Five agonizing months had passed since the tragic events of meteor. Although the Lifestream managed to save the planet, the impact between the two forces was enough to cause mass destruction. The sturdy walls that once held up Midgar effortlessly, crumbled beneath the weight of hate and anguish. Cries of misery and pain were constantly heard throughout the ruins, though there was little anyone could do. The Planet was in its darkest moments, barely living through the gloomy hours.
Countless civilians struggled with injuries or loss while others returned to the planet peacefully. The smell of death was never absent in the air regardless of the amount of time that had passed, or how much nature tried to recycle and replenish the Planet. There was nothing left to salvage, no one to rescue, or anything to help with. All that could be done was to wait for the impossible as Midgar remained in devastation.
Everyone lived in their own sorrow and demise, forgetting to recognize those who had saved them without any regard for their own lives. Cloud and his companions went there separate ways after the final battle against Sephiroth. It was now time to discover ones true destiny in life.
Barret Wallace, former leader of AVALANCHE, moved to North Corel with his daughter, Marlene, in hopes of rebuilding it. Although many of the villagers still blamed him for the incident, they knew it was not a time to fight, but instead an opportunity, a second chance to restore the once prosperous town. Everyone needed all the help they could get.
Red XIII returned to Cosmo Canyon to take the place of his late grandfather, Bugenhagen. He began to teach his fellow people the things he learned on his journey, and what was taught to him about the Planet by his grandfather. Even though Bugenhagen should have returned to the Planet by then, Red XIII could still feel his presence throughout the village, lingering within the borders of his shadow. Eventually, they would meet again, someday.
Cid Highwind began his own company constructing airships with the aid of Shera, in Rocket Town. Together they built airships that defied aerodynamics and gravity, which were used to ship supplies quickly all over the Planet, for those who were in dire need of it. He dreamed now of repairing the Planet, tending to its wounds, and rebuilding its spirit.
Yuffie Kisargi reluctantly traveled back to Wutai. She immediately began training for her position on the fifth floor of the Pagoda, under the ridicule and instructions of her father, Godo. Training was difficult, but she never let the thought of giving up pass through her determined mind. She had the same drive as she did when it came to materia.
Cait Sith decided to give up spying since ShinRa was no more. He began to work as an entertainer at Gold Saucer and his show was a huge success. This was his job now and he was as much dedicated to his work, as he was proud.
Vincent Valentine vanished without leaving a trace behind. Some thought he had gone back to his coffin, which lay in the basement of the ShinRa mansion, while others believe he was staying in Lucrecia's Cave. No one bothered to search for him since they knew he wanted to be alone.
Tifa Lockheart had nowhere to go to after the journey had ended and decided to go back to the one place she used to call home, in quiet Nibelheim. She purchased the homes that once belonged to Cloud and herself, using the money she had personally saved over the course of the voyage. With the help of her friends, she was in the process of renovating Clouds old house into her famous restaurant and bar, '7th Heaven'.
Cloud Strife, a remarkable leader and true hero, set off on his own journey. No one knew where he was headed or when he would return. All that was known was that he left with his trusty sword, strapped securely onto his back.