FINAL FANTASY

CRY OF THE PLANET

 

Character Listing for Part III

 

CLOUD STRIFE

BARRET WALLACE

TIFA LOCKHEART

AERIS GAINSBOROUGH

RED XIII

SEPHIROTH

BIGGS

WEDGE

JESSE

PRESIDENT SHINRA

RUFUS

HOJO

HEIDEGGER

REEVE

SCARLET

PALMER

TSENG

RENO

RUDE

VINCENT VALENTINE

 

SHINRA SOLDIER #7

SHINRA SOLDIER #8

SHINRA SOLDIER #9

SHINRA SOLDIER #10

SHINRA CAPTAIN #2

ASSISTANT

PRISON GUARD

PILOT

 

MARLENE

ELMYRA

IFLANA

YOUNG AERIS
Set Listing for Part III

 

Interiors

 

SHINRA TOWER – PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

SHINRA TOWER – CONTAINMENT CORRIDOR

SHINRA TOWER – CONFERENCE ROOM

SHINRA TOWER – VENTALATION SHAFT

SHINRA TOWER – ELEVATOR

SHINRA TOWER – BATHROOM

SHINRA TOWER – FOOD COURT

SHINRA TOWER – LOBBY

SHINRA TOWER – PRISON CELLS

SHINRA TOWER – CLOUD’S CELL

SHINRA TOWER – AERIS AND TIFA’S CELL

SHINRA TOWER – BARRET AND RED XIII’S CELL

SHINRA TOWER – CONTAINMENT CHAMBER

SHINRA TOWER – JENOVA ROOM

SHINRA TOWER – CORRIDOR

SHINRA TOWER – LABORATORY 1

SHINRA TOWER – LABORATORY 2

SHINRA TOWER – SCIENCE CORRIDOR

SHINRA TOWER – POWER ROOM

AERIS’ HOUSE – MAIN ROOM

AERIS’ HOUSE – HALLWAY

AERIS’ HOUSE - BEDROOM

HELICOPTER

 

Exteriors

 

PILLAR - BASE

PILLAR - STAIRCASE

PILLAR – PLATFORM

PILLAR – TOP

SECTOR 7 SLUMS – STREETS

SECTOR 6 – PLAYGROUND

OUTSIDE SHINRA TOWER

SHINRA TOWER - BALCONY

HIGHWAYS

 

PART 3: Return of the Man in the Black Cape

 

FADE IN

 

INT. PRESIDENT’S OFFICE – SHINRA TOWER – NIGHT

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA looks out the window down to the Sector 7 slums.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

It is almost time.

 

(BEAT)

 

Soon, AVALANCHE will be gone.

 

PALMER

The attack is occurring at this very instant. It’ll all be over.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Give me my phone.

 

PALMER hands President Shinra his phone. Shinra dials a number and RUFUS answers.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Rufus!

 

INT. RUFUS’S QUARTERS – NIGHT

 

RUFUS

Hello, father.

 

INT. PRESIDENT’S OFFICE – SHINRA HQ – NIGHT

 

INTERCUT BETWEEN PRESIDENT SHINRA AND RUFUS

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Your plan is in action.

 

RUFUS

I see.

 

 

 

 

PRESIDNET SHINRA

Would you want to see the damage when this is all done? I’d be happy to send you a helicopter.

 

RUFUS

Send one. I want to see AVALANCHE dead along with those they’re trying to protect.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

I’m holding a meeting of all the heads of Shinra. You must come. Though AVALANCHE may be gone, the damage to the city will be costly.

 

RUFUS

Still worrying about money, I see.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Let us hope that this plan doesn’t backfire. I do not want to send the wrong message to our clients.

 

RUFUS

If anything Shinra’s profits will increase.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

We’ll discuss it later.

 

RUFUS

Very well.

 

Rufus hangs up.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(to Palmer)

What is the casualty estimation?

 

PALMER

Five-hundred thousand people, sir. All of them will die.

 

EXT. SECTOR 7 STREETS – NIGHT

 

A manhole cover lifts a few inches off the ground. It is thrown to the side and CLOUD emerges from the hole followed by AERIS and TIFA.

 

CLOUD

How far is the pillar?

 

TIFA

It’s right there.

 

Tifa points to a large cylindrical pillar off in the distance that climbs all the way up to the plate above.

 

 

 

TIFA

(CONT.)

The base is only a few blocks away.

 

AERIS

We have to hurry.

 

TIFA

Wait, Aeris. I need you to do something for me.

 

AERIS

Yeah?

 

TIFA

There’s a bar called Tifa’s 7^th Heaven, go there. It’s a few blocks from here. Inside is a little girl named Marlene. Get her to safety. The other members of AVALANCHE are there too, warn them.

 

AERIS

You got it.

 

Aeris runs off.

 

CLOUD

Barret won’t make it in time.

 

TIFA

Maybe he already knows.

 

(BEAT)

 

It doesn’t matter. We have to get to that pillar.

 

They run toward the towering pillar.

 

EXT. SECTOR 7 SLUMS – PILLAR BASE – NIGHT

 

A small group of people huddle around the pillar base, all looking up. Gunfire as well as explosions can be seen from the top. Some sort of battle it taking place.

 

CLOUD

Look, maybe Barret already knows.

 

TIFA

We have to help.

 

Cloud digs in his belt pouch and pulls out the two green materia spheres. He lifts up his shirt and the green spheres dissolve into his body.

 

CLOUD

Let’s go.

 

As Cloud and Tifa walk toward the pillar they look up and see someone falling. The person slams against the ground dead. There a bullet holes in his chest.

 

TIFA

(screaming)

Wedge!

 

The body is AVALANCHE member, WEDGE. Cloud grabs Tifa and the two begin their ascent of the pillar via staircase.

 

EXT. PILLAR STAIRCASE – NIGHT

 

Cloud looks up and sees four SHINRA SOLDIERS a few flights ahead of them. Cloud climbs fast to catch up to them. He runs to --

 

EXT. PILLAR PLATFORM – NIGHT

 

The soldiers have their guns aimed at Cloud as he reaches the steel grated platform. Cloud raises his arms in surrender.

 

SHINRA SOLDIER #7

Don’t move!

 

The soldier begins to pull the trigger. Before they can a bullet pierces the back on one of the soldier’s heads. BIGGS appears from behind the soldiers holding a gun. He shoots the remaining three soldiers.

 

CLOUD

I owe you.

 

BIGGS

Don’t mention it. Come on, Barret’s up at the top.

 

Tifa, out of breath, makes it to the platform.

 

BIGGS

Welcome back.

 

Cloud runs ahead and continues his climb.

 

TIFA

Is Barret okay?

 

BIGGS

Last time I checked, but he needs our help. Shinra has rigged the whole pillar with explosives.

 

TIFA

We’ve got to stop them.

 

Just as Tifa and Biggs start to follow Cloud,

(MORE)

one of the soldiers Biggs shot is revealed to be only wounded. He aims his gun at Biggs and fires. Biggs falls onto his knees as blood pours from his spine.

 

TIFA

Biggs!

 

Tifa grabs Biggs’ gun and aims it at the wounded soldier. She fires killing the soldier and then goes to aide Biggs.

 

TIFA

Biggs.

 

BIGGS

(dying)

Help Barret. Stop this attack.

 

Biggs dies.

 

TIFA

No!

 

CLOUD (O.S.)

Tifa! Hurry up!

 

Tifa runs to join Cloud.

 

EXT. PILLAR TOP – NIGHT

 

As Cloud reaches the top of the pillar he sees a body at the top of the final flight of stairs. It’s JESSE.

 

CLOUD

Jesse.

 

He feels for a pulse, there isn’t one.

 

BARRET (O.S.)

Dammit!

 

Cloud goes to BARRET who is on one knee trying to disarm the bomb, which is

(MORE)

 

connected to the remaining portion of the pillar. The remaining portion is connected to the plate.

 

CLOUD

Barret!

 

Barret stands up.

 

BARRET

You’re alive!

 

CLOUD

No time to explain. Disarm the bomb?

 

BARRET

I’ve been trying.

 

Barret shows Cloud the timer on the large device. It reads, 00:05:00.

 

CLOUD

We’ve got five minutes.

 

Tifa reaches the top and almost trips over Jesse’s body. She runs to join Barret and Cloud.

 

TIFA

Biggs is dead.

 

BARRET

Damn!

 

CLOUD

Tifa, can you disarm this bomb.

 

TIFA

Let me look.

 

Tifa runs to the bomb and bends over. She quickly inspects. As she inspects the roaring sounds of helicopter blades echoes into their ears. A Shinra helicopter hovers next to the platform.

 

BARRET

Shit!

 

The doors slide open and RENO of the Turks jumps out onto the platform. He holds a PISTOL in his hand. The helicopter flies off.

 

RENO

It’s useless! You can’t disarm it.

 

CLOUD

Reno!

 

RENO

You’re too late! I planted that bomb. Do you think I’d just let you get stop it?

 

Meanwhile Tifa and Barret fumble around with the wires of the bomb trying to disarm it.

 

TIFA

I’m almost there.

 

BARRET

Hurry!

 

RENO

I can’t have you do that.

 

Reno aims his gun at Tifa. Cloud tackles Reno and the two engage in a fist fight. They struggle for the gun as Barret and Tifa try to disarm the bomb.

 

BARRET

Come on.

 

TIFA

I’m working on it!

 

Cloud and Reno continue to fight. Tifa sees a blue wire on the bomb and pulls it. The timer stops.

 

TIFA

I got it!

 

Reno, who now has a bloody lip, finds his gun and kicks Cloud off. He jumps up and aims the gun at his.

 

BARRET

Cloud, we got it!

 

CLOUD

You hear that? It’s over Reno.

 

Reno laughs.

 

RENO

You think so? It’s far from over.

 

Reno pulls out a manual detonation device.

 

RENO

All I’ve got to do is press this button. Mission complete.

 

Barret aims his gun-arm at Reno.

 

BARRET

You son of a bitch.

 

RENO

AVALANCE is dead.

 

(to Cloud)

 

And you, had I known who you were I would have killed you back at the church.

 

(BEAT)

 

Speaking of which, you should go see Aeris.

 

CLOUD

What?

 

RENO

Good luck finding her.

 

CLOUD

Where is she!?

 

Reno waves into the air and the helicopter returns. It hovers next to the platform.

 

RENO

(yelling over helicopter)

You want to see her?

 

The helicopter doors open revealing the inside. Inside are both TSENG and Aeris.

 

CLOUD

Aeris!

 

TSENG

It’s over!

 

Barret aims his gun-arm at the chopper.

 

TSENG

I wouldn’t do that.

 

Tseng grabs Aeris and drops her on her knees. He pulls out a pistol and presses it against her head.

 

TSENG

I might just hurt my special guest.

 

TIFA

Aeris! Don’t do it, Tseng!

 

Tifa moves closer to the helicopter.

 

RENO

Don’t move!

 

TSENG

It appears you all know each other. Pity this will be the last time you’ll see each other.

 

CLOUD

What are you going to do with her?

 

TSENG

Deliver her to Shinra. After Don Corneo told us where she was headed, she wasn’t hard to find. Now the last remaining Ancient is ours.

 

AERIS

Tifa! Don’t worry! She’s okay!

 

Tseng slaps Aeris.

 

CLOUD

Aeris!

 

TSENG

Game’s over.

 

Reno moves toward the helicopter and jumps in.

 

BARRET

Don’t do this! Half a million people will die.

 

RENO

We have to do this. We’re the Turks, it’s our job.

 

Reno slams the door shut and the helicopter flies off.

 

TIFA

What do we do?

 

CLOUD

We can’t save them.

 

Cloud grabs a long dangling piece of wire that hangs from the plate.

 

CLOUD

Come on! This is our only way down!

 

TIFA

We have to stop the bomb!

 

BARRET

We can’t Tifa.

 

CLOUD

As soon as Reno gets out of the explosion radius he will blow that bomb.

 

Barret and Tifa join Cloud and grab hold of the wire. Cloud thrusts off the edge of the platform and begin to swing to safety.

 

INT. INSIDE HELICOPTER – NIGHT

 

TSENG

We’re clear, Reno.

 

Reno smiles and presses the detonator.

 

EXT. PILLAR TOP – NIGHT

 

BOOM! The bomb explodes all the way down the pillar. The explosion pressure thrusts Cloud, Barret, and Tifa on the wire even faster.

 

OUTSIDE SHOT OF MIDGAR

 

A large portion of the top plate is seen crashing down in flames.

 

EXT. SECTOR 7 SLUMS – STREETS – NIGHT

 

People run around frantically trying to escape the falling plate. Chunks of rubble and buildings already start to kill people.

 

INT. PRESIDENT’S OFFICE – SHINRA TOWER – NIGHT

 

President Shinra gazes out the window of his office as the plate falls on the Sector 7 slums. Peaceful classical music plays in the background.

 

EXT. SECTOR 7 SLUMS – STREETS – NIGHT

 

The plate continues to fall getting closer and closer. Suddenly CRASH! The plate reaches the bottom. Everyone in the Sector 7 slums is dead.

 

FADE OUT

 

EXT. PLAYGROUND – SECTOR 6 SLUMS – NIGHT

 

Cloud, Barret, and Tifa all lay on the ground in the playground where Cloud and Aeris were before. Dust from collapsed plate continues to settle and the gate leading into the Sector 7 slums is blocked by an endless wall of rubble. Barret is the first to get up. Meanwhile, Cloud lies on the ground with a huge gash in his forehead. We see the green materia go to work and heal it.

 

BARRET

(seeing the rubble)

No!

 

Barret runs toward the rubble. He slams his fist on it.

 

BARRET

Dammit! Goddammit! Damn it to hell! What the fuck is all this for?

 

He screams. Tifa wakes up and goes to Barret.

 

TIFA

Barret stop. Please.

 

BARRET

Marlene!

 

He aims his gun-arm at the pile of ruins and fires. He fires until all of his ammunition is completely spent.

 

TIFA

Barret, I think Marlene is safe.

 

 

BARRET

What?

 

TIFA

Before they took Aeris, I told her to get Marlene to a safe place. She said on the helicopter that Marlene was safe.

 

BARRET

Are you sure?

 

TIFA

Yeah.

 

BARRET

(BEAT)

But Biggs, Jesse, and Wedge.

 

Cloud, awake, walks over.

 

CLOUD

They’re all dead.

 

BARRET

You think I don’t fucking know that? We fought together. They were family.

 

TIFA

What about all those innocent people in the Sector 7 slums? They’re dead too.

 

BARRET

AVALANCHE failed.

 

(BEAT)

 

This is all screwed up! Shinra destroyed an entire sector just to get rid of us.

 

TIFA

Are you saying it was our fault?

 

 

BARRET

No. It’s not our fault. Hell no! It’s Shinra’s. It’s always been Shinra’s fault. I’m not done fighting. Not until Shinra is dead.

 

CLOUD

(BEAT)

How’d you guys find out about the strike?

 

BARRET

There was a high Shinra activity in the slums. We decided to investigate. The rest is history.

 

TIFA

We have to stop Shinra for good.

 

BARRET

I’m sure as hell in.

 

(to CLOUD)

 

What about you?

 

Cloud starts to walk away.

 

BARRET

Where’s he goin’?

 

TIFA

After Aeris.

 

BARRET

What was up with that girl?

 

TIFA

Cloud probably feels responsible for what happened to her.

 

BARRET

Cloud, wait!

 

Cloud stops.

 

 

CLOUD

What?

 

BARRET

Where you think they took her?

 

CLOUD

Shinra Tower, most likely.

 

BARRET

Then where you going? Shinra Tower aint that way.

 

CLOUD

I’m going to her mother’s house. Who knows maybe Aeris took Marlene there.

 

TIFA

Why are you going there?

 

CLOUD

I need some answers.

 

TIFA

About what?

 

Cloud turns to face Tifa.

 

CLOUD

The Ancients.

 

No more than a second later the loud buzzing sound returns in Cloud’s head. He falls to his knees and grabs his head in pain.

 

BARRET

Cloud?

 

CLOUD

(as if possessed)

In my veins courses the blood of the Ancients. I am one of the rightful heirs to the planet.

 

(MORE)

 

CLOUD

(BEAT)

Sephiroth?

 

The buzzing ceases and Cloud slowly gets to his feet.

 

CLOUD

(to himself)

It can’t be.

 

TIFA

Are you alright?

 

BARRET

Pull yourself together.

 

CLOUD

Sorry.

 

(BEAT)

 

Let’s go.

 

INT. PRESIDENT’S OFFICE – SHINRA TOWER – NIGHT

 

President Shinra continues to gaze out the window of the window at the wreckage left by the attack. Both Palmer and HEIDEGGER are there.

 

HEIDEGGER

Congratulations, Mr. President. Today marks one of Shinra Inc.’s glory days.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Thank you, Heidegger.

 

PALMER

The heads of each department are arriving. Scarlet has just entered the building.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

And my son?

 

PALMER

No word.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

This was his plan. He should be here embracing the moment.

 

PALMER

Don’t worry, sir. I’m sure he’ll be here.

 

HEIDEGGER

Rufus isn’t the kind of man to miss something like this.

 

PALMER

(BEAT)

Sir, did you hear?

 

President Shinra turns to face Palmer.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

What?

 

PALMER

We got her?

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Who?

 

HEIDEGGER

The last remaining Ancient, Aeris Gainsborough. The Turks captured her just before they destroyed the Sector 7 slums.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Where is she?

 

HEIDEGGER

Hojo has her. He’s doing his traditional experiments.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

I see. I want to be kept informed on his progress.

 

PALMER

Yes sir.

 

INT. LABORATORY – SHINRA TOWER – NIGHT

 

On the 68^th floor of Shinra Tower, two SHINRA SOLDIERS have Aeris. They drag her through the dark laboratory and throwing in a containment cell, with thick glass as walls. Off screen a voice speaks.

 

VOICE (O.S.)

Keep her there.

 

SHINRA SOLDIER #8

Yes, Professor Hojo.

 

The soldiers close and lock the cell doors. They then leave. The voice speaks to Aeris.

 

VOICE (O.S.)

Hello, Aeris.

 

AERIS

(inside the cell)

Who are you?

 

Aeris looks through the glass sees the feet of a man. He is walking behind a steel shelf.

 

VOICE (O.S.)

I’m the successor to Professor Gast. I’m sure you know him, no?

 

AERIS

Who?

 

VOICE (O.S.)

I see.

 

(BEAT)

 

It doesn’t matter. Professor Gast is dead.

 

AERIS

What do you want with me?

Finally the man reveals himself from behind the shelf. He is dressed in a white lab coat and has long black hair along with glasses. He also has a book in his hands. The man is HOJO, Head of Shinra’s Science Department.

 

HOJO

You’re the last remaining Ancient on this planet. You know that?

 

AERIS

Who are you?

 

HOJO

My name is HOJO. I am Shinra’s new genius.

 

FREEZE FRAME on HOJO:

 

“HOJO”

“Head of Shinra’s Science Department. Creator of Jenova Project.”

 

Types across the screen

 

REAL TIME

 

HOJO

(CONT.)

It’s too bad Professor Gast is dead. You know, he was the great genius before me.

 

AERIS

What are you talking about?

 

HOJO holds up his book.

 

HOJO

I still read his writings. The man truly was a genius. It’s amazing at all the findings he made. But now,

 

He throws the book aside.

 

 

HOJO

(CONT.)

There is only me.

 

HOJO moves in on the cell and locks eyes with Aeris.

 

HOJO

I have big plans for you my dear.

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – MAIN ROOM – NIGHT

 

The door opens and Cloud peers his head through. He sees Aeris’ mother ELMYRA, sitting in a rocking chair reading.

 

CLOUD

Elmyra?

 

She looks up and smiles at Cloud.

 

ELMYRA

Oh Cloud! Hello.

 

Cloud walks in followed by Barret and Tifa.

 

CLOUD

This is Barret and Tifa. They’re members of AVALANCHE.

 

BARRET

How do you do, ma’am?

 

TIFA

Hello.

 

ELMYRA

It’s nice to meet you.

 

CLOUD

Shinra has Aeris.

 

ELMYRA

I know. They followed back here from the Sector 7 slums. She had a little girl with her.

 

BARRET

Marlene?

 

ELMYRA

Yes. I believe that’s her name.

 

BARRET

Where is she?

 

ELMYRA

Sleeping upstairs.

 

TIFA

Mind if we have a seat?

 

ELMYRA

No, go right ahead.

 

Tifa and Barret each pull out a chair at the table and sit down. Cloud however remains standing.

 

CLOUD

Elmyra, why does Shinra want Aeris?

 

ELMYRA

Aeris is an Ancient.

 

(BEAT)

 

The final one of the planet.

 

BARRET

Final one?

 

TIFA

Aren’t you her mother?

 

ELMYRA

I’m not Aeris’ birth mother.

 

(BEAT)

 

It must have been fifteen years since I found her.

(MORE)

 

ELMYRA

It was during the war. My husband was in a far away place called, Wutai. He was fighting there.

 

EXT. TRAIN STATION – DAY – FLASHBACK

 

A younger Elmyra sits on a bench in one of Midgar’s train stations. She waits anxiously.

 

PRESENT DAT ELMYRA (VO)

At the time I lived on top the plate. So, one day I went to the train station. I had gotten a letter from my husband saying he was coming back on leave. I was so excited.

 

A train starts to speed its way to the train station. Elmyra stands up with anticipation. However the train just zooms past her.

 

PRESENT DAY ELMYRA (VO)

He never came back. I was convinced that his leave was cancelled.

 

EXT. TRAIN STATION – (DIFFERENT) DAY – FLASHBACK

 

Elmyra is at the train station again, only this time it is raining.

 

PRESENT DAY ELMYRA (VO)

I went to the train station every day hoping to see my husband.

 

Elmyra walks around the station and sees a woman lying on the ground with a baby in her arms. She is Aeris’ real mother, IFLANA.

 

PRESENT DAY ELMYRA (VO)

I saw a woman there one day. She had a baby in her arms.

 

Elmyra runs to aide Iflana. She sees that Iflana has several bullet wounds in his chest and stomach.

 

ELMYRA

I’ve got to get you out of here!

 

IFLANA

(dying)

No, please. It’s too late. I’m already dead.

 

ELMYRA

Your baby.

 

Iflana holds the baby Aeris out to Elmyra.

 

IFLANA

Take her.

 

(BEAT)

 

Keep Aeris safe.

 

Elmyra takes the child and shields her from the rain.

 

IFLANA

Thank you.

 

ELMYRA

What about you?

 

IFLANA

Shinra’s already killed her father and now they got me. Soon they’ll find me. You have to leave.

 

Elmyra nods and runs off with the child.

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – MAIN ROOM – NIGHT

 

ELMYRA

My husband never came back.

 

TIFA

I’m sorry.

 

ELMYRA

We had no child so I took Aeris and raised her as my own. We became very close, quickly.

 

Elmyra smiles as she loses herself in her memories.

 

ELMYRA

(CONT.)

We moved under to the plate to avoid Shinra.

 

(BEAT)

 

That child loved to talk. She’d talk to me about everything. She said that she and her mother escaped from a research laboratory.

 

CLOUD

Shinra had them.

 

ELMYRA

Then she went on to saying that her mother returned to the planet.

 

BARRET

What?

 

ELMYRA

I asked her if she meant a star in the sky but she said it was the planet. She was such a mysterious child in many ways.

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – DAY – FLASHBACK

 

Elmyra sits in a chair crying. An opened letter is in front of her. A young Aeris walks in the room.

 

YOUNG AERIS

Please don’t cry mom.

 

(MORE)

 

YOUNG AERIS

Someone close to you has died. His spirit was coming to see you but he’s already returned to the planet.

 

Elmyra hugs Aeris. The two comfort each other. Their moment is interrupted when the door opens and VINCENT of the Turks walks in with a SHINRA SOLDIER. Vincent has long black hair tied in a ponytail along with the traditional Turk suit.

 

PRESENT DAY ELMYRA (VO)

The Turks came to see us that day.

 

VINCENT

We want you to return Aeris to us. We’ve been looking for her for quite some time.

 

YOUNG AERIS

No! Never! Don’t let him take me, Mom!

 

Vincent bends down to look at Aeris eye to eye.

 

VINCENT

Aeris, you are a special child. You are of special blood.

 

(BEAT)

 

You’re an Ancient.

 

ELMYRA

An Ancient?

 

VINCENT

(standing upright)

The Ancients will lead the world to supreme happiness. Aeris will bring joy and happiness to everyone in the slums. That is why she must cooperate with us.

 

YOUNG AERIS

He’s wrong, Mom! I’m not an Ancient! I’m not!

 

Vincent chuckles.

 

VINCENT

Aeris, surly you hear voices sometimes when you’re all alone.

 

YOUNG AERIS

I don’t!

 

PRESENT DAY ELMYRA (VO)

At that moment I knew. I knew about Aeris’ mysterious power. She tried so hard to hide it, so I acted as I didn’t notice.

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – MAIN ROOM – NIGHT

 

Cloud leans up against the wall with his arms crossed.

 

CLOUD

It’s amazing how she’s avoided Shinra all these years.

 

ELMYRA

Shinra needed her, so I guess they wouldn’t harm her.

 

TIFA

But why now?

 

Barret bursts up from the chair he was sitting in.

 

BARRET

I’ve heard enough! We know we have to go and get Aeris back.

 

Cloud nods.

 

 

 

ELMYRA

When Aeris came with the little girl, it wasn’t long before Tseng and some soldiers burst in.

 

(BEAT)

 

She offered to go with them in exchange for the girl’s life.

 

BARRET

Marlene.

 

(BEAT)

 

Aeris was caught because of Marlene? I’m so sorry. Marlene’s my daughter.

 

ELMYRA

You’re her father? How could you leave an innocent child all by herself?

 

BARRET

Please, don’t start. I love Marlene and I wish I could be there for her, but I have to fight.

 

ELMYRA

I admire your courage. I’m sure Marlene’s awake.

 

Barret smiles and runs upstairs to Marlene.

 

TIFA

Don’t worry. We’ll get Aeris back.

 

ELMYRA

Thank you.

 

CLOUD

Mind if we rest here for awhile.

 

ELMYRA

Sure, I’ll make you all something to eat.

 

Cloud and Tifa follow Barret up the stairs to --

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – HALLYWAY – NIGHT

 

Cloud and Tifa walk to --

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT

 

Inside Barret is holding MARLENE. He hugs and kisses her.

 

BARRET

I’m so glad you’re safe.

 

MARLENE

Daddy, don’t cry.

 

Tifa watches, smiling, as Barret continues to hug Marlene.

 

BARRET

You should get some sleep, Marlene.

 

Barret picks Marlene up and puts her in bed. He covers her up and kisses her on the forehead. Barret then goes to Tifa.

 

BARRET

So we’re going after Aeris then?

 

TIFA

Yep.

 

BARRET

I’m in then.

 

Cloud appears in the doorframe.

 

MARLENE

(sitting up in her bed)

Hi, Cloud!

 

CLOUD

(hesitant)

Hi.

 

MARLENE

Aeris was talking about you.

 

CLOUD

Really.

 

MARLENE

I think she likes you.

 

CLOUD

Really.

 

BARRET

Get some sleep, Marlene.

 

Barret shuts off the light and closes the door.

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – HALLWAY – NIGHT

 

TIFA

I thought you didn’t like kids.

 

CLOUD

I don’t.

 

TIFA

I love kids. I hope I’ll some of my own when this is all over.

 

CLOUD

You’d be a good mother. That’s all you did to me when we were kids.

 

Tifa laughs.

 

CLOUD

You should get some sleep. Tomorrow we leave for Shinra Tower.

 

Tifa smiles at Cloud and he walks down the hall to an empty room and goes in.

 

BARRET

I’ll share Marlene’s room. There’s another one down the hall.

 

TIFA

Thanks.

 

INT. PRESIDENT’S OFFICE – SHINRA TOWER – DAWN

 

PALMER

Excuse me, Mr. President.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

What?

 

PALMER

I’ve gotten word from Vice President Rufus.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

And?

 

PALMER

He can’t make the meeting, sir.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Damn that son of mine!

 

President Shinra goes to the phone on his desk and dials a number.

 

PALMER

He’s not answering his phone either. He must have thought that you were going to him responsible for the damage.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(hanging up the phone)

I want Rufus here tonight! No excuses. Are we clear?

 

PALMER

Yes, sir.

 

A beat.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

How’s Hojo’s research on the girl going?

PALMER

The girl’s definitely an Ancient. Hojo’s examining a blood sample now.

 

President Shinra gets a look on his face as if he has just been struck with an idea.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

I have an idea, Palmer.

 

PALMER

Sir?

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

I want the file for the Neo-Midgar project. Find it.

 

PALMER

Neo-Midgar project? Are you sure?

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Just do it.

 

PALMER

Yes, sir.

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – BEDROOM 2 – DAY

 

Cloud is lying in bed asleep. He tosses and turns constantly as his dreams continue to haunt him. His eyes open and he awakens. Cloud sits up in bed and rubs his eyes.

 

CLOUD

(to himself)

He’s here.

 

A knock on the door interrupts him. Tifa enters.

 

TIFA

You’re awake.

 

CLOUD

Yeah.

 

TIFA

You don’t look so good?

 

CLOUD

I’m fine.

 

(BEAT)

 

What time is it?

 

TIFA

You slept for the rest of that night and all through the morning. The afternoon is half over.

 

CLOUD

That long?

 

TIFA

Yeah.

 

INT. AERIS’ HOUSE – MAIN ROOM – DAY

 

Cloud and Tifa walk downstairs to see Elmyra, Barret and Marlene.

 

BARRET

You’re finally awake.

 

ELMYRA

Here.

 

Elmyra hands Cloud a glass of water.

 

CLOUD

Thanks.

 

Cloud gulps the water down and hands the empty glass to Elmyra.

 

CLOUD

What’s the quickest way to Shinra Tower? Do you know?

 

 

 

 

ELMYRA

The fastest way is by train, but even the train ride takes about two hours.

 

CLOUD

It’s our best bet. We should leave now.

 

BARRET

Right.

 

Barret grabs his gun-arm and screws it on his hand. Marlene catches what’s going on and grabs Barret’s leg firmly.

 

MARLENE

No!

 

BARRET

Marlene.

 

MARLENE

Daddy, don’t go!

 

Barret grabs Marlene and props her up on his knee.

 

BARRET

I have to.

 

MARLENE

(crying)

But,

 

BARRET

Our friend is in trouble. We have to get her. Don’t worry. Elmyra here will take care of you. Right Elmyra?

 

ELMYRA

Under one condition?

 

BARRET

What is it? Money?

 

ELMYRA

No. Just promise me you’ll come back. Don’t get yourself killed.

 

BARRET

I promise.

 

(to MARLENE)

 

I’ll come back.

 

Marlene hugs Barret. Cloud grabs his sword and sheathes it.

 

CLOUD

Let’s go.

 

Barret hugs Marlene one last time and puts her down. He then follows Cloud to the door.

 

TIFA

Elmyra,

 

(shakes Elmyra’s hand)

 

Thank you, for everything.

 

ELMYRA

I’ll be waiting.

 

Tifa then follows Cloud and Barret to the door. Cloud opens the door and exits followed by Barret and Tifa.

 

EXT. TRAIN STATION – SECTOR 5 SLUMS – DAY

 

Cloud, Barret, and Tifa wait amongst others for their train to arrive.

 

TIFA

What do we do when he reach the Tower?

 

BARRET

Do we go in shooting?

 

 

CLOUD

I don’t know.

 

(BEAT)

 

Security’s going to be tight. But remember they think we’re dead.

 

The train arrives and docks. People start getting on and coming off.

 

TIFA

We’ll find a way inside.

 

The three board the train.

 

INT. TRAIN – PASSENGER CAR – DAY

 

Cloud, Barret, and Tifa walk to their seats.

 

CLOUD

(about Barret’s gun-arm)

It’s amazing we don’t get stop because you have that thing.

 

BARRET

Hey, weapons are legal in the slums. A person’s go a right to defend themselves.

 

They find their seats and sit down.

 

TIFA

Where do you think they have Aeris?

 

CLOUD

The science department no doubt. Shinra’s obsessed with the Ancients, especially Hojo.

 

BARRET

Who’s he?

 

CLOUD

The replacement for Professor Gast.

(MORE)

CLOUD

(CONT.)

Hojo’s the new Head of Shinra’s Science Department.

 

The train’s horn blows and it begins its way down the tracks to Shinra Tower.

 

FADE OUT

 

EXT. OUTSIDE SHINRA TOWER – DAY

 

FADE IN

 

Cloud, Barret, and Tifa stand outside the colossal Shinra Tower.

 

BARRET

Here we are.

 

TIFA

So what, do we just go in?

 

Cloud scans the building and sees a small steel door about 20 feet away from the main entrance.

 

CLOUD

There.

 

The three walk to the door.

 

CLOUD

This is probably the fire exit. We can slip in unnoticed.

 

BARRET

How far do we have to climb?

 

CLOUD

Sixty floor before you reach anything important.

 

BARRET

Sixty floors?!

 

 

CLOUD

What can’t handle it?

 

TIFA

Come on, just let’s go.

 

Cloud opens the door and the three walk inside.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – STAIRCASE – DAY

 

Barret looks up and sees nothing but a never ending winding of stairs. He sighs heavily.

 

CLOUD

Let’s go.

 

The three begin their climb up the stairs.

 

EXT. OUTSIDE SHINRA TOWER – DAY

 

The feet of a man dressed in a black cloak walk onto the screen. His face is covered by his cloak. He stands in front of Shinra Tower, gazing at it. Vaguely we can see the tip of a blade under his cloak. The man walks toward the main entrance. The TOWER GUARD is there to greet him.

 

TOWER GUARD

Can I help you?

 

The man doesn’t respond instead he keeps walking to the entrance.

 

TOWER GUARD

Hold it!

 

The tower guard reaches for his gun but before he can pull it out the man in the black cloak extends his hand. Suddenly a stream of fire shoots out of his hand. The fire catches the tower guard in the face and begins to torch him. After a few seconds the man in the black cloak stops and the tower guard falls to the ground dead. His face is burned to a crisp.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – STAIRCASE – DAY

 

BARRET

(out of breath)

Wait up!

 

TIFA

We’re almost there. Just keep going.

 

Cloud stops at a break point and looks at the wall. The number “60” is painted there.

 

CLOUD

This is it.

 

Tifa reaches the break point.

 

CLOUD

Where’s Barret?

 

TIFA

He’s coming.

 

CLOUD

This is it. From here on is restricted to the normal public.

 

TIFA

Aeris is somewhere here. Nothing’s going to stop us.

 

Finally Barret reaches the break point. He bends over to catch his breath.

 

BARRET

We should have taken the elevator.

 

CLOUD

Don’t worry there are no more stairs.

 

Barret lets out a sigh of relief. Cloud opens the door and walks out into--

 

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER 60^th FLOOR – FOOD COURT – DAY

 

TIFA

There are so many people here.

 

CLOUD

Good.

 

Cloud scans the food court and sees an elevator on the east wall.

 

BARRET

What now?

 

CLOUD

We go up.

 

The three walk to the elevator and press “Up”. Within seconds the elevator arrives and they get on.

 

INT. GLASS ELEVATOR – SHINRA TOWER – DAY

 

The elevator is circle shaped and the walls are all glass providing a view of the east side of Midgar.

 

BARRET

What floor is Aeris on?

 

CLOUD

I have no idea.

 

Cloud goes to the control panel inside. He sees a button entitled “MAP”, and presses it. After he releases the button, a miniature holographic of Shinra Tower shoots up from the control panel. Cloud sticks his finger in the hologram where the 66^th floor would be. A message appears on the control panel next to the hologram.

 

“Shinra Tower 66^th Floor:”

“Shinra Executive Boardroom.”

“Meeting scheduled to take place in six minutes”

 

 

CLOUD

Looks like President Shinra’s holding a meeting with all the heads.

 

TIFA

No doubt they’ll talk about Aeris.

 

CLOUD

Right.

 

Cloud presses the “MAP” button again and the holographic map disappears.

 

BARRET

So where we going?

 

CLOUD

The 66^th Floor.

 

Cloud enters “66” in on the panel and the elevator begins to go up. After a few seconds the machine stops and the doors open. The three walk out into--

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – 66^th FLOOR – DUSK

 

Cloud unsheathes his sword and hands it to Barret.

 

CLOUD

Take this.

 

Barret grabs the sword.

 

BARRET

What do I need this for?

 

CLOUD

I can’t go walking around this place with a weapon. That goes for you too.

 

TIFA

So what do we do?

 

CLOUD

Tifa, you stay here by the elevator. Barret will go back down to the food court.

 

BARRET

What about you?

 

CLOUD

I’m going to do a little eavesdropping.

 

Barret nods and walks back onto the elevator. The elevator doors close.

 

TIFA

What if someone asks what I’m doing here?

 

CLOUD

I don’t know. Make up a story.

 

TIFA

That’s your advice?

 

CLOUD

That’s the best you can do at this point.

 

TIFA

Fine.

 

Tifa leans up against the wall and Cloud starts to walk down the halls. At an intersection he looks to his left and sees an elegant wood door leading to the conference room. It is blocked by two GUARDS.

 

CLOUD

(whispering)

Damn it.

 

He looks up and sees the vents in the ceiling. Cloud notices that a path of vents leads right into the conference room. He follows the vents to --

 

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER 66^th FLOOR – BATHROOM – DUSK

 

The bathroom is dim and abandoned. Cloud walks into one of the stalls and sees a larger vent.

 

CLOUD

Bingo.

 

He climbs up on the toilet and slowly rips the vent from the ceiling.

 

CLOUD

(climbing into ventilation shaft)

I hate this part.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – OUTSIDE ELEVATOR – DUSK

 

Tifa still leans up against the wall next to the elevator with her arms crosses. She notices Heidegger, the fat Shinra Executive with the long black beard and green suit, walk past. She follows him and sees that he goes into the room with elegant wooden door.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER - 60^th FLOOR – FOOD COURT – DUSK

 

Barret walks in the food court doing his best to conceal his gun-arm under his left armpit. He also carries Cloud’s sword. Barret sits himself down at a table and hides Cloud’s sword. Off in a darker corner of the court Barret sees a man sitting down. The man is dressed in a black cloak that covers his face.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – VENTALATION SHAFT – DUSK

 

Cloud pops his head up and sees that the vent is clean. He then climbs up into the shaft and begins his crawl to the conference room. He reaches the vent above the conference room and looks down.

 

PAN DOWN to --

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – CONFERENCE ROOM – DUSK

 

Heidegger, SCARLET, Palmer, and Reeve, four heads of Shinra all sit at a long wooden table. The conference room is an elegant room with red carpeting and gold walls. President Shinra stands at the head of the table.

 

PALMER

Shall we begin, sir?

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(enraged)

Where is Rufus?

 

HEIDEGGER

I was told Vice President Rufus would be here.

 

CLOSE UP on Heidegger.

 

FREEZE FRAME:

 

“Heidegger”

“Shinra’s Head of Public Safety and Maintenance”

 

types across the screen

 

REAL TIME

 

REEVE

What about Hojo? Where is he?

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Hojo will be with us soon.

 

PALMER

He is finishing some research on the girl.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER - 60^th FLOOR – FOOD COURT – DUSK

 

Barret still sits at the table looking at the people in the food court.

(MORE)

 

He glances at the man in the black cloak who continues to sit in the dark corner, motionless. Barret directs his attention to a man buying a drink at bar. He then looks back at the man is the black cloak, who is GONE.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – CONFERENCE ROOM - DUSK

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Let’s just begin then.

 

(BEAT)

 

Reeve, give us your report.

 

Reeve stands up holding some papers.

 

FREEZE FRAME:

 

“Reeve”

“Shinra’s Head of Urban Planning”

 

types across the screen

 

REAL TIME

 

REEVE

We’ve estimated the damage to Sector 7. Considering the factories we’ve set up and all the investments, the estimated cost for rebuilding—

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(interrupting Reeve)

We’re not rebuilding!

 

REEVE

What?

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

We’re leaving Sector 7 as is and restarting the Neo-Midgar plan.

 

 

REEVE

Then the Ancients?

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

The Promised Land will be ours. I want to raise Mako rates fifteen percent in all areas.

 

Reeve sits down with a shocked and disappointed look on his face.

 

PALMER

We’ll be including our newly modified space program in the budget.

 

FREEZE FRAME:

 

“Palmer”

“Head of Shinra’s Space Program”

 

types across the screen

 

REAL TIME

 

REEVE

But we abandoned the space program years ago.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

We’re re-launching it. You and Scarlet will divide the extra income from the rate increase.

 

Reeve stands up again.

 

REEVE

Sir, if you raise rates people will lose confidence.

 

Scarlet, a 35 year old blonde woman dressed in a red dress stands up.

 

SCARLET

Everything will work out, Reeve.

 

(MORE)

 

SCARLET

The world is filled with dumb ignorant people. They won’t lose confidence.

 

FREEZE FRAME:

 

“Scarlet”

“Shinra’s Head of Weapons Development”

 

types across the screen.

 

REAL TIME

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

She’s right. If anything, the people will trust Shinra even more.

 

Reeve and Scarlet sit down.

 

HEIDEGGER

After all, we’re the ones who saved the people from AVALANCHE.

 

The doors to the conference room open and Hojo enters.

 

SCARLET

Welcome Hojo.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Give us your report. How’s the research on the girl?

 

Hojo doesn’t sit down. Instead he stands with his hands behind his back.

 

HOJO

As a specimen she’s inferior to her mother. The reason is because of her father.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

And?

 

 

HOJO

I’m still in the process of comparing her to her mother, Iflana. For now the difference is eighteen percent.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

How long will the research take?

 

Hojo smiles.

 

HOJO

It’s impossible to finish in our lifetime or the lifetime of the specimen for that matter.

 

(BEAT)

 

We are thinking about breeding her. We could alter her offspring to live longer.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

What about the Promised Land? Will this hinder out plans?

 

HOJO

Let me worry about that.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

Very well, Hojo. That is all. You may go back to your research.

 

Hojo nods and leaves the room.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

As for the rest of you, this meeting is adjourned.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – VENTILATIONG SHAFT – DUSK

 

Cloud looks on from above and watches as everyone leaves. Scarlet stops and sniffs the air.

 

SCARLET

Something stinks.

 

She leaves. Cloud then backs out of the ventilation shaft.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – FOOD COURT – DUSK

 

Cloud and Tifa run to Barret, who is still sitting down at the table.

 

TIFA

Barret.

 

BARRET

What’ve you got?

 

CLOUD

Hojo’s researching her in one of his labs.

 

BARRET

So where is she?

 

TIFA

There are only two floors devoted to science here.

 

CLOUD

We have to go.

 

Barret hands Cloud his sword and the glances one last time at the corner where the man in the black cloak was. The three then run to the elevator.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – SCIENCE CORRIDOR – DUSK

 

The elevator doors open and Cloud, Barret, and Tifa walk out into a dark corridor. The follow the corridor to --

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – LABORATORY 2 – DUSK

 

Science research materials and equipment is everywhere in the dark room. There is steel grating for the floors.

 

(MORE)

 

In the center of the room is a cylindrical glass containment chamber. Hojo is next to it looking inside. Inside the chamber is a lion-like animal with dark red fur. It has a spiky mane that starts at his scalp and stretches halfway down its spine. An ASSISTANT walks to Hojo.

 

ASSISTANT

Is this today’s specimen?

 

HOJO

Yes. Be ready to raise the beast to the upper level.

 

Hojo places his hand on the chamber.

 

HOJO

(creepily)

My precious specimen.

 

He puts his hands behind his back and walks away. His assistant follows him.

 

TIFA

What are they going to do with that animal? Use it for a biological experiment.

 

CLOUD

Most likely. I know this Hojo guy. Not personally but I know who he is. The guy’s ruthless. If only you could hear the stories.

 

BARRET

He said raise it to the upper level. Is that where Aeirs is?

 

CLOUD

We’ll find out.

 

Cloud looks and sees a steel staircase.

 

CLOUD

Let’s take the stairs.

 

The three walk up the stairs to--

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – CONTAINMENT CORRIDOR – DUSK

 

As they walk down the corridor Cloud sees a steel door with “JENOVA” engraved on it. He stops and stares at the word. The loud buzzing noise briefly erupts in Cloud’s head again, but quickly vanishes. As if hypnotized Cloud opens the door and goes into--

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – JENOVA ROOM – DUSK

 

Cloud walks to a large containment chamber rigged up to many machines. Inside is an ugly bluish beast that resembles a woman. The chamber is filled with a blue liquid.

 

CLOUD

Jenova.

 

The buzzing returns in Cloud’s head. He locks eyes with the unconscious beast in the chamber and he grabs his head.

 

TIFA (O.S.)

Cloud!

 

Tifa runs to Cloud and helps him up. The buzzing stops.

 

BARRET

What the hell you doin’ in here?

 

CLOUD

Jenova,

 

(BEAT)

 

Sephiroth’s,

 

(BEAT)

 

So they’ve brought it here.

 

TIFA

Cloud?

 

Cloud looks at Jenova.

 

CLOUD

Look, it’s still alive. It’s twitching.

 

BARRET

What the fuck is that thing?

 

CLOUD

(BEAT)

Come on, let’s keep going.

 

They walk out of the room back into --

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – CONTAINMENT CORRIDOR – DUSK

 

Cloud, Barret, and Tifa walk down the corridor to --

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER – LABORATORY 1 – DUSK

 

The second experiment room is large and is near identical to the first one. Only the