Midgar: aerith's story
Cloud and the others arrive in District 5.
​
PERSON OUTSIDE THE PIPE NPC
Even after all that commotion, the guy’s still in there as if nothing happened. He’s seen far worse, I suppose.
​
KID FROM THE WEAPON STORE NPC
While crying.
…sniff…sniff… First there was a rumbling, then a crackling, and then KA-BOOM!! I was so scared. …sniff…
​
WOMAN IN RED NPC
I never thought something like that could ever come crashing down. I think from now on, I’ll be looking up as I walk.
​
A person wearing blue and a man in a straw hat are talking outside of the Weapon Store.
​
PERSON IN BLUE NPC
You finally think you’re making a life for yourself in the pits of Midgar… and then that huge thing collapses.
​
MEN IN STRAW HAT NPC
Yeah, but what can we do about it?
​
Inside the Weapon Store…
​
MAN IN HAT NPC
Sure is noisy outside. I wonder what’s happening…
​
WEAPON STOREKEEPER NPC
You never know what might happen, ‘cause we live in a crazy world! All you can really depend upon is a mighty weapon, right?
​
Inside the Materia Store…
​
MATERIA STOREKEEPER NPC
You could live forever in a place like this, and you still wouldn’t make enough money. Well, how about buyin’ some materia already? I’m gonna make me some dough, then get the hell out of this hole.
​
Inside the Item Store…
​
ITEM STOREKEEPER NPC
Hmph. Show me the cash, and you’ll get your item. That’s my final offer.
​
Inside the house on the right…
​
MAN NPC
Have you seen that…? ‘A-lunch’ brought down the plate! Something has got to be done about those vicious thugs!!
​
TELEVISION SET TEXT
Continuing our coverage of today’s events… In spite of the worst incident in Midgar’s history, no civilian casualties have been reported. Shin-Ra’s city management is being praised for its quick response. The cause of the incident is still unknown. However, we are getting reports that a statement has been released by the terrorist group Avalanche, claiming responsibility.
​
When going upstairs, the kid who was sleeping before is now awake.
​
If Cloud took the kid’s money before, he’ll be crying…
​
KID NPC
…sniff…sniff… An’ I even hid it. It was my …sniff…
​
If Cloud didn’t take the kid’s money before, he’ll be standing around in his room…
​
KID NPC
Hehe! I got an item with the stash I saved up. My dream is bein’ a big time dealer in Wall Market. I’m feelin’ so good today you can have it.
​
Obtained Ether Turbo!
Cloud and the others continue on until they reach Aerith’s house. Elmina is waiting for them inside.
​
ELMINA
Cloud… wasn’t it? You’re here about Aerith?
​
Cloud slumps his head and shoulders.
​
CLOUD
I’m sorry. Shin-Ra have her.
​
ELMINA
I know. They came for her.
​
CLOUD
Here?
​
ELMINA
She wanted it that way.
​
CLOUD
Why are they after her?
​
ELMINA
Aerith is an Ancient. Shin-Ra say she’s the sole survivor.
​
BARRETT
Whaddya mean? Aren’t you her mother?
​
ELMINA
Not her real mother, no. It must have been… …Yes… 15 years ago… …during the war. My husband was sent to the front. Some faraway place called Wutai.
The screen pans to black.
One day, I went to the station because I received a letter saying he was coming home on leave.
​
The screen changes to a flashback of the train station. There is a couple hanging around a lamp post who leave the station together. Special Note: The assets used for the lamp post couple look like Biggs and Jessie. A man gets off the train, picks up a woman waiting for him, and spins her around in the air before they leave the station together. Another man, who looks like Johnny’s father, gets off the train and the woman waiting for him, who looks like Johnny’s mother, lifts him up and spins him around, but falls over under his weight. The train attendant shuts the train door. Elmina approaches him, but he shakes his head. Elmina slumps her head in sadness.
​
My husband never came back. I wondered if something had happened to him. But I told myself that his leave must have been cancelled. I went to the station every day. Then…
​
The screen flashes and Aerith’s birth mother is lying at the bottom of the steps of the train station. A very young Aerith stands over her crying. Elmina runs over to the two of them. Aerith runs by Elmina’s side. The mother slowly lifts her head before it falls to the side. Elmina holds a crying Aerith in her arms.
​
You used to see that sort of thing a lot during the war. ‘Take Aerith somewhere safe’. Those were her only words to me. Then she died. My husband hadn’t returned. I had no children. Like Aerith, I was all alone. So, I decided to take her home with me.
Screen goes to black.
Aerith and I bonded very quickly. That child loves to talk. She talked to me about everything.
​
The scene changes to Elmina’s house. Aerith, as a little girl, runs down the stairs, trips in the dining room, gets back up, and continues to run.
​
She told me about how she’d escaped some kind of research laboratory with her mother, and how her mother had already returned to the planet, so she didn’t feel lonely. And many other things.
​
Screen changes back to Elmina and the trio talking.
​
BARRETT
Returned to the planet?
​
ELMINA
I didn’t understand. I asked if she meant somewhere in the sky, but she said no—that it was this planet. She’s a mysterious child in many ways.
​
AERITH
Mum.
Screen changes back to the past, but Aerith is a little older. She is walking down the stairs to approach Elmina.
Please don’t cry.
​
ELMINA
Aerith just blurted that out all of a sudden, so I asked her if something had happened…
​
AERITH
Someone dear to you has just died. He wanted to see you, but he’s already returned to the planet.
​
ELMINA
At the time, I didn’t believe her. But…
Scene changes to Elmina sitting at the dining table and crying.
Several days later, I received notice that my husband had died in action.
Screen goes to black.
And that’s how it was. It wasn’t perfect, but we were happy. Until one day…
​
Scene changes to Zeng standing in front of Aerith and Elmina.
​
ZENG
We would like you to return Aerith to us. We’ve been searching a long time.
​
AERITH
No! Never!
​
ZENG
Aerith, you’re a very special child. You are of special blood. Your real mother was an Ancient.
​
ELMINA
Of course, I asked him what an Ancient was…
​
ZENG
The Ancients will lead us to a land of supreme happiness. Aerith will be able to bring happiness to all those in these wretched slums. That is why we at the Shin-Ra Company desire her cooperation.
​
Aerith takes a few steps toward Zeng.
​
AERITH
He’s wrong! I’m not an Ancient! I’m not!
​
Zeng takes a step forward and looks down at her.
​
ZENG
But, Aerith, surely you hear voices when you’re all alone?
​
AERITH
I don’t!
​
Aerith runs out the front door and the screen pans to black.
​
ELMINA
But I knew. I knew of her mysterious talent. She tried so hard to hide it, and I acted as though I didn’t notice.”
​
Scene changes back to the present with Elmina, Cloud, Tifa, and Barrett.
​
CLOUD
It’s amazing she’s escaped Shin-Ra all these years.
​
ELMINA
They need Aerith’s help, so they’ve had to be gentle.
​
TIFA
But this time was different?
​
ELMINA
She brought a little girl back with her. Zeng had found them on their way here. Aerith agreed to go with Shin-Ra in exchange for the girl’s safety.
​
CLOUD
Marin.
​
BARRETT
Marin! Aerith was captured ‘cause of Marin!?’ Sorry. Marin’s my daughter. I’m really sorry.
​
ELMINA
You’re her father!? How in the world can you neglect your child like this!?
​
BARRETT
Please don’t start with that. I’ve thought ‘bout it plenny. If I died, Marin’d… I don’t have no answer. I wanna be with Marin always. But I gotta fight. Cause if I don’t, the planet’ll die. So, yeah, I’m gonna fight! But inside, I’m worried about her. I wanna be with her always. See? I’m goin’ in circles.
​
ELMINA
Well, it’s not like I don’t understand. Anyway, she’s upstairs sleeping. Go and see her.
​
Barrett goes upstairs.
​
TIFA
It’s all my fault. I was the one who got Aerith involved in this.
​
ELMINA
Don’t think that. Aerith doesn’t.
​
TIFA
I feel terrible.
​
ELMINA
…sigh…
​
Upstairs, Barrett is hugging Marin.
​
BARRETT
Marin… I’m so happy! I’m so glad you’re all right!
​
MARIN
Daddy, don’t cry! Hey, your beard hurts!
​
Cloud goes to leave without saying a word. Barrett stands up and turns to face him.
​
BARRETT
Cloud. You gonna go help Aerith? She’s done so much for me. If it’s Shin-Ra we’re up against, I ain’t stayin’ here quiet. I’m comin’ too!
​
MARIN
Guess what! Guess what! Aerith asked me lots of questions, like… … ‘What do you think of Cloud?’ I bet she really likes you!
​
CLOUD
-
I wouldn’t know
-
Let’s hope so
MARIN (I wouldn’t know)
Dummy!
​
MARIN (Let’s hope so)
I won’t tell Tifa!
​
Cloud goes back downstairs and heads for the door.
​
TIFA
You’re going after Aerith, aren’t you?
​
CLOUD
Yeah.
​
TIFA
I’m coming with you.
​
CLOUD
We’re going right into Shin-Ra’s headquarters. You have to be prepared for the worst.
​
TIFA
I know. Right now, I’m ready to push myself to the limit. If I sat here doing nothing, I’d go crazy.
​
Barrett runs down and turns to Elmina.
​
BARRETT
Sorry, but can you take care of Marin a bit longer?
​
ELMINA
Yes, I don’t mind.
​
BARRETT
It’s dangerous here now, I think ya should move someplace else.
​
ELMINA
You’re right. But promise me you’ll make it back. Don’t go getting yourself killed.
​
Barrett, Tifa, and Cloud all nod to each other before exiting the house. Outside Aerith’s house…
​
TIFA
How do we get to the Shin-Ra Building?
​
BARRETT
There ain’t no train that goes up there anymore…
​
TIFA
… Well, let’s go to Wall Market. Maybe we’ll find something there.
​
Back inside the house…
​
ELMINA
Please make it back safely. Don’t go getting yourselves killed.
​
MARIN
Daddy! Tifa! Cloud! Go save Aerith!
Cloud and the others head to Wall Market to search for something useful. The suited man and the older man, stand in the doorway, while the spikey-haired punk sits on the steps in front of the entrance to the Honeybee Manor.
​
SPIKEY-HAIRED NPC
Oh, it’s you! Sorry, but we’ve heard all about ya. In addition to dressing like a woman, you get your kicks from smashing stuff up. Our manor has a refined clientele. Understand? Now, beat it!
​
Heading back to the main Wall Market area...
​
MAN BY INN ENTRANCE NPC
Hey, people! Come and stay here!
​
KID BY CAT STATUE NPC
Lots of things fell from the sky. But the man with the tank took it all. I wanted some of that stuff too.
​
WANDERING SPIKEY-HAIRED NPC
I never dreamed that Plate 7 would fall down.
​
MAN OUTSIDE RESTAURANT NPC
That old guy with the tank says if you’re strong enough, you can get to the plate above. So, why not have a hearty meal?
​
PERSON LOOKING AT CLOTHING RACK NPC
That was scary…
​
Inside the clothing store…
​
CLOTHING STORE OWNER NPC
You’ve dressed normally today, huh? If you come up with any more ideas, be sure to run them by me.
​
STORE OWNER’S SON NPC
Welcome. Please take your time.
​
Back outside…
​
MAN COOKING OUTSIDE NPC
Just look at this! Everything got covered in dust after the sky landed on us. Now I have to start all over.
​
Heading further north, outside of the gym are the same two people from before.
​
PERSON 1 NPC
Is this pile of rubbish getting bigger?
​
PERSON 2 NPC
You know what? I think it is. Well, when District 7 collapsed, loads of stuff fell down here.
​
PERSON 1 NPC
I heard the owner of the weapon store’s been gathering it all up.
​
PERSON 2 NPC
Oh, so THAT’S why the pile’s getting bigger. He’s been a busy boy lately, hasn’t he? At least, that’s what I’m hearing…
​
PERSON 1 NPC
You mean the rumour that he keeps heading off to the plate’s cross section? Next to Mr Corneo’s mansion, right?
​
PERSON 2 NPC
Heh, you really do keep on top of things. Just what is that guy up to?
​
PERSON 1 NPC
Whatever it is, I’m sure we won’t like it.
​
Inside the gym…
​
BIG BRO NPC
Well? Training hard?
​
MAN KICKING THE PUNCHING BAG NPC
You need to get tougher. Then you could make it up to the plate using that cable. Oh, you don’t know? Talk to the owner of the weapon store—the old guy with the tank. He’ll fill you in.
​
A little further north into the bar…
​
DINING PERSON 1 NPC
Scary, isn’t it? You just never know when the plate above might come crashing down.
​
DINING PERSON 2 NPC
Yeah. Wish I could climb to it. I’d really like to see what’s up there.
​
Inside the Weapon Store, there’s a man sitting on top of a tank.
​
WEAPON STORE OWNER NPC
You goin’ up to the plate as well? Then you’ll be needing these batteries.
​
CLOUD
You’re selling stuff you just picked up outside?
​
WEAPON STORE OWNER NPC
You know about that, huh? Well, it’s all been repaired, so it’s cool.
​
CLOUD
Why do I need batteries to climb up to the plate?
​
WEAPON STORE OWNER NPC
You’ll find out on the way up there. I’ll sell all three, yeah? Whaddya say to 300 gil?
​
CLOUD
…
-
All right, let’s have ‘em
-
I say you’re full of it
WEAPON STORE OWNER NPC (All right, let’s have ‘em)
Obtained Zinc Batteries!
​
But, if Cloud doesn’t have enough gil…
Hm. Looks like you’re a little short, son.
​
WEAPON STORE OWNER NPC (I say you’re full of it)
All right then, go see for yourself. You’ll be back.
​
As the group approaches Don Corneo’s mansion, three kids run down an alley to the right.
​
LITTLE BOY NPC
Wanna see somethin’ awesome? Follow me!
​
Inside Don Corneo’s mansion is empty, except for Kocchi, who is strapped to a table in the basement where Tifa was being kept before.
​
KOCCHI
Hey! You’re that bas…! I mean, you’re… I’m beggin’ you! Please help me!
​
CLOUD
-
Help him
-
Leave him
KOCCHI (Help him)
He sits up.
Thanks! After you left, a group from Shin-Ra barged in sayin’ stuff like ‘He blabbed’ and ‘He’s good for nothing’. They grabbed the don and took him somewhere. I’ve been stuck here ever since.
He stands up.
I can’t stick around. If they ever came back… I’m outta here. See ya!
He runs away.
​
KOCCHI (Leave him)
I… I was just following the don’s orders! C’mon! Please!
​
Down the alley to the right of the mansion, there’s a little girl standing at the bottom of a graffitied wall. A long cable stretches all the way down to the ground. The little girl is looking up toward the top of the cable.
​
LITTLE GIRL NPC
My friends have gone up there. They’ve got guts… Brrr.
​
TIFA
They used the cable?
​
LITTLE GIRL NPC
Yeah. It leads to the world above.
​
BARRETT
All right! It’s time to climb!
​
CLOUD
That’s just plain stupid. You know this goes up hundreds of metres?
​
BARRETT
It CAN be done! There! What’s that look like?
​
CLOUD
He shrugs.
…Just a regular cable.
​
BARRETT
Yeah? Well to me it looks like a golden, shiny thread of hope.
​
Cloud and Tifa look up at the cable.
​
TIFA
You’re right. If we’re going to save Aerith, this is our only option.
​
Cloud turns and faces Barrett.
​
CLOUD
I didn’t quite get your analogy, Barrett, but… I understand how you feel.
Cloud turns to Tifa and then back to Barrett. Both nod to Cloud in agreement.
Let’s go!
​
The trio start up the wire. At the top of the wall are two little boys standing on it and looking down at the destruction of District 7.
​
LITTLE BOY 1 NPC
Wow! What a mess!
​
LITTLE BOY 2 NPC
Scary, huh? Dad told me it’s Shin-Ra’s doing.
​
The group climbs past the boys to the top of the cable. It’s a mess of tangled train tracks, pipes, and other structures. A propeller blade is in the way of moving forward. A battery socket is nearby…
​
CLOUD
If I use a battery… …maybe that propeller will start spinning?
​
If Cloud looks at the battery socket again…
Doesn’t look like it’ll budge without a battery.
​
Cloud bends down to put the 1st battery into the 1st socket.
​
CLOUD
I guess I’ll just have to trust the shopkeeper.
​
He puts the battery in and the propeller begins to spin. After several turns, the propeller stops in a different position, creating a bridge for Cloud and companions to continue on. They stop at the 2nd battery socket.
​
CLOUD
Need a battery here, too.
​
Cloud puts the 2nd battery in and another bridge is formed from wreckage. Continuing on, there is a cable swinging back and forth.
​
CLOUD
Looks like I’ll have to jump onto that. I should make it if I jump just before it’s in front of me. Press O to jump.
​
Special Note: It’s X on my PS5 controller.
​
If Cloud misses, he’ll fall down a little ways…
CLOUD
Jumped too soon.
Or…
Jumped too late.
​
Continuing on up, the group will come to the 3rd battery socket.
​
CLOUD
We need another battery.
​
Cloud puts the battery in and a lid pops open on the side of some rubble. Obtained Ether! Cloud and the others continue on until they reach the upper plate and head for Shin-Ra headquarters…