#v: listen to the cries of the planet

[sacredflorist]

"Exactly! My appearance is just a little trick!" Aerith exclaims way too proudly. Well, it's not entirely the case, but at the same time, it's true that her little pink dress and her naive look could make look weak and innocent. And not everyone knows that she can fight. She prefers to not show too much. After all, she has learned to use materias quite recently. She's a natural when it comes to magic, especially when it comes to healing magic, but still... There's also the fact that she's a Cetra and can use another kind of magic that has nothing to do with materias. This one is in her blood. And she doesn't know how to use it; she just feels it. She couldn't even explain it if she wanted to. She just met Spider-Man, though. She won't start telling him about all that happened in her life and about her secret magical abilities, her connection to the Planet and the Lifestream. She hears the voices of dead people, too, of her ancestors. It's so weird. Aerith herself isn't sure she understands.

At the sight of the children, Aerith almost runs into their direction, welcoming each of them with a comforting hug. She cares so much for them. She sees herself in them, the lonely girl who couldn't have friends because she was weird... That's why she wants to make sure they're always happy. She lets go of them, offering Spider-Man a smile before she looks at the children again. "He's a bit shy so she won't show his face, but Spider-Man here is here to help you guys, and to put a bright smile on your faces!" she exclaims happily. Yep, saying Spider-Man is shy was also a way to tease him.

"Oh I believe you're a badass. Appearances can be deceiving!" Spidey laughed in good nature, completely believing everything Aerith had to say about herself. Even if they'd only known each other for the better part of 15 minutes, Peter already felt like they'd known each other for five years for better or worse. She was beautiful, inviting, caring, and had such a kind yet bold soul that in some ways it often reminded him of MJ all the way back home when they were together. Would he ever find a way back home? It was hard to say given he didn't even know where he was let alone when for that matter, but that wasn't going to stop Peter from making a difference in the place he was in right now. The mere mention of this Shinra company was already giving him bad vibes to say the least, and he made a mental note to ask Aerith a bit more about the company and their dealing later. He was the friendly neighborhood superhero after all, and taking down corrupt giant corporations was a part of his daily balanced breakfast.

Shaking his head from those drifting thoughts, Peter looked towards the kids who came wandering out of the building, assuming they'd just finished class? The way they completely embraced Aerith with such a loving and cherishing manner put a smile on his face underneath the mask. She really was as sweet as advertised, and that put him in an even better mood. "Hey guys, what's shaking bacon? I know I may look a bit strange on the outside, but I promise I'm just as giddy as you guys on the inside. Aerith, tell them about what we're doing here today," Peter grinned, rubbing his hands together and hoping that his sudden appearance didn't make the kids feel completely strange about his vibe or out of place.

[sacredflorist]

❛  this day feels like it's never gonna end.  ❜ //from vincent

Random Dialogue Starters | @vancreux

Aerith stretches her arms. Yes, Vincent is right; it feels like this day will never end. Since the group left Midgar, so much has happened. Aerith is exhausted quite often because she's not used to walk this much during a day. Even when she sells flowers, it just doesn't feel the same. Now... it physically hurts, but she doesn't want to show it to her friends. She doesn't want them to consider her as weak.

"Yep. You're right!" Aerith agrees before she gently pats Vincent's shoulder. "But it will end, Vincent, and then, we'll laugh about it! So let's keep going with that great work and we'll be happy about it very soon!" As she says that, she clings to him just a bit because she's about to fall. Hopefully, he won't notice. Oops.

[sacredflorist]

Aerith has always known this moment will come. As much as she knows the Turks would never hurt her, but she also knows their goal has always been to bring her back to Hojo's lab. Protecting Marlene was the most important thing to do. But she wishes she could protect everyone from Sector 7. What they are doing now... it's unfair. And Aerith just knows they are better people than that.

"Listen, Tseng, I already agreed to follow you, but there's something I just don't get," she explains. She's sitting inside the helicopter, her arms crossed over her chest. They should reach Shinra building in no time now. "Why destroy an entire Sector ? There are so many innocent people there!" Her voice sounds somehow angry, but mostly disappointed. "You're a much better person than this. Same for Reno and Rude!"

@luzofstars / tseng ❤'d !

[sacredflorist]

Continued from x | @obscureign

To: Mr. President!!!! 👨‍💼💵

[ 📲 Aerith: ]  Awwww! You don't like a compliment ? I think you always look very good, you know! GEORGEOUS MR. PRESIDENT! [ 📲 Aerith: ]  Who's available for me right now ? It's boring! [ 📲 Aerith: ]  It's impossible that Reno, Rude AND Tseng are out of Midgar at the same time, right ? Who's watching over me now ? A stranger ? [ 📲 Aerith: ]  But maybe you'd like to visit the slums ? I'd like to show you around! I'm sure the citizens would appreciate!

[sacredflorist]

"You're probably right." Aerith thinks this world is unfair. She doesn't know if Don Corneo will pay the price for all he has done someday. But she wants to remain optimistic; she wants to believe he will. This world is unfair to so many people, but in this man's case... she refuses to believe he won't pay. She lets a chuckle escape her mouth and offers Leslie a smile.

"Oh, I'll be fine to go home! I'm used to walk alone in the slums!" She can handle herself, but there's also the Turks. Even when she doesn't see them, she knows they're often watching over her. They'll probably be mad to learn about her adventures in the sewers.

"I'm sure it'll come around, eventually. The world has its ways of doing things." For better or for worse, the world around them was constantly changing and so were the people upon it; even kings and queens throughout history eventually fell from their thrones. Leslie had hope that the very same would happen to Don Corneo, one day.

"For now-- lets get this lady home, and then you- so I know you're both safe, and then I'll head back to the asshole." It would be the best course of action, and if he heard anything more about Corneo and his poor treatment of women... he would let Aerith know. Perhaps between the two of them they would be able to subtly save a few more.

[sacredflorist]

Continued from x | @materiiaism

Cloud is so mysterious, so hard to read. Aerith is trying to reach him, to make him talk, but it's hard. Or maybe she just doesn't have the good way with him. She's better at teasing him and at making him feel awkward. And she hopes he enjoys it at least a bit, even if he often rolls his eyes at her.

But then he talks. At first, she tilts her head a bit, wondering what he means. I don't know. Does he mean he's confused ? Instead of talking right away, though, she gives him some time to explain himself. And suddenly, there is sadness on her features. She knows Cloud doesn't always seem with the group. Sometimes, he's fully disconnected, and she truly wishes she could do something, anything, to make him feel better.

"I... I can tell if something was real or not, but... Sometimes, dreams feel real, yeah. I understand what you mean. Trust me." Her parents, Zack, so many ghosts from her past haunt her dreams all the time. And there's all these voices she hears, too, the voices of her ancestors. She clears her throat and hesitates a bit. "If... If you don't mind telling me... What kind of vision do you have ? Maybe... Maybe I can help you."

[sacredflorist]

❛ i can’t imagine losing someone like that. i’m sorry. ❜ @ vincent 'bout zack , but he knows, he is a liar 🤧

An Assortment of Dialogue Prompts | Accepting | @nazorneku

Aerith has tried to not talk much about Zack, and to not think of him much either. But she can't. SInce she started that journey with her friends... it's like he's always there. She keeps hoping she'll understand what truly happened to him, but she also wonders how this journey would be like with him around. He was supposed to show her that big blue sky. They were supposed to spend much more time together. And since she visited Gongaga, it's getting harder and harder to not show how the sadness is still here, inside her. Aerith always wants to smile,. even in the hardest times... but she still misses Zack. She needs closure if she wants to move on, and she doesn't know if she can. She still has so many questions without answers...

When Vincent talks, she offers him a sad smile. He's a mysterious; she knows nothing about him, and he seems to want things to remain this way. Maybe that's why his words surprise her. He doesn't seem to be the type to willingly have an emotional talk. But he seems sincere; she can tell he's truly sorry, and it means a lot.

"Thank you," she replies, looking away for a short moment. "Maybe it's silly, but when I left Midgar with the others... I hoped I could know what truly happened to him. I'm sure Shinra was involved. He wouldn't have... left me or his parents without saying anything. He has always cared so much about everyone..." And he mentioned a girlfriend. Of course she pretended in front of Zack's parents, but she knows she's the one he was talking about. And it hurt much more because it's another proof that he didn't want to leave her.

[sacredflorist]

❛ well, i do feel better now that you're here. ❜ //from vincent

An Assortment of Dialogue Prompts | Accepting | @vancreux

Aerith offers him a warm, sad smile. Vincent is so mysterious, so hard to read. But she's glad to know her presence comforts him in some way. She has been lonely for so long, as a child and then after Zack disappeared. She wants to be there for her friends as much as she can. She feels like she belongs at their side, in this group, fighting for the Planet.

"Does it mean you were worried about me ?" she teases, letting a soft chuckle escape her mouth. "I'm glad to be here, too. I'm not sick of you yet, so it means I have to stay!"

[sacredflorist]

When Aerith spends time with the children of the slums, no matter what they're doing, she feels very useful. She had a lonely childhood. The other children never wanted to play with her, and Elmyra was overprotective. She couldn't go wherever she wanted. But Aerith spends time with these children, it's like a way for her to make sure they don't miss anything... to make sure they're as happy as they can be.

She offers Vaux a warm smile. "I'm glad. And don't worry about the children. They get happy quite easily. I think they're just glad to have people around, no matter what we do." They appreciate everything, actually. It's beautiful to see how easily happy they get.

Company; that had not been something Vaux had initially considered. Forced to silence to think for the moment, Vaux reflected on his own childhood and how, actually, he too would have liked much more company. Whether he had been at home or in the hospital, Vaux had been on his own the majority of the time; the housekeeper had spoken to him, and teachers at school... but he'd not seen his mother or father much, not even after his sister war born.

"...I can definitely try that." He supposed he would be someone different to talk to; as far as playing, Vaux wasn't even sure what kids played or did but... he could give it a go. Maybe if he took drawing supplies for them, they could design an outfit, and he could make it for each of them the next time he went down; something a little more involved.

"Well, I've plenty of ideas, now-- I'll definitely let you know once I'm ready to head down. Likely rather soon, in truth- A few days at most."

[sacredflorist]

❛ i’d say we make a pretty good team. ❜ //from cloud

An Assortment of Dialogue Prompts | Accepting | @vancreux

Aerith laughs way too happily at these words. She knows Cloud was mad at her when she decided to stick around. She knows this world is dangerous, but she also knows she needs to play her part into this fight for everyone she lost, for a better future for everyone on the Planet and for ancestors who keep cheering for her. It seems that Cloud has finally started to understand she's capable, and not just a simple flower girl who needs protection.

"Of course we do! I told you, the Turks are after me because I'm so damn strong!" she exclaims, way too proudly before she offers Cloud her hand for a high-five. "You're stuck with me now!"

[sacredflorist]

Continued from x | @devcvec

Aerith is still smiling at him, of course. The Turks are pretty much the only friends she has nowadays, and it has been this way since Zack disappeared. Maybe their goal is still to watch over her and to eventually bring her back to Hojo's lab, but they are always nice to her. They are not bad people at all. That's why she still enjoys their presence.

"But... won't you protect me if monsters show up ? You're my bodyguard, and a very badass one!" she assures, letting a chuckle escape her mouth as she pats his arm. "Please! Just a bit of more walking in the area ? And... I can fight too, you know ? Tseng and Reno let me fight!" That's not true of course, but she still hopes Rude would believe her.

[sacredflorist]

Aerith is aware that they don't know each other much, and yet, she can tell Cloud is a good man behind that cold facade. After all, he has spent a huge part of the day helping the children of Sector 5. It's something Aerith herself does quite often, too. She sells flowers and plays with these children. She wishes she could do more, though. She wishes she could use her magic to really help. She's clumsy, but she still can fight.

As they're walking back to Aerith's home, she takes a deep breath. "Hey, Cloud, tell me... is that sword very popular among SOLDIER ? Or is it some kind of rare, special one ?" She has recognized the Buster sword right when they first met as she was selling flowers on Loveless Avenue. Maybe it's a silly question, but she needs to know.

@brokeniisms ❤'d !

[sacredflorist]

Aerith has gotten outside of Kalm's inn. It's still very early in the morning, but she can't sleep anymore. There are still so many things they don't know, and so many things to do. It,s only the beginning of their journey, and Sephiroth already seems to have a great advance on them. How will they change that ?

When she notices Cloud approaching, she offers him a smile. "Already awake, mmh ? It's early!" she teases, letting a chuckle escape her mouth. "Want to go for a walk ? Just a bit ?" Tifa said Cloud wasn't in Nibelheim 5 years ago. If Tifa can't make him talk, Aerith knows she can't either. And yet... she wants to try, somehow.

@cloudyfenrir ❤'d !

[sacredflorist]

@finalvii said:

"You've never been out of Midgar before?" There's curiousity laced through Tifa's tone, with a touch of sadness. Sure enough they were well out of Midgar now, catching their breath at Kalm Inn. It felt like the first moment where they could really stop and exist beyond fighting for their survival. She wasn't letting it go to waste. Not when she was finally able to ask Aerith the questions she had been holding onto 'for later'.

Aerith has started feeling somehow better since the group reached Kalm Inn. She doesn't see the sky anymore, but she knows it's there. She just can not escape it. When she hears Tifa's voice, though, the flower girl offers her friend a soft smile. Yeah, Aerith really didn't see much of the world. And as much as she hates that blue sky taking away everyone she loves, she's also somehow curious to see the world.

"Never!" she replies, letting a chuckle escape her mouth before she shrugs. "I mean, I heard about it, even spoke about it, but the slums were pretty much all I knew." She pauses for a short moment. "But it was okay, Tifa, really. I had happy moments in the slums. I never felt trapped or anything!"

[sacredflorist]

"I .. I think you're a... cute friend!" and then she placed a mushroom inside the Florist's basket.

".....and I appreciate our friendship .... so ... yeah!!! That's ... all I wanted to say. Okay.... BYE..."

And now she is speed walking away.

Unprompted Ask | Always Accepting | @exturk

Aerith offers Cissnei a warm smile. Cissnei is so mysterious, but the flower girl still believes someday she'll manage to read through her properly. Because they have naturally become real good friends. At least, that's how Aerith sees their relationship, and hopefully, Cissnei agrees. She's nice to her now... But then she walks away already, really too quickly, which makes Aerith blinks in confusion.

"Hey Cissnei! Wait!" And she quickly starts walking after her, maybe even running a bit to make sure she actually reaches the other. She grabs her arm to stop her and smiles again. "I appreciate our friendship, too! Don't be shy with me! And... thank for the mushroom!" She chuckles a bit and lets go of the other. "Where are you going ? Maybe we could do something together! Have a little girl talk! Or anything else, really!"

[sacredflorist]

Aerith just wants to leave this place. She knows her friends are there and even if she met them recently, she doubts they will leave without her. They're probably here to fight against Shinra, but also probably a bit to find her again, too. At least that's what she hopes. She didn't tell them who she really is, but maybe they know now.

"Oh, I plan to leave, but you'll come with me. I'm not letting you here!" she assures, letting a playful smile cross her lips. Well maybe this is not the time to act this way, but Aerith does it as much as she can. It's always best to have fun while they can.

She looks away for a moment, thinking, before her attention is back on Joshua. "Do you think the stairs would be safer ? I feel like they might be..." Her legs would be in pain, but she can probably deal with it.

Higher up? Why would they want to go that way if they were trying to escape? And that also meant going back the way they had come from.

There was no way they wouldn't be caught if they did that.

"You should leave." We, but the thought that he was actually going with Aerith still felt foreign for Joshua. "If your friends are looking for you-" How would they know that she was outside?

"- it'll be the safest place for you to go."

Getting outside would just be a matter of heading down each floor. They were up above the 70th, but the security would have to start tapering off as they got further down. They could run to either the auxiliary stairs or the elevator then.