Lonely Knight

I LOVE, I LOVEEE, MALINK, did u know that?

Reference photo bellow the cut

eats art (positive)

Hearts That Call Eachother

At the beginning of the trailer, Cloud and Tifa reach for each other and Cloud calls her name, at the ending scene they have another intense reach for each other as Tifa calls his name and the camera slows and we fade into the logo before they can touch. Calling out to each other, hearts yearning to connect and close the distance between them.

References to the night before the final battle have already begun in mainstream marketing and entertainment channels.

(THEORY!) If you didn’t watch the video linked in part two, now would be a good time. These scenes of Cloud and Tifa talking take place at night in a private room away from the Seventh Heaven building, his is likely where The Promise is revealed to the player. The next morning, we see Cloud and Tifa emerge as watchmen Attack Seventh Heaven and Barret exclaims, “Where ya been?”

Did Tifa spend the night in Clouds Room for whatever reason? Did she fall asleep without meaning too? If they spent the night together, intentional or not, it would serve as a foreshadowing of the night before the final battle, where they make their feelings known, and have a cuddle, as their comrades tease them the next morning.

The Romance between Cloud and Tifa has already been set in stone and heavily referenced in foreshadowed in just the trailers alone, it is an agonizing, slow burn, filled with years of pining and yearning between the two, distance they both wish they could close, and fate continually pushes and pulling them apart again. Square Enix knows the intensity of this slow burn, and that’s why they tease Cloud and Tifas hands getting as tantalizingly close as they possibly can before it fades into the iconic new logo meant to represent this new Remake.

The Lifestream Sequence and the distance they wish to close between each other is a visual theme tied together within the narrative as intimately as the two characters themselves are.

These two “Childhood Best Friends” have a reunion of their own that is already being built up and foreshadowing, and it is even described as a “Reunion in the True sense” with Cloud expressing that they “Finally” meet again.

The Real Cloud wants him and Tifa to be alone, he will continually suggest and influence himself to seek her out, alone, and talk to her. We can already see him watching her in many scenes, and his attention is hawk-like in scenes where they are alone, she is the key to his secrets locked within his mind. Protecting Tifa and becoming worthy in her eyes is his deepest secret wish.

Cloud becomes fierce and protective whenever Tifa is in danger, and will defy fate to keep the both of them together.

(A watchman of Fate attempting to separate the two, who reach other and call to eachother)

For some extra details + theories regarding these sequences, check out this video by Vyzzu Share - https://twitter.com/vyzzuvazzadth/status/1177712310296743936?s=21

The Promise Scene. “Can’t say this is quite what I had in mind when I asked for your help way back when”

Japanese translation of Tifas Dialogue during this scene is “I’ll protect you”

Distance separating them that they wish they could close will be a visual theme.

In both of these scenes, Tifa is the one putting the distance between her and Cloud and he is watching her intently, and interested in initiating conversation with her, a stark difference to his interactions with others thus far.

“What aren’t you understand? For Lumen Publishing to PURCHASE the rights to translate the novels that means Square Enix allowed it, which means they wanted the translations. Once more, you cannot publish a translation unless you have the approval of the copyright holder.”

This doesn’t apply to the English version for some reason. Nor does it matter Nojima, the man who wrote the novellas, approves of the English version.

“Cloud was her friend, more than a friend, for she had loved him.”

(link)

Nojima also said he wrote each story from the respective character’s perspective. I.e third person limited from Aerith in CoTLS:W. They are not objective statements from Nojima. Whatever let’s ignore this and continue to say he confirmed Cloud and Aerith lovers in multiple languages, except the English one that he supports. There isn’t much to say here, I mean…when the author himself supports this translation over all the others if pretty much makes “well it contradicts the German, French, and Spanish!” when here the author himself is approving the English version. Just…there’s no need to argue. Word of God has spoken. The English translation of the Novella is approved by the dude who actually WROTE the story. 

Cleriths before the English version of the 25th Anniversary Ultimania is released: 

Dark Horse is a major company, this is huge, no matter how you feel about the mistakes and retcons SE just legitimized them!!!!

“They removed the “aisuru mono” that referenced Aerith.”  

すべての決着を …… 少年時代のあこがれ、愛するものを奪った仇、そしてリユニオンの母体—–セフィロス。星の敵として以上に因縁の存在である彼と1対1で 決着をつけなくては、クラウドの戦いは終わらない。

The bolded bit is “Aisuru Mono”   愛するもの

Clerith fan translation: “The enemy who was admired in childhood, took away something loved for the reunion of mother Sephiroth.”

Anonymous translator: “The one admired in boyhood, the enemy who took away a loved one, and Mother’s reunion body Sephiroth. ”

Clerith fan translation: With all determination…

Sephiroth— an idol in his early youth, the one who took away his dearly beloved, and then the prototype of “reunion.” Not only he is the enemy of the Planet and the above reasons, also because the 1-to-1 fight with him is not yet settled, Cloud’s battle is not end.

Cloti Anonymous translator

Settling it all… A longing for boyhood, an enemy who robbed loved ones, and Mother’s reunion- Sephiroth. “In addition as the enemy of the planet, if Cloud doesn’t settle score with him one on one, clouds’s battle will not be over

Anonymous translation: 

To the settling of everything….. The one idolized in boyhood, the foe who snatched away loved ones, the Reunion of his mother’s body—Sephiroth. More than a fateful existence as enemy of the Planet, Cloud’s battle will not end unless things are settled with him, one on one.

“The French and Japanese are clear!”

Bataille decisive…

Son idole ge jeunesse, l’assassin de ses proches et la piece maitresse du project Jenova : un ex-SOLDAT nomme Sephiroth, C’est un dancer pour la planete, et Cloud doit le battre en duel afin d’en finir une bonne fois pour toutes.

Clerith translation of the French version:

“Last battle…

His youth idol, the murderer of his close relatives/loved ones (in french they use the word proches which can mean both of the meanings) and the centerpiece of Jenova project : an ex Soldier called Sephiroth. It’s a danger for the plant, and Cloud must fight him to defeat him once and for all”

Anonymous translation of the French version:

Decisive battle …

His youthful idol, the killer of his loved ones and the masterpiece of Project Jenova: an ex-SOLDIER calls Sephiroth, It’s a dancer for the planet, and Cloud has to duel him in order to finish once and for all for all.

The French translation is clear guys. But what about the Japanese aisuru mono? Why would the French do this?!

Oh. 

Hey, what about the German translation?

Die Letzte Entscheidung…

Sephiroth: Clouds idol, doch sein held vernichtete Clouds heimatstadt und war verantwortfich fur den Tod vieler Menschen. Als er sich zum Feind des Planeten erklart, fuhlt Cloud sich schicksalhaft mit ihm verbunden. So lange er ihn nicht im direkten duell besiegt, wird der kampf fur Cloud niemals enden.

Sephiroth: Clouds idol, but his hero destroyed Cloud’s hometown and was responsible for the deaths of many people. When he declares himself an enemy of the planet, Cloud fatefully feels connected to him. As long as he does not defeat him in a direct duel, the fight for the Cloud will never end.

And finally, we have the English version.

The End of Everything

Sephiroth –the hero of Cloud’s youth, the man who took everything from him, and the foundation of the Jenova Reunion Theory. Cloud’s battle cannot end until he confronts the enemy of the Planet and settles things, man to man.

The Japanese,  French, German, and English make no reference to Aerith specifically, but rather reference Sephiroth taking away many people/things from Cloud without any being more important than the other. 

As a side note, it makes little sense for Cloud and Sephiroth’s final battle having to do with solely Aerith, considering he wanted to settle things with Sephiroth before Aerith was murdered. 

Dark Horse did not remove “a reference to Aerith” because there was no reference solely to her.

This is eyes 目

And this is ears 耳

It’s a typo. ”This guy are sick.”  “Aeris” and referring to Rosso as a “he.” 

Like the French version doesn’t have mistakes? Since we’re at it, let’s look at something the French translation did that is absent from the Japanese and English version. 

“Aerith s’est finalement rendu compte qu’il etait manipule par une autre concsience. Alors qu’il l’attaque, elle refuse de se defendre et lui parle comme une mere quis tenterait de calmer la rage de son fils.”

Aerith finally realized that he was being manipulated by another conscience. While he’s attacking her, she refuses to defend herself and speaks to him like a mother trying to calm the rage of her son.

vs the German version

Aerith merkt, dass Cloud von einem fremden willen gelenkt wurde. Obwohl er selbst ihr gregenuber gewalttatig wird, spricht sie auf ein, als ware er ein kleines Kind, und meint, dass es nicht seine Schuld war.

Aerith realizes that Cloud has been controlled by someone else. Although he himself violently greets her, she speaks as if he were a small child, saying that it was not his fault.

The Japanese:

クラウドが別の意思に支配されていると気づいたエアリス。彼に暴力を振るわれても抵抗せず、「 あなたのせいじゃない」と子どもをなだめるように言いつづける 。

Aerith realized that Cloud was being controlled by another will/person. She doesn’t resist him even as he strikes her violently, saying “It’s not your fault” over and over to try and calm the child down.

Aerith realized that Cloud was being controlled by another will. Without resisting his violent attack, she continues to say “It’s not your fault”, in order to soothe the child.

And the English version:

In my opinion, the English version did cleriths a solid here. I do believe that the “anti-clerith” English version would be favored by shippers since the French translated it very differently. 

While I’m still beating this dead horse let’s look at the French translation’s version of Cloud and Tifa’s love. 

Pendant sa jeunesse, Cloud etait un jeune rebelle qui s’isolait des autres enfants, car il voul’ait croire qu’il etait different. A ses yeux, neanmoins, Tifa etait une personne speciale. C’est dans ses souvenirs que l’on decouvre cette romance ephemere.

During his youth, Cloud was a young rebel who isolated himself from other children, because he wanted to believe that he was different. In his eyes, however, Tifa was a special person. It is in his memories that we discover this ephemeral romance.

Ephemeral of course means, fleeting. This has been used as canon proof by CA that Cloud’s feelings for Tifa were short-lived and fleeting. Here it states there was a short-lived romance.

This statement is contradicted in the same book, in the same language.

Pendant des années, Tifa et Cloud ont secrètement eu des sentiments l’un pour l’autre. Avant la dernière bataille face à Sephiroth, ils arrivent enfin a se les avouer.

Anonymous translation

For years, Tifa and Cloud have secretly had feelings for each other. Before the last battle with Sephiroth, they finally manage to confess.

You can read this post here about what this translation means. 

Let’s move on to the German version! Which…is pretty different. 

Als Cloud klein war, wurde gleichaltrigen Kindern gemieden, Der einsame und ausgestoßene Cloud erschuf seine eigene Erklarung und glaubte, etwas ganz Besonderes zu sein. Fur ihn war aber Tifa damals sehr wichtig. In seiner Gedankenwelt wird deutlich, wie innig seine Emotionen damals fur sie waren.

When Cloud was little he was shunned by kids the same age. The lonely and outcast Cloud created his own explanation for it and believed to be something special. But Tifa was important to him back then. In the world inside his mind it become clear how deeply his feelings for her were.

In case your wondering, innig translates to “intimate” when doing a literal translation. The French says ephemeral, the German says intimate. You could say, “Well it doesn’t matter because it is in the past!” which brings me to the German translation of the highwind scene.

Scene: When Tifa is alone with Cloud on the night before the final battle and she doesn’t know what she should tell him

For years Cloud and Tifa have fostered feelings for each other. Before the final battle against Sephiroth both can finally admit them.

The Japanese version:

明かされた本当の願い 幼いころのクラウドは、同年代の者たちから孤立し、自分は特別だと思いこもうとする、ねくれた子どもだった。そんな彼にとって大切だったのがティファ——淡く幼い恋心が、 精神世界にて明かされる。

Anonymous fan-translation:

“As a young child, Cloud was rebellious and isolated from those around his age, so he would try to convince himself that he was special. As such, Tifa was important to him. A childhood awakening of love is revealed in the mental world.

English version:

In his youth, Cloud strayed isolated from his peers. He was an eccentric child who always viewed himself as different from the rest. The only person he held close to his heart was Tifa. Their love is brought into the light when Tifa explores Cloud’s subconscious. 

Japanese Version: 

明かされた本当の願い 長年、互いに好意を抱いていたティファとクラウド。セフィロスとの最終決戦を目前にようやく、相手を求める気持ちを確かめ合えた。

Anonymous fan-translation:

For many years, Cloud and Tifa have been holding favor for one another. At last facing the impending final battle with Sephiroth, they confirm together their feelings of desire towards one another

English version:

Tifa and Cloud have cared for each other for many years. Only before the final battle with Sephiroth are the two finally able to realize the depths of each other’s feelings.

THE BEST PART IS NONE OF THIS MATTERS!

TL:DR; ALL CLAIMS BY THE SAME PERSON:

“What aren’t you understand? For Lumen Publishing to PURCHASE the rights to translate the novels that means Square Enix allowed it, which means they wanted the translations. Once more, you cannot publish a translation unless you have the approval of the copyright holder.”

This doesn’t apply to the English version for some reason. Nor does it matter Nojima, the man who wrote the novellas, approves of the English version.

“Cloud was her friend, more than a friend, for she had loved him.”

(link)

Nojima also said he wrote each story from the respective character’s perspective. I.e third person limited from Aerith in CoTLS:W. They are not objective statements from Nojima. Whatever let’s ignore this and continue to say he confirmed Cloud and Aerith lovers in multiple languages, except the English one that he supports. There isn’t much to say here, I mean…when the author himself supports this translation over all the others if pretty much makes “well it contradicts the German, French, and Spanish!” when here the author himself is approving the English version. Just…there’s no need to argue. Word of God has spoken. The English translation of the Novella is approved by the dude who actually WROTE the story. 

Cleriths before the English version of the 25th Anniversary Ultimania is released: 

Dark Horse is a major company, this is huge, no matter how you feel about the mistakes and retcons SE just legitimized them!!!!

“They removed the “aisuru mono” that referenced Aerith.”  

すべての決着を …… 少年時代のあこがれ、愛するものを奪った仇、そしてリユニオンの母体—–セフィロス。星の敵として以上に因縁の存在である彼と1対1で 決着をつけなくては、クラウドの戦いは終わらない。

The bolded bit is “Aisuru Mono”   愛するもの

Clerith fan translation: “The enemy who was admired in childhood, took away something loved for the reunion of mother Sephiroth.”

Anonymous translator: “The one admired in boyhood, the enemy who took away a loved one, and Mother’s reunion body Sephiroth. ”

Clerith fan translation: With all determination…

Sephiroth— an idol in his early youth, the one who took away his dearly beloved, and then the prototype of “reunion.” Not only he is the enemy of the Planet and the above reasons, also because the 1-to-1 fight with him is not yet settled, Cloud’s battle is not end.

Cloti Anonymous translator

Settling it all… A longing for boyhood, an enemy who robbed loved ones, and Mother’s reunion- Sephiroth. “In addition as the enemy of the planet, if Cloud doesn’t settle score with him one on one, clouds’s battle will not be over

Anonymous translation: 

To the settling of everything….. The one idolized in boyhood, the foe who snatched away loved ones, the Reunion of his mother’s body—Sephiroth. More than a fateful existence as enemy of the Planet, Cloud’s battle will not end unless things are settled with him, one on one.

“The French and Japanese are clear!”

Bataille decisive…

Son idole ge jeunesse, l’assassin de ses proches et la piece maitresse du project Jenova : un ex-SOLDAT nomme Sephiroth, C’est un dancer pour la planete, et Cloud doit le battre en duel afin d’en finir une bonne fois pour toutes.

Clerith translation of the French version:

“Last battle…

His youth idol, the murderer of his close relatives/loved ones (in french they use the word proches which can mean both of the meanings) and the centerpiece of Jenova project : an ex Soldier called Sephiroth. It’s a danger for the plant, and Cloud must fight him to defeat him once and for all”

Anonymous translation of the French version:

Decisive battle …

His youthful idol, the killer of his loved ones and the masterpiece of Project Jenova: an ex-SOLDIER calls Sephiroth, It’s a dancer for the planet, and Cloud has to duel him in order to finish once and for all for all.

The French translation is clear guys. But what about the Japanese aisuru mono? Why would the French do this?!

Oh. 

Hey, what about the German translation?

Die Letzte Entscheidung…

Sephiroth: Clouds idol, doch sein held vernichtete Clouds heimatstadt und war verantwortfich fur den Tod vieler Menschen. Als er sich zum Feind des Planeten erklart, fuhlt Cloud sich schicksalhaft mit ihm verbunden. So lange er ihn nicht im direkten duell besiegt, wird der kampf fur Cloud niemals enden.

Sephiroth: Clouds idol, but his hero destroyed Cloud’s hometown and was responsible for the deaths of many people. When he declares himself an enemy of the planet, Cloud fatefully feels connected to him. As long as he does not defeat him in a direct duel, the fight for the Cloud will never end.

And finally, we have the English version.

The End of Everything

Sephiroth –the hero of Cloud’s youth, the man who took everything from him, and the foundation of the Jenova Reunion Theory. Cloud’s battle cannot end until he confronts the enemy of the Planet and settles things, man to man.

The Japanese,  French, German, and English make no reference to Aerith specifically, but rather reference Sephiroth taking away many people/things from Cloud without any being more important than the other. 

As a side note, it makes little sense for Cloud and Sephiroth’s final battle having to do with solely Aerith, considering he wanted to settle things with Sephiroth before Aerith was murdered. 

Dark Horse did not remove “a reference to Aerith” because there was no reference solely to her.

This is eyes 目

And this is ears 耳

It’s a typo. ”This guy are sick.”  “Aeris” and referring to Rosso as a “he.” 

Like the French version doesn’t have mistakes? Since we’re at it, let’s look at something the French translation did that is absent from the Japanese and English version. 

“Aerith s’est finalement rendu compte qu’il etait manipule par une autre concsience. Alors qu’il l’attaque, elle refuse de se defendre et lui parle comme une mere quis tenterait de calmer la rage de son fils.”

Aerith finally realized that he was being manipulated by another conscience. While he’s attacking her, she refuses to defend herself and speaks to him like a mother trying to calm the rage of her son.

vs the German version

Aerith merkt, dass Cloud von einem fremden willen gelenkt wurde. Obwohl er selbst ihr gregenuber gewalttatig wird, spricht sie auf ein, als ware er ein kleines Kind, und meint, dass es nicht seine Schuld war.

Aerith realizes that Cloud has been controlled by someone else. Although he himself violently greets her, she speaks as if he were a small child, saying that it was not his fault.

The Japanese:

クラウドが別の意思に支配されていると気づいたエアリス。彼に暴力を振るわれても抵抗せず、「 あなたのせいじゃない」と子どもをなだめるように言いつづける 。

Aerith realized that Cloud was being controlled by another will/person. She doesn’t resist him even as he strikes her violently, saying “It’s not your fault” over and over to try and calm the child down.

Aerith realized that Cloud was being controlled by another will. Without resisting his violent attack, she continues to say “It’s not your fault”, in order to soothe the child.

And the English version:

In my opinion, the English version did cleriths a solid here. I do believe that the “anti-clerith” English version would be favored by shippers since the French translated it very differently. 

While I’m still beating this dead horse let’s look at the French translation’s version of Cloud and Tifa’s love. 

Pendant sa jeunesse, Cloud etait un jeune rebelle qui s’isolait des autres enfants, car il voul’ait croire qu’il etait different. A ses yeux, neanmoins, Tifa etait une personne speciale. C’est dans ses souvenirs que l’on decouvre cette romance ephemere.

During his youth, Cloud was a young rebel who isolated himself from other children, because he wanted to believe that he was different. In his eyes, however, Tifa was a special person. It is in his memories that we discover this ephemeral romance.

Ephemeral of course means, fleeting. This has been used as canon proof by CA that Cloud’s feelings for Tifa were short-lived and fleeting. Here it states there was a short-lived romance.

This statement is contradicted in the same book, in the same language.

Pendant des années, Tifa et Cloud ont secrètement eu des sentiments l’un pour l’autre. Avant la dernière bataille face à Sephiroth, ils arrivent enfin a se les avouer.

Anonymous translation

For years, Tifa and Cloud have secretly had feelings for each other. Before the last battle with Sephiroth, they finally manage to confess.

You can read this post here about what this translation means. 

Let’s move on to the German version! Which…is pretty different. 

Als Cloud klein war, wurde gleichaltrigen Kindern gemieden, Der einsame und ausgestoßene Cloud erschuf seine eigene Erklarung und glaubte, etwas ganz Besonderes zu sein. Fur ihn war aber Tifa damals sehr wichtig. In seiner Gedankenwelt wird deutlich, wie innig seine Emotionen damals fur sie waren.

When Cloud was little he was shunned by kids the same age. The lonely and outcast Cloud created his own explanation for it and believed to be something special. But Tifa was important to him back then. In the world inside his mind it become clear how deeply his feelings for her were.

In case your wondering, innig translates to “intimate” when doing a literal translation. The French says ephemeral, the German says intimate. You could say, “Well it doesn’t matter because it is in the past!” which brings me to the German translation of the highwind scene.

Scene: When Tifa is alone with Cloud on the night before the final battle and she doesn’t know what she should tell him

For years Cloud and Tifa have fostered feelings for each other. Before the final battle against Sephiroth both can finally admit them.

The Japanese version:

明かされた本当の願い 幼いころのクラウドは、同年代の者たちから孤立し、自分は特別だと思いこもうとする、ねくれた子どもだった。そんな彼にとって大切だったのがティファ——淡く幼い恋心が、 精神世界にて明かされる。

Anonymous fan-translation:

“As a young child, Cloud was rebellious and isolated from those around his age, so he would try to convince himself that he was special. As such, Tifa was important to him. A childhood awakening of love is revealed in the mental world.

English version:

In his youth, Cloud strayed isolated from his peers. He was an eccentric child who always viewed himself as different from the rest. The only person he held close to his heart was Tifa. Their love is brought into the light when Tifa explores Cloud’s subconscious. 

Japanese Version: 

明かされた本当の願い 長年、互いに好意を抱いていたティファとクラウド。セフィロスとの最終決戦を目前にようやく、相手を求める気持ちを確かめ合えた。

Anonymous fan-translation:

For many years, Cloud and Tifa have been holding favor for one another. At last facing the impending final battle with Sephiroth, they confirm together their feelings of desire towards one another

English version:

Tifa and Cloud have cared for each other for many years. Only before the final battle with Sephiroth are the two finally able to realize the depths of each other’s feelings.

THE BEST PART IS NONE OF THIS MATTERS!

TL:DR; ALL CLAIMS BY THE SAME PERSON:

“What aren’t you understand? For Lumen Publishing to PURCHASE the rights to translate the novels that means Square Enix allowed it, which means they wanted the translations. Once more, you cannot publish a translation unless you have the approval of the copyright holder.”

This doesn’t apply to the English version for some reason. Nor does it matter Nojima, the man who wrote the novellas, approves of the English version.

“Cloud was her friend, more than a friend, for she had loved him.”

(link)

Nojima also said he wrote each story from the respective character’s perspective. I.e third person limited from Aerith in CoTLS:W. They are not objective statements from Nojima. Whatever let’s ignore this and continue to say he confirmed Cloud and Aerith lovers in multiple languages, except the English one that he supports. There isn’t much to say here, I mean…when the author himself supports this translation over all the others if pretty much makes “well it contradicts the German, French, and Spanish!” when here the author himself is approving the English version. Just…there’s no need to argue. Word of God has spoken. The English translation of the Novella is approved by the dude who actually WROTE the story. 

Cleriths before the English version of the 25th Anniversary Ultimania is released: 

Dark Horse is a major company, this is huge, no matter how you feel about the mistakes and retcons SE just legitimized them!!!!

“They removed the “aisuru mono” that referenced Aerith.”  

すべての決着を …… 少年時代のあこがれ、愛するものを奪った仇、そしてリユニオンの母体—–セフィロス。星の敵として以上に因縁の存在である彼と1対1で 決着をつけなくては、クラウドの戦いは終わらない。

The bolded bit is “Aisuru Mono”   愛するもの

Clerith fan translation: “The enemy who was admired in childhood, took away something loved for the reunion of mother Sephiroth.”

Anonymous translator: “The one admired in boyhood, the enemy who took away a loved one, and Mother’s reunion body Sephiroth. ”

Clerith fan translation: With all determination…

Sephiroth— an idol in his early youth, the one who took away his dearly beloved, and then the prototype of “reunion.” Not only he is the enemy of the Planet and the above reasons, also because the 1-to-1 fight with him is not yet settled, Cloud’s battle is not end.

Cloti Anonymous translator

Settling it all… A longing for boyhood, an enemy who robbed loved ones, and Mother’s reunion- Sephiroth. “In addition as the enemy of the planet, if Cloud doesn’t settle score with him one on one, clouds’s battle will not be over

Anonymous translation: 

To the settling of everything….. The one idolized in boyhood, the foe who snatched away loved ones, the Reunion of his mother’s body—Sephiroth. More than a fateful existence as enemy of the Planet, Cloud’s battle will not end unless things are settled with him, one on one.

“The French and Japanese are clear!”

Bataille decisive…

Son idole ge jeunesse, l’assassin de ses proches et la piece maitresse du project Jenova : un ex-SOLDAT nomme Sephiroth, C’est un dancer pour la planete, et Cloud doit le battre en duel afin d’en finir une bonne fois pour toutes.

Clerith translation of the French version:

“Last battle…

His youth idol, the murderer of his close relatives/loved ones (in french they use the word proches which can mean both of the meanings) and the centerpiece of Jenova project : an ex Soldier called Sephiroth. It’s a danger for the plant, and Cloud must fight him to defeat him once and for all”

Anonymous translation of the French version:

Decisive battle …

His youthful idol, the killer of his loved ones and the masterpiece of Project Jenova: an ex-SOLDIER calls Sephiroth, It’s a dancer for the planet, and Cloud has to duel him in order to finish once and for all for all.

The French translation is clear guys. But what about the Japanese aisuru mono? Why would the French do this?!

Oh. 

Hey, what about the German translation?

Die Letzte Entscheidung…

Sephiroth: Clouds idol, doch sein held vernichtete Clouds heimatstadt und war verantwortfich fur den Tod vieler Menschen. Als er sich zum Feind des Planeten erklart, fuhlt Cloud sich schicksalhaft mit ihm verbunden. So lange er ihn nicht im direkten duell besiegt, wird der kampf fur Cloud niemals enden.

Sephiroth: Clouds idol, but his hero destroyed Cloud’s hometown and was responsible for the deaths of many people. When he declares himself an enemy of the planet, Cloud fatefully feels connected to him. As long as he does not defeat him in a direct duel, the fight for the Cloud will never end.

And finally, we have the English version.

The End of Everything

Sephiroth –the hero of Cloud’s youth, the man who took everything from him, and the foundation of the Jenova Reunion Theory. Cloud’s battle cannot end until he confronts the enemy of the Planet and settles things, man to man.

The Japanese,  French, German, and English make no reference to Aerith specifically, but rather reference Sephiroth taking away many people/things from Cloud without any being more important than the other. 

As a side note, it makes little sense for Cloud and Sephiroth’s final battle having to do with solely Aerith, considering he wanted to settle things with Sephiroth before Aerith was murdered. 

Dark Horse did not remove “a reference to Aerith” because there was no reference solely to her.

This is eyes 目

And this is ears 耳

It’s a typo. ”This guy are sick.”  “Aeris” and referring to Rosso as a “he.” 

Like the French version doesn’t have mistakes? Since we’re at it, let’s look at something the French translation did that is absent from the Japanese and English version. 

“Aerith s’est finalement rendu compte qu’il etait manipule par une autre concsience. Alors qu’il l’attaque, elle refuse de se defendre et lui parle comme une mere quis tenterait de calmer la rage de son fils.”

Aerith finally realized that he was being manipulated by another conscience. While he’s attacking her, she refuses to defend herself and speaks to him like a mother trying to calm the rage of her son.

vs the German version

Aerith merkt, dass Cloud von einem fremden willen gelenkt wurde. Obwohl er selbst ihr gregenuber gewalttatig wird, spricht sie auf ein, als ware er ein kleines Kind, und meint, dass es nicht seine Schuld war.

Aerith realizes that Cloud has been controlled by someone else. Although he himself violently greets her, she speaks as if he were a small child, saying that it was not his fault.

The Japanese:

クラウドが別の意思に支配されていると気づいたエアリス。彼に暴力を振るわれても抵抗せず、「 あなたのせいじゃない」と子どもをなだめるように言いつづける 。

Aerith realized that Cloud was being controlled by another will/person. She doesn’t resist him even as he strikes her violently, saying “It’s not your fault” over and over to try and calm the child down.

Aerith realized that Cloud was being controlled by another will. Without resisting his violent attack, she continues to say “It’s not your fault”, in order to soothe the child.

And the English version:

In my opinion, the English version did cleriths a solid here. I do believe that the “anti-clerith” English version would be favored by shippers since the French translated it very differently. 

While I’m still beating this dead horse let’s look at the French translation’s version of Cloud and Tifa’s love. 

Pendant sa jeunesse, Cloud etait un jeune rebelle qui s’isolait des autres enfants, car il voul’ait croire qu’il etait different. A ses yeux, neanmoins, Tifa etait une personne speciale. C’est dans ses souvenirs que l’on decouvre cette romance ephemere.

During his youth, Cloud was a young rebel who isolated himself from other children, because he wanted to believe that he was different. In his eyes, however, Tifa was a special person. It is in his memories that we discover this ephemeral romance.

Ephemeral of course means, fleeting. This has been used as canon proof by CA that Cloud’s feelings for Tifa were short-lived and fleeting. Here it states there was a short-lived romance.

This statement is contradicted in the same book, in the same language.

Pendant des années, Tifa et Cloud ont secrètement eu des sentiments l’un pour l’autre. Avant la dernière bataille face à Sephiroth, ils arrivent enfin a se les avouer.

Anonymous translation

For years, Tifa and Cloud have secretly had feelings for each other. Before the last battle with Sephiroth, they finally manage to confess.

You can read this post here about what this translation means. 

Let’s move on to the German version! Which…is pretty different. 

Als Cloud klein war, wurde gleichaltrigen Kindern gemieden, Der einsame und ausgestoßene Cloud erschuf seine eigene Erklarung und glaubte, etwas ganz Besonderes zu sein. Fur ihn war aber Tifa damals sehr wichtig. In seiner Gedankenwelt wird deutlich, wie innig seine Emotionen damals fur sie waren.

When Cloud was little he was shunned by kids the same age. The lonely and outcast Cloud created his own explanation for it and believed to be something special. But Tifa was important to him back then. In the world inside his mind it become clear how deeply his feelings for her were.

In case your wondering, innig translates to “intimate” when doing a literal translation. The French says ephemeral, the German says intimate. You could say, “Well it doesn’t matter because it is in the past!” which brings me to the German translation of the highwind scene.

Scene: When Tifa is alone with Cloud on the night before the final battle and she doesn’t know what she should tell him

For years Cloud and Tifa have fostered feelings for each other. Before the final battle against Sephiroth both can finally admit them.

The Japanese version:

明かされた本当の願い 幼いころのクラウドは、同年代の者たちから孤立し、自分は特別だと思いこもうとする、ねくれた子どもだった。そんな彼にとって大切だったのがティファ——淡く幼い恋心が、 精神世界にて明かされる。

Anonymous fan-translation:

“As a young child, Cloud was rebellious and isolated from those around his age, so he would try to convince himself that he was special. As such, Tifa was important to him. A childhood awakening of love is revealed in the mental world.

English version:

In his youth, Cloud strayed isolated from his peers. He was an eccentric child who always viewed himself as different from the rest. The only person he held close to his heart was Tifa. Their love is brought into the light when Tifa explores Cloud’s subconscious. 

Japanese Version: 

明かされた本当の願い 長年、互いに好意を抱いていたティファとクラウド。セフィロスとの最終決戦を目前にようやく、相手を求める気持ちを確かめ合えた。

Anonymous fan-translation:

For many years, Cloud and Tifa have been holding favor for one another. At last facing the impending final battle with Sephiroth, they confirm together their feelings of desire towards one another

English version:

Tifa and Cloud have cared for each other for many years. Only before the final battle with Sephiroth are the two finally able to realize the depths of each other’s feelings.

THE BEST PART IS NONE OF THIS MATTERS!

TL:DR; ALL CLAIMS BY THE SAME PERSON:

Guess what I started to pick up and play again- This beautiful gem, and I couldn’t have picked it up at a better time.

This part is really beautiful. It’s the most romantic part of the game, and also, the most important. SE staff calls this the ‘climax’ of the story themselves, and they go out of their way to protect the three secrets revealed within the sequence, even to this day.

When Cloud and Tifa first fall, I find it sort of symbolic. They’re drifting further and further apart, towards the same direction. I think it symbolizes how their story was. Always trying to find each other but ending up further apart for some reason. Cloud wanted to join SOLDIER because of his feelings for Tifa, he wanted her- more than ANYONE to notice him. Tifa waited and waited for him, it wouldn’t have mattered if he was SOLDIER or not, but from her perspective- he never returned to their home. He was too ashamed. He felt he had failed as her Hero by not fulfilling his part of the promise. 

Yet he saved her anyway, and in this scene we see how, and we know more about his feelings than ever before when it comes to Tifa. His mind is literally centered around her. Their promise, their shattered reunion, their broken home, that terrible day that Tifa and him fell- every important memory still locked in Cloud’s mind is centered around one person- Tifa. Tifa is the key to his memories, his past, and his heart.

Even though Jenova and Sephiroth would rather him think of himself as a puppet or an experiment with no past and no real memories, their power wasn’t strong enough to block out his memories of the promise- he remembered that night because it was important to him and Jenova and Sephiroth couldn’t touch that, they didn’t have the power. Sephiroth had to block Tifa’s voice out during the scene in Northern Crater. Even they are aware of the threat Tifa poses to their control over Cloud. 

‘Only your opinion matters to me’

‘We finally… meet again.’

Tifa will always be the one bringing Cloud back, she’ll always be the one he allowed into his heart and mind, and the one he was calling out for when he was lost and alone. Their hearts connected and they found each other, which is what the last picture symbolizes to me.

Getting this out of the way for my Cloti-based followers!

Cloti Stuff: Just from my own analysis, I am confident, that due to the nature of Cloud not truly being himself, Tifa will be distant and hesitant with him and finally people will understand her shy and demure nature. Her kind and caring disposition, and how protective and loyal she truly is. How deeply hurt she is with the general suffering of those around her and her empathy and soft heart. Too many times she has been reduced to her looks or judged off them, even many “fans” seem to not understand Tifa is hesitant and gentle unless in a fight. The image of her as a “sexy/charming” figure as well as a “battle girl/body builder” are solely fandom misconception.

Tifa does not chase, as many seem to paint her (mainly CA shippers), Cloud pursue/chases her, as the trailer shows. Cloud is disinterested towards Jessie and Aerith, scenes where he shows no positive emotions- or negative options, were chosen to present those relationships.

With Tifa it is already night and day compared to the two of them. We see the Flower is placed at her bar, meaning Cloud had given it to her, as when you do give the flower to her in the OG she suggests, that she should fill the entire bar, outlining her intent in OG was to place it somewhere everyone can see- Like what is done in the Remake. If you gave the flower to Marlene, she hangs on to it, as Barret asks who gave it to her when he sees. Obviously Tifa could still put it up for her, but I think decision based ramifications like if the Flower is on display or not (signifying you choose to give it to Tifa) would be incredibly neat and a smart move.

We also see that Cloud hung around Tifa, ordered the drink, and even further took interest in her well being and mental state. We see from leaked demo footage that Cloud becomes sensitive when Tifa is brought up and Jessie is already questioning him on the nature of their relationship. What Cloud And Tifa Are To Each Other is already becoming a theme and they haven’t even dropped the main attraction of phase of the Cloti romance.... The Promise.

They are actively threading elements from later portions into the meta of the beginning, it’s mind blowing, it’s next level, I’m thoroughly impressed.

Cloud chasing Tifa (mostly at the suggestion of the voice within his mind that he isn’t aware is his true self) and how she puts distance between her and this... Off Cloud, will be important to watch. Distance as the main theme in Part One with The Promise as the main thread connecting them, realizing The Real Cloud fought Jenova off to allow the Faux Cloud to remember The Promise that Jenova/Sephiroth tried to hide/take away, and then he stays with Avalanche- You realize, in the scenes where he is staying with Aerith, who is pursuing him, that The Real Cloud makes him remember a memory of his mother, saying he should have an older girlfriend, Cloud says “Not Interested” (He is already interested in the one year younger Tifa at the point anyway, this is a fact wether you ship CT, CA, or no one, this is why he says he isn’t interested, it’s not rocket science nor exactly debatable) Cloud immediately seeks out Tifa after this memory is fought for by The Real Cloud.

Continually The Real Cloud tells Faux Cloud to seek Tifa, ask Tifa, stay with Tifa, remember your promise, Protect Tifa. The Real Cloud has an entire world that mostly revolves around Tifa in his own mental realm where he is trapped (fractured)

Tifa even says later in the Lifestream that she “Won’t run anymore” confirming the early Distance, her hesitance, and Cloud being the chaser of the two in the romantic triangle, it’s being played up early which, I love.

It’s solid and proven to me what story we are getting just based on these intents. I know I won’t regret my preorder because the payoff is going to be explosive when each part gets closer and closer to the climax of the entire story, which revolves exclusively around Cloud, Tifa and their intertwined twin orbiting narratives.

That said, as an avid side/multi/crack shipper I have some other shipping thoughts and also some THEORIES and maybe just wishful thoughts, Clotis, feel free to tune out if that’s all you wanted. This is long. I salute you. ☀️

Clessie&Clerith: So, since the first part only goes as far as most of Midgar, I think it’s safe to say, the main love interest will be Aerith. JUST KIDDING! I think it may actually appear to be Jessie. What I mean is, between the three girls, Tifa who is running emotionally, Aerith who is chasing too fervently- Jessie will be right in the middle, and Cloud will eventually show a kindship or fondness just an inkling of it, shortly before she is crushed by death from above.

I think CA will be similar, getting a good focus next, before HER dreams are crushed by death from above.

And then finally when Tifa will no longer run and hide, The Lifestream Sequence, and the final night that results from it... Hmmmmm

Character general: I hope Cloud is incredibly disinterested and sassy. No nonsense, downright mean, yeah, but also has his... vulnerable moments.

I wish we could have Jessie as a serious love interest, she is better than Yuffie. Mature and not underaged, much better fit for Cloud as a “dating option” if they are conscious of how Barret shouldn’t fit an “angry” stereotype, they probably would want to avoid Cloud appearing like someone who’d had genuine interest is such younger girls. That would be a bad look and I’m sure they don’t want that for Cloud Strife, right? Making Jessie a more serious option would remedy that, besides Yuffie may not be in the game until the secondary part most likely and the LTD is mainly Midgar + The date, they really only need to keep the “serious” options, tbh.

One thing that won’t happen because it would be too much of a change, or too much work- I wish you could choose even just one original Avalanche member to save, because I would save Jessie, and take her on a date in the gold saucer ❤️

Barret being able to hear the planet, and his association with Aeriths church gives me Barrith feels.

There is a lot of hype surrounding which Shinra side character we are going to see next, it could be a Turk, or Hojo, or Jenova. We could maybe see RedXIII as he is the last party member of the first part if it gets as far as Shinra infiltration. This would mean the deaths of Avalanche are fresh in our minds at the ending part of the game which is an interesting choice, or they could make the cut off right before Midgar, ending on their deaths and giving us time over the wait for the next part to heal, which is also what they may do with Aeriths death if it comes at the end of Part 2.

I can’t stop thinking about how we are hours away from seeing even more footage, and what’s better is that somehow there have been no leaks either, discounting the demo but it was footage they allowed the public to see even if at an exclusive event it’s still different from a leak of info that hasn’t hit the public yet, since they can’t be verified until they drop. It’s amazing to me because in my mind, FFVIIR is the game of the century and nothing is going to come after that tops it unless an incredibly well done and meticulously planned and thought-out Legend Of Dragoon Remake/Sequel comes out. Which will probably never happen, so FFVII gets to be the best by default for like..... All time? Yeah.

I’m excited to say the least ☀️

Guess what I started to pick up and play again- This beautiful gem, and I couldn’t have picked it up at a better time.

This part is really beautiful. It’s the most romantic part of the game, and also, the most important. SE staff calls this the ‘climax’ of the story themselves, and they go out of their way to protect the three secrets revealed within the sequence, even to this day.

When Cloud and Tifa first fall, I find it sort of symbolic. They’re drifting further and further apart, towards the same direction. I think it symbolizes how their story was. Always trying to find each other but ending up further apart for some reason. Cloud wanted to join SOLDIER because of his feelings for Tifa, he wanted her- more than ANYONE to notice him. Tifa waited and waited for him, it wouldn’t have mattered if he was SOLDIER or not, but from her perspective- he never returned to their home. He was too ashamed. He felt he had failed as her Hero by not fulfilling his part of the promise. 

Yet he saved her anyway, and in this scene we see how, and we know more about his feelings than ever before when it comes to Tifa. His mind is literally centered around her. Their promise, their shattered reunion, their broken home, that terrible day that Tifa and him fell- every important memory still locked in Cloud’s mind is centered around one person- Tifa. Tifa is the key to his memories, his past, and his heart.

Even though Jenova and Sephiroth would rather him think of himself as a puppet or an experiment with no past and no real memories, their power wasn’t strong enough to block out his memories of the promise- he remembered that night because it was important to him and Jenova and Sephiroth couldn’t touch that, they didn’t have the power. Sephiroth had to block Tifa’s voice out during the scene in Northern Crater. Even they are aware of the threat Tifa poses to their control over Cloud. 

‘Only your opinion matters to me’

'We finally… meet again.’

Tifa will always be the one bringing Cloud back, she’ll always be the one he allowed into his heart and mind, and the one he was calling out for when he was lost and alone. Their hearts connected and they found each other, which is what the last picture symbolizes to me.

Guess what I started to pick up and play again- This beautiful gem, and I couldn’t have picked it up at a better time.

This part is really beautiful. It’s the most romantic part of the game, and also, the most important. SE staff calls this the ‘climax’ of the story themselves, and they go out of their way to protect the three secrets revealed within the sequence, even to this day.

When Cloud and Tifa first fall, I find it sort of symbolic. They’re drifting further and further apart, towards the same direction. I think it symbolizes how their story was. Always trying to find each other but ending up further apart for some reason. Cloud wanted to join SOLDIER because of his feelings for Tifa, he wanted her- more than ANYONE to notice him. Tifa waited and waited for him, it wouldn’t have mattered if he was SOLDIER or not, but from her perspective- he never returned to their home. He was too ashamed. He felt he had failed as her Hero by not fulfilling his part of the promise. 

Yet he saved her anyway, and in this scene we see how, and we know more about his feelings than ever before when it comes to Tifa. His mind is literally centered around her. Their promise, their shattered reunion, their broken home, that terrible day that Tifa and him fell- every important memory still locked in Cloud’s mind is centered around one person- Tifa. Tifa is the key to his memories, his past, and his heart.

Even though Jenova and Sephiroth would rather him think of himself as a puppet or an experiment with no past and no real memories, their power wasn’t strong enough to block out his memories of the promise- he remembered that night because it was important to him and Jenova and Sephiroth couldn’t touch that, they didn’t have the power. Sephiroth had to block Tifa’s voice out during the scene in Northern Crater. Even they are aware of the threat Tifa poses to their control over Cloud. 

‘Only your opinion matters to me’

'We finally… meet again.’

Tifa will always be the one bringing Cloud back, she’ll always be the one he allowed into his heart and mind, and the one he was calling out for when he was lost and alone. Their hearts connected and they found each other, which is what the last picture symbolizes to me.

I always found this to be a subtle but important Cloti moment. It's just interesting how important Tifa and her emotions are to Cloud. How easily he reads her, how quickly he'll pick up on things about her when she's anxious or stressed. He always respects her when she says to drop it too, even if you can tell he wants to pry further and comfort her.