Final Fantasy VII: The Beginning

By Kevin Widjaja

Lita Strife is just an ordinary woman.

---In an ordinary town, with an ordinary family, who owns two cars, has 2.5 children and a dog.

She lives alone in a small house in Nibelheim and is a very good cook.

---Too bad she's anorexic

She’s not rich, but not poor either,

---She's between paychecks

being the only tailor in town

---what's that have to do with anything?

Until one day, one ordinary baby changes her whole life.

---How could it change her life that much if it's so ordinary?

She wakes up that day with a baby on her front door.

---Tacked with 2 large nails.

There was no note or anything else, just a baby.

---Naked for all to see.

She tries to find out whose baby it is, but no luck.

---"Hello? Anyone out in the immediate area, do you own this baby?"

She decides to keep the baby.

---See Jane keep baby. Good Jane. Jane likes the baby.

"Let's see...What a good name for you?"

---It had no note yet she already knew it's name.

She looks around to find a hint for a good name.

---Uh.... floor...no.....door......no.......wall......no......

Then she looks up the sky.

---And a bird poops on her head.

"Cloud...Yeah, that's a beautiful name...From now on, you are Cloud Strife."

Cloud smiles at her and she smiles at him. A new life has just started for Lita Strife.

---And she will hate it.

***

"Good-bye mom!! I’ll be back before dinner."

---"Don't forget a lunch!!!"

"Wait Cloud, where are you going?"

---Capone's waitin' by the dock. It isn't pretty if I'm late.

"To Tifa's, she's waiting for me, so g'byeee."

---AYE MATE!

Cloud close the door and start running to Tifa's place.

---He used the future in the present.

It's been 14 years since Lita found Cloud, and they are now living in peace.

---The noise of Nibleheim was getting on their nerves. So they moved.

It wasn't easy for Cloud when Lita told her the truth about his parents

---Cloud's a SHE??

2 years ago, but he's over it now. Tifa Lockheart stands in front of her house and waves at Cloud as soon as she sees him.

"Good-bye dad!!

---"I mean, hello Cloud! I always get those two mixed up.

I’m going with Cloud!!

"Where are you guys going?"

---"On a daaate?"

"Nowhere special, just around the market."

"Just don't go anywhere near the reactor, OK?!"

---I don't want you to grow another arm or something.

"Ok, dad!! Byeee!!"

---Seeeee yaeee lateeeeer.

Cloud arrives at the front the door and greets Kyle immediately.

---He appeared out of nowhere.

"Hi Mr. Lockheart!! Bye Mr. Lockheart!!

"Hi, Cloud...Bye Cloud...Take care of my daughter!"

---*Nudge nudge wink wink*

"I will, sir!"

---*Nudge nudge wink wink*

Both of them run to the same direction and laugh.

---And crash into each other.

"Do you think the know?"

---"wha.... Pardon?"

"Not a chance, Cloud. I told dad that we're going to the market, and he actually bought it!"

---"Now I know he's rich but I think that market's preeetty big.

"Good, just don't let anybody see we're going to the reactor,

---Wow. Such an unexpected turn in the plot.

otherwise, we're dead meat."

---And my Dad'll sell us at the market.

They run through the alleys so that no one will see them. Ten minutes later they are in front of the reactor.

---Anyone home?

"Well, here we are..."

"What are we waiting for."

---I'm waiting for a bus.

?! Come on, let's get inside.

They open the big door and Cloud takes a peek inside.

---Hehehehe.

"Do you see anybody?"

---Besides that man with 4 arms, no.

"Nope, the coast is clear."

---But there's a chance of rain tomorrow.

"Let's go."

---ONWARD!!!!

They step inside and are amaze by the size of the reactor.

---They're a collective maze.

The reactor was built by the Shinra Company,

---Surprise suprise.

the biggest and the only company standing on Earth, about five years ago. They use the reactor to suck the Mako energy from Earth and sell it to the people of Earth with a high price.

--They said EARTH 3 times in 2 lines.

But some people don’t realize what the Shinra Company has done to the Earth.

---They pollute the air we breathe.

Some of them have been trying to stop them, with no luck.

---The mako reactors run on giant slot machines.

"Wow!! This reactor is huge!!"

---Watch it react to stuff!!

"Look, over there. There's a small bridge. Let's get across, maybe we can find the control panel."

---Smaaaaaaaaart.

They ran toward the bridge and stop right in front of it.

---Do you think it's safe?

"It doesn't look safe, Tifa. I don't think we should go."

---Welll ok.

"Aww, come one Cloud.

---COME ALL! TO THE GREATEST REACTOR ON EARTH.

What are you? Chicken? Bawk bawk bawk. Hahahahahahaha..."

---Heyyyyy. I like chicken.

"Stop it. Fine, we'll go across.

---In the name of the Chicken.

But don't say I didn't warn you if anything happens."

---I won't. We'll probably die before I can say anything.

"Relax, nothing's gonna happen.

---REALLY . heh heh heh.

This reactor was bulid five years ago and nothing has ever happen."

---They forgot to turn it on.

They walk on the bridge and start getting chills when they look down.

---That looks cold.

"It's gotta be over five hundred feet down there.

---They cut off poor people's feet and threw them down there.

I can hardly see the bottom.

---Darn feet.

We're dead if anything happens to this bridge!"

---All the feet will attack.

"Didn't tell you that nothing is gonna happen?"

---Yes you did.

A few seconds after that. The bridge and the whole building start rumbling.

---Darn those burritos.

"Cloud! What’s going on?!"

---in here.

"I don’t know! Seems like everything’s going down, the bridge too!!"

---The stock market, the temperature and the quality of this fanfic.

He was right. The bridge collapses and they start running back to the door.

---And quality kept going down.

"Come on! We have to get out of here!! The whole building's falling apart!!"

Suddenly, a big pipe falls on the both of them.

---Smoke it up man.

Cloud manages to escape, but Tifa was unconscious.

---Ha sucker. Teach you to take me places.

"Tifa! Wake up! Come on, we don’t have time for this!!"

---Stop fooling around with pipes.

But Tifa remains unconscious. So Cloud pull her out and carry her.

---Me big chief. Me command you.

The whole building collapses just a few moments after they got out.

---James Bond -ish.

Cloud runs to the nearest hospital and asks for help.

---HELP?

Cloud had a few bruises, but Tifa was in coma.

---OD'd

When Kyle hears the news, his mind is filled with anger and frightness and sadness.

---Oh my!

He runs as fast as he could to the hospital and cries when he saw Tifa.

---Choose your tense man.

Then he shouts to Cloud.

---Beat it jerk.

"You!! It was all your fault!! I told you to take cafe of her

---And buy her java or something.

and not to go anywhere near the reactor!! But you disobeyed me!! I will never forgive you for the rest of my life!!

---You're not my friend any more. You can have all your stuff back.

From now on you are to stay away from her and from my house!!

---You might break it too.

Now go!!

---And never darken my towels again. (groucho marx)

Cloud doesn't know what to say. He just runs home and bursts in tears.

---Leaving a nasty stain on the floor (which he could have been named after)

When he tells his mom what happen she is surprise.

---Surprise!! Another spelling error. Who didn't expect that?

But she isn't mad, instead, she tried to bring some cheered him up

---in a can!

with a few simple words.

---Cat, Dog, Hat, Mat, Rat...

"Don't worry Cloud, we all make mistakes in this world.

---But most don't kill anyone. I hate you.

I'm sure Tifa's gonna be all right."

---At least she's not near you.

"Yeah, but the worse part is, Mr. Lockheart wouldn't let me see her again."

---Especially if she's dead.

He made a deep sigh and said to her...

---"I hate you too."

"Um...mom...I think I'm gonna join the Soldier.

---In his quest for domination.

I heard that they're gonna send a group of men here to recruit new soldiers."

---"We get to break stuff."

"..."

"Are you sure you wanna do this Cloud?"

---I have too much dignity to say anything.

Cloud nods a few times. Lita sigh and realizes

---Hello. I am Lita Sigh. I am from Japan.

that she has no right to say “no” to him.

"Well, Ok then. Do what you have to do. Just don't do anything stupid."

---"and never come back."

Cloud smiled and said...

---I love you too mom.

"Thanks, mom. I knew I could count on you."

---But sis can't have my room while I'm gone

The next day Cloud runs to the city hall to sign up as a meet the member of the Soilder.

---WHAT??? Yup. Meet me. I'm the meet the member. I'm only here on recruit days.

"Hello everybody. My name is Sephiroth and I'm the organizer of this new-member sign up.

---Join now and get a free ballot in our draw!

If you want to be a new soldier, please Que. in the line and wait for your turn to sign-up.

---And for those who don't know what Que means, I hope you have your dictionary.

Thank you and have a nice day."

---We hope to see you again at McShinra.

A few minutes later, it is Cloud's turn.

---Checkmate.

He receives some infos and sign-up.

---Some infos?

The next morning he was transported to Midgar to receive some training.

---Here you go. It's all in this 3 page pamphlet.

"Good-bye mom. I won't be seeing you for the next few months. So, just keep waiting for me and don't go anywhere."

"I will, Cloud.

---My suitcase is already packed.

Are you sure you won't regret this decision?"

---How should I know?

"My only regret is I'm not able to say good bye to Tifa.

---"One regret? That's not bad."

I wish that had just one good look at her and say good bye."

---I wish I had a good say good bye also.

"Don't worry Cloud. Sooner of later you will have a chance to see her again. Now, you better go. You don't want to miss your ride."

---I hear they're playing "FEARLESS" as the inflight movie.

"Ok, good-bye mom. Take good care of yourself."

---And wash behind your ears.

"You too, dear. Good bye."

---You wash behind your ears also.

They hug and kiss and tears run down their cheeks, realizing that they won’t be seeing each other again for the next few years.

---Very insightful tears.

***

Zack Leonheart never really like the food the Soldier provides.

---Is this a plug for FF8? (I'm going to rant a little on how stupid FF8 looks. Bear with me. First of all, the gun blade sounds like something straight out of Power Rangers (a sword with a barrel, ok Zordon) , Both main characters look like girls but they aren't, the game play is a rehash of FF7, they're bending the plot to fit in different stones other than materia, the main theme is "love", no ANIME characters AT ALL, the graphics are almost the same, same philosophy: "all FMV and story, no game" and they want it to be REALISTIC. IT'S A GAME!!! WE DON'T WANT IT REAL. NO OTHER FF GAME WAS ANYWHERE NEAR REALISTIC! GET A BRAIN SQUARE AND QUIT THE CRUDWARE!! Thank you for your patience.)

He used to make his own breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

---As well as nutritious well balanced snacks in the afternoons.

He is sitting with Andy and Joe in the round table,

---This is funny enough by itself.

when a small blonde boy catches his eyes.

---GIVE THAT BACK!

The boy is sitting on the bench doing nothing, probably daydreaming.

---Well that's something now isn't it?

“Hey guys, who’s that blonde kid?”

“Don’t know, probably a new guy.”

“Anyone of you knows his name?”

---He probably does.

They both shake their head.

---Their collective head.

“I’m going to ask him to join us.

---In matrimony.

You guys don’t mind do you?”

Again, they both shake their head.

---Collectively.

“Hey there!”

---Come down to our hoe down.

The blonde boy looked up and saw Zack.

---The black ranger.

“Hi…”

“I’m Zack, what’s your name?”

“I’m Cloud, nice to meet you.”

---No it isn't. Get out of my face.

“Nice to meet you too. You new?”

---Poo poo.

“Yeah, just transferred two days ago.”

“Wanna join me and my friends over there?”

---We're playing Euchre.

“Uhmmm…You sure you don’t mind?”

---Nah. We need another player anyway.

“Nope, not at all.”

“What about your friends?”

---I have no friends.

“Trust me. They wouldn’t care at all.”

They start walking to the table and Zack introduces Cloud to Andy and Joe.

---And Dick and Jane.

“Guys, meet Cloud. Cloud, meet Andy and Joe.”

---Cloud, Andy. Cloud, Joe. Andy, Joe. Joe, Cloud. Joe, Andy. Zack, Andy. Cloud, Zack...

“Hi, guys.”

“Hey, how’s it going?”

Andy and Joe wave at him without looking, they are busy with their sandwiches.

---Uh.....

“Hey, which division are you in?”

“Division five, and you?”

“Six.

---Our bunk's cleaner than your's.

Hey, looks like we’re gonna work together for the next few years.”

---Sucker.

They smile at each other. A new bond of friendship has just started.

---Awwwwwwwwww.

***

Five years later, Cloud and Zack become best friends.

---IT TOOK THEM FIVE YEARS? Oy....

They do everything together, talk about everything to each other, and go everywhere together; they even do missions together

---And even go to the washroom together.

. The bond between them is more than just friends;

---The fruits.

they’re more like brothers.

---INCEST!!!

“Hey Cloud!!”

“What?”

“Guess what! They sending us on another mission, together!

---Happy happy Joy joy.

You, Andy, Joe, and me. Isn’t it great?! And guess who’s gonna be our commander?”

---Commander H. Solo.

“…”

“I give up.”

---I hate the army.

“The big guy!

---Santa Claus or Fat Albert. One of the two.

Sephiroth!”

Sephiroth has always been Cloud’s idol. He’s been dreaming to be like him since the day he joined the Soldier.

---He had body hair.

“Really?! Him?! All right!!”

---You care?

They both tossed and burst in laughter.

---I love tossed laughter.

“By the way, where are we going?”

---That's for us to know and you to find out.

“We’re going to check that reactor in Nibelheim, seems like there is a malfunction or something.”

---Uh...I didn't break that pipe. No sir. Not me. Really. Heh heh heh...

***

Cloud got a jolt in his heart, and his mind.

---And all that from a 9V battery.

He hasn’t come home in 5 years.

---Start the violin music.

“Did you say…Nibelheim?”

---No dummy. Listen next time. I said Kibble's time.

---BTW, why has it taken Shinra 5 years to notice the malfunction?

“Yeah, why?”

---YEAH! We wanna know.

“It’s…where I come from…I haven’t come home in 5 years…”

---I didn't even write.

“So? You’re supposed to be happy then! What’s the worry?”

---you're gonna kill me when you find out why.

“It’s just…nothing…I’m not worry…”

---I is Happy. BOING

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s pack our stuff!”

---And throw it off the cliff.

The next day, they take a truck and stop at Costa del Sol, then they take a ship to get across and stop at Junon. Then they take another truck to go to Nibelheim.

---And the police are now after them for motor-vehicle theft.

On the way to Nibelheim, they talk a little bit about Cloud’s childhood and his home.

---It's big and has a nice roof and I lived there. That's about it.

“You must’ve missed your mom a lot.”

“Yeah, I do.”

---Shouldn't that be "I DID"?

“Do you have a girlfriend there?”

---Ewwww. Girl cooties.

“Uhmmm…no, but there is one girl whom I wish was my girlfriend.”

---Whom? Why dost thou sayest such things?

“What’s her name?”

“Tifa…Tifa Lockheart.”

---Sounds almost like my last name.

“Nice name. Do you have a picture of her?”

---I burned it when I kill.... I mean, we broke up.

“No…Something bad happened and her father wouldn’t allow me to see her anymore…”

---So we eloped

“You wanna talk about it?”

---No. Read me an Aesop Fable and make me feel guilty.

“Nah…I still trying to forget about it…

---I still learn english language. Me proud.

What about you? Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Yeah…she’s in Midgar, but her mom doesn’t like me…”

---I broke her favorite lamp.

“Too bad. What’s her name?”

---Her mom?

“Aeris Gainsborough.

---She's named that 'cause she owns lots of boroughs.

Here’s a picture of her.”

He takes out a locket an open it. Inside it, are pictures of Zack with a girl.

---But he notices that it's really one of those things you stick your head through and have your picture taken.

“That’s a beautiful girl.”

---I made her myself.

“I know…and I love her very much.”

A few minutes later Cloud falls asleep

---Zack was boring him.

and Zack starts thinking about his past, about him and Aeris, about all the time they were together, before her mom found out about their relationship and banned him out of her life.

---Aeris had no say about it.

“Aeris…How I’ve missed you…”

---Quit talking. I need my sleep.

***

Cloud is half-awake when they arrive at Nibelheim. Zack is sharpening his Buster Sword

---On Joe and Andy's collective head.

and Joe and Andy was busy planning what to do after they’

---had recovered.

re done with the mission.

“Zack! You’ve gotta do me a favor!”

---Don't sharpen that sword anymore.

“What? What favor?”

---I...... Don't know what you're talking about.

“Don’t let Tifa know that I’m here! Her dad will kill me if he sees me with here!”

---I gave up Tifa for Here. I love Here. She's always with me.

“What? I thought you like her?”

“ I do! But I told you that her dad hates me! So don’t let her see me!”

“Look kid. Love is half heart and half luck.

“What makes you say that?”

---Luck.

P ALIGN=Left> “You see…Aeris and I, we got the heart, but we don’t have the luck.

---I blew it all on the Reactor slots.

If you’re lucky you will be with her forever, or at least for a long time. Get it?”

---No. Please repeat. CPU cannot keep up.

“Yeah yeah…So what’s the point? I still can’t see her! Just do this for me, OK?!”

“Ok, Ok…I’ll do it, but you owe me one for this.”

---And the last one... and the last one...

They hop out of the truck and Sephiroth comes out from the front seat.

---I'm stealing this truck. Get out.

“Ok guys, listen up!

---I hate you. You hate me. But we're going to get this done.

You have one hour before we go to the reactor.

---Go home and have a bath you stinking bums.

I’ll go meet our guide and we’ll meet back here in an hour. Now go out there and have fun!”

“Where are you going Cloud?”

---Guess.

“Home, of course. I’m gonna go meet my mom.”

“Can I come?”

---Only if you wipe your feet.

“Sure, wanna have lunch together?”

---Okay. I love you.

“You bet I do. I’m starving.”

“Hey, can I come too?”

“Sure Sephiroth. It’ll be a pleasure to have you there.”

---It's a whole Family Gathering.

“Ok, thanks. Just give me the directions and I’ll meet you guys in about half and hour.”

---That'll give you half an hour. Wow. Math is good.

Cloud gives him the directions and Sephiroth goes to find their guide to the reactor.

---He's probably having a rum and coke somewhere.

Cloud is really exited when they are walking to his house, and even more exited when his mom saw him.

--This guy excites easy. And that's NOT a good thing.

“Cloud! You’re here!”

They hug and kiss and jump around in joy and in tears,

---Why does Cloud even need a girl friend?

and Cloud forgot all about Zack. Zack saw Aeris’ face when they were hugging.

---You mean.... I'm your dad?

It makes him miss her even more, and tears run down his cheeks.

---Rather than up.

After they finish hugging, Zack comes to Cloud’s mind and he introduces him to his mom.

“Mom, I want you to meet my best friend Zack Leonheart. He’s a great guy.”

---Isn't Grate Guy from Mario RPG?

“Well hi there Mr. Leonheart. Nice to meet you and thank you for taking care of my son. I love him very much, you know…”

---Of course I know. I'm PSYCHIC!!

“Nice to meet you too Mrs. Strife, and no problem about taking care of Cloud. He was a pain in the neck, but he’s ok.”

---Sorry that I can't make up my mind.

Laughter fills the air and its surroundings.

---Like more air.

“Would you like to have lunch together with us? I can get it ready in ten minutes.”

---Uncle Ben is a GENIUS!

“I’d love to and thank you very much.”

---and please, and thank you, and may I help you, and how do you do, and...

Ten minutes later lunch is ready and it seems like there are enough food for ten people.

---There are enough food? That's one big piece of food.

Lita said she wants Cloud to be bigger and taller. Then a knock came to the door and Sephiroth was in front of it.

---Hey, how'd you get in my house? While you're in here, could you get the door?

“Hi, I’m Sephiroth. You must be Cloud’s mother.”

“Mom, this is Sephiroth. He’s my commanding officer. He’s my idol.”

---He's ok at poker. He's not as fat as Joe. He's my pen pal. He's....etc.

“Well, nice to meet you Mr. Sephiroth. Come in and join us for lunch. There’s enough food for all of us.”

Lita keeps on talking about Cloud childhood and how funny and cute he was as a little kid,.

---Now he's boring and Ugly..

and Cloud couldn’t stop blushing and trying to stop his mom, but since everyone else enjoy it, she just went on and on and on. Thirty minutes later they were done. .

---Just in time..

“Well we better go now guys. I’ve got our guide. She’ll meet us in the truck in fifteen minutes. So finish what you wanna do and go back to the truck. Mrs. Strife, thank you very much for the good food. I haven’t had a lunch like that in nearly ten years.”.

---Ever since I was an orphan....

“You’re very welcome Mr. Sephiroth, and you’re welcome to eat here anytime you want.”.

---And if I'm not here, there's always McShinra!.

Sephiroth left and Zack waits outside, giving Cloud sometime to say good-bye to his mom. .

---Sometime it takes some time to say good-bye..

“Oh, Cloud. I forgot something. Mr. Lockheart left a message for you..

---Darn it! Where's that sticky-note?.

He said he wants to meet you and talk to you for a minute.”.

---Too bad. I'm late already..

“Uhmmmm…Ok, but we both know what he wants to say…”.

---The words "kill" and "hate" pop into mind..

“Yeah…but try to forget about it, or it’ll ruin your life…”

“Well, mom. I have to go now. It was really nice meeting you again. This house sure brings back a lot of sweet memories.”.

---Like the food..

“Yeah…It sure does…”

Tears run down both their cheeks, realizing that they won’t be seeing each other for the next few years.

---More of those insightful tears.

Again, they hug and kiss, but in sadness, not in happiness.

---Last time they hugged and kissed was when Cloud was leaving. Well, I guess that would be a time of happiness.

After that Cloud told Zack to go to the truck and wait there for him,

---In front, right under the left tire.

and he ran to the Lockheart’s residence.

***

When he gets there. Mr. Lockheart is in front of the door, waiting for him.

---How did you know I was coming. Or were you waiting for me these 5 years

Clouds of doubts fill his mind. He was confused about what to do.

---Should I buy a big McShinra burger or just order Pizza.

He gathers all his courage and walk to the front there.

---And I walks to my door every single days.

“Hel…Hello Mr. Lockheart. How are you?”

---Horrible. Go away.

“Hello Cloud, and I’m just fine.”

“Uhmm…You…wanted to talk to me?”

“Yes. I just want to remind you what I said about 5 years ago. Stay away from Tifa. I don’t want you anywhere near her.

---You're even too close for comfort right now.

If I see you with her…God knows what I’m gonna do to you…”

---And so does the author.

Cloud starts to get chills in his mind, and body.

---The SPIRITUAL SNOWCONE!

He never thought that Kyle would say that to him, and with that tone.

---Since he was smiling and laughing, the tone was what disturbed him the most.

“Yes, Mr. Lockheart. I understand.”

“Good. Now go. Do what you have to do, and leave.”

---I want your office empty in no more than 5 hours.

Cloud runs to the truck, trying really hard to forget what he said.

---And trying to really hard to dodge oncoming traffic.

But the big surprise came when he got there. Sephiroth waves at him and shouts…

---"BINGO!!!!!"

“CLOUD!! Where have you been!!! We’ve been waiting for you!! Come here, I want you to meet our guide. Cloud, meet Tifa Lockheart. People say she knows the most about the reactor here.

---And that she's the most educated about the pipes.

Cloud was really surprised.

---"Uh.... Hi there you. It's me. And you're you.

He just stares at her and tries to cover his face with his hat,

---But since it stank so bad, he choked and died. THE END.

when Sephiroth whispers to him…

“Hey, you know what? I think you and her are gonna make a perfect couple. Hahahaha…”

---Hahahahahahaha.....ha...... what was I saying?

***

Tifa look around while watching the Soldiers faces carefully.

---Hi. I'm Tifa look around. I'm from Nibleheim.

She tries to find Cloud but with no luck.

---Let's see, there's Andy, Joe, Sephiroth, Guywithhatoverface, Zack. Nope. Cloud's not here. Oh well.

She’s pretty sure that he’s in the mission.

---The impossible Mission.

The Soldiers are ready to go and Tifa hop to the front seat and lead the way.

---Hi. I'm Tifa Hop To. I'm from Nibelheim.

Twenty minutes later they arrive at the reactor.

--There it was. Doing nothing of any great note.

The accident she had five years ago with Cloud flashes before her eyes. She can still feel the horror and the chills she had. It’s not easy to forget about it, but she’s still trying.

---I hope you know that now.

“Well, here we are guys, your lovely reactor.”

---We have the standard grey and the new Technicolor version.

Sephiroth gives orders to the soldiers and they pick up their weapons and other devices that they are gonna use.

---Which are also classed as weapons.

“Thank you for guiding us here Ms. Lockheart. We’ll handle the rest by ourselves. You may do what you wanna do, but don’t go to far.

---Far is a very bad place.

I’ll assign someone to guard you.”

“What?! That’s it? You’re just gonna leave me here with one of your stupid men??”

---Go Girl!

“Please, my men are not stupid.

---They're just.... slow.

They are well trained, and yes, this is the end of the journey for you.

---You know too much.

We’ll take you home later after we’re done with our mission. Until then, you may do what you wish. I hope you understand this.”

---Now go! You... you.... CIVILLIAN!!!

Tifa just mumbles to herself and kick some sand to the truck to show her anger, but she knows that it won’t do any good.

---The truck was too dirty for anyone to notice.

Sephiroth signaled Cloud to come to him, and he assigned him to take care of Tifa.

---Keep her warm and feed her every day.

“What?! Why me?! You know what’s going on between me and her…don’t you?”

---I don't know. And I don't care. Do as I say.

“Yes, I do. You guys like each other, but don’t have the guts to admit it, right?”

---Who says I don't have the guts to say.... uh.... you know.... *blush*.... what you said.

“No!! What are you talking about?! That is not what’s going on between us!!”

“See. You’re trying to deny it.

---Denial. That's the first sign of.. blah blah blah blah.... love and blah blah blah or even blah blah blah... Grand and Toy... Blah blah blah...

Look, all I want you to do is to keep an eye on her until we come back. What’s so hard about that? Just do it, ok?”

---Alright Dad. I mean Commander.

“Oh, all right. But if I get in trouble, it’s your responsibility!”

---Now sign here on the dotted line.

Sephiroth just smile at Cloud.

---I love you.

Then he walked in the reactor with the rest of the crew, leaving Cloud outside with a big disaster right in front of him.

----OH NO!!!! THE REACTOR BLEW!

***

Inside, big pipes and tubes are everywhere. It seems like the whole building is made of pipes and tubes.

---Because it was.

Sephiroth divides the crew into two groups, one to the west side and one to the east side. Zack, Joe, and Andy came with Sephiroth.

---This past sentence was provided for those who just arrived in our story and didn't read all the word above it which already stated Zack, Joe and Andy went with Sephiroth.

He told them to check all the valves, pipes, and tubes.

---Since there wasn't much else there to check.

He himself wandered alone around the building. It seems like he was looking for something, with no luck.

---The radiation blinded him.

Until suddenly his eyes lighted up and the whole reactor was filled with his laughter.

---Oh no. He's lost it.

Joe and Andy came to him, confused by what he was doing, staring at one of .

the tubes ---Hey look Joe. Blinky the Clown's in there. What a funny hat. HAHAHAHA.

“Hahahahaha…At long last!! I’ve found the last of my ancestors! My dream has finallly come true!!”

---I can kill him and be the sole surviving heir to the Sephironian throne!

“Uhmmm..Sephiroth…what are you doing?”

“Hahaha…You fools don’t know anything about this do you? Well then, let me entertain you with a little bed time story.

---I want to bore you to sleep with my history.

About one thousand years ago, your ancestors ruled the Earth. They were thriving and reign supreme. Then one day, a meteor fell. From the matters the meteor carried, my ancestors were born. It wasn’t easy, but they managed to survive and created a pretty advanced technology, one of them is how to suck the Mako energy from the Earth and use it for life.

---Since they never had one.

Until one day, your ancestors and mine clash into each other and started a war. Apparently, your ancestors won and what was left of my ancestors tried to build a super weapon that can avenge their loss.

---That's a pretty big grudge there.

Unfortunately, the weapon was too powerful. It damaged both sides and only one of my ancestors survived.

---What a stupid race. I thought they were advanced!

He managed to put himself in this tube, which will take him to a long and deep sleep, until someone wakes him up.

---Someone like me. Hahahahahahaha...ha..... wait. That's not funny.

As for your ancestors, there are some survivors, but I’m not sure where they are.”

---Why should I care.

Zack, Joe, and Andy couldn’t believe what he is saying, but they had to accept it, for the proof is right in front of them.

---There is a guy in this tube. Which automatically proves that Sephiroth had ancestors that came from a meteor that built a large weapon which killed a bunch of people. Yup. It's all relative.

“My God!! He’s crazy!! We have to go out and warn Cloud!! Come on Joe, Andy, let’s go!!”

Sephiroth took out his sword with an evil smile on his face.

---HERE'S JOHNNY!

“Hahahahaha…do you think I will let you go just like that?”

---Me and my cryogeniccally inclined friend here will RULE THE WORLD!!!

***

Outside, Cloud tried to stay away from Tifa, so she won’t recognize her. But she grew restless, and she finally asked…

---Will you marry me. You guy there.

“Uhmm…Excuse me sir, may I know your name?”

“Wha…What? My name? It’s…it’s…Ja…Jack! It’s Jack. My name’s Jack.”

---Jack's my name and Candy Land's my game. heh heh heh. Yeah...

“Well, Jack. Do you know anyone with the name Cloud Strife?

---No. Go away.

I heard he was supposed to be in this mission, but I can’t find him. Could tell me where he is?”

---Please ignore me. I don't know nothing. NOTHING!!

“Uh…Cloud? Oh, yeah, Cloud. I know him. Yes, he was supposed to be in this mission, but something happened and he was sent to a special mission.”

---Way to fool her there.

“Oh, ok. Well, thank you very much…Jack. By the way, how are you Cloud?”

“I’m fine, thank…What did you say?”

---I though you said "Buy at the Bay which is near the cow that's far too loud. Or something like that.

“I said ‘How are you Cloud?’”

---I don't know. I just always was.

“What? Hey, how did you know it’s me?”

---Well, let's see. Your hair is very distinct.

“I can recognize your voice and your silly face from a mile away, Cloud. Why are you hiding from me?”

---Yeah. Hiding in an open area is not hiding.

“Because you dad is still mad at me about what happened back then. He gave me an order not to get anywhere close to you, or he’ll make my life miserable.“

---And I value my life more than yours.

“Oh, really? I thought you Soldiers only take orders from your commanders?”

---She said as Sephiroth descended from the sky, ready to kill.

“Look Tifa. I can’t talk to you, ok? Can’t you understand that?”

---Yeah Dummy.

“Can’t I understand that?! You’re the one who left five years ago without saying good-bye to me, remember smart guy?!!”

---Yes I remember smart guy in our class. Whenever he talked to the teacher, it reminded me of the colour brown.

“Hey, you were in a coma, ok?! What am I supposed to do? Shake you around till you wake up? Give you a thousand electrical jolts?

---That' Pikachu's job.

And your father was pretty scarry!!”

“Oooh…I get it. You were scared of my father! I thought you were supposed to be the super brave guy?!”

---Woah. Like, miss Attitude here like fer sure.

“This argument is taking us nowhere! Why don’t we just settle down, ok?!”

---And work this out like civilized angry savage people.

Tifa was about to say something, when they heard a screaming from inside the building and Zack came running out with a body full of blood.

---Help me! This guy has more blood than a mortal kombatant.

“Clo…Cloud!! Run!! He’s crazy, he’s gonna kill us all.”

.

--Who? The author?.

“Hey hey, hold on big guy. What’s going on? Who’s crazy? Who’s gonna kill us all?”

“Him!!.

---The man with the golden gun!.

Sephiroth!!”

“What? Sephiroth? What are you talking about?”

“He…he said something about our ancestors…and his ancestors…and he took out his sword…and killed Andy…and Joe…and everyone else…”.

---Everyone else,..... like Andy and Joe..

“Andy? Joe? Killed by Sephiroth? I can’t believe this!!”

Suddenly, Sephiroth came flying out from the reactor with the big tube in his hands, laughing evilly. .

---HAHA! I'll make sure everyone uses COLGATE! HAHAHA!.

“Sephiroth! What are you doing?! Are you crazy? Stop this at once!!”.

---I command thee!.

“Stop this? Hahahaha…No way! I’m having so much fun! I’ve already killed your friends. Now, I’m gonna destroy your city! Hahahahaha…see you there!!.

---I'll postpone the destruction until you get there..

He flew to the direction of Nibelheim,.

---And hit a lamp post.

carrying the tube like it weight nothing at all. Tifa just stared at him, trying so hard to get the words out of her mouth..

---Duh.... uh. uh. bluh.....

“Dad…your mom…all our friends are in there..

---"Uh... sorry, what did you say?.

We’ve got to stop him Cloud!”

“Yeah…but how are we gonna defeat him? We’re not strong enough.”

Zack tried to speak, while trying to forget the pain all over his body. .

---And failed at both..

“Clo…Cloud…here, take my Buster Sword…. You can .

---Bust stuff with it.

defeat him with this…Go ahead, take it .

---I dare ya.

and go…don’t waste any more time…”

---Stop listening to me, I'm just killing time.

“What? What about you Zack?

---I can go as slow as I want.

I’m not leaving you here.”

---What? WHY NOT!?

“You have to go Cloud

---Yes. Start clouding right away.

…It’s already too late for me…I’m dying…I’m not gonna make it…”

---I don't think I'll survive, My life is draining away, I'm giving up the ghost...

“No! I’m not leaving you here! We’ve been through everything together and I’m not about to stop that bond between us!”

---Uh............oh....

“Cloud! Shut up and listen to me!

---As if he wasn't already.

I’m dying, ok?!

---No that's not Ok... At least not for you.

I won’t make it! You’ve gotta go now! Stop Sephiroth before he destroys your hometown!!

---Isn't the rest of the world more important.

You…don’t want to lose your mother do you?

---Welllll........

She’s the only one you have…and you’re the only one she has…remember?

---For better or worse, richer or poorer.

Zack tried his best to smile, while tears ran down Cloud’s cheeks. He never thought he would have to deal with something like this. Tifa didn’t realize that she was crying at that time, until she heard an explosion from inside the town.

---How would you notice the fact that you're crying because there's an exposion.

Then she saw fire and smoke coming out.

---Which is perfecly natural when there's an explosion.

“Clo…Cloud…We have to go now…Sephiroth’s on the move…”

Zack took out a locket from his pocket and put it into Cloud’s hands.

---....may... the.......force...be...with.......you.........

“Cloud…before you go…I have one last request…”

---May I have a rolo?

“What is it? I’ll do anything for you…”

---ANYTHING?

“Find Aeris and give this locket to her…

---no.

nd give her my last message…

---Take my good coat to the cleaners and pick up Sean from school at 3:00.

tell her I love her very much…and I’m really sorry I can’t see her or say good-bye to her anymore…

---And that I died.

“I’ll do it. I’ll make sure she gets the locket and your message…personally.”

---Unless of course I die too.

“Thank you. Now, you better go. Stop Sephiroth before it’s too late.”

***

Cloud hop in the truck with Tifa,

---Yeah. NOW!

leaving Zack with his last breath.

---Which he kept in his pocket at all times.

Tifa hit the gas for Nibelhiem, and when they got there half the city was on fire.

---And the other half was already gone.

Cloud ran to his house and found his mother lying with a body full of blood on the floor.

---Most people have their body full of blood. It's bad when they don't.

“Mom! Wake up, mom! What happened?!”

---I though I could save money and do my own plumbing.

“Cloud…Sephiroth…he came her

---HE'S A SHE?!

and before I could think of anything…he took out his sword and slashed me…Find him, Cloud and stop him…before it’s to late…”

---You kill him. I don't want to endanger myself again.

“No. I’m gonna get some help for you first.”

---Let's see, the hospital is currently on fire and house calls cost too much. Sorry, Mom but you have to die.

“No! You don’t have time. The whole city will be burned down by the time you got that help. You have to go now, don’t waste any more time.”

---How come No one else is fighting him?

Cloud couldn’t think of anything to say. He just lost his best friend and his mom in one day. He couldn’t think of anything except avenging their death.

---And that weird taste in his balogna sandwich he had that morning.

“Sephiroth! I’m gonna find you and kill you!!

---ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?

I’ll look for you everywhere!! I’ll look for you even if I have to go to the end of the Earth!!”

Suddenly Sephiroth came in with an evil laughter and a big sword in his hand.

---Tangible laughter. You can take it anywhere.

“No need to go so far, Cloud. I’m here and I’m all yours.”

---Ewwww.

Cloud took his Buster Sword out and told Tifa to go hide. Tifa ran out of the house and hide behind the walls.

---Wouldn't he of seen her leave.

Cloud is ready to cut Sephiroth in to pieces.

---Actually, stabbing him a few times until he was dead was good enough for him.

But he isn’t fast enough to see Sephiroth’s movement and before he could do anything, Sephiroth’s jump to his back and hit him hard with his sword. Cloud fall down to the floor, unconscious.

---And dead.

“Hahahahaha…This fight is even shorter than I expect it to be. You idiot Cloud! Nobody in the whole world can defeat me! Nobody!

---Nobody beats bad boy. NOBODY!

Hahahahaha…”

Sephiroth fly away from the Strife’s residence

---Right now young man.

with a laugh that can be heard from miles away. Tifa run to get Cloud as soon as Sephiroth is gone.

---Right now young lady.

He took a bottle from her belt.

---I though he was unconsious.

The bottle has writing on it that says “Cure.”

---We already assumed that it was cure.

She pours the green water inside it

---Inside what?

and soon Cloud’s body is surrounded with a green glow, and he woke up feeling strangely fine.

---Almost, semi-sonic.

“Where is Sephiroth? I’m not done yet! I can still beat him!”

“He’s gone Cloud.

---Polkaroo was here and I missed him again?

Face it, you’re not strong enough to defeat him.

---You wimp. I'm dumping you.

Let it go Cloud. How will you avenge your family’s death if you die?”

---Uh..... legal suits?

Cloud realizes that she’s right. He’s not strong enough to defeat Sephiroth.

---So he went out and bought up the largest bazooka he could find.

“Come on. Let’s go get Zack and my mom.”

“And my day…Sephiroth killed him too…”

---And which day would that be?

The next morning a monument was standing on the hill behind the reactor. On it, there are carvings that says:

---To Saturday. The best day any week could have.

HERE LIES
THE BEST FRIEND
MOTHER AND FATHER
ON EARTH
MAY THE ANGELS GUIDE THEM
TO A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN REST
IN PEACE

---Like a Holiday Inn or something.

The wind runs through their faces

---Ouch.

nd blows their tears away, as they watch and prays in front of the monument.

---Hey yous. Yous better watch out and says yours own prays.

“So…what are you gonna do now Cloud?”

---I think I'll settle down, get a job and a nice little house to live in. Yeah... that's what I'll do.

“I’m not sure. I think I’m gonna be a mercenary and go to Midgar.

---I hear there's lots of people to kill over there.

I still have to find Aeris and give this locket and Zack’s message to her. But it won’t be easy.

---Since I really like this locket.

Sephiroth will go back to the Soldiers base and tell his men to look for me and kill me.

---That or just slaughter them all. Actually, that sounds more like him.

He knows that I’m a threat to his plans. What about you?

---Are you a threat to his plans?

What are you gonna do?”

---When he comes for you, bad boys bad boys...

“I don’t know. I’m gonna stay here for awhile and help rebuild everything.”

---I'm going to help all these dead people rebuild their houses.

“Ok, then. I’m gonna take a hitch to go to Midgar.

---Don't forget to bring it back later!

I’ll leave the truck here so that you can use it to do what you wanna do.”

---If you have the urge to run anyone named "PALMER" over, do so.

“Thank you…So, I guess this is good-bye then…”

“Yeah, I guess so…”

“Cloud…promise me you’ll come back for me?”

---(Darn it. I almost got out of it)

“Yes, I promise I’ll come back for you.”

---Eventually.

They hug, and tears run down their cheeks.

---Where they usually run down.

Cloud whisper good-bye into Tifa’s ears and she did the same.

--- Why did she whisper Good-bye to herself?

Then they go their separate ways. Cloud takes a hitch to Midgar, and Tifa goes back to Nibelheim, hoping that they will be reunited again, someday….

---THE END

***

Two years have pass after the incident in Nibelheim. Cloud has been moving from town to town,

---From MIDGAR to MIDGAR section 6 to MIDGAR section 4 to .....

helping people here and there, fighting Soldiers here and there, and making new friends and enemies.

---here and there.

He’s in Midgar now,

---It took him 2 years to get there too.

searching for a woman name Aeris Gainsborough, with a package of sad memories and messages for her.

---And a container of Coleslaw he didn't eat when he stopped off at the local KFC.

One night, while he is walking in an alley, a scream comes from the other end of the alley. He ran as fast as he could and finds a woman surrounded by Soldiers. He realizes that the lady is unconscious.

---Darn those Screaming unconsious Women.

After he defeats the Soldiers, he carries the lady in his hands and tries to find a place for her to rest. Then a big sign catches his eyes.

---REST UNCONSIOUS WOMEN HERE.

“TIFA’S SEVENTH HAVEN”

“Tifa’s Seventh Haven? Could it be…”

---There's more than 6?

He rushes inside and look around.

---I get a real load out of this guy's grammer.

It looks like there’s nobody there. Except for a lady and a big black guy with a small girl on his shoulder.

---But since it looked like there was nobody there, he left.

Then he recognizes a face, a face that he has known since he was able to walk and talk his faithful companion.

---It your turn to walk and talk the companion.

“Tifa? Is that you?”

---No. I'm not me.

“I’m Tifa. Who is…Cloud?

---Uh...

Is that you? It is you!”

“But…what are you doing here?

---Or do I want to know.

I thought you were gonna stay in Nibelheim?”

“Well, I changed my mind. I thought I’d follow you here. As soon as I get here I joined a group name “Avalanche”, a group fighting against Shinra.

---Did she already join or is she going to? It makes me so tense! Heh heh heh.

But so far, we only have two members. Me, and this big guy here.

---Ol' what's-his-name.

Cloud, I want you to meet Barret Wallace.”

---And here's his dog, Barret Gromit.

“Hi there Mr. Wallace.”

---Yo!

P ALIGN=Left> Barret doesn’t say anything.

---For the first time in his life.

He just stared at Cloud, examining him.

---Yes. He will make an excellent sacrifice.

“It’s ok, Barret. He’s my friend since I was a little kid.

---Well, until that pipe fell on me.

Cloud, Barret’s the leader of the group. Hey! Would you like to join us?!

---Just fax you name and address to our Hideout number and you will recieve a package in the mail containing your personal Avalanche ID number, coat and matching Pen and Pencil set.

We could sure use another member!”

---Since Barret here only sits around and picks his nose.

“Well, if it’s ok with Barret. Yeah, I’ll join you.”

“So what do you think Barret? Can he join us? Please?”

---I'll clean my room! PLEEEEASE?

“Hmmm…I don’t know. He ain’t got the look of a warrior. Except for that big sword there…”

---which must be made of aluminum for anyone to carry it.

“But he is a warrior! He’s a mercenary! Tell him Cloud!”

“Well, I am a mercenary,

---I have my certificate right here.

and I have received training here and there.”

---All I have to do is shoot people after all.

“See! I told you his good!

---What about his good?

So can he join us?”

“Well…ok. But he’s your responsibility.”

---Be sure to feed him and clean up after him.

“All right!! Thanks Barret!!”

“Yeah, yeah…Come on Marlene, let’s go outside.”

The little girl nods

---And hits her forehead on his.

. She hops down from Barret’s shoulder and

---Breaks her neck when she hits the floor. THE END.

put her hand in his and they walk outside the bar together.

---This child is not going to have the best of lives.

“Hey, Cloud. Who’s the lady?”

---Is she your GIRL FRIEND?

“I don’t know Tifa.

---What? We've been friends ever since childhood! You should know me!

She was surrounded by the Soldiers and I help her.

---Me tarzan.

That’s the story.”

The lady wakes up

---Woah. Did I miss Letterman?

confuse of what happened and where she is.

---Now the what happened is all confused. And so am I.

“What…what happened? Where am I?”

---Who are you? Who am I? What's that a picture of on the wall?

“Relax, you’re safe now. The Soldiers attacked you and I help you.

---Me Tarzan. Me brave.

Are you feeling all right?”

“Yes, and thank you for saving my life.

---yes, and thank you for save my life.

What’s your name?”

---Floor.... I mean Cloud.

“Cloud Strife. She’s Tifa. What’s your name?”

“Aeris….Aeris Gainsborough.”

---Oh yeah. Your boyfriend died. There. Now you know.

***

Cloud never thought that she is Zack’s girlfriend. Suddenly, he doesn’t feel like giving Zack’s message to her.

---So he just gave her the coleslaw.

“You…you are Aeris? Zack’s girlfriend?”

“Why yes. Zack Leonheart is my boyfriend.

---I'm kind of suspicious that he hasn't written in 7 years but I've stayed faithful.

How did you know him?”

“Zack’s my best friend. Look, I have a bad news for you. Zack…Zack is gone. Sephiroth killed him. I’m really sorry.”

---"Why? Did you help kill him?"

Aeris’ face turned white and she felt like she’s gonna die. She can’t bear the truth that Zack is gone.

---I haven't seen him in 7 years and I miss him so much more now.

“He left this locket for you, and I wrote his last message on this paper.”

---Oh Darn it. All the ink is smeared. I shouldn't of used that cheap brand.

Cloud gives the locket and the message to Aeris. She reads it and tears run down her cheek.

---Her tears favor one side over the other.

“I…I can’t believe this.

---I've lost 20 pounds!!

I haven’t seen him in over 10 years

---My mistake.

and suddenly his dead. I just can’t believe this.”

---"What a JERK!!"

“I’m really sorry.”

Silence fills the air and it’s surroundings.

---Like the other air....... and that other air...... and that other air.

Suddenly, Tifa’s voice breaks the peace.

---"BURRRRRRPPP! Sorry. It just tastes better that way."

“Hey, Aeris…I know you hate Sephiroth for killing Zack…and we have a group that’s trying to defeat him and Shinra. So…would you like to join us?”

---Only if I get a gun.

“Well…I.…I guess so…Yeah, I really hate them. Especially Shinra.

---Sephiroth may of killed my boyfriend but Shinra made me live in this dump.

I can’t believe they’re sucking the Earth’s energy.

---What's so surprising about it. If it makes money, someone will sell it.

My ancestors would have killed them if they are still here.”

“Your ancestors? Who’s your ancestors?”

---CAPTAIN PLANET!!! (I hate him.)

“Uhmmm…I don’t know if you know about them…but they are called the Ancients”

---They're really.... uh.... ancient.

“The Ancients? I’ve heard about them! They are the one who defeats Sephiroth’s ancestors.

---How did he know. Sephiroth told Zack that.

So…you are the last of the Ancients?”

---Then how come you are so young.

“Yeah…I guess so…”

“All right! Tifa, we just got a big help in our hands!

---What?

I can’t believe our luck! Hahahaha…!!

A new rebel group has just been formed. The last, best hope for the survival of Earth and mankind.

---Da da da Dum.

***

Final Fantasy VII: The Beginning

Finished: September 6th 1998 - 6 : 23 PM.

By Kevin. P. Widjaja

---The plot didn't even hang together with the game's. Also, the author has no grammer skills at all. He almost never had the correct tense. There was also the tendency to use really small sentences that made it sound like a Dick and Jane book. This was one horrible fanfic.