Random Babbling

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I just love how confident Aida-san was, but she's still wrong! 🤣

Taken from Aqours Livestream on 12th September 2022

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NakoNagi arm wrestling revenge match!

Source: love live superstar instagram

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It's well known that Nako has a weak hand grip, to the point where she'd ask the other members to open bottle cap for her, and Sayurin joked Nako will definitely the last one if they were to have a thumb wrestling tournament 🤣

Or maybe Nagi is just too stronk due to her strict ballet and volleyball practice 😂

Taken from NakoNagi What A Wonderful Radio after-talk aired on 12th July 2022 on audee.jp

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Liella! going to deserted island!

Staff-san, make it for the assault location videos please!

Taken from NakoNagi What A Wonderful Radio! aired on 24th May 2022

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Hello,Do you have a link to the Google drive which i can watch all the video please

Hi, check out this post and follow the instructions

Aqours & Liella subbed clips

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I just love inside stories like this!

Taken from Liella Livestream aired on 1st December 2021

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Imagine what chaos would've ensued if Nyaa-chan was there too 😂

Taken from Aqours 27th November 2021 Livestream

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Dango mushi song when?

Opening drama note:

Nagi: Ren-chan, you're cute *in ikemen voice and tone*

Nako: Is she hitting on Ren-chan?

Sayu: Ren-chan, run away!

Taken from Liella Radio episode 37

[liella-lovelive-seiyuu]

イチャつく伊達さゆりとLiyuu🥳

イチャつく伊達さゆりとペイトン尚未😍それを妨害し彼氏面のLiyuu🔥🔥🔥

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The clingy gf (Liyuu) and her dense gf (Date)

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Liella ga tabemono daisuki!

Taken from Liella's Livestream on 3rd November 2021

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Aqours' mom and her kids

Taken from Aqours Club 2020 Physical Measurements Special

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I'd die if Shuka really protect me like that 😍

Taken from 25th September 2021 Love Live School Idol Thanksgiving Festival live stream

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This is actually a fun way to increase stamina!

I will upload the uncut version on my gdrive on monday. Link on my bio!

[pekotranslates]

Traces of Two Pasts: Episode Tifa - pgs 25-39

She spent her time alone, reading books, sewing, and cooking, with no one else to talk to except her father. It didn’t take long for Tifa to grow accustomed to this life - she even enjoyed it.

She never knew the world could be so peaceful, which made her realize that maybe this was what Cloud liked. Maybe he liked being by himself and being alone didn’t make him feel lonely, and who was she to decide that he was ever unhappy? She was ashamed of those arrogant thoughts.

All he did was refuse to do things that he didn’t want to do, or that he found too bothersome. Compared to him, she was the exact opposite. If she had the strength to not care what others thought, how different would things be? It opened endless possibilities.

“Tifa,” her father called to her. “Maru’s gone missing again. Would you go look for him?”

“What, again?”

If left alone, she was sure one of their neighbors would feed him, or he’d go and hunt birds or other small prey on his own. She wondered how her father would feel if she told him, “Don’t worry, he’ll come back on his own.” She pictured his expression changing. What kind of an owner wouldn’t go out looking for their missing cat? What would the neighbors think of her? And wouldn’t she regret it if something bad happened to him?

“Maru, where are you?!”

It wasn’t easy trying to be like Cloud.

Maru didn’t seem to be anywhere in the village, so she decided to search near the mountains.

As she walked, gazing at the clouds floating above, she suddenly found herself at Gunsler River. There was a cool breeze. She realized, once again, that she was distracted from her search, so she turned to leave... But, fearing the possibility that he had fallen into the river, she glanced back.

“Huh?”

Among the familiar sights, she saw a strange figure – either a young man or an elderly person – standing upright in the middle of the raging currents. His body was massive, his bare shoulders broad, and he had arms thicker than any she had ever seen in her village. His hair was an intense silver and tied back in a long mane. Cloud also grew out his back hair, but this man’s hair was much longer than his.

The man braced himself against the currents so as to not get swept away. She remembered Emilio had fallen into this predicament once. The villagers had to gather all the rope they could find, and send out a boat to go and save him. It was decided then and there that no children under ten would be allowed near Gunsler River without an adult tagging along. During certain seasons, even the adults found it difficult to stand in the river.

She recalled the terrifying image of Emilio crying out for help.

“Are you okay? I’ll call someone for help!”

After calling out to him, she started running toward the village.

“There’s no need! Come look!” She heard the man’s voice from the river.

Tifa stopped in her tracks, and turned around to find him standing with one leg suspended in the air. He stood on his left foot, while his right leg stretched up, the toes reaching above his head.

The muddy stream split away into pools as it beat against his leg. Even without trying it herself, she knew that posture was difficult to maintain.

Next, just as his right leg looked like it was about to swiftly come down, he swerved into a jump so high that it seemed to reach the limits of what she could see. He then dashed along the rocks that appeared along the river surface, and with one last leap landed in front of Tifa.

He held out his massive hand toward her.

“I’m Rosha Zangan. Come on, shake my hand!”

Tifa was compelled to return his handshake.

“Ow!”

Zangan held her hand in a tight grip. Were grownups supposed to be like this?

“It hurts!”

“My apologies.”

Zangan quickly released his grip but then immediately seized both of her arms.

“Hoho!”

Tifa froze in fear. Was she possibly in danger?

“Calves are pretty nice too.”

No, this couldn’t be good!

“Please stop!” She was finally able to raise her voice. That fierce cry of protest made Zangan recoil from her, and she managed to wrestle free and make her escape.

Note: This is the first time I’ve ever seen Zangan’s full name. I’m not sure if the transliteration is correct. In Japanese it is spelled ローシャ・ザンガン, with other possible variations of ローシャ being Rocher, Rocha, and Rosya.

Once she got home she took a shower, trying to wash all of it away. A moment of relief came, and then her father returned home. He was holding Maru in his arms.

“Zonder was giving him food at the town hall. Had to give the man a few choice words.”

“But I’m glad we found him.”

She had no intention of reporting the incident with Zangan to her father. If she told him, there would be only one outcome, and that was being forbidden to go to the river.

“Oh, Tifa, by the way… There’s a famous martial arts teacher staying in our village. I heard he traveled around the world, acquiring all sorts of knowledge, and wants to teach us exercises for health and longevity. Sounds shady, doesn’t he? Guess he wants to show us these so-called exercises in the square tomorrow. How about we go and have a look together?”

“Alright. Let’s go see.”

She was convinced this “teacher” was the suspicious man at the river.

※

Nibelheim became restless with the arrival of the traveler. It was a different kind of excitement than when they heard the news on the radio or from the daily papers. Nearly all of the villagers gathered at the public square in front of the town hall.

Unsurprisingly, the village chief was amongst the crowd, proudly introducing everybody to Rosha Zangan.

"To the citizens of Nibelheim, I know your mornings are busy, so let me not waste anymore of your time! First, we will start with Zangan School's longevity exercises. I, Rosha Zangan, staked my life at devoting myself to learning the martial arts, and one of the things that formed the basis of my training were these longevity exercises. After acquiring it, you must practice day in and day out, and before you know it, your life span will have increased. Come! Let us live our fullest until the day we die!"

"Damn right!" interrupted the village chief with a loud, booming laugh. A few people responded with fake laughter.

"Now then, spread out your arms. Try not to bump into anything around you. Make room for yourself and settle into your positions.”

The villagers began to stir sluggishly. Zangan watched their actions and nodded over and over again in approval.

“Good friends of Nibelheim, you must first do this. Point your hands in the air, fingers up toward the sky. Both arms pressed against your ears. Palms, facing forward. Straight up! Stretch everything up until you can feel the tips of your fingers burning! Up, so the angels in heaven can reach down and seize you by the wrist! Stretch all the way up, until your body feels itself floating. Take your time… Yes, that’s it. When you’ve reached as far as you can, stand on your tiptoes!”

Zangan smiled and looked over at Tifa whose arms frantically shot up in the air. She stretched her entire body upwards, and went on her tiptoes as she pictured herself being pulled upwards.

The adults around her lost their balance. They faltered in their steps as they tried to regain their footing and had to start over. But despite her wobbly pose, and to her great surprise, Tifa maintained her balance. Zangan nodded at her in approval.

“When I count to ten, loosen up!” warned Zangan.

“Eight…Nine...Ten!”

The villagers tried to relax. Tifa heard people around her begin to make excuses for not being able to do it properly.

“Come on! One more time! If your body is shaky, then so is your heart! You’re wobbling all over the place!”

“That’s right!” answered the village chief, followed immediately by laughter from the other villagers.

When the villagers kept repeating the same mistakes they did at the start, Zangan made his way up to the central platform while keeping his eye on Tifa. He probably wanted to move to where he could get a better view.

It made her nervous, and she began to sway. Zangan smirked.

“Next, raise your arms up just like before. Arms pressed to the side of your ears. Then raise your right leg and bend it in a 90° angle. Got it?”

Zangan nimbly guided the villagers by his example.

“Now freeze! If you think about trying not to wobble, you’ll start losing your balance. Try picturing yourself turning into a statue. Having a good imagination can help discipline your body.”

Their eyes met again, and she sensed his approval.

“Alright now you’re going to stretch yourself up again. Feel yourself floating up just like that, to a faraway town, and then back to the village again. You’re visiting your friends in a faraway place. Whoa, you just scared the daylights outta them!”

Some villagers who lost their balance laughed it off. Many ended up crouched over on the ground, but Tifa remained standing on only her left foot, her body as still as a rock.

“Now what’s next? Slowly spread your arms out wide, even height with your shoulders.”

Tifa followed Zangan’s instructions. When she spread her arms out wide, she found that it was easier to maintain her balance.

“Imagine yourself carrying a pole on your shoulders. Helps you keep your balance, doesn’t it? But you’ll start to feel it in your arms soon. Find out what your limit is. One, two, three…”

Zangan counted slowly. Just as he said, her arms began to ache. She wondered why she was even doing all this? She could stop if she wanted to.

The surprising answer was that it came from the Nibelheim stubbornness. She did not want Zangan, of all people, to think of her as weak.

“Wow, Tifa. I’m seeing a new side of you,” her father said in admiration. He was nearby, still crouched over. But she dismissed his words.

Her eyes followed Zangan. He was going around the public square observing some of the children, approaching each one and while he held up their arms… She saw him feeling their upper arms! Then, he crouched down and poked at their calves.

Tifa recalled what happened to her yesterday. So he thought her calves were also nice?

“Oh!” She gasped aloud, shocked at her own thoughts. The words “slave trade”, which she heard somewhere before, suddenly came to mind.

What if he was trying to trick the kids with strong, sturdy legs - the ones who looked like they’d be hard-working - into going with him so that he could sell them off somewhere? She had heard that there were even orphanages in the city, which housed small children who were sold at a high price into the slave market. What if Zangan came from one of those places?

Her arms started to feel heavy, the muscles screaming in agony.

“Discipline comes from having a good imagination,” shouted Zangan.

Her entire body began to quake. No amount of discipline could help her keep her balance, and she faltered.

“Ugh!”

The moment her right foot touched the ground, she heard his deep voice.

“Alright, that’s far enough. Now raise your left leg, and same as before, bend it at a 90° angle.”

Not willing to follow the instructions of a slave trafficker, Tifa crouched down. Zangan took notice but he overlooked it, continuing to give out instructions and constant directions to everyone else.

Some who failed mid-pose attempted again midway through. Despite needing break after break, even Tifa’s father kept at it.

Looking at the current circumstances, she would have regretted not stopping herself this time. Yet there was a power flowing from the words Zangan spoke as he guided them. The power to move people, and one that could withstand hardship. His voice was a kind she had never heard before, different from anyone else from her village.

When the villagers wanted to get someone to do something they would “ask” or “invite” them to do it, and if that didn’t work they would get upset.

However, Zangan was different. He led them or even encouraged them. He couldn’t possibly be a slave trafficker. She had been deluded by an imagination gone wrong, and almost missed out on learning about this new world.

Tifa stood up. There was still time.

“Well then, think you can handle what’s coming next? It’ll hurt!”

“Have mercy on us!” cried the village chief in a pitiful tone. Laughter spread across the square. Zangan grinned and glanced over at Tifa. He no longer looked like a slave trafficker in her eyes.

“Cross both arms over your chest, right hand touching your left shoulder. Left hand touching your right shoulder. As you’re doing so, bend both knees and lower your waist. Don’t stick your butt out. Easy there. You’ll feel it in your thighs. Easy… Easy…”

Focus. Pay attention. Take it easy. How many times have those words been repeated?

The movements made her conscious of every muscle in her body.

“Alright, we’ll stop here for today. If possible, I’d suggest doing this once every other day. But I don’t mind if anyone wants to try this everyday. Don’t even think about rushing yourself and using medicine. Today was a tough lesson. So for those of you whose legs are feeling pain, and also those of you with no backbone…”

“Nobody like that here!” jested the village chief to which cheers erupted.

“I won’t abandon any of you because that is not who I am. There will be a technique that fits your needs. Offer yourselves up until you find it. First of all, you need willpower and imagination. Those of you who have both of these things and wish to nurture it, let us meet here again tomorrow. Make the most of your encounters, and I wish you a better life!”

※

“But we didn’t meet the next day.”

“What?” said Aerith, surprised. She had her arms spread wide while listening to Tifa tell her story. “But I wanted to learn how to do it too!”

“I’ll teach you later.”

“Yes!”

“So then what happened?” Barret seemed interested.

“Right. Well, that night there was a gathering for only the adults. They swarmed around Master Zangan wanting to hear his stories. That’s when he started to criticize Shinra, saying that Shinra Company’s mako supremacy was the cause of the war; that they were originally an arms dealer and hadn’t stopped their developments, and were just exploiting the war, using it to try out their new products.”

“It’s all damn true! That ain’t criticism, he was just telling it like it is!”

“Yeah. Even my dad complained about the way Shinra did things sometimes, and our village chief blamed them over every inconvenience, but they couldn’t just nod and agree to everything an outsider was saying. Especially not a village that lived off Shinra’s paycheck. What if he was from Shinra and was trying to get them to talk?”

Aerith’s eyes widened. “So Zangan was a spy?”

“That’s not it. But I’m sure that thought must have crossed everyone’s minds. As a result, they decided to give him just the right amount of polite hospitality until they could send him off. Later on when I put everyone’s stories together, that was the idea they had.”

※

Before the break of dawn, she heard clicking noises at her window. Someone must be calling to her from outside. She couldn’t figure out who it was. Who would do such a thing? She was on the second floor.

Oh, yeah. It couldn’t be anyone else but him. She got up from her bed and opened the curtains. Sure enough, it was Zangan, gesturing for her to open her window. Tifa did so, but was nervous about her father finding out.

“Morning.”

“Good morning.”

“I’m sure you must have heard from your father that I was asked to leave before the break of dawn. There’s nothing I can do.”

Tifa nodded absentmindedly.

“There is something I would like to clear up. I am not a slave trafficker.”

“Huh?”

“You youngsters mistook me for a slave trafficker, while the older folks think I’m a spy. Did I hit the mark? You did give me the most vicious stare.”

“I’m sorry.”

Zangan laughed at her apology, and then said, “Tifa Lockhart, since the very moment we met, did you not feel my intense gaze? I’ll be direct. Will you be my pupil? You have the qualities and the capability. Your qualities being those flexible limb muscles and your firm body. Your capabilities being that spirit of yours. The body needs good imagination for discipline, and good imagination is borne from a sincere heart.”

“How can you know what’s inside my heart?”

“Hmph! Do you remember when we met at the river?”

She couldn’t exactly call their meeting something wonderful.

“Before you came along, many of your neighbors passed by and saw me, but the only one concerned enough to call out to me was you, Tifa. You were the only one.”

At that moment, he actually wasn’t in any trouble or danger. Tifa had been mistaken, and it made her awkward to be praised for having a good heart or capabilities based on that.

“Ah, dawn is approaching. I must pass on to you this book of secrets.”

Zangan pulled out a thin book he had concealed and held it up to Tifa.

“I staked my life on compiling the methods of basic training for the Zangan School of Martial arts in this very book. In this first volume, I’ve written a 12-step process that will teach you techniques on how to move and train your body. I’ve also included procedures on how to put these methods of training into practice. I will send the second and third installments at an appropriate time. And when you become an adult, I’m sure you will be a splendid martial arts master.”

“Martial arts master.…”

“Well, I can't say whether or not you’ll become a martial artist, but it will make you stronger. If you grow stronger, you will be able to defeat your arch-enemy. Moreover, gaining the will and drive to make yourself stronger is perhaps the only way for you to defeat your arch-enemy.”

“My arch-enemy? Who would that be?”

“You, yourself. Your own weaknesses. Now you’re at an age where you have some knowledge of yourself. Let’s see… For example, what if you were to think to yourself, ‘I hate my father, and grownups, and my friends make me mad too. Why can’t they understand me? I’m special, so naturally they should know how I feel.’ You may begin to look down on everyone around you.”

“...”

“Before placing others beneath you, it’s important to know yourself first. The best way of training in hand-to-hand combat is to face yourself. Because how can one place value on someone else without even knowing oneself? Without having a reference point on which to form your judgement, your standards for evaluation may change depending on your feelings, mood, or even the weather. From that place of ambiguity, it’s easy to misjudge society, no? My teachings can serve as a reference point for you. That is, to confront your old enemy, which is yourself, and come to know who you are. That is, you must learn from the Zangan School of Martial Arts.”

“Alright…”

She didn’t really understand, and it seemed like Zangan was just talking out of excitement.

"Is it my fault or yours that you do not understand the meaning of my words? To make the right judgment you must come to know yourself well."

"Is that so..."

"Well, to put it simply, exercise is not just for the body but for the mind as well. The Zangan School of Martial Arts will do amazing things to your mind. That's the gist of it at least."

Zangan gave her a broad smile.

“I won’t force you. If you don’t need them, then simply burn those documents.”

“You want me to burn them?”

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled.

“Well, that’s because they’re secret after all.”

※

“Hey…” Barret drew closer. “So what was written in that book of secrets?”

“I can’t tell anyone, not even you, Barret. It’s a secret.”

“When you meet the master, why don’t you apply?” asked Aerith teasingly.

“Hmph! I can already picture you two giggling the moment he turns me down.”

Suddenly Red XIII growled, the low bellow of a beast.

“What’s the matter, Red?”

“Please let me hear the rest of your story. And, Barret, stop interrupting her.”

[pekotranslates]

Traces of Two Pasts: Episode Tifa - pgs 01-24

Hello, this is @odekopeko from twitter. To make things easier to follow for people, I decided to post the translations of the ToTP Tifa's parts that I did.

Episode 1-Traces of Tifa-

Written by Kazushige Nojima

Translated by Peko & Eerie

The wind blowing across the meadow caresses her hair, stirring up memories in Tifa Lockhart of her hometown. The winds that descend from the slopes of Mt Nibel toward the village used to always whip up her hair into a mess.

"Hey, Tifa, you’re used to this?" says Aerith, pointing her finger towards the sweeping meadows of the Grasslands.

It hadn't been long since they met, yet Aerith felt like an old friend.

Tifa turns her back towards another strong gust of wind that springs forth, billowing over the grass. They have an unexpectedly long journey ahead of them.

"Used to what? You mean, to the Grasslands?" Tifa turns to find Aerith now walking beside her.

"No, I mean walking like this. You know, through meadows… or the vast plains."

"Hmm, well I don't dislike walking. Think of it as…a form of training."

"Uh-huh, so you’re that type. I get it."

"But I do prefer hiking in the mountains because I get to see the changing landscapes."

"Same! I'm used to going on picnics, but I'm so over this!"

"Well, this feels like hiking to me. Picnicking is more about the picnic baskets and just having fun."

"I see... So Tifa, have you ever gone picnicking?"

"Yeah.” She recalls her childhood in the village. "At least something like it. But I called it something else."

"What?”

Embarrassment comes flooding back to her along with memories of the events.

“Tea parties.”

“Hmph!” Red XIII saunters past them with an amused snort. From his blazing red fur to his flaming tail, his physical appearance is, to say the least, that of a beast. Yet, there is a great disparity between his outward appearance and his inner intellect. Something Tifa still isn’t accustomed to.

“What were your tea parties like? I want to know!” says Aerith with sparkling eyes.

“Sure!”

But where exactly should she begin?

※

Nibelheim is a small village located at the foot of Mount Nibel. Its history began when it was simply a destination spot for people seeking the mountains' uncommon flora and fauna, a mere settlement consisting of a cluster of households which provided meals and lodgings for mountain climbers.

Not long after, Shinra, in search of a base for its cutting-edge research, away from any possible interference from the Republic of Junon, set its sight on this land.

They discovered mako energy there the following year, in 1960, and thus began building a facility they named the Shinra Mansion. After this they started the construction of the Nibel mako reactor which had Shinra gathering workers and laborers from all over the country. The work ended in 1968 – at that time, the village was at its peak activity.

However, as the mako reactor aged and kept deteriorating, it was only a matter of time before operations ceased.

It is worth mentioning here that the village’s inability to maintain their livelihood led to a decrease in its inhabitants. The disbursements from Shinra relating to land use fees and management of Shinra’s affairs was the only means of living for those who remained. Even after Shinra had settled their business, the aging facility would continue to support the town economically.

Things could not continue this way. But even though that thought weighed on everyone's mind, the jumbled and incoherent voices, full of apprehension for the future, were carried off by the winds that blew from Mt Nibel and vanished.

※

“There were four kids in the village who were the same age as me. All of them were boys. We used to play together so often that our parents called us the ‘Gang of Four.’ They were the members of my tea party,” says Tifa.

“Hmm, but if we’re counting you and those four boys you were with,” Aerith asks, “shouldn’t there have been five?”

“Well, one of them was Cloud. I wish he would just turn us down, but most of the time he'd ignore us, which led to so many fights. They thought he was really a strange kid, that he was dangerous.”

Yes, it was that young Cloud Strife who would march on ahead of them as if he was the one in charge.

※

Tifa was born into the Lockhart family in 1987. Her father’s name was Brian, and her mother’s name, Thea.

However, eight years later, Thea passed away from her illness and ever since then Tifa had been raised by her father. The things he wasn’t comfortable teaching her, the women of the village gladly stepped in to help. They taught her everything from sewing to cooking, or any other skill they felt a daughter should learn from her mother.

Theirs was a village steeped in the old traditions of the Republic. Men worked outside while women maintained the household. There was a tendency for the people to think that a woman’s happiness depended on the man she would spend her life with.

Emilio, Lester, Taylor and Tifa had been together since infancy. They were the eldest in their families, and all their mothers were close. The four of them grew up playing together. But, ever since Tifa’s mother passed away and her circumstances had changed, everyone began treating her as that “poor little girl.”

When she turned ten years old, she noticed that the way her friends looked at her felt different from before, their gazes lingering with a budding awareness of her as a possible future life partner. This was followed by a persistence in the boys to insinuate their feelings and compete with one another for her affection.

Despite the weariness she felt over their advances, their schemes to buy time alone with her, she found it difficult to turn them down because she knew it would hurt their feelings. So, even though she didn’t mean to hurt anyone, she pretended not to pick up on their romantic cues, and if any one of the boys made his intentions too obvious, she would dodge him with some vague reply.

It wasn’t long after that the boys started talking about leaving town. The boys in Nibelheim were incensed with this talk. A successful career was waiting for them at Shinra! They were going to get rich in Midgar!

Each one held onto his own separate dream, yet the message she heard was the same. There were promises to provide for her, to protect her… The pretty picture they painted of their future with her wasn’t any different. To those boys, she stood as a symbol that they had succeeded in life, as a victory trophy.

On her twelfth birthday, her father gifted her a new pair of wedge sandals, which she put on and went out for a stroll. The sandals were the latest fashion from Midgar, but they certainly were not suitable for her usual village strolls.

As she scrutinized each of her steps, the village chief, Zonder, called her out.

“Why, if it isn’t Tifa Lockhart! Happy birthday! Our cat just gave birth to a litter, so how about taking one as a birthday gift? I already talked to Brian. Come on over and see for yourself!”

She had mentioned to her father of her desire to have a cat so many times before, and now her dream would finally come true!

Tifa followed Zonder to his home where she peeked into a wooden crate at the slumbering kittens. For a long time, she stood there and studied each one before she finally made her choice.

“That one? We call him Maru. Well, he’s going to be yours so of course you can name him anything you like, but I hope you will keep the name.”

On her way home, the kitten nearly bolted from her arms. Her frantic movements when trying to keep it from jumping made her lose her balance, and unable to brace herself in those stylish, city sandals, she took an awkward tumble on the ground while shielding the kitten.

※

Dr. Sanku diagnosed her with a sprained right ankle.

“My sandals were broken, and then the area where I had grazed my ankle got so infected, I ended up in bed with a fever for a week. What made it even worse was finding out Maru went missing because my dad accidentally left the door open.”

“Yikes! When it rains, it sure does pour, doesn’t it? Wait, so you did end up keeping the name Maru.”

“My father involved the whole village in search of that lost kitten. Our village chief must have told everyone my cat’s name by then, so everywhere people went they would call out for “Maru”. I know it sounds awful, but the cat and its name were two completely innocent things, you know.”

Note: Some people have mentioned that Maru, transliterated to English, sounds like the word “mal” in French, which means bad/evil.

After her fever subsided, family friends came to visit. The joy she felt was short-lived, and by the third day, Tifa had had enough.

“It’s too much trouble with people coming in and out every day, and I don’t think I can finish all the snacks they brought either.”

She needed time to be alone.

“Don’t say that,” said her father.

“Then can I go outside? I want to help look for Maru too, and the doctor said I should try walking, remember?”

“All right. You can go the day after tomorrow.”

“What about tomorrow? Please?”

“I have to go to the mountains. We’re behind on repairs on that pathway to the mako reactor.”

“I can do my walking exercises on my own. I promise I won’t go anywhere outside the village.”

Her father brooded over the thought. Tifa had an idea of what was going through her father's head - he probably felt hurt by her words. The idea of her not needing his help no doubt irritated him.

“All right. Now listen to me…”

What ensued was a long lecture on the dos and don’ts, and every single precaution under the sun. Tifa listened without protest.

The next morning, at the exact moment after her father had left for the mountains, as if waiting on cue, a visitor called on her. It was Cloud’s mother, Claudia Strife.

“I’m really sorry for coming so early in the morning, but I wanted to bring him to you.”

There was a kitten nestled in Claudia’s arms. It was Maru.

“Oh, thank you! Where did you find him?”

“Cloud found it yesterday, over at the mountain gate. I told him to bring the cat over to you right away, but that boy wouldn’t listen! So, here I am instead.”

Tifa thanked Claudia, and then took Maru upstairs with her to her bedroom.

“Welcome home, Maru. Never thought Cloud even knew about you.”

Now that she had no need to search for Maru, going outside no longer seemed appealing. Although she did bring up the topic of walking practice in earnest, the pain still lingered.

Emilio came over to visit then.

“Come on, time for exercise!” he said while raising a basket up to his chest. “I brought you tea and some fruits.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s try going down to the waterfall. At least there we’d still be honest if we tell him we were inside town limits.”

“Did my dad say something to you?”

“Yeah, he asked me to escort you during your walking exercises. Said for me to make sure you don’t leave the village. Stuff like that.”

Emilio seemed uneasy. He must have thought there was something special behind her father’s request for his help.

As she left the house accompanied by Emilio, they bumped into Lester. In his arms was, as she had expected, a basket. The fleeting look of dissatisfaction that crossed his face did not escape her notice.

Even though it was the village's fountainhead, everyone simply called the place they were headed to "The Waterfall"; it served as an outlet for collected water in Nibelheim.

The boys escorted her down to the waterfall's basin and helped to support her as she lumbered on her injured leg. When they arrived at their spot, Tifa noticed that Taylor was already there, looking for a dry place for them.

It was now apparent that her father had called all three of her friends.

“Since it’s almost time for lunch,” said Lester, “I brought some sandwiches. We made the ham ourselves!”

Emilio and Lester cheered. Taylor’s family’s ham recipe always turned out delicious. Even Tifa, who had been feeling gloomy, couldn’t help expressing her delight.

When the four of them gathered, the conversation usually turned to Midgar, the city of the boys’ dreams. There was a school in Midgar, and students had to study hard. The kids in the slum learned reading and writing from volunteers who came from Midgar. Perhaps their schooling was on the same level as the slum kids.

The shortcut to getting into Shinra Company from the slums was through Soldier, and they wondered how likely it was for a Soldier to die. They thought that money was the solution to every problem for people on the Plate. There were some facts, myths, and misunderstandings in their discussions, but the looks on their faces were serious.

For Tifa, Midgar became, in its own way, a subject of great interest to her. She couldn’t help thinking about this faraway world, this big city, with wonder and excitement.

“If you go and live in Midgar, would you ever want to come back here?” said Tifa.

“If I can’t adapt to city life, then there’d be no other choice.”

“I don’t want people here looking at me like I’m some loser, so if that ever happens, I’ll probably move to another city.”

“But if none of us come back, you’ll be lonely, won’t you, Tifa?” “Who knows?” she said. “You might even forget about me.”

Tifa felt embarrassed the moment the words left her mouth. It sounded like she was sulking, and sure enough, Emilio and the others started trying to cheer her up. As they left the water basin, the boys started talking over each other.

“The picnic was fun! Let’s do it again sometime!”

“You call that a picnic? We need to go out farther for that.”

“You can have picnics nearby. Don’t get it mixed up with hiking.”

“How about a tea party?” Tifa chimed in. “Tea parties seem so elegant and lovely.”

She recalled a photo of herself sitting on her mother’s knee while her mother sat at an outdoor tea table set up on a meadow, sipping tea with some of her wealthier relatives during the Republic Era. Her mother’s grandparents may have been in the photo too.

“Tea party? What’s that?”

“Well, if Tifa wants to do one, then I’ll be happy to!”

“Me too!”

The “tea parties” continued until the numbers of parties became less frequent, and then one by one the boys all left town.

※

“The boys kept talking about Midgar so much that eventually I looked to Midgar as my rival. I wanted to wear the latest fashion that the girls there wore, so I asked someone who was good at needlework to help me make them. And it had to be fabrics that we couldn’t get from our general store. I even learned how to bake sweets. Up until then, I don’t think I had ever tried to get any boy’s attention.”

“Making Midgar your rival, eh? I like that about you Tifa.” It was Barret Wallace, who they hadn’t noticed was right behind them.

The spring when her friends said they would be leaving town had arrived. Their time together was coming to an end. This premonition of things to come made her unexpectedly emotional.

Late that night, she set her mind to baking a cake. She wavered on whether she should bake cookies, but a cake just seemed so much more appropriate for the occasion and would make this Spring memorable for them.

She quickly checked the kitchen pantry, jotting down all the missing ingredients, and then dashed out to the General store which was owned by Emilio's family.

As she stood in the front of the store, she felt someone’s gaze on her back. She turned and saw Cloud Strife. Their eyes met.

Usually when that happened, he would look away and run off somewhere, but today Cloud seemed different. She saw his mouth move.

He said something but Tifa couldn’t hear it. She tilted her head to the side. The motion caused Cloud to dash off, and she instinctively chased after him.

She stopped just as they were about to bump into each other, and Cloud quickly mumbled, “Midnight. At the Water Tower.”

“Okay.”

When he heard her response, Cloud took off running as if he was trying to evade her. He didn’t have to do that, she thought, since she, herself, was frantically running away from him to get home.

The ingredients! She forgot to buy the ingredients! Her father watched her with a puzzled expression, but she pretended to be upset over something to escape any questioning, and went to her room where she could compose herself.

Maru was on top of the bed, and she picked him up and held him in her arms as she sank to the floor. Her heart was beating wildly. No, it wasn’t just because she had been running.

When was the last time they spoke to each other? Yes, that’s right. Maru went missing several times after his first breakout when Cloud found him and gave him shelter. It happened so many times after that that Tifa realized, if left alone, he would come back on his own after a few days. But, still, whenever he went missing, she went out looking for him. She wasn't allowed to go outside much, but there were monsters roaming those mountains…

When she was at the mountain gate, searching for Maru and calling out his name, she saw Cloud walking down. He noticed her too but refused to look at her.

"I saw Maru. Right where you're about to step in," Cloud said, as he brushed past her.

“Thanks.”

Cloud headed back toward the village without stopping, but finally turned around and said to her, “Don’t you feed him? I saw him eat a bird.”

“I do!”

In an act of fierce protest, she stormed into the mountains, and sure enough there was Maru with his mouth covered in blood.

“When was that?”

Maru was on her lap. She petted him, and he purred with eyes half-closed from bliss.

When they were younger, she and Cloud used to play together a lot. Their houses were right next to each other, and it was easy to go back and forth.

“Cloud has such a beautiful face,” her mother once complimented him at the dining table. Did that happen when she was seven, or was it eight? For some reason that compliment made her feel happy and a bit shy.

Her mother had given her a knowing wink, which didn't escape her father's notice - he scowled at them. This moment became one memory she had of her family life before her mother passed away.

When did Cloud start to drift away from everyone? Did something happen between him and the other boys? What was clear in her mind was that it must have had something to do with her mother’s death, which led to a terrible incident. But he stopped coming over to play even before then.

“I wonder why…”

Cradling Maru in her arms, she went over to her window, where she spotted the water tower in the middle of the village. If they meet there, everyone might see them. Oh, so that’s why he wanted to meet her at midnight. By then everyone would be asleep.

What time was midnight again? Twelve o’ clock at night, right? Did Cloud really trust that she’d be able to understand him just like that?

“Cloud is…Well, never mind.”

There was no point in playing guessing games now.

“Hey, what do you think I should wear?”

Maru was completely disinterested. He jumped out of her arms and strolled towards the bed.

There was a knock on her door, and she heard her father’s voice.

“Tifa?”

She opened the door, and saw him standing in the hallway, blinking sleepily.

“I’m going to bed early tonight. The repairs on the rope bridge have been giving us some trouble lately.”

“Okay, I understand. Please get some rest.”

“Oh.” He looked uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong ?” “You were in a bad mood earlier.”

"When you say things like that, of course it puts me in a bad mood," laughed Tifa.

“Alright, I see.”

Her father laughed too. He told her good night, and then went back down to his bedroom.

As she was choosing what outfit to wear, the realization came to her that this would be the first time she would sneak outside at midnight behind her father’s back, and with, of all people, Cloud Strife! This night was special. Her spirit soared. Sleep was the last thing on her mind.

After dressing up, she took a glance out the window. It was almost time. However, unlike how she had imagined it, there were many windows still lit up. No sight of Cloud anywhere near the water tower. She turned off her lights and went out.

Maru tried to follow her out, so she led him back to her room and closed the door behind her.

Leaning in close, she listened at her father's bedroom door. He was snoring peacefully. She tip-toed downstairs, careful with each and every step. After passing through the living room, she opened the entrance door.

The moment she stepped outside, she took a deep breath. The sky was filled with stars, stars that looked like they were falling down around her.

Was Cloud waiting for her on that water tower, thinking of her with special emotions, emotions that were more than a friendship? Would he confess those feelings to her? If that were the case, how would she respond?

Did she even like him?

She held a hand up to her heart and thought it over. Yes, there was no mistaking it. She liked him. However, this "fondness" she had for him was different from just wanting to spend time alone with him.

Cloud has such a beautiful face. She recalled her mother's words, and how her mother went on to say, "Well, I think he's even more beautiful than your great hero, Sephiroth."

Her mother compared Cloud to a Soldier from Shinra Company – who the youth in those days touted as the great hero, Sephiroth – as a way of complimenting Cloud. Tifa remembered thinking in her head at that time, "Oh, is he?"

Yes, the reason why her heart was racing now was because Cloud was unreachable, a thing of beauty. Like the stars.

"Thanks, Mom." She felt less nervous; her footsteps became lighter. She sprinted toward the water tower.

Cloud was already there. He sat on the scaffold, swinging his legs to and fro. The last time she came to the water tower, they were still small kids. What tone of voice should she use to talk to him? Well, normal is best. Wait, how did she normally sound?

"Thanks for waiting!"

Was that too artificial?

The things Cloud told her at the water tower were nothing extraordinary. He told her he was going to leave town when spring came. That he was different from everyone else. All the boys said the same thing to her in the end. But even so, she wasn't disappointed.

Was it due to some sort of spell cast on her the night of the stars falling down? Or was it perhaps the sight of Cloud seeming slightly enthusiastic that she found so endearing? That promise she suggested they make was just a simple idea.

"Hey, promise me something. When you become famous, and if I'm ever trapped or in trouble, promise you'll come and save me."

Just a simple idea, yet the moment they exchanged words, it became an irreplaceable promise. And it was that night that also made her see Cloud, whom she adored, as an ordinary boy. Tifa fell in love with Cloud. It was the kind of "love" where she wanted to be with him. That was how she felt.

Just as the winds from Mt. Nibel lost its bite, her tea party friends departed on their journey. Emilio showed up the night before to tell her that he promised to come back for her, and then hopped onto the truck that transported equipment to repair the facility and left the village, leaning out the window and waving goodbye the whole way.

Meanwhile, a helicopter came for Lester and Taylor. It was a privilege reserved for candidates who enlisted with Shinra Company.

Lester said his farewell speech to her vigorously, and then just as vigorously pulled her into an embrace. Meanwhile, Taylor fidgeted behind him, without saying a word. Time was almost up, and Tifa reached over to hug him instead. Taylor must have resented Lester, who he had seen hugging other girls who came to send him off.

When the weather turned warm, Cloud also left the village. She heard he had hitched a ride on a Shinra Army truck that came late at night. Due to some issues with his paperwork, his enlistment got delayed, and the helicopter that was supposed to come get him was engaged elsewhere, in battle.

They didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to one another, to make plans to meet each other again, or even just to hug.

Her predictions were correct. Tifa chuckled to herself. She smiled, and then the tears fell.

As Nibelheim became shrouded in silence, Tifa turned thirteen years old. Her father threw her a grand celebration. But not a single birthday card came from any of the boys who left the village. Perhaps they were so busy with pursuing their new life that they had forgotten her. She chased away her loneliness with those thoughts.

※

“Hey, Tifa.” It was Barret calling her, looking worried.

“Hm?”

“You went quiet all of a sudden. What got into you?”

“Oh, sorry. It just...all these memories are coming back to me. Now where was I?”

“About Midgar being your rival.”

“Okay, then next up is the fateful encounter with my Master.”

[istanleyff7]

TOTP, Episode Aerith, Scenes 22-27

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Traces of Two Pasts Episode 2: Aerith Scenes 22-27  A Light Novel by Kazushige Nojima Translated by Stanley (@istanleyff7 on twitter) Scene 22

After Meguro and his children had left, Elmyra went out on her own. When she returned home after an hour or so, she updated what had happened while she was out. First, she went to the Sector 5 House to apologise for failing to watch over Marcellus and announced that Rona’s real name was Aerith and that she would be keeping the alias. But Elmyra hopes they continue to have good relations with her and requests them not to talk about Aerith’s name outside of the House.

“As much as possible, I wouldn’t want to lie to them. I didn’t tell the teachers our reasons, but they understood where I’m coming from. Moreover, Jean is an imaginative and clever boy. I’m sure he’ll be able to keep the children in check. I’ve also gone on to explain the situation to my acquaintances living across the alley.”

“Okay.”

“Well, I’ve told them not to talk about it to anyone else, but I can’t say just by doing that is enough. I’ve discussed with Butch, and he mentioned that the members from the third in charge would come over to the house and look after us. That’s rather reassuring, isn’t it?”

↞↠

Elmyra’s plan may or may not have worked. The time had passed peacefully. Aerith became accustomed to being Aerith at home and being Rona while outside, and she was getting used to living in the slums. She was also used to having one of the third in charge and his subordinate in the house. Meguro came to visit a few times a month but never brought his children. Butch retired because of old age, and Carlo filled up the vacancy as a third in charge. February came, and Carlo planned a birthday party for Aerith’s 8th birthday, where the members would bring over their families to gather at the Gainsborough house and celebrate Aerith’s birthday. When Aerith heard the plan, she was so delighted that she hugged Carlo. It was also decided that the children from the Sector 5 House were to be invited. Aerith did not want Marcellus and Rona to be invited, but Carlo did not allow her request. 

However, the party did not happen. The day before Aerith’s birthday, Carlo brought his subordinates over to begin decorating the house for the party. Then Rodin appeared in a panic and reported that Meguro had a heart attack and collapsed. His life was also in danger. The actual head of the organisation had collapsed. For everyone involved, this was more important than a birthday party. Carlo flatly declared that the party was postponed. Aerith was stunned by this but was comforted that it was postponed instead of cancelled. However, the thought of the party being postponed on an ordinary day did not excite Aerith. The excitement and thrill had faded. While the adults were in disorder, Aerith shut herself in her room and cried. For one moment, Aerith’s anger welled up towards Meguro for collapsing, and the next moment, she was tormented by guilt.

On the early morning of Aerith’s birthday, Elmyra went out to visit Meguro. Someone from the House came over to invite her to play, but she ignored him. Elmyra came back home in the evening. 

“Meguro is fine. His condition is no longer life-threatening.”

“‘I’m glad he’s fine.”

“If something were to happen to him, he’d ask me to take in his kids.”

“What!?”

“It’s an absurd request, isn’t it? Shall we pray for Meguro’s complete recovery from the bottom of our hearts?" 

Elmyra laughed, and Aerith could not help but laugh along with her.

"You finally laughed! Why don’t we go somewhere more lively in the evening? Let’s have something nice to eat.”

“Okay, let’s eat.”

“We will. Actually, I’ve also hired a bodyguard. He should be here any moment.”

“Who is he?”

Just then, the doorbell rang. A person’s figure could be seen standing outside through the window of the door.

“Coming!" 

Aerith opened the door with great vigour. It was an unfamiliar face, but she recognised his suit. She had an encounter with Professor Hojo one day, was not there a man in a full black suit standing behind him? During the one time she had seen President Shinra, there was also a man in a full black suit standing in the corner of the room. The Shinra Company came at last.

"Aerith, so you’re here after all. Everyone has been worrying about you,” The man in the suit said in a friendly manner.

“No… Go away!”

Aerith backed away from the door and hid behind Elmyra. The man did not care, and he walked in on his own accord. Elmyra stopped him, but the man ignored her and continued talking.

“Aerith… You know you’re not just any little girl. You’re a descendant of the Ancients.”

“Who the heck are you? This is my house. Don’t you think what you’re doing is rude?”

“My apologies. I’m a representative from the Shinra Company.”

“You’re surprisingly young. Are you a newcomer? You forgot to mention your name. Did you think you could scare me off by saying Shinra?”

The man lost the composure in his eyes.

“It’s Tseng. I’m Tseng from Shinra Company’s Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department.”

“And, what’s your business here?”

“I’m here today to talk to Aerith.”

“I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to!”

“You mentioned something about the Ancients. What the heck is that? You sure it isn’t someone else?” Elmyra stood forward and said to him.

“They were the original stewards of the planet whose boundless knowledge and wisdom shall guide us to the Promised Land. Some believe the promised land to be a myth. Others, an allegory of sorts. But we take the words of the scriptures at face value and believe it to be quite real. Which is why Shinra would like very much for Aerith to help us—”

Aerith couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from this house. She never wanted to go back to Shinra Building.

“You’re wrong! I’m not an Ancient!”

“But Aerith… Even when you’re all alone, don’t you hear voices whispering secrets?”

“No, never!”

Aerith ran upstairs to escape. She crawled into bed and pulled the blanket over her. It was not cold, but her whole body was shivering.

She felt this one year would disappear like a dream. She shut her eyes tightly, trying to chase away the fear she has never felt before. All that came to her mind were negative possibilities. Eventually, she imagined Elmyra facing a terrible situation. What should she do? But she was afraid to go downstairs to see what’s going on. No, what should she do if he comes upstairs?

“We came to an agreement,” Aerith heard Elmyra’s voice close by. 

Aerith looked up from my blanket and noticed there was no one else in the house. There was sympathy in Elmyra’s eyes.

“You’ve been through lots of scary things, haven’t you? Don’t worry. He already left.”

Elmyra sat down on the bed and held Aerith close to her.

“You’re an Ancient?" 

That was so Elmyra, with a straightforward question.

"I’m actually called a 'Cetra’. My mother was a Cetra, and I’m only a half-Cetra.”

Elmyra nodded again and again.

“That man…  from what Tseng mentioned, it seems that Shinra regretted not obtaining the information they wanted most because of the horrible things they did to your mother, Ifalna. It was regarding the Promised Land.  So it seems that they decided not to ask you for any other information except about the Promised Land.”

It was not that she did not know about the Promised Land. She had heard of such a place from Ifalna. But what kind of place is it? Where is that? She did not know the information that Shinra wanted.

“I don’t know. I don’t know anything about that.”

“That’s what Tseng said. But he also mentioned things like, even if you don’t know about it now, the day you may know it may come.”

“I don’t want to go anywhere. I like Elmyra, and I want to stay here.”

“That’s very nice of you to say, and I feel the same way too. That’s why I suggested this to him. You’ll live with me every day, and I’ll observe you, and if I seem to see any sign from you, I will inform Shinra. Until then, Shinra is to absolutely not come near you. Tseng contacted his superior, and we had an agreement right away. I think he’s a pretty good kid.”

“So, can I still live here?”

“That’s right. And too bad for Tseng, I’ll probably only be observing my daughter’s behaviour.”

Elmyra let out a laugh.

Scene 23

“When Shinra found out about me, I no longer had a reason to hide my name. So I could be Aerith, not only in the house but also outside it. For a while, it was really peaceful. The Turks didn’t really come, and Elmyra’s business was going well. Of course, it wasn’t all fun and games. There were times when I felt terrible and wanted to cry. But that’s because we were living a normal life.”

“That’s nice,” Tifa said empathetically.

“But then, another incident occurred. And it’s because of Marcellus.”

“Oh…”

Scene 24

Carlo came to visit. 

“Hey Aerith, are you well? Here’s a gift for you.”

He presented her with a bundle of sweets. It was a little childish for a ten-year-old girl. Elmyra thought that sweets were detrimental to the development of healthy teeth and made a glum face.

“I’ve got some business to attend to with Elmyra. May you take this and head upstairs?”

“Okay~”

This was a common occurrence when one of the in-charge came over. Elmyra, who used to tell her everything, was becoming more like a mother and distinguished what her daughter should and should not hear.  After entering her room on the second floor, she slammed her door shut with all her might. There was a loud bang. And immediately after, she quietly opened the door. She opened the door just enough for her body to slip through, and she concealed the sound of her footsteps and crept close to the stairs. The house was old, and the floor would creak when stepped on, but she already knew the safety zones where no noise would be made.

“It’s bad. It’s really bad.”

Carlo could be heard saying that out loud.

“How much do you know about Meguro’s illness?”

“His heart is fine, right?”

“Well, yeah. But the rest isn’t so good. He has three diseases I can’t even remember the name of. Since Rona was born, he has gained weight at an alarming rate, hasn’t he? After his wife passed away, his life was a mess. He ate all kinds of goo and slop.”

“I also tried to warn him, but I didn’t know if I should have been harder on him.”

“Well, he will either ignore you or flip you out. I wonder what he would do, though. And besides, Meguro also decided to move to the plate to facilitate his medical treatment. He’s willing to manage the business from the plate, and it seems that he intends to bring a third in charge along with him to be his liaison officer. So what does that mean? From the way we see it, that guy is practically the second in charge. He didn’t consult with you about such an important matter, did he? You’re the same rank as him. He’s taking you lightly, isn’t he?”

“What a bother. I’m just only a representative, and I’ve been leaving everything up to Meguro up till now. I don’t wish to get involved in all of this politics.”

“You live with this job. How can you not be involved?”

Aerith could not hear Elmyra’s voice, but she probably would let out a big sigh.

“Anyways, I didn’t come over today to talk about the organisation. It’s about Marcellus. That cocky shitty brat ran away from home. I only know this much but Meguro had ordered all the in-charge to search for him. He told me to pass it onto you, and so I did.

"Marcellus… I haven’t seen him for two or three years. He’s thirteen or fourteen now, isn’t he?”

“Yeah. I ran away from my shitty home when I was twelve. I thought he merely just caused a big uproar by running away from home, but…”

“Did something happen?”

“Meguro’s condition was leaked out to the public, and there seem to be people taking advantage of the situation. Such as Corneo from Sector 6, all the way to the Manson brothers. Meguro thinks that these people may have kidnapped Marcellus. What do you think?”

“If it was kidnapping, the kidnappers probably would say something?”

“Not yet, it seems. It’s been three days since Marcellus disappeared. He most likely just probably ran away from home. But the worst case would be what I had just mentioned.”

“Okay. I’ll keep this in mind. Even so, I live on the wholesome side of the slums. I don’t think I will be of much help though.”

“We’ll be the ones to find Marcellus. You keep Aerith safe. If Marcellus is kidnapped, there is a chance that Aerith will be kidnapped too. Regardless of what we regard you as, from the outside, you’re the second in charge, Elmyra. Aerith is her daughter. If I had to use her as a bargaining chip, I’d choose her too. You’d rather give up your business for Aerith, wouldn’t you?”

Aerith was astonished and took a step back. She stepped out of the safety zone, and the floor creaked.

“Aerith, are you there?” Elmyra called out sharply, “Come down here.”

She had been caught, so it cannot be helped.

“Did you hear everything?” Carlo asked her the moment she got off the stairs. 

She had no choice but to admit it.

“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to you.”

There was nervousness in Elmyra’s voice when she said that.

“However, I think it’s better if we take precautions. It’s probably better to head out from here. There is someone in Kalm whom Gabriel used to take care of a long time ago. I think we can turn to him for help.”

“If it’s possible, that’s probably better.”

This saddened Aerith. She decided to raise Aerith on her own, and now Elmyra had to leave this house.

“Pack up your things tonight. I’ll arrange for a car and a driver to Kalm. No, I’ll drive. It’s been a while since I drove, but I think I’ll manage. I’ll pick you up before dawn tomorrow. You’ll both have to walk to the gate, so wear comfortable clothes to move about in.

The conversation went on and on.

"Aerith, don’t look like that… I’ll come pick you both up as soon as we solve this problem.”

Carlo’s chest tightened as Elmyra held Aerith’s shoulders and pulled her close for an embrace.

↞↠

It was nighttime. Elmyra and Aerith stuffed their belongings into a small briefcase Elmyra and Clay used for their picnics and then went to bed. Aerith was so nervous she could hardly sleep. She wondered what Marcellus was doing. She had not thought about Marcellus in a long time. His voice suddenly came to her mind, as well as his malicious manner of speaking, the lemonade that he spilt on the table and the dirt that stained his pure white suit. However, she does not remember his face. She wondered what kind of face he had. His mouth leaked out blood. His nose. And then his eyes.

“Ahhh, that was it.”

The moment she remembered how Marcellus looked, she felt goosebumps running down her body. Behind the shut curtains of the window, there came a flash of light. 

“What’s that?…”

She got out of bed and opened the curtains slightly. She could see the garden. In the garden, she saw Marcellus, around the area where Jean had pinned him down that day.

“What?”

The next moment, Aerith was in the garden. Marcellus was lying on his feet, covered in blood.

“No!”

“Ugh…”

Marcellus moved his hand and felt the toes of Aerith’s bare feet. She felt goosebumps throughout her body again. The scenery surrounding them changed in a split second.

“Ehh!?”

An unfamiliar landscape was spreading across. Walls. Wired fence. When she turned around, she saw Midgar, and it seems that beyond the wall was the wilderness.

“Help… me…”

A faint glow radiated from Marcellus’ body. That was the form of life, and she felt as if she had known it all along. Now, at this moment, Marcellus was close to dying. 

“Where? Where is this?”

“Sector 6… gate…”

“Ehh? I don’t know where we are, but wait for me!”

Aerith started to run in the opposite direction of the wall — towards what appears to be the slums. She intended to call for someone. However, the landscape disappeared. When she turned back, she could not even see Marcellus. She ｗas within a lukewarm, white blur, and she could not see anything anymore. Her body felt itchy, and she could feel the blood rushing through her body. It was an unpleasant sensation.

“No! No! Help me! Elmyra!”

She could hear her own voice in the distance, and it gradually became louder. And the scenery returned. Her eyes seemed to remember their function. She was in her room, somewhere she was familiar, and was lying by the window. She hurriedly got up and looked out of the window. It was still dark, but she knew that dawn was approaching. She noticed someone in the corridor. The door then opened, and Elmyra peered in.

“Ahh, you’re awake. Carlo will be here any moment now, so hurry up and get ready.”

“Marcellus, he’s at the Sector Six gate. He has injuries and is covered in blood. He looks like he’s in a lot of pain.”

Elmyra’s stare made her feel uneasy, but Aerith did not look away.

“Let’s tell Carlo about this.”

Soon after, Carlo came over and called for them. He urged them to leave in a hurry, but Elmyra held him back. 

“It seems that Marcellus is near the Sector Six gate, and he’s injured. He appears to be in critical condition, so can you quickly go and save him?”

Carlo furrowed his eyebrows.

“Where did you get that information from?”

“Don’t ask me anything, please. I owe you one.”

Carlo first looked at Elmyra and then looked at Aerith’s face. After that, he departed from the house.

Scene 25

“And then, Carlo found Marcellus collapsed near the Sector Six gate. He was in a critical condition, but I’m glad he somehow managed to survive.”

“That’s strange… Sorry, I’m repeating myself, but that’s strange.”

“I don’t think it was just my powers, but I think the land had an influence too. It’s because that area around my house was different from others.”

“Such as the flowers being able to bloom?”

“Yup. I think that’s the same way my mother, Ifalna, was able to come over to my room. But I can’t even aim to try and do that. It’s because I’m not a pure-blooded Cetra, and more importantly, I don’t have the same state of mind as when I was a child. I think that’s a huge factor. I can no longer tame that pure-like feeling similar to when I was a child. I wondered if I became insensitive once I grew up.”

“Ahhh what a waste that you can’t have it anymore.”

“Yea. Especially after starting this journey.”

The two fell into silence. The definition of happiness changes from day to day.

“Oh,” Tifa raised her voice.

“Did Marcellus run away from home after all?”

"Yup. It was just as Carlo thought. Marcellus didn’t want to move to the plate, so he ran away. While he was aimlessly wandering around Wall Market, he got tangled up with Corneo’s thugs, ran away, got lost, and lastly, he was attacked by a monster.”

“Hey. Moreover, Carlo did a splendid job, didn’t he?”

“Yeah, he did. He’s a different person from the first time I saw him. He’s like a dependable uncle. I used to think that he was an uncle, but clearly, he’s like a brother.”

“So, what’s he doing?”

Scene 26

Marcellus was brought under protection. However, the fact that the Corneo’s were involved, albeit they only had little influence, could not be overlooked. They cannot afford to stop being vigilant. The two young men under Carlo’s care, Banquo and Zoot, were sent to the Gainsborough house to lodge for a while. They were still in their late teens. As they ate Elmyna’s home-cooked food with relish, they seemed like children, and it felt that they could not be relied upon if a malicious enemy came over. Carlo, who paid a visit every other day, was seen to be very reliable compared to Banquo and Zoot.

One day, Carlo bothered Elmyra in an unusual way. He insisted that he wanted to eat deep-fried bread with meatballs. Elmyra refused, saying she did not have the ingredients. But Carlo was persistent, and in the end, Elmyra gave in. With Banquo and Zoot as bodyguards, they went out shopping.

“Hey, Aerith.”

As soon as the both of them were alone, Carlo called out to her. He was very gentle in his voice.

“You know about how Elmyra told me where Marcellus was? How did Elmyra know about it?”

“Well, I don’t know,” Aerith responded bluntly.

She intended to pretend that she was calm, but she wasn’t confident.

“I see. To tell you the truth, my colleagues suspect that someone was involved in the kidnapping. And in reality, it was Corneos’ thugs who beat Marcellus up.”

“Yup.”

“And they believe Elmyra had something to do with it. Because she knew where he was, that’s why she’s a suspect and that her purpose was to warn the ones in command. Elmyra would be ready to make Meguro obey her. Something like that. Do you understand?" 

"They suspect Elmyra?”

“That’s the case. And they suspect me too. You see, ever since Clay passed away, I’ve been coming here frequently. Now that they suspect that we’re a couple… Ah, sorry, excuse me… that both of us are planning to sell the organisation away and stuff like that. To be direct with you, we aren’t in a good position. And as a matter of fact, Meguro suspects us too.”

“What should we do?”

She thought of the time when Meguro was angry. It sent chills down her spine.

“I need to know why Elmyra knows where Marcellus was, and if it’s a reason that everyone can understand, we can be justified. It’s hard to clear our name once we’re under suspicion, but if I know the truth, at least, I will feel different about it.”

Carlo looked at her with downcast eyes.

“You know, Aerith. Elmyra is in a terrible situation. That’s why Aerith. If you know anything, please tell me.”

She knew what Carlo was saying very well. No, she understood the meaning of his expression. Carlo would not continue supporting them anymore if she did not say anything.

“About that.”

Aerith’s voice was trembling. In truth, Elmyra had told her not to reveal it at any cost.

“She heard it from me. I saw Marcellus in a dream. It actually wasn’t a dream. It was something else. But that’s the kind of feeling that I can only describe as a dream. In it, I met Marcellus, and he told me where he was.”

Carlo nodded his head several times as he listened.

“You don’t have to believe me, but it’s the truth.”

“I see. Aerith, does this happen often?”

“It doesn’t happen often, but… It’s not the first time.”

“I see. That’s why Elmyra believed you. Is that so?”

Carlo lifted his head and gave a sweet smile as he patted Aerith’s head.

“Aerith, you really like Elmyra, don’t you?”

She did not know what Carlo was thinking. She was not sure if he’ll stay on their side or not. Or had she let him down?

“Carlo. What’s going to happen? I’m scared.”

“I’m scared too.”

↞↠

Eventually, Elmyra and the others came back home from shopping. 

“Elmyra,” Carlo called out for her, “The situation has changed. I’ll have the deep-fried bread some other time.”

“What the heck! I took the trouble to head out…” as Elmyra was saying that, it seemed that she noticed the unusual atmosphere in the room. “Did something happen?”

“Remember what I told you about going to Kalm? It turns out that it’s probably better for you to go. If you don’t wish to leave, then let Aerith go on her own.”

“Are the Corneo’s coming? Or is it Manson?”

“It’s Meguro.”

“What?”

“From the moment you knew where Marcellus was, he suspects you have connections to Corneo’s. And they think I’m in on it too.”

“Who’s telling you that?

"Rodin, Marvin, Roger, Bowman, Louis and of course, Meguro himself.”

“Isn’t that all of them?”

Elmyra closed her eyes. Aerith wondered what she was thinking. Eventually, she opened them and stared at a point on the table. It was a picture of Clay and Gabriel.

Then, she transferred her gaze to Carlo and…

“Where’s Meguro at?”

“He’s at home. He has postponed the move and has been tirelessly working to solidify his security. Are you going to march into his place?”

“I just want to talk to him. I’m going to let go of the business and give up all my rights to Meguro.”

“Woah woah woah woah! Are you serious?”

“I’ve thought about it several times, but to be honest, because when I thought about my livelihood, I couldn’t follow through with the decision. Well, I guess this is the right time, isn’t it?”

“Wait a minute. Even if you do that, that’s not going to clear your name, isn’t it? In fact, they might think that you’re leaving us because you’re going over to Corneo’s. If you’re not careful…” Carlo hesitated to say.

“I understand what you want to say, Carlo. But even so, I still have to go. Please take care of Aerith a little for me.”

Carlo shrugged his shoulders.

“And Aerith?”

“No,” a husky voice came out of Aerith.

Elmyra smiled and touched Aerith on the cheek.

“I may be back late, so go to bed. You can eat with Carlo and the others.”

“No!”

Elmyra turned her back on her. Aerith tried to stop her, but Carlo grabbed her by the arm.

“Let go of me! Mummy, don’t go!”

However, Elmyra went off. Banquo and Zoot looked at Carlo in disbelief.

“Banquo, Zoot, make us some food. Anything is fine.”

“Carlo, I hate you.”

Carlo had a sad look on his face. Moreover, he did not want to let go of Aerith’s arm.

“Elmyra should clear up about this. We’ll be understood eventually.”

↞↠

Aerith didn’t have much appetite, so she caved herself in upstairs without touching Banquo’s omelette at all. She was so worried about Elmyra that she could not concentrate on anything. She looked out of the window and peeped for signs of life downstairs numerous times. It was nearly midnight when the door opened.

“Elmyra!” Carlo called out in a lively voice.

“Let go of me!”

Aerith ran down the stairs and almost fell over. Carlo was scratching his head as though he was embarrassed, with Banquo and Zoot grinning at him.

“Mummy!”

Elmyra came over and squatted before Aerith’s eyes.

“I’m home. You must have been worried.”

Aerith could not resist it and gave Elmyra an embrace. Elmyra could not support the weight of her daughter and fell on her bottom.

“You’ve grown up, haven’t you?”

“So, Elmyra. How did it go?” Carlo asked impatiently.

Elmyra helped Aerith to her feet and then took her time to stand up herself and fixed the wrinkles on her clothes.

“Meguro no longer thinks that Marcellus has been kidnapped, much less that you or I had anything to do with it. It didn’t even cross his mind once.”

“Eh? Is that so?”

“He said that you and I wouldn’t go around doing that kind of stuff.”

“Damn you, old man. You underestimate me!” Carlo tried to behave like a villain, but he couldn’t hide his delight.

“So, what was with the talk that I heard about?”

“Who the heck did you hear that from?”

“Butch. I heard it from Butch. He retired, but he still meets Meguro often, so he knows what’s happening inside pretty well.”

Elmyra looked at Carlo in silence.

“Butch!? Butch set me up!? That old man!”

Carlo scratched his head off, swore, made his face funny, rubbed his eyes and paced around the room.

“Carlo, calm down. I’m not finished yet.”

Carlo stared at Elmyra intensely. His breathing was still heavy.

“I have no idea how Butch was related to this, so let’s put this talk behind us. I’ve brought something for you to keep from Meguro.”

After saying that, Elmyra took a small box from her bag and presented it to Carlo.

“What is that…”

Carlo accepted the box and opened its lid. He was lost for words.

“It’s Gabriel’s ring. President Shinra also has the same ring. It was a token of their friendship. It was supposed to be Clay’s, but that wasn’t possible. So Meguro held onto it.”

“In order words, that’s…”

“It’s to mark the first in charge, the head of the Gainsborough household. And this too.”

Elmyra held out an envelope.

“Inside holds the title deed, a memo regarding Shinra’s liaison officer to us, and the others are documents which you’ll need for the job. It also has the blood-sealed certificates of the current in-charge of the household. I just did my blood-seal earlier too.”

Elmyra then showed him the ring finger of her left hand. There was blood on the plaster.

“Big brother Carlo! Doesn’t that mean you’re the head of the household!?” Banquo excitedly exclaimed.

Elmyra looked at Carlo and gave him a big nod.

“Meguro has been sick and turned completely weak. He called upon all the other heads, and it looks like that was to prepare for his retirement. He intended to talk to you for the last time.”

Carlo mumbled something in his mouth and went on to take the envelope. But then quickly withdrew his hand. 

“I’m scared. It’s too sudden. What should I do?” ― Carlo was worrying about all these as his men, Elmyra and Aerith, observed him.

“You’re amazing, Carlo,” said Zoot, sniffing and rubbing his eyes.

It took Carlo three minutes to make up his mind. He took the envelope from Elmyra’s hand, who had been patiently holding it, and put it in his black bag, which he always carries with him. He then took his gun from the bag and placed it on the table. A heavy thud sounded in the room.

“I won’t be coming here anymore, so I can’t protect you both. You both have to do it yourselves.”

“You won’t be coming back?”

Aerith could not help but ask. Everything was settled, and things seemed to be going well, but Aerith could not wrap her head around why.

“I won’t be.”

Carlo suddenly made a weird looking face and looked as though he was on the verge of crying.

“If I keep coming and going to visit, won’t nothing change? If members of other organisations know about this, you both will definitely become their target. It’s not about the business anymore. Aerith, be a good girl, okay? Elmyra, continue being the great woman that you are.”

After quickly saying those words, he left the house as though he was escaping. Banquo and Zoot hurriedly followed behind him. Right after that, the door opened once more, and Carlo came back alone. Once inside, he got close to Elmyra, and without looking aside, he embraced her tightly. He let out a deep sigh afterwards, lowered his shoulders and left the house.

He never came back.

↞↠

The days that followed were so peaceful that it was almost anti-climatic. Because nothing anxiety-inducing occurred, Elmyra put her gun in the attic after about half a year, when in the beginning, she would not even let go of her gun no matter where she went. Aerith wondered what Carlo and the others were doing. What happened with the hostile organisations afterwards? She wasn’t given any information. Elmyra probably knew something, but she did not say a word in the house. Elmyra is a workaholic and decided to earn her living by cleaning cafés, hospitals and orphanages in the neighbourhood. Elmyra told Aerith with surprise that she seemed to get a job no matter where she went in the slums. Even though she had enough on hand, she was often introduced to other customers, and there were people everywhere who cared enough to make sure that Elmyra and Aerith did not fall into poverty. Elmyra expectedly thought it was strange and asked them for their reasons, and they told her about the debt of gratitude that they and their families had for Gabriel Gainsborough. When Midgar only had its foundations, the wages paid to the workers were astonishingly measly. And a massive bunch of people who were neither from Shinra nor construction workers had money extracted from them in the form of referral fees, brokerage fees, and administration fees. It was Gabriel who reconfigured the structure and got rid of those who exploited the workers. There was lots of bloodshed, but workers’ enemies were exterminated, and a large part of the wages paid by Shinra went to the workers since then. He also negotiated with Shinra and also won the workers an increase in remuneration. Many of them were able to open shops and start businesses because of Gabriel, and these people did not forget to pass on their gratitude to their children.

“I’m grateful for this.”

Aerith heard Elmyra saying that numerous times.

↞↠

The children of the Sector 5 House would head out to work once they become thirteen years old. To mimic them, Aerith decided that she also wanted to work. However, Elmyra did not allow her.

“Why can’t I?”

“It’s not that I want to lock you up in the house, but I’m worried about you. You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”

“I know, but for a long time, nothing has happened.”

“That’s true. But you know what? This is my problem, you know. Even up till now, this happens to me. Whenever I feel happy and secure, something happens. It’s always been like that. I wonder if I had that kind of fate.”

Elmyra let out a deep breath and shook her head.

“If I do that, I’d be restraining you as Shinra did. Alright, you may work. But, only around the neighbourhood, please.”

“Thank you, Mummy.”

Her mother’s frank confession struck a chord in her heart. At the same time, she wondered about the possibility that she was one of the problems that she’s holding onto.

Scene 27

“And my mother’s fears were right on the mark.”

“Ehhh?”

Aerith tiredly nodded to the surprised Tifa.

↞↠ You’re on page 118/142 of Aerith’s segment of the Light Novel to be continued Previous Scenes: Scenes 15-21 Back to Content Page (click/tap here) follow @istanleyff7​ on twitter for updates support the TOTP translation project financially here (click/tap here)

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TOTP, Episode Aerith, Scenes 15-21

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Traces of Two Pasts Episode 2: Aerith Scenes 15-21 A Light Novel by Kazushige Nojima Translated by Stanley (@istanleyff7 on twitter) Scene 15

“My mother and I think alike. There are too many names, and we didn’t know whether they’re good or not. So we said, that’s good enough. This name will be somewhat fine. Whew, perfect.’

"But you’re Aerith now, aren’t you? So there was an issue after all?

"Yeah it was a big one. In terms of the number of incidents, I don’t think you’ll beat me to it, Tifa.”

She let out a huge sigh, and Tifa then showed sympathy for her struggles.

Scene 16

It was the day after they decided on the name ‘Rona’. Marvin came down in the morning, Roger in the evening. And the day after that, Bauman came down in the morning and Lewis in the evening. All of them brought gifts for Rona, the daughter of a relative taken in by Elmyra Gainsborough. She was the wife and the representative of Clay, the second in charge, who was the representative of Gabriel, the first in charge. Apparently, the news spread quickly to everyone who was related to the business. The old-fashioned room on the second floor turned into a vibrant space full of primary colours because of the children’s souvenirs.

Aerith particularly liked the 'animal cards’ and 'plant cards’ that Bauman had brought over. With Elmyra’s permission, she pasted the cards on the wall. She was able to lose track of time gazing at the illustrations of unknown creatures. It’s not that she didn’t like the other gifts - such as the books and the dolls. Whatever it was, the experience of receiving things like gifts and souvenirs was new and exciting. Except in the mornings and evenings when she had to attend to her guests, mainly the members that were the third in charge, Elmyra still spent her time outside. Rodin secretly told Aerith that Elmyra no longer went to the station but roamed around the slums. She wonders if Clay was wandering the streets because he couldn’t go home for some reason. That’s what she thinks.

Scene 17

“And then, the night came.”

Tifa then nodded quietly next to her.

“My mother, Ifalna, came that night and looked down the corridor with a troubled look on her face. I got out of bed, opened the door and looked down the aisle. I could see the light downstairs. I went down and saw my mother, Elmyra, washing the dishes and scrubbing them clean in the kitchen. I could smell the grass. It had a thick, stuffy smell. I thought I heard voices, and I saw a trooper standing at the door.”

Scene 18

Aerith thought that Shinra’s soldiers had come to take her away. Startled, he called for Elmyra, but she did not move. Her voice was not heard, and the trooper turned to look at her. Then he took off his helmet. He was the man she had only seen in pictures.

“Clay?”

His face was dirty, and when looked closely, he could be seen covered in mud. He really looked like he had been wandering around a lot.

“Welcome back, Clay.”

However, Clay was only just looking around his surroundings and looked like he was unsure where to go. Elmyra didn’t notice him, even though the Clay she loves was right over there!

“Mummy!”

Sure enough, she can’t hear her.

“Clay!”

Clay closes his eyes tightly and opens them again. He probably thought that this would change the scene in front of him. What was he seeing? He closed and opened them again and rubbed them with the back of his hands repeatedly. He let out a loud sigh and then crouched down at where he stood. Even though she tried to get closer, her legs would not move.

“Clay!”

As expected, Aerith couldn’t be heard. Clay sprawled his body on the floor, and it looked like he used all his strength to do so. His lips were moving. Aerith wondered what he was saying and then focused on his consciousness.

“Elmyra, I’m sorry,” Aerith felt that he said that.

“Clay, no! Mummy, please look here!” Aerith yelled.

After that, she woke up. She was on her own bed. However, she firmly believed that it was not a dream. Clay passed away. Moments before his death, his spirit connected with the planet, and he probably went to see the place he had wanted to visit the most before he died. She wondered if he had seen Elmyra.

Aerith got out of bed, went downstairs, and saw Elmyra standing in the kitchen, washing the dishes. There was no longer any unusual smell.

“Mummy.”

How should she tell her?

“Mummy, don’t cry.”

Elmyra turned around with a puzzled expression.

“What’s wrong?”

“A man you really really love just died. His heart came a long way to say goodbye. But he couldn’t stay 'cause he had to return to the planet.”

Elmyra looked at her in silence.

“Are you saying that Clay is dead?”

“Yes. But, I think he had properly returned to the planet.”

“Aerith. Go back to your bed.”

There was undeniable anger in her voice. Aerith’s chest tightened.

“Mummy…”

“Go back to your bed.”

“Clay had returned to the planet. He’ll always be connected with you, Mummy. That’s why…”

Elmyra forcefully took Aerith in her arms, carried her up the stairs and put her back in bed as if she were luggage. She slammed the door and left, with her anger lingering in the room. Aerith covered herself with her blanket and cried. She wasn’t crying because she had angered Elmyra. She was sad that Elmyra could not see Clay.

She felt Ifalna’s presence was very close to her. Even though she had her blanket, she knew it was her.

“Mummy…”

She peered out of the blanket and saw a kind face, but Ifalna looked different than usual. Aerith could see the wall through her face, and she could see through Ifalna’s body. She looked like Clay just before he disappeared.

“Mummy!”

Aerith jumped up in a panic. Her mother’s face blended in with the patterns on the wall. Her lips were moving, and she was saying something, but Aerith couldn’t hear anything. She reached out to feel Ifalna, but she lost her balance and fell off the bed. Her whole body hurt, but she bore with it and searched for her mother. Her whole body was disappearing, and her mouth was moving. As expected, she couldn’t hear her voice, and she completely disappeared. There was no longer a sign of anyone.

↞↠

The next day was quiet. When Aerith woke up, Elmyra had already left the house. She had prepared a simple meal for her and left a note saying that she would be out until evening before returning home and that she would not have any guests today. Aerith finished her meal and went back upstairs to her room. She opened a drawer from her desk and took out a small pouch. In it, was a white materia that Ifalna had given her. She placed it on the palm of her hand and grasped it tightly. She then felt at ease. That was the only thing that did not change.

In the evening, the door opened quietly. The sound of footsteps, followed by the pull of a chair, can be heard if listened carefully. Aerith concealed her footsteps and headed downstairs. She saw Elmyra sitting at her usual seat at the dining table, sprawled on the table, and could hear her weeping. Elmyra probably noticed Aerith’s presence and turned around to look at her. Her eyes were deep red.

“The news came from Shinra. The helicopter he was on crashed into the forest. Because he went away from the crash site, it seems that they discovered him late. He probably tried to exit the forest. Why didn’t he just stand by and wait? He was always like that.”

“He wanted to see you, Mummy. That’s why he walked. He came to see you.”

“And then he returned to the Planet? Stop talking about that already.”

“But…”

“Why did he return to the Planet! His home is here, isn’t it? Shouldn’t this be the only place he returns to? That’s a reason why he couldn’t do that, and because of that, he’s dead. No matter what anyone says, Clay’s already…”

Elmyra raised her cries and bawled like a child. Aerith chest tightened by the sight of an adult crying.

“But even so, he returned to the Planet! We are connected with the Planet! That’s why he’ll always be together with you!”

“Aerith, I beg you. Stop it already, please.”

“But I lost my Mummy Ifalna too! I won’t believe that she didn’t return to the Planet, I won’t!”

↞↠

Over the next few days, Elmyra and Aerith were companions overcome by grief. They spent their time together, huddled together, and the warmth of each other’s body was an antidote that relieved their loneliness. Butch and colleagues took turns to come and check on them after hearing of Clay’s death. It seemed that Rodin told his colleagues to deliver Elmyra some food after finding out that Elmyra had even lost the will to do her house chores. Carlo appeared on behalf of Meguro, who was not feeling well. It was Aerith’s first time meeting him. He was a tall, thin young man and had black, wet-looking hair combed down backwards. He seemed restless and always had some part of his body moving. Aerith was afraid of him at first because he gave a strong hooligan-like impression, but he was kind to Aerith from the start. To her surprise, Carlo volunteered to do all the house chores. Elmyra disliked him, but she tolerated him coming in and out of the house. Her spirits must have been so low.

A week or so has passed. There was a loud noise of tableware breaking in the kitchen. It did not seem like minor damage. Elmyra and Aerith were upstairs, but they couldn’t ignore it and went to take a look at the situation.

Elmyra stared at the vast number of broken fragments scattered about the floor. Carlo drooped his head to the side.

“Is this expensive?”

“I have no idea. These were collected and given by Gabriel when Clay and I first got together.”

“That probably isn’t cheap… Or should I say, it’s perhaps an exceptionally top-grade item? My apologies, Elmyra. I looked in the cupboard and saw a lot of dust… I can’t stand things being dusty, so I couldn’t help myself but clean it…”

Elmyra was still staring at the fragments, ignoring Carlo, who was looking at her. Carlo, having given up on words of forgiveness, squatted down and began to pick up the broken pieces.

“Hey, Carlo. Can you go home now?”

"Elmyra,” he said in a shameful voice. “Give me a chance.”

“It’s not that. If you pick up the pieces like that, won’t you hurt yourself? I’ll clean up afterwards. You go back. I’ll talk to Meguro and tell him that you’ve helped a lot. Yes, that’s the truth. You’ve helped me out.”

Carlo’s face lit up.

“You are so simple. You have to hide your emotions more to get ahead in this world.”

“Ahhh, right.”

Carlo slapped himself on the face, and his expression changed.

“Well then, I’ll get going now, and call me if anything comes up. And, about the injury on your face, I’m sorry.”

“I fell on my own, you know.”

“No…” Carlo shook his head in denial. “I don’t know how to apologise to Clay otherwise.”

His voice was trembling. They looked at Carlo in surprise. He was crying.

“'He was a good man. He was always there for me when I made a fool of myself, scolding me and even connected me to Gabriel. I can’t believe he’s gone…”

“Hey, don’t cry. It isn’t cool.”

The usual Elmyra was back. Carlo rubbed the area around his eyes with his arm and grinned.

“You too,” he awkwardly remarked and left.

“Well then…” Elmyra said as she looked around the house, “They’ve cleaned the place pretty well, but it’s far off my standards! I’ll have to clean the whole house. Aerith. No, Rona. Do you have the energy to help?”

“Yup!”

Aerith was surprised by her own cheerful voice.

Scene 19

“Then we did a major cleanup of the whole house together. Firstly, we cleared the broken fragments, then we opened all the windows and used a feather duster and a broom to get rid of the dust and the tears — Mum loves to clean, she has many brooms and mops in the house. She cut the handle of one of them with a saw for my use. We wiped the house down the next day. Once the house was clean, it was time to remodel the home. We decided to change the curtains in my room and the cover of my bed. It was then that we went shopping for the first time. It was the first time that we went out together.”

Scene 20

They were walking down an alleyway that continued from the front of their house and went past the neighbourhood "Sector 5 House” orphanage. Children around the same age as Aerith leapt out and blocked their way.

“You’re Rona, right?”, “Rona? She’s Rona?”, “You’re an orphan?” , “Nope, I heard she’s an adopted kid. How lucky!”, “Come live here!”, “How cute…”, “Why are you so flashy?”

Aerith was disorientated by the rapid succession of crude remarks pouring down onto her and hid behind Elmyra. She felt uncomfortable because she wasn’t addressed by 'Rona’ when it was just the both of them back home. After Carlo left, the self-consciousness that she’s Rona was also diminishing. She was feeling nervous, and then someone touched her hair from the side. Startled by the suddenness, Aerith let out a small shriek.

“Ayumu, stop it!”

An older boy yelled.

“If you pick on Rona, you’ll get in trouble.”

“I wasn’t picking on her!”

“Yeah, she wasn’t. I was just shocked. She isn’t a bad kid.”

“If that’s the case, it’s fine, but…”

“No, no, this is not fine.” Elmyra butted in. “Jean, who would y'all get in trouble with?”

“Carlo said so.”

Elmyra frowned at the reply of Jean, the older boy.

“Did you hear about Rona from Carlo?”

“Yup, that’s right. If we make Rona from the Gainsborough household cry, he’ll make us cry threefold.”

Elmyra let out a sigh.

“Well, Rona, don’t be shy. Say hi to them. These kids are from the Sector 5 House. They’re like neighbours to us, so be nice to them, okay?”

Aerith was now ready.

“Hello, I’m Rona. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you!” A cheerful voice replied.

“I’m Sarah”, “I’m Zoey”, “I’m Glad”, “I’m Yoko”, “This is Ayumu. She’s my sister.”

Ayumu was the girl who touched her hair.

“'I’m Jean,’ said the older boy at last. "You can come and play with us whenever you want.”

“Okay, thank you.”

“Do you want to play now?”

Ayumu invited her. The children all looked at her with eyes of expectancy, and that tickled Aerith. It was the first time that so many children of the same age, even though it’s six of them, were staring at her. When she was at a loss as to how to respond, Elmyra stepped in to help.

“My bad, you all, but we’re going shopping today. I’d like Rona to choose lots of things, so I can’t leave her here. Please let her play with you all next time.”

Elmyra took Aerith by the hand, and after a short distance, she looked back to see the children staring at her. One of the children, who introduced herself as Sarah, waved her tiny hand across her chest. After she waved back, the other children waved wildly in return. What a happy sight, wasn’t it? Until they were out of sight, Aerith turned around and continued to wave her hand.

“It seems like you all can get along, doesn’t it?”

“Yup!”

Aerith was then introduced to numerous acquaintances of Elmyra, including a café owner and the town doctor. They were all very friendly. Before they parted, Elmyra told them about Clay’s death as if it were just another topic. Before they could express any surprise or words of condolences or sympathy, she would add, “I miss him, but having her helps me take my mind off him.”

Before the slight smile on their faces faded off, Elmyra would walk away.

“I’m sorry, Aerith, for using this as an excuse to end the conversation. But I don’t want to talk too much about Clay. It’s probably better for me to talk about it, but for now, let me do this, please.”

“Okay. I’m fine with it. But, I’m Rona, right?”

“Ahhh, yes. Rona. Even when it’s just the both of us, I’ll still have to address you as 'Rona’.”

↞↠

It was one week after the introduction of Rona. Aerith was playing with the children in front of the Sector 5 House when she saw Meguro walking down the road. His pure white suit stood out against the earthy-coloured road. She was told earlier that he was coming over to visit and promised Elmyra that she would play at the House until then. A boy, probably around ten years old, was walking behind him. He was wearing relaxed-fitting trousers, a bright white shirt and had a bored look on his face. There was also a girl who walked up behind him. She was wearing a skirt, with the hem almost touching the ground, which was a rarity in the slums. She pinched her area around her thighs, and it looked like she had difficulty walking. She was wearing an ornate blouse and a large hat. With one look, they were three people who appeared to be well off.

“Oh!”

'Rona’ (Aerith) understood the meaning of what she was seeing. Even though the impression was that Meguro was coming over alone, that was not the case. He had brought his children with him. In other words, the real Rona had come.

She apologised to her playmates and ran down the road. She then ran through the planked road in the garden and darted into the house.

“'Mummy, it’s Mr Meguro. He’s with his children. The real Rona is here!”

Elmyra did not seem too disturbed.

“'He didn’t tell me that he would be with his children.”

“What should we do?

"You mean the name? He isn’t a shallow guy. He’ll understand. I’m sure he already knows it too.”

Meguro first introduced his son, Marcellus, then his daughter, Rona. Rona was looking at Aerith, who was not hiding her curiosity. Meguro then opened his attache case and took out three white flowers. He gives one to Marcellus and the other to Rona. Elmyra looked at the remaining one, which Meguro was holding onto.

“I’m sorry that these flowers are fake, but there’s no way I would steal flowers from your garden.”

Elmyra nodded and pointed at the photo frame on top of the table. It had a picture of a father and son, Clay and Gabriel, together. They looked as though they were brothers. Meguro and his children placed a flower in front of the picture. They crossed their fingers in front of their chest, put their palms together and closed their eyes. Aerith wondered what they were doing, and she looked at them with her mouth agape. Eventually, they opened their eyes and looked at Meguro. Aerith hurriedly closed her mouth.

“Is it unusual to pray? I’m old-fashioned, so this is how I convey my thoughts to the dead.”

“Can you actually convey your thoughts?”

Marcellus snorted after she asked, and he probably felt fear the next moment as Meguro glared at him. Aerith glanced at Rona for a moment. Their eyes met, and Rona smiled.

“That’s what I believe, and the important thing is to believe. Gabriel used to tell me often that it is the foundation of everything.”

Elmyra was listening, and she quietly nodded.

“Well, Elmyra. I would have immediately come over, but my body didn’t allow me to,” Meguro said apologetically.

“It’s alright. You sent Carlo over, didn’t you? He really helped me out.”

“How was Carlo?”

“He worked as though he was a different person, I can’t help but wonder if something strange happened.”

"Clay was someone he adored dearly like his own brother, you know. I think he wanted to repay Clay by helping you out. He probably was so aggressive towards you all the time because he didn’t like that you took him away from him, Elmyra.

"That’s childish of him. Nope, I was the same as him too. Clay always took Carlo with him when he goes out for the night,  and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve complained about it.”

“Hey, I’m thirsty,” Marcellous muttered to his father. He was pouting.

“What should you do if you’re thirsty?”

The boy looked annoyed for a moment, but he quickly realised what he should do and asked Elmyra for a drink.

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t notice. I’ll be right with you.”

As Elmyra was preparing the drinks, Rona came running up to Aerith.

“I was born in March. What month were you born in Aerith?

"I was born in February.”

“Ahhh, so you’re only a month older than I am.”

“She’s not Aerith. She’s Rona, isn’t she? She stole your name,” Marcellus condemned.

“I don’t mind at all, okay?” Rona uttered with a smile.

She truly didn’t seem to mind. However, there was a premise amongst everyone that Aerith stole her name. Aerith felt pain in her breathing as if her heart had been clenched.“

"About that…”

Elmyra was carrying a tray of lemonade. She handed them out to everyone, interrupting Aerith.

“Meguro, I was thinking of a new name for Aerith at your suggestion, but I didn’t decide on it properly, and Aerith had to introduce herself suddenly. And at that time, she replied 'Rona’ on the spur of the moment.”

“After I heard from Mr Meguro about Rona, I wondered what she was like. I wondered if I could meet her and wondered whether we could get along. I kept thinking about Rona, so I said her name.”

“It’s my fault that I didn’t control the situation properly. Since the word has been spread across the neighbourhood, may we leave her name like that?”

Meguro gave a composed nod.

“Of course. There shouldn’t be an issue.”

“I’m happy about it!” Rona’s voice lit up. “After all, you liked the name, didn’t you? My mama thought up the name 'Rona’ and named me that.”

“But she died after giving birth to you, though.”

Marcellus struck his sister in the shoulder, and the expression on Rona’s face completely went away.

“Marcellus, if you blame Rona for that again, I’ll throw you out of the house,” Meguro declared with a low voice.

“Okay.” Marcellus nodded. He looked like he was sulking.

He was foaming and playing with the lemonade, blowing it through a straw inserted in the glass. He was having fun gushing the lemonade out from the glass and getting the table wet. It’s going to be tough getting along with this boy, Aerith thought. But Elmyra trusts Meguro, and that was his son. She decided to make peace with it all and went ahead with it.

“Then we will also…” Meguro uttered, “address you as Rona, not Aerith. It’s important to make a habit of these things regularly.”

“Rona, nice to meet you,” said the real Rona.

“Nice to meet you, Rona,” Aerith replied. “Marcellus, nice to meet you too.”

There was no response.

“Okay, children. We have some business to attend to, so you all can go outside and play. Only in the garden, though. Don’t go into the alley.”

“Understood.”

Marcellus replied firmly and drank his lemonade in one gulp. Rona imitated him in a hurry and Aerith also did so, but she choked and spilled some on the table. Elmyra laughed and pressed her to go off quickly.

When they went out into the garden, they saw Jean and his friends from Sector 5 House watching them from the garden entrance.

“'Pathetic orphans!” Marcellus spat and waved at them.

”'Hey~!”

“What should we do, big brother? Orphans are scary.”

“We don’t have to worry since we’ve got a powerful dad.”

The conversation between them made Aerith nervous. She had a feeling that something terrible was going to happen.

“Come on, y'all!” Marcellus called out for them in a cheerful voice.

“Is it alright if we come over?” Jean asks again.

“Of course. Let’s play 'Tickling Ogre’.”

“What’s that? We don’t know what that is.”

Jean came into the garden accompanied by a group of children from the Sector 5 House. There were around two or three faces Aerith didn’t recognize.

“It’s a game that’s popular in the Sector 4 Slums. Ahh, you all won’t know that since you all live in an orphanage.”

Aerith did not overlook the gloominess that dwelled in Jean’s eyes. But Ayumu was still young and unaware of Marcellus’ malicious intent.

“Sounds interesting! Can you teach us how to play 'Tickling Ogre’? Hey, what’re your names?” asked Ayumu.

“I’m Marcellus.”

“I’m Rona.”

The siblings introduced themselves. Aerith braced herself nervously.

“Ehhh? There are two Ronas!” Ayumu looked at Jean with an amazed look on her face.

“It’s not a rare coincidence,” Jean replied with a know-it-all look.

“It’s a coincidence, alright.”

Marcellus said in a low voice and looked triumphantly at Aerith.

“She stole the name of my little sister over here. Her real name is Aerith. She’s Aerith, the name thief. Right?”

There was a grin on Marcellus’ face. All the children who were there looked at Aerith.

“I’m not a thief! I’m not a thief!

"All thieves say that,” Marcellus, who has finally shown his true colours, mocked her.

“Stop it, big brother!” Rona pleaded, but Marcellus didn’t seem to hear her.

“I’m not a thief!”

That was the only thing she did not want to admit.

“Name thief.”

“I’m not!”

Her voice was hoarse. She thought to herself that she should not cry, but tears rolled out of her eyes.

“I’m not!”

“You’re an orphan, aren’t you? You know what? You suit being at an orphanage. But you went into Clay’s house. How clever!” Marcellus showed his disgust.

"Shut up!”

Someone rammed himself into Marcellus. It was Jean. With a short period of anguish, Marcellus falls on his back. Another boy pinned Marcellus down. His name was X. He doesn’t usually play with the others much and instead helps the teachers. He was a small boy, but he must have been three or four years older than Aerith.

“Stop it! Get out of the way!”

“Don’t make fun of the House!” X shouted.

“Shabby orphans, poverty-stricken orphans,” Marcellus’ abusive language did not stop.

“Fight! Fight!” the girls cheered on.

The children’s violence made Aerith cower in fear.

“Stop it!” Rona shouted. “Big brother, apologise to them!”

X grabbed the collar of Marcellus’ shirt and shook him.

“The first one that should apologise is Aerith! She’s the name thief.”

Marcellus did not give in. Jean looked down the alley and then at the door of the Gainsborough house.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I used Rona’s name without her permission.”

“You used it without her permission? Tell them you stole it!

"That’s not true.”

X slapped Marcellus on the cheek.

“Stop it!”

Aerith felt as though she had been struck. She did not feel like standing up for Marcellus, but she felt this was too much.

“Stop it, X.”

"Not unless he apologises. I can’t forgive him for making a fool of us and the House.”

"Apologise!”

X shouted and was about to strike him again.

“Aerith first!”

Aerith wanted it to be over.

“I’m sorry. I stole Rona’s name. I’m sorry, Rona. I’m sorry, Marcellus.”

She was in tears. Jean moved and helped X up to his feet. Marcellus, now free, staggered to his feet.

“Hmm. You finally admit it.”

There was a trickle of blood oozing from the cut on his mouth. His whole body was trembling. He looked as if he was doing his best to keep up a bold front.

“You’re next. Apologise for insulting our House.”

Marcellus slowly looked at Jean, then at the children of the House.

Then he grinned…

“Poverty-stricken orphanage!”

Firstly, Jean, X and the children whose names she did not know because it was the first time she saw them, jumped onto Marcellus one after another. Another fight had begun. Rona then let out a scream and ran to the Gainsborough house. That was it! She should have called for help from the start! Aerith also chased after Rona. Just as Rona was about to put her hand on the door, it opened, and Meguro appeared. He understood the situation at an instant.

“Hey!”

It was an angry voice that sounded like it gushed from the depths of the earth. Aerith could not imagine Meguro other than what he usually was, and she shuddered. The same was for the children who were fighting. Elmyra was astonished as she appeared by the doorway. Leaving Aerith, Rona and Elmyra behind, Meguro shortened the distance between him and the children.

“Run!” either Jean or X shouted.

The children of the House quickly disappeared into the alley. Meguro grabbed Marcellus by the ear as he stood there and brought him back to the Gainsborough house. Marcellus stumbled along, exclaiming that it hurt.

“I’m seriously fed up with you.”

“They came into the garden. I tried to chase them away, but they started it.”

“That’s the reason for your actions?”

“It was firstly Aerith’s fault.”

“It has been settled. Rona and I gave her permission. It has nothing to do with you.”

“But…!”

“You have to be smarter than that! How many times do I have to tell you for you to understand? Listen, Marcellus. You don’t have a mother. Whenever you mess up, they’ll say it’s because you don’t have a mother. You’ll be smearing mud on the face of your mother and me, you understand?” Meguro continued to pull Marcellus’s ear while scolding him.

“Meguro, that’s about time to stop it.”

Elmyra could not keep watching this and gently pressed down Meguro’s hand.

“Yeah, I know.”

Meguro then let go of Marcellus’ ear―

“Aerith, I’m sorry. Please forgive Marcellus. He’s a moron, but he did what he did because he thought of his little sister. Please forgive him for Rona’s and my sake.”

Marcellus was behind Meguro, glaring at her. Aerith was okay to accept whatever conditions so that she could put an end to this mess now.

“It’s okay. It’s my fault. I’m really sorry.”

Aerith faced Meguro, Marcellus and Rona and apologised to them individually. Lastly, she looked up at Elmyra, and she gave her a tiny nod.

“Well then, Elmyra. Let’s finish up the job. Rona and Aerith, you can go inside. Marcellus, you’ll stay here and reflect.”

Once inside the house, Aerith was looking out of the window at Marcellus. She wondered if that was what monsters were like. Soon it was time for Meguro and the others to leave.

“I’ll stop by the orphanage to warn them. They are not to enter the Gainsborough garden. And if anything happens to Aerith… no… Rona, the orphanage may disappear. I probably should nail that into them that much.”

“No, Meguro. I’ll talk to them. I’m very close to the adults there. I’d like to keep things peaceful.”

“…Well, if you like it that way, then it’s fine. It’s your property. But if you ever need my face, feel free to turn to me. Don’t need to hesitate.”

He was no longer the kind-looking gentleman that Aerith met at first. That was a front for the children.

While she was vaguely thinking about that, Rona ran up to her and whispered, “My name, I’ll let you use it, okay? You’re special, Aerith.”

Rona was both kind and cruel.

Scene 21

“Hey, is the Sector 5 House that Jean and the others were from, different from the Leaf House?”

Tifa, who had been listening in silence, raised the question.

“It’s the same, it’s the same. If I recall correctly, the 'Lower Class Sector 5 House’ was the official name, and Sector 5 House was the common name. That name was changed to the 'Leaf House’. I didn’t know it at the time, but there was a rumour that its proprietors were selling kids away.”

“Ehhh!?”

“It seems that neither the children nor teachers knew about it. Negotiations were then held with the house’s proprietors by X, and he bought the house over. He was one of the kids that stood up against Marcellus and had grown up.”

“I see. There was a fellow Avalanche member who had been aiding the orphanage he was raised in, so I thought he was related to this, but it seems like it’s different…”

Tifa looked disappointed.

“Biggs?”

“You know him!?”

“I never met him, but a lot of the teachers and kids were talking about him. He was respected… ahhh!?”

Due to shock, Aerith’s voice unconsciously became louder.

“X is Biggs!”

“What do… you mean?”

“He didn’t have a name because he was picked up as a baby. So the people in the House decided to call him 'X’ until his name was decided. He liked the alias, and he kept calling himself 'X’. He declared that he would give himself the best name one day.”

When the kids at the House found out that Aerith’s name 'Rona’ was fake, the reactions were mixed. But only X, talked about the situation about his name and consoled her. It was better to decide one’s name on one’s own.

Aerith saw Tifa’s eyes welling up.

“Amazing, Biggs… You were amazing… I have to tell Barret about this too.” ↞↠ You’re on page 93/142 of Aerith’s segment of the Light Novel. to be continued Previous Scenes: Scenes 10-14 Back to Content Page (click/tap here) follow @istanleyff7​ on twitter for updates support the TOTP translation project financially here (click/tap here)

[captainakimoto]

Aaaahhh! Biggs~~~~!!!