To those who loved this world...
...and knew friendly company therein:
This Reunion is for you.
498 Years Earlier
Why does humankind even bother.
You wreck everything you've ever made, and start over.
Like it'll be any different after that.
I supposed we're not good at facing our memories,
We'd rather kill the past.
Find something worthwile among the rubble and build the future with that.
And that's the reason you hide Mother?
To kill the past?
We were trying to rid ourselves of a more immediate problem.
You don't mean the stigma?
But you're the one who brought that on yourself in the first place.
I see.
I guess you really do have a short memory.
No, not me.
You see, it is my choice to forget.
2 Weeks Ago
Tseng! Look at this.
Hm?
Found it.
Not a pretty sight, is it?
Who cares? Just get the damn thing.
Reno, I'm counting on you.
You got it.
Whoa!
Senpai, hurry!
Senpai!
Who the hell is that?
Elena!
Go! Get out!
Tseng-san!
You are going to give her back eventually.
The Lifestream.
That's what we call the river of life that circles our planet...
... giving life to the world and everything in it.
The Shinra Electric Power Company discovered a way...
... to use the Lifestream as an energy source.
Because of Shinra's energy, we were able to live very comfortable lives.
But wasn't that because we were taking away from the planet's life?
A lot of people thought so.
Shinra used their power to try and stop anybody who got in their way.
Shinra had a special group of warriors called SOLDIER.
And all the SOLDIERs had Jenova cells put inside them.
Jenova was a calamity that fell from the sky a long, long time ago...
... and tried to destroy the planet.
Anyway, there was one SOLDIER named Sephiroth...
... who was better than the rest.
But when he found out about the terrible experiments that made him...
... he began to hate Shinra.
And then, over time, he began to hate everything.
Shinra and the people against them.
Sephiroth, who hated the planet so much...
... he wanted to make it go away.
And the people who tried to stop him.
There were a lot of battles.
For every battle, there was more sadness.
Someone I love went back to the Lifestream too.
And then, it came.
The chosen day.
In the end, the planet itself had to make the battles stop for good.
The planet used the Lifestream as a weapon...
... and when it burst out of the earth...
... all the fighting, all the greed and sadness...
... everything was washed away.
"Sadness was the price to see it end."
It's been two years since they told me that.
Move it, move it.
Whoa.
Sis, let's go.
Yeah.
But it looks like the planet is a lot angrier than we thought.
They call it Geostigma.
Well, Marlene? How does it look?
Please. Please don't take Denzel away.
"The commission report released this morning has revealed"
"That Lifestream concentration at the atmosphere"
"Has been dropped to a mere hundredth of levels 2 years ago."
"However, the concentration remains toxic"
"Around the Shinra Company main building as well as the company's Mako reactors." He's not here anymore.
"To prevent the onset of Geostigma"
"The commission does advise that you stay away from these facilities"
"And the surrounding areas."
"Next up. Should Shinra be held financially responsible for the crisis?"
Cloud, where is he now?
Strife Delivery Service. You name it, we ship...
May I ask who's calling?
Yeah, I remember you.
You got a call from Reno. He's in Healin.
Says he's got work for you.
Cloud, how have you been?
You have no more messages...
Hey, Kadaj? Is that where Big Brother lives?
Yeah.
Think he'll be happy to see us?
- Not a chance. - Don't cry, Yazoo.
But Mother's with him?
Maybe not.
Oh, don't cry, Loz.
Look, here he comes.
Where's Mother?
We know you hid her, Brother.
Don't tell me you're leading me on?
Because I think you do have Mother there.
No need to shout.
Put the president on.
You're starting to bother me.
Don't run away.
Hey, it's me, Barret!
I did it! A new oil field! O-IL-FIELD!
A huge one, too!
And we're sticking to plan, so soon I'll be able to come visit Marlene!
Tell her for me! See ya!
Reno called again.
He says to hurry, but he sounded kind of strange...
Be careful, okay?
Okay, so you're good.
Yeah, Rude, looking sharp!
Just as expected from an ex-SOLDIER.
You haven't rusted a bit.
Is that you, Rufus? You've got no luck either...
- The day of the explosion... - What do you want?
...I managed to get out... - Who were the guys that attacked me?
...before it colla... - I'm leaving.
We need your assistance.
- Not interest... - I acknowledge that Shinra...
...owes the planet a lot.
It goes without saying that my company and I...
...are the ones who put the world in the sorry state it's in.
So we feel we have a responsibility to set things right.
I'm still out of here!
We've already taken the first step...
...by conducting an investigation in Sephiroth's wake.
It's been 2 years, now that that the world is on track again, what's the threat now?
Well, that one's easy, Geostigma.
And we have to think Sephiroth is the one responsible.
The people blame Mako energy, Mako reactors, even the Lifestream for causing the stigma.
However, isn't it wrong to put a blame on it?
The Lifestream existed as long as the Planet and even Mako energy has been part of our life for 40 years.
And yet there's no mention about stigma in recorded history.
So, what happened during our time to change all that?
I can only think of one thing.
Sephiroth's awakening.
Sephiroth is dead.
Of course, but what about his mind?
What if somehow he dissolved into the Lifestream coursing with the Planet?
I know, it's merely my speculation.
But, there are possibilities right?
And we can't cure the stigma until we know the truth.
So we took the first step, and went to look for traces of Sephiroth.
Do you by any chance, still remember where is it?
At the Northern Cave!
What do you think we found?
We didn't find anything. You can relax.
However, not all went as planned.
We were interrupted. It was the three who attacked you.
Tseng-san!
Kadaj's gang.
Kadaj?
Really, what could they be thinking?
What does that have to do with me?
You are going to give her back eventually.
Your ties with Sephiroth run as deep as ours too Cloud.
And if Kadaj’s goal is to prepare for an imminent occasion
We should be prepared for the upcoming threat.
Prepare?
Sephiroth...
...resurrection.
Are you done talking?
Let's get things clear.
In order to battle with Kadaj, we need someone with your expertise.
Will you join us?
SOLDIER member, Cloud.
Former.
What's this stuff about 'Mother'?
Beats me. Didn't Kadaj mention anything to you?
Rufus.
Are you hiding something from me?
I never keep a secret, especially from a comrade.
I'm sure you wanted to learn more about the stigma?
Obviously for the sake of those orphans you live with.
Think about it. Don't you want to put smiles back on their faces?
All we want in the end is to rebuild our world, Cloud.
- But I... - Come on, Cloud.
Together, we can rebuild Shinra!
Not interested.
- Reno! - Reno!
Does Cloud live here?
I guess he does.
What's this?
It's just like Denzel. Is Cloud sick?
Why didn't he just say something?
Did he leave because he's sick?
He wants to fight alone.
- Fight? - No.
I don't think he will.
Tifa?
Let's go back, Marlene?
No! I wanna see Cloud!
...I guess you're right.
- It'd be nice to see him, huh? - Yeah.
Hey, what should we do when he gets here?
We'll all go home!
Before that, we'll lecture him!
Agreed!
Now we just have to find Tseng and Elena.
The other employees give you any leads?
Nothing yet.
Who'd have thought, Shinra's employees return to work.
Now that's dedication. I'm telling you this is going to be a fresh start.
Well, those who live have a lot to atone for.
It's been 2 years already, right?
It seems a lot longer than that.
What a nightmare huh?
The world was almost done for.
And we're a part of it.
Seriously though, how are we supposed to atone for that?
Too bad the director's not around.
Elena too.
I hope they're still alive.
It's alright.
Tseng is just like the President. They always escape from the death god.
I'm sure of that.
You got that right.
Found you.
Church?
Ah, I know that one.
I'll be waiting.
Your call to Sector 7 cannot be reached at the moment.
Cloud, you rarely call back don't you?
Anything happen?
Cloud?
No it's not.
Who's this? Isn't this Cloud's phone?
I don't know.
Who are you?
I don't know. Please, I don't know what to do, I can't do this.
Are you crying?
What happened? Are you okay?
- Cloud! Cloud! - Where are you?
Oi!
Are you alright?
I hate liars.
I apologize. This time you'll get the truth.
The object you seek fell from the helicopter while we were running from you.
What a ridiculous story.
Is that right?
I swear it.
Then swear on these.
- Why are you doing this? - We need Mother's power.
The Reunion is coming and we need her.
Reunion?
My brothers and sisters who share Mother's cells will all assemble.
And together, we'll take revenge on the planet.
We've already sent out the invitations, but you know.
Someone's gone and hidden the guest of honor.
Invitations?
The stigma. But you know all about that.
Mother's memetic legacy lives on in the Lifestream and makes it happen.
She does so much for us, and we don't even know where to find her.
But what can we do, we're just remnants of Mother's legacy.
Until we find Mother and receive her cells, we can't be whole again.
Geostigma and a legacy aren't enough.
Not for a true Reunion.
What do you mean?
Mr. President, surely you've noticed?
Sorry, sorry.
The stigma!
Can't you people just stay indoors?
Here.
I said I'd live out both our lives.
Easier said than done.
You wanna be in SOLDIER? Hang in there!
Hey, how're you doing?
What're you gonna do once we get to Midgar?
We're friends, right?
Old man, stop somewhere behind a rock.
Cloud, we’re getting off!
My dreams and pride...
...You can have them all.
You're...
...the proof that I existed.
On that day, I swore I'll never forget.
But, I...
Don't pretend you're sad.
Why tremble with anger that's not even there.
Do you know why, Cloud?
All you are, is an empty puppet.
Wanna play?
I guess that's a no.
Where's Mother?
It stinks.
- Hey, where's Mother? - There's no one here!
Fine. Play with me.
This'll be fun.
Tifa!
She's not here.
I'm not crying!
Got it. I'll bring it.
Time to finish this.
Cloud!
Run!
About earlier, I'm sorry.
Thank you.
My brother...
Isn't around anymore.
I see.
You've got the stigma too?
Come on, they're gonna fix us.
Tifa?
Tifa!
You're late...
Who did this?
He didn't say.
Marlene?!
No...
You're pretty heavy.
You were living with some kids, right?
They ain't here.
Is that okay with you?
I...
You're a real handful.
Tifa said to take you home, kid.
Hold on tight.
Who are these people that are going to fix us?
I don't know.
Anyone is fine.
So Big Brother was hiding it.
This is the power of the Lifestream.
This materia will give us renewed power.
So, those were a gift from Mother?
Yea, it should be.
Then, Brother is hiding Mother too?
No. It's that President guy.
Keeping things hidden is something Shinra's people are very good at.
Then we have to look everywhere that has to do with Shinra.
Pretty soon, we'll have plenty of help.
This is fun!
But first.
We need to have a talk with Brother.
He likes to pretend as if he's not a part of the family.
He makes me sad, really sad.
Right?
Reno and Rude are looking.
You have Geostigma, don't you.
So it's okay to just give up and die. Is that what you think?
It knew it.
There's no cure.
That's not stopping Denzel from fighting.
Don't run. Let's fight it together.
We can help each other, I know we can.
Or do we have to be a real family for that to work?
I...
...am not fit to help anyone.
Not my family, not my friends.
No one.
Dilly-dally, shilly-shally...
I think she wants you to move on.
Did you find them?
Only a witness.
Saw them being taken away.
- Where are they? - The Forgotten City.
Their base.
I've received a special power from Mother.
The power to fight...
...against a planet that torments its people.
She gave this power to all her children.
That's right.
You and I are brethren.
Brothers and sisters chosen...
...when we inherited Mother's memetic legacy through the Lifestream.
But...
...the planet doesn't like that.
It's trying to hold us back.
That's why it's been wracking our bodies with pain, filling our hearts with doubt!
I will heal you.
Then we will go to Mother.
We will join as a family and strike back at the planet!
Do as I do.
Denzel.
Denzel!
Mother, look.
All my new siblings.
They will keep me company until I find you.
You came.
Even though you're about to break.
That's a good sign.
I wanna ask something!
Why exactly did you come here for?
I think I want to be forgiven...
Yes, I want to be forgiven.
By who?
Glad you could make it.
I'm here for the kids.
See this man? He's our big brother.
But you know,
It's a shame...
He's a traitor.
Cloud!
I really can't save anyone, right?
Vincent. What do you know about this?
I come here often.
I've seen what Kadaj's group is doing.
The stigma.
Inside our bodies, we all have a current like the Lifestream.
When alien matter infests the body, this current is what fights it off.
There's a flow through the body like the Lifestream...
It fights against the invasion of harmful substances.
Harmful substances...
The Sephiroth gene. Jenova's memetic legacy.
Call it what you want.
You're well-informed.
Tseng and Elena.
They were brought here half-dead.
They must have been brutally tortured.
I did what I could to save them...
...but it was ugly.
Tortured?
They had it coming.
They got their hands on Jenova's head.
Then the "Mother" Kadaj is looking for...
Heaven's dark harbinger. The calamity, Jenova.
If they wanted to, they could make another Sephiroth.
Kadaj...
What is he?
I'd rather not know.
Marlene!
Cloud! Denzel and Tifa!
Tifa is all right.
I wanna talk to her!
Do you have it?
I can't believe it!
Vincent, will you take Marlene back to the bar?
I'm gonna go get some answers from Shinra.
- You know I can't. - But...
Cloud, that's enough!
Why won't you listen to what we're trying to say?
Marlene, please give me some time.
There's a battle to be fought...
...but it's not as simple as just fighting it. You understand, right?
No, I don't!
Cloud, is this really about the fight?
Where are they?
The Forgotten City.
Ajit.
Please take care of it.
- I have to talk to Rufus. - Stop running!
I know.
Even if you find the kids, you might not be able to help them.
Maybe something will happen that can never unhappen.
That scares you, doesn't it?
But you need to think about now. Take it in.
You think you've got it hard? Tough.
Sharing your life with other people is hard.
I know you don't want to be alone.
You might not answer the phone, but you won't throw it away either.
Why don't you just go to Ajit.
Why do we have to lose out to our memory?
But I let you die.
Really, you're always drifting...
Cloud, why can't you forgive yourself?
Are sins ever forgiven?
I've never tried.
Tried it?
Tried it...
Marlene, let's go home.
I'm gonna try.
I'll let you know how it goes.
It's me, Reeve.
How's work going?
I saw your flyer. How the hell do you stay in business?
You never change, Cloud.
I was thinking about helping you out, but I guess I'll call back another time.
- Later. - Surprise! It's me, Yuffie.
So, hey, all the kids are missing from Wutai.
Have you heard anything? Give me a ring and fill me in, okay?
I never blamed you, not once.
You came for me. That's all that matters.
- Hey, are you listening? - Why the hell are you doing this?
Denzel?
Denzel. Denzel!
And what are we up to?
Mother's here, isn't she?
How do you figure?
This, what do you call it?
Monument.
I bet Shinra made it.
Wow, you used your head, didn't you?
Am I wrong?
Who knows.
We don't know anything about it either.
I see, as if anyone would trust you.
Rude!
Say something!
Does it hurt?
Yea.
But, not as bad as Denzel's.
Can it be cured?
I don't know.
For Denzel's sake, you've been trying so hard to find a cure for it.
You knew about that?
Cloud, you should clean up your desk sometimes.
I guess so.
Say Cloud, because you can't fix Denzel's stigma, is that the reason why you left?
Or is it because you had the stigma too?
I just thought I could take care of myself.
That's what I think.
How can you look after your family if you can't even take good care of yourself?
Or, at least that is what daddy would say.
Cloud, don't give up.
You, and Denzel, and Tifa are always there to help me.
You're always there whenever I need you.
For now, it's my turn.
Sure.
Say, Kadaj. I've got a question for you.
Just one question then.
You said you needed Jenova cells in order to return to what you were.
What does that mean?
He's coming back.
Sephiroth.
The nightmare.
So they say.
You mean...
I don't know Sephiroth.
But I know he's close.
It gets under my skin.
What if Mother loves him more than..?
Poor little remnants.
It doesn't matter. You'll meet the same fate either way!
Mother came to this planet after a long journey.
To rid the cosmos of fools like you.
But you know about it as well.
Nothing's changed since Mother came here.
I have to change it. To make her happy.
There's nothing I wouldn't do, if she only asked.
Hmph, the nightmare comes again, huh?
As long as you exist, the nightmares will come again and again.
The Lifestream courses through our planet...
... back and forth across the borders of life and death.
If that cycle is the very truth of life...
... then history, too, will inevitably repeat itself.
So go on, bring your Jenovas and your Sephiroths.
It won't matter.
We'll do as life dictates...
... and stop you every single time.
Mr. President, is that an excuse for taking Mother?
Don't tell me you're feeling remorse?
Remorse?
Why, I've never had this much fun.
Glad to hear that.
Now let's put an end to all this.
Denzel, we've got to get away!
This is...
Is it coming after us?
Why don't you go ask it?
Having fun yet?
Not at all!
Can't you guys just call it a day?!
We will.
If you give back Mother, that'll be the end of everything.
Damned punks...
...what do you need Jenova's head for?
Forget your little Reunion and get a grip!
All we want is to be with Mother!
Mother will know what's best. She'll tell us what to do.
Now, where is she?
Mother, mother. It's Jenova's frigging head!
- Hey! - Don't talk about Mother like that.
Unforgivable!
We're sorry...
That's right...
Wait, why are we apologizing?
Tifa?
Bastard!
You look after Mom.
Barret!
Marlene's safe, right? Huh?
I can't match this!
Who's using my materia?!
The bad guys, naturally.
Dammit!
Who's that?
The latest model, Sierra!
I'll let you ride it later!
Where's the phone shop?
Who's that person?
These are our friends.
Denzel, can you make it to the bar?
Enough!
Tifa!
Denzel!
Cloud!
I'm sorry I'm a little late.
It's alright.
Are you alright?
Marlene's safe. I took her home.
It feels a little lighter.
Maybe I wore it down by dragging it along so much.
I'm going back to the bar. I'll be waiting with Marlene.
You're gonna come home, right, Cloud?
I can do this!
You're late dammit!
Isn't this fun, Boss? What should we summon next?
- Mother? - A good son would have known.
Go, Cloud!
Haiya!
Fly!
It's not over yet!
Here!
Mother!
- Boss! - Boss!
Boss!
You messed with the wrong guy.
Rude!
This is bad! This is bad! This is bad yo!
Ooh, Rude. You're alright.
Yea.
I'm just peachy.
Senpai!
Hey, partner.
This thing got any bite?
Shinra technology at its finest.
Oh, so you made this.
I don't know about the power, but it sure is flashy.
Oh-hoh!
You like that, don't you, partner?
No overtime tonight, eh?
Mother!
Mother...
Mother!
Let's go, Cloud.
I've finally found Mother.
So, what happens now?
Mother will tell me, you'll see.
I guess a remnant wouldn't know anything.
So what if I'm a puppet.
You used to be no different!
Cloud, I brought you materia!
- Don't shake it! - Yo, Cid! Land this junk heap.
Shut up! You want off, you jump!
Let them fight by themselves.
Kadaj is an avatar of Sephiroth.
Think of him as a sort of larval form.
Larva? You mean he's some kinda insect?
Calm down, Princess!
So that punk's gonna become Sephiroth?
Wait, Cloud, does he know that?
Probably.
I see.
Let's leave them alone.
I don't get it! Someone explain it to me!
This is man talk.
Sexist. Sexist!
Will you calm down, Princess!?
Some of the men ain't following either.
Two years ago... During our last battle
...do you remember what it was like to be strong?
It's only been two years...
...but somehow that strength has slipped away.
I think Cloud's found it again though.
I'll give him 10 minutes.
Always a pain in the ass, that Cloud.
At least he's honest.
I'll show you my Reunion.
It's been a while, Cloud.
Your stigma is gone?
How unfortunate.
Just what do you really want?
The ghosts of Geostigma victims.
They will rejoin the Lifestream and circle the planet...
Eventually it infringes on the planet...
What I really want, Cloud...
...is to sail the darkness of the cosmos with this planet as my vessel...
...just as my mother did long ago.
Then one day we'll find a new planet...
...and on its soil we'll create a shining future.
What will happen to this planet?
Well, that's up to you to decide.
Sister?
Where did you find this strength?
I don't feel like telling you.
I've thought of a wonderful present for you.
Shall I give you despair?
Kneel. Beg for forgiveness.
Is this the pain you felt before, Cloud?
Let me remind you again,
And this time, engrave it into your memory.
What do you treasure most?
I want the joy of taking it from you.
So what if it looks hopeless?
If it were me, I still wouldn't give up.
Embrace your dreams.
Also, whatever happens, protect your honor as a SOLDIER.
You never made it as a SOLDIER.
But it's the feeling that counts, the feeling.
Zack.
Well, do you need help there?
You already beat him once didn't you? This should be an easy one, right?
Yea.
Never forget.
I am...
...the proof that you existed.
How sad. You who understand nothing...
...There is nothing I don't treasure!
Stay in my memories where you belong.
I will never be a memory.
Brother...
Kadaj?
You can let it go now, if you want.
Mother, is that you?
Everyone's waiting, if you're ready to go.
He did it! That's how it goes!
A man! Cloud-san's a man!
See? Just like I told you. He can do anything if he puts his mind to it.
Hold on tight, you guys!
You were always with us, weren't you?
Thank you.
Let's all go home together.
And play with everyone...
Cloud!
Cloud said he'd come home.
Let's go.
Mom?
Why does everyone keep calling me that?
I guess they must be fond of you.
I think this one's outgrown me.
Tough luck, friend. Looks like your place isn't here.
She said to wait here for Cloud.
Welcome home.
I'm home.
There are still children with the stigma.
Okay, it's time to get fixed up.
It's okay.
Be strong.
- Last one in is a rotten egg! - It worked, it worked!
You're all right now, aren't you?
Yeah. I'm not alone.
And all my hopes and dreams
Aren't for anyone
I keep them safe and sound
And hope this picture is
Not yours anymore
But can you hear me now?
Now that’s okay man
I’ll say it across this land,
You should’ve kissed me baby
So try and stop me
Or so forgive this light
Cuz I can’t beg all night
Until my heart stops beating
You’ll never hear me say
I won’t kiss you
If I say,
It's lost its beating
If I can’t find my way
It’s over now
That I won’t
Break away
Until the day (Whoa, whoa)
I’m never backing down (Whoa, whoa)
And hear me say (Whoa, whoa)
I’ll keep it safe and sound (Whoa, whoa)
I’ll keep it safe and...
This hopeless feeling
This fear of falling down
But I’m not crashing now
For all this bleeding
It wasn’t worth the sound
A million screaming out loud
And still
The earth comes reeling
The curtain calls my name
I’m not afraid
And I know
You may not miss me
But I am not ashamed
The choice I made
But I can
Let this go
Until the day (Whoa, whoa)
I’m never backing down (Whoa, whoa)
Just hear me say (Whoa, whoa)
I’ll keep it safe and sound (Whoa, whoa)
I’ll keep it safe and...
No dashing car
Or a dying star
That’s raced into the ground
Like the final words
Of the passengers
Will the angels give it all?
Will the world
Watch us burn?
Until the day (Whoa, whoa)
I’m never backing down (Whoa, whoa)
Just hear me say (Whoa, whoa)
I’ll keep it safe and sound (Whoa, whoa)
Keep it safe and sound (Whoa, whoa)
Keep it safe and sound
Whose grave is this?
No.
This is where the 'hero' began his journey.