Filed Under: Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis

Prologue

AVALANCHE HQ

Elfe

Fuhito. I hear we’ve got a report from one of our informants.

Fuhito

Yes. We’ve received some rather exciting news.

Elfe

Is it about that Shin-Ra program? Soon, we’ll be able to fight with SOLDIER on an even footing.

Fuhito

Yes. The day of Shin-Ra’s downfall is just in front of us.

Elfe

So what have your informants found out, exactly?

Fuhito

We’ve established the schedule of the person handling the secret data. It seems they will be at Midgar Station early tomorrow morning.

Elfe

You’re going to move?

Fuhito

You guess correctly. I’ve already dispatched my special troops for this mission.

Elfe

Special troops?

Fuhito

Yes. Please, leave everything to me.

Elfe

That person who has the secret data, who are they?

Fuhito

Doctor Laylee.

0001/6/28

6:00 a.m.

Midgar

[It is dark outside. A train pulls into the station. You arrive just as the train comes to a stop. You call Veld on your PHS.]

Player

I’m at the station.

Veld

What about Doctor Laylee?

[You look to your left. A woman in a blue dress is guarded by three soldiers. One of them has his mask off.]

Player

They’re already here.

Veld

Your job is to provide safe conduct for the doctor. The disk she’s got with her contains highly classified company secrets.

Player

Company secrets… What’s on that disk?

Veld

All the information on SOLDIER. If AVALANCHE gets their hands on that disk, it puts the company at risk.

Player

Understood, sir.

[You hang up and approach the group, who are waiting by the train.]

Player

I’m Rosalind, from the Turks. I’m here to escort Doctor Laylee. Pleased to meet you.

Doctor Laylee

The pleasure is mine. I feel safer, knowing that the Turks are here.

Unmasked Soldier

(Thought) The Turks… Does that mean they don’t think we can do it? (1)

Player

Well, let’s get going.

[Behind you, two members of AVALANCHE have arrived at the station platform.]

AVALANCHE A

She’s here! That woman from the Turks!

AVALANCHE B

Four guards… They’re sure putting a lot of manpower into this one.

AVALANCHE A

Should we finish this by ourselves?

AVALANCHE B

Yeah. If that’s all there is, there’s no need to wait for the other units. Besides, if they get away, we’re going to get in trouble.

[They move closer, coming to a stop just a few metres in front of your party.]

Unmasked Soldier

!!

[Doctor Laylee screams.]

Player

It’s all right, Doctor. I’ll take care of them.

AVALANCHE A

Give us the woman if you don’t want to die.

Unmasked Soldier

Like I’m going to let you!

Player

?!

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x2] You’re also fighting with the unmasked soldier.

Player

(In fight) I’ll take care of this. Get the doctor to a safe place.

Unmasked Soldier

(In fight) No. We’re here to guard the doctor too.

Player

R- Right. Let’s work together, then.

Unmasked Soldier

We’re going to be working together, so I’ll tell you my name. It’s Cloud.]

Cloud

(Thought) How’s that? We can fight too.

Player

Your devotion to your coworkers (2) is admirable. But we’re working together and we each have a part to play in this. 

Cloud

…I’ll remember that.

Player

Well then, let’s get going.

Cloud

Yeah.

[You let the group go ahead. You take up the rear to make sure that no other attacks come from behind. Before long, two more AVALANCHE men catch up to you.]

AVALANCHE A

Oi! We’ve found the doctor!! After her!!

Player

!! Stop right there!

AVALANCHE B

You don’t know what’s going on around you, do you?

Player

!!

[AVALANCHE B moves so that he is on your other side. Another AVALANCHE member takes his place. You are surrounded.]

Player

(Thought) Oh no. They’ve got me surrounded!

[Two more AVALANCHE members run ahead.]

Player

(Thought) !! Doctor Laylee is in trouble!

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x3]]

Player

Where are they?!

[Up ahead, the two AVALANCHE members are facing off against Cloud and the soldiers. Cloud is in front, the other soldiers are on either side of Doctor Laylee. One of the AVALANCHE men strikes one of the soldiers. Doctor Laylee screams.]

Cloud

Stop!

[He runs in front of the AVALANCHE guy, who shoots him.]

Cloud

Ugh…

[The other AVALANCHE member decks the same guard.]

Cloud

Leave them alone!!

[Cloud attacks the man with his machine gun.]

Cloud

I’ll take care of this. Take the doctor and run.

Soldier

All right. Take care.  

Player

Cloud.

Cloud

You. Go. Hurry! Doctor Laylee’s gone ahead.

Player

I’m not leaving you here!

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x2] You get to fight with Cloud again. Woo hoo! :D Cloud isn’t too good of a fighter, though. He keeps getting hit and he can’t fire his gun fast enough to hold off the AVALANCHE guys, so for the most part, it’s up to you to take them down.]

Player

Cloud, I understand how you feel.

Cloud

…

Player

But isn’t it also important to protect the doctor? There are times when I get torn between what I want to do and what I have to do, too.

Cloud

I… Just…

Doctor Laylee

Kyaaaahhhh!

Soldier

Who’s there?!

[Up ahead, the soldiers and Doctor Laylee are met by three more AVALANCHE members. The one in the centre is one you’ve never seen before – he is wearing black fatigues and holding what looks like a sword. The guards step in front of the doctor. The black fatigued man in the middle casts a spell. The air around them grows dark. A skeletal figure carrying a large scythe appears and swings its scythe at the soldiers.]

Soldiers

Gyaahhhhh!

Doctor Laylee

Th- This is… “Death” magic?!

[The soldiers fall to the ground.]

Player

(Thought) What is that magic? This is the first time I’ve seen something like that…

Cloud

Everyone…

[He starts to run.]

Player

Cloud, wait!

Black AVALANCHE

You’re Doctor Laylee?

Doctor Laylee

D-don’t. Don’t kill me.

Black AVALANCHE

We won’t kill you as long as you cooperate with us. Take her away.

AVALANCHE

Right.

[The two AVALANCHE members move to take Doctor Laylee away.]

Cloud

Let her go.

Black AVALANCHE

Don’t move. If you do, I’ll kill her.

Cloud

Ugh…

[Your PHS rings.]

Veld

Rosalind, report.

Player

Doctor Laylee has been captured. The escorts have been killed by a black fatigued AVALANCHE member who uses some kind of magic I’ve never seen before.

Veld

What?! Rosalind, you know what’s at stake here. You have to protect the SOLDIER data at all costs.

Player

If I move, the doctor’s life is in danger.

Veld

…

Move. Even if there are casualties, we have to keep that disk safe! Can you do it, Rosalind?

Player

…I’ll try.

[You hang up and take a position in front of Doctor Laylee.]

Player

Let Doctor Laylee go!

Cloud

!?

[You run forward. Cloud stands in your way.]

Cloud

Hey! What do you think you’re doing?

Black AVALANCHE

It looks like it doesn’t matter what happens to the woman.

Cloud

That’s not true!! Leave Doctor Laylee alone. I’ll stop her.

Player

Cloud, move!

Cloud

I can’t do that. If we make any sudden moves, the doctor’s in danger.

Player

Move!

Cloud

I’m Doctor Laylee’s escort!!

[The AVALANCHE men guarding Doctor Laylee drag her into the train. The train starts moving.]

Cloud

Doctor Laylee?!

Player

!!

Cloud

Damn it.

Player

Cloud?!

[Cloud jumps onto the train.]

Black AVALANCHE

A kid… We don’t have to worry about him. You’re a different story.

Player

(Gulp)

Black AVALANCHE

Death to the Shin-Ra!

Player

(Thought) I have to watch out for that magic.

[FIGHT: Black AVALANCHE. This guy moves really fast, and his sword has a long reach. Most and magical attacks are also decreased, as he seems to have some resistance to them. And of course… watch out for Death.]

Player

They got away. (Thought) I have to think of a way to get the disk back.

[The PHS rings again.]

Veld

Rosalind, is the data safe?

Player

No. They got away on the train.

Veld

What?! That’s not good! Follow them!!

Player

Do you mean the train?!

Veld

There is a way. The service tunnels under Midgar.

Player

Service tunnels?

Veld

There are paths you can use down there. I’ll explain later. Get down to the tunnels first!!

Player

Yes sir.

[End of Chapter 5.1. You may save here and return to the main menu or go to the next chapter.]

[Inside the train, you give Veld an update.]

Player

I’ve caught up with the train.

Veld

All right. Search the train and find Doctor Laylee.

Player

Right.

[You run into the first car. A half dozen AVALANCHE members are gathered together, presumably having a meeting. They spot you.]

AVALANCHE A

The Turks!

AVALANCHE B

Where was she hiding?!

AVALANCHE A

Who cares? Kill her!!

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x6] You can make this really easy for yourself by running back to the entrance of the train car and hiding behind in the section that connects one train car to another. AVALANCHE will be forced to come at you one at a time and you can take out all 6 that way. If you run right at them, you will have to take on them in groups of 2 or 3.]

[You run down the length of the train car and into the second one. This train car has seats placed in groups of four. A bullet whizzes down the aisle. There is a gunman on the other end. Your objective here is to get to the gunman while dodging the bullets. This can be done by ducking behind the seats periodically.]

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x1]]

[You reach the third train car. Here a burst of bullets come at you all at once. If you get hit, you get the following dialogue:

Player

(Thought) That’s a powerful attack. It might be tough getting up to the front. Find another way.

AVALANCHE

You won’t get past my Wasp Shooter, Turk. (4)]

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x1]]

[The fourth train car is empty. You run halfway down the car before an AVALANCHE member comes in behind you. He fires on you. Once again, you have to dodge the bullets by hiding behind the seats, and make your way to the gunman.]

AVALANCHE

I’ve found her! I’ll take care of her.

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x1]]

[There are now a two AVALANCHE members in the train car. You must fight them too.]

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x1, 2]]

[In the final train car, you finally spot Doctor Laylee. Cloud is also in the car, on his knees. Two AVALANCHE guards stand on either side of Doctor Laylee; one stands in front of Cloud.]

Cloud

Ugh… Let Doctor Laylee go…

AVALANCHE

Stubborn idiot. It sounds to me like you really want to die.

Cloud

…

[The AVALANCHE grunt knocks Cloud down.]

Player

Stop that.

AVALANCHE

Who’s there?!

[AVALANCHE and Doctor Laylee turn around.]

AVALANCHE

The Turks?!

Player

Doctor, are you all right?

Doctor Laylee

I’m fine, but…

[She turns to face Cloud.]

Player

Cloud…

AVALANCHE

Don’t move. If you do, this punk’s as good as dead.

Player

That’s not going to happen! Cloud, don’t get in my way this time.

[FIGHT: AVALANCHE [x3]]

Player

Cloud, can you stand?

Cloud

What are you here for…?

Player

?!

Cloud

Have you come here to put the Doctor in danger again?

Player

…

[You turn away from Cloud.]

Player

The data the Doctor has is important to the company. If it gets into AVALANCHE’s hands, there’s no telling what will happen.

Cloud

So you’re willing to throw away her life to protect it.

Player

I’m not throwing anybody’s life away.

Cloud

You’ve put her in unnecessary danger. That’s the same thing.

Player

That’s…

Cloud

There’s got to be a way to protect the Doctor.

Player

…

[A call comes in.]

Veld

Rosalind, what’s your status?

Player

I’ve found Doctor Laylee.

Veld

Good job. Is the data safe?

Player

Both the data and the Doctor are safe.

Veld

All right. I want you to take the data and get off the train.

Player

By myself?

Veld

Those people equipped with the death magic are coming your way.

Player

(Thought) He must mean those dark suited AVALANCHE.

Veld

They’re Fuhito’s underlings, but that’s all we know about them right now. We don’t know enough about them to deal with them just yet, so I want you go get that data and get out of there.

Player

(Thought) I’m going to run by myself?

Veld

Oi. Can you hear me?

Player

?! (Thought) They’re already here?!

Cloud

Those guys from before… I’m leaving the Doctor in your hands…

Player

Cloud…

Cloud

(Thought) I’m just a normal grunt. I couldn’t get into SOLDIER. That’s all I am; a normal soldier.

Veld

Oi! Rosalind. Answer me.

Player

Sir, I’ve got some bad news. Those AVALANCHE you mentioned – they’re here.

Veld

What?! Get out of there, right now!

Player

Sir, I’m sorry. You’re breaking up. I’m going to have to hang up… Cloud. Can you run?

Cloud

Wha-?!

Player

I want you to run to the other train car. Go! Hurry!!

Veld

Rosalind! Rosalind! She’s… gone and hung up on me. 

[You get to the point between train cars. Once you’ve seen Cloud onto the other car, you stop.]

Player

My job is to protect the Shin-Ra company’s secrets. It doesn’t matter how I do it.

Cloud

?

[You shoot the panel connecting the train cars. Your car splits off from the car Cloud is in.]

Black AVALANCHE

She’s disconnected the cars.

Cloud

What are you doing!

Player

I told you, didn’t I? My job is to protect the company’s interests.

Cloud

?!

Player

Cloud, take care of Doctor Laylee. That’s your job.

Cloud

Rosalind… Okay! I’ll protect her!!

[End of Chapter 5.3.]

[The Black AVALANCHE men catch up to you.]

Black AVALANCHE

You bitch!

Player

(Thought) There’s no way out… Can I win against them?

!

That ladder…

[You climb up onto the roof of the train.]

Black AVALANCHE

She’s gone up. Split up!

[On the roof of the train.]

Player

(Thought) I should be able to get on another train this way.

[Part of the way across the train car, one of the Black AVALANCHE members catches up with you.]

Player

(Thought) I should be okay if there’s only one of them.

Black AVALANCHE

Death to the Shin-Ra!

[FIGHT: Black AVALANCHE [x1]]

Player

(Thought) I need to get to the other car before they come again.

[You run a bit more. Another Black AVALANCHE accosts you.]

Player

*Gasp*

Black AVALANCHE

Death to the Shin-Ra! 

[You try to run, but another Black AVALANCHE comes up behind you. You’re trapped.]

Player

(Thought) What should I do? I’m trapped.

[The train suddenly rocks. It comes to a stop.]

Black AVALANCHE

What’s going on?!

Player

(Thought) The train’s stopped. Now’s my chance.

[You jump down. The Black AVALANCHE members jump down after you.]

Black AVALANCHE

Death to the Shin-Ra!

[FIGHT: Black AVALANCHE [x2]]

Player

Whew. It’s over…

!

(Thought) Where are Doctor Laylee and the others?!

[In another part of the tunnel, another Black AVALANCHE member surveys the train tracks. A part of the tunnel has collapsed. This is why the train has stopped.]

Black AVALANCHE

<<<

This is why the train’s stopped.

[He runs into a passageway at the side of the tunnel. Meanwhile, Cloud’s train rolls to a stop.]

Cloud

?! The train’s stopped?!

Doctor Laylee

Cloud, behind you!!

Cloud

?!

Black AVALANCHE

Watch your back.

[The Black AVALANCHE operative strikes Cloud down.]

Cloud

Ugh…

Black AVALANCHE

I’ll be taking Doctor Laylee.

Cloud

Krngh… (Thought) I couldn’t protect her.

[You rush the Black AVALANCHE operative.

Player

Watch your back!

Black AVALANCHE

A Turk! When did you get here?!

[FIGHT: Black AVALANCHE [x1]]

Cloud

Ugh… Rosalind, you’re safe…

Player

Somewhat. Don’t let down your guard just yet. I’m going to go check outside.

Cloud

…I’ll go with you.

Player

Don’t strain yourself. Just stay here with the Doctor.

[You leave the train. Doctor Laylee looks outside the window.]

Doctor Laylee

This is bad! All those soldiers…

[Outside the train, you are met by four AVALANCHE operatives. Two of them are Black AVALANCHE specials.]

Player

(Thought) I can’t take on all of them by myself…

[Inside the train.]

Cloud

(Thought) Even a lowly soldier like I can do something. If I can’t even save one life, I don’t belong in SOLDIER. I’m going to fight!

[Cloud runs out to join you. Instead of his gun, he is carrying the sword the Black AVALANCHE operative was carrying.]

Cloud

Rosalind! I’m going to fight too!

Player

Stay back, Cloud.

Black AVALANCHE

Finish them.

[The two AVALANCHE regulars advance. Cloud yells.]

Player

Cloud?!

[Cloud takes both regulars out in one fell swoop. He is breathing heavily.]

Player

Amazing. He just took them out with that big sword in one swing.

Black AVALANCHE

Death to the Shin-Ra!

[FIGHT: Black AVALANCHE [x2] You’re fighting with Cloud this time. Just as a side note, Cloud’s a lot more effective in battle with that sword than he ever was with his gun. ; )]

Cloud

It’s over…

Player

Cloud. That was great.  

Cloud

I was desperate. I can’t remember what happened. (5)

Player

Let’s get back to the train.

[Inside the train.]

Cloud

Huh?!

Player

!!

Cloud

That AVALANCHE guy – he isn’t here anymore. (6)

Player

Doctor Laylee’s… W- What’s that?!

[A figure is crumpled on the floor at the far end of the train car.]

Player

Doctor Laylee!! Doctor Laylee!!

Doctor Laylee

Ugh… I didn’t think they could… He stood up.

Player

(Thought) He shouldn’t have been able to. Are these guys invincible?

Doctor Laylee

They… They took the disk.

Player

They did?!

Doctor Laylee

Don’t worry. There’s a security lock on the disk that only I know how to release.

Train Announcement

We have cleared up the problem causing the delay and will soon be resuming service.

[The train starts moving again. In the tunnels, three Black AVALANCHE operatives meet.]

Black AVALANCHE A

You’re late. They got you too?

Black AVALANCHE B

<<<

We’ve got the disk.

Black AVALANCHE A

Things are going according to plan. <<<

[Back at the train station.]

Cloud

Can I ask you something, Rosalind? That time on the train, why did you disconnect the cars?

Player

You taught me something, Cloud.

Cloud

?

Player

You taught me something important that I needed to know in my work as a Turk.

Cloud

Really? I don’t remember doing that…

Player

You wouldn’t. I don’t think you were trying to.

Cloud

Hey, Rosalind. Do me a favour and keep doing your best. (7)

Player

Yeah. You take care and keep watching out for your comrades.

Cloud

Yeah.

[The PHS rings.]

Player

…yes. …yes. Yes, sir. (To Cloud) That’s from Headquarters. I have to go back.

Cloud

Right. I should be going, too. We’re supposed to be inspecting a faulty Mako reactor.

Player

Well, I guess this is goodbye.

[You start to walk away. Cloud calls you back.]

Cloud

Rosalind. Let’s meet up again somewhere.

Rosalind

Yeah. I’m looking forward to it, Cloud, Future SOLDIER!

AVALANCHE HQ

Fuhito

Miss Elfe. We’ve retrieved the disk. I must say, that lock was pretty hard to decipher.

Elfe

You’re talking about Doctor Laylee’s disk, I assume. And?

Fuhito

Fufufu. As we expected, all the SOLDIER data we wanted is in there.

Elfe

Excellent. Will we be able to fit this information in with Shears’ plans?

Fuhito

Of course. But there is something I wish to do first.

Elfe

What’s that?

Fuhito

We will need Professor Hojo.

Elfe