The Northern Crater

Having landed in the Great Glacier after the snowboarding slopes. Cloud and the others lay in the snow.

CLOUD

Ugh…

Cloud gets up to his feet.

Well, we’re still in one piece. Everyone all right?

BARRETT

‘Course.

TIFA

Yeah, just about.

NANAKI

I’ve got snow in my ears.

YUFFIE

Gawd, I can’t stand it!

CAIT

Ah feel a wee bit off colour.

VINCENT

I’m fine.

CID

I’m getting’ too old for this! Waste of time!

CLOUD

So, where did we land? We jumped a very long distance…

Special Note: Was unable to get Nanaki dialogue that suggests using the map.

BARRETT

Oh! We got somethin’ to help us with that, right? Press [start], an’ let’s see.

TIFA

We’ve got a map, right? Let’s have a look at it with [start].

YUFFIE

That’s what we have a map for, right!? Let’s take a look at it with [start].

CAIT

Well, let’s look at the map. Hurry up an’ press [start].

VINCENT

We should inspect the map. Press [start].

CID

The map! The map! Check it out with [start]!

CLOUD

It’s way too cold. We’ll freeze to death if we stick around here much longer.

Wondering the Great Glacier, Cloud and the group may happen upon a cave. Inside is a woman wearing blue.

WOMAN IN BLUE NPC

Please leave. Do not interfere. I do not wish to harm you. Stay away. Please stop. Be reasonable.

If Cloud finds the hot spring…

CLOUD

Hm. It’s not frozen here.

Try touching it
Let’s move on (If selected, nothing happens.)

CLOUD (Try touching it)

Cloud bends down and touches the steaming water.

Oh. It’s a hot spring.

If Cloud returns to the Woman In Blue NPC after touching the hot spring, she’ll jump up after being touched…

WOMAN IN BLUE NPC

Aaargh! How dare you touch me with the same hand that embraced that filthy hot spring! I shall never forgive you.

The party fights her.

If they defeat Woman In Blue NPC…

WOMAN IN BLUE NPC

How can this be…?

She collapses, fades away, and drops a materia. Obtained Alexander materia!

If they lose the fight against Woman In Blue NPC, Cloud will be at her feet, unconscious…

WOMAN IN BLUE NPC

Ho, hoooo! Know your limitations!

Cloud wakes up in Holzhov’s house.

If Cloud returns to the Woman In Blue NPC…

WOMAN IN BLUE NPC

It seems you have yet to learn your lesson…

If Cloud makes it to the snowfields, he shakes his head.

CLOUD

Snowfields as far as the eye can see. Better watch our step. I’ll leave a marker and start walking. (Place markers with O)

If Cloud makes it to Dr. Holzhov’s house on his own.

HOLZHOV

Now, this is a surprise! How many years has it been since I saw anyone…?

Holzhov scratches his head.

Oh, I’m sorry. My name is Holzhov. I’ve lived her for 20 years now. Would you mind hearing the ramblings of a lonely climber?

If Cloud has been out in the cold of Great Glacier too long, eventually he will pass out and wake up in Holzhov’s house.

HOLZHOV

Sounds like you’ve come to? You collapsed on the Great Glacier. It’s a miracle you’re not hurt.

Cloud scratches his head and Holzhov shrugs.

My name is Holzhov. I’ve been living here 20 years now. If you’re thinking of heading north, you’d do well to listen to me.

If Cloud tries talking to him again…

HOLZHOV

Let’s go and have a chat in the other room.

In the other room, Cloud and the others sit on the couch as Holzhov begins to speak.

HOZHOV

Have you ever heard about the men who challenged the cliff?

CLOUD

Yeah
No

HOLZHOV (Yeah)

The first time Yamaski and I tried to climb the cliff was 30 years ago.

HOLZHOV (No)

An old legend around these parts tells of something that fell from the sky a long, long time ago. It’s supposed to have pushed the land up and formed that cliff out there. Yamaski and I braved the precipice to see what was on the other side.

HOLZHOV

Oh, what fools we were. We never dreamt the temperature could fall so low…

Holzhov raises his arms and makes a woosh motion with them.

A cold wind swirls bitterly around the cliff, like a storm, plundering you for your body heat.

Holzhov lowers his arms, turns away from the group, and puts his head in his hands.

Yamaski was below me. He cut his own rope. And I… didn’t even notice…

Holzhov turns back around and faces them.

I moved here shortly afterward and have been trying to climb the cliff ever since. I also provide advice and modest shelter to fellow climbers. If you’re thinking of climbing the cliff, there are two things you should be aware of most… First, plan your route carefully, as it can become really hard to see with all the snow. Second, always remember to raise your body temperature when you reach a ledge on the cliff.

NON-CHARACTER TEXTBOX

O Confirm route. [Square] Press repeatedly to raise body temperature.

HOLZHOV

Do you understand?

CLOUD

Can you explain it again? (If selected, Holzhov explains to two tips again.)
Yeah, got it

HOLZHOV (Yeah, got it)

You must have worn yourselves out coming all the way up here. Get some rest before you head out again.

The party rests. If Cloud talks to Holzhov again before leaving…

HOLZHOV

To successfully climb the cliff, you have to check your route often. And you must keep your body temperature normal. It’s imperative you remember that.

NON-CHARACTER TEXTBOX

O Confirm route. [Square] Press repeatedly to raise body temperature.

HOLZHOV

Need to rest a while?

CLOUD

Yeah (If selected, the group rests again.)
No, thanks

HOLZHOV (No, thanks)

Don’t overdo it.

Cloud and party head outside and join the others. Except for Cait and Nanaki, they periodically wiggle in order to warm up in the cold.

BARRETT

Y’know, I’ve been thinkin’…

CLOUD

What is it?
Save it for later (If selected, Barrett’s monologue is skipped here.)

BARRETT (What is it?)

Scenery like this… It really makes ya realize how awesome nature is. But… if anyone ever told me to live here, I’d tell ‘em to… Well, you get the idea. One thing, though… If I did have to live here, I’d make sure things were a lot more comfortable. Midgar… I guess it’s a place where we’ve done just that. When you think of it that way, Shin-Ra don’t seem so bad. Uuuurrrgh!!

Barrett shakes his fists in the air.

The hell am I sayin’!? Shin-Ra… not bad!?

CLOUD

We’ll secure the route. Join us later.

Special Note: Before going on ahead, Cloud can talk to the others and change members.

BARRETT

Standin’ in a place like this… …don’t it make you feel like the planet ain’t really our ally? Not that it’s our enemy either… How to put it…? What I mean is… I just don’t think it pays much attention to us one way or another.

TIFA

This blizzard doesn’t scare me! …I have to keep telling myself that, otherwise…

NANAKI

Wonder what’s at the top. I can’t wait to find out!

YUFFIE

Brrr… I can’t take this place anymore! It’s freezing!!

CAIT

This is classified, but… Rufus’ll be landing shortly as well.

VINCENT

I wonder what awaits us on the other side of the cliff.

CID

Shit! To think I had the means to just soar over this damn cliff!

Cloud and the party go on ahead of the others through the Gaea Cliffs. Cloud makes his way up the cliff to a series of caves. On a ledge is a large rock.

NON-CHARACTER TEXTBOX

Push the rock?

CLOUD

Yes
No (If selected, nothing happens.)

If Cloud selects Yes, he kicks the rock and it rolls down and over some ice crystals that were previously blocking Cloud’s path. Heading out the cave, Cloud and group scale more cliffs before entering another cave tunnel system. Eventually, Cloud will reach an ice bridge with four icicles in the way. If Cloud approaches one of them, we’ll have to fight it. Once the icicle is defeated, it breaks and falls below.

NON-CHARACTER TEXT

Jump down to the room below?

CLOUD

Yes
No (If selected, nothing happens.)

If Cloud finally agrees to jump down to the lower floor, four icicles will have landed around the area. The water level for a pond in front of the cave exit will have risen, causing ice rafts to rise with it and form a bridge that leads to the exit of the cave system. After climbing another cliff and entering a third cave system, Cloud and the group will come across another black cloaked figure.

BLACK CLOAK NPC

Urgh… Eyaaaaargh!!

It jumps into the pathway and then disappears. As Cloud and party head down the path, the cave begins to shake and they are forced to fight a beast called Twin Head, who breathes fire and ice. After defeating it, they continue on. When they finally make it to the top of the cliffs, it overlooks a huge crater. Lifestream energy appears to be swirling at the center of it. As they walk down into the crater, Cloud and the group stop.

CLOUD

This crater was made a long time ago… Something fell out of the sky and crashed here. The planet was wounded.

BARRETT

So, all that energy’s here to heal the planet?

TIFA

So, all the energy has collected here to heal the planet?

NANAKI

The planet’s energy has pooled here. Slowly but surely, it’s healing the ancient wound.

YUFFIE

Even I know what’s going on. The energy’s gathered here to heal the wound.

CAIT

All this energy has gathered here tae try an’ heal the wound.

VINCENT

The energy has amassed here to heal the wound.

CID

Damn, this is really somethin’. The planet’s gathered all that energy here to heal the wound.

CLOUD

Sephiroth is going to steal this precious energy so he can summon Meteor. If he succeeds, the wound he inflicts will be far bigger than the one we see here… They continue down the slope and happen upon another cloaked figure. It falls to the ground and Cloud bends down to check on it.

BLACK CLOAK 2 NPC

Must… go… to… …S-Sephiroth…

The black cloak figure disappears. As they continue on to a misty part of the crater…

If Tifa is in the party…

TIFA

It’s time to end this.

Cloud nods and Tifa turns to face away from him.

Sephiroth has taken a lot from me, too.

Tifa turns back to face Cloud.

Let’s hurry!

If Tifa is not in the party…

TIFA

Cloud, wait!!

Cloud stops and turns around. Tifa runs and catches up to the group.

Take me with you. You’re going to get even with Sephiroth, right?

Cloud crosses his arms and taps his foot. Tifa faces away from him.

Sephiroth has… taken a lot from me as well.

Tifa turns back around and faces Cloud.

Please don’t say no.

Tifa joins Cloud and Cloud scratches his head.

CLOUD

It can’t be helped…

When adding Tifa to the party, one of the other party members is left behind.

BARRETT

The rest is up to you!

NANAKI

I’ll go get everyone.

YUFFIE

Are you saying you don’t like me?

CAIT

Ah’ll round the others up. You go oan ahead.

VINCENT

Be on your guard. Sephiroth may be close by.

CID

Well, that’s a relief. Think I’ll take a breather.

As Cloud and the others continue onto the Tornado Labyrinth, another cloaked figure ahead of them jumps into the crater below. As they continue on, Cloud stops and looks up.

CLOUD

That’s…!!

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

Above Cloud and group flies the Highwind with Rufus, Scarlet, and Heidegger standing on the bridge. Rufus and Scarlet approach the viewing window.

RUFUS

At long last, I’ve found you.

SCARLET

Kya, ha, ha!

She turns away from the window.

Kya, ha, ha… …ha, ha, ha… …ha, ha! It’s incredible.

HEIDEGGER

This truly is the Promised Land—the land that President Shinra sought!

Rufus turns to face Heidegger.

RUFUS

Although, I’ll be the one to inherit it.

He turns back to the window and runs his hand through his hair.

Sorry, Father.

The camera pans to the other end of the bridge. Hojo stands laughing with Rude standing silently next to him.

HOJO

Heh, heh, heh…

He stops laughing and folds his hands behind his back.

This place belongs to no-one. It is the final destination of the Reunion—where they will all gather. I wonder if we’ll meet… Sephiroth.

Hojo begins to laugh again.

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

Back down on the ground level.

CLOUD

So… Rufus is here too.

They continue on and approach their first wind wall. A couple of cloaked figures attempt to cross the wall, but are knocked back.

TIFA

We need to time our crossing with the calmer winds or we’ll be swept off!

BLACK CLOAK 1 NPC

Ugh… …aaaaaaah…

Black Cloak 1 NPC disappears.

BLACK CLOAK 2 NPC

…gah…ack… Seph…i…roth…

Black Cloak 2 NPC disappears. There are moments when the wind wall blows faster and slower. Cloud and party jump when the wind moves slower and continue on. More black cloaked figures walk single file. Some of them collapse, while a couple others fall into the green colored abyss below. As Cloud’s group approach the few that have collapsed, they disappear. Once the party passes a second wind wall, they come upon Sephiroth with two Black Cloak figures.

SEPHIROTH

This is the end for all of you.

Sephiroth slashes the two figures off of the walk path into the abyss below.

CLOUD

Sephiroth!!

Cloud runs a few steps forward.

That’s as far as you go!

SEPHIROTH

Indeed. This body has outlived its usefulness.

Sephiroth disappears and a heartbeat can be heard.

CLOUD

He disappeared!?

TIFA

He might still be nearby…

Tifa and the other party member begin to look around. Cloud doesn’t move.

MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT

Our purpose is to deliver the Black Materia to our master.

Cloud then looks around. Tifa and the other party member continue to look around same as before, not seeming to notice the voice.

CLOUD

“Our”?

BARRETT

Where’d he go?

NANAKI

I sense something… bloodthirsty.

YUFFIE

Gawd, I was all fired up too!

CAIT

Ah dinnae think we’ve seen the last of him…

VINCENT

We can’t be sure when Sephiroth will reappear. Stay vigilant.

CID

Hey, hey! What’s goin’ on!?

MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT

We who carry Jenova cells…

CLOUD

And who is this “master”?

Tifa and the other party member get into a battle stance, readying for a fight.

MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT

Why, Sephiroth, of course. Ha, ha, ha!

Cloud looks up and Sephiroth descends from the sky, knocking the party to the ground. Sephiroth takes a few steps away and raises his arms up in the air. Cloud gets up, shakes his head, and faces Sephiroth. Sephiroth turns around and the party fights Jenova Death. After defeating Jenova Death, the Black Materia is left on the ground and all eight members of Cloud’s group are now gathered around.

CLOUD

Jenova cells… I get it now. That’s what this is all about.

Cloud crosses his arms as though in thought.

Jenova is becoming whole again. …The Reunion.

Tifa turns to face Cloud and puts her hands on her hips.

TIFA

Not Sephiroth? You mean all this time it wasn’t Sephiroth we were following?

Cloud turns to face Tifa and shakes his head.

CLOUD

I’ll explain later. Right now, the only thing that matters is beating Sephiroth.

Tifa turns slightly away from Cloud and crosses her arms, thinking.

TIFA

But Sephiroth…

Cloud faces forward and points down the pathway ahead of them.

CLOUD

He’s here. The real Sephiroth is just beyond here.

Cloud clenches his fist and then lowers it.

He is utterly without mercy—both wicked and cruel. But that incredible willpower of his has to emanate from deep within the planet’s wound…

Cloud walks over and picks up the Black Materia. Obtained Key Item Black Materia! Cloud faces the group.

The Black Materia is back in our hands. Now all we have to do is defeat Sephiroth, and that’ll be the end of it.

TIFA

We’d better not take that thing any further. We should let someone else hold on to it.

Special Note: Whoever was the third party member, when Cloud interacts with them, they’ll say a unique line that is different from the general group dialogue.

BARRETT

Sephiroth… you jus’ don’t make no damn sense.

NANAKI

What’s happening, Cloud? That wasn’t Sephiroth!

YUFFIE

W-what!? That wasn’t Sephiroth? All this time we’ve been following some monster?

CAIT

Ye serious? That wasnae Sephiroth!?

VINCENT

Do you mean to say that all along we weren’t in pursuit of Sephiroth?

CID

Making a gesture that appears to be waving Cloud away.

Hoo-boy…

Special Note: This is the general group dialogue. The third party member cannot say their Black Materia lines, only the line above.

YUFFIE

Shakes her head.

Now, that’s a materia I DON’T want!

CAIT

When it comes tae the Black Materia, ah’ll pass. Sorry.

VINCENT

The Black Materia? Perhaps you should hold on to it?

CLOUD

Shakes his head at Vincent.

I don’t think I can…

CID

Hmm… Let’s just say that me and the Black Materia don’t mix.

If Cloud gives the Black Materia to Barrett…

BARRETT

Nods.

Damn… Pressure’s on!

If Cloud gives the Black Materia to Nanaki…

NANAKI

You want m-me to take care of the Black Materia? …Okay, I understand.

CLOUD

To Barrett or Nanaki.

Don’t give it to ANYONE. I’m counting on you.

If Cloud talks to the others before moving on…

BARRETT

Sephiroth… you jus’ don’t make no damn sense.

NANAKI

Cloud, be careful!

YUFFIE

Shouldn’t we hurry? The real Sephiroth is close by, right?

CAIT

Ah’ve got a baaaad feelin’ aboot this!

VINCENT

Sephiroth may appear at anytime. Be on your guard.

CID

C’mon. Gimme a break.

TIFA

Let’s go and find Sephiroth!

Cloud faces the group with Tifa and the third party member standing beside him.

CLOUD

We’re going in first! Everyone else, stay alert!

BARRETT

Don’t worry. I’ll keep the Black Materia safe. I won’t let it outta my sight!

NANAKI

I’ll protect the Black Materia—no matter what! Don’t worry, Cloud… Just hurry after Sephiroth!

Cloud and group cross another wind wall and make it to the end of the path, everything goes white.

TIFA

What is this? What’s happening?

CLOUD

Calm down, Tifa. Sephiroth is near. Anything could happen.

The environment changes to show Nibelheim. As Cloud, Tifa, and the other approach the entrance to the village, Tifa looks around.

TIFA

Niblheim…

BARRETT

Why Niblheim!? We high on Mako or somethin’?

NANAKI

But why? A dream? An hallucination?

YUFFIE

Why Niblheim? This is freaky! REALLY freaky!

CAIT

Tifa, is this some sort of hallucination?

VINCENT

Is this an hallucination?

CID

What the hell!? Why Niblheim?

Cloud lowers his head and shakes it.

CLOUD

This is an illusion created by Sephiroth. He’s trying to confuse us. It’ll be all right. As long as we know it’s an illusion, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Let’s keep moving.

Tifa turns to face Cloud.

TIFA

Yeah, you’re right…

Tifa points behind Cloud.

Look!

The three stand off to the side, getting out of the way, as Sephiroth approaches the entrance. Sephiroth turns around behind him. Sephiroth’s actions are mimicking a moment from Cloud’s flashback story that was told back when the group was in Kalm.

SEPHIROTH

All right, let’s go.

Sephiroth turns around and walks toward the village. Two Shin-Ra infantrymen and a Soldier with Cloud’s Buster Sword and long, spiked, black hair follows behind.

BARRETT

That ain’t Cloud. Who the hell is he?

NANAKI

That’s not Cloud. Who is he?

YUFFIE

Ack! That’s not Cloud.

CAIT

Cloud, something’s wrong. Who is this guy?

VINCENT

That’s not Cloud. Who is this man?

CID

That’s not Cloud…

Cloud and the other party member turn to face her. Tifa looks at the black-haired Soldier and shakes her head.

TIFA

Stop. Sephiroth.

Tifa then turns to face Sephiroth. Cloud shrugs.

CLOUD

This is stupid.

Flashback Sephiroth laughs, the screen flashes, and Sephiroth, the black-haired Soldier, and the two infantrymen disappear.

BARRETT

How the hell’re we gonna get outta here?

NANAKI

Will this illusion ever end? How do we get back?

YUFFIE

I don’t wanna live in anillusion! Let’s get back to the real world!

CAIT

We have tae hurry back tae the real world!

VINCENT

How do we break free of this?

CID

Hey, Cloud. It’s about time we got back to the real world.

TIFA

Cloud, it’s just an illusion. Please don’t get worked up over it!

The screen flashes white.

CLOUD

What’s… next?

TIFA

Just stop it!!

The environment changes to Niblheim while it was burning.

BARRETT

This is real bad. Just like Corel.

NANAKI

How horrible. Sephiroth did this?

YUFFIE

I didn’t think it was THIS bad!

CAIT

This is awful.

VINCENT

And all while I slept.

CID

Evil.

CLOUD

This is what it looked like five years ago. But… Whoever comes out of the Shin-Ra Mansion, it won’t be me. It’s just going to be another meaningless illusion.

The black-haired Soldier runs out of the mansion and stops at the part of the village that is burning.

See! Didn’t I tell you?

The black-haired Soldier shakes his head and begins to approach the burning buildings. Zangan is standing over Man With Camera NPC’s body and one of the Shin-Ra Infantrymen lays unconscious across the village’s central area from Zangan and the body.

ZANGAN

Oh, it’s you! You’re still sane, right?

The black-haired Soldier nods.

Then come over here and give me a hand!

The black-haired Soldier runs over.

TIFA

I don’t… want to watch this. Cloud, don’t look.

The black-haired Soldier looks at the burning buildings, slumps forward, and shakes his head.

ZANGAN

I’ll check this house… You take the one over there.

Zangan runs into the nearby burning building.

CLOUD

What’s wrong, Tifa? I told you before, right? As long as we know it’s an illusion, there’s no need to worry.

The screen flashes white and Cloud, Tifa, and the other are in Niblheim’s burning village square. The third party member checks on Man With Camera NPC.

BARRETT

Hey, you all right!?

Barrett turns to face Cloud.

Shit! It IS an illusion!

NANAKI

Y-you okay!?

Nanaki turns to face Cloud.

Oh, yeah, it’s all an illusion…

YUFFIE

H-hey! Are you okay!?

Yuffie turns to face Cloud.

Oh, right, it’s all an illusion… But it looks pretty real.

CAIT

Are ye awright!?

Cait turns to face Cloud.

Och. It’s all an illusion…

VINCENT

Are you all right?

Vincent turns to face Cloud.

Hmm… We’re still part of an illusion.

CID

Hey! You all right!?

Cid turns to face Cloud.

Bullshit! This ain’t real!

Cloud takes a step forward.

CLOUD

Sephiroth, I know you’re listening! I know what you’re trying to say!

Cloud shakes his head.

Niblheim… five years ago… That I wasn’t there? That’s it, isn’t it?

The screen flashes white and Sephiroth appears before them.

SEPHIROTH

I see you finally understand.

Cloud takes two more steps toward Sephiroth and runs his hand through his hair.

CLOUD

These illusions you want me to believe… They’re all just to confuse me, right? But… even making me see those things won’t change anything. I remember it all. The heat of the flames… The pain… My heartache!

Sephiroth shakes his head slowly.

SEPHIROTH

Oh, is that so? You are a puppet. You have no heart. You cannot feel pain. And, thus, how can your memories hold any meaning? The world I have shown you is the truth. Illusions are what you, yourself, created.

Cloud shrugs.

TIFA and THE THRID PARTY MEMBER

Cloud…

SEPHIROTH

Do you understand?

CLOUD

I don’t want to understand.

Cloud faces away from Sephiroth and covers his face with his hand.

But I need to know one thing… Why? Why are you doing this?

Sephiroth teleports to where Cloud was originally standing. Tifa and the other party member run to Cloud’s side, away from Sephiroth. Sephiroth raises his arms.

SEPHIROTH

Ha, ha, ha! I want to restore your true self… The one who handed me the Black Materia. Who could have imagined that a failed creation would prove the most useful? Hojo will be less than pleased when he finds out, I’m sure.

CLOUD

Hojo!? What does he have to do with me?

Sephiroth lowers his arms.

SEPHIROTH

You were… Yes, it was five years ago… Niblheim was enveloped in flames. Soon after, you were created by Hojo. A puppet, made from the astonishing life force of Jenova’s cells, Hojo’s work, and the power of Mako. An incomplete Sephiroth-Copy. Not even given a number. That is your reality.

Cloud shrugs. If Cloud talks to Sephiroth again…

Ha, ha, ha!

TIFA

Cloud… don’t listen to him.

Tifa shakes her head.

Cover your ears! Close your eyes!

Cloud puts his hand on his hip.

CLOUD

What’s wrong, Tifa? This doesn’t affect me. I wasn’t even listening.

Cloud lowers his arm. Tifa leans in and opens her arms slightly apart.

TIFA

Created by Hojo? It’s a lie. Don’t we both share that memory…? …the one from our childhood… The beautiful starry night.

Cloud turns to face Sephiroth.

SEPHIROTH

Ha, ha, ha! Tifa… …has the seed of doubt been planted, I wonder? Hmm… Shall I open up your heart to everyone?

Cloud turns back to face Tifa and Tifa turns away from him.

Ha, ha, ha! You don’t look very well.

Sephiroth disappears. Cloud briefly turns his head away from Tifa before looking at her again.

CLOUD

Tifa… is Sephiroth right?

TIFA

Cloud…

Cloud takes a couple steps away from Tifa and shrugs.

CLOUD

What are you so afraid of? If it’s about me, then don’t worry. It doesn’t matter how confused I am. I’ll never believe a word Sephiroth says.

Cloud lowers his head.

It’s true there are things I don’t understand about myself… and that my memory is full of little gaps.

Cloud lowers his head further.

But, Tifa… …you said those words, didn’t you? “It’s been longer than I thought”. They will always cast away any doubt. I’m your childhood friend—I’m Cloud from Niblheim. No matter how unsure I am of myself, I know that much is true.

Cloud raises his head and looks at Tifa.

So, don’t be scared. I don’t care what anyone else says to me. It’s you that keeps me—

Cloud turns away from her. Tifa turns to face him and shakes her head.

TIFA

Y-you’re wrong…

Cloud slumps forward, shakes his head, and turns to face Tifa.

CLOUD

About what? I’m Cloud, your childhood friend, aren’t I?

TIFA

That’s not what I mean. I can’t put it into words. I need some time. Just give me a little time.

The screen flashes white. Sephiroth appears. Cloud and the other party member turn to face Sephiroth. Tifa continues to stare at Cloud.

SEPHIROTH

Cloud, don’t bother Tifa. I will explain it to you. Changing one’s form, voice, and mannerisms based on the memories of another is an ability granted by Jenova. The Jenova inside of you has merged with Tifa’s memories and made you all that you are. The children from her past, for instance… Perhaps there was a boy named Cloud among them?

The screen flashes and Sephiroth disappears.

TIFA

Cloud… Try not to think right now. Please.

The screen flashes and Sephiroth reappears behind them. They turn to face him.

SEPHIROTH

Ha, ha, ha! Yes, Cloud! Think! Cloud? Ha, ha, ha! Oh, how rude of me. You never had a name.

Cloud shakes his head.

CLOUD

Shut up, Sephiroth.

Sephiroth shakes his head.

SEPHIROTH

You still don’t understand? Well, then, how about this…

Sephiroth turns away from the group and laughs.

Do you remember the picture we had taken before we headed out of Mt Nibl?

Sephiroth turns to face Tifa.

Tifa, you remember?

Sephiroth faces Cloud and raises his arms.

But Cloud—how would he know?

Sephiroth looks around at the ground and Cloud shrugs.

Now, what happened to that picture?

Sephiroth walks over to Man With Camera NPC’s body.

Is this it?

Sephiroth turns to face Cloud.

Do you want to see it? It came out quite well.

TIFA

Cloud, no.

Cloud turns to face Tifa and nods.

CLOUD

I… should be in the picture. If I’m not, so what? This is just an illusionary world created by Sephiroth.

Cloud walks over to Sephiroth and looks at the photo. In the photo, the black-haired Soldier stands, where Cloud should have been, with Tifa and Sephiroth. Cloud looks up from the photo and runs his hand through his hair. Sephiroth has disappeared and Tifa is facing away from him.

CLOUD

Just as I thought.

Cloud nods.

The picture’s a fake. The truth is what I remember. Five years ago, I came back to Niblheim. My orders were to inspect the reactor. I was 16. The town hadn’t changed at all. What did I do? Oh, yeah…

Special Note: What Cloud lists off doing is dependent on what the player did during the Kalm Flashback.

Cloud nods.

I saw my mother. I met the villagers.

Cloud puts his hand on his hip.

I went into Tifa’s room. There, I… I played the piano! I checked the drawers! I read that letter!

Cloud covers his face with his hand.

The next day, I went to the Mt Nibl reactor. I was really excited about it…

Cloud lowers his hand.

…because that was my first mission as a first class Soldier.

The screen flashes and Cloud shakes his head.

…First class Soldier?

Cloud shakes his head again.

Soldier? When did I join Soldier?

Cloud leans back and clutches his head.

How do you even join Soldier?

Cloud falls to the ground, continuing to clutch his head.

Why…can’t I remember?

Cloud stops clutching his head and sits on the ground.

I’m… I’m…

Cloud stands up.

Yeah… That’s right…

Cloud nods.

I’ve never really worried about this before, because I…

The screen fades to black.

TIFA

Cloud?

CLOUD

Let’s go, Tifa. I’m… I’m all right.

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

The scene changes to show the inside of the crater. Rufus Shinra approaches what appears to be a giant wall of materia. Scarlet comes up behind and laughs.

SCARLET

Amazing!

Scarlet runs right up to the materia wall, stopping a couple of time to laugh. Hojo enters the area. The camera pans up to show a web of tree root like structure above them with a crystal in the middle.

It’s all materia!

RUFUS

The outside is rich in Mako, while the core is a treasure trove of materia. This truly is the Promised Land.

HOJO

There is no such thing as the Promised Land. It’s a legend—an old wive’s tale. It’s utterly ridiculous.

The camera pans back down to the group. Rufus faces Hojo.

RUFUS

Everything’s just as we envisioned it. What more do you want? It’s that kind of obstinance that makes you a second-rate scientist.

The place begins to shake and Rufus turns back to the wall.

What’s that?

SCARLET

It’s coming from within the wall… Something’s in there! It’s moving!

From within the wall, a large eye opens and closes.

HOJO

The Weapons… Then they really do exist. I didn’t believe it.

Rufus turns to face Hojo.

RUFUS

What does this mean?

Hojo turns to face Rufus.

HOJO

Weapons—monsters created by the planet. They appear when the planet feels threatened, laying waste to all. That is what’s stated in Professor Gusto’s report.

RUFUS

I’ve never seen the report. Where is it?

Hojo turns and laughs, then knocks on his own forehead.

HOJO

Here. Right here.

The large eye opens and closes again. Rufus runs his hand through his hair.

RUFUS

You keep a lot of things to yourself, don’t you?

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

The scene changes to show the rest of the main group as they stand and wait for Cloud, Tifa, and the other.

If Barrett was given the Black Materia to guard…

BARRETT

Are Cloud ‘n’ the others all right? What’s this all about anyway? Can one tiny materia really destroy the whole planet?

Suddenly, all the others disappear, and the background becomes nothing but green waves.

What the…?

Barrett looks around in an attempt to locate the others.

The hell was that!?

Barrett shakes his head slightly.

Huh?

Barrett runs a few steps forward.

G-guys!! Where are ya!? Where’d you go!?

Tifa runs up to Barrett from behind.

TIFA

Barrett! Thank goodness you’re here!

The background changes back to the rock pathway that the group was waiting at, but the others have still disappeared. Barrett turns around to face Tifa.

BARRETT

Tifa!

Barrett runs up to Tifa and briefly waves his arms in the air.

Somethin’ ain’t right… It went pitch black an’ everyone disappeared!

TIFA

Everyone’s waiting for you! Cloud’s in trouble! Please hurry! Help us!

Tifa briefly turns in the direction forward down the path.

Over here!

BARRETT

Briefly crosses his arms and lowers his head.

R-right! I don’t have no clue what’s goin’ on, but I’m comin’!

Barrett runs past Tifa and on ahead down the path.

TIFA

Hehe… And don’t forget…

Tifa does a pose and then transforms into Sephiroth.

SEPHIROTH

…the Black Materia!

Sephiroth disappears and the other group are found lying unconscious. They slowly stand up.

If Nanaki was given the Black Materia to guard…

NANAKI

I hope Cloud and the others are okay. It’s hard to believe such a small piece of materia can destroy the planet…

Suddenly, all the others disappear, and the background becomes nothing but green waves.

What!?

Nanaki looks around in an attempt to locate the others.

Is everyone all right?

Nanaki runs a few steps forward and looks around.

What’s going on?

Nanaki runs a few steps back.

Where am I!? Don’t leave me!!

Tifa runs up to Nanaki from behind.

TIFA

Nanaki! Thank goodness you’re here!

The background changes back to the rock pathway that the group was waiting at, but the others have still disappeared. Nanaki turns around to face Tifa.

NANAKI

Tifa!

Nanaki runs up to Tifa and briefly crosses his arms.

Something’s wrong… Why was it dark all of the sudden? And where is everybody?

TIFA

Everyone’s waiting for you! Cloud’s in trouble! Please hurry! Help us!

Tifa briefly turns in the direction forward down the path.

Over here!

NANAKI

Nods.

R-right! I’m not sure I understand, but I’m coming!

Nanaki runs past Tifa and on ahead down the path.

TIFA

Hehe… And don’t forget…

Tifa does a pose and then transforms into Sephiroth.

SEPHIROTH

…the Black Materia!

Sephiroth disappears and the other group are found lying unconscious. They slowly stand up.

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

The scene changes back to Rufus, Scarlet, and Hojo standing in front of the materia wall. Scarlet is facing Rufus.

SCARLET

Mr President, I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

RUFUS

Hmm… Perhaps we should return to the airship for now. We need to prepare a full-scale survey anyway.

The screen flashes white. Cloud, Tifa, and the other party member suddenly appear. The Shin-Ra members look at them confused. Cloud is faced away from everyone, his head slumped forward.

SCARLET

Hey!! Where did you come from!?

Cloud straightens up.

CLOUD

I don’t know.

Cloud turns to face Rufus and shakes his head.

This is too big for you. Leave it to me and get out of here.

Rufus runs his hand through his hair.

RUFUS

Leave it to you? Hmph. I don’t follow.

Cloud turns away from all of them and slumps his head forward again.

CLOUD

This is where the Reunion will take place. Where everything will end and begin anew.

Tifa runs up behind Cloud.

TIFA

Cloud!!

Barrett/Nanaki enters.

BARRETT

Yo, I’m here! What’s wrong!?

NANAKI

I’m here! I’ve come to help you, Cloud!

Cloud walks up to Barrett/Nanaki. While approaching, Cloud stops twice and clutches his face, seemingly in despair. Once, he stands in front of Barrett/Nanaki, Cloud nods.

CLOUD

Thanks… Barrett. Where’s the Black Materia?

Or…

Thanks… Nanaki. Where’s the Black Materia?

TIFA

Cloud!!

BARRETT

No worries. I’ve still got it.

NANAKI

Don’t worry… I kept it safe!

Cloud slumps his head off to the side.

CLOUD

I’ll take it from here. Give me… the Black Materia.

TIFA

Can’t you hear me!?

BARRETT

Everythin’ cool?

NANAKI

Are you all right, Cloud?

Cloud nods.

BARRETT

All right. Here. Sure feels good getting’ rid of it.

NANAKI

Okay, here you go. It was pretty scary holding on to this.

TIFA

No! Someone stop him!

Cloud grabs the materia from Barrett/Nanaki.

CLOUD

Thank… you. I… shall handle the rest.

The screen briefly goes white.

Special Note: There is no official name attached to the following two dialogue lines. My guess is that the first line is from “real Sephiroth” and the next line is either Cloud’s internal monologue or Tifa.

SEPHIROTH

Give me the Black Materia…

CLOUD or TIFA

Please! Just a little longer!

The screen changes back to Cloud and the others. Cloud looks around the crater area and then slumps his head again in sorrow. He then briefly glances at Tifa and then does the same to the other party member.

CLOUD

Thanks for everything. And… I’m sorry.

He turns to Tifa.

I’m sorry.

He turns to Barrett/Nanaki.

Sorry.

Cloud turns back to Tifa.

Especially you, Tifa. I am… truly sorry. You’ve been so kind to me. I don’t know what to say.

Cloud shakes his head.

I never did live up to being Cloud. I hope you meet him again someday, Tifa.

Cloud takes a couple of steps forward and Tifa falls to the ground, seemingly in despair.

HOJO

Haw, haw, haw… Wonderful. It means that my experiment was a complete success.

Hojo laughs.

What number are you? Huh? Where is your tattoo?

Cloud slumps forward and shakes his head before straightening back up.

CLOUD

Professor Hojo, I don’t have a number. As I was a failure, you did not grant me one.

Hojo turns away from Cloud.

HOJO

What…? You mean to tell me that the only one to make it here is a failure?

Cloud looks at himself.

CLOUD

Professor… a number. Please. Please give me a number.

Hojo turns to face Cloud.

HOJO

Silence, you miserable failure!

Cloud slumps over and shakes his head. He then levitates up to the tree root like structure above. The screen goes white.

RUFUS

What… is he?

HOJO

One of the Copies I created immediately after Sephiroth died five years ago. Sephiroth-Copies are born of Jenova cells, Mako, my own knowledge, skill, and talent. They are a fusion of science and the occult. I derive no pleasure from the fact he is a failure. But he’s living proof that my Jenova Reunion hypothesis is sound. You see, even if Jenova is completely dismembered, the parts will eventually converge on a single location, restoring it to life; hence, Jenova’s ‘Reunion’. I waited patiently for the Reunion. Five years passed before the Copies began to move. I thought they would all gather in Midgar, where I was holding Jenova. But I was mistaken. Jenova itself began to move away from the Shin-Ra Building.

The scene changes to show Cloud standing upside down on the tree root structure above the others, listening to Hojo.

My genius provided the answer… It was Sephiroth. His will had not dispersed into the Lifestream. He was manipulating the Copies.

Below, the third party member runs over to Tifa. Cloud crouches down into a fetal like position.

Special Note: The text implication here is that Cloud is thinking these lines, not speaking them out loud. So, they’re noted accordingly.

CLOUD (Thinking)

Yes, that’s how it all started.

HOJO

But where were they going? That I was unable to discern.

Cloud lifts his head up from his knees.

CLOUD (Thinking)

I couldn’t figure it out either.

Below, Tifa stands back up.

HOJO

I was sure of one thing… Sephiroth would be at their destination.

CLOUD (Thinking)

So… I wasn’t pursuing Sephiroth…

Cloud shakes his head.

I was being summoned by him.

Cloud shakes his head again.

All of the anger and hatred I bore made it impossible for me to ever forget him. That was his gift to me.

Cloud stands up.

Sephiroth? Sephiroth? I’m here. I’ve brought you the Black Materia. Please show yourself to me. Where are you?

Cloud approaches the crystal at the center of the web of tree roots.

Sephiroth… We meet at last.

The crystal lowers itself, inside is Sephiroth’s body. His eyes are closed. Down below, Hojo and Tifa watch what’s happening. Barrett/Nanaki and the other party member are staring at Tifa.

HOJO

Did you see that!? It’s Sephiroth! He’s here after all!

Tifa and Hojo face eachother. Hojo waves his arms in the air.

Oh, this is perfect! Jenova’s Reunion, and Sephiroth’s incredible willpower! He avoided dispersion into the Lifestream and regrouped here! Haw, haw, haw!

Tifa shakes her head.

TIFA

What are you so happy about, Hojo? You know what this means don’t you? Cloud has the Black Materia! Sephiroth will summon Meteor! Every living thing is going to die!

Rufus approaches them and runs his hand through his hair.

RUFUS

It’s all too little, too late. We must evacuate.

Tifa, Barrett/Nanaki, and the other turn to face Rufus.

I trust you’ll be coming with us? There are a few things I need to know.

The camera pans above, showing Cloud hovering in front of Sephiroth’s crystal.

BARRETT

Cloud! Stop! Don’t do it!

NANAKI

Cloud! Stop! Please!

Cloud puts his head in his hands and shakes it. He floats around as though attempting to fight Sephiroth's control.

TIFA

Cloud!!

Cloud turns back to face Sephiroth with his head in his hands. Finally, Cloud places the Black Materia inside of Sephiroth’s crystal. The crater begins to shake and the others evacuate, leaving Cloud behind. As the Highwind, with Shin-Ra and Cloud’s group aboard it, flies away, a large pillar of light emerges from the crater. The Highwind begins to shake and Tifa falls over. Barrett runs to her aid. Several weapons emerge from the crater and fly off in different directions.