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FF Odyssey
Fan Fiction
Final Fantasy VII Movie Script
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FINAL FANTASY
CRY OF THE PLANET
Character Listing for Part 8
CLOUD STRIFE
BARRET WALLACE
TIFA LOCKHEART
AERIS GAINSBOROUGH
RED XIII
YUFFIE KISARGI
CAIT SITH
RUFUS
REEVE
HEIDEGGER
PALMER
REPAIRMAN
OPERATOR
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
DIO’S ASSISTANT
SECURITY OFFICER
SECURITY GUARD
EMPLOYEE
WOUNDED CIVILIAN
SOLDIER
PRISONER
ARMY CAPTAIN
THUG #1
THUG #2
THUG #3
THUG #4
DIO
DYNE
GATTA
ELEANOR
Set Listing for Part 8
Interiors
SHINRA TOWER - CONFERENCE ROOM
SHINRA TOWER - PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
ROPEWAY TRAM
GOLD SAUCER - RAILWAY STATION
GOLD SAUCER - STATION SQUARE
GOLD SAUCER - GHOST SQUARE
GOLD SAUCER - WONDER SQUARE
GOLD SAUCER - CHOCOBO SQUARE
GOLD SAUCER - BATTLE SQUARE
GOLD SAUCER - BOILER ROOM
GOLD SAUCER - DIO’S OFFICE
GOLD SAUCER - ELEVATOR
GOLD SAUCER - PRISON CELLS
GHOST HOTEL - LOBBY
GHOST HOTEL - HALLWAY
GHOST HOTEL - ROOM 4A
GHOST HOTEL - GUEST ROOM
BATTLE SQUARE - BATTLE ARENA
DESERT PRISON - HUT
PIPE
Exteriors
COREL - RAIL TRAM PORT
DESERT PRISON - STREETS
DESERT PRISON - FREEDOM SQUARE
DESERT PRISON - CLIFF EDGE
DESERT PRISON - JUNK YARD
Part 8: My Lucky Color is Blue
FADE IN
INT. SHINRA TOWER - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
REEVE sits in one of the chairs beaten. His face isn’t too bruised but his nose has begun to bleed. The two SHINRA SOLDIERS continue to prevent Reeve from going anywhere.
SHINRA SOLDIER #22
(into his radio)
Yes, sir.
(to the other soldier)
He’s here.
REEVE
Who is? Rufus?
A few beats; then the door opens and RUFUS along with HEIDEGGER enters. Rufus jokingly smiles at the sight of Reeve.
RUFUS
Reeve, my “loyal” executive, greetings.
REEVE
(standing up)
Rufus, I demand to know what is going on here. You have my two military escorts bring me here and tell them to violently abuse me.
RUFUS
You’re quite right. Be thankful that you’re still alive.
REEVE
What are you saying?
Rufus smiles and he and Heidegger sit down at the conference table.
HEIDEGGER
Please do sit, Reeve.
Reeve cautiously sits down at the table.
RUFUS
We’re beginning to question where your loyalty lies.
REEVE
I’ve always been loyal to Shinra.
RUFUS
Then why? Why neglect the President?
REEVE
What do you mean?
HEIDEGGER
You weren’t in Junon for the ceremony. What does that say to the world?
REEVE
(angered)
This is bullshit! Hojo or Palmer weren’t there either!
RUFUS
Hojo had a legitimate excuse. He is on the trail of Sephiroth…along with the Turks. And Palmer isn’t officially an executive. We’ve disbanded out space program for quite some time now.
REEVE
I was in the slums surveying the damage we caused.
RUFUS
Who gave that order?
Reeve is speechless.
HEIDEGGER
Speak!
REEVE
(defeated)
I did.
RUFUS
That’s right and what did I tell you about the Sector 7 Slums?
REEVE
You said that it was a waste because we weren’t rebuilding.
RUFUS
Then why survey the damage, Reeve?
REEVE
(defensive)
Because I disagree with your decision. I think we should rebuild. Shinra can’t put all it money into a plan to reach the Promised Land which we don’t even know exists.
HEIDEGGER
You are speaking the President of Shinra, Reeve. Show some respect!
Rufus calms Heidegger down with a hand gesture.
RUFUS
Tell me Reeve, were you loyal to my father?
REEVE
I’m loyal to all of Shinra.
RUFUS
Prove it then. If you prove to me that you aren’t some money-grumbling moron, I won’t kill you.
REEVE
Kill me?
RUFUS
Yes that’s right. The law does say that to rebel against the president of Shinra will spell your death via execution.
REEVE
No it doesn’t!
RUFUS
Now it does.
Rufus smiles.
RUFUS
(CONT.)
Are we understood? Show me you’re executive material and keep your damn mind focused.
REEVE
(determined)
Yes sir.
(BEAT)
I love my position here and I’ll prove to Shinra that I am valuable.
RUFUS
(smiles)
Good. You do that.
(BEAT)
And now…you’re free to go.
Reeve gets up, buttons his jacket, and leaves the conference room.
HEIDEGGER
I still think we should keep our eyes on him.
RUFUS
I agree. Get in touch with the Turks. I want a status report.
HEIDEGGER
Yes, sir.
EXT. COREL - RAIL TRAM PORT - DUSK
CLOUD, BARRET, AERIS, TIFA, YUFFIE, and RED XIII all wait in the Corel port for the tram to get ready to take them to Gold Saucer. A REPAIRMAN is there fixing a gear counsel.
TIFA
We’ve been here all day!
(to repairman)
Are you done yet?
The repairman flips a switch and the gears in the box begin to spin.
REPAIRMAN
Now I am.
He wipes the grease off his hands and gets up.
CLOUD
What was wrong with it?
REPAIRMAN
Looked like sabotage to me. Stuff like that just doesn’t happen by itself.
AERIS
Who could have sabotaged the tram?
Aeris looks at Cloud and immediately gets an idea of who it was. The repairman walks to the group.
BARRET
How much is it?
REPAIRMAN
Job like that…I’d say about 250.
Barret looks at Cloud. Cloud nods and Barret gives the repairman a pouch of cash.
REPAIRMAN
(stashing the cash)
Thanks.
(BEAT)
Say, aint you the guy everyone in this town talk about?
BARRET
What guy?
REPAIRMAN
Yeah I think you are that guy. A lot of people hate you here.
BARRET
(irritated)
Thanks, I know.
REPAIRMAN
Hey man, I don’t care what you did or didn’t do. I moved here from Midgar. It’s good business being the only repair guy in town.
CLOUD
Thanks for the help.
REPAIRMAN
You bet.
The repairman leaves. A few beats; then the group heads toward the tram.
YUFFIE
So who did sabotage our passage? Those Turk guys?
RED XIII
Perhaps it was him?
YUFFIE
Who?
TIFA
You’ve got a lot of catchin’ up to do, Yuffie.
The team boards the tram.
OPERATOR (OS)
Tram departing!
The OPERATOR flips a lever and the tram’s propellers begin to spin.
INT. ROPEWAY TRAM - NIGHT
The party, except Cloud, all sits on the cushioned bench that lines the interior of the tram. Barret is still extremely depressed as he watches the tram start to move up the ropeway.
TIFA
(comforting)
Barret, you gotta’ cheer up.
BARRET
Just leave me alone.
Cloud walks to the window and looks out.
CLOUD
Sephiroth must know that we’re after him. Who else could have sabotaged those controls?
AERIS
The Turks?
RED XIII
I doubt that, Aeris.
(MORE)
RED XIII
(CONT.)
Don’t you think we would have heard something back in Corel?
CLOUD
He’s right. It could only be Sephiroth.
YUFFIE
Again, who’s Sephiroth!?
Cloud sighs.
TIFA
Long story. But in short, he’s the guy we’re after.
YUFFIE
(sarcastically)
What’d he do to deserve people like us?
AERIS
Is ‘wiping out the world’ a good enough answer?
A beat.
YUFFIE
I see.
BOOM! A huge thundering burst nearly rocks the tram. Startled everyone looks out the window and sees that fireworks are exploding all over the place. In the midst of all the color is Gold Saucer, a huge gold-colored amusement complex that resembles a stem with five mushroom-like branches.
TIFA
(surprised)
That’s Gold Saucer!?
CLOUD
Yeah.
AERIS
Isn’t it beautiful?
RED XIII
Will they welcome my species there? I’d very much like to see this place.
CLOUD
I’m sure they will. Gold Saucer is the place to find the most bizarre creatures on the planet.
AERIS
Is this place run by Shinra?
CLOUD
(smiling)
Nope. It’s Shinra-free.
Aeris grins widely. Barret still sits there depressed.
AERIS
(gazing out the window)
The place is enormous! Can we even find Sephiroth?
CLOUD
We’re going to have to try.
(BEAT)
Now come on, we’re about to dock.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - RAILWAY STATION - NIGHT
The tram docks through a tunnel resembling a giant pink moogle. The station is brightly lit up. The doors of the tram open and the part gets out. They look at the place in amazement.
TIFA
This place is incredible!
Cloud walks up to the front counter next to the complex’s main entrance. There waiting is the EMPLOYEE.
EMPLOYEE
Can I help you folks?
CLOUD
Yeah, we’re looking to get in to Gold Saucer.
EMPLOYEE
Well you’re here. How many of you are there?
CLOUD
Six.
EMPLOYEE
Six-hundred gil then.
TIFA
(shocked)
Six-hundred! Isn’t that a bit steep?
EMPLOYEE
I don’t make the rules, lady. That’s all up to Dio.
Cloud pulls out his envelope of money and pulls the rest of the cash out. He hands it to the man.
EMPLOYEE
(counting the money)
Alright then.
(BEAT)
Welcome to Gold Saucer!
CLOUD
Thank you.
EMPLOYEE
Enjoy your stay. The railway will be waiting.
Cloud nods and the party proceeds into--
INT. GOLD SAUCER - STATION SQUARE - NIGHT
The Gold Saucer Station Square is a small round yellow room that has access to all of the complex’s activity squares. The doors to the other squares are circles connected to a tube transport system. There are six circular passageways. Each of them has the name of the square they lead to above it. The squares are, Chocobo Square, Wonder Square, Ghost Square, Event Square, Speed Square, Battle Square, and Station Square.
RED XIII
This is it?
AERIS
(looking at the circular doors)
I guess we go through those.
TIFA
So where do you want to go?
AERIS
We should do something fun while we’re here. Barret needs some cheering up.
BARRET
I aint in no cheery mood. So ‘jes leave me alone.
CLOUD
Can we just drop this?
AERIS
Sure, but we’re going to go play.
BARRET
So fucking play already! Don’t forget we’re after Sephiroth!
Barret runs and jumps into the Ghost Square passage.
YUFFIE
Where’s he going?
TIFA
Probably to look for a drink.
CLOUD
Alright enough of this! It’s obvious that Barret has a lot on his mind. We all do, but we shouldn’t lose our focus. Sephiroth is somewhere inside and I’m going to find him.
AERIS
How? This place is enormous!
RED XIII
She’s right. It could days to find one man in a black cloak.
Cloud sighs.
CLOUD
We should all split up then. Unfortunately, Barret has the other PHS.
RED XIII
We’ll get it.
YUFFIE
It’s not like you’ll be able to use it.
RED XIII
(sarcastically)
Very funny.
CLOUD
Fine! Red, you and Yuffie go find Barret.
YUFFIE
Roger!
TIFA
Then the rest of us look for Sephiroth?
CLOUD
Right. Aeris will go with me. I can’t risk her being alone here especially of Sephiroth is lurking around.
AERIS
I can handle myself.
CLOUD
Not against Sephiroth.
Aeris sighs with a hint of anger.
TIFA
It’s settled then?
Cloud nods.
REX XIII
Then come on Yuffie.
Yuffie smiles and her and Red XIII jump in the passage leading to the Ghost Square.
CLOUD
(to Tifa)
We’ll meet in the Ghost Square.
TIFA
Why there?
CLOUD
I’m told that there’s a hotel there for traveling customers.
TIFA
Alright then, fine with me. What should I do if I find Sephiroth?
CLOUD
Keep an eye on him and follow him wherever he goes. Don’t start a confrontation.
TIFA
Go it.
Tifa goes and jumps in the Chocobo Square passage.
CLOUD
(to Aeris)
Let’s go.
AERIS
(sarcastically)
Yes, master.
They walk and jump into the Wonder Square passage.
INT. SHINRA TOWER - PRESIDENT’S OFFICE - NIGHT
RUFUS
Do you have it?
Rufus sits at his desk. PALMER is there and stands in front of him with a folder.
PALMER
(holding out the folder to Rufus)
Yes. This has everything. From birth to the present everything this guy did is there.
Rufus opens the folder and looks at it.
CLOSE UP on the black and white photograph on the front page. It shows a pilot with dirty blond hair and a rugged beard.
RUFUS
This is him?
PALMER
Yes. Cid Highwind. He was one of our best fighter pilots during the war with Wutai.
RUFUS
Is he not the man you and my father screwed out of being the first man in space?
Palmer is silent. A few beats; then Rufus turns the page to a picture of a huge airship.
RUFUS
I take it he is the one working on the airship for us.
PALMER
Correct Mr. President. He has borrowed money from Shinra to build it. When he has completed the ship, he will have no way of paying us back.
RUFUS
So we’ll take the ship as payment.
PALMER
Correct. Then I suggest we eliminate him to avoid and actions of vengeance.
RUFUS
How close are we to obtaining the airship?
PALMER
Close. Highwind knows he’s starting to have financial troubles.
Rufus stands up.
RUFUS
Do not eliminate him yet.
PALMER
Why not? This man has connections that could bring heavy damage to Shinra if he seeks vengeance.
RUFUS
Yes, that’s true and no doubt will most definitely want Shinra dead after we screw him over again. That airship is our passage to the Promised Land.
PALMER
So what should we do?
RUFUS
We’ll take the airship but not as payment to his debt. We take it and store it at Junon. Highwind will only get it back when he pays us back.
PALMER
Why not just kill him now then and take the ship for ourselves?
RUFUS
Because there is something else I want from this…Cid Highwind.
Rufus takes the photograph of Cid out of the folder and slides it to Palmer on the desk. He points to an airplane in the background.
RUFUS
It’s the Tiny Bronco. Highwind’s first perfect plane he ever built.
PALMER
Does it still work?
RUFUS
Of course it does.
PALMER
What do we need it for? You said yourself the airship was our key to find Promised Land.
RUFUS
In time you’ll find out. Just get me the Tiny Bronco.
(BEAT)
When Shinra takes his ship, he’ll be forced to give us the Tiny Bronco in exchange for his airship back.
PALMER
Why not just take them both and kill him?
RUFUS
Because Cid’s current residence is in Rocket Town. The town is very connected to its history. To them there are only two symbols of their existence, the Tiny Bronco and Rocket Number 26. To avoid an uprising Cid will have to give the Tiny Bronco, thus we can’t be held responsible.
PALMER
Then we kill him?
RUFUS
We kill him and take the airship for ourselves. We’ll have both of Highwind’s genius works.
PALMER
(smiling)
You should call the Turks and tell them to head for Rocket Town.
RUFUS
The Turks are busy, Palmer. If anyone kills Cid, it’ll be you.
PALMER
Why me?
RUFUS
You must understand Palmer. You killed this man’s dream to be the first man in space.
(BEAT)
You killed the dream, now you must kill the man.
PALMER
What will stop Rocket Town from becoming an enemy of Shinra?
RUFUS
They won’t dare rebel against us after we kill Cid, for after we do kill him, I’ll re-launch the Shinra Space Program with you back at its head.
Palmer smiles.
PALMER
Thank you, sir.
A beat; then
RUFUS
I’ll expect the Tiny Bronco to be ours in the coming weeks. Understood?
PALMER
Yes I understand.
(BEAT)
If I may ask, what is going on with Reeve? He’s been a close friend of mine and is now all the sudden distant.
RUFUS
(sitting back down)
Reeve is engaged in a mission to prove himself to Shinra. His life depends on it.
A few beats; then
PALMER
I see. Thank you, sir.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - GHOST SQUARE - NIGHT
Red XIII and Yuffie walk in a phony man-made graveyard in the Gold Saucer Ghost Square. Mechanical monsters and ghost pop up from under the graves as they walk. Neither Yuffie nor Red XIII are fazed.
YUFFIE
You actually think Barret is here?
RED XIII
He came this way. We all saw it.
They look ahead and see a large haunted house.
YUFFIE
What’s that?
RED XIII
It looks like a haunted house. Probably just a funhouse to scare the tourists.
YUFFIE
Barret could be inside.
RED XIII
Doing what!? Pummeling those mechanical monsters?
YUFFIE
Well it’s not like he’d be doing anything out here.
RED XIII
Fine, let’s go.
Yuffie and Red XIII walk up to the house.
INT. GHOST HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY
Inside the supposed haunted house in nothing more than the front lobby of a hotel with a haunted house theme. Yuffie and Red XIII walk inside. They scan the place and see that it’s a hotel.
YUFFIE
It’s a hotel!
RED XIII
(sarcastically)
You’re so observant.
YUFFIE
Shut up.
They look around and see the HOTEL RECEPTIONIST at a desk off to the right side. The two walk up to him.
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
Welcome to Gold Saucer’s Haunted Hotel. Can I help you?
YUFFIE
We’re looking for our friend. We think we may have checked in here earlier.
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
(pulling out his clipboard)
His name?
YUFFIE
Barret.
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
His last name?
Yuffie stops and thinks. She then leans down toward Red XIII.
YUFFIE
(whispering)
What’s his last name?
RED XIII
It’s Wallace I believe.
YUFFIE
(to receptionist)
Wallace. His name is Barret Wallace.
The receptionist checks through the names on the clipboard and sees Barret.
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
Ah. Your friend is here and it looks like he’s expecting more of you.
YUFFIE
How many more?
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
He reserved two rooms. He said he had a party of six.
YUFFIE
Thank you. What room number?
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
4A. However I can’t let you through?
YUFFIE
What? Why not?
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
He’s asked not to be disturbed until a certain time.
YUFFIE
(under her breath)
Bastard.
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
You are welcome to stay here in the lobby until it is time.
YUFFIE
Thank you.
Yuffie slides her hand forward and “accidently” knocks the man’s clipboard off the desk.
YUFFIE
Oops. I’m sorry.
The receptionist bends down to pick up the clipboard. As he does Yuffie swiftly swipes the master key from his belt without him knowing. She holds the key down and Red XIII grabs it. He conceals it in his mouth.
YUFFIE
Everything in order?
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
Yes.
YUFFIE
Okay, again I’m sorry.
Yuffie and Red XIII walk away from the desk. They watch as the receptionist sits in his chair and is about to fall asleep. They quietly walk up the stairs to the second floor.
INT. GHOST HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Quietly the two walk the hallway on the second floor looking for rooms 4A and 4B.
YUFFIE
Got the key?
Red XIII spits the key out on the floor. Yuffie picks it up and wipes it off.
RED XIII
Why would Barret want to avoid us?
YUFFIE
You’re asking me? I just met the guy and from what I’ve seen so far, he’s an asshole. How long have you known him?
RED XIII
Only about a month. He and the others saved that maniac Hojo back at Shinra Tower.
YUFFIE
So he saved your life the first moments he knew you, eh? In my case, he tied me and treated me like some lowlife scumbag, which I’m not!
RED XIII
That’s debatable.
Yuffie groans. They continue to walk down the hallway and see room 4A.
YUFFIE
This is it.
Yuffie presses her ear against the door and listens. A few beat; then she removes her ear.
YUFFIE
Nothing. He must be asleep.
She inserts the key in the hole.
RED XIII
Be careful.
CRASH! A fake ghost falls from the ceiling. Yuffie and Red XIII yelp. After they realize it was fake they both sigh.
RED XIII
Damn thing.
YUFFIE
Can we just get inside, please?
She turns the key and slowly opens the door. Both she and Red XIII walk into --
INT. GHOST HOTEL - ROOM 4A - NIGHT
They see Barret sitting at a circular table loading heavy amounts of ammunition in his gun-arm. He glances up and sees them.
BARRET
What are you doing here!?
YUFFIE
What the hell are you doing?
BARRET
Get out!
YUFFIE
Hey, you reserved the room for all of us.
BARRET
Get out!
RED XIII
Take it easy. Let’s all calm down and figure out what’s happening.
(BEAT)
Not Barret, what are you doing?
He goes back to loading ammo in his gun-arm.
BARRET
My own people think I’m a killer. If that’s what they want, then that’s what I’ll be. I’m going to kill everyone here.
YUFFIE
Whoa! What are you saying!
RED XIII
You can’t be serious!
BARRET
You better believe it, you four-legged freak.
RED XIII
Barret this isn’t what your people want! You think murdering more innocent people will make you a hero to Corel? If anything, they will hate you more!
BARRET
What do you know about it?! Have you ever lost everyone you loved!?
RED XIII
Have I not told you anything since we’ve been together? My whole species was wiped out. I’m one of the only few of my species left. Also try having to know that your own father was a coward and he disgraced your name. You’re not the only one who has it bad.
Barret stops and drops his head. Tears develop in his eyes.
YUFFIE
Barret, it wasn’t your fault what happened. You were just trying to help your town.
BARRET
Fuck it! Who cares whose fault it was? It doesn’t matter. I’m the one who’s taking the heat!
RED XIII
You can’t be serious about shooting up the place?
BARRET
I’m going to do whatever I need to.
Barret gets up and storm out of the room. He SLAMS the door shut. A few beats; then
YUFFIE
He should never have trusted Shinra, in my opinion.
RED XIII
It’s too late for that now. We have to stop him.
YUFFIE
You honestly think he’ll shoot this place up? He’ll be killed before even getting the chance.
RED XIII
Exactly. We must save him.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - CHOCOBO SQUARE - NIGHT
Tifa walks around the brightly lit gambling center of Gold Saucer. As she walks, she carefully looks at all the people. Many television monitors are on showing sporting events. However most are occupied by the chocobo races. She stops walking and walks up to the bar.
BARTENDER #3
Looking for something?
TIFA
Yeah. You see a big guy walking around dressed in a black cloak?
BARTENDER #3
Can’t say that I have. I also can’t say that I haven’t. Lots of people come through here. I don’t got time to remember all of ‘em.
Tifa sighs.
TIFA
Alright thanks.
She walks away. Meanwhile near the entrance of square is DIO, a well-built man and the owner of Gold Saucer. He is sweaty and is wearing a silk red suit. Accompanying him is his ASSISTANT [DIO’S]. Dio pulls out a cigar and lights it. He blows some smoke in the air and gazes at all the people.
DIO
This really is the most profitable square in Gold Saucer. However I can’t help but feel guilty letting all these people piss away their money.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Don’t feel guilty. Gambling is a good business. Besides, people never play against the house. They play against each other. The only profit coming our way is the bookie’s cut and gambling fee.
DIO
True, but when I envisioned Gold Saucer, I envisioned it a place for children.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
This still is a place for children. They are still are highest population of customers.
The two start walking.
DIO
(blowing smoke in the air)
Tell me about the problems below.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
(sighs)
Not good, sir. Pressure is coming from all sides.
DIO
That threat we received this morning, do you think it was legit?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Honestly sir…yeah I do. We’ve been hearing all the rumors for the past four years.
DIO
I care about my customers. I won’t have them harassed by criminals!
(BEAT)
What’ll it take for these scumbags to keep quiet and go on with their lives?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
They want their freedom. The unknown boss of the prison says he’ll take great action against us if we refuse.
Dio sighs heavily.
DIO
Just hold tight. We’ll figure a way to get through this.
BUMP! Tifa, who is still scanning the faces of the crowd, backs into Dio. He staggers a few steps. Tifa turns to face him.
TIFA
Oh, I’m so sorry!
DIO
(dusting himself off)
Relax, it’s alright. Are you alright?
TIFA
Fine.
DIO
Glad to hear it.
Dio takes in a puff of smoke and blows it out.
DIO
(CONT.)
Having a good time, ma’am?
TIFA
I can’t say. I’m not here for entertainment.
DIO
Oh? And what then are you here in Gold Saucer for?
TIFA
I’m looking for someone. Why does it matter to you?
DIO
Whoa. Take it easy. It’s my business because I own this place.
TIFA
You’re the owner?
DIO
(smiling)
In the flesh. The name’s Dio.
Tifa shakes hands with Dio.
TIFA
I’m Tifa.
A few beats; then
DIO’S ASSISTANT
You said you were looking for someone.
DIO
Yes. Who was it?
TIFA
A man dressed in a black cloak. Have you seen him?
Dio looks at his assistant. A beat; then
DIO
As a matter of fact, I have. You’re in luck. Is he friend of yours?
TIFA
(frantic)
Where is he!?
DIO
I don’t know. He could very well be gone. I only saw him this morning. He wanted to speak with me.
TIFA
What’d he want?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
That is classified information.
DIO
Relax, it’s okay.
(BEAT)
He asked me about ‘the Black Materia’. He said he wanted it.
TIFA
Black materia?
DIO
Yes. It’s the only one of its kind.
TIFA
(excited)
Do you have it? Did you give it to him?
DIO
Yes I have it, and no, I did not give it to him. I told him that it wasn’t in my possession anymore. The guy looked awfully suspicious.
TIFA
What’d he look like, aside from the black cloak? Did you see his face?
DIO
(pondering)
Yeah I did. He had long silvery hair and the number ‘one’ tattooed on his hand.
TIFA
A tattoo?
DIO
Yeah.
Dio pauses and smokes his cigar. His assistant points to his watch. Dio nods.
DIO
Pardon me, but I have some business to attend to.
Dio walks away.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Enjoy your stay, ma’am.
The assistant walks to join his boss.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - WONDER SQUARE - NIGHT
AERIS
He’s not anywhere, Cloud.
CLOUD
He’s here. I know it!
Aeris sighs and sits down on a bench.
AERIS
Maybe we should call Barret?
CLOUD
What for?
AERIS
Just to check up on him. He was pretty depressed.
CLOUD
It’s a depressing world.
AERIS
Just do it.
Cloud sighs and pulls out his PHS. He dials the number and presses the device against his ear. It begins to RING. As Cloud waits for an answer Aeris sees a moogle flying toward her. A moogle is a cute, small, white stuffed animal looking creature. It has two small bat wings on its back and red puff ball dangling upward from its head. Aeris looks at it with astonishment.
AERIS
(whispering)
What is it?
Cloud hangs up the PHS and pockets it.
CLOUD
No answer. I guess he doesn’t want to talk.
Aeris watches as the moogle flies past her.
AERIS
What was that thing?
CLOUD
It’s a moogle. You’ve never seen one before?
AERIS
No.
CLOUD
Well I guess there’s a first time for everything then.
(BEAT)
Come on, let’s go.
Cloud begins walking as Aeris trails behind.
AERIS
Tell me, are there a lot of these moogles on the planet?
CLOUD
There’s a decent amount. The high majority live here in Gold Saucer. I guess it helps lighten the mood.
AERIS
How big do they get?
CLOUD
Not much bigger than the one you saw. They’re awfully tiny.
AERIS
You sure?
CLOUD
What? Of course, I am.
AERIS
Then why is there one life-size standing right there?
CLOUD
(turning around)
What are you talking about?
Cloud sees Aeris, who has halted in front of a giant moogle (Mog) that is as tall as them.
AERIS
It’s not moving.
Cloud, cautiously, moves forward. Out of curiousness he pokes the Mog. Nothing happens and Cloud smiles.
CLOUD
It’s stuffed. It’s not real.
SWOOSH! The giant moogle lifts his hand in the air. Startled, Aeris SCREAMS. She and Cloud back up and watch is astonishment as the Mog walks out from the corner.
AERIS
It’s alive!
VOICE (OS)
No, not really. I brought it to life.
CLOUD
(looking around)
Who’s there? Who said that?
VOICE (OS)
I did.
Cloud and Aeris look around and see a black and white cat wearing a crown jump up onto the Mog’s head.
CAT
Me.
CLOUD
You’re a cat.
CAT
Observant this one is. You can call my stuffed counterpart and me, Cait Sith.
FREEZE FRAME:
“Cait Sith”
“Gold Saucer fortune teller”
REAL TIME
AERIS
(dumbfounded)
You’re a talking cat.
CAIT SITH
Simply put, yes. But there’s so much more.
CLOUD
Oh yeah?
CAIT SITH
Indeed. I read fortunes. Would you like yours?
CLOUD
We’ll pass.
CAIT SITH
Come on! First one’s free. I can find missing people, missing things, anything!
CLOUD
No thanks.
AERIS
Come on, Cloud. It’s only a fortune.
Cloud sighs.
CLOUD
Fine alright. Just hurry up.
CAIT SITH
You got it.
The Mog starts to shake. It extends its long arm to Cloud. A small paper shoots out from its hand. Cloud grabs it.
CAIT SITH
Your fortune is…
Cloud sighs as the sight of his fortune.
AERIS
Read it.
CLOUD
(reading his fortune)
Ordinary luck. It will be an active fortune. Give into the good will of others, and something big’ll happen over summer.
AERIS
That’s it?
CLOUD
Yep.
Cloud crumples the paper and throws it on the ground.
CLOUD
Let’s go, Aeris.
CAIT SITH
Wait one more!
CLOUD
I don’t have time.
Ignoring Cloud, the Mog shakes again. It expenses another paper from its hand. Cloud sighs and grabs it.
CAIT SITH
And your fortune is…
CLOUD
(reading)
My lucky color is blue.
(to Cait Sith)
Forget it.
Cloud drops and the paper and he and Aeris start walking. CAIT SITH follows.
CAIT SITH
Wait! Give me one more chance! Third time’s a charm!
CLOUD
We’ve had enough of your games Cait Snitch, or whatever your name is.
CAIT SITH
One more! Please! I’ll leave you alone.
AERIS
Cloud, come on. One more. At least he’ll leave us alone after that.
CLOUD
(annoyed)
Fine!
CAIT SITH
Alrighty then. Here we go.
Cait Sith shakes and for a third time and expenses a fortune from his hand. Cloud grabs it and reads. A beat; then Cloud scowls are the fortune.
AERIS
What’s it say?
CLOUD
(reading)
What you pursue will be yours. But you will lose something dear.
CAIT SITH
Wow. I’ve never gotten it to actually work before. This is a first.
Cloud lets the fortune drop to the ground. Without speech, he and Aeris start to walk off. Cait Sith follows.
AERIS
(looking back at Cait Sith)
What are you doing?
CAIT SITH
What’s it look like?
CLOUD
You can get away now. We’ve had enough of your half-bit fortunes.
CAIT SITH
Oh, but I must see if the fortune was right.
CLOUD
Just leave us alone.
CAIT SITH
No can do, my friend.
AERIS
(to Cloud)
What do we do?
CLOUD
Ignore him. He’ll go away.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - DIO’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Dio walks into his office. He is accompanied by his assistant.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Something needs to be done, sir.
DIO
(sitting at his desk)
I know, I know.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
What shall we do then?
DIO
I won’t free them. That junk town down there has a purpose.
(MORE)
DIO
(CONT.)
It keeps all the murders, rapists and thieves from tormenting the innocent. I won’t just free them all.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Why not just send a firing squad down there?
DIO
Criminals or not, those people are human beings and I am no savage.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
You must do something sir.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - WONDER SQUARE - NIGHT
Cait Sith continues to follow Aeris and Cloud.
AERIS
He’s still there.
CLOUD
So much for ignoring him.
Cloud and Aeris look back at Cait Sith. He smiles at them. A beat; then simultaneously Cloud and Aeris start to run.
CAIT SITH
Hey!
Cait Sith starts hopping after them.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - GHOST SQUARE - NIGHT
Yuffie and Red XIII see Barret standing in the middle of the phony graveyard near the passages to the other squares.
YUFFIE
Barret!
BARRET
Leave me alone!
RED XIII
Come to your senses! We won’t let you murder innocent people.
BARRET
But I’m a killer.
RED XIII
Wrong. You’re a soldier.
Barret looks at Red XIII in the eyes. A few beats; then Barret goes and jumps in the Battle Square passage.
YUFFIE
Barret!
RED XIII
We must stop him.
YUFFIE
No shit.
(BEAT)
Do you have the PHS?
RED XIII
Where would I keep it?
Yuffie groans.
YUFFIE
(sarcastically)
Great. Now we can’t get in touch with Cloud.
RED XIII
It’s up to us, little lady.
Yuffie and Red XIII jump in the Battle Square passage after Barret.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - WONDER SQUARE - NIGHT
Cloud and Aeris running has turned into somewhat of a joyous masquerade as they try to out run. They run into a crowd of people.
CLOUD
Is he still there?
Aeris looks around. She sees Cait Sith a few meters away.
AERIS
There.
Cloud giggles and he and Aeris run again. Cait Sith sees them and runs after.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - WONDER SQUARE - (LATER) NIGHT
Cloud and Aeris holding in their laughs hide behind a fake tree. They watch as a dumbfounded Cait Sith walks by. A few beats; then they walk out from the hiding place.
AERIS
(laughing and out of breath)
We lost him.
CLOUD
Finally.
AERIS
I never knew I could have so much fun, running.
CLOUD
Life’s full of surprises.
CAIT SITH (OS)
Found ya’!
They look and see Cait Sith hopping back toward them. Aeris starts to run away but WHAM! She runs into Cloud knocking herself on top of him. The two look into each other’s eyes briefly then get up.
AERIS
You alright?
CLOUD
Fine.
A beat; then
AERIS
He’s coming.
CLOUD
Right.
Cloud and Aeris start running again. They laugh their whole run.
AERIS
(to Cait Sith)
You’ll never catch us!
Cloud grabs Aeris hand and pulls her up to him. Cait Sith continues to follow. A few beats; then they reach the area with the passages to the other squares. They stop out of breath.
AERIS
We’re trapped, Cloud.
CLOUD
(smiling)
Not, yet.
He pulls Aeris and the two jump in the Battle Square passage.
CAIT SITH
Stupid humans!
INT. GOLD SQUARE - BATTLE SQUARE - NIGHT
Cloud and Aeris arrive in the Battle Square, laughing.
CLOUD
You think that did it?
AERIS
It better have.
They look to the stairs leading into the battle arena. The fun feeling is killed when both of them spot a dead body on the stairs. They walk over to investigate.
AERIS
What happened here?
Cloud investigates the body. He sees a bullet hole.
CLOUD
He’s been shot.
AERIS
You don’t think…
Cloud and Aeris look at each other exchanging thoughts. Cloud unsheathes his sword and starts to walk up the stairs with Aeris.
INT. BATTLE SQUARE - BATTLE ARENA - NIGHT
As they walk in the arena they see nearly 15 dead bodies sprawled all over the place.
CLOUD
Whoa!
AERIS
Was it Sephiroth?
CLOUD
No, they’re all shot. Sephiroth would never use a gun.
Aeris looks to the corner and sees Barret, Yuffie, and Red XIII towering over a body. Barret is slumped on the floor.
YUFFIE
What…the hell did you do?
BARRET
(whispering)
Nothing.
YUFFIE
Sure as hell doesn’t look like nothing!
Barret looks up at Yuffie.
BARRET
I didn’t do anything!
Cloud and Aeris walk over to the three.
RED XIII
Cloud! Glad you’re here.
CLOUD
What happened here?
YUFFIE
Barret shot the place up.
AERIS
What!?
CLOUD
Barret, did you?
A few beats; then Barret looks up at Cloud.
BARRET
I came here ready. I wanted to murder all these people, but I couldn’t.
YUFFIE
Then what the hell happened!?
BARRET
They were dead when I came here.
YUFFIE
You expect us to believe that?
BARRET
Listen! The only the stopped me from killing everyone myself was guilt.
(BEAT)
If I killed these people, I’d only feel worse. The deaths caused by me in my hometown are something I’ll have to live with.
CLOUD
(sarcastically)
It’s great that you have an epiphany now.
Meanwhile, near the entrance of the square, Cait Sith sneaks in. He gasps.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - DIO’S OFFICE - NIGHT
A SECURITY OFFICER burst into Dio’s office.
SECURITY OFFICER
(frantic)
Sir, there’s a problem!
DIO
What is it?
SECURITY OFFICER
We’ve been alerted by one of fortune tellers of a slaughter in the Battle Square.
DIO
A slaughter?
(to his assistant)
Bring up the security feed.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Yes, sir.
Dio stands up and his assistant presses a button. A huge monitor behind his desk turns on. It shows black and white footage of the Battle Square.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
What the hell…?
Everyone stares at the sight of the slaughter.
DIO
Show me the footage from when this massacre occurred.
His assistant reaches for a button. He presses it and the screen skips the frames of slaughter. It now shows what the Battle Square was before the attack.
DIO
Where is it?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
It appears we don’t have it.
DIO
How is that possible!?
SECURITY OFFICER
They must have disabled the cameras, sir.
Dio slams his fist on his desk. He then realizes the party on the screen.
DIO
Who are those people? Civilians?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
I don’t know.
DIO
Can we tell how long ago this attack took place?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Yeah. I’ll rewind the footage.
He rewinds to the footage of the Battle Square before the attack. He read the time at the bottom.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
The attack took place sometime in the last ten minutes.
SECURITY OFFICER
Those people must be the murders.
DIO
Get security down there right away! I want those people arrested!
SECURITY OFFICER
Yes, sir.
INT. BATTLE SQUARE - BATTLE ARENA - NIGHT
AERIS
What do we do?
Barret gets up and starts to walk away.
BARRET
We leave immediately.
AERIS
But what about these people?
BARRET
They’re dead.
Suddenly a WOUNDED CIVILIAN raises his hand.
WOUNDED CIVILIAN
(struggling)
Help…me.
Cloud and Aeris go to the wounded man. Aeris lifts his head as he attempts to breathe.
AERIS
Are you okay?
CLOUD
What happened here?
A few beats; then
WOUNDED CIVILIAN
(dying)
A man…with a gun on his arm.
Cloud angrily looks up at Barret, who continues to walk away. The wounded man notices who Cloud is looking at.
WOUNDED CIVILIAN
(dying)
No…not him.
CLOUD
Who? Who did this then?
CAIT SITH (OS)
They’re right there!
The party looks to the entrance and sees Cait Sith leading a pack of Gold Saucer security.
CAIT SITH
Arrest them.
CLOUD
(getting up)
Why you little…!
He starts to charge Cait Sith but the security officers raise their weapons.
CLOUD
Take it easy. We didn’t do this.
CAIT SITH
Then who?
RED XIII
We don’t know. We arrived here with to look for our friend and everyone was dead.
CLOUD
(to the wounded man)
Tell them!
The man lays motionless. Aeris feels for a pulse.
AERIS
He’s dead.
CLOUD
Shit!
Aeris closes the man’s eyelids.
AERIS
(to the dead man)
I will pray for you.
She stands up and joins Cloud.
BARRET
Listen…whatever you are. We didn’t do this!
CAIT SITH
Got any proof?
YUFFIE
Like we said before, we came down here to stop our friend from shooting the place up.
RED XIII
Yuffie!
CAIT SITH
Looks like you were too late. Arrest them!
The officers move forward.
CLOUD
This is all a misunderstanding.
BARRET
I didn’t do anything!
The officers start to arrest the party. They grab Cloud’s sword. One officer goes for Red XIII, but WHAM! Red XIII charges the officer knocking him over.
CLOUD
Red! Get out of here!
Red XIII starts sprinting toward the door. He knocks several officers over as he runs.
CLOUD
(CONT.)
Get in contact with Tifa!
Red makes it out.
CAIT SITH
We’ll get him. Don’t worry.
The officers start to escort the party out.
FADE OUT
INT. GOLD SAUCER - PRISON CELLS - NIGHT
FADE IN
Cloud, Aeris, Yuffie, and Barret are all in a prison cell. The cell door opens and Dio, with two GUARDS walk in.
DIO
You must be the bunch.
CLOUD
And you are?
DIO
Dio. I own Gold Saucer.
A beat;
DIO
(CONT.)
You all seem to have caused quite a mess.
BARRET
We didn’t do anything.
DIO
That’s not what I hear.
Dio pulls out a cigar and lights it.
DIO
(CONT.)
Seems one of your lady friends here confessed for you.
BARRET
She’s right about one thing.
DIO
Oh?
BARRET
I thought of killing those people, but I didn’t. They were dead when I got there.
DIO
Perhaps. But who’s the real killer then?
BARRET
I don’t know.
DIO
Then I’m sorry. You’ll have to suffer for it. All of you.
AERIS
What are you going to do to us?
DIO
You’ve never heard of my desert prison?
AERIS
No.
DIO
It’s a place at the base of Gold Saucer…a desert town. It’s inhabited by the most vile human beings on the planet. I condemn criminals there.
AERIS
You’re going to throw us down there?
DIO
I haven’t decided. You see, there’s trouble brewing below. It appears that the criminals have started a resistance. They want their freedom. And if I were to throw you down there with them, I fear you’ll become part of that resistance. Judging from what you did in the Battle Square, they’ll accept you like one of their own.
AERIS
We aren’t criminals!
DIO
Maybe. But evil is always in the eye of the beholder. The only entity that matters is the majority, and they say you’re criminals. I’m sorry.
Dio starts to leave. Cloud gets up.
CLOUD
Wait!
Dio stops and turns around.
DIO
What is it? A last request?
CLOUD
Yeah. Throw us in your desert prison.
YUFFIE
Whoa! Are you insane!
DIO
Yes, are you?
CLOUD
I’ll have a better chance of being free down there than up here.
DIO
Already planning on joining the resistance? If not, the desert is three weeks in every direction.
CLOUD
We will win our freedom.
DIO
How?
CLOUD
We’ll put an end to this resistance garbage for you. And when we do you will free us.
Dio thinks. A few beats; then
DIO
You’re asking me to trade a ton of criminals’ lives for a few.
CLOUD
Killing might not be necessary.
DIO
Killing is the way of life down there. The only way to survive is to kill.
CLOUD
Then we should be good. Look at what we did in the Battle Square.
Dio looks at Cloud in the eyes. A beat; then
DIO
Fine, your death wish is signed. I’ll throw you all in the desert prison.
Dio leaves. Immediately after, Barret shoots up from his bench.
BARRET
Cloud, what the hell are you thinking!?
CLOUD
Take it easy.
YUFFIE
We’ll get slaughtered down there just like those people in the Battle Square.
CLOUD
Think. All we have to do is kill whoever is leading the resistance and the rest will fall apart.
AERIS
He’s right. Shinra tried to it by blowing up the Sector 7 slums.
BARRET
I hope you’re right.
INT. GHOST HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT
Tifa is talking with the Hotel receptionist.
TIFA
And you didn’t see them!?
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
Cleaning people say that the room’s empty. I didn’t see no one leave.
TIFA
Are you sure?
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
What? I made it up? The room’s empty. I don’t know where your friend is.
Tifa sighs.
TIFA
Did anyone else come looking for him, besides me?
The receptionist stops and thinks. A beat; then
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
Yeah. There was a girl and she had this weird dog…cat thing with her.
TIFA
Where’d they go?
HOTEL RECEPTIONIST
I don’t know.
TIFA
(sarcastically)
Thanks.
She walks away from the desk and goes to sit down in red chair near the staircase. A few beats; them Red XIII’s head SHOOTS out from the shadows next to Tifa. Tifa JUMPS.
TIFA
(calming herself down)
Red!
RED XIII
Shhh. Come with me.
Tifa gets up and follows Red XIII into an empty guest room.
INT. GHOST HOTEL - GUEST ROOM - NIGHT
The two walk in and Tifa closes the door and locks it.
TIFA
Now what’s going on? Where are the others?
RED XIII
They’ve got them.
TIFA
Who?
RED XIII
Security arrested them. There was a huge massacre at the Battle Square. Yuffie and were following Barret and walked right onto crime scene.
TIFA
Did Barret kill all those people?
RED XIII
He’s says he didn’t, but I have my doubts.
TIFA
What kind of doubts?
RED XIII
Yuffie and I followed Barret here. He said that he was going to shoot up the place so we followed him.
TIFA
Why would he want to kill innocent people?
RED XIII
He’s being haunted by what happened to his hometown.
A beat.
TIFA
What should we do?
RED XIII
We have to break them out.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - ELEVATOR - DAWN
Cloud, Barret, Yuffie, and Aeris are all escorted onto a large cargo-sized elevator. Each of them is cuffed. Dio walks in.
DIO
You realize that once you’re down there, we won’t be able to help?
CLOUD
We understand.
DIO
(to security)
Un-cuff them!
Security moves in and frees the hands of everyone.
DIO
You’ll be needing your weapons.
Dio nods and a security officer moves in and drops Cloud’s sword and Barret’s gun-arm on the floor.
YUFFIE
How long will we be down there?
CLOUD
As long as it takes, Yuffie. If I have to rid Mr. Dio here of a problem to get back to my mission, then that’s what I’ll do.
DIO
You’re very brave. You must one of Shinra’s.
CLOUD
Why do you say that?
DIO
Your eyes…they glow. But, that doesn’t mean I’ll expect your plan to work.
CLOUD
It’ll work.
DIO
We’ll see.
Dio and his officers walk off the elevator.
BARRET
He’s right, Cloud. We don’t even know what we’re dealing with.
CLOUD
(picking up his sword and holstering it)
Look at it this way. Now’s your chance to take out your rage.
AERIS
What about me? You three all know how to fight, but I’m just a flower girl.
CLOUD
Just stay close to me.
The elevator starts to move downward. The party waits in anticipation.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - GHOST SQUARE - DAY
Though it is dawn, the artificial graveyard is still dark as Tifa and Red XIII walk through it.
TIFA
This can’t be a good idea.
RED XIII
Why not?
TIFA
From what you’re telling me, we’ve got to be wanted. What are the chances we’ll even get a chance to save the others.
SWOOSH! Red XIII pulls Tifa behind a large tomb with his tail.
TIFA
(startled)
Hey!
RED XIII
Look.
Tifa and Red look around the corner of the tomb. There they see Cait Sith walking toward the hotel.
TIFA
(dumbfounded)
…It’s a giant Mog.
RED XIII
He’s the one who found us in the Battle Square. He has to know where Cloud and the others are being held.
TIFA
You sure?
RED XIII
I never lie. Now let’s get him.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - DIO’S OFFICE - DAY
The door opens and Dio walks in. There waiting is the security officer and his assistant.
SECURITY OFFICER
Where are they?
DIO
On their way down.
Worried, Dio rubs his forehead.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Is it too late to bring them back up?
DIO
What!?
SECURITY OFFICER
They’re not the ones who killed everyone.
DIO
What are you talking about!? How do you know?
The officer pulls out a phone and dials a number.
SECURITY OFFICER
(on phone)
Bring him in.
SECURITY GUARD (VO)
Yes, sir.
He hangs up. A beat; then a SECURITY GUARD walks in the officer from the backdoor. He drags a bloody Gold Saucer employee.
DIO
What the hell?
SECURITY OFFICER
We found him near the maintenance room by the elevator.
DIO
Who killed him?
The officer reaches for in breast pocket of the body. He pulls out a bloodstained piece of paper and hands it to Dio. It reads:
‘Freedom from this Desert Hell!’
A beat; then Dio crumbles the paper and throws it to the ground.
DIO
Those bastards!
SECURITY OFFICER
Right. It was one of those criminals from below.
DIO
How’d they get up here? We have guards all over the place down in the prison.
SECURITY OFFICER
We don’t know. They could have used the drainage pipes or ventilation shafts.
Dio curses under his breath.
DIO
I’m sending four innocent people down there!
A beat.
DIO
(CONT.)
What am I supposed to do?
EXT. DESERT PRISON - ELEVATOR - DAY
The elevator gates open and Cloud, Aeris, Yuffie, and Barret walk out into the desert town.
PRISON GUARD
(pushing Aeris forward)
Get a move on!
The push causes Aeris to drop on all fours. The PRISON GUARD backs back into the elevator and shuts the gates.
CLOUD
(helping Aeris up)
You alright?
AERIS
I’m fine. Thanks.
YUFFIE
Look at this place!
BARRET
Fuckin’ amazing, isn’t it?
The four scan the town. The town is nothing more than a junkyard. Rusted cars and garbage is all over the place. People are dressed like they’re from the slums and dead bodies are sprawled everywhere. Throughout the town are ‘Desert Freedom’ signs.
AERIS
How does someone survive this place?
CLOUD
(looking at a nearby dead body)
Looks like not many people do.
BARRET
We should get going.
The four start to walk down the dry paths that substitute for roads. As they walk the inmates stare them down.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - STREETS - DAY
YUFFIE
What now?
BARRET
Let’s just find the resistance leader so we can get this over with.
AERIS
(looking at the ‘freedom’ signs)
These guys really want their freedom. I can’t walk five feet without seeing the same phrase.
YUFFIE
It’ll be hard to squash that cause, Cloud. These people have everything to fight for.
CLOUD
Relax, we’re not squashing it.
YUFFIE
Come again?
CLOUD
I could give a damn about Dio or his resistance. I came down here because I know there’s someone who can find us a way back up.
BARRET
So we’re not fighting anyone?
CLOUD
Hey, if some guy gives you shit, shoot him. Fine by me.
As they walk Aeris’ jaw drops when she sees the welcome sign. We cannot see it.
AERIS
Look.
CLOUD
What?
Cloud, Yuffie, and Barret stop and look at the sign. Barret lets out a slight gasp at the sight of the sign.
ZOOM IN
on the welcome sign that reads, ‘Corel Prison’
BARRET
Corel?
YUFFIE
What the hell is going on here?
Meanwhile, across the street four THUGS lean up against a stack of crushed cars.
THUG #1
New blood.
THUG #2
How much you think they’re worth?
THUG #1
Who cares? They’re either with the boss or against the boss. It makes no difference.
A beat; then
THUG #3
Look at the one in pink.
He licks his lips.
THUG #3
(CONT.)
She’s mine.
The thugs laugh. Then, GATTA (28), the leader of the gang walks to join his posse.
GATTA
What’s happenin’ boys?
THUG #4
Check it out, Gatta. Four newbies.
They watch as the party progresses down the street. Gatta looks at Yuffie.
GATTA
Is it?
THUG #1
They probably still got their money.
THUG #3
Let’s rob those sons of bitches and pave the street with their guts.
GATTA
We haven’t got the boss’s okay.
THUG #2
The boss’ll reward us when we give him their dead bodies.
GATTA
No. He doesn’t want anything to alter today’s plan.
THUG #1
Come on! It’s been awhile since I’ve had the taste of woman.
A few beats. Gatta thinks.
GATTA
Fine, but you face the consequences.
The thugs laugh. Meanwhile, the party walks down the streets.
BARRET
Where we gonna find a guy who can find us a way up?
CLOUD
There’s got to be someone here who acts as boss.
AERIS
How do you know?
CLOUD
This is a prison. There’s always someone like that.
WHAM! The thugs tackle the four of them.
BARRET
What the…?
They engage in a battle with the thugs.*
Cloud slices the thug [#2] fighting him across the chest. The thug falls dead. He turns and sees Aeris pinned down as a thug [#3] attempts to rape her. Cloud extends his hand. BOOM! A burst of fire shoots out from his palm. It hits the thug in the face and engulfs his face in flames.
Meanwhile Barret slams his thug [#1] against a garbage heap. BAM! BAM! BAM! Barret shoots a barrage of bullets into the thug’s torso. The close range shots nearly tear the thug in half.
CLOUD
(helping Aeris up)
Are you hurt?
Aeris hugs Cloud. She starts to weep. Cloud holds her. Meanwhile, Yuffie still wrestles with the final thug [#4]. She pulls out her piton from her forearm. She uses the twine and begins strangling the thug. A beat; then
GATTA
Impessive!
The four look up and see Gatta walking toward them. Yuffie still strangles the thug.
BARRET
Who the hell are you!?
GATTA
You just killed four of my gang members.
(looks at Yuffie)
Well…three anyway. Hi, there Yuffie.
YUFFIE
(still choking the thug)
You know my name?
GATTA
Yes. And you know mine.
Yuffie stares at Gatta. A beat; then SNAP! She breaks the thug’s neck, killing him.
YUFFIE
(standing up)
Gatta?
Gatta chuckles.
GATTA
Yes. It’s been awhile.
Yuffie walks forward and embraces with Gatta.
BARRET
You know this guy?
YUFFIE
Yeah, we grew up together in Wutai. We worked together as a bandit partnership before he got busted.
BARRET
A fellow thief, eh?
GATTA
I had a feeling you’d joining me someday, Yuffie.
CLOUD
What was with the welcoming committee?
GATTA
Welcome to life of Corel Prison.
CLOUD
They damn-near raped my friend.
GATTA
(sighs)
Yeah, women don’t last long here. You oughta’ keep that one close.
A beat; then
BARRET
We’re looking for a way back up to Gold Saucer.
GATTA
Are you?
CLOUD
Yes.
GATTA
I’ll have to consult the boss. He’ll most definitely want to hear about you. The resistance needs people like you.
YUFFIE
Who’s this ‘boss’ person?
GATTA
The leader of the resistance against Dio and his tyranny.
CLOUD
And this guy can help us to get back to Gold Saucer?
GATTA
(smiling)
Maybe. I’ll have to talk with him.
Cloud groans.
CLOUD
How long with this take?
GATTA
Not long. I’ll return after we’ve talked. Until then, you now have the protection of the resistance. I’ll tell the other gangs to leave you in peace.
YUFFIE
Should we be thanking you for that?
GATTA
Yeah…you should. Some of these guys will tear you apart.
Gatta smiles and walks away. The four watch.
EXT. GOLD SAUCER - GHOST SQUARE - DAY
Tifa has Cait Sith (cat) pinned against the wall of the tomb. The Mog is tied to the tomb.
TIFA
Where are my friends?
CAIT SITH
You’re choking me!
TIFA
I’ll kill you if you don’t tell me.
CAIT SITH
No! Please!
RED XIII
Then speak, my feline friend.
CAIT SITH
They’re down in the desert prison.
Tifa loosens her grip.
TIFA
Desert prison?
CAIT SITH
It’s a town at the base of Gold Saucer. It’s where we condemn all our criminals.
RED XIII
My friends are not criminals.
CAIT SITH
I know, I know.
RED XIII
But you’re the one who turned us in!
CAIT SITH
We got proof that it wasn’t them! But by the time we did,
A beat.
CAIT SITH
(CONT.)
It was too late.
TIFA
Are you going to recover them?
CAIT SITH
You’ll have to ask Dio.
TIFA
Dio?
RED XIII
You know him?
TIFA
I ran into him a few hours ago.
Tifa places Cait Sith back on top of the Mog head.
TIFA
Take us to him!
EXT. DESERT PRISON - CLIFF EDGE - DAY
Gatta walks into the area of the Desert Prison where a deep crevasse prevents further passage. The area is filled with bizarre symbols constructed from wood.
GATTA
Boss! I need to speak with you!
BOSS (OS)
What is it, Gatta.
GATTA
We have new prisoners that arrived no more than a few minutes ago. They are very skilled and killed four of my men.
BOSS (OS)
You want them dead?
GATTA
Quite the contrary actually. I think the resistance can benefit from them.
Gatta watches as the boss walks out from the shadows. He is dressed in a white undershirt and green vest. He wears a pendant over his neck and has a long gun grafted on his left hand. The boss is DYNE.
GATTA
Shall I bring them before you?
DYNE
No. Not yet.
GATTA
You fear they will alter today’s attack?
DYNE
I fear they are stooges sent by Dio to kill me.
GATTA
What shall I do then?
DYNE
Observe them. We cannot let anything go wrong today.
GATTA
Yes, sir.
Gatta leaves. A few beats; then Dyne walks over to wooden crate. He opens it and looks inside. Inside is a full functional bomb.
INT. DESERT PRISON - HUT - DAY
Cloud, Aeris, Yuffie, and Barret all sit in a broken down hut constructed from scrap.
AERIS
What if they caught Red?
CLOUD
We’d be screwed then.
Aeris sighs. A beat; then Gatta enters the hut.
YUFFIE
What’ve you got for us?
GATTA
You’re welcome to stay. The boss wishes to remain in solitude however.
CLOUD
But we need transport back up into Gold Saucer!
GATTA
I understand, but the resistance is planning on making a major move against Dio, today.
BARRET
What do you plan on doing?
Gatta walks over to stool and sits down.
GATTA
It’s been four years since the boss came here. Before then the inmates here were killing each other. It was the boss who unified the Desert Prison. He gave us a reason to fight. Dio was ruling over us like a tyrant. We wanted our freedom.
BARRET
But you’re all criminals?
GATTA
Criminals only because Dio said so. We were sentenced here with no trial or chance to prove our innocence for those who were innocent.
CLOUD
So what’s your plan for getting your freedom?
GATTA
We declared war on Dio. Just yesterday the boss went up and killed everyone in the Battle Square.
AERIS
You!? It was you who killed all those people?
CLOUD
Forget that! He just said there’s a way back up.
AERIS
Cloud!
CLOUD
(to Gatta)
Continue.
GATTA
That was our final warning. Dio is pressured, for if he doesn’t award us our freedom, the resistance is going to destroy Gold Saucer.
Barret and Aeris stand up enraged.
BARRET
Whoa! What the hell!?
AERIS
You can’t murder thousands of people like that!
GATTA
What are people like you even doing down here to begin with?
CLOUD
We were thrown down here by Dio. He thought we were the ones who committed the massacre in the Battle Square.
GATTA
You see? That’s exactly what I mean! Dio’s a tyrant!
Cloud gestures for Barret and Aeris to sit down.
CLOUD
How do you propose on destroying Gold Saucer?
A beat.
GATTA
The boss has come into possession of a bomb. We’re going to send it up the pipes into the stem of Gold Saucer. Once it reaches the area just under the first square…Boom! It’ll explode and Gold Saucer will collapse on itself.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - DIO’S OFFICE - DAY
Dio paces his offices when his assistant enters.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Sir, there’s a woman here to see you.
DIO
Who?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
It’s the one that ran into you in the Chocobo Square.
Dio sighs.
DIO’S ASSISTANT
(CONT.)
One of our fortune tellers is with her along with one of the suspects.
SECURITY OFFICER
That thing that got away?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Yes.
DIO
Send them in. Did you frisk them?
DIO’S ASSISTANT
Yes, sir. They’ve already been through security.
DIO
Good. Send them in.
The door opens wider and Tifa, Red XIII, and Cait Sith enter Dio’s office.
DIO
(sitting down at his desk)
What can I do for you?
TIFA
You condemned my friends to your prison hell!
DIO
It was by their own free will.
TIFA
What?
(to Red XIII)
Is this true?
RED XIII
I don’t know. I got out of there before they took them all away.
TIFA
You’ve got to know that they’re all innocent!
DIO
Yes, I know.
TIFA
You know?
DIO
Yes, but by the time I found out, it was too late.
RED XIII
Can’t you send a rescue team down there?
DIO
I could, but that would only escalate a bigger crisis.
CAIT SITH
He’s talking about the resistance I told you about.
Tifa sighs.
DIO
Listen, I wish I could help. I really do. Besides, your friends offered to exterminate the problem for us.
RED XIII
You actually let them down there!?
DIO
We’re all desperate. The rebels down there are resorting to violence.
TIFA
What if they’re killed?
DIO
If they are, then I’ll be forced to deal with the problem myself.
TIFA
That’s it!?
DIO
There’s nothing I can do. I’m sorry.
A few beats; then
TIFA
Send us down there!
DIO
What?
RED XIII
I copy that.
TIFA
Let us help at least.
RED XIII
It’s too dangerous.
DIO
He’s right. There’s no way I’m going to let more innocent people down in that dungeon.
TIFA
Then what should we do!?
A beat; then
DIO
Pray.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - STREETS - DAY
Cloud, Yuffie, Barret, and Aeris walk out of the hut. They are followed by Gatta.
CLOUD
Tell me Gatta, when will this attack take place?
GATTA
A few hours. Until then we can’t let you see the boss.
Gatta starts to walk away.
BARRET
One more thing,
Gatta stops.
BARRET
(CONT.)
I noticed on the welcome sign it said ‘Corel’.
GATTA
That’s the name the boss gave to the prison.
BARRET
Who is this ‘boss’?
GATTA
(looking back at Barret)
That’s classified, my friend.
He walks away.
AERIS
Now what? We wait?
BARRET
That piece of…I don’t trust him. We shouldn’t trust anybody here!
CLOUD
I agree, but if they can get us transport up to Gold Saucer before their attack, that’s all that matters.
AERIS
You’re going to let them destroy Gold Saucer!?
Cloud sighs. A beat; then
AERIS
Well I sure as hell won’t. And I know who won’t, Cloud.
CLOUD
What do you think you know about me?
AERIS
I know this little chase after Sephiroth has clouded your judgment. You’ve let a personal vendetta overcome your thoughts. You’re forgetting we’re on this mission to save people.
CLOUD
I haven’t forgotten anything.
AERIS
No? Then stop these maniacs!
The group looks at each other. A few beats; then
YUFFIE
She’s right, Cloud.
BARRET
We can’t let these people blow up Gold Saucer. If we do, we’re no greater than Shinra. And I aint no Shinra.
CLOUD
You’re no Shinra? Just a few hours ago you wanted to gun down everyone in the Battle Square.
Barret drops his head and sighs.
BARRET
I know. But in that time since that massacre I’ve realized that more blood never heals a wound. All I can do is just wait for the wound to heal over time.
CLOUD
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ve heard this all before.
YUFFIE
Cloud.
AERIS
We have to stop this attack! Remember what happened in the Sector 7 slums! This is the same thing.
A beat.
CLOUD
(uneasy)
Fine. You want to save those people up in Gold Saucer, then let’s do it.
YUFFIE
You don’t sound too happy.
CLOUD
I’m not. The longer we wait the further Sephiroth gets away from us.
AERIS
Don’t worry, we’ll still catch him.
CLOUD
We better.
A few beats; then
BARRET
If we’re going to stop this attack, we’ve got to find that boss guy.
YUFFIE
I’ll go find Gatta. I’ve known him since we were young and he trusts me. I’ll find where the boss is.
CLOUD
Do it.
AERIS
What about the rest of us?
CLOUD
We wait for Yuffie to come back. Gatta said we have the protection of the resistance. Everything should go fine.
YUFFIE
Alright then.
Yuffie follows Gatta.
INT. GOLD SAUCER - CHOCOBO SQUARE - DAY
Tifa, Red XIII, and Cait Sith walk out from the circular passage into the Chocobo Square of Gold Saucer. It is still very crowded.
RED XIII
Has Dio always been so hard-headed?
CAIT SITH
When it comes to the resistance, yes.
RED XIII
Well we can’t just sit idle and wait for news that Cloud and the others are dead.
TIFA
He’s right.
Tifa sits at an empty table. Cait Sith jumps off the Mog’s head and onto the table. Red XIII just sits on the ground next to Tifa.
TIFA
(to Cait Sith)
Is there anything you can do to help us?
CAIT SITH
Me? I’m just a fortune teller.
TIFA
You’ve got to have some sort of power.
CAIT SITH
I only work here.
RED XIII
Perhaps you can find us a route down into the Desert Prison.
Cait Sith pauses and thinks. A beat.
CAIT SITH
There are probably tons of ways to get down there without using the elevator.
TIFA
(excited)
Can you show us?
CAIT SITH
I probably could. You really want your friends back don’t you?
TIFA
(strong)
Yes.
Cait Sith sighs.
CAIT SITH
Alright, I can show you this one way I know.
TIFA
Thank you!
EXT. DESERT PRISON - STREETS - DAY
Yuffie patiently walks the streets of the Desert Prison looking for Gatta. She walks a good fifteen second when finally a voice interrupts her.
GATTA (OS)
Yuffie.
She looks to her left and sees Gatta leaning up against a stack of crushed cars. She walks to him.
YUFFIE
I’ve been looking for ‘ya.
GATTA
Yeah?
He pulls out a cigarette and lights it.
YUFFIE
(as Gatta lights)
I need to know something.
GATTA
So do I?
YUFFIE
You do?
GATTA
(blowing smoke in the air)
Yeah.
A beat; then
GATTA
(CONT.)
You’re a tough girl, Yuf. How did you ever end up with those lowlifes?
YUFFIE
You mean the others?
GATTA
Who else would I be talking about?
Yuffie sighs.
YUFFIE
I robbed them a while ago and they were taking me as prisoner. I convinced them to let me free if I helped them.
GATTA
You didn’t kill them?
YUFFIE
No. There are two more of ‘em still up in Gold Saucer.
Gatta smiles.
GATTA
You let yourself get beaten by those clowns. Amazing.
YUFFIE
(shocked)
What’d you say!?
GATTA
How would your father…or the whole village of Wutai for that matter, feel if they knew you gave in.
YUFFIE
I didn’t give in!
GATTA
No?
Yuffie stares into the eyes of Gatta.
GATTA
Listen, I thought your friends had some skill when I saw them crush those thieves. But now I know they could never survive down here. The resistance doesn’t need them. It was a misjudgment on my part.
YUFFIE
What about me?
GATTA
You…you and I are the same.
He smiles at her.
YUFFIE
What are you proposing?
GATTA
Join us, Yuffie! Rid yourself of those people. To them you’re a slave! Once we get our freedom, we’ll go back to Wutai…together.
YUFFIE
They saved my life.
GATTA
Good for them. Does that make you indebted to them? No. Saving you was their mistake.
A beat.
YUFFIE
Mistake? You think I’ll ditch them for you!? You psychos are going to slaughter innocent people!
GATTA
Does that make us evil?
YUFFIE
Yeah it does.
GATTA
But you killed four of my guys. Does that make you evil?
Yuffie is speechless.
GATTA
(CONT.)
Good can come from the planet as an angel. But be warned, for evil can come from the planet as that very same angel.
YUFFIE
What are you saying?
GATTA
A cause is only good when it is represented by the majority. Down here… we are the majority. We are good. The boss is good. The attack will be good. Those “friends” of yours…did you see the two of them when I announced the attack? You think I don’t know what they might do?
YUFFIE
What do you think we’ll do?
Gatta chuckles.
GATTA
They’re not going to do anything, because you will stop them from stopping the attack.
YUFFIE
Me?
GATTA
I know you, Yuffie. You won’t stay with these people.
A few beats; then
YUFFIE
Take me to your boss!
INT. GOLD SAUCER - BOILER ROOM - DAY
Cait Sith, Tifa, and Red XIII all look down a large steaming pipe in the Gold Saucer boiler room.
CAIT SITH
This pipe should take you all the way down to the Desert Prison.
TIFA
What’s this pipe used for?
CAIT SITH
Garbage.
TIFA
How often do they throw heaps down to the prison?
CAIT SITH
Once every few hours.
TIFA
(climbing into the pipe)
Fine with me.
RED XIII
Wait, what about me?
CAIT SITH
My Mog will carry you down.
TIFA
Whoa! You’re coming!?
CAIT SITH
(picking Red XIII up)
I got your friends into this mess. I have to get them out of it.
TIFA
But why?
CAIT SITH
I’m a fortune teller and I hate to be hated.
Cait Sith smiles and climbs inside the pipe with Red XIII.
INT. PIPE - DAY
Tifa and Cait Sith slowly climb down the pipe. They use the rough garbage build up as footholds. Red XIII continues to be carried by Cait Sith’s Mog.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - CLIFF EDGE - DAY
Yuffie leads Cloud, Aeris, and Barret into the cliff edge area of the Desert Prison. It is deserted.
CLOUD
This is where Gatta said the boss was?
YUFFIE
Yep.
BARRET
Where is the son of a bitch?
YUFFIE
I don’t know. Gatta said he was here someplace.
AERIS
How’d you get him to tell you?
YUFFIE
(smiling)
I know his weaknesses.
A beat.
YUFFIE
(CONT.)
And yours…
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! The sound of many guns readying themselves echoes in the party’s ears. Cloud, Aeris, and Barret look around and see that they are surrounded by inmates, all of which are aiming weapons at them. Among them is Gatta.
CLOUD
Yuffie, what’s going on!?
Yuffie backs up and joins the prisoners.
YUFFIE
I can’t let you stop the attack.
CLOUD
What!?
AERIS
Yuffie!
YUFFIE
It’s over for all of you. I’m no longer a prisoner of yours.
Barret snarls.
GATTA
She’s right. You three are finished. It’s really too bad. You could have joined us.
CLOUD
Never.
BARRET
(to Yuffie)
We shoulda’ killed you back in the forest!
A beat; then
BOSS (OS)
Now that’s a voice I haven’t heard in years…A voice I’ll never forget.
The three look and see the boss of Desert Prison; Dyne walks out from behind a series of man-made wooden symbols. Barret’s jaw drops at the sight of his friend.
BARRET
(dumbfounded)
Dyne? Is it really you?
DYNE
It is.
CLOUD
This is Dyne?
BARRET
I’d always hoped I’d be able to see you again someday. I knew you were alive somewhere.
Dyne raises his head up and acts as if hearing an unheard voice.
DYNE
I hear her voice. Eleanor…she’s begging me not to hate your fucking guts.
A beat; then
DYNE
(CONT.)
That’s why I never hunted you down.
Cloud looks up at one of the wooden symbols. He squints his eyes when he sees a red materia sphere hanging from it.
BARRET
For years I’ve been haunted by what happened to our hometown. I’m not asking for forgiveness.
DYNE
You think I’d ever forgive you!? You took everything from me, Barret! My wife, my daughter, and my village, everything!
BARRET
Dyne…what happened is between you and me. Don’t kill innocent people over it.
Dyne laughs.
DYNE
This resistance really is for freedom. And when we are free, I’ll go after Shinra next.
BARRET
Answer my question! Why!? Why kill innocent people?
DYNE
Why? Will those supposed innocent people even understand why? Are the people of Corel going to understand just hearing Shinra’s excuses? What’s left is a world of emptiness and despair.
The platoon of prisoners moves in on the party. Gatta grabs Cloud’s sword.
DYNE
(to Gatta)
Imprison the other two and leave Barret with me.
GATTA
Yes, boss.
The prisoners, Gatta, and Yuffie escort Cloud and Aeris away. Barret stands alone against Dyne. The two stare at each other and at each other’s gun-arms.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - JUNKYARD - DAY
Tifa, Cait Sith, and Red XIII climb down from inside the pipe and into a junkyard. Cait Sith puts Red XIII down.
CAIT SITH
This is it.
RED XIII
A prison…this place!? Why it’s nothing more than a landfill.
CAIT SITH
The prisoners call it ‘Corel Prison’ for some reason.
TIFA
What’d you say!?
CAIT SITH
They call this place ‘Corel Prison’. Why?
Tifa looks down and Red XIII. They exchange looks.
TIFA
Let’s start looking for Cloud and the others.
CAIT SITH
Wait!
TIFA
What?
CAIT SITH
Gold Saucer has its own army that stationed here to maintain order. We can get them to side with us and possibly help us.
RED XIII
Where is this…army?
CAIT SITH
All over the place. I’ll go find the commander.
TIFA
Good. Red and I will look for the others.
CAIT SITH
Meet back here.
Tifa nods and she and Red XIII walk off. Cait Sith walks the opposite direction.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - FREEDOM SQUARE - DAY
Cloud and Aeris are thrown into a wooden man-made cage. They are in Freedom Square, the headquarters of the resistance. Gatta locks them in and pockets the key.
GATTA
You should make yourselves at home. You’re going to be in there a very long time.
Gatta smiles and walks away. Cloud and Aeris then see Yuffie walking towards them.
YUFFIE
I’m sorry things had to be this way.
CLOUD
I know you are.
YUFFIE
I just couldn’t let you carry me around like some peasant at your disposal.
Aeris stands up in the cage and looks Yuffie in the face.
AERIS
Peasant!? What has the man done to you?
YUFFIE
He’s opened my eyes.
A beat; then
AERIS
Yuffie, you were never our slave or prisoner. In fact I was going to call you a friend.
The two stare at each other and Yuffie then walks away. Cloud stands up to join Aeris.
CLOUD
Don’t worry. We’ll get out of here.
AERIS
What about Barret? He needs our help.
CLOUD
I think his quarrel is one he wants to fight alone.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - CLIFF EDGE - DAY
Barret’s arms are being tied to two wooden stakes by two prisoners. The whole time, his eyes never leave Dyne. The prisoners tighten the robes around Barret’s wrists and walk away.
DYNE
Why?
BARRET
What?
DYNE
You convinced all of Corel to go with this…Shinra Reactor plan. Why?
BARRET
Don’t you remember? I was trying to save Corel.
DYNE
(sarcastic)
You did a fine job.
Dyne starts to pace around in the area.
BARRET
What do you want from me? I already gave you an apology.
DYNE
Words are cheap, my old friend.
BARRET
Then what is it!? Tell me!
Dyne scorns Barret and then walks over the wooden crate. He opens it with his good hand. He lifts out the bomb and places it on the ground.
DYNE
This…this bomb is my key to freedom. Once it goes off and Gold Saucer is nothing but a ruin, no one will stop me. After I get out of this hellhole, I’ll make my way to Midgar.
BARRET
You’re going to combat Shinra.
DYNE
That’s right. Shinra will be dead when I destroy Midgar as I did with Gold Saucer.
BARRET
(gritting his teeth)
Destroy Midgar!? Impossible!
DYNE
You think so?
BARRET
I know. I’ve been fighting Shinra for the past four years.
A beat.
BARRET
(CONT.)
Besides, you’d be killing more innocent people than members of Shinra.
DYNE
Who cares? They’d be sacrifices.
BARRET
Why!? Why kill so many innocent people?
DYNE
You’ve asked this question already.
BARRET
Then answer it!
Dyne chuckles.
DYNE
Fine, you want to know ‘why’. It’s because I want to destroy everything. The people of this prison…the prison itself…the entire world. I’ve got nothing left, Barret.
BARRET
Wrong!
Dyne looks at Barret with interest.
BARRET
(CONT.)
Marlene’s still alive.
DYNE
Liar! You’re trying to save yourself from me.
BARRET
After you fell, I went back into town. I thought she was dead, but then I remembered where I put her. She’s safe.
Dyne is silent. A beat; then
BARRET
(CONT.)
She’s in Midgar. I took her there. I’ll take you to her.
Dyne’s eyes wander.
DYNE
We’ve got no choice then.
Barret sighs in relief as he watches Dyne walk over to one of the wooden symbols. He grabs the red materia sphere.
DYNE
You and I have to fight to the death.
BARRET
What!?
DYNE
Eleanor has returned to the planet. She’s alone. I must return Marlene to her.
BARRET
Dyne, what happened to you? Are you insane?
DYNE
Marlene wants to see her mother.
BAM! BAM! Dyne fires two shots from his gun-arm. The bullets free Barret’s hands.
BARRET
What about your revolution?
Dyne smiles. He waves his arm in the air. Suddenly, a PRISONER rushes to him.
DYNE
(to the prisoner)
Take the bomb to Gatta. Tell him to load it.
PRISONER
Yes, boss.
The prisoner picks up the bomb and walks off.
DYNE
Just you and me now.
Barret and Dyne stare each other.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - FREEDOM SQUARE - DAY
Behind a huge garbage heap, Tifa and Red XIII emerge. They look and see Cloud and Aeris inside the cage.
TIFA
(whispering)
There they are.
RED XIII
(whispering)
Where’s Barret and Yuffie?
TIFA
(whispering)
I don’t know. But we’ve got to save Cloud and Aeris.
They watch as Gatta walks up to Cloud and Aeris.
GATTA
It’s almost time.
CLOUD
Oh I agree.
Gatta starts to pace back and forth in front of the cage.
GATTA
You blame me for Yuffie, don’t you?
CLOUD
That thought had crossed my mind.
Gatta laughs.
GATTA
She made the right decision. If she hadn’t sided with us, she could very well be dead by now. No one can defeat the boss.
CLOUD
We’ll see about that.
GATTA
No man has ever even wounded him. He is being guarded by a demon. The boss has the power to summon a fiery demon that protects him. No man can survive a fight with that beast. Not even you.
He smiles and walks away. Cloud sighs. Meanwhile, Red XIII and Tifa cautiously walk down to the cage. Aeris’ face lights up at the sight of the two.
AERIS
Tifa!
TIFA
Quiet. We’re here to save you.
Tifa looks at the lock and tries to pull it open with her hands. She fails.
CLOUD
(pointing off to the left)
Get my materia.
Tifa looks over and sees Cloud’s sword and bag of materia. She runs to retrieve them.
RED XIII
Where’s Yuffie and Barret?
CLOUD
Barret’s busy and Yuffie betrayed us. She’s with the resistance.
RED XIII
Damn!
Tifa returns with the materia. Cloud searches through the bag and grabs one of the green spheres. He absorbs it into his body.
AERIS
Now what?
Cloud grabs the lock from inside the cage. His hand heats up and the lock melts off in seconds. Tifa pulls open the cage and Cloud and Aeris run out.
CLOUD
We’ve got to stop that bomb.
TIFA
What bomb?
CLOUD
The resistance is going to destroy Gold Saucer.
AERIS
What about Barret?
CLOUD
He can handle himself.
The party looks and sees Yuffie walking toward them. Yuffie looks up. Her jaw drops at the sight.
CLOUD
Freeze, Yuffie!
She starts to run away.
CLOUD
Red?
RED XIII
You rang?
CLOUD
Get her!
Red XIII nods and sprints after Yuffie. He quickly catches up to her and leaps on her back knocking her to the ground. The party walks to her.
CLOUD
Where’s the bomb, Yuffie?
YUFFIE
They’re loading it up the vent shafts!
CLOUD
Red, let her go.
Red walks off of Yuffie. Suddenly GUNFIRE erupts. The party looks over and sees that they’ve been spotted by the resistance army.
CLOUD
Shit!
They disperse. Cloud leaps for his sword. He grabs it and starts combating the prisoners. A huge battle has started.*
Meanwhile Yuffie gets up and runs away.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - CLIFF EDGE - DAY
Barret and Dyne circle each other readying themselves for combat.
BARRET
There’s still time to stop this.
DYNE
No! It’s too late!
Dyne raises his gun-arm and FIRES. The bullet hits it ground right next to Barret’s right foot. He jumps.
BARRET
Stop, Dyne! I can’t die yet!
DYNE
Be lucky you even have a life! Mine died four years ago with Corel!
Dyne FIRES again, and misses.
BARRET
No! I don’t want to fight you!
DYNE
You’re a coward!
They stare each other down. Then they charge and engage in a gun and fist fight.*
EXT. DESERT PRISON - FREEDOM SQUARE - DAY
Cloud and the party are all forced to find cover. The prisoners continue to open fire on them.
RED XIII
Cloud, I think we’re surrounded!
Cloud peers his head up and sees that they are surrounded. He looks over and sees Aeris and Tifa hiding.
RED XIII
What’s the plan?
Cloud hesitates.
CLOUD
We have to charge them!
RED XIII
That’d be suicide!
CLOUD
We have no choice!
The two stand up ready to charge the line when BAM! BAM! BAM! Gunfire from behind the prisoners. The resistance fighters fall dead. Tifa looks up and smiles at the sight of Cait Sith, who is being accompanied by the Gold Saucer army. The party runs to join the army.
TIFA
Cait Sith!
CAIT SITH
I found them!
CLOUD
Look, we don’t have time. The resistance is planning to blow up Gold Saucer. They have a bomb.
ARMY CAPTAIN
Where?
CLOUD
The vent shafts.
ARMY CAPTAIN
Alright. We’ll check the perimeter.
CLOUD
I’m coming with you.
(to Aeris)
Aeris, you too.
Aeris nods.
CLOUD
Tifa, take Red XIII and squad of soldiers. Find Barret!
TIFA
Got ‘ya.
Tifa and Red XIII run off with a platoon of soldiers while Cloud, Aeris, Cait Sith, and the ARMY CAPTAIN run toward Gold Saucer’s stem.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - CLIFF EDGE - DAY
Barret and Dyne, both fatigued, back off of each other.
DYNE
You’ve got skill.
BARRET
Dyne…no more. End this.
Dyne reaches in his pocket and pulls out the red materia sphere.
DYNE
I thought it didn’t have to come to this, but I’m left with no choice.
Dyne absorbs the sphere into his gut.
BARRET
Shit.
The ground RUMBLES. Barret staggers. The ground then begins to crack and heat up. CRASH! The giant fire demon, IFRIT shoots up from the ground.
DYNE
The end is now.
Ifrit growls and raises its hands. BAM! It shoots a fireball that catches Barret in the chest. Barret flies backward.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - STREETS - DAY
Killing any resistance fighters, Tifa and Red XIII make their way toward the cliff edge. BAM! They see a column of fire shoot up ahead.
RED XIII
What is that!?
TIFA
It’s Barret, hurry!
Tifa, Red XIII, and the platoon run toward the column of fire.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - CLIFF EDGE - DAY
Ifrit swipes down at Barret with the column of fire as if it were a sword. Barret rolls out of the way. He gets up and opens fire on the beast. It’s no use. The demon shoots another fireball that connects with Barret.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - JUNK YARD - DAY
Gatta and a two other prisoners are loading the bomb into the stem of Gold Saucer.
GATTA
Hurry!
Gatta hears footsteps. He quickly turns around and aims his pistol. He lowers it when he sees that it’s only Yuffie.
YUFFIE
They’ve escaped!
GATTA
I know. We’re loading the bomb now.
Yuffie watches as Gatta and the two prisoners finish loading the bomb in the vent shafts.
GATTA
The air pressure will carry this thing all the way to the top.
Yuffie continues to watch with a nervous look of her face. BAM! She punches Gatta hard in the back of the head knocking him down. The prisoners aim their weapons. Yuffie kicks both the guns away. She then swiftly shoots two shurikens killing both the prisoners. A beat; then Yuffie goes for the bomb.
AERIS
Yuffie!
Yuffie looks and sees Cloud, Aeris, the army captain, the some soldier running toward her. They see Gatta on the ground and the two dead prisoners.
YUFFIE
We’ve got to get the bomb out.
CLOUD
Looks like you finally came to your senses!
Cloud moves in and pulls the bomb out of the vent shaft. He drops it to the ground.
CLOUD
(to the army captain)
Can you disarm this?
ARMY CAPTAIN
Yes.
CLOUD
Do it.
AERIS
We should go help Tifa.
CLOUD
Right. Let’s go!
Cloud, Aeris, Yuffie, and Cait Sith run off to help Tifa.
EXT. DESERT PRISON - CLIFF EDGE - DAY
Barret continues to fight with Ifrit. He looks over and sees Tifa, Red XIII, and the platoon of soldiers.
TIFA
(looking up at Ifrit)
What the hell is that!?
RED XIII
No time for questions.
(to soldiers)
Fire!
The soldiers open fire on Ifrit. Meanwhile Barret gets up. He aims his gun-arm at Dyne. SWOOSH! A huge fire wall shoots down from Irit’s chest blocking Barret’s view of Dyne.
TIFA
It’s no use. They aren’t hurting it.
RED XIII
No, but they’re distracting it.
Barret stares through the fire wall trying to spot Dyne. He raises his gun-arm and fires blindly. BAM!
BULLET TIME:
We follow the bullet as it passes through the fire wall. It travels toward Dyne. The bullet digs itself in Dyne’s chest.
REAL TIME:
Dyne falls to the ground. The impact causes the red materia sphere to shoot out from his gut. Ifrit disappears. The soldiers stop firing. Everyone looks at Barret and Dyne.
BARRET
Dyne?
Blood pours from the wound and from Dyne’s mouth. He struggles, but manages to get up.
DYNE
(dying)
Back…back then I didn’t just lose my arm. I lost something irreplaceable.
A beat.
DYNE
(CONT.)
Where…where did I go wrong?
BARRET
I don’t know, but we can resolve this.
DYNE
I told you…I want to destroy everything.
BARRET
What about Marlene? What’s gonna happen to her?
Dyne lets out a slight laugh.
DYNE
Think about it, Barret. How old was Marlene back then? Even if I did go back to her now, she wouldn’t even know me. And what’s more…
He looks down at his good hand.
DYNE
(CONT.)
These hands are too stained to carry Marlene anymore.
Dyne starts to walk over to the edge of the cliff. Meanwhile, Cloud, Yuffie, Aeris, and Cait Sith arrive. They watch in silence.
BARRET
Dyne…what are you doing?
DYNE
(pulling the pendant off his neck)
Give this to Marlene, will you?
He tosses it to Barret.
DYNE
(CONT.)
It was Eleanor’s. It was her memento.
Barret picks up the pendant.
BARRET
I will.
Dyne looks up and stares off into space. A beat; then
DYNE
Wow! Marlene’s already four. Barret, don’t ever make her cry.
Barret nods. A beat; then Dyne backs up to the very edge of the cliff.
BARRET
Dyne?
Dyne lets himself fall off the cliff to his death.
BARRET
Dyne!
The rest of the party watches in horror. Barret falls to his knees.
BARRET
Dyne…me an’ you are the same. My hand aint any cleaner. I shouldn’t be able to carry Marlene either.
EXT. CLIFF BOTTOM - DAY
SPLAT! Dyne crashes into the rocky ground. A few beats; then his eye flicker. He opens them and looks up. Above him he sees an image of his wife ELEANOR. He smiles and his eyes shut. Dyne dies.
PAN BACK
We see a bird’s eye view of Dyne’s body.
FADE OUT
THE END