Chapter 21: Gold Saucer Double Date, Spy in the Group
Link: ….
Cid: Hey kid, what's wrong with you? You seasick or somethin' ?
Link: …
Cid: You gonna answer or not?
Tifa: Link? What's wrong...
Link: (startled) Huh? What's wrong?
Cid: That's what we want to know.
Tifa: You had such a worried look on your face, are you alright?
Link: I'm fine... I just have a bad feeling about that Temple.
Cloud: The Temple of the Ancients?
Aeris: What about it?
Link: Well, since Ganondorf has been in this world and had time to regenerate a bit, He's pretty much fused with or become Sephiroth growing his powers beyond what they were in Hyrule, causing him to bring his followers and minions from Hyrule, recreating his dark temples, here in your world.
Cid: $#&%! That's the biggest pile of horse spit I ever heard!
Link: … Fine. Whatever, believe me or not, I don't care. But when we get there, don't come crying to me cause I was right.
(After gaining the Tiny Bronco to wander about the world.. Onward they journey westward, traveling to a small shack outside the Gold Saucer. A salesman inside walks over.)
Salesman: Huh? Oh, another customer. You sure picked an out of the way place but... But if it's the "Keystone" you're looking for, you're too late. Don't have it.
Cloud: Keystone?
Salesman: What? You didn't come here for that? The "Keystone is the key that unlocks the gate to a very old
temple somewhere. You're not going to believe your ears, But I heard it was the Temple of the Ancients!
Cloud: The Temple of the Ancients...
Salesman: Kya, hah hah hah... Don't take it seriously. It's just a legend!
(He goes about his business)
Link: … Where is this Keystone?
Salesman: I sold it already. Yeah well, to tell the truth, I didn't really want to sell it but... That guy had a way about him that made you feel like it may not be a good idea NOT to sell it to him...
Cloud: Who did you sell it to?
Salesman: The manager of the Gold Saucer... think his name was Dio. Said he was going to put it in his museum, then he took off out of here.
Cloud: Where is the Temple?
Salesman: Come on... it's only a legend. But if it were true, that sure would be something, huh? Now that you mention it, I have heard of something called Ultimate Destruction Magic was supposed to be hidden somewhere in the Temple of the Ancients.
Link: Ultimate Destruction Magic...?
Salesman: Come on! I told you not to take it seriously!
(Afterwards the team travels to the Gold Saucer and goes to Dio's Show Room at the Battle Square. The Keystone is sitting on a pedestal in the center of the room, which is full of different weapons and other antiquities.)
Link: This must be the 'Keystone'.
(Dio enters, laughing)
Dio: Heh, heh, heh. Long time no see, my boy. Hmm? You like that, huh?
Link: You think, you could let me borrow this?
(Dio laughs)
Dio: Heh, heh, heh. Sorry, but it's not for rent. Hmm. Since you've been good to me in the past, I CAN let you have it
on one condition.
Link: What condition would that be?
(Dio laughs)
Dio: Heh, heh, heh. Entertain me!
Link: Heh... What you need me to do?
Dio: Hoo boy! Heh, heh, heh. It's not something that's really difficult. This is the Battle Arena. Show me your fighting skills. Just you, my boy, I'm expecting a good fight!
(Link enters the Battle Arena and dominates the competition. After the battle...)
Dio: Heh heh heh. That my boy was spectacular! So, like I promised go ahead, take the keystone.
Link: Thanks Dio.
Dio: Well then, we shall meet again! Heh, heh, heh.
(Link and the team head for the Station Square. As they try to board the Tram, a workman is standing outside the Ropeway stops them.)
Staff: Excuse me, sir. I'm sorry. The Tram is out of order right now.
Cloud: ...so?
Staff: I'm really sorry! I'm afraid you won't be able to leave until it's fully repaired.
(Cait Sith comes bounding up)
Cait Sith: What's wrong?
(Cloud explains)
Cait Sith: Too bad. It happens, though. I know! Let's stay at the hotel! They know me here. I'll go talk to them.
(He bounds off)
Staff: I will let you know once the repairs are completed.
(Later that night. The entire party is gathered in the lobby of the Ghost Hotel. Cid is dozing in a big comfy chair.)
Cait Sith: We don't usually get the chance to be together like this, huh? Cloud, how 'bout it? Can you tell us what's happened so far? I don't really know what's gon' on because I wasn't here in the beginning.
(Cid looks up)
Cid: Yeah! I'm all for it!
Link: … It's all just confusing
Barret: I been here since the beginnin', an' I still don't know what the hell's goin' on either. Cloud, the hell's goin' on? C'mon, tell us!
Cloud: We are going after Sephiroth. Sephiroth must be in search of the Promised Land.
Cid: The Promised Land?
Cloud: A land full of Mako energy, ... or at least that's what the Shinra believe. I don't know if it actually exists.
Link: It does exist. In Hyrule there is the Sacred Realm. It's the same thing.
Aeris: The Cetras return to the Promised Land. A land that promises boundless happiness.
Barret: Cetra? That some kinda disease?
Aeris: That's what the Ancients call themselves. Hey, didn't you listen to the elders at Cosmo Canyon? ...You don't 'know' where the Promised Land of the Ancients is. You search and travel, until you feel it. Like you just know...this is the Promised Land.
(Cloud turns to Aeris)
Cloud: Aeris... can you feel it too?
Aeris: I think so.
Tifa: So Sephiroth is traveling the world because he's searching for the Promised Land? Is that it?
Aeris: That, and one other thing he's searching for.
Cloud: The Black Materia...
Cait Sith: I heard from Dio that a man in a Black Cape was lookin' for the Black Materia.
Tifa: I don't even know what the Black Cape is... How many men with Black Capes and number tattoos are there?
Red XIII: ...you know, of course... My tattoo is number 13.
Cloud: How did you get that tattoo?
Red XIII: ...Hojo put it on me. Everything else is just war scars, but the number was done by Hojo.
Tifa: So there are at least 13!
Aeris: ...You know... I think Hojo did something to those men in the Black Capes. But I don't know what it has to do with Sephiroth though... That's why I think we should just go after Sephiroth himself.
Barret: Yeah, me too! It's all just to damn confusin'.
Aeris: And...
(She puts her hands to her face)
Aeris: I'm sorry, forget it! I think I'm tired. I'm going to bed now.
(She runs upstairs)
Cait Sith: What was that, all of a sudden! Is that all? How 'bout the Black Materia?
(Cloud shrugs)
Cloud: You wouldn't understand even if I told you.
Barret: Now all we gotta do is take action! We're startin' tomorrow!
(Barret runs upstairs)
Red XIII: Cloud... (He turns to face Cloud) I'm number 13. Am I going to go mad too?
(Tifa kneels by him)
Tifa: I don't know what Hojo did to you, but you've been all right so far, right?
Red XIII: But...
Tifa: Be strong.
(He looks at the floor)
Red XIII: But, I...
Tifa: Stop it, Red! Be strong!
Cloud: Tifa?
Tifa: (looks over to Link) You're not the only one who's worried!
Link: (looking up at the ceiling) ….
Cait Sith: I don't know what's goin' on, but we're in a bad situation...
Cid: ...zzzz...zzzz...
(Later, after the team goes to their rooms for the night, Cloud is standing by the window in his room, watching the rain storm outside. There comes a knock at the door. Cloud goes to answer it, but before he gets there, Aeris bursts in.)
Aeris Hee, hee!
Cloud: What's wrong?
(She leans toward Cloud)
Aeris: You want to go on a date?
Cloud: What?
Aeris: A DA-TE! Or haven't you ever gone on one?
Cloud: Well, not a real one...
Aeris: No, just a mixed-up kid...
(She runs around behind him and starts pushing him out the door)
Aeris: Oh well. Come on, let's go. We're going on a double date with Tifa and Link.
Cloud: Hey.
(They end up at the Station Square. An attendant greets them. Link and Tifa are already seated inside the auditorium in Event Square.)
Attendant: Tonight's Enchantment Night! All the attractions are free. How 'bout it you two? There's going to be an entertaining show in Event Square!
Aeris: Come on, let's go. Link and Tifa are waiting!
(They go to the Event Square. For the first time, the seats are filled.)
Attendant: Congratulations! You are our 100th couple today! You two will be the leads in tonight's show!
Cloud: Wha?
Attendant: Oh, now, it's not hard. Just play it however you want to and the rest of the cast will cover up for you. Come this way.
Cloud: H, hey!
Aeris: This sounds like fun. Come on Cloud, let's do it.
(The scene switches to the stage at the front of Event Square. The backdrop is decked out with paintings of a house, a Debu Chocobo, and "GOLD SAUCER" scrawled in clumsy white letters.)
Narration: Long, long ago... An evil shadow appeared over the peaceful kingdom of Galdia... Princess Rosa was just kidnapped by the Evil Dragon King, Valvados. What will become of her? Just then, the legendary hero, Alfred, appears!
(Cloud is pushed out on stage. A knight dances over next to him)
Link: (whispering to Tifa) Hey... is that Cloud?
Tifa: (whispering to Link) Yeah, your right!
Knight:(On stage) Oh... You must be the legendary hero... Alfred!
(Cloud sort of looks around)
Knight: Hey, it's your line.
(Cloud points to himself)
Knight: Yeah, you. Ahem!
(The knight stands up and starts rolling his head)
Knight: Oh... You must be the legendary hero... Alfred! I know in my soul. Please... please save Princess Rosa!
(He kneels and raises his arms)
Knight: Now... Please talk... to the King...!
(The King dances out on stage. Cloud runs over to him)
King: Oh... legendary hero, Alfred. You have come to save my beloved Rosa... On the peak of a dangerous mountain... dwells the Evil Dragon King, Valvados... who's kidnapped Princess Rosa... But... you can't beat the Evil Dragon King now! Talk to one who can help you...
(A wizard and a knight dances out on stage)
Narration: Who will you talk to?
(Cloud runs over to the knight)
Knight: I am... a lowly... knight. How... can I help you?
Cloud: Defeat the Evil Dragon King
Narration: Oh what is going to happen next...! Oh... Legendary hero... look!
(Everyone gasps hugely. A giant stuffed dragon swings out on stage, holding Aeris, who is playing the part of the Princess.)
EDK: Gaaaaaaah! I am the Evil Dragon King... Valvados! I have not harmed the Princess... I have been expecting... you!
Aeris: Please help me... Legendary Hero!
(She looks up at the dragon)
Aeris: psst... like that?
EDK: Gaaaaaah! Here I come, Legendary hero... Alfred! I already know... your name!
(The knight runs over to EDK and starts bopping him.)
Knight: Urrrrrgh!
(EDK knocks him down)
EDK: Gaaaaaaaahh! What now... Legendary Hero!
(Cloud runs over to the Aeris, kneels, and kisses her hand.)
Aeris: Cloud... I mean, Alfred...
(They both stand up. EDK starts throwing a tantrum)
EDK: Arrggaahhh! Curses... The power of... love!
(EDK is lifted off the top of the stage)
King: Oh... look! Love has... triumphed! Now let's all return... And celebrate.
(The wizard nods, hugely)
Wizard: Yes let's... yes let's...!
(They all dance off the stage)
Narration: Oh, how profound the power of love... And so the legendary hero Alfred and our story live on happily ever after.
(After the 'show')
Link: Hey, here comes the 'Legendary Hero' and the 'Princess'.
Tifa: (giggles) Hey you two!
Cloud: You … uh... saw that huh.
Aeris: Oh, that was fun. Hey, let's go on the Gondola.
Tifa: You two go on ahead, Link and I need some 'alone' time.
Link: Catch ya'll on the flip side.
(Aeris and Cloud leave and head to the Round Square. Aeris then speaks with the attendant)
Aeris: Two, please.
Attendant: Here you are, two tickets. Enjoy the sights of the Gold Saucer.
(The gondola trundles off. Aeris sitting on one side, Cloud on the other. Aeris looks out the window constantly.)
Aeris: Wow, how nice.
(Cloud looks out the window. The gondola passes through beautiful searchlights, rides, and various happy things.)
Aeris: Oh! Look, Cloud.
(Cloud looks out the window. They pass the Chocobo track and the Chocobos hurtle past the window.)
Aeris: It's so pretty.
(The gondola rumbles along its track, through dazzling fireworks, lighting up the entire Saucer.)
Aeris: It's beautiful, isn't it?
(She looks down)
Aeris: ...first off, it bothered me how you looked exactly alike. Two completely different people, but look exactly the same. The way you walk, gesture... I think I must have seen him again, in you...
(She shakes her head)
Aeris: But you're different. (She looks down again) Things are different...
(The entire exterior of the Gold Saucer is lit up with fabulous, starry fireworks displays. Aeris continues to speak.)
Aeris: Cloud... I'm searching for you...
Cloud: ...?
Aeris: I want to meet you.
Cloud: But I'm right here.
Aeris: (I know, I know... what I mean is...) I want to meet... you.
(One final, brightest, most stunning yellow flower of fire lights up the night sky. The gondola returns to Round Square.)
Aeris: I had fun tonight. Let's go together again. You don't like being with me?
(Cloud shakes his head)
Cloud: It's not that...
Aeris: I'm glad. Next time we come, let's take our time and go on more rides. Oh, look at the time. We'd better get going.
(Cloud nods. They both head off. Meanwhile, Link and Tifa are walking Through Station Square, with Tifa leaning on Link's shoulder. Suddenly Cait Sith pops out of the Ghost Square portal and looks around. Cloud and Aeris return from Round Square. Cait Sith is facing away from them.)
Tifa: Hey? What's Cait Sith doing?
(Cait Sith holds up a green stone)
Cloud: ! Is that the... Keystone? Hey! Cait Sith!
Link: So much for alone time! After that freakin' furball.
(Cait Sith runs off. They chase him all around the Gold Saucer, visiting almost every square, until they reach the Chocobo Square. The chase him around the lobby and back outside, where a Shinra helicopter is waiting. Cait Sith tosses the stone up to the helicopter.)
Cait Sith: Here! The Keystone!
Tseng: Well done.
(The helicopter flies off.)
Link: HEY!
Cait Sith: W, wait a second. I won't run or hide. Yes, I was a spy. I was hired by the Shinra.
Aeris: ...I trusted you. I can't believe you!
Cait Sith: I couldn't help it. How 'bout if we continue like nothing ever happened?
Cloud: No way, cat! You gotta lot of guts acting like a friend but being a spy!
Link:(drawing his sword) Want me to skin'em now?
Cait Sith: What are you goin' to do? Kill me? You'd just be wastin' your time if you tried. This body's just
a toy anyway. My real body's at Shinra Headquarters in Midgar. I'm controllin' this toy cat from there.
Tifa: So you're from the Shinra. Who? Who are you! Tell me!
Cait Sith: Whoa, I can't tell you my name.
Cloud: We're not gettin' anywhere.
Cait Sith: See? I told you! Talking won't do any good, so can't we just continue our journey?
Link: You think this is all a joke? We're not playing around here!
Cait Sith: ...Alright, yes, I am a Shinra employee. But we're not entirely enemies. ...Something bothers me. I think it's your way of life. You don't get paid. You don't get praised. Yet, you still risk your lives and continue on your journey. Seeing that makes me... (A pause) It just makes me think about my life. I don't think I'd feel too good if things ended the way they are now.
Aeris: ...And so on, and so on...
Cloud: He'll never tell the truth. Once a spy, always a spy. We can't go on with someone like that. C'mon, get real! Go ahead, Link. He's all yours.
(Link starts to approach Cait Sith)
Cait Sith: ...just as I thought. Talking won't make a bit of difference. But I prepared something in case this happened. Why don't you listen to this?
(Cait Sith holds up a small radio. A tiny voice comes in over it.)
Marlene: Papa! Tifa!
Link and Tifa: Marlene!
Marlene Hey! It's Uncle Link, and Tifa! Uncle Link, Tifa...
(He turns it off.)
Cait Sith: ...So, you have to do as I say.
Cloud: ...you're the lowest...
Cait Sith: I didn't want to do this... using dirty tricks and taking hostages... But this is how it is... no compromises. So why don't we continue on as we did?
(He starts to head off, then turns.)
Cait Sith: Tomorrow is the Temple of the Ancients, right? I know where it is so I'll tell you later. Of course, we'll get there after the Shinra, but you'll have to deal with that.
(He bounds off.)
Cloud: ...Well, we're stuck... We'll have to do what he says.
Aeris: I wonder if Marlene is all right... I wonder what happened to Mom.
(Afterwards, everyone returns to the Hotel for the night. Link and Tifa enter their room, and talk, lying in bed.)
Tifa: Link, are you ok?
Link: Yeah … just thinking about what we may end up facing in the Temple tomorrow.
Tifa: You think it's going to be that dangerous?
Link: Maybe... but, I'm with you, so I know you'll be there to help me.
Tifa:(mischievously) Well... I know what will ease your mind for tonight.
Link: Hehehe... Oh really. This looks promising.