Final Fantasy VII: The Musical ; Act II
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the songs in this fic, nor do I own the characters or their histories.
Author's Note: The following fic was alot of fun for me to write. Because I wrote this as a musical, it is in script form. I hope no one minds. Italics refer to stage directions. Songs have also been centered for easier reading. Bold lettering is for songs. Bold italics means overlapping or echos. This fic takes place mainly 2 years after Aeris dies in the game. I wrote this before Advent Children came out. This is the first time I've ever posted a fic on-line and I hope everyone likes it. This is also a first draft, so please be gently. It also my plan to come back and rework whatever needs reworking.
Production note: I didn't include this before, because it just came to me.The curtian has a projected map on it. When the group is traveling the projection is on the cyc behied them and it shows theirroute. At the begining of each act if there is a new location, then its a close up map of the areawhere the characters are. Did that make sense?
Curtain up.
Act II Scene 1
Aeris is sitting alone on her bed. She stands and runs her hand along the wall. Music starts. Aeris wanders outside.
Aeris: sings
Dancing bears, Painted wings
Things I almost remember.
And a song someone sings
Once upon a December.
Someone holds me safe and warm.
Horses prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory.
Music interlude. Aeris follows a path offstage. Cloud comes out of Avalanche base just in time to see Aeris exit. His eyes go wide. He runs off after Aeris. Tifa comes out, seeing Cloud run off, she follows. Set rotates. We are now in the forgotten city of the ancients, aka the spot where Aeris died. Aeris enters.
Someone holds me safe and warm.
Horses prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory.
Far away, Long ago
Glowing dim as ember
Things my heart used to know
Things it yearns to remember
And a song some one sings
Once upon a December.
At the end of the song Aeris has made her way to the part of the ruins where she died. On last line she kneels and prays. She hasn't noticed Cloud following her. Cloud stares at her in disbelief from the city's entrance, ie. where the save point is. Finally words escape his mouth.
Cloud: AERIS!
Aeris looks up at Cloud in fright . Their eyes meet.
Tifa: offstage CLOUD! CLOUD!
Cloud turns to his head towards Tifa's voice. Aeris quickly ducks behind a column. Tifa enters.
Tifa: Cloud, what are you doing?
Cloud: She's here. She's alive! Aeris is alive!
Tifa: Oh, Cloud, ….It was a dream. Is that why you came here?
Cloud: No Tifa, she's right over there.
Cloud points to where Aeris was.
Tifa: Cloud, there's no one there.
Cloud: NO! She was there. She was! Aeris is alive.
Tifa: Just like Sephiroth is alive? Cloud, no, Aeris is dead and not coming back. Now lets go back to bed..
Tifa reachs for Cloud's arm but he pulls back.
Cloud: NO! You lie! Don't touch me!
Cloud draws his sword on Tifa. Tifa's eyes grow wide.
Tifa: Cloud…
Tifa backs away shaking her head in disbelief. Cloud's eyes grow wide as he realizes what he has just done. Tifa turns and flees. Cloud stares in shock at where Tifa had just been.
Cloud: TIFA! WAIT!
He glances to the spot he had seen Aeris then runs off after Tifa. Aeris comes up from her hiding place, eyes wide.
Aeris: That must be the man that Sephiroth told me about. If he would draw his sword on a friend what will he do to me and Sephiroth. I have to warn him.
Aeris runs off stage as the set rotates. Barrett enters. Cloud runs right into him.
Cloud: Oh, Barrett, sorry man. I gotta go. Cloud moves to leave. Barrett doesn't let him pass. Barrett, seriously. I need to talk to Tifa.
Barrett: Ya ain't talking to Tifa again.
Cloud: Like hell I'm not.
Barrett: I warned ya wha'd happen if ya hurt her.
Cloud: I didn't mean….
Barrett: Shut yer hole! She #&in' cares about ya. And because she wants to help ya, ya jerk ass turn on her. Not again. I won't let ya go near Tifa again.
Cloud: You can't stop me from seeing her!
Barrett: Ya wanna bet on that blond boy.
Cloud: Fine, Lets do this!
Act II Scene 2
Back at Avalanche base. Shera and Cid are in the kitchen.
Cid: What hell is taking so long Shera!
Shera: I'm almost done.
Cid: Yeah well, get that tea up to Tifa! You move like a snail.
Shera: Well its not my fault water takes so long to heat!
Cid: Excuse me?
Shera: You heard me! Its not my fault! Not anymore! Forget it Captain Highwind! Drop me off in Mideel on your way back to Rocket Town!
Shera storms upstairs leaving a stunned Cid. Crossfade from kitchen to bedroom with Tifa and Shera.
Shera: I can't believe that pig! Here you are hurting and all he can do is yell at me when he should be out there with Barrett. Well, I'm done with that. I'm done with the insensitive Cid Highwind. Music starts.
Shera: sings
8 years, 8 years, That's how long I wasted on him.
That's all I'm through. Cid, dear.
To put it sweetly, To hell with you!
What did I ever see in him?
How did I ever get involved that way?
Now that it's over I can smile say,
What did I ever see in him?
Tifa:
Boy, I was way out on a limb.
Now that my feet are on the ground again.
Now that my senses have been found again.
What did I ever see in him?
Shera
Is he tender?
No, he's not!
Is he thoughtful?
No, he's not!
Am I crazy?
What's he got that I found so damned appealing?
Tifa
What did ever do for me?
Well to be honest, he was sometimes nice
But still it wasn't worth that awful price
It was rough from the start
Broken dates, broken nails, broken hearts.
How did I ever, Why did I ever, What did I ever?
Both
Do we need them?
No, we don't.
Do we want them?
No, we don't.
Tifa
Will we leave them?
Shera
No, we won't.
Tell me what did I say that for.
Both:
What did we ever see in them?
How could we ever think that they were nice?
Take it from us, we paid an awful price.
It was rough from the start
Broken dates, broken nails, broken hearts.
What did we ever see in him?
Music ends and a knock is heard at the door. Shera opens the door to find Reno. He nods to both women.
Reno: Shera, that foul mouthed pilot wishes to speak with you.
Shera: Thank you, Excuse me, Tifa. Shera exits closing the door behind her. Reno is about to leave as well when he sees Tifa's tear stained cheeks and her saddened face.
Reno: Hey, why so glum? Aren't you suppose to be the happy optimistic one?
Tifa glares at him.
Reno: Are you upset over Spiky Head? I heard what happened. But even in the grayest of storms you've got to smile. Besides you look so pretty when you smile. Come on, please. Just put on a happy face. music starts. Reno sings and dances.
Gray skies are gonna clear up,
Put on a happy face;
Brush off the clouds and cheer up,
Put on a happy face.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy,
It's not your style;
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
Ya' decide to smile!
Pick out a pleasant outlook,
Stick out that noble chin;
Wipe off that 'full of doubt' look,
Slap on a happy grin!
And spread sunshine all over the place,
Just put on a happy face!
Put on a happy face
Put on a happy face
And if you're feeling cross and bitterish
Don't sit and whine
Think of banana split and licorice
And you'll feel fine
I knew a girl so glooming
She'd never laugh or sing
She wouldn't listen to me
Now she's a mean old thing
So spread sunshine all over the place
Just put on a happy face
So, put on a happy face
Music ends.
Tifa: Thank you. But why are you cheering me up?
Reno: Heh, no problem. I'm a sucker for a woman's tears.
Tifa: I mean it, Thank you. You didn't need to try to cheer me up. At least you seem to care. Tifa stands and kisses his cheek. Reno looks at her surprised. Then she kisses his lips. Quickly at first and then more passionate. Reno pulls back. Tifa blushes. I'm sorry. I shouldn't…
Reno: No, don't apologize. I just don't want to take advantage of you. You're upset about Spiky…I mean Cloud. And I don't want you to do something you'll regret later. Hell knows we've all had too many of those moments.
Tifa: Thank you again. I think I should be alone for a little while.
Reno: Sure, hey if you do decide you don't want to hang out with Spiky Head anymore. Let me know. Reno winks and leaves.
Tifa: At least I know some one cares about me, even if it is a Turk.
Lights out.
Act II Scene 3
Lights up on Sephiroth in bed. Aeris rushes in.
Aeris: Sephiroth! Sephiroth! He's here! The man who tried to kill us. He's here!
Sephiroth: I know.
Aeris: But…then why did you bring us here?
Sephiroth: To get our revenge. Don't worry, love. I'll be careful.
Aeris: But he was about to attack his own companion. He must be a madman. The girl he threatened ran from him.
Sephiroth: He did?
Aeris: Yes, some girl named Tifa.
Sephiroth smiles and gets out of bed.
Sephiroth: Well that's an interesting turn of events. Aeris, stay here. I think its time to put my plan into action.
Aeris: Alright, but be careful. I wouldn't want to lose you again.
Sephiroth: I promise.
Lights out.
Act II Scene 4
Lights up on Yuffie and Elena outside of Avalanche base on watch. music starts.
Yuffie: Ugh, I hate the watch shift. Nothing ever happens. And where's Vincent isn't he suppose to be out here too.
Elena: Rolls eyes. So whats the deal with that guy anyway?
Yuffie: Oh creepy vampire ex-Turk man?
Elena: He used to be a Turk?
Yuffie: Yup, but then he went crazy over losing his love to Hojo and his experiments. Did you know her womb is the one they planted Sephiroth in?
Elena: No way! No wonder he's all dark and brooding. Poor guy. Lose his love to that madman.
Yuffie: Well, they say its better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all.
Elena: I don't know about that. I still miss Tseng. And it still hurts when I think about him. I think I know a little how
Yuffie: I still wonder what its like. I mean to have someone love you. Like what Cloud and Aeris had, or Elymra or Barrett have. And when do I get my chance. When do I get tofall in love?
Music starts.
Elena: sings
Falling in Love with Love is falling for make-believe!
Falling in Love with Love is playing the fool!
Caring too much is such a juvenile fancy!
Learning to trust is just for children in school.
I fell in Love with Love one night when the moonwas full
I was unwise witheyes unable to see!
I fell in Love with Love with love ever-lasting.
But Love fell out, with me!
Falling in Love with Love is falling for make-believe!
Falling in Love with Love is playing the fool!
Caring too much is such a juvenile fancy!
Learning to trust is just for children in school.
I fell in Love with Love one night when the moon was full
I was unwise with eyes unable to see!
I fell in Love with Love, Love ever-lasting!
But love fell out, with me!
Music ends. And Vincent enters behind her.
Vincent: You're wrong. And you're only saying that to stop the pain. You know that you would never trade the love you had Tseng, just like i would never trade my love for Lucrecia. He disappears into the shadows before Elena can say anything. Music starts.
Yuffie: See i knew it! Yuffie sings.
Where is love?
Does it fall from skies above?
Elena:
Is it underneath the willow tree
That I've been dreaming of?
Where is he?
Who I close my eyes to see?
Yuffie:
Will I ever know the sweet hello
That's meant for me?
Who can say where he may hide
Must I travel far and wide
Both:
Til I am beside the someone who
I can mean something to?
Where, Where is love?
Elena:
Every night I kneel and pray,
Let tomorrow be the day
Both:
When I see the face of someone who
I can mean something to.
Where, where is love?
The girls smile at each other as they exit and Vincent steps into light
Vincent: sings
Every night I kneel and pray,
Let tomorrow be the day
When I see the face of someone who
I can mean something to.
Where, where is love?
Lights out.
Act II Scene 5
Lights up on Cloud and Barrett. Each are breathing heavily and have taken their share of blows.
Cloud: Whats the matter…huff… Old man? Winded already?
Barrett fires a few rounds at Cloud. The smoke clears and Cloudis using his sword as a crutch. Barrett sinks to his knees.
Barrett: I won't kill ya…huff… for Tifa's sake.
Cloud: Like you could.
Barrett: Sure I could. I'm just goin' easy on ya.
Sephiroth appears. (Sorry set and light designers its just something that has to happen. Have fun.)
Sephiroth: Hello boys!
Both: SEPHIROTH! Cloud and Barrett jump to their feet.
Sephiroth: Good memory.
Cloud: What are you doing here!
Sephiroth: Paying my respects.
Cloud: You Bastard! It was your sword that slew Aeris! Cloud charges. Sephiroth dodges and knocks Cloud to the ground. Barrett Fires. The smoke clears and Sephiroth is gone.
Barrett: What the…?
Cloud: We've got to find him.
Barrett: We have to tell the others first.
Cloud: Fine.
Act II Scene 6
Avalanche base. Everyone is solemn and quiet. Tifa is no where to be seen. Shera and Cid are sitting on the opposite sides of the room. Elena and Yuffie are seated together but they are not conversing. Vincent is leaning against a wall facing the direction of Elena and Yuffie but it's not clear if he is looking at them. Red XIII is missing as well. Reno is having a few shots. Reeve is in the corner with his own drink. Rude is on the stairs. Cloud and Barrett enter no one seems to notice. They stand there waiting for someone to say something but no one even looks at them.
Rude: Cloud's back.
Shera glares at Cloud. Cid looks and grunts a greeting as he lights another cigarette. Elena and Yuffie glance up. Vincent doesn't move. Reeve nods his head. Reno takes another shot and glares at Cloud as well.
Cloud: Yeah, I know I screwed up and you all might think I'm nuts. But Sephiroth is here.
Elena: Haven't you already played that card?
Barrett: But this time WE saw him, so shut yer Turk trap!
Elena glares at him, but shuts up.
Cloud: So lets move out. Where's Red?
Yuffie: In front of Tifa's room.
Reeve: I'll go get him.
Cloud: No, don't. He might tell Tifa and I don't want her involved.
Reeve shrugs and heads out. Everyone starts to stand and head towards the door, except for Shera and Reno. Reno takes another shot.
Reno: Turks, stand down.
Everyone looks at him. Rude nods and returns to his seat on the stairs. Elena looks as if she isn't sure what to do.
Elena: Huh?
Reno: You heard me, Laney. We're not going.
Elena: But…
Reno stands.
Reno: No buts. Are you a Turk or are you part of Cloud's little fan club.
Elena sits down.
Cloud: So your not going to help us stop Sephiroth.
Reno: I didn't say that. I said we weren't following your orders anymore. To turn on a team member is unforgivable and I have no respect for a leader who would do such a thing.
Cloud: An ethics lesson? From a Turk?
Reno: Even the Turks have standards.
Cloud: Whatever. Guys, lets leave these cowards.
Elena stands shaking with anger. Rude stands and puts a hand on her shoulder. The others leave.
Reno: Laney, Rude take up the watch.
Rude takes a fuming Elena outside. Reno sits again. Shera moves over to him.
Shera: You care about her don't you?
Reno: I don't know what your talking about.
Shera: I think you do.
Shera exits upstairs. Lights slowly fade. Tifa appears at the top of the stairs. Reno looks up at her and she down at him. They freeze as the lights fade nearly out. Lights up on Aeris in her bedroom.
Aeris: I wonder why I didn't tell Sephiroth that the man, Cloud, saw me as well. I guess its not important. That man, I mean Cloud, he was so familiar. Not like when I first saw Sephiroth. His eyes were odd. I know those eyes. I know Sephiroth told me to stay here, but I have to talk to him. I need more answers.
Lights out as Aeris exits. Lights fade back up on Avalanche base. Tifa and Reno are on stage.
Tifa: So Barrett saw him, too?
Reno: That's what he said.
Tifa: I have to go. I can't let them face Sephiroth alone.
Reno: You're not going alone.
Red XIII enters from stairs.
Tifa: And who's going to be coming with me. We need three people here to stand watch. Just in case.
Reno: Elena and Rude will be…
Red: Joined by me.
Tifa: Are you sure Red?
Red: Yes. Take good care of her.
Reno nods. He and Tifa exit. Set rotates to City of the Ancients.
Act II Scene 7
Cloud enters from Save point spot. He rushes to where Aeris had been. The team is trying to keep up with him. Team: Cid, Barrett, Yuffie, Reeve, and Vincent. He stands alone, sword drawn, on the sight of Aeris' death. The others are on the stairs or the stepping stone pillars.
Cloud: SEPHIROTH! SEPHIROTH! SHOW YOURSELF!
Cid: I don't think he's gonna show just because you order him to.
Cloud: SEPHIROTH!
Sephiroth appears behind Cloud. He's about to strike.
Yuffie: CLOUD!
Cloud turns and blocks Sephiroth. They fight. Everyone watches in awe as the two trade blows. Cloud gets the upper hand. He raises his sword to attack Sephiroth's exposed back. Aeris enters unnoticed. She stands by the save point.
Aeris: SEPHIROTH!
Everyone stops and looks up at her. A gasp is heard from the doorway. Reno catches Tifa as she falls to her knees, eyes wide. Cloud can only stare at her.
Barrett: Holy #$!
Yuffie: quietly Aeris…?
Vincent moves towards her because he's the closest. He is as stunned as everyone else. Aeris screams as he gets closer and recoils.
Aeris: Sephiroth! Help!
Yuffie gasps and backs into Reeve's arms. Sephiroth grins as Cloud shoots him a look. A wing unfolds from Sephiroth's back and he flies up to Aeris. She rushes into his arms and hides her face in his chest. Sephiroth smiles wickedly at Avalanche.
Barrett: I'll kill you!
Barrett raises his arm to fire but is stopped by Cid.
Cid: Don't you'll hit Aeris!
Cloud tries to run up to them. Pushing team members to get by, but just as he starts climbing the stairs Sephiroth and Aeris disappear.
Cloud: AERIS! NO! ARGH! Cloud slices the air where Sephiroth and Aeris had just been. He continues as the lights fade and music starts. As the lights fade, Tifa slowly rises as everybody freezes and have equal looks of horror on their faces. Yes, even Vincent. Spot on Tifa. Everyone on stage sings this song but Cloud and Reno. When everyone starts moving againCloud slices air in slow motion to the songs tempo, but we never see his face. Reno remains frozen in postion.
Tifa: sings
I've been living to see you.
Dying to see you,
But it shouldn't be like this.
This was unexpected.
What do I do now?
Could we start again, please?
All:
Could we start again, please?
Tifa:
I've been very hopeful so far.
Now for the first time
I think we're going wrong
Hurry up and tell me
This is all a dream.
Or could we start again, please?
All:
Could we start again, please?
Vincent:
I think you've made your point now
Tifa and Vincent:
You've even gone a bit too far
To get your message home
Barrett:
Before it gets too frightening
We ought to call a halt
Tifa:
So could we start again, please?
All:
Could we start again, please?
Tifa:
I've been living to see you.
Dying to see you,
But it shouldn't be like this.
This was unexpected.
What do I do now?
Could we start again, please?
All:
Could we start again, please?
Vincent:
I think you've made your point now
Tifa and Vincent:
You've even gone a bit too far
To get your message home
Barrett:
Before it gets too frightening
We ought to call a halt
Tifa:
So could we start again, please?
All:
So could we start again, please?
Tifa:
So could we start again, please?
Vincent:
So could we start again, please?
Tifa:
So could we start again,
Lights out.
Act II Scene 8
Lights fade up on Cloud who is standing on place where Aeris had given her prayer to the planet.
Cloud: How can she be alive? I saw Sephiroth kill her. She died in my arms. Flashback lighting. Music starts, Aeris walks in and lays down in Cloud's arms, dying.
Aeris: sings
Don't you fret
I don't feel any pain.
A little fall of rain
Can hardly hurt me now
You're here, that's all I need to know
And you will keep me safe
And you will keep me close
And rain will make the flowers grow.
Cloud:
But you will live, Aeris - dear God above
If I could heal your wounds with words of love.
Aeris:
Just hold me now and let it be.
Shelter me, comfort me.
Cloud:
You would live a hundred years
If I could show you how
I won't desert you now….
Aeris:
The rain can't hurt me now
This rain will wash away whats past
And you will keep me safe
And you will keep me close
I'll sleep in your embrace at last
The rain that brings you here
Is Heaven-blessed!
The skies begin to clear
And I'm at rest
A breath away from where you are
I've come home from so far
Aeris:
Don't you fret
I don't feel any pain.
A little fall of rain
Can hardly hurt me now
Cloud: counterpoint
Hush-a-bye, dear Aeris
You won't feel any pain
A little fall of rain
Can hardly hurt you now
Cloud:
I'm here
Aeris:
That's all I need to know
Aeris:
And you will keep me safe
And you will keep me close
Cloud: counterpoint
I will stay with you
Till you are sleeping
Aeris: And rain…
Cloud: And rain…
Aeris: Will make the flowers… She dies.
Cloud:Will make the flowers….grow.
He picks her up and starts to carry her off stage as the lights fade out.
Act II Scene 9
Avalanche base. Reno is standing behind Tifa's chair with his hand on her shoulder. Barrett scowls at this sight
Cid: Are you sure?
Elena: That's what he said.
Barrett: Are sure it was Sephiroth?
Elena: You guys aren't the only ones who can see him. Yes I'm sure it was Sephiroth!
Cid and Barrett look at Red for confirmation. Red nods his head.
Elena: HMPH! She turns away offended.
Cid: Then we leave for Nibelheim as soon as Cloud gets back.
Barrett: What about Elymra and Marlene?
Cid: We'll drop them and Shera off in Rocket Town, its on the way.
Reeve: And me.
Yuffie: But Reeve…
Reeve: My Cait Sith robot is on its way to meet you at the Nibelheim Inn as we speak.
Cloud enters. The room goes silent and they all look at him. Reno squeezes Tifa's shoulder in reassurance. Cloud sees this and his expression turns sour. Tifa turns her face so as not to look at him. Tension is thick.
Cloud: The sun's rising. Lets head out
Everyone exits except for Cloud, Reno, Barrett and Tifa. Tifa starts to stand. Barrett, Cloud and Reno move to help her. She knocks their arms away and stands on her own.
Tifa: I'm not some invalid or child that you have to baby. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I haven't had anyone to help me since I was sixteen. And I'm not about to start depending on anybody now.
Cloud: at the same time Tifa, I…
Reno: at the same time But, Tifa…
Tifa: No! Tifa exits. Cloud and Reno try to follow, but Barrett steps in front of the door. He points his gunarm at both of them.
Barrett: I'm warnin' both of ya, yer skating on thin ice.
Barrett exits. Cloud and Reno glare at each other. They both move to the door. They try to exit at the same time. They get stuck in the doorway. Lights out.
Act II Scene 10
On the deck of the Highwind. Elena, Rude and Reno.
Elena: Reno, whats up with you? You've been hanging around that Lockheart girl a lot.
Reno: So?
Elena: Well, its just that.. Well… She's one of them.
Reno: yeah?
Elena: Well why then?
Reno: I don't know. I feel like it.
Elena: Ugh! You're impossible! Elena stomps off.
Reno: What's with her?
Rude: She's right. Rude exits
Reno: What! There's nothing wrong with me? You two are the screwed up ones!
Tifa enters.
Tifa: They seem upset.
Reno: yeah, well that's their problem. Reno gets up to leave.
Tifa grabs his hand.
Tifa: Don't go. Please.
Reno: Alright. He sits back down.
Crossfade. On the flight deck. Cid and Shera
Cid: Damn it Shera! I'm not going to fly all the way to Mideel!
Shera: Well I'm not going back to Rocket Town!
Cid: Do you want me drop you off right here in the middle of the ocean!
Shera: I'm not going back to Rocket Town and that's final.
Cid: The only other place we're going is Nibelheim!
Shera: Fine. I'll go there.
Cid: You can't go there.
Shera: And why not?
Cid: Because that's where Sephiroth is!
Shera: I'll stay at the Inn. Shera exits. Music starts
Cid: Damn, Damn, Damn, Damn. sings
I've grown accustomed to her face, she almost makes my day begin,
I've grown accustomed to the tune she whistles night and noon,
Her smiles, her frowns, her ups, her downs
Are second nature to me now, like breathing out and breathing in,
I was serenely independent and content before we met
Surely I could always be that way again and yet,
I've grown accustomed to her looks, accustomed to her voice,
Accustomed to her face.
I've grown to her face, she almost makes the day begin,
I've gotten used to hear her say Good Morning every day,
Her joys, her woes, her highs, her lows
Are second nature to me now, like breathing out and breathing in,
I'm very grateful she's a woman, and so easy to forget
Rather like a habit one can always break and yet
I've grown accustomed to the trace of something in the air,
Accustomed to her face.
Cid: quietly I can't worry about you and try to fight Sephiroth at the same time.
Curtian. End of Act II.