Kalm - Cloud's Story
Exploring Kalm
Cloud Begins His Story
Arrival at Nibelheim
The Town of Nibelheim: Visiting Family & Friends
Setting Out for the Reactor
The Reactor
Sephiroth Snaps
The End of Cloud's Story
It is possible to go as far as the entrance of the Mythril Mines before entering Kalm. After viewing the Midgar Zolom, Cloud will dismount, pause, and turn to his chocobo.
Cloud
...I got the feeling I'm forgetting something...
Hey, would you stay there just a minute?
Not far inside the mine, the others stop.
Barret
Hey Cloud. If we keep going, we'll never get to Kalm.Tifa
Hey, Cloud. Wasn't Kalm right before this cavern?Red XIII
...We won't get to Kalm even if we go through these caverns.
Barret
Yo, wassup? Can't SOLDIER-man even lead the way?Aeris
Cloud! Are you lost!?Tifa
Kalm should be closer to Midgar.Red XIII
If we're planning to meet at Kalm, we should go back and look for it again.
Cloud and his party arrive in Kalm.
Barret
This is Kalm.Aeris
We've reached Kalm.Tifa
So this is Kalm?Red XIII
......looks like we've reached Kalm.
Barret
Yo, I'll be waitin' at the inn... Hurry up and get your butt over there!Aeris
I wonder if everyone's there already. Let's hurry over to the inn!Tifa
Everyone's waiting at the inn. Let's go Cloud.Red XIII
We're supposed to meet at the inn. ......Shall we go?
The party starts to enter the inn.
Barret
Get over here!Aeris
Well then, I'll go on ahead.Tifa
Let's go Cloud.Red XIII
Let's go Cloud.
The others all go inside, but Cloud has the opportunity to explore the town before joining them. A number of people are out in the square.
Redhead
Aw, c'mon! listen to me! Got anything interesting to say?......
Old Man
Thanks to Shinra, Inc. developing Mako energy for us, everything's more convenient now.
Maybe a little too convenient.
Black-haired Man
Tourists, huh?
There are some things you should know that'll come in handy when you travel around the world......
Want me to tell you what they are?
Cloud
- Tell me
- I already know
Tell me
Black-haired Man
Then let me explain how to use the world map.
Well then, what do you want to know?
Cloud
- Changing the camera angle
- Map indicators
- Operating the buttons
Changing the camera angle
Black-haired Man
First of all, press the [L2 button] on the controller to change the camera angle.
There are 2 angles to choose from, select the one you like.
You can then rotate the angles either way by pressing the [L1 button] and [R1 button].
Try different angles until you find the one you like best. It makes the journey a lot more fun!
Anything else you'd like to know?
Map indicators
Black-haired Man
Press the [Start button] once to view the World Map.
There is a large and small map. Learn when to use which, and you won't get lost as much.
Push the [Start button] twice to change the size of the map, and once more to turn it off.
Pretty easy, huh?
Anything else you want to ask?
Operating the buttons
Black-haired Man
You can ride things by pressing the [SELECT button] and get off by pressing the [cancel button]. This isn't so hard, either!
Oh, yes, yes. You can't dash with the World Map on, so make sure not to press the [cancel button] unless you get off.
Remember this because Chocobos will run away as soon as you get off them, so be careful.
Anything else you want to ask?
Black-haired Man
Once on the World Map you can access the menu to save your game anywhere. It's a good idea to save frequently!
Well then, bon voyage!
I already know
Black-haired Man
Is that so? Well, that's that. Have a nice trip.
Man in Blue
I hear that the natural resources near the reactors are being sucked dry.
We're better off with them bringing in the Mako energy.
Or, if you talk to him when he stops to read the gauge outside the Weapons Shop:
What does it do? It checks the pressure of the Mako energy sent from Midgar.
Man
I heard President Shinra was killed. And his son Rufus, the new president, was badly hurt.
Hey, I bet that's news to you?
Cloud
- Hey you're pretty clued!!
- Don't care...
Hey you're pretty clued!!
Man
Heh, heh, heh...... This is just between us. I heard it was that there Ava-whaddya call-ums that attacked the President Shinra and his son.
Don't care...
Man
Don't care? If you're going to travel, you'd best keep an eye on what Shinra's doing.
Man
Shinra is leading the world around by the nose, and you guys are just gonna sit back and take it?
Woman
The famous floating city, Midgar... Just once I'd love to see it in person.
South of this town past the Mythril Mine and far to the west is a Shinra harbor called Junon.
They say there's a reactor and many tall buildings there. I hope to see it someday.
Inside the first house...
Woman
Thanks to Mako energy, life's pretty darn convenient. Thanks to Shinra.
Don't you think?
Cloud
- Yeah, maybe
- You're full of it
Yeah, maybe
Woman
See!? How would we get by without Mako energy?
You're full of it
Woman
Hmmn. But I'd hate to think of what life'd be like without Mako energy.
Woman
Yeah, Mako energy's made our lives much easier. And it's all thanks to Shinra, Inc.
Girl Upstairs
Mako energy's made things a lot more convenient......
But seems like a lot of plants and animals have been disappearing at a rapid pace.
I think the old life was better.
Don't you think so?
Cloud
- Yeah, maybe
- No way
Yeah, maybe
Girl Upstairs
Yeah, sure I'm right! You think so, don't you?
No way
Girl Upstairs
That sounds just like what my mom says.
Girl Upstairs
I thought things were better when I was able to play with animals......
Inside the second house...
Old Man
Did you say you came from Midgar?
I used to live there, too. But I hear they got lots of troubles lately.
Inside the third house...
Woman
There was a suspicious-looking man in a black cloak! He was carrying a wicked-looking sword.
Why doesn't anyone believe me? I'm all alone...
Upstairs, a boy is running around while a little girl watches him.
Girl
......My older brother's so stupid. He's so embarrassing I could just puke!
Boy
When I grow up I'm gonna be in SOLDIER. That's why I'm training hard now!!
Hyah, hayah, eagghh!
Inside the fourth house...
Woman
Is it true that Shinra made a Monster?
Cloud
- It's true
- Just a rumor
Woman (she says the same thing regardless)
Yeah, well either way, as long as we're using the reactor, we can't stand up to Shinra.
Kalm Traveler
The world's at peace... all's well.
I got my health, and enough to eat... all's well.
Kid outside Bar
My old man was a miner, but he couldn't go to work after monsters started appearing in the Mythril Mine.
Now all he does is sit around getting drunk in the bar...
Inside the bar...
Person in Blue
I heard terrorists bombed a Midgar reactor...
There sure have been a lot of dangerous accidents recently. I hate it, just hate it.
Man
Me? I used to work in a coal mine down south called Mythril Mine
But, right around then, monsters started appearing.
After that, business went to pot and now I spend the days here drinking.
Urrrp! ...hic... I'm stinking drunk!!
Bartender
It seems there was this group called AVALANCHE runnin' around, but I guess they finally got wiped out by SOLDIER.
Shinra is trying to eliminate anyone, who stands up to them.
It don't matter if we like it or not. Shinra's taken over, and we gotta live with it!
Cook
Stay out of the kitchen.
Item Shopkeeper
This is the Item Store.
Materia Shopkeeper
This is the Materia Store.
Weapons Shopkeeper
This is the Weapons Store.
If Cloud tries to leave Kalm...
Cloud
Barret and the others are waiting for us at the inn.
His exploration of the town exhausted, Cloud goes to the inn.
Innkeeper
Mr...... Cloud? Your party is waiting for you on the 2nd floor.
Cloud heads upstairs to find everyone waiting.
Aeris
Cloud, you're late!
Barret
Yo man, you're late!
Cloud
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Aeris
Guess everyone's here now.
Barret
So let's hear your story......
You know, the one about Sephiroth and the crisis facing the planet.
Let's hear it all.
Cloud
......I used to want to be like Sephiroth, so I joined SOLDIER.
After working with Sephiroth on several missions, we became friends.
Barret
You call that a friend?
Cloud
Yeah, well......
He's older than me, and he hardly ever talked about himself.
Tifa
.........
Cloud
So I guess you'd call him a war buddy...... We trusted each other. Until one day......
Aeris
...one day?
Cloud
After the war it was SOLDIER's duty to put down any resistance against the Shinra.
......that was 5 years ago.
I was 16......
A flashback sequence begins. Cloud and Sephiroth are riding in the back of a truck with two Shinra infantrymen.
Cloud
It sure is raining hard.
He walks to one of the infantrymen.
Hey, how are you doing?
Soldier
I'm all right.
Cloud
I wouldn't know...
I've never had motion sickness.
He walks to the other infantrymen.
Everything okay?
Sephiroth
Hey.
Settle down.
Cloud (doing squats)
They gave me some new Materia.
I can't wait to use it.
Sephiroth
...just like a kid.
Cloud
You going to brief us about this mission?
Sephiroth
...this isn't a typical mission.
Cloud
Good!
Sephiroth
Why do you say that?
Cloud
I joined SOLDIER so I could be like you.
But by the time I made First Class, the war was already over.
My big hopes of becoming a hero like you ended with the war.
That's why I always sign up whenever there's a big mission. Kind of a way to prove myself.
Say, how do you feel, MISTER Sephiroth?
Sephiroth
...I thought you wanted a briefing?
Cloud scratches his head.
Sephiroth
Our mission is to investigate an old Mako reactor.
There have been reports of it malfunctioning, and producing brutal creatures.
First, we will dispose of those creatures. Then, we'll locate the problem and neutralize it.
Cloud
Brutal creatures... Where?
Sephiroth
The Mako Reactor at Nibelheim.
Cloud
Nibelheim...
That's where I'm from.
Sephiroth
Hmm... hometown...
There is a loud thud.
Driver
Sir... s, something strange just crashed into our truck!
Sephiroth stands.
Sephiroth
That would be our Monster...
Sephiroth and Cloud go outside to fight the green dragon that attacked the truck. Sephiroth kills it in a few hits.
Cloud
Sephiroth's strength is unreal. He is far stronger in reality than any story you might have heard about him.
Aeris
So... Where do you come in?
Cloud
Me? I was mesmerized by the way Sephiroth fought.
Tifa
.........
Cloud
......and then we reached Nibelheim.
Another flashback sequence opens: Sephiroth approaches the gate to Nibelheim, then turns around to face the others, who are still off-screen behind him.
Sephiroth
How does it feel?
It's your first time back to your hometown in a long time, right?
So how does it feel?
I wouldn't know because I don't have a hometown...
Cloud
Ummm... how 'bout your parents?
Sephiroth
My mother is Jenova. She died right after she gave birth to me. My father...
He laughs and shakes his head.
What does it matter...?
All right, let's go.
The others approach and stop before the gate.
Soldier
Psst... (You keep wandering around here and you'll get in trouble.)
Soldier 2
It's so boring, being on watch.
Cloud
- You want to do what we always do?
- Just sit tight, it's your job, right?
You want to do what we always do?
Shall we practice?
Soldier 2
Practice... oh, you mean practice my pose.
Does someone in SOLDIER always have to be careful about what other people think?
...How did it go?
He strikes a pose.
...Was it like this?
While they're talking, the other soldier perks up and strikes the same pose.
Cloud
Good job!
Soldier 2
I really don't want to be in SOLDIER.
Just sit tight, it's your job, right?
I'll come and talk to you once in a while. Just stick with it.
Sephiroth
The Mako smell is pretty bad here.
Barret
You wait a minute!!
Isn't that, um...?
The name of Sephiroth's mother...
I remember Jenova. That's that damn headless spook livin' in the Shinra building.
Cloud
That's right.
Tifa
Barret, would you please let us hear what Cloud has to say? You can ask questions later.
Barret
Tifa, I was only......
Tifa
Okay Cloud, continue.
Aeris
It's a reunion of childhood pals!
Cloud
......I was really surprised with Tifa.
Cloud (narrating)
...The town was quiet.
Everyone must be staying in their houses, afraid to come out because of the monsters.
No, maybe they're afraid of us...
In the flashback sequence, Sephiroth and Cloud are standing just outside the inn.
Sephiroth
We leave for the reactor at dawn. Make sure you get to sleep early.
He heads for the door, then stops and turns back.
All we need is one lookout, so you others, get some rest.
One of the soldiers runs in from the gate, stopping just behind Cloud.
Sephiroth
Oh, that's right...
You may visit your family and friends.
Sephiroth goes inside just as a man runs out of the neighboring house.
Man with Camera
I heard Sephiroth was coming and got my camera ready.
I want a shot of Sephiroth and a monster.
Cloud
- Take my picture.
- Better get back in the house, it's dangerous.
Take my picture.
Man with Camera
I don't take pictures with nobodys.
Better get back in the house, it's dangerous.
Man with Camera
All right... So big-headed...
Hey? This guy's a real...
You... Are you Cloud?
Really? So that's how it is, huh?
Gosh, Cloud, you've grown up to be a nice-looking lad.
Cloud
- Then take my picture
- It's dangerous, get back in your house
Then take my picture
Man with camera
Let's do this, Cloud. Let me take a picture of you with Sephiroth.
It's dangerous, get back in your house
Man with Camera
OK, OK,...... So big-headed... You're just his assistant
Soldier
Man... I'm so nervous.
Cloud
- How come?
- I'm excited.
How come?
Soldier
Look, you never know when a monster's gonna show up, right?
I'm excited.
Soldier
...That's right. Don't blow your chance to become a hero...
Inside the house next to the inn...
Woman
Welcome.
Hey? Aren't you...
Flash of white. The woman disappears.
Cloud
...Have I come here before?
...I don't remember.
Barret
Now you're pissin' me off!! This don't matter, so get on with it!
Once Cloud emerges, the soldier is now walking around the square, pausing to look at the water tower, Tifa's house, and Cloud's house. Cloud walks up to the Shinra mansion.
Cloud
This Mansion...
...No, I'll come here later.
Tifa's father is standing near the mansion.
Tifa's Father
Hmm? You from Shinra?
Cloud
- That's right!
- Who are you?
That's right!
Tifa's Father
Geez... Big-headed young kid.
Who are you?
Tifa's Father
I'm the town's... ...... ......!?
Aren't you Cloud?
Don't you know me?
Cloud
You're Tifa's...
Tifa's Father
Right. I'm Tifa's father.
...I want you to stay away from my daughter.
We don't need the Shinra's help to protect our town!
If Cloud tries to go up the path towards the mountain...
Cloud
Up ahead is... Mt. Nibel.
I'll tell you about the time I went into the mountains.
Cloud goes to his house across the street.
Cloud
This is...... my house. It has nothing to do with that incident five years ago.
Barret
Yo wait, I wanna hear.
Aeris
Me too! It's been a long time, right?
Barret
Tell us more!
You saw your family, right?
Cloud
- Don't want to talk about it
- All right......
Don't want to talk about it
Barret
Well I ain't gonna force ya...
All right......
I don't know if you could call it a 'family'......
My father... died when I was still very young.
That's why my mom...... was living alone in this house.
Yeah, I saw my mom.
My mom... she was a vibrant woman. Hadn't changed at all.
But a few days later, she died...
But when I saw her, she looked fine.
Back in the flashback, Cloud walks farther into his house.
Cloud
Uh...?
Cloud's Mom
Ye----s?
She runs over.
Cloud!?
Welcome home, Cloud!
Cloud
Hi, mom.
Flash of white noise.
Cloud's Mom
Come, come... Let me take a look at you!
Hmmm......
You look so handsome.
So this is a SOLDIER uniform?
Cloud
......Mom, I...
Flash. Cloud is now lying on the bed.
Cloud's Mom
My, how you've grown.
I'll bet the girls never leave you alone.
Cloud
...Not really.
Cloud's Mom
...I'm worried about you.
There are a lot of temptations in the city...
I'd feel a lot better if you just settled down and had a nice girlfriend.
Cloud
...I'm all right.
Cloud's Mom
You should have...
an older girlfriend, one that'll take care of you.
I think that would be the perfect type for you.
Cloud
......I'm not interested.
Flash. They're now standing in the kitchen.
Cloud's Mom
Are you eating right?
Cloud
I'm all right. The Company takes care of me.
Cloud's Mom
Is that so?
You can't cook, right?
I was worried sick about how you were doing...
Flash.
Cloud's Mom
Cloud...?
Flash.
Cloud's Mom
You know, Cloud......
Flash.
Cloud's Mom
......isn't that right, Cloud?
Flash.
Cloud's Mom
I will always be your mother...
The screen fades to black.
Cloud (narrating)
......Let's stop this......
The image returns, with Cloud just outside his house. If he tries to go back inside...
Cloud
Hey...
I can't... remember much else. There's... nothing more to talk about.
Aeris
That's all right, Cloud.
Cloud goes into Tifa's house.
Tifa
Cloud...?
Did you go into my house?
Cloud
- Yeah...
- No...
Yeah...
I thought you might be home.
No...
I remember you weren't there.
Cloud walks up to Tifa's room.
Tifa
Cloud...?
Did you go into my room?
Cloud
- Yeah......
- No...
He walks to her piano.
Tifa
Did you play my piano?
Cloud
- No, I didn't
- Yeah, I jammed on it
- Just a little
No, I didn't
Nothing happens.
Yeah, I jammed on it
...Now how did this go?
- I forgot
- I remember
Cloud plays on the piano a bit. If you play the FF7 main theme, he'll say:
I've heard this melody somewhere before. Managed to play well...
Just a little
I can read sheet music too, you know...... Ummm, let's see......
Do... Re... Mi... Ti... La... Do... Re... Mi... So... Fa.. Do.. Re... Do... Forget...
Cloud walks to Tifa's desk.
Cloud
The letter...
Tifa
Did you read it? My letter?
Cloud
- I'd never do that!
- Yeah...
I'd never do that!
Tifa
Of course!
Yeah...
Tifa
Do you remember what it said...?
Cloud
- I don't remember...
- I remember clearly
I don't remember...
Tifa
Then, let's go on with the story about Sephiroth.
I remember clearly
Cloud
I read it...
It was a letter addressed to Tifa from the son of the guy that runs the General Store...
Letter
Tifa, how are you? I just arrived in Midgar eight days ago.
Yesterday, all of Nibelheim got together to welcome me. The only person that we couldn't get a hold of was Cloud.
But everyone said he wasn't really that close to us. So even if we asked, he probably wouldn't have come anyway.
Well, enough about him.
Midgar is really something. But to tell the truth, I feel so behind on everything... so out of it.
Even the rooms of people in the slums are clean.
Right now I'm living in the slums, but I plan to move to a really nice room, like the ones I've seen in magazines, once I make some money.
...but, to do that, I guess I have to find a job first. That's right. I still haven't found a job yet.
I lied to my parents and told them I found a great job with Shinra, Inc.
I wonder if it's too late to go back. Sometimes I think I should've taken over my parents' store.
Tifa
Cloud... Do you remember all of it?
Cloud
- No, that's it
- Yeah, I remember it all
No, that's it
Tifa
Then, let's go on with the story about Sephiroth.
Yeah, I remember it all
Because there was some stuff about me...
Letter
I just made it here to Midgar but all I think about is Nibelheim.
Hey, Tifa... Is that stupid old water tower still working?
Is the old man at the Inn doing well? Are my parents still at the shop everyday? Have any monsters attacked?
And most of all, how are you, Tifa? It feels like I haven't seen you for years.
We were all talking about you last night.
Everyone likes you. But because everyone idolizes you, I couldn't very well stab them in the back.
I always acted cool, but actually, I was just afraid of being jilted.
Wow, if I keep writing like this, this'll become a love letter!
So, I think I'll stop here. Take care. I'll write again.
P.S. Write me back, okay?
Cloud walks to the dresser.
Received "Orthopedic Underwear!"
Tifa
Cloud!!!
Cloud
- It's true
- Just kidding. Don't get mad...
Tifa (she says the same thing regardless)
...Cloud
We're talking about something really important here.
Inside the neighboring house...
Black-haired Woman
...Oh, you're with the Shinra? Welcome.
Oh, I'm sorry! It's you, Cloud! I didn't recognize you.
Two kids come running in.
Girl
Shinra----?
Boy
Chinra---?
Girl
SOLDIER?
Boy
Saltza?
Girl
Are you going to kill the monsters?
Boy
......are you going to?
Girl
He's soooo cool!!
Boy
Way cool!!
Black-haired Woman
Cloud, you've grown to be a strong man.
Boy
........................
Girl
Do your best.
Boy
Do your best.
Cloud enters the inn.
Gramps
So, what do you need, Cloud?
Cloud
- Where's Sephiroth?
- Give me a room to stay.
- Let me know the situation of the town.
Where's Sephiroth?
Gramps
Yeah, he's upstairs.
Give me a room to stay.
Gramps
It's all reserved for you Shinra people, so I don't mind. But, wouldn't you feel more comfortable staying at home?
Let me know the situation of the town.
Gramps
Now about the town...
A lot of monsters have been appearing in the last 12 months.
Other than that, there's not much change. Nothing much exciting happens in a little town like this.
It was all right when they were building the reactor.
...while they were still building it.
But once it was completed, it's been bad.
Within a few years, all the trees on the mountain withered away.
I don't know if the reactor was good or bad...
I mean it's easy to say that it was a bad idea now. But now, what can you do about it...?
Anyhow we've got to get rid of the monsters...
Then, we'll all be able to relax a little bit.
Zangan
......Hmmmm
Is Shinra here to get rid of the monsters?
Cloud
And who are you?
Zangan
I'm Zangan. I travel around the world teaching children martial arts.
I have 128 students all over the world!
In this town, a girl named Tifa is my student.
Cloud
Did you say Tifa?
Zangan
Tifa has good sense. She'll be a powerful fighter.
I want to see some Shinra techniques.
And if you see anything you can use, you might want to incorporate some of my techniques.
Well, good luck.
If you go back outside to talk to the soldier again...
Soldier
Hey, if you don't calm down, you won't get a good evaluation...
Cloud goes to the second floor of the inn to find Sephiroth standing by a window, staring out. While they're talking, the infantryman from the square comes up the stairs and enters the room.
Cloud
What are you looking at?
Sephiroth
...This scenery...... I feel like I know this place.
Soldier (inside the room)
We're short one bed...
Sephiroth
.........
...We have an early start tomorrow. You should get some sleep soon.
Cloud
- It's still early
- Yeah, let's get some sleep.
It's still early
Sephiroth
...I'm not going to wake you up tomorrow.
Yeah, let's get some sleep.
Sephiroth
I've hired a guide to the Mako reactor.
I've heard she's young, I hope we can rely on her...
The next day, Cloud wakes late and runs out to join Sephiroth and the two soldiers at the start of the mountain path, just past the mansion. A few of the townsfolk are hanging around, too.
If Cloud goes back to the inn instead...
Gramps
So, what do you need, Cloud?
Cloud
- Where's Sephiroth?
- Give me a room to stay.
- Let me know the situation of the town.
Where's Sephiroth?
Gramps
...I think you probably know better than I do, but...
Let me know the situation of the town.
Gramps
It's the same story I always tell. You still want to hear it?
Cloud
- Yeah, tell me again
- No, that's all right
Inside the house next to the inn...
Woman
Welcome.
Oh, oh, you're...
Flash of white. The woman disappears. The same dialogue from earlier repeats and Cloud is standing back outside.
Inside the house next to Tifa's...
Black-haired Woman
Have a safe trip.
If you try to enter the mansion...
Sephiroth
Hey, stay over here!
Man with Camera
Think they'd let me take a picture?
Tifa's Father
If I knew this was going to happen, I would've made mountain climbing off limits...
Soldier
I was so nervous. I couldn't get any sleep...
Soldier 2
...Late again.
If you try to go past them up the mountain path...
Sephiroth
Hey, calm down! Wait over here.
Sephiroth
Once the guide gets here, we're heading out.
Tifa's Father
Listen to me, Sephiroth. In case something happens...
Tifa comes running up while he's speaking.
Sephiroth
...Trust me.
Tifa
I'll be all right, Dad!
I have two men from SOLDIER with me.
I'm Tifa. Nice to meet you!
Cloud
Tifa! You're the guide?
Tifa
That's right.
I just happen to be the number one guide in this town.
Cloud
It's too dangerous! I can't involve you in something like this!
Sephiroth
Then there's no problem if you protect her.
...Let's go.
Man with Camera
Ummm...
Mr. Sephiroth! Please let me take one picture for a memento!
Tifa, can you ask him for me too......?
Cloud and Tifa both pose in front of the mansion. Sephiroth reluctantly walks over.
Man with Camera
Cheeeeese!
He snaps a picture, and Sephiroth walks away immediately after.
Man with Camera
Great, thank you!
I'll give each of you a copy once I get it developed!
They start out up the path to Mt. Nibel...
Cloud (narrating)
A Mako Reactor was built in Mt. Nibel.
The cold air of the mountains of Nibel. It was no different...
If Cloud runs back to town instead of following Tifa...
Tifa's Father
I hate myself for asking you this, but...
Don't take your eyes off of Tifa! Hurry up and go back to her side!
Gramps
Hey, you want to rest?
Cloud
- Yes, please
- Forget it
Yes, please
Gramps
It's already been paid for. Go on, get some rest.
Forget it
Nothing happens.
Zangan
Oh? Did you come crying home?
Up on Mount Nibel, Cloud follows Tifa onto a rickety-looking rope bridge.
Tifa
It gets harder from here! Follow me!
Soldier
Let's hurry.
Cloud and the soldiers start across after her.
Tifa
Uh... the bridge!!
The bridge creaks and then snaps, and they all fall to the rocks below. Cloud and Tifa land near each other and get up. Sephiroth and one of the soldiers come around the bend to join them.
Sephiroth
Everyone seems to be all right. Can we get back to where we were?
Tifa
These caves are intertwined, just like an ant farm...
Oh, and Sephiroth... There seems to be one person missing...
Sephiroth
It may sound cold, but we've got no time to search for him. We can't go back now, so we must go on. We'll travel together from here.
They continue on, entering some multi-colored caves.
Cloud
What's this?
Tifa
A mysteriously colored cave...
Sephiroth
It must be the Mako energy. This mountain is especially abundant in it. That's why the Mako Reactor was built here.
Coming out of the caves into the light, they find a Mako fountain.
Cloud
...And what's this?
Sephiroth
A Mako fountain. It's a miracle of nature.
Tifa
It's so beautiful...
She walks up to it.
If the Mako Reactor continues to suck up the energy, this fountain will dry up too...
The others walk over to join her.
Sephiroth
Materia. When you condense Mako energy, materia is produced.
It's very rare to be able to see materia in its natural state.
Cloud
By the way... Why is it that when you use materia you can also use magic too?
Sephiroth
You were in SOLDIER and didn't even know that?
...the knowledge and wisdom of the Ancients is held in the materia.
Anyone with this knowledge can freely use the powers of the Land and the Planet. That knowledge interacts between ourselves and the planet calling up magic...... or so they say.
Cloud
Magic...... a mysterious power...
Sephiroth
Ha, ha, ha!
Cloud
Did I say somethin' funny?
Sephiroth
A man once told me never to use an unscientific term such as mysterious power! It shouldn't even be called 'magic'!
I still remember how angry he was.
Cloud
Who was that?
Sephiroth
Hojo of Shinra, Inc. ... An inexperienced man assigned to take over the work of a great scientist.
He was a walking mass of complexes.
Tifa
A Mako fountain... So this is where the knowledge of the Ancients is.
They continue on and reach the Mako Reactor.
Tifa
We finally made it. We sure took the long way though.
Cloud
Tifa, you wait here.
Tifa
I'm going inside too! I wanna see!
Cloud shakes his head.
Sephiroth
Only authorized people are allowed in. This place is full of Shinra's industrial secrets.
Tifa
But!
Sephiroth turns to the soldier.
Sephiroth
Take care of the lady.
The soldier nods and moves to block Tifa's way up the stairs as Cloud and Sephiroth go on inside.
Tifa
Mm, man!
Better take real good care of me then!
Beyond the initial entry over the Mako pit, there is a large chamber. Inside are a number of strange pods, and at the top of some stairs there is a door marked Jenova. Sephiroth is standing before it, shaking his head. Cloud joins him.
Cloud
This is...... Jenova, right? The lock won't open...
Sephiroth goes down the stairs and Cloud follows.
Sephiroth
This is the reason for the malfunction. This part is broken.
Cloud, close the valve.
Did you close the valve?
Cloud closes the valve.
Sephiroth
Why did it break...?
He pulls himself up to look in the window of one of the pods.
...now I see, Hojo.
But, even doing this, will never put you on the same level as Professor Gast.
This is a system that condenses and freezes the Mako energy... that is, when it's working correctly.
Now... what does Mako energy become when it's further condensed?
Cloud
Uh, umm...... Oh yeah! It becomes a Materia.
Sephiroth
Right, normally. But Hojo put something else in there. ...Take a look.
Look through the window.
Cloud pulls himself up to look. Upon seeing the monster inside, he falls back.
Cloud
Wh... what is this!?
Sephiroth
Normal members of SOLDIER are humans that have been showered with Mako.
You're different from the others, but still human.
But, what are they? They've been exposed to a high degree of Mako, far more than you.
Cloud gets to his feet.
Cloud
...is this some kind of monster?
Sephiroth
Exactly. And it's Hojo of Shinra that produced these monsters.
Mutated living organisms produced by Mako energy. That's what these monster's really are.
Cloud
Normal members of SOLDIER? You mean you're different?
Sephiroth clutches his head as though in pain.
Cloud
H... hey, Sephiroth!
Sephiroth
N... no......
...Was I?
He starts slashing at the pods with the Masamune, and Cloud leaps back.
Sephiroth
...Was I created this way too?
Am I the same as all these monsters......
Cloud
...Sephiroth.
Sephiroth
You saw it! All of them... were humans...
Cloud
Human!? No way!
Sephiroth
...I've always felt since I was small...
That I was different from the others. Special, in some way.
But... not like this...
He twists to look as one of the monsters suddenly bursts out of its pod and lies moaning. The scene fades.
Cloud (narrating)
Am I...... human?
I didn't quite understand what Sephiroth was saying at that time.
I was even more surprised by the fact that Shinra was producing monsters.
Barret
Damn, Shinra! The more I hear, the more I hate 'em!
Tifa
......who would have ever thought the Mako Reactor held a secret like that.
Red XIII
That would seem to explain the increase in the number of monsters recently.
I think we should listen carefully to Cloud. Don't you think so Barret?
Barret
(Why you talkin' to me!?)
Cloud
- Save game and take a rest
- Keep talking
Save game and take a rest
Barret
Yeah, mebbe so. Wanna take a breather here?
Keep talking
Nothing special happens.
Barret
......I get it.
Aeris
Tifa... You were waiting outside then?
Tifa
......Yes.
Cloud
We returned to Nibelheim. Sephiroth confined himself at the inn. He didn't even try to talk to me.
Tifa
Then all of a sudden he just disappeared, right?
Cloud
We found him inside the biggest building in Nibelheim.
Tifa
The villagers used to call it Shinra mansion.
Cloud
Long ago, people from Shinra used to live in that mansion...
Flashback scene: Cloud and the soldier join Zangan, Tifa, Tifa's father, and the man with the camera at the gate to the Shinra mansion. Cloud looks around at all of them, nods, and proceeds to the mansion. He can turn back to talk to them, but they bar his path into the rest of the village.
Man with Camera
What's Sephiroth doing?
Zangan
There's nothing that'll harm the town, right?
Cloud
- Why...?
- No way!
Why...?
...Why do you ask?
Zangan
The Shinra showed up to eliminate any information that could be an embarrassment to the company...
You pick these things up when you travel as much as I do.
No way!
It's Sephiroth. He would never do that.
Zangan
...Oh my. You sure do have faith.
Tifa's Father
Until we know that there's no danger, we're not moving.
Cloud goes inside on his own and finds the soldier outside one of the bedrooms.
Soldier
There's no sign of Sephiroth, but I know I saw him go into this room...
Cloud goes into the room and finds the hidden door that leads down into the basement. At the end of the hall is a library, where he finds Sephiroth pacing while he reads.
Sephiroth
...an organism that was apparently dead, was found in a 2000 year old geological stratum.
Professor Gast named that organism, Jenova...
X Year, X Month, X Day. Jenova confirmed to be an Ancient...
X Year, X Month, X Day. Jenova Project approved. The use of Mako Reactor 1 approved for use...
Sephiroth stops in the hallway and lowers the book, looking up.
My mother's name is Jenova... Jenova Project... Is this just a coincidence?
Professor Gast... Why didn't you tell me anything? ...Why did you die?
Cloud approaches him.
Sephiroth
Let me be alone.
Cloud leaves the library.
Cloud (narrating)
Sephiroth didn't come out of the Shinra Mansion...
He continued to read as if he were possessed by something, and not once, did the light in the basement go out......
Cloud wakes in another bedroom of the Shinra mansion. He walks across the mansion to the basement entrance.
Soldier
Sephiroth seems different.
Cloud goes down to the basement and down the hall to the library.
Sephiroth
Ha, ha, ha......
Cloud continues to the study in the back, where he finds Sephiroth seated behind the desk.
Sephiroth
Who is it!?
Hmph... traitor.
Cloud
Traitor?
Sephiroth stands.
Sephiroth
You ignorant traitor. I'll tell you.
This Planet originally belonged to the Cetra. Cetra was a itinerant race. They would migrate in, settle the Planet, then move on...
At the end of their harsh, hard journey, they would find the Promised Land and supreme happiness.
But, those that disliked the journey appeared. Those who stopped their migrations built shelters and elected to lead an easier life.
They took that which the Cetra and the planet had made without giving back one whit in return!
Those are your ancestors.
Cloud
Sephiroth...
Sephiroth
Long ago, disaster struck this planet.
Your ancestors escaped... They survived because they hid.
The Planet was saved by sacrificing the Cetra. After that, your ancestors continued to increase.
Now all that's left of the Cetra is in these reports.
Cloud
What does that have to do with you?
Sephiroth
Don't you get it?
An Ancient named Jenova was found in the geological stratum of 2000 years ago.
The Jenova Project.
The Jenova Project wanted to produce people with the powers of the Ancients...... no, the Cetra.
...I am the one that was produced.
Cloud
Pr... produced!?
Sephiroth
Yes.
Professor Gast, leader of the Jenova Project and genius scientist, produced me.
Cloud
How... how did he...?
Se... Sephiroth?
Sephiroth
Out of my way. I'm going to see my mother.
Sephiroth leaves the library. Cloud runs out of the mansion after him, only to find the village below in flames. Trying to walk through the flames to the north will trigger a voice.
He---y! Is anyone here?
Cloud starts into the village.
Zangan
Hey it's you! You're still sane, right?
Cloud nods.
Zangan
Then come over here and help me!
I'll check this house. You check that one over there!
He runs into the general store.
Man with Camera (lying on ground)
...Hey,
Ummm... Am I going to die?
Soldier (lying near Cloud's house)
...Sephi... roth
Cloud runs into his house, but comes out again right after, shaking his head.
Cloud
Terrible...
Sephiroth... This is too terrible...
Cloud turns to see Sephiroth cutting down villagers with the Masamune. Sephiroth turns and walks away through the flames. Cloud runs after him. He arrives at the Mako reactor to find Tifa kneeling by her father's body. The Masamune lies nearby.
Tifa
Papa...
Sephiroth!?
Sephiroth did this to you, didn't he!?
Sephiroth... SOLDIER... Mako Reactors... Shinra... Everything!
I hate them all!
She takes up Sephiroth's sword and runs inside. Sephiroth is standing before the door to Jenova's chamber.
Sephiroth
Mother, I'm here to see you. Please, open this door.
Tifa approaches with the Masamune.
Tifa
How could you do that to papa and all the townspeople?
She climbs the stairs and raises the sword over her head to attack him, but Sephiroth pulls the Masamune from her grasp and slashes her. She falls down the stairs, landing near Cloud as he runs in. The door to Jenova's chamber opens, and Sephiroth turns and enters. Cloud kneels to gather Tifa in his arms.
Tifa
...You promised... You promised that you'd come...... when I was in trouble...
He carries her to the side and sets her down, then runs inside Jenova's chamber to confront Sephiroth.
Sephiroth
Mother, let's take this planet back together.
I've thought of a great idea. Let's go to the Promised Land.
Cloud
Sephiroth...
My family! My hometown! How could you do this to them!?
Sephiroth
Ha, ha, ha...... They've come again, mother.
With her superior power, knowledge, and magic, Mother was destined to become the ruler of this Planet.
But they...
Those worthless creatures
are stealing the planet from Mother
But now I'm here with you
so don't worry
He reaches up and tears off the mechanical angel figure from the front of Jenova's glass tank, revealing Jenova itself inside.
Cloud
What about MY sadness!? My family... friends... The sadness of having my hometown taken away from me!?
It's the same as your sadness!
Sephiroth
Ha, ha, ha... my sadness? What do I have to be sad about?
I am the chosen one. I have been chosen to be the leader of this Planet.
I have orders to take this planet back from you stupid people for the Cetra. What am I supposed to be sad about?
Cloud
Sephiroth... I trusted you...
No, you're not the Sephiroth I used to know!
Cloud and Sephiroth face off, and the screen goes white.
Cloud
......and that's the end of my story.
Barret
Wait a damn minute! Ain't there more?
Cloud
......I don't remember.
Aeris
What happened to Sephiroth?
Cloud
In terms of skill, I couldn't have killed him.
Tifa
Official records state Sephiroth is dead. I read it in the newspaper.
Aeris
Shinra, Inc. owns the paper, so you can't rely on that information.
Cloud
......I want to know the truth. I want to know what happened then.
I challenged Sephiroth and lived. Why didn't he kill me?
Tifa
......I'm alive, too.
Aeris
Seems like a lot of this doesn't make sense. What about Jenova? It was in the Shinra building, right?
Cloud
Shinra shipped it from Nibelheim to Midgar.
Aeris
Did someone else carry it out after that? It was missing from the Shinra building.
Tifa
Sephiroth......?
Barret
Damn! Don't none of this make sense!
I'm going, going, going, gone!
And I'm leavin' the thinkin' to you!
Yo, Cloud! Let's get a move on!
Cloud
- Wait a sec
- Right
Wait a sec
Barret
Cloud, what's wrong? You just gonna stand there while Sephiroth heads for the Promised Land?
I ain't lettin' Sephiroth or Shinra get to no Promised Land. If they do, then we're all screwed.
Y'know what I'm sayin'!
Cloud
- Beautiful, just beautiful!
- Is that all?
Beautiful, just beautiful
Barret
Y'all jes leave it to me!
Is that all?
Oh brother......
Barret
Fine! That's good enough.
Right
Barret
Yo, c'mon let's go!
Barret runs down the stairs.
Cloud
Oh brother......
Tifa
.........
Cloud...?
How bad was I when Sephiroth cut me?
Cloud
I thought you were a goner. ......I was really sad.
Tifa
.........
Aeris
I...
The Ancients...... Cetra...... Jenova...... Sephiroth and myself......
Tifa
Let's go. Barret's waiting.
Cloud, Aeris, and Tifa head downstairs.
Red XIII
What a fascinating story......
They all join Barret downstairs.
Barret
Yo, Cloud. Here.Aeris
Cloud. Take this.Tifa
Oh, Cloud. Let me give you this.
Received "PHS"!
Aeris
With [PHS], I can see you any time!Tifa
Just use [PHS], and you can contact any one of us easy.Red XIII
[PHS], will put us in constant contact with each other.
Barret
Awright then, we're outta here.Aeris
Well, I'll be going.Tifa
I'm going on ahead.
Innkeeper
20 gil a night. What's it gonna be?
Cloud
- Stay?
- Move on
Innkeeper (she only says anything if you don't have enough gil)
Seems like you're a little short. Why don't you drop by again... when you have money.
Cloud and the others leave the inn.
Redhead
Listen to me! Just now, some guy in a black cloak goes walked east towards that grassy field.
And he's got this killer sword, and is looking REAL scary......
With that as their first clue, Cloud and the others set out across the grasslands.
< The Shinra Building | Kalm | The Road to Junon >