Hypothetical Scenarios

[Lord Noctis]

This is a thread to discuss various hypotheticals relating to the compilation. What do you think would happen if X character did this intead of that? What if Y character died here instead of there? That sort of thing.

I would like to open up with, what would have happened if Cloud had not been part of the team sent to Nibelheim? You guys start and I'll add my thoughts later.

 

[Dashell]

I would like to open up with, what would have happened if Cloud had not been part of the team sent to Nibelheim?

... he probably would have rushed back to see Tifa at some point... and kicked himself for not being able to save her... also Seph wouldn't have been killed and he'd probably have killed a lot more people so Cloud still might have been the one to stop him.

I guess Tifa would have still made Avalanche and Cloud would join if he wasn't too ashamed


Here's one
What if Tifa realized Cloud was Cloud in Nibelheim?

 

[Lord Noctis]

... he probably would have rushed back to see Tifa at some point... and kicked himself for not being able to save her... also Seph wouldn't have been killed and he'd probably have killed a lot more people so Cloud still might have been the one to stop him.

I guess Tifa would have still made Avalanche and Cloud would join if he wasn't too ashamed


Here's one
What if Tifa realized Cloud was Cloud in Nibelheim?

If Tifa realized Cloud was in Nibelheim they would have had hot steaming Sex.

Or maybe they would just talka bout old times and get caught up, and maybe work together to beat Sephiroth when he went nuts.

 

[Gym Leader Devil]

If Cloud hadn't been sent to Nibelheim with Zack and Sephykins, Sephiroth would have won the whole shebang, escaped with Jenova's head (though we're still unclear on what he wanted it for, so who knows how that works out) and so on. Cloud might not have even known it happened, what with the Shinra coverup of the whole incident. Zangan would of course still rescue Tifa, and Hojo would go ahead with his use of the surviving townsfolk and Zack in his Reunion theory. Cloud would meet Tifa in Midgar years later, and be horrified by what happened/ashamed to admit he never made SOLDIER. On the plus side, Zack wouldn't have to haul Cloud's brain-dead ass around when he broke out of the Shinra Mansion, and thus would avoid the giant battle outside Midgar and survive.

If Tifa had realized who Cloud was in Nibelheim, I imagine she'd have tried to comfort him, tell him that it didn't matter to her if he was in SOLDIER or not. When Sephiroth went batty, she'd have gone to Cloud before she followed him up the mountain like a dumbass. Not sure how well that'd work out, really, but I still see Cloud rising from his injuries in a rage over all Sephiroth had done and flinging him off the bridge.

 

[Lord Noctis]

If Cloud hadn't been sent to Nibelheim with Zack and Sephykins, Sephiroth would have won the whole shebang, escaped with Jenova's head (though we're still unclear on what he wanted it for, so who knows how that works out) and so on. Cloud might not have even known it happened, what with the Shinra coverup of the whole incident. Zangan would of course still rescue Tifa, and Hojo would go ahead with his use of the surviving townsfolk and Zack in his Reunion theory. Cloud would meet Tifa in Midgar years later, and be horrified by what happened/ashamed to admit he never made SOLDIER. On the plus side, Zack wouldn't have to haul Cloud's brain-dead ass around when he broke out of the Shinra Mansion, and thus would avoid the giant battle outside Midgar and survive.

If Tifa had realized who Cloud was in Nibelheim, I imagine she'd have tried to comfort him, tell him that it didn't matter to her if he was in SOLDIER or not. When Sephiroth went batty, she'd have gone to Cloud before she followed him up the mountain like a dumbass. Not sure how well that'd work out, really, but I still see Cloud rising from his injuries in a rage over all Sephiroth had done and flinging him off the bridge.

Your theory is interesting, though I think Sephiroth might go on more killing sprees, which would have a negative impact on Shinra's reputation. Theres only so much you can cover up after all. I think by the time Zack got free, if he got free, the world would be in a very hellish state from Sephiroth's actions since there would be nobody strong enough to challenge him. Its possible Barret's AVALANCHE may never be formed.

On the second theory, I make the guess that Cloud and Tifa might attack Sephiroth together, but of course he would beat them down hard. Cloud might rise up in a fury and injure Sephiroth, though if this is taking place in the pod room I don't think Cloud will win the fight, though Zack could show up in time to save them. And if Sephiroth is injured Zack could finish him off.

 

[Gym Leader Devil]

I'd say you're probably right, Sephiroth would kill again and again as he searched for the Promised Land. Since he never falls into the Lifestream in this scenario, he doesn't lose his incorrect notion that he and his mother are Cetra as he did in the OG, so his original plan to go to the Promised Land (step two ????, step three PROFIT) would go unchanged. And he'd likely continue to punish the "traitors" wherever he found them during his search.

On the second scenario, I agree Cloud and Tifa would attack Sephiroth together, though perhaps Cloud would take the Masamune from Tifa's father's corpse since he has in the past demonstrated skill with a sword. The results would be roughly the same as Tifa's attempt in the real timeline, with them bitchslapped. Zack shows up and runs in for his chance at Sephiroth in Jenova's chamber, and also gets bitchslapped. It's at this point, seeing Sephiroth walking away unscathed after all he's done, that I think Cloud would snap and tap into his hidden reserves of strength as seen in the original, make a run at Sephy and get impaled on the bridge, thus flinging Sephiroth over the side.

 

[Lord Noctis]

I'd say you're probably right, Sephiroth would kill again and again as he searched for the Promised Land. Since he never falls into the Lifestream in this scenario, he doesn't lose his incorrect notion that he and his mother are Cetra as he did in the OG, so his original plan to go to the Promised Land (step two ????, step three PROFIT) would go unchanged. And he'd likely continue to punish the "traitors" wherever he found them during his search.

On the second scenario, I agree Cloud and Tifa would attack Sephiroth together, though perhaps Cloud would take the Masamune from Tifa's father's corpse since he has in the past demonstrated skill with a sword. The results would be roughly the same as Tifa's attempt in the real timeline, with them bitchslapped. Zack shows up and runs in for his chance at Sephiroth in Jenova's chamber, and also gets bitchslapped. It's at this point, seeing Sephiroth walking away unscathed after all he's done, that I think Cloud would snap and tap into his hidden reserves of strength as seen in the original, make a run at Sephy and get impaled on the bridge, thus flinging Sephiroth over the side.

So most lightly defended settlements, and maybe even some larger places like Golden Saucer would be wiped out by Sephiroth during his search. Zack when he gets free would of course see a world thats basicly been through hell. The world itself may be in tact, but a lot of people and towns would be destroyed. Presumably he would learn from survivors that Sephiroth was responsible and seek him out. I imagine Cloud and Tifa would be dead, from trying to stop Sephiroth, and Shinra would be in ruins. Zack would eventually meet up with Sephiroth, and having regained all his strength and then some, would probably challenge Sephiroth to a rematch. Though I'm not sure whether or not he could survive that battle.

As for the other scenario, I pretty much agree with you.

 

[Dashell]

Okay okay so what if...

what if I was there... and Cloud and I were in a room, and he was unconscious and I had handcuffs? Any takers?

 

[Lord Noctis]

Okay okay so what if...

what if I was there... and Cloud and I were in a room, and he was unconscious and I had handcuffs? Any takers?

I imagine you would be a very happy girl. Can't speak for Cloud.

 

[Gym Leader Devil]

Quex, you is crazy. And which Cloud are we talking, SOLDIER Cloud, grunt Cloud, etc? Cause I don't think handcuffs will hold him if he's SOLDIER-level, not at all.

Here's one: What if Hojo was a woman, and Lucrecia was a man? Would Hojo still offer up her child for the Jenova Project if she had to be injected with the J-Cells herself?

 

[Lord Noctis]

Here's one: What if Hojo was a woman, and Lucrecia was a man? Would Hojo still offer up her child for the Jenova Project if she had to be injected with the J-Cells herself?

And you say Quex is crazy.

Seriously though, I think if that were the case Hojo would become about six times more creepy.

 

[Gym Leader Devil]

I think she'd do it myself. In the actual timeline, male Hojo injects himself with Jenova cells and turns into a freaky multi-stage boss critter just because. For actual scientific reasons, I'm sure female Hojo from my hypothetical scenario would do it too.

 

[Lord Noctis]

I think she'd do it myself. In the actual timeline, male Hojo injects himself with Jenova cells and turns into a freaky multi-stage boss critter just because. For actual scientific reasons, I'm sure female Hojo from my hypothetical scenario would do it too.

Quite probably. Of course you know what this means. Sephiroth, or should I say Sephina, would be female. That gives a whole new meaning to that leather outfit she wears.

 

[Gym Leader Devil]

Ok, creepy. Of course, it was once in the plans that Sephy would grow a woman's body while in the Crater, so this could all be tied together quite nicely. I wonder if Sephiroth would be a manly looking woman, since in the actual events he was a somewhat effeminate man.

Ok, on to less creepy horizons... What if Nanaki's species hadn't all but died out, and there was a whole population of them around Cosmo Canyon? How would this have changed the course of events? It seems small, but I think it would ripple out a great deal.

 

[Lord Noctis]

Ok, creepy. Of course, it was once in the plans that Sephy would grow a woman's body while in the Crater, so this could all be tied together quite nicely. I wonder if Sephiroth would be a manly looking woman, since in the actual events he was a somewhat effeminate man.

Ok, on to less creepy horizons... What if Nanaki's species hadn't all but died out, and there was a whole population of them around Cosmo Canyon? How would this have changed the course of events? It seems small, but I think it would ripple out a great deal.

Well it would definetely change Nanaki's perspective on things. Though how I'm not sure. Maybe he would be more comfortable with the thought of travelling with AVALANCHE since there would be more people to protect Cosmo Canyon. Or maybe he would have a girlfriend or wife, and refuse to leave because he wanted to protect her. Its hard to say really.

 

[Gym Leader Devil]

One thing I can say would change, Nanaki would probably not be in Midgar when the group goes to rescue Aerith. Hojo's interest in his species always seemed to be based largely on how extremely rare they are, so if they have a healthy population he probably doesn't care quite so much to study them. That in mind, when the world is threatened, can you imagine an entire army of that species getting arsed to go on the move and do something about it?

 

[Lord Noctis]

One thing I can say would change, Nanaki would probably not be in Midgar when the group goes to rescue Aerith. Hojo's interest in his species always seemed to be based largely on how extremely rare they are, so if they have a healthy population he probably doesn't care quite so much to study them. That in mind, when the world is threatened, can you imagine an entire army of that species getting arsed to go on the move and do something about it?

The phrase ass kicking comes to mind.

Ok, so what if Cloud pushed Aerith out of the way in the Forgotten City and got stabbed instead?

 

[Gym Leader Devil]

Hmmm that's a tough one. Obvious consequence of that is that Aerith doesn't get gacked at that point, meaning the team still has her healing abilities and aptitude for magic on their side, and she can tell them what the hell she was doing with regards to Holy instead of everyone dicking around and figuring it out later. As for Cloud, it really depends on where he gets stabbed. During the true events at Nibelheim and in ACC, Cloud gets stabbed in the chest and manages to both survive the wound and make a comeback, so unless he's hit in an instantly lethal spot it seems like he could do the same. And if Sephiroth isn't even aiming for him, there's a possibility he may just take it in the shoulder or some other non-lethal spot. All in all, it seems highly possible that this would make for a beneficial scenario to everyone but Sephiroth.

 

[Lord Noctis]

Hmmm that's a tough one. Obvious consequence of that is that Aerith doesn't get gacked at that point, meaning the team still has her healing abilities and aptitude for magic on their side, and she can tell them what the hell she was doing with regards to Holy instead of everyone dicking around and figuring it out later. As for Cloud, it really depends on where he gets stabbed. During the true events at Nibelheim and in ACC, Cloud gets stabbed in the chest and manages to both survive the wound and make a comeback, so unless he's hit in an instantly lethal spot it seems like he could do the same. And if Sephiroth isn't even aiming for him, there's a possibility he may just take it in the shoulder or some other non-lethal spot. All in all, it seems highly possible that this would make for a beneficial scenario to everyone but Sephiroth.

Thats what I was thinking.Though If Aerith isn't dead when Meteor rolls around, how is she going to use the Lifestream to stop it? Unless I'm mistaken Aerith was the on responsible for that in the OG right?

 

[Gym Leader Devil]

I do believe that Aerith had a hand in directing the Lifestream against Meteor, in order to push it back far enough for Holy to take effect. So unless her survival somehow helps everyone kill Sephiroth faster, before Meteor gets so close to the Planet, then yeah her living through this might indeed = we're screwed. Thanks a lot Cloud, you couldn't just let her die could ya?

So, here's one. If Sephiroth had succeeded, and Meteor had hit the Planet full force, would his plan have worked? Or would the sudden surge of energy returning to the Lifestream have woken up Omega and caused it to fly off into space, with Sephiroth not at all becoming a god?

 

[Dashell]

Ok, so what if Cloud pushed Aerith out of the way in the Forgotten City and got stabbed instead?

I lol

 

[Lord Noctis]

I do believe that Aerith had a hand in directing the Lifestream against Meteor, in order to push it back far enough for Holy to take effect. So unless her survival somehow helps everyone kill Sephiroth faster, before Meteor gets so close to the Planet, then yeah her living through this might indeed = we're screwed. Thanks a lot Cloud, you couldn't just let her die could ya?

So, here's one. If Sephiroth had succeeded, and Meteor had hit the Planet full force, would his plan have worked? Or would the sudden surge of energy returning to the Lifestream have woken up Omega and caused it to fly off into space, with Sephiroth not at all becoming a god?

That depends on how fast Omega is. Sephiroth might be able to absorb enough of the power before Omega wakes up to beat the WEAPON back down. On the other hand, he may have just screwed himself.

I lol

Well, I'm done for the ngiht.

 

[looneymoon]

If Cloud never went to Nibelheim:
Sephiroth would probably kill a bunch more people, then do something similar to what he did in LO where he "kills" himself to bask himself in the knowledge of the Lifestream.

If Tifa realized it was Cloud:
Cloud's mental instabilities would probably be sorted out much earlier. If Tifa knew that he was never in SOLDIER and was sure of his presence in Nibelheim, she would have confronted Cloud about his wonky behaviour way earlier.

 

[OWA-2]

So most lightly defended settlements, and maybe even some larger places like Golden Saucer would be wiped out by Sephiroth during his search. Zack when he gets free would of course see a world thats basicly been through hell. The world itself may be in tact, but a lot of people and towns would be destroyed. Presumably he would learn from survivors that Sephiroth was responsible and seek him out. I imagine Cloud and Tifa would be dead, from trying to stop Sephiroth, and Shinra would be in ruins. Zack would eventually meet up with Sephiroth, and having regained all his strength and then some, would probably challenge Sephiroth to a rematch. Though I'm not sure whether or not he could survive that battle.

Nah... Before all that, Shinra would contact the Restrictors and order them to throw the Colored Tsviets against Sephiroth. Then we would watch an awesome battle of epic proportions, ending with Sephiroth's death, and the Restrictors using the brain-chips to contain the 'freed' Tsviets, bringing them back to DeepGround.

 

[Carlie]

My favorite one, what if Zack never died at the end of CC?