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QuickNavigation -
FF Odyssey
Fan Fiction
Final Fantasy VII Movie Script
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(Part)
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FINAL FANTASY
CRY OF THE PLANET
Character Listing for Part 10
CLOUD STRIFE
BARRET WALLACE
TIFA LOCKHEART
AERIS GAINSBOROUGH
RED XIII/NANAKI
YUFFIE KISARGI
CAIT SITH
BUGENHAGEN
RUFUS
HOJO
HEIDEGGER
VENDOR
HERB MERCHANT
GUARD #1
GUARD #2
TRIBAL #1
TRIBAL #2
VILLAGER #1
HEAD
GHOST #1
ZACK’S MOTHER
SETO
NANAKI’S MOTHER
NANAKI (CUB)
YOUNG BUGENHAGEN
GI NATTIK
ODIN
FEMALE
Set Listing for Part 10
Interiors
GONGAGA - ZACK’S HOME
BUGGY
SHINRA TOWER - PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
OBSERVATORY - HOLOGRAM ROOM
OBSERVATORY - BEDROOM
OBSERVATORY - DINING ROOM
GI CAVE - ENTRANCE
GI CAVE - SEAL ROOM
GI CAVE - TUNNELS
GI CAVE - TREASURE CHAMBER
GI CAVE - PEAK CHAMBER
Exteriors
OPEN WORLD - BUGGY
GONGAGA - PATH
COSMO CANYON - CANYON
COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE
COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE SQUARE
COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE ENTRANCE
COSMO CANYON - GI CAVE
OBSERVATORY - BALCONY
GI CAVE - PEAK
Part 10: Valley of the Fallen Star
INT. GONGAGA - ZACK’S HOME - DAY
CLOUD STRIFE paces the room trying to piece everything together. RED XIII, AERIS GAINSBOROUGH, and TIFA LOCKEHEART all sit at the circular table. ZACK’S FATHER and ZACK’S MOTHER are absent.
CLOUD
(pacing the room)
This can’t be right. Shinra only picked select people to serve with Sephiroth.
AERIS
Zack never mentioned to me that he was serving with Sephiroth. All we talked about in our letters were our social lives.
TIFA
How come?
AERIS
He knew I didn’t want to hear about the kind of operations he was involved in.
RED XIII
I don’t blame you.
Cloud stops pacing and rubs his forehead.
CLOUD
There’s nothing we can do. All we have about this ‘Zack’ is his name.
A few beats; then Zack’s mother enters the hut-like home. She carries a basket of freshly picked vegetables.
ZACK’S MOTHER
I’m sorry. Was I intruding?
AERIS
There’s no such thing as intruding in your own home.
Zack’s mother smiles and walks to the sink. She pours the sink with water from a bucket and begins washing the vegetables.
ZACK’S MOTHER
You’re welcome to stay the night if you’d like.
CLOUD
Sorry, we can’t. Friends of ours are waiting beyond the tree line.
ZACK’S MOTHER
So there are more of you?
Cloud nods.
ZACK’S MOTHER
It’s getting late. If you’re looking to pass through the forest, you should leave soon.
She grabs some freshly cleaned vegetables and binds them with some string.
ZACK’S MOTHER
(giving the food to Cloud)
Take these.
He takes the vegetables.
TIFA
Thank you.
ZACK’S MOTHER
Don’t worry about the amount. There’s a huge patch near town.
Cloud nods and hands the vegetables to Aeris. A beat; then
CLOUD
Listen, if we find Zack, we’ll tell him to come home.
ZACK’S MOTHER
(looking up)
Thank you.
She goes back to cleaning the vegetables.
ZACK’S MOTHER
(CONT’D)
I won’t get too excited though. No offense.
CLOUD
Not taken.
ZACK’S MOTHER
It’s been hard, but my husband and I have accepted that Zack is dead.
Aeris shoots up from her chair.
AERIS
You should always have hope.
ZACK’S MOTHER
(looking at Aeris)
Yes, but is it better to have a false hope than no hope at all?
Aeris is silent. A couple beats; then
ZACK’S MOTHER
Frankly, this town has held false hope in Shinra and look at what it did to us.
AERIS
But,
ZACK’S MOTHER
(interrupting)
Please. I appreciate the concern, but we’ve all been twisted so much that hoping for anything is a near impossibility.
RED XIII
You’re forgetting something however.
She looks to Red XIII.
RED XIII
(CONT’D)
Hope comes in many forms.
Red XIII and Zack’s mother stare at each other comprehending what he said. A few beats; then
CLOUD
We should be heading out. It’ll be dark in a few hours.
Cloud heads for the door.
EXT. OPEN WORLD - BUGGY - DUSK
BARRET WALLACE and YUFFIE KISARGI stand outside the buggy waiting for Cloud and the others. We can see CAIT SITH through the windows, sleeping on his Mog’s head.
YUFFIE
It’s getting dark. You think something happened to them?
BARRET
(half worried)
I don’t know.
Yuffie reads the worry on Barret’s face.
YUFFIE
What? What happened?
A beat.
BARRET
Before, when you were asleep, they were ambushed by the Turks.
YUFFIE
What!?
BARRET
Then Cait Sith and I saw a Shinra chopper headed their way.
Yuffie smacks her forehead and quickly paces around outside the buggy.
YUFFIE
Shit! They probably got caught.
BARRET
You never know.
YUFFIE
Well, what the hell are we supposed to do?
Barret shrugs.
BARRET
Hell if I know.
Yuffie looks Barret in the eyes and realized she isn’t hearing everything.
YUFFIE
(calmer)
What’s really going on, Barret?
BARRET
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
YUFFIE
What aren’t you telling me?
Barret doesn’t respond. He turns his head and watches the sun set below the tree line.
YUFFIE
(yelling)
Barret!
He looks at her.
YUFFIE
(calm)
Tell me. What is going on?
Barret sighs. A beat; then
BARRET
We think we got a rat in the house.
YUFFIE
What?
BARRET
Cloud was ambushed on the path to Gongaga. The Turks were there and they were waiting for us. They knew exactly where we were.
YUFFIE
(pointing at herself)
And you think it’s me? You think I’m a spy for Shinra?
A few beats.
BARRET
You have a tendency to betray us.
YUFFIE
(angry)
Oh, so we’re going back to what happened in the prison.
BARRET
The fact is that it did happen. You did betray us for some thief!
YUFFIE
I was wrong! I came through for you guys, didn’t I?
BARRET
You want me to forgive and forget. Just so you can do it again?
Yuffie groans and shakes her head.
BARRET
(CONT’D)
Everyone knows you’re looking to cash in on something big. It goes all the way back to when you were trying to steal our materia.
YUFFIE
I can’t believe this!
BARRET
Shut up!
She looks at Barret in the eyes.
BARRET
(serious)
If I get proof that you’re ratin’ us out to Shinra, I’ll kill you myself and no one will stop me.
They exchange looks when; RING! The PHS rings. Barret grabs it from his pocket and answers it.
BARRET
(into PHS)
Yeah?
EXT. GONGAGA - PATH - DUSK
Cloud is on the PHS talking to Barret. Aeris, Tifa, and Red XIII are in the background resting.
CLOUD
(into PHS)
Barret, we’re on our way back.
INTERCUT CLOUD AND BARRET
BARRET
Are you all okay?
CLOUD
We’re fine.
BARRET
Any clues on where Sephiroth is headed?
CLOUD
None. We have not choice but to continue toward Cosmo Canyon.
BARRET
Alright. What about that helicopter I saw? Was it Rufus?
CLOUD
No. It was Scarlet and Tseng. I got the impression that they’re closer to Sephiroth than we are.
BARRET
What else?
CLOUD
They said something about huge materia. They were looking for it.
BARRET
What the hell’s huge materia?
CLOUD
I don’t know.
A few beats; then
CLOUD
(CONT’D)
Just stay put. We’ll be there in an hour.
EXT. OPEN WORLD - BUGGY - DUSK
Barret hangs up the PHS and pockets it. He looks at Yuffie, who still appears angry.
FADE TO
EXT. OPEN WORLD - BUGGY - NIGHT
Barret sits on the hood of the buggy looking up at the stars. Yuffie is lying on the grass, also looking up in the sky.
TIFA (OS)
Barret!
He looks down and sees Cloud, Aeris, Tifa, and Red XIII walking towards him. He hops off the buggy and Yuffie sits up and looks at them.
BARRET
Glad to see you’re okay.
CLOUD
Thanks.
A beat.
RED XIII
So, we’re headed to Cosmo Canyon next?
CLOUD
Sort of.
RED XIII
(disappointed shock)
What?
Cloud sighs.
CLOUD
We’re headed in that direction only because Sephiroth’s there. We don’t have time to stop. Sorry.
He turns around and heads toward the buggy.
RED XIII
But…I joined you so I could find a way home.
CLOUD
(with his back turned)
Yes well, there’ll be no home if we don’t succeed.
Red XIII drops his head and sighs.
FADE TO DARKNESS
We black shroud covers the screen. Several beats when a MOANING-like sound erupts. The moans get louder. A beat; then
INT. BUGGY - NIGHT
Aeris opens her eyes and wakes up. She sits up in her seat and rubs her eyes.
TIFA
(looking at Aeris)
You okay?
We see Cloud driving the buggy and eavesdropping. A beat.
AERIS
(rubbing her forehead)
I’m fine.
CLOUD
You were twitching.
Aeris looks up to Cloud, whose eyes are locked on the world through the front window.
AERIS
(tired)
Huh?
CLOUD
You were twitching in your sleep. What were you dreaming about?
AERIS
What makes you think I was dreaming?
Cloud smiles to himself and looks at Barret, who’s sitting next to him.
BARRET
Aeris, this guy has had dreams up the ass. I think he knows when someone else has ‘em.
AERIS
(sitting back)
That’s right. I forgot.
A few beats; then
TIFA
Well?
Aeris looks at Tifa.
TIFA
(CONT’D)
What were they about?
AERIS
(shaking her head)
You don’t want to know.
RED XIII
The lady’s obviously seen something bad or she wouldn’t be hiding it.
She looks back and exchanges glances with Red XIII.
TIFA
It’s alright, Aeris. I’m sorry I asked.
Tifa turns her head and looks out the window at the landscape. A few beats; then
AERIS
There were moans.
Everyone looks at Aeris except Cloud, who continues to drive.
AERIS
(CONT’D)
They were cries for help.
TIFA
Who? Who did you hear?
Aeris sighs.
AERIS
The planet. It’s speaking out to me in my dreams. The cries are becoming louder with each night.
BARRET
You’re and Ancient aren’t ya? One of the Cetra? Then why don’t you communicate with the planet?
AERIS
(looking out the window)
I can’t.
BARRET
You can’t? I thought the Ancients had the ability to speak with the planet.
Barret looks at everyone in the buggy, confused. A beat.
CLOUD
They can. The Ancients were the only ones that could communicate with the planet.
BARRET
Well Aeris could ask the planet how to kill Sephiroth or how to defeat Shinra for that matter.
AERIS
It doesn’t work like that. I could only hear the voices when I prayed in the church. Now…I can’t communicate with them, even when I pray.
TIFA
Do you know why?
Tears start to develop in Aeris’ eyes. She fights to hold them back.
AERIS
(starting to cry)
I can’t even talk to Elmyra and tell her I love her.
She covers her face with her hands. Tifa puts her arm around her and begins to comfort her. A beat.
CLOUD
(to himself)
What’s so significant about that church?
BARRET
Huh?
CLOUD
She could only hear the planet when she prayed inside the church. She also said that the church was the only place in Midgar where flowers grew naturally.
RED XIII
Are you certain it’s just the church?
Cloud looks over his shoulder at Red XIII.
CLOUD
What d’you mean?
Red XIII inhales.
RED XIII
Maybe it’s Midgar that’s important, not just the church.
CLOUD
I doubt there are any other places in Midgar with a flower bed that can break a 500 foot fall.
Cloud looks back to the world ahead of him. He looks in the windshield at Yuffie, who was listening in on the conversation.
CLOUD
What’s wrong Yuffie? Nothing quirky to say?
YUFFIE
What?
CLOUD
You’re pretty quiet, which is kind of odd. I figure you’d have something to say.
YUFFIE
Hey! Cait Sith aint talking either. Why don’t you go break his balls?
Cloud smiles.
CLOUD
Cait Sith’s a cat, and like all other cats right now, he’s asleep.
Yuffie looks next to her and sees Cait Sith asleep on his Mog. A few beats; then
BARRET
(arrogantly)
C’mon, share what’s in that noggin of yours.
YUFFIE
You really want to know?
Cloud nods.
YUFFIE
(CONT’D)
I’m sick of everyone’s lack of trust.
CLOUD
Lack of trust? You mean for you?
Yuffie is silent.
CLOUD
Who here doesn’t trust you?
YUFFIE
Ask Barret, unless he already told you about our conversation earlier.
Cloud looks at Barret. Barret shrugs.
YUFFIE
(to Barret)
Go on, tell him. Tell him how you accused me of being a spy for Shinra.
TIFA
(to Barret)
You accused Yuffie of being the spy?
BARRET
Hey. We don’t even know Hey. We don’t even know if there is a rat.
YUFFIE
But you still took it upon yourself to accuse me.
Barret leans over his seat and at Yuffie face to face.
BARRET
Can you really blame me? After all the things you’ve done to us…all the trouble.
TIFA
Can we just drop this?
YUFFIE
You started this conversation.
Barret sits back in his seat. Yuffie snarls and turns her head out the window. A few beats; then Aeris looks foreword through the windshield and sees some cliffs in the distance.
AERIS
What’s that?
Red XIII lifts his head and looks out the windshield.
RED XIII
(whispering)
Cosmo Canyon.
CLOUD
(nodding)
Valley of the fallen star.
TIFA
It’s beautiful.
RED XIII
Wait ‘till you see it at sunset when the sun rays beam across the red stone of the canyon created the most miraculous sight you’ll ever see.
AERIS
You have a beautiful home, Red.
Red XIII sighs.
RED XIII
I had a beautiful home. I’ve been gone for so long. To say the canyon is my home is now an overstatement.
AERIS
Your home never changes. You were taken. You didn’t leave.
A few beats; then
CLOUD
We’ll be on the other side by tomorrow night.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - CANYON - DAY
We watch as the buggy drives over the rough terrain of the canyon. The canyon’s walls and ground are layered with red and brown rock.
TIFA (OS)
This place is amazing.
CUT TO
INT. BUGGY - DAY
Cloud struggles to keep control as the buggy drives over the rugged landscape.
CLOUD
The ride could be smoother.
BARRET
It’s a canyon. What do you expect?
Cloud shrugs and continues to drive. Meanwhile, Cait Sith wakes up. He stretched his pawns and yawns.
CAIT SITH
What’s with the bumpy ride? We got a flat?
AERIS
We’re in Cosmo Canyon.
BARRET
Nice of you to finally wake, by the way.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - CANYON - DAY
We see the buggy continue its bumpy ride across the canyon.
PAN BACK
We can now see some rusty explosive casings halfway buried under some red dust. The casings are several meters ahead of the buggy.
INT. BUGGY - DAY
AERIS
So Red, you said you had a grandfather here?
RED XIII
Not by blood. Our relationship is that of a grandfather and grandson.
AERIS
Well where does he live? In a cave?
RED XIII
There’s a village on one of the peaks. He has an observatory there. My grandfather is very wise and knows a great deal. He is no doubt aware of Sephiroth’s presence and the cries of the planet.
CLOUD
How does your grandfather even know of Sephiroth’s existence?
BOOM! The buggy hits the explosive mine and nearly kicks the buggy over. Cloud struggles for control while everyone is fumbling around inside trying to find something to hold on to.
BARRET
(yelling)
What the hell’s going on?
EXT. COSMO CANYON - CANYON - DAY
The buggy swerves left and right. BOOM! It hits another mine. Dust and rock shoot up into the air.
INT. BUGGY - DAY
Cloud grits his teeth and tightly holds the steering wheel trying to regain control. BOOM! The buggy yet again hits an explosive.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - CANYON - DAY
The buggy shoots up ten feet in the air. CRASH! The buggy impacts to the ground and rolls over on its side. The chaos stops.
INT. BUGGY - DAY
Everyone is all over the buggy. Tifa has a huge gash in her forehead.
CLOUD
Everyone alright?
BARRET
(sarcastically)
Just peachy.
Tifa feels the wound with her fingertips and sees blood on them.
TIFA
I’m cut.
CLOUD
How deep?
She grits her teeth and probes the wound with her finger.
TIFA
Deep.
CLOUD
Shit.
He unbuckles and maneuvers toward the door. He opens it.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - CANYON - DAY
Cloud pops his torso through the door and looks at the small craters left by the explosives. A beat; then he hops out. Tifa then jumps out of the buggy. One by one the party exits the buggy. Cait Sith manages to squeeze himself out. A few beats; then
BARRET
(to Red XIII)
You mind telling me what the hell that shit was?
RED XIII
Old explosives left by Shinra when they were trying to rid the canyon of my people.
YUFFIE
Why didn’t you tell us before we started driving through this death trap!?
Red XIII shrugs.
RED XIII
I guess, I forgot.
Yuffie groans at Red XIII. Meanwhile, Cloud walks around to the other side to look at the bottom of the buggy. He sighs heavily when he sees it’s badly damaged.
CAIT SITH
So can we just flip this thing and be on our way?
CLOUD
I don’t think it’ll be that easy.
Cloud leans down to get a close look. He sees fuel leaking out of the pipes.
CAIT SITH
How come?
CLOUD
We’re leaking fuel. Plus the entire bottom has been torn by the rocks.
YUFFIE
Why can’t we just flip this thing and see how far we get on the amount of fuel we have. It’ll at least save us some time walking.
BARRET
Because if we scrape up against some rocks and cause a spark with fuel leaking, that buggy becomes one big flaming coffin with all of us in it.
Yuffie sighs. A beat; then
AERIS
Can you repair it?
CLOUD
I’m no mechanic but I could. I don’t have anything to repair it with.
YUFFIE
So we’re screwed then?
RED XIII
We can stop at the village. I’m sure they’d be glad to help. My grandfather probably has some spare parts lying around.
CLOUD
How far is it?
RED XIII
I know this canyon by heart. If you follow me, we can make it to the village by dusk.
Cloud nods.
YUFFIE
What about those explosive things? There could be more of them.
CLOUD
We’ll just have to watch our step.
Cloud walks back around the buggy and reaches inside. He grabs a pouch and pulls out a green materia sphere.
CLOUD
(tossing the sphere to Tifa)
Use this.
Tifa catches the materia sphere.
CLOUD
(CONT’D)
It should start healing that wound of yours.
Meanwhile Cait Sith looks down at his Mog’s arm and sees a rip. He GROANS.
AERIS
What is it?
CAIT SITH
My Mog is ripped.
Cait Sith tries pushing the stuffing back in with his Mog’s good arm.
CLOUD
(jokingly)
Don’t worry. I’m sure we can find you some new stuffing when we reach the village.
Cloud smiles and the party begins following Red XIII to the village.
INT. SHINRA TOWER - PRESIDENT’S OFFICE - DAY
RUFUS paces around his desk rubbing his chin. A map of the world is laid out on his desk. HOJO extends his index finger to a point on the map.
HOJO
There.
RUFUS
Are you certain that’s where the Temple of the Ancients is located?
Hojo stands back upright.
HOJO
I am certain, President Rufus. I looked through all of Professor Gast’s diaries. He spoke of a temple buried in the forest.
A beat.
HOJO
(CONT’D)
That is where we’ll find Sephiroth.
Rufus squints his eyes and stares at Hojo. A few beats; then
RUFUS
Tell me again Hojo…why is Sephiroth going to this Temple of the Ancients?
Hojo smiles.
HOJO
Hidden inside is the weapon he needs.
RUFUS
And what weapon is that?
HOJO
The black materia…the undefeatable weapon that could very well bring about the planet’s destruction.
RUFUS
Why speak with so much drama? All we have to do is beat Sephiroth to the temple and take the black materia ourselves.
Hojo turns and walks to the windows. He folds his arms behind his back and gazes out at Midgar. A few beats; then
HOJO
(serious)
Have you acquired transport to the temple?
RUFUS
Palmer’s working on it. We’re getting the airship and other one of Highwind’s planes.
Hojo smirks.
RUFUS
(CONT’D)
As soon as we’ve obtained it, I’ll send the Turks in to finish off Sephiroth.
Hojo turns around to face Rufus.
HOJO
You honestly believe that the Turks can kill Sephiroth?
RUFUS
No matter how powerful he is, he is still only human.
HOJO
(snapping back)
Human!? Oh he is much more than human. Sephiroth is perfection. To think that a band of low-lives like the Turks can eliminate him is ludicrous.
Rufus chuckles.
RUFUS
Sephiroth can throw all the magic he wants at us. A simple bullet to the brain will end him easily.
HOJO
(chuckling)
Your ignorance amuses me, President Rufus.
RUFUS
Oh yes, I forgot. You don’t like the term “magic”. It’s all science to you.
Hojo starts to walk towards Rufus slowly.
HOJO
(walking)
Yes, but that wasn’t what I was speaking of.
A beat.
HOJO
(CONT’D)
You have no idea who Sephiroth is. To you he’s a minor bump in the road to more power. To underestimate him would be your gravest mistake. You are a fool.
BAM! Rufus punches Hojo hard in the jaw. Hojo staggers but regains focus.
RUFUS
(angry)
It seems you’ve forgotten our goal, Hojo. Shinra is hunting Sephiroth. We are going to kill this supposed “perfect being”.
The two stare at each other, Rufus with deep anger. Several beats; then
HOJO
So tell me, how goes your quest for the huge materia.
RUFUS
Your department is science, not weapons and defense.
HOJO
Well remember when you’re at your little dinner event later, that Sephiroth is much more powerful than you know.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - CANYON - NIGHT
We see a view of the moon. It shines brightly in the sky lingering over the canyon.
PAN DOWN to:
Cloud and the party as they walk through the canyon being led by Red XIII.
AERIS
(to Red XIII)
Do you remember exactly what part of the canyon you lived in?
RED XIII
My kind were nomads. We followed our food all throughout the canyon.
CAIT SITH
So you were hunters then?
RED XIII
Yes.
A beat.
AERIS
What’s the last thing you remember before you were taken by Shinra?
RED XIII
I remember thinking about my father. It was night and I was looking up at the moon. I felt a sting in my side and woke up later in Shinra’s hands.
CAIT SITH
Why were you thinking of your father? Was he killed by Shinra?
Red XIII sighs heavily. A beat; then
RED XIII
(hesitating)
My father Seto…he…
He sighs again.
RED XIII
(CONT’D)
I really can’t talk about him.
CAIT SITH
Sorry if I offended you.
RED XIII
No. It’s not your fault. It’s just that I conjure up so many negative feelings when I reminisce about my father.
They party walks in silence for several beats.
BARRET
Why was Shinra after the canyon? Did they detect high Mako concentration or something?
RED XIII
No. This was before they discovered Mako, when Shinra was still a weapons manufacturer. They wanted to mine the canyon for metal. My people refused to let them rape our land.
TIFA
So they started killing you all right?
Red XIII nods.
RED XIII
To them we were animals. We had no spirits so they started slaughtering all of us.
AERIS
That’s so horrible. I’m sorry.
RED XIII
I was just a cub at the time.
AERIS
How traumatic.
RED XIII
I watched my mother as she was gunned down by Shinra soldier protecting a herd of cubs.
Aeris lets out a slight gasp and drops her head. A beat; then
BARRET
So they cleaned the canyon of all your people?
RED XIII
Not quite. During their war against us, they realized we weren’t going to go down so easily. We fought with honor.
TIFA
So they pulled out of the canyon?
Red XIII shakes his head.
RED XIII
Long before our conflict with Shinra…long before my father or his before…the canyon was inhabited by the Gi. They were savages and killed many of my people and along with many innocent humans. My ancestors managed to lure all the tribes of the Gi in a cave and sealed it shut.
A beat.
RED XIII
(CONT’D)
When Shinra came in, they broke the seal letting the vengeful spirits of the Gi slaughter my people. When enough of us were dead, they closed the seal again.
BARRET
You said Shinra wanted the canyon to mine for metal. Well I was a miner and haven’t seen anything that closely resembles a mine here.
RED XIII
A few weeks after the Gi had finally destroyed nearly all my people and were sealed back in the cave, Shinra discovered the profit of Mako. They began to figure ways to build reactors and forgot all about the canyon.
Cloud looks ahead and sees some lights on a peak.
CLOUD
Is that it?
Red XIII looks up and sees the lights in the distance.
RED XIII
Yes. That is the Cosmo Canyon village. My grandfather, Bugenhagen, is there.
CLOUD
Did he tell you all of this?
RED XIII
He told me all he could tell me until I matured.
CLOUD
You said he knows some things about Sephiroth. How much?
RED XIII
Bugenhagen was great friends with the great Professor Gast. The two were scientists and aided each other in their studies.
CLOUD
Good. Then at the very least he can tell us where Sephiroth might be headed.
INT. OBSERVATORY - HOLOGRAM ROOM - NIGHT
WIDE SHOT of BUGENHAGEN, dressed in his dark purple robe, looking through his large telescope, which is aimed at the sky. SLOW ZOOM IN, we begin to hear Bugenhagen whispering to himself. His fingers slowly adjust the controls. Bugenhagen is looking for something.
BUGENHAGEN
(whispering to himself)
Come on. There’s got to be something.
A few beats; then a pulls his head away and sighs heavily.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
Bugenhagen walks through the streets of the village. He stops in front of a VENDOR. The village itself is not a flat plane. The huts and stores are crumbled on top of each other with only ladders and ropes as access points. The VILLAGERS are dressed in tribal-like clothing, but are not primitive.
VENDOR
(friendly)
How you doing, Bugen? Still looking into space for nothing?
BUGENHAGEN
What I’m for could be the very thing that destroys this planet.
The vendor lets out a small laugh.
VENDOR
Yeah right. The planet’s protected by the Ancients. Nothing can destroy it.
Bugenhagen stares at the vendor letting him marvel in ignorance. A few beats; then
BUGENHAGEN
Listen, I need you to get me some equipment.
VENDOR
(gesturing to all the junk on his table)
What you see is what I got.
BUGENHAGEN
I know you. There’s certainly a lot more that you have.
The vendor squints his eyes at Bugenhagen with a slightly shocked look on his face.
VENDOR
(serious)
What do you need?
BUGENHAGEN
I need some Type-Q Shinra Batteries for my hologram machine. They’re the only ones that’ll work.
VENDOR
(rubbing his chin)
Type-Q…those can be quite hard to come by. They’re only made for Shinra’s defense systems.
BUGENHAGEN
I know. Trust me. I will pay what they are worth.
The two exchange looks. A beat; then
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
I need to run some more simulations. The power cells on the Type-Qs, that Gast gave me, are dead.
The vendor sighs.
VENDOR
I’ll see what I can do.
BUGENHAGEN
(shaking his hand)
Thank you.
Bugenhagen leaves.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Red XIII leads the fatigued group up a steel staircase carved into the red rock. They are near the top. Out of fatigue, Aeris collapses. Cloud catches her as Red XIII looks back.
RED XIII
We’re almost at the top. Just keep going.
BARRET
Easy for you to say.
Cloud holds Aeris as she catches her breath. A beat; then she nods a “thank you” to him and continues up.
CUT TO:
EXT. COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE ENTRANCE - NIGHT
The party reaches the top of the staircase. They all catch their breath. Cloud and Red XIII are the only ones who aren’t tired. There waiting at the top are two GUARDS.
GUARD #1
(to Cloud)
Welcome to Cosmo Canyon, stranger.
Red XIII scans the village. He smiles.
RED XIII
(overjoyed)
I’m home.
The guards look down at him. They stare in silence and their jaws drop.
GUARD #2
(awestruck)
Are you…?
GUARD #1
It looks like…it is! Praise the planet, it’s Nanaki!
TIFA
Nanaki?
She looks to Cloud.
TIFA
(CONT.)
Who’s Nanaki?
Cloud shrugs.
RED XIII
(whispering to himself)
Nanaki…
He looks at the “XIII” tattooed on his arm. He blinks then;
RED XIII
I remember.
(to the guards)
Where’s my grandfather?
GUARD #2
The old man hasn’t changed a bit. He’s still up in his observatory.
Red XIII nods and then SPRINTS off toward the large observatory that towers over the rest of the homes and shops. Cloud walks forward.
GUARD #1
(to Cloud)
Who are you guys? Friends of Nanaki’s?
TIFA
Who’s Nanaki?
GUARD #2
Nanaki is Nanaki. That’s his name. So who are you?
A beat.
CLOUD
We’re friends.
GUARD #2
How did you find Nanaki? Did you break him free from Shinra?
TIFA
We rescued him, yes.
Both the guards smile.
GUARD #1
(overwhelmed)
Wow.
GUARD #2
Cosmo Canyon welcomes you fine warriors.
The whole party moves forward.
CLOUD
(to the guards)
You got any shops that repair vehicles?
GUARD #1
Oh yeah. We got a ton of shops that repair and refuel the transport of travelers.
Cloud nods.
CLOUD
Thank you.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
Cloud and the party walk into the village square. They all look around at the commerce that occurs. A few beats; then
YUFFIE
What now?
CLOUD
We got to find someone to fix the buggy.
Cloud thinks.
TIFA
What about Red XIII?
He sighs. A few beats; then
CLOUD
I’ll go up that observatory and look for him. Anyone coming with?
AERIS
I will.
Cloud nods.
TIFA
So will I. Like Red said, maybe his grandfather can help us find Sephiroth.
Cloud looks at Yuffie.
CLOUD
Can you and Cait Sith handle finding someone to repair the buggy?
YUFFIE
(sarcastic)
I don’t know. It’s such a hard job, so much responsibility.
CLOUD
So that’s a yes.
He looks at Cait Sith.
CLOUD
(CONT.)
What about you?
CAIT SITH
Yeah I can do it. I got to find a needle and thread anyway.
CLOUD
Fine. Then Barret’ll come with us.
Cloud, Barret, Tifa, and Aeris head for the observatory.
CLOUD
(CONT.)
We’ll meet back here later.
A beat as Yuffie and Cait Sith watch them walk away. Yuffie pats Cait Sith’s Mog with we hand and the two turn around to start their search.
INT. OBSERVATORY - HOLOGRAM ROOM - NIGHT
Bugenhagen presses his eye against the lens of his telescope. A few beats; then
RED XIII (OS)
Grandpa!
Surprised and shocked, Bugenhagen looks up from his telescope.
RED XIII (OS)
Grandpa it’s me…Nanaki!
A beat; then a large grin appears on Bugenhagen’s face.
INT. OBSERVATORY - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Red XIII looks up to where a steel ladder leads to other floors of the observatory. A beat; then Bugenhagen pops his head out.
BUGENHAGEN
Nanaki!
Bugenhagen starts climbing down the ladder. (From now on, Red XIII is now known as NANAKI). He reaches the bottom. The two stare at each other briefly. Bugenhagen smiles at him then collapses to his knees and embraces with Nanaki.
BUGENHAGEN
How did you escape?
NANAKI
I had some help.
As if on cue, Cloud KNOCKS on the door from the outside. Bugenhagen smiles and answers the door.
BUGENHAGEN
Can I help you?
Nanaki walks to the door.
NANAKI
These are my friends that helped me escape from Hojo.
BUGENHAGEN
(looking at Nanaki)
It was Hojo who wanted you?
Nanaki nods. A beat; then
TIFA
May we come in?
BUGENHAGEN
(opening door larger)
Of course.
Bugenhagen watches Cloud, Tifa, Aeris, and Barret enter his home. He looks at Aeris with a form of suspicion as she enters.
BUGENHAGEN
(closing door)
So you’re the kind people that helped Nanaki escape from Shinra?
TIFA
That’s right. The name’s Tifa.
BARRET
Barret.
BUGENHAGEN
Your names sound familiar. Have I heard of you before?
BARRET
We’re part of AVALANCHE.
Bugenhagen grins.
BUGENHAGEN
Of course! You’re the people that have causing a lot trouble for Shinra.
He looks at Cloud. His eyes meet with Cloud’s.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
And who, might I ask, are you?
TIFA
He’s sort of like our leader. We’re close friends.
CLOUD
(extending his hand)
I’m Cloud Strife,
Bugenhagen shakes his hand.
CLOUD
(CONT’D)
Formerly of SOLDIER First Class.
BUGENHAGEN
I can see that. Your eyes glow.
He looks over and Aeris, stares at her briefly, and a small grin appears on his face.
CLOUD
That’s Aeris.
BUGENHAGEN
(walking toward her)
I know who she is. You’re very beautiful, just like he described in his letters.
He looks into her eyes. A beat.
BUGENHAGEN
(smiling)
You have your mother’s eyes, Aeris.
Aeris smiles.
TIFA
How do you know all of this?
NANAKI
My grandfather is very wise. You’d be surprised what he knows and how little he doesn’t.
Bugenhagen chuckles.
BUGENHAGEN
That’s really quite an overstatement. I know what I’m told and what I discover.
He glances at Aeris.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
…And I know that you are the last surviving Ancient on the planet.
He takes off his glasses and starts rubbing them against his robe.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
Well, unless you count Sephiroth.
Bugenhagen puts his glasses back on.
BUGENHAGEN
(CON’D)
Then there are two.
He smiles and Cloud moves a pace forward.
CLOUD
So you can help us?
Bugenhagen turns around and finds a chair. He sits down.
BUGENHAGEN
That depends on what your mission really is. What are you trying to accomplish, my friend?
CLOUD
We’re here to save the world. For the past month, we’ve been chasing Sephiroth from place to place.
BUGENHAGEN
(serious)
And what do you intend to do when you catch up with him? Are you going to kill him?
CLOUD
Yes.
BUGENHAGEN
I see. And what makes you think you’re capable?
A beat.
CLOUD
He and I are old friends that go way back. Why are you sounding so hostile, old man?
Bugenhagen smiles and gets up. He starts to pace around the room.
BUGENHAGEN
Saving the planet is a hard task, for you have two enemies…Shinra and the all powerful Sephiroth. Do you honestly think you’re ready?
Cloud and Bugenhagen stare at each other. A few beats; then
BUGENHAGEN
Your confidence is your weakness. If you’re ever to defeat Sephiroth you must break free.
CLOUD
Free from what?
Bugenhagen smiles.
BUGENHAGEN
Yourself.
EXT. COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE - NIGHT
Yuffie and Cait Sith stand in front of the vendor’s sail cart. It is the same one Bugenhagen was at before. They are in mid-conversation.
YUFFIE
So you can help us?
VENDOR
I guess you can take me out and I’ll have a look. But not until morning.
YUFFIE
(nodding)
I guess that’ll have to do. Thanks.
Yuffie and Cait Sith start to walk away when the vendor speaks again.
VENDOR
Were you part of the group that came in with Nanaki?
CAIT SITH
Who?
VENDOR
That red animal.
YUFFIE
Red XIII?
VENDOR
His name is Nanaki and he’s been lost for quite some time. I just want to say thanks for bringin’ him back.
Yuffie smiles and nods, then she and Cait Sith walk away.
CAIT SITH
So what now?
YUFFIE
I guess we go find the others at that observatory.
They start walking toward the observatory. A few beats; then
YUFFIE
You heard right?
CAIT SITH
Heard what?
YUFFIE
About the alleged spy we might have?
Cait Sith hesitates.
CAIT SITH
Barret did mention something when we were waiting outside Gongaga.
YUFFIE
So he did tell you. Did he also say who he thought it was?
Cait Sith hesitates again. Yuffie senses what’s going on and stops.
YUFFIE
(slightly angered)
So you too think it’s me?
CAIT SITH
Did I say anything?
YUFFIE
Just drop it then! Let’s just walk to the fuckin’ observatory.
Cait Sith is silent. A beat; then an angered Yuffie walks off. Cait Sith follows.
INT. OBSERVATORY - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The party and Bugenhagen are engaged in meal. They are sitting around a circular wooden table. They are in mid-conversation.
BUGENHAGEN
So where are the other two?
CLOUD
(with food in his mouth)
Looking for someone to repair our buggy.
He swallows.
CLOUD
(CONT’D)
We ran into the nasty little gifts Shinra left in the canyon.
Bugenhagen nods.
TIFA
We can’t go on until we fix it.
Bugenhagen continues to eat. A beat.
BUGENHAGEN
I hear you’ve been looking after Nanaki. He’s still a child, you know.
NANAKI
Grandpa, I’m 48.
AERIS
(surprised)
You’re that old.
Bugenhagen smiles.
BUGENHAGEN
Quite the contrary. Nanaki’s tribe has quite the longevity. Though he is 48 years old, he age is equivalent to say…that of a 15 or 16 year old human.
BARRET
Damn! How long do they live for?
BUGENHAGEN
A long time. You thought he was an adult?
NANAKI
I am an adult, grandpa. After all I’ve encountered so far, I’m ready to protect the canyon.
Bugenhagen sighs and places his utensils next to his plate. He gazes a Nanaki. A few beats; then
BUGENHAGEN
(serious)
You are not ready. I know what is fueling your veins...and why you feel you have to jump in so soon. Your quest to return glory is futile. There’s a bigger problem at hand. Surly you can understand that. Looking up too much makes you lose perspective, which will destroy you in the long run. When it’s time for this planet to die, you’ll understand that you know absolutely nothing.
CLOUD
When the planet dies?
Bugenhagen chuckles.
BUGENHAGEN
It could very well be tomorrow...
He picks up his utensils and continues eating.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
...or 100 years from now, but it’s not long off.
TIFA
How do you know this?
Bugenhagen smiles.
BUGENHAGEN
I hear the cries of the planet.
(to Aeris)
As you have.
BARRET
Wait a second. I thought only the Ancients could communicate with the planet.
BUGENHAGEN
The planet communicates with whoever it wishes. Anyone can hear it, however only the Ancient can talk to it.
A beat; then
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
As these cries occur, planets are born and die. It says...I suffer...I hurt.
AERIS
(serious)
What can we do?
Bugenhagen smiles and continues eating. A few beats; then
NANAKI
When will I be ready?
Bugenhagen looks at him. A beat; then
BUGENHAGEN
Have you told your friends about your father?
NANAKI
Not the whole story.
BUGENHAGEN
Why not? Does it hurt you to talk about it? Or are you afraid?
TIFA
What’s going on? What happened to Nanaki’s father?
A beat; then
BUGENHAGEN
(to Nanaki)
Go on, tell them.
Nanaki sighs heavily and his head drops to the ground.
NANAKI
When the canyon was being attacked by the Gi tribe, my mother fought to protect me. She was killed in front of my eyes...stabbed to death. My father...he fled the village like a coward and left me to die.
AERIS
That’s horrible.
NANAKI
(gritting his teeth)
I despise my father. He betrayed me...the canyon...my mother...everyone.
A beat; then the door below OPENS and then CLOSES with a THUD.
YUFFIE (OS)
Anyone home?
NANAKI
Up here!
BUGENHAGEN
Would that perhaps be the rest of you?
Cloud nods.
CLOUD
Yuffie Kisargi and Cait Sith.
Yuffie appears onscreen as she climbs up the ladder to join the group. She holds a small leather pouch in her hand. Cait Sith then stuffs his Mog’s body through the hole as he climbs the ladder.
BUGENHAGEN
(standing up)
You must be Yuffie.
He shakes hands with her.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
I am Bugenhagen.
YUFFIE
Nice to meet you.
(pointing to Cait Sith)
That’s Cait Sith. He’s the cat on top of the big stuffed thing.
BUGENHAGEN
Cait Sith eh?
CAIT SITH
That’s right.
Bugenhagen nods. A beat; then Yuffie extends the pouch to Bugenhagen.
YUFFIE
This was on your doorstep.
He grabs the pouch and opens it. Inside are two Shinra Type-Q batteries.
BUGENHAGEN
That was fast.
Yuffie walks to the table.
YUFFIE
(to Cloud)
We found a guy but he can’t look at the buggy ‘till morning.
Cloud nods.
AERIS
(to Cait Sith)
D’you find your needle and thread?
Cait Sith grabs a small pouch with his mouth that was lying on top of his Mog’s head. He shows it then puts it back down.
CAIT SITH
I’m gonna need help with it. Being a cat, I lack the opposable thumb you humans have.
Aeris smiles. A beat; then
BUGENHAGEN
Now that I have what I need, and now that everyone’s here, would you all care to follow me into the apparatus?
Bugenhagen walks to the ladder and climbs up.
TIFA
(to Nanaki)
What’s the apparatus?
NANAKI
His hologram machine.
A beat.
NANAKI
(walking toward the ladder)
Someone carry me up.
INT. OBSERVATORY - HOLOGRAM ROOM - NIGHT
The party, except Yuffie who is just making her way up, is in the hologram room, which is nothing more than a tremendous gray dome. Bugenhagen is standing next to a control counsel. He pops open a lid and starts replacing the batteries.
TIFA
(in awe)
Look at this place.
BUGENHAGEN
Pretty amazing isn’t it? This hologram machine is the only one of its kind. Professor Gast helped me build it.
BARRET
What d’you use it for?
BUGENHAGEN
I run simulations and use it for educational purposes.
He finishes replacing the batteries and shuts the lid.
TIFA
So what now?
BUGENHAGEN
(smiling)
Watch this.
Bugenhagen presses a button on the counsel. BOOM! A gray dome turns black and holographic stars appear in mid-air and on the ceiling. It is a hologram of space. The party is amazed.
BARRET
(amazed)
Whoa.
A holographic shooting star ZOOMS toward Barret. Everyone watches as it passes right through his body.
BUGENHAGEN
Now, onto our subject...
He presses another button and a holographic image of the planet appears in the center of the room.
TIFA
Is that our planet?
BUGENHAGEN
(nodding)
Indeed it is. It is an image of the planet we walk on at this very moment.
CLOUD
What are you trying to tell us?
Bugenhagen clears his throat.
BUGENHAGEN
Yes well, as you know eventually all humans die. What happens to them after they die? Their body decomposes, and returns to the planet. This is common knowledge, however what happens to the soul? What happens to the consciousness and hearts of those who have passed on? Like the body, the soul too returns to the planet. And not only the souls of humans, but the souls and spirits of every living thing return to the planet when they die. The spirits that return to the planet merge with one another and roam around under the planet’s crust.
CLOUD
You’re talking about Lifestream, aren’t you?
Bugenhagen smiles.
BUGENHAGEN
Indeed I am.
He presses another button and the image of the planet in the center changes. It now glows a greenish color and displays the Mako concentration all over the planet. The highest concentrations are to the north and where Midgar is located.
TIFA
That’s Lifestream?
BUGENHAGEN
Yes. What you see is the Lifestream of the planet. It is the path of energy of the souls roaming the planet...Spirit Energy. All new life that comes is blessed with Spirit Energy. When they die they return to the planet. It’s a cycle, you see?
He presses another button and we see a normal view of the planet. Suddenly the planet image starts to shrivel up and crack.
AERIS
What’s going on?
BUGENHAGEN
A planet with no Spirit Energy. Spirit energy is efficient because it exists within’ nature. When Spirit energy is forcefully extracted, and manufactured, it can’t accomplish its true purpose.
CLOUD
Mako energy, right?
BUGENHAGEN
Correct. Everyday Shinra’s Mako Reactors continue to suck the Spirit Energy out of the planet. Without this energy the planet will surly die.
TIFA
Why? Can’t the planet fight back?
Bugenhagen shakes his head.
BUGENHAGEN
Without Lifestream, the planet is unable to heal itself. Spirit Energy, you see, acts as the blood of the planet. Whenever the planet is wounded, the Lifestream will flow to the wound and heal it.
Cloud nods his head.
Bugenhagen turns off the hologram machine.
BUGENHAGEN
So you see, saving the planet is a much greater task than you once thought.
BARRET
But AVALANCE has been destroying Mako Reactors for months. Is that not enough?
BUGENHAGEN
Shinra will only rebuild them.
Barret stares at Bugenhagen feeling that all his past actions have been useless.
A beat...
CLOUD
What about Sephiroth?
Bugenhagen contemplates...
BUGENHAGEN
Sephiroth is trying to harness the planet’s power someway.
CLOUD
You don’t know?
BUGENHAGEN
No. The only person who has the slightest clue what Sephiroth is up to is Hojo, Shinra’s Head of the Science Department.
Cloud sighs.
CLOUD
Hojo...son of a bitch.
BUGENHAGEN
You all are welcome to stay the night if you wish.
He sighs again...
A few beats; then
CLOUD
Thank you.
The party starts to walk away when Bugenhagen stops them.
BUGENHAGEN
Wait.
They stop...
BUGENHAGEN
(to Aeris)
Aeris may I speak with you privately?
Aeris looks to Cloud...
A beat...then she walks to Bugenhagen. Cloud jerks his head and the rest of the party follows him out of the room.
FADE TO:
EXT. COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
A partial full MOON is high in the sky beaming down on the Cosmo Canyon village. In the center of the square burns a large FIRE adding to the moonlight.
SLOW PAN DOWN
we overhear conversations as the camera slowly pans down.
BARRET (OS)
Damn. It’s been awhile since I had one of these.
TIFA (OS)
You don’t smoke.
BARRET (OS)
‘Course I do. You jus’ never seen me.
CUT TO:
Barret and Tifa standing in front of an HERB MERCHANT’s selling cart. Hanging from the cart are many varieties of herbs including tobacco products.
BARRET
(holding a cigar)
I’ll take it.
HERB MERCHANT
Good choice. That tobacco come picked from the best-
BARRET
(interrupting)
Yeah, yeah I’m sure it was. Just how much is it?
HERB MERCHANT
15 gil.
Barret raises his eyebrows.
BARRET
(pulling out money)
You can’t get one of these in Midgar for under 30.
He hands the merchant his coins and walks away with Tifa.
Meanwhile, Cloud, Yuffie, Cait Sith, and Nanaki all sit around the fire and watch.
Barret searches his pockets, with the cigar already in his mouth, for anything that’ll light it. He finds nothing.
TIFA
You left your lighter on the shelf back at the bar.
Barret sighs and takes the cigar out. A beat; then
BARRET
Yo Cloud!
Cloud looks up at Barret.
BARRET
(CONT’D)
Got a light?
He places the cigar back in his mouth...
FLOOM! Cloud, using his materia, flicks a small FIREBALL right at the cigar. It successfully lights.
BARRET
Thanks.
CLOUD
(nodding)
Anytime.
Barret and Tifa join the others around the fire. Tifa sits next to Cloud.
Several beats of silence as the party stares into the flame. Barret happily smokes his cigar.
CLOUD
(to Tifa)
How’s your head?
TIFA
(looking over at Cloud)
Huh?
He points to her head where her wound was.
CLOUD
Your head...is it better?
TIFA
Oh.
(begins rubbing her fingers over the healing wound)
It’s gettin’ there.
Cloud nods and then focuses his attention back towards the fire.
Meanwhile, Cait Sith attempts to sew the rip in his Mog, but keep dropping the needle.
BARRET
(smoking his cigar)
You know, Cosmo Canyon was the birthplace of AVALANCHE.
The party all looks at Barret as he starts to tell a story.
BARRET
(CONT’D)
I promised the guys that’d I bring ‘em here when our war was over. I had it all planned out. We’d defeat Shinra and then come to Cosmo Canyon and party ‘till we couldn’t feel nuthin’ anymore.
He lets out a sigh of grief. A beat...
BARRET
(CONT’D)
But they’re gone...Biggs...Jesse...Wedge, they’re all gone. There won’t be an everlasting party. They died and they died saving the planet. I guess every story doesn’t have a happy ending.
CLOUD
There are few that do.
NANAKI
He’s right. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the bad endings outnumber the good.
BARRET
Well, with Shinra running the show...you’re probably right. What are the chances of our story having a happy ending?
TIFA
Our story isn’t over yet. A lot can still happen. It’s up to us to mold it into a happy one.
They all suddenly fall silent and again gaze into the fire. A few beats; then
CAIT SITH
Amazing isn’t it?
YUFFIE
What?
CAIT SITH
It’s amazing how the canyon manages to conjure up so many feelings.
(looking around)
It certainly does bring back some memories.
YUFFIE
The only memory I’ll have walkin’ out of here is boredom.
TIFA
Maybe it’s the fire that helps us remember.
CAIT SITH
You never know. The planet has many mysterious abilities.
A beat.
TIFA
What about you, Cloud?
Cloud looks at Tifa.
TIFA
(CONT’D)
What do you remember, since we’re all here reminiscing?
Cloud sighs.
CLOUD
Everything that I have that’s worth remembering I’ve already remembered.
YUFFIE
You’re a very sheltered guy, you know that?
Cloud shrugs.
TIFA
It’s no surprise why I feel the way I do.
CLOUD
What?
TIFA
It’s feels like you’re far away...at an unreachable distance.
He looks confused.
CLOUD
I’m here, ain’t I?
A beat; then
NANAKI
I know I remember sitting around this very fire when I was cub.
BARRET
So this fire hole’s got some history eh?
NANAKI
Nothing too exciting. My family used to gather around here. The flames would help me fall asleep.
FADE TO
EXT. COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
BLACK AND WHITE
A fire burns in the village square. Along with humans, species of Nanaki’s race wander the village. Among them is SETO, Nanaki’s father.
We FOLLOW Seto as he walks to his mate (NANAKI’S MOTHER) and NANAKI, who is nothing more than a cub.
Seto snuggles up against his mate and lies down. Nanaki’s VOICE from the present narrates the scene.
NANAKI (VO)
I remember the flames would help me sleep.
A beat.
NANAKI (VO)
(CONT’D)
I was here when it happened.
A thunderous HOWL erupts throughout the canyon. Seto and Nanaki’s mother shoot up. They see two TRIBALS injured and running into the village.
TRIBAL #1
The Gi! They’re here!
The tribal SCREAMS and falls to the ground. An arrow is pierced in his spine.
TRIBAL #2
Hide the women and children!
All hell breaks loose in the village. Male VILLAGERS grab their weapons and the GI TRIBE, a savage tribe of cannibals, invades the village.
The WOMEN grab their CHILDREN and hide. Nanaki’s mother picks Nanaki up with his mouth and starts to run. Seto joins the other males and FIGHT the GI.
NANAKI (VO)
The Gi tribe had finally reached the village. They started killing everybody.
One by one, men and those of Nanaki’s race fall to the ground dead.
NANAKI (VO)
(CONT’D)
They took their bodies and threw them on a cart.
We see members of the Gi tribe gather bodies and throw them on a cart.
NANAKI (VO)
(CONT’D)
They ate the bodies keep body parts as trophies.
A beat.
The battle in the village continues. More and more men fall and die.
NANAKI (VO)
My mother rushed me out of the village.
(angry)
Not before seeing my father show his true colors.
As the young Nanaki clings onto his mother’s back he sees his father start to back away from the battle.
Nanaki’s mother stops and looks back at her mate.
NANAKI’S MOTHER
Seto! Hurry!
A beat as Seto stares into his mate’s eyes...
He turns around and runs away. Nanaki’s mother glares in disbelief.
NANAKI
Papa?
CUT TO A BLACK SCREEN
NANAKI (VO)
He fled...fled like a coward. I couldn’t believe it nor my mother. However she did manage to get me out of the village.
QUICK CUT to:
EXT. COSMO CANYON - CANYON - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
Tired Nanaki’s mother runs through the canyon. Her cub still clings on to her back. Blood from his claws trickles down his mother’s back.
NANAKI (VO)
She stopped. We thought we had escaped.
Fatigued, Nanaki’s mother falls to the ground and Nanaki hops off her back. She looks into her cub’s eyes.
NANAKI (VO)
However...it wasn’t over.
ZOOM! Nanaki’s mother lets out a loud ROAR, scaring Nanaki. An arrow is in his back. She gets up. There in front of her are three GI TRIBALS, all armed with spears and bows.
Nanaki’s backs up as the mother starts to fight the tribals.
She LUNGES at the savages and starts tearing away at flesh with her teeth and claws.
Meanwhile, a scared Nanaki WHIMPERS.
The tribals gain the upper hand and constantly stab Nanaki’s mother. She finally falls to the ground seconds from death. One of the tribals aims his arrow and FIRES the finishing blow, an arrow to the back of the head.
A beat.
NANAKI (VO)
She was dead. I saw her die in front of my own eyes.
The tribals look up and see Nanaki whimpering and defenseless. They smile and walk toward him.
CRASH! A METEOR falls from sky knocking the tribals down.
Nanaki looks behind him and sees a YOUNG BUGENHAGEN accompanied by two VILLAGERS. Bugenhagen, with the power of materia, controls the meteors.
BUGENHAGEN
Get the cub out of here!
VILLAGER #1
Yes, sir!
The villager grabs Nanaki and starts to run.
Meanwhile, the tribals get up. They SCREAM a battle call and run toward Bugenhagen. ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM! Four METEORS fall from the sky as Bugenhagen aims his hands. They all start orbiting around the Gi tribals.
CRASH! Bugenhagen jerks his hands and the meteors start piercing the bodies of the tribals like bullets. The tribals fall to the ground dead.
Bugenhagen runs to join the villagers.
FADE OUT
EXT. COSMO CANYON - VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
NANAKI
I was saved. The rest of the village had managed to seal the Gi off forever in a cave.
The party is astonished from Nanaki’s story. A few beats; then
AERIS (OS)
I’m sorry.
Everyone looks up and sees Aeris and Bugenhagen standing in the background. They heard the whole thing.
Aeris walks forward.
BUGENHAGEN
Forgive us for eavesdropping.
Cloud shakes his head.
BARRET
Is that really how it happened?
BUGENHAGEN
(walking forward)
For the most part. We followed the three tribals out into the canyon. We couldn’t reach them before they had slain Nanaki’s mother.
TIFA
You sealed the Gi in the cave right?
Bugenhagen nods.
BUGENHAGEN
Yes. We killed them all while they were cornered. The only surviving ones starved to death.
Nanaki sighs. A few beats; then
BUGENHAGEN
You should get some rest while it’s still dark. Your beds have been prepared.
They party gets up and starts to walk back toward the observatory. Barret extinguishes his cigar and throws it in the fire.
Nanaki stops and faces Bugenhagen.
NANAKI
(demanding)
I want to see them. I want to see the corpses of the Gi.
BUGENHAGEN
Why? What good will it do?
NANAKI
Seeing those corpses will complete me. I’ll either walk out of that cave a man or I’ll walk out as my father.
Bugenhagen sighs.
BUGENHAGEN
What you’re asking me to do is to put you through a trial.
NANAKI
Correct.
Bugenhagen ponders the thought.
BUGENHAGEN
(worried)
Fine. You are no longer a cub, Nanaki. Tomorrow you will learn the truth.
INT. OBSERVATORY - BEDROOM - NIGHT
The party readies themselves for sleep. Cloud leans against the wall. His eyes gaze at Aeris, who is sewing the rip in Cait Sith’s Mog.
CAIT SITH
Thank you for doing this.
AERIS
Sure.
She finishes the final stitch.
AERIS
(pulling the needle out)
Done.
She places the needle and leftover string on an ENDTABLE and gets up. She over to Cloud and leans against the wall next to him.
A few beats.
AERIS
So how you doin’?
CLOUD
Fine.
AERIS
Yeah?
CLOUD
Yep.
A beat.
AERIS
You gonna sleep tonight?
CLOUD
Probably not.
AERIS
You should.
CLOUD
I know.
The small talk ends. A few beats; then
CLOUD
So what did Bugenhagen want to talk to you about?
Aeris sighs.
AERIS
My mission. He said it’s up to me to save the planet.
CLOUD
Just you?
AERIS
Apparently I’m the key.
CLOUD
And the last Ancient. Quite a big responsibility. Plus what would happen if Sephiroth found out who you were.
AERIS
I’d be dead for sure.
(smiling)
But you’d protect me.
Cloud manages to let out a slight smile. A beat; then
AERIS
Try to get some sleep.
She kisses Cloud on the cheek and walks to her bed. Cloud sighs.
We FOLLOW Cloud and he walks across the room and out onto--
EXT. OBSERVATORY - BALCONY - NIGHT
There on the balcony staring at the view of the canyon, moon, and stars is Tifa.
Cloud silently walks up next to her.
CLOUD
Hey.
Tifa JUMPS. She sighs in relief to see that it’s Cloud.
TIFA
You scared me.
CLOUD
(jokingly)
I scare a lot of people.
Tifa smiles.
TIFA
(looking out at the canyon)
Beautiful view.
CLOUD
Indeed it is.
TIFA
This is what we’re trying to save. The natural wonders of the planet. I was starting to forget what we were fighting for. We’re not fighting to beat Shinra. We’re fighting for the planet.
CLOUD
You what they say, ‘Vengeance is a forest. And like a forest it’s easy to lose your way...forget what you’re truly fighting for.’
Tifa chuckles.
TIFA
I should be telling you that.
CLOUD
What do you mean?
TIFA
This whole thing about you settling the score against Sephiroth.
Cloud smiles.
CLOUD
I guess I’m the exception.
Tifa smiles.
A few beats; then
TIFA
Cloud?
A beat.
TIFA
(CONT’D)
Can we beat him...Sephiroth?
CLOUD
I hope so. What? Are you starting to believe what that crazy old man said about me?
TIFA
Bugenhagen’s wrong?
CLOUD
I don’t know. It’s just, how could he know so much about me when the only person I’ve ever in the slightest opened up to is you.
TIFA
(jokingly)
Maybe I told him.
CLOUD
Maybe you told him?
TIFA
Yeah.
CLOUD
(jokingly)
You told him not to have faith in my abilities?
TIFA
(smiling)
Maybe I did.
CLOUD
Hm. Did you mention that I may not be the strongest but I can still make you say ‘uncle’? Or did you tell him that a measly girl could even beat me?
TIFA
Measly?
Like two high school friends Cloud and Tifa stand ready to have a showdown.
TIFA
(CONT’D)
If my memory serves me correct, it was always me who made you say ‘uncle’.
CLOUD
I was just a boy then. I’m a man now.
TIFA
Prove it.
Cloud smiles.
A beat; then Cloud LASHES his fingertips out and Tifa’s gut. She flinches in laughter. Jokingly Cloud grabs her and begins TICKLING her. She LAUGHS uncontrollably.
CLOUD
Still think I can’t do it?
TIFA
(laughing hysterically)
Cloud...stop.
CLOUD
Say it.
He tickles harder. A beat; then
TIFA
(laughing hysterically)
Fine...uncle!
CLOUD
What’s that?
TIFA
(laughing hysterically)
Uncle!
Cloud stops and releases Tifa.
TIFA
Bastard.
She punches him in the arm like a sister would do to a brother.
CLOUD
Hey I won didn’t I?
TIFA
One victory to your 400 loses.
They exchange glances the both smile. A beat; then
TIFA
I’m off to bed.
She starts to walk away and stops.
TIFA
(CONT’D)
You should get some sleep too. It’s not healthy what you’re doing.
CLOUD
Aeris said that same thing to me.
TIFA
Well maybe you should do it.
CLOUD
Maybe I should.
She rolls her eyes and walks back inside.
TIFA (OS)
See you in the morning.
CLOUD
Yep.
A beat; then Cloud leans against the rail of the balcony and stares at the view. He rubs his face.
FADE OUT
EXT. COSMO CANYON - GI CAVE - DAY
Bugenhagen leads the party to the cave where the Gi tribe was sealed in.
BARRET
So this is it?
BUGENHAGEN
Yes, this is the cave where the Gi have been banished.
YUFFIE
So what, all we’re doing is opening the door and going in to look at the bodies?
NANAKI
That’s all I need.
BUGENHAGEN
I’m afraid it won’t be that easy, Nanaki.
Confused, Nanaki looks up at Bugenhagen.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
The path to adulthood is paved with trial. One does not complete one’s self by seeing dead bodies. No. One completes himself by defeating the bodies’ souls.
TIFA
What do you mean?
BUGENHAGEN
I mean the vengeful spirits of the Gi still reside inside this cave.
BARRET
Whoa, whoa, whoa, nobody said nuthin’ ‘bout no hunting.
BUGENHAGEN
You’ve spent all day preparing, Nanaki. Are you going to giving knowing that you will be battling these spirits?
Nanaki thinks with a serious look upon his face.
NANAKI
This is my mission. I must clean my linage of my father’s treason.
YUFFIE
Question.
(to Bugenhagen)
I thought you said all dead things return to the planet.
BUGENHAGEN
The Gi’s vengeful spirits are resisting the planet. They will not rest so you must put them to rest.
Courageously, Cloud unsheathes his sword from his back holster.
CLOUD
We’re not lettin’ you go in alone, Nan.
They start to walk in the cave...
Nanaki looks back at Bugenhagen...
NANAKI
Coming?
A beat; then Bugenhagen joins the party and follows them into--
INT. GI CAVE - ENTRANCE - DAY
The cave is very dark. The only light comes from outside. In the middle of the room is a large hole with a rope leading down.
BARRET
How the hell do you expect us to see?
Bugenhagen steps forward. He extends his hand...BOOM! A large sphere of light rests in his palm.
AERIS
Where do we go?
BUGENHAGEN
The hole will lead you to the large metal door that seals them in.
Cloud walks to the hole and bends down. He checks the sturdiness of the rope.
CLOUD
Fine with me.
He grabs the rope and starts climbing down. The rest of the party follows him.
INT. GI CAVE - SEAL ROOM - DUSK
The party all make it down into the seal room. It is a small chamber with only the rope and the large STEEL DOOR inside.
Cloud looks around and sees that Nanaki is not among them.
CLOUD
Where’s Nanaki?
CRASH! Nanaki lands on all fours on the ground. He had jumped down instead of climbing. His cat-like reflexes prevent injury.
CLOUD
Nice of you to join us.
Nanaki ignores him and walks to the seal.
NANAKI
(gazing at the seal)
Is this it?
BUGENHAGEN
(walking to join Nanaki)
Yes. This is the seal. It has never been broken.
CLOUD
There’s always a first time for everything. Open it.
Bugenhagen looks back at Cloud.
BUGENHAGEN
Patience.
(a BEAT)
Many times have treasure hunters asked me to open this seal. They want the riches that the Gi would steal.
This gets Yuffie’s attention.
YUFFIE
Treasure hunters?
BUGENHAGEN
Yes. Some have gone so far as to threaten my life. One in particular, his name was Gatta.
Everyone exchanges glances at the familiar name.
Bugenhagen realizes the expressions on everyone’s face.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
You knew him?
YUFFIE
I heard of him.
BUGENHAGEN
Yes well anyway, I hear he’s held up in Gold Saucer’s prison.
Cloud changes the conversation as he walks in front of the seal.
CLOUD
Can you open this thing already?
BUGENHAGEN
You are ready?
Cloud nods.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
And you Nanaki?
NANAKI
I’m ready.
Bugenhagen nods and the sphere of light DISAPPEARS in his palm.
He presses his hands against the seal. A few beats then the door SLOWLY SLIDES open. In front of the party lies a dark path.
Bugenhagen walks in the door frame.
BUGENHAGEN
Come.
One by one the party slowly starts to follow Bugenhagen in the depths of the cave. Yuffie and Cait Sith stay behind.
Tifa looks behind her and sees them.
TIFA
Come on.
CAIT SITH
(scared)
We’ll stay watch here.
TIFA
Just come on!
YUFFIE
The cat’s right. Killer cannibal ghosts are where I draw the line.
Tifa groans.
TIFA
Fine, stay here.
She runs to catch up with the others.
INT. GI CAVE - TUNNELS - DUSK
As Bugenhagen and Nanaki lead the party, the tunnels become DARKER. Cloud realizes this.
CLOUD
We’re about to lose all of our light here.
BARRET
Yeah. Where’s that light thing that you had? You expect us to kill these things blinded?
BUGENHAGEN
I’m not asking you to kill them. They’ve been dead for years. You must return them to the planet.
BARRET
We still can’t do that without some freakin’ light!
Bugenhagen sighs and stops walking. He searches the ground and sees an old TORCH. He grabs it and TOSSES it to Cloud.
BUGENHAGEN
There you go. Now let us progress.
A beat.
BARRET
(whispering to Cloud)
Miserable old man!
CLOUD
Take it easy. Let’s just do this.
Cloud sticks his index finger in the torch head and lights it with materia. The LIGHT shows the walls of the cave.
Aeris SCREAMS. Everyone stops and looks around. Lining the walls of the cave are human BONES and FLESH.
BARRET
(shocked)
Whoa! What the hell is this?
Aeris catches her breath. She moves in and inspects the bones.
AERIS
(sickened)
They’re people...
NANAKI
I told you they took the bodies. They were cannibals.
BARRET
(sarcastically)
Refreshing to know that we’re going to fight a bunch of ghosts that want to eat us.
BUGENHAGEN
As you see, light has its costs.
The party moves onward.
INT. GI CAVE - SEAL ROOM - NIGHT
Yuffie and Cait Sith wait bored in the seal room.
CAIT SITH
Maybe we should go in. You heard them scream. Maybe they’re in trouble.
YUFFIE
They’ll be fine.
CAIT SITH
What if they die?
YUFFIE
Better them than me, Cait Sith.
Cait Sith hisses at Yuffie slightly. A few beats; then
CAIT SITH
What about that treasure. I saw the look on your face when the old man mentioned it.
YUFFIE
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
CAIT SITH
Come on, we both know you want it. What are the chances of this seal ever being open again?
Yuffie looks at Cait Sith. A beat; then
YUFFIE
You’re just trying to get me to help them. That treasure probably doesn’t exist.
CAIT SITH
What if it does?
Tempted, Yuffie looks at Cait Sith. They exchange glances.
YUFFIE
If there isn’t any...I’ll shove your little fury body up that Mog’s ass.
CAIT SITH
Fair enough.
YUFFIE
Let’s go.
Yuffie and Cait Sith make their way through the seal and into the tunnels.
INT. GI CAVE - TUNNELS - NIGHT
The party continues their journey through the tunnels. Bugenhagen and Nanaki still lead the way.
Aeris and Tifa still look at the cave walls, mesmerized.
A few beats; then
CLOUD
Tell me Bugenhagen. How did you manage to get all these Gi people sealed in this cave?
BUGENHAGEN
A single warrior lured them all inside. He went in alone fighting attacker after attacker. When they were all inside the villagers sealed the cave.
AERIS
What happened to the warrior?
Bugenhagen is silent. He then leads the party out of the tunnels and into--
INT. GI CAVE - CLEARING - NIGHT
The party is now in a large open area that’s decorated with CORPSES and SKELETONS. The walls have been painted red.
The party is amazed.
CLOUD
I see they didn’t waste time redecorating the place.
TIFA
Why are the walls so red?
BUGENHAGEN
Blood.
BARRET
So if they kill me, my body turns into a paint can...I see.
A few beats; then
CLOUD
So...when do these bastards show themselves?
As if on cue, a DEMONIC VOICE echoes.
DEMONIC VOICE (VO)
Who trespasses my cave!?
Bugenhagen looks back at Cloud.
BUGENHAGEN
Be careful what you wish for...
Suddenly NOISES from all around erupt. They are noises of souls getting ready for battle.
BARRET
This is it!
CLOUD
Everyone gather around. Stay in a group.
Everyone huddles in a group.
CLOUD
(CONT’D)
It’s about to get very bad in here.
INT. GI CAVE - TUNNELS - NIGHT
Yuffie now equipped with a torch and Cait Sith walk the cave tunnels. They too are amazed at the walls.
CAIT SITH
How grotesque.
YUFFIE
I’ve seen worse.
She looks at the various corpses on the walls.
YUFFIE
(CONT’D)
...But not much.
They come to a fork in their path and stop. The path splits into a right path and left path.
CAIT SITH
So which way do we go?
Yuffie ponders and hesitates before picking a direction.
YUFFIE
Uhhh...we go left.
CAIT SITH
Are you sure?
YUFFIE
I’m not sure of many things these days, Cait.
They turn left.
INT. GI CAVE - CLEARING - NIGHT
The party is huddled in a group and on their guard. Barret aims his gun-arm into the darkness and Tifa snaps two CLAWS on her gloves.
The NOISES continue.
BARRET
So how do we defeat these things?
BUGENHAGEN
Honestly...I’m not sure.
Barret groans.
DEMONIC VOICE (VO)
Trespassers! Identify yourselves!
TIFA
(whispering)
What’d we tell him?
BARRET
(jokingly)
Tell him we’re here for some tea and cookies, maybe he’ll go away.
Nanaki steps forward.
NANAKI
(yelling into the darkness)
We are here to settle the score...permanently!
DEMONIC VOICE (VO)
You wish for a challenge?
NANAKI
Come forth and let us rid the planet of your wretched souls!
The demonic voice ROARS!
INT. GI CAVE - TUNNELS - NIGHT
Yuffie and Cait Sith hear the demonic voice’s thunderous scream.
CAIT SITH
What was that?
INT. GI CAVE - CLEARING - NIGHT
CLOUD
(to Bugenhagen)
Are you sure that was the right thing to say?
BUGENHAGEN
He’s doing what he has to.
A beat; then
NANAKI
Come forth cowards!
DEMONIC VOICE (VO)
If it is your wish to perish, then so be it.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! All the TORCHES on the walls suddenly illuminate with FIRE and light up the clearing.
Cloud drops his torch and clutches his sword his two hands.
ZOOM IN on Cloud’s eyes
CLOUD
(awestruck)
Holy shit.
360 DEGREE PAN
We see the GHOSTS of the Gi tribe pop up from nowhere. Each if armed with a bladed weapon. Their armor is made of human skin and bones.
BARRET
This can’t be good.
DEMONIC VOICE (OS)
Death awaits you...son of Seto.
The party turns and sees the chief of the Gi tribe and source of the demonic voice, GI NATTIK, walk down a large flight of stone steps. Nattik is dressed in chief-like clothing and bears a staff. On the staff is a human HEAD.
AERIS
Who’s that?
BUGENHAGEN
Gi Nattik, chief of the Gi Tribe.
Nanaki walks to face Gi Nattik.
GI NATTIK
You have broken the seal.
NANAKI
Yes.
GI NATTIK
Excellent. So when we’re finished skinning the flesh off your bones, the Gi will exact their vengeance on the planet.
NANAKI
You are wrong, Gi Nattik! It’s time for you and your whole savage tribe to return to the planet.
Suddenly the head on Gi Nattik’s staff speaks.
HEAD
Your mission is futile, Nanaki son of Seto. We will draw the first blood and paint the canyon with it.
The head LAUGHS maniacally.
A beat; then the Gi ghosts all draw their swords and slowly pace towards Nanaki and the party.
BARRET
This is it.
Cloud gets in his fighting stance.
CLOUD
Let’s send these bastards back to hell.
He SCREAMS and charges at the ghosts.
INT. GI CAVE - TREASURE CHAMBER - NIGHT
Yuffie’s face lights up when she sees the treasure chamber.
YUFFIE
We found it!
She walks deeper into the chamber with Cait Sith. The room is filled with gold and silver.
CAIT SITH
Amazing.
Yuffie puts down the torch and quickly gathers up small pieces of gold.
YUFFIE
C’mon help me!
Cait Sith walks towards her when he notices a silver statue of a female. Her hand is extended and it her palm is a red materia sphere.
CAIT SITH
What’s this?
He looks closer and sees some writing engraved above the statue. He reads it.
CAIT SITH
(reading)
‘For those resisting final judgment send the black knight on the silver horse.’
YUFFIE
What?
Yuffie gets up and looks at the statue. She silently reads the engraved writing.
YUFFIE
What the hell is that suppose to mean?
She looks and sees the materia. Her eyes widen.
YUFFIE
(grabbing the sphere)
It’s materia.
INT. GI CAVE - CLEARING - NIGHT
A fierce battle has erupted in the clearing. The ghosts battle the party.*
Gi Nattik watches from the stairs with interest.
Barret’s bullets and Cloud’s sword pass right through the bodies of the ghosts.
BARRET
How the hell do we defeat these things!?
CLOUD
Just keep shooting!
Meanwhile a small group of GHOSTS see Aeris. They snarl with a blood curdling delight.
They SCREAM and charge at her.
She turns around to face the ghosts. Seeing her face the ghosts SCREAM and slowly retreat.
GHOST #1
An Ancient!
The ghosts back away from her.
INT. GI CAVE - TREASURE CHAMBER - NIGHT
Yuffie, with pockets full of gold and holding the materia sphere, and Cait Sith start to walk out of the chamber when it RUMBLES.
YUFFIE
What was that?
They look behind back in the chamber and sees GHOST lunge out of the wall towards them. They SCREAM.
CAIT SITH
Run!
Scared shitless, Cait Sith and Yuffie run for their lives down the dark tunnels.
INT. GI CAVE - CLEARING - NIGHT
The battle continues. Nanaki locks eyes with Gi Nattik.
INT. GI CAVE - TUNNELS - NIGHT
Cait Sith and Yuffie find themselves back at the fork. Both are out of breath and have apparently outrun the ghosts.
CAIT SITH
(panting)
Did we lose ‘em?
YUFFIE
(out of breath)
I don’t know.
A beat; then the two of them look back and see the illumination coming from the ghosts. The ghosts are still chasing them.
YUFFIE
Oh shit.
Cait Sith looks up and sees the ghosts coming. Yuffie starts to run.
CAIT SITH
(grabbing Yuffie)
Wait.
YUFFIE
What!?
Cait Sith digs in his pouch and pulls out two dice. Yuffie watches in confusion.
YUFFIE
What the hell are you doing!?
CAIT SITH
My lucky charm.
Meanwhile the ghosts come on screen. They see Cait Sith and Yuffie and SCREECH.
GHOST’S POV:
They rapidly fly toward Cait Sith and Yuffie when Cait Sith hurls the dice at them.
The dice hit the ground.
YUFFIE
Now what?
BOOM! The dice explode and the tunnel SHAKES. The ghosts look up and the tunnel CAVES IN.
A beat.
CAIT SITH
Let’s go.
Yuffie and Cait Sith run.
A DEMONIC HOWLING echoes. They stop - look behind them - they see the ghosts FLY right through the cave in and towards them.
YUFFIE
Go!
They run away.
INT. GI CAVE - CLEARING - NIGHT
The battle continues in the clearing.
Gi Nattik watches in amusement as Nanaki fights his way towards him.
Nattik watches Nanaki LEAP off the ground, through a ghost, and on the stone stairs in front of Nattik.
GI NATTIK
Impressive.
Nanaki growls at Nattik and slowly paces upwards toward him. Gi Nattik LAUGHS.
GI NATTIK
You wish to challenge me?
NANAKI
(gritted teeth)
Do battle with me!
Gi Nattik lifts his staff up and SLAMS in into the ground.
The head LAUGHS.
GI NATTIK
Time to die like the rest of your species.
Nattik gets in his battle stance and lets out a thunderous ROAR.
He pulls out a sword and CHARGES at Nanaki. He tackles him down the stone steps.
Meanwhile, Cloud and Barret see the Nanaki versus Gi Nattik battle.
CLOUD
Shit, we’ve got to help him.
BARRET
Right.
The two run toward Gi Nattik. He sees them and snarls. BOOM! A shockwave shoots out of his staff sending Cloud and Barret flying.
GI NATTIK
Do not interfere!
CRASH! Nanaki dives through Nattik’s body. Gi Nattik staggers.
INT. GI CAVE - TUNNELS - NIGHT
Yuffie and Cait Sith run as fast as they can through the tunnels. The ghosts are gaining and Cait Sith is training behind.
YUFFIE
Hurry! Get the stuffed thing up here!
CAIT SITH
It doesn’t go any faster.
One of the ghost SNARLS and speeds up. He flies right into Cait Sith’s Mog. A beat; then the Mog slows down.
YUFFIE
(looking back)
What’s going on?! Hurry!
Cait Sith’s Mog has stopped completely. The ghosts surround it.
CAIT SITH
I can’t move it! It’s possessed!
The ghosts form a circle around the Mod. Yuffie stops and her jaw drops.
The possessed Mog grabs Cait Sith and holds him out towards the ghosts. The ghosts smile and point their SWORDS at the cat’s head.
YUFFIE
Cait Sith!
Cait Sith struggles to get free but can’t.
CAIT SITH
Yuffie...help!
The ghost smile and inch their swords closer when;
YUFFIE (OS)
Hey you undead assholes!
They turn around and see Yuffie holding the red materia sphere.
YUFFIE
Look what I got?
The ghosts GASP!
GHOST #2
The Judgment Knight!
GHOST #3
We must not let her summon him! Kill her!
The ghosts turn around and start to fly towards her. The possessed Mog drops Cait Sith and chases Yuffie.
CAIT SITH
Yuffie, hold on!
He chases after them.
INT. GI CAVE - CLEARING - NIGHT
Nanaki’s ruthless battle with Gi Nattik continues. Nanaki has several bloody scratches and cuts on his body. He is out of breath whereas Gi Nattik is 100%.
Nanaki gathers up his strength and GROWLS! With all his energy he CHARGES at Nattik.
POW! Gi Nattik SLAMS his staff into Nanaki causing him to fly back ten feet. A beat; then
GI NATTIK
Pathetic creature. I told you...it’s useless. I’m already dead and you can’t kill the undead.
Nanaki struggles to get up. Aeris watches in fear.
AERIS
Nanaki!
GI NATTIK
(to Aeris)
Look at him! You put your faith in a weak pathetic creature like this?
Gi Nattik looks at Nanaki, whose shaking limbs start to push his body back up.
GI NATTIK
(sinisterly laughing)
You still wish to fight? You’ve been vanquished!
Nanaki grits his teeth and pushes himself upright. Gi Nattik lets out a slight GASP. His face engulfs in anger.
NANAKI
Attack me.
Frustrated, Gi Nattik charges at Nanaki. Nanaki stands motionless. BOOM! Gi Nattik hits Nanaki with his staff again and again Nanaki goes flying.
AERIS
No!
TIFA & BUGENHAGEN
Tifa and Bugenhagen watch in horror. Both are still battle the ghosts.
TIFA
We’ve got to help him!
She moves in to help Nanaki. Bugenhagen grabs her arm.
BUGENHAGEN
No! This is his destiny. We cannot interfere.
TIFA
But he’ll kill him!
GI NATTIK & NANAKI
Gi Nattik slowly paces towards Nanaki as he yet again struggles to get up.
Nattik stands over Nanaki.
GI NATTIK
Why...why do you wish to continue? Why not give up and let me kill you swiftly?
Nanaki locks eyes with Gi Nattik and pushes himself back up to his feet. He stares Nattik down. A beat; then
GI NATTIK
So be it.
He lifts his staff in the air ready to strike Nanaki again.
GI NATTIK
(CONT’D)
If shall kill you slowly. I’ll peel the hide off your back inch by inch. And rip your limbs off and use your bones to clean my teeth.
Nanaki is silent. A beat.
Gi Nattik snarls and starts to swipe down at Nanaki when;
YUFFIE (OS)
Hey guys!
Nattik looks to the tunnel exit where Yuffie runs into the clearing holding the red materia sphere. She is still being pursued by the ghosts and the possessed Mog.
CLOUD
Yuffie!
GI NATTIK
(seeing the materia sphere)
The knight of judgment!
He walks away from Nanaki and starts to walk toward Yuffie.
GI NATTIK
(CONT’D)
Give that to me!
Yuffie, frozen, watches Gi Nattik walk toward her menacingly.
BUGENHAGEN
Yuffie! Use the materia!
Scared out of her mind, Yuffie still stands shaken as Nattik walks toward her.
PLOW! Cait Sith collides with Yuffie from behind. She falls to the ground and the materia sphere bounces out of her hand.
CAIT SITH
Snap out of it!
Yuffie shakes her head and sees the materia sphere rolling towards Nanaki.
CLOUD
Nanaki!
Nanaki hears Cloud and opens his eyes. The materia sphere hits his arm and stops rolling.
He watches as the sphere absorbs into his body. Nattik SCREAMS!
GI NATTIK
No!
Nanaki gets up and glares at Gi Nattik. A beat; then
NANAKI
For those who rejected their final judgment...let it now be decided!
He VANISHES. The battle ceases. A few beats; then
The clearing grows dark. A PURPLE MIST develops in the air.
TIFA
What’s happening?
BUGENHAGEN
The summoning of the judgment knight.
BOOM! A black circular portal appears. A beat; then a giant black KNIGHT dressed in full armor, a sword, and two long black horns shoots out of the portal on a SILVER HORSE with a black mane. He is ODIN.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
Odin...the gatekeeper of the dead.
Frightened Gi Nattik walks to Odin and gets on his knees begging for mercy.
GI NATTIK
Odin, show mercy!
ODIN
You are the one who has cheated me?
Gi Nattik drops his head.
GI NATTIK
Forgive me gatekeeper.
Nattik looks at all of his soldier ghosts. They follow his act and all get on their knees.
Meanwhile Cloud and the others watch.
ODIN
Why should I show mercy?
A beat.
GI NATTIK
(pleading)
Forgive us rejecting your guidance. We are fools.
ODIN
(pointing at Nattik with his sword)
You have disturbed the planet’s natural cycle and for that you will be punished.
GI NATTIK
(begging)
No gatekeeper! I beg of you!
ODIN
(angry)
No longer will your wretched souls be allowed to wander the planet. It is time to return to the Lifestream.
Odin sheathes his sword and pulls out a giant LANCE surrounded by purple ELECTRICITY.
CRASH! Odin stabs the ground with the lance.
ODIN
The door is open.
Suddenly, waves of green particles move up from the ground. It is LIFESTREAM. The Lifestream grabs hold of the ghosts and Gi Nattik. The ghosts SCREAM.
GI NATTIK
No!
ZOOM! The Lifestream pulls all the ghosts and Gi Nattik into the ground. We watch as the spirit shoots out of Cait Sith’s Mog and into the ground.
A few beats then the room is cleared of all ghosts. Odin looks at the group...
He smirks then turns around and JUMPS back in the portal. The portal disappears and the purple mist vanishes. The room becomes light again.
The party members all look at each other in awe.
BARRET
What...the hell...just happened?
BUGENHAGEN
The Gi tribe has returned to the planet for good.
AERIS
What about Nanaki?
As if on cue, Nanaki’s body REAPPEARS. He lies on the ground unconscious.
The party rushed to him.
YUFFIE
Is he alright?
BUGENHAGEN
I don’t know.
Bugenhagen falls to his knees and checks for a pulse. As he searches Nanaki’s eyes slowly open.
NANAKI
Grandpa?
BUGENHAGEN
(smiling)
Yes Nanaki?
NANAKI
Did I do it? Are they gone?
BUGENHAGEN
Yes. They are all where they belong.
Nanaki sighs in great relief. A few beats; then
AERIS
Are you okay?
NANAKI
Me? I’ll be fine.
Nanaki lifts his head up and stands on all fours.
Meanwhile, Cait Sith futilely attempts to lift his Mog back up with his head.
CAIT SITH
Could somebody help me out here?
Cloud smiles and walks over to the Mog. He stands it upright and places Cait Sith back on its head.
CAIT SITH
Thank you.
Cloud nods. The party looks at each other. A few beats; then
TIFA
(to Yuffie)
I thought you were too scared to come in?
YUFFIE
(hesitant)
Well...I didn’t want to leave you hangin’.
Cloud sees the chunks of gold stuffed in her pockets. He walks over and grabs some.
CLOUD
(holding the gold in front of Yuffie)
Really?
He chuckles and drops the gold on the ground.
Yuffie bends down and starts to gather it up.
YUFFIE
Hey if I hadn’t gone treasure hunting you would have been able to beat those damn things!
A beat.
NANAKI
We should head out. I’m going to need a long nap.
BUGENHAGEN
Not yet Nanaki.
Nanaki looks back at Bugenhagen.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
There is one more thing you must see.
Bugenhagen walks toward the stone steps and climbs them.
INT. GI CAVE - PEAK CHAMBER - INT
The party walks into the top of the cave. It appears to be empty.
CLOUD
So what’s this you have to show him?
BUGENHAGEN
The truth.
Bugenhagen walks over to the north wall. He PRESSES it and SWOOSH, a secret passage leading outside opens.
Nanaki leads the party out onto--
EXT. GI CAVE - PEAK - NIGHT
The bright moon and stars lingers in the sky as the party walks out onto the high peak. The peak shows a view of the whole canyon. Everyone stares in awe.
TIFA
Where are we?
We see a view of the moon.
PAN DOWN to:
A stone STATUE of a creature that is the same species as Nanaki. The creature looks off into space and is in a warrior-like stance. Many stone arrows stick out of the statue’s back and side.
Nanaki GASPS at the sight of the statue.
NANAKI
(loss for words)
What’s this?
BUGENHAGEN
He’s the sole warrior who lured the Gi into this cave and fought them. You just walked through the passage he used to escape, however it was too late. The Gi’s mystical arrows turned him to stone.
Nanaki looks at Bugenhagen in confusion.
NANAKI
What are you saying?
BUGENHAGEN
This warrior prevented the Gi Tribe from reaching the village again. Sadly he was never able to return.
A beat.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
Look Nanaki...look at your father, Seto!
Nanaki looks back at the statue, which is his father, turned to stone. Tears develop in his eyes.
He slowly walks toward him.
NANAKI
My father...
BUGENHAGEN
Even in death he continues to protect the canyon. He watches everything and has been waiting for you.
Nanaki paces around his father’s stone body with tears still in his eyes. He inspects it.
Meanwhile the rest of the party watches.
NANAKI
It’s him. He looks exactly like I remember.
BUGENHAGEN
You believed your father to be a coward, Nanaki. In reality he is a hero. He saved the canyon.
NANAKI
(weeping)
Is he with my mother?
Bugenhagen nods.
BUGENHAGEN
Both of them await you...but they know they won’t be seeing for quite a long time.
NANAKI
What are you saying?
Bugenhagen steps forward.
BUGENHAGEN
I’m saying you must follow in your father’s steps. Fight for the planet and he fought for the canyon. Join your friends and when it’s all done live a long happy life with your own family.
Nanaki shakes his head.
NANAKI
But I can’t. I’m the last of my kind.
BUGENHAGEN
Is that what Hojo told you?
A beat.
BUGENHAGEN
(CONT’D)
You are not the only one left Nanaki. Though there are few of your kind left, they wander the canyon.
Bugenhagen points to a ledge. Nanaki and the party look and see a FEMALE of Nanaki’s race stand there staring at the party. She has a look of fear on her face.
Nanaki smiles. He walks towards her.
NANAKI
Don’t be afraid.
A few beats; then
FEMALE
I’m not.
Nanaki smiles and looks at the moon. A few beats; then he HOWLS.
The female joins him and the party looks on smiling.
Meanwhile, a tear rolls down the petrified body of Seto.
FADE OUT
THE END