Hoshi o Meguru Otome

Hoshi wo Meguru Otome (星を巡る乙女), roughly translated as The Maiden Who Travels the Planet, is a novella written by Benny Matsuyama that relates the events occurring in the Lifestream from Aerith's point of view since the time of her death up to the ending of Final Fantasy VII. It was published in the Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Omega Book.

Creation
The novella was not written by Square Enix staff, but was published by Studio Bentstuff and written by Benny Matsuyama under the supervision of Square Enix. Before the release of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Tetsuya Nomura had approached the staff of Bentstudio and said he wanted a new book made for Final Fantasy VII so that fans can enjoy the game once again. This became the Ultimania Omega, and included in it was the novella Hoshi wo Meguru Otome. Because many points in the novella are contradicted by first party materials, it has been rendered non-canon. It was never translated into English, although several popular fan translations exist online.

The novella expands on the meaning of existence in the Lifestream and its role within the Planet, giving it a dual-role similar to Heaven and Hell based on the actions of those who die — those who led sinful lives must exist with the knowledge of the crimes they committed, those who led good lives are allowed to be absorbed into the collective of the Lifestream.

In May 2010, a fanmade audiobook based on the novella was produced for TheLifestream.net, featuring voice actors, original compositions of familiar themes, and completely original music by composer Roy Todd. This is the first in a series of audiobooks based on the "On The Way To A Smile" series.

Content
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 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.