Two years have passed since Meteor shook the Planet to its very core, though it seems the fight is anything but over. As Marlene notes in the film's opening, the Planet is much angrier with man than anyone could have expected. Now with Sephiroth gone, a new ailment plagues mankind: a disease known as Geostigma. Geostigma -- an off-shoot of Mako poisoning caused by Jenova's contamination of the Lifestream -- has been responsible for many deaths since the destruction of Meteor, and cases continue to spring up all over the Planet. With no cure developed, contracting such a disease means certain death, a harsh reality for many children including a young boy named Denzel--the adoptive son of Tifa Lockheart.
Cloud now lives the life of a vagabond; he has taken to roaming the world and doing odd jobs as Strife's Delivery Service. Although once a resident of Tifa's 7th Heaven, he has since left his family without so much as a proper goodbye, currently residing in Midgar's old church. He has cut off all previous ties, and it is only after Tifa and Marlene find a stained bandage in the church that they suspect the reason for his leaving: he has developed Geostigma.
Having not seen hide nor hair of the blond for days, Tifa receives a surprising phone call requesting Cloud's services in the protection of an unidentified man from a sinister threat. The caller is none other than Reno of the Turks, and the threat is a trio of young men sharing an uncanny likeness to Sephiroth. Tifa leaves a message for Cloud; although he does not have the heart to return the call, he dutifully heads toward the Healin Lodge where the Turks and their charge are currently hiding out.
As it would seem, Rufus Shinra miraculously survived WEAPON's attack all those years ago, but he hardly emerged unscathed. Although shrouded in a sheet while he rests in his wheelchair, a hefty bandage wrapped around his neck and a Geostigma scar marring his right hand are both painfully visible. Still a businessman in spite of their dire circumstances, Rufus calmly offers Cloud a position as his bodyguard. With these three men -- Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo -- running around searching for Jenova, he would need the strength of a self-proclaimed SOLDIER to protect him. Cloud refuses, returning to his life of solitude.
During this confrontation, Tifa and Marlene arrive at the old church to wait for Cloud. They are instead confronted by Loz. When Cloud finally returns to his temporary abode, he finds Tifa unconscious and Marlene missing, abducted by the other man. Upon learning from the Turks that the other orphans -- including Denzel -- have also been taken by the madmen, Cloud sets off after them, determined to save the children even if he cannot save himself.
Source: Advent Children
