SPOILERS LTD Remake — It's like New Coke except ... no, it's exactly like New Coke

[GodofWars]

You really think so ? Don't you think, like Tifa stated, that's it's a bit more complicated ?
The way I see it (and of course, since it's only my point of view, it's completely debatable), Aerith is someone who thrives through relationships. No matter their nature, she lacked the interactions she craved when she wad a kid, and as an adult, she loves to finally get what she wanted. It also makes her somewhat of a... I want to say romantic but it's not quite the word, right ? I think she loves love, regardless of the form it takes. I think this is why she deserves to have her own white knight in Zack chasing after her through the lifestream. I really do hope they're going to reunite ! But at the same time, I'm kind of scared SE in going to shy away from a resolution for these too !
Au fait, j'en profite pour répondre à tes messages plus tot. J'ai préféré joué a la série Remake en anglais pour le doublage, et l'OG je l'ai fait sur PS en français... La traduction c'était une catastrophe ! Il faut que je me prenne un PC qui fasse tourner les jeux pour avoir les patchs récents.

 

[Eerie]

Well in CoLW she says that she loved Cloud romantically and that there were things she wanted to tell him still... And we see her next in Rebirth having a date with him, wanting some clearly romantic interactions with him, confessing etc. while to her, she's been dead for quite some time.

So I think it's natural that CAs think of her that way, because she's been depicted that way. ZA in ACC made little sense in that we didn't see their reunion, we didn't get to see their feelings (or not) for each other. Basically we are told they're always together and that's it. It's a case of telling instead of showing which wasn't satisfactory, neither for Aerith, neither for CA, neither for Zack and neither for ZA (of course the correct interpretation is that they love each other and have reunited, but we are far from a certainty imho, which has allowed CA to continue to live as a possible pairing in canon). It was a huge fumble that made people go "ok whatever, I can still say that Aerith is in love with Cloud but not with Zack anymore" and I think that's something that Nojima will try to correct.

Sinon tu devrais définitivement jouer en français, il y a beaucoup de choses assez différentes (et même au niveau du lore etc.) qui font comprendre le jeu différemment. L'anglais est plus tarabiscoté, parfois carrément faux, quand le japonais et le français sont bien plus directs.

 

[GodofWars]

So I think it's natural that CAs think of her that way, because she's been depicted that way. ZA in ACC made little sense in that we didn't see their reunion, we didn't get to see their feelings (or not) for each other. Basically we are told they're always together and that's it. It's a case of telling instead of showing which wasn't satisfactory, neither for Aerith, neither for CA, neither for Zack and neither for ZA (of course the correct interpretation is that they love each other and have reunited, but we are far from a certainty imho, which has allowed CA to continue to live as a possible pairing in canon). It was a huge fumble that made people go "ok whatever, I can still say that Aerith is in love with Cloud but not with Zack anymore" and I think that's something that Nojima will try to correct.

I very much agree with that. ACC was not, for me, a good depiction of relationships, and I think it's pretty much because it comes in secondary in a movie that is about too many subjects at the same time (geostigma, Sephiroth and his remnants, grief, depression, love, regrets etc). It all feels mixed up, not that well exploited and ambiguous. And it also is not that well balanced between Cloud, Aerith and Zack, so like you, I understand why CAs are clinging more onto the Aerith-Cloud aspect or the movie. Which would make sense since he's the hero, but it's also to the detriment of Cloud and Zack's relationship. So I really do hope you're right, I feel Rebirth made progress about these two specific points, even if it's still not clear cut.
But... As I said in my previous post, I'm kind of worried the devs are going to decide to shy away from making a clear decision on all of this. We could very well have a reunion between Zack and Aerith with an underlying romance, but not have anything explicitly said. Because it would mean that they finally end this "LTD madness", and I'm not sure this is what they want to do.

 

[Eerie]

But... As I said in my previous post, I'm kind of worried the devs are going to decide to shy away from making a clear decision on all of this. We could very well have a reunion between Zack and Aerith with an underlying romance, but not have anything explicitly said. Because it would mean that they finally end this "LTD madness", and I'm not sure this is what they want to do.

As I said many times, the writing is on the wall for ZA and CT. It's all over Rebirth. And the biggest CT scenes have yet to happen! So yeah, they need to kill CA for ZA and CT and CLOUD to work (because I've seen gen fans being frankly not enthralled by Cloud at the end of Rebirth when he was a favourite).

Why? Simply because both Zack and Tifa are "it's only you" types of characters. From the OG, I personally always pictured Cloud as a "it's always been you" type of character (that we discover in the LSS), and so I expect Aerith to follow the same path, or it would be cruel for Zack AND herself. And I don't think that's how the devs want to portray her. Quite frankly, she's lost fans in Rebirth (I know plenty who liked her in Remake but not so much in Rebirth), so they need to try to correct that. Her writing in Rebirth was, IMHO, quite lacking.

 

[GodofWars]

Quite frankly, she's lost fans in Rebirth (I know plenty who liked her in Remake but not so much in Rebirth), so they need to try to correct that. Her writing in Rebirth was, IMHO, quite lacking.

I'm one of those. I quite frankly felt like she was shafted for 2/3 of the game. I get what they were going for, portraying her as outgoing and living in the moment but... I feel like she was too Cloud-centric, and some of her moments (like on the boat with Gi Nattak), were... just not hitting the spot for me. In Remake she was a perfect mix of playful and adult. In Rebirth.. Not so much. Which is really a shame because it was her game, and except for the last two chapters (and the Cosmo Canyon speech), there's not much of a development to her character.

As I said many times, the writing is on the wall for ZA and CT. It's all over Rebirth. And the biggest CT scenes have yet to happen! So yeah, they need to kill CA for ZA and CT and CLOUD to work (because I've seen gen fans being frankly not enthralled by Cloud at the end of Rebirth when he was a favourite).

I think that, for CT, you are absolutely right. So far the games have been a great build up for those two. But the fact that they made Aerith chase after Cloud while Zack is chasing after Aerith gives me mixed feelings about their reunion. Some scenes are great at showing you she doesn't really move on from Zack but it is very sparse. Which makes me think the devs could be more on the "interpretative" side of things concerning their reunion. And it would be a real let down, for both of their arcs.
Writing this I realize the wait for the last game is still long, and I'm already dying to know how it all ends. Pretty sure I'll be in for a major post-game depression !

 

[Ryeleigh]

I think the trajectory for ZA is pretty clear. The devs set up two points:

Marlene's: "She likes Cloud now!"

And Aerith's own: "There's liking and liking."

I expect both of these will have their answer when they reunite.

Also, I'll just repeat: the devs seriously did not bring Zack back (for the lack of a better term), have him try to save both Aerith and Cloud, only for them to either keep it ambiguous or have Aerith hold feelings for both Zack and Cloud.

As for Cloud... I mean, sure, people can invoke realism and whatnot, but narratively speaking, considering how much Cloud's character and arc are tied to Tifa and his feelings for Tifa, him having romantic feelings for Aerith for two weeks would kind of cheapen those feelings.

I mean, imagine it like this:

Cloud age 0-16: Tifa.
Cloud age 16-21: Tifa.
Cloud for two weeks: Aerith (or Tifa and Aerith).
Cloud age 21-infinity: Tifa.

(I might misremember some of those ages and how long he knew Aerith, and yes, 0-16 is a hyperbole, lol.)

But honestly, I just don't see what it would add narratively -- aside from wanting to be fair to Aerith.

Of course, I can't say any of this with 100% surety, since you can never really predict whether an author will follow the threads they planted.

Anyway~ just my two cents.

 

[GodofWars]

I agree, which is why I didn't mention anything about Cloud's feelings, just Aerith's.
It's not that I don't think they are all endgame but about the way the devs will commit to it. It could all be very explicit, depicted in a no questionable way (although I'm sure that some will always question it), or it could be kind of a "still up to player's interpretation" because that's what SE tends to do sometimes. I'm not saying it will surely go one way or another, just that both are a real possibility.
But I also thought the kiss was something that would come way later in game, so what do I know !

 

[Eerie]

I think that, for CT, you are absolutely right. So far the games have been a great build up for those two. But the fact that they made Aerith chase after Cloud while Zack is chasing after Aerith gives me mixed feelings about their reunion. Some scenes are great at showing you she doesn't really move on from Zack but it is very sparse. Which makes me think the devs could be more on the "interpretative" side of things concerning their reunion. And it would be a real let down, for both of their arcs.

The thing is, you played in English, and in English Aerith is very vague about her feelings for Zack. But in Gongaga, she does state that she does love him still - which is why, in mere THREE DAYS after (for the GS dates), there is no reason for Cloud to think the contrary. To him, Aerith loves Zack, and in Nibelheim, he realises that Zack is crazy about Aerith too. And this does frame all his actions and reactions to Aerith in a non-romantic way.

That is why I'm telling you to play in French lol. The way I received this game is vastly different from the way English players received it, same with Remake. IMHO, the devs make you want to see Zack and Aerith reunite as soon as Remake.

Writing this I realize the wait for the last game is still long, and I'm already dying to know how it all ends. Pretty sure I'll be in for a major post-game depression !

Personally, since Kitase said that he asked for a new ending for the game, while before I felt they may be doing a bit of OtWtaS to show us after OG and the start of the ACC arc, I feel now it's most probably an after DoC we're getting, with all the characters settling down, and showing us how they reached true happiness.

Doing this would allow us (and them) to go past the original cast and do something with other, new characters while having the OG cast in the background. Maybe they can focus on Denzel and Marlene who are still quite young for now. But I feel it would be interesting if a new team would want to develop them like this. Generally speaking, I feel that we need to let go of these characters, and feel happy with their ending.

Marlene's: "She likes Cloud now!"

And Aerith's own: "There's liking and liking."

I expect both of these will have their answer when they reunite.

Yes, I think that what a lot of fans don't realise, and which is the reason why we got so many Cloud and Aerith goodbyes, it's that it's the end for them. Sure, Cloud will remember her, but it won't be romantic. Hell, it may even show that he did not know her that well, which was hinted at in the OG and in Rebirth. Sure, they will have a scene again when she saves him at the end.

But overall? The date was goodbye to CoLW Aerith. The CA fight against Sephiroth was goodbye to Rebirth Aerith. The ending was... well it was Cloud's goodbye to her, and again, we can see that it's only friendship from his side. Because there's nothing romantic in that goodbye, and he abandons her in a desolate area without second thoughts - I know he's being controlled by Jenova, mind you, but STILL. To me that very part of the ending shows how Cloud truly sees and feels about Aerith.

Also, I'll just repeat: the devs seriously did not bring Zack back (for the lack of a better term), have him try to save both Aerith and Cloud, only for them to either keep it ambiguous or have Aerith hold feelings for both Zack and Cloud.

I mean, it could happen but I just don't see it. CoLW Aerith in the church is way too unsure. And again, the LA does colour the HA, IMHO. You cannot have romance there, that's not what the scene is telling, that's not what her spirit about to join the LS meeting with Zack is telling either.

As for Cloud... I mean, sure, people can invoke realism and whatnot, but narratively speaking, considering how much Cloud's character and arc are tied to Tifa and his feelings for Tifa, him having romantic feelings for Aerith for two weeks would kind of cheapen those feelings.

Yeah, that's why I'm absolutely against him having romantic feelings for Aerith. Because if it were the case, might as well not create Tifa at all.

But honestly, I just don't see what it would add narratively -- aside from wanting to be fair to Aerith.

And unfair to Tifa.

But I also thought the kiss was something that would come way later in game, so what do I know !

I knew from a long time ago that Rebirth should have a kiss, I was just perplexed in how they'd do it since it was "too early" xD But I knew after the hug in Remake, it just made sense.

Oh while I'm at it, ZA reunion: before or after the LSS? Which one is most likely and why?

 

[GodofWars]

The thing is, you played in English, and in English Aerith is very vague about her feelings for Zack. But in Gongaga, she does state that she does love him still - which is why, in mere THREE DAYS after (for the GS dates), there is no reason for Cloud to think the contrary. To him, Aerith loves Zack, and in Nibelheim, he realises that Zack is crazy about Aerith too. And this does frame all his actions and reactions to Aerith in a non-romantic way.

Oh I did watch the scene with french subtitles afterwards, also heard about the japanese version, in which she's supposed to straight up say yes. But in french, if I remember correctly, she's saying "disons que... Je ne peux pas le détester, ça c'est sur", which is VERY different from a firm yes.
So I would count that moment as important as the fact that she couldn't help herself following Zack's father, which I think is a lot more relevant.

IMHO, the devs make you want to see Zack and Aerith reunite as soon as Remake.

Agreed that this reunion has been set up very hard at the end of Remake.

Doing this would allow us (and them) to go past the original cast and do something with other, new characters while having the OG cast in the background. Maybe they can focus on Denzel and Marlene who are still quite young for now. But I feel it would be interesting if a new team would want to develop them like this. Generally speaking, I feel that we need to let go of these characters, and feel happy with their ending.

100%. Let this part go to rest. Move on with new stuff, expand this universe, sure. But let us say goodbye to them in a proper manner, and do not bring them back for the sake of bringing them back.

Oh while I'm at it, ZA reunion: before or after the LSS? Which one is most likely and why?

I think after, because, well, before would be too busy story wise. Also this has to feel like a climax, so rushing it early or mid game would make it fall flat. I would love to see some kind of K or Jdrama trope, watching them chasing and missing each other for a while, to build up anticipation a bit more. The angst would be awesome. What do you think ?

 

[Ryushikaze]

I think we might get their reunion, or the seeing of it, around Mideel, because it's a counterpart to Tifa finding comatose Cloud. They reunite, but in death. I don't think we'll get much out of them there, but I DO think we're getting that because what I think is going to happen is right after the lifestream sequence, after Cloud and Tifa rise back up to Mideel and get rescued by the party, we might get another ZA interlude that continues the explanation of "what really happened in Nibelheim" from the end of the LSS into the "What happened to Cloud and Zack after that" that used to be hidden in a Nibelheim revisit. And when THAT'S done, we can cut back to Cloud giving his explanation to the party members on the Highwind.

 

[GodofWars]

Unrelated but I ran into a real life Aerith (and who, funnily enough, is a Tifa lover) who gave me some leftover flowers. Just wanted to share these pictures (with my dog's ear on the side, and my dirty shoe). There"s so many lilies I don't know what to do with it.

Btw if any of you have an idea of how to preserve it somehow, I'm listening.

 

[Eerie]

I think after, because, well, before would be too busy story wise. Also this has to feel like a climax, so rushing it early or mid game would make it fall flat. I would love to see some kind of K or Jdrama trope, watching them chasing and missing each other for a while, to build up anticipation a bit more. The angst would be awesome. What do you think ?

I disagree, the climax is the LSS, and it will happen rather early in game I suppose (the first half) - I don't see the ZA reunion taking a lot of time seeing that we already had one full game of Zack searching of how to save Aerith and he now awaits because he has no choice but to wait. We have to consider that Zack and Aerith will not get a "full game" for themselves, but a rather short time, akin to what Zack had in Rebirth. So if we want to see what they're up to, my guess is that they rather reunite sooner than later.

I think we might get their reunion, or the seeing of it, around Mideel, because it's a counterpart to Tifa finding comatose Cloud. They reunite, but in death. I don't think we'll get much out of them there, but I DO think we're getting that because what I think is going to happen is right after the lifestream sequence, after Cloud and Tifa rise back up to Mideel and get rescued by the party, we might get another ZA interlude that continues the explanation of "what really happened in Nibelheim" from the end of the LSS into the "What happened to Cloud and Zack after that" that used to be hidden in a Nibelheim revisit. And when THAT'S done, we can cut back to Cloud giving his explanation to the party members on the Highwind.

That's a really interesting theory. I like it - but I think that while their reunion would happen there, then Aerith would need to spell her feelings for Zack at that moment too, leaving the explanation about what happened to Zack and Cloud for after the Lifestream. I have been thinking about the LSS a lot (of course), so I think it would be smoother if by then Aerith's feelings are already unknot, if I make sense?

 

[Skilganon]

I find the whole conversation between Cloud and Aerith in Gongaga kind of odd. Cloud asks "Do you still like him?" as if the man is still around. Aerith's unsure response is reasonable, given that she hasn't seen Zack in five years. Regardless of how intensely she felt about him when they were together, it doesn't make any sense to expect that same level of intensity after a five year absence. For her to say, "Yes, I love him" without any doubt would make Aerith appear borderline delusional.

Whether or not Aerith is "over" Zack is irrelevant. What's more important is Cloud's responses to her advances. Any time Aerith says she wants to find the "real Cloud", Cloud acts like he doesn't know what she's talking about. And this is after he's told Tifa in Gongaga, "It's like there's different people inside of me." So yeah, if the Aerith/Cloud relationship is at an impasse, it's because of Cloud primarily.

 

[Eerie]

You know, some people never remarry because they still love their deceased spouse. Aerith doesn't know what happened to Zack, but he's still the man she loves, several years after. Just like Tifa didn't know what happened to Cloud, yet she still loved him, for an even longer time (yes I believe Yuffie was bluffing). If Tifa could hold onto her feelings for 7 years, why Aerith couldn't for 5 years? It's a story, it is what it is.

 

[GodofWars]

Aerith's unsure response is reasonable, given that she hasn't seen Zack in five years. Regardless of how intensely she felt about him when they were together, it doesn't make any sense to expect that same level of intensity after a five year absence

I pretty much agree with this, in terms of intensity. Feelings are bound to change, evolve, whether you're in a relationship or not. Could go for the better or not. It's human nature.

Whether or not Aerith is "over" Zack is irrelevant.

This though, I don't agree with. Because the way Aerith feels about Zack, even if not as intense as it used to be, is part of her character. It's what she first sees in Cloud, what makes her run after Zack's father, what makes her ask about him, and also what keeps the link between herself and Zack very much present, even if he's not physically around. If it was irrelevant, we wouldn't have that scene where she feels his hand, or his presence in the dream date either. Also, it keeps this connection bilateral, which is quite important information for the player.

So yeah, if the Aerith/Cloud relationship is at an impasse, it's because of Cloud primarily.

Yes but not only. It's also because of what she feels for Zack. You can't have a healthy relationship with someone when you spend your time looking for your ex inside of them. And Aerith does just that and only starts looking for Cloud a day before her death.

Speaking of which, can someone tell me what in the world this is ? : AERITH LIVES

 

[Eerie]

I pretty much agree with this, in terms of intensity. Feelings are bound to change, evolve, whether you're in a relationship or not. Could go for the better or not. It's human nature.

Since I had two examples of the contrary IRL, and given it's a story, I will highly disagree XD I knew one person whom fiancé died in WWII, she never married and kept a photo of him in her bedroom until she died, decades later. My MIL also fell in love once, married and remained single after her husband's death, which was when she was still kind of young (not even 60).

People do love, and don't feel the need to search for a new partner. It happens all the time.

Speaking of which, can someone tell me what in the world this is ? : AERITH LIVES

Very obviously a fan made site lol.

 

[null]

Speaking of which, can someone tell me what in the world this is ? : AERITH LIVES

Supposedly it’s a countdown to a game award show in December. I would have preferred a jumpscare though.

 

[Eerie]

I think if they show something maybe we can look forward TGS which is very important for SE? But I don't think we can hope for more than a teaser and a name/logo this year, honestly it's way too early for a trailer.

 

[Xannis]

We could very well have a reunion between Zack and Aerith with an underlying romance, but not have anything explicitly said. Because it would mean that they finally end this "LTD madness", and I'm not sure this is what they want to do.

Said this before but I'll be plain shocked if a ZA reunion is just some awkward "Hey long time no see" kind of deal where they shake hands. It just doesn't fit as a payoff with all the time they've devoted to Zack's journey and his feelings.

 

[GodofWars]

Supposedly it’s a countdown to a game award show in December. I would have preferred a jumpscare though.

Very obviously a fan made site lol.

I must say I don't really get the point . Like, is it some kind of trolling ?

I think if they show something maybe we can look forward TGS which is very important for SE? But I don't think we can hope for more than a teaser and a name/logo this year, honestly it's way too early for a trailer.

Weren't we supposed to have something for the EC anniversary ? If yes, then why the countdown to December ?

Said this before but I'll be plain shocked if a ZA reunion is just some awkward "Hey long time no see" kind of deal where they shake hands. It just doesn't fit as a payoff with all the time they've devoted to Zack's journey and his feelings.

No, I don't think it will be quite this simplistic, but there's still a chance we don't get to see something undebatable. Not saying this will happen, but that I'm kind of worried about the possibility. Kind of.

 

[Ryushikaze]

I disagree, the climax is the LSS, and it will happen rather early in game I suppose (the first half) - I don't see the ZA reunion taking a lot of time seeing that we already had one full game of Zack searching of how to save Aerith and he now awaits because he has no choice but to wait. We have to consider that Zack and Aerith will not get a "full game" for themselves, but a rather short time, akin to what Zack had in Rebirth. So if we want to see what they're up to, my guess is that they rather reunite sooner than later.

That's a really interesting theory. I like it - but I think that while their reunion would happen there, then Aerith would need to spell her feelings for Zack at that moment too, leaving the explanation about what happened to Zack and Cloud for after the Lifestream. I have been thinking about the LSS a lot (of course), so I think it would be smoother if by then Aerith's feelings are already unknot, if I make sense?

Oh yeah, we're definitely getting their full reunion and clearing things up before the dip- As I said their reunion is counterpoint to the nekabcholy of Tifa finding Cloud and deciding to stay with him.

I must say I don't really get the point . Like, is it some kind of trolling ?

Hopium, more likely. Some people are convinced Aerith is coming back despite the words of everyone working on the game.

Weren't we supposed to have something for the EC anniversary ? If yes, then why the countdown to December ?

Some folks think we're getting a release date in December.

 

[GodofWars]

Ah, ok then. Gotta admire the dedication !

 

[Eerie]

Weren't we supposed to have something for the EC anniversary ? If yes, then why the countdown to December ?

We were supposed to have heard of p3 by the EC anni, but since we didn't, I guess we are looking at the next best date.

Some folks think we're getting a release date in December.

Uh, why would we get that this early though, don't they usually announce it when they're closer to the release date? I don't remember though so feel free to correct me.

 

[MelodicEnigma]

I pretty much agree with this, in terms of intensity. Feelings are bound to change, evolve, whether you're in a relationship or not. Could go for the better or not. It's human nature.

There are particulars, though. In the specific instance of dealing with loss/ambiguous loss of a loved one, this normally doesn't become a factor of intensity (i.e more or less scale) of the love. Rather, it's about it being in a state of active or passive.

Even if someone fell in love with someone else and remarried, this isn't a factor of loving the lost one "less". They died. lol Do you know weird it would be to ask someone if they loved them "less"? It's not about that. Even in teen movies where a single parent is trying to move on, and the indignant teen child gets mad because "you don't love mom anymore"—its always made clear this is a wrong thought.

The love is passive, cherished in the memory and what it's done for you, but not active. Not falling in love again in consideration of the lost, or waiting to see if they're still alive would make that more active then, yes.

There are particulars for each case though, like if there's any post-death relevations (about the person and who they were, about love itself, etc.) after the loss that could change the outlook of past feelings for those who remain, then sure, but in this case of Aerith, this didn't happen really. Its not like she found out later Zack was a cheater and really horrible person. Even though its never put this way, what fans really should be talking about is whether her feelings are active or passive, thus allowing her to move on (passive) or continue to hold only Zack in her heart this way (active). But instead, it's made to be about loving him less or not at all, which is unnecessary for the case of Aerith and what she's dealing with for both Zack and Cloud in retrospect.

It's why I never agreed with Matsuyama's interpretation in the guidebooks, though with the very limited context of ZA in the OG , I understand how he went the "I love Cloud more" route, despite it being unnecessary.

 

[GodofWars]

Ok, I realize I didn't shape my idea very well, and of course this is a specific case since we're dealing with grief as well as love. Also, I wasn't implying that Aerith loved Zack any less than she did when he was around. Merely that feelings don't stay the same, as we, people do change too, because life changes us.

Sublimation might help make sense of this whole “active vs passive” feelings debate. It’s a concept from psychology where someone takes strong, unresolved emotions, often painful ones, like grief or longing, and channels them into something more constructive or symbolic rather than dealing with them directly.

When a loved one dies (or is believed to be dead, like in Aerith’s case with Zack), the feelings don’t simply vanish. What changes is how those feelings are expressed. The love can shift from an “active” state, where you still interact with the person, shape your future around them, to a “passive” or sublimated state, where the emotions are preserved in memory, but transformed into something else. That “something else” can be seeking closure, idealizing the person, or even projecting parts of them onto someone new.

With Aerith, that’s exactly what we see. She hasn’t “stopped loving” Zack, but that love isn’t lived anymore, it’s carried. Some of that unresolved longing gets redirected toward Cloud, not because she consciously chooses it, but because Cloud’s similarities to Zack trigger those old feelings.
That’s why she chases after information about Zack, asks his parents questions, and has moments where his “presence” is still felt. It’s an emotional tether that hasn’t been fully resolved.

So, it’s not about loving Zack “less” or “more.” It’s about Aerith being caught in between an old attachment she hasn’t fully let go of and a potential new one she hasn’t fully embraced. That tension shapes her dynamic with Cloud and makes her feelings more layered than a simple “she’s over him” or “she still loves him", or even "she loves Cloud more.”

In other words, sublimation explains why she can move forward without necessarily moving on.

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