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What should I say if a Zerith fan tries to tell me Zack and Aerith is cannon?

First, try not to laugh. Second, direct them to either this post or my twitter thread about how un-canon that ship is. You could also just shut them up immediately with these quotes…

The absolute first thing you must do is you need to establish that Aerith knew/loved the REAL Cloud and these quotes will help you do that:

Aerith “………first off, it bothered me how you looked exactly alike.” “Two completely different people, but look exactly the same.” “The way you walk, gesture…” “I think I must have seen him again, in you…” (She shakes her head) Aerith “But you’re different.” (She looks down again) Aerith “Things are different…” Aerith “Cloud…” “I’m searching for you…” Cloud “…………?” Aerith “I want to meet you.” Cloud “But I’m right here.” Aerith (I know, I know… what I mean is…) “I want to meet….. you.”

(Original game)

Why it matters: It’s the original game… i.e. the bible of FFVII, it’s the most trustworthy source we can rely on. Aerith says it BOTHERED her how alike they were but then says that they’re different and that she wants to know the real Cloud. This proves that –in game– Aerith recognized Cloud for who he was and detected what was wrong with him even BEFORE anyone else did, including Cloud. It also shows viewers that Aerith prefers Cloud over Zack.

Aerith: “At first when I met Cloud, I believed he was similar to Zack. Little actions, the way he spoke… his kindness. But Cloud is Cloud. I, now undoubtedly, love Cloud much more than Zack.” Aerith’s page, Gongaga; DISMANTLED

Why it matters: Dismantled (otherwise known as “Kaitai Shinsho”) was released alongside FFVII in 1997. It is the oldest Ultimania book we have and its age is why I consider it the most important book to read. As you can see, this quote takes place during Gongaga and during this scene Aerith confesses to herself that she recognizes the “real” Cloud and loves him far more than she ever loved Zack. This book is written by Benny Matsuyama and published by the same publishing company that has released every guidebook since the game was released. People cannot discredit this book without discrediting every other book in the series.

“Despite his cold behavior in several scenes, Cloud is essentially popular with members of the opposite sex. In addition to FFVII’s heroines Tifa and Aerith both having feelings for him (…)” - 10th ANNIVERSARY ULTIMANIA

Why it matters: Again, it’s an Ultimania book that fans on the opposing side just adore using when it fits their agenda. So this quote clearly says that Aerith (and Tifa) both like Cloud despite his “cold behavior”. This not only proves Aerith saw the “real” Cloud but it also proves she loves him.

“FFVII: Both Aerith, who is forthright, and Tifa, who is demure, have feelings for Cloud but he is none the wiser to them.” - CLOUD’S CHARACTER PROFILE, 10th ANNIVERSARY ULTIMANIA

Why it matters: Again, point blank says that Aerith has feelings for Cloud. It doesn’t say anything about Zack.

“Both of them share feelings for Cloud — Tifa was close to Aerith, who can also be called a love rival. With that point in mind, they were also good friends. Nevertheless, it is not hard to imagine that she carries complex feelings as a woman toward Aerith, who had built up a special bond with Cloud that was different from Tifa’s.” -TIFA’S CHARACTER PROFILE, 10th ANNIVERSARY ULTIMANIA

Why it matters: This particular quote is for Advent Children. It says that Aerith has feelings for Cloud and built a special bond with him that makes Tifa jealous… during Advent Children. This is after Aerith is dead and in the Lifestream. If Aerith only loved Cloud for Zack then she wouldn’t be described as still loving Cloud when she’s dead.

“Even though Aerith perceived that Cloud had lost sight of his true self, she still has great affection for him. As an Ancient, Aerith had planned to accomplish the mission. On the one hand, her last concern is Cloud.” - AERITH’S CHARACTER PROFILE, 10th ANNIVERSARY ULTIMANIA

Why it matters: It says very clearly that Aerith realized Cloud had lost sight of his “true” self but still loved him regardless. Pretty self explanatory but if antis don’t get it, it’s just because they don’t want to.

“So you won’t have a breakdown..” Aerith appears in Cloud’s dream, and she seems to console him with such advice. This line can infer that Aerith has seen through to the essence of Cloud. -PG.156 FFVII ULTIMANIA OMEGA

Why it matters: I feel like a broken record but, again… it says that Aerith saw the “real” Cloud before anyone else did.

“Although in the beginning, Aerith felt close to Cloud because he behaved like Zack, her interest in Cloud himself grows and she is attracted to him.” -PG.31 FFVII ULTIMANIA OMEGA

Why it matters: Again, self explanatory lol

“I’m looking for you.“…"So you won’t have a breakdown.” - what Aerith told Cloud reveals many deep meanings. Aerith detected that the present Cloud is not the real him during their encounters. She knows it because of her mysterious, inherent ability. ~page 29, FFVII Ultimania Omega

Why it matters: Self explanatory.

10:

When Aerith thinks of Cloud and Zack’s similarities, she sees that the present Cloud is not the real Cloud. Her meaningful lines like, “I’m searching for you” and “I want to meet you” all mean that she has discovered the existence of the real Cloud, although he’s not aware of it himself. ~page 31, FFVII Ultimania Omega

Why it matters: It’s as if Square Enix knew the stupid arguments antis say and was like “lol how about nah, fam”. Seriously, this single quote destroys all of those stupid arguments about Aerith not knowing the real Cloud or only loving him for “Zack”. Just expect to hear that these books aren’t canon or expect to be called nasty names in return for popping their bubble.

I mean, that’s why Square Enix recently had Cloud say in Itadaki Street that Aerith knew the real him even before he knew it himself.

WHICH YOU CAN WATCH HERE:

11:

Cloud: “When (we) were riding on the ferris-wheel I’m sure Aerith was aware of the real me, whom I looked/turned away from.” ~ Itadaki Street DQ/FF

Why it matters: Cloud recalls the clerith date as if it’s canon (hint: it is) and then says Aerith knew the real him before he even knew of it himself. Case closed. Square Enix hates these ridiculous ZA arguments and if they don’t get it by now they never will.

You can use the following quotes to prove Aerith prefers her bodyguard over the cheater, Zack.

12:

Zack: “Man, you know Aerith. Out of all the girls I’ve gotten along with, you truly are the best. After that mission, we could’ve 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.”Aerith: “Someone who’s gotten along with so many girls can never become a lover.”Zack: “How mean. I’m nice to everyone.”Aerith: “And that’s your bad point. You’re not simplistic and awkward like Cloud.”

And here’s another quote

Zack: “But whenever you feel lonely, call me Aerith.”Aerith: “Only if I get really lonely. Goodnight, Zack.”

Why it matters: It’s an official novel written by Benny Matsuyama (at Nomura’s request) and it clearly shows Aerith saying what makes Cloud better than Zack is that Cloud is “simplistic and awkward”, which proves Aerith knows the “real” Cloud. Hearing Aerith say this stuff literally makes Zack sad. And when he tries to hit on her one final time Aerith turns him down by pretty much saying “only if I’m desperate”. Ouch.

Other quotes that prove Aerith loves Cloud even after dying are the following:

13:

“Aerith was in even greater pain when she thought about Cloud. She also had good feelings towards him. At first, she thought he somehow had some similarities to her first love. Even so, his looks, voice and personality weren’t similar and he also made her think of him as a mysterious person… But it soon didn’t matter. She loved him much more than her first love. Cloud was her hero and he couldn’t get away from danger. She saw him as someone full of confidence, cool and had the impression that he would disappear in an instant if she took her eyes off him. She wanted to stay by his side forever if she could. She really wanted to.“ -MAIDEN OF THE PLANET

Why it matters: Just read it lol

14:

“That was where Aerith hesitated. Will she let all humans die or was she going to avoid such a disaster in exchange for her life… But she never did think about it and was already prepared. When she did hesitate about leaving Cloud in sorrow, she would think about how it wouldn’t save her companions or the people of the world. She had already made up her mind. There was no other choice. It was all for Cloud too. | Maiden of the Planet

Why it matters: Aerith was only able to continue with her sacrifice because she knew it would save Cloud. She literally died for him… She. Doesn’t. Love. Zack.

15:

“But a cry came through to her.It wasn’t the sound of her cry. If it was then she would have felt the blood gushing up through her throat and the fury that forced its way out from the depths of her soul–It was the sound of Cloud’s heart cracking. It was the cry of his heart that could never be healed of the grief he had towards Aerith’s death, the blame towards himself and the hatred he had for Sephiroth.She was surprised at the great sorrow he had for her. She was a little happy that he thought so much of her but she also felt the pain that was many times greater. There was nothing she could do about Cloud’s suffering and the pain ached in her heart.The pain continued even though she was in the Lifestream.”

Why it matters: First, it says Aerith was happy that Cloud thought so much of her… Can’t get much clearer than that. Then, while Aerith is dying, she doesn’t feel her own pain or anyone else’s pain—she feels Cloud’s pain, his heartbreak was the strongest feeling in the world at that moment. And as he suffered, Aerith suffered even though she was in the Lifestream. This is what happens for soul-mates, okay.

I also suggest reminding that Zerith shipper that Zack doesn’t deserve Aerith because he was cheating on her:

“Zack loves women, a real lady’s man” Like what Aerith recalled in FF7, Zack is very good at hitting on girls, and is skilled at flirting. In BC, he used to compliment a female member of Turks during a mission; in CC, he also invited Cissnei, a member from Turks, to dine together. Since “one who steals an egg will steal an ox”, Zack’s girlfriend, Aerith, maybe felt impatient about this….?

[ screencap captions ]

CLOUD & ZACK IN THE TRUCK: “On the way of escape to Midgar, WHICH GIRLFRIEND did Zack plan to ask help for?”

(Zack’s info in FFVII Ultimania, p.83)

AND Zack wasn’t even going to visit Aerith just because her mom was there.

16:

Zack “What’re you gonna do when we get to Midgar?” (Cloud continues to bob his head.) Cloud “………” (Zack stands) Zack “I know what I’m gonna do.” (He crosses his arms) Zack “I got a place I can crash for a while…” (He turns to Cloud) Zack “No wait, the mother lives there, too…” (He scratches his head.) Zack “Guess that’s out…” (He shakes his head. Cloud continues to bob his like nobody’s business.) Cloud “………” Zack “Yep… gotta change my plans!”

Why it matters: Zack refers to Aerith as a mere “place to crash” (first off, ew) secondly, once he remembers that Aerith’s mother lives with her he completely changes his plans. Zack was never going to return to Aerith because he “loved” her. It was a silly retcon to milk the fandom.

Which leads Aerith to say the following:

17:

Aerith: “Although called my first love, that doesn’t mean that we (Zack & Aerith) became particularly intimate. I encountered him by chance as a flower vendor in Midgar. It was good for a little while, so I thought.” (DISMANTLED)

Why it matters: Aerith says their relationship wasn’t good and says they never became “particularly intimate”. Game over.

Which is why their “relationship” is described as:

18:

“Zack falls to the Church of the Slum during his mission and ends up meeting the girl Aerith, who’s trimming flowers. They both feel contented simply with each other’s company; it’s a platonic love. They think these kinds of happy days will last forever, but…. ”(Crisis Core Ultimania, Zack’s profile)

Why it matters: “P L A T O N I C L O V E”.

19:

They attract to each other by mutual feelings similar to friendship, because they’re both juvenile, if you call it love… (Crisis Core Ultimania)

Why it matters: Their feelings are “similar to friendship“ and “juvenile”. Done and done.

The last important thing you need to establish is that Cloud and Aerith are identified as lovers in not one, not two, but THREE languages.

JAPANESE: クラウドは女の友人であり、恋人であり FRENCH: “Cloud avait ete son ami, et son amant”GERMAN: “Cloud war ihr Freund, ihr Geliebter”

(OtWtaS: Case of Lifestream (White; Chapter 1)

恋人 = Lover

“amant” = Lover

“Geliebter” = Lover/Boyfriend.

Why it matters: It’s an official novel written by The Man himself, Kazushige Nojima, set right before Advent Children takes place. For Cloud to be identified as Aerith’s lover in three different languages during Advent Children’s setting means that she still loves him despite being in the Lifestream. Which is odd since fans claim Aerith “loves” Zack.

PLUS, Zerith literally stole everything that makes it popular from OG Clerith.

The way they meet in the church, that was not just a retcon but it was inspired by Cloud and Aerith’s second meet cute. Nojima even stated that they copied the clerith moment in order to quickly build the ZA ship without wasting time on actually developing it. Nojima validated the clerith romance by using a clerith scene in order to make ZA believable. That’s how romantic Clerith is.

Q: Some parts we didn’t imagine from Aerith’s saying of “he’s my first love” in FF7 are depicted in CC. There are many FF7 fans who’re pleased about it.Nojima: The setting that “falling from the roof of the Church” repeats Aerith’s encounter with Cloud was decided in the beginning. Though we’re talking about love, they are still young and there’s no time to describe “how they become fond of each other” in the game. So I made it like “falling into a sudden crush.” Personally, the setting that Aerith’s “how about one date” to Cloud in FF7 reappears in Zack’s lines is the greatest joy to me. Even though this line was casually placed in FF7, I care a bit about the saying that “it was thoughtless of her to say that.” The way of having Aerith receive Zack’s words is a defense for her. (Crisis Core Ultimania, p. 579)

The flower field imagery originally belonged to Clerith, the love beyond death themes originally (and still does) belong to Clerith, the Mog park date was stolen from Clerith, heck… even the way Aerith compliments Zack’s eyes mimics what Cloud did to Aerith in Dismantled.

Z/erith WAS canon at one point, in an emotional way. But it never got anywhere near serious at all (at the most, they hugged).

She moved on and fell in love with Cloud Strife, her devoted bodyguard who she literally died to protect.

Cloud is a symbol for something important, an existence that she must protect. She is head-over-heels, over the moon in love with Cloud and nothing in the retcon Crisis Core will ever change that. Ever.

#in a sense they are canon because they did care for each other but they weren't “in love”#a juvenile platonic love is the best way to describe their relationship #i've been replaying crisis core and 100% it reads that way #i honestly think they are cute #zack fair #aerith gainsborough #cloud strife #ffvii

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