expiationnet | [Video]

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[Video]

[At first, there's just audio as Aerith is figuring out how this little trinket works. A phone would be easier, wouldn't it? As video comes on, she lifts a hand and wiggles her fingers in greeting.]

Hellllooooo!

[If it seems like she's too cheery, that very likely might be the case. Despite the situation and bizarre circumstances, she's chosen to approach all of this with a great deal of optimism. Smile, and the world smiles with you, goes the saying.]

I understand a lot of us are kind of going through the same thing and it's probably very easy to focus on what we don't know, but I thought it might be kind of nice to have the reminder that we have a common goal. So whether you arrived here with friends or without them, you're not alone! You have the rest of us, too.

[Gesturing to herself, she continues.]

My name's Aerith and I didn't arrive with very much, but if there's something I can help you out with, make sure you let me know and I'll do my best! Also, if you're having trouble finding a place to stay, I'm sharing a room here with my bodyguard, but I'm sure he won't mind too much if we make a little more room for you.

[You're welcome, Cloud.]

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Hello! Those are very kind words. Especially for us who did arrive alone, this has been a bit intimidating.

[He's always alone, but never mind that.]

Ah, you have a bodyguard? Well, that's a little intimidating. Are you a celebrity?

['Intimidating' is a very apt description of the situation. She's not sure she could put it any better than he has, and everyone handles that same intimidation in a different way. Some weather adversity with optimism. Some weather it with apathy. And some choose to not address it at all.]

Nope. Definitely not a celebrity. I just live in a dangerous place and sometimes I need a little help getting around. There are probably many people here who are kind of like that, too. It sure seems like a lot of people are making that assumption, though. I thought it was just normal to have someone looking out for you when you needed it, no matter who you were.

[But apparently in this world, people think she's either a princess, some other kind of ruler or important individual, or a celebrity.]

Hm, I suppose some people hire assistants, but usually to afford a bodyguard it means you expect to encounter trouble. And you'd have to be able to pay enough for protection.

[Royalty and celebrities are definitely the first thought he had. But if the area she lives in is that dangerous...]

Does that mean everyone where you are from has hired guards? That's impressive. Miss Aerith, right? If you're used to such scary situations, shouldn't you be wary of inviting strangers in? It sounds like more work for your protector.

Ohhhh, I didn't even think of that.

[Another person who's pretty sharp. She wasn't really aware of the connotation behind a bodyguard, but going by Seimei's definition, it fits. Of course she expected to encounter trouble back home. The Turks made sure of that and had for quite some time.]

I'm not sure how common bodyguards are, honestly. I live in the slums and it's not like I'm the only one who lives there. I don't think it's super common for everyone to go travelling from sector to sector to sector, though. I know my way around pretty well, but it's better to expect the unexpected. Which goes for potentially scary situations, too, though I'm not concerned about being scared. I also don't think a bunch of people like me or you in this place has a high priority of hurting me.

[There are so many better things to put that effort into, after all. She's just a flower girl. Nothing to see here!]

Sector? I see... So it's dangerous for you to travel in general.

[And she's from some place called the slums? But that doesn't seem to fit the image of people able to afford protection either. Seimei examines her curiously through the filter of the projection.]

How long have you had this bodyguard, if I may ask? Are they an old friend or a recent hire?

[She nods, though it's a bit subtle. Aerith is incredibly familiar with the slums. Probably more familiar than those who know her would like her to be. She gives off an air that she doesn't know as much as she truly does and that too, appears to be intentional on her part.

When she thinks about how long she's known Cloud, Aerith realises that she can't really give a number. It's a complicated situation filled with some variables that she isn't fully aware of.]

I can't say it's been a super long time. Long enough for us to get to know one another a bit and long enough for me to say that I trust him.

[Aerith seems to hold back, but that only makes Seimei perk up, cheerfully straightening his posture with interest.]

Ah, so you're friends! Well, that makes more sense. I thought it might impose too much if you only hired a stranger and they were staying quiet out of obligation, but if you're familiars than it's much easier.

[He notes that she doesn't seem to like to talk about her home situation. Well, that's interesting, but fine.]

By the way, you said we have a common goal?

Knowing me, I probably would have offered a bodyguard a place to stay even if I didn't know them that well. I like to think I'm a pretty good judge of character and things are never as simple as a 'good' or 'bad,' so that's something to keep in mind with people, too.

[Even people like Vholran who she isn't entirely certain what to think of just yet. She could probably go on about the blacks and whites, and shades of grey, but 'common goal' brings her back to the moment.]

Well, I was thinking of the very general idea that many of us were brought here involuntarily. Pretty sure we all got that paper with that information on it. We don't really know how we got here, or how to leave. It seemed a little obvious that we might be interested in figuring out more.

[Although perhaps some may not have that interest at all. Ethlyn comes to mind.]

[Okay, that makes him smile. Too often people focus on just a few details to judge whether someone is good or bad. Something like reputation or one's bloodline, for example. Seimei finds a bit of relief in hearing Aerith defend the complexity of people, even if she's not referring to him. It's a good perspective in his mind.]

You are a generous person. [And he means that.]

I agree with you. We all came here unexpectedly from somewhere else. I'm sure we all have our own lives and people left behind, so we all have at least that much in common. If there is a way we can help each other, please feel free to let me know. I would like to learn more.

[She's been called many things. 'Generous,' she thinks, is a new one. To her, it's so obvious. But that is just the kind of person she is. Aerith understands she's very different from most of the people around her. Even back home, some regard her as a bit... unique? Eccentric, maybe. She stands out, though she'd very much claim to the contrary.

His assessment of her person is rewarded with a like smile. 'Generous' is a lot nicer than being called 'naive' or 'irresponsible.']

I'm hoping to find a way to do exactly that. When I first arrived, there was a guy, like us, who gave something to the altars they had and apparently the locals gave him a lot of stuff. He ended up dividing some of what he had with me and we agreed to give some of this stuff to people who needed it, so if you need blankets or clothes or anything, I have some extra stuff left. If you know anyone else who needs that kind of stuff, we can help out there, too.

[It seems like an easy thing, to think of the community welfare and reaching out to one's neighbors, but Seimei knows that more often people don't reach out or worry about other people. It's simply a matter of survival. But if Aerith is confident enough to share her resources with strangers, it must say something about her abilities. Or at least her courage.]

In other world, you should be a noble. Perhaps having a bodyguard is not so far from your calling, but a blessing from a past life.

[More people could try to be like her, really.]

Lady Aerith, my name is Seimei. If you need an extra hand for anything, I would be honored to offer what aid I can to your cause.

A noble?

[She doesn't think that sounds like her at all. But Aerith can only see herself the way she is right now. And to her, aside from her complicated background, she has always thought herself somewhat plain and relatively insignificant. One could argue that she lives this way to protect herself. The past has shown her that people are not always understanding, especially of things they may not necessarily understand.

Kyrie comes to mind, as sometimes she does.

He calls her 'Lady Aerith,' and she can't help but grin over it. What a thing to say. It makes her want to laugh, though somehow she manages to refrain.]

That's very nice of you! I hope I can offer you something the same in return. Though I guess I already did, sort of, didn't I? [Offering up her room. Some of the extra things she got from Alphen. She's so quick to give of herself, very unlikely to ever ask for anything in return.] Don't go out of your way for me, okay? I'm just like everyone else here. Let's all do our best together!

A noble's responsibility is to think of those around them and maintain the health of the community. I haven't met many in this day and age, but it's a nice thought, isn't it? I'm sure you're suitable.

[It makes him think of movies or books about hidden princesses and disguised lords from fantasies. Maybe Aerith is secretly the protagonist of some romance she's not even aware of. Seimei has already completely adopted the idea of referring to her as royalty.]

Nonsense. If you require anything, you should let me know. After all, it's my duty as your neighbor as well. And the more people you have contributing, the more people you can help, yes? It would be my honor. As long as your bodyguard allows it, of course.

Oh, I've never met any.

[...Right? She's pretty sure she hasn't. Why would there be anyone noble back home? When she thinks of nobility, she thinks of leaders. Sure, President Shinra might have been a leader of his own kind, but he's not what she wants to equate 'noble' with. That word seems too good for a man like him.]

Ideally, we could all work together to make a different, but I understand that might be a bit of a high expectation, especially right now. And some people just don't play well with others, so I don't want to make expectations like that. I don't think Cloud will mind if anyone's helping. He's just like everyone else. He needs some time to adjust. If there's anything I can think of, I'll be sure to let you know. You should do the same thing, too. We can definitely do this if we work together!

Well, we might get the chance here. It seems like a place where one could meet just about anyone. Maybe we'll come across a high lord of a great kingdom!

[One that would technically also have to be accused of a crime to be there based on what they've encountered so far, but Seimei is happily skipping over that particular part.]

I don't think there's anything wrong with having high expectations. All dreams have to start from somewhere. If we only ever aimed for what was within easy reach, we wouldn't grasp very much. It's just finding more hands to help us, that's all. I promise to ask for help if you do! I may not have a bodyguard, but I'm sure I can do something. And if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to learn more about where you come from.

[A high lord of a great kingdom...

She's picturing fancy wear and capes and crowns and sceptres. There's probably a great deal more to being a high lord than all of that stuff, but politics are probably not her strong suit.]

You're right. I think... in time, people will be more open to helping. They need a little to get used to things. [Not everyone can be like Aerith and Seimei, after all.]

[That he asks about where she comes from, Aerith pauses for some moments. She hasn't forgotten that Cloud has asked that she not give a lot of information about either of them. Herself for obvious reasons. Himself because he's, frankly, a private person and she has no right to give information about him.]

Hm... I came from a really large industrial city. City's not really the right word for it, though, I don't think. It's separated into sectors. And there's a lower level and a higher level. It's hard to describe without being able to show someone what it looks like. Sounds complicated, right?

[Midgar is complicated.]

All things heal in time. I don't have much to offer myself, but if I can provide some comfort for anyone, you should only ask.

[It's definitely been a long time since he's served anyone. Nobility or gods, and Seimei is out of practice. But he likes her attitude and initiative, the latter he's lacking in himself, so why not help if he can? She seems like she has a good idea of what she wants to do. He's happier assisting others than dreaming for himself.]

It sounds complicated, but I think I understand. It's like living on a mountain. The higher ground is separated from the foot, and each area conducts itself in a different way. Life in an inner city is different from the edge of the wilderness or out in the forest. Every district has its own businesses. May I ask what work you do?

Kind... of? Maybe? I don't know what it's like to live on a mountain. But those who live on the upper plate don't usually have a reason to interact with anyone below. People who are well off get to live up above. Everyone else is on the bottom.

[Including herself, though she's never considered herself to be particularly unfortunate. She could probably talk more about it, but she's not feeling inclined to do so. It'd be nicer to talk about it when she can make things better, but how is one girl supposed to change something that's likely been in existence since before she was even born.

Fortunately, he has a better question for her.]

I sold flowers back home! Although I don't know that I'd call it work. I used to help run errands for people, too.

It sounds... sad.

[That's the only conclusion he can really come to with her description.]

People living so far apart from each other seems like an unfortunate existence.

[He doesn't allow himself to dwell too long on the similarities between living physically apart and having entire communities separated from each other. If he considers that too much, the truth might actually catch up with him. Seimei smiles, as happy as Aerith is to move away from that topic.]

Aren't errands work? You put effort into it, so it must be work. It took energy to grow and sell the flowers, after all. Is that what you intend to do here as well?

[It is sad. If Aerith could change the minds of the people of her home world, she has to wonder if she even would. Differences are what make people so special, after all. And there’s something about free will that she wouldn’t really want to change or influence, even when she doesn’t agree with what someone’s doing. Or maybe it’s that it’s so much more satisfying to gently guide when it seems needed and wanted and watching how people change over time of their own accord.

Maybe one day things won’t be so sad.]

Mmmm. I don’t think of errands as work? Not if you enjoy them, I guess. It’s not really work if you like what you do?

[But maybe she’s just being needlessly optimistic about that, which would make sense. Seems like optimism runs every other part of her life. Wouldn’t be a big surprise for discussions about work to be much the same.]

I haven’t decided what kind of work to do here besides help out the townspeople where they need it, honestly. Might be nice selling flowers, though… I also kind of want to do lots of things I couldn’t do back home?

If you like what you do?

[He blinks, then has to cover his mouth to hide a big smile.]

Ah, that's- you're far too good. You'll make me embarrassed about my own work. I can't live up to that kind of standard.

[Do people like Aerith really exist anymore? Her optimism definitely outweighs anyone else's. Not that that is a bad thing either.]

What sorts of other things? Perhaps I can help in some way.

[Aerith laughs quietly, her smile taking her entire expression and reaching her eyes. It must sound somewhat silly for her to say such things. Maybe hopelessly optimistic to the point of delusion, though she seems to genuinely believe in such a thing.]

No, no. I was lucky to enjoy what I did back home and I like helping people. I have it easy. I probably wouldn't feel that way if I didn't enjoy how I was spending my time.

[That is to say, she wonders how much the Turks enjoy their job. Or other Shinra employees, for that matter. Some of them probably do, but surely not all of them...]

To answer you, though, I think I just want to have adventures. Actually, being here is kind of adventure, so I guess that's been satisfied, too.

[The general feeling of any standard Japanese worker these days definitely carries the resignation of doing something out of necessity. It's not always that they hate their job, but the difficult lifestyle and middling passion just can't be helped, right? Responsibilities need to be met. Even in Seimei's early career, obligation was the priority over everything. Hearing Aerith talk about doing things because she likes helping people and just enjoys it is a mysterious thing. And from the little he's picked up in their conversation, it definitely doesn't sound like the world she comes from is extraordinarily generous. She just stands out.]

I think that is a noble goal. If your companion allows it, I think you should experience as much of this world as you can. Maybe even beyond this town? I do wonder how far this land reaches.

I’d like to do that.

[It doesn’t take more than a moment for Aerith to nod, as if she’s just confirming something she’s known and felt all along. Despite the way her roots have planted her in Midgar, there’s a part of her that’s always known that isn’t where she’s going to be staying. When one wants to be free, they have to be permitted some kind of freedom. Living isn’t living, when it’s restrained.]

I’ve had the chance to look at a map of the place. They have one in the tavern and I think there’s probably a few of them all over the town. I couldn’t really tell by scaling, but it looked pretty big to me. I don’t know where I want to begin, but I’m planning to get to know as much as they’re willing to share with us.

That sounds lovely. Like a real adventure!

Ah, I assume your bodyguard will want to accompany you too. But imagine what you might find out at the edges of this world. I like your plan. If there's any way I can help, would you let me know? I'm curious as well.

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If too old, please feel free to drop. Sorry for the wait!

Sorry, I have been busy too!

No worries at all!!

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