Did Aeris love Cloud or Zack?

[Daenerys]

Thats not going to happen though. If SE released anything confirming the canonity of ANY of the LTD pairings it would completely Alienate half of the fanbase. and They're smarter than that. So they CAN announce who the girls really love, but if they revealed who cloud loved they'd screw themselves out of a lot of money.

So i guess they can make a lot of Zerith scenes in CC because they are a canon couple - albeit one that doesn't last forever.

 

[Vanilla]

Also Aerith herself states this about Zack "He was her light taste of first love. He was also now a very dear friend"

This quote (from MoTP - a fabulous read btw) Proves that Aerith recognises Zack as her first Boyfriend, and shows that she now only considers him a Dear friend, not a lover. no romantic feelings at all.


"Man, you know Aerith. Out of all the girls I've gotten along with, you truly are the best. After that mission, we could have stayed the way we were and might have been able to continue to go out with each other after I returned home. I hate Sephiroth. And I hate Shinra who's been hiding all the stuff they've been doing."

"Someone who's gotten along with so many girls can never become a lover."

"How mean. I'm nice to everyone."

"And that's your bad point. You're not simplistic and awkward like Cloud."

"Is that what you liked, Aerith?"

"Who knows. Things might have changed after five years."

That quote also further shows how Aerith was able to distinguish between them, and that She prefers Cloud's Awkward nature to Zacks Nice one.

It's not over yet but, I'm going to sleep for a while. It seems there's nothing I can do just now. But whenever you feel lonely, call me Aerith."
"Only if I get really lonely. Goodnight, Zack."

This shows that Aerith doesn't need to be with Zack, she accepts he's there but thats all.

So there you go, Aerith used to love Zack, but now loves Cloud. She knows the different personas between them and Loves Clouds, and she won't just go with Zack because he's there.

*Phew* that took ages to type out XD

And I was gonna say that.
I agree with what you said, Zack now is only a dear friend of Aerith and it is Cloud that she loves.

"Who knows. Things might have changed after five years."

She just didn't want to admit it in front of Zack, I think, but surely Zack would get the idea.

 

[Grimoire Valentine]

No, no and thrice no! Aeris saw the qualities of Zack in Cloud, for obvious reasons, lets let her rest in peace (as proven by AC) and move on.

Cloud and Tifa forever!

Aerith and Zack forever!

 

[Daenerys]

No, no and thrice no! Aeris saw the qualities of Zack in Cloud, for obvious reasons, lets let her rest in peace (as proven by AC) and move on.

Cloud and Tifa forever!

Aerith and Zack forever!

Did you even read my posts? as shown in MOTP Aerith was able to distinguish between the qualities of Zack and Cloud inside Cloud and she likes the cloud side, not the Zack side. and She REJECTS Zack in the lifestream, they're just friends, she doesn't want him as a lover.

That kinda puts Zerith=Canon fans in an awkward position doesn't it?

 

[Grimoire Valentine]

MOTP!!!! Hah, the last refuge of Clairiths... I judge by the games and the film which are cannon.

What exactly was it that initially attracted Aerith to Cloud? The similarity to Zack. "Oh Cloud, be my bodyguard!...swoon".

Now the attraction between Tifa and Cloud was much more ordinary, less theatrics. She loved him as Cloud. He dismissed all loving advances either from Tifa or Aerith.

Aerith died, that had a powerfull effect on him, he did love her after all. For the last time.... (probably not). AC Shows that Aerith is happy in the lifestream with zack, she still cares about Cloud, just as he does for her. But he GREW UP! Tifa is his partner. It's right, it's just, it feels right, and she has bigger tits.

 

[Daenerys]

MOTP!!!! Hah, the last refuge of Clairiths... I judge by the games and the film which are cannon.

So when Clifas go by Case of Tifa thats allowed? :rollseyes: MOTP is canon sorry if that upsets you.

and Case of Tifa is pretty Anti-cloti too...must be why most Clifas pretend it and MOTP don't exist

What exactly was it that initially attracted Aerith to Cloud? The similarity to Zack. "Oh Cloud, be my bodyguard!...swoon".

Yes thats what initially attracted her to him, but what made her love him was his differences to Zack, not his similarites.

Now the attraction between Tifa and Cloud was much more ordinary, less theatrics.

I fail to See Tifa in the title of this thread, why involve her about who Aerith loves? this is not an LTD thread.

For the last time.... (probably not). AC Shows that Aerith is happy in the lifestream with zack

Zack was not there to show Cloud that Aerith was happy with Zack, Zack was shown in the ending so Cloud didn't have to feel guilty about his death anymore.

she still cares about Cloud, just as he does for her. But he GREW UP! Tifa is his partner. It's right, it's just, it feels right

Yet in AC he remains distant and closed up to Tifa yet opens up with Aerith...just like in the game. He lives in Aeriths church to make himself feel closer to her because it makes him Happy, its Aerith who brings Cloud from being suicidal to normal, Its Aerith who makes Cloud feel okay in the end. but of course she CLEARLY still loves Zack. Yet Tifa does nothing for Cloud, he moves away from her, ignores her, and if i quote from Case of Tifa

Marlene wondered if Tifa was listening or not before she told Barret in a sad voice, "Cloud and Tifa aren't getting along very well."

So even if a Child can pick up on that it must be obvious, shows how much love they have between them doesn't it

and she has bigger tits.

She has the BOOBORZ so Cloud must obviously love her Thats a factor i thought most 12 year olds discounted...

 

[Grimoire Valentine]

Aerith, that last comment was meant tongue in cheek, as well you know.

I give up.

Believe what you want, interpret the story as you will.

I, however, am right.

 

[Daenerys]

I, however, am right.

You can't say that without anything to back it up. Its been proven by several sources - MOTP and the Reuniun files, to name a few that Aerith loves Cloud, and not Zack.

If she did love Zack they would have shown some sort of romantic scene with Zack and Aerith in AC, yet they didn't. And their is far more evidence for Cloud being the object of Aeriths affections than their is for Zack.

 

[Rydia]

Looking at all the other FF7 merchandise. Usually it does feature Cloud with Aeris. The sound track booklet cover, official square FF7 art, Itadaki street, the original commercial.

I don't think any of it has featured Cloud with Tifa actually... But she was quite a last minute character.

Honestly guys, they just video game characters. I don't know why people get so worked up over who loves who.

 

[Grimoire Valentine]

I'll tell you why Rydia. Both Aerith and myself love FFVII and he loves the character of Aerith, I love the character of Tifa. We will never see eye to eye on that.

Does it really matter? No, of course it doesn't!

But so long as anyone offends or puts down my favorite fictional character, I shall defend her.

 

[Mitsuki]

Honestly guys, they just video game characters. I don't know why people get so worked up over who loves who.

Amen to that. This is actually pretty interesting. I never knew that people were actually arguing about who Cloud loves more...until I came to this forum.

As far as the topic goes, I believe that he cared deeply for both. Love? Lol, don't get me started on that. I have no idea and don't really care. The fact that Square made it out to be so that both sides (clerith and cloti) wins...is enough for me.

Heck, Square probably don't know the truth themselves. (Please know I jest.)

EDIT: Ugh, I just realized that wasn't on topic at all. >.< Did Aerith love Cloud or Zack? Uh, same answer as the above.

 

[xnotjustadreamx]

Hopefully Zack.. cause I prefer Cloud and Tifa as a couple!

 

[Franki-Chan]

Although Aerith is barely in the movie, Cloud refers to her as "mother" and the movie presents Aerith as a guardian figure who is happily in the Lifestream with Zacks. On the other hand, the movie has a large focus on Tifa, presenting her with the leading role of heroine and lover. As with FF tradition, the leading heroine's motion capture was by Mayuko Aoki.

As Aerith walks away with Zacks, the two canon couples are established with finality. Cloud returns to Tifa and Aerith returns to Zacks. According to the extas, Cloud even takes time off his delivery work to spend a day with his family after the movie.

Aerith's interaction with Zacks during the story cements the fact that they were truly in love and that what they had together pre-FF7 was not just a fling. It also hints at a similar emotional attachment in the afterlife.

Zacks:





"Man, you know Aerith. Out of all the girls I've gotten along with, you truly are the best. After that mission, we could have stayed the way we were and might have been able to continue to go out with each other after I returned home. I hate Sephiroth. And I hate ShinRa who have been hiding all the stuff they've been doing."
"Hey Aerith, did you see Cloud's finishing?" Zacks guided his energy into the second wave as Meteor was thrown back, losing its force. "That was one my sword techniques too. Doesn't it make you fall in love again?"


Taken from Loveless.

 

[Dragon Mage]

*sigh* this again?? god. *pushes up sleeves*

Okay, here's the deal. Does Aeris love Cloud? Of course she does. She didn't bring Zacky back to life, now did she? Regardless of whatever evidence you may scrounge up, she will always and forever love Cloud.

Why? Simple. Because SE has to keep the LT unsolved. By implying in the slightest bit that Aeris loves Zack would make the Cloti fans go wild and render the LT solved. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a Clifa myself; but it doesn't mean I'm so stupid as to ignore the obvious.

You all know why SE has to keep the LT unsolved so I'm not going to repeat what you know. I'll simply lay down the fine points to the less intelligent of those among us will understand.

Aeris loved Zack at one point in time, yes. It was these traits of Zack that she saw in Cloud that attracted her to Cloud in the first place. However, as she began to know Cloud better, her initial attraction grew into something more. Does Cloud love her? No. No he doesn't. Does Cloud love Tifa? Again, no. We will never know who he loves exactly. And it's going to stay that way.

But I degress. Now some might be so idiotic as to say "Well Zack and Aeris are both dead so they MUST be together! LOLZ" No. How ignorant of you to say that. Simply because someone is dead doesn't mean you stop loving them, does it? If your parents died would you suddenly not love them at all? No, of course not. You still love your parents and just because they're dead isn't going to change that. Well, same thing here. I'm not saying Cloud loved Aeris, but if he did, this is what would happen. He'd still love her.

If roles were suddenly switched and Tifa died where would we be? Cloud living with Aeris, unable to forgive himself for letting Tifa die. It'd be the EXACT situation that currently exists, simply with different names. Now, in this case, would Tifa just suddenly fall in love with Zack because they're both dead? No. How could they? They barely know each other. But because they're dead that obviously means they love each other....

How foolish. I've truly never heard a more idiotic argument to justify your own opinion in order to force it upon others.

So, in conclusion, Zack and Aerith are friends, and nothing more. Aerith loves Cloud. Tifa loves Cloud. The love triangle remains unsolved. End of story.

~* The Dragon Hath Spoken*~

 

[Grimoire Valentine]

Whoa there dragon mage! Does Aeris love Cloud, yes! No arguements here!

I disagree about how much SE cares about the love triangle, Cleriths or Clotis. I think they care about telling a story. The relationship between Aeris and Zack in AC was obvious, she was saying a last goodbye to Cloud and come on? Didn't she look happy?

The less intellegent? A bit arrogant don't you think? To Cleriths and Clotis?

I agree with you that we will never understand who loves who, cool isn't it?!

"idiotic" and "ignorant" in one paragraph...... pot/ketttle? I re-read that and I have no idea what you are talking about. Who exactly is claiming that as Aeris and Zack are dead that they must love each other? Nobody I've met in these forums thats for sure.

No, of course in your hypothetical situation Tifa would not fall for Zack. The relationship between Aeris and him are way deeper than Tifa and him.

Your conclusion is flawed based on your own arguements.

 

[einlanzer]

Regardless of whatever evidence you may scrounge up, she will always and forever love Cloud.

Why? Simple. Because SE has to keep the LT unsolved. By implying in the slightest bit that Aeris loves Zack would make the Cloti fans go wild and render the LT solved. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a Clifa myself; but it doesn't mean I'm so stupid as to ignore the obvious.

Sorry, that's just a weak take. The end of Maiden shows Aeris essentially giving Tifa and Cloud her blessing, regardless of how she feels about Zack. If we're going to quote Maiden to prove Aeris thinks Zack is just a friend, then we need to read the other parts too.

If roles were suddenly switched and Tifa died where would we be? Cloud living with Aeris, unable to forgive himself for letting Tifa die. It'd be the EXACT situation that currently exists, simply with different names. Now, in this case, would Tifa just suddenly fall in love with Zack because they're both dead? No. How could they? They barely know each other. But because they're dead that obviously means they love each other....

You need help stuffing that straw man? Zack and Aeris did not just suddenly fall in love, there's an entire game devoted to their relationship. It has nothing to do with being dead and standing next to each other for a few moments. Your analogy with Zack and Tifa is pretty obviously flawed.

And plotwise, their relationship didn't just run its course and fizzle out... it was cut tragically short as they were getting serious. And as we saw in Maiden, Zack is still interested in Aeris, and Aeris is shown coming to terms with Tifa being with Cloud. That's why there's legitimate speculation about Zack and Aeris growing close again in the afterlife.

I've truly never heard a more idiotic argument to justify your own opinion in order to force it upon others.

So what are you doing that's any different? The only thing justification I hear for your opinion is that SE will never "solve" the LT... and you keep expounding that as though it were some universal, self-evident truth. Apparently I'm among the less intelligent and I need things spelled out for me... so please, hold my hand. Why does SE need to keep the LT "unsolved?" Better yet, what makes you think this mythic LT even exists to be solved? Aeris is dead. When is Cloud ever shown struggling to choose between the two?

Not that I'm all hardcore about who Cloud loves, I just think your post was short on fact and long on condescension.

 

[Franki-Chan]

Sorry, that's just a weak take. The end of Maiden shows Aeris essentially giving Tifa and Cloud her blessing, regardless of how she feels about Zack. If we're going to quote Maiden to prove Aeris thinks Zack is just a friend, then we need to read the other parts too.



You need help stuffing that straw man? Zack and Aeris did not just suddenly fall in love, there's an entire game devoted to their relationship. It has nothing to do with being dead and standing next to each other for a few moments. Your analogy with Zack and Tifa is pretty obviously

I could not agree more with this statement, Tifa and Zack never had any romantic interest with each other so his argument is very flawed.

flawed.

And plotwise, their relationship didn't just run its course and fizzle out... it was cut tragically short as they were getting serious. And as we saw in Maiden, Zack is still interested in Aeris, and Aeris is shown coming to terms with Tifa being with Cloud. That's why there's legitimate speculation about Zack and Aeris growing close again in the afterlife.p

Thank you, you explained in a much coherent way what I was trying to convey, Zack and Aeris did love each other, that is cannon. No matter what arguments are throw from different sides. However the argument is not who Aeris loved but its who she loved more? Aeris seem to be happy when she was walking back into the light with Zack, in MwTtP, she even admits that she is a little jealous of Tifa due to her close bond with Cloud.

However, as she began to know Cloud better, her initial attraction grew into something more.

This is a very strange thing to use as defence due to the fact she only knew the real cloud until when she was dead and Tifa helped Cloud find his true identity.

 

[ChocoBongo]

Okay, here's the deal. Does Aeris love Cloud? Of course she does. She didn't bring Zacky back to life, now did she?

When did she have the opportunity to bring Zack back to life? He died before she did. Furthermore, whether Cloud was dead or near death is questionable in Advent Children.

Regardless of whatever evidence you may scrounge up, she will always and forever love Cloud.

Yes, well, as some so arrogantly say, "you can prove anything with facts.."

Why? Simple. Because SE has to keep the LT unsolved. By implying in the slightest bit that Aeris loves Zack would make the Cloti fans go wild and render the LT solved. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a Clifa myself; but it doesn't mean I'm so stupid as to ignore the obvious.

So you place conjecture over the need of facts?

SE don't care about the LT like fans do. They do care about respecting their past material given any disrespect weakens the investment in the franchise. Yes, they are subtle in AC in regards to Cloud's move towards Tifa and Aeris move away from Cloud, because, yes, they must respect the ambiguity they created in the original game. That doesn't mean they refuse to evolve the characters. For if they did not, the ability to create a film or prequel would be out the window. Things change, and SE aren't afraid of that, there is just a question of how much of the change they need to ram down the audiences noses.

Now AC was made as a gesture to fans (and make money), all the fans of FF7, which as SE know, includes fans of "Cleris" and "Cloti", so the elements are subtle to make it an enjoyable experience for both, but the answers are clear, just understated. Cloud does move in with Tifa after romantically proposing they stay together from that moment on, Aeris clearly is shown to have some connection to Zack, even though beyond Maiden, it's not dwelt on and to top it, Nomura goes and says outright that Tifa and Cloud are together (Reunion Files) ("koibito", the term he uses in Japanese means romantic lovers, despite the mistranslation in the English text - check any dictionary/translator).

No one can say things haven't moved on, or SE doesn't want to challenge this silly LT. CC will take the whole situation a step further, as the franchise takes further baby steps away from the static belief people have had for over decade with FF7, and move the characters on to create new dynamics.

Whether retcon or not, Zack and Aeris seem more important than the game maybe suggested, and the visual ties in AC seem to be laying the grounds for a new romantic dynamic we were all unaware of.

I certainly agree with those who say that Aeris probably loves Zack. I'd say that seems to be the movement the franchise is taking. Whether one accepts Maiden's dubious credentials as truth or not doesn't really change this, for even there there is questionable doubt as to how much her feelings for Cloud are influenced by Zack.

And as for Cloud and Aeris.. without CC its hard to say how much of Aeris' feelings for Cloud are based on remnants of Zack; all her comments in "Maiden" (again, if you accept it as canon) are all personal, not objective. I would place the current motivation of the franchise - suggested evidence - over Maiden and/or rather unrealistic conjecture that SE are somehow afraid of making a move against the status quo, when they've done that already. It may be slow and subtle, but it looks to me as if gradually, the Compilation is defining the roles of Cloud, Zack, Tifa and Aeris in ways the original game was unable to do, being it was pushing the role-play element over a definitive story.

Does Cloud love Tifa? Again, no. We will never know who he loves exactly. And it's going to stay that way.

You'll only fail to know if you don't read Case of Tifa. I say that as someone who doesn't give a fig about Cloti or Cleris. I can see what a text says without being bunched into some extreme love shippers thanks.

If roles were suddenly switched and Tifa died where would we be? Cloud living with Aeris, unable to forgive himself for letting Tifa die. It'd be the EXACT situation that currently exists, simply with different names.

Not sure on that, given we never see Cloud's honest feelings for Aeris when he isn't being the cipher for the RPGers whims on Disk One. We know he cares a great deal, but we don't know how that exists within his love for Tifa (as shown in the latter part of FF7, Case of Tifa, Last Order etc). It is plausible it could mirror, given his pain for Aeris' death in AC isn't love, but guilt, so yes, roles COULD reverse, but given he's not himself when he spends his time with Aeris, how she'd fit into the REAL CLoud's existence is difficult to ascertain.

So, in conclusion, Zack and Aerith are friends, and nothing more. Aerith loves Cloud. Tifa loves Cloud. The love triangle remains unsolved. End of story.

Nomura, SE and anyone who reads Case of Tifa would probably disagree with that final point. And unless you have inside info on CC, the first point maybe up for debate with the same group as well.

Peace guys. Nice place you have here!

 

[eisprinz]

Amen, ChocoBongo.

However, much of the evidence that has been discussed is taken from one of the Compilation materials and interviews and whatnot. And frankly, after watching Advent Children, and seeing how Square-Enix is letting their fanbase dictate to them, I cannot take them as canon.

In terms of the original game, I would venture to say that Aeris loved Zack, and perhaps might have grown to love Cloud had she stayed alive - or perhaps did grow to love him as she watched over the group while in the Lifestream.

Many people have said that her initial attraction to Cloud comes from his extreme resemblance to Zack, a notion that I very much agree with. Throughout nearly the entire time that Aeris spends with Cloud, he is still bearing Zack's memories and old uniform as his own.

While I suppose it can't quite be said whether she loved Zack or not, I think it can at least be safe to say that she did not love Cloud, for much of the game.

In the Gold Saucer scene with Aeris (incidentally I have never seen it myself, as I always get Tifa, but I have read the script), she notes that she would like to get to know "the real Cloud". Since she has not come into contact with his full personality, and is fully aware of this, I don't think she would have allowed herself to fall in love with Cloud - perhaps she would slip and project her feelings about Zack unto Cloud.

However, the fact that she shows an earnest interest to know Cloud is obviously also a great evidence pointing that she does care for Cloud in his own right. But I don't believe that this could have developed into love until she did get to know Cloud's true self - which doesn't happen while she's alive.

I will admit that I am a Cloti fan - however, I must also say that I used to be a fan of Cleris, until I finished the game and found the Cloti relationship to be much more plausible.

 

[ChocoBongo]

However, much of the evidence that has been discussed is taken from one of the Compilation materials and interviews and whatnot. And frankly, after watching Advent Children, and seeing how Square-Enix is letting their fanbase dictate to them, I cannot take them as canon.

You cannot pick and choose what is canon based on personal conjecture. I hate it in Fraiser when Niles goes with Daphne, which IMO was to cater for fan whims, but it doesn't make the seasons post that point non-canon. I just have to accept it.

I don't see SE capitulating to fan demands. They were respectful of how the moved the characters on, moving Tifa in with Cloud was logical as both expressed mutual feelings for each other in disk two of FF7. Keeping Aeris a massive part of the story and the focus of guilt and affection for Cloud was respectful and fair to the characters. Given that AC has moved Cloud and Tifa together and is looking at evolving the Aeris/Zack, I'd say that SE isn't showing any real interest in fan demands, just exploring logical continuations of what FF7 set up.

In terms of the original game, I would venture to say that Aeris loved Zack, and perhaps might have grown to love Cloud had she stayed alive - or perhaps did grow to love him as she watched over the group while in the Lifestream.

Seems a fair conjecture.

While I suppose it can't quite be said whether she loved Zack or not, I think it can at least be safe to say that she did not love Cloud, for much of the game.

No, we can't, but again, this is where we part company. If we're looking at evidence as to character motivations, we cannot pick and choose what is canon on personal preference. We either accept the material and make an analytical point based on the evidence found throughout, or just live in our own personal justifications and stay out of debate. We can't debate to any rational conclusion by picking and choosing what is evidence. The Compilation seems to be driving at a strong romantic connection between Aeris and Zack which if we study the game alone, isn't very clear.

However, the fact that she shows an earnest interest to know Cloud is obviously also a great evidence pointing that she does care for Cloud in his own right. But I don't believe that this could have developed into love until she did get to know Cloud's true self - which doesn't happen while she's alive.

I don't think either are in love. I don't think Cloud should any indication of loving any girl until his character is returned after his Lifestream trip. I don't think the game mechanics allow Cloud to show honest affection and the whole of Disk One is a clever contrivance to allow the player choose affection, and the real Cloud takes a back seat.

I can't see Aeris HONESTLY being in love with a man she never met, and once she knew (as in Maiden), I think its questionable as to whether you can love without mutual interaction. I think she cared very deeply for Cloud's welfare, as Cloud does for Aeris, but I think "love" is too far.

Zack is another issue to be explored. Because CC can offer genuine interaction between the two (which Aeris was tragically cut off before getting the chance with Cloud), there is possibility for love. Whether it will happen is yet to be seen.