My dream team has finally been released in full.
Cloud: the swordsman & bodyguard – Aerith: the Cetra & healer – Nanaki: the loyal & courageous companion 🛡🌸🔥
Both Aerith and Nanaki are members of an ancient, special race – unique to the world of FFVII. This is why Professor Hojo tried breeding them together in the Shinra Headquarters, the place Nanaki is first introduced to us:
“What do you think you’re doin’?”
[Barret fires at the glass chamber, and it starts glowing brightly. Hojo moves closer to the door.]
“Now’s our chance to get Aerith!”
[Cloud runs inside the chamber.]
[Red XIII looks up after attacking Hojo]
“An informed question. But difficult to answer. I am what you see.
...You must have many questions, but first, let’s get out of here. I’ll lead the way.”
“Cloud… so you did come for me.”
“I apologize for what happened back there. I was merely acting to throw Hojo off guard……”
Though Nanaki is the least featured character in the franchise, I have always harbored a soft-spot for him and his story.
Cosmo Canyon and his Grandfather, Bugenhagen, add a vivd richness to the world and characters of FFVII.
Cosmo Canyon felt like home base – a safe place to take a deep breathe and rest. Bugenhagen’s observatory seemed like our headquarters.
Plus, the story of FFVII starts to develop rapidly while in Cosmo Canyon.
Bugenhagen provides Aerith with the knowledge of being the last Cetra and her quest to find the Promised Land.
This leads to a heartbreaking [yet romantic] moment between Cloud and Aerith beside a kindling fire:
“I learned a lot. The elders taught me many things.
About the Cetra... And the Promised Land...
I'm...... alone... I'm all alone now...”
“But I'm...... we're here for you, right?”
“I know. I know, but... I am the only...... Cetra.”
“Does that mean we can't help?”
The story of FFVII revolves around the Planet, the lifestream, and the Promised Land.
Both Aerith and Nanaki’s storylines are central to the main plot of FFVII – the quest to save the Planet and find the Promised Land.
As a kid in 1997, I always picked Cloud’s “Flower Girl” and “Red Lion” to accompany him on his battle to defeat Sephiroth.
I knew both Aerith and Nanaki unlocked hidden powers that were far beyond the human world and only present in a world of magic – a world where the Promised Land exists.
Two ancient species holding the keys to unlocking the planet’s potential – only needing a bodyguard to guide them through the journey safely.
During the 2nd disc, Bugenhagen says in Cosmo Canyon that there is always something in the deepest reaches of our heart. Something we are searching for.
After some pondering, Cloud says he remembers Aerith “a lot.”
Later, Cloud asks the Planet for an answer to what he is searching for.
The Planet gives him an answer: he can find Aerith in the Promised Land, the woman in the deepest reaches of his heart.
Bugenhagen also takes everyone back to the Forgotten City to learn about the Planet, the lifestream, Aerith summoning Holy, and the power of the Ancients.
Afterwards, back aboard the Highwind, Nanaki gives his final thoughts on Aerith:
“Aerith used to pat me on the nose sometimes……I wanted to apologize to her for what I did when we first met.” ~Nanaki
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