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Character Listing for Part 5

CLOUD STRIFE

BARRET WALLACE

TIFA LOCKHEART

AERIS GAINSBOROUGH

RED XIII

YUFFIE KISARGI

BUGENHAGEN

RUFUS

HEIDEGGER

RENO

RUDE

TSENG

ELENA

CHOCO BILL

CHOCO BILLY

CLERK

VENDOR

SHINRA SOLDIER #14
Set Listing for Part 5

Interiors

COSMO CANYON – OBSERVATORY

CHOCOBO RANCH – STABLES

RANCH – HOUSE – MAIN ROOM

SHINRA TOWER – PRISON CELL

PRESIDENT’S CAR

MYTHRIL MINES – PASSAGE

MYTHRIL MINES – CLEARING

HELICOPTER

Exteriors

CHOCOBO RANCH

KALM – STREETS

COSMO CANYON – VILLAGE SQUARE

OPEN WORLD

OPEN WORLD – OUTSIDE CHOCOBO RANCH

OPEN WORLD – OUTSIDE MINES

MARSH

MARSH – OUTSIDE MYTHRIL MINES

FOREST

FOREST - CAMP
Part 5: Thief!

Pitch black screen.

BUGENHAGEN (V.O.)

Time is growing thin. Shinra’s secrets have poisoned this planet.

FADE IN

INT. COSMO CANYON – OBSERVATORY – DAY

BUGENHAGEN, an elderly priest-like scientist paces around in his observatory. He is dressed in a purple robe had wearing circular glasses.

BUGENHAGEN

(talking to himself)

Something is amiss. Why is there even more unrest? Is the planet that close to dying?

Bugenhagen walks to a control counsel and presses a button. A 3D image of the planet shoots up from the floor. The image planet looks to be dying.

BUGENHAGEN

What can I do? What can I do to help you?

INT. PRESIDENT’S CAR – DAY

RUFUS and HEIDEGGER sit in Rufus’ presidential car as it speeds down the road. Rufus is looking at a black-and-white photograph of Bugenhagen.

HEIDEGGER

That’s him.

RUFUS

(looking at the photo)

Bugenhagen. I hear he’s a man filled with so much knowledge that he rivals Professor Gast.

HEIDEGGER

The man hasn’t done anything though. He’s up in a small village in Cosmo Canyon.

RUFUS

Why don’t we just talk to Hojo?

HEIDEGGER

Hojo’s given us everything he knows about Sephiroth. This Bugenhagen definitely knows something.

Rufus tosses the photo on the floor of the car.

RUFUS

Bring him in. Arrest him. Do whatever.

HEIDEGGER

But sir, our own laws-

RUFUS

(interrupting)

If there’s anything you learn from me, learn this.

(BEAT)

We make these “laws” thus we are above them.

Heidegger laughs.

RUFUS

(CONT.)

If Mr. Bugenhagen here can find Sephiroth for me and ultimately lead Shinra to the Promised Land then I want him here!

HEIDEGGER

Understood.

RUFUS

I want him back at Shinra Tower. I’ll question him, and then we leave for Junon.

HEIDEGGER

Yes, the ceremony.

EXT. KALM – STREETS – DAY

CLOUD, BARRET, RED XIII, and TIFA stand outside the Kalm Inn.

BARRET

You think we got enough rest?

CLOUD

We got enough for where we’re going.

RED XIII

Speaking of which, where exactly are we going?

BARRET

Hell if I know. Tifa?

TIFA

(shrugs)

I don’t know.

The group looks at Cloud.

CLOUD

Well,

AERIS interrupts as she runs toward them.

AERIS

Hey!

She reaches them and starts to catch her breath. Cloud notices a small box in her hand.

CLOUD

What’s that?

Aeris opens the box revealing two cellular phone-like devices.

AERIS

(picking one out of the box)

It’s a PHS. We can keep in contact with each other.

Cloud and Barret each take one.

CLOUD

How much did these cost?

AERIS

(hesitant)

Nothing.

Barret looks to the distance at one of the shops. He sees an angry CLERK looking around.

BARRET

I think it’s best if we leave.

They turn and see the clerk.

CLOUD

(pocketing his PHS)

Right.

They all quickly walk down the streets exiting the town.

EXT. OPEN WORLD – (LATER THAT) DAY

The group, all exhausted except Cloud, walks the plains of the planet. The sky is clear and the grass is green.

TIFA

(fatigued)

How much farther?

CLOUD

You’re tired?

RED XIII

I think we’re all tired.

AERIS

He’s right. We’ve been walking for hours.

BARRET

Some rest would be nice.

CLOUD

We don’t have time. Sephiroth came this way.

BARRET

How do you know!?

A beat as Cloud stops and ponders.

CLOUD

I just do. Now let’s go.

They continue walking.

TIFA

Can you at least tell us where we’re going?

CLOUD

After Sephiroth.

BARRET

Where!?

CLOUD

I don’t know. There’s a very small mountain region not far from here. It’s surrounded by marsh.

AERIS

Is that where we’re going?

CLOUD

It’s the only to the other side of the continent.

RED XIII

How long will this journey take?

CLOUD

If we keep walking through the night we’ll make it by tomorrow afternoon.

Everyone except Cloud groan.

CLOUD

Alright listen, if we see a settlement we’ll stop for rest, okay?

BARRET

What settlements?

CLOUD

Just keep walking.

EXT. COSMO CANYON – VILLAGE SQUARE – DAY

Bugenhagen walks down the streets of the Cosmo Canyon village. The village has an almost Native American style to it. Bugenhagen walks up to a food cart, there he meets the VENDOR.

VENDOR

How ya’ doin’, Bugenhagen? Still up there in that observatory?

BUGENHAGEN

It’s the only thing that’s keeping me busy these days.

He picks out some meat. The vendor grabs it and wraps it up for him.

VENDOR

26 gil.

Bugenhagen pays him.

VENDOR

Before you go,

BUGENHAGEN

Yeah?

VENDOR

So people have been asking about you.

BUGENHAGEN

Who?

VENDOR

They looked like Shinra.

BUGENHAGEN

What’d they want?

VENDOR

I don’t know. They just been walkin’ ‘round town looking for you.

BUGENHAGEN

Alright thanks.

Bugenhagen shakes the man’s hand and cautiously walks away.

INT. COSMO CANYON – OBSERVATORY – DAY

Relieved, Bugenhagen enters his observatory safe. He shuts the door and turns around only to see RENO, of the Turks, pointing a gun at him. Reno has made himself at home and is sitting at Bugenhagen’s table.

RENO

(smiling)

How you doin’ Bugenhagen?

BUGENHAGEN

Who are you?

Reno takes bite out of sandwich that was on the table.

BUGENHAGEN

(CONT.)

Why are you here?

RENO

(mouth full of food)

I’m just,

He swallows.

RENO

(CONT.)

I’m just here representing President Rufus.

BUGENHAGEN

Rufus!

Reno stands up.

RENO

Yes, new president of Shinra Inc. Surly you heard of what happened a few days ago did you not?

BUGENHAGEN

Of course I know. Shinra Tower was attacked. But what do you want with me?

Reno starts walking toward Bugenhagen.

RENO

President Rufus has got some questions for you.

BUGENHAGEN

Me? Why not talk to that maniac Hojo?

RENO

I’m told you know things. Things that not even Hojo knows.

BUGENHAGEN

What makes you think I’ll help you?

RENO

Your life depends on it.

(BEAT)

You were friends with Professor Gast. He told you things that Shinra needs.

BUGENHAGEN

I will not aid in the death of the planet!

RENO

You are coming with us.

Reno nods and two SHINRA SOLDIERS appear from both sides and each grab one of Bugenhagen’s arms.

BUGENHAGEN

(struggling to get free)

Let me go! You can’t do this!

RENO

You’ve broken the law, Bugenhagen. Resisting arrest.

Reno pistol whips Bugenhagen knocking him unconscious.

EXT. OPEN WORLD – OUTSIDE CHOCOBO RANCH – DUSK

Despite heavy fatigue, Cloud and the others continue to walk the plains of the planet. The sun is setting. Tifa collapses.

RED XIII

(pushing Tifa up with his head)

Come on, m‘lady. We can’t quit now.

Cloud, who isn’t fatigued, looks back at the group.

TIFA

(catching her breath)

Cloud,

(BEAT)

We need rest.

BARRET

She’s right. We’ve got zero strength here.

Cloud sighs. Aeris sees the Chocobo Ranch off in the distance.

AERIS

What’s that?

Everyone turns and sees the ranch.

BARRET

Who cares!? We can rest there.

Everyone except Cloud starts walking toward the ranch.

CLOUD

Where you all think you’re going? We can’t stop!

They ignore him.

CLOUD

(through his teeth)

Dammit.

He joins the others.

EXT. CHOCOBO RANCH – NIGHT

Cloud and the others walk to the house on the ranch. The ranch is primarily made up of a large fenced in area that his home to the chocobos, large yellow ostrich-like birds. Cloud knocks on the door. A beat; then the door opens.

(MORE)

An elderly man appears in the door frame. He is the ranch master, CHOCO BILL.

CHOCO BILL

Can I help you folks?

CLOUD

Hi. We need shelter for the night. Can you help us?

Choco Bill scans the group.

CHOCO BILL

(uncertain)

Where you headed?

CLOUD

We need to pass over the mountain range and the marsh.

CHOCO BILL

(BEAT)

Come on in.

The group follows Choco Bill into--

INT. RANCH HOUSE – MAIN ROOM – NIGHT

CLOUD

Thank you.

Choco Bill walks to a rocking chair and sits down. He looks at the faces of everyone.

CHOCO BILL

Where you all coming from?

AERIS

Midgar.

Choco Bill looks eye with Cloud.

CHOCO BILL

You aint Shinra are you?

BARRET

Hell no. We’re AVALANCHE.

CHOCO BILL

AVALANCHE, eh? Never heard of ya.

(BEAT)

I got an extra room upstairs but that’s it. As long as you aint Shinra you’re welcome to stay.

TIFA

You hate Shinra too?

CHOCO BILL

Bastards think they can put a tax on my stock.

RED XIII

What is your stock?

Choco Bill looks at Red XIII.

CHOCO BILL

Chocobos. Aint you seen ‘em out back? And what the hell are you suppose to be?

CLOUD

He was specimen of Shinra’s.

CHOCO BILL

Sorry to hear that. You got a name?

RED XIII

No. People have been calling me Red thirteen though.

CHOCO BILL

Fair enough. Listen, it’s late. You all better get to rest if you plannin’ on passin’ through the marsh.

AERIS

Thank you.

INT. SHINRA TOWER – PRISON CELL – NIGHT

SHINRA SOLDIER #14

Get in there!

The SHINRA SOLDIER throws Bugenhagen in the dark damp cell. The soldier slams the door shut. A few beats; then Rufus makes himself visible from the shadows.

RUFUS

Bugenhagen, my friend.

FREEZE FRAME:

“Bugenhagen”

“Genius scientist of Cosmo Canyon and friend of Professor Gast”

REAL TIME

BUGENHAGEN

Rufus!

RUFUS

(sarcastically)

How you been?

BUGENHAGEN

Look at you. Two minutes in as president and you think you rule the world.

RUFUS

But I do. I most certainly do.

BUGENHAGEN

There are powers on his planet than not even you or your scientists can begin to comprehend. I believe you met one of those powers, the evil that destroyed your father.

RUFUS

Sephiroth? He’s already being taken care of.

BUGENHAGEN

You think you can stop him? You have no idea who you’re facing.

RUFUS

That’s where you come in. You are going to help us find Sephiroth and the Promised Land.

BUGENHAGEN

If I refuse?

Rufus smiles.

RUFUS

Do I even have to tell you what will happen?

He leaves.

EXT. CHOCOBO RANCH – NIGHT

Cloud, unable to sleep and without his sword, walks around the ranch near the silo. He looks like shit and hasn’t slept in days. Cloud leans up against the silo and looks up at the sky. In the sky is the beautiful sight of the Aurora Borealis. He watches at the chocobos sleep in the fenced area. Suddenly he hears footsteps. He looks and sees Tifa walking toward him.

TIFA

Hi, Cloud.

CLOUD

(tired)

Hi.

TIFA

You look terrible. You really should get some sleep.

CLOUD

(shaking his head)

No. I’m sick of the torment.

TIFA

What do you see?

Cloud sighs.

CLOUD

I don’t want to talk about it.

TIFA

Just tell me.

CLOUD

(BEAT)

My memories keep replaying in my head.

TIFA

That doesn’t sound so bad.

CLOUD

Recently I’ve been seeing Sephiroth. He’s always there whenever I close my eyes.

TIFA

You won’t be able to live in peace until he’s dead. Right?

CLOUD

Yeah.

TIFA

But why? Why are you so connected to him? Is it because of what happened in Nibelheim?

CLOUD

He killed my mother, killed your father, and damn near killed you.

(MORE)

CLOUD

(BEAT)

Do you still have the scar?

A few beats; then Tifa lifts her shirt up to under her breasts. Sure enough, a long thin scar stretches from her pelvis all the way up her belly and to her chest. Cloud traces the scar with his fingers.

CLOUD

I’m sorry. Does it still hurt?

TIFA

I don’t know. I feel pain down there but I don’t know if it’s from the wound.

She puts her shirt down and leans on the silo next to Cloud.

CLOUD

Why’d you join AVALANCHE?

TIFA

Same reason as everybody else. To end Shinra’s tyranny.

CLOUD

Shinra’s the least of your problems now.

TIFA

You actually think Sephiroth will destroy the planet?

CLOUD

I don’t know what his goal is. All I know is that he wants to take the planet back whatever that means.

A few beats of silence; then

TIFA

I never thanked you for saving my life.

CLOUD

You don’t have to.

Tifa puts her hand on Cloud’s cheek. The two stare into each other’s eyes.

TIFA

(whispering)

Thank you.

The two look as if they’re ready to kiss when they realize they’re not alone. They look about 20 yards away at a barn. Choco Bill’s grandson, CHOCO BILLY (20) walks out with a crate. He sees Cloud and Tifa and puts the crate down.

CHOCO BILLY

How ya’ll doin’?

He walks toward Cloud and Tifa.

CLOUD

Hi.

Choco Billy extends his hand. Cloud shakes it.

CHOCO BILLY

The name’s William. Everyone calls me Choco Billy though.

CLOUD

Cloud. And this is Tifa.

CHOCO BILLY

You must be the folks my grandpa was talkin’ about. Where’s the rest of ya?

TIFA

They’re asleep. What about you why are you working so late?

CHOCO BILLY

Best time of day to work is at night. Look at the sky. It’s beautiful. It makes the chocobos sleep well.

CLOUD

So you raise chocobos?

CHOCO BILLY

Raise ‘em, breed ‘em, and sell ‘em. It’s good business, especially when we sell to Gold Saucer. It’s such a rush watchin’ these animals race. You ever seen a chocobo race?

Both Cloud and Tifa shake their heads.

CHOCO BILLY

It’s great. Those birds are so fast. That makes them also good for transport.

(BEAT)

Speaking of which, my grandpa tells me you lookin’ to cross the marsh to get the Mythril Mountains.

CLOUD

That’s right.

CHOCO BILLY

Well, rumor has it that two giant snake things live in that there marsh.

TIFA

Giant snakes?

CHOCO BILLY

Hell yeah. I aint never seen them though. They say Shinra put them there to limit travel for whatever reason.

CLOUD

Thanks for the ‘heads up’.

CHOCO BILLY

Ya’ll should rent some chocobos from us. Use them to cross the marsh.

CLOUD

You sure we can?

CHOCO BILLY

Yeah. When you’re done ditch them. They know their way home.

CLOUD

Thank you.

CHOCO BILLY

No problem. Ya’ll should get some sleep. You’ve got a ways to go.

INT. SHINRA TOWER – PRISON CELL – NIGHT

The Shinra soldier unlocks the cell door with Bugenhagen in it. Heidegger enters.

HEIDEGGER

Hello, Bugenhagen.

BUGENHAGEN

A stooge of Shinra Inc., Heidegger.

HEIDEGGER

Stooge?

Heidegger lets out a sinister laugh.

HEIDEGGER

Hardly.

(BEAT)

It’s time for you to tell us what we want. Where is Sephiroth going?

BUGENHAGEN

I won’t tell you anything.

The Shinra soldier hands Heidegger a handheld monitor.

HEIDEGGER

We understand that torturing you wouldn’t do anything. So we decided to try something different.

Heidegger shows Bugenhagen what’s on the monitor. It’s a view of the Cosmo Canyon village.

BUGENHAGEN

Cosmo Canyon.

HEIDEGGER

Yes that’s right. This image you’re seeing is being relayed to me by a death squad hiding in your precious village. Failure to cooperate will result in the death of everyone in the village.

EXT. CHOCOBO RANCH – DAWN

Cloud stands outside the fenced in area while Choco Bill grabs four chocobos and escorts them outside.

CHOCO BILL

Here you go. These birds’ll get you across the marsh. Sorry I aint got one for your lion friend.

Cloud grabs the reins.

CLOUD

Thank you.

Aeris walks out of the house and over to Cloud.

AERIS

Good morning, Cloud.

CLOUD

Hi. We’ve got transport to get across the marsh.

Aeris starts petting on of the chocobos.

CHOCO BILL

Them chocobos are real friendly and obedient. They’ll go wherever you tell them.

AERIS

They’re beautiful.

The chocobo Aeris is petting rubs its head against her. Aeris laughs.

CHOCO BILL

(to Cloud)

You’re obviously passing the marsh to get to the Mythril Mountain Range, right?

CLOUD

That’s right.

CHOCO BILL

You plan on climbing over the mountain?

CLOUD

Yeah, why?

CHOCO BILL

Might I suggest you go under the mountain?

CLOUD

What do you mean?

CHOCO BILL

There are some mines you can pass through. Old mines that were Shinra’s.

CLOUD

Is it safe?

CHOCO BILL

Hell, the place has been out of commission for years. There won’t be any Shinra in there.

CLOUD

Thanks.

INT. CHOCOBO RANCH – STABLES – DAY

Tifa, Barret, and Red XIII are all sitting on the floor in the chocobo stables. A few chocobos are inside sleeping.

RED XIII

Fascinating creatures.

TIFA

Yeah. It’d be great to own some.

RED XIII

Great for humans, but not for creatures like me.

BARRET

What are you by the way, Red?

RED XIII

I don’t know. I don’t even know how long it’s been since I was free.

(BEAT)

All I remember is going to the river in the canyon and being snatched by the Shinra.

TIFA

They just went and kidnapped you?

RED XIII

To them I was just an animal, no feelings, no personality.

BARRET

Do you know where you’re from?

RED XIII

Sure. My race was the guardians of the great canyon. I lived in the Cosmo Canyon village.

BARRET

Cosmo Canyon? That’s still there aint it?

RED XIII

I think so. That’s the reason I’m with you. I just want to go home, I want to see Grandpa.

BARRET

Who’s this grandpa? I thought you said you were the last of your kind.

RED XIII

Grandpa is a great scientist in Cosmo Canyon. He’s not my real grandfather, but he acted as a mentor for me after I lost my parents.

TIFA

What’s his name?

RED XIII

Bugenhagen.

Choco Billy enters the stables.

CHOCO BILLY

Hey, sorry to interrupt but that Cloud fella’s lookin’ for you.

TIFA

I guess it’s time to go.

The three get up and leave the stables.

EXT. CHOCOBO RANCH – DAY

Tifa, Barret, and Red XIII walk toward Cloud and Aeris who have the four chocobos.

TIFA

Morning, Cloud.

CLOUD

Hi. We have to get going.

TIFA

I know.

Cloud hands Tifa and Barret each the reins of a chocobo.

BARRET

(unsure)

What do I do with this thing?

CLOUD

(climbing on his chocobo)

You ride it.

Barret carefully hops on the back of the chocobo.

AERIS

Red, are you going to be okay walking?

RED XIII

Walking, the one thing I excel at better than you humans.

Aeris smiles. Choco Bill shakes Cloud’s hand.

CHOCO BILL

Good luck to ya.

CLOUD

Thanks.

CHOCO BILLY

Remember what I told you last night. Be careful.

Cloud nods. He heel kicks the chocobo and it speeds off. Then Tifa, Barret, and Aeris follow on their chocobos. Red XIII then joins in and runs.

EXT. OPEN WORLD – DAY

The chocobos speed down the plains of the world. They kick up dust as they run. Cloud leads the pack until he looks behind him and sees Red XIII quickly gaining. He snaps the reins but the chocobo can’t run any faster. Red XIII passes Cloud. The two jokingly lock eyes and Red XIII speeds ahead.

INT. SHINRA TOWER – PRISON CELL – DAY

Bugenhagen sits in his cell as Heidegger stands there.

HEIDEGGER

Your time is running low, Bugenhagen. Tell us where Sephiroth is headed.

BUGENHAGEN

I don’t know. Sephiroth was Professor Gast’s project, not mine.

HEIDEGGER

Surly Gast told you something that can help us.

BUGENHAGEN

Listen, all I know is that Sephiroth stole Jenova and ran off.

HEIDEGGER

And where is he headed?

BUGENHAGEN

I told you I don’t know. Professor Gast would know.

HEIDEGGER

Professor Gast is dead.

Bugenhagen sighs and calms himself.

BUGENHAGEN

If you want my advice, look for the sanctum where Jenova was first found. That’s where I’d be looking.

Heidegger squints his eyes. A few; beats then

HEIDEGGER

Was that so hard?

EXT. MARSH – DAY

The group closes in on the marsh that blocks their path to the Mythril Mines. Red XIII sits on the edge of the marsh waiting.

CLOUD

(stopping his chocobo)

Whoa. Whoa.

The chocobo stops. Tifa, Barret, and Aeris all stop there’s as well. Cloud scans the marsh.

BARRET

What are you waiting for? Let’s go.

TIFA

He’s right. We still have to pass over the mountain.

CLOUD

We’re not passing over it. We’re going through the mines under it.

BARRET

A change of plan?

CLOUD

That’s right.

BARRET

When were you going to tell us?

CLOUD

I just did.

Barret snarls.

RED XIII

In any case, we should get going. Who knows what kind of beasts await.

CLOUD

Alright.

Cloud kicks his chocobo and it starts to slowly carry him through the marsh. The rest of the group follows.

AERIS

(looking at her environment)

No wonder Shinra closed the mines down.

BARRET

This water doesn’t seem too deep. Why couldn’t we have just walked?

CLOUD

We’re walking on mud. The chocobo distributes our weight. If we walked we’d be sucked into the mud.

BARRET

Right then.

AERIS

Are you okay, Red?

RED XIII

(trudging through the mud)

I’m hanging in there.

Meanwhile, UNDER THE WATER two evil eyes open for a beast has woken up. It watches as the group walks through the marsh.

ABOVE

TIFA

How far to the other side?

Cloud doesn’t respond. He is focused on the water watching its every move.

UNDER

The beast slowly starts to swim toward the group.

ABOVE

CLOUD

(cautious)

We should hurry along.

BARRET

What’s the rush? The longest time I’ve gone without walking.

Cloud looks behind and sees an EXTREMELY LARGE silhouette sneak up behind Red XIII.

CLOUD

(yelling)

Red look out!

Red XIII turns around but it’s too late. SPLASH! The beast shoots up from the water. It’s a giant cobra. As it shot up from below it kicked Red XIII high the in air.

BARRET

Shit!

SPLAT! Red XIII falls in the mud unconscious. He slowly begins to sink.

AERIS

Red!

CLOUD

Quick, get out of here!

Cloud whips out his sword and charges the beast while on his chocobo. Barret fires at the giant snake with his gun-arm. Meanwhile Red XIII continues to sink.

TIFA

Aeris, we have to go!

AERIS

We can’t leave them!

TIFA

They’ll be okay!

Tifa and Aeris speed on their chocobos toward the mines. Meanwhile Barret and Cloud are engaged in a small battle with the beast.* Each of them uses their weapons and materia.

CLOUD

Barret, get Red!

Barret looks at Red XIII whose head is the only thing above the mud.

BARRET

Shit!

Barret speeds toward Red while Cloud continues to battle the beast. Barret jumps off his chocobo and digs into the mud with his good hand. He finds Red’s front legs and pulls him above the mud. Barret hoists Red XIII on his shoulders and climbs back on the chocobo. He then speeds off toward the mines.

Meanwhile, Cloud sees that Red is safe and retreats from battle. The beast chases him. Suddenly POW! The snake gets caught in a tree and is stuck. Cloud watches as the tree falls and pins in the beast to the mud. It sinks to its death. Cloud joins his party.

EXT. OUTSIDE MYTHRIL MINES – DAY

Cloud gets off his chocobo.

CLOUD

(to Barret about Red XIII)

Is he alright?

Barret is knelt over Red XIII.

BARRET

He’ll make it.

Red’s eyes open and he coughs. Aeris and Tifa smile.

AERIS

Red!

Red XIII shakes himself off.

RED XIII

What happened?

BARRET

You’re damn lucky to be alive, my friend.

RED XIII

Thanks for saving me.

A few beats; then

TIFA

(about a large hole in the cliff side)

Are these the mines?

CLOUD

I guess so.

(to Red XIII)

Are you going to be alright?

Red nods.

BARRET

I guess we can go then.

CLOUD

We have to ditch the chocobos.

Aeris and Tifa get off their chocobos. Aeris says her good-bye and the four chocobos go running off back to the farm.

AERIS

What about the giant thing?

CLOUD

It’s dead.

(BEAT)

Something’s odd though. The kid at the farm said there’d be tow of them.

BARRET

(looking off to the right in awe)

There are.

CLOUD

How do you know?

To groups turns and looks to the right. They are shocked when they see the second giant snake impaled through the head by a tree.

CLOUD

Holy shit.

AERIS

Who did that?

CLOUD

(BEAT)

Sephiroth. He did come this way.

BARRET

I guess that explains why the other one was so pissed.

CLOUD

Forget about it. Let’s go.

The party enters in the Mythril Mines.

INT. MYTHRIL MINES - PASSAGE – DAY

The mines are surprisingly bright inside. As the party walks, Barret loads more ammunition in his gun-arm.

TIFA

What did Shinra use these mines for?

CLOUD

My guess is they used these before the Mako days. Shinra probably mined mythril and coal here.

BARRET

(angry)

Yeah, until they found they could get richer by sucking the blood out of the planet.

CLOUD

Let’s keep moving.

INT. MYTHRIL MINES – CLEARING – DAY

The ground continues to walk through the mines when a loud WHISTLE echoes. They look and see RUDE of the Turks, standing atop a stone platform.

RUDE

Greetings, friends! What a nice surprise.

CLOUD

Rude!

AERIS

Who are you?

RUDE

Rude of the Turks. I’m the one who usually carries out the hits.

Rude laughs.

BARRET

Enough of this shit.

Barret aims his gun-arm at Rude. Rude responds by pulling out a pistol.

RUDE

It’d be an honor to waste you all right now, but that’s not my mission.

BARRET

Bull shit!

FEMALE VOICE (OS)

He’s right.

The group looks behind them and sees the rookie Turk, ELENA (22), standing on a separate stone platform. She is wearing the traditional Turk suit jacket and has short blonde hair.

TIFA

And who are you?

ELENA

I’m Elena, the newest member of the Turks.

FREEZE FRAME:

“Elena”

“Member of Shinra’s elite Secret Service the Turks”

REAL TIME

CLOUD

How nice.

ELENA

Anyway, we’re after Sephiroth. We’ve been tracking him since we left Midgar. What a surprise that we bumped into you.

RUDE

We can always just murder you here and kill two birds with one stone.

TSENG (OS)

No need for violence.

Tseng, leader of the Turks makes himself visible in the path right in front of the party.

BARRET

So Tseng’s here too.

TSENG

Take it easy Rude. We’re not here for them.

(to Aeris)

How you doing, Aeris?

Rude puts his gun away.

AERIS

What do you want, Tseng?

TSENG

Like Elena said, we’re after Sephiroth.

ELENA

We’re following him all the way to Junon Harbor. President Rufus will be there. We’re holding a celebration for his promotion as president.

TSENG

Elena, you talk too much.

ELENA

Sorry sir.

TSENG

Rude, Elena, proceed and planned.

ELENA

Yes, sir.

Elena walks back into the shadows.

RUDE

Before I depart, Reno says he’s looking forward to his next meeting with you.

CLOUD

You can tell Reno, I’m looking forward to it too.

Rude laughs and exits.

TSENG

I’d like nothing more than to dispose of you all right now. However, it will have to wait. I bid you ado.

Tseng leaves.

BARRET

Son of a bitch, we should have killed them.

RED XIII

To be honest, we shouldn’t have.

BARRET

And why not?

RED XIII

We know exactly where Sephiroth’s going.

TIFA

He’s right Barret.

Barret sighs and the group progresses through the mines.

EXT. OPEN WORLD – OUTSIDE MINES – DAY

One-by-one the group walks out of the mines and out into the open world.

BARRET

(relieved)

Finally.

AERIS

So what next?

CLOUD

You heard what Elena said. We’re off to Junon.

(BEAT)

However, Junon’s too far of a walk for today.

TIFA

So what do we do?

Cloud scans the horizon and sees only plains.

CLOUD

If memory serves my correct, there should be a forest about twenty miles from here. It’s right on our way.

BARRET

Fine by me.

RED XIII

Likewise. There’s plenty of prey in the forests of this planet. I finally eat something other than human food.

AERIS

Well alright then. Let’s go.

INT. SHINRA TOWER – PRISON CELL – DAY

The cell door opens and Heidegger walks inside.

BUGENHAGEN

What do you want now?

HEIDEGGER

You’re no longer needed.

BUGENHAGEN

What?

HEIDEGGER

The Turks have picked up Sephiroth’s trail. Shinra is in pursuit as we speak.

BUGENHAGEN

So what now? Are you going to release me.

Heidegger pulls out a gun. Bugenhagen gets frightened.

HEIDEGGER

Be grateful it’ll be quick.

He aims the gun at Bugenhagen and FIRES. A tranquilizer shoots out from the barrel and into Bugenhagen’s neck. Bugenhagen immediately falls asleep.

HEIDEGGER

Also be thankful that you’ve been spared.

(to Shinra soldier)

See to it that he’s delivered back to Cosmo Canyon.

SHINRA SOLDIER #14

Yes, sir.

EXT. FOREST – DAY

The group calmly walks through the forest.

CLOUD

We need to find a place to set up camp.

AERIS

It’s so peaceful here.

CLOUD

Yeah, the second you put your guard down is the second you get robbed by the bandits that hide here.

They come to a small clearing.

CLOUD

This’ll do.

Barret lays down the blankets that were bought in Kalm.

AERIS

I’m going to go get some wood.

BARRET

I’ll go with you.

CLOUD

Fine with me.

(to Red XIII)

What about you?

RED XIII

Me? It’s time for a hunt!

CLOUD

What about you Tifa?

TIFA

I’ll go with Red?

CLOUD

Everyone be back here before nightfall.

AERIS

Yes, sir!

The group each runs off leaving Cloud alone. Cloud takes out his sword and lets it fall to the ground. He takes a deep sigh and rests.

FADE OUT

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT

FADE IN

Aeris and Barret each walk toward a lit fire and drop the wood nearby. Everyone else is preparing for sleep. Barret unscrews his gun-arm and sits down. A few beats; then

AERIS

Where is this Junon?

CLOUD

Right on by ocean shores. Shinra owns it.

BARRET

Which means, there will be guards up the ass. Anyone remembers us from Midgar and we’re screwed.

CLOUD

(BEAT)

Junon has perhaps the most powerful weapon on the planet. It has a Mako Cannon. I’m talking about a cannon that comes straight out of the harbor and stretches hundreds of feet.

RED XIII

Can such things even exist?

CLOUD

Shinra built it. It was the weapon that ended the war against Wutai.

BARRET

They also use it as an intimidation device. Rebel against Shinra and,

TIFA

They blow you away.

The fire starts to die.

AERIS

Should we feed it?

CLOUD

No. Let’s get some sleep.

The group watches as the fire goes out. Each of them readies themselves for sleep.

INT. HELICOPTER – NIGHT

Rufus and Heidegger sit in the helicopter as it travels to Junon.

HEIDEGGER

Palmer called earlier.

RUFUS

And what did he want?

HEIDEGGER

He wants to know if you’re still going to re-launch Shinra’s Space Program.

Rufus sighs.

RUFUS

The income from Rocket Town isn’t good enough. If Palmer wants me to re-launch the Space Program, he should double his efforts.

HEIDEGGER

Yes, sir. I will inform him.

Rufus then turns his head and stares out the window at the world below. A few beats; then

HEIDEGGER

Sir?

RUFUS

We know that Sephiroth is headed toward Junon, then why do we intend on having our top executives there? You saw what he did to my father. He could very well get to us.

HEIDEGGER

Security is the highest it’s ever been at Junon. If Sephiroth appears, we’ll get him.

RUFUS

What are the chances that we run into Cloud and his band of rejects? What then, Heidegger?

HEIDEGGER

What are your orders, sir?

RUFUS

If Cloud shows up, he has to know that I’ll be there. He won’t pass up that opportunity.

HEIDEGGER

If Cloud shows up, we will need some kind of leverage to work against him.

A couple beats then Rufus smiles in inspiration.

RUFUS

You’re right. We will need some sort of leverage.

HEIDEGGER

What should we do?

RUFUS

Since the Turks are busy, I want you to get a group of soldiers ready in Midgar. They have a special assignment.

HEIDEGGER

Right away sir.

A few beats; then

RUFUS

Something else troubles me. I’m worried on where my executives stand.

HEIDEGGER

I stand behind you always, Mr. President.

RUFUS

Yes. I’m confident that you are on my side. The same with Scarlet. I’m even confident that leech Palmer is with me. Who does that leave?

HEIDEGGER

Reeve, Head of Urban Planning.

RUFUS

Right.

HEIDEGGER

You think Reeve is a traitor?

RUFUS

I don’t know what I think. His loyalty has come into question. Keep an eye on him, will you.

HEIDEGGER

I will sir. If he is a traitor he will die a traitor’s death.

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT

CLOSE UP as Cloud sleeps. His eyes twitch like he’s having a dream. There is also RUSTLING sounds off screen.

DREAM VOICE (VO)

Cloud…

Cloud’s eyes tighten.

DREAM VOICE (VO)

Cloud…

His eyes tighten harder.

DREAM VOICE (VO)

Wake up!

Cloud’s eyes SHOOT open and he sits up, out of breath. He looks to the side toward the RUSTLING and sees a young WOMAN with Asian features digging in the party’s supplies.

CLOUD

(standing up)

Hey!

The woman turns around and sees Cloud. In her hands are some of Cloud’s materia spheres. She smirks at Cloud and RUNS off.

CLOUD

Stop!

He quickly grabs his storage pouch and sees that all of his materia is gone.

CLOUD

Dammit!

He gets up and begins to chase the girl. Without his sword he sprints after the girl.

Back at the camp Tifa, hears the NOISE and wakes up. She sees Cloud disappear in the darkness.

TIFA

(yelling)

Cloud!

With the yelling Barret wakes up.

BARRET

What’s going on?

TIFA

Cloud ran off!

BARRET

Where?

TIFA

I don’t know.

Tifa starts to follow Cloud’s footsteps.

BARRET

Tifa!

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT

Cloud continues to chase the young woman through the dark forest. As he runs he sees that woman extended her arm in the air. ZOOM! A piton shots out of her wrist and into the branch of a high tree. The woman swings in the air up into the forest canopy. Cloud stops.

CLOUD

(whispering)

Whoa.

He watches as the shadow of the girl leaps from tree to tree. Cloud continues to chase her on the ground.

TIFA

She is running after Cloud.

BARRET (OS)

Tifa, wait!

She ignores him and continues after Cloud.

WOMAN

The woman flips off of a tree branch back on the ground. She turns to look back thinking she is free. BAM! Cloud tackles her from the side. The two wrestle on the ground. The woman kicks Cloud off and swiftly flips herself upright. Cloud watches as the woman digs in pocket. Suddenly he sees a SHURIKEN flying toward his head.

SLOW MOTION

As the shuriken passes by Cloud’s head by centimeters.

REAL TIME

The woman smirks and again runs off. Cloud gets up and chases her.

EXT. FOREST – CAMP – NIGHT

Red XIII presses his head against Aeris, who is asleep.

RED XIII

Aeris, you must wake up.

He presses harder and Aeris awakens. She sits up and quickly rubs her eyes.

AERIS

What? What’s going on?

RED XIII

Look.

Aeris looks at the camp and sees that everyone’s gone.

AERIS

Where are they all?

RED XIII

I haven’t the slightest idea. I woke up and they were all gone.

A beat.

AERIS

Do we look for them?

RED XIII

(looking at the empty pouch)

What’s this?

Red XIII sticks his head in the pouch slightly and realizes nothing is inside.

RED XIII

Our materia is gone.

AERIS

(shocked)

What?

Aeris gets up and grabs the pouch. She looks inside.

AERIS

What’s going on?

RED XIII

Did they leave without us?

AERIS

No, they wouldn’t leave without me.

RED XIII

So I’m expendable?

AERIS

That’s not what I meant.

RED XIII

So, what then?

AERIS

I guess we should go look for them.

EXT. FOREST – DAWN

A few sun beams have begun to pass through the canopy as Tifa, out of breath, walks through the forest in search of Cloud.

TIFA

Cloud!

No answer. Instead an ARM appears from a bush. The arm grabs Tifa and pulls her aside by a bush. Startled Tifa looks as if she’s about to scream but sees that it was Cloud who grabbed her.

TIFA

Cloud.

CLOUD

Shhhh.

TIFA

(whispering)

What’s going on?

Cloud points his finger through the bush at the woman thief perched in a tree looking at her newly acquired materia.

CLOUD

(whispering)

She’ll have to come down eventually.

TIFA

(whispering)

Who? What’s going on?

CLOUD

(whispering)

She stole them while we were sleeping.

TIFA

(whispering)

Stole what? What’s going on?

She looks at the woman in the tree and sees the materia spheres.

TIFA

(whispering)

Bitch.

CLOUD

(whispering)

Shhhh. She’s coming down.

Cloud and Tifa watch as the woman slowly climbs down from the tree. Unknowingly she walks in Cloud’s direction.

BARRET

Heavily fatigued, Barret is slumped over catching his breath.

BARRET

(to himself)

Damn, where are you Cloud?

A few beats; then Barret remembers something. He pulls out the PHS that was acquired in Kalm. He dials a number.

CLOUD & TIFA

The thief is only yards away from Cloud and Tifa. She cautiously continues to walk. Cloud readies himself to leap on the woman when RING! His PHS rings.

CLOUD

Shit!

The thief hears and turns around to see Cloud. She gasps and starts to run. Cloud dives but misses. He watches as the thief runs off again.

CLOUD

Dammit!

Cloud pulls his PHS out and answers it.

CLOUD

(into PHS)

What!

BARRET (VO)

Cloud? Where are you?

Cloud sighs.

CLOUD

Barret.

Tifa walks out from the bush and looks at the path the thief ran down.

BARRET (VO)

Where are you?

CLOUD

I can’t talk now.

BARRET (VO)

Wait—

Cloud hangs up.

TIFA

Was it Barret?

CLOUD

Yeah.

A few beats; then

TIFA

Who was that, the girl with our materia?

CLOUD

I don’t know. But whoever she is, she’s mine.

BARRET

Barret angrily hangs up the PHS.

BARRET

Son of a bitch.

AERIS (OS)

Barret!

Barret turns and sees Aeris and Red XIII walking toward him.

RED XIII

There you are.

AERIS

What happened?

BARRET

I don’t know. I wake up, hear a scream, see Tifa run off, and everything goes ape shit.

RED XIII

Where’s Cloud?

BARRET

I don’t know. He hung up on me.

AERIS

(BEAT)

All our materia is gone.

BARRET

What?

RED XIII

She’s right. All of it is gone.

Barret groans.

BARRET

Damn.

AERIS

What do we do?

BARRET

I don’t know. I’ve been chasing Tifa for the past half hour.

RED XIII

I’m going to search for Cloud. You two can do what you want.

Red XIII walks off.

EXT. FOREST – DAY

Cloud grabs a vine from a tree and pulls it down bending the branch. He loops the end of the vine into a lasso like device.

TIFA

What are you doing?

CLOUD

This broad is not getting away from me. I’m setting a trap.

The vine SNAPS! off the branch. Cloud throws the broken end over the branch to create a pulley.

CLOUD

When she passes through here, I’ll pull and then we’ll have her.

TIFA

(sarcastically)

Good plan.

Cloud takes the vine and disguises it on the tree. He then walks behind the bush to hide. Tifa follows.

TIFA

Now what?

CLOUD

We wait. She will come by here. I know it.

TIFA

How?

CLOUD

This was the way she was running when we last saw her.

EXT. FOREST – (LATER THAT) DAY

A few minutes later we see Red XIII walking down the forest path. He sticks his nose in the air and sniffs. He catches a scent.

RED XIII

Found ya.

He starts running down the path when WHAM! His leg gets caught in Cloud’s trap and he is hoisted in the air. Red XIII yelps.

CLOUD

Knowing he caught something Cloud smiles and ties the vine to a branch.

TIFA

We got her!

Cloud and Tifa run out from behind the bush and that they only caught Red XIII. Tifa sighs.

CLOUD

Dammit!

TIFA

It’s only, Red.

They watch as Red XIII dangles in the air. A few beats; then

RED XIII

Yes, how about getting me down?

Cloud moves forward to get Red XIII free. He unties the loop and Red XIII falls to the ground.

RED XIII

Thank you.

TIFA

How’d you find us?

RED XIII

You mid telling me what’s going on, first?

Cloud turns and sees Barret running toward him.

BARRET

There you are you son of a bitch!

RED XIII

Now what happened?

TIFA

A thief stole all our materia. Cloud and I have been chasing her.

BARRET

(sarcastically)

Looks like you’ve done a great job.

Cloud realizes that there’s no Aeris.

CLOUD

Where’s Aeris?

Barret looks ahead on the path. His eyes widen when he sees the thief.

BARRET

There!

The group turns and sees the woman. The woman looks up and sees Cloud and the others. She turns around and runs WHAM! She runs right into Aeris knocking both of them to the ground. The woman quickly attempts to get up but Cloud grabs her in a headlock.

CLOUD

Not this time!

WOMAN

Let me go.

Barret helps Aeris up and the group surrounds the woman.

AERIS

What’s going on?

CLOUD

Where are they?

WOMAN

What?

Cloud tightens his grip choking the girl.

CLOUD

Our materia, where is it?

WOMAN

What materia?

Cloud tightens again. The woman’s face turns red as she attempts to cough.

TIFA

You’re killing her!

CLOUD

That’s the idea.

Cloud tightens again. The woman’s eyes widen. She struggles but manages to take off her shoulder pouch and throws it to the ground. Barret picks up the pouch and looks inside. The party’s materia is inside.

BARRET

This is it Cloud. All of it’s here.

Cloud loosens his grip but doesn’t release the woman. He drags her to her feet still choking her.

CLOUD

Why’d you feel you needed to rob us?

WOMAN

It’s my job.

CLOUD

Who do you work for? Shinra?

WOMAN

I’m from Wutai. They train me to steal.

Cloud releases the girl and pushes her. The woman coughs catching her breath.

TIFA

What’s your name?

WOMAN

Yuffie. Yuffie Kisargi.

FREEZE FRAME:

“Yuffie Kisargi”

“Trained ninja of Wutai and known thief”

REAL TIME

BARRET

Are we letting her go?

Cloud smiles.

CLOUD

No. Bind her hands. She’s coming with us.

YUFFIE

What? No! You can’t!

BARRET

You can come with us and perhaps survive or die now. What is it?

Yuffie sighs and extends her wrists. Barret grabs the vine Cloud used and violently binds Yuffie’s hands. She howls in pain. The group starts walking back toward camp with Yuffie as their prisoner.

AERIS

We can’t just bring her with us, Cloud?

CLOUD

We’ll turn her in at Junon. I’m sure she’s robbed plenty of the Shinra in this forest.

(to Yuffie)

Is that right?

Yuffie spits at Cloud.

CLOUD

(CONT.)

I guess so.

He wipes the spit from his face.

CLOUD

You know what Shinra does to people who steal?

YUFFIE

What?

CLOUD

They’ll cut off your hands and give you to Hojo for his experiments.

Yuffie struggles to get free but can’t.

BARRET

You’re not getting away.

Cloud smiles and the group continue to walk back to the camp.

EXT. FOREST – CAMP – DAY

They reach their camp. Barret grabs his gun-arm and screws it on. Cloud grabs his sword and holsters it.

AERIS

How far is Junon?

CLOUD

If we hurry, we can make it by midnight.

Cloud walks over to a rock and sits down. He sighs heavily.

RED XIII

What happens when we get to Junon?

CLOUD

I don’t know. Hopefully I’ll run into Sephiroth and end this whole thing.

(BEAT)

But first we’ll turn in Ms. Thief.

Yuffie snarls at Cloud. A few beats; then

AERIS

Remember what the Turks said?

CLOUD

Yeah I remember, and I’ve come up with a plan.

BARRET

What is it?

CLOUD

If Sephiroth’s heading to Junon, he has to be looking for transport across the ocean. That’s where you all with follow him. You’ll board a boat and cross to the next continent.

TIFA

What about you?

CLOUD

Rufus will be in Junon. Elena said they’re holding a ceremony to welcome him as president. The president is the most powerful man in Shinra. If he disappears the company will be crippled.

(BEAT)

So, after Rufus gives his speech in Junon,

(BEAT)

He’ll be assassinated. I’m going to do it.

FADE OUT

THE END