Junon - A Public Execution
In the distance, Cloud is sitting in pitch darkness.
Tifa
Cloud...
Cloud...
Cloud gets up and starts walking away. Tifa runs after him.
Tifa
......I didn't know what to do. I was always like that...
Flashback to the Sector 7 train station perhaps a month earlier. Cloud is lying near the steps and the train man and a dog are nearby.
Train Man
What's the matter?
Cloud
ohhh...
Train Man
......poor kid.
Cloud
Ooouugh......
Tifa runs over.
Tifa
Are you all right?
Cloud
oo... uh... agh
Flash.
Uh... uh... Tifa...?
Tifa...?
He gets to his feet.
Tifa!
Tifa
...............?
Oh, Cloud!
Cloud
That's right. I'm Cloud.
Tifa
Is it really you, Cloud? I never thought I'd find you here!
Cloud
Yeah, it's been a while.
Tifa
What happened to you? You don't look well.
Cloud
......Yeah? It's nothing. I'm okay.
She turns away and he clutches his head for a moment. She turns back.
Tifa
How long has it been?
Flash.
Cloud
Five years.
Tifa
............
Cloud
What is it?
Tifa
...it's really been a long time. |
Tifa
Actually, it's been seven years.
You got your wish and joined SOLDIER, quit after the Sephiroth incident, and now you're a mercenary...
You told me a lot about what happened after you left Nibelheim...
But...
...Something's wrong. I felt there was something strange about the things you talked about.
All the things you didn't know that you should, And other things you shouldn't know that you did...
I wanted to make sure...
But then I heard... you were going far away...
And I didn't want that...
...I didn't know what to do. So, I thought I needed more time.
And that's why I told you about the AVALANCHE job. I wanted to be with you, watch you.
Tifa wakes in Junon base to bright lights overhead.
Tifa
...ding......
Barret
Huh?
Tifa
The glare...
Barret
You'll be better soon. You've been asleep for a long time.
Tifa
I'm...... hungry....
Barret
Hey, why don't you ask?
About him.
The glare fades and Tifa sits up.
Tifa
...Because I'm scared.
Barret
Don't worry. I don't know what happened to Cloud either.
Guess I shouldn't tell you not to worry...
None of them know if he's all right either.
Tifa
He's still... alive, right?
Barret nods.
Tifa
How long... was I asleep?
Barret
Lessee now...... Must've been about 7 days.
Tifa
What about Sephiroth?
Barret
You ain't over it yet. Remember that huge light, in the Northern Cave?
Since then, the crater's been surrounded by a huge barrier of light.
Everyone knows Sephiroth sleeps in that big hole, protected by the barrier.
We can't do a damn thing about it. We just gotta wait till he wakes up.
An' on topa that, some huge monster called Weapon's been on a rampage.
Tifa
...Weapon?
Barret
Remember that huge monster that was with Sephiroth, at the bottom of the crater?
Well it's up here now. They say it's some legendary monster from the past.
Tifa
Weapon... is protecting Sephiroth?
Barret
Dunno. But he's up here goin' around tearin' shit up.
Right now Rufus' fightin' it. I hate to say it, but he's got guts.
We shoulda been the ones to destroy it, but we ain't got no time...
Tifa
Time...
...Hey! How about Meteor?
Barret opens the blinds as Tifa walks to the window. Meteor hangs there in the sky.
Tifa
Do we have to give up?
Barret
...Dunno.
The door opens and Rufus enters.
Rufus
I thought Cloud would show up to save you all...
Professor Hojo wanted to check up on Cloud, too.
Tifa
What are you going to do to Cloud?
Rufus
Sephiroth's alter ego...
Meteor has been summoned... Essentially, it's all but over now.
So, there's no need for you now.
No, maybe there is an important task for you...
Heidegger enters.
Heidegger
President! Preparations for the public execution are complete.
Barret
Execution!?
What're ya gonna get by executin' us?
Rufus
You are to be executed for causing this situation.
People are ignorant. They'll feel better as long as someone is punished.
Barret
I take back what little praise I had for this damn jackass!
Rufus
Well, enjoy your last moments together.
He walks out.
Heidegger
I'll tie your arms now.
Barret and Tifa are escorted down to the press room, where Scarlet waits with the media.
Scarlet
Is everyone here? These are the ones who brought this madness into the world!
Barret
The hell are these people?
Scarlet
We will be broadcasting your miserable deaths live on national television.
Large Man
Scarlet, why a public execution in this day and age?
Scarlet
With the chaos resulting from the Meteor reports, we desperately need to rally public support... it's better that we punish somebody, anyody.
Tifa
You make me sick...
Scarlet
ha, ha, ha, ha!
They'll never admit it, but everone loves this stuff!
We'll start with this girl.
Barret
If you've gotta do it... do me first!
Scarlet
Camera, this way! Make sure you get this, the audience just eats up tearful goodbyes!
Tifa is brought into the gas chamber, and Scarlet pushes her towards the chair.
Tifa
What are you doing!?
Scarlet
This is my special gas chamber. Take your time, and enjoy a slow painful death.
She shoves Tifa into the chair.
Stuck up ^%$#&!!
She slaps Tifa.
Scarlet and the guard walk out.
Scarlet
Well now, the show's about to begin. Ha, ha, ha!
Emergency! Emergency!
Weapon's approaching! Attention all military personnel: take your positions! |
Press Representatives
Oh no! It's Weapon!
Run!
They all flee the press room except for the large man.
Scarlet
hey, hey, all of you!
Damn! Why now?
Large Man
How does it feel now, Scarlet?
Scarlet
Hmm, so you didn't run? I'm impressed. How do I feel? Right now......
Nngaaaaaahhhh!
She collapses.
Barret
Huh!? Sleeping gas?
The large man reveals himself to be Cait Sith in disguise.
Soldiers
Weirdo!!
Cait Sith and Barret dispatch the soldiers.
Cait Sith (untying Barret's arms)
I'm here to help!
Barret
Why you......? Ain't you part of Shinra?
Cait Sith
Let's just say I'm against capital punishment. Besides... I hate this broad. Come on, we gotta help Tifa.
I'll keep watch at the entrance.
Scarlet
......Fools...... I've already pushed... the switch...
Barret tugs at the door to the gas chamber.
Barret
It won't open!
Meanwhile, in the command room, Rufus and Heidegger stand before a broad window overlooking the ocean.
Heidegger
It's Weapon.
Rufus
There's been so many attacks lately. Can we handle it?
Heidegger
I believe so. Your orders?
Rufus
No need to ask.
Heidegger
We'll give it a shot from our big cannon.
Open cannon doors!! Activate cannon. Target: Weapon!!
Sailor
Preparations complete!
Heidegger
The cannon...
Fire----!!!
The cannon fires a shot across the water. A moment of silence descends.
Rufus
Did we get 'em?
Heidegger
Seems so...
Weapon approaching!
Speed, 50 Knots!
It's heading right toward us! |
Heidegger
It can't be! We hit it dead on!
Rufus
How about the cannon?
Heidegger
It'll take time to reload.
Rufus
Then use regular fire power in the mean time!
Heidegger
Yes sir! Open all artillery doors! Target: Weapon! Don't let it land!
Back at the gas chamber, the gas turns on and Tifa starts squirming.
Tifa
Gas!!
Barret, help!!
Barret
Hold your breath! Hold on as long as you can!
Tifa
Come on! I can't hold on forever!
Barret
Shi-!
The Gas Room's probably locked from a different room!
Cait Sith
Hmm, we gotta go with a different plan. Let's get out of this room first.
Barret
Tifa! I'll help you, I promise!
They leave the press room and the door locks behind them.
Barret
No! They locked this too!
Scarlet (from inside)
Fools. Now, you can't save the girl.
Ha, ha, ha, ha!!
Barret
Goddammit......!!
Cait Sith
OK, OK time for Plan B. Let's run to the airport!
Barret
Why the airport? An' leave Tifa there?
Cait Sith
Trust me, trust me. We gotta take a chance.
If Barret goes the wrong way...
Cait Sith
Where you goin'? The airport's the other way.
They run outside and run across Yuffie dressed as a reporter.
Yuffie
I know you're in a hurry! But, please if I could have a word......
Barret
Shu'up!! I'm in a hurry!
Kiiiiin...
Yuffie
Don't make so much noise...... It's me, ME! Yuffie!
Barret
The hell you doin' here!?
Yuffie
I'll explain later! Now we gotta get to the airport!
They arrive at the airport.
Barret
Yo! You sure this is the right way? It's a dead end!
Cait Sith
Uh oh? Did I make a wrong turn?
Barret
You damn cat......! What the hell're we gonna do now? They all be comin' soon!
Yo, better watch my back till the end... partner!
Back in the gas chamber, Tifa manages to grab the dropped key with her feet and free herself from the chair.
Tifa
Which button stops the gas...?
She turns off the gas and then tries to tug open the door.
Open it---......
There is an explosion as Weapon blasts a hole in the chamber's ceiling above her.
Scarlet
What d'you do? Hey! Open it!
Tifa
First you lock me in this weird place, and now you're telling me to come out? Make up your mind!
She climbs out the opening, down the side of the base, and runs out across the cannon. Scarlet follows and they face off near the end of the cannon.
Scarlet
Our little game of hide and seek ends here.
The execution may have been unsuccessful, but your death by falling from here and crashing into the water below still might be pretty exciting.
Slap.
Stuck up to the end!
Tifa
Quit slapping me! You old wench!!!
A slapping fight ensues, and Scarlet falls to her knees.
Scarlet
God! I can't stand it!
Take her away.
Now it's time to pay up. I'll really drop you if you don't settle down!
Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Run...
Run to the end of the Cannon!!
Tifa runs to the end of the cannon as the airship comes up from below and hovers nearby. Barret is out on deck, and he throws Tifa a rope. She jumps from the cannon and catches the rope as the Highwind flies away from Junon.
Barret
You okay?
Tifa
My cheeks hurt a bid.
Forget about that, what's all this about?
Cait Sith
Well, I'll catch the details later.
In any case, the Airship, Highwind, is now yours.
Yuffie (lying on deck)
Ha! Ha! ......urk!
Well...... I'm glad you're safe.
I'm going to stay up here a little longer.
......Urk! ......I can't ride ships either in the air or water.
Tifa goes inside.
Crew Member
My hands are full, so I'll excuse myself here!
Tifa
- Fly Airship
- Chew the fat
- Fly Airship
Crew Member
So things have come to this... When you want to take off, just tell the pilot on the bridge.
- Chew the fat
Crew Member
......Well......... Um, what should I talk about?
Wanna hear why we rebelled?
Working on the Highwind, we spent every day slaving under Heidegger.
Whenever he got yelled at by the President, he'd immediately take it out on the crew.
We put up with this all the time. Weven when he beat us.
I mean, I finally made it on the crew of the famous Highwind, and there's no way I was going to quit over him.
Let's see, it must've been a week ago... it was my shift and we were heading towards the North Cave.
Everyone, including the President and Scarlet, got on.
And with them, I saw Cid, a legendary pilot!
And he was looking around the inside of the ship looking really, y'know, nostalgic......
He even talked to us.
I couldn't beleave it! I was so impressed! He was every bit as warmhearted as we'd always heard.
Cid said that if he had the Highwind, things would be a lot easier.
And now here we are off to save the planet. It's true. He really overwhelmed me.
And that's why we decided to help.
After the North Cave, we went to Junon, and I started screaming 'Fire! Fire!'
In the middle of all the commotion, we stole this ship from the Shinra.
That's how it happened. .......Just a minor mutiny against our leaders.
But Barret and you were captured by Heidegger......
We waited seven days for a chance to rescue you guys, before we finally could.
So thanks to our successful mission, we were able to see you again.
I hope I didn't bore you too much with that long story.
Barret
Dammit! Why didn't ya tell me you could fly an airship!?
I thought...... Tifa was gone for good.
Cait Sith
Sorry, but I had to do something to trick the enemy.
Come on! Everyone is waiting!
Tifa
Everyone? Everyone's here?
Tifa runs to the bridge.
Cid
Welcome to my airship--the Highwind!
Tifa looks around.
Cid
What's wrong!? You should be more excited than that!
Nanaki
Cid......
Cid
Yeah......
Tifa
Not enough crew.
Barret
What's that sad face for?
Cid
Well, it takes all kinds.
Nanaki
Do you think we aren't strong enough without Cloud?
Do you think we can't save the Planet alone?
Tifa
Meteor is coming, and Weapon is om the rampage......
At a time like this, I don't know what I'm supposed to do......
No idea at all......
Barret
Get a hold of yourself Tifa! C'mon, let's think about this!
No way we can get offa this train we're on!
Tifa
......If only Cloud was here, everything would be fine.
Cloud would......
Stand that cocky little way he did, and tell us what to do.
He'd say, 'Everything's under control, Tifa.'
Barret
Tifa! When'd you become such a wimp!
Tifa
I'm sorry Barret.
I'm kind of shocked myself. I'm so depressed.
Nanaki
And Tifa...... the reason why we all thought it was Cloud was because......
Tifa
......I know.
That's why I want to make sure. That's why I have to see him again.
Nanaki
Cheer up, Tifa......
Vincent
......So glad you're all right Tifa.
Barret
What? Does Cloud always gotta be around?.......
We did fine without him in the beginning......
Right? An' what happened to tough girl I used to know? Where'd she go to?
Cait Sith
Tifa, I'll give you information Shinra.
Ask me if there's anything you don't understand.
Crew Member 2
Whenever anyone talks to me, I get all nervous and mess things up!
Cid
Hey you! What the hell are you doin'!?
Crew Member 3
All we have to do is just pilot. They don't have to talk to us.
Cid
I want you to know that I didn't dislike him.
Gotta admit he was a strange dude.
Just when you thought he was cool, he'd go and do some damn fool thing.
And when you thought he was smart, he'd show how stupid he was.
Everything about him from his movements to his speech were kinda odd.
Knowin' what I do now, I can see why he was that way.
Well, as long as you stay alive, you just might see him again someday, so cheer up, sis.
Tifa
......I'll be able to see him someday.
Cid
If we can find out where he is, the Highwind'll get us there in no time.
Nanaki
......Maybe
Cloud is still stuck deep in the North Crater, where the ground cracked and swallowed him up......
Buried in the depths of the underground......
Tifa
Deep within the earth...... are you talking about the Lifestream?
Nanaki
The Lifestream sometimes gushes out the the surface from cracks in the ocean floor.
I've heard that such a place exists.
Maybe, just maybe Cloud's......
Pilot in Training (LV3)
Waaaaah! Captain Cid!
Cid
Tifa, sorry, but I've gotta show this moron how to land the ship.
Don't worry, it'll be odne in a minute.
Oh, and Tifa......
No matter what your goal is, you've got to be prepared.
Go to your room and get ready for our operation.
Tifa goes to the Operations Room.
Crew Member 4
Tifa, thank you for a job well done!
Back on the bridge...
Cait Sith
Everything appears calm right now at Shinra.
So now's the time to look for Cloud.
I'm worried about him, too.
I wonder where Cloud is. Or could he already be......
Barret
Whenever I think of Cloud, everything gets all jumbled up.
No matter how powerful Shinra or Hojo is, I can't believe they can create humans.
But because of them, we know that Meteor is heading towards us......
Y'know, even if I saw him, I don't have a damn idea what I'd do......
Cid
OK! You just signal when you're ready to fly full speed.
Vincent
Too much hope is the opposite of despair.
An overpowering love may consume you in the end......
Nanaki
There appears to be a small island near the Lifestream......
They said the Lifestream sometimes suddenly gushes out at the south island.
I remember hearing about this from Seto when I was a child, but I don't remember much else......
I'm sorry...... Tifa.
Pilot in Training (LV4)
Eaggggh! Are we going?
Tifa
- We're going
- We're staying put
Pilot in Training (LV4)
Eagggggh! We're off!
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