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Aerith Gainsborough starts off with more love points than Tifa Lockhart for a reason. And that reason is very simple: Square Enix wanted Clerith to be the primary love story of Final Fantasy VII. If that wasn’t the case, both Aerith and Tifa would have started the game with an equal number of love points. And if both ladies are tied by the time of the Gold Saucer date, the tie goes to Aerith. 

As with all love triangles, you have to give both options a way of working out. That is why Cloud can choose to *optionally* rekindle a childhood crush with Tifa through a *variable* scene. However, just because this is an option due to the inherent nature of a love triangle, doesn’t mean it is the primary or canon love story of Final Fantasy VII. It simply means Tifa is an alternative to Aerith if you choose to play the game that way. But when one girl is given 20 more love points from the very beginning, it is not hard to see which girl is the primary love story of Final Fantasy VII.

If gamers played Final Fantasy VII once or twice back in 1997, they probably got the Clerith date and the low-affection Highwind scene. And even if they got the high-affection Highwind scene, the non-optional hand reach between Cloud and Aerith follows shortly after. The big difference here is Cloud and Tifa’s final scene is variable, whereas Cloud and Aerith’s final scene is non-optional. Aerith is primary [non-optional]. Tifa is secondary [variable]. 

Further – Cloud and Aerith’s non-optional “Promised Land hand reach” was given a “homage” in Advent Children, a theme further explored in Clerith cameos such as Final Fantasy Tactics.

Everyone that played Final Fantasy VII back in 1997 remembers Cloud and Aerith’s love story. It played out before our eyes during the entire first disc and was back again for the finale. It was clear to the majority of gamers back in 1997 that Cloud and Aerith were the intended lovers of Final Fantasy VII – the official Amano artwork speaks for itself.

Unfortunately, ever since the release of Crisis Core, Cloti’s have routinely used Zack to invalidate Cloud x Aerith. But back in 1997, Aerith said her relationship with Zack wasn’t very serious:

Cloud: “You were…serious?“  Aerith: “No. But I liked him for awhile.”

I also remember watching the canon Cloud x Aerith date back in 1997 and coming to the only logical conclusion: Aerith initially liked Cloud because of Zack but soon grows to like Cloud for Cloud. Aerith wanted to get to know the “real” Cloud. She says so herself:

Aerith: “………first off, it bothered me how you looked exactly alike.” “Two completely different people, but look exactly the same.” “The way you walk, gesture…” “I think I must have seen him again, in you…"  “But you’re different.”   “Things are different…”  “Cloud…” “I’m searching for you…” Cloud: “…………?” Aerith: “I want to meet you.” Cloud: “But I’m right here.” Aerith: (I know, I know… what I mean is…)  “I want to meet….. you.” 

Retcons won’t change the fact that Aerith moved on from Zack in 1997’s Final Fantasy VII. This is made crystal clear during the canon Clerith date and through official Square Enix statements:

“At first when I met Cloud, I believed he was similar to Zack. Little actions, the way he spoke… his kindness.” ~Aerith’s monologue in Gongaga, Final Fantasy VII Dismantled, Square Enix

“Although in the beginning Aerith felt close to Cloud because he behaves like Zack, her interest in Cloud himself grows and she is attracted to him.”  ~page 31, Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Omega, Square Enix

As the story of Final Fantasy VII unfolds, Aerith begins to realizes she likes Cloud for Cloud:

“But Cloud is Cloud.  I, now undoubtedly, love Cloud much more than Zack.”  ~Aerith’s monologue in Gongaga, Final Fantasy VII Dismantled, Square Enix

Cloti’s also say Cloud only liked Aerith because “he thought he was Zack.” They reduce the entire Clerith ship to a mere plot twist, saying Cloud and Aerith’s love story was just another example of Cloud’s jumbled memories. In other words… Cloud only fell in love with Aerith because he thought he was Zack, Aerith’s first boyfriend.

According to them, during the lifestream sequence, Cloud discovers he took on parts of Zack’s history/persona, which leads him to realizing he never loved Aerith because it was actually him thinking he was Zack. Subsequently, this re-triggers his love for childhood crush, Tifa Lockhart. Clerith is now reduced to a mere plot twist. 

Unfortunately, rediscovering an *unreciprocated* childhood crush that led to a *strong-armed* promise doesn’t automatically translate into present-day romance. Nor does it mean Cloud’s eternal feelings of love for Aerith suddenly vanish. Cloud can both re-discover a childhood crush *and* maintain eternal feelings of love for Aerith. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.

If you can believe it, though, Cloud and Tifa fans go even further and say Square Enix declared the high-affection Highwind scene canon due to largely unknown and unread books mostly sold in Japan. Admittedly, these books do give the high-affection version of the Highwind scene preferential treatment in some places. However, nowhere is the high-affection Highwind scene stated to be the ‘normal’ outcome like the Cloud x Aerith Gold Saucer date is. Preferential treatment doesn’t equal canon, whereas something being stated as the ‘normal’ outcome does make something canon [like the Cloud x Aerith Gold Saucer date].

Given that this is a love triangle, there has to be a way to play Final Fantasy VII the Cloti way. So the answer is yes… you can optionally rekindle a childhood romance through an intentionally *variable* Highwind scene. This is, after-all, a love triangle – Square Enix is required to make Tifa a possibility. But the secondary love story is given a *variable* scene while the primary love story is given a *non-optional* finale regarding the Promised Land.

Everyone in 1997 witnessed Cloud’s heart break when he was holding Aerith’s lifeless body in his arms. Cloud and Aerith had just received a romantic wedding prediction from Cait Sith, went on a ‘normally’ occurring date at Gold Saucer, and spent numerous romantic moments together. Cloud and Aerith’s entire star-crossed love story developed before our eyes – spanning all of disc 1. This clear-cut Clerith love story is why there has been an intentional and systematic campaign to delegitimize, discredit, and downplay disc 1 of Final Fantasy VII.

So although you can play Final Fantasy VII the Cloti way (because this is, after-all, a love triangle)… that is clearly not the way Square Enix wanted you to play it on your first playthrough. Cloud and Aerith’s love story was simply too essential to the main themes of Final Fantasy VII – themes of the Planet, the lifestream, life, death, and the Promised Land.

Everything from the official Amano Clerith artwork, to the Final Fantasy Tactics Clerith cameo, to Aerith starting off with more love points than Tifa, it is clear Cloud and Aerith were the intended couple of Final Fantasy VII back in 1997. I have a sneaky suspicion that even the majority of Cloti’s played Final Fantasy VII the Clerith way on their first playthrough.

Recently, I asked my friend DJ about Final Fantasy VII, and what he said about Cloud and Aerith was interesting: “All I remember is that she comes back at the end and they are going to meet inside the planet.” He didn’t even remember the Highwind scene between Cloud and Tifa (and it’s notably absent from the official Final Fantasy VII strategy guide).

Despite Aerith being the intended girl for Cloud, many male gamers seemed to hate Aerith’s spunky, confident personality. And with the release of Crisis Core, these Aerith-haters looked to turn an unsuspecting generation into Cloti and Zerith’s by reducing Clerith to a mere plot twist. 

This fan-made theory ignores two key points, however:

1. Cloud remembers a genuine and “real” flashback in Aerith’s house, proving Aerith reaches the “real” Cloud during their disc 1 interactions.

2. The “real” Cloud remains heartbroken over Aerith long after he regains his memories (“I remember Aerith a lot.” ~Cloud during disc 2)

We know by simply observing Cloud’s legitimate and “real” flashback in Aerith’s house that the “real” Cloud was falling in love with Aerith throughout all of disc 1. Aerith was able to evoke the “real” Cloud to the surface and reach his core. That was the entire point of their disc 1 interactions – to showcase that Aerith was reaching the “real” Cloud and brining him to the surface. 

We also know by simply observing Cloud’s behavior after he reagins his memories to know that he is eternally heartbroken over Aerith Gainsborough:

“Delivery Item – Bouquet Destination – The Forgotten City Client Name – Elmyra Gainsborough … But, going back to the place where he parted from Aerith might mean that his sorrow and regret was going to tear his heart again.” ~Case of Tifa; Square Enix

After Cloud regains his memories, he remembers Aerith often, fights to avenge her death, and wants to find her in the Promised Land. Cloud remains heartbroken over Aerith throughout the entire compilation, something Tifa is confirmed to become jealous of. So don’t ever let anyone tell you Zack makes Clerith illegitimate. He doesn’t. Only recently have Tifa fanboys tried to remove Barret from the family he created in Case of Tifa, tried to make Denzel [a boy Cloud believes was brought to him by Aerith and later fights with Tifa about] seem like some biological child of Cloud and Tifa’s, make an optional scene that receives preferential treatment only [never being stated to be the ‘normal’ outcome like the Clerith Gold Saucer date] seem like the canon version, and completely ignore Nojima’s quotes about Cloud and Tifa not working out, saying it probably has nothing to do with Geostigma or Sephiroth. Clerith has always been obvious to anyone with common sense. Aerith moved on from Zack [as she states on her date with Cloud and through official Square Enix quotes] and Cloud continues to love Aerith even after regaining his memories – thinking of her often. And remember, Cloud’s heart ‘cracked’ when Aerith died, and his heart was pulled at again when he visits Aerith’s grave according to Square Enix. Cloud becomes distraught and drinks after visiting Aerith’s grave and fights with Tifa, leaving Tifa wondering if Cloud even loves her. Then Tifa get’s jealous when she see’s Cloud living in Aerith’s Church after she strong-arms Cloud into admitting he believes Aerith led Denzel to him.

At the end of the day, Cloud and Tifa fans wouldn’t be working so hard to discredit disc 1 if it didn’t make Clerith canon. However, due to the 10 romantic disc 1 Cloud x Aerith moments, Clerith was canonized back in 1997. Cloud and Aerith’s love story is essential to the main themes of Final Fantasy VII – themes of love and life beyond death and within the Planet, the lifestream, and – the Promised Land. I can’t wait for the Final Fantasy VII Remake to expand on Clerith moments that are microcosms of much bigger themes explored throughout the compilation.

Cloud and Aerith’s non-optional, star-crossed love story played out before gamers in 1997. By Square Enix deciding to give Aerith more love points, and declaring her date with Cloud as the ‘normal’ outcome (something that has never been declared for either Highwind scene), it is clear how Square Enix wanted gamers to play the game if they could only place it once. Retcons such as Crisis Core don’t change this. 

“I think I’m beginning to understand. An answer from the planet…the Promised Land…I think I can meet her… there…”  ~Cloud Strife; Final Fantasy VII

“The ending scene of the battle with Bahamut, the scene where Aerith reaches out her hand, is homage to the last scene from a previous production. It was Tetsuya (Nomura)’s idea….”  ~Nojima; Reunion Files; Square Enix

Eternal Love is Real. The Promised Land Does Exist.

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Why I Love Aerith Gainsborough

Not only is Aerith an extremely unique character because she is the last remaining Cetra and possesses special abilities, she is also a very endearing character. Your sense of empathy grows for her as the story of Final Fantasy VII unfolds.

The opening scene of Final Fantasy VII shows Aerith looking at an unknown mystical energy. She then proceeds to walk underneath a sign that reads ‘Loveless’. From that moment on I knew she was going to be a captivating and mysterious character that possessed a power far beyond anyone’s comprehension. After the opening sequence, you randomly meet Aerith and have the opportunity to buy a flower from her. When I first played the game, I was completely intrigued by her and wondered: “Why do I keep seeing this flower lady?” — “Why is she so mysterious and beautiful?” — “What’s her story?” …and when I finally heard her story, it lived up to everything I had imagined, and more… When you encounter her next she essentially saves your life. Her ability to grow flowers in Midgar helped cushion your fall. And I remember being so happy to see her again so I could find out more about her. I particularly love that right when you formally meet her she is tending to her flowers — the only life that seems to grow in Midgar. At that very moment her character seemed so full of magic and positive energy — a ray of hope in a city full of despair. And her positivity never fades as the game progresses, even in the hardest of times. She always remained spunky, sassy, and optimistic. Her personality is sorely missed once she is taken from us. A void that is never filled again. Things just don’t feel the same once her presence is gone.  And as you get to know more about her she becomes an extremely complex and compelling character. When she told Cloud her materia was good for “absolutely” nothing, I knew that she held a power far beyond anyone’s comprehension. You also find out that her Mother and Father died when she was very young. And you also learn about the wonderful relationship she had with her adoptive mother, Elmyra. I love how Elmyra explained Aerith’s childhood and tells everyone about the magical abilities Aerith has. Truly one of my favorite scenes in the entire game. The flashbacks of Aerith’s childhood was when I decided she was my favorite character in the game. For example…I loved when Elmyra explained how Aerith wasn’t sad anymore because she knew her Mother had returned to the planet. Or when Aerith told Elmyra: “Please don’t cry…Someone dear to you has just died…His spirit was coming to see you, but he already returned to the planet��� — and then it was revealed through a letter that Elmyra’s husband was killed. Such a sad yet touching and beautiful moment. Aerith always remained optimistic despite all the struggles she encountered during her short life. From having to deal with her parents deaths, to Shinra constantly chasing her, she always remained hopeful. And yet…she had a predetermined destiny and responsibility by being the last remaining Cetra. She sacrificed herself to save everyone, and is the true hero of Final Fantasy VII in my eyes. Her story has always been tragic, yet she never let it bring her spirits down. Aerith will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m truly grateful that such an amazing piece of music accompanies her character. I can always play her musical theme and remember what a wonderful and touching character she is… “I’ll be going now. I’ll come back when it’s all over.” ~Aerith, her last words

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Cloud Strife; Bodyguard: “Here I met a Flower Girl. She’s a girl with impressive eyes. She’s around my age, or elder by one or two years. But the innocent radiance in her eyes simply makes her suddenly look younger. Aerith Gainsborough: ”Excuse me, what happened?” She asked me the question, and then I bought a flower from her, which is rare in Midgar. Maybe she’s pleased that the flower was sold, because the worried look on her face had vanished. If this smile costs only one gil, it is a good purchase.” –Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

ねぇ、お花はいらない？

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Analyzing one of the numerous disc 1 Clerith moments of the original game, Final Fantasy VII: The Bodyguard and his Flower Girl

“The thing which she is unable to hide in her irritation towards Cloud is the fact that he isn’t merely dragging the past around, but because that reason might perhaps be related to Aerith.

Final Fantasy VII: Seeing Cloud and Aerith developing their world together before her eyes, she inadvertently lets slip her peevish feelings. Advent Children: Upon knowing that Cloud had been residing in Aerith’s Church after leaving the place they had been living in together, her expression becomes complex.” –Tifa’s character profile; 10th Anniversary Ultimania; Square Enix

Aerith, very flirtatiously, says, “I knew that Cloud would come for me.” Cloud responds with, “Hey, I’m your bodyguard, right?”

Cloud references back to the conversation he and Aerith had in her Church, when Aerith promised Cloud a romantic date in return for his protection.

Aerith picks up on this and responds with, “The deal was for one date, right?”

Cloud and Aerith were very obviously flirting back-and-forth. If Tifa hadn’t been in the jail cell with Cloud, the flirtatious banter between Cloud and Aerith would have most certainly continued. However, because Tifa was in the same room as Cloud, she picks up on this flirtation, which is why she says, “…………oh, I get it.”

Through this dialogue, Square Enix was conveying to us that Cloud was holding more favor for Aerith than Tifa. Cloud intentionally directs his conversation with Aerith back to when they made the arrangement that he would be her bodyguard for the price of a romantic date.

We know Tifa viewed this as Cloud and Aerith developing their own world together before her very eyes:

“Seeing Cloud and Aerith developing their world together before her eyes, she inadvertently lets slip her peevish feelings.” –Final Fantasy 10th Anniversary Ultimania; Square Enix

And although some will say this is only Tifa’s perspective, it is also an accurate perspective. Tifa isn’t being the delusional stereotypical woman many like to paint her out to be. Before this conversation takes place, Cloud tells Marlene (in the canon version of this scene) that he “hopes” Aerith likes him. Marlene responds by saying she won’t tell Tifa. We also know Cloud found Aerith physically attractive in Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII Dismantled.

Obviously, Cloud was romantically interested in Aerith based on his physical attraction to her, his conversation with Marlene, and his agreement to protect Aerith in exchange for a romantic date. This mutual romance between Cloud and Aerith played out before Tifa’s eyes in the Shinra jail cell, which is why she let her “peevish feelings” slip.

I honestly don’t think Tifa was being delusional or acting irrational. It’s obvious Cloud and Aerith were developing their own world together in the Shinra jail cell.

Back when I played the game as a kid, I always took this scene to unequivocally prove Cloud and Aerith were meant to be together. Why? Because Cloud shows favor for Aerith in-front of Tifa. This was probably the scene that confirmed Clerith to me the most.

I mean, hell, Cloud and Aerith flirt together right in-front of Tifa’s face. How much more obvious can it be that Cloud prefers Aerith?

And although Aerith didn’t know Tifa was in the room with Cloud, Cloud did. And he still decided to direct his conversation with Aerith back to when a romantic date was promised, by flirtatiously saying, “Hey, I’m your bodyguard, right?”

It doesn’t get much more obvious than that, which is exactly why Tifa let her “peevish feelings” slip when she saw Cloud and Aerith “developing their own world” together.

“Tifa was close to Aerith, who can also be called a love rival. With that point in mind, they were also good friends. Nevertheless, it is not hard to imagine that she carries complex feelings as a woman toward Aerith, who had built up a special bond with Cloud that was different from Tifa’s. Tifa’s complicated feelings continue even in Advent Children, two years after Aerith had departed the world.” –Tifa’s profile; Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania; pg. 42-47; Square Enix

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Analyzing one of the numerous disc 1 Clerith moments of the original game, Final Fantasy VII: The Bodyguard and his Flower Girl

“The thing which she is unable to hide in her irritation towards Cloud is the fact that he isn’t merely dragging the past around, but because that reason might perhaps be related to Aerith.

Final Fantasy VII: Seeing Cloud and Aerith developing their world together before her eyes, she inadvertently lets slip her peevish feelings. Advent Children: Upon knowing that Cloud had been residing in Aerith’s Church after leaving the place they had been living in together, her expression becomes complex.” –Tifa’s character profile; 10th Anniversary Ultimania; Square Enix

Aerith, very flirtatiously, says, “I knew that Cloud would come for me.” Cloud responds with, “Hey, I’m your bodyguard, right?”

Cloud references back to the conversation he and Aerith had in her Church, when Aerith promised Cloud a romantic date in return for his protection.

Aerith picks up on this and responds with, “The deal was for one date, right?”

Cloud and Aerith were very obviously flirting back-and-forth. If Tifa hadn’t been in the jail cell with Cloud, the flirtatious banter between Cloud and Aerith would have most certainly continued. However, because Tifa was in the same room as Cloud, she picks up on this flirtation, which is why she says, “…………oh, I get it.”

Through this dialogue, Square Enix was conveying to us that Cloud was holding more favor for Aerith than Tifa. Cloud intentionally directs his conversation with Aerith back to when they made the arrangement that he would be her bodyguard for the price of a romantic date.

We know Tifa viewed this as Cloud and Aerith developing their own world together before her very eyes:

“Seeing Cloud and Aerith developing their world together before her eyes, she inadvertently lets slip her peevish feelings.” –Final Fantasy 10th Anniversary Ultimania; Square Enix

And although some will say this is only Tifa’s perspective, it is also an accurate perspective. Tifa isn’t being the delusional stereotypical woman many like to paint her out to be. Before this conversation takes place, Cloud tells Marlene (in the canon version of this scene) that he “hopes” Aerith likes him. Marlene responds by saying she won’t tell Tifa. We also know Cloud found Aerith physically attractive in Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII Dismantled.

Obviously, Cloud was romantically interested in Aerith based on his physical attraction to her, his conversation with Marlene, and his agreement to protect Aerith in exchange for a romantic date. This mutual romance between Cloud and Aerith played out before Tifa’s eyes in the Shinra jail cell, which is why she let her “peevish feelings” slip.

I honestly don’t think Tifa was being delusional or acting irrational. It’s obvious Cloud and Aerith were developing their own world together in the Shinra jail cell.

Back when I played the game as a kid, I always took this scene to unequivocally prove Cloud and Aerith were meant to be together. Why? Because Cloud shows favor for Aerith in-front of Tifa. This was probably the scene that confirmed Clerith to me the most.

I mean, hell, Cloud and Aerith flirt together right in-front of Tifa’s face. How much more obvious can it be that Cloud prefers Aerith?

And although Aerith didn’t know Tifa was in the room with Cloud, Cloud did. And he still decided to direct his conversation with Aerith back to when a romantic date was promised, by flirtatiously saying, “Hey, I’m your bodyguard, right?”

It doesn’t get much more obvious than that, which is exactly why Tifa let her “peevish feelings” slip when she saw Cloud and Aerith “developing their own world” together.

“Tifa was close to Aerith, who can also be called a love rival. With that point in mind, they were also good friends. Nevertheless, it is not hard to imagine that she carries complex feelings as a woman toward Aerith, who had built up a special bond with Cloud that was different from Tifa’s. Tifa’s complicated feelings continue even in Advent Children, two years after Aerith had departed the world.” –Tifa’s profile; Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania; pg. 42-47; Square Enix

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Cloud x Aerith: A Love Story

Cloud Strife: Here I met a Flower Girl.

She’s a girl with impressive eyes.  She’s around my age, or elder by one or two years.  But the innocent radiance in her eyes simply makes her suddenly look younger.

Aerith Gainsborough: “Excuse me, what happened?” 

She asked me the question, and then I bought a flower from her, which is rare in Midgar. Maybe she’s pleased that the flower was sold, because the worried look on her face had vanished. 

If this smile costs only one gil, it is a good purchase. 

~Square Enix; “Final Fantasy VII: Dismantled" 

Shortly after this, Cloud agrees to become Aerith’s bodyguard for the price of a romantic date. This is the typical beginning of a love story: love at first sight, and the hero protecting his heroine (in exchange for a romantic date, nonetheless!)

Afterwards, Cloud and Aerith start developing chemistry together, with Cloud laughing for the first and only time in the game with Aerith. She even convinces Cloud to dress up like a girl! 

Cloud then canonly tells Marlene that he “hopes” Aerith likes him, showing his romantic attraction to Aerith even further. Barret also observes that Aerith is the first person Cloud seems to care for when he decides to rescue her from the Shinra Headquarters. 

Eventually, Cloud subtly let’s slip his romantic feelings to Aerith in Cosmo Canyon, and they share a canon date in Gold Saucer. This is where Cloud’s romantic feelings for Aerith develop even deeper according to Square Enix’s, “For the One I Love” page. 

Despite Aerith’s eventual death, their love transcends traditional boundaries. Cloud associates his Promised Land (his supreme happiness) with Aerith at the end of Final Fantasy VII, and they will one day reunite in the lifestream.

JAPANESE: クラウドは女の友人であり、恋人であり FRENCH: “Cloud avait ete son ami, et son amant.” ENGLISH: “Cloud was the woman’s friend, and lover.”

Square Enix; “On the Way to a Smile”

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Aerith Week, Day 4 ↳ Favourite outfits

@aerith-week

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Cloud x Aerith: A Love Story

Cloud Strife: Here I met a Flower Girl.

She’s a girl with impressive eyes.  She’s around my age, or elder by one or two years.  But the innocent radiance in her eyes simply makes her suddenly look younger.

Aerith Gainsborough: “Excuse me, what happened?” 

She asked me the question, and then I bought a flower from her, which is rare in Midgar. Maybe she’s pleased that the flower was sold, because the worried look on her face had vanished. 

If this smile costs only one gil, it is a good purchase. 

~Square Enix; “Final Fantasy VII: Dismantled" 

Shortly after this, Cloud agrees to become Aerith’s bodyguard for the price of a romantic date. This is the typical beginning of a love story: love at first sight, and the hero protecting his heroine (in exchange for a romantic date, nonetheless!)

Afterwards, Cloud and Aerith start developing chemistry together, with Cloud laughing for the first and only time in the game with Aerith. She even convinces Cloud to dress up like a girl! 

Cloud then canonly tells Marlene that he "hopes” Aerith likes him, showing his romantic attraction to Aerith even further. Barret also observes that Aerith is the first person Cloud seems to care for when he decides to rescue her from the Shinra Headquarters. 

Eventually, Cloud subtly let’s slip his romantic feelings to Aerith in Cosmo Canyon, and they share a canon date in Gold Saucer. This is where Cloud’s romantic feelings for Aerith develop even deeper according to Square Enix’s, “For the One I Love” page. 

Despite Aerith’s eventual death, their love transcends traditional boundaries. Cloud associates his Promised Land (his supreme happiness) with Aerith at the end of Final Fantasy VII, and they will one day reunite in the lifestream.

JAPANESE: クラウドは女の友人であり、恋人であり FRENCH: “Cloud avait ete son ami, et son amant.” ENGLISH: “Cloud was the woman’s friend, and lover.”

Square Enix; “On the Way to a Smile”

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A Comparison:  If Aerith likes you vs. if Aerith doesn’t like you

I simply adore Aerith during the entire time she is helping Cloud dress up like a girl. Her care-free spirit is on full display and Cloud obviously couldn’t get enough of this spunky, fun-loving Flower Girl who wanted to live life to the fullest!

Cloud and Aerith’s chemistry is one of the things I have always adored about them the most. Aerith teased Cloud and he remained serious and protective as her bodyguard. Cloud was willing to do pretty much anything so long as Aerith was safe. He knew she had spent her entire life running from Shinra and wanted to give her the opportunity to enjoy life, even if just for a few more moments in her short life.

Though Aerith had to learn to take care of herself, Aerith offers to date only one person in Final Fantasy VII – her bodyguard; Cloud Strife. The one man she allowed to protect her.

A promised date between Aerith and her bodyguard ends “magically” late in the first disc.

I know I took a happy scene and turned it into a somewhat sad conclusion. But when you think about it – Aerith’s last moments of pure happiness were with Cloud. Aerith’s last moments of feeling safe and secure were with Cloud. 

And that’s why when I play through disc 1, and especially when Cloud and Aerith are together one-on-one, I always savor those moments because they capture Aerith’s personality at its best – one of optimism, confidence, hope, and humor.

As Aerith taught us… there is comfort in laughter. Cloud’s one and only moment of laughter in Final Fantasy VII was with Aerith. She was able to evoke the genuine Cloud to the surface.

And that’s what made Cloud and Aerith so special – they brought out in each other their true selves in those moments where you are perfectly content just being in the moment. Laughing. The sign of true happiness between two people.

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“I never blamed you. Not once. You came for me. That’s all that matters.” ~Aerith Gainsborough

“But I let you die…” ~Cloud Strife

“As for Cloud… he sees Aerith several times throughout the film (Advent Children/Complete). It’s not that he sees her because he feels her presence. He sees her because her consciousness lives on inside him.”  ~Tetsuya Nomura

“Meeting her again… that is my dream.” ~Cloud Strife

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#clerith rights since 1997

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Here are the 9 non-optional Cloud x Aerith moments:

Love at First Sight:

Cloud Strife: “Here I met a Flower Girl. She’s a girl with impressive eyes. She’s around my age, or elder by one or two years. But the innocent radiance in her eyes simply makes her suddenly look younger. Aerith Gainsborough: ”Excuse me, what happened?” She asked me the question, and then I bought a flower from her, which is rare in Midgar. Maybe she’s pleased that the flower was sold, because the worried look on her face had vanished. If this smile costs only one gil, it is a good purchase.” ~Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

Becoming a Bodyguard for the Price of a Romantic Date:

This is the typical beginning of a classic love story: love at first sight and the hero protecting his heroine [in exchange for a romantic date, nonetheless!]. Afterwards, Cloud and Aerith start developing chemistry together, with Cloud laughing for the first and only time in the game with Aerith. She even convinces Cloud to dress up like a girl!

A Romantic Flashback:

Before this flashback, Cloud thought Aerith’s smile was a “good purchase” and her eyes were “impressive.” He left their initial meeting with a “mysterious feeling.” Shortly after, he agreed to be Aerith’s bodyguard for the price of a romantic date. All of these moments are what triggered Cloud into this flashback. This was no coincidence. 

While Cloud is being taken care of in Aerith’s house, Square Enix decides to throw in a flashback where Cloud’s Mother talks about having an older girlfriend that will take care of him — two things Aerith qualifies under. Cloud wasn’t interested in this until he met the exact woman described by his Mother: Aerith Gainsborough.

Date in the Park:

“Date in the Park: In Scene 04-10, Zack and Aerith have a date in Green Park in the sector 6 slum. An identical situation is seen in “FFVII” as well, which features a scene of Cloud and Aerith on a date in the same park.” ~Crisis Core Ultimania; Square Enix

Cloud and Aerith discuss romantic relationships while on their first of two dates, setting them up as star-crossed lovers. 

Creating an Exclusive World Together:

“The thing which she is unable to hide in her irritation towards Cloud is the fact that he isn’t merely dragging the past around, but because that reason might perhaps be related to Aerith. Final Fantasy VII: Seeing Cloud and Aerith developing their world together before her eyes, she inadvertently lets slip her peevish feelings.” ~Tifa’s character profile; 10th Anniversary Ultimania; Square Enix

Cloud vows to save Aerith from the Shinra headquarters “by all means”.

Once inside, Cloud and Aerith share a romantic exchange. Aerith, very flirtatiously says, “I knew that Cloud would come for me.” Cloud responds with, “Hey, I’m your bodyguard, right?”

Cloud references back to the conversation he and Aerith had in her Church, when Aerith promised Cloud a romantic date in return for his protection.

Aerith picks up on Cloud’s flirtation and responds with, “The deal was for one date, right?”

Cloud and Aerith were very obviously flirting back-and-forth. If Tifa hadn’t been in the jail cell with Cloud, the flirtatious banter between Cloud and Aerith would have most certainly continued. However, because Tifa was in the same room as Cloud, she picks up on this flirtation, which is why she interrupts with, “…………oh, I get it.” and says, “EXCUSE me.” The mutual romance in this scene is so obvious, even Tifa can’t deny it, which is why she let’s slip her “peevish feelings.” 

A Classic Romantic Confession:

Having a character accidentally express feelings for another, and then backtrack from their slip-up, is a common literary device to show romantic attraction from one character to another. Square Enix is using a classic romantic trope during this scene. Cloud’s dialogue in Cosmo Canyon is a subtle (yet obvious) way to show Cloud is falling in love with Aerith. 

A Wedding Prediction:

“Looks good. You are perfect for each other!” “Aerith’s star and Cloud’s star! They show a great future!” “Poor Tifa!” ~Cait Sith, Final Fantasy VII

“After solving the puzzle about Cait Sith’s replaceable body, he tells one last fortune of Cloud and Aerith’s affinity. Cait Sith’s lines, which seem to expect Cloud and Aerith’s wedding, now makes it more painful.” ~Final Fantasy VII Dismantled, Square Enix

Cait Sith’s wedding prediction becomes “more painful” after Aerith’s death. The only way Aerith’s death would make a wedding prediction “more painful” is if Cloud and Aerith had a mutual romance that would have led to a marriage had she not died.

Star-Crossed Lovers:

“It was the sound of Cloud’s heart cracking. It was the cry of his heart that could never be healed of the grief he had towards Aerith’s death, the blame towards himself and the hatred he had for Sephiroth…” ~Maiden of the Planet; Square Enix

Cloud’s heart broke when Aerith died. 

Love Beyond Death:

Despite Aerith’s eventual death, their love transcends traditional boundaries. Cloud associates his Promised Land [his supreme happiness] with Aerith at the end of Final Fantasy VII, and they will one day reunite in the lifestream.

"I think I’m beginning to understand. An answer from the planet…the Promised Land…I think I can meet her… there…” ~Cloud Strife; Final Fantasy VII

Here are the 2 canon Cloud x Aerith moments:

Hoping for Mutual Romance:

“Marlene is a sharp girl - Even though she’s only 4 years old, Marlene is perceptive and well attuned to the woman mind. The scene where she ascertains that Aerith has favor for Cloud and tells him so, then says “I won’t tell Tifa!” demonstrates this grownup behavior.” ~Final Fantasy VII, 25th Anniversary Ultimania, Square Enix

In order for Marlene to say “I won’t tell Tifa,” Cloud is required to say he “hopes” Aerith likes him. Therefore, this is the canon version of this scene:

Marlene: “Guess what? Guess what? Aerith was asking me lots of questions. Like what kind of person Cloud is. I bet she likes you, Cloud!” Cloud: “Let’s hope so.” Marlene: “I won’t tell Tifa.”

A Magical Date:

The Cloud x Aerith Gold Saucer date is confirmed as canon within the compilation:

”#111: The Planet’s largest amusement park is run by Dio. Cloud and company visit this place many times in their battle. They meet Cait Sith here. A promised date [there is only one promised date in the game] that ends in a magical night. In the city of desire that floats above the sands, the light memory of the two people is asleep even now…Aerith: “I think I must have seen him again, in you… But you’re different. Things are different… No, Cloud… I’m searching for you…” ~Final Fantasy Art Collection; Square Enix

“In Aerith’s case, if you play the game normally, the partner that generally comes will be Aerith.” ~Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

“Oh, Cloud…I enjoyed our date at the Gold Saucer. The view from the gondola that night was really beautiful. I’ll never forget it. I’ll never forget you, Cloud…” ~Aerith; Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

Cloud doesn’t date Tifa unless the player chooses to have him do so. In order to get the date with Tifa, the player has to play the game in a way that isn’t considered “normal”.

During this canon date, Aerith realizes she loves Cloud for Cloud (rather than for who he initially reminded her of). And that she actually loves Cloud more than Zack: 

“Although in the beginning Aerith felt close to Cloud because he behaves like Zack, her interest in Cloud himself grows and she is attracted to him.” ~page 31, Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Omega, Square Enix

“At first when I met Cloud, I believed he was similar to Zack. Little actions, the way he spoke… his kindness. But Cloud is Cloud. I, now undoubtedly, love Cloud much more than Zack.” —Aerith’s monologue in Gongaga; Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

Cloud and Aerith’s canon date is also pictured on Square Enix’s "For the One I Love” page:

“Through the long journeys, the love of the protagonists develop. Occasionally they become separated, but the two’s value to one another gives them the great strength to overcome whatever crisis may come.” ~Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania; “For the One I Love” page; Square Enix

Lines to remember:

"…the love of the protagonists develop.” “…the two’s value to one another…”

Only the *pictured* and *canon* Cloud x Aerith date can be applied to Square Enix’s “For the One I Love” page.

Square Enix recently named Cloud and Aerith Emperor and Empress in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade. I guess Cait Sith’s wedding prediction came true after-all ^.^

Cloud x Aerith: A Love Story

Dispelling the myth Cloud and Tifa are in a relationship post-FFVII

50 Reasons for Cloud x Aerith

Common Criticisms of Cloud x Aerith debunked

Aerith Gainsborough: The Ultimate Heroine

Aerith’s Blessing?

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Clerith was canon in 1997. Clerith is canon (again) in 2020.

Due to the scene being in reference to “If you know what happens to Aerith later in the story, it’s a line that strikes emotionally," we know this scene is referring to Aerith’s death.

In the Remake, Aerith knows she dies. Aerith also knows REAL Cloud falls in love with her in the OG. Aerith tells Cloud not to fall in love with her this time because she knows she dies.

In the Remake, Aerith is trying to protect Cloud from falling in love with her due to her death.

Clerith is confirmed as the canon OG pairing.

——-

The MOST OBVIOUS transformation of Cloud’s “frosty exterior” in the Remake is when he starts doing high-five’s with Aerith on the reg.

At first Cloud rejects them. Then, he is about to give one but stops short. Then, you have to hold the triangle button down so he gives Aerith a high-five. Then, he gives Aerith an automatic high-five at the battle arena. The crowd chants:

“Cloud and Aerith! – Cloud and Aerith! – Cloud and Aerith!”

The high-five’s is a clear-cut, distinct transformation of Cloud’s personality. Intentionally designed by SE to show Aerith slowly melting Cloud’s “frosty exterior.”

Given Cloud’s earlier reluctance, I got chills when Cloud & Aerith high-five’d in the battle arena.

Then, when Cloud has to remind everyone that rescuing Aerith from Shinra HQ is the #1 priority, it cemented to me that Cloud had significantly changed from the very beginning of the game.

Aerith is evoking the REAL Cloud to the surface.

Cloud’s love for Aerith is giving us glimpses of who he truly is.

Not only are the high-five’s and quest to save Aerith from Shinra HQ significant, clear-cut examples of Cloud’s transformation, but Cloud also has a REAL memory of his mother telling him to have an “older girlfriend” – someone who will call him a “silly goose” when he needs to hear it (Aerith calls Cloud “silly” in FF7R). Aerith shows us the REAL Cloud’s personality and triggers him into having a REAL memory of his Mom telling him to pick Aerith as his girlfriend (ie: "older” – “silly goose”).

Cloud and Aerith dominate once Cloud falls to her flower bed.

Just as in the OG, when both women are present, Cloud’s preference is Aerith (something that continues even in death and makes Tifa jealous).

——-

As a kid in 1997, it was obvious to me that Cloud loved Aerith more than Tifa.

Not until I went online all these years later did I discover (shockingly) that the American FFVII fanbase had been misled by some in the FFVII fandom.

So why did they decide to launch a campaign to delegitimize Clerith?

Well, when FFVII first came out in 1997, many western gamers didn’t understand Aerith. She was (literally) foreign to them. Japanese animation was still very niche back then.

Though the Japanese adored Aerith’s spunky personality & pink dress (and saw her as the obvious romantic interest for Cloud), many men in the United States thought her hair was “ugly” and that her personality was “annoying.” Far too “anime” for their tastes. They preferred Tifa – the loyal, more American looking childhood friend – the “girl-next-door.” Plus, her big boobs didn’t hurt, either.

Of course, since FFVII inherently revolves around a love triangle, there is obviously an option to play it the Tifa way.

However, as a kid in 1997, I never saw Tifa as a threat. I saw her as the secondary, optional way to play the game. The girl you would pick on your second playthrough.

When you consider:

The official Amano artwork

Beginning love point totals (you have to make counterintuitive choices to catch Tifa up to Aerith’s automatic 1st place position)

The non-optional bodyguard agreement

The “normally” occurring CxA Gold Saucer date

Numerous flirtatious moments & obvious hints

Tifa’s constant jealousy

The Promised Land scene non-optionally occurring *AFTER* the inherently variable Highwind scene

Frequent CxA cameos

Aerith being the first & last image we see in the entire game

…it is clear Tifa never held a candle to Aerith as the heroine, or as the primary love interest for Cloud.

To put it simply – Aerith was created first by SE. Tifa was created second. Aerith is the primary love interest. Tifa is the secondary love interest. Obvious common sense.

Unfortunately, fueled by their unyielding, irrational hatred of all things Aerith, they successfully sold the myth (for years) that Cloud x Tifa is the official canon couple of FFVII, thereby brainwashing the entire American fandom against Cloud x Aerith.

They reduced & twisted Cloud’s love for Aerith as “guilt.”

Saying that even though the Real Cloud chooses to live in Aerith’s Church, has his heart broken every time he visits her grave, reconnects with her in Flower Fields (and cameos), and seeks to find her in the Promised Land, is all due to guilt over the death of a mere friend. Saying that anything romantic shown in the OG is all a result of Zack (ie: attempted delegitimization).

I guess the symbolism of Cloud’s continued love for Aerith, and all the nuances that entails, is too cultured & sophisticated for them to comprehend. Or maybe they are purposely not comprehending the obvious?

Thankfully, the Japanese understand what all of this means. So why don’t western fans?

The only logical conclusion is because of their deep, burning, irrational hatred of Aerith as a character. Always minimizing & downplaying her role as the first & true heroine & love interest to Cloud.

But now, with the Remake perfecting Aerith’s look & personality, and making it crystal clear that these are Cloud’s REAL feelings, and that Aerith wants to move FORWARD from Zack, you are now seeing a significant swing within the fandom towards Cloud x Aerith.

The other side has spent years using Crisis Core & Advent Children to their advantage:

Essentially saying Crisis Core makes Zerith canon, and Advent Children makes Cloti canon. Simple & easy for the masses to understand, right?

So how, exactly, did they convince millions to believe their great myth?

1. Cloud & Aerith only liked each other because of Zack.

Response:

The relationship between Zack & Aerith in CC is officially described as a minor infatuation between two juveniles, much like Cloud’s childhood crush on Tifa.

In the OG, Aerith says her and Zack were NEVER serious, that their relationship is “in the past now,” and that he probably moved on to someone else because he’s a “real lady’s man.”

On the normally occurring CxA Gold Saucer date, Aerith confirms that although she initially liked Cloud because of Zack, she has grown to like Cloud for Cloud.

Within the lifestream, Aerith tells Zack that she prefers Cloud’s personality over his, and that she will only call Zack if she gets “really lonely.”

In the Remake, Aerith states she wants to move FORWARD with her life in regards to Zack.

Aerith triggers Cloud into a REAL memory of his mother suggesting he have an “older girlfriend.” This REAL memory proves the REAL Cloud was present during his interactions with Aerith. She is bringing the REAL Cloud back to the surface.

In official sources, Aerith is stated as saying she loves Cloud MORE than Zack.

Cloud is stated to be Aerith’s “koibito” (“lover” in Japanese).

Yes – Cloud adopted some memories & mannerisms from Zack, but he never transformed 100% into Zack.

It is a myth that Cloud & Aerith’s love is null-and-void because of Zack.

2. Tifa wins by default due to being alive.

Response:

Tifa winning by default due to being alive is why they hope to god Aerith doesn’t live in the Remake.

You may personally prefer Tifa, but in the OG, Cloud himself clearly prefers Aerith over Tifa, and the other side knows it (just look at the Shinra jail cell moment).

Tifa only has a chance once Aerith is out of the picture. If Aerith lives, it is all but over for Tifa.

Even in death, Cloud has an “undying” love for Aerith that will never go away. Tifa knows this to be true and is stated to be jealous of Cloud’s continued feelings for Aerith.

In the AC credits, Tactics cameo, and the Dissidia cameo, it is clear Cloud still wants to meet and be with Aerith in the Promised Land. Denying the common sense symbolism of this is a sign of someone who has a deep-rooted bias against Aerith.

Furthermore, Cloud and Tifa are in an established “family of friends,” share zero romantic moments, have tons of continued jealousy, fighting, and sleep in separate rooms. Plus, Barret returns to living with them in DoC.

Cloud & Tifa only have the possibility of being a thing if Aerith is out of the picture. The other side better pray to god Aerith doesn’t live in the Remake.

And even if Aerith dies, Cloud & Aerith will always remain a tragic star-crossed love story where Cloud forever wants to meet her in the Promised Land. Tifa’s continued jealousy confirms this to be true.

In the Remake, Cloud cries when he thinks of Aerith facing her inevitable demise. True love.

Soulmates.

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AERITH GAINSBOROUGH FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE (2020) dev. Square Enix

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Classic star-crossed lovers:

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★ 【つーあん】 「 FF7Rまとめ 」 ☆ ✔ republished w/permission ⊳ ⊳ follow me! insta • x • bsky