temple of the ancients
When Cloud, Aerith, and the other arrive at the rope bridge leading to the stairwell and entrance of the Temple of the Ancients, Aerith stops in the middle of the rope bridge, lays down, and presses her ear to it.
​
AERITH
This is… the Temple of the Ancients. I know. I can feel it. The minds of the Ancients permeating the air. You could die and become one with the planet, but your will is keeping you here. For the future? For us?
​
Cloud runs over and bends down by Aerith.
​
CLOUD
What are they saying? Can you understand?
​
Aerith and Cloud stand up and all three party members run across the bridge. Aerith begins heading up the stairs, but stops in the middle of them, she looks around her as Cloud and the other party member watch from the bottom of the steps.
​
AERITH
You’re uneasy… but… glad? Because I’m here? I’m sorry. I don’t understand.
She turns around and runs back to Cloud and the other. A cloaked figure shambles out of the temple entrance and falls to the ground in front of it.
Hurry! I want to go inside!
​
The party runs up the stairs and finds the cloaked figure lying in front of the temple entrance. It stands up.
​
BLACK CLOAK #9 NPC
Black… Materia.
​
It falls back down and Aerith kneels by it.
​
AERITH
Look…
​
BARRETT
This one’s number nine. He has a tattoo on his neck.
​
TIFA
Number nine. Another man with a tattoo.
​
NANAKI
He’s number nine. There’s a tattoo.
​
YUFFIE
A tattoo! Um, I think it’s the number nine.
​
CAIT
Oh? It’s a tattoo o’ the number nine.
​
VINCENT
A tattoo of the number nine…
​
CID
Hey, he’s got a tattoo. It’s the number nine…?
​
Lights begin to flash and the party watches as Black Cloak #9 NPC rises into the air and disappears. Heading into the temple, the groups finds Zeng slumped in front of the alter.
​
AERITH
Zeng!
​
Zeng stands up and faces them while clutching his side and breathing heavily. Cloud takes a few steps closer.
​
CLOUD
Zeng of the Turks!?
​
ZENG
Ugh… He got me.
Zeng slumps back down to the ground.
What Sephiroth… seeks… is not the Promised Land.
​
Cloud makes a determined pose.
​
CLOUD
Sephiroth? He’s inside!?
​
Zeng points at Cloud.
​
ZENG
See… for yourself…
Zeng pounds his fist against the ground.
Damn it… Losing Aerith was the start… of my… bad luck. And then the president… got it wrong.
​
Aerith steps forward.
​
AERITH
You all got it wrong. The Promised Land isn’t what you think it is.
Aerith turns and faces away from Zeng.
I was never going to help you. Shin-Ra never had a chance.
​
She runs over to a pillar, partially concealing herself from the others.
​
ZENG
Haha… That’s harsh. Sounds like something… …you’d say.
Zeng stands up and limps toward Cloud. Cloud sweeps his hand through his hair and puts his hands on his hips.
The Keystone... Place it… on the altar.
Obtained Key Item Keystone!
​
Zeng walks off to the side and slumps over by one of the pillars. Cloud runs over to Aerith, stops, faces away from her, and scratches his head while turned away from her.
​
CLOUD
Are you crying?
​
Aerith shakes her head and turns to face toward Cloud’s back.
​
AERITH
Zeng might be with the Turks, but I’ve known him since I was little. There aren’t many people I can say that about… Only a handful of people know me.
​
Cloud approaches the alter, puts his hand on his hip, and taps his foot.
​
CLOUD
Let’s try using the Keystone.
​
The alter lights up, lights begin to flash, and Cloud looks around before sinking into the floor. Cloud comes back up to find himself and the other party members in a labyrinth.
​
AERITH
Words… and thoughts… So many of them here.
​
The third party member runs a few steps forward and looks out across the labyrinth.
​
BARRETT
Whoa! So this is the Temple of the Ancients… Oh, man! You gotta be kiddin’! This is makin’ me dizzy! Yo, Cloud. No getting’ lost in here, yeah?
​
TIFA
What a mysterious place. Do you think we’re welcome here?
​
NANAKI
…sniff…sniff… This place smells good. It smells like the planet—same as Cosmo Canyon.
​
YUFFIE
Geeeez! We got our work cut out for us. This is making me dizzy.
​
CAIT
Wow, this place is huge! It feels kind o’… desolate.
​
VINCENT
Special Note: Vincent does not run out to look at the maze. He just turns and faces Cloud.
No exits… There can be no turning back.
​
CID
Shit! Shit! Shit! What the hell’s with this place!?
​
Aerith runs over to Cloud.
​
AERITH
Cloud… I know it’s going to be tough, but… …don’t give up. We can do it!
​
In the distance is a figure that looks like a purple ghost with a hat. It will begin to run away as the group approaches.
​
If Cloud goes through an incorrect archway, a light will flash and Cloud will bounce back.
CLOUD
Sealed? That sound is familiar…
​
Making their way through the labyrinth, the party will eventually catch up to the specter inside of a cave.
​
ANCIENT SPIRIT 1 NPC
…mumble…mumble…
​
Aerith approaches it and nods.
​
AERITH
Yes, I’m glad we could finally meet as well! Sorry for keeping you waiting so long.
Aerith faces Cloud.
These are the spirits of the Ancients.
She faces toward the doorway and waves her hand across the entire expanse of the room.
Instead of returning to the planet, they stayed here to protect the temple. Over the years, they’ve lost the ability to speak. Hmm, well… they didn’t need words in the first place, because those that remain in the temple only have a single purpose.
Aerith runs back to Ancient Spirit 1 NPC.
Please tell me what it is!
She faces Cloud again.
It’s no good. I can’t make out the rest. Are you afraid? Is it because Sephiroth is in the temple? Or something else?
​
If Cloud talks to the spirit again…
ANCIENT SPIRIT 1 NPC
…mumble…mumble…
​
CLOUD
-
Can I buy something? (If selected, an item shop opens.)
-
Let me rest (If selected, a light flashes. HP/MP Restored!)
-
I want to save, but…
-
Nothing (If selected, nothing happens.)
CLOUD (I want to save, but…)
…this is the Temple of the Ancients. We won’t be able to leave here easily.
-
Forget it (If selected, nothing happens.)
-
Save (If selected, Cloud enters the save menu.)
Further into the maze, a second ancient spirit appears. They follow it into a trap room with boulders going down a path. In the middle of the path is an off ramp, leading to a purple pool. Cloud and crew pass the pool and make it through the trap boulders. Once they get to the other side, the boulders stop.
​
AERITH
Bent over and panting. Phew… We made it!
​
CLOUD
Everyone all right? That was rough.
​
A flash of light goes off. Aerith runs in the direction of the pool and then jumps with a gasp. She turns back to Cloud and the other, continuing to pant.
​
AERITH
Oh…! Cloud! Something’s wrong!!
Aerith begins to run on ahead, but turns back when the others don’t immediately follow.
Hurry! This way!
They follow Aerith back to the purple pool. The pool lights up and glows. Aerith is standing by it.
It’s full of the Ancients knowledge. No. Not knowledge… Their consciousness—their living souls. They’re trying to say something.
She kneels closer to the edge of the pool.
I’m sorry. I don’t understand.
She lays down to get her ear closer to the pool.
Huh? What is it?
Aerith stands back up.
Danger? An evil… prescence? Show? You’re going to show us?
​
The scene changes to Zeng and Yrena looking at mural wall, covered in what looks like human figures and hieroglyphs. Cloud, Aerith, and the other party member watch, translusent. Cloud looks at Aerith.
​
CLOUD
What’s going on?
​
AERITH
Wait… Look. It’s starting.
​
They turn and watch as Yrena runs over to Zeng.
​
YRENA
Sir, what is all this? Will it help us find the Promised Land?
​
Zeng faces Yrena and shrugs.
​
ZENG
…Hmmm. Either way, we should report this to the president first.
​
Yrena nods and begins to run on ahead, but she stops and turns back around to face Zeng.
​
YRENA
Please be careful, sir.
​
ZENG
I will… Hey, Yrena… how about dinner once this job’s over?
​
Yrena nods.
​
YRENA
Th-thank you, sir. I’ll go on ahead.
​
Yrena runs on ahead. Zeng walks over and looks at a mural that depicts humans standing around a small diamond shaped object.
​
ZENG
Is this the Promised Land? No. I don’t think so.
​
Sephiroth appears behind Cloud and the others, he is translucent like they are and seems to notice them before he solidifies in front of Zeng in a crouched position.
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ZENG
Sephiroth!!
​
Sephiroth stands up.
​
SEPHIROTH
So… you have opened the door. You have my gratitude.
​
Zeng takes a few steps forward.
​
ZENG
This place… What is it?
​
Sephiroth takes a few steps forward.
​
SEPHIROTH
A lost treasury of knowledge. The knowledge and wisdom of the Ancients.
He raises his arms into the air.
I will become one with the planet.
​
Zeng shrugs.
​
ZENG
One with the planet?
​
A translucent image of Sephiroth breaks away from the main form and faces Cloud and the party.
​
SEPHIROTH
Fools. The thought never even occurred to you, did it? All of the planet’s spiritual energy—its wisdom… its knowledge. I shall assimilate it. I will be all. All will be me.
​
In the background, Zeng turns to face the solid form of Sephiroth.
​
ZENG
Is that even possible?
​
The translucent Sephiroth facing the group lowers his arms.
​
SEPHIROTH
The way… lies here.
The translucent Sephiroth begins to laugh.
Only death awaits you.
The solid Sephiroth in the background slashes Zeng. Zeng falls to the ground and the screen turns red.
But do not fear, for it is through death that new energy is born. Soon, you will live on… as a part of me.
The translucent Sephiroth flies upward, while the solid Sephiroth laughs over Zeng’s body. The scene goes white and changes back to the pool. Aerith runs around the pool to get closer to Cloud and the other.
​
AERITH
Did you see it?
​
BARRETT
Yeah. I saw it all right.
​
TIFA
Yeah. I saw it…
​
NANAKI
I… I saw it.
​
YUFFIE
Eck! It gave me the creeps!
​
CAIT
Aye, ah saw it. Zeng got it pretty bad.
​
VINCENT
A vision from the Ancients…
​
CID
Hey! Hey! This place is a damn death trap!
​
Cloud runs his hand through his hair.
​
CLOUD
Where’s the room with the murals?
​
Aerith runs a few steps closer.
​
AERITH
We’re almost there…
​
CLOUD
Sephiroth will be waiting, won’t he?
Aerith nods and Cloud poses in determination.
No matter what he thinks, it’s going to end here and now. I’m taking him out!
​
BARRETT
You mean WE, don’t you?
​
TIFA
We’re here too, you know.
​
NANAKI
Don’t forget about us!
​
YUFFIE
I’ve got nothing to do with it, but I guess I can lend a hand.
​
CAIT
Slowly shakes his head.
Ah wonder if he’ll go down that easy…
​
VINCENT
Faces away from Cloud.
…
​
CID
Heh. That’s the spirit! You youngsters should never pull your punches!
​
A translucent Sephiroth descends to the pool, seemingly unnoticed by Cloud and the others. He flies off and the pool stops glowing. The group walks back down the path. At the end of it is another ancient ghost.
​
ANCIENT SPIRIT 2 NPC
…mumble…mumble…
-
Rest (If selected, a light flashes. HP/MP Restored!)
-
Save (If selected, Cloud enters the save menu.)
-
Nothing (If selected, nothing happens.)
Cloud and the others continue until they reach a chamber. There are twelve exits in a circle, clock hands coming out of a middle platform form a clockface that hovers over a deep pit. A small being stands on the middle platform.
​
GUARDIAN OF TIME
I am the Guardian of Time. Ye who would seek the knowledge of the Ancients: control my time; forge your path. It is time to proceed.
​
NON CHARACTER TEXTBOX
[Triangle] Leave it to the Guardian
O Roulette spin
X Ready
​
If the second hand knocks Cloud down to a torch-lit pit below. There is a treasure chest and a mural of a T-rex.
AERITH
I’m sensing something…
​
BARRETT
Feels like a battle!
​
TIFA
Here it comes!
​
NANAKI
IT’s making my fur stand on end!
​
YUFFIE
Ahhh, man! I should’ve stayed home!
​
CAIT
A battle!
​
VINCENT
Combat…
​
CID
Bring it on!
​
Cloud and the others fight a pair of small dragon like creatures.
​
If they go past the 12 o’clock exit. Then will enter a room that moves as though breathing. A heartbeat can be heard. Cloud knocks on the door.
​
CLOUD
It won’t open. We’ll come back later.
​
When they make it back and cross to the correct passageway, the group come upon a series of tunnels. Another Ancient Spirit is there. It closes a door behind it and takes off. Aerith investigates the door.
​
AERITH
Oh. It’s locked. No good! We’ll have to catch him!
​
CLOUD
-
Yeah
-
I want to leave
AERITH (Yeah)
Just hang in there. Someday we’ll look back on these hard times and laugh.
​
AERITH (I want to leave)
Don’t worry. It’ll all be over soon.
​
NON CHARACTER TEXTBOX
The guard who escaped with the key follows a fixed route. Memorize how the passages are connected and catch him when he emerges from one. Oh yeah, oh yeah… You can jump down to a lower level on the left side of the area.
​
Eventually, Cloud and the others catch up to the Ancient Spirit and the door unlocks.
​
ANCIENT SPIRIT 3 NPC
…mumble…mumble…
-
Rest (If selected, a light flashes. HP/MP Restored!)
-
Save (If selected, Cloud enters the save menu.)
-
Nothing (If selected, nothing happens.)
Through the unlocked door, Cloud and group walk into the room of murals and glyphs that the pool had shown before. The first mural depicts two people standing around The Temple of the Ancients.
​
AERITH
This is the room we saw earlier.
​
She turns to face Cloud, who strikes a pose of determination.
​
CLOUD
Where are you!? Sephiroth!!
​
The screen flashes and a faded Sephiroth appears. He begins to float in the air.
​
SEPHIROTH
How cold.
He floats higher.
I am always by your side. Come.
Sephiroth flies upwards and disappears.
​
If Cloud tries to leave the room, he’ll turn back around and shrug.
CLOUD
Looks like we’re locked in.
​
The group runs along the room and stops at Sephiroth. His form is now more solid and he is staring at the mural from before which depicts humans around the small diamond shaped object.
​
SEPHIROTH
Splendid.
Sephiroth turns toward the party and takes a couple of steps toward them.
A treasury of knowledge…
​
CLOUD
Stop talking in riddles!
​
Sephiroth begins to laugh and then flies away. Going further into the room, the party stops at Sephiroth laughing in front of a new mural. It depicts a human holding the small diamond shaped object and a meteor descending down. Sephiroth turns and approaches them.
​
SEPHIROTH
Take a good look.
​
CLOUD
AT WHAT!?
​
SEPHIROTH
At the one who will be endowed with the wisdom of the Ancients.
Sephiroth raises his arms in the air.
I will become one with the planet.
​
He lowers his arms, begins to laugh, and flies away. As the group runs along, they find Sephiroth slumped in front of an altar. In the background is a mural of the humans on fire.
​
SEPHIROTH
Mother… it is almost time. Soon… we can become one.
​
Sephiroth stands up. Aerith takes a couple steps forward and puts her fists up.
​
AERITH
How is ‘becoming one’ with the planet even possible?
​
Sephiroth turns to face Aerith and slashes his sword through the air twice.
​
SEPHIROTH
It’s simple. When the planet is injured, spiritual energy pools at the wound as part of the healing process.
He turns to the third party member and slashes his sword through the air two more times
The amount of energy gathered is proportional to the size of the wound.
He turns to Cloud and uses the Masamune to stab the ground.
What would happen if there were a wound so great that it threatened the very life of the planet?
Sephiroth removes his sword from the ground.
Ha, ha, ha! And I shall be at the centre of the wound. All that boundless energy will be mine.
He slashes his sword through the air again.
I will assimilate all of the planet’s energy and, with it, become a new life form—a new existence. By joining with the planet, I will be reborn a god, akin to those that once ruled the hearts of men. …Something this miserable world has lacked for far too long.
​
AERITH
A wound… so great that it could destroy the planet?
​
SEPHIROTH
Behold the mural—the Ultimate Destructive Magic… Meteor.
​
CLOUD
I won’t let you do it!
​
Sephiroth flies over Clouds head. The screen goes white and there is a ringing sound.
​
SEPHIROTH
Wake up!
​
Cloud looks around to find that Sephiroth has disappeared. He runs after him.
​
CLOUD
Where are you? Sephiroth!!
​
Aerith and the other party member chase after Cloud.
​
AERITH
Cloud, wait!
Aerith and the other party member find Cloud standing in front of the mural depicting the Meteor. He is laughing.
Cloud!
​
BARRETT
Yo! Cloud!
​
TIFA
Hey! Cloud!
​
NANAKI
Cloud! What’s wrong!?
​
YUFFIE
Cloud! What’s wrong!?
​
CAIT
Cloud! What’s wrong wi’ ye!?
​
VINCENT
What’s the matter?
​
CID
What the hell’s wrong with ya!?
​
CLOUD
Ha, ha, ha. Black Materia. Ha, ha, ha. Summon Meteor.
​
AERITH
Cloud! Get ahold of yourself!
​
Cloud leans back and clutches his head.
​
CLOUD
Cloud… I’m… Cloud.
Cloud’s head begins to shake.
I can’t…
He begins to do a repeating pattern of poses between shrugging, putting his hand on his hip, and brushing his hand through his hair, over and over.
Wait! I remember… how to be… me.
His head begins to shake again. He takes a few steps toward Aerith and runs his hand through his hair.
​
AERITH
…Cloud.
​
Cloud shrugs.
​
CLOUD
Hm? What is it? Is something wrong?
​
Cloud puts his hand on his hip and Aerith shakes her head.
​
AERITH
It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.
​
Aerith runs over to the third party member. Depending on who the party member is…
​
AERITH (To Barrett)
Right, Barrett? It’s nothing.
Barrett crosses his arms and then uncrosses them.
​
AERITH (To Tifa)
Right, Tifa? It’s nothing.
Tifa turns to Aerith and nods in agreement.
​
AERITH (To Nanaki)
Right, Nanaki? It’s nothing.
Nanaki stands on his hind legs and crosses his front ones.
​
AERITH (To Yuffie)
Right, Yuffie? It’s nothing.
Yuffie shrugs.
​
AERITH (To Cait)
Right, Cait? It’s nothing.
Cait shrugs.
​
AERITH (To Vincent)
Right, Vincent? It’s nothing.
Vincent crosses his arms and then uncrosses them.
​
AERITH (To Cid)
Right, Cid? It’s nothing.
Cid puts his hand on his hip and scratches his head with his other hand.
​
Aerith runs back to Cloud and leans in with her hands clasped behind her back.
​
AERITH
Sephiroth got away.
​
Cloud does his pose of determination.
​
CLOUD
Never mind. I understood what he was saying.
Cloud turns back toward the mural with a meteor.
This must be Meteor…
​
Aerith nods and the third party member looks at the mural.
​
BARRETT
Some sort of disaster? Looks like that thing’s fallin’ from the sky.
​
TIFA
Is that falling from the sky?
​
NANAKI
Is that thing falling from the sky?
​
YUFFIE
I don’t know what that is, but… …it looks like big trouble.
​
CAIT
It’s fallin’ from the sky? That doesnae look good at all.
​
VINCENT
A colossal object falling from the sky?
​
CID
I dunno what the hell that is, but it looks like it’s fallin’ from the sky. Hmph. That ain’t a good sign!
​
Aerith looks the mural up and down.
​
AERITH
It’s magic, just like Sephiroth said. The Ultimate Destructive Magic, Meteor. It summons a large rock drifting in space…
She turns to face Cloud.
The planet could be wiped out entirely.
​
The temple begins to shake.
​
CLOUD
Sephiroth!?
​
Sephiroth’s voice is heard.
​
SEPHIROTH
Ha, ha, ha! No, not I.
​
The party fights and defeats a large, red dragon. Cloud looks around while the other two express relief that the battle is over.
CLOUD
Where’s Sephiroth?
​
AERITH
He’s disappeared again.
​
The group approaches the alter. There’s a translucent pyramid like object floating above it.
​
CLOUD
What’s this?
​
AERITH
There’s something written here… Bl… ack… Mat…e…ria.
​
Cloud faces Aerith.
​
CLOUD
Black Materia!!
​
AERITH
Oh! …Black Materia. What should we do, Cloud?
​
CLOUD
-
Shake it (Cloud shakes it and the temple shakes. He shrugs.)
-
Take it (Cloud tries to take it and the temple shakes. He shrugs.)
-
Leave it (Cloud faces it and shrugs.)
AERITH
Hang on. I’ll try asking.
She faces away from the others and the room begins to flash.
I don’t understand…
She takes a couple of steps further away.
What? Really!?
She runs back to Cloud.
They said that the temple itself is the Black Materia.
​
Cloud shrugs.
​
CLOUD
What do they mean?
​
AERITH
This whole building is the Black Materia.
​
CLOUD
This huge temple!? This is the Black Materia!? Then no-one could take it!
​
AERITH
Yeah, that’s the tricky part… You see, this thing here is a model of the temple. The mechanism inside makes the model shrink as you solve the puzzles. As the model shrinks, so does the whole temple. It folds in on itself until it’s small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.
​
CLOUD
So, by solving the puzzles, the Black Materia will shrink, and we can take it with us?
​
AERITH
Exactly. But there’s a catch… You can only do the puzzles from this spot. Anyone solving the puzzles will be crushed into the temple—into the Black Materia itself.
​
CLOUD
I see. The Ancients weren’t taking any chances with magic this dangerous.
​
BARRETT
Then just leave it. If we can’t take it, neither can Sephiroth, right?
​
TIFA
Let’s just forget about it then?
​
NANAKI
Stands on his hind legs and crosses his front ones. Well, it’s safe then. If we can’t take it… neither can Sephiroth?
​
YUFFIE
Then let’s just leave it here and get the hell out of here!
​
CAIT
Looks like those Ancients had a cruel streak in ‘em. Ah guess no-one’ll be takin’ it.
​
VINCENT
Then it is safe.
​
CID
Guess stuff this nasty is best left alone.
​
CLOUD
No. We’ve got to think of a way to remove it.
Cloud runs his hand through his hair.
Sephiroth has all those servants running around, remember? They’d throw their lives away in an instant to retrieve the Black Materia for him.
He turns to the altar.
This place isn’t safe anymore.
​
Cloud proceeds to bang on the translucent pyramid and the temple shakes, causing him to stop.
​
AERITH
So what are we going to do?
​
If Cait is the third party member…
​
Cait hops forward.
​
CAIT
Cloud… Ah’ve got an idea. You all keep forgettin’ ah’m a machine… Why not uses this artificial body o’ mine fer the future of the planet?
​
CLOUD
We can’t let Sephiroth get his hands on the Black Materia. But we can’t let Shin-Ra get theirs on it either.
​
Cait lowers his head.
​
CAIT
In other words, ye dinnae trust me.
Cait raises his head and hops up and down.
But, Cloud, there’s nothin’ else ye can dae. Ye’ll juist have tae trust me.
​
CLOUD
-
I have no choice
-
I can’t
CAIT (I have no choice)
Awrighty then! Leave it tae me! Everyone, let’s hurry outside! Ah’ll go with ye until we’re clear.
​
CAIT (I can’t)
Ye sure are stubborn, Cloud. Trust me!
​
CLOUD
-
Hm. I guess I’ll have to.
-
I’m sorry. I just can’t. (Cait repeats how Cloud is stubborn and to trust him. These dialogue options come up again and recycle until Cloud agrees.)
CAIT (Hm. I guess I’ll have to.)
Awrighty then! Leave it tae me! Everyone, let’s hurry outside! Ah’ll go with ye until we’re clear.
​
If Cait is not the third party member…
​
Cloud crosses his arms while thinking, looks around, then turns to Aerith and shrugs. He then touches his ear as a call comes in.
​
CAIT (Over the PHS)
Hi there, Cloud! It’s me. Cait. Ah overheard yer situation. Ah’ve got an idea. You all keep forgettin’ ah’m a machine… Why not use this artificial body o’ mine fer the future of the planet?
​
CLOUD
We can’t let Sephiroth get his hands on the Black Materia. But we can’t let Shin-Ra get theirs on it either.
​
CAIT (Over the PHS)
But, Cloud, there’s nothin’ else ye can dae. Ye’ll juist have tae trust me.
​
CLOUD
-
I have no choice
-
I can’t
CAIT (I have no choice)
Awrighty then! Leave it tae me! Okay, everyone, get oot o’ there! Ah’ll be waitin’ at the exit.
​
CAIT (I can’t)
Ye sure are stubborn, Cloud. Trust me!
​
CLOUD
-
Hm. I guess I’ll have to.
-
I’m sorry. I just can’t. (Cait repeats how Cloud is stubborn and to trust him. These dialogue options come up again and recycle until Cloud agrees.)
CAIT (Hm. I guess I’ll have to.)
Awrighty then! Leave it tae me! Okay, everyone, get oot o’ there! Ah’ll be waitin’ at the exit.
​
Cloud and crew exit out of the mural room, through the tunnel room, and out the clock face room through the XII exit. They arrive at a green door. The whole room moves as though breathing. A heartbeat can be heard. When they approach the door, Cloud touches it, turns to the others, and shrugs.
​
CLOUD
It’s warm.
The room shakes faster and Cloud looks around.
This is not good…
​
Aerith and the other party member run away as a demon comes out of the wall.
​
AERITH
Cloud! Behind you!
​
Cloud turns and then runs to join the others. They group fights and defeats a demon wall. After the fight, the door opens.
​
If Cait is the third party member, he comes in through the door and jumps into the middle of the group. He begins to dance in place.
CAIT
And here he is! The one ye’ve all bin waitin’ for! Cait!!
​
CAIT
Leave this tae me!
Cait twirls around.
Well, everyone, take care o’ yerselves.
​
Aerith lowers her head.
​
AERITH
Cait…
Aerith runs over to Cloud.
Come on, Cloud. You have to say something.
​
Cloud scratches his head.
​
CLOUD
I’m not very good at this.
​
Cait turns to face Cloud.
​
CAIT
Hmm… Ah understand. Ah feel the same way.
​
Aerith looks over Cait, thinking.
​
AERITH
I know! Why don’t you read our fortunes?
​
Cait begins his fortune telling shake.
​
CAIT
Aye, why not? Ah huvnae done that in a while, eh? Ah’m so excited! Right or wrong, it doesnae matter. That’s what bein’ Cait is all aboot! What d’ye wantae know?
​
Aerith looks over Cait, thinking, and then runs over and stands next to Cloud.
​
AERITH
Hmm… Let’s see how compatible Cloud and I are!
​
If Tifa is in the party, she will turn around and make a hmph type motion. She turns back around to face Cait.
​
CAIT
Ah’m afraid that’ll cost ye— exactly one date!
Aerith nods.
Here ah go!
Cait begins to shake, turns around to face the fourth wall, and reads the fortune.
Oh, this isnae good. Ah cannae say it. Poor Tifa.
​
If Tifa is in the party, she will turn around and make a another hmph type motion. She turns back around to face Cait.
​
Aerith walks up behind Cait.
​
AERITH
No! Tell me! It’ll be okay.
​
If Tifa is in the party, she will turn around and make a hmph type motion again. She turns back around to face Cait.
​
Cait turns around and jumps up and down.
​
CAIT
Well, all right… Ye’r stars are aligned! That’s the perfect match, an’ it promises ye a bright future together. Cloud, ah’ll be yer MC, go-between, spy—whatever ye want… Juist call me when it all happens between the two of ye!
Cait turns around and lowers his head.
Thanks for believin’ in me, knowin’ ah was a spy. Ah really mean that. Well, here ah go. See ye later!
​
Cait starts to move on. Aerith takes a few steps and leans forward.
​
AERITH
Good luck, Cait!!
​
Cait bounds down the hall of murals.
​
CAIT
She said ‘good luck’… That makes me feel kind o’ happy!
The temple begins to shake. While bounding, Cait trips and falls over.
Owwww!
He gets back up.
What happened?
He starts to dance happily.
Good… Looks like ah’m not broken.
He makes it to the altar with the floating pyramid.
This must be it! The Ancients sure did put some effort intae aw this.
Cait turns and faces the fourth wall.
Ah can protect the planet, tae! Heh. Ah’m blushin’… There’s plenty o’ bodies like mine around, but there’s only one me, dammit! Dinnae forget aboot me, even when the new Cait arrives.
Cait turns back to the altar.
Awright, let’s dae it… Time tae save the planet!
​
The screen goes white.
------------------------------------------------------
Outside, Cloud and party watch as the temple begins to shake and turn black. It shrinks in size. They run back toward it and find a massive pit in the temple’s place with a small, black object at the bottom.
​
CLOUD
So, that’s the Black Materia.
​
Cloud turns to face the other party member.
​
If Cait was the other party member, then Cloud turns to Aerith and nods before jumping down.
​
BARRETT
Hey! I’ll keep watch here!
​
TIFA
I’ll wait here.
​
NANAKI
I’ll have a little sit down.
​
YUFFIE
… I think I’ll, uh, wait here.
​
VINCENT
I shall keep watch from here.
​
CID
Think I’ll have a smoke. Ahhh! It’s at times like this that you can really appreciate one.
​
Cloud nods and jumps down into the pit to pick up the Black Materia. Aerith climbs down slowly.
​
CLOUD
As long as we have this, Sephiroth can’t summon Meteor.
Obtained Key Item Black Materia!
​
Cloud turns and faces Aerith.
​
CLOUD
Hm…
Cloud shrugs.
Could WE use it?
​
Aerith shakes her head.
​
AERITH
No, not right now. It needs great spiritual power.
​
CLOUD
You mean a lot of spiritual energy?
​
AERITH
Yeah, that’s right. The spiritual energy of one person alone isn’t enough. Hmm, maybe in a special place you could—a place filled with the planet’s energy… Of course…!
​
AERITH and CLOUD
The Promised Land!!
​
Cloud shakes his head.
​
CLOUD
But…
​
AERITH
Sephiroth’s different. He’s not an Ancient.
​
CLOUD
Then he shouldn’t be able to find the Promised Land.
​
Sephiroth suddenly appears at the edge of the pit about Cloud and Aerith.
​
SEPHIROTH
Yet I have.
He flies upward into the air.
I am far superior to any mere Ancient. I have travelled the Lifestream, acquiring the knowledge and wisdom of the Ancients— And the knowledge and wisdom of ages that followed. Now, I will create the future.
​
AERITH
We won’t let you! The future belongs to everyone!
​
SEPHIROTH
Ha, ha, ha! I wonder… Wake up!
​
The screen goes black and then changes to the bottom of the pit. Sephiroth floats down to join Cloud and Aerith.
​
CLOUD
Sh-shut up!
Cloud clutches his head and falls to the ground. An image of young Cloud stands over him.
Be… qui…et!
​
SEPHIROTH
There, Cloud… Such a good boy.
​
Cloud starts clutching his head and stands up. He begins to run to Sephiroth in slow motion.
​
CLOUD
Ugh…hnng…hnn…
​
Young Cloud begins frantically flailing.
​
YOUNG CLOUD
No!
​
Young Cloud watches helplessly as Cloud continues to approach Sephiroth.
Special Note: For this brief moment, the player controls Young Cloud and can make Young Cloud run around frantically while Cloud is out of player control.
​
Young Cloud runs back to Cloud and flails frantically again.
​
YOUNG CLOUD
Don’t be scared of him!
​
When Cloud reaches Sephiroth… Gave the Black Materia to Sephiroth! Sephiroth begins to laugh.
​
SEPHIROTH
Well done.
​
Sephiroth flies off and Cloud stands there clutching his head. Aerith takes a couple of steps toward him.
​
AERITH
Cloud, are you all right?
​
CLOUD
I gave the Black Materia to Sephiroth?
Cloud falls to the ground.
W-what have I done? Tell me, Aerith.
​
Aerith bends down and rests her hand on him.
​
AERITH
Be strong, okay?
​
Cloud begins to stand up, but clutches his head and falls over again.
​
CLOUD
Wa, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! What have I done!?
​
Aerith stands up.
​
AERITH
Cloud, you haven’t done anything. It’s not your fault.
​
CLOUD
I… I’m…!
​
Cloud stands up again and pushes Aerith to the ground, pins her, and begins to beat her. Young Cloud appears again and watches, helplessly. Cait comes in from the side.
​
BARRETT
Arrgh!! Cloud!!
​
TIFA
Cloud!!
​
NANAKI
Cloud!!
​
YUFFIE
Wha…!? Cloud!
​
VINCENT
…!!
​
CID
Hey, hey!!
​
The third party member runs along the edge.
​
CAIT
Uh oh! Looks like this is a bad time!
​
If Cait was the third party member…
CAIT
Ah’m Cait number two. Hope we can get along…
​
If Cait was not the third party member…
CAIT
Ah’m Cait number two. Pleased tae meet ye…
​
The third party member jumps down to the bottom of the pit next to Cloud and Aerith.
​
BARRETT
HEY! Cloud, you jackass!
​
TIFA
What are you doing!?
​
NANAKI
Aerith, are you all right!?
​
YUFFIE
Aerith! Cloud, what are you doing!?
​
CAIT
Cloud!! What’re ye daein’!?
​
VINCENT
Cloud!
​
CID
Cloud! What the hell’re ya doin’!?
​
The third party member hits Cloud on the back of the head and knocks him unconscious. The screen goes white.
​
CLOUD
Everything’s gone blank… What did I do? I don’t remember a thing. My memories… Where do they begin? If all of this has been a dream, then I don’t want to wake up.
------------------------------------------------------
The scene changes to a green forest with a glow on the other side of it. Aerith is standing behind a tree. She peeks out from behind it.
​
AERITH
Are you there, Cloud?
​
Cloud begins as a bodyless voice.
​
CLOUD
Yeah. Aerith… Sorry for before.
​
Aerith comes out from behind the tree.
​
AERITH
Don’t worry about that, okay?
​
CLOUD
I can’t help it.
​
AERITH
Oh…
Aerith begins to walk away and go behind a tree. She jumps out from behind another one.
Well, then, you worry away…
She runs a few steps closer.
…and let me handle Sephiroth.
Aerith starts to giggle and then disappears. She comes out from behind another tree.
And, Cloud… you really ought to think about who you are.
She starts to go behind another tree, but leans but leans out from behind.
That way, you won’t keep losing yourself, you know?
​
She goes behind the tree, disappears, only to have both her and Cloud float down into the forest this time. Cloud looks around.
​
CLOUD
Where… are we?
​
Aerith looks up and around.
​
AERITH
A forest which leads to the City of the Ancients. It is known as the Sleeping Forest.
She faces Cloud.
It’s only a matter of time before Sephiroth summons Meteor. That’s why I have to stop him. As the last of my people, I’m the only one who can.
She begins to walk toward the glow at the end of the forest and turns around.
The secret to doing that lies just ahead.
She shakes her head.
At least… it should. Yes. I feel it. It’s as though something is guiding me.
She waves goodbye.
Well, I have to dash. See you when this is all over, okay?
​
CLOUD
Aerith?
​
She turns and begins to run toward the glow of the forest’s exit. Cloud reaches out for her and begins to run after, but she makes it out. Cloud stops, still reaching for her and Sephiroth’s voice is heard overhead.
​
SEPHIROTH
Oh my… She intends to meddle with our plans. She’ll be a difficult one, don’t you think?
Sephiroth floats down from the canopy.
That girl must be dealt with soon…
​
The screen flashes white and black with a static buzz sound and Cloud wakes up.