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Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, and I am not making any money of of this writing.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
Chapter 20: Into the Canyon
The next day, the buggy trudged over the bumpy road as it further trekked the western continent. Cloud and Aerith were together in the front, with Tifa, Barret, and Cait Sith in the back. Red XIII was on Cait Sith's lap. Yuffie was sitting on top of the trunk.
"Nobody told me I had to ride bitch," she muttered.
By midday, the buggy pulled to a stop yet again. It was a rather unpleasant sight, with broken metal debris all over the ground. The source of the debris stood out like a sore thumb.
"A ruined reactor," Cloud said aloud.
Almost as if in response, they heard the sound of a helicopter. Yuffie turned to see it land in the distance, and Scarlet and Tseng disembark. "Who the fuck is that ugly broad?" she asked.
"It's Scarlet, the head of Shinra Weapon Development," replied Barret. "It's funny how the Shinra have been showing up a lot more lately.
"This isn't any good either," Scarlet complained. "You only get junky materia from junky reactors, and this reactor's a failure. What I'm looking for is big, large, huge materia. You seen any?"
"No, I haven't seen it," Tseng replied. "I'll get on it right away."
"Please," insisted Scarlet. "We could make the ultimate weapon if we only had some."
"I just can't wait," Tseng added.
"With Hojo gone, the Weapon Development's been getting a bigger budget," explained Scarlet.
"I envy them," added Tseng.
"But, even if we make the perfect weapon, could that stupid Heidegger ever use it?" asked Scarlet.
Tseng was silent.
"Oh, sorry!" Scarlet reminded herself aloud. "I forgot Heidegger was your boss!"
Tseng remained silent.
"Let's go!" Scarlet ordered.
A few moments later, they were gone.
"Big, large, huge materia?" asked Cloud to himself. "An ultimate weapon? The perfect weapon? Just what are the Shinra up to?"
A half a mile further, they came to a pitiful sight.
"Phew," muttered Yuffie. "I don't even want to know what happened here."
"That ruined reactor," replied Cloud. "People in Gongaga…"
A town containing the remains of the reactor and a few dilapidated homes beheld the travelers.
"What's left of the reactor you're looking at exploded three years ago," added Cait Sith. "This town's never been the same since. There's still pieces of the reactor all over town."
"Half the townspeople died in the explosion," Tifa recalled.
And then, one of the townspeople caught sight of Cloud.
"You a traveler?" she asked. "Hey wait, that glare in your eye... you in SOLDIER?" The woman was half of a couple who appeared to be in their late fifties or early sixties.
"Oh you're right!" added the man. "Don't you know anything about our son?"
"I'm afraid I don't know who your son is," Cloud replied. He did not notice Aerith get a sad look on her face. He did not notice Barret get an very suspicious look on his face.
"His name is Zack," the man continued. "It's been close to ten years since he left for the city, saying that he didn't want to live in the country."
"He left saying he's going to join SOLDIER," added the woman. "You ever hear of a Zack in SOLDIER?"
"Hmmm," replied Cloud. "I don't know."
"Zack," repeated Aerith with her head down.
"Young lady, you know him?" asked the man. "I remember he wrote us six or seven years ago saying that he had a girlfriend. Could that have been you?"
Aerith's lips began to quiver. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Aerith," whispered Cloud.
"You know what?" suggested Aerith. "Let's have a picnic. Just the two of us."
"Aerith," Cloud began, "I know you're upset, but we need to get to Sephiroth."
"Actually," Barret interjected, "why don't we give you two some privacy."
"Barret?" asked Tifa skeptically.
"We'll hang out at the inn," Barret added. "Enjoy yourselves." With that, he signaled Tifa, Red XIII, Cait Sith, and Yuffie to come with him.
HALF AN HOUR LATER…
"Aerith," began Cloud, are you okay?
Aerith looked down. They were seated on a blanket out in a field outside of town. "What a shock," she replied. "I didn't know Zack was from this town."
"You know him?" asked Cloud.
"Didn't I tell you?" replied Aerith. "He was my first love."
"I knew you had a boyfriend before, but I didn't know his name."
"He was SOLDIER First Class," continued Aerith. "Same as you, Cloud."
"Strange," replied Cloud, "there aren't that many who make First Class, but I've never heard of him."
"That's all right," Aerith assured him. "It's all in the past now. I was just worried because I heard he's been missing."
"Missing?"
"I think it was 5 years ago. He went out on a job, and never came back. He loved women, a real ladies' man. He probably found someone else." She then noticed Cloud was looking down. "Hey? What's wrong?"
"What a prick," Cloud muttered.
"I don't really mind that I haven't heard from him," said Aerith. "But I feel for his parents."
Cloud remained silent.
IN THE INN…
"Okay, Barret," began Tifa. "What's up?"
Tifa, Red XIII, Cait Sith, and Yuffie were standing around Barret. He was sitting in the comfortable chair, with a quite stern look on his face.
"That motherfucker ain't here to help us out," Barret began. "He's still workin' for Shinra."
"Who?" asked Yuffie. "Cloud?"
"You bet your cute little ass," he replied.
"No way!" Tifa exclaimed. "I've known Cloud all my life! He would never do such a thing!"
"Let me sum up da situation for ya," Barret suggested. "Ever since Cloud came along, we've been meetin' the Shinra lot more offen. When he started workin' for us, they found out where out hideout was and blew up that pillar. They found us as we were trying to escape the headquarters. They mysteriously found us again after Kalm. And then, just now. So, either we've dealt with, by chance, four separate coincidences, or Cloud keeps telling the Shinra where we are."
"I trust Cloud before anyone else," Tifa insisted. "I've known him for twenty years. He would never betray anyone."
Barret sighed. "There's an ancient proverb more than a fifteen hundred years old. It's called Occam's Razor. Ever hear of it?"
Tifa shook her head. Yuffie gave him a clueless look. Cait Sith seemed just as stumped.
"It means all things being equal, the simplest explanation is probably the correct one," Red XIII finally said.
"Thank you!" said Barret. "The cat's right!"
"So what are we going to do?" asked Cait Sith.
"Dunno," Barret replied. "Haven't thought of it yet. For now, we need to keep an eye on him at all times."
"Including now?" suggested Yuffie.
"Shit!" Barret exclaimed as he got out of the chair. "Let's go!"
As they exited the inn, Barret felt a sharp tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Tifa standing cross at him. "Yes?"
"I ought to smack you!" Tifa snapped. "Cloud would never betray us!"
"Is this the same Cloud you grew up with?" demanded Barret. "The exact same?"
"We all change," replied Tifa, "but…"
"I rest my case," Barret interrupted. "We'll keep an eye on him, and if he tries anything funny, he's done for."
"That does it," Tifa said angrily. "If you lay a finger on him, I'm done!"
"It's a price I'll have to accept," Barret said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to take a piss."
"That was more than I wanted to know, but go for it."
Barret went behind the tree and pulled his fly down, preparing to do his business. Just then, he heard a rustling sound. He quickly turned to see Red XIII, sitting proudly, his eyes focused on Barret.
"What the FUCK is the matter with you?!"
THAT EVENING….
Cloud was startled when the buggy began to spark. It then began to make some rather unpleasant noises. A moment later, it refused to move.
"Oh man...a breakdown?" sighed Cloud. "Now?"
"I thought the damn thing was going to explode," Yuffie said.
"You're right," said Cait Sith. "It could have been worse.
"Actually," began Red XIII, this couldn't have happened at a better time."
"What do you mean?" asked Cait Sith.
"Look," commanded X4.
To the north, the group could see what appeared to be an encampment, centered by a large observatory.
"I'm home," said Red XIII.
INSIDE THE TOWN….
"I am home!" announced Red XIII as he entered the town first. "It is I, Nanaki!"
"Hey, Nanaki!" greeted one of the townspeople. "You're safe! Come on, and say hello to Bugenhagen!"
Red XIII ran off as the rest of the group entered the town.
"Nanaki?" asked Cloud aloud.
"Cosmo...Canyon?" asked Aerith as she read the sign. "I wonder if there's any relation to the planet or the Ancients."
"Red XIII seems different, doesn't he?" suggested Tifa.
Just then, Red XIII returned. "They helped me some when I was on the road. Please let them in."
"Oh, is that so?" said the guard at the front gate. "You helped our Nanaki? Please, come in."
"Who is Nanaki?" asked Cloud.
"Nanaki is Nanaki. That's his name."
"Here is where I was...I mean...this is my hometown," Red XIII explained. "My tribe were protectors of those who appreciate this beautiful canyon and the planet. My brave mother fought and died here, but my cowardly father left her. I am the last of my race."
"Cowardly father?" asked Cloud.
"Yes," Red XIII answered "My father was a wastrel. And so the mission I inherited from my ancestors, is to protect this place. My journey ends here."
"Hey! Nanaki!" called an elderly, bearded man from the observatory. "You're home!"
"Coming, Grandpa!" replied Red XIII as he rushed into the observatory.
"Grandpa?!" asked Cloud to himself. "Now this I gotta see!" He quickly followed him.
INSIDE THE OBSERVATORY…..
"Cloud, this is my grandfather, Bugenhagen," Red XIII introduced. "He is incredible. He knows everything."
"Ho Ho Hoooo. I hear that you looked after Nanaki a bit," Bugenhagen said. "Nanaki is still a child, you see."
"Please stop, grandfather," Red XIII asked. "I'm forty-eight."
"Ho Ho Hoooo. Nanaki's tribe has incredible longevity," Bugenhagen explained. "So you see his forty-eight years would only be equivalent to say that of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old in human reckoning."
"Fifteen or sixteen?!" Cloud exclaimed.
"He's quiet and very deep," Bugenhagen continued. "You thought he was an adult?"
"Grandfather," began Red XIII as he lowered his head, "I want to be an adult. I want to grow up to be able to protect you and the village."
"No, Nanaki," replied Bugenhagen. "You can't stand on your own yet. To do that now would destroy you in the long run. Reaching up into the heavens, threatening to snatch the very stars from the great city of Midgar. You're seen it, haven't you? Well, that's a bad example. Looking up too much makes you lose perspective. When it's time for this planet to die, you'll understand that you know absolutely nothing."
"When the planet dies?" Cloud interjected. He had never heard such talk in his life. This crazy old fart's referring to the planet as a living thing!
Bugenhagen chuckled. "It may be tomorrow, or a century from now, but it's not long off. We have fewer days ahead than behind."
"How do you know this?" demanded Cloud. Has this guy been brainwashing the others?
"I hear the cries of the planet," Bugenhagen replied as he floated over to a stereo. As he pushed the play button, Cloud could hear a strange but surprisingly soothing sound. It felt as if it could almost lull him to sleep.
"What's that?" asked Cloud.
"The sounds of the stars in the heavens," Bugenhagen replied. "While this goes on, planets are born, and die."
Suddenly, the sounds we no longer soothing. Cloud found them becoming rather piercing to his ears.
"What was that?" he asked.
"That was a scream from this planet," said Bugenhagen as he pushed the stop button. "Didn't you hear it? As if to say, 'I hurt, I suffer.'"
Obviously special effects, thought Cloud.
"They have come here on a journey to save the planet," said Red XIII. "Why don't you show them your apparatus?"
"Ho Ho Hoooo," cackled Bugenhagen "To save the planet? Ho Ho Hoooo! But, then again, I guess it wouldn't hurt to show him."
"Bugenhagen!" shouted a young boy approaching. "Several odd looking people have come."
"The whole place has gotten busy all of a sudden," observed Bugenhagen.
"He brought friends too," Red XIII informed him. "I'll go get them. Cloud, please call one of them. Only three people can fit in grandfather's machine."
"Don't worry," assured Bugenhagen. "My machine won't run away. You go and invite your friends."
LATER…
Of course, Cloud had chosen Aerith.
"Ho Ho Hoooo. It looks like you have them all together," said Bugenhagen. "Then let's begin. "I'll stand there."
Bugenhagen activated the elevator, taking them to the second floor of the observatory.
"So pretty," Aerith commented as she took Cloud's hand in hers. "It's just like the real thing!"
"Hmm, yes pretty good," said Bugenhagen as he floated near Jupiter. "This is my laboratory. All the workings of space are entered into this 3-D holographic system."
"Hey!" shouted Aerith suddenly. "A shooting star!"
The meteor soared past Aerith before joining a group of others being sucked into a black hole.
"Wow, how wonderful," Aerith observed.
"Ho Ho Hoooo. Yes, it is something, isn't it?" agreed Bugenhagen. "Well, let's get to the subject. Eventually, all humans die. What happens to them after they die? The body decomposes, and returns to the planet. That much everyone knows. What about their consciousness, their hearts and their souls? The soul too returns to the planet. And not only those of humans, but everything on this planet. In fact, all living things in the universe, are the same. The spirits that return to the planet, merge with one another and roam the planet. They roam, converge, and divide, becoming a swell, called the 'Lifestream.' In other words, a path of energy of the souls roaming the planet. Spirit energy is a word that you should never forget. A new life children are blessed with spirit energy and are brought into the world. Then, the time comes with they die and once again return to the planet. Of course there are exceptions, but this is the way of the world. I've digressed, but you'll understand better if you watch this."
Bugenhagen displayed some sort of image, depicting animals and plants being born and dying. When they died, they appeared to disintegrate into some form of green energy that circled the planet.
"Spirit energy makes all things possible, trees, birds, and humans. Not just living things, but spirit energy makes it possible for planets to be planets. What happens if that Spirit energy were to disappear?"
With that, Bugenhagen appeared to absorb the energy into his arm. Suddenly, the planet changed to a dark brown, and broke into pieces.
"These are the basics of the study of planet life," he finished.
"If the spirit energy is lost, our planet is destroyed," Cloud muttered skeptically.
"Ho Ho Hoooo. Spirit energy is efficient because it exists within nature," said Bugenhagen. "When spirit energy is forcefully extracted, and manufactured, it can't accomplish its true purpose."
"You're talking about Mako energy, right?" asked Cloud.
"Every day, Mako reactors suck up spirit energy, diminishing it," Bugenhagen explained. "Spirit energy gets compressed in the reactors and processed into Mako energy. All living things are being used up and thrown away. In other words, Mako energy will only destroy the planet." He then pressed a button, lowering the elevator and returning everyone to the ground floor. "The story of the planets and those who lived with them...you want to know more? Then you must listen to the words of the elders."
LATER THAT EVENING….
"I learned a lot," said Aerith. "The elders taught me many things. About the Cetra and the Promised Land." She then looked down in sadness. "I'm all alone now."
"But I'm here for you, right?"
"I know," she replied with a smile. "But I am the only Cetra."
"Does that mean we can't help?" asked Cloud.
"I don't know," Aerith replied. "I hope that planet can help."
"A living planet," Cloud muttered.
"You don't believe it?" asked Aerith.
"Not really," replied Cloud.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously," Cloud replied. "I'm an atheist. I don't believe in anything supernatural. Not gods, ghosts, dwarves, unicorns, Lifestream, and certainly not a conscious planet."
Aerith gave Cloud a stunned look. "Then what do you believe happens when you die?"
"Well," Cloud replied, "you die, they bury you, and you're worm food."
"Excuse me, but you're really rude!" Aerith snapped. "But I forgive you, because you bought flowers from me."
"Cosmo Canyon," Barret sighed. This is where AVALANCHE was born. I promised my guys someday when we saved the planet from the Shinra, that we'd all go to Cosmo Canyon and celebrate. Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie. Now they're all gone, died for the planet. We all hate the Shinra. Do I even got to go on? Will they ever forgive me? Right now, I really don't know. But I know one thing. If there's anything I can do, to save the planet or the people livin' on it, then I'm gonna do it! I don't care if it's for justice or revenge, or whatever. I dont care...let 'em decide for 'emselves. I'm gonna do it! AVALANCHE's born again!"
Just then, Cloud noticed Tifa had sat down next to him.
"Cloud," she began, "bonfires are funny, aren't they? They make you remember all sorts of things. You know, Cloud, five years ago…"
"Yes?"
"It's nothing," Tifa replied. "No, forget it. I'm afraid to ask."
"What is it?" asked Cloud.
"It feels like you're going far away," Tifa said. "You really, really are, right?"
"We all do," said Red XIII. "Long ago, when I was still very small, we were all around this flame...no, never mind."
"What happened?" asked Cloud.
"It's about my parents," Red XIII continued. "When I talk about my mother, I am full of pride and joy, and that's fine. But when I remember my father, my heart is full of anger."
"You really can't forgive your father?" asked Bugenhagen.
"Of course not," Red XIII replied. "He left mother for dead. When the Gi tribe attacked, he ran off by himself, leaving mother and the people of the Canyon!"
"Come, Nanaki," said Bugenhagen calmly. "There's something you should see."
LATER…
Minutes later, Red XIII, Cloud, Cait Sith, and Yuffie were standing at the entrance to a sealed door.
"How come you've never taken me here before?" asked Red XIII.
"The place may be dangerous," Bugenhagen replied as he opened the door.
"Are you going with us, Grandpa?" asked Red XIII.
"What, are you crazy?" asked Bugenhagen. "It's dangerous in there. I told you that! You want an old man like me should go first? I'll be right behind you."
Bugenhagen opened the door. Cloud went in first, followed by Cait Sith, Yuffie, Red XIII, and finally Bugenhagen. Beyond the door was a seemingly endless line of ropes and ladders, leading down a long, dark shaft. The five of them descended until they reached the bottom, where another doorway awaited them.
"Everyone down here's a Ghost of the Gi tribe," Bugenhagen said. "Killed in a certain battle."
"A certain battle?" asked Red XIII.
"The vengeful spirits of the Gi didn't disappear, and couldn't return to the Lifestream," replied Bugenhagen. "We still have far to go. Ho Ho Hoooo."
The cave continued beyond the doorway. It grew darker, and even Cloud began to feel uneasy. He was glad he hadn't brought Aerith here.
"As you can see, this cave leads to the back of Cosmo Canyon," Bugenhagen continued. "It was unfortunate that the Gi were larger than us. If they attacked though here, we wouldn't have stood a chance."
They soon entered yet another, darker cave.
"Man, this is creepy," Yuffie said. "We should have brought the whole group."
"This warrior went through the cave all alone," Bugenhagen said. "Fighting attackers one after another."
"Grandpa," began Red XIII. "That warrior…"
"We're almost there," Bugenhagen assured him.
In the next channel, they were greeted by the odd sight of a horrible creature. It was greenish and carrying a lance, and was protected by a moat of lava.
Even Bugenhagen was surprised. "What is this?"
"Grandpa, is he alive!?" asked Red XIII.
"After death...The ghosts of the Gi...like stagnant air..…"
And then, the creature began to advance on them.
"This can't be!" exclaimed Bugenhagen.
And then, a powerful lightning struck it. The creature, whatever it was, disintegrated.
"What was that?!" exclaimed Bugenhagen.
"Lightening," Cloud replied. "I used it, but I didn't expect it to be that powerful."
"You've gained experience with it," XGRANDPA explained. "When you do, your spells become stronger. Well, thank you, Cloud. Because of you, we survived. Nanaki, you have grown strong too."
"Oh yeah?" asked Nanaki.
"Now I know that it wasn't a mistake bringing you here," said Bugenhagen. "Come, I have something I want to show you. Right over here."
The next chamber featured another statue. Only this one looked like Red XIII.
"This is…" Red XIII began, but he couldn't finished.
"The warrior who fought against the Gi," Bugenhagen replied. "He kept them from taking even one step into Cosmo Canyon. But he was never able to return to town. Look, Nanaki. Look at your father, at the warrior, Seto."
The moon shone brightly on his father's remains. Red XIII was so full of emotion he could barely speak. "That...that's...Seto?"
"Seto continued to fight the Gi tribe here. To the protect this canyon. Even after the Gi's poisonous arrows turned his body to stone. Even after they all ran away, Seto continued to protect us. And he continues to protect us, even now."
"Even now," echoed Red XIII solemnly.
"You thought that he was a coward and ran away," said Bugenhagen. "But he, alone, risked his life to protect Cosmo Canyon. That is your father, Seto."
"That...that is Seto? Did mother know?" asked Red XIII.
"She knew," Bugenhagen replied. "The two of them made me promise to keep this cave shut. They asked me to seal it myself and not to tell a soul. Thay said we should forget about this cave."
Red XIII hung his head in sadnesss.
"Would you mind leaving the two of us alone?" requested Bugenhagen.
Cloud, Cait Sith, and Yuffie honoered his request.
"Nanaki, I want you to continue your journey with Cloud and the others," Bugenhagen commanded.
"Grandpa!?"
"Listen, Nanaki," Bugenhagen began. Cloud says they are trying to save the planet. Honestly, I don't think it can be done. For even if they stop every reactor on the planet, it's only going to postpone the inevitable. Even if they stop Sephiroth, everything will perish. But, Nanaki, I've been thinking lately. I've been thinking if there was anything we could do. As a part of the planet, something to help a planet already in misery. No matter what happens, isn't it important to try? Am I just wishing against fate? I am too old to do anything about it. This year, I'll be 130. That is why, Nanaki, you must go with them! For my sake."
"Grandpa," began Red XIII.
"I wanted to show you your real father before you left. I'm so glad that you came back while I was still alive to show you."
"Grandpa, don't talk like that," Red XIII protested. "I don't want to think of life without you."
"Well, I've had a long life," Bugenhagen assured him.
"Grandpa! You must live!" Red XIII insisted. "I'll see to it. I'll see to what's happening to the planet. And I'll come back to tell you."
"Nanaki..." began Bugenhagen.
"I am Nanaki of Cosmo Canyon!" shouted Red XIII as he leapt forward. "The son of the warrior, Seto! I'll come back a warrior true to that noble name! So please, Grandpa!"
And then, drops of water began to fall from above. At first, they appeared to be rain. And then…
"That's... Seto's... Seto..…" stammered Bugenhagen in surprise.
"Seto... Fa... Father.…" stammered Red XIII in similar fashion.
Tears were falling from his father's eyes.
LATER…
"They said they finished fixin' the buggy," X3 said.
"Shall we get going?" suggested Cloud.
"So this is it, Red XIII," Aerith said sadly.
"That's just the way it goes," added Barret. "You came in handy at times."
But as Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Cait Sith, and Yuffie prepared to cross the boundary of Cosmo Canyon, they were greeted by another surprise.
"Wait for me!" called Red XIII. "I'm coming too!"
"You are?!" asked Yuffie.
"Cloud, please look after Nanaki," Bugenhagen requested.
"What happened?" asked Cloud.
"I think I grew up a little," answered Red XIII. "That's what happened!"
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Premonitions: Uncut