Drive the Buggy south across the river to reach the Gongaga Area*. If you're curious about the burnt-out wreckage nestled unmistakably in middle of the forest directly ahead, see the Gongaga Village section of Optional Quests for full details. If getting to Sephiroth as soon as possible is your all-consuming desire, ignore the village and continue west along the south coast, cross the river, and follow the path through the canyon. When the Buggy breaks down, head for nearby Cosmo Canyon. Talk to the man at the gate and follow Red XIII up the stairs on the left. Consider taking the time to do some shopping* as you make your way to the Observatory at the top of Cosmo Canyon. Talk to Bugenhagen inside then find your companions and decide who will join you inside Bugenhagen's machine. Return to the Observatory and meet Bugenhagen inside the lab. After the presentation, meet the others at Cosmo Candle and talk to everyone (speak with Red XIII last). Follow Bugenhagen to the Gate of Naught and talk to him.

Descend to the bottom of the sealed cave and head right into the Cave of the Gi*. Proceed along the path, enter the third cave, and break open the odd shaped rock to activate a secret passage nearby. Head into the next area, take the first left, and return to the first area via the left path (walk slowly across the slippery liquid or you'll slide into a wall of spikes). Pick up the ADDED EFFECT MATERIA, head back into the next area, and cross to the right path. Take the second left, go down the steps, and open the chest at the near end of the lower path to find the BLACK M-PHONE. Open the chest at the far end of the lower path to find an ETHER, return to the upper path, and head into the next area. Enter the cave second from the right and open the chest at the far end of the path to find an X-POTION. Return to the five caves and enter the cave second from the left. Take the first left, enter the cave at the near end of the path, and head to the right inside the cave to emerge near a chest containing a FAIRY RING. Head for the far end of the area, duck through the cave on the left, and open the chest to find a TURBO ETHER before taking the path into the next area. Defeat Gi Nattak, pick up the GRAVITY MATERIA, and follow the others into the next area, where Red XIII will receive the SERAPH COMB. Return to the now up-and-running Buggy and head for Nibelheim.

STRATEGY

Gi Nattak:
Gi Nattak begins the battle fronted by two Soul Fires. It can use its Take Over ability to send them into the bodies of your party members to do Fire-based damage from the inside. Equip a [Fire-element (Fire or Ifrit)]-[Elemental] defensive combination and the Fire Ring to minimize the damage should this occur. As an undead creature, Gi Nattak is keenly averse to Curative magic. Equip Restore Materia on as many characters as possible and bombard the enemy with first aid from hell. Of course, you could win the battle in a single (albeit costly) turn by using an X-Potion or an Elixir. [WIZER STAFF]

*NOTES


En route:
Consider taking the time to comb the Gold Saucer Area desert in the buggy looking for the Harpy to learn its AQUALUNG Enemy Skill. Hit the beach and manipulate a Beachplug to learn the perennially useful BIG GUARD Enemy Skill. Search the Gongaga Area forests for a Touch Me and learn its FROG SONG Enemy Skill. A reliable way to cause Sleep will come in handy, especially if you plan to undertake the Gongaga Village Optional Quest.

Shopping Guide:
Visit the Weapon Store in the lower cavern for your first chance to obtain the BUTTERFLY EDGE @ 2800 Gil, the TIGER FANG @ 2500 Gil, the HEAVY VULCAN @ 2700 Gil, the PRISM STAFF @ 2600 Gil, the SILVER BARRETTE @ 2500 Gil and the PINWHEEL @ 2600 Gil. Visit the Materia Store located down the path to the immediate right of the entrance in the upper cavern if you're interested in purchasing MP PLUS MATERIA @ 8000 Gil, HP PLUS MATERIA @ 8000 Gil or MYSTIFY MATERIA @ 6000 Gil.

Cave of the Gi:
In this area, you can learn the DEATH SENTENCE Enemy Skill from the Gi Spector and the Sneaky Step.

OPTIONAL QUESTS:
The Gold Saucer (Battle Square), Gongaga Village