🌸 one | ota.

[everblooms]

Who ⬤ aerith and you!
What ⬤ substories! i'll also be using this post as a catch-all as the month goes on.
When ⬤ let's say early march. just to be spicily unfocused.
Where ⬤ i'll specify when necessary!
Content Warnings ⬤ i'll edit this to reflect anything, so please make sure to warn in subject lines if your character brings anything up for my own reference! ❤

as a note, if you'd like to plot something personalized, i'm more than happy to chat! you can hit me up with a PM, or message me over on plurk @ hagclub.

wicked on the weekend (night parade PREP, a)

[ It takes a great deal of wrestling with a young youkai with fish's head to wrench the weapon from his grip. It had been obvious immediately, and she's already seen some similar things confiscated. For what reason, she's admittedly not very sure, and as far as she's concerned, it's not really her business. He had been carrying a staff of some sort, an unwieldy thing that collapsed into itself when handed over at Aerith's eager, chipper behest. She only needs to look busy, so the smile she wears is perhaps a dead giveaway.

She holds it up, that woody looking staff that smells slightly of river water and fish scales, inspecting it at eye level. It's dark in color, looks a bit like a twig, but is much heavier than it looks. Her fingers ghost along what feels like hard plastic when...

Hopefully you dodged, because it snaps open, a terribly sharp blade angled directly for her partner's face. Perhaps you got saddled with her of your own volition, or you thought she needed help. Maybe her light hearted approach to the situation has caught your attention, because this isn't the first time she's done this.

She immediately hands the staff back, blade still out. The youkai practically preens in response. ]

I think he can keep it.

[ Her assessment is simple. Why not, really? Maybe he'll need it. She's very, very sure of this decision, and looks to her partner with her fists upon her hips. Do you agree? Argue? Or maybe you should convince her that the two of you need the staff. (She would not disagree.) ]

can i get another amen? (night parade prep, b)

[ A case, woven from fine bamboo, is shoved into your face. The lid nearly topples off, and hangs by the neck of a bottle. It's full of them— alcohol resides inside, and they clink together enchantingly from within their bamboo-y prison. They're practically glimmering with the reflection from the neon lights. ]

Special delivery from Tamamo!

[ Her voice comes before Aerith peeks her face out from behind the case, waiting. ]

We've got more drink where that came from.

[ She waits more, still. Cat got your tongue, or maybe the bottles are just too pretty? ]

...Take it! [ This is the place that was expecting a delivery of spiked juice? ]

it's saturday night (sweet jacket)

No. [ Shaking her head, she continues in a frank tone. ] I don't think it's your jacket.

[ Aerith has a basket dangling from her elbow, stuffed with decorative flowers. Across the bridge is more businesses, and part of the parade route. A problem had presented itself to the pair of you on your way to deliver more decorations in the form of a young man wearing a rather trendy looking jacket. It certainly looks like it's Shuten's speed, from Aerith's cursory glances around the territory.

The man is unready to admit defeat to her simple, matter-of-fact statement. He shakes his head in disbelief, but it's hard to miss the crestfallen glint in his eyes. Aerith feels a twinge of regret, but better to hear it than keep believing it. Right? ]

Aaaand my lovely assistant, [ She turns to you, smiling cheekily. ] can explain to you why, can't you?

[ Her green gaze flicks to the river, where the water soaked visage of a goddess glowers at the trio of them. She gets the feeling she might have to run across this particular bridge from now on, if only by association...

Leaning in, Aerith whispers: ] Psst! Break it to him gently.

wildcard (closed prompts)

[ my ooc intro is here if you wanna plot something out more specific. i'm always happy to write a starter if someone contacts me for one, too! on the other hand, if you prefer to use my post, you're totally welcome to use this for a wildcard open. i'm also only a PM away, or contactable on plurk, listed above!

locked to nia. ]

Comments

LOCKED to nia, during the mingle.

[everblooms]

[ Tamamo's sort of excitement wasn't exactly something she was unfamiliar with. It was new, but it reminded her of Wall Market, with pretty people and pretty costumes and good music and dancing. Truthfully, the dancing was probably all she needed to keep her entertained for a bit, but it's when people started trying to coddle her that her agitation rose. Eventually, the sticky air is too much for her— she would rather play tardy than stick around. Making her way for the door, she spots another girl; smaller than her, but Aerith can't imagine she's much younger.

She cants her head in greeting. ]

Bailing, too? [ She pumps a fist, and presses her body against one of the doors at the front of Mizukume. It's been fun, or some approximation of it, but as she opens the door, Aerith offers the blonde a toothy grin, the corners of her crinkling with a giggle. ] Let's blow this popsicle stand.

[ The night air hits Aerith's skin. It's a brisk relief from the sticky, body heat soaked energy inside, and the asphalt is awash in neon colors from signs and billboards. Somehow, it's cooler out here, and she can see the reflection of the city in condensation pools on the asphalt. ] Phew. [ Aerith takes a step outside, holding the door open for a moment.

Outdoors, she takes stock of the area. She recognizes a few potential options for bailing further, and knows one alley can take her on a short cut to an apartment complex. Her braid sways in the wind. ]

Ladies. [ A voice comes from her back, and Aerith twists to see it: Two hulking men, one holding a pipe, staring them down. They look relatively official, and she's reminded of another set she knows from the past. It's not hard to guess they could be security of some kind, but something isn't quite right. She swears that there's bouncers inside, not outside. At least, not this close to the entrance. Did she miss it? ] Walking out on your own isn't recommended, 'specially not for gals like yourselves.

Uh... [ Aerith looks to Nia, tilting her body closer as she poses her question, looking confused. ] Do you remember anything about bouncers out here...?

[ This looks bad. Annoying, at the very least. ]

[nya]

( there's a thin line between a party and a crowd. the place is nice, sure; she's always in awe of how well put-together things are around here. it's elegant and inviting, but — there's something heavy hanging in the air, like a mist that hovers just above their heads, and she's not sure she wants to find out what it is. the atmosphere feels heavy; charged. it's not that she doesn't like company — it's that this kind of a thing spooks her like it would a skittish animal, unwilling to dive into the unknown without anyone to hold onto.

so she skips; it doesn't seem as if people are particularly hell-bent on them staying here, anyway. on her way towards the exit, there's another girl who seems headed in the same direction; her ears perk up in interest, when she's spoken to, and she turns to look at her, feeling... some sort of an escapee camaraderie, maybe. )

It's taking waaay too long. ( she complains, following after. no idea what a popsicle stand it, but she's down to blow it up?

fresh air feels ridiculously good, after all that. she inhales and exhales, puffing up her cheeks in obvious relief. when you're part-animal, your senses are naturally heightened — too long in a place with such intense smells, and she feels herself going dizzy with it. outside, there's still the lingering scent of incense and perfume, but it's not as intense — she can work with this. and just when she thinks they're free to go —

an unpleasant voice. she looks behind her and scowls, immediately reminded of the soldiers chasing her down back home — if she had her weapon, she'd draw it in an instant, but... all she has is herself, and she hisses back in response, shuffling closer to the girl to wrap a hand around her wrist. these men are big. the alleyways are small. she's a cat — she's good at finding escape routes. )

Run. ( is all the warning aerith gets, before nia throws herself forward and away from the guards. fighting... would've been an option, sure, if she still had any powers at all — like this, it's much better to just bail, and she keeps a tight grip on the other girl's hand as she pulls her into an alleyway after an alleyway, maneuvering between trashcans and discarded furniture, seeking places as narrow as possible, to make sure the men can't follow. where will this take them... nobody knows, but hopefully far enough from the establishment to not be worth the chase. )

[everblooms]

[ "Run" is what Nia says, and Aerith looks at her for a moment then back at the men lumbering over the pair of them like predators. This must be how mice feel, she thinks, before nodding. Her feet keep up even when her mind hasn't quite gotten there, and they tear through alleyways without a word. The soles of her boots mix with the click-clack of Nia's heels. How in the world is she running in those?

At their back, she hearts it— the telltale sound of the men following them. ]

Those definitely aren't bouncers! [ A helpful comment, but she immediately follows it up. After looking back to confirm, she sees their long shadows cast on the wall and looks around for an escape route. Immediately, she realizes: ]

...I know this alley way... To the left! C'mon!

[ Tugging at Nia's grip, Aerith makes a beeline for the fire escape. ]

The rooftops, we can escape across them. [ She looks down at Nia, gaze serious but compassionate. ] Think you're up for some hopping and skipping?

[ Her other hand is already on the ladder. ]

wicked on the weekend.

[deathrespect]

Whoa!

( Samatoki jerks back from the weapon, the rest of his frame following with a step back. )

Watch it, yeah? Shit's lethal.

( But he pulls a bit of a face, considering. )

Sure, he can keep it. If I catch him causing any Shuten trouble I'll snap it over my knee, though.

( His grin is full of fang, directed more at the youkai than at Aerith. )

[everblooms]

Oops. [ But she doesn't dwell, not at all. Instead, Aerith watches as the youkai immediately begins to quiver. He shakes more than a tree in a storm, seeming to fall apart just as easy. She looks from him to the youkai, unsure of who to respond to first, before looking at Samatoki with a tired sort of gaze, as if she's heard this too often. ]

Well, yeah! But, what even is Shuten trouble? Besides... [ She leans in to whisper to him, trying not to frighten the poor youkai further. ] What if he needs it later? During the parade?

[ Of course, this implies she knows what Shuten trouble is. ]

[deathrespect]

Pfft. 's what I meant. Shit's gonna get rowdy.

( He has to laugh. )

I just don't wanna see him making shit harder for ...

( How to put it? He passes a hand over his face, looking at the youkai to wave him away. Turning back to Aerith: )

... The faction that took me in. I guess.

Night Parade, B!

[dehallow]

[ Starting from the bottom in the Department of the Enma is an... interesting experience. Van Zieks has always known that London bobbies work incredibly hard in fulfilling such basic security duties for the town, but he'd never expected to get a taste of that for himself at any point. Now it's all "go make yourself useful" and "we're not giving that case to a rookie, are you insane" and somehow he's ended up teaming up with this lady for... weapon's checks. He understand the necessity of it, but it is deeply annoying.

And... well, it should be simple and boring, but that assessment has him frowning. ]

You stay right there.

[ This is said to the youkai, who's triumphant expression fades away as far as his fish features allow. Van Zieks' voice carries the authority of one accustomed to wielding power, making it an effective tool.

Turning to Aerith, he crosses his arms. ]

Pray tell, what about this weapon makes you deem it appropriate for a densely populated festival?

[everblooms]

[ The youkai deflates near immediately. Already, he can tell that bureaucracy is a mysterious entity in Jigoku. His fate is left to the stars, and Aerith shares a look with him. Her green gaze is confused, but she nods. An attempt to console him, even if momentarily. She's got his back!

Turning to Van Zieks, the young woman raises her hands in loose fists. She feels like a serious debate is about to start, and wonders momentarily if she'll be able to keep up. ]

Well... [ Very earnestly, she takes a step forward, and cups a hand over her mouth, in an attempt to keep her response secret. ]

Do we know if he won't need it for the Night Parade? There's already some seedy guys out, without a commotion to cover it up. [ She looks back to the fish headed youkai, quivering in his boots. A hopeful glint is in his beady eyes. ]

Why? What's your proposal? We just take it from him? Then what?

[dehallow]

[ There is always seedy guys out in Jigoku, that is the number one thing van Zieks has come to understand about this town. In London, you'd have good and bad neighborhoods. In Jigoku, you have bad and worse. ]

He may retrieve it at the end of the event.

[ Aerith treats this as a discussion and she is correct that the two of them are the exact same level of authority here... but the way van Zieks talks sure is not a match for that. He very much sounds like he is a superior putting somebody through training. ]

We cannot allow a concealed blade into the crowd. [ Keyword being 'concealed'.... Van Zieks is very much wearing a sword himself... ] He is as likely to need it as he is to cause somebody else to need theirs. With secret weaponry like that, we are leaving everybody vulnerable to bloody surprises. There is little room to evade within a parade.

[ His voice is likewise low, but probably not so low that their little fish friend couldn't just listen in if he tried a little... ]

sweet jacket

[deadtective]

[something's about to get broken all right, but it's more likely to be Hazel's arm than this man's pride. she may be the 'assistant' in this confrontation but the only thing she's interested in helping is herself to that jacket. why? no real reason other than an inherent need to fill her troubled mind with chaos...and, like. it's a really nice jacket.

so she smiles at Aerith, outwardly more than happy to play along and help them unload all these fake flowers, but then she opens her mouth...]

You've got an intensely unlucky aura and it's perverting the jacket's good vibes. [Hazel, no-] If you give it to me we can cleanse it for you.

[nO-!!]

[everblooms]

[ You know what? She respects the hustle. Her lips twist in a way, as if to conceal the smirk that cross them, and Aerith looks from Hazel to the be-jacketed man. His expression runs colder than the river water below, mouth agape. He is truly in shock, and it seems like the world has lost all it's wonder and color in one sentence.

She expects it to not work, and tilts her head as if to say "I told you so," to Hazel, only for the man to shakily respond. ]

N...No way, man... That's impossible. Me? Pervertin' the jacket?

[ He's devastated, or furious. Aerith readies her body just in case they need to bail— if Hazel's willing to try and get that jacket off his body and onto her's, Aerith's almost certain she has no real sense of self-preservation. ]

You...Y-you just want my awesome jacket! But I'm not gonna fall for it. I'm telling ya', Hashihime down there's got her eye on it for herself. Look at her, she could seriously use a jacket!

[ She does have a tit out.

Looking askance to Hazel, Aerith shrugs. Immediately, she gives up on that line. In her mind, they'll have to get the guy across some other way. ] Worth a shot.

[ The irony is that she probably could have done just as Hazel said, if she had her magic. ]

[deadtective]

You're ogling some lady's tits and trying to tell me you're not a fucking perv? Come on, dude.

[completely void of restraint or care for her own well-being that she is, even Hazel can tell when she's banging her head against a wall that won't be crumbling anytime soon from this angle. that said - Hashihime is more than free to show the world her nipples, thank you, and she is absolutely casting shade on you for trying to cover her up dude! you're not worthy of that sweet jacket!

...but now that she's planted the seed of doubt in this man's mind about his virtue, she's reluctantly letting that track go. part of her wants to just push him into the river, but again - play nice! this is supposed to be a time where everyone's being a little less of a dick to each other. Aerith's shrug is met by the puffing out of her cheeks, the smaller woman indulging in a little sulking while she contemplates a new tactic.

oh, hm. pretending to fuss with the floral decorations so she can lean in and speak a bit more privately with her companion, she floats the thought out for committee approval.]

...you think we can get him onto our shoulders and just sprint across?

[you know, like a battering ram. just. really really fast.]

night parade a;

[pathofsacrifice]

[ It is amazing what dodging plague clouds has taught a man -- which is how to move out of the way of something dangerous much faster than his large stature might indicate he can move. ]

Shudkher!

[ The curse spills forth and lets out a long sigh as soon as it seems like that trouble is finished. He thought the young woman needed some help with how she was wrestling the weapon away from the young youkai; it's why he stood anxiously behind her with the hope his presence would be enough to end the shuffling -- and nearly ended up wounded.

The tone of that mental sentence may sound irritated or upset, but it actually is resigned and accepting; it is the kind of outcome that he should have expected and he's a little embarrassed that he didn't think it wouldn't happen.

Crossing his arms, he stares down at the young youkai then to the young woman. ]

No. No, he should not keep it.

[everblooms]

[ Oopsie, she comments softly to herself, and then turns her body in such a way that he can join the conversation between the three of them. Aerith, not looking terribly apologetic after seeing he's quite alright, looks from the man to the fish-headed youkai with curiosity before responding in a polite tone. If his curse bothers her, she certainly doesn't show it. ]

Hm? [ She looks the youkai up and down before turning back to the man, knuckles to her hips, still. ]

Aww, c'mon, why not? He's the one who knows how to use it, not us.

[pathofsacrifice]

Simply because he knows how to use it, doesn't mean he should have it.

[ His head gives a firm shake. ]

You're too young for blades. [ Artemy's hand shoots out to point an accusing finger in the young youkai's face. ] Play war when you're older.

[ Curing his finger back, he looks back to his companion. His expression appears to be just as stern with her. ] He doesn't get it back.

sweet jacket

[peacewithouttyranny]

[The lovely assistant back here is a 10 foot tall mech, one hand holding a create full of new, freshly made decorations while the other is resting on his hips, optics open in case someone try to start a fight. While Soundwave respect the man's fashion choice, he highly doubts that anyone could be envious of that gaudy jacket- if anything, he'd sooner believe that the reason was because the man's being obnoxious and showy about it. It's just ridiculous.

His head tilts slightly to the side when Aerith turns to him with a smile. The optics behind the glowing red visor gaze down to the young lady and then the harishime in the river.

Welp, time to get involved in this and put his diplomatic skill to use. A frank response seems to have no effect on the man, but perhaps he could try to plant the seed of doubt in him? He'll have to ask the harishime why she's apparently attacking the young man.]

You believe that you were attacked because they wanted to take the jacket for themselves, correct? But were there any real attempts to remove the jacket from you during any of the attacks?

[Hopefully that may plant put the idea in his head.]

If no, perhaps it is possible that it is not because of your jacket.

[everblooms]

Look, man, I know it sounds crazy, believe me. [ The man gestures in a way, as if to try and lower the stakes of this situation. He definitely believes they're very high, at least. ] This might not look like the kinda' jacket a woman wants to get her hands on, but that lady does! [ He points at the hashihime, minding her own business, tits out to the wind. She hisses and smacks the surface of the water, the flames atop her hand burning with concentrated, petty rage. ]

Hm... [ Aerith looks from the ten foot tall robot to the man again, a smirk crossing her features. ]

I don't think a rational approach is going to work on him. He's way too attached to that jacket. You don't think... [ Hashihime is notoriously petty, yes, but is it always without reason? She's definitely seem some shit out in the world. Public fights are a dime a dozen. ]

[peacewithouttyranny]

[Soundwave is linefacing something fierce behind the faceplate. Then, his vents exhale. The man's just annoying about it, and Soundwave begrudgingly agrees with the young lady that rational approaches aren't going to make him remove the jacket.

And looking at said harishime down there? Continue to be doubtful she wanted the jacket.]

... Perhaps the spirit goddess may have a reason.

[That prompted the man to go "yeah, the reason's obvious" and then off on another tangent about her wanting the jacket. Soundwave just... ignores him.

The harishime are infamous for being petty creatures, or so he heard, but Soundwave wanted to believe that perhaps it's different in this situation. Maybe she did have a reason and that Mr. Jacket may have done something to aggravate her? Or maybe it is actually petty and she really just doesn't like him.

That's what he's going to find out by listening to her side. So before any conjured up flame is thrown at the man, Soundwave quickly gets in between.]

Calm down, there's no need for that. Tell us what has that man done to earn your ire?

slides prep b across the table

[camerastraps]

( while he can't say hie's used to things here yet, prompto is... finding things a little easier. at least, easier when he doesn't have to be around uncomfortable places anyway.

which means he's totally fine doing a little "for hire" work in one of the many izakaya bars around. at the very least, he knows how to clean and bring food and drink to people. and it's nice not to have to entertain (though, if he's completely honest, it feels like some customers expect that and he is so not about that and happy to continue playing oblivious.)

he's on his way to take out yet another bag of trash when he nearly crashes into something — someone, rather. for a moment he stumbles but rights himself soon enough. a delivery? no one mentioned anything, but... it'd be stupid not to take more alcohol, right? that'd probably make someone mad if he said no...

right? this isn't a trap, is it??

the bag of trash gets set down to the side just as a familiar face pops into view. )

Oh! ( prompto's all smiles, confident now in accepting the delivery. aerith probably wouldn't do anything bad. right!? ) It's you!

( if he sounds happy about it, he is. there hasn't been much familiarity around here (and, quite frankly, some scary things but whatever), and though they might not be from the same place, she's one of the first friends (that's right, ✨friends✨ because, yes, that first meeting sealed the deal on that friendship; sorry, aerith) he's made here. )

Hey! Oh, uh— ( he fumbles for a moment then reaches to take the case. ) Sorry, I got it.

👀👀

[everblooms]

[ It's a stroke of luck that Aerith regards him as a friendly face, too. That be-freckled mug is just too cute to not friendzone. Prompto takes the case from her, and as she's relieved of it, a sigh of relief escapes her. You don't realize how heavy something is until you're not holding it anymore, apparently. ]

Phew, thanks. My back could use the break!

[ It really was in danger for a bit there. ]

Sorry it isn't very much. Good thing is, you guys can sell it a very good price. [ Read: steep. ]

It's really nice seeing you, Prompto! I was wondering what you got up to. [ Dipping to grab the trash, Aerith makes to go throw it out for him. She's spent most of her life out Shinra on chore duty. Elmyra is no joke! ] Staying out of trouble?

[camerastraps]

( friendzoned already 😔 story of his life!!!

but, anyway.

he fumbles for a second, caught somewhere between trying to put the case down and trying to stop aerith from doing his dirty chore. he looks sort of like a chicken with his head cut off, but before he can do either thing, she's already taken care of it and there's really nothing more he can do about it besides offer a little appreciation. )

Thanks. ( a murmur, really. but he shakes his head a little as if to clear it out and gestures toward the case with a small dip of his head, his voice pitched low as he leans a little closer to her. ) And, it's fine. They kind of, y'know, water it down.

( he straightens and glances around to make sure no one heard. seems he's safe for now. )

So, unless someone heard that, I'm staying out for trouble for now! How about you? Everything okay?

LOCKED to six.

[everblooms]

[ In the days since she's decided to disregard the borders set up by the powers that be and deliver Tamamo's stock around Jigoku, Aerith's gotten a few odd jobs thrown at her. Not all of them are easy to complete without an extra set of hands, and when a particularly large order for some fancy mineral water came through, she had made a point to ask Six to help make her life a little easier. The pay off was feeding him, as usual, though this time she promised a home cooked meal. It wouldn't her mother's food, but it would be something.

The building they end up coming to is an address she's seen around the city. Advertised in posters with provacative images of pills on them, she assumes this is little more than a delivery. Fancy mineral water probably doesn't do much for hydration— even so, a job's a job, and water's water. ]

Oh, I don't... It's okay.

[ The problem arose when, surprisingly, the rabbit-woman behind the counter insisted on Aerith participating in the study. Payment was received, and could be doubled, she would insist. You're here already, you might as well. Why not? It could help others. The last one gets her to falter— something about the rabbit-woman's gaze and the way she seems so sure it would be beneficial... ]

...Mm... [ Standing there with her arms against the dolly carrying the bamboo baskets, stuffed with glass bottles. She's considering it, if only for that. Payment, truthfully, has no affect on her, but something about that rabbit's gaze makes her uneasy. It's almost as if she knows.

Those are the eyes of a scientist. A mad one.

Six is witness to this, then: Aerith, a young woman with a heart that wishes only to help others and to do what she can to save them, is being sweet talked by the youkai who gazes at them both with a curious, deep red gaze.

Aerith reaches out, fingers nearly touching the bottle. Should she? ]

enter: captain reckless

[wray]

[ absolutely not. not on six's watch.

before aerith's fingers can even touch the bottle, six reaches out for her wrist and puts a stop to the madness. he doesn't say anything for the longest time but he does stare at aerith pointedly, as though saying really? in front of my salad? ]

I'll do it.

[ without waiting for further protest, he snatches the bottle away and taps one pill out of it. it seems unassuming enough while it rests on his gloved hand, but he knows enough about how these things work to know that there's likely nasty side effects waiting for him by the end of this. still, money is money, and he won't let aerith deal with it when his body is better suited to handling poisons. ]

We just have to report back tomorrow, yes?

[ the rabbit-woman nods, easy smiles all around. six is still wary but takes the pill obediently. so far, nothing happens immediately. maybe that's the most concerning part.

you just have to tell us what happens from now until tomorrow. take care! as if that doesn't just increase his suspicions.

six jerks his head towards the door. ]

... Let's go.

Night Parade Prep A

[kikuichi]

[He happened to spot her earlier and came over to check out what she's doing. And that's why he's hanging around, watching her do her inspections, and sometimes step closer for a better look at any interesting items that pop up.]

Uhahaha!

[Yes, he dodge it in time by stepping backwards. And laughs afterward, because he finds it all very amusing. Despite almost being stabbed in the face, but that's life for you.]

I'd at least ask them why first. Tell us why we should let you keep them.

[Sure, he's in the Department of the Enma. But that doesn't mean he HAVE to be overly strict and a stickler for the rules.]

[everblooms]

[ The young youkai begins shivering again, as if a terrible draft has struck him. He's really getting jerked around here, but Aerith leans in with a comforting smile. ]

It's okay. Tell you what, you already got my approval, so that's half the battle won. Right?

[ It happens very slowly. He looks from Aerith's brilliant green eyes to Nori's smile, which might as well be a knife with how a cold chill drags along the youkai's back. But with a nod, he stares right into Aerith's face. ]

It is... a gift... from my mother. I would like to keep it with me, if you'll l-l-l-let me...

Well, there you have it. [ Standing at full height, Aerith's knuckles find her hips again. ] Good enough for you?