Filed Under: Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis

0003/1/3

6:30 AM

Wutai

Player

(Thought) AVALANCHE’s headquarters are located here. Veld himself gave me this assignment. I can’t fail him.

AVALANCHE HQ

???

The Turks have figured out our location. They’re converging on HQ even as we speak.

Shears

So the day has finally come.

Elfe

This is no time for fear. I knew this day would be inevitable.

???

No worries. I know what they’re doing.

Fuhito

Our counter plan won't fail.

???

If we do fail though, all my plans will have been for nothing. Don't mess things up.

Fuhito

Just leave everything to us.

???

With Sephiroth dead, the only ones standing in my way are the Turks. You think I’m going to let them get in my way?

Elfe

Destroy Shin-Ra, save the Planet. We’ll do both of those things, you’ll see.

[The scene changes to the five storied pagoda of Wutai. A girl runs out of it and dashes off to the right. An AVALANCHE operative runs after her.]

AVALANCHE

Come back here you brat!!

[Standing outside the weapons shop, you hear a voice.]

???

Out of my way, out of my way!!

[The girl from the pagoda crashes into you.]

Player

What?!

[You skid back a little from the force of the impact. The girl just keeps running.]

Player

I wonder what that was about…

[The AVALANCHE member that was chasing the girl comes out of the alley.]

Player

What-?! An AVALANCHE soldier.

AVALANCHE

You’re a Turk!! Were you spying on that stupid brat?!

Player

What are you talking about?!

AVALANCHE

Don’t act like you don’t know! Let's go! Right here!!

Player

(Thought) If he calls his comrades, he’ll blow my mission. I’ve got to do something about him.

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x1]]

???

Hey, you’re pretty tough!

[The girl skids to a stop in front of you.]

???

I was getting tired of playing with him anyway. Those guys are always getting in my way. They make me so mad!

Player

Do they always chase after you like that? Why?

???

Ooh! What’s that? A jewel?

Player

Oh, this? This… It’s Materia.

???

Materia? What’s that?

Player

Weelll, I guess you can say it’s a kind of power source.

???

Ohh. I know! That’s why you were able to kick that guy’s ass, right?

Player

Something like that. Well, maybe you should be getting home. Those men might come after you again if you stay out here.

???

Nyuk nyuk. Materia, huh…. (Sing songs) I found out something cool today~! (Thought) If I have Materia, I might be able to make my dreams come true. (Out loud) See ya!

Player

She’s gone… She sure was energetic. Okay… back to work!

[You head down the alley the AVALANCHE operative came running out of.]

Shin-Ra HQ

Veld

Mr. President. Today’s the day we carry out the operation to destroy AVALANCHE’s headquarters.

President Shinra

You said their headquarters were in Wutai?

Veld

Yes. It’s a convenient place – there are many who despise the Shin-Ra there. Many who would like to get revenge. They probably had that in mind when they chose that location as their base of operations.

President Shinra

Those impudent fools. Send the army in and crush them already.

Veld

The army can’t move, sir. Wutai is where AVALANCHE’s defenses are the strongest. There’s a chance they’ve prepared for an attack just like that.

President Shinra

Then tell me, how are you going to destroy their stronghold?

Veld

I’ve sent one of my subordinates to penetrate their stronghold and plant an explosive there. Everything’s already been taken care of. I hand picked her myself – she’ll get the job done.

President Shinra

If that’s what you say, then I feel better. I’m counting on her.

[You’ve arrived at a set of fire caves. There are monsters (Red Bombers) in these caves that you will have to fight to get through the caves. Keep heading in a generally northerly direction.]

Player

(Thought) I’ve got to get up to the top as quick as I can. I cam jump onto the roof of the stronghold from there and get in.

[You eventually come out on Da Chao.]

Player

(Thought) Oh, wow. What a great view. (Out loud) Now's not the time to just stand here and admire the pretty scenery. (Thought) Veld protected us in Nibelheim so we wouldn’t have to take part in the cover up… That’s why I can’t fail him. All right. Into the building!

[You run across one of the carved hands of Da Chao and take a flying leap.]

[End of Episode 14.1]

AVALANCHE HQ

Fuhito

Miss Elfe. Leave everything else to me.

Elfe

No. I can’t let you do all the (dangerous) work. I’ll fight too.

Fuhito

But… What will happen to AVALANCHE is something happens to you?

Elfe

I can be replaced easily. You (1) found me when I was wandering all alone, without my memories. I was raised by AVALANCHE. (2) You’re all like my family. That’s why I’m going to fight with everyone and repay my debt.

Fuhito

What will become of everybody’s hope? Allowing AVALANCHE to carry on as it has is also a form of debt repaid.

Shears

I’ll be with Elfe. I’ll look after her. You don’t need to worry.

Elfe

Shears, thank you.

Fuhito

……

Shers

It’s settled, Fuhito.

Elfe

Fuhito seems to disagree.

Fuhito

That isn’t it at all. I will also protect you, Miss Elfe.

Pagoda, 5^th Floor

Player

Tseng, I’ve secured entry.

Tseng

Take the bomb down from where you are to the 2^nd floor.

Player

Yes, sir.

Tseng

When you’ve planted the bomb, use the 1^st floor exit.

Player

Plant the bomb, get out. Got it.

Tseng

Don’t get careless. I’m heading to the contact point now.

Player

Then I’ll see you later.

[A large contingent of AVALANCHE soldiers in rank and file stand somewhere in the building. Elfe is addressing them.]

Elfe

Thank you all for coming. There’s something I have to tell you all. Shin-Ra has discovered this location and have launched a destructive mission. We’re going to use all our strength and meet the enemy!

[On another floor, four AVALANCHE operatives are having a discussion.]

AVALANCHE

We know that somebody will try to break in.

AVALANCHE B

On our pride as one of the four special troops of AVALANCHE -!

AVALANCHE C

We’ll stop the intruder!

AVALANCHE D

Yeah!

[Three of them disperse. One man stays behind. The scene switches back to you.]

Player

(Thought) Okay, explosive in place.

[An AVALANCHE operative finds you.]

AVALANCHE

That’s as far as you go. You’re not going to sully this place with your presence!

Player

(Gasp)

[Three more AVALANCHE members join the first.]

AVALANCHE

We’re not letting you get ahead. All of the elite divisions have assembled and are waiting on each floor. We will protect this building with our lives! (3)

Player

Damn…

AVALANCHE

Our fists will rain down on you from all four sides. Your life will be carried on a whirlwind (of fists) back to the Planet. We are the Hand-to-Hand Combat Squad of the Four Elite Divisions! (4)

AVALANCHE B

We are the Four Special Divisions, Hand-to-Hand Combat Squadron!!

[FIGHT: AVALNACHE [x2]]

Player

(Thought) I’ve managed to deal with them… Anyway, I’ve got to set up the bomb as quickly as possible. All right. I’ve set it in place.

Okay, to the 4^th floor.

[Tseng is standing outside AVALANCHE HQ.]

Tseng

Sir, Rosalind’s successfully penetrated the AVALANCHE stronghold.

Veld

Good. You’ll act as her support and check in with me at regular intervals.

Tseng

Yes, sir.

4^th Floor

[You come across AVALANCHE members in bright blue jumpsuits. You have never dealt with these kinds before.]

AVALANCHE

So you defeated the hand to hand combat unit.

Player

Of course I did.

AVALANCHE

Hmph. It’s not going to be that easy this time. We’ll make mincemeat of you. The shining light of our bullets will pierce through you and deliver you burning and writhing, to the Planet.  We are the Four Elite Divisions Sniper Squad!

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x2]]

Player

(Thought) Okay, they're out of the way… Anyway, I’ve got to set up the bomb as quickly as possible. All right. That's done.

Okay, to the 3^rd floor.

[The young girl from before bursts into the room.]

Player

You’re… that girl from before…

???

Hey!

Player

You’re with them?!

???

N-n-no! Like I’d really be with those guys!

Player

Then what are you doing here?

???

Getting revenge for Wutai, of course.

Player

Revenge…?

???

I’ve heard it ever since I was a kid. Before I was born, Wutai used to be a vibrant, strong place. Now there are all these weirdos running around. All of this is Shin-Ra’s fault!

Player

?! What makes you think that?

???

The war. Wutai lost in the war to Shin-Ra. Now everyone’s walking on eggshells to make sure they don’t piss off Shin-Ra.

Player

……

???

That’s why I made up my mind. I’m going to restore Wutai back to its former glory. I’m gonna get the Shin-Ra, and those freaks down there!

Player

So that’s it… Well, I can grant half of your wish. So leave the rest to me and get out of here.

???

What are you talking about?

Player

You don’t have to know. Go on home. It’s dangerous here.

???

Fine! I’m leaving. You don’t have to tell me when I’m not wanted! (Thought) But I’m taking all the Materia! (Out loud) I’m not letting you get any of it!

[She dashes down to the 3^rd floor.]

Player

(Thought) What was she talking about? More to the point, has she really gone home?

[You head down to the 3^rd floor.]

AVALANCHE

The snipers were taken down too?!

Player

Of course they were.

AVALANCHE

Too bad for you, you’re not going to get any further. You’ll regret ever setting foot in here. Our magical attacks will knock you from the ground you stand upon, whence you shall be swept away, to return to the Planet. We are the Four Elite Divisions Magic Squad!

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x2]]

Player

(Thought) That's them out of the way… Anyway, I’ve got to set up the bomb as quickly as possible. Okay. I’ve set it in place.

Player

(Thought) Finally, the 2^nd floor… I’m almost done.

Shin-Ra HQ

Veld

Mr. President. My subordinate has successfully penetrated the stronghold. They’ve almost finished setting up the bombs.

President Shinra

Finally.

Veld

Yes. We’ll be able to proceed with the detonation on time at this rate.

President Shinra

And our long battle with them will come to an end. What are you doing about surveillance of the mole?

Veld

I’ve left that up to my subordinates. His underlings shouldn’t be able to move.

Pagoda, 2^nd Floor

Wutai

Raven

Heh heh heh.

[FIGHT: Raven [x3]]

Player

(Thought) I’ve managed to deal with them… Anyway, I’ve got to set up the bomb as quickly as possible. All right. I’ve set it in place. Down to the ground floor.

[Meanwhile, Elfe is still addressing her troops.]

Elfe

This will be a dangerous battle. Those of you who hold fear in their hearts – those of you who are afraid you will not live to see another day – you should all leave now while you can.

[An AVALANCHE member shouts his support to Elfe.]

AVALANCHE

We will fight by your side, Elfe!

Elfe

No regrets?

All

NO!!!

Shears

Everyone!! You’re all prepared for this, right?!

All

YEAH!!

Elfe

I’m grateful to you all. For today, and for all the other days you looked after me when I was lost, without an idea of who I was. I’ll repay you all by protecting you in this battle. I will protect you to the last.

[Fuhito steps forward and addresses the troops.]

Fuhito

Death is but a fleeting moment in time. Your soul will always return to the Lifestream. Death holds no fear over you! Go! Show the Shin-Ra what we have sacrificed!

[The troops salute.]

AVALANCHE

Down with the Shin-Ra!

[They disperse.]

Elfe

Uuughhhh…

Shears

Is it happening again, Elfe?

Elfe

No… not now… But… I’m fine… I … want to fight… with everybody else…

[She strides forward.]

Elfe

Uuuugh.

Shears

It’s no good!

Fuhito

Miss Elfe, we don't have any other options. We'll fall back on our first plan.

Elfe

Damn. (Thought) I promised them I would fight by their side. Everyone… I’m sorry…

[End of Episode 14.2]

[On the first floor of AVALANCHE HQ]

Player

Okay, I’m done. I just have to get out now… Meet up with Tseng and set off the explosives…

[The girl from before comes crashing down from the ceiling and lands on top of you.]

???

Oh man, I messed up again. I always lose my grip on the ceiling. But someone broke my fall today.

[She starts to run off. You get up, in a considerable amount of pain.]

Player

Ow…

???

Oh. You again?

Player

You’re still here?! Oh, forget it. Follow me. We’re leaving.

???

Huh? We’re going outside?

Player

That’s right.

???

We can’t do that! The door to this floor is closed today!

Player

What?! What is that supposed to mean…?

???

Looks like we’re stuck inside.

Player

No way… It was only a little further…

???

Look, don’t get so down about it! Leave everything to me! Uuummm… I think it was here…

[She pushes a panel open.]

???

Ta-daaa~! We can get out this way. You should really say thanks, you know.

Player

No… that girl! She took the switch with her! I’ve got to get it back!!

[Outside, Tseng is waiting, watching the pagoda pensively.]

Tseng

(Thought) Strange… (Out loud) She’s still not back…

[He calls Veld.]

Veld

Tseng, what’s your status?

Tseng

Sir, she’s still not out of the building yet.

Veld

We’re already past the start time, aren’t we?

Tseng

She hasn’t contacted me. I hope nothing's gone wrong…

Shin-Ra HQ

President Shinra

Has the building been destroyed?

Veld

No, not yet. The operative hasn’t gotten into contact with us and it’s past time.

President Shinra

That’s not what I want to hear, Veld. I want results, and I want them now.

Veld

……

[Inside a corridor inside AVALANCHE HQ]

Player

That girl… where did she go?!

[She sneaks up behind you.]

???

Nyaah. I’m not going to get caught.

Player

When did you get here!

[She barrels past you and into the room up ahead.]

???

There are traps set up here, so there’s no way you’ll be able to catch me that easily. If you think you can catch me, try!

Player

(Thought) I’m already behind schedule. I’ve got to get it back.

[The girl runs away.]

???

If I push this…

[A panel opens in the wall and she disappears. You arrive at the same wall.]

Player

(Thought) If I push this…

[You will receive a choice of whether or not to push the panel.

>>Push

Don’t push.

You must now chase the girl through a set of rooms. There will be three rooms all arranged differently. You will get a split second to figure out what she pushed in what order to follow her. If you get it wrong, a trap will bite you on the ass. You’ll also come across AVALANCHE flunkies on occasion. You will eventually reach a room with a giant gold statue. You hit a switch and pursue the girl.]

[End of Episode 14.3]

[You come into a room full of chests. The girl seems to have stored something in one of them.]

Player

You there.

???

! Sucksville! I got caught!

Player

Give back what you stole from me.

???

This?

Player

Don’t! That’s dangerous! Don’t do anything funny!

???

What’s your problem?!

*Click*

Player

No! You just pressed it, didn’t you? That was a switch. This place is going to blow.

???

What?!

Player

Follow me. We need to get out of here.

[You start to run the way you came.]

???

Waaaait a minute! I’m the Great Yuffie! I know everything about Wutai! There’s a secret passage just over there. Follow me!

Player

W-Wait! Yuffie, wait!

[Yuffie turns back, impatient.]

Yuffie

Come on, hurry it up! Oh! That’s right!! What’s your name?!

Player

It’s Rosalind.

Yuffie

Let’s go, Rosalind! GO!!

[You start running. AVALANCHE troops follow. You are now in a corridor with a bunch of stone statues placed at intervals.]

Yuffie

This way, Rosalind!!

[You join her. AVALANCHE operatives pop up.]

AVALANCHE

I found her! Come quick!!

Yuffie

Use the statue!

[Yuffie pushes it. It falls over, blocking the AVALANCHE members’ path.]

AVALANCHE

Fuck! Pretentious idiots! Break the statue!

[They break it.]

AVALANCHE

Okay! Get her!!

Yuffie

Like I'm going to make it that easy for you!

[Yuffie tries to push another statue over, but AVALANCHE stops it.]

AVALANCHE

You think you can use the same trick twice?

Yuffie

No good! Let’s run!

Player

Yuffie, run!! I’ll hold them off.

Yuffie

Okay!! I’ll go ahead.

Player

The one you want is me!

[You run into the fray.]

AVALANCHE

You guys take care of her! I’ll find the brat!

[He runs ahead.]

Player

That’s what you think!

AVALANCHE

As if we’d let you go!!

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x3]

Keep running or you’ll have to keep fighting more men. Turn the corner and the AVALANCHE operative that went ahead to capture Yuffie will knock a statue over.]

AVALANCHE

Stubborn bitch! See ya!

Yuffie

Have I lost them?

AVALANCHE

Making us run around like that!

Yuffie

Don’t get any closer!

AVALANCHE

Don’t think you can get away from me!

[She runs, knocking over statues. The operative dodges them all.

The scene switches back to you.]

Player

(Thought) I’ve got to break the statue or I won’t be able to get ahead.

[FIGHT: Statue]

Player

If I don’t break this soon, they’ll catch up with me.

Keep breaking statues. They’ll get harder to break as you go on. You’ll finally catch up to Yuffie and the AVALANCHE operative.]

AVALANCHE

Sneaky little kid. But now you’ve got nowhere to run.

Yuffie

Come and take me if you can. I’ll get you!

Player

Stop!

Yuffie

Rosalind!!

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x1]]

Yuffie

You’re late! I thought I was a goner.

Player

Sorry. I couldn’t get away in time. Okay. Lead on.

Yuffie

Yeah. This way.

[Yuffie stops.]

Yuffie

The exit’s close.

Player

Good. We made it!

Yuffie

That’ll be one Materia!

Player

You're incorrigible.

[The building shakes.]

Yuffie

Whoa!

Player

The explosions have started.

Yuffie

The roof’s going to cave in!!

Player

This is dangerous.

[You both dive. You’re in another room.]

Player

Are we safe?

Yuffie

Yeah, somehow. But we still have a bit more to go, a bit more.

[You start to head out but are met by Elfe, Shears and Fuhito.]

Player

(Swallow)

Fuhito

We’ve found you at last. I’ll take the pleasure of wringing the life out of you.

Yuffie

Rosalind!

Fuhito

I’m afraid we can’t let you leave alive.

[You take shots at him to draw him off Yuffie.]

Player

Stop it! She’s not involved! Yuffie, run! Things are going to get ugly here!

Yuffie

Wait! What about you?!

Player

I’ll be fine!

Yuffie

Ooooh… I’m sorry!

Player

There's no way I'm going to die here with the likes of you. We're going to end this right now. (5)

[They’ve got you surrounded. Fuhito throws a punch so that you’re firmly in the middle of the trio.]

Elfe

This is it. Don’t hurt my subordinates any further! How many of my men do you think you’ve hurt?! You – only you I can’t forgive!

[FIGHT: Elfe, Shears, Fuhito]

Player

(In fight) Elfe… (Thought) I can’t attack Elfe, if I remember correctly. Can I defeat them?]

Elfe

Too bad…

[She collapses along with the others.]

Player

I got them?! Me?! (Thought) It was probably the adrenaline. Then I should get worked up more often.

[You run out. The three of them phase and turn into Ravens.

Outside, Tseng is looking at the ruined pagoda.]

Tseng

Rosalind…. (Thought) Why didn’t you come back? What happened…?

[Yuffie stops at the wrecked pagoda.]

Yuffie

It’s all caved in… Rosalind…

[Tseng turns to face her.]

Tseng

You know Rosalind?

Yuffie

Sorta. She was a good one… She got caught in the blast, though…

Tseng

Damn… She was inside when the explosion happened?

Yuffie

So you know Rosalind too?

Tseng

We work together.

Yuffie

Why are you doing this to Wutai?!

Tseng

That’s all this organization…

Yuffie

I know. They’re an anti-Shin-Ra organization, right?

!! And you destroyed the building, which means you guys are…

[You arrive at the scene.]

Player

Tseng!

Yuffie

Oh…

[You stop when you see Yuffie with him.]

Player

Oh! Yuffie, you’re here. I was able to get out all thanks to Yuffie here.

Tseng

Whew. So you were okay. Don’t worry me like that.

Player

Tseng, I’m sorry.

[Yuffie backs up.]

Yuffie

Rosalind…

Player

? Yuffie, what’s wrong?

Yuffie

You… Get out of Wutai!!

[She runs back and kicks you. Tseng backs away.]

Player

Y- Yuffie?

Yuffie

You’re Shin-Ra! Were you trying to trick me?! Damage Wutai some more?!

Player

No, you’ve misunderstood. I wasn’t trying to fool you.

Yuffie

I hate them. But! I hate Shin-Ra more!!

[Yuffie runs away.]

Tseng

What… What was that about?

Player

Yuffie… (Thought) I’m sorry… I hurt her so much just by being Shin-Ra… Shin-Ra… the Turks… Can I carry on like this…?

Shin-Ra HQ

Veld

Sir. I’ve received the latest report on the stronghold.

President Shinra

Did we get the ringleaders? As long as they’re alive, the organization will carry on.

Veld

They’ve all been eliminated.

President Shinra

Oh! That means AVALANCHE is completely destroyed.

Veld

Be that as it may, the aftereffects of AVALANCHE’s activity are widespread. The world’s trust in Shin-Ra has been compromised.

President Shinra

We’ve let AVALANCHE do what they’ve wanted until now…

Veld

It’ll be necessary to consolidate the company’s reputation once more.

President Shinra

There’s an event being planned now, isn’t there? The world’s first rocket launch. The launching ceremony will be broadcast around the world. Begin preparations.

Veld

Yes, sir.

Wutai, atop Da Chao

Rufus

Our plan was a success.

Fuhito

Yes. HQ was destroyed, and its leaders with it. They think they’ve destroyed AVALANCHE entirely.

Rufus

Hmph. Veld was starting to get too close to the truth. The surveillance around me was tight so I couldn’t do much, but… I shouldn’t have those problems anymore.

Fuhito

Fufufufufu. The Materia disguised "leaders"… they worked perfectly.

Elfe

But… our options have been reduced. If we move now –

Shears

Elfe, don’t push yourself. Your illness is still there.

Rufus

We can’t do anything about the little inconveniences.

Fuhito

Yes, we knew that from the start.

Rufus

Next. Everything will end next time at the rocket launch ceremony. The old man will have his guard down, and that’s when we’ll make our move.

Fuhito

Leave everything to us.

To be continued…