Mideel - Inside Cloud's Mind
At the Clinic
Inside Cloud's Mind :: Nibelheim - Beyond the Mountain - The Truth
Out of the Lifestream
The Aftermath in Mideel
Old Man at Entrance
Ahoy! This here's Mideel. A quiet Hot Springs town... At least it used to be...
Lately the sea's been in a tizzy. Lifestream has been mixin' things up at the bottom of the ocean.
I think the planet's pretty angry too. We've pretty much done whatever we've wanted to the planet up till now.
Woman
It's bad enough with earthquakes and Meteor, but on top of all that now the Lifestream has become active again, too.
I hope it doesn't blow and cause a panic like it did before. That was really bad, I tell ya.
If you obtained and used the Beat-up Useless Old Key as Tifa...
In the Weapons Shop, Cid inspects the door.
Cid
Damn, why the hell did they make something tricky like this?
If you did not obtain the Beat-up Useless Old Key...
Walking over the key, there is a clinking noise.
Cid
Huh...? The hell's this?
Looks like a key but it's stuck way down inside, and I can't get it out.
Well, what the hell? That's life...
In the Weapons Shop, Cid kicks the door.
Cid
No good... Someone must've locked it.
He returns to the key.
Cid
Okay, there's gotta be a way to get it out.
Maybe if I move this a bit...... and push that over...... HAH! Gotcha!
Or, if he didn't notice the key earlier:
Hey......what's that? Looks like a key but it's stuck way down inside and
Received a "Beat-up Useless Old Key"!
Back to the Weapons Shop, Cid again inspects the door...
Cid
Hey, I know what'll do it... Let's try that beat up old key!
- Use the beat up old key!
- Forget it
Use the beat up old key!
Yeah, this is it.
Huh? Wha...? Won't turn...
Wha......!?
Hoo, *&%$^% Busted it... Can't get the damn thing out...
Shopkeeper
Is something wrong......?
Cid
Ulp!!
Oh, uh, no, uh I......
Damn, this's bad...
- What the hell... lie!
- Just apologize and get it over with!
What the hell... lie!
Er, nothin'. Hah, hah. That's one nice door you got there, y'know.
Shopkeeper
Oh... why, thank you very much.
Cid
Phew... that was a close one. But I kinda feel a little bad about that one......
Cid looks at the door.
............ The key's broken off inside, and I can't get to it......
............ I don't know a thing about it...
Just apologize and get it over with!
Mmm..., sorry! I twisted the ^%$#^ and broke it.
Shopkeeper
Huh? Key? You mean the one to that door?
Cid nods.
Shopkeeper
Hah, hah, hah! That's a good one!
Cid
???
Shopkeeper
Of course there's no key. It's a wall. We just painted a door on it.
Cid
Say what? You drew that door on the wall?
Shopkeeper
That's right. We drew it on there to make it feel like you could pass through it to another world.
Sorry to have surprised you. It's not much of an apology, but please take this.
Cid
Oh, uh... well Thanks.
Cid and the others received "Cursed Ring"!
Shopkeeper
If possible, we're hoping to pass through a dream door like that one into another world
I got the feeling that you all might be able to make my dreams come true in my place. Weird, isn't it?
Forget it
Naw, forget it... It doesn't even look like it fits.
If Cid is carrying Mimett Greens, he can talk to the white chocobo following the shopper.
Cid
What's this!? Your bein' awful friendly.
Oh, so that's it. You want the Samolen Greens... don't you?
- Give it some Samolen Greens
- Don't give it any
Give it some Samolen Greens
Cid
Well, guess there's no way around it. Here ya go, shrimp. Eat up.
The chocobo looks like it enjoyed eating the Greens.
If the party hasn't obtained the chocobo's materia...
Cid
Heh heh, hey he's kinda cute. Aw, maybe I'll just tickle him a little.
- Tickle his feet
- Tickle his stomach
- Tickle his neck
- Tickle his belly button
- Tickle behind his ears
- Tickle under his arms
Tickle his feet
The chocobo looks like it loves that.
Tickle his stomach
The chocobo looks a little ticklish.
Tickle his neck
The chocobo looks a little angry.
Cid
Sheesh, you scared me. I thought you croaked!!
Tickle his belly button
The chocobo looks a little shy.
Tickle behind his ears
Received Materia from the Chocobo!
Tickle under his arms
The chocobo looks bored.
If the party already obtained the chocobo's materia...
Dined and dashed.
Don't give it any
Cid
Sorry, shorty. But I can't give ya any.
Inside a house...
Old Man Playing with Dog
I gotta feelin' something bad's gonna happen. Is it gonna be okay?
I'm all right. I've lived a long, full life.
But I'm worried about my son and his family living in that far-off town...
I hope they're safe...
Cid takes the elixir on his bed and starts for the door.
Old Man Playing with Dog
Wait a minute.
Did you take something just now?
The dog barks, and Cid jumps.
Cid
Uh, oh. I'm......
- Yeah, I took it old man!
- Don't know nothin' 'bout it!
Yeah, I took it old man!
Hey, it's mine now! An' I'll make good use of it, believe-you-me!
Old Man Playing with Dog
Heh, heh. What an oddball. We'll let him use it.
Cid
Hey thanks. It'll help, pops!
Don't know nothin' 'bout it!
Wh, wh-huh...? I don't know nuthin' about that.
Old Man Playing with Dog
What the hell happened to the rotten old elixir I was gonna throw out?
If someone took that by mistake it'll do more than make them sick...
Well, if you don't know then I guess you don't know.
Cid
...............
Back outside...
Old Man
So how is the boy? Poor kid. He sure got the worst of whatever it was......
Sure hope he gets better soon. Right now is when he really needs to hold on and not give up.
Bald Man
It's amazing he recovered. When they carried him here after they first discovered him, I thought for sure he was a goner.
That boy must have one powerful guardian angel watchin' over him.
Doctor
I'm sorry...... But your friend's condition remains unchanged......
You'll have to be patient and wait this out. These things take time. Just like fine wine, time is of the essence.
Nurse (after one Huge Materia mission)
Oh, hello. She always stays right by his side. She must really love him.
Remember, even at a time like this you can never give up hope. You've got to be strong like her.
Nurse (after both missions)
She's finally beginning to look a little tired... I hope she's all right.
No change in his condition, and still she stays there doing her best. It must be tough on her.
If she keeps this up she'll probably get sick......
Nurse
Well anyhow...... Hey, you all look terrible. Why don't you rest up for a while?
Cid and the others rest whether they want to or not.
OK! Perfect! Well then, take care.
Cloud
uh...... a...... aah......
.........What...... What number...... am I?
Uh...... aaa......?
A billion mirror fragments...... small...... light......
taken...... angel's...... singing voices............ zeno...... gias......
Uh...... aaa......?
Tifa (after one Huge Materia mission)
Cloud...... I don't understand a word he's saying......
I'm such a fool...... I thought there was something that I could do for him......
Tifa (after both missions)
......it's no use...... I don't understand a thing, Cloud.
What should I do......? What if you never recover for the rest of your life?
The ground starts shaking and Tifa falls down.
Tifa
Eyaaah!?
Cloud
......They're...... They're...... coming......!!
Cid
What did you say, Cloud!?
Cloud
Uh...... aaa......?
Cid
Damn. What the hell's goin' on!?
Tifa
No way...... Is this......!?
Doctor
This isn't good!! It's big!
Nurse
Eyaaah! I hate earthquakes!!
Cid goes outside.
Cid
What's this...!?
The Lifestream is gushing up from below the surface of the earth!
The sound of a monster screeching starts up.
Cid
Damn, that's......!? This is bad......!!
Tifa (at the door)
Cid......!? What's wrong?
Cid
N, nothin'!! You and Cloud get inside quick!!
Tifa
But I......!?
Cid
Hey, don't worry about a thing. I ain't about to die that easily.
Tifa
Be careful...!
Cid
Okay, here I go! Watch this!!
Cid and the others get ready to fight.
Cid
Damn!! That &%$^%$ Weapon!!
Of all the times to show up......!
OK then, come on!! You &$^%$!
Ultima Weapon flies down to meet them. After a short battle, it flies off again.
Cid
You &^$#&$#! You tryin' to escape?
The quaking abates, and they all relax.
Barret
Damn, man. Just a little bit more an' I woudda smashed him......Nanaki
Just a little more and I would have beaten him.Yuffie
I swear, next time, that guy's dead meat!Cait Sith
No matter how many lives I get, it ain't enough!Vincent
Hmm...... Looks like escape is their best skill.
Barret
Looks like the Lifestream's settled down now too.Nanaki
It looks like the Lifestream has settled as well.Yuffie
Well at least the Lifestream's back to normal.Cait Sith
Looks like the Lifestream's back under control too.Vincent
And the Lifestream also appears to be normal.
The quaking starts up again.
Cid
Damn, you gotta be kiddin'......!!
Th, this's bad......! The main stream is kickin' up!!
Somethin' way bigger than that last one is on its way!!
No good!! Get outta here......!!
Nanaki
But what about Tifa and Cloud!?Yuffie
But what about Tifa and Cloud......!?Cait Sith
But what about Cloud and the others......!?
Cid
Goddammit!!
You don't have time to worry about anyone other than yourself! You don't know when that stream'll blow......
Whoa!!
There's no time, hurry!!
They run off. Cid turns back momentarily.
Cid
Tifa!! Cloud!! Get outta here!!
Back to Tifa in the clinic...
Tifa
This is bad...... The tremors are getting worse.
Wait a minute, Cloud.
Doctor! Shouldn't we move him somewhere rather than stay here...?
Doctor
Hmm...... It might be safer to take refuge in a wide open space.
Tifa
Don't you worry about a thing, Cloud......
I'll see to it that you get somewhere safe!
Doctor
No! The structure can't take it!! Hurry!
Tifa
Yes!
Ready Cloud? We're leaving now!!
She pushes Cloud out of the clinic on the wheelchair as the ground lifts up and falls into the Lifestream behind them, taking the town with it. Unable to make it to safety in time, she and Cloud both fall into the Lifestream.
Tifa wakes, sitting alone in the middle of a black screen, with the sound of dripping water.
Tifa
Wh, where am I......? what's happening? I......?
She gets to her feet and looks around.
Where's Cloud......!? Cloud, where are you!?
Faint noises start up in the background, like static on a radio.
Tifa
Huh...... what......? Who......?
Who is it......? I can't hear......
Suddenly she turns around.
Wait a minute......! I don't know anything about that!
No! It's not me......! I'd never do anything like that!!
She puts her hands to her head.
No! Stop it......!! Stay back!
She starts running.
Somebody...... help! Please!!
The sounds grow louder and she falls to her knees.
Tifa
Cloud, help me!!
Eyaaaaghh......!!
Tifa comes to in a sort of nexus with three branching paths. An image of Cloud sits at the entrance to each of them.
Tifa
............ Where am I......?
She looks up to where there is another Cloud overhead, clutching his head and writhing in pain.
Tifa
Cloud!?
What is it, Cloud? What is this......!?
Is this the inside of your dreams? Or is it...... your...... subconsciousness......?
You're searching, aren't you Cloud?
Searching...... for yourself......
I can help too. We'll work together to try and get the real you back!
But...... Where do we start......?
* Note: It should be noted that the dialogue boxes belonging to Cloud's mind fragments are not labeled with his name during this section.
Cloud (sitting by the well)
That starry night at the well...... The promise we made that night...... What if that memory was all a lie?
Cloud (sitting outside the window)
............ a sealed up secret...... wish......
Tender feelings...... that no one can ever know......
Tifa walks up to the Cloud near the gates to Nibelheim.
Cloud
The gates of Nibelheim... Five years ago, Sephiroth passed through these gates......
And...... That's how it all started......
Tifa
It connects...... to Nibelheim......?
That's right... It's probably best to start from there......
Let's go have a look, Cloud. I know it's not easy...... But I'll be right with you......
Tifa walks up to the gate into Nibelheim.
Tifa
Cloud... look.
Here's the well...
And that's Gramps' Inn, too.
The only truck in town. It's been here since we were little kids, right?
This is the Nibelheim you remember, right?
It's the same as my Nibelheim. That's why this place is...... our Nibelheim.
Cloud appears sitting near the truck.
Tifa
Five Years ago... two men from SOLDIER came...
Sephiroth and...... a young and vibrant soldier.
Can you tell me again what happened?
Sephiroth appears and turns to talk to someone behind him.
Sephiroth
How does it feel?
Tifa
Five Years ago... I saw the real Sephiroth for the very first time.
Sephiroth
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?
Tifa
So this is... the Great Sephiroth.
Sephiroth
My mother is Jenova. She died right after she gave birth to me. My father...
Tifa
But to tell you the truth, I thought he was very cold.
Sephiroth
What does it matter...?
All right, let's go.
Tifa
I remember, I felt a foreboding about him.
She watches as Cloud and the two soldiers enter the village. The Cloud-image moves to stand with the Cloud in the memory. Tifa shakes her head.
Tifa
No, Cloud.
I've been hiding it for some time, afraid that if I told you... something terrible might happen.
But, I'm not going to hide anything anymore.
Sephiroth and the soldiers disappear.
Tifa
You weren't here. Cloud did not come to Nibelheim five years ago.
A flash. A 15-year-old Tifa sits waiting just past the gate.
Tifa
I... waited. But, Cloud... never came.
The two that were ordered here were Sephiroth and another person...
The young Tifa gets up to see who's coming. She shakes her head and runs off. Sephiroth reappears at the gate.
Sephiroth
All right, let's go.
The two soldiers enter, along with a black-haired SOLDIER. Fade to white.
Cloud
You mean that member of SOLDIER who came with Sephiroth wasn't...... Cloud......?
Tifa
There's nothing...... I can say......
You must find the answer yourself......
If you can't...... Then you......
Take your time, Cloud. Slowly...... little by little, okay?
The Cloud-image sits down. Tifa walks to the second Cloud, who sits in front of the well.
Cloud
That starry night at the well...... And our promise that night... What if the memory was just a lie?
Tifa
Don't hurry, Cloud...... Don't answer too quickly.
Just keep checking all those small emotions and it'll come back...... Slowly...... little by little.......
Right... like the sky that night...... the heavens were filled with stars......
Fade to black.
Tifa
From the beginning... OK?
A starlit Nibelheim fades into view. Cloud and Tifa stand on the well.
Tifa
Try and remember, Cloud.
A young Cloud and Tifa appear sitting at the well.
Tifa
Right, I was wearing these clothes.
That's you, too. You were so small then......
She sits down beside her younger self and looks over at Cloud.
...and cute.
Sephiroth once said...
Cloud made up his memories by listening to my stories...
Did you imagine this sky? No, you remembered it.
That night the stars were gorgeous. It was just Cloud and I. We talked at the well...
That's why I continued to believe that you were the real Cloud.
I still believe you're the Cloud from Nibelheim...
But you don't believe in yourself...
These memories aren't enough.
Fade to white. They return to the nexus.
Tifa
Cloud, what about your other memories?
No, not memories.
A memory is something that has to be consciously recalled, right?
That's why sometimes it can be mistaken and a different thing......
But it's different from a memory locked deep within your heart......
That's why it must be a fake. If he could recall up that memory......
That's it! What about some memory that has to do with me?
I say something and you don't remember it......
But you say something, and I remember it, too... Then we'll know that's our memory......
Talk to me. About anything, some important memory to you...
Now that you mention it, why did you want to join SOLDIER in the first place?
I always thought it was a sudden decision you made......
......I was devastated. ......I wanted to be noticed.
Cloud
......I was devastated. ......I wanted to be noticed.
I thought if I got stronger I could get someone to notice......
Tifa
Someone to notice you...? ......who?
Who......? ......You know who! ......You, that's who.
Cloud
You......
Tifa
......Me? Why!?
Young Cloud
Tifa...... did you forget...... about those days?
Tifa turns to look as a much younger Cloud appears.
Tifa
Look...... I......
I'm sorry...... But what are you talking about?
Young Cloud
No...... it's all right. You were having a hard time back then.
You were so busy with your own things, it's only natural you don't remember me back then.
Tifa walks over to join him.
Tifa
'Back then'?
Young Cloud
It's important to me...... I hate to say it but... It's a very important memory......
Do you want to see it?
Cloud (sitting by the well)
A promise under a starry sky... But what if even that was a memory that Tifa imagined......?
Young Cloud
Come on, hurry.
Tifa goes over to talk to the third and final Cloud.
Cloud
......a sealed up secret...... wish......
Tender memories...... no one can ever know......
He steps aside to let Tifa and the young Cloud pass.
Young Cloud
Do you know where this window goes to, Tifa?
Fine...... I'll go.
They look through the window into Tifa's bedroom. Tifa and the young Cloud now stand in the bedroom, while an adult Cloud sits in the corner by her dresser.
Tifa
My room?
Young Cloud
It was my first time there.
Tifa
Was... it?
Young Cloud
I only used to look up at it from outside.
A flash, and a young Tifa is sitting on the floor near her window with a trio of boys around her.
Boy
Hey, look!
Cloud's coming!
Out the window, they see Cloud approach the house.
Boy
You think he wants to come in?
Young Tifa looks up and shakes her head.
Tifa
Was that the first day you came into my room?
...that's right.
We lived next to each other.
But I really didn't know you that well.
I've known you since we were children and always thought we were close...
Now that you mention it... I don't recall you ever being in my room...
Young Cloud
Tifa always used to be with this three-some.
Tifa
...That's right.
Young Cloud
I used to think... they were all stupid.
Tifa
What!?
Young Cloud
You were all childish, laughing at every little stupid thing.
Tifa
But we were children, back then.
Young Cloud
...I know. I'm the one that was stupid.
I really wanted to play with everyone, but I was never allowed into the group.
Then later... I began to think I was different...
That I was different from those immature kids.
That then... maybe...
Another image of Cloud separates from the adult Cloud sitting in the corner, and stands up.
Just maybe, they would invite me in.
I thought that might happen, so I hung around...
Young Cloud
I was so prejudiced. And... weak.
That night I called Tifa out to the well...
I thought to myself Tifa would never come... that she hated me.
Tifa
Yeah... it was so sudden. I was... a bit surprised.
But...
It's true that we weren't THAT close, but...
After you left town, I really thought about you a lot.
I used to wonder how Cloud was doing.
I wonder if Cloud was able to get into SOLDIER?
I started reading the newspapers, thinking that there might be an article about you.
Young Cloud
Thanks, Tifa.
Tell him what you told me, later. He'll probably be so happy.
Tifa
OK!
Huh?
What happened on this day? Was it a special day?
Young Cloud
This was the day...
Tifa's mother...
Fade to white.
Tifa
The day Mom died...
Back to the young Tifa on the floor.
Tifa
I want... to see... mom...
She gets to her feet and runs from her room. She and the three boys gather at the base of Mt. Nibel.
Tifa
...I wonder if there's anything beyond that mountain?
Boys
Mt. Nibel is scary. Many people have died there.
No one crosses that mountain alive...
Tifa
How 'bout those that died?
Did mama pass through the mountains?
She starts up the path.
I'm going!
The three boys watch her. Two start after her, but the third hesitates and runs away. Cloud runs up in time to watch him go, then starts after Tifa. When the kids reach the bridge, the other two boys run back. Cloud steps aside to let them pass, then follows Tifa across the bridge.
Later... Young Tifa and Cloud lie on the ground, having fallen from the mountain.
Cloud
I don't remember the path I walked.
Tifa missed her step. I ran to her... but didn't make it in time.
Both of us fell off the cliff.
Back then, I only scarred my knees but......
Tifa's father and another man run up to the pair. The other man gathers Tifa while Tifa's father stands over Cloud shaking a finger.
Tifa's Father
Cloud! Why'd you bring Tifa to a place like this!
What the hell's the matter with you!?
What if she dies!?
He and the other man walk off, leaving Cloud behind.
Cloud
Tifa was in a coma for seven days.
We all thought she wouldn't make it.
If only I could've saved her...
I was so angry... Angry at myself for my weakness.
Ever since then, I felt Tifa blamed me...
I got out of control... I'd get into fights not even caring who it was.
Fade to black.
Cloud
That was the first time I heard about Sephiroth.
If I got strong like Sephiroth, then everyone might...
They return to the nexus.
Cloud
If I could just get stronger...... Then even Tifa would have to notice me......
Tifa
So that was it......
Sorry, Cloud.
If I had only remembered more clearly what happened, I could have done something sooner......
Cloud
It's not your fault, Tifa.
Tifa
But, I remember back when we were eight!
That's it! Now I know!
You weren't created five years ago.
My childhood memories weren't all made up!
Hang in there Cloud! Just a little longer! You've almost found the real you!
Let's go back to Nibelheim again......!
Cloud runs off to the gates of Nibelheim and Tifa follows.
Cloud
The truth is right there. We almost have the answer right in the palm of our hands.
They run through Nibelheim. Tifa stops as they pass Cloud's house.
Tifa
Cloud, wait.
Where are you going?
* Note: At this point, Cloud's dialogue boxes are labeled with his name again.
Cloud
......The reactor......?
To the reactor! The Mako reactor of five years ago!
Inside the reactor, Tifa is attacking Sephiroth. He cuts her, and she flies back down the stairs just as the black-haired SOLDIER runs in.
Tifa
Hey! It's Cloud!
The door opens into Jenova's chamber, and Sephiroth goes inside.
Cloud
Za...... ck...... Zac......k. Zack...
Tifa
You remembered!!
Zack runs after Sephiroth.
Tifa
That's right! It was Zack who came to Nibelheim with Sephiroth!
Then, where were you, Cloud?
Zack flies back out of Jenova's chamber. He lands on one of the pods and doesn't move.
Tifa
Cloud... Did you... see it all?
Cloud
I saw... everything...
A masked soldier runs in and takes Zack's sword. He runs up the steps into the Jenova chamber and on up the tube towards Sephiroth. Sephiroth turns around just as Cloud stabs him.
Sephiroth
Aaarrrgh...... who... who are you?
Soldier
Mom... Tifa...... my town... give it back...
I had so much respect for you... I admired you...
Tifa
Cloud!?
After backing down from Jenova, the soldier pulls off his mask to reveal Cloud beneath it.
Tifa
That's what happened...
The scene changes to show the party stopping to look at the Mako fountain on Mt. Nibel, the masked soldier standing behind Tifa.
Tifa
...You were there.
You were watching me.
Outside the Mako reactor, the soldier blocks Tifa from entering.
Tifa
Yeah, I remember.
Hmm... so it was you.
The scene cuts to the truck heading for Nibelheim. Rain pounds outside.
Zack
Hey Cloud, if you're feeling sick, why don't you take that mask off?
Cloud
Yeah......
Cloud
Yeah... This is... me.
I... never made it as a member of SOLDIER.
I even left my hometown telling everyone I was going to join, but...
I was so embarrassed...... I didn't want to see anybody...
Entering Nibelheim, Cloud sees Tifa, and turns away to put his mask back on. Zack looks at him sympathetically. Tifa stands up, and not seeing Cloud, she shakes her head and runs away.
Sephiroth
How does it feel?
It's your first time back to your hometown in a long time, right?
Cloud
I'm...
While Nibelheim is burning, the soldier lying on the ground outside Cloud's house twitches and struggles to get up.
At the reactor, Cloud runs back down from Jenova's chamber to help Tifa.
Tifa
...You came. ...You kept your promise.
So you really did come when I was in trouble!
Cloud
Sorry... I didn't get there... fast enough...
Tifa
It's all right... Cloud.
Sephiroth comes out of Jenova's chamber, sword in one hand, Jenova's head in the other.
Sephiroth
Just like you.
He limps down the stairs, pauses to look at Jenova's head, and continues out of the room. Cloud gets up and starts after him.
Zack
Cloud... Kill Sephiroth...
Cloud runs off, confronting Sephiroth on the bridge over the Mako pit.
Cloud
Sephiroth!!
Sephiroth turns and impales him on the Masamune.
Sephiroth
Don't... push... your luck...
He lifts Cloud on the sword. Cloud looks down and grabs the end of the blade.
Sephiroth
...It can't be!
Cloud manages to get his feet back on the bridge, lifts up Sephiroth, and flings him aside into the Mako pit.
Cloud and Tifa return to the nexus.
Tifa
Cloud......
Young Cloud
Then... this is goodbye, Tifa. Until we meet again......
All the Clouds get to their feet.
Tifa
............!?
The Clouds meet in the center of the nexus and join one by one. Finally, the writhing Cloud comes down from above to join them. A single Cloud falls to the ground, and Tifa crouches next to him.
Tifa
Cloud!!
Cloud
Uh...... Ah, Uh......!
He solidifies and sits up.
Uh...... Tifa......
Tifa
Oh, Cloud......! It's really you, isn't it?
Cloud
Yeah...... Tifa...... We finally...... meet again......
They both get to their feet.
Tifa
You stupid jerk!! You had us all worried sick!!
Cloud collapses again, clutching his head.
Cloud
Krgh......!
Tifa
Cloud!? Are you all right!?
Cloud
V, voice...... Their......
Tifa
I see. We're... in the Lifestream aren't we?
Everyone's waiting.
Let's go back, Cloud. Back to everyone......
Cloud
Yeah, I guess so... Come on, Tifa. Let's go home......
Together they swim upward out of the Lifestream.
Tifa comes to just outside what used to be Mideel. Everyone is gathered around her and Cloud.
Barret
Yo! You awright!? Tifa!?
Tifa
u... unn......?
She props herself up on an arm.
Barret... You came back. I......
Cloud... Where is he?
Barret
Don't worry about him. He's a tough one.
Tifa
Barret...... I...... When I was in the Lifestream I saw the real Cloud.
I mean, I didn't really find him. Cloud found himself on his own...
Barret
Awright, I know... I shouldn't have doubted him.
But I can't win against you. You're some kinda lady.
Tifa lies back.
Tifa
People have so many things pent up inside of themselves...
And they can forget so many things......
Strange...... isn't it............
Barret
Yo, Tifa! Snap outta it!!
Tifa......!?
Back on the Highwind, everyone is gathered in the Operations Room.
Cloud
Everyone...... I'm sorry. I don't know what to say......
Nanaki
Don't say anything, Cloud. All you've been doing is apologizing.
Cloud
I never was in SOLDIER.
I made up the stories about what happened to me five years ago, about being in SOLDIER.
I left my village looking for glory, but never made it in to SOLDIER......
I was so ashamed of being so weak; then I heard this story from my friend Zack...
And I created an illusion of myself made up of what I had seen in my life......
And I continued to play the charade as if it were true.
Barret
Illusion, huh...? Pretty damn strong for a 'lusion, I'd say.
Cloud
I'm physically built like someone in SOLDIER.
Hojo's plan to clone Sephiroth wasn't that difficult.
It was just the same procedure they use when creating members of SOLDIER.
You see, someone in SOLDIER isn't simply exposed to Mako energy.
Their bodies are actually injected with Jenova cells......
For better or worse, only the strong can enter SOLDIER.
It has nothing to do with the Jenova Reunion.
But weak people...... like me, get lost in the whole thing.
The combination of Jenova cells, Sephiroth's strong will, and my own weakness are what created me.
Everyone knew that. I'm...... Cloud.
......the master of my own illusionary world.
But I can't remain trapped in an illusion any more......
I'm going to live my life without pretending.
Tifa
You're sure messed up, Cloud!
Barret
That means there ain't no difference from before!
Cloud scratches his head.
Cait Sith
By the way, Cloud. What are you going to do now?
Don't tell me you're going to leave the ship?
Cloud
......I'm the reason why Meteor is falling towards us.
That's why I have to do everything in my power to fight this thing.
Barret
Good!! Then you're gonna keep fightin' to save the planet!?
Cloud
It's like you always told me, Barret.
Barret
Oh, uh, you mean that!
Nanaki
What? I don't understand!
Cloud
There ain't no gettin' offa this train we on!
Tifa
There ain't no gettin' offa this train we on!
Barret
The train we on don't make no stops!
Everyone laughs and runs out, Barret chasing after them, leaving Cloud behind.
Crew Member
Oh...... oh...... Cloud......
Cloud turns for the door.
Crew Member
Cloud, I was deeply moved by your story!
I'm really a weak person and so I could really understand how you feel, Cloud!
No one knows when fighting will begin. But let's get ready!
On the bridge...
Cait Sith
Listen, Cloud.
We're right in the middle of the mission for the Huge Materia, right?
I know this's kinda outta the blue, but there's a underwater reactor at Junon.
As far as I can see, that's the only one left.
That's that. Let's go!
Barret
C'mon, Cloud! Don't #&$* around!
We're goin' to Junon, boyeee!!
Tifa
Let's do our best, Cloud!
Nanaki
I'm glad you're back with us!
Cait Sith
This's kinda on the spur o' the moment, but shouldn't we oughta get to Junon!?
Vincent
Escape from a world of illusions... Hmph... I wonder which is better...?
Cid
I know how tough it is bein' a leader, because I've been one.
I always forget who has what materia.
Crew Members
Ahhhhh! Oh no, oh no, oh no!
Sorry, I'm in the middle of a very delicate operation!
Yuffie
Huh?
How would you even know? You don't know how tough it is... getting sick on boats and rides......
So, please...... just leave me alone.
Cloud
......I really do understand, Yuffie. When I get sick on a flight, it's a real killer.
When I was in SOLDIER, I completely forgot about my motion sickness.
Yuffie
Oh......
Isn't there any way to prevent this?
Cloud
Well, according to my research......
First off, if you're nervous a lot, you won't get sick.
But you can't always be nervous.
With this much space, your best bet is to move around while you're riding.
It also might be a good idea to stretch sometimes, too.
But in SOLDIER, we spent a lot of time in trucks.
That sucked!......
And there's one thing you mustn't do when riding.
And that is......
Read!
Once you get sick, there's nothing anyone can do.
I know it's tough......
Yuffie
......so you're a little better off than me.
But I don't feel...... well.
Where's the next stop? Can't you get there any quicker?
Cloud, put me in your party, so I can get off this ship.
Crew Member
My hands are full, so I'll excuse myself here!
Oh, yeah, yeah. Are you using Chocobos?
I mean, just loading them up and transporting them.
If you have a chocobo on board...
Crew Member in Chocobo Stable
That's a good Chocobo.
Learner Pilot (L8)
Wanna Go?
Cloud
- Yes
- No
Going back to Mideel in ruins...
Old Man at Entrance
Ahoy! This here's Mideel. As you can see, this used to be a quiet hot springs town.
Everything's gone now but in a way, I'm kinda glad everything's cleaned out. Feels better this way, ho, ho.
Bald Man
Hey, you feelin' all better now? That's good, real good.
Now don't overdo yourself like that again, hear?
He turns to survey the ruins of the town.
But isn't the Lifestream a strange thing?
When I die, I wonder if I'll flow along in the middle of a warm gentle stream like this......?
Shopper
Hee, hee. Welcome. It's here. The day's finally come! Your day to shop!!
Do we have items and weapons!? Well, I should say so. And here's a bargain! What would you say to 50% off everything?
Just kidding. Even I wouldn't do something like that. Now what can I do for you today?
Thank you. Come again!
Doctor
Hmphf? You...!? How did you recover from your Mako poisoning?
This is absolutely amazing...... I am so glad for you! Looks like your friends' wishes came true.
You can see for yourself what things look like, but at least no one was seriously hurt. We're just very unhappy now.
Nurse
You probably don't remember, but you know that girl that watched over you for so long when you were sick?
You'd better take care of her. If you don't, you'll be sorry. Believe you me!
Well anyhow...... Hey, you all look terrible. Why don't you rest up for a while?
Cloud and the others rest.
OK! Perfect! Well then, take care.
Item Shopkeeper
Welcome! We always welcome cash! What can I do for you today?
I'm sorry. Our stock isn't so great now... But that's just the way it is here.
If you're looking for other items, why don't you check out the other stores?
Girl in Blue
Have you seen my husband? He disappeared during the big earthquake and I haven't seen him since.
I thought he'd be in the store......
You don't think he got through that door and went to another country on the other side, do you?
That's all just a dream...... Nothing like that could ever really happen. Heh...
Materia Shopkeeper
Welcome. Just what you need at time like this--a shop of rest and relaxation. What you want?
Thank you! We don't have many goods but you coming again, please.
Girl
Oh great. Now I've got to find another job......
I guess I might as well make my side job as an accessory seller into my regular job.
Well, since you're already here, why don't you buy something to take back with you?
Thank you. Stop by again.
< Fort Condor | Mideel | Junon >