Head upstairs and talk to Tifa and Barret. Before you head for Sector 7 Station, consider taking the time to explore the slums and go shopping*. Meet the team at the platform and board the train. When the alarm goes off, evade security by moving from one car to the next before lock down.

Before you leave the first car, talk to the man in the far-right corner and he'll give you a PHOENIX DOWN. On your way through the second car, talk to the man in the near-left corner and he'll give you a HI-POTION. In the third car, a man will pick your pocket as you pass him. Run him down and talk to him to recover your property. When you reach the last car, talk to Tifa and you'll jump from the train, landing in the tunnel outside Sector 4. Head for the far end until you reach the security sensor. Enter the duct on the left and proceed through Sector 4. You'll find an ETHER in the first area, a POTION near Jessie's post, and a TENT on the walkway to the right of Biggs. Climb the ladder to enter the Sector 5 Reactor.

Take the slide on the right and head for the core of the reactor. Set the bomb and head for the exit in the same manner you left the No. 1 Reactor. When you reach the security doors, open the nearby chest to find an ETHER and go to the control room to the left.

Press the button simultaneously with Barret and Tifa and proceed toward the exit. After your encounter with President Shinra, defeat Air Buster.


When you come to, talk to Aeris until you're interrupted by Reno of the Turks. Head for the roof of the church. When Aeris falls, help her escape from Reno's troops and proceed through a hole in the roof and across the debris to the Sector 5 Slum. Head left and proceed through the slum to Aeris's House, located beyond the far-right corner of the residential area. Explore the near garden to the right of the house and pick up the ETHER and COVER MATERIA. Go inside and head upstairs to rest. When you wake up, open the package near the door to find a POTION and a PHOENIX DOWN and sneak downstairs without alerting Aeris. Head back through the Sector 5 Slum and you'll run into Aeris near the entrance to Sector 6. Make your way across the destroyed road until you reach the park. Talk to Aeris and follow her into Wall Market.

STRATEGY
Air Buster: During this battle, you'll have Air Buster surrounded. Your assault will be most potent if you target its back. Begin by attacking with a party member standing behind the machine (you may have to skip characters [T] to do so). A strike will cause Air Buster to turn, facing its attacker, and launch a strong counterattack. Follow up with continuous back attacks. Limit Breaks and Lightning magic are especially effective. When Air Buster loses its ability to turn, you'll know victory is near. [TITAN BANGLE]

*NOTES
Shopping Guide: Visit the Sector 7 Item Store in the near-left corner of the sector and you'll have your first chance to obtain FIRE MATERIA @ 600 Gil. Head for the Sector 7 Weapon Shop next door for your first chance to obtain IRON BANGLES @ 160 Gil. Beginner's Hall: Take the stairs at the back of the Weapon Shop to get to the second floor and enter the Beginner's Hall. Talk to the man on the left and the Beginners inside the cage to see an extensive array of Tutorials. On your way out, pick up the ALL MATERIA in front of the person in the near-right corner. When the chest drops down, open it to find an ETHER.