The final round of voting has ended, and the most memorable moment of the Compilation of FFVII has been decided. Throughout the contest, there seemed to have been a decisive struggle between Zack and Aerith’s death vying for the number one spot in each bracket of voting. Now, a decisive winner has emerged from this…..lover’s postmortem rivalry. (A big thanks to our forum user Glaurung for this hilarious and adorable fanart XD)

In the end, Zack’s death and Cloud’s inheritance of the Buster Sword was voted the most memorable moment of the Compilation of FFVII.

Aerith’s death was a close second.

Zack’s DMW destruction in Crisis Core was third place.

And Cloud tossing Sephiroth into the Mako Pit in the Nibelheim Reactor was fourth place.

Were these the results you were expecting? I for one am a bit surprised, but then again not really. Favorite character death usually ends up as one of the most memorable moments in a fan’s perception of a franchise. A big thanks to our users for voicing their opinion and participating in this amusing and rather surprising look into the tastes of FFVII fans here. What will our next vote and contest be about next? Hmm… I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.

After much voting, and a few delays, the results of our first poll have been tallied and gathered. And some of what users nominated and voted for the most memorable moments of the Compilation are quite surprising.

The moments that made it into the top ten will proceed to the next tier of voting to see which moment is the most memorable of all. Below you’ll find the results of which moments made the cuts, the moments that didn’t, and the personal commentary of members who picked out these events for their memorability. So enjoy, and see what ends up making the cut next time, when only the top four are selected.

Moment Number 10: The heroes return to the Highwind after being ordered by Cloud to discover their reason for fighting.

“Recall a time when you had never played Final Fantasy VII before. Remember how it felt to experience the story as it unfolded for the first time, knowing what lay ahead no more than Cloud and the others did. Think back to the thrill of the highway escape from Midgar, the pleasure of countless hours at the Gold Saucer, the sadness of Aerith’s death, the lump in your stomach as Cloud was forced to face his past at the Northern Crater, and the heart warming emotions as the real events of Nibelheim were discovered.

Do you remember?

Do you remember how it felt that first magical time?

It was a journey of the mind, not just for the characters, but for ourselves. Connecting with them as if we existed in that world? Breathing as they breathed, learning as they learned, feeling as they felt.

These people we have come to know and love so well over the last decade were once upon a time stranger to us. But, that first time we lived through their struggle; their loss was our loss; and we were side by side with them when Aerith died, when Cloud was lost, and when Shinra fell.

Remember now Cloud’s speech on the Highwind. Meteor was one week away from destroying them, and Sephiroth stood between them and the Planet’s salvation. Recall that first time you saw it. You didn’t know how things would end. You didn’t know how the party would react. Cloud sent each of them away to rediscover what they fought for. Was it a person? Was it a memory? Was it a heritage?

The journey had seen many changes for the characters;
- For Barret, the Shinra were no more, and he yearned to be with his daughter.
- For Nanaki, his role as protector of Cosmo Canyon was all the more important with the passing of Bugenhagen.
- For Reeve, the evacuation and survival of the citizens of Midgar held priority.
- For Yuffie, Shinra’s defeat and inheritance of Materia signaled the
restoration of Wutai’s pride.
- For Vincent, getting his revenge on Hojo and being reunited with a lost love was all that had mattered.
- For Cid, he achieved his dream of flying into space, discovering at the same time how valuable his relationship with Shera was.

Only Cloud and Tifa remained with their goal unfulfilled. Sephiroth was still alive. He had killed their families, their friends; he had even killed Aerith. He had to pay for his crimes.

Now, as the sun rose on that fateful day, the Highwind hovered silently above the plains, empty but for two childhood friends who were prepared to go on alone. Prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the Planet.

Remember how it felt to see them alone on the bridge, realizing then that the others had fulfilled their dreams; had achieved their goals. Then remember how it felt to see them reappear, one by one, swearing their allegiance to the cause, determined not to give up on their friends.

Determined not to give up for the ones they loved.

Remember that first time. When you couldn’t help but grin as the characters you had come to know and love reunited, strengthening the theme of companionship of which you had become a part of. Remember how it made you feel.

Now all that remained was Sephiroth, and the climax to the journey that had captured your very heart.

That i why I nominated this moment as the most memorable of Final Fantasy VII. ” -S&G

Moment Number 9: The ending of FFVII where Red XIII appears 500 years later with two cubs looking on a Midgar.

“What happened?! I saw Holy and Meteor react, our fallen comrade’s face…and then credits? Did Holy kill all the humans or not?!” These are the thoughts that raced through the heads of those beating FF7 for the first time. After the credits rolled they saw the words ’500 Years Later,’ to the familiar tribal beat of the Cosmo Canyon drums.

As the camera descends from the heavens, we see movement across a rocky landscape that is quickly clear to be Nanaki, but what are those behind him? The camera pulls in and we get a closer view of Nanaki, clearly aged, but he still exudes power and now with a generous dose of wisdom. Behind him follow cubs. The cubs of the creature thought to be the last of his kind. For any fan of Nanaki, this alone is cause for the scene’s memorability. Soon the family bounds up the cliff face and roars at the top. The camera sweeps around similar to how it did around the petrified Seto to reveal Midgar.

The polluted capital of the Shinra Empire is now covered with foliage and greenery, the cold metal is only visible at parts. So, are all the humans dead? Did they learn to live with nature? Did they simply abandon Midgar and live elsewhere? A flock of birds swoops above to the laughter of children. This laughter seems to suggest humankind is still around but it was still debatable until the release of the Compilation.

This scene is so iconic that Final Fantasy VII Advent Children opened with it in beautiful high quality graphics and the rest of the Compilation has added to it. Firstly, Before Crisis revealed the likely source of the cubs, Deneh, another member of his tribe.

However, perhaps the most significant addition to the meaning of the scene comes from the Case of Nanaki in On the Way to a Smile. In it Nanaki laments that he will outlive all his friends to which the ageless Vincent Valentine tells him that he’ll be around just as long, at least. Then the two heroes agree to meet once per year on the outskirts of Midgar. This instantly directs our thoughts to one of those days 500 years into the future as Nanaki travels with his children to meet his very old friend.” -Forcestealer

Moment Number 8: Red XIII learns the truth about his father and sees Seto shed tears while petrified.

“The scene of Nanaki learning the truth of his father from Bugenhagen was one of the most emotional and defining moments of Nanaki’s character in FFVII. As Nanaki’s entire understanding of his family’s past were changed in that instant, the grief, pride, and love exhibited in that scene were palatable. What once was hatred and loathing for a cowardly father, turned to love, admiration, and pride towards a warrior who sacrificed his own life to ensure the safety of his mother and all the residents of Cosmo Canyon. The heartfelt scene was only punctuated by the silent tears shed by Seto’s petrified body, as if Seto’s soul found peace in knowing that his son finally understood and accepted him as his father.”

Moment Number 7: Cloud’s Crossdressing escapade in Wall Market

“The cross dressing sequence in wall market is a memorable scene in the compilation of FF7, but mostly, for all the wrong reasons. People focus on the humor of Cloud being in drag, which is memorable, but it’s memorable for the same reasons ‘This guy are sick’ is memorable for. Why it should be memorable, is what it tells us about Cloud. No, not that he enjoys dressing in drag. He’s actually quite opposed to the idea, only agreeing to it because it’s to save Tifa.

What this scene does is tell us, in a lighthearted way, that Cloud is a man who will do anything for the people he cares about, no matter how personally he dislikes it, that he will go the extra mile for his friends and family, doing everything he thinks he can. It gives us a peak into the mindset of the true Cloud that we will get to meet later, the Cloud hiding behind his true self, and provide as an introduction to the mindset that guides his action throughout the compilation. In short, it is memorable because it is funny, but it deserves to be memorable because it tells us in a very sly, and yes, amusing factor, that Cloud is someone who will go all out to help those he cares for if he’s able, in stark contrast to the military hard-ass he is pretending to be.”

Moment Number 6: Cloud throwing Sephiroth into the Mako pit in Nibelheim.

“‘No way.’

That was my reaction the first time I saw Cloud defeat Sephiroth in the original Final Fantasy VII.

Not when he defeated him at the end of the game, where he fought with the strength of a SOLDIER. Rather, this reaction was to the revelation of the truth of what had taken place in Nibelheim five years ago.

It’s not even like I didn’t know it was coming. Like so many others playing their first Final Fantasy, I was using the official strategy guide, published by BradyGames and written by David Cassady.

I’d spoiled myself on some of the upcoming details by reading ahead. I’d seen the line that reads, ‘He bested Sephiroth and saved Tifa and Zack’s lives.’ I knew Cloud was able to beat Sephiroth somehow.

I didn’t know yet that he threw him into the bottom of Nibelheim’s mako reactor, though — and I definitely didn’t know that the two actually fought. My assumption was that Cloud simply took Sephiroth by surprise and wounded him, leading to Sephiroth fleeing, not to be seen again for five years.

After all, the strategy guide had also said, ‘Sephiroth defeats Zack, but Cloud grabs his sword and sneaks up on Sephiroth as he’s reaching for Jenova.’

The Mideel Sequence was already significant before this revelation. At that juncture in the story, the mystery of who Cloud really was still lingered, but was finally being unraveled. Sephiroth’s lies at the Reunion were being revealed for what they were.

Until this point, it had seemed they may be true. At any rate, neither Tifa nor Cloud could dispute them. Hojo even corroborated them. Cloud certainly believed them.

This portion of the story was already resolving the game’s primary mystery — but the biggest surprises lay ahead.

My expectations for what was coming were completely blown away. Tifa gets wounded by Sephiroth, as we’d seen before in the Kalm flashback, but then — instead of Cloud arriving on the scene, as shown prior — his friend Zack, SOLDIER 1st Class, shows up … only to be defeated as well. A particularly intense moment follows in which Cloud runs Zack’s sword through an unsuspecting Sephiroth and reveals that he’d been there all along, his face hidden behind the helmet of a regular Shin-Ra soldier.

The mystery of Cloud’s identity was solved — he was real, and he’d been in Nibelheim. As exhilarating as this sequence was, an even more intense development awaited players just two minutes later.

Cloud mistakenly believed he’d delivered a killing blow to Sephiroth. To his surprise, the villain emerged from Jenova’s room a moment later, her head in tow and his attention focused on escaping. Not even attempting to fight, Sephiroth, though severely wounded, made for the exit.

As this comrade who had turned on him left the room, the injured Zack made a request: “Cloud… Kill Sephiroth….” And with that, the regular Shin-Ra soldier, who lacked both Jenova cells and mako enhancement, set out to finish what the 1st Class SOLDIER could not.

And he succeeded.

As Cloud confronted Sephiroth on a catwalk overlooking the bottom of the mako reactor, Sephiroth quickly turned and impaled Cloud with the Masamune. He then lifted his “defeated” foe, who still dangled on the blade, into the air, confident of his victory — but only for a short moment. Activated by Cloud’s rage over the loss of his hometown, the loss of his mother, and the injuries to his friend as well as his secret love — what could only be called a Limit Break emerged from Cloud as he grabbed the blade of Sephiroth’s sword and pulled himself back to the ground.

The blade shaking as he wrested control of the weapon from his nemesis, Cloud then lifted Sephiroth himself into the air — the music accompanying the scene rising to a swell as he did. So in disbelief was the legendary SOLDIER at this unexpected turn of events, Sephiroth didn’t even think to let go of the Masamune’s handle.

With a final effort before his body gave out, Cloud used the Masamune to hurl Sephiroth through the air and into the reactor wall. From there, humanity’s self-declared enemy plummeted into the heart of the mako reactor — defeated. Cloud had killed the most powerful man in the world — the man who walked through flames in that commercial from 1997 and captivated so many of us in the West who had never heard of Final Fantasy before.

“No way.”

He’d really done it. Cloud had achieved a feat that he’d thought impossible when relating the earlier flashback in Kalm. Even after he’d gained his SOLDIER enhancements while a captive of Hojo, Cloud didn’t believe he could have beaten Sephiroth. Yet he’d it done while still a normal kid — if, indeed, he could be considered ever having been normal after doing such a thing.

Suddenly, Cloud coming through the accident that had left Tifa in a coma and him with only scraped knees made a lot more sense. He had been something special all along — and the only one who knew it was the man who hated him for it.

The fact that no one in the game comments on it afterward only serves to underline its significance. The characters didn’t have to tell us how amazing this was — it spoke for itself.

There was something in Cloud that one finds often in true heroes of fantasy and fiction — a reservoir of strength that emerges in desperate times to meet the need at hand and save lives. This was no Punisher or Rorschach — this was someone more akin to a Spider-Man or a Gohan.

Though presented to us for much of the game as an uncouth, cold antihero, Cloud’s mind deteriorated and the typically lauded role of the antihero went without endorsement. It was, in fact, heavily deconstructed. The strong badass was revealed to be a mental weakling unable to face who he really was for most of the game.

Ultimately forced to confront the truth, however, Cloud had to square with his worst enemy — himself. And when this process was finished, what were we left with? A hero.

One who possessed flaws, as any good hero should, but a hero nonetheless.

Though this climactic clash between Sephiroth and Cloud in the bowels of the mako reactor has been re-envisioned on multiple occasions, no iteration since has captured the magic of the original telling — at least, in this author’s opinion. Simple though it was in execution and limited though the graphics were by today’s standards, this scene from the original FFVII stands as an example of powerful storytelling — demonstrating what can be done with a good script, fitting music, and appropriate timing.” -Squall_of_SeeD

Deepground.

This location has been the most esoteric plot addition to the Compilation of FFVII for Western fans, due to the lack of an international release of Dirge of Cerberus’s short lived Multiplayer mode.

Following the release of the single player Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus in Japan in 2005, an online mode was established to enable fans of the title to use their honed skills to do battle in a multiplayer environment based on the world and characters created by the original. Dirge of Cerberus: Online allowed the player to delve deeper into the history of the secret facility of Deepground, and of the antagonists of the single player mode; the Tsviets. The player controlled a newly-recruited Deepground SOLDIER entangled in the conspiracy that led to the eventual seizure of power by the Tsviets. Unfortunately, many secrets regarding its back story, NPCs, and overall plot have been lost due to its subsequent canceling on September 29, 2006, after a mere 7 months of service.

However, S & G, has been able to accumulate numerous images and some hard to find details regarding the intricacies of this online mode’s storyline, and has compiled a lengthy synopsis of the history of Deepground and what US fans might have missed in this rare, and now completely out of production chapter of the Compilation of FFVII. You can read his awesome history synopsis, with some hard to find screenshots below.

The Shinra Company

Shinra Manufacturing Works was originally established as a weapons manufacturer, but on September 23, 1959, this company’s future would be changed forever upon the discovery of a new form of energy; Mako energy. The utilization of Mako as an energy source was an evolution in the basic standard of living for people across Planet, and the Shinra Company was quick to monopolize their discovery. Over time, Shinra was able to grow rapidly as the world’s dominant power, achieving unrivaled commercial, economical and political status. The process of extracting Mako from the Mako mines and turning it into electricity proved costly but highly profitable, and the Company constructed their first cost-effective Mako Reactor in the Nibel Mountains in 1968. Shinra Manufacturing Works became Shinra Electric Power Company, absorbing all competition, and expanding to encompass new fields of study. One such field was that of biological and biochemical research.

In 1976, the Shinra Electric Power Company began the construction of a Plate above the city of Midgar as a location to centralize the Company with a modernized headquarters at the heart of the Plate. The vast upper-city was designed to house the growing support and investment base of Shinra, powered by eight enormous Mako Reactors around its circumference. However, unknown to most, commencement on the construction of a secret facility in the caverns below Midgar took place simultaneously. The complex was primarily established as an infirmary for injured SOLDIERs, powered by its own Mako Reactor – dubbed Mako Reactor 0. All records of its existence were locked away, accessible only by the senior members of the company. The facility became known as Deepground.

This script was translated from the Japanese game by Souya, and any discrepancies between this script and the English game script are likely due to differences in how literally the Japanese was translated by Souya and how literally it was translated by Square-Enix.  This script serves to aid English-speaking fans in understanding the original dialogue of the game and is not meant to be more (or less) “correct” than Square-Enix’s translation, or any other fan translation.  Some visual descriptions were edited by me (Ravynne).

Furthermore, this is a fan translation, and while contentions to its accuracy are welcome, please appreciate the hard work that Souya volunteered for your benefit.  Please also respect said hard work by not stealing this translation for your own use, though you are more than welcome to cite and link to this one.

[Three years before DC, Meteor hangs ominously in a dark sky above Midgar with lightning flashing intermittently. Yuffie and a life rescuing crew are scavenging for people who are still in the city. A helicopter flies in.]

Yuffie: Hurry, hurry! People who are injured are important (in this situation).

[Yuffie faces one of the life rescuing crew.]

Yuffie: Report the situation!
Life rescuing crew: Excavation is finished. All the injured are returned to safety.

[Yuffie waves her arms in the air to the helicopters that are awaiting orders.]

Yuffie: Okay, now go!

[Lightning strikes.]

Yuffie: Until the helicopters reach the safety area, keep yourself alert. (Original: don’t stop holding your breath.)

[Yuffie pats one of the Life saving crew on the shoulder. She takes off her goggles and speaks to the radio transmitter.]

Yuffie: It’s done here, what about yours?

[Scene switches to the Mako Cannon with lightning striking, then Vincent steps in front of the camera.]

Vincent: Finished. But…Yuffie, look towards the direction of the Mako Cannon.

[Yuffie looks at the life sensor’s screen and reports to Vincent at the same time.]

Yuffie: That place is already…especially…

[She holds it up towards the Mako Cannon and zoom towards the platform: the sensor caught something.]

Yuffie: H..Huh?

["Life Signs 01" is displayed on the screen.]

Vincent: After all…
Yuffie: Wa…wait. This looks strange… This is not expected to happen. Under this situation it is not expected to have people over there!
Vincent: Yuffie, go back to where Cloud and people are. It seems that I have some unfinished business.

[Vincent cuts the transmission.]

Yuffie: Wa…Wait!

[Camera zooms out from Yuffie yelling toward the Sister Ray in the distance.]

Yuffie: Vincenttt… Something looks bad, come back—!

[Scene switches back to Vincent, who is now running upwards towards the Mako Cannon platform. He slows down when he reaches the top and looks toward the controls, where a man in a tattered white labcoat is slumped over the console. Vincent’s face toughens and he aims Cerberus at Hojo.]

[Suddenly, lightning strikes the top of the cannon and an explosion ensues. Fences surrounding Vincent are blown away and things are collapsing. Vincent holds onto the railing and looks up. Hojo is gone.]

Vincent: Hnn?

[Another big explosion and a large part of the structure is about to fall onto Vincent.]

Yuffie: VINCEEEEEENT—-!

[Yuffie arrives on a mini air scooter to Vincent’s rescue. Vincent jumps onto the scooter, and Yuffie leans against the handlebars, looking like she is about to puke.]

Yuffie: Urgh…

[Camera switches to the computer panel. It displays "Balestorg" and the system is starting to format itself.]

- 3 years later -

[Screen fades from black into water. The title displays and fades to black again.]

- Dirge of Cerberus – Final Fantasy VII -

[The image of a large crystal being reflected on a watery surface appears. Two drops of water fall onto the surface and we see a close up of Vincent's left eye opening. A longer shot reveals to us that he is sitting in Lucrecia's cave, looking up at her encased in the crystal wearing a white dress with her hands folded in front of her.]

Vincent: Again…I’ve met you again. Lucrecia…

[The crystal and Lucrecia seem to have some resonance towards Vincent’s words. The air in front of her shimmers. Scene fades black.

Lucrecia: I am sorry…

[This time we see Vincent's right eye opening with different lighting. He is sitting on a bed in Kalm and the television is on.]

Vincent: Why? The one who should apoligize…is me.

[Camera pans away from Vincent as he speaks and moves toward his cellphone where Reeve sent him a text message asking him to meet each other in Kalm.]

[Voices on the TV start talking.]

TV (Male): Up until now, the whereabouts of them are unknown.
TV (Female): The program’s staff, those who brought back the information from Midgar has already been 3 weeks. (Meaning: It has yet been 3 weeks since the last information was received from those people.)
TV(Male): Exactly what has happened to them? This..this..week…

[TV switches to the report from 3 weeks ago, which is fuzzy. The screen reads: A television crew and 38 members of an investigation team are believed missing. Source: Remains of the Shinra building. Footage from somewhere in the underground.]

Missing reporter: We are now closing in onto something. The door is slowly being opened!

[Swarm of rescuers head into the door as the reporter continues talking to the camera while jogging behind them.]

Missing reporter: From the information we have received, it appears that there is a lot of people held within these compounds. This type of incidents….

[Camera goes back to Vincent as the voice fades into the background.]

Missing reporter: Huh, what could that be?

[Vincent looks up at the sky through the open window next to him. We see the full moon and then fireworks shooting into the sky. Kalm is having its revival festival and people are happy and whatnot. The camera returns to Vincent again. He suddenly becomes very alert and jerks his head toward the window. A missile comes from above and hits a building.]

Random townsperson: What..is that?

[Several DG helicopters appear and start dispatching soldiers. Deepground attacks the civilians. On the scope of one DG soldier that is reading the civilians we see two colors appear: Red and Green. Some people are colored red and others are green. The scope focuses on the red ones and the soldiers open fire on one of the guys that was red. More carriers arrive and DG hounds mow down some prey.]

[Vincent crouches on the ledge of the window watching all that is happening. A helicopter decends in front of Vincent and it is about to shoot him in the face. Vincent leaps out of the window into the sky, does a backflip, and starts shooting the helicopter. He lands against a roof briefly but leaps off it again, twirls, and continues to fire at the helicopter while upside down. Helicopter 0, Vincent 1. Vincent lands gracefully on another rooftop while the helicopter crashes and explodes in the background.]

DG Soldier: Huh. What is that?

[A little girl with moogle doll looks up toward the commotion that Vincent had just caused and then looks down sadly as she is ushered into a carrier box along with a woman behind her and a bunch of other civilians. Back on the rooftop, Vincent stands and turns around to face us, pushes his cape out of the way, and jumps. Some more DG hounds chase down some more civilians and Vincent stands on another roof behind a railing. He looks down at what's going on and looks pissed.]

[Game switches from FMV to gameplay and Vincent is looking over the railing.]

Vincent: What…is this?

[Some DG soldiers creep up behind him. The scope on one of the DG soldiers reads: Vincent Valentine, Male, Blood Type A. Vincent’s color is purple instead of red (the Geostigma infected) or green (Geostigma free). Somewhere in Deepground, Shelke sits in a chair with her visor.]

Shelke: Found it.

[Many monitors behind Shelke display what she sees on the scope screen.]

[Vincent has his back to the DG soldiers and there is a new order given to them on their scope reading. "Wanted: Dead or Alive". They attack and Vincent beats the crap out of them. Gameplay occurs and he eventually reaches the ground.]

Vincent: The place where I should meet up with Reeve is…the center of the city.

—–

[Vincent saves a child on his way.]

Child: Thank… thank you.

——

[Vincent saves a couple on his way.]

Male: Those…those people are?
Vincent: …if you are talking about this area, they are not here anymore.
Male: We…we’re saved! Let’s go.
Female: Un. (Okay)

—–

[As Vincent turns to the right corner, he sees that the helicopter is taking away one of the carriers. After killing a few more DG soldiers, Vincent sees a daughter and a mother being pursued by DG hounds.]

Mother: This way!!!

[DG hounds are literally right behind them. The daughter and the mother run into a corner and are surrounded. The scope on one of the DG hounds reads: Daughter Green – Clean; Mother Red – Geostigma detected. The mother tries to protect her child and one of the DG hounds leaps onto her as the other carries the daughter away and puts her into the carrier.]

Daughter: Mamaaa, mamaaaaa.
Mother: *moans*

[Vincent saves the girl from the carrier, then pushes his cape out of the way again and walks away.]

Daughter: Mama—!
Mother: ?! Rio—!

—–

[Vincent saves another civilian.]

Vincent: Looks like it’s okay now.
Girl: Thank…thank you, big brother.

—–

[He walks away flipping his cape again and saves 3 more civilians.]

Male: Sa..saved.
Female: Thank you very much.

—–

[Vincent finally reaches the center of Kalm and a helicopter flies above him and fires a missile but Vincent rolls out of the way. Vincent pwnz the helicopter with his L33T marksmanship, so the helicopter releases some DG soldiers. Vincent still pwnz them and their stupid soldiers and does a few ballerina dodges and prepares to shoot the helicopter to its demise. BUT, the helicopter pwnz Vincent by sending missiles after him, so Vincent hurls himself into a nearby house.]

[Shelke removes the device on her head and her eyes glow orange and then fade to blue.]

Shelke: Vincent Valentine… Found him…after all.
Azul: So it’s this person huh?
Shelke: Yes.

[In the house, Vincent goes upstairs and suddenly one of the walls collapses with Shelke and Azul and a bunch of DGs running into the room.]

Shelke: Where is it? The Ancient Materia.

[Vincent looks at them blankly.]

Azul: Zweigar, Weiss…
DG soldiers: Zweigar, Weiss!!

[DG soldiers pour in and Vincent takes them on.]

Azul: That’s enough.

[Azul steps toward Vincent but Shelke suddenly collapses and Azul looks over at her but doesn't seem to care much. The voices of WRO soldiers can be heard.]

Azul: Heh, my fun is spoiled.

[Azul picks up Shelke and proceeds to walk away before leaving his name.]

Shelke: Deepest apologies…
Azul: My name is Azul. We shall meet again.

[Azul exits via the giant hole he made in the wall. Reeve and some WRO run into the room.]

Reeve: What…what is this? Vincent Valentine! Are you alright?
Vincent: Aaa. (Yes) Reeve, though finally meeting you after a long time, you appear to be in a very common form. [Note: This is a joke from Vincent where he is saying of all the time during FF7 and AC, Reeve didn’t appear in real person, but right now, he actually did appear in a "normal" form rather than Cait Sith.]
Reeve: Hahaha, before I came here, I was having trouble deciding which stuffed animal I should be. Anyway, what happened before I got here?
Vincent: Who knows, there was a man who took the name of Azul, but…
Reeve: !? The Azure Azul? One of the personnels of Tsviet? [Note: Tsviet means color in Russian.] After all, this is…
WRO member: Chief!

[Some DG soldiers enter the house downstairs.]

Reeve: Let’s leave all the talk afterwards. The WRO units have started working their way already. We would like you to cooperate with us. (We would like your help.)
Vincent: Reeve…
Reeve: ?
Vincent: I don’t know what is about to happen, but if it draws you into too much trouble, I am sorry.
Reeve: What? Aren’t we companions who fought together three years ago? Right now, your strength is needed…

[Reeve is shot from behind. Vincent’s eyes widen and he shoots the soldier who shot Reeve.]

Vincent: Reeve!?

[Vincent runs over to Reeve, who is face down on the floor, and starts to turn him over but his arms and head fall off and break apart and Cait Sith rolls out in a ball. Vincent appears annoyed and amused.]

Cait Sith: Haha, after all, it’s dangerous. It’s hard to fight all by myself. That’s why I dressed up as Reeve and came here today. But anyway, Vincent-san is a kind-hearted person~ Saving me coming to my rescue without saying anything~
Vincent: …so, what do you want to say?
Cait Sith: Lets get those people outta the village. I will leave you with the way you want to do it. If you would like, please beat the crap out of them and do as you like it! [I took the liberty of making a general assumption outta this line.] Afterwards, meet up with us at the public square near the church on the east side of the town.

—–

[Mission: Support and help WRO]

WRO soldier: You are Mr. Vincent Valentine, right? I am working for WRO, if you need to refill your supply, please use our service.

[Vincent chooses to ask them a few questions...]

[ Vincent asks about the WRO.]
WRO soldier: The chief of the WRO is Reeve Tuesti, who is a hero from the Jenova war 3 years ago just like you, Mr. Vincent Valentine. Because of the great damage that the meteor has done to the planet, for that reason, we decided to help and revive the planet. We are an organization that eradicates all the harm towards the planet and fight with all sorts of things. [Basically meaning they will eradicate everything that stood in the way of the planet’s revival.]

[Vincent asks about the Church center square.]
WRO soldier: If you set your eyes to the distant church in this direction, you shall get there. We will be guarding this place while we move forward.

[Vincent asks nothing.]
Male: This…THIS WAY!
Female: Hurry!
Kid: Waiiit!
Female: RUN!

[The WRO soldier salutes to Vincent and runs after the civilians.]

—–

[Vincent saves some WRO soldiers.]

WRO soldier (Male): Thank you very much for your help.
WRO soldier (Female): You saved us!
WRO soldier (Male): Our deepest gratitude.

—–

[Vincent turns around a corner and sees another bunch of weak WRO soldiers.]

WRO soldier A (Male): Look out for attacks from behind. Is the road that we are going to advance confirmed? And what about the contact with the main party?
WRO soldier B (Male): The civilians have been placed at the top priority.

[A bunch of DG soldiers see them and run toward them.]

WRO soldier B (Male): What?
WRO soldier A (Male): They’re DG soldiers!

[Vincent thoroughly pwns said DG soldiers.]

WRO soldier C (Male): That was dangerous there, thank you very much.
WRO soldier C (Male): [addressing his soldiers here] Let’s go.

—–

[Vincent reaches the center square. The helicopter he fought before appears again and Vincent defeats it. The game camera becomesthe scope of the helicopter and it is trying to search for Vincent, but Vincent is already in mid air preparing to finish off the helicopter. He jumps, he shoots at it, etc. Then he stands on the helicopter, transforms into Galiant Beast, and finishes it off. DG soldiers start to march out of the helicopter towards Vincent. They shoot him with machine guns, and Vincent just stands there and parries it with his clawed hand. WRO trucks slide into the center square and WRO members file out of the trucks, which includes Reeve with machine guns. He runs behind the truck and nods to Vincent. Vincent nods back, and both Reeve and Vincent go and attack the remaining DG soldiers.]

—–

[After they secured Kalm, Vincent sits on a box waiting for information from Reeve, while Reeve is exchanging information with the WRO soldiers. When they finished, a WRO member salutes to Reeve and Reeve salutes back. Then Reeve turns toward Vincent who is sitting on the box behind him.]

Reeve: Thank you for your hard work. [Note: There is no literal translation for Otsukaresamadesita in English, but that’s the closest English translation I can think of.] Anyway, speaking of which, those people (DG soldiers) seem to have retreated from Kalm.
Vincent: Is that so..
Reeve: But please tag along with us for a while more. Edge is also under attack.

[Vincent goes and thinks to himself while the scene cuts back to the destroyed helicopter.]

Please note that while creating your character for the Multiplayer Mode, you have the option to be either male or female. However, for simplicity’s sake, throughout the script the player character will be referred to solely as “she.”

Event 7 – Let’s Play, Shall We?

*Screen fades to black and a young girl is seen looking very happy.*

*As the screen is being overtaken by the static noise, the girl is seen lying on the ground looking around for help.*

Young Girl:  Big sister…  It hurts…  H-help me…

_____

*The screen fades black again, and the scene returns to the Lobby. The officer has his back facing the player and it seems he is talking to someone.*

Officer:  What?  Yes yes, understood.

*Realizing the player is there, the officer turns around.*

Officer:  Err… um…

*The officer coughs, recollects himself and speaks again.*

Officer:  A m-message fr-from the great and the fearsome ones.  They have something for you.  They have summoned you…

Officer:  If there ar-aren’t any problems, they w-would like to have you participate in an up-upcoming mission…

Officer:  Seiger, P.S.!

*The Officer salutes after speaking in a timid attitude.*

_____

*Deepground SOLDIERs are getting attacked by Rosso.  One after another they fall. Rosso laughs as she sees this.*

Rosso:  Oh what a great reaction this is.  Haha…Hahahaha… AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

*The player is seen with Usher who are looking at Rosso from a place not too far away.*

Usher:  Rosso, the Crimson… the Blood stained, the Undead, the Genocide… one who is called by many names.

Usher:  She’s the worst you can possibly face in SOLDIER.  Yea, she’s also called The Worst Vermillion… [Vermillion is another word for red.]

Usher:  A SOLDIER whose body is almost immortal, and who is only drawing out mankind’s hidden potential…

Usher:  It’s probably because of that…  As you can see, that’s why she’s called “The Worst”.

*Usher shrugs his shoulders as he keeps his explanation going while keeping his eyes on Rosso.*

Usher:  Without caring about killing friends or foes… it’s not an easy way to die…  Her emotions are unstable because of the experiments.

Usher:  Only the moments when she is bathed in blood does she feels complete.  Even if that’s true, it’s not a problem in Deepground.

Usher:  The stronger she becomes, the stronger she will be, as long as she can prove herself, she is worthy of her existence…

*Rosso sense the player and Usher are near, she slowly turns around.*

Rosso:  Peek-a-boo, I see you…

*In the next moment, Rosso is gone from where she stood.  A thundering sound is heard and the screen fades black.*

*The screen shows the young girl again.  She falls before asking for help, and then Restrictor’s shadow is cast upon her.*

Young Girl:  Big sister…  It hurts…  He-help me…

*The noise comes in and the screen fades to black again.  When it clears, the camera focuses on the bridge.  The player, who received an attack earlier is seen having her back against a surface.*

*Usher is nowhere to be seen.  Instead, it’s Restrictor.*

Restrictor:  Hmph, the mission has ended. Looks like the people inside the research facility are quite pleased about this.

*Rosso stands with her back facing Restrictor.  She laughs, then turns around and attacks Restrictor.*

*Restrictor easily stops Rosso’s attack, holding an ornate short sword.*

Restrictor:  Huh, what do you intend to do?

Rosso:  Let’s play a bit, shall we…Restrictor!!!

*Restrictor takes off his mantle and prepares to fight Rosso.  He is seen wielding two of those sword like weapons.*

*The shorter sword that Restrictor holds pierces through Rosso’s abdomen, and she falls to the ground.*

*Resctrictor puts his foot on Rosso’s back and stares down at her.*

Restrictor:  Hmph, do you need help standing up?

Rosso:  Ku…Res…trictor!!!

*The screen fades black while the player watches Rosso and Restrictor from afar.*

Usher:  It’s time for you to go to sleep…

Event 8 – The Power of the Transparent

[Note: Shelke here is being referred to as "ｳｮﾌVFN" to which it is pronounced the same as "ｳFﾌVFN".  The former is "Styleless/Formless/Expressionless Shelke" whereas the latter is "Transparent/Colorless Shelke".  It’s an intended pun (as you can see in the later portion of this event).  So I will try to use words as close to its meaning as I can.  Also, please keep a note to yourself to include both meanings when the terms are mentioned.  Suggestions are appreciated and welcomed.]

*Just as before, as soon as the player engages into a conversation with the Officer, the screen will turn black with the young girl running and calling out to her big sister.*

Young Girl:  Big sisteeeer.

*The screen becomes filled with noise, the young girl falls down, and Restrictor appears.*

_____

*When the noise is gone, everything is back to the lobby.*

Officer:  Oh!  Th, that’s right…

*The Officer looks as though he is thinking about something.*

Officer:  There is a certain specification for the General class.  They want you to participate in an emergency mission.

Officer:  Anyway, for the sake of the Great Patricia’s reparation, they want you to secure the course of the specified location…

Officer:  It would be a great addition if you would grant us the pleasure of joining this mission.

Officer:  Seiger! P.S.!

*The Officer salutes.*

_____

*Shelke and Restrictor enters into what seems like a storage type of room.  [It’s basically the room in which Argento first talks Shelke in The Colorless and the Silver.]  Restrictor is seen without his mantle.*

Restrictor:  Hmph, let’s begin.

Shelke:  Yes.

*Shelke puts on her SND device and begins her net dive.*

Shelke:  Finished.

Restrictor:  Hmph, as always, you’re the only one capable of this impressive ability.  Is this a specialty of the Colorless that was born with a shape from a place that is formless?

Restrictor:  Hmm… Speaking of which, you haven’t participated in any field tests as of late.

Restrictor:  Isn’t this the place where your Mako levels are the highest?  Then show me the color [strength] of the Formless.

Restrictor:  Heh, kill that General over there.

*Restrictor points to the player that stands not too far away from them.*

Restrictor:  Heh, though you’re called the colorless, you are still branded with the name of a color after all.  That General should be nothing to you.

Restrictor:  That General over there, remember to have her struggle…

*Shelke looks towards the player with resolve.  However, she doesn’t look as though she’s fully occupied with it.*

Shelke:  How boring…

*In the next moment, Shelke is being kicked by Restrictor, before she falls on the ground.  Restrictor steps on her.*

Restrictor:  What…?  Was that a retort that I heard from you?

*Shelke displays a rebellious expression while Restrictor is stepping on her.  The player is surprised by what she sees.*

*The screen turns black again with the fallen young girl and Restrictor behind her.*

*When the scene clears again, the player aims her gun unconsciously at Restrictor.  Just as the player is about to shoot Restrictor, Restrictor moves with a rapid speed and pushes the player against the wall.*

Restrictor:  Who do you think you are, to aim a gun at me?  Heh, failure…

Shelke:  Let me do it.

*Shelke intervenes and interrupts the scene the moment when Restrictor is about to kill the player.*

Restrictor:  Huh?

Shelke:  You just want to test my strength right?

Restrictor:  …Hmph.

*Restrictor holds the player up with one hand and throws her towards Shelke.*

Restrictor:  Well then, let’s see what you can do…  The strength of the Transparent Tsviet…

*Shelke removes her weapons and looks down at the player.*

Shelke:  Stand up.  Resist a bit, just as Restrictor said…

*The player activates her Limit Break.  However, it is easily cancelled by Shelke’s ability.*

Shelke:  Skill Cancelled.

*Shelke’s eyes shines with orange lights.*

Shelke:  All your skills are useless against me.

Shelke:  From time to time, it is possible to change the path of the form.  Just like this…

*In the next moment, Shelke created 9 copies of herself and surrounds the player.  The player, unable to fend for herself is stabbed.  The player falls and the doubles fade back to the original (one of the 9).*

Shelke:  However, it takes a lot of MP.  I wouldn’t be able to use it without these facilities here that are filled with Mako.

_____

*The screen turns black, and it turns into a bright screen.  Este-D’s face is seen looking at the player.*

Este-D:  Ah, so you really are alive.

*The player sits up slowly and shakes her head a bit.  The player looks as though she cannot grasp the situation at hand.*

Este-D:  You were disposed of at the SOLDIERs’ waste.

Este-D:  Well, I was kinda looking for things to use in my experiment…  Ah, I mean, I found you when I was taking a walk.

Este-D:  Then there was a man that looks strange yet familiar who told me, “Here, take her, she’s still alive,” before he left.

Este-D:  So I thought maybe I could use…  No, what am I saying!  Anyway, that’s how I got you here.

*Este-D tries to cover their statements up.  At last, the player stands up and Este-D watches the player’s body as though she can’t believe it*

Este-D:  But really, to have all these stab wounds to the body and still be alive…  It’s really a miracle unless it was done on purpose.

Event 9 – Beyond the Bonds

Officer:  Wow… I, I see how it is!  You also made it to Tsviet.

Officer:  How impressive this is!  I almost forgot, you’ve been granted allowance for a certain mission

Officer:  Once you’ve become a Tsviet, it is possible for you to fight against the Immaculate Emperor.

Officer:  Since you have the permission, would you like to accept and participate?

*The player turns around and starts thinking.  Behind the player, the Officer is seen as though he wants to ask the player something.*

Officer:  Hmm?  Me?  Of, of course, I received it when I became a Tsviet, but…

*The player is confused, and then the Officer starts panicking and waving his hands trying to deceive the player.*

Officer:  Of course it’s frightening!  But at the end I survived by running from the beginning to the end.

*The Officer looks suspicious with his hands shaking, grasping onto his baton.*

_____

*Scene cuts to the throne room inside the No. 0 Mako Reactor, where Weiss makes his appearance, restrained.*

*He sits on the throne unconscious, bound by a collar that is chained to his throne.  His hands, legs and arms appear to be shackled as well.  There seems to be some sort of device attached to the throne that is giving off a green electrical sparks…*

*Weiss wakes up, slowly standing*

*After he looks around he notices the restraints on him.  He then looks at Restrictor, who is standing in front of him.*

Weiss:  Restrictor, couldn’t you take these off of me?

Restrictor:  Heh, what if I wanted you to do this with a handicap?

Weiss:  Why don’t you try and see if I really need one?

Weiss:  What’s more, I want to try out my new swords…

*Weiss’ gaze falls upon the two swords that are pierced into the ground in front of the throne.  They’re the same Gunblades that he uses in Single Mode.*

Restrictor:  Heh, stop wasting time…  Let’s hurry up and be done with it.

*Restrictor holds up one of his hands towards Weiss and releases him.  All of the handcuffs and shackles fall off and Weiss walks ofrward and grabs the swords.*

Weiss:  Heh, well let’s begin.

Event 10 – “E” for Emperor

*Weiss looks down as he steps on the back of the fallen player.  Only using one of his swords, it looks as though he’s not showing his true strength.  He looks as though he has no intention to kill the player, and whispers to her so that Restrictor can’t hear him. *

Weiss:  I shall avenge you.

*He holds up the player with one hand and throws her away, facing Restrictor.*

Weiss:  Today’s addition went farther then usual…

Restrictor:  Heh, that’s because it’s becoming harder for people to become Tsviets…

Restrictor:  As for your next experiment, I’ve already got it prepared…

*Rosso and Azul enter the throne room with Restrictor’s signal.*

Restrictor:  As you wish, a handicapped match against fellow Tsviets.

*The camera turns back to the player, who awakes as she hears the voice of Shelke, who seems to come along with Rosso and Azul.*

Shelke:  You have the memories of a past before you came here, haven’t you?

*The player sits up a bit and looks up at Shelke.*

Shelke:  That man over there, do you remember him?

*Shelke points to Restrictor while talking.  The screen is filled with static, the young girl appears again, falling before she asks for help, and at the end Restrictor appears behind her.*

*The camera zooms in quickly on the player’s face as she remembers and then shows her with Shelke.  The player breathes heavily.*

Shelke:  Have you regained your memories?

Shelke:  In order to collect all the materials, Restrictor made use of all of his rights in Deepgrounnd.

Shelke:  Didn’t you have something that was taken away from you before you came here?

*Shelke continues her talking as she looks at the player who seems to be persuaded by her words.  The player stands up, and the focal point now shifts to Weiss.*

*Weiss draws his sword, provoking them with one of his hands.*

Weiss:  Relax, give me a break…

*Rosso and Azul rush at Weiss with a roar.  Weiss easily sends Azul flying and easily deflects Rosso’s attack before grabbing her arm to stop her movements.*

Weiss:  Eat this, Rosso.

*Weiss laughs fearlessly.  He sends Rosso’s body flying with a kick.  He has yet to use his weapons.*

Weiss:  Come, show me what you’ve got!  I haven’t even warmed up!

*Azul roars as his body emits the spectrum of cerulean, as does Rosso, whose body is emitting an aura of crimson.  Azul transforms into his bestial form and Rosso stands up.*

Rosso:  Weiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiss!!!

Weiss:  Come on… humor me.

*Both Rosso and Azul lunge at Weiss catching him between two attacks.  Rosso creates two clones of herslef and starts slashing at Weiss.  The situation turns into Azul and Rosso x3 versus Weiss.  Though receiving no damage from their attacks, Weiss finally unleashes one of his weapons and uses it to deflect their attacks.  He takes down Rosso with physical combat and defeats Azul with a slash.*

Weiss:  Haha, now what’s going on?  Are you guys sweating yet?!

*Weiss raises one of his hands and provokes them agaim.  Rosso and Azul stand up, they scream and lunge once again at Weiss.*

Weiss:  Hn.

*The 3 great powers clash together and the screen turns black.  Within the darkness, flashes of crimson, azure, and white can be seen combining.  Then the camera moves to the player, where she continues to watch the battle that takes place in front of her.  Shelke is gone from the player’s side and Usher is suddenly there.*

Usher:  Even with Weiss’s strength, they are still no match for Restrictor.

Usher:  That’s because it has nothing to do with their strength, but a restriction that has been put onto all the Deepground SOLDIERs.

Usher:  They all had a chip implanted into their brain stem when they were taken here…

Usher:  And that makes it impossible to stand up against any orders given by Restrictor.

Usher:  But you?  You can fight against him, to pull his leg and aim a gun at him…

*As though she understands the whole concept, the player’s gaze meets Usher’s as he keeps on talking.*

Usher:  Finish it.  Do what your feelings tell you to…

Usher:  When you have Argento’s permission, come back here.  Afterwards, do what must be done.

Event 11 – When the Scores are Settled

*Weiss nods at the player.*

Weiss:  Do it!

*The camera pulls back to reveal that Weiss is facing Restrictor and the player is standing behind Restrictor.  The player aims the gun barrel at Restrictor, but Restrictor disappears in a flash of light and reappears behind the player and knocks her down, grabbing her weapon.  The player falls and Restrictor aims the gun at the player.  As Weiss is watching, his face displays a fearless smile and releases his power.  Weiss’ body begins to glow white and the camera focuses on his fearless smile.*

Restrictor:  Wha..!?  You!?  Stop this!!

*As Restrictor notices what Weiss is doing, he panicks and raises one of his hands towards Weiss to try and stop him.  All of a sudden, Weiss’ movement is sealed, but not completely.  Weiss takes a stance against Restrictor as he tries to strike Restrictor with his sword.*

Weiss:  …Let me…Join you guys…too.  Mr. Restrictor.

*Weiss gazes at Restrictor with his confident smile, a look of challenge in his eyes.  The once fallen player now stands up and rushes towards Restrictor.*

Weiss:  Heh, you’ll be a goner if your restriction is this weak…

Restrictor:  Ku…

*Weiss’ body shines again, yet, Restrictor can’t get away as he is concentrating on the restriction on Weiss.*

Weiss:  Come now, it’s time!  Finish it!

Event 12 – The Finale of Tragedy

*Restrictor is kneeling on the floor after being attacked*

Restrictor:  Im, impossible…!  Don’t underestimate me!!!

*Restrictor stands up and he pierces the player with the short Gunblade. The player falls, and it looks as though Restrictor just won a pyrrhic victory. The camera changes to the first person view of the player, it looks down to the floor while still able to hear the conversation between Weiss and Restrictor.*

Weiss:  Hmph.

*Along with Weiss’ cold voice, a sound can be heard as though something has been stabbed.*

Restrictor:  Uragh!!!  Y, you…if you do this, the virus inside you will…

Weiss:  Stop talking nonsense.  Aren’t you the one who said, “death is always a possibility in Deepground”?

*The player starts to lose consciousness and the scene turns black.  As the scene goes dark, Weiss’ laughter can be heard along with Rosso and Azul’s.*

_____

*When the screen brightens again, the Tsviets are all gathered inside the throne room.  Weiss, Shelke, Azul, Rosso, Usher, and Argento all stand surrounding the player.*

Weiss:  Is she still usable?

*Weiss is looking and investigating the fallen player below him.  Shelke starts speaking as though the player no longer has any value to them. *

Shelke:  No, it appears that it can’t be done.  It seems that a large portion of the brain has been hindered after the long term engagement with the SND.

Shelke:  It’s only a matter of time before it’s completely destroyed.

Rosso:  Aww, but she worked so hard for us.  How disappointing.

Weiss:  Well then, find someone else who’s suitable to become the replacement.

Weiss:  Since no one knows what or who Restrictor really is [underneath all that armor].

[Note: This appears to be the Restrictor that we just saw was killed by Weiss.  When the player defeated the Restrictor, the Tsviets seemed to have had a plan to use the player as a way replace the defeated Restrictor.   Hence why 2 events earlier, Weiss said, "Today's addition went farther then usual." He meant his plan advanced more than he anticipated; however, Restrictor misunderstood it to mean the number of Tsviets and their quality that got to the throne room.]

Azul:  We’re going to have to look for another one?  How irritating.

*Azul shrugs and says it as though it’s bothersome.*

Weiss:  There’s nothing we can do…  Since only one out of a hundred can make it through here.

Rosso:  Under the principle that normal humans are not as strong as we are.

Weiss:  That’s just how it is.

Shelke:  What we are doing is quite simple…

Shelke:  Thanks to the “HJ Virus” we’ve used to hack inside Patricia, it appears as though we are able to breach their security.

Shelke:  Afterwards, we just need to choose a subject and inject this into her before they temper with her head.

*Shelke, while looking down at the player, talks about the matter lightly as though it doesn’t concern her.*

[Note: This is the reason why the player sees a lot of flashback with Restrictor.]

Weiss:  Hmph, Shelke, hurry up and find the next one.

*After giving out his orders, Weiss leaves, followed by Azul, Rosso, and Argento.  Shelke and Usher are still in the throne room, they both look down at the player. *

Shelke:  Well then, let’s disconnect the SND with this subject.

*In the next moment, Usher, who the player saw a moment ago, disappeared like the video cable has been pulled away.*

[Note: Usher is probably a 3D projection that Shelke created in order to guide the player to this point.]

Shelke:  That’s right, I’ll let you in on a secret…

*Shelke faces the player who is unconscious and speaks to her as though she just remembered something.*

Shelke:  You have no sister…

[Note: This is to say that Shelke replaced and fabricated the player’s memory with her own.]

*All of a sudden, the young girl that the player always sees overlaps with Shelke and disappears.*

*Shelke speaks as though she is making fun of the player.*

Shelke:  Well then, thank you for your hard work.  Take care…

*Shelke walks out of the room where Weiss and others did.  Afterwards, seeing the last of Shelke, the screen turns black and the staff roll plays.  This ends the Multiplayer Mode.*

[Ending Note: In short, it seems that the Tsviets developed a way to bypass some of the security measures placed on them.  By doing this, Shelke was able to find a Tsviet candidate, and via SND fabricate their memories as well as create the persona of Usher.  The Tsviets then guide the player through Deepground, all the while making sure the player would grow to hate Restrictor.  When the time came, they used the player as a pawn to help defeat Restrictor, and then intended that the player would replace him, donning his armor and what not.  Everything went according to plan except the last part, because thanks to the long time engagement to the SND, it looks as though the players mind had deteriorated and would soon be lost completely.]

Please note that while creating your character for the Multiplayer Mode, you have the option to be either male or female.  However, for simplicity’s sake, throughout the script the player character will be referred to solely as “she.”

Opening Movie – A SOLDIER’s Awaking

Deepground.

A secret facility that was built underneath Midgar…
Even in Shinra, there was only a few who know of its existence.

That place… it ignores and defies all morals, asking the question,
“To what extent will humans go to become stronger?”
The experiments and research has been undergoing for a long time……

Those who are being abducted and brought to this place……
Those who are injured and being transported to this place……
Those who were here as far back as one can remember……
Those who appeared in this place on a certain day all of a sudden……
Those who knew what that place is……
Those who didn’t know anything……

Various people are gathered there.

Deepground…… Shinra’s Dark Secret……

______

*Scene switches to a battlefield in DG, the camera has a shade of red on top of it. Dead SOLDIERs can be seen lying on the floor with weapons next to them. Then the camera travels further towards a remaining SOLDIER, but he falls and dies after he gets slashed by something.*

_____ 

*Scene switches to the Mako bath room, this time with a few more DG soldiers lying on the floor. An unknown figure who looks like Shelke walks in from the left corner of the screen towards the camera, while the person who is still conscious, and the screen, fades out.

_____ 

*Scene goes to someone’s memory.*

Little Girl:  Big sister, help me!!!

*A few DG Soldiers fire at an unknown object.  The camera switches to another scene with more DG Soldiers firing at something.  A few more shots are heard, accompanied by the little girl’s screams and the screen go dark and white noise.  A few quick shots of bright lights and the screen goes black again.*

_____

*Scene changes to somewhere inside DG with a core-like structure in the middle.  [Possibly someplace similar to Mako Reactor 0]*

Mysterious SOLDIER:  Welcome.  Do you know where you are?

*Camera zooms onto player’s character.*

Mysterious SOLDIER:  Heh, well anyway, this is Deepground, Shinra’s Dark Secret……  However, this place is fulfilling its sole purpose of creating the strongest forms of life possible…

*The mysterious SOLDIER notices the presence of another and he kneels with one of his leg on the floor to show his respect.  A man with black cape and mask comes into the screen.*

Restrictor:  Hah, a newcomer?

*Screen goes into the white static screen again, then flashes of a white screen with some blue neon glow before going back to normal.*

Restrictor:  Heh, it seems that you worked hard to survive, only to become a great specimen.

*The man in black walks away and the Unknown Male stands up.*

Mysterious SOLDIER:  That one over there is a Restrictor……  A unit that is not supposed to exist.  The lost force, SOLDIER’s 14th Unit.

*Camera zooms around DG as the mysterious SOLDIER is talking.*

Mysterious SOLDIER:  ……Do not try and fight those people.  They are the absolute existence in here.  No one can rival them.  Well… Perhaps the Tsviets……  But, that’s all I have to say.  What is left is for you to ask for instructions from the Instructor who stands next to the ranking board.  See you later then… that is if you can stay alive.

Opening – Intermission 1

Officer-East:  I am the one who is responsible for the level promotion exams.  If you want to raise your level, you need to pass through all the exams given by us, the officers.

*Then Officer-East goes into a thinking posture.*

Officer-East:  ……Is this the first time that I’ve met you?  No, in fact, before I bother remembering your face, there are many others who die before their face is worth remembering as well.  And then naturally, I’ve abandoned all effort in trying to remember them.  Let me know if there is anything wrong.

*Officer-East goes back to his normal posture again.*

Officer-East:  Well then, you’d probably know by now, in Deepground, strength is everything.  You have the right to keep on winning in order to prove your survival in Deepground, and that way, the roads will be opened for you.  That is the rule of this world.  It is good thing to know this from the start.

*Scene cuts as to another angle of Officer-East.*

Officer-East:  Then hurry up and complete the following battle three times.  We will know whether if you can go on and continue here from the results you get from your tests.  For everything, the “beginning” is essential.  First, go to “Beginners’ Battle” and fight, and then you will probably be used to how everything works around here.  If you’re not confident enough in yours skills yet, then try out the “Mission Mode” and train yourself from there.

*Scene cuts to a Terminal with a DGC Storm standing in front of it.*

Officer-East:  Go and head towards the battle entry from that terminal.  For a more detailed description, it is a good idea to talk to the DGC Storm standing next to it.

*Scene goes back to Officer-East.*

Officer-East:  Seiger!  P.S.!!

Opening – Intermission 2

Argento:  The thing that you will need here is strength.  What you are seeking for is a height that is far away.  [It's just a poetic way of saying you are reaching for the top, which lies very far away.]

*Then a higher class DG SOLDIER runs pass Argento’s left side.*

Argento:  Me? I am Argento.  The ones who are strong disguise themselves as the weakest, and in effect we are too weak for you to battle with. Therefore, being like this, my role is to watch and observe everything.

*Camera zooms out form Argento.*

Argento:  There is a reason to why I do not fight and yet I continue to exist; however, this is not the time to speak of this matter.  I shall ask you.  Does thou seek to be the strongest?

*Ok or Cancel.*

[Ok.]

Argento:  Very well.  Then during this time, I shall carefully show you the road towards becoming the strongest.  It is okay to forget this, however, until the day you’ve reached the far distant end of the road and meet with the Immaculate Emperor……

Event 1 – The Colorless and The Silver

Restrictor: Hn, have the Transparent and the Cerulean come with me. You too.

Argento: Hmm, understood.

_____ 

*Shelke is seen with her eyes closed sitting on a chair receiving a Mako Bath when Argento walks in.*

Argento: Shelke. Restrictor is calling. It’s the same lowly business as always.

Shelke: Understood.

*Shelke sits up.*

Shelke: … That person, why?

Argento: ……well, she has not grasped the things in the sea or the things in the mountains. Perhaps, if one polishes one’s skills, then maybe one can enter……

[Note: I am guessing this is a Japanese idiom saying something like... Having skills that allow one to retrieve treasures from the depths of the sea and the mountains. Another idea suggested by vilaeth is that, it's about the uncertainty whether if the player will carry out everything as planned and it's too early to say whether if one's performance will succeed.]

Shelke: Is that so… Still, this is how it will be from now on, no?

Argento: Yeah. This is probably the “beginning”……

Event 2 – The Risk of Triple S

*While Officer-East is talking to the player, he notices there are people coming. The camera then shows Azul, Shelke and Restrictor. Officer-East immediately kneels on one of his knees, but the player just stood there not knowing what to do. Officer-East nods to player and player proceeds to kneel. When the player kneels down, Officer-East starts to whisper to her.*

Officer-East: Tsviets……? Azul the Cerulean and Shelke the Transparent…… To come to a place like this…… Are they going to participate in a mission somewhere?

*The three walks pass Officer-East and player. Azul does not pay any attention to them, Shelke glances over, but when Restrictor passes in front of the player, she stands up.*

*The scene cuts to the fragmented memories of player and then back to present.*

Officer-East: H, hey!

*Officer-East drags her back to her knees again. When Restrictor is about to approach her, Shelke speaks up.*

Shelke: We don’t have time for this, correct?

*Restrictor turns to Shelke, then back to player.*

Restrictor: ……Hnn.

*The three walks away as Officer-East stands up.*

Officer-East: What were you thinking!? There are a countless number of Soldiers subjected to punishment because they ruined Restrictor’s mood.

*Player stands up.*

Officer-East: *sighs* That’s right, this is also the first time you’ve ever seen the Tsviets, isn’t it?

Officer-East: Tsviets, that’s the title for the strongest rank here. And above even that, only the most exceptional of Soldiers are assigned a “color”.  That’s what those two people from a moment ago are…  The one in the lead was “Azul, the Cerulean”.  Who knows how long it’s been since he was thrown down here, but he was promoted to Tsviets in almost no time. The researchers must be quite pleased.  His obsession with “power” is unusually high.  He’s the kind of Soldier that best symbolizes Deepground.

Officer-East:  And the one following him was “Shelke, the Transparent”.  She is special.  The color given to her isn’t a color at all.  Though, even I don’t know what that means…  She isn’t as young as she seems to be either.  She’s been in Tsviets since before I became a SOLDIER here.

Officer-East:  Additionally, there are other Soldiers that were assigned a “color.”  “Rosso, the Crimson.”  “Nero, the Sable.”  “Emperor Weiss, the Immaculate.”

Officer-East:  All three of them, within Deepground, have a risk rating of SSS (Triple S).  If you see them, I recommend you run away without giving it a second thought.

Event 3 – Azul and his Meal

*Two DG Soldiers walk past the player and Officer-East.*

Officer-East:  Those Soldiers became Tsviets earlier.  However, that is not to say that they have reached the top.

*The two DG SOLDIERS walks off the screen.*

Officer-East:  Also from now on, it shall be even more important to raise your level before you finish.  Not only must you become strong, but the number of enemies you will encounter shall increase as well……

_____

*Scene cuts to the two Tsviets we’ve seen earlier. They are on a lookout/mission.*

*Camera zooms out of them and Azul is seen on the cliff watching them.*

Azul:  Those people over there, can I eat them?

Shelke:  ……That is not a problem at all.

Azul:  What is their class?

Shelke:  Both of them are Tsviets.

*Azul grins and the screen fades black.  Then he is seen again jumping down from the cliff which startles the two Tsviets.*

Azul:  Fellow Tsviets, don’t you think it is time to let the killing begin?  URAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!

*Then the screen fades black again.*

_____

 *When the screen comes back again, the two Tsviets are lying on the ground.*

Azul:  You call these Tsviets with that kind of level?  How boring……  This just isn’t enough.  The next is……

*Azul walks away as the screen fades black again.*

Event 4 – Skills of Tsviet

Mysterious SOLDIER:  What?  You’re on this mission too?

*The Mysterious SOLDIER keeps talking as though nothing can interrupt him.*

Mysterious SOLDIER:  Oh, that’s right, you haven’t got my name yet.

Mysterious SOLDIER:  My name is Usher.  Nice to know you, as long as you’re alive.

*All of a sudden, the player grabs her forehead.*

_____

 *The screen changes to the scene where a young girl is seen, the same one in the Opening.*

Young Girl:  Wooow!  Big sister, did you really become a SOLDIER? If that’s the case, then we don’t have to be afraid anymore…

*After a cut-in with some noise on the screen, the young girl is seen on the ground.*

Young Girl:  Help, big sister…

*As the young girl tries to reach out her hand, Restrictor’s shadow can be seen behind her.*

_____

 *When the screen changes again, the player is back in the jungle. All of a sudden, the player is attacked (shot) by someone and falls.*

Restrictor:  Huh?  What’s this…?  Is this my prey?

*The screen turns black, this time it collides with the same image as the one before.  It seems as though Restrictor is the one who attacked the player.*

*Restrictor walks away and ignores the player.  Just as Restrictor is passing by, the player grabs Restrictor’s leg.  Restrictor sees this and kicks the player.*

Restrictor:  A failure?  Do you wish to be eliminated…?

*The moment when Restrictor is approaching the player, Azul leaps behind Restrictor ready to attack him*

*Restrictor turns back and blocks Azul’s attack with one hand.*

Restrictor:  Oh, so you’re still alive?  Is that what you are here to tell me?

*Azul continues to attack Restrictor.*

Restrictor:  HALT.

Azul:  Gurgh!

*Azul’s body is surrounded by light and can’t move.*

Restrictor:  Hmph, how boring.  Is this all you’ve got for being a Deepground SOLDIER, even one that is considered a Tsviet…

Restrictor:  While you are here, there is no point to raise your sword at me.

Restrictor:  Heh, very well then.  How many years has it been since it was put into you?  You’re the only successful case of the Metamorphose experiment.

Restrictor:  That power of yours, ShinRa…  No, it will be useful for the President.

Restrictor:  Keep on struggling and live.

*Restrictor leaves, and the camera goes back to the player.  Usher is watching the player who uses the boulder to pull herself off the ground.*

Usher:  Yo, looks like you’re still doing very well after all that kicking.

Usher:  Didn’t I say he’s the absolute existence here?  You must be crazy to grab his leg.

Usher:  Soldiers are nothing but pebbles on the road; no one will see or pay close attention to them.  That’s why, there is no need to feel sad when they die, we simply throw them away and forget them…

*Azul is still frozen.*

Usher:  Well anyway…  Looks like this is a test mission of our strength as a Tsviet.

Usher:  We are his prey…

*Usher explains this while he is looking at Azul as though they’re done for.*

Usher:  Azul the Cerulean.  As you can see from his name, he’s been given a color, a top Tsviet.  The strongest soldier here.

Usher:  Even so, as long as there are Deepground SOLDIERs, it will never be good enough for Restrictor…

Usher:  Well, if we are lucky, we might get to live.  Good luck and god speed.

*With a light wave of his hand, Usher leaves.*

Event 5 – In the Presence of Darkness

[Note: It can also be "The Origin of Darkness" or "Underneath the Darkness" depending on the translation of the word.]

*The player stands outside of an opened door and is seen looking inside.*

*All of a sudden, Usher walks inside without the player realizing it, and starts talking to the player in a friendly manner.*

Usher:  Haha, isn’t this an unexpected fatal attraction?  Wasn’t it said that you stand before that darkness, watching it as well?

*The camera turns into the room and Nero is seen hanging and bound to a pillar.*

Usher:  Nero, Messenger of the Dark…  He is the one who gathers everything in darkness and releases it.

Usher:  And because he is very dangerous, they restrain him like this.

*The screen displays Grimoire and the researchers in the dark with distorted faces*

Usher:  This is from about a decade ago, from the research left by a scientist named Grimoire, who found that a lifeform was created by the stagnation of Lifestream.

Usher:  And those researchers who were here at that time believed it.  By experimenting with the stagnation, they took the substance and injected it into children who were about to be born.

*The screen displays Usher and the player again standing before Nero.*

Usher:  Of course, this was all done without an understanding of how it was going to turn out.  Don’t you think this is similar to the Jenova Project?

Usher:  Though they did a few hundred experiments, it looks like he’s the only one that was successful… 

*A screen showing Weiss, Azul, and Rosso*

Usher:  Well, more or less.  Those with their names attached to a color are probably more of them.  The only few successful cases that arose from their many failures.

*Then back to Usher, player, and Nero.*

Usher:  As for his mother, it seems that she was engulfed by Nero’s darkness when he was born.

Usher:  They say she was an excellent mother.  No doubt, about it, seeing as Nero shared the same mother as the Immaculate Emperor.

*In the dark Nero and Weiss stand back to back.*

Usher:  Black and white, the opposite amongst brothers.  The older brother has been given the title of Emperor, and his dominion remains as Deepground’s strongest Tsviet.

*The camera shows a scene with Weiss with his eyes closed, before he opens his eyes smirking, then the screen cuts to Mako Reactor 0.*

Usher:  Do you know?  Although the Immaculate Emperor Weiss is very strong, his power and strength is being controlled.

Usher:  Other than the times when there is an experiment going on, he is chained to his throne within the Reactor 0, which is in the center of Deepground. 

*The screen cuts to Restrictor.*

Usher:  Moreover, if the signal from Restrictor disappeared, a time limit virus within Weiss will be released, and he will only have three days ahead of him before he dies.

Usher:  How convenient it all seems…

*Usher shrugs, and moves his shoulders a bit to stretch. In the next second, the camera zooms into the room in a fast pace and the camera starts panning up on Nero.*

*Nero opens his eyes and he screams as though he is in pain.*

Nero:  AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!  BROTHER!!!

*Darkness seeping out from Nero covers the screen, and after everything turns into darkness, before a young girl is shown.*

Young Girl:  Big sister, if you become a SOLDIER, then you can protect us, right?

*A breaking noise and the screen changes to a girl who looks like she is running from something that is chasing her.*

Young Girl:  Big sister!!!

*The screen is filled with white noise again, and it turns black. When the screen returns the player is seen sitting on the floor and Usher is looking over the player.*

Usher:  Are you okay?  You don’t look so good.

Usher:  Well, there’s not much you can do after you’ve came into contact with darkness.

Usher:  His darkness will seep and infiltrate your soul.  It is said that he can make you feel death, and even recall memories you don’t want to be awakened.

Usher:  What did you see?

*Usher turns away from Nero to look at the player and the screen turns black.*

Event 6 – Real Yet Fake

Este-D:  Ah, you came at the right time.  Come here a bit and lend me your head.

*After Este-D says this, she suddenly hits the players head.  The player loses her consciousness and the screen fades to black.*

_____ 

*The camera moves to a monument that resembles some sort of ruins, where Rosso sits and looking like she’s bored.*

Rosso:  How boring…

*Rosso lets out a sigh, as Shelke approaches her.*

Shelke:  Rosso, people in the research facility are looking for you.

*Rosso doesn’t reply or made any gestures.*

Shelke:  Rosso?

*Rosso laughs all of a sudden and turns to Shelke.  Rosso rushes to Shelke and starts slashing at her.  Shelke looks as though she’s used to this.*

Shelke:  Again?

*Shelke lets out a sigh and in the next second, holds up her weapons.*

*The camera momentarily moves to the sky.*

*Rosso’s breathing can be heard, and the camera trails down from the sky to where the two people are.*

Rosso:  I’m tired of fighting with you.  Moreover, your body will weaken after using the Formless [Colorless] Mode, right?

Rosso:  Hey Shelke…

Shelke:  What is it?

Rosso:  Have you fought in any battles outside of Deepground?

Shelke:  No, because my body won’t allow me to fight for a long time.

Rosso:  Yeah, looks like it.  But didn’t you live outside before you came here?

Shelke:  Yes.

*The camera moves away from Shelke and zooms onto Rosso who is looking around at her surroundings.*

Rosso:  You know, I’ve seen this ever since I was born.

Rosso:  Sky made from projectory.  Real yet fake.

Rosso:  I want to go to the outside world, just once…  Why won’t they let me out?

*Shelke stands there, unable to answer Rosso’s question.*

*Dead bodies everywhere.  Throughout the ruins, there are a few 10-20 people who were killed by Rosso.*

Rosso:  Fine then.  I will kill every single one of them inside and get out of here.

*Rosso gives Shelke a strong look and leaves.*

*Afterwards, while Shelke is walking the dead body of a Deepground SOLDIER is rolling towards her.*

*Though the eyes are opened, the DGS looks like he’s dead.  The camera focuses on the dead body and slowly moving back to Shelke.*

*Shelke stops in front of it.  She holds out her hand and closes the eyes of the dead.  At the same time, the screen fades black and the view came back to the Lobby.*

_____ 

*The player is seen lying on the ground with Este-D looking down at the player.*

*The player regains consciousness and wakes up.*

Este-D:  Oh, so you’re awake.  Anyway, what did you see?

*The player slowly rises while holding his/her head.  Este-D seems to ask again.*

Este-D:  What did you see?  Can’t you hear me!  Answer!

*The player can’t answer.*

Este-D:  Dammit, this is supposed to be an experiment where I obtain data from an abandoned mind, is there really nothing at all!?

*Este-D leaves the player, looking disappointed as though she has given up.*

Este-D:  Well, I see that you can at least regain consciousness.  Others have their mind.  Oh, nevermind, it’s nothing.

*Este-D swings her hands as though she’s trying to deceive the player that nothing major happened and she leaves.*

Dirge of Cerberus Interview Part 1 – The Birth of DC

Yoshinori Kitase – Producer
Takayoshi Nakazato – Director
Tetsuya Nomura – Illustrator/Character Designer
Hiroki Chiba – Scenario

Please tell us what is involved through the course of making Vincent the main character in this game.

Kitase: I really like the original characters of FF7, and his name always made a presence in my mind. And this time, since we were thinking about wanting to make a gun action game, we decided on Vincent, who uses guns as his weapon of choice.

Nomura: I heard it from Kitase that he wanted to make a FPS (First Person Shooting) game, and that he wanted to use characters from the past FF series. And though within those characters in the past FF series, there were many suitable candidates; I have in mind that Vincent is the most suitable out of all of them, so I suggested it as well. There were others like Yuna, Barret, Irvine, basically, we’ve thought about all the past FF characters who used guns as their weapon of choice. However, with the release timing of AC and BC, as well as the mass depth and mysteries that are being covered [in AC and BC], it would be great if we can use Vincent as a way to smoothen [elaborate] the plot; and that’s what we thought about and it came true.

The genre that is called FPS, is not a really common thing [system] to the Japanese gamers. So during the development of this game, are there any uncertainties that are in mind?

Nakazato: When we made our press conference during the Square-Enix party, people who got to come into contact with this product were shocked. We realized [have in mind] that there were people who mainly play KH type genre of RPG, and the way they finish off an enemy is by approaching them up front to attack. However, in FPS, you can’t just run up to the enemy and assault them. So bearing in mind this experience, we realized the concept of FPS is not very well instilled in most gamers’ mind. Since we have this issue, we figured that we should include a Easy mode for people who just play pure RPG to understand and manage through this game.

Kitase: And to balance it out with the issue mentioned [by Nakazato], there was a dispute in terms of where the focal point should be, until the very end [of the production]. We didn’t want to make it into a first person POV, so we decided that at least we have to see Vincent from waist above, and able to see somewhere from his shoulders when the camera rotates. Though it is better if we want to make it like a real FPS and have the camera set around the height of the shoulders, there are still people who are new to the whole FPS concept and it is better to give them a full character view so that they can control the character easier. Moreover, when and how characters should be seen, and how it must not be seen on the screen, in certain instances, is quite difficult to manipulate.

[Basically, he is saying how hard it is to go from one view to another view without making the players having confusions as to exactly which one they should stick to, so they spent a lot of time debating and disputing this issue.]

Nakazato: Yes, to obtain a balance in that area was hard. Especially we don’t even know who is standing next to Vincent, and with considerable trouble [effort] about Vincent moving around, we have to make him look fascinating. And because we wanted to see it, so we added visual effects along with the mantle.

[He is saying how it is hard to present Vincent when he is in full view on the screen.]

This is about Vincent’s mantle. It seems that it’s the same mantle that is seen on Grimoire. What is the origin/concept of this mantle?

Kitase: Oh right. So when I was talking to Nomura about the design, I said, “Make something that people could see on the first sight that they are father and son.” From then on, it became a discussion about whether or not using the mantle is a good idea. Grimoire’s scarf somehow became Vincent’s turban [the hairband], it’s basically the same thing, but it’s worn in a different way. And that’s why we think that if we put something that can relate those two together, when people see it, they will go, “Oh! This is the father!”

Nomura: When I was asked to make a conceptual drawing about Grimoire Valentine, I was only then told on the spot that he is the father of Vincent, which made me quite shocked and surprised *laughs*. However, I am not exactly the person who is responsible for the making of Grimore Valentine [/I don't have the final call]. Instead, it was Nakaaki, the sub character and mechanic designer who drew the general appearance of Grimoire; but since [we have different styles] the look [on the face] is far different than Vincent’s, so Grimoire’s facial detail had to be redrawn by me. About his clothing, it’s basically what Kitase have said [so I won’t repeat the same speech again].

The gun that Vincent uses is quite impressive and striking. Are there any specific designs or origins about Vincent’s gun, Cerberus?

Nakazato: Oh, there aren’t any bases. When Nomura who is responsible for character design brought me the conceptual drawings, Vincent is already seen with the gun. I saw it and said, “Oh, so this time it’s this type of gun.” *laughs*

Kitase: After all, since this is a Gun Action game, the gun he’s holding must be special in a way. Bearing that in mind, we decided that it should be somewhat different than the previous productions.

Nomura: If Cloud has his Buster Sword modified, and this time, it’s Vincent who is being the main character, I want to give him some sort of weapon to show this significance. Vincent used to be one of the Turks, and Turks are said to be Shinra’s dogs… However, Vincent is no longer [a personnel] working for Shinra, instead he is bound by his past, so it came to me that he has an image of being chained in some form. Also, with regards to Vincent’s diabolic image, while we are talking about the hell hound, Cerberus, we think that it is quite suitable for him. So when that image became concrete in my mind, I drew it out with 3 barrels to imply the idea of the 3 heads Cerberus has, and everything started to take its place. And what is left is the revolver [bullet chamber], there are three of them too. Even though it is said that in most occasion there can only a limited number of bullets coming out, in this game, I worked with an interesting idea, “If there are 3 barrels, there must be three revolvers.”

Dirge of Cerberus Interview Part 2 – Behind the Scene settings

Yoshinori Kitase – Producer
Takayoshi Nakazato – Director
Tetsuya Nomura – Illustrator/Character Designer
Hiroki Chiba – Scenario

Mr. Nomura, you are the one that is in charge of all the main character designs. Is there anything that you have to especially keep in mind?

Nomura: This time, I kept in mind that I have to draw a lot of people that represent the world of FF7. Therefore, I can’t just go and say, “I feel that this character should be like THIS!”, I have to consider the many factors these characters have on each other, whether or not they fit in together with each other. Though there are times that I work with Nakaaki and other new designers in this project, in terms of female clothing, they are given to female designers.

[It is said that the world of DC] seems to be much broader compared to the world of FF7.

Nomura: Yes, it seems so. Nakaaki and other members who were involved used to be the test players of FF7 a long time ago. A little input from them might be interesting. Since this is a spin off, I don’t think there is any way that we can do so.

[This is really confusing, but I think what Nomura is saying that, the way DC’s world seems to have a broader scope is that, he considered adding some new influence from the old testers of FF7, but at the same time, he put a control on the amount of new ideas that are being implemented in the story.]

So in a sense, can we say that Nomura is the one who does the design, while Nakaaki and the others put on the flesh and bones?

Nomura: Perhaps so. Take Shalua as an example, she was first drawn by Nakaaki, then it was given to female staff, and at the end of the process it was given to me and I added the finishing touch to it, so it’s basically a 3-step process.

Is there a certain expectation you want to see for characters who appeared in FF7 [but weren’t really clearly shown back then in conceptual art]?

Nomura: About Lucrecia, since the leftover [remaining] information for her in FF7 was not found, it was really hard to recreate her. So we relied on guidebooks’ tiny little portraits, and the many drawings that fans did of her. Then we look at Sephiroth, the son of Hojo and Lucrecia, of course he looks more like Lucrecia [than Hojo] *laughs*. Based on all these points, this is how we establish the current Lucrecia that you see in DC today.

The crystal object that Lucrecia has been sleeping throughout DC, is it possible that she could be alive?

Chiba: She is still alive. In FF7, she became an entity that possesses a body that won’t die [perish] “that easily,” so she was always inside the crystal. However, it is not to say that it is entirely impossible for her to come out of the crystal, as Lucrecia was just in a state of sealing herself inside. Furthermore, that crystal is a product of Lucrecia herself. However, those who have seen the ending will understand that words can be [properly] communicated to her.

Kitase: Though it is not certain whether or not it [Lucrecia’s feelings/words] can be transcended to Vincent, he constantly visits her place and talks to her. In DC, Lucrecia’s feelings can be passed through [understood] by Shelke [with SND], but the last tear that we see Lucrecia shedding is implying the undermined uncertainty, “Did it really get through?”

[Carried on from above] what exactly is the idea [strength] of this crystal? Was it based on the same principle for the coffin that Vincent slept in when he was in the Shinra mansion?

Chiba: It is being protected [guarded] by something that is much stronger. Since Vincent just wakes up and open the lid *laughs*.

[This question is asking about the strength of the crystal and how easy it could be broken open and accessed. Compared to Vincent’s coffin, it’s something that is much stronger and harder to break.]

About the character that “does not want to establish direct contact,” Reeve has this comment about this individual as “someone who wants to compensate for [the debt he owed to] the planet.” So is it possible that the person behind WRO’s funding is “him”?

Chiba: I think it must be him *laughs*.

Kitase: Since there is a similar dialogue that appeared in AC, please try to make a connection between that mysterious comment [and this one, the person (?)].

If there is really such a contributor as Reeve said, then Cid’s Airship units, after all are also funded by the same person?

Chiba: In the case of Cid, to say that he received the money directly from that person is a bit…well it wouldn’t really make sense because of his [Cid’s] personality, but I think it’s more of passing the money from Reeve to Cid. Whether or not Cid still has some [qualms (?)] about that person, it’s quite a delicate matter *laughs*.

What is the contributor doing as of now?

Kitase: Basically what he is doing in AC, and it’s going to extend for quite a while [meaning he will be doing the same thing in the future for quite a while]. For some reason or the other, since he still has this bad impression upon him, it is still not clear whether or not the reason of his support is [simply] just to help out.

Nomura: No matter what is going against the planet and how he wants to compensate, I think he is trying to establish some sort of profit as his primary goal. Even in DC, he says it’s for the sake of amending his debt to the planet and helped out financially, but I think I’m afraid [it’s just another way] he used to put his own goal forward.

Dirge of Cerberus Interview Part 3 – The Mysteries of Tsviet

Yoshinori Kitase – Producer
Takayoshi Nakazato – Director
Tetsuya Nomura – Illustrator/Character Designer
Hiroki Chiba – Scenario

Okay, the next question is, about the new characters, Tsviets, do they have a model that they are based on?

Chiba: I was thinking, since Vincent being the main character this time, along with characters like Yuffie, Cait Sith, Cloud, et al. from FF7, they needed some people to fight against. Keeping in mind that they are soldiers who are different from Sephiroth, and making a balance out of here and there, we came up with Vice, Nero, Rosso, Azul, and Shelke, while Nomura designed and shaped them.

Kitase: I told him and put this across – “Make it [this character] look [feel] like this.” For example, requests like: “Make Nero look like a psycho.”

Nomura: About Nero, I was being told, “Restrict him [for me]“. As I am not responsible for writing the scenario and background information for the characters, I was very loose [on the details] on the design of the characters. Though I have also received information about Nero, when I saw that it has “suppressing his own strength therefore binding his own hands,” I started to have funny ideas, because right after that, it says, “shoots things with his two hands” *laughs*. Moreover, the information also has “riding on a motorcycle” written on it. Does Nero really ride on the motorcycle without his hands on the steering control? *laughs* And that caused me quite some trouble, so I decided to give him a pair of wings with hands on it.

Why is it that Nero has to have his two arms restricted, not to mention that his face is being wrapped up with bandages?

Chiba: Throughout the years while he was in DG, he got used to not using his hands, got used to being in control, got used to being locked up, got used to being restricted. About his bandages, that person [Nero], seems to be the type that will leave [leak] something [here I assume it’s his darkness] wherever he goes, so the image of him needing something to keep it [his power] blocked came to place *laughs*. We also had this idea earlier that Nero’s mother got trapped into darkness when Nero was born. Basically everyone in Tsviet received some form of “adjustment” in DG one way or another, but what exactly is the thing that everyone was subjected to, when you enter the multiplayer mode, you shall find out.

In the Tsviet, everyone was given a name along with a color, why is it that Shelke is the only one labeled as “Colorless”? Is there some sort of meaning behind this?

Chiba: This will become clear once people have played the multiplayer mode. If people have gone through halfway of the multiplayer mode, Shelke’s secret will be understood.

Does Tsviet only consists of 5 people?

Chiba: “What if there are people who survived?” That is something that we do not know. Since Tsviet is a name given to those people in DG who are ranked as Elites, and those 5 people who survived through the last three years [FF7 to DC] are exceptionally stronger than normal warriors. In multiplayer mode, players can become Tsviets too.

It seems that Azul and Shalua made an appearance during BC. Is it possible that more DC characters are going to be seen in BC?

Kitase: As BC is heading towards its better state [in terms of the plot], I doubt that there will be any more links [with BC and DC]. However, since this whole project is a “living thing” under development, it is uncertain what will become of it.

This is about Weiss. Why is it that he was “sleeping” [throughout DC]?

Chiba: Actually, after the unification of DG, Weiss’s whereabouts became unknown. Nero, who kept this information from the rest of the DG and continued on ruling and controlling the rest of the DGs. And after that, it’s the background story… of how he met up with Hojo.

It seems that while Weiss is in a state of sleeping, it created a chance for Hojo, who is [supposed to be] dead to come into contact to him.

Chiba: Weiss is basically a character that contains all the special abilities [good stuff] of the DG soldiers. That is why he is able to use SND as Shelke used hers, and that is also how Hojo caught hold of him and used him in reverse.

Kitase: After the meteor disaster, the once broken network was being restored during the timeline of DC. The revival festival of Kalm is a celebration of the restoration of connection along with a chain of events. And with the successful hook up of the network, this leads to the incident of Hojo.

Nomura: In very early stages, we planned to have Weiss with cables stuck inside his body. And then draw him without wearing anything on his top half. We also planned to have these cables hooked up to a computer, which is used by Hojo.

You could take it [think] that the Omega that was created when Nero and Weiss become one is because of Hojo when Nero was being distracted. Omega is born from the pure Lifestream, so does that mean the Omega we see in DC is completely different form than the original Omega [that was described in Lucrecia’s reports]?

Chiba: It is a completely different object than the original Omega that was expected [to be born out of natural causes]. As a result of being a completely different object than its original form, you can also say that the way in which this artificial Omega was created [the reversal process] brings harm and devastation.

[This question is basically asking the difference between the real Omega and the artificial Omega that Hojo tried to replicate.]

Dirge of Cerberus Interview Part 4 – And then thereafter…

Yoshinori Kitase – Producer
Takayoshi Nakazato – Director
Tetsuya Nomura – Illustrator/Character Designer
Hiroki Chiba – Scenario

After the incident, we can see that Shelke is living with Tifa and people leading an ordinary life. It appears that she does not have to rely on Mako baths anymore. If that is true, could we please hear about the reason behind this?

Chiba: I was thinking if it could be her sister who might have been revived in the ending gave her the strength [to live on without Mako baths].

Kitase: When Omega was defeated, the thing [that resembles Mako-snow] that rained down was the Lifestream. It will be great if that person [Shalua] can wake up.

Chiba: We are going to elaborate more on that if there is a sequel. *laughs*

Nakazato: And I want to make her grow up a lot more [rapidly]. *laughs*

What kind of life is Shelke going to lead after the game [in the future]?

Nomura: I think she wants to be with Vincent. Though this is how it’s said, based on Vincent’s personality, I don’t think he will adhere [stay] with her. Even if she is unable to leave yet unable to stay, I feel that she will be in a relative distance around Vincent.

Her look in ordinary clothing [the one she wears at the ending] is quite shocking [astonishing].

Nomura: I was thinking, “Am I going to use that ?” Although I was being told to draw the ordinary clothing, since I was thinking if it will be good to get something out during the scene of reminisce. Lastly, while having tea at 7th Heaven, although she came out [shrewdly] looking as a Soldier and said “Hey” [meaning she didn’t feel comfortable to wear the DG uniform in front of Cloud and people], it seems that at the end she wants to reserve it [DG clothing].

[Here it’s basically saying how Shelke wants to save her DG clothing even though she doesn’t belong to DG anymore.]

It is said that her clothing is based on a concept of “something cute”, is this true?

Nomura: Nope, rather, I was aiming for the “ordinary girl” look, and I just followed that idea and drew. At the end, I just wanted to show that she returned to being someone who she really is.

Please tell us the character(s) that you are fond of in DC.

Nakazato: I like Azul [very much]. When Chiba was writing the scenario for me, to the stage where we decide on the voice actors, I felt that this is the way [the image] that Azul should be.

[He’s saying that everything matches Azul perfectly from head to toe.]

Chiba: Since I am the key [as in the most important/critical person] to the making of the scenario, I have to say I like Shelke after all. In terms of her expression, the way her face is portrayed is in tremendous detail. “Move towards this way a little bit” and “This time stay like this”, they really did a rather fine job of making her.

[He is saying how her movements are so delicate and the way that they made her expressions are done with a lot of details.]

Nomura: It’s probably Rosso. Though we are speak of characters that are not originally in FF7, and there are also quite a few members in coming from Tsviet, Rosso is probably [of all the Tsviet] on quite a different line [level] when I drew it. I think Rosso is definitely one of the unique creations that I have out of all the characters I have drawn.

Kitase: After all, I think Reeve was quite amusing *laughs*. In the first reunion [of Reeve and Vincent in DC], we didn’t think about making a human copy or anything interesting for him. Though we didn’t intend to have that scene in the script, I tried and said, “Let’s do it.” From then on, we have setup a character profile for him. Although it wasn’t an openhearted laugh [joke], we want to see a “Wow, this guy’s amusing” actions expressed by Reeve. And since in the previous production [FF7] we weren’t sure what kind of person Reeve is, we imagined that he’s someone that doesn’t have a lot of people following [in contact with] him. Therefore, this time around, we revamped his position in DC. During the production of DC, we were also in the middle of AC’s production. When I heard Nomura ask, “Is Reeve going to make an appearance in AC?” I said, “Only his voice, but not himself.” And since I liked the idea, I did what I like [I went ahead and made it come true in DC]. And since the overall story of DC is quite heavy [serious], we thought about Yuffie and pondered if she can become a character for some comical relief.

Dirge of Cerberus Interview Part 5 – Collaboration with Gackt

Yoshinori Kitase – Producer
Takayoshi Nakazato – Director
Tetsuya Nomura – Illustrator/Character Designer
Hiroki Chiba – Scenario

Please let us know what aims made you decide on collaborating with Gackt.

Nakazato: Though we have a lot of candidates when we were deciding who we should get [to sing the theme song], at the end we wanted to aim for someone who can make a huge impact. Then we thought, “It would be great to have the person who sings this theme song match and represent the image of Dirge of Cerberus.” At the end it became a favor that we asked from Gackt.

Nomura: Though that’s how it is for the songs, we have actually been thinking if he should do some voice acting on another compilation title. But since it couldn’t come true over there [the other compilation title], it became something like “Why don’t we try this on DC and have a theme song instead.” Although there are many female artists’ images that can represent the female characters of the FF series, after the talk about wanting to have a male artist, Gackt, who was one of the candidates, was being suggested. It became a thing which I feel is the most suitable towards the world setting of DC. Not only is he someone who [closely] sticks to my own world setting; to a certain extent in the world of FF7, it is also has a meaning of a thing that is being finished. Though it is not sure whether or not that side [Gackt] has experienced uncertainty, he accepted and agreed willingly [upon our request].

Not only responsible for singing the theme song, but also appearing in the FMV, are these all decided at the same time when [you made the decision to collaborate with Gackt]?

Kitase: While we were going ahead and [making sure that we go along as we have planned earlier in the talk] trying to get Gackt to sing the theme song, and since he is going to appear in the promotion video as a character, we were thinking about having Gackt do some voice acting, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if we can hear his voice too?” The atmosphere of Gackt and our image of the characters in the FF series are quite similar, so I felt why don’t we let him make an appearance in the state as it is? We also considered [about how we will be able to make] this piece interesting if Gackt didn’t only make a voice contribution, but also appear in person.

We heard Gackt also gave some suggestions on [G’s clothing] design. What kind of suggestions did he give?

Kitase: For example, when Nomura was in the middle of designing the clothes, we were wondering if the coloring should be white or black, we also have many other variations in mind. But at the end, Gackt chose red.

Nomura: In the beginning there were black, white, and red. Even though I say black, Kitase says white, we still decided that it’s better if we respect the wish of whatever the wearer’s choice is.

Upon the completion of the design, is there such a thing like “I want to create something [with an image] like this”?

Nomura: Since that costume was planned to have a theme of “One-wing,” according to the design, it will become a coat that has feathers wrapped around the patches [squares and tiles] section. It’s basically a design where the whole body is almost wrapped with feathers. [Could we say that] after we incorporated his [Gackt’s] ideas, it somehow became his design as well? And what is left is that, since it was not finished at the time, we just drew it as an unfinished design.

[He is saying how there were certain things that were decided before they consulted Gackt’s idea, and after they consulted Gackt, it was still a very basic concept which they were not really certain about. It only became a confirmed design when it was at the last stage of the production.]

Kitase: Though at the very beginning when the prototype of the clothing design was out, there were going to be black belts with the images of wing[s] hanging fully from the design, we listened to the ideas about the length and balance of the decorations given by Gackt, since he will be the one wearing this costume in action. There were many instances and things that happened when he tried to put the costume on but he couldn’t move. *laughs* And since this time, he will be appearing with a CG character at the same time, we’ve paid special attention to the design [overall impression] of how he looks afterward wearing the costume, so that we could make sure the head and body balance are the same for both Gackt and Vice [the CG character].

It feels that the theme song [Redemption] and [Longing] matches the theme [of DC] quite well. What kind of request was made to Gackt when he was composing these songs?

Kitase: About the ending song, our request in the beginning was to make it a ballad. We knew that Gackt has a lot of wonderful ballads [amongst his songs], so when we first got together and talked it over, we requested the same type of ballad that Gackt has been doing. In the middle of the production, Gackt was saying [suggesting] aside, “How about making it sound like this?”, and that’s how Redemption came to be.

Nomura: Since I have been thinking for a while to have a song as intensive as this, I passed it with no objection and accepted it.

Chiba: I wanted to see [and bring out] the game scenario and game play no matter what, and when I saw Gackt’s image, I said to myself “This is it!” and that essentially became how I feel.

Nakazato: Before Gackt [started on something], we sent him all the related information including the ending sequence to him, we asked him to compose a song that can express the things that happened in that scene. When we have to master-up [final touch up] this game, Gackt’s Live [the song] became extensively heavy [recording], and we didn’t have enough time to spare and play the scene all over again. However, as more staff personnel are moving over to the Hakata site, we [finally] get to have a chance to check over the whole video.

Cloud Strife
Compilation of FFVII: FFVII – AC – BC – CC – DC – LO

Character Profile

Sex: Male
Height: 173cm
Blood Type: AB
Date of Birth: 8/11
Birthplace: Nibelheim
Weapon: Sword
First Person Pronoun: 俺 [Ore]
Voice Actor: AC, CC, DC, LO – Takahiro Sakurai

A young man who hides his introverted personality behind a cool facade. He admired the hero Sephiroth and aimed to be part of the ShinRa Company’s elite army “SOLDIER” like he was, but his hopes were dashed along the way, and he fell victim to one of the experiments of Hojo, a ShinRa scientist. Due to the influence of the Jenova cells implanted in his body he acted out a false persona, but with the support of his friends he regains his true self and grows as a person.

In Final Fantasy VII
A young swordsman, struggling with a fragile mind.

Age: 21

On the request of his childhood friend Tifa, Cloud assists the anti-ShinRa organization “AVALANCHE” led by Barret. At first he has little interest in their goal of ‘protecting the planet’. But after meeting Aerith, an Ancient, and reuniting with his fated rival Sephiroth, he throws himself fully into the battle to save the planet. To Cloud, this is also a battle to examine who he really is and to settle his past.

「 I’m not interested in your names. 」

At first he calls himself “ex-SOLDIER, 1st Class”, and affects a condescending attitude towards the people around him, but this is a false pretence born from Cloud’s own desires.	Aerith, who is pursued by ShinRa for her ability to hear the voice of the planet. Cloud’s meeting with her lead him on a new path.

Cloud once admired Sephiroth, but now despises him for destroying his hometown. But as Cloud draws closer to Sephiroth, his ego begins to shatter…

「 What did I do? I can’t remember . . . . If this is all a dream, don’t wake me up. 」

Trivia 1

It’s tough being the popular guy?

Despite his cold behavior in several scenes, Cloud is essentially popular with members of the opposite sex. In addition to FFVII’s heroines Tifa and Aerith both having feelings for him, AVALANCHE’s Jessie and young Priscilla in Junon both also fall for Cloud soon after they meet him. Even though it’s the pitiable aspects of Cloud that stand out, perhaps weaknesses such as those also win over a woman’s heart.

[FFVII] Both Aerith, who is forthright, and Tifa, who is demure, have feelings for Cloud but he is none the wiser to them.	[FFVII] One look at Cloud in drag gets Cornero very excited. Do Cloud’s charms enslave even members of the same sex?

「 I don’t need a fantasy anymore. I’m going to live in my reality. 」

Limit Break

Omnislash

When the limit is reached, his sword is imbued with fighting spirit from the heart for just a moment.	In the blink of an eye, 14 hits of damage are dealt one after another….

Cloud then dramatically leaps into the air and brings his sword down for the final slash.

In Advent Children
The happier he is now,
The more Cloud is tormented by painful “memories” of the past.

Age: 23

Now running a delivery business while helping out Tifa with the newly opened “Seventh Heaven” bar, Cloud, Tifa, Marlene and Denzel lived together like a family. However, when Cloud contracts Geostigma he disappears. Behind these actions lies feelings of guilt towards his past failure to protect people who were important to him, but through his battle with Kadaj’s gang, the legacy of Jenova, he regains the courage to face reality.

「 I don’t think I’m fit to save anyone. Not family, not friends . . . no one. 」

The more he realizes how happy he is living with Tifa and the children, the more the fear of losing that and regrets toward the past trouble Cloud…

「 I . . . I think I want to be forgiven. Yeah, I want to be forgiven. 」

Failing to protect people important to him is his sin… Convincing himself of this, Cloud shuts himself off. What does his meeting with Aerith bring him?	Sephiroth returns using Kadaj’s body, but the old Cloud who was troubled by his words is long gone. With the strength from his bonds with his friends, he will vanquish Sephiroth this time!

With the support of former allies and Tifa, an important woman to him and now also part of his family, Cloud regains the courage to move forward.

Trivia 2

Cloud, the Bike Fan?

In AC, Cloud runs a courier business, “Strife Delivery Service”. An indispensable part of this operation is his bike Fenrir. After getting the bike from someone in exchange for ‘the privilege to eat and drink at Seventh Heaven for free for life’, Cloud becomes extremely fond of it and even in DC he appears with it. Just as FFVII also featured a scene where Cloud borrows a “Hardy Daytona” bike on display in the ShinRa building, does the bond between Cloud and bikes run deep?

[AC] Fenrir has been customized to suit Cloud’s tastes. It has armor capable of withstanding close quarters combat, and in the front there is storage for several swords.

Compilation Check

The Fate Befalling a “Puppet of Jenova.”

At the age of 16 Cloud was sent on a mission to his hometown of Nibelheim, where Sephiroth went out of control (what is commonly called the “Sephiroth Incident”). Cloud, having suffered heavy injuries during the incident, was injected with cells from Jenova, an extraterrestrial life form. These cells, which Sephiroth also had in his body, controlled Cloud’s thoughts and created a separate personality, and tried to manipulate Cloud into joining with Sephiroth. Even the Meteor crisis was indirectly caused by Cloud having become a puppet to Sephiroth. In FFVII Cloud finally regains his true self and defeats Sephiroth, but this doesn’t mean he’s completely freed from the will of Jenova, and in AC he is tormented by the Remnant’s call for the Reunion.

[AC] Cloud’s pupils narrow, just like those of the Remnants of Sephiroth. It’s almost as if he can never escape from Jenova’s command…

Compilation Check

Cloud’s Rare Smile.

At the start of FFVII Cloud posed as a “cool ex-SOLDIER”, and kept up a cocky front. After it is revealed that he was never in SOLDIER, and he begins to act like himself, but he still doesn’t show his emotions very much. The only time he laughs in FFVII is during a conversation with Aerith at the start of the story, when Jenova is still in control of his consciousness.

Even after rediscovering his true self and beginning a new life, he is bound by a sense of guilt and mostly keeps the same sullen expression. When you think of this, the smile he shows at the end of AC (see image below right) is deeply emotional.

[FFVII] Cloud laughing with Aerith after outrunning Reno and ShinRa in the slum church.

In Dirge of Cerberus
Age: 24

Assists the World Regenesis Organization (WRO), a group dedicated to restoring the planet now in ruins after repeated disasters. To put a stop to the plans of Deepground (DG), who have been committing kidnap and carnage under the name of a “hunt for life”, Cloud rides into the enemies’ stronghold Midgar with Tifa and Barret.

「 Let’s go, Fenrir . . . 」

The mission assigned to Cloud and the others is to destroy the Mako Reactors which encircle Midgar and cut the energy supply to DG.	Cloud fights off an assassin of DeepGround’s Tsviets, Rosso, ferociously.

In Before Crisis

His boyhood when he worked together with the Turks,
And what he experienced then was…

Age: 14~20

Cloud first appears as a boy soldier, still just 14 years old. He is assigned to safeguard a VIP with the Turks, but causes many problems such as complaining because he feels like he isn’t trusted, and ignoring orders and putting protecting his colleagues’ lives first. He also meets the Turks again when he is sent to investigate the Nibelheim Mako Reactor, and there are scenes such as him confiding about his promise with Tifa which supplement FFVII.

「 What do you think . . . .? Even an escorting soldier can fight. 」

Cloud is eager to show he’s got what it takes as a soldier assigned on an escort mission. His youthful immaturity is prominent during this time.	He explains the situation to the Turks member who knows Tifa and gets them to keep quiet about his return.

「 I . . . respected you . . . I looked up to you!! 」

In a rage Cloud thrust his sword into Sephiroth, who burnt down his village. A familiar scene from FFVII as well.

Trivia 3

A Natural Talent for Swordsmanship.

In BC the 14 year old Cloud, on an escort mission, steals a sword from the enemies’ elite Raven soldiers, and shows amazing swordsmanship for his first time to the amazement of the Turk working with him. It is probably because he has this natural talent for using large swords that he able to use Zack’s Buster Sword so well.

[BC] The Turk also expresses surprise at Cloud handling the sword so well that one wouldn’t expect it from just having watched others.

Compilation Check

A Promise to Tifa, Etched in his Memory.

When Cloud left the village dreaming of being a SOLDIER, he swore to Tifa that he would come running to her rescue if she was in trouble. While it was Tifa who strong-armed him into making the promise, it seems that the idea that he must keep this vow was forever in Cloud’s mind. In BC he is obsessive about protecting people, and if he runs out of strength part way though he will mention the “promise.”

[BC] If he runs out of strength part way through the story, he will say regretfully that he “couldn’t come through on my promise to her.”

In Last Order

The tragedy in Nibelheim changes Cloud’s destiny.

Age: 16~20

Cloud’s past, which was only touched on briefly in FFVII’s flashback scenes, is explored in close up here. After Sephiroth burns down Nibelheim and Cloud becomes a subject for Hojo’s experiments, he is taken by Zack who was also caught with him and they begin a life on the run.

Cloud strikes down in rage the hero who is now his sworn enemy.

「 Sorry. I got here a little late. 」

He lifts a collapsed Tifa up in his arms, and upon seeing her aware of him, he smiles gently.	Zack carries Cloud while he is unconscious as they continue their escape, however…

In Crisis Core

The bonds of friendship that grew during his days as a ShinRa trooper.

Age: 14~21

Like in BC, Cloud first appears in CC as a 14 year old ShinRa troop. While still just a grunt, he aims to be in SOLDIER. He strikes up a friendship with Zack, a SOLDIER 1st Class; what influence will he have on Cloud, that would lead to Cloud imitating Zack’s personality… The events running up to that will be shown in CC.

Cloud first talks with Zack on route to a mission, and both being born in villages where the only point of interest is having a Mako Eeactor, they hit it off right away.

「 SOLDIERs really are amazing. I wonder if I could be one too . . . 」

Cloud’s idolizing of SOLDIER, and his frustration at his own powerlessness comes through in his words and actions.

Compilation Check

What Cloud Inherited from Zack

Under the effect of Jenova’s cells, Cloud mimics his best friend Zack and creates a new persona, but the mental aspects weren’t the only things he received from Zack. His starting equipment, the Buster Sword, was the one Zack used, and in CC Zack uses an ability that looks just like Cloud’s Limit skill “Meteorain”, so from the looks of this, could this battle technique also be handed down from Zack?

[AC] In AC, the Buster Sword is stuck in the ground like a grave marker at the hill where Zack died, and Cloud thinks of Zack as he looks at it.	[LO] The Buster Sword, a massive sword large enough to completely hide a fully grown man. On their escape from the ShinRa mansion Zack used the sword like a shield to protect Cloud.

Cloud Map

— Nibelheim
Cloud’s birthplace, and a place he will never forget, where his connection with Sephiroth began.

— Midgar
He came here to become a SOLDIER, but unfortunately suffered setbacks. 6 years later he is reunited with Tifa, and as a ‘jack of all trades’ teams up with AVALANCHE.

— Mideel
After he contracts Mako poisoning and loses his mind, Tifa nurses him here and after rediscovering his true self he sets off again.

Cloud Strife – Timeline
[Compilation of FFVII]

[ μ ] – εуλ 1986/8/11

· Is born.

[ μ ] – εуλ 1995

(Age 8 )

· FFVII – Nibelheim
While following Tifa, they both fell from the mountain trail. Miraculously, he escaped with minor injuries.

[ ν ] – εуλ 0000

(Age 14)

· FFVII/BC – Nibelheim
On the water tower, he announced to Tifa that he would become a SOLDIER. He promised to save her if she got into trouble, and left the village.

· CC – Modeo Ravine
He became a member of ShinRa’s army, and was dispatched on a mission where he met Zack, SOLDIER: 1st Class.

· CC – Junon
Dispatched on a mission as a member of ShinRa’s army, and met Zack again.

[ ν ] – εуλ 0001/6/28

· BC – Midgar
Assigned to protect Professor Rayleigh, he worked together with the Turks. In a raid by AVALANCHE, secret data on SOLDIER was stolen.

[ ν ] – εуλ 0002/9/22

(Age 16)

· FFVII/BC/CC/LO – Nibelheim
As part of a full-scale investigation on Mako Reactors after a mass outbreak of monsters, he visited the Nibel Mako Reactor with Sephiroth and Zack.

10/1

· FFVII/BC/CC/LO – Nibelheim
In the Mako Reactor he fatally wounded Sephiroth, who had gone out of control and burnt down the village, while receiving heavy injuries himself.

· FFVII/BC/CC/LO – Nibelheim
Under Hojo’s instructions he was captured and used as a sample for the Sephiroth Copy experiment in the basement of the ShinRa Mansion, where he contracts Mako Poisoning.

[ ν ] – εуλ 0006/12/19

(Age 20)

· FFVII/BC/CC/LO – Nibelheim
With Zack’s help, he escaped from the basement of the ShinRa Mansion.

[ ν ] – εуλ 0007/09

· FFVII/BC/CC/LO – The Wasteland
Just outside of Midgar, Zack was killed by the pursuing ShinRa army. Cloud was left at the scene.

· FFVII – Midgar
While being tended to by a station worker in the Sector 7 Slum train station, he was reunited with Tifa, and using the abilities of Jenova’s cells formed a new personality. With Tifa’s invitation, he decided to assist AVALANCHE.

12/9

· FFVII – Midgar
Worked with AVALANCHE when they bombed the Sector 1 Mako Reactor. During his return to Sector 7, he met Aerith.

· FFVII – Midgar
During a bombing mission with AVALANCHE in the Sector 5 Mako Reactor, they stumbled into a ShinRa trap and Cloud was caught in an explosion, falling down into the church in the Sector 5 Slum. He met Aerith again, and escorted her to her home.

· FFVII – Midgar
The team failed to stop ShinRa’s plans to drop the Sector 7 Plate. Aerith was taken to the ShinRa building.

· FFVII – Midgar
The team was captured while attempting to rescue Aerith, but in the confusion caused by Sephiroth’s murder of President ShinRa, they escaped the city. Together with Aerith and the rest of the team, they pursued Sephiroth.

· FFVII – The Forgotten City
He found Aerith, who had been acting on her own, but shortly after lost her at the hands of Sephiroth.

· FFVII – Northern Crater
He attempted to settle things with Sephiroth, but upon listening to his speech, Cloud’s self-image collapsed. He handed over the Black Materia, triggering the summoning of Meteor. Cloud then fell into the Lifestream and went missing.

· FFVII – Mideel
Now suffering Mako Poisoning, he was nursed by Tifa, but they fell into the Lifestream. With Tifa’s help he retraced his memories, and regained his true self.

[ ν ] – εуλ 0008/01

· FFVII – Northern Crater
With his friends he was victorious in the final battle with Sephiroth, and prevented the fall of Meteor.

· Edge
After visiting various locations with Tifa and Barret, Tifa opened the “Seventh Heaven” bar. Before setting off on a journey, Barret left Marlene in Cloud and Tifa’s care, and the three of them began living together.

(Age 22)

· Edge
While searching for provisions for the bar, more and more people began to ask him to make deliveries for them, so he set up the Strife Delivery Service.

· Midgar
He took Denzel, who had collapsed at the Sector 5 Slum church, into his care and brought him back to Seventh Heaven, where Denzel then also started to live.

[ ν ] – εуλ 0009

(Age 23)

· AC – Midgar
Because he contracted Geostigma, he left Tifa and the children, and began living in the Slum church.

· AC – Healin
He was attacked by Kadaj’s gang on his way to see Rufus, but still refused Rufus’ request to become his bodyguard.

· AC – The Forgotten City
He battled with Kadaj’s gang, who had kidnapped Marlene and the children, but found himself in a dangerous situation before being saved by Vincent, and made a temporary retreat.

· AC – Edge~Midgar
With the help of his friends, he defeated Bahamut SHIN, which Kadaj’s gang had summoned. He defeated Sephiroth after his Advent, and returned to Tifa and the children.

[ ν ] – εуλ 0010

(Age 24)

· DC – Midgar
With his old friends he went rushing to Vincent’s aid, and battled the DG forces.