Final Fantasy VII: The Story 2nd Instalment
Emerald Princess of Vernea
Chapter Two: What is 'WEAPON'?
Ifalna stood awkwardly in the middle of the floor, watching as Professor Gast once more worked away on his computer console. She knew when the recording started—the camera on the ceiling beeped and a small red light began to flash, indicating its activation. The Ancient tried her best to look calm. She was secretly ashamed of the way she broke down during the professor's last recording, and did not want to interrupt the professor's research again.
But, the woman thought silently as she watched the professor make his final checks, at least he was caring about his… subjects. There was one scientist at Shinra who cared nothing for his subjects. Living or dead, sentient or not, they were all just objects to him. Objects for him to manipulate, twist, and experiment on.
Professor Gast was different. He cared about what she had to say and what she was feeling. In fact it was she who insisted on this second recording. She wanted to help the kind professor complete his research. And he wanted her to feel comfortable about helping. That's why he had taken her away from Midgar, to this remote ice village, where they could be at peace.
Finally Gast nodded in satisfaction and turned toward Ifalna. Everything was ready. "Ifalna," the professor began. "Can you comment on the thing called 'Weapon'?"
"Yes, Professor," said Ifalna, hoping her voice sounded formal and authoritative. She clasped her hands together behind her back to hide the signs of her anxiety as the professor looked at her. "The one the Professor mistook for a Cetra… was named Jenova." She glanced up at the camera for a second before turning to face the professor. "That is the 'crisis from the sky'. The Planet knew it had to destroy the 'crisis from the sky'… You see, as long as Jenova exists, the Planet will never be able to fully heal itself."
"Back then, Weapon was a weapon the Planet produced of its own will?" Professor Gast crossed his arms in thought. It was a very intriguing fact.
"Yes, but…" said Ifalna. She hesitated. The anxiety was beginning to rise in her throat, and she tried to swallow it down. "There is no record of Weapon ever being used. A small number of surviving Cetra defeated Jenova, and confined it. The Planet produced Weapon… But it was no longer necessary to use it."
Professor Gast raised an eyebrow in surprise. "So, Weapon no longer exists on this Planet?"
Ifalna shook her head. Thought it was against her will, she began to tremble slightly. "Weapon cannot vanish…" she explained. "It remains asleep somewhere on the Planet. Even though Jenova is confined, it could come back to life at some time… The Planet has not fully healed itself yet. It is still watching Jenova."
Professor Gast watched Ifalna carefully. He could see her trembling… the way her hands shook when she spoke. Her long, silky brown hair quivered around her face. Ifalna was biting her lip. However, she seemed to be all right, so he chose to continue the recording.
"What is Weapon?"
Ifalna lowered her head. Tears were welling in her eyes again. "I don't know…" she admitted. She took a deep breath and spoke. "…I can't hear the voice of the Planet well… Times… have changed. The Planet… is probably watching the situation closely."
Suddenly Ifalna burst into tears. Professor Gast sighed and shook his head. As much as he cared for Ifalna and worried about her well being, he could not help but feel a little disappointed that they could not continue this interview without her bursting into tears at every random moment. What was wrong with her?
"…Thank you, Ifalna," he said, trying to hide the disappointment from his voice. "That will be all for today…"
Off went the console.
Emerald: The next chapter will be the Confidential files. The script I have for the 10th Day record is a little mixed up since it didn't say who was speaking at the time… so I've put it down as best as I could. If I have gotten it wrong at all, please do let me know so I can alter it.