(Cloud goes to the Battle Square. When he arrives, he sees a guard standing at the foot of the steps.)
Cloud
"!!"
(The guard falls over, dead.)
Cloud
"Mm!?"
(The party runs over to him. Cloud checks for a pulse)
Cloud
"Dead....."
Aerith
"What!? Why?"
(Cloud looks up, then runs into the Battle Square lobby.)
Aerith
"Cloud!? Where are
you going?"
(The others follow him. When they arrive in the lobby, they find the floor covered in blood and debris. There are many bodies scattered around.)
Cloud
"Did Sephiroth do
this!?"
(He checks a body)
Cloud
"No... it's not him...
They're all shot... Sephiroth would never use a gun..."
"Ugh, ugggh."
(A body in the corner moves slightly. They all run over to him)
Cloud
"Hey, what happened!"
"Ugh... ugh... a man with a gun... on his arm...."
Aerith
"It can't be!?"
"Hold it right there! And stay quiet!!"
(They all turn to the door. Dio and two guards walk in.)
Dio
"Did you guys do this!?"
Cloud
"N... no, it wasn't
us!"
Dio
"I must've been wrong..."
(Cait Sith turns to Cloud)
Cait Sith
"Hurry and run, it's
gonna get ugly."
(Cait Sith runs into the arena. Aerith follows.)
Cloud
"H... hey!"
(Cloud runs after them. The two guards follow.)
Dio
"Hold them!"
(They arrive in the arena. There is no way out. Dio emerges on a high platform.)
Dio
"That's as far as
you go."
(He gestures with his hand. Cait Sith checks a door. It's locked.)
Cloud
"Wait, listen to..."
(Cait Sith comes back)
Cait Sith
"Cloud..."
(Three huge robots leap into the arena and approach them. The screen
fades to black. When it fades in again, we are at the "Gateway to Heaven."
It is just a hole in the floor. One of the robots is holding Cloud over
it.)
Dio
"One more to go."
"Yes."
Cloud
"Hey! Pay attention!!"
Dio
"There's no need to
listen. Pay for your crime down below!!"
"Do it!"
"Yes."
(A guard presses a button, opening the 'Gateway.' The robot, still holding
Cloud, leaps down. The screen fades.)
phoenixgenesis@game-developer.com
Continue to Part 7 Scene 59