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CRISIS CORE: FINAL FANTASY VII REUNION (2022)

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WHAT A COINCIDENCE...

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Oh Goddddddd they are gonna have a beta Nibelheim incident in FS2 in Robio and Seph’s gonna lose his shit and Angeal is gonna be the Zack parallel in EVERY WAY and he’s gonna literally stop the catastrophe by NOT leaving Sephiroth alone and years later the only reason Zack isn’t able to repeat the process is because Sephiroth is just too beaten down after losing everything (including Angeal) the second time and Jenova’s voice is too strong because she’s RIGHT THERE and if Hojo’s behind anything then he learned from previous mistakes, making the mission extremely foolproof and Zack is there but he sadly doesn’t have the chance to understand Seph on the level Angeal did and even though he sees the signs that something is wrong, he assumes Sephiroth is okay….because Seph ACTS like he is okay, whereas he was much easier to read as a child….

So Zack leaves him be….whereas Angeal was more like, “Listen here you motherfucker, I am going to FIX YOU.”

And evidently he did for a while.

None of this is Zack’s fault either. HE DIDN’T KNOW.

But Angeal did, and he’s conveniently dead in Nibelheim.

And that’s why they wanna focus on his friendship with Sephiroth. To show why that’s significant to the Nibelheim Incident.

THIS IS THAT ONE CLONE WARS ARC WHERE ANAKIN GOES DARK SIDE FOR A LITTLE BIT BEFORE THEY PULL HIM BACK 💀

It’s gonna happen isn’t it.

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Collaboration piece with Sreliata! She provided the assets, shaders, finetuning and postwork! Please give her love, her handle's the same wherever you go!

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FINAL FANTASY VII: REBIRTH (2024) dev. Square Enix

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everyone in soldier, turks, and rufus “subconsciously” babying zack and them fighting hojo when he wants to experiment on him

Sephiroth: You seem upset.

Zack: I am! Ever since Hojo's taken a liking to me, everyone's gone mental. Angeal gave me a safety whistle to wear around my neck, Genesis won't let me out of his sight, Cissnei's constantly reminding me to share my location, Kunsel packed me extra snacks "just in case the lab food is terrible—"

Sephiroth: It is.

Zack: "—Tseng keeps inspecting me, and Reno said that if Hojo dies, he wants the whole world to know that it was him. They're treating me like I'm made of glass! What's next? Are they gonna carry me around in their arms too!? WELL I'VE HAD IT. NO ONE GETS TO TREAT ME LIKE THIS.

*Sephiroth outstretches his arms*

*Zack eagerly climbs up*

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I wanted to do a short follow-up to my post “On Angeal’s Wings” with full excerpts from the Ultimania interview that discusses the meaning of the Firsts’ wings to expand on those of Genesis, as well as include a link to the entire interview.

In addition to Genesis, Angeal and Sephiroth have a single wing on their backs. What is the meaning of the different colors and positions of their wings?

Nomura: “I wanted to have different varieties of wings so that the three of them wouldn’t look like [they were in] the same family. Sephiroth is a special being, so Genesis’ wing is on the opposite side of it, and Angeal’s wings are on the same side as Sephiroth’s, because he is a special person who is the origin of the Buster Sword’s legacy. However, only Angeal’s wings are white, which symbolically means “he did not fall in a negative direction”. In other words, Sephiroth could have been like Angeal, too. The colour coding is based on Sephiroth, who headed in a negative direction, and Angeal, who did not.”

So Sephiroth and Angeal are positioned as special characters in direct opposition with each other through their choices to align with good or evil. Nomura reinforces the idea behind this colour symbolism when discussing Genesis:

The “dumbapple” that appears in relation to Angeal and Genesis also plays an important role.

Nojima: “Originally, in the episode about Banora, I wanted to write about how “a land of poor but serious workers will not raise bad people”. In the FF series, you don’t see a lot of ordinary people working seriously (laughs), so with CC focusing on the theme of human relationships, I wanted to focus on episodes related to the characters’ hometowns from the angle of the soil in which their personalities were nurtured. That’s the origin of why I chose to have Angeal receive the sword from his hardworking father, and also why I chose the framework of “Cloud and Zack are both from the countryside.” In using the dumbapple, I also wanted to express the good side of Genesis——that in the past, he used to be a good person who was raised in a proper family.”

What is significant here is the statement that Genesis “used to be a good person” - by the time the events of Crisis Core are unfolding, he too has fallen in a negative direction. This is reflected in his black wing. The developers are not obligated to tell us these things, but given that Crisis Core was released as a heavily truncated version of the original story, I am grateful that they have provided us with these details in order to clear up any misconceptions about their characters. Here is the full interview for anyone interested:

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Thank you for this addition! I love that they picked limit break names for him that have several layers of meaning. Also, I think Forest Society is a really cute fan club name 🥲🩷.

Unfortunately Square played right into my hands by giving Angeal Latin limit break names, so let’s have a look!

Serit Arbores - literally, “He plants trees.” It’s most likely a reference to Book 1 of Cicero’s Tusculan Disputations, “On the Contempt of Death,” which features a fictional speech by Cato the Elder praising elderly farmers that dutifully tend to their fields for the benefit of the next generation. Cato quotes a line from the poet Caecilius Statius:

“Serit arbores quae alteri s[a]eculo prosint.” (“He plants trees so that they may benefit another generation.”)

I believe this could be a reference to Angeal’s SOLDIER Honour, the legacy that he passes down to Zack.

“SOLDIER Honor, the catalyst for Genesis's change in values, is the Gift of the Goddess for him. As SOLDIER Honor represents Angeal's wishes, it can be said that Zack, who inherited Angeal's wishes, was the Gift of the Goddess for Genesis.” (CCCG, 2008 p.274)

Angeal’s legacy, carried out first through Zack, and later Cloud, serves to benefit others long after his passing. Additionally, his dreams and honour speeches were given to many of his junior SOLDIER members and likely continued to inspire them too. This is why I believe the choice of this Limit Break name to be very intentional. Of course, given that one of Angeal’s weapons is a shovel (😭) we could understand it at the surface level meaning (Farm Boy Angeal planting apple trees 🤠🍎), but isn’t it fun to dig a little deeper?

Ad Astra - “to the stars.” This could go in many directions as it’s a popular motto on its own, but perhaps its most frequently seen within “per aspera ad astra,” “through hardships to the stars.” I think this could be a reference to Angeal’s life journey, which saw his humble beginnings in a poor family and his rise to the very top ranks as a SOLDIER First Class. It also may reference his wings. From the Crisis Core Complete Guide:

“The white feature, as well as being a symbol for Angeal, is also a symbol for ‘wings’. The “wings” which cross the ‘blue sky’ is Angeal, and it also includes the hint that in order to reach those heights, dreams, he needs to overcome many difficulties.”

The idea of having to face many hardships on the journey towards the fulfillment of dreams seems built-in to the character of Angeal, and why I think that quote is the one they’re referencing in this limit break.

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Thank you for your kind words 💖 I think we all have had Angeal on our minds lately 🪽 And I love all of the Firsts, so I love the black winged characters too! I think it’s important that we try to understand the factors that led them to their fates and develop sympathy for them, because they are all victims of scientific hubris. That said, they are also ultimately responsible for their choices after learning the circumstances of their birth. In the cases of Genesis and Sephiroth, those choices are inexcusable. It is just absolutely tragic how it all plays out.

On Angeal’s Wings

I just want to put forward some information I’ve come across in the Crisis Core Complete Guide because the developers have provided us with some details that go a long way towards helping us understanding his character.

Angeal receiving white wings was intended to be an indicator of his moral alignment. In Crisis Core, he is positioned as antithetical to Sephiroth because he resisted the malignant influence of Jenova and did not wish to be a force of destruction or suffering as Sephiroth did. The implication here is that Angeal and Sephiroth both had a choice.

“Nomura wanted the three SOLDIER 1sts to have different varieties of wings. He says that Angeal's wings are white to symbolize that he didn't go in a negative direction, and that Sephiroth could have been like Angeal.” (Crisis Core Ultimania, 2007)

This is further supported by the Crisis Core Complete Guide, which has this to say about wing colour:

“The wing which Genesis has on his left shoulder in this game, and which Sephiroth has on his right shoulder in FFVII and AC…According to the development staff, the wings were made black based on the notion of good and evil.”

Angeal and Sephiroth receiving their wing on the same side shows that they are directly opposite. Genesis was fundamentally different from them both, and thus received his wing on a different shoulder, but his purpose before his final battle with Zack was world destruction, and so his wing colour was black. The white wing was unique to Angeal, and the series continues to use white feather symbolism to represent him. More on that under the cut.

“Angeal teaches the principles of humanity with his words, actions, and his whole self. His honest way of life is something indispensable Zack cannot forget.” (Crisis Core Ultimania, 2007)

“Even though he succeeded Angeal’s will, Zack finds himself not only unable to help anyone but also confined in Nibelheim, and is racked by a sense of despair and powerlessness. Angeal gets him back on track, and Zack decides to rise up from it again. This decision is represented by the mental image at the start of chapter 9.

The white feature, as well as being a symbol for Angeal, is also a symbol for ‘wings’. The “wings” which cross the ‘blue sky’ is Angeal, and it also includes the hint that in order to reach those heights, dreams, he needs to overcome many difficulties.”

Given the prior information, this scene in Rebirth is of particular interest.

“Asked if there's any meaning behind the single white feather that flutters by Cloud and Zack in the opening of FFVII Rebirth, Nomura jokes that it might be hinting at something, punning on the Japanese word "anji" (暗示) and the first half of either Angeal or "angel." (FF7 Rebirth Ultimania, 2024)

This makes sense, especially considering the ending scene of Crisis Core:

I get the impression that no matter what world/timeline/Lifestream fragment Zack is in, Angeal is there to watch over him, as his will had always been to help him (as well as Genesis).

“He has said, "If you are to live as a hero, as a SOLDIER, and as a decent person, you must never forget your honor." Those words made a deep impression on his younger colleagues, especially Zack, and lived on in them.” (Crisis Core Ultimania, 2007)

Angeal is portrayed as a lasting positive influence in the world of FF7. His legacy is carried on first through Zack, and then Cloud. They are all dedicated to Angeal’s cause:

There were definitely issues with how he was presented in Crisis Core, but I think they’re trying to rectify past mistakes regarding Angeal in The First Soldier. Maybe give them a chance to do so? PSP was a highly restrictive format to try and tell a fully fleshed out story, after all.

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On Angeal’s Wings

I just want to put forward some information I’ve come across in the Crisis Core Complete Guide because the developers have provided us with some details that go a long way towards helping us understanding his character.

Angeal receiving white wings was intended to be an indicator of his moral alignment. In Crisis Core, he is positioned as antithetical to Sephiroth because he resisted the malignant influence of Jenova and did not wish to be a force of destruction or suffering as Sephiroth did. The implication here is that Angeal and Sephiroth both had a choice.

“Nomura wanted the three SOLDIER 1sts to have different varieties of wings. He says that Angeal's wings are white to symbolize that he didn't go in a negative direction, and that Sephiroth could have been like Angeal.” (Crisis Core Ultimania, 2007)

This is further supported by the Crisis Core Complete Guide, which has this to say about wing colour:

“The wing which Genesis has on his left shoulder in this game, and which Sephiroth has on his right shoulder in FFVII and AC…According to the development staff, the wings were made black based on the notion of good and evil.”

Angeal and Sephiroth receiving their wing on the same side shows that they are directly opposite. Genesis was fundamentally different from them both, and thus received his wing on a different shoulder, but his purpose before his final battle with Zack was world destruction, and so his wing colour was black. The white wing was unique to Angeal, and the series continues to use white feather symbolism to represent him. More on that under the cut.

“Angeal teaches the principles of humanity with his words, actions, and his whole self. His honest way of life is something indispensable Zack cannot forget.” (Crisis Core Ultimania, 2007)

“Even though he succeeded Angeal’s will, Zack finds himself not only unable to help anyone but also confined in Nibelheim, and is racked by a sense of despair and powerlessness. Angeal gets him back on track, and Zack decides to rise up from it again. This decision is represented by the mental image at the start of chapter 9.

The white feature, as well as being a symbol for Angeal, is also a symbol for ‘wings’. The “wings” which cross the ‘blue sky’ is Angeal, and it also includes the hint that in order to reach those heights, dreams, he needs to overcome many difficulties.”

Given the prior information, this scene in Rebirth is of particular interest.

“Asked if there's any meaning behind the single white feather that flutters by Cloud and Zack in the opening of FFVII Rebirth, Nomura jokes that it might be hinting at something, punning on the Japanese word "anji" (暗示) and the first half of either Angeal or "angel." (FF7 Rebirth Ultimania, 2024)

This makes sense, especially considering the ending scene of Crisis Core:

I get the impression that no matter what world/timeline/Lifestream fragment Zack is in, Angeal is there to watch over him, as his will had always been to help him (as well as Genesis).

“He has said, "If you are to live as a hero, as a SOLDIER, and as a decent person, you must never forget your honor." Those words made a deep impression on his younger colleagues, especially Zack, and lived on in them.” (Crisis Core Ultimania, 2007)

Angeal is portrayed as a lasting positive influence in the world of FF7. His legacy is carried on first through Zack, and then Cloud. They are all dedicated to Angeal’s cause:

There were definitely issues with how he was presented in Crisis Core, but I think they’re trying to rectify past mistakes regarding Angeal in The First Soldier. Maybe give them a chance to do so? PSP was a highly restrictive format to try and tell a fully fleshed out story, after all.

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The difference between these will never not be funny to me.

Genesis to Zack: begone, filth

Genesis to Angeal: 🎵country boyyyy 🤠🌳🍎 i love youuu🎵

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Considering these are the same boys who, along with Genesis, would later take turns putting dumbapples on their heads and throwing their swords at them to see whose aim was the best, this makes complete sense.

(Also, Sephiroth got a stick, Angeal got a shovel, what do we think Genesis will get? I could see him with a broom…it has the witch/mage connection…and I could see him brandishing it threateningly at the other two lol)

I noticed that Angeal blocks Seph's face with the shovel when Seph is to the right. After my guild commented it looked 3-stooge like, I couldn't not draw a comic of it. Now we just need the third stooge to complete the party.

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SEPHIROTH & ANGEAL

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Okay so this scene:

Being immediately preceded by this scene:

It’s just too funny to me. He’s already under your skin, boy!!!! Let him be your friend!!!!

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Unfortunately Square played right into my hands by giving Angeal Latin limit break names, so let’s have a look!

Serit Arbores - literally, “He plants trees.” It’s most likely a reference to Book 1 of Cicero’s Tusculan Disputations, “On the Contempt of Death,” which features a fictional speech by Cato the Elder praising elderly farmers that dutifully tend to their fields for the benefit of the next generation. Cato quotes a line from the poet Caecilius Statius:

“Serit arbores quae alteri s[a]eculo prosint.” (“He plants trees so that they may benefit another generation.”)

I believe this could be a reference to Angeal’s SOLDIER Honour, the legacy that he passes down to Zack.

“SOLDIER Honor, the catalyst for Genesis's change in values, is the Gift of the Goddess for him. As SOLDIER Honor represents Angeal's wishes, it can be said that Zack, who inherited Angeal's wishes, was the Gift of the Goddess for Genesis.” (Crisis Core Complete Guide, 2008, p.274)

Angeal’s legacy, carried out first through Zack, and later Cloud, serves to benefit others long after his passing. Additionally, his dreams and honour speeches were given to many of his junior SOLDIER members and continued to inspire them too:

“He has said, "If you are to live as a hero, as a SOLDIER, and as a decent person, you must never forget your honor." Those words made a deep impression on his younger colleagues, especially Zack, and lived on in them.” (Crisis Core Ultimania, 2007)

This is why I believe the choice of this Limit Break name to be very intentional. Of course, given that one of Angeal’s weapons is a shovel (😭) we could understand it at the surface level meaning (Farm Boy Angeal planting apple trees 🤠🍎), but isn’t it fun to dig a little deeper?

Ad Astra - “to the stars.” This could go in many directions as it’s a popular motto on its own, but perhaps its most frequently seen within “per aspera ad astra,” “through hardships to the stars.” I think this could be a reference to Angeal’s life journey, which saw his humble beginnings in a poor family and his rise to the very top ranks as a SOLDIER First Class. It also may reference his wings:

“The white feature, as well as being a symbol for Angeal, is also a symbol for ‘wings’. The “wings” which cross the ‘blue sky’ is Angeal, and it also includes the hint that in order to reach those heights, dreams, he needs to overcome many difficulties.” (Crisis Core Complete Guide, 2008)

The idea of having to face many hardships on the journey towards the fulfillment of dreams seems built-in to the character of Angeal, and why I think that quote is the one they’re referencing in this limit break.

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*trips* *falls* *stumbles into a pit*

WHY IS BABY ANGEAL SO SWEET AKSJFJSKSNFHD

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“There is an unidentified and eerie force in this land. The investigation is not over until we discover its true identity.” 

“No matter who you’re fighting against, if they are making you tremble, let’s cut ties and finish this!”

— Teaser for The First Soldier Part II

(With some help I have done my best to translate our teaser by ear! It sounds like a newscaster or informant speaks first. Then I hear a voice that sounds similar to the Japanese VA for Angeal, Kazuhiko Inoue. I do not know if it is him but the dialogue is encouraging! Who else is so excited for this?)