Midgar: meeting Aerith
The screen is black except for some words appearing in the middle.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
‘…Are you all right? Can you hear me?'
CLOUD
…Yeah
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
‘Back then you got away with it. Only grazed your knees…’
CLOUD
Back then?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
‘What about this time? Can you get up?’
CLOUD
Back then? This time?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
‘Worry about your body for now.’
CLOUD
…Let’s give it a shot. A second voice can now be heard in the black.
SECOND VOICE TEXT BOX
Oh! You’re moving!
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
‘How do you feel?’
SECOND VOICE TEXT BOX
Whew… That’s a relief!
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
‘Slowly now. Little by little…’
SECOND VOICE TEXT BOX
Hello?
CLOUD
Yeah, I’m getting there. Hey… who are you?
SECOND VOICE TEXT BOX
Helloooo!
Cloud struggles for a second before sitting up. He is sitting in a flower bed inside of an old, run-down church. The flower seller from before is standing over him.
FLOWER SELLER
Are you okay?
Cloud looks around, seemingly confused.
This is a church in the slums. District 5. You fell straight out of the sky. It gave me quite a scare.
CLOUD
…I fell?
FLOWER SELLER
The roof and the flower bed must have broken your fall. You’re lucky.
CLOUD
Flower bed? Is this yours?
He stands up immediately, brushes himself off, and shrugs.
Sorry about that.
FLOWER SELLER (Shrugging)
Oh, don’t worry. The flowers are quite resilient, and this place is special, too. She turns and waves her arm gesturing to the church.
You know how grass and flowers hardly ever grow in Midgar? Well, here, they have no trouble blooming. She turns and looks at a different part of the church. I like it here.
Cloud shrugs and the flower seller walks back over to tend to her garden. If Cloud walks to the door, there’s someone behind it.
LENO NPC (From behind door.)
I’ll give you a little more time, yeh.
FLOWER SELLER
So, we meet again.
Cloud turns around and rests his chin in his hand as if thinking.
Have you forgotten?
CLOUD
-
(Yeah, I HAVE met you before)
-
(This is the first time we’ve met)
CLOUD (Yeah, I HAVE met you before)
Yeah…
-
You were selling flowers
-
You were really drunk
FLOWER SELLER (You were selling flowers)
If Cloud bought a flower…
Oh, I’m so happy! Thanks for buying a flower.
If Cloud didn’t buy a flower…
Oh, I’m so happy! But you didn’t buy a flower, did you? Well, never mind.
FLOWER SELLER (You were really drunk)
If Cloud bought a flower…
How rude! Still, you bought a flower, so I’ll forgive you.
If Cloud didn’t buy a flower…
How rude! So, you don’t remember. Well, never mind.
FLOWER SELLER (This is the first time we’ve met)
If Cloud bought a flower…
Well, you did look like you had your head in the clouds. Still, you bought a flower, so I’ll forgive you.
If Cloud didn’t buy a flower…
Well, you did look like you had your head in the clouds. Well, never mind.
FLOWER SELLER
You have some materia, don’t you?
Picking something off of the ground, Cloud takes it from her.
I have one too.
Cloud shakes his head.
CLOUD
Materia isn’t rare at all these days.
FLOWER SELLER
But mine’s special… It doesn’t do anything.
Cloud brushing through his hair with his hand.
CLOUD
Doesn’t do anything? You sure you know how to use it?
FLOWER SELLER
No, it’s not that. Anyway, I don’t mind that it’s useless. I just feel safe wearing it. My mother left it to me.
She looks up at the roof and then lowers her head back down to face Cloud again.
Hmm. I feel like talking. Are you up to it? After all, we did meet again.
CLOUD
-
Sure, why not?
-
Got nothing to talk about
FLOWER SELLER (Sure, why not?)
Good! Wait there a moment. I have to tend to the flowers. I won’t be long.
FLOWER SELLER (Got nothing to talk about)
I see. Arrrgh, just look at this mess! They were doing so well, too… Poor things!
She goes back to tend her flowers. Cloud approaches her.
FLOWER SELLER
Just a little longer. Oh… Come to think of it… …we still don’t know each other’s names, do we? I’m… …Aerith, the flower lady. Nice to meet you.
CLOUD
The name’s Cloud.
A man walks into the church with red hair and a blue suit. He stops just inside the church a good distance away from them.
My job’s… Well, I do a bit of everything.
AERITH
Oh… a Jack of all trades.
She starts to giggle.
CLOUD
I do whatever needs to be done. What’s so funny!? Why are you laughing?
Shaking her head and continuing to giggle.
AERITH
I’m sorry. It’s just…
Aerith stops.
I wasn’t laughing at you. It was just bad timing, that’s all.
As Cloud walks toward the door.
Don’t let it get to you.
Cloud turns to her and shrugs.
LENO NPC
Don’t mind me, yeh.
AERITH
Hey, Cloud, does your job include being a bodyguard? I mean, you ARE a Jack of all trades.
Cloud scritches his head.
CLOUD
I suppose.
AERITH
Then get me out of here. Take me home.
CLOUD
All right, but I don’t come cheap.
AERITH
Hmmm, let’s see…
She puts her hands behind her back and leans in.
I’ll go on a date with you!
Cloud takes a step back and waves his hand in front of his face. He faces the red-haired stranger and steps toward him.
CLOUD
I don’t know who you are or where you’re from, but…
Suddenly shaking his head…
Or do I?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
I believe you do.
The screen flashes white.
CLOUD
Oh yeah… I do know you. That uniform…
Three Shin-Ra grunts come in.
LENO NPC
Hey, little lady, this dude’s a bit weird, eh?
CLOUD
Shut up, Shin-Ra lapdog!
SHIN-RA GRUNT 1 NPC
Do you want us to sort him out, sir?
LENO
I haven’t decided.
AERITH
Cloud! No! Stop! I don’t want you all ruining my flowers!
Aerith runs toward a doorway by the back of the church. Cloud follows her.
The exit’s back here.
Cloud and Aerith go through. The screen pans to Leno and grunts. Leno follows them stepping through the flowers and stopping in the middle of the flower bed.
LENO
Did you see that? His eyes… Mako eyes. Never mind. C’mon, back to work, back to work, eh?
Leno continues to walk toward the exit, following Cloud and Aerith.
And…! Don’t trample on the flowers… yeh?
SHIN-RA GRUNT 1 NPC
But, boss, you’ve just stepped on them!
SHIN-RA GRUNT 2 NPC
They’re all crushed!
SHIN-RA GRUNT 3 NPC
She’s gonna go crazy!
In the back room, Cloud and Aerith climb up the stairs to the third floor, toward the rafters. At some point a rocket like structure has crashed into the building and now leans against the wall. As Cloud and Aerith approach a gap in the third level floor…
LENO
There they are!
Leno and the grunts enter through the doorway located on the second floor, below.
AERITH
Cloud!
CLOUD
Yeah, I see ‘em. They’re not gonna let us go.
AERITH
So, what are we going to do?
CLOUD
The only thing we can do.
Cloud jumps over the floor gap.
Come on!
Aerith shakes her head no. Cloud nods a yes.
It’ll be all right. I’ll catch you.
AERITH
Don’t drop me… okay?
LENO
The Ancient’s getting away! Fire! Fire! No! Wait! Stop!
Bullets start to shoot at Aerith causing her to fall and slide down the rocket to the bottom floor.
AERITH
Eyaaah!!
Cloud reaches for her as she falls.
CLOUD
Aerith!
LENO
Oh, crap. Did we kill her? Well, that’s what happens when you try to resist.
Shin-Ra Grunt 1 NPC jumps down to where Aerith is and approaches her.
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AERITH
Cloud! Help!
CLOUD
Damn!
He looks up at the rafters where some barrels are located.
What’s that? Aerith!
-
Hold on
-
Fight them
-
RUN!
CLOUD (Hold on)
Climbs up to the rafters and approaches a barrel.
(There’s a barrel. Maybe if I…)
Push the barrel?
-
Yes
-
No Nothing happens if selected
SHIN-RA GRUNT 1 NPC (Yes) (If Cloud pushes the right barrel, hitting the grunt…)
Urgh!
AERITH
Thanks, Cloud.
AERITH (Yes) (If Cloud pushes the wrong barrel and it falls to the ground…)
Oh, Cloud, what ARE you doing?
She then has to fight Shin-Ra Grunt 1 NPC.
AERITH (Fight them)
O-okay.
She runs toward the Shin-Ra Grunt 1 NPC.
AERITH (RUN!)
O-okay.
She runs toward the stairs.
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AERITH
Eyaaah!!
A Shin-Ra Grunt 2 NPC is blocking her path on the stairs.
Cloud! Help!
CLOUD
Aerith!
-
Hold on
-
Fight them
-
RUN!
CLOUD (Hold on)
(There’s a barrel. Maybe if I…)
Push the barrel?
-
Yes
-
No Nothing happens if selected
SHIN-RA GRUNT 2 (Yes) (If Cloud pushes the right barrel, hitting the grunt…)
Ack!
AERITH
Thanks, Cloud.
AERITH (Yes) (If Cloud pushes the wrong barrel and it falls to the ground…)
Oh, Cloud, what ARE you doing?
She then has to fight Shin-Ra Grunt 2 NPC.
AERITH (Fight them)
O-okay.
She runs toward Shin-Ra Grunt 2.
AERITH (RUN!)
O-okay.
She runs in the opposite direction, but Shin-Ra Grunt 1 cuts her off.
SHIN-RA GUARD 1 NPC
The Ancient – I’ve got her!
Aerith fights and defeats Shin-Ra Guard 1. If player originally chose to fight Shin-Ra Grunt 1, but runs from Shin-Ra Grunt 2, then Aerith goes up a ladder to the second floor.
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AERITH
Phew. That was scary.
She starts making her way up the stairs to the third floor.
Cloud! Help!
Shin-Ra Grunt 3 is catching up to her going up the stairs.
CLOUD
Aerith!
-
Hold on
-
Fight them
-
RUN!
CLOUD (Hold on)
(There’s a barrel. Maybe if I…)
Push the barrel?
-
Yes
-
No Nothing happens if selected
SHIN-RA GRUNT 3 NPC (Yes) (If Cloud pushes the right barrel, hitting the grunt…)
Waaah!
AERITH
Thanks, Cloud.
AERITH (Yes) (If Cloud pushes the wrong barrel and it falls to the ground…)
Oh, Cloud, what ARE you doing?
Shin-Ra Grunt 3 catches up and she fights him.
AERITH (Fight them)
O-okay.
She runs toward Shin-Ra Grunt 3 NPC.
AERITH (RUN!)
O-okay.
She runs up the stairs, leaps over the floor gap, and catches up with Cloud. They make their way to the rafters. On the rafter beams…
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CLOUD
This way.
They exit through a hole in the roof. Sitting on the roof and looking through the hole.
AERITH
Hehe… They’re still looking for me.
CLOUD
You mean it’s not the first time? They’ve been after you before?
AERITH
Yes…
CLOUD
Those guys were from the Turks.
AERITH
Hmm?
CLOUD
The Turks area part of Shin-Ra. They scout around looking for worthy Soldier candidates.
AERITH
Are they always so violent? They’re no better than kidnappers.
CLOUD
And to top it off, they do a lot of dirty work on the side. Spies, hitmen… that kinda thing.
AERITH
I can tell from looking at them.
CLOUD
But… why are you being targeted? There must be a reason?
AERITH
W-well, not really. …Maybe they think I have what it takes to be in Soldier?
CLOUD
Maybe. But would you want to join?
AERITH
I don’t know. But I don’t want to be caught by those lowlifes – that’s for sure!
CLOUD
Then let’s go!
They begin running across rooftops with Cloud running ahead.
AERITH
Wait… Wait, I said!
Cloud turns to wait and she catches up to him.
AERITH
…huff…wheeze… Slow… down… Stop…leaving me behind.
CLOUD
That’s funny… I heard you have what it takes to be in Soldier…
AERITH
Oh, you’re terrible!
They both laugh.
Hey… Cloud. Are you in Soldier?
CLOUD
… I used to be. How’d you guess?
AERITH
Your eyes. That strange glow.
CLOUD
It’s the mark of Soldier – those who have been bathed in Mako. But how do you know about that?
AERITH
I just do.
CLOUD
You just do?
AERITH
Yeah! Come on… Let’s go, bodyguard!
They continue along the rooftops until they finally jump down to the ground.
AERITH
Whew! Finally made it! Let’s see… My house is this way. We need to hurry before they find us.
If Cloud heads back to the church and tries to enter.
CLOUD
I don’t think it’s a good idea going back in there.
Heading to District 5, there are two men, a brown-haired and spikey red-haired, blocking the way to District 6.
BROWN-HAIRED MAN NPC
Aaah, what a drag. I might just head over to the usual joint in District 6.
SPIKEY RED-HAIRED MAN NPC
Huh? Never seen your face around these parts. Scram! Get out of here!
Heading into District 5, there’s a pipe near the entrance of the district that’s been converted into a one room house.
PERSON OUTSIDE THE PIPE NPC
That guy in the pipe’s a weird ‘un. Np matter what you ask him, he only answers ‘Aah’ or ‘Urgh’.
If Cloud heads into the pipe...
AERITH
There’s a sick man inside. I heard someone helped him after he collapsed nearby.
Aerith and Cloud walk into the pipe.
SCRUFFY MAN
Urgh…aah…urgh…
AERITH
Can’t you help him?
SCRUFFY MAN
Urgh…aah…urgh…
CLOUD
Sorry, but I’m no doctor.
AERITH
I guess not… Oh? He has a tattoo. Looks like the number two.
SCRUFFY MAN
Urgh…aah…urgh…
Back outside around District 5.
MAN IN STRAW HAT NPC
Hey, do you know Wall Market?
CLOUD
-
Yeah
-
Nope
MAN IN STRAW HAT NPC (Yeah)
Oh, really? In that case, might I ask you to pick up some shopping for me the next time you’re there?
MAN IN STRAW HAT NPC (Nope)
It’s a place in the slums of District 6. They’ve got all sorts of stuff there. But the road to it…
WOMAN IN RED NPC
What am I doing? I’m walking around with my head down. There’s all kinds of stuff on the ground, but nothing ever falls from above, no matter how much you look up…
Inside the Materia Store…
MATERIA STOREKEEPER NPC
Be it scrap, or be it materia, there’s nothin’ you can’t get here in the slums. Yes, siree, I’ve got some fine materia lined up and waiting. Come take a look!
If Cloud tries to look inside the Materia Storekeeper’s freezer…
MATERIA STOREKEEPER NPC
Hey! Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to open other people’s freezers?
Inside the Item Store…
ITEM STOREKEEPER NPC
Hmph. We only accept cash here.
Inside the house on the right of District 5…
MAN NPC
Ha! Everything President Shinra says is an utter lie. But you can’t trust ‘Aventure’ or whatever they’re called, either… They can slice it anyway they like, but they’re just jealous of those living up above. Who do I believe in? It’s obvious, isn’t it? Me! Myself! I don’t tell lies to myself, that’s for darn sure. I only believe in myself.
TELEVISION SET TEXT
You’re enjoying a nice drive with your girlfriend At least you WERE until…sudden engine failure! Has this ever happened to you? Well, now there’s no need to worry! With the new model Shin-Ra V-3000 engine, you can enjoy your car to its fullest! And now for the news…
Due to sabotage by the terrorists known as Avalanche, power has been knocked out across Midgar. We are told the situation is under control and the power will be reestablished shortly. Following President Shinra’s address, Mr Domino, the mayor of Midgar, also made a statement condemning Avalanche.
When going uspstairs…
TURTLE LOUNGE FLYER #1
For top drinks and a great time, stop by at the Turtle Lounge!
KID SLEEPING IN BED NPC
…zzzZ… …This way… no-one… find… sheebehebe… Not top… or bottom… but… …zzZ…
Cloud walks to the set of drawers.
CLOUD
… Huh?
-
Open the top drawer
-
Open the bottom drawer
-
Open the hidden drawer in between
CLOUD (Open the top drawer)
It’s empty.
CLOUD (Open the bottom drawer)
It’s empty.
CLOUD (Open the hidden drawer in between)
…? Hmm… 5 gil.
-
Steal it
-
Leave it
NON-CHARACTER TEXT BOX (Steal it)
Obtained 5 gil!
Nothing happens yet if Cloud leaves it.
Back outside on the District 5 grounds…
PERSON RUNNING AROUND WEAPON STORE NPC
Outta the way! Move! If there’s something you need, head into the store.
Inside Weapon Store, which is a converted transit bus…
MAN IN HAT NPC
Hmm? Lookin’ for weapons? Well that’s too bad… I’ve got none to sell ya! Know why? …’Cause the weapon store’s over that way.
Other side of the room.
WEAPON STOREKEEPER NPC
Taking care of number one is the law of the slums. But to do that, you need a mighty weapon, right?
KID NPC
Toot! Toot! Next stop, Midgar. Any passengers wanting to get off, please ring the buzzer. You know… I’ve heard that above the plate it’s all flashy and glitzy. Sounds really cool. I’d like to go there someday.
Leaving the Weapon's Shop and heading North, Cloud and Aerith reach Aerith’s house and enter inside.
AERITH
Mum, I’m home.
A woman standing in the kitchen comes to the main door to greet them.
This is Cloud. He’s my bodyguard.
ELMINA
Bodyguard? You were targeted again!? Are you all right? You’re not hurt, are you?
AERITH
I’m okay. I had Cloud with me.
ELMINA
Thank you, Cloud.
Elmina turns and heads upstairs.
AERITH
So, what are you going to do now?
CLOUD
Is District 7 a long way off? I need to get to Tifa’s bar – the Seventh Heaven.
AERITH
Is Tifa… a girl?
CLOUD
Yeah.
AERITH
A girl… friend?
CLOUD
Girlfriend?
-
It’s not like that!
-
I guess so
AERITH (It’s not like that!)
Hehehe. No need to get THAT upset.
AERITH (I guess so)
Well, that’s nice.
AERITH
But… Oh, it’s nothing You said District 7, right? I’ll take you there.
CLOUD
You’ve gotta be kidding. What are you going to do if you get into trouble again?
AERITH
I’m used to it.
CLOUD
Used to it? Yeah, but… getting help from a girl…
AERITH
Hey!! You expect me to take you seriously after hearing a thing like that? Mum, I’m taking Cloud to District 7. I may be a while. Elmina comes back downstairs and walks toward them.
ELMINA
Oh dear. Well, it’s no use us arguing. You won’t take any notice. But, if you must, why not go tomorrow? It’s late.
AERITH
Yeah, you’re right.
ELMINA
Okay, go and make the beds.
Aerith heads upstairs.
ELMINA
That glow in your eyes… Are you in Soldier?
CLOUD
Yeah. Well, I used to be. All that’s behind me now.
ELMINA
… I don’t know how to say this, but… …would you mind leaving tonight without telling Aerith? Soldier… The last thing Aerith needs is more bad memories.
Cloud heads upstairs.
AERITH
We’ll be passing through District 6 to get to District 7. It’s a little dangerous, so rest here tonight.
Cloud heads toward the bedroom.
Cloud.
He turns around to face Aerith.
Good night.
She turns and goes downstairs.
CLOUD
I’m beat.
Screen fades to black.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
You are, aren’t you? Tired, that is…
CLOUD
…!?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
A proper bed like this. …It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
CLOUD
Yeah, I guess.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE TEXT
Since back then?
Scene changes to the interior of another house. Cloud is laying on the bed. Cloud’s mother looks at him.
CLOUD’S MOM NPC
My, how you’ve grown. I’ll bet the girls never leave you alone.
CLOUD
…Whatever.
CLOUD’s MOM NPC
I’m worried about you. The city’s full of temptation. Your poor mum would feel a lot better if you settled down with a nice girlfriend.
CLOUD
I’m fine.
CLOUD’S MOM NPC
You know… If you had an older girlfriend, she’d give you some stability. I think a girl like that would be perfect.
CLOUD
I’m not interested.
Cloud wakes up back in the bedroom inside Aerith’s house.
CLOUD
…I must’ve fallen asleep.
He gets up off of the bed.
Through District 6 to get to District 7. I should be fine.
Cloud walks past Aerith’s room. She’s sitting on her bed. But, if he makes too much noise, Aerith comes out.
AERITH
Cloud! I thought the Turks were back! Now, be quiet and get some sleep!
Cloud goes back to sleep for a short time and wakes up again.
CLOUD
Better not get caught this time…
Cloud sneaks past Aerith’s room and exits her house. He heads through District 5 and makes it to the entrance of District 6. Aerith is there waiting for him. She puts her hands on her hips.
AERITH
You’re up bright and early.
CLOUD
You said it’s going to be dangerous. I can’t take you.
AERITH
Finished?
Cloud scritches his head.
You have to go through the District 6 slums up ahead to reach Tifa’s Seventh Heaven. I’ll show you the way. Come on! Let’s go!
She runs ahead and Cloud reaches for her to wait, shrugs, then follows.