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I've noticed that a lot of places that discuss the LTD are less focussed on analyzing and explaining final fantasy VII, and more focussed on throwing insults at either the characters, or the people who support them. I think I've done a fairly good job at making sure this place stays relatively matter-of-fact, and despite believing that "Cloti" is the only interpretation of the story that makes sense I am usually pretty positive about Aerith as a person, and more importantly, as a character. My stance tends to be that the only version of Aerith I think is fundamentally unlikable is the one presented by Cleriths. So permit me to slightly backtrack on that as I ask:

Am I the only one getting sick of Aeriths character?

And I don't mean "the only Cloti supporter who is sick of Aerith", I mean isn't the general fanbase of the game getting sick of her?

I ask this because I was watching the new Rebirth trailer, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes during the scenes where Aerith sings, or where it tries to survival-bait the viewer. In FFVII Aeriths death plays only a small part in the grand scheme of things. It neither prevents nor causes holy, holy was summoned before she died and is actually held back by the will of Sephiroth, which is the bulk of the external plot. And it doesn't cause Clouds mental break, which was an inevitable outcome of his history with Tifa, Sephiroth, and Nibleheim.

So why does the trailer make it feel like Final Fantasy VII is the story of Aeriths potential death? I thought the point of Aeriths death was that it comes suddenly and unexpectedly, without a large fan-fare, leaving nothing but a hole in its wake. I thought the point was to show a death that wasn't like "in hollywood". So why does her death now get it's own musical accompaniment and stage play?

Aerith was once a normal girl with a big destiny, one that she was as unsure of as any of us, she was just a person, just like us, with maybe a hint of something more. She got angry, she could be petty, she could be clueless. In another words, she was human.

But what is she now?

Aerith is now Jesus and Mary all in one. Fans got so upset at her death that Square-enix felt the need to include her in everything and every time Aerith became a bit less human, and a bit more idolized, until in remake she became a walking, talking, deus ex machina. In advent children she was presented as almost angelic, giving guidance to lost souls both good and bad and healing the children. But it was still ok because most of it was centered around Clouds psyche. The problem isn't with Aeriths death having importance to Cloud. The problem is square-enix trying to milk Aeriths death for all it's worth, making it into a soulless spectacle.

Aeriths death is now the horror monster that loses its terror once you see it. It's everywhere and everything has to revolve around it and because of it it's no longer a good story, but cheap emotional manipulation.

Within the remake Aerith is no longer the playful and innocent GIRL she once was. She's Gandalf the white, come back from the dead to pass down quests and wisdom from up on high. Step aside Cloud, this is Aeriths story, all you other side-characters are only here for back-up. Aerith is now a self-insert fan-fiction character. She has no flaws, everyone loves her, her death is more important than those of other people, the universe, time, and destiny will all bend to make sure the Mary-godessue doesn't die. Because everything has to revolve around her you know? So yeah, of course Aerith can sing! Who cares that there was never before any indication of this. Sure, Tifa will probably get to play the piano, but here is the thing….Tifa being able to play the piano has actually always been a part of the game! Since when is Aerith suddenly a broadway performer? Probably since the same time that she became a picasso at random wall art.

Years of fan obsession have deified away everything that once made Aerith interesting. The grand story of Final Fantasy VII, the quest to save the planet, and the internal heroes journey about accepting the past and the true self. Clouds backstory and struggles, it's all overshadowed by the once irrelevant plotpoint of "will Aerith die?".

Like with Sephiroth, fan obsession has caused square-enix to destroy all sense of mystery, magic, and restraint in order to "give fans what they want", even if it ruins the product.

This is exactly why I can't fucking stand her and why I'll have popcorn on standby for when she dies.

And yeah, since when tf does she sing? In the asshole of never because at no point ever has it ever been stated or shown she can. Meanwhile Tifa knows how to play the piano but does she get to? Nope.

They took a marginally tolerable character and Frankenstein'd her with more Mary Sue traits than the worst Mary Sue's and yet she's still gonna die, so all they accomplished is pissing us off and having to endure her irritating presence while we play.

For a game company that ain't a smart move, pissing off the players so they don't want to play their biggest project for the last decade.

It's okay, a lotta people feel the same way you do, and it's because we really hoped SE wouldn't do this to Tifa, so the letdown is huge. They're the ones who went around screaming Tifa and Aerith were best friends and showing how supportive and kind Tifa is to Aerith in ToTP and then having Aerith be all "look how cool Tifa is!!!" in her part, only to show that actually she's just another two faced back stabber trying to fuck Cloud.

I said once that Tifa has no female friends because they all wanna fuck him, and it's true. She has no friends because of Cloud. Think about how isolated she is in all the novels. The boys in Nibelheim wanna get with her, so she keeps them at arm's length. In Midgar she wants to be friends with Jessie, but she's just using her. Although she's popular around sector 7 she isn't close to anyone except Marlene, who's a literal child. Aerith is two faced. The others in the team all disperse and go home. All she has is Cloud and the kids. Then Cloud starts acting stupid and her only so called supportive adult leaves and she has nobody.

When I say Tifa deserves better, I mean Tifa deserves better.

I never paid much attention to what the negative results were, so I got dating mechanics info up to have a look and see what the difference was between Tifa and Aerith's negative options.

Tifa

1. If you say you're looking forward to spending time with Jessie, Tifa loses 3pts. Makes sense. Cloud is being disloyal to Tifa and a scummy player who'd go with any random girl who passed his way.

After this first option before you even meet up with Tifa, then next possibility to lose points is all the way over at Corneo's.

Lemme put that into Remake context. Cloud talks to Jessie on the train in chapter 2, then from chapter 3-9 it's impossible to get a negative result with Tifa. That's a lot of time spent with her and there's a lot of options where you can gain pts with her. Obviously the sad and salty ones will choose other options, but those don't lose pts with Tifa, she just doesn't gain any.

Tifa maintains a good opinion of Cloud during this time.

2. If Cloud asks how Tifa is instead of saying they should save Aerith from Corneo, Tifa loses 2pts. So, if Cloud doesn't give a shit that a useless girl is about to get raped, Tifa loses respect for him. Again, makes perfect sense.

3. The third negative option for Tifa is once again tied to Cloud being disloyal and a scummy player who'd go after any girl if he says to Marlene he hopes Aerith likes him. Tifa will lose 2pts.

4. If Aerith is put in Tifa's care when they escape the Shinra building then Tifa will lose 2pts with Cloud. I'm wondering if this is tied to Tifa doubting her own capability or maybe it's a sexist thing from the times that it should be a guy helping a girl out. Either way Remake showed us the correct party is Barret.

5. The next negative pts is at Kalm when an NPC talks about the convenience of mako. If Cloud agrees, Tifa and several others lose 1pt with Cloud. Since they're all opposed to Shinra and mako, this makes sense it would upset Tifa.

6. And another NPC convo about modern life can also cause several characters to lose 1pt, if Cloud thinks what they have now is best over more natural living. Given how mako and shinra ruined Tifa's life, it makes sense she'd disagree with this opinion.

7. If Cloud doesn't want to aid Fort Condor he loses pts with several characters and loses more pts if he doesn't care about hearing their stories. Being insensitive and not wanting to help others would go against Tifa's core values, so it's obvious why this loses pts.

8. On the cargo ship when Tifa asks Cloud about the war he can lose 2pts with her by saying he doesn't know. This goes towards Tifa possibly believing Cloud doesn't trust her enough to share or that he's hiding something for her, which is a hint at his false persona and how she can tell something isn't right with him.

9. If Tifa isn't chosen as a party member during the first GS visit she loses 2pts with Cloud. This is the same for every party member who isn't chosen except Red.

10. At Gongaga, if Cloud avoids talking to Tifa then she loses 3 pts with him. Since these convos are fairly important and emotional hints towards the plot and mystery with Zack it makes sense why ignoring them would have this result.

The total negative pts you can gain is 24

Those are all the options that have a negative impact towards Tifa's affection or total. Every option makes sense in the context of the plot and Cloud and Tifa's characters and relationship.

Aerith

1. You can lose 3pts for pushing the wrong barrel in the church. This happens 3 times, so that's 9pts lost already. There's also a loss of 1pt if you tell Aerith to fight the Shinra grunts herself, or if you tell her to run but she gets caught. This goes towards Cloud being an incompetent bodyguard or expecting Aerith to be capable of looking after herself.

2. In Aerith's house if Cloud says Tifa is his girlfriend when Aerith asks you lose a whopping 5pts with Aerith. Wow, talk about jelly.

3. At Corneo's if you choose the option "we should save Tifa", Aerith loses another 2pts with Cloud. So, for context: if you show no concern about Aerith being with a rapist, then Tifa is mad at Cloud. If you do show concern about Tifa possibly being raped then Aerith gets mad at Cloud.

What the fuck is wrong with you, Aerith?! That's a rapist! This is probably the most disgusting thing ever and makes Aerith into a total bitch. Who tf gets mad about someone wanting to save a woman from being raped?! And people wonder why I say Aerith is selfish.

4. Next opportunity to get negative pts is when Marlene asks Cloud if Aerith likes him. If he says he doesn't know then Aerith loses 3pts with him. I guess being oblivious and only interested in Tifa is bringing out her green eyed monster again.

5. Aerith also gets mad at Cloud for finding mako convenient and loses 1pt with him for that option.

6. Aerith also drops another 1pt if Cloud thinks new modern ways are better than more traditional ones. Obviously the hatred for Shinra and mako plays a key role in this.

7. Aerith will lose a total of 6pts with Cloud if he doesn't care and doesn't wanna help out at Fort Condor.

8. On the cargo ship if Cloud says he doesn't know when Aerith asks to be taken for a ride on the Highwind someday, she loses 2pts with him. She's just mad he's not interested.

9. If Aerith isn't chosen to be in the party at the first GS visit, she loses 2pts with Cloud.

10. If Cloud ignores talking to Aerith at Gongaga after meeting Zack's parents then she'll lose 3pts with him.

The total negative pts you can gain is 34

And that's all the negative options for Aerith, who displays jealousy and selfishness if Cloud cares about anyone but him, but she also expects him to be a competent bodyguard and be willing to help others for no reward. Any behaviour that shows he isn't like Zack makes her lose affection for him by quite a large amount.

Overall you can lose more pts with Aerith than you can with Tifa. She also has a higher amount that can be lost per option than Tifa for a lot of the choices. I've said before that by the time you meet Aerith in the church, Tifa can have 56pts which destroys Aerith's base pt lead and all you need to do is be a decent human being and not treat Tifa like you, the player, hate and are jelly af of her.

"when for most of his life, he dodges her?"

Since when is dodging someone not the most obvious example of your life revolving around someone? Try robbing a bank, I guarantee you that you spending your life running away from the police and dodging them is a form of your life revolving around the police.

As for why Clouds life revolves around Tifa, first read my canonical breakdown of the story of FFVII:

Ok, so Clouds life revolving around Tifa, lets start, and while going over this, remember that these issues are not irrelevant backstory. These things are so important to Cloud that they cause him to create a fake persona, and later are what cause him to again discover who he truly is. I can't stress this enough, but:

EVERY SINGLE EVENT IN CLOUDS SUBCONCIOUS, IN THE SCENE THAT IS ALL ABOUT DISCOVERING WHO CLOUD REALLY IS, REVOLVES AROUND TIFA:

1: As a boy he wants Tifa to notice him, when she gets injured he blames himself to such an extent that he develops a fear of failure.

2: As a boy Tifa was important enough that Cloud would be unfriendly with all the other kids just because he wanted Tifa for himself.

3: Tifa so important that Cloud starts dreaming of being a soldier just to get her to notice him.

4: Tifa is so important that Cloud joins the army and is voluntarily experimented on, just in the hopes that Tifa would notice him.

5: When coming back to Nibleheim, Tifa is so important that Cloud is so ashamed of failing to become that noticeable person that he spends his time in his hometown trying to avoid her, and feeling sorry for himself.

6: Then when Tifa got stabbed she was so important that this gave Cloud enough strength to vengefully throw Sephiroth, the strongest Soldier, into the lifestream.

7: When Cloud thinks Tifa is dead, she's important enough that Cloud makes an entire fake persona that wouldn't fail her like the real Cloud does.

8: When Cloud returns to Midgar, Tifa is so important that he starts playing out this fake persona, and that he starts helping her with terrorist actions just because he had promised to protect her as a child.

9: During this time, Tifa is so important that he has flashbacks talking about how this was "just like when he failed her".

10: During this time, Tifa is so important that Sephiroth is constantly alluding to said failure by saying "you're too weak to save anyone", "you've failed again, I see, but through failure you will grow strong, isn't that what you want"?

11: During this time Tifa is so important that Cloud screams her name in panic anytime she seems to be in danger, and is constantly trying to protect her.

12: She's also so important that he starts trying to play nice with the members of avalanche simply because she asked him to.

13: She's also so important that he talks gently to her, when he does that for no one else.

14: She's also so important that he instantly starts making excuses as for why he doesn't need more money.

15: She's then also important enough for him to put on a dress, perform a dance act, and try to seduce Don Corneo in order to save her.

16: She's important enough that merely hugging her is a gigantic deal for him that "crosses the boundaries of friendship" and causes his mind to go 100 mph just trying to figure out the best move, and panic when he thinks he may have hurt her.

17: She's then important enough that he specifies that "her opinion is the only one that counts".

18: She is then important enough that when he loses her faith in him his mind breaks and he gives the black materia to Sephiroth.

19: She is then important in his life in general when she spend endless days taking care of him while in a coma.

20: She's then important in that she jumps in his subconscious to help him piece his mind together, where we discover that Clouds entire life since he was like 6 has revolved around the "tender memories locked deep inside his heart" for Tifa lockhart, and that this has been his raison d'etre for everything that has happened so far in the game and his life.

21: She's then important enough that when Cloud tells everyone to find the thing that's most important for them he goes nowhere and spends his presumably last night on the planet making love to Tifa.

22: After that she's important enough that Cloud states that he thinks that while his life has been a series of failures so far that his life will be different from now on since he "now has her".

23: She's then important enough that she's described as his "most important person".

24: She's then important enough that they start living together, raising children together, running a business together, and generally "start a family together".

25: She's then important enough that he obtains such a peaceful life with her, that he starts feeling guilty about how happy he is.

26: She's then important enough that he becomes afraid of losing said happiness.

27: She's then important enough that it's her words that cause him to find the strength to try and find forgiveness.

28: She's then important enough that living with her is described as being Clouds promised land.

29: She's then important enough that Cloud describes them as a family in "the kids are alright"

30: She's then important enough that they're still together during the events of Dirge.

"That's just your interpretation"

I've lost count of the amount of times people have asserted some variation of "SE never confirmed either ship, there is nothing in the Ultimanias saying one way or the other, it's just your interpretation". It doesn't matter how good your argument is, any leap of logic is too big, only a single explicit watertight statement will do. They don't care for context, they'll make up any excuse to not accept evidence. But is it a matter of interpretation? Or, like I've said before, is it a matter of lying to yourself vs not lying to yourself? Instead of telling you my interpretation, this article was made to allow you to make your own. Here I will not make an argument, I will simply make a story, a story with minimal personal input, just official statements and materials put in order, perhaps paraphrased to make it flow, like changing "tifa" to "her", but every sentence referenced. Undeniably, objectively, this is the story of FFVII. _______________________________________________________

FFVII, A canonical Love story:

Chapter 1: Early Youth When they were younger, Tifa and Cloud used to play together a lot. Their houses were right next to each other, and it was easy to go back and forth.[1] Tifa was idolized by the village boys. Cloud was just as drawn to Tifa as the others. [2]

When Tifa’s mother died and three of her friends decided to take her up the mountains where the dead were believed to go, Cloud wasn’t invited. But even so, Cloud secretly went after them wanting to cheer Tifa up[3]

Unfortunately, both Tifa and Cloud fell down a cliff partway through the journey. Cloud sustained only minor injuries , but Tifa was knocked unconscious and remained in critical condition for a whole week. [4]

Hating his own weakness and inability to do anything, Cloud learned of Sephiroth and longed to be as strong as him. He thought that if he became stronger, Tifa would accept him.[5]

Cloud had started falling in love with Tifa [6] In order to get her to notice him Cloud decided to join SOLDIER [7] Cloud called Tifa to the water tower[8] The tower at night appears to be a date spot for the town’s young residents[9] Before leaving the village he called out for Tifa, the girl he liked romantically, he declared he would become a Soldier [10] and promised to protect her. [11] To Tifa Cloud was unreachable, a thing of beauty. Like the stars.[12] “Cloud has such a beautiful face,” her mother once complimented him at the dining table. Did that happen when she was seven, or was it eight? For some reason that compliment made her feel happy and a bit shy. Her mother had given her a knowing wink.[13]

As she was choosing what outfit to wear, the realization came to her that this would be the first time she would sneak outside at midnight behind her father’s back, and with, of all people, Cloud Strife! This night was special. Her spirit soared. Sleep was the last thing on her mind.[14]

Was Cloud waiting for her on that water tower, thinking of her with special emotions, emotions that were more than a friendship? Would he confess those feelings to her? If that were the case, how would she respond?[15]

Did she even like him? She held a hand up to her heart and thought it over. Yes, there was no mistaking it. She liked him. However, this “fondness” she had for him was different from just wanting to spend time alone with him.[16]

She felt less nervous; her footsteps became lighter. She sprinted toward the water tower.[17]

The things Cloud told her at the water tower were nothing extraordinary. He told her he was going to leave town when spring came. That he was different from everyone else. All the boys said the same thing to her in the end. But even so, she wasn’t disappointed. Was it due to some sort of spell cast on her the night of the stars falling down? Or was it perhaps the sight of Cloud seeming slightly enthusiastic that she found so endearing? That promise she suggested they make was just a simple idea.[18]

“Hey, promise me something. When you become famous, and if I’m ever trapped or in trouble, promise you’ll come and save me.”[19]

It was just an idea, but from the moment it was made it became an irreplaceable promise. And that night, when Tifa realized that the Cloud she admired was just an ordinary boy, she fell in love with him [20]

____________________________________________________

Chapter 2: The Nibleheim incident

After Cloud left town, Tifa really thought about him a lot, she used to wonder how Cloud was doing, whether he was able to get into SOLDIER. She started reading the newspapers, thinking there might be an article about him.[21]

When she heard that there would be SOLDIERs coming to the village, she looked forward to being reunited with Cloud. [22]

Believing in Cloud’s promise, Tifa’s waiting to see Cloud become a SOLDIER like Sephiroth. Tifa dresses herself in a pretty and sexy look. Does she do that to spirit up herself in preparing for a touching reunion?[23]

Tifa is hired as a guide to lead Sephiroth and Zack to the mako excavation facility. She is not a fan of ShinRa and, although she admits to desiring a blonde-haired soldier operative for a boyfriend, she does not have a lot of nice things to say about soldier.[24]

"Are there any blond guys in SOLDIER? Well,it’s just a dream… Any girl would love to have a blond SOLDIER guy protect her when she’s in a pinch.Well, it’s no good just waiting for my blond knight in shining armor to show up,so I’ve started learning how to fight, myself.My teacher tells me I’ve got a knack for it."[25]

Who's the SOLDIER she's curious about? Believing that Cloud has become a SOLDIER, Tifa's feelings of how much she wants to hear something about him somehow shows through in her texts. The two of them care about the other so much, yet both Cloud and her are perhaps too shy and bashful to explain the situation to the middleman, Zack. As a result, it seems they completely slip past each other in Nibelheim.[26]

The young lady who waited for the SOLDIERs held out hope of a reunion with Cloud in her heart[27]

However, she was unable to meet with him and though disappointed deep down, she lead the SOLDIERs towards the Nibel Reactor.[28]

It was a great chance for Cloud and Tifa to see each other again, but Cloud did not want his identity as a regular trooper known, and avoided her [29]

The night they arrive in Nibelheim, Cloud finds himself reminiscing of the promise he shared with Tifa at the water tower. Could it be that he won't talk about her to Zack because he wants to keep that memory precious in his heart?"[30]

Cloud dreamed of becoming a SOLDIER, but lacked the strength and instead could only become an infantryman. Yet, the rage he felt at his hometown being burnt to the ground and Tifa being hurt awakens an alarming strength in him, and although it may be because he had let down his guard, Cloud defeats the strongest SOLDIER of them all, Sephiroth.[31]

Cloud lifts a collapsed Tifa up in his arms, and upon seeing her aware of him, he smiles gently.[32]

"Cloud. You came for me... Our promise... you kept it for my sake"[33]

Cloud had rushed to Tifa's side when she was in a bind, just as he promised.[31]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Epilogue: Fake memories~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reunited with Tifa, the girl that he’s always liked, Cloud was ashamed that he did not become a SOLDIER. From those feelings, Cloud constructed an illusory self identity blended with the stories he heard from his friend Zack and his own real experiences and began to act the part. [34] 

He seals his memories, and hides his feelings deep inside his heart[35] A Promise to Tifa, Etched in his Memory[36], tender feelings that no one may ever know[35]

_______________________________________________________ Chapter 3: FFVII In order to fulfill the promise Cloud had made to save Tifa if she were ever in trouble he joins the AVALANCHE mission, not knowing that he'd already fulfilled his promise years ago.[37]

To Tifa, Cloud is the only one through which she can get in touch with her past. He is her ideal love and his existence is also like a prince who promised to come to her rescue when she is in trouble.[38]

Following this, the pair experience many hardships, and through these the distance between them shortens.[39]

Tifa sets out with him on a journey in pursuit of Sephiroth. She continues to support him at all times, such as when Cloud fell into the Lifestream, and she devotedly nursed over him.[[40]]

Cloud falls victim to mako poisoning twice, but both times - at the Sector 7 slums station and at Mideel as well - he regains his consciousness because Tifa calls out to him.[41]

In the eyes of Cloud, who had no faith that he even truly existed, Tifa was the sole support of his heart[42]

"No matter what anyone else says to me, it’s your opinion that counts"[43]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lifestream~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cid and the others revisit Mideel after a long time away. However, Cloud shows no signs of recovering, and Tifa's worn down from the endless days she's spent taking care of him.[44]

Tifa tries frantically to escape while pushing Cloud's wheelchair, but the two are swallowed up by a fissure and fall down into the lifestream.[45]

As Tifa tumbles into the water's dark depths, her head is inundated with an abundance of knowledge and innumerable chattering voices, Unable to stand it, she calls out for Cloud.[46]

Countless voices she doesn't recognize call out to her, and she becomes confused and overwhelmed. When Cloud was swallowed up by the Lifestream after being turned into Sephiroth's puppet, he must have been unable to withstand these conditions and succumbed to mako poisoning.[47]

Tifa gets through the worst of it by calling Cloud's name[48]

"Somebody help....please. Cloud, help me"[49]

After falling into the lifestream, Tifa and Cloud weave together scattered strands of memory as they attempt to find Cloud's true self[50]

When Cloud was a young child, he was isolated from those around his age, and so he tries convincing himself that he must be special. However, Tifa was still important to him — this childhood awakening of love is revealed in the spirit world.[51]

Trying to probe the feelings hidden in Clouds heart, Tifa asks him what his reason was for trying to become a SOLDIER. He unexpectedly answers: [52]

"Because I wanted you to notice me."[52]

Cloud informs Tifa that he's been holding favor for her ever since before the promise even [53]

"a sealed up secret…… wish…… Tender memories…… no one can ever know…"[54]

Tifa did not realize that Cloud was holding favor for her until he informed her in the Lifestream[53]

As the feelings are earnestly transmitted Tifa learns a lesson about the complexity of the human heart [55]

The memory of 5 years ago, the promise at the water tower, Cloud’s motive to decide to become a SOLDIER. Together with Tifa, Cloud grasps the truth of himself and now faces the reality of 5 years ago. During the tragedy of Nibelheim, Cloud defeated Sephiroth as a mere soldier, keeping his promise to Tifa. At last, the two who discovered the truth meet again with true significance, and return to reality where their friends await.[56]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The night underneath the highwind~~~~~~~~~~~~ As the time of the final battle with Sephiroth, the two share a fateful night. With this possibly being the end — an evening overcome with a flood of feelings becomes something special.[57]

"This is probably the last time we’ll have together……"[58]

For many years, Cloud and Tifa have been holding favor for one another. Facing the impending final battle with Sephiroth, they at last confirm together their feelings of desire for one another.[59]

Thanks to Tifa, Cloud regained himself, and before the final battle with Sephiroth, he confirms with her feelings that can’t be expressed in words.[61] Everyone leaves to find the people most important to them, Tifa and Cloud stay together and reveal their feelings for each other during their final hours, and.....[60]

"Words aren't the only thing that tell people what you're thinking"[61]

Without using words they confirm that their feelings match[62]

_____________________________________________________

Chapter 4: Advent children

After realizing their feelings for each other Cloud and Tifa start living together[63]

“It all starts now. A new…” Cloud looked for the right words. “A new life.”[64]

“But when I think about how many times I’ve thought about how I was going to start a new life, it’s funny.” “Why?” “Because I’ve always failed everything.” “That’s not funny.” “After this … I think I’ll be okay.” Cloud was silent for a long time before he spoke again.

“Because I have you this time.”

“You’ve always had me.”

“What I mean is kind of different"

Cloud answered with a smile.[61]

Now running a delivery business while helping out Tifa with the newly opened “Seventh Heaven” bar, Cloud, Tifa, Marlene and Denzel lived together like a family.[65] Since 2 years ago, Tifa has been the only one he has opened his heart to.[66]

The present Tifa isn’t just Cloud’s childhood friend, but also the mother of the ‘family’ they were forming in Edge.[67] She is a mother, a sweetheart, and a close ally in battle[68] she is also the woman who understands him all too well and devotedly supports the mentally-weak side of him[69]

The more he realizes how happy he is living with Tifa and the children, the more the fear of losing that and regrets toward the past trouble Cloud…[70] Cloud continued to regret the deaths of his best friend and comrade, who were dear to him[71]

He is scared that the peace he has now might shatter[72]

Cloud never had a candid personality to begin with, and although he started living with Tifa and even started working, he obtained a peaceful living he’s never experienced before, and this conversely makes him anxious. And in the midst of this he contracts Geostigma himself, and rather than being able to protect the person dear to him, he instead is forced to face his own death, and so he runs away.”[73]

Behind these actions lies feelings of guilt towards his past failure to protect people who were important to him [74]

Tifa, watches over Cloud warmly as he regains the strength to move forward. Having been together with him since they were young, she is able to believe in his recovery for certain.[75]  She gives encouragement to Cloud, who is unable to shake off his doubts, and creates the catalyst for him to regain the will to fight[[76]]

With the support of former allies and Tifa, an important woman to him and now also part of his family, Cloud regains the courage to move forward.[74] At the end of a long struggle, she gently welcomes back Cloud on his return home after settling things with himself.[[77]] Cloud overcomes his immense feeling of guilt[78] Geostigma is cured. Cloud returns to Tifa and the children. [79]

~~~~~~~~~Epilogue: The guide to Clouds promised land~~~~~~~~~

The place where he awakens — That is Cloud’s Promised Land  As he sleeps, Cloud hears two voices. The voices of two people very dear to him, who are no longer with him. Playfully and kindly, they give him a message: he doesn’t belong here yet. When he awakes, there was his friends. There were the children, freed from their fatal illness. Tifa and Marlene, and Denzel asking for Cloud to heal his Geostigma — his family were waiting. Engulfed in celebration, he realises where he is meant to live. He realises that he was able to forgive himself. And when he turns around — “she” is starting to leave. Together with the friend who had given Cloud his life. Cloud no longer has to suffer in loneliness … And so they too go back to where they belong.[80]

Cloud was home again, where he belonged, together with Tifa, [81] The heroine who would be by Clouds side until the end[82]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Fin(al Fantasy VII)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now look me in the eye and tell me it's "just my interpretation".

_______________________________________________________ Reference list: Referenced materials: Games and movies: Final Fantasy VII (1997) Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005) Final Fantasy VII: Last Order (2005) Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (2007) Literature: Final Fantasy VII: On the way to a smile (2009) Final Fantasy VII: Trace of Two Pasts (2021)

Ultimania:

Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω (2005) Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania (2007) Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania Revised Edition (2009) Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Ultimania (2007) Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania (2008) Dissidia Ultimania (2009) Final Fantasy 25th Memorial Ultimania (2012) Additional guides: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children -Reunion Files- (2006) Crisis Core: Complete Guide (2008) Advent children: Prologue book Interviews: Dengeki volume 686 (with Yoshinori Kitase and Tetsuya Nomura) Shonen Gangan (Nomura) Weekly famitsu issue No. 1224 (Nomura) __________________________________________________________

Note: References which receive a double bracket designation "[[]]" are from sources which, while official, cannot reasonable be considered prescriptive cannon, and should only be used in a descriptive capacity.

Ps: don't start complaining to me about "incorrect translations or other crap like that, I am done arguing with people who think they're the only person in the world who knows how to properly translate Koibito, with everyone else just being charlatans. Regardless of translations, the overall sentiment doesn't change, if you think it does, you are once again lying to yourself. However, Referencing a bunch of similar quotes in a bunch of similar products is tricky, and these quotes propagate over the internet so widely that it's hard to tell what is accurate and what is not, so if there are very specific inaccuracies let me know and I'll adjust them. __________________________________________________________ [1] When they were younger, she and Cloud used to play together a lot. Their houses were right next to each other, and it was easy to go back and forth. ~A trace of two pasts [2] The letter on Tifa’s desk in her room was written by the son of the shop owner. If you read it all the way, you’ll learn how Cloud had distanced himself from his peers in the village or how Tifa was idolized by the village boys. Cloud was just as drawn to (charmed by? attracted to? pulled?) Tifa as the others.     ~ Ultimania omega

[3] As a small boy, he didn’t get along with others apart from Tifa. So when Tifa’s mother died and three of her friends decided to take her up the mountains where the dead were believed to go, Cloud wasn’t invited. But even so, Cloud secretly went after them wanting to cheer Tifa up ~ AC prologue - Cloud profile

[4] Unfortunately, both Tifa and Cloud fell down a cliff partway through the journey. Cloud sustained only minor injuries , but Tifa was knocked unconscious and remained in critical condition for a whole week. ~Ultimania omega, story analysis

[5] Hating his own weakness and inability to do anything, Cloud learned of Sephiroth and longed to be as strong as him. He thought that if he became stronger, Tifa would accept him. ~Ultimania omega, story analysis

[6] Before leaving for Midgar, Cloud declared ‘I’m going to become a SOLDIER’ to Tifa, a village girl he had started falling in love with, and also promised to protect her. ~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 24

[7] Tifa - "now that you mention it, why did you want to join Soldier in the first place? I always thought it was a sudden decision" Cloud - "..I was devastated. ..I wanted to be noticed. I thought if I got stronger someone would notice." Tifa - "Someone to notice you? ...Who?" Cloud (inner) - "Who? You know who! ..You, that's who." Cloud (Outer) - "You.." ~ Lifestream sequence, FFVII

Trying to probe the feelings hidden in Cloud's heart, Tifa asks him what his reason was for trying to become a SOLDIER. He unexpectedly answer, "Because I wanted you to notice me". ~ Ultimania omega, story analysis, p180

[8] The familiar reminiscence scene from FFVII － She made a promise with Cloud, who had called her to the water tower, that he would “Protect her when she was in a pinch.”  ~ 10th anniversary ultimania - Tifas profile.

Cloud and Tifa are childhood friends, both born in Nibelheim. When Cloud leaves the village, he calls Tifa out to the water tower and promises that he will become a SOLDIER. At the same time, he is also made by Tifa to promise that he will come to rescue her if she is ever in trouble. ~ Crisis Core Ultimania

[9] The water tower erected in the center of Nibelheim. The large wooden cask catches rain water, and filters it to supply the townspeople with water to use in their daily lives. In the game, it is counted as one of the 7 Wonders of Nibelheim, as a place where the water runs red, due to the color of a red summon materia that was in the tower seeping into the water. Also, the tower at night appears to be a date spot for the town’s young residents, and Cloud had also called Tifa out here and talked to her before leaving Nibelheim for Midgar ~ Crisis Core Ultimania -pg. 280 (alternative translation: The youth seem to consider the water tower at night to be a date spot and so to does Cloud it seems, as he calls Tifa over to this place and talks with her before departing to Midgar) [10] Before leaving the village, he boldly called to Tifa, a girl he liked romantically, and declared he would become a SOLDIER. ~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 12 Before leaving for Midgar, Cloud declared ‘I’m going to become a SOLDIER’ to Tifa, a village girl he had started falling in love with, and also promised to protect her. ~ Crisis Core Official Guide

[11] Before leaving for Midgar, Cloud declared ‘I’m going to become a SOLDIER’ to Tifa, a village girl he had started falling in love with, and also promised to protect her. ~ Crisis Core Official Guide

The familiar reminiscence scene from FFVII － She made a promise with Cloud, who had called her to the water tower, that he would “Protect her when she was in a pinch.”  ~ 10th anniversary ultimania - Tifas profile.

[12] Yes, the reason why her heart was racing now was because Cloud was unreachable, a thing of beauty. Like the stars. ~ A trace of two pasts

[13] “Cloud has such a beautiful face,” her mother once complimented him at the dining table. Did that happen when she was seven, or was it eight? For some reason that compliment made her feel happy and a bit shy. Her mother had given her a knowing wink, which didn’t escape her father’s notice - he scowled at them. This moment became one memory she had of her family life before her mother passed away. ~ A trace of two pasts

[14] As she was choosing what outfit to wear, the realization came to her that this would be the first time she would sneak outside at midnight behind her father’s back, and with, of all people, Cloud Strife! This night was special. Her spirit soared. Sleep was the last thing on her mind. ~ A trace of two pasts [15] Was Cloud waiting for her on that water tower, thinking of her with special emotions, emotions that were more than a friendship? Would he confess those feelings to her? If that were the case, how would she respond? ~ A trace of two pasts

[16] Did she even like him? She held a hand up to her heart and thought it over. Yes, there was no mistaking it. She liked him. However, this “fondness” she had for him was different from just wanting to spend time alone with him. ~ A trace of two pasts [17] She felt less nervous; her footsteps became lighter. She sprinted toward the water tower. ~ A trace of two pasts

[18] The things Cloud told her at the water tower were nothing extraordinary. He told her he was going to leave town when spring came. That he was different from everyone else. All the boys said the same thing to her in the end. But even so, she wasn’t disappointed. Was it due to some sort of spell cast on her the night of the stars falling down? Or was it perhaps the sight of Cloud seeming slightly enthusiastic that she found so endearing? That promise she suggested they make was just a simple idea. ~ A trace of two pasts

[19] “Hey, promise me something. When you become famous, and if I’m ever trapped or in trouble, promise you’ll come and save me.” ~ A trace of two pasts ~ FFVII remake

[20] "It was just an idea, but from the moment it was made, it became an irreplaceable promise. And that night, when Tifa realized that the Cloud she admired was just an ordinary boy, she fell in love with him" ~ A trace of two pasts

[21] "After you left town, I really thought about you a lot" "I used to wonder how Cloud was doing" "I wonder if Cloud was able to get into SOLDIER?" "I started reading the newspapers, thinking there might be an article about you". ~FFVII - Tifa in the lifestream.

[22] When she heard that there would be SOLDIERs coming to the village, she looked forward to being reunited with a Cloud who had became excellent/praiseworthy.  ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Tifa profile

[23] Believing in Cloud’s promise, Tifa’s waiting to see Cloud become a SOLDIER like Sephiroth. Tifa dresses herself in a pretty and sexy look. Does she do that to spirit up herself in preparing for a touching reunion? ~ Crisis Core Ultimania - Tifa profile

[24] Tifa is a young girl in Nibelheim who is hired as a guide to lead Sephiroth and Zack to the mako excavation facility. She is not a fan of ShinRa and, although she admits to desiring a blonde-haired soldier operative for a boyfriend, she does not have a lot of nice things to say about soldier. ~ Official Crisis Core Guide - Tifa profile pg.11 [25] "Are there any blond guys in SOLDIER? Well, it’s just a dream… Any girl would love to have a blond SOLDIER guy protect her when she’s in a pinch.Well, it’s no good just waiting for my blond knight in shining armor to show up,so I’ve started learning how to fight, myself.My teacher tells me I’ve got a knack for it." ~ Crisis Core - Tifas email

[26] "Who's the SOLDIER she's curious about? Believing that Cloud has become a SOLDIER, Tifa's feelings of how much she wants to hear something about him somehow shows through in her texts. The two of them care about the other so much, yet both Cloud and her are perhaps too shy and bashful to explain the situation to the middleman, Zack. As a result, it seems they completely slip past each other in Nibelheim." ~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 520

[27] Holding the hope of a reunion [with Cloud] in her heart, The young lady who waited for the SOLDIERs. ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Tifa profile

[28] However, she was unable to meet with him and though disappointed deep down, she lead the SOLDIERs towards the Nibel Reactor. ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Tifa profile

[29] When staying at a private house, the mysterious voice echoed inside Cloud’s mind again, asking him why he didn’t see Tifa before leaving to the Mako reactor 5 years ago. In truth, Cloud didn’t want his identity known as a regular trooper/soldier and avoided Tifa, but this memory is sealed. Does the voice trying to awaken him belong to Sephiroth, who made Cloud his puppet? Or is it Cloud trying to return to his original self? – Judging from the dialogue, “It was a great chance for you two to see each other again,” it seems to be the latter. The voice also says things that see through to Cloud’s hidden feelings. ~ FF7 Ultimania Omega - pg. 110

[30] "Thinking of the past at the water tower. The night they arrive in Nibelheim, Cloud finds himself reminiscing of the promise he shared with Tifa at the water tower. Could it be that he won't talk about her to Zack because he wants to keep that memory precious in his heart?" ~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 537

[31] Cloud dreamed of becoming a SOLDIER, but lacked the strength and instead could only become an infantryman. Yet, the rage he felt at his hometown being burnt to the ground and Tifa being hurt awakens an alarming strength in him, and although it may be because he had let down his guard, Cloud defeats the strongest SOLDIER of them all, Sephiroth. ~ 25th Memorial Ultimania vol.2 - pg. 21

Cloud had rushed to Tifa's side when she was in a bind, just as he promised. ~ Ultimania omega, p179

[32] He lifts a collapsed Tifa up in his arms, and upon seeing her aware of him, he smiles gently. ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Cloud profile

[33] She ventured into Lifestream together with Cloud. Amidst the course of him trying to ascertain his memories, they became aware of the feelings which each other was holding. ~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 42 - 47, Tifa’s Profile

(alternative translation: "Tifa: You came for me... Our promise... you kept it for my sake... Within the Lifestream with Cloud. While verifying Cloud and her own memories, the two both realize the feelings the other held inside their hearts."

"Cloud..So you came for me...you kept our promise..you came..and saved me." ~ Last order - Tifa

[34] Reunited with Tifa, the girl that he’s always liked, Cloud is ashamed that he did not become a SOLDIER. From those feelings, Cloud constructed an illusory self identity blended with the stories he heard from his friend Zack and his own real experiences and began to act the part.   ~ Ultimania omega

[35] Deep inside Cloud’s heart, feelings were hidden that no one knew about. ~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 27

"A sealed up, secret wish. Tender memories... no one can ever know." ~ FFVII - Cloud

[36] A Promise to Tifa, Etched in his Memory.  ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Cloud profile

[37] The memory of Cloud and Tifa exchanging promises on the water tower 7 years ago has a vital significance when searching for “Cloud’s true self” in the Lifestream. Also, the promise to “come to Tifa’s rescue if she is in trouble” forms the reason for Cloud assisting AVALANCHE in this scene, but he has in fact already fulfilled this promise 5 years ago in the Nibel mako reactor. ~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 71

[38] To Tifa, Cloud is the only one through which she can get in touch with her past. He is her ideal love and his existence is also like a prince who promised to come to her rescue when she is in trouble. ~ Tifa profile advent children prologue book

[39] Following this, the pair experience many hardships, such as the Nibelheim incident which appears in CC, and the Jenova War in FFVII, and through these the distance between them shortens. And in AC, they live together with Barret’s daughter Marlene and a boy named Denzel. Though there was also a period later where Cloud lived away from them after having contracted Geostigma, they finally reach a commune and return to living together once again. In DC, they rush together to Vincent’s aid, in his battle against Deep Ground SOLDIER. ~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 280

[[40]] But after reuniting with her childhood friend Cloud, she sets out with him on a journey in pursuit of Sephiroth. She continued to support him at all times, such as when Cloud fell into the Lifestream, and she devotedly nursed over him. ~Tifa Dengeki profile.

[41] "Cloud falls victim to mako poisoning twice, but both times - at the Sector 7 slums station and at Mideel as well - he regains his consciousness because Tifa calls out to him." ~ 20th Anniversary ultimania - File2: Scenario

[42] "In the eyes of Cloud, who had no faith that he even truly existed, Tifa was the sole support of his heart with their shared past as his childhood friend -- she was undeniable proof that he *did* exist." ~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 15, Clouds profile

[43] Cloud: But you said, ‘Long time no see, Cloud’ right? Those words will always support me. I am the one you grew up with. I’m Cloud of Nibelheim. No matter how much I lose faith in myself, that is the truth. That’s why you shouldn’t be so scared. No matter what anyone else says to me, it’s your attitude that counts... ~ Cloud to Tifa PS1 version. Cloud: No matter what anyone else says to me, it’s your opinion that counts ~Cloud to Tifa in FF7 Steam(pc) version.

[44] Cid and the others revisit Mideel after a long time away. However, Cloud shows no signs of recovering, and Tifa's worn down from the endless days she's spent taking care of him. ~ Ultimania omega, a story check, act.3-4

[45] Tifa tries frantically to escape while pushing Cloud's wheelchair, but the two are swallowed up by a fissure and fall down into the lifestream. ~Ultimania omega, story analysis, p180

[46] As Tifa tumbles into the water's dark depths, her head is inundated with an abundance of knowledge and innumerable chattering voices, Unable to stand it, she calls out for Cloud. ~Ultimania omega, a story check, act 3-4 Searching for who he was that day.

[47] When Tifa falls down into the lifestream, countless voices she doesn't recognize call out to her, and she becomes confused and overwhelmed. When Cloud was swallowed up by the Lifestream after being turned into Sephiroth's puppet, he must have been unable to withstand these conditions and succumbed to mako poisoning. ~Ultimania omega, a story check, Tifa panics.

[48] she gets through the worst of it by calling Cloud's name ~Ultimania omega, a story check, Tifa panics.

[49] "Somebody help….please. Cloud, help me" ~ FFVII - Tifa during lifestream sequence

[50] After falling into the lifestream, Tifa and Cloud weave together scattered strands of memory as they attempt to find Cloud's true self ~ Ultimania omega, a story check

[51] When Cloud was a young child, he was isolated from those around his age, and so he tries convincing himself that he must be special. However, Tifa was still important to him — this childhood awakening of love is revealed in the spirit world. ~ 25th anniversary ultimania - pg. 21

[52] Trying to probe the feelings hidden in Cloud's heart, Tifa asks him what his reason was for trying to become a SOLDIER. He unexpectedly answer, "Because I wanted you to notice me". ~ Ultimania omega, story analysis, p180

[53] Even though Cloud was holding favor for Tifa from some time ago, Tifa’s interest in Cloud did not start until the time when the promised was exchanged. It might have been her loneliness due to her surrounding friends leaving one after another, but more than that, it seems largely in part to him making the promise to become her hero. Incidentally, Tifa did not realize that Cloud was holding favor for her until he informed her in the Lifestream. Even though she was called and it was just the two of them, she can be quite clueless. ~ Ultimania Omega - pg, 25

[54] Cloud: ….a sealed up secret…… wish…… Tender memories…… no one can ever know… ~ FFVII - Cloud in the lifestream.

[55] Deep inside Cloud’s heart, feelings were hidden that no one knew about. Even though there were important memories to himself, many of them were forgotten. In the process of looking for the real Cloud, Tifa learns a lesson about the complexity of the human heart, and the feelings are earnestly transmitted. ~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 27

[56] The memory of 5 years ago, the promise at the water tower, Cloud’s motive to decide to become a SOLDIER. Together with Tifa, Cloud grasps the truth of himself and now faces the reality of 5 years ago. During the tragedy of Nibelheim, Cloud defeated Sephiroth as a mere soldier, keeping his promise to Tifa. At last, the two who discovered the truth meet again with true significance, and return to reality where their friends await.  ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania

[57] The Fateful Night the Two Share An event near the time of the final battle with Sephiroth, where Cloud and Tifa stay at the airship Highwind together. With this possibly being the end — an evening overcome with a flood of feelings becomes something special. ~ 25th anniversary ultimania

[58] Cloud: Yeah… okay. This is probably the last time we’ll have together…… ~ 20th Anniversary ultimania -Pg. 199, “Impressive Scenes” [59] For many years, Cloud and Tifa have been holding favor for one another. Facing the impending final battle with Sephiroth, they at last confirm together their feelings of desire for one another. ~ 25th anniversary ultimania - pg. 23

Declares that the team should dissolve in the final hours before the final battle, and communicates his feelings together with Tifa, who remains behind at the airship with him. ~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 15, Cloud’s profile

[60] When their companions disperse to the places where people important to them await, Cloud and Tifa are the only two to remain behind. They reveal their feelings for each other in their final hours, and……. ~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 198

When Cloud proposes that the group separates temporarily, she remains behind at the airship and communicates her feelings together with Cloud. ~ Ultimania Omega -pg. 27, Tifa’s profile

Cloud reveals his feelings for Tifa in the mental world. ~ 20th anniversary ultimania - pg. 229

[61] "Words aren't the only thing that tell people what you're thinking" ~ Final fantasy VII ~Tifa’s profile FF7 Dismantled ~ Tifa figurine ~ FF7 Art card ~ Dissidia 012 as a voice line ~ Dissidia NT both in-game and in her trailer ~ FF Mobius ~ In FF7 Remake marketing. ~ Dissidia Opera Omnia ~ 2003’s Final Fantasy VII International Memorial Album - full script ~ 10th Anniversary ultimania - pg 8 - 13 ~ 20th Anniversary ultimania -pg. 195 “Words aren’t the only thing that tell people what you’re thinking…” —Prarie: What she said to Cloud the night before the final battle when he said there were many things he wanted to talk about. ~ 20th Anniversary ultimania -pg. 195

Thanks to Tifa, Cloud regains himself, and before the final battle with Sephiroth, he confirms with her feelings that can’t be expressed in words. ~ 20th anniversary ultimania - pg. 394

Nojima: “Oh, the scene with the risqué line of dialogue? It was Katou who wrote that as well, not me.”

―”The line ‘Words aren’t the only way to tell someone how you feel,’ right? That was quite a mature conversation for a FF game.”

Kitase: “But I remember having to get another version that was too intense toned down.”

Nojima: “The original idea was more extreme. The plan was to have Cloud walk out of the Chocobo stable on board the Highwind, followed by Tifa leaving while checking around, but Kitase turned it down. ~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 8 - 13

[62] Thanks to Tifa, Cloud regains himself, and before the final battle with Sephiroth, without using words, he confirms with her that their feelings match. ~ 20th anniversary ultimania - File 2: Scenario guide - For the one I love - VII – The night before the final battle

Cloud and Tifa, who remain, reveal their feelings for each other and clarify them together. story playback section ~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 118 (120 in revised version)

And when Cloud and Tifa remain behind alone, in their final hours, they reveal their feelings for each other together. ~ 20th anniversary ultimania - pg. 232, Story Playback

[63] The only woman who knows Cloud’s past. In FF7, Tifa is the only one who knows Cloud’s childhood, and furthermore, she holds the key to people involved in the story of Nibelheim’s burning down, which is also depicted in CC. She and Cloud came to realize their feelings for each other in the end of the story, and live together in AC and DC. ~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 33

[64] “Cloud, you’re smiling.” “I am?” “Yeah.” “It all starts now. A new…” Cloud looked for the right words. “A new life.” “I’m going to live. I think that’s the only way I can be forgiven. All sorts of things… happened.” “That’s right…” “But when I think about how many times I’ve thought about how I was going to start a new life, it’s funny.” “Why?” “Because I’ve always failed everything.” “That’s not funny.” “After this … I think I’ll be okay.” Cloud was silent for a long time before he spoke again. “Because I have you this time.” “You’ve always had me.” “What I mean is kind of different,” Cloud answered with another smile ~ On the way to a smile - Case of Tifa (thelifestream translation)

[65] Now running a delivery business while helping out Tifa with the newly opened “Seventh Heaven” bar, Cloud, Tifa, Marlene and Denzel lived together like a family.  ~ 10th anniversary Ultimania Cloud Strife profile

[66] Since 2 years ago, Tifa has been the only one he has opened his heart to. Now, his heart is closed even to her. ~ advent children prologue book - pg. 21

[67] The present Tifa isn’t just Cloud’s childhood friend, but also the mother of the ‘family’ they were forming in Edge. ~ 10th anniversary ultimania - Tifa profile

[68] There are many dimensions to Tifa’s character. She’s like a mother, a sweetheart(koibito), and a close ally in battle. ~ Advent Children -Reunion Files - Nomura, pg. 19

[69] Apart from being Cloud’s childhood friend, she is also the woman who understands him all too well and devotedly supports the mentally-weak side of him 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 42 – 47

[70] The more he realizes how happy he is living with Tifa and the children, the more the fear of losing that and regrets toward the past trouble Cloud… ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania -Cloud’s profile, pg. 36 - 41

[71] Cloud continued to regret the deaths of his best friend and comrade, who were dear to him ~ Dissidia Ultimania

[72] Cloud is scared that the peace he has now might shatter, so he is living on his own. ~ Nomura - shonen Gangan interview

[73] Cloud never had a candid personality to begin with, and although he started living with Tifa and even started working, he obtained a peaceful living he’s never experienced before, and this conversely made him anxious. And in the midst of this he contracts Geostigma himself, and rather than being able to protect the person dear to him, he instead was forced to face his own death, and so ran away.” ~ Nojima - AC prologue.

Because he contracted Geostigma, Cloud left Tifa and the children, and began living in the Slum church. ~ 10th anniversary Ultimania - Complete Timeline

[74] With the support of former allies and Tifa, an important woman to him and now also part of his family, Cloud regains the courage to move forward. ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Cloud’s profile, pg. 36 – 41 Note: "important woman" here uses the term "taisetsuna josei" while this term doesn't have to be used romantically (like with "partner" or " significant other" the context here implies it. A more platonic term would be "Taisetsu na hito".

[75] Tifa, watching over Cloud warmly as he regains the strength to move forward. Having been together with him since they were young, she is able to believe in his recovery for certain.  ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Tifa profile

[[76]] She gives encouragement to Cloud, who is unable to shake off his doubts, and creates the catalyst for him to regain the will to fight  ~Tifa Dengeki profile.

[[77]] At the end of a long struggle, she gently welcomes back Cloud on his return home after settling things with himself. ~ Tifa’s Dengeki profile.

[78]  One of the first ideas we had for Advent Children was to have Cloud overcome and resolve that immense feeling of guilt. - Reunion Files. pg. 58.

[79] Geostigma is cured. Cloud returns to Tifa and the children.  ~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania

[80] The place where he awakens —

That is Cloud’s Promised Land 

As he sleeps, Cloud hears two voices. The voices of two people very dear to him, who are no longer with him. Playfully and kindly, they give him a message: he doesn’t belong here yet.

When he awakes, there was his friends. There were the children, freed from their fatal illness. Tifa and Marlene, and Denzel asking for Cloud to heal his Geostigma — his family were waiting. Engulfed in celebration, he realises where he is meant to live. He realises that he was able to forgive himself.

And when he turns around — “she” is starting to leave. Together with the friend who had given Cloud his life. Cloud no longer has to suffer in loneliness … And so they too go back to where they belong.

Back to the current of life flowing around the planet ~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 131 Story Playback (133 in revised version)

[81] Inside, I felt one thing was for sure: Cloud and Tifa would be together. Everybody would be back home where they belonged. ~ Nojima - Reunion files - pg. 70

From FF portal a new interview about translations. Which is ironic seeing how on twitter the debate of the week is translation bs because everyone figured out the eng translation included lines not in any other translation.

Which is probably because the translator is a bit biased from how defensive he is in his parts of this. He knows what he did. He better not do it again. Nobody wants to pay £75 for something that isn't accurate.

And if anyone wants to know what I'm talking about, it's this nonsense.

In JP Cloud asks if Tifa's okay, there's nothing to line up to the dub or anything. This guy just decided to change the line. And in Jessie's death he changed "Tifa" to "hey". He's saying he couldn't line up one word? Not to mention the fact the unreal engine also helps compensate for different mouth movements because we also had an interview that focused on that.

So, this guy basically decided to add whatever he wanted and then acted like it was really complicated to follow the script when everyone else managed it.

Hange being the perfect spouse

But no one talked about HANGE’S FLAWLESS SURGICAL TECHNIQUE. 

I’m a surgeon myself and I can say that this is a person who knows how to hold those instruments (elegantly, I may add) and the correct movements for a precise suture.

***

Ppl who state this don’t understand Levi’s personality. I mean, he’s not an expressive guy and he can’t for the life of him sell nice honey-touched love verses nor sweet talk.

Hell, he didn’t know how to deal with Eren *back when he used to get imprisoned and all that, I recall that he ordered Petra to.. ‘do all the talk’ and soothe eren*; Let alone handle his own ROMANTIC life. Which’s a new big deal to him since he hasn’t been with a lover before.

They must be mindful of the fact that Levi never displayed any vulnerability in the series nor showed a meagre glance of longing to anyone.

When Erwin was about to die, Levi talked to him, kneeled before him and devoted his strength and has gotten enslaved to his power afterwards when he realised what Kenny’d meant.

The thing between Erwin and Levi was something between a soldier and his foremost commander AND it happened in the middle of a battle field. They weren’t alone, nothing was personal and all what were left there are sheer work and duty calls. Levi pushed Erwin to let go of his dreams, still feeling betrayed and didn’t get all soft with him despite the eminent respect he carried for Erwin’s judgments and visions. Erwin was a leader, his boss and his friend. And Levi looks up at Erwin as someone who’s higher than him, that he, himself can’t see what’s behind Erwin’s thoughts and motivations.

But in Hange’s case, they were by far, equal. Levi and Hange possesses what the other half lacked and they both knew each other quite a lot. Something that wasn’t pointed out about certain SHIPS.

And round Levi’s reaction, firstly,

they were in the middle of the forest, alone and in privacy were left, unlike Erwin’s scene and unlike many scenes. Levi displayed the feelings, he buried and hid from everyone.

Like let’s be honest, have you ever seen Levi stare so damn longingly and sadly at someone before with his gaze solely zoomed at? with his tone being so low, tired and hurt. Not to mention that they brought this scene when he exactly ASKED ‘ what will they get if they ran away?’ .

Why couldn’t he just say ‘No, we have a job to do.’ Simply. Why didn’t he suggest the answer roughly as he always do?

It’s because he’s reluctant. And because he’s unsure? Like it’s more of asking himself rather than Hange, it’s like he’s considering the option and weighing the outcomes by uttering it out loud.

‘ what will running away bring him? Bring them? Happiness or regret?’

Most of the fans said that Hange’s tone wasn’t serious but why did Levi CONSIDER it ? Can’t he laugh it off? Crack a shit joke ? If they really Still were friends, then they’d do that I’m sure.

Levi at chap 132 wanted to stop Hange’s ‘ inevitable’ death unlike Erwin’s also inevitable death but at 132 he was being selfish. He wanted Hange to live despite knowing that she must go just like Erwin, but he wasn’t even thinking straight.

And as manyyyy have said it, Levi devoted his power and strength for Erwin, his best friend and dearest commander.