The Temple of the Ancients
When they arrive at the Temple, Aeris walks to the center of the bridge and lays down, pressing her ear against it.
Aeris
This is... the Temple of the Ancients...
I... I know... I feel it... The knowledge of the Ancients... floating...
You could become one with the Planet, but you're stopping it with the strength of will.
For the future? For us?
Cloud
What are you saying? Do you understand?
Aeris gets up and starts up the stairs, shaking her head.
Aeris
You're uneasy... But happy?
Because I'm here? I'm sorry... I don't understand.
She runs back to Cloud.
I want to go inside!
They go up the stairs, where another clone slouches in front of the entrance.
Clone #9
Key...... stone......
Open... the door... of the Temple...
Aeris
Look......
Yuffie
He has a tattoo too! Ummm, I think it's number 9.
They enter the Temple to find Tseng slumped at the altar.
Aeris
Hey! It's Tseng!
Cloud
Tseng? Of the Turks!?
Tseng
Uh... I've been had.
It's not the Promised Land... Sephiroth's searching for...
Cloud
Sephiroth? He's inside!?
Tseng
Look... for yourself...
He slams his fist against the floor.
Damn...
Letting Aeris go was the start... of my... bad luck...
The President... was wrong...
Aeris
You're wrong.
The Promised Land isn't like what you imagined.
And, I'm not going to help.
Either way, there was no way Shinra could have won.
She runs over and stands near a pillar with her back to the others.
Tseng
...pretty harsh. Sounds like something... you'd say.
He gets to his feet and limps towards Cloud.
The Keystone... Pace it... on... the altar...
| Received Key Item "Keystone"! |
Tseng moves out of the way and sits down against another pillar. Cloud walks to Aeris, scratches his head and turns away.
Cloud
You crying?
Aeris shakes her head.
Aeris
...Tseng's with our enemy, the Turks, but I've known him since we were little...
There's not a lot of people I can say that about. In fact, there are probably only a handful of people in the world who really know me.
Tseng
I am...... still alive...
Cloud walks up to the altar.
Cloud
Let's put the Keystone in.
He does so, and sinks through the floor into the Temple.
Aeris
Words... feelings... So many of them here.
Barret
Damn--! So this is the Temple of the Ancients!
Oh man, you gotta be kiddin'. This is makin' me dizzy!
Tifa
What a strange place. Do you think we're welcome here?
Nanaki
...sniff... sniff... This place smells good.
It smells the same as Cosmo Canyon.
Yuffie
Geeeez! We got our work cut out for us.
This is starting to get me really dizzy...
Cait Sith
Wow, this place is huge! I'm starting to get bored.
Vincent
No exits... We can't turn back.
Cid
Shit! Shit! Shit! What the hell's with this place!
Aeris
...Cloud! I know it's going to be tough, but...
Don't give up! We can do it!
Trying to enter a room along the way...
Cloud
Sealed......? That sound brings back memories.
Ahead is a being which turns and runs farther into the temple. Cloud and follow it to a small chamber.
Spirit Body
Nyum... nyum...
Aeris
Whew! We finally caught up to you.
I'm sorry. You waited for me.
Those are the spirit bodies of the Ancients.
They've been away from their Planet for a long time to protect this Temple.
Over the many years, they've lost the ability to talk.
Actually, they didn't need words from the beginning because there was only one objective for those left in the Temple.
Please, talk to me!
No good. I don't understand the rest. Are you afraid...?
Is it because Sephiroth is in the Temple? Or something else?
They follow a second Spirit Body into a room farther down, and it sets off a trap of odd-shaped boulders. Once they make it past, the trap deactivates.
Aeris
Phew--- We did it!
Cloud
Everyone all right? That sure took a lot out of us.
There is a flash and Aeris gasps.
Aeris
Oh no... Cloud. Come quick!!
Hurry, this way!
She runs off and the others follow her to a glowing pool.
Aeris
It's full of the knowledge of the Ancients.
No... not knowledge... consciousness... a living soul...
It's trying to say something.
I'm sorry, I don't understand.
She leans down towards the pool.
What?
What is it?
She gets back to her feet.
...Danger? An evil... consciousness?
...show? You're going to show me?
The scene changes to another room where Tseng is observing a mural. Cloud and the others stand translucent in the foreground.
Cloud
...What's going on?
Aeris
Wait! Look! It's showing us!
Elena
Tseng, what's this? Can we find the Promised Land with this?
Tseng
...I wonder. Anyway, we have to report to the President.
Elena
Be careful, Tseng.
Tseng
Yeah...
Hey Elena, how 'bout dinner after this job's over?
Elena
Th... Thank you very much.
If I may be excused...
She runs off, leaving Tseng alone.
Tseng
Is this the Promised Land? No, it can't be...
Sephiroth appears in the foreground with Cloud and the others. He seems to look at them, then solidifies in the mural room with Tseng.
Tseng
Sephiroth!!
Sephiroth
So you opened the door. Well done.
Tseng
This place... what is it?
Sephiroth
A lost treasure house of knowledge. The wisdom of the Ancients...
I am becoming one with the Planet.
Tseng
One with the Planet?
Sephiroth
You stupid fools. You have never even thought about it.
All the spirit energy of this Planet. All its wisdom... knowledge...
I will meld with it all. I will become one with it... it will become one with me.
Tseng
...you can do that?
Sephiroth
The way...... lies here.
He darts forward and slashes Tseng.
Only death awaits you all. But do not fear.
For it is through death that a new spirit energy is born. Soon, you will live again as a part of me. |
The scene returns to the viewing pool. Aeris runs around to rejoin the others.
Aeris
Did you see it?
Barret
Yeah, I saw it.
Tifa
...I saw it.
Nanaki
I... I saw it.
Yuffie
Oh grossness!
Cait Sith
...I saw it. Tseng was in bad shape.
Vincent
An illusion that the Ancients showed...
Cid
Hey hey! What's the catch?
Cloud
...Where is the room with the pictures on the walls?
Aeris
Almost there...
Cloud
Sephiroth is here, right?
No matter what he thinks, it's going to end here.
I'm taking him out!
Barret
You mean WE are, right?
Tifa
We're here too, you know.
Nanaki
Don't forget about us!
Yuffie
I have nothing to do with it. But, I guess I'll lend a hand.
Cait Sith
I wonder if he'll go down that easy?
Vincent
......
Cid
All right! Guess you youngsters gotta be enthusiastic like that!
Cloud and the others continue on to the chamber of the Time Guardian, a circular, almost bottemless room with hands like a clockface. Around it are the entrances to twelve rooms.
Time Guardian
I am the Time Guardian. Ye who seek the knowledge of the Ancients. I control the time, select your path.
...it is time... You may proceed.
If the second hand knocks them off as they try to cross, Cloud and the others land in a torch-lit chamber with a dinosaur mural.
Aeris
This atmosphere...
Barret
Feels like a battle!
Tifa
Here it comes!
Nanaki
I'm tingling with excitement.
Yuffie
Oh man! I should've stayed at home.
Cait Sith
It's a battle!
Vincent
____
Cid
Let's do it!
Cloud and the others come out through the sealed entrance and make their way back to the Time Guardian. Passages II, IX, and XI are blocked by rubble. Most of the other passages contain valuable items or monsters. Passage XII is the way out, but it seems to be locked.
Cloud
I guess there's no way we can open it... We'll come back later.
Passage VI leads to a room with three levels of doorways, the topmost of which has a more ornate-looking door. Upon seeing Cloud, a Spirit Body locks this door and runs off.
Aeris
Hey! It's locked.
No good. We have to catch it!
You must be tired.
Cloud
- Yeah
- I want to go home
Cloud catches the Spirit Body and unlocks the door. The three of them enter the room of murals. The murals seem to show a progression:
In the first, people are depicted standing outside the Temple.
In the second, people may be walking in a procession.
In the third, they are standing around the altar in the Temple.
In the fourth, they stand near a low table with two jar-like objects on it.
In the fifth, a woman holds the Black Materia while Meteor falls from the sky.
In the sixth, people are looking about in confusion.
In the seventh, people are dying in flames.
Aeris
This is the room with the murals...
Cloud
Where are you!? Sephiroth!!
Sephiroth appears a ways in front of them.
Sephiroth
So cold.
I am always by your side.
Come.
He flies up to the ceiling and disappears. He reappears in front of one of the murals.
Splendid.
A treasure house of knowledge...
Cloud
I don't understand what you're saying!
Sephiroth laughs and flies off again. Cloud finds him again before the mural depicting Meteor.
Sephiroth
Look well.
Cloud
At what!?
Sephiroth
At that which adds to the knowledge of...
I am becoming one with the Planet.
He laughs, flies off, and Cloud finds him slumped the altar.
Sephiroth
...Mother... ...It's almost time.
Soon... we will become one.
He gets to his feet as Cloud and the others reach him. Aeris steps forward with fists raised.
Aeris
How do you intend to become one with the Planet?
Sephiroth (swinging the Masamune)
It's simple.
Once the Planet is hurt, it gathers Spirit Energy to heal the injury.
The amount of energy gathered depends on the size of the injury.
He stabs the Masamune into the floor.
...What would happen if there was an injury that threatened the very life of the Planet?
Think how much energy would be gathered!
He pulls the Masamune from the ground.
Ha ha ha. And at the center of that injury, will be me.
All that boundless energy will be mine.
By merging with all the energy of the Planet, I will become a new life form, a new existence.
Melding with the Planet... I will cease to exist as I am now...
Only to be reborn as a 'God' to rule over every soul.
Aeris
An injury powerful enough to destroy the Planet?
Injure... the Planet?
Sephiroth
Behold that mural. The Ultimate Destructive Magic... Meteor.
Cloud
That'll never happen!
Sephiroth flies off over Cloud's head.
Wake up!!
Cloud runs off after him.
Cloud
Where are you!? Sephiroth!!
Aeris
Wait, Cloud!
She runs after Cloud and finds him standing before the mural depicting Meteor, his body shaking in a double image.
Aeris
Cloud!!
Barret
Hey!! Cloud!!
Tifa
Hey, Cloud!
Nanaki
Cloud! What's wrong!
Yuffie
Cloud! What are you doing?
Cait Sith
Cloud! What's wrong with you!?
Vincent
What are you doing?
Cid
What the hell is going on!
Cloud
Ha ha ha... Black Materia.
Ha ha ha... Call Meteor.
Aeris
Cloud!! Get a hold of yourself!
Cloud starts clutching his head.
Cloud
Cloud...
I'm... Cloud...
How should I?
He goes through a number of motions typical of Cloud, an afterimage of himself trying to fit together with him. Eventually they merge.
...I remember! I remember my way.
He turns to Aeris, trying to look nonchalant.
Aeris
...Cloud.
Cloud
Mm? What's wrong? Is something wrong?
Aeris
...It's nothing so don't worry about it.
Right, Cloud! It's nothing.
Barret looks at her oddly, but says nothing. Tifa nods. Nanaki and Vincent look pensive. Yuffie and Cait Sith shrug. Cid scratches his head.
Aeris
Sephiroth got away.
Cloud
...Don't worry about it. I understood what he was saying.
So this must be Meteor, right?
They all look at the mural.
Barret
Is it some sort of a disaster?
It looks like something's gonna fall from the sky.
Tifa
Is something going to fall from the sky?
Nanaki
Something's going to fall down?
Yuffie
I don't know what it is but...
It looks like it's going to make a mess...
Cait Sith
Then, we got trouble.
Oh, so something's going to fall from the sky? It's going to be something big.
Vincent
Something huge is falling from the sky?
Cid
I don't know what the hell it is but it's falling from the sky?
Hmpf! It's not even an omen.
Aeris
...this must be magic. Just what Sephiroth was saying.
The Ultimate Destructive Magic, Meteor.
It finds small drifting planets with its magic.
And then collides with them. This Planet might get wiped out entirely...
The Temple starts quaking.
Cloud
Sephiroth!?
Sephiroth
Ha ha ha... It is not me.
Cloud and the others fight off a Red Dragon.
Cloud
Any sign of Sephiroth?
Aeris
He disappeared.
If they try to leave the room...
Cloud
We're locked in.
They approach the altar.
Cloud
What is this?
Aeris
...There's something written on it.
...B.l.a.c.k...... M.a.t.e.r.i.a.
Cloud
Black Materia!!
Aeris
Hey!
...Black Materia.
What should we do, Cloud?
Cloud
- Shake it
- Take it
- Leave it
- Shake it
The Temple quakes.
- Take it
The Temple quakes.
- Leave it
Cloud shrugs.
Aeris
Wait a minute. I'll ask!
She runs a little ways away from the others.
I don't understand......
What?
Really!?
She rejoins Cloud.
They said that the Temple itself is the Black Materia.
Cloud
What do they mean?
Aeris
So, this whole building is the Black Materia?
Cloud
This huge Temple? This is the Black Materia!?
Then no one could take it.
Aeris
Hmm, it's pretty hard. You see this is a model of the Temple.
And inside it is a device which gets smaller each time you solve a puzzle.
As the model becomes smaller, you become smaller too.
Until it's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Cloud
So, if we solve the puzzles, the Black Materia will get smaller and smaller and we can take it out?
Aeris
Yes, but there's one thing...
You can only answer the puzzles inside the Temple.
So, anyone who solves the puzzle will be crushed by the Temple.
Cloud
I see... the Ancients didn't want dangerous magic to be taken out of the Temple so easily...
Barret
Then just leave it.
If we can't take it, then neither can Sephiroth, right?
Tifa
Let's just leave it, OK?
Nanaki
That'll be safer. If no one can else take it......
Then Sephiroth can't either, right?
Yuffie
Let's just leave it and get the hell out of here!
Cait Sith
The Ancients were a mean bunch. This way, no one'll be able to get it.
Vincent
I guess that means it's safe here.
Cid
Guess stuff this dangerous is best left alone?
Cloud
No. We've got to think of a way to get it out.
Because Sephiroth has lots of different flunkies.
It's nothing to him to throw their lives away to get the Black Materia.
This place isn't safe.
He taps the altar, and the Temple shakes.
Aeris
So what are we going to do?
If Cait Sith is in the party, he steps forward.
Cait Sith
I heard your situation!
Don't forget about me.
Everything you said makes perfect sense!
You can use my stuffed body for the future of the Planet.
Cloud
We can't let Sephiroth get his hands on the Black Materia.
And we can't let the Shinra get theirs on it either.
Cait Sith
So that means you don't trust me?
But Cloud. There's really nothing else you can do.
Everyone, please trust me.
Cloud
- I guess we have no choice
- No way
- I guess we have no choice
Cait Sith
All righty then! Leave it all to me!
Everyone, hurry up and get outside!
I'll go with you to a safe place.
- No way
Cait Sith
You sure are stubborn, Cloud.
Please believe me, Cloud.
Cloud
- Hmmm, I guess I have to
- How can I?
If Cait Sith is not in the party, Cloud's PHS rings, and after a moment of confusion he answers it.
Cait Sith
Hi, Cloud. This is Cait Sith.
I overheard the whole story!
Don't forget about me.
Everything you said makes perfect sense!
You can use my stuffed body for the future of the Planet. |
Cloud
We can't let Sephiroth get his hands on the Black Materia.
And we can't let the Shinra get theirs on it either.
Cait Sith
But Cloud. There's really nothing else you can do.
Everyone, please trust me. |
Cloud
- I guess we have no choice
- No way
Eventually Cloud has to conceded. They make for the exit through the XII passage. Cloud knocks on the door, then turns around and shrugs.
Cloud
It's warm...
This isn't good...
The others back up as a monster comes through the wall.
Aeris
Cloud...... behind you.
Cloud turns to look and then runs to join them. They fight the Demons Gate, and afterward, the door opens.
Cait Sith
Sorry to keep you waiting!! It's Me!! [Naturally, he doesn't say this line if you had him in your party.]
I'll handle the rest!
Well, everyone... Take care of yourselves!
Aeris
Cait Sith...
Come on, Cloud... Say something.
Cloud
I'm not good at this.
Cait Sith
Mmm, I understand. I feel the same too.
Aeris
Why don't you read our fortunes?
Cait Sith
Say, that's right... I haven't done it in a while, huh?
I'm so exited. Right or wrong, I'm still the same 'ol me.
Now, what should I predict?
Aeris moves to stand close beside Cloud.
Aeris
Hmm, let's see how compatible Cloud and I are!
Tifa turns away with a hmph and then turns back.
Cait Sith
That'll cost ya. Exactly one date!
Here I go!
He turns away.
This isn't good. I can't say it.
Poor Tifa.
Aeris runs up to him.
Aeris
No! Tell me!
I promise I won't get mad!
Cait Sith
Is that so? Then I'll tell you.
Looks good. You are perfect for each other!
Aeris's star and Cloud's star! They show a great future!
Cloud, I'll be your matchmaker, preacher... I'll do whatever you want me to!
You just call me when it all happens!
Thank you for believing in me, knowing that I was a spy.
This is the final, final farewell!
He bounces off.
Aeris
Be strong Cait Sith!!
Cait Sith returns alone to the room with the murals.
Cait Sith
She told me to 'Be strong.' I feel so happy.
He trips and falls.
Owwww......
He carefully gets back up and waves his arms.
What happened?
He bounces around.
I can still move more.
He continues to the altar.
This must be it!
The Ancients sure did a great job making this.
I can protect the Planet too! I'm kinda embarrassed...
There's plenty of stuffed toys like my body around, but there's only one me!
Don't forget me even if another Cait Sith comes along.
Good bye, then! I guess I'm off to save the Planet...
Outside the Temple, Cloud and the others watch as it rumbles and shrinks. They run to the deep hole where the Temple used to be, and down at the bottom is a black orb.
Cloud
That's the Black Materia...
Barret
Hey! I'll keep watch here!
Tifa
I'll wait here.
Nanaki
I'll be sittin' out here.
Yuffie
Heh heh... this looks majorly boring, so I'll stay here.
Vincent
I'll be looking around here.
Cid
____
Cloud nods and starts down. Aeris follows behind him.
Cloud
As long as we have this, Sephiroth won't be able to use Meteor.
| Got Key Item "Black Materia!" |
Cloud
Mmm?
Can you guys use it?
Aeris
Nope, we can't use it right now. You need great spiritual power to use it.
Cloud
You mean lots of Spiritual energy?
Aeris
That's right.
One person's power alone won't do it.
Somewhere special. Where there's plenty of the Planet's energy...
Oh yeah!
The Promised Land!!
Cloud
The Promised Land!!
No, but...
Aeris
Sephiroth is different. He's not an Ancient.
Cloud
He shouldn't be able to find the Promised Land.
Sephiroth appears hovering above the hole.
Sephiroth
...Ah, but I have.
I'm far superior to the Ancients.
I became a traveler of the Lifestream and gained the knowledge and wisdom of the Ancients.
I also gained the knowledge and wisdom of those after the extinction of the Ancients.
And soon, I will create the future.
Aeris
I won't let you do it! The future is not only yours!
Sephiroth
Ha, ha, ha... I wonder?
Wake up!
Cloud
Sh... shut up!
Sephiroth joins them at the bottom of the hole.
Sephiroth
There, Cloud... good boy.
Cloud
The... Noise...
He falls to his knees, then gets up. Time slows as he runs towards Sephiroth. A child Cloud appears there with them and tries to stop Cloud, to no avail.
Cloud
Wa...... aaaa...... aaa...
Little Cloud
No......!
Don't be afraid--!
| Gave "Black Materia" to Sephiroth! |
Sephiroth
......Well done.
He flies off.
Aeris
Cloud, are you all right?
Cloud
...I gave the Black Materia to Sephiroth...?
He falls at Aeris's feet.
Wha... what did I do... tell me, Aeris.
Aeris
Cloud... be strong, OK?
He writhes and clutches his head.
Cloud
Urrrrrrgh... What have I done!?
Aeris
Cloud... you haven't done anything.
It's not your fault.
Cloud
I...! I'm-----!
He shoves Aeris to the ground and starts attacking her.
Barret
Urrggggggh!!!! Cloud!!
Tifa
Cloud!!
Nanaki
Cloud!!
Yuffie
What!? Cloud!
Vincent
......!
Cid
____
The one on watch starts down into the hole just as another Cait Sith arrives.
Little Cloud
Waaaa~!!
Cait Sith
Oops! This looks like I came at a bad time!
I'm Cait Sith No. 2. Right pleased to meet you all!
If no one else is there, he goes down into the hole.
Barret
HEY! Cloud, you #$#&@!
Tifa
Cloud, what are you doing!?
Nanaki
Aeris, are you all right!?
Yuffie
Aeris! Cloud, what're you doing!?
Cait Sith
Cloud!! What are you doin'!!
Vincent
____
Cid
____
They knock Cloud out.
The screen goes white.
Cloud
Everything is white...
What did I do? I don't remember anything...
My memory... since when...? If everything's a dream, don't wake me.
The scene changes to the Sleeping Forest. Aeris peeks out from behind a tree.
Aeris
Cloud, can you hear me?
Cloud
Yeah, I hear you. Sorry for what happened.
Aeris
Don't worry about it.
Cloud
...I can't help it...
Aeris
Oh...
Then, why don't you REALLY worry about it?
And let me handle Sephiroth.
She laughs.
And Cloud, you take care of yourself.
So you don't have a breakdown, okay?
She walks back behind the tree, and then both of them drop down from the canapy. Cloud looks around.
Cloud
What is this place?
Aeris
This forest leads to the City of the Ancients... and is called the Sleeping Forest.
It's only a matter of time before Sephiroth uses Meteor.
That's why I'm going to protect it. Only a survivor of the Cetra, like me, can do it.
She walks a ways down the path.
The secret is just up here.
At least it should be. ...I feel it. It feels like I'm being led by something.
She waves.
Then, I'll be going now. I'll come back when it's all over.
Cloud
Aeris?
She runs off, and Cloud tries to follow, but can't get anywhere. Aeris disappears into the light.
Sephiroth
Hmm...... She's thinking of interfering? She will be a difficult one, don't you think?
He drops down from the canopy.
We must stop that girl soon.
Cloud wakes to find himself in the Gongaga inn.]
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