Aerith's Home

"You were gone awhile, Cloud," Aerith observed.

"It was ... it was nothing. Just doing an experiment," Cloud said.

"Left you awfully sweaty. Let's get to my house."

Aerith's house was tucked back into a natural cul-de-sac, surrounded by giant canyon walls. But it was amazing. It was ... alive. Water. Flowers. Animals. Everything that made Midgar dull and grimy and decaying ... the opposite existed here. And far from a hovel, Aerith lived in a large, well-cared for three story house. Cloud's jaw dropped.

"This is amazing," he gawked.

"Last one in is a rotten egg, c'mon," Aerith giggled, running ahead. "Mom! I'm home!"

Aerith's mother, Elmyra, bore the air of a stressed mother whose pride and joy was an inveterate troublemaker.

"Hey baby. Been up to no good? Rude came by. Who is this?" she asked sharply, looking at Cloud.

"This is Cloud, my bodyguard," Aerith said, a little petulant.

"Take good care of her?" Elmyra asked, her eyes narrowing.

"That's my job. Or was my job," Cloud added. "Gonna head back to Sector 7."

"Well, I can show you the way."

"Okay… But why not wait two days? I'm making my salmon after the catch comes in. Aerith wouldn't want to miss it," Elmyra held her breath for a moment, then exhaled when Aerith agreed.

"Salmon! Salmon! It's the best Cloud!" Cloud sighed. Jessie would have to wait.