on! You can’t just go marching in through the front door!
BARRETT
Of course I can! I’m gonna kick some Shin-Ra butt, an’—
TIFA
That’s insane. We’ve got to find another way.
BARRETT
Ain’t gonna be no other way! If we keep wastin’ time like this, Aerith’ll—
TIFA
I know that! But if we get caught here… Cloud, what do you think?
CLOUD
-
We’re busting in!
-
We’ll sneak in somehow
-------------------------------------------------------
BARRETT (We’re bustin in!)
Now you’re talkin’! C’mon! Let’s move it!!
They run inside.
RECEPTION
Excuse me. If you don’t have an appointment, you’ll need to…
BARRETT
Don’t need no appointment. We’re kinda in a hurry. So, if ya wanna live, get the hell outta our way!!
Barrett points his gun at the receptionist.
RECEPTION
Yaaaagh!
SHIN-RA EMPLOYEE 1 NPC
Just who do they think they are?
SHIN-RA EMPLOYEE 2 NPC
Could it be… Avalanche?
SHIN-RA GUARD NPC
Intruders! Seize them!
All of the staff members flee as the guards run toward the trio. The three fight the guards and defeat them easily.
BARRETT
We’re goin’ straight to the top!
If Cloud checks the elevator tubes near the entrance…
CLOUD
No go. We’ll have to find some other way.
In the back of the lobby, there are employees, more guards, and a bulletin board. If the people are approached, they will run away.
BULLETIN BOARD TEXT
Shin-Ra Company This week’s motto: The future is Shin-Ra! Mako light for a world that’s bright!
TURTLE LOUNGE FLYER #2
Tired from another hard day’s slog? Wouldn’t you just love to kick back with a nice, cool beer? You can! Stop by at the Turtle Lounge! There’s nothing like a smooth drink after work!
On the 2nd floor is an Item Store with a couple looking at a car advertisement on the television screen.
WOMAN NPC
Ohhh, that’s a real sweet set of wheels! Come on, honeeey? Just for me?
MAN NPC
It doesn’t matter how nicely you ask, babe. A new car is expensive.
They notice Cloud and the others.
What is it?
MAN NPC and WOMAN NPC
…
They look at each other. MAN NPC runs out the door first, followed closely by WOMAN NPC.
Argh! Arrrrrrrrgh!
WOMAN NPC or MAN NPC
Nooo! Don’t leave me!
ITEM STOREKEEPER NPC
Welcome. How may I help you toda— Eyaaaaah!! Here—the money! B-be my guest!
Barrett shakes his fist.
BARRETT
Don’t want yer money. Avalanche ain’t a buncha muggers. We’re here to get what your boss took from us.
ITEM STOREKEEPER NPC
A-Avalanche?
BARRETT
We’re not gonna hurt ya. If it’s cash you want, it’s cash you’ll get.
ITEM STOREKEEPER NPC
Y-yes. Well then…
They do some shopping.
We look forward to seeing you again. …Actually, to tell you the truth, we don’t.
If Cloud speaks to the Item Shopkeeper NPC again…
ITEM SHOPKEEPER NPC
Y-you need something else?
If Cloud tries to open the treasure chests…
ITEM SHOPKEEPER NPC
Um, excuse me. I m-must kindly request that you refrain from o-opening our products without, uh, p-permission. That is, uh…
Cloud and the others leave the store and get on the elevator. As the three ride the elevator, Cloud slumps his head slightly.
TIFA
What’s the matter?
CLOUD
I didn’t want any trouble until we’d saved Aerith. I had a feeling that wasn’t likely to happen though…
BARRETT
Heh, heh, heh.
Cloud looks at Barrett.
CLOUD
What is it? You’re giving me the creeps.
BARRETT
So, there’re times when even you fight for other people. Guess I got ya all wrong.
CLOUD
I’m not interested in what you think of me.
BARRETT
I’m just sayin’… Sorry for…before, ya know?
Lights begin to flash red as an alarm goes off.
Wh-what the…!?
TIFA
Look!
The numbers of the elevator begin to go crazy.
BARRETT
DAMN! Make it stop, Cloud! I don’t care where!
TIFA
What’s going on!?
Cloud presses the elevator button and it stops, forcing the three to fight. This happens a total of five times, fighting various Shin-Ra grunts and machines. Depending on which floor is landed on for the fifth time, the group is ready for anything when a Shin-Ra employee tries to get on the elevator…
SHIN-RA EMPLOYEE NPC
Eeek!!
The Shin-Ra Employee NPC starts to back away.
Ah, uh, forget it. My mistake. I’ll, err, catch the next one!
He runs away.
Arrrgghh!!
Cloud pushes the elevator button one last time and they walk out onto the 59th floor.
-------------------------------------------------------
TIFA (We’ll sneak in somehow)
See? Let’s be careful and find a better way in.
The trio go around to the side of the building and are greeted by a very tall flight of stairs.
BARRETT
Yo! You really gonna take all these stairs?
TIFA
It’s the only way. We have to get Aerith back in one piece.
BARRETT
I mean, I know we gotta be careful, but this is—
TIFA
Argh, stop complaining!
Tifa begins to run up the 1st flight of stairs with Barrett chasing after.
BARRETT
Y-yo, Tifa! Wait up!
As Cloud follows them up the 2nd flight of stairs…
BARRETT
Dunno… why the hell… …we gotta… kill ourselves…
CLOUD
Because I don’t want any trouble until we’ve saved Aerith. Although, I don’t think that’s very likely…
BARRETT
Heh, heh, heh.
CLOUD
What is it? You’re giving me the creeps.
Going up the 3rd flight of stairs…
BARRETT
So, there’re times when even you fight for other people. Guess I got ya all wrong.
CLOUD
I’m not interested in what you think about me.
BARRETT
I’m just sayin’…sorry for… before, ya know?
TIFA
Hehehe…
CLOUD
Now you’re at it. What gives?
Going up the 4th flight of stairs…
BARRETT
How much further do these stairs go on for?
TIFA
I dunno. Why don’t you ask them?
BARRETT
It can’t keep oin’ on like this forever, can it?
TIFA
Of course it can’t!!
BARRETT
Yeah. That was stupid.
They go up the 5th flight of stairs. Tifa and Barrett have to stop more frequently to breathe.
Special Note: Unfortunately, it looks as though some dialogue may have accidentally not been included here. Nothing came up during my multiple playthroughs.
Near the top of the 6th flight of stairs, Barrett is breathing heavily while Tifa stares at him.
TIFA
C’mon, Barrett! Pull it together!
BARRETT
Don’t matter what ya s-say, I’m still only flesh ‘n’ blood… ‘cept for this r-right arm of mine. Not like I have any s-special ex-Soldier powers.
TIFA
I’m human too, you know! That’s it! I’m leaving you behind!
She turns and begins to go up the stairs before stopping.
…?
Tifa turns to Barrett and pulls her skirt down.
Yaaah!! Barrett, stop looking! I don’t wanna go first anymore!
BARRETT
Y-you crazy!? I didn’t look ANYWHERE!
Tifa runs down to Barrett and Cloud.
TIFA
If you say so…
Barrett shakes his head and starts going up the stairs. Tifa faces Cloud.
And you can get in front of me too!!
Cloud goes on ahead to the 7th flight of stairs…
BARRETT
Hey, what f-floor we on?
TIFA
I stopped counting ages ago.
BARRETT
W-why did they build this place s-so big? Sh-Shin-Ra…They’re jus’ no damn good!
TIFA
…
They go up to the 8th flight of stairs…
BARRETT
Ohh… ohhh… Man, I’m beat. I’m so sorry, Marin. I know you were hopin’ to see Daddy again someday…
TIFA
Hey! Stop tempting fate! Just a little more! Only a little more! …I hope.
At the top of the 9th flight of stairs, they reach the exit and stop to pant.
BARRETT
F-finally… m-made it… Don’t w-wanna see no more stairs… …r-rest of my life…
Barrett walks through the doorway.
TIFA
…huff…puff… Well, we’ve got… this far. Now comes the hard part. We have to keep this up!
Tifa and Cloud go through the doorway onto the 59th floor.
-------------------------------------------------------
On the 59th floor, if Cloud tries to go back down using the elevator or stairwell…
BARRETT
Yo, Cloud. We went through all that an’ you’re thinkin’ of goin’ back down to the first floor?
CLOUD
-
Yeah
-
Of course not
BARRETT (Yeah)
We ain’t got time for this. Well, I guess it’s your call.
BARRETT (Of course not)
Right! Let’s move it!
Some guards stand by the next set of elevators.
SHIN-RA GUARD NPC
Eliminate the intruders!
Cloud, Tifa, and Barrett fight and defeat the guards. One of the guards drops something. Cloud bends down to pick it up.
CLOUD
Hey, this is a …
Obtained Key Item Keycard 60!
-------------------------------------------------------
They take the elevator up to the 60th floor.
TIFA
I hope Aerith’s all right.
BARRETT
This is it. Don’t let your guard down.
The Shin-Ra guard meant to be monitoring the security cameras falls asleep, so he doesn’t see Cloud get off of the elevator. There are two guards and a line of bust statues blocking the way forward.
SHIN-RA GUARD 1 NPC
Who the hell are you? Unauthorized personnel aren’t allowed in here!
SHIN-RA GUARD 2 NPC
You don’t belong here! Get out!
They head to the room on the left. The exit of the room leads to another line of busts and some guards walking back and forth.
BARRETT
Look at all those damn guards runnin’ around. Cloud, go on ahead an’ give us a signal. We’ll follow.
NON-CHARACTER TEXT BOX
Wait for the soldiers to let their guard down, then press O to give the signal to Barrett and Tifa.
If Cloud gets caught…
SHIN-RA GUARD NPC
Hey! What are you up to?
They fight off the guards and go back to the room.
BARRETT
The hell’re ya doin’!? Get it right this time! Our only chance is when the guards are lookin’ away.
TIFA
Keep to the shadows!
If Cloud messes up four times, all the guards will be fought and the room will be clear…
BARRETT
Knew it’d turn out like this. We should’ve just—
TIFA
Shhh! Let’s keep moving.
If they succeed in getting past the guards…
BARRETT
That’s how it’s done! We’re gonna rock!
TIFA
Don’t forget we’re here to save Aerith…
BARRETT
Hell, I know that!
-------------------------------------------------------
They head on up to the 61st floor. The door is stuck, wide open, so no keycard is required. The room is a huge recreation lounge with a tree in the middle and a number of employees walking around.
WOMAN BY ELEVATORS NPC
I’ve not seen you before. Just been assigned here? Well, don’t you worry, I’ll explain things. <3
CLOUD
-
Th-things?
-
I’m kinda in a hurry
WOMAN BY ELEVATORS NPC (Th-things?)
Come on. What’s with the face? I was only going to tell you about the floors above. The executives use a lot of the floors from the 60th onwards. You haven’t a chance of reaching them without a keycard. With a card you can use the stairs and elevators freely. To use an elevator, all you need to do is press O in front of the door, and…
The elevator makes a ding sound.
…voila! It will open after making that sound. Remember there are different types of card. One keycard alone won’t let you roam everywhere. For example, Keycard 60 takes you up to the 60th floor, and Keycard 65 takes you up to the 65th floor. You see? Security like this is to be expected. Shin-Ra are the sole distributors of energy in Midgar… and the whole world for that matter. Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to ramble on. Well, all the best then. <3
WOMAN BY ELEVATORS NPC (I’m kinda in a hurry)
Oh? Well that’s too bad.
A man and a woman are sitting across from eachother at one of the tables.
SITTING WOMAN NPC
Thought I heard some commotion downstairs a moment ago. Wonder what happened.
SITTING MAN NPC
No idea. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. The building’s secure from the 60th floor on.
MAN IN DARK BLUE NPC
This floor is used for R & R. From this point on there are a lot of special floors for the bigwigs. As for the rest of us, we slave away below all day. Trust me, it really takes it out of you.
MAN WAITING BY TREE NPC
He’s late… Maybe he forgot his keycard. Even employees can’t access floors above 59 without one.
MAN WALKING AROUND THE ROOM NPC
Who the heck are you? What are you doing here?
CLOUD
-
Where’s Aerith!?
-
…
MAN WALKING AROUND THE ROOM NPC (Where’s Aerith!?)
Aerith!? If you’re here about her, then…! Aerith is the girl working at reception, right? And you’re here to let me know that I have competition… Is that it? …What? I’ve got it all wrong? Well, uh, let’s just pretend this conversation never took place, okay?
MAN WALKING AROUND THE ROOM NPC (…)
A-ha! I get it. You’re from that group, aren’t you? The one everyone’s been talkin’ about… Shin-Ra Company Repairs!! You know, this building’s showing its age. Take this floor—the door’s stuck wide open. Please fix it ASAP. Oh, and while you’re at it, have a look at the other floors too. Here, you’ll need this…
Obtained Key Item Keycard 62!
-------------------------------------------------------
With the keycard, the group heads up to the 62nd floor. There are four libraries and a man standing by the door to an office. Inside of the office is another man pacing back and forth.
HUT
Oh, how do you do? This is the office of the mayor of Midgar. Mayor Domino is inside. Incidentally, I am the mayor’s assistant. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to run them by me.
DOMINO
Hmm…And you are? Ah, you must be that infamous… Me? I’m Domino, mayor of the Mako city, Midgar. Actually, I’m mayor in name only. The truth is Shin-Ra owns and runs everything in Midgar. My job right now is managing the archives. Me! The mayor of Midgar… managing Shin-Ra’s archives! Oh, boy. You want to go further up, yes? I won’t stop you. I’ll even give you my keycard. On one condition… You’ll tell me the passphrase. Yes, give me the passphrase, and you’ll get the card. If you get it in one go, I’ll even throw in a little something. How does that sound?
HUT
Did you speak with the mayor? Huh? A passphrase? Oh, right… …he’s got nothing better to do. You have to understand, President Shinra has almost complete control over Midgar. Let me help you. I’ll answer any of your queries.
CLOUD
-
Help me out
-
I don’t need your help
HUT (Help me out)
Yes. Certainly. Certainly. As a public servant, it’s a joy to serve the needs of the people. I’ll gladly give you a hint… …for 500 gil.
CLOUD
-
Pay up
-
Don’t screw with me!
HUT (Pay up)
Oh my. Thank you very much. Listen carefully. This floor holds archives from the Shin-Ra Company’s main departments. Part of the passphrase is hidden in each room. Take a gooood look at the documents. The department names are written on a plaque next to the door.
HUT (Don’t screw with me!)
You’re sure? Then I guess that’s that. Good luck finding it on your own. If you can’t figure it out, come back anytime. I’ll be right here.
HUT (I don’t need your help)
You’re sure? Then I guess that’s that. Good luck finding it on your own. If you can’t figure it out, come back anytime. I’ll be right here.
If Cloud talks to HUT again after receiving the 1st hint…
HUT
What can I do for you?
CLOUD
-
Give me that hint again (If selected, he repeats 1st hint)
-
Give me another hint
-
Nothing
HUT (Give me another hint)
Yes. Certainly. Certainly. As a public servant, it’s a joy to serve the needs of the people. I’ll gladly give you a hint… …for 1000 gil.
CLOUD
-
Pay up
-
Don’t screw with me!
HUT (Pay up)
Oh my. Thank you very much. Are you listening? Okay… In each room there should be a misplaced document that belongs in one of the other rooms. If you look at the document’s name and number…
HUT (Don’t screw with me!)
You’re sure? Then I guess that’s that. Good luck finding it on your own. If you can’t figure it out, come back anytime. I’ll be right here.
HUT (Nothing)
You’re sure? Then I guess that’s that. Good luck finding it on your own. If you can’t figure it out, come back anytime. I’ll be right here.
If Cloud talks to HUT again after receiving the 2nd hint…
HUT
What can I do for you?
CLOUD
-
Give me that hint again (If selected, he repeats 2nd hint)
-
Give me another hint
-
Nothing
HUT (Give me another hint)
Yes. Certainly. Certainly. As a public servant, it’s a joy to serve the needs of the people. I’ll gladly give you a hint… …for 2000 gil.
CLOUD
-
Pay up
-
Don’t screw with me
HUT (Pay up)
Oh my. Thank you very much. Pay attention. Every document has a number. When you find a document that’s in the wrong room, look at its corresponding number. If the number is, let’s say, four, take a look at the fourth letter in the title, and… Well, you get the idea.
HUT (Don’t screw with me!)
You’re sure? Then I guess that’s that. Good luck finding it on your own. If you can’t figure it out, come back anytime. I’ll be right here.
HUT (Nothing)
You’re sure? Then I guess that’s that. Good luck finding it on your own. If you can’t figure it out, come back anytime. I’ll be right here.
If Cloud doesn’t have enough gil…
HUT
Oh dear. You’re a bit short. I’m afraid no-one works on credit these days. Not even stores in the slums.
Moving on to figure out the passphrase, there are four libraries. Each one has a plaque by the door, a television, and three bookshelves.
Special Note: The placement of books and numbers vary with different playthroughs. So, below are the list of correct books without their numbers.
Looking at the library with green carpet and yellow bookshelves…
PLAQUE #1 TEXT
Shin-Ra Company Archives Urban Development
TELEVISION #1 TEXT
ATTENTION! Removal of documents from this floor is strictly prohibited!
CORRECT BOOK TITLES LIST #1
Mako Reactor Construction: Work Schedule
Midgar Plate Design and Related Issues
Building Plan of the New City
Map of Midgar Sections: Districts 0-4
Map of Midgar Sections: Districts 5-8
Diagram: Kato-Style Urban Construction Methods
Looking at the library with pink carpet and blue shelves…
PLAQUE #2 TEXT
Shin-Ra Company Archives Science Department
TELEVISION #2 TEXT
Science Department archives. Urban Development, Public Order, Weapons Department, and the Space Program archives are held in their respective rooms.
CORRECT BOOK TITLES LIST #2
Data from Experiments Performed on Spontaneously Mutated Creatures Inhabiting the Midgar Area
The Jenova Project: A Progress Report by the Shin-Ra Company Science Department
The Ancients in History by Dr Gusto Faremis, Biologist
Gusto Files: Documents by Dr Gusto Faremis, Biologist
The Evolution of Terrestrial Organisms: Final Report
Investigation into the Effect of High Levels of Mako in Organisms
Looking at the library with blue carpet and green bookshelves…
PLAQUE #3 TEXT
Shin-Ra Company Archives Space Program
TELEVISION #3 TEXT
Space Program archives. To learn which archives a room contains, please use the concole at each entrance.
CORRECT BOOK TITLES LIST #3
Relationship Between Diminishing Mako Energy and Planetary Activity
The Space Program: A Glorious History Vol. 1
The Space Program: A Glorious History Vol. 2
Large Flying Machine: Yonai 79. The Failure of Space Travel
Shin-Ra Space Program: Final Budget Report
Shin-Ra Rocket Engines and Intercontinental Vessels
Looking at the library with yellow carpet and pink bookshelves…
PLAQUE #4 TEXT
Shin-Ra Company Archives Public Order and Weapons Department
TELEVISION #4 TEXT
Public Order and Weapons Department archives. Please return all documents to the same place you found them.
CORRECT BOOK TITLES LIST #4
Deployment Breakdown According to Soldier Class
Materia Production and Rights Related to its Military Application
Mako Weaponry: Special Regulations for Long Term Use
Special Public Order Act: A Private Plan by Heidegger
New Development Plan for Land Weapons
Midgar Public Order White Paper: Anti Shin-Ra Activity
After Cloud has the passphrase, he returns to Mayor Domino’s office.
DOMINO
You have the passphrase? Then let’s hear it?
CLOUD
The passphrase is…
-
The mayor is the BEST
-
Shinra is a FOOL
-
Mako is TOPS
-
The mayor is a BOMB
-
Blast that MAKO
-
Shin-Ra goes BOOM
-
Wait (Nothing happens if selected)
If Cloud guesses right, Mayor Domino will say one of the following phrases. It is never Mako is TOPS or Shin-Ra goes BOOM…
DOMINO
The mayor is the best!!
God, how beautiful that sounds! You are correct. The mayor of Midgar is the best. No matter what anyone says… THE BEST!
Shinra is a fool!!
God, how beautiful that sounds! You are correct. President Shinra is a complete fool! I am the master of Midgar!
The mayor is a bomb!!
God, how beautiful that sounds! You are correct. My patience is at its limit. I may explode at any minute!
Blast that Mako!!
God, how beautiful that sounds! You are correct. We must destroy that damn Mako energy! Only then will I truly be mayor.
DOMINO
Hmm. Well, okay… Here. Take it.
Obtained Key Item Keycard 65!
If Cloud guesses right the first time…
DOMINO
On your first attempt, too… Just goes to show that you can’t judge a book by its cover. A promise is a promise. Here…
Obtained Property materia!
If Cloud guesses wrong...
DOMINO
Nope! Completely wrong. It’s much better than that. Try again.
If Cloud guesses right the second time, Mayor Domino will go through a success phrase and then…
DOMINO
Hmm, looks like you have your head screwed on. Fine. Take this as well…
Obtained Elixir!
If Cloud guesses wrong twice and then right the 3rd time, Mayor Domino will go through the success phrase and then…
DOMINO
I see. Well, I’d say this is all you deserve…
Obtained Ether!
If Cloud guesses wrong three times before guessing correctly the 4th time…
DOMINO
Hoo-boy! You took your time! I guess not all of the lights are on upstairs, huh? Well, what the hey? Take this as well…
Obtained Potion!
If Cloud guesses incorrectly four or more times, he does not receive anything else, but the Keycard.
DOMINO
Why would I do something like this, you ask? Simple… Shin-Ra’s been tormenting me for years. I want you to go up there and get revenge for me. Make them suffer, you hear? That’ll teach them! Hehehe…
If Cloud talks to Mayor Domino again…
Oh, yes, I should probably tell you this… My card will only take you as far as the 65th floor. Damn Shin-Ra. Treating me… ME… like some regular employee!
HUT
If you run into the president, please don’t mention me. If I get bullied by this company one more time, there’ll be hell to pay.
-------------------------------------------------------
Heading onto the 63rd floor, Cloud and the others find a maze of locked doors and storage rooms. Inside three of the rooms are coupons. In the room located on the bottom right corner, there is a computer.
COMPUTER TEXT
…beep…beep… …Verifying keycard… … … … Rank B employee confirmed. You are permitted to open up to three doors on this floor. Attention. If you receive a coupon, remember to exchange it for an item. Warning. Looking into ventilation shafts is dangerous. Please refrain from doing so.
If Cloud selects the computer again…
COMPUTER TEXT
…beep…beep… Please enter a command.
CLOUD
-
All clear
-
Coupon Exchange
COMPUTER TEXT (All clear)
…beep…beep… Start again from the beginning? All records and materials obtained on this floor will be reset. Send the All Clear?
CLOUD
-
Yeah
-
Better not (If selected, nothing happens)
COMPUTER TEXT (Yeah)
… … … Complete. You are permitted to open up to three doors on this floor.
COMPUTER TEXT (Coupon Exchange)
…beep…beep… You do not have any coupons. There is an air duct to the left of the computer.
CLOUD
An air-duct. It doesn’t look like I can crawl in from this end. By opening the three correct doors and going through air ducts in other rooms, Cloud can solve the maze and make it back to the computer room with all three coupons…
DOOR #1 TEXT
…beep…beep… Will you open the door?
CLOUD
-
Yes (If selected, the door goes down)
-
Better not (If selected, nothing happens)
DOOR #2 TEXT
…beep…beep… Will you open the door?
CLOUD
-
Yes (If selected, the door goes down)
-
Better not (If selected, nothing happens)
Obtained Key Item Coupon A!
CLOUD
An air-duct.
-
Try crawling in
-
Forget it (If selected nothing happens)
Cloud crawls through the duct to the next room.
Obtained Key Item Coupon B!
DOOR #3 TEXT
…beep…beep… Will you open the door?
CLOUD
-
Yes (If selected, the door goes down)
-
Better not (If selected, nothing happens)
Obtained Key Item Coupon C!
Cloud goes back through the air-duct system to the computer room.
COMPUTER TEXT
…beep…beep… Please enter a command.
CLOUD
-
All Clear
-
Coupon Exchange
COMPUTER TEXT (Coupon Exchange)
You can exchange your coupons for items. The items available are…
Coupon A…… Star Pendant.
Coupon B…… Four Slots.
Coupon C…… All materia.
Please note: After exchanging coupons you can no longer issue the All Clear. Will you exchange coupons?
CLOUD
-
Yeah
-
Better not (If selected, nothing happens)
COMPUTER TEXT (Yeah)
… … … Coupon Exchange complete
Obtained Star Pendant!
Obtained Four Slots!
Obtained All materia!
COMPUTER TEXT
…beep…beep… Please enter a command.
CLOUD
-
All Clear
-
Coupon Exchange
COMPUTER TEXT (All Clear)
…beep…beep… The All Clear command is unavailable after exchanging coupons.
-------------------------------------------------------
Moving onto the 64th floor, there is a gymnasium, a nap room, a bathroom, and a locker room. Inside the gymnasium…
GYM RECEPTIONIST NPC
You muct be visitors. Feel free to use any machine that’s available.
MAN LIFTING WEIGHTS NPC
Urghh… I handle the building’s security, so I have to keep up my strength.
MAN ON TREADMILL NPC
…huff…wheeze… Lately I’m a bit self-conscious about this belly of mine.
WOMAN ON TREADMILL NPC
…huff…puff… If you get tired, you should rest up in the other room.
If Cloud approaches a free treadmill…
CLOUD
…
-
Give it a try
-
This is so stupid (If selected, nothing happens.)
If selected Give it a try, Cloud will jump on. After a while…
CLOUD
Whew.
-
Better quit now (If selected, Cloud will jump off)
-
Just a little longer
If Cloud selects Just a little longer three times, Cloud will hop of on his own.
CLOUD
I feel lighter…I think.
VENDING MACHINE TEXT
All you need to regain your strength… The Shin-Ra Gym Special Tonic! Only 250 gil!!
CLOUD
-
Try it
-
Leave it (If selected, nothing happens)
CLOUD (Try it)
Nothing came out.
CLOUD
…Is it broken?
-
Bang on it
-
Give up (If selected, nothing happens)
If selected Bang on it, Cloud will take a step back and punch the vending machine. Gym Receptionist NPC runs over to Cloud’s location.
GYM RECEPTIONIST NPC
Sir, what are you doing!? No violence, please!
When entering the nap room…
CLOUD
A rest area…
-
Rest up (If selected, the party’s HP and MP are restored.)
-
Move on (If selected, nothing happens)
NAPPING MAN NPC
…zZ…gah…zzz Please… let me… get some sleep.
When entering the bathroom…
BATHROOM SIGN TEXT
Out of order. Please try a different floor. Shin-Ra Company Repairs.
When entering the locker room, some of the lockers are unlocked…
CLOUD
What’s this—a megaphone? We don’t need that…
RANDOM LOCKER TEXT
Locked.
Obtained Phoenix Tail!
Obtain Ether!
-------------------------------------------------------
Heading onto the 65th floor, there is a model of Midgar inside a central room. Other rooms along the outside contain six chests. As Cloud approaches the model in the central room, the lights get brighter, showing of the display better. Pieces are missing from the display. Cloud must open each of the six chests in the correct order. Each time he does, the display fills out…
Obtained Key Item Midgar Parts!
CLOUD
A model of Midgar—the city that feeds off Mako energy. The model’s incomplete.
-
Insert the Midgar parts
-
Leave it alone (If selected, nothing happens.)
CLOUD (Insert the Midgar parts)
…Sounds like something opened up.
Once the final chest is opened, Obtained Key Item Keycard 66!
-------------------------------------------------------
Cloud and the others arrive on the 66th floor just as the directors enter the conference room. There are 6 rooms surrounding the conference room including offices, stairwell, and a bathroom.
WANDERING SECRETARY NPC
Whew…I’m fed up with carrying all these files. I get to meet loads of cute men though at least. One of the perks of being a secretary!
MAN WORKING ON EQUIPMENT NPC
Is it me or does the conference room stink? There’s definitely a smell coming from somewhere.
MAN IN BOTTOM LEFT ROOM 1 NPC
When you’re in the restroom do you ever hear voices coming from somewhere—like a load of whispering?
MAN IN BOTTOM LEFT ROOM 2 NPC
They said it’s another meeting of the executives. I wonder if it’s about the plate incident.
MAN IN NICE OFFICE NPC
My job gives me a sense of purpose. With just the touch of a button I feel like I’m controlling the world.
WOMAN IN NICE OFFICE NPC
C’mon! C’mon! We’re building the future of Mako!
MAN USING URINAL NPC
……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. ……………………. …Aaaaaaaah!...
Cloud walks into a stall. Above the toilet is a vent.
CLOUD
It’s filthy.
-
Flush the toilet (Toilet flushes)
-
Climb up and have a look
-
Get out of here (If selected, nothing happens.)
If selected Climb up and have a look, Cloud will jump through the vent and into the duct work. Once he crawls over to the next vent, Cloud, Barrett, and Tifa will be able to spy on the board meeting from the air ducts. At the meeting are President Shinra, Scarlet, Palmer, Reeve, and Heidegger.
BARRETT
Geeez… That’s a lot of suits!
REEVE
The damage repot for District 7 has come in. When considering the industrial sectors that were present and the investments we had made… …the cost to our company is expected to be in the region of 10 billion gil. In addition to this, rebuilding Plate 7 is expected to cost…
PRESIDENT SHINRA
We’re not rebuilding.
REEVE
What?
PRESIDENT SHINRA
Plate 7 is being left as it is. Instead, we’re reopening the Neo-Midgar project.
REEVE
So, the Ancient girl has—
PRESIDENT SHINRA
The Promised Land will be ours in good time. Raise Mako rates 15% in all areas.
Palmer begins jumping up and down.
PALMER
Rate hike! Rate hike! Ya, ha, ha, ha! Please include the Space Program in the budget!
PRESIDENT SHINRA
Reeve and Scarlet will divide the revenue generated from the rates increase.
Palmer rests against the table and shakes his head.
PALMER
Oh, perfect!
REEVE
Mr President, raising the rates further can only add to the discontent felt among our citizens.
PRESIDENT SHINRA
Don’t worry. The ignorant fools won’t lose confidence. Far from it, in fact. They’ll trust our company all the more.
HEIDEGGER
Gya, ha, ha! After all, we’re the ones who ‘saved’ the people of District 7 from terrorists.
BARRETT
That dirty, lyin’…
Hojo walks into the meeting.
PRESIDENT SHINRA
Ah, Hojo. How is the girl?
HOJO
As a specimen, she is inferior to her mother, Ifalna. I am still evaluating the difference, but, for now, the discrepancy is 18%.
PRESIDENT SHINRA
How long will the evaluation take?
HOJO
I estimate around 120 years. It’s unlikely to be finished in our lifetime—or in the lifetime of the specimen for that matter. Which is why I’m thinking of breeding her.
PRESIDENT SHINRA
What about the Promised Land? Won’t this delay hinder our plans?
Hojo rests his chin in his hand in thought.
HOJO
I’ll be doing my best to avoid that. In any case, the girl will be a strong mother. Although… she does have a few frailties…
Hojo laughs.
PRESIDENT SHINRA
I think that concludes our meeting.
The board members begin to leave. Scarlet stops and looks up at the vent.
SCARLET
Where’s that smell coming from…?
Scarlet leaves.
CLOUD
They were talking about Aerith right?
BARRETT
I dunno.
TIFA
Probably.
CLOUD
Let’s follow them.
They crawl back out of the vents and back into the bathroom.
MAN IN BOTTOM LEFT ROOM 2 NPC
All I do is stare at these displays day in and day out. Almost feels like… I’m being forced to do it. It just doesn’t give my life a sense of purpose.
On the way out, Hojo is spotted heading toward the stairwell.
CLOUD
Hojo…
Hojo heads up the stairs to the 67th floor. Cloud and the others follow him.
BARRETT
I remember him… That Hojo guy. He’s in charge of Shin-Ra’s Science Department. Cloud, you know him?
Cloud shakes his head no.
CLOUD
It’s the first time I’ve actually seen him. So… that’s who……
They continue to follow Hojo.
MAN AT DESK NPC
Let’s see. The specimen Hojo asked me for is…
Hojo has stopped at a tank with a red colored animal inside. Cloud stops and immediately hides behind a crate. Another man walks up to Hojo.
HOJO’S ASSISTANT NPC
Is this the specimen for today’s experiments?
HOJO
It is. We shall proceed right away. Raise it to the floor above.
Hojo Assistant NPC walks away and Hojo puts his hand on the glass.
HOJO
My precious specimen.
Hojo leaves and Cloud and the others walk out. Tifa puts her hand on the glass tank containing the animal.
TIFA
Precious specimen? Is it going to be used in biological experiments?
Cloud makes note of another chamber and walks toward it. A heartbeat can be heard.
CLOUD
Jenova…
Through the viewing window, a form similar to a woman’s headless body can be seen. Cloud backs away, a high-pitched whine begins, and Cloud clutches his head in pain and falls to his knees. Tifa runs over and cradles Cloud in her arms.
CLOUD
Jenova… Sephiroth’s…… So… they brought it here.
TIFA
Cloud, pull yourself together!
CLOUD
Did you see it?
Barrett looks at the chamber.
BARRETT
See what?
CLOUD
It’s moving… Is it alive?
Barrett looks through the chamber’s viewing window.
BARRETT
The hell is this headless freak? Man, that’s messed up. Let’s jus’ get outta here.
Cloud and Tifa stand up. They take the elevator up. Hojo is staring at the glass tank containing Aerith.
CLOUD
Aerith!
HOJO
Aerith? Oh, is that her name? What do you want?
Cloud shrugs.
CLOUD
We’re come to take her back.
HOJO
Outsiders?
BARRETT
You catch on real quick…
HOJO
There are far too many frivolous things in the world to concern myself with the likes of you.
Barrett runs over and aims his gun arm at Hojo.
HOJO
Are you going to kill me? I’d advise against it. The equipment here is extremely delicate. Without me, who would operate it? Hmm?
CLOUD
…
HOJO
Good. Good. I always recommend logical thinking—especially in moments such as these. Now, bring in the specimen!
An assistant runs into the machine operating room and a platform raises into Aerith’s tank carrying the red animal. Cloud and the others run to Aerith’s tank. Aerith begins to claw at the glass.
AERITH
Cloud! Help!
Cloud turns to face Hojo.
CLOUD
What do you think you’re doing?
HOJO
Lending a heping hand to some endangered species. Both are on the brink of extinction. If I don’t intervene, these creatures will perish.
TIFA
Creatures!? That’s terrible! Aerith is a human being!
BARRETT
You’re gonna pay.
CLOUD
Barrett, can’t you do something?
Barrett aims his gun arm at the tank’s door lock.
BARRETT
All right. Step back.
HOJO
Stop!!
Barrett fires and the tank begins to glow. Hojo runs over to the tank.
HOJO
Wh-what have you…? Oh, my precious specimens!
The tank door opens and the red animal jumps out and pins Hojo to the ground, attacking him.
CLOUD
Now’s our chance to get Aerith!
Cloud runs into the tank and helps Aerith up.
AERITH
Thanks, Cloud.
Aerith runs out to join Tifa and Barrett. A whirring sound begins and Cloud looks around the tank.
TIFA
What’s wrong?
CLOUD
The elevator’s moving…
The animal stops attacking Hojo and Hojo sits up.
HOJO
This inferior creature is nothing compared to the specimen down there—a ferocious specimen indeed.
RED ANIMAL NPC
The monster below is strong. I’ll help you with it.
TIFA
It talked!!?
RED ANIMAL NPC
I’ll talk as much as you like later, miss.
CLOUD
We’ll take care of the monster. Keep Aerith safe.
-
Tifa, I’m counting on you. (Aerith and Tifa run away.)
-
Barrett, you help her. (Aerith and Barrett run away.)
CLOUD
What’s your name?
RED
Hojo called me Red XIII—a name that means nothing to me. You may call me whatever you wish.
Cloud turns to face the tank and the elevator.
CLOUD
Let’s do it!
They group fights and defeats Hojo’s giant specimen. Aerith and Barret rejoin the group.
CLOUD
Aerith, are you okay?
TIFA
Heh. Looks like she will be now…
RED
I have a right to choose as well. I’m not that keen on two-legged things.
Barrett turns to Red.
BARRETT
What are you?
RED
A fascinating question and difficult to answer. I am what you see. I’m sure you have many questions, but I think it’s best we leave here first. I’ll show you the way.
AERITH
Cloud… So you did come for me.
Red leaps over to Aerith.
RED
I apologize for what I did back there. It was merely an act to throw Hojo off-guard.
BARRETT
No need to be in this buildin’ now we’ve saved Aerith. We’re getting’ the hell outta here!
CLOUD
If the five of us move together, we’ll be noticed. Let’s break up into two groups.
Depending on how the party is split, the characters will say...
AERITH
See you later. We’ll be waiting at the elevator on the 66th floor.
TIFA
We’ll go on ahead. Remember, the elevator on the 66th floor.
BARRETT
Later! Meet up on the 66th floor.
RED
Don’t be late. You know where the elevator is, yes? The 66th floor.
After the other group leaves, Cloud and chosen party members climb up on the catwalk by the operating room where Hojo’s Assistant NPC is located.
HOJO’S ASSISTANT NPC
No! Please don’t kill me! I only did what Dr Hojo told me to do! I’ll prove it. Here. Take my keycard. It’ll get you as far as the 68th floor. Would I do this if I were on their side?
Obtained Key Item Keycard 68! Hojo’s Assistant NPC flees!
If Cloud attempts to go to the 69th floor…
AERITH
Not that way! Everyone’s meeting up at the elevator on the 66th floor.
TIFA
Where are you going? Everyone’s meeting up at the elevator on the 66th floor.
BARRETT
Where you goin’? Everyone’s meetin’ up at the elevator on the 66th floor.
As Cloud and the group get on the elevator on the 66th floor, Rude comes in behind them. Cloud notices him and turns around.
CLOUD
H-hey! What’s going on!?
Rude points toward the sky.
RUDE
Would you press UP, please?
CLOUD
(Turks? It’s got to be a trap…)
Rude steps aside and Zeng enters.
ZENG
This must have been a real thrill for you. Did you enjoy it?
CLOUD
Shit.
Rude and Zeng escort Tifa, Cloud, Barrett, and Red to the top floor and line them up in front of President Shinra’s desk. Their hands are tied behind their backs and Aerith is not with them. Cloud looks at the others.
CLOUD
They got you, too?
He faces President Shinra, who is sitting at his desk.
Where’s Aerith!?
PRESIDENT SHINRA
In a safe place. She’s invaluable to us—the last surviving Ancient.
President Shinra begins to walk around his desk and then shrugs.
You don’t know? They called themselves the Cetra and lived thousands of years ago. A tribe long buried in history.
Shinra finishes walking around his desk and stands in front of them.
RED
Cetra? That girl is a survivor of the Cetra?
PRESIDENT SHINRA
The Cetra—or Ancients—will teach us about the Promised Land. I’m expecting great things from her.
RED
That’s just a legend…
PRESIDENT SHINRA
An enthralling legend. So enticing it must be pursued. The Promised Land is said to be incredibly fertile. And if the land is fertile…
BARRETT
Then there’s gotta be Mako!
PRESIDENT SHINRA
Exactly. We won’t even need build any cash-craving reactors there. The abundant Mako will flow out all on its own. That is where Neo-Midgar will be built—our company’s new glory.
BARRETT
Ha! Keep dreamin’!
PRESIDENT SHINRA
Come. Surely you’ve realized by now? All that one requires to make a dream come true is money and power. Well, that concludes your audience.
Rude runs up.
RUDE
Come on. Out of his way.
Cloud, Tifa, and Red start walking.
BARRETT
Hold it right there! I have a truckload of things I gotta say to you, ya greedy bastard!
Rude grabs Barrett and drags him out of the office. President Shinra dusts off his suit.
PRESIDENT SHINRA
For all other enquiries, please talk to my secretary.
The scene changes to the group being located in prison cells. Aerith is in one, Cloud and Tifa are in the next, and Red and Barrett are in the last. When talking to Tifa…
TIFA
Psst (Think we can escape?)
CLOUD
-
(Leave it to me)
-
(Gonna be tricky)
TIFA (Leave it to me)
(Cloud, you’re so reliable!)
TIFA (Gonna be tricky)
(Hang in there!)
When Cloud approaches the door of the cell.
CLOUD
-
I wonder how Barrett is doing
-
I wonder how Red is doing
-
I wonder how Aerith is doing
BARRETT (I wonder how Barret is doing)
Yo! Aerith is an Ancient. An’ the Ancients are really called the Cetra. The Ancients know ‘bout a place called the Promised Land, which Shin-Ra’s searchin’ for. But the promised Land’s only mentioned in stories. We dunno if it exists or not. …That right?
Red scratches his ear.
Those jerks say the Promised Land is full of Mako energy. So, if they find it, they’ll suck it all up… …an’ the land’ll wither away there too. The planet’ll get even more run-down. I’m not gonna let ‘em get away with it! Avalanche is recruitin’ new members! Me, Tifa, Cloud… Aerith.
He turns toward Red.
How ‘bout you?
Red lays down to fall asleep.
God, you’re so damn borin’.
RED (I wonder how Red is doing.)
Grandpa…
BARRETT
Grandpa!? Hahaha! Grandpa… Hmm… Yeah. Hahaha!
Red stirs from his rest.
RED
What’s so amusing?
BARRETT
Nothin’… Haha.
Red lays back down.
AERITH (I wonder how Aerith is doing)
Cloud, are you there?
CLOUD
Aerith… You okay?
AERITH
Yeah, I’m all right. I knew you’d come for me.
CLOUD
Hey, you did ask for a bodyguard!
Aerith gets off the prison cell’s cot and faces the wall that Cloud is on the other side of.
AERITH
The deal was for a date, right?
Tifa sits up.
TIFA
Oh, I get it.
Aerith shakes her head in shock.
AERITH
…!? Tifa! Tifa, you’re in there too!?
TIFA
Yeah. Sorry about that. You know, Aerith, I have a question.
AERITH
……Yes?
TIFA
Does the Promised Land actually exist?
AERITH
Oh! Well, I don’t know. All I do know is… …the Cetra are born of the planet. They speak with the planet, and they open the planet. Um, and then… …the Cetra return to the Promised Land. A land of supreme happiness, which was granted by the planet.
TIFA
What does that mean?
Aerith shakes her head.
AERITH
More than words, I don’t have a clue.
CLOUD
Speak with the planet?
TIFA
Just what does the planet say?
AERITH
It’s real noisy, like it’s full of people. That’s why I can’t make out what it’s saying.
CLOUD
Can you hear it now?
AERITH
No. I’ve only been able to hear it at that church in the slums, and my mum once told me that hearing it clearly in Midgar isn’t possible anymore. My real mum, that is. ‘Aerith, you must leave Midgar. Then you’ll be able to speak with the planet and find your Promised Land.' That’s what she said. Back then, I thought I wouldn’t be able to hear anything at this age, but…
Aerith stops talking. When Cloud approaches the door one last time...
CLOUD
-
Get some sleep
-
Don’t sleep (If selected, nothing happens.)
If seleced Get some sleep, Cloud will rest his back against the wall and the screen fades to black. As he wakes up, the door to his and Tifa’s cell is open.
CLOUD
The door’s open… When did that happen?
TIFA
…
Out in hall, the guard is laying face down on the floor. Cloud bends down to check on him.
CLOUD
What’s going on?
Cloud runs back to his cell to get Tifa.
CLOUD
Tifa, wake up!
Tifa immediately sits up.
TIFA
What’s wrong?
Tifa stands up.
CLOUD
Something’s not right. Take a look outside.
Tifa runs out to look at the guard and Cloud follows her.
TIFA
What happened?
CLOUD
He should have the keys on him. Tifa, help Aerith. I’ll go get Barrett and Red.
Tifa runs into Aerith’s cell and wakes her up.
TIFA
This is kind of creepy.
AERITH
He was attacked…?
Cloud runs into Barrett and Red’s cell.
CLOUD
Barrett, Red… Something’s wrong.
Barrett stands up.
BARRETT
Hey, how did you get it?
Barrett and Red run out the door to look at the guard. Cloud follows.
The hell’s goin’ on?
RED
This isn’t the work of man. I’ll check up ahead.
BARRETT
Leave this to me. You guys keep movin’ before we get caught again.
TIFA
Come on. Let’s get out of here.
Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa follow Red to where Jenova’s chamber was located. Jenova is missing and there’s a huge hole torn where the door to the chamber used to be. A trail of blood leads away from the chamber. Cloud examines the chamber.
CLOUD
Jenova… Did it escape?
RED
The Jenova specimen… I think it’s moved to the floor above. Let’s use the elevator.
Red runs on ahead to the elevator and the others follow. They continue to follow Red and the trail of blood.
It’s leading somewhere… Above?
Cloud and the group continue on with following the trail of blood and bodies of Shin-Ra employees. Until they get to the 70th floor where President Shinra is dead at his desk with a long katana going through his back.
BARRETT
Dead! The leader of Shin-Ra is dead…
Tifa runs around the desk to get a closer look at Shinra’s body.
TIFA
This sword is…!
CLOUD
…Sephiroth’s!!
TIFA
You mean Sephiroth is alive?
CLOUD
Looks like it. Only he can wield that.
BARRETT
Who cares who did it? Shin-Ra’s finished!
Palmer comes peering out from behind a pillar.
PALMER
Ya, ha!
Palmer attempts to run, but Cloud and Barrett catch him and hold him.
D-d-d-don’t kill me!
CLOUD
What happened?
PALMER
S-Sephiroth. Sephiroth was here.
CLOUD
You saw him? You saw Sephiroth?
PALMER
Yeah, I saw him! With my own eyes!
CLOUD
Really?
PALMER
Uh! Would I lie at a time like this? I heard his voice, too! Er, he mumbled something about not handing over the Promised Land.
TIFA
What does that mean? Does the Promised Land really exist, and Sephiroth came here to save it from Shin-Ra?
BARRETT
So, he’s a good guy then?
Cloud shakes head.
CLOUD
Save the Promised Land? A good guy? No way! It’s not that simple. Believe me. Sephiroth must have some other goal.
Palmer shakes free of their grasp and runs away. A helicopter can be seen through the large office windows landing on the helipad.
BARRETT
Rufus! Shit! Forgot about him!
Palmer runs outside toward the helipad and stops.
TIFA
Who?
BARRETT
Vice President Rufus. The president’s son.
Cloud and the group run outside to face Rufus and Palmer.
RUFUS
So, Sephiroth is alive after all. By the way—
Palmer runs away and Rufus looks at the group.
Who are you?
CLOUD
Cloud. Ex-Soldier, first class.
BARRETT
I’m from Avalanche!
TIFA
Same here.
AERITH
I sell flowers in the slums.
RED
A research specimen.
Rufus shrugs.
RUFUS
What a crew.
He runs his hand through his hair.
Well, I’m Rufus—president of the Shin-Ra Company.
BARRETT
The old fool’s still warm… Not wastin’ any time, are ya?
RUFUS
True. As a courtesy, I’ll let you hear the speech for my inauguration.
Rufus walks over to Tifa.
Father controlled the world with the power of money, and that worked for him.
He walks over to Aerith.
Shin-Ra made the people feel safe. They thought they were being protected.
He walks to Barrett.
Work at Shin-Ra, get your pay… Any trouble, any terrorism, and the Shin-Ra army is there for you. On the surface, it’s a perfect set up. But I do things differently. I’ll control the world with fear. My father’s way is far too expensive.
He walks back to the front of the group.
You can control the hearts of men with a little fear, so why waste good money on the mindless masses? Be under no illusions… I am not my father.
TIFA
Well, you’re no different to him when it comes to loving speeches, that’s for sure.
Cloud turns to Barrett.
CLOUD
Take Aerith and get out of the building!
BARRETT
What?
Cloud shrugs.
CLOUD
I’ll explain later. Barrett, there’s a crisis facing the planet.
BARRETT
Hell’s that supposed to mean?
CLOUD
I’ll talk about it later. Just trust me on this. I’ll catch up with you after I take care of him.
BARRETT
All right, Cloud!
Everyone in the group runs down to the 69th floor except for Cloud. Aerith hangs back and they stop.
AERITH
I’m worried about Cloud.
Tifa walks up to Aerith.
TIFA
I’ll wait for him. You guys get to the elevator!
Aerith nods, then she, Barrett, and Red start to continue on.
AERITH
Hmm…It’s bound to be tougher from here on. We should check our equipment.
After checking equipment, Aerith, Barrett, and Red continue to the elevator.
If Aerith selects the elevator on the left…
AERITH
That’s weird… It’s not working. Let’s try the other one.
They get on the elevator. A robot attacks them from the other elevator. After defeating the mech, a second one comes down that is defeated as well. Back on the helipad, Rufus and Cloud face off.
RUFUS
Shrugging at Cloud.
Why do you want to fight me?
CLOUD
Because you seek Sephiroth and the Promised Land.
RUFUS
That’s right. Did you know Sephiroth is an Ancient?
CLOUD
…Figures. Anyway, I can’t let either you OR Sephiroth have the Promised Land!
RUFUS
I see. I guess this means we won’t be friends.
When Cloud does enough damage to Rufus, Rufus will make a retreat.
Urgh! That’s… enough for today.
A helicopter flies low and Rufus grabs onto it. It then takes off with Rufus. Cloud makes his way to the 69th floor where Tifa waits.
TIFA
Where’s Rufus?
CLOUD
I couldn’t finish him off. Something tells me he’s going to be a real problem down the road.
The screen changes back to Aerith, Barrett, and Red as they come down the elevator.
If Aerith tries to go back on the elevator…
AERITH
There’s no time! We have to escape!
They head for the front entrance.
BARRETT
I’ll go first!
Barrett runs out, gun shots can be heard, and then he runs back in.
Son of a…! They have us completely surrounded. On my own, it’d be nothin’, but what about you guys?
Aerith shakes her head.
AERITH
Leave while you still can. It’s not you they’re after—it’s me.
BARRETT
Heh. Not gonna happen. You got caught up in this protectin’ Marin. Now it’s my turn. I won’t let ‘em… I won’t let Shin-Ra do what they want anymore.
AERITH
Thank you, Mr Barrett!
BARRETT
Heh, heh. Gimme a break. ‘Mr Barrett’… That don’t sound right at all!
RED
Well then. If you are both through talking, may I suggest we think of a way to escape?
BARRETT
Oh, y-yeah… (Hmph! You’re too cold for my likin’. Jus’ like someone else I know…)
RED
Is something troubling you?
BARRETT
Now a thing. So, what are we gonna do?
TIFA
From off screen…
Barrett!!
Tifa runs down the stairs toward the group.
BARRETT
Tifa! What about Cloud?
Tifa starts running toward the back of the lobby.
TIFA
Everyone! Over here!
BARRETT
Huh!? What’s up? Where’s Cloud?
TIFA
I’ll explain later! Hurry!
The group follows Tifa. Meanwhile, Cloud rides down the stairs on a motorcycle. In the back of the lobby, Tifa and Aerith climb into the cab of a truck, while Barrett and Red jump into the back truck bed. They drive through the building, out a window, and onto the open road. Along the road, from his motorcycle, Cloud defends himself and the truck against pursuing Shin-Ra units. Eventually, a giant tank like robot pursues them. When the group reaches the end of the road, they stop and fight the robot. After defeating the robot, the group looks out onto the horizon from the edge of Midgar.
BARRETT
Well, now what do we do?
Cloud walks forward, closer to the end of the road.
CLOUD
Sephiroth is alive. I... have to settle the score.
Barrett joins him.
BARRETT
An’ that’ll save the planet?
CLOUD
Maybe.
BARRETT
Right! I’m goin’ with you!
Aerith walks up.
AERITH
Me too. There are things I need to know.
Tifa walks up.
CLOUD
About the Ancients?
AERITH
Many, many things.
TIFA
I guess it’s goodbye, Midgar.
The group climbs down a cable to the ground.
RED
I’m heading back to my hometown. I’ll travel with you as far as there.
TIFA
Our journey starts here.
CLOUD
-
You don’t like travelling?
-
It’s dangerous. You up to it?
TIFA (You don’t like travelling?)
I don’t know. But I’ve got no place to go back to now, so I guess I’ll HAVE to like travelling.
TIFA (It’s dangerous. You up to it?)
Hmm. I’ll be all right if you keep your promise.
AERITH
Now that I think about it, this will be the first time I’ve ever left Midgar.
CLOUD
-
Worried?
-
It’s dangerous…
AERITH (Worried?)
A little… Hm, no, maybe a lot. But I’ve got my Jack of all trades, right?
AERITH (It’s dangerous…)
I thought you’d say something like that!
BARRETT
We told Aerith’s mum to go somewhere safe, so Marin should be safe, yeah?
CLOUD
-
Yeah
-
Well…
AERITH (Yeah)
She told me she didn’t like Midgar anymore. Looks like all this came at the right time.
AERITH (Well…)
Oh stop it, Cloud! I’m worried too, you know!
As Cloud starts to leave…
CLOUD
Okay…
-
We’ll stay here for a while (If selected, nothing happens)
-
Let’s go!
BARRETT (Let’s go!)
We need a leader for our journey. ‘Course, that could only be me.
TIFA
Hmmm, I don’t know…
AERITH
I think it has to be Cloud.
BARRETT
Hmph! All right, all right. There’s a town called Kalm, northeast of here. We’ll meet up there. But the five of us can’t just stroll around the plains together. It’s too dangerous. We should split into two groups.
If Cloud chooses Barrett and Red...
AERITH
An unexpected…
TIFA
…combination. Well, have fun, boys.
Aerith leaves and Tifa waves at the group.
We’ll see you at Kalm!
Tifa leaves and then Cloud’s group departs for the open world.
If Cloud chooses Tifa and Aerith…
BARRETT
I knew you’d do that.
Red leaves and Barrett waves his hand.
See you at Kalm. Later!
Barrett leaves and then Cloud’s group departs for the open world.
If any other combination is chosen…
TIFA
Waving goodbye.
We’ll see you at Kalm!
Tifa leaves.
BARRETT
See you at Kalm. Later!
Barrett leaves.
Aerith and Red just wave goodbye and leave.
Cloud’s group departs for the open world.