The Maiden Who Travels The Planet

by Benny Matsuyama

The novel takes place from the viewpoint of Aerith and is divided into seven chapters. Beginning immediately after her death, Aerith meets the spirits of the dead characters from Final Fantasy VII, including Jessie, Biggs and Wedge, Professor Hojo, and her first boyfriend, Zack Fair. To some of these spirits she is able to console them and help them move on, while others cling to their deeds in life and cannot be helped. Throughout the novella, Aerith philosophizes on her relationships with the various characters and the nature of life, and watches the effect Sephiroth is having on the Lifestream. As the novella ends, Aerith commands the spirits of the Lifestream to emerge and help Holy push back and destroy Meteor, saving the Planet.

Genres: Fantasy, Light Novel, Audiobook

ebook

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ana Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this novella did not fail in capturing Aerith's true essence: cheerful, positive and quite melancholic not because she wants to be, but because her life and condition puts her in that position. We are oftenly presented with a saint-like Aerith in other media, such as in Kingdom Hearts. She is quiet, beautiful, wise but feels quite unreachable. And that is not the impression I ever had of Aerith. Aerith was reachable even in death. She was always present. Her love, not only for Cloud, but for her friends, her mother and humanity is unconditional and so beautiful, because it breaks so many walls. Walls of kin (because she is not quite human, yet she sympathizes with them), of life and death and gender. I didn't know I needed to know what happened to her inside the Planet so badly until I've got this novela, and I'm glad Matsuyama and crew did this. Lovable and sweet reading!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy, they really did Zack dirty with this novella. I love him so much (thanks, Crisis Core), but this? This isn’t Zack... Oh well, all of the other characters were captured incredibly well, especially Aerith. A must read for fans of Final Fantasy VII

[Dustin (dragonarmybooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a BookTube channel where I review books, give reading suggestions, and more! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/dragonarmybooks

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This. Was. Stunning.

Now, before I tell you what it's about and how I arrived at my stated conclusion, I first need to tell you how I went about reading this story.

The Maiden Who Travels The Planet was published in Japanese in the Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Omega. It has received a few different English translations, but they have all been unofficial. I began reading an extremely poor translation that I had to put down because of how bad it was. After some more research, I ended up on YouTube and found that the folks at thelifestream.net have created a dramatized audiobook version of the story. And while it's not perfect, it was a wonderful experience.

Moments after her death in the Forgotten City, Aerith's consciousness awakens in the Lifestream. This book chronicles her travels through the Lifestream, recording a number of meetings between her and several characters we watch die in the game. Some of these meetings are redemptive and beautiful. Others are tragic and irredeemable. All are candy for the hardcore FFVII fans.

I wouldn't say this is a MUST READ for one particular reason. It's not canon. Or, at least, there has been no official word on its canonicity. I will say, though, there's no reason it shouldn't be. Aerith's personality was captured so perfectly. The Lifestream was painted so vividly. And the cast of characters that we come into contact with once again are all perfectly in line with what we get from the game.

I absolutely adored this novella. And, although I won't say it's a must-read for Final Fantasy VII fans, I would say that if you loved the game, you'll likely love this story too.

[Stiltzkin Vanserine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Mistborn: Secret History, The Maiden Who Travels the Planet chronicles Aerith's journey through the Lifestream after her untimely demise. She talks to the souls of the recently deceased, including those of her friends, acquaintances of her friends, and enemies. Although it's not officially considered canon, it adds more flavor to the lore of Final Fantasy VII, and Aerith's cheery, bubbly personality shines as brightly as the fireworks above the Golden Saucer.

[jAndrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice story about what was happening in the Lifestream while Cloud and the others were trying to save the world. Nice to see old characters interact with Aerith and play a part in repelling Meteor.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting journey through the lifestream which is likely to be of interest (although I’ve read that it’s non canon) to fans of FF VII.

There are several different translations online. The v I read wasn’t perfect, but was still a great read.

[noor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was originally going to give it four because I didn't agree with the interpretation of the Lifestream... but there was so many good ideas and just pure angst presented, that I needed it give it five stars.

"Please let me say this at least. That day, many people managed to escape because the three of you worked hard to protect the Seventh Sector pillar. I'm sure the number of people that managed to escape was more than the people who died in Sector One... And I also managed to save Marlene because of that. Maybe that isn’t enough to free you all… I know that people's lives aren’t something you add and subtract with but... Please remember that it's not only sins that you carry."

"...Thank you. Thank you, Aerith."

AERITH IS WRITTEN SO WELL! She's fun, she's whimsical, and she's so fierce about her beliefs, never backing down.

"...You have no guts."

"What did you say?"

"I'll say it again. You have no guts. You don't have the courage to go back and start over. You've only been tumbling round and round where it's the easiest going for you."

And all the Cloud and Aerith content, REALLY drove me insane. It hurts, knowing that she really, truly fell in love with him, even if she didn't understand him.

Aerith cried as she thought about the shattered Cloud that even her prayers wouldn't reach. His wrecked character could no longer be fixed. If he wasn't Cloud in the first place then, who was he? Knowing him only as a former member of Soldier, there was no way she could guess. She embraced the feeling of helplessness that she couldn't put into words.

"Cloud... I miss you. I miss the real you..."

I feel like this is the perfect callback to the date scene, where she wishes to meet the 'real Cloud' and here, the 'real Cloud' is the one she loves... AAA...

She desperately tried to talk to Tifa who was about to get intoxicated by the highly concentrated Mako. Guiding her conscious, Aerith took her into Cloud's closed heart.

In truth, Aerith really wanted to do it herself. But she couldn't carry out the task. That's why she entrusted Tifa with it. She entrusted Tifa with all the feelings she had for Cloud in her heart. She entrusted them to the one that was going to "live" together with Cloud...

And she accepts that she and Cloud can't be together - but Tifa and Cloud can be! And she doesn't regret for a second sacrificing herself, because Cloud and everyone else can live, even if she's not with them... Insert ugly crying face.

Also like to take a minute to appreciate Tired Zack, who doesn't have it in him to do anything other than find peace.

"You too?"... Does that mean you're dead too, Aerith? Well, I was going to say the same thing, anyway and then... How should I put this... Give my condolences?"

"You haven't changed one bit."

No matter what happened, Zack never lost his cheerfulness.

and the two of them both talking about Cloud, and feeling attached to him...

"You were there at the time, Zack? Then what about Cloud...?"

"Woah woah, hold it there! How do you know about Cloud too? And is he safe?!"

"You know Cloud too. There really is a Cloud, isn't there?"

AND THE TWO OF THEM FELL OUT OF LOVE... it makes sense on Aerith's part but the fact that Zack is just too tired...

"It's not over yet but, I'm going to sleep for a while. It seems there's nothing I can do just now. But whenever you feel lonely, call me Aerith."

"Only if I get really lonely. Goodnight, Zack."

[Chaitan Saka · Rating 5 out of 5]

**If you're one of my friends and you haven't played FFVII (not naming names), don't touch this.

Resident FFVII fan enjoys FFVII material!

I always wanted to understand what happens to Aerith after that section of FFVII. This whole book is Aerith in the purest form. It's like pretty accurate to her character in the remakes, which is just so wonderful. You see a lot more of her character than in original FFVII. People might argue about how canonical the description of the lifestream is, but I kind of didn't really care. You see the rest of FFVII from Aerith's eyes and that's cool enough for me.

[Lina · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is no way this story is canon. There are quite a few contradictions and even though some people say the writer captures the characters' essences, he doesn't really. Maybe if you just count the original, badly translated game and pretend nothing else exists. Also, it's like all the events in Crisis Core never happened so they did Zack dirty. Not sure if it's the fan translation I read but the writing isn't that great (too many grammar errors for me to focus on the story). Either way, not a fan of Benny. If you're gonna read a Final Fantasy novel, go read Nojima's.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best short stories I have ever read. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer. The translation of this story is one of the best I have ever read. The way the author wrote about the characters and scenes was so descriptive, it was beautiful. Arieth is one of my favorite characters from FF7, and this just cemented it in my mind. And the fact that we get to see how she interacts with Cloud after everything happens in the game is just the cherry on top.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta historia no está escrita por los guionistas del juego, no obstante Square la publicó como oficial, se nota el cambio de autor, aunque en mi opinion es para mejor, es una historia corta sobre Aeris que nos da una posible explicación a todo lo que le pasó en la corriente vital y conecta de una manera muy bonita sucesos que en el juego parecían independientes. Un acierto

[Trần Hải Đăng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything makes me love Aerith more. Omg she has a great soul of Maria. No words can describe that tolerant heart. Thanks Square. They have made the best character in the game world. :)

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, everything I was hoping from this, aside from an official English translation.

[Michael Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was wondering if you can translated into "English" so we might really wanted to read that thoigh?

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Marc B · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s aerith it was always aerith it’s always gonna be aerith get that cloud tifa nonsense out of here

[Michael Lockyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000/10 would cry to again.

[SavvyAbby · Rating 4 out of 5]

they ate with this one