#ffvii fan fiction

[villainshit]

A summary post of my fics written for the FFVII compilation, mostly centering around Shinra & the Turks. Hi I'm Jai and I like to write things that are uncomfortable, angsty, gross, and/or traumatic.

Reprieve

Tseng/Rufus trauma/angst Teen / 2,534 words / oneshot Whumptober 2021

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Security Detail

Tseng/Rufus oblivious fluff General / 1,868 words / 1 chapter

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Hands On The Bible

Tseng, no pairing, angst Teen / 1,642 words / oneshot

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Scumbag Blues

Tseng, no pairing, backstory Teen / 3,761 words / 1 chapter

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Four Weeks

Rufus/Tseng dubcon Mature / 4,889 words / 4 chapters

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Conditioning

Sephiroth, no pairing, trauma Teen / 1,162 words / oneshot Whumptober 2021

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Lucky Shot

Reno, no pairing, body trauma Teen / 1,058 words / oneshot Whumptober 2021

[akatsuki-shin]

"YOUR FIRSTS, AND MINE" — #TsengRuWeek2024 Day 1: Firsts

1,5k words | 🔞

Before Crisis TsengRu

Being placed under house arrest doesn't stop Vice President Shinra from pursuing his other "target"

Featuring an illustration by @brilcrist

(link in the reply below)

[vincentvalentineweek]

We are officially 100 days away from Week One of Vincent Week 2025! Starting in 2025 VVW will be a bi-annual celebration of all things Vincent Valentine to take place during February and October. Week One will take place on February 7-14, so if you missed out on the October fun you can get in on February's celebration!

[bardic-tales]

au: redemption | dark fantasy | au: canon divergent

Themes: Redemption and Forgiveness | Identity and Purpose | the Power of Bonds

The Redemption AU diverges from the original Final Fantasy VII storyline with significant changes centered around Sephiroth. It introduces the original character: Bianca Moore. In this universe, Bianca and Sephiroth meet as children, ages 8 and 10, respectively, and endure years of experimentation under Hojo at Shinra Manor. Bianca uses her demonic powers to block out Jenova's influence on Sephiroth, preventing the Nibelheim Incident and altering the course of events. Together, they find redemption by aiding AVALANCHE and working against Shinra while trying to balance their dark pasts and Sephiroth’s fragile grip on sanity.

Universe Plot:

The Redemption AU follows an altered timeline where Bianca uses her demonic powers to keep Sephiroth from succumbing to Jenova's influence. This change prevents the Nibelheim Incident and Sephiroth’s subsequent fall into madness. With Sephiroth's sanity intact, he and Bianca escape Shinra and join forces with AVALANCHE. They set up an anti-Shinra resistance force in Kalm that has several former SOLDIERs in it. They strive to dismantle Shinra’s control over the world, uncover the truth about Bianca and Sephiroth’s origins, and protect the Planet Shinra and from Hojo's continuing experiments. As they battle Shinra and other enemies, they seek redemption for their past sins and fight to reclaim their autonomy.

Plot Point:

Bianca and Sephiroth grow up together as subjects of Hojo’s twisted experiments, enduring physical and psychological abuse that forges a deep bond between them.

Bianca’s powers allow them to escape, with Sephiroth rejecting Jenova’s influence. They join AVALANCHE in a bid to take down Shinra.

Bianca’s intervention changes the course of events, saving the town from destruction and averting Sephiroth’s original fall from grace.

Together with AVALANCHE, Sephiroth and Bianca work to expose Shinra’s secrets and Hojo’s true nature, drawing the ire of both Shinra and Jenova.

Sephiroth continues to grapple with his identity and purpose while learning to control the darkness within, supported by Bianca’s unyielding faith in him.

Bianca embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her mother’s sacrifice, learning about the connection to her father, Asmodeus, and how it has shaped her life. This revelation drives her to confront her own identity and the legacy of her past, deepening her bond with Sephiroth as they both navigate the complexities of their origins.

The climax involves a direct confrontation with Hojo, who attempts to reclaim Sephiroth and Bianca as his “creations.” He views Bianca as creation, as he caused her to 'fall from Grace'. The two must finally face the man who shaped their lives.

Differences from the Original Plot:

The Nibelheim Incident is prevented, and Sephiroth does not descend into madness.

AVALANCHE is more unified and accepts the aid of former SOLDIER members.

Hojo remains a central antagonist, pursuing Sephiroth and Bianca to reclaim his “creations.”

Zack survives and aids the resistance, while the Turks maintain a more antagonistic role.

Involved Characters:

Aerith Gainsborough. Last of the Cetra and healer. Becomes an ally to Bianca and Sephiroth. She is aware of the deep bond they share, which sets her apart from the original timeline. She bonds with Bianca, as they are both the last of their kind.

Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos. Former SOLDIER 1st Classes, now exiles who question Shinra's methods. Their fate is altered due to Sephiroth’s refusal to follow Jenova’s will, causing them to rethink their own roles in the fight against Shinra.

Barret Wallace. Leader of AVALANCHE, driven by a desire to take down Shinra for destroying his home. Initially distrustful of Bianca and Sephiroth but grows to accept their support.

Bianca Moore. Sephiroth’s childhood friend and eventual partner; half-demon, half-angel warrior. Her demonic powers are honed much earlier due to the constant stress of Hojo’s experiments, allowing her to shield Sephiroth from Jenova's influence.

Cloud Strife. A Shinra trooper who joins AVALANCHE to take down Shinra after Zack leaves SOLDIER, still aiming to prove himself. Never believes he is a SOLDIER, remaining a foot soldier who idolizes Sephiroth but comes to see the truth behind Shinra’s actions.

Professor Hojo. Head scientist of Shinra’s Science Department. Remains the primary antagonist, fixated on reclaiming Sephiroth and Bianca for further experimentation. His role as their caretaker left a lasting impact on their psychological states.

Sephiroth. Former SOLDIER 1st Class, de facto leader of an anti-Shinra resistance with AVALANCHE. Retains his sanity with Bianca’s help. Though he avoids falling under Jenova's control, he struggles with his identity and trauma from Hojo's upbringing.

Tifa Lockhart. Core AVALANCHE member, martial artist, and friend to Cloud. Comes to Midgar at Cloud's request. Befriends Bianca and learns from her to enhance her combat skills.

Vincent Valentine. Former Turk, now an ally to the resistance. Bonds with Bianca over their shared tragic pasts. His wisdom helps guide the group’s actions.

Zack Fair. Former SOLDIER 1st Class, close friend to Sephiroth, and AVALANCHE ally. Survives Shinra's pursuit with the help of Aerith and Bianca, who saves him from certain death. His optimistic personality contrasts with the darkness surrounding the group.

Character Dynamics:

Aerith forms a unique friendship with Bianca due to their shared spiritual connections (Cetra and celestial/demonic heritage) and deep understanding of the Souls / Planet’s plight.

Barret initially distrusts Sephiroth and Bianca, fearing they may still be loyal to Shinra, but he grows to recognize their commitment to the cause.

Bianca and Sephiroth share a profound and unbreakable bond formed through their traumatic childhood experiences and Hojo’s experiments. The Red Thread of Fate visually connects them, allowing them to share emotions, pain, and thoughts. Bianca's ability to block Jenova's influence helps Sephiroth resist madness, and together they fight for redemption by supporting AVALANCHE.

Cloud idolizes Sephiroth but has a complicated relationship with him, feeling both admiration and resentment for the legendary warrior. He also shares a tense rivalry with Zack.

Hojo serves as a looming threat, always pursuing Sephiroth and Bianca to return them to Shinra’s control.

The Turks are adversaries to the group, with Tseng having a particular interest in reclaiming Sephiroth and Bianca for Shinra.

Vincent becomes a mentor figure to Sephiroth and Bianca, offering insight and wisdom, especially regarding Sephiroth’s struggle with his identity.

Factions:

AVALANCHE / Planetary Defenders

Members: Barret Wallace, Tifa Lockhart, Cloud Strife, Aerith Gainsborough and various other rebel members.

Role/Purpose: To oppose Shinra’s exploitation of the Planet, exposing their corruption and dismantling the corporation’s hold on the world.

Dynamics: AVALANCHE members initially distrust Sephiroth and Bianca due to their past connections with Shinra. However, as they witness the couple’s commitment to the cause, trust grows. Barret often clashes with Sephiroth over leadership, while Tifa finds a strong friendship with Bianca, and Cloud grapples with his feelings of inadequacy compared to Sephiroth. Aerith forms a unique bond with Bianca, recognizing their shared spiritual connections.

Former SOLDIER

Members: Kunsel, Zack Fair, Sephiroth, Genesis Rhapsodos, Angeal Hewley, and Bianca Moore.

Role/Purpose: Former elite fighters for Shinra who have left the organization, now acting as mercenaries and allies to AVALANCHE.

Dynamics: The Former SOLDIER faction shares a deep bond rooted in their shared experiences and traumas under Shinra’s experiments. They support each other, but tensions can arise due to past loyalties and differing views on how to combat Shinra. Zack’s optimistic nature contrasts with Genesis and Angeal’s more complex personalities, leading to both camaraderie and conflict. Sephiroth retains his Crisis Core personality, embodying a blend of confidence, charm, and complexity that influences group dynamics. Bianca, as a former 2nd SOLDIER, fits into this group well, having developed a close relationship with Zack while maintaining a strong connection with Sephiroth.

Shinra Corporation

Members: President Shinra, Hojo, Heidegger, Scarlet, various SOLDIER members, and other personnel. Rufus Shinra

Role/Purpose: To exploit the Planet's resources for profit and maintain control over the world through military and scientific might.

Dynamics: The organization is hierarchical and ruthless, with each member driven by ambition, greed, or a desire for power. Hojo serves as a mad scientist, obsessively pursuing Sephiroth and Bianca for his experiments. The internal power struggles among the executives create a toxic environment, and loyalty to Shinra often leads to betrayal. The Turks operate as the enforcement arm of Shinra, frequently clashing with AVALANCHE, while the public face of Shinra tries to maintain a positive image despite its sinister activities.

The Turks

Members: Reno, Rude, Tseng, Elena, and others.

Role/Purpose: Elite operatives for Shinra, tasked with maintaining the company’s interests and suppressing dissent.

Dynamics: The Turks are loyal to Shinra, often finding themselves at odds with Sephiroth and Bianca. Tseng sees Sephiroth as a potential asset to be reclaimed, while Reno enjoys taunting the pair. Rude remains more neutral, assessing the situation pragmatically, and Elena struggles with her loyalty as she witnesses the group's actions against Shinra. Their interactions are marked by tension, with moments of grudging respect for each other’s abilities, especially when facing common threats.

Worldbuilding:

Shinra Corporation: A megacorporation controlling much of the world’s resources and military forces. Shinra still employs unethical practices, including human experimentation, mako reactors, and SOLDIER programs.

AVALANCHE: A rebel group opposing Shinra’s exploitation of the Planet. They take on a more significant role with Sephiroth and Bianca as allies, providing tactical advantage and enhanced combat capabilities.

The Red Thread of Fate: The thread is a magical manifestation of Bianca and Sephiroth’s bond. It glows with their emotions and enables them to feel each other’s pain, providing a unique connection that cannot be severed.

tagging: @megandaisy9 @prehistoric-creatures @creativechaosqueen @watermeezer @littleshopofchaos

[alestra18]

Hey, I'm trying to find a Zack Fair and Cloud Strife fanfiction. I do believe I originally read it on AO3.

The premise from what I remembered is the planet brings back Zack for Cloud. It was a soul mate story, where the first words they say appear on you.

When Zack is brought back, Cloud is worried he has a new soul mate, not knowing Zack is back. Their new words keep changing though, as them meeting again shifts.

I also remember that it switched from current events happening to flash backs of when the two first met and started being friends, etc.

[the-bar-sinister]

Restructuring (2682 words) by VickytheSnake, thesavagesabretooth Chapters: 1/?

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Rufus Shinra/Tseng, Reno/Rude (Compilation of FFVII) Additional Tags: Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Fluff and Angst, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Domestic Fluff, Established Relationship, Angst and Feels, During Canon, Missing Scene, Character Study, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Drama & Romance, Flirting, Romance, Trauma, Polyamorous Turks (Compilation of FFVII), POV Rufus Shinra, POV Reno (Compilation of FFVII), POV Rude (Compilation of FFVII)

Summary: In the aftermath of Sector 7's destruction and the death of president Shinra, things are changing. With enemies everywhere, Rufus and his turks have to rely on one another, watch each others backs, and gather their strength with new blood and old allies.

-

It was the best view in Midgar; not his father's office, choked in an excess of gold leaf and obsidian, but the helipad outside it. The office was his now— everything in Midgar was, now that the people of Shinra knew he'd taken the reins. Most of the city had yet to know. In the wake of the disasters, that was intentional.

There was too much confusion down below. The rubble that used to be Plate 7 and it's undercity still marred the skyline, and the ruins of the expressway and surrounding city still smoked in the wake of the tornado that chewed through it like nothing.

One disaster after another. 

Better to let it fall on his bastard of a father than himself, even as he orchestrated the salvage and rescue operations with the help of that walking ball of anxiety—Reeve—and of course, the Turks.

He didn't trust his father's executives, most of them, as far as he could throw them. Not now, anyway. Not when their loyalties to the former president showed in the way they'd still not gotten used to 'President Rufus Shinra' instead of 'Vice-president'. But he had the Turks, led by Tseng, who'd been following him around since the day of the takeover as a combination administrative assistant and stalwart bodyguard out of concern for an opportunistic attack from those foolish splinter cell Avalanche agents, or Wutai's recent delegation of thieves and assassins.

It was all such a headache. Wutai spies, the schism in Avalanche throwing off all his hard work with them behind the scenes, and all these disasters piling up around them— it made him feel in the need for a stiff drink.

He looked down at the city sprawling out below, wind whipping through his hair and called behind him. "Tseng." 

Tseng was at his side in hardly a moment, sharp, narrow features composed as usual, hands clasped behind his back, ready for whatever the president might need. If Midgar was a shifting sandpit, then Tseng was a steady rock.

"Sir."

A steady rock was needed—more than anything. Rufus pet Darkstar's ears, feeling the occasional light tap of his tentacle-like tail against his side. He wouldn't—couldn't— show it to the world, but without the steady presence of Tseng, Rufus would have struggled.

A new era never came easy; much less when you had to dig your way out of the pit your father dug with his fanaticism and hubris. He needed Tseng, as he knew Tseng needed him.

"I'd like an update on the Turks' situation." 

"The dispersed operatives have remained in contact. Individual reports available at your request. Core operatives are, as always, at your disposal… however…"

Rufus was keen enough, and knew Tseng well enough, to register the slight downturn of his lips where others would have missed the change in expression.

"Reno's injuries?" Rufus placed his fingers on his chin, looking over his shoulder at Tseng with a quiet huff of breath "I'd been concerned they were far worse than he'd let on." 

"They are." Tseng's jaw tensed subtly. "He's been trying to hide it. You know what he's like at the best of times."

The subtext was clear. These were not the best of times. Reno would be even more stubborn and cavalier than usual.

Rufus brushed his hand through his hair. "Then you and I both know how to deal with the situation. It's with a firm hand, and an unyielding spirit—"

By which he absolutely meant 'insist that Reno take vacation leave, and do not back down under any circumstances'. He was the president of Shinra—Reno could complain all he liked, but he'd be taking that break as ordered.

Rest did a body good, he'd heard.

Even if it wasn't advice he himself liked to take. 

"He's going to argue," Tseng sighed. "No, he has already been arguing. He doesn't want to leave you short handed during this… mess."

"Especially on the eve that I'm about to send you all away on a critical mission to tackle those—robed problems."

Darkstar huffed, and Rufus pet under his chin before giving Tseng a thin smile. "Simple then—it's a new era isn't it? Tell him we won't be short staffed. We have a promising young candidate for the Turks in line. We have her join your team and she can go in his stead on this particular mission." 

Tseng's mouth quirked again– this time in the opposite direction. Almost a smile.

"I think I know just the candidate you mean, sir. A new era, and an opportunity to expand the operations again after that… unfortunate incident. On that note, our candidate's sister isn't going to be pleased if she hears about this recruitment second hand."

The incident. That was one way to describe it. Only a few months ago the Turks had been a unit with almost two dozen operatives. Now it was down to three, and they'd barely been spared execution. The others were all in hiding, thought dead by the company at large.

It was clear what Tseng was suggesting. Now was an opportunity to recall them, if Rufus wanted.

"Oh I imagine she would be livid." Rufus' laugh was short, clipped and refined as it ever was—when he was composing himself outside the thrill of combat.

He tilted his head over his shoulder. "I think she—and her friends—deserve to hear about the restructuring of our beloved Shinra. We can let her know of her sister's orientation at the same time. That seems like a tidy way to kill two birds with a single stone."

His father was the one who'd whittled the Turks down into a shadow of their former selves. His father was the one with the order for their execution—but he wasn't his father, and he could use good men by his side again instead of the riff-raff his father kept close.

Like the detestable Hojo, or his corporate toadies.

"Consider it done then. I'll start opening channels, along with sending Elena the formal invitation to active duty. Rude can break the news to Reno."

Tseng stepped closer to Rufus, looking out on the view below, too. It was clear he was pleased.

"Good. It's only fitting for our new era to be guided by a strong hand—one I trust. And I trust the Turks more than Heidegger and his men."

Rufus reached out, his hand finding the small of Tseng's back as a smile crept over his lips. "So you'd best make sure they're up to muster, Tseng. I'm trusting you." 

Tseng leaned into him, his own gloved hand returning the gesture, resting on Rufus' shoulder. "As always, I'll strive to be worthy of that trust, sir. We all will."

-

Sector 8 was one of the hearts of the city—art, music, shops for the rich and fabulous of Midgar, and as much of Midgar's culture as you could take. But it was also home to one of the best noodle shops topside.

There was a better one—nestled deep in Wall Market, but with the tornado the trains had been all but shut down again. But topside—the Dancing Cactuar Noodle Bar was just the dive for you, nestled just out of sight of larger, more illustrious restaurants.

Down a cramped alleyway, past the peeling Loveless posters and forgotten Wutai War propaganda that had never been taken down—that was where a true gourmand could find the best ramen in Midgar.

Rude sat on the stool, sunglasses fogged with the steam from his bowl as he tilted a glass of beer back and forth in his fingers.

He'd taken Reno here to break a bit of news his partner wouldn't like—the least he could do was treat him to dinner.

Of course, Reno was already suspicious

-

Reno knew something was up when his partner offered to treat him to noodles. On a normal day it probably wouldn't have been anything to worry about; maybe Rude had a woman he wanted to complain about, or to loop him in on some rumor going around the Shinra offices.

But it wasn't a normal day. It had been a string of very not normal days.

And Reno could tell when his partner was going to tell him something he didn't like. He felt like he had a good idea what it might be about but considering all the chaos lately he wasn't about to make any firm guesses.

Well, at least he was treating him to dinner first.

He played it casual. He'd let Rude get to it when he got to it.

"Man, when's the last time we were here, huh?" Reno leaned on his elbow as he sipped his broth. "Been a hell of a few months."

"Few months, yeah. Back before any of the reactors went up in smoke. Think I was still dating Astrid. The actress who was in that musical down the street."

It hadn't gone well. 

"Woof, sorry I asked." He laughed and knocked his knee against Rude's companionably. He only regretted it slightly– that leg was the less injured one. "Hey at least that's in the past, right?"

"At least," Rude chuckled under his breath before nursing a sip of his beer. "all in the past—but the noodles taste the same."

He glanced sidelong at Reno. "How you holding up?" 

"Me?" He flashed Rude one of his charming, toothy smiles, but he didn't expect the expression to ward him off like it would anyone else. "I'm doing great, man. Never better. You know. except for the everything."

"Except for the everything," Rude agreed with a wry smile. "Things just keep getting worse."

From the plate drop, to the attack on Shinra HQ, to the tornado that seemed to move like a thing possessed, 'worse' was an understatement. 

Reno nodded, thinking it over as he shoveled an entire half an egg into his mouth. Things were escalating. Rufus being in charge now was great, but it sure wasn't going to make things less tumultuous. And who knew what was on the horizon? A fucking tornado wasn't something anyone could predict.

"Keeping us on our toes, huh, partner?"

Rude nodded as he slurped down some noodles. "...sure are." his leg—very lightly—tapped against Reno's knee. "Even our new President is. We're getting some fresh blood." 

That wasn't what Reno had expected to hear. He sat up straighter, resting his leg against Rude's as he looked at him curiously, studying his expression.

"Fresh blood? For real?"

Rude's expressions were often hard to read—for anyone that wasn't Reno. He glanced sidelong at him, the light catching his glasses as a rather amused uptick of his lips formed. 

"Yeah. Seems Rufus wants to help us get back to fighting shape." 

Reno pumped his fist. "Oh hell yeah! It's been a shit show since we got decimated like that!" For a moment, he lived in a beautiful world. Then a suspicion popped into his head. "Wait, this isn't because I got a little roughed up, is it?"

"I think mostly it's because the old President died," Rude said bluntly, pushing his glasses up "---you getting roughed up means she's being partnered with me for the next op while you take a brief vacation. Rufus is taking the chance to re-bolster the ranks." 

"She?" Reno leaned in closer. "Wait, you don't mean–"

Sure, they'd all been speculating when they were going to bring the rookie in, but now? She was barely out of the academy.

Rude placed his arm around Reno's shoulders. 

"Yeah. Emma's little sis. Elena. This next mission's going to be simple recon, Reno." His fingers lightly squeezed his shoulder "barely a training exercise. Rufus wants her in the field asap." 

"Yeah? and if she's going with you on this 'training exercise', what about me?" Reno was pouting. He knew he was pouting. Sulking even, under Rude's arm as he moved closer to him. 

He knew he was injured. He knew everyone wanted him to take some time off to recover. In an ideal world he'd love to do that, but he couldn't just dip out and leave everyone. Not right now, not with everything going on. What if something happened to them?

Rude let him rest against his shoulder, lifting his beer to his lips with a shake of his head. "President Rufus Shinra is ordering you to take a vacation to heal up, partner."

Reno let his head fall on Rude's shoulder, slumping down. Tseng, he could argue with. Tseng he could ignore.

"Aw man, orders from the Prez? For real?" He wasn't going to be able to say no to Rufus. He was really bad at saying no to Rufus and that was before he was president.

Rude's gloved fingers tugged at his ponytail gently as he let him collapse on him with a quiet sigh. "Yep. Pretty sure it's because he knows you're more banged up than you look." 

"You told Tseng." Reno huffed a breath. He knew Rude probably didn't have to tell Tseng, the man had eyes of his own, and Reno was a lot more banged up than he'd tried to pretend. But that didn't mean it didn't hurt. "And Tseng told the boss."

"Didn't say a word, Reno." Rude tilted his glass towards him. "But Tseng's got eyes like a hawk. And he's worried that if we send you out there and we run into one more problem, you're gone." 

"But what if you guys run into problems and I'm not there to cover you?" It was a weak protest, but it was his real worry. If one of them got hurt— killed— while he was putting his feet up, he'd never forgive himself. His conscience was already in knots from the plate. His hands were shaking just thinking about losing someone he actually cared about.

The sight of Rude's sunglasses on the smashed concrete flashed through his mind again.

Rude's arm lifted, and his hand suddenly shadowed Reno's to squeeze it firmly as it shook.

"We'll handle it. Worse comes to worse, we retreat." He smiled thinly "---have to teach the new kid that tactic too, after all. Right?" 

"Yeah, I guess," he sighed. He poked his finger into Rude's chest. "You better, though! If you guys are gonna force me to take care of myself, you better be fucking careful too!"

"You want my word?" Rude's lips quirked under his sunglasses. He looked down at the finger jabbing his chest for a moment, the chatter in the quiet noodle shop filling the air around them. "Promise. Without me you'd cause way too much trouble."

"Alright." Reno sighed, and relented. Rude's word was as good as iron clad. "Then I'll get some rest while you have some fun with the new girl. Lucky bastard. You better buy me a drink after these noodles to make up for it."

He rested his whole hand on Rude's chest for just a moment, and then let it drop, their legs still touching.

Rude nodded. 

"Best drink our new salary can afford," he said with a low chuckle, before his voice dropped. "I'll make it up to you later, too."

He paused and let his voice raise a little more "I'll tell you all about it. Heard she's a charmer."

"Must have changed since she was bussing tables then," Reno teased. 

His mood was already improving, with Rude's latest little promise sending a shiver up his bruised spine. It'd be fine. It was all going to work out fine.

"I hear that kind of service work tends to bring out the angriest in folks," Rude smiled thinly. "Can't blame her for finding us annoying. On her paycheck, anyone would be." 

"What, a couple charmers like us? Guess she's gonna find out if we're more annoying as customers or co-workers." Reno laughed. "I'm gonna grill you on how it goes with her. I want every detail."

"Every last detail, Reno," he pushed up his glasses. "Right down to the type of gun she whips out." 

[snowboundranger]

Starting a new FF7 fic, where they get their golden ending, but gold is a heavy thing to carry on top of the guilt and self-doubt you already have.

[afi-mukami]

Temptation - Chapter 01

Final Fantasy VII

RudTi (+ a couple of other ships that will be revealed along the story)

Eventually shameless smut

Tifa and Cloud live their daily lives in Edge, which seems to be finally safe now that Vincent has defeated Omega and Deedground. However, the couple’s life is not quite what Tifa has hoped for. When she cannot find happiness in one direction, the offer may come unexpectedly from another.

The Shadow of the Turks

Omega's carcass hovered in the sky, recalling the events of recent weeks. Tifa could not take her eyes off it. Vincent had destroyed Omega, ending the life of an entity imagined to be immortal. Now it revolved around the planet, perhaps forever, like a vaguely shaped moon. Alone. Alone. In emptiness.

The sigh erupted from Tifa's lips. She snatched her dark brown, long hair behind her ears and grabbed the shopping bag again. Denzel was still in school and Cloud somewhere. Every work gig seemed to be longer than the last one. Was it quite necessary to take deliveries that were going all the way to Junon? Yes, Edge's internal freight transport would have thought enough to be done. The truth seemed to be that Cloud did not want to spend time at home with Tifa and Denzel. Tifa did not know why Cloud was fleeing. Didn’t Sephiroth’s shadow still agree to let go of him?

“That looks heavy. Can I help carry it?”

The question in a warm tone swam into Tifa's ears just as she was about to straighten up. She looked up and saw a bald man whose eyes could not be separated from behind the dark glasses. The dark suit sat perfectly on the man, but he did not fit the shopping street. Other people gave them long glances and circled the man a couple of feet away. At least the Turks’ shadow refused to detach its grip from the former Midgars.

“Thank you,” Tifa said.

So much had happened that someone had to let go and look ahead. Tifa could start this and only then demand the same from others.

“Rude,” the man finally introduced himself. His fingers touched Tifa's fingers as he grabbed the handles of the shopping bag. They were warm and rough fingers. Pleasant.

“I know,” Tifa replied, raising a smile to her lips.

When was the last time Tifa had smiled? She did not remember. Maybe when Vincent had been found in the crystal cave again. There had been something special at that moment. The end of the era, the beginning of a new one.

For everyone else except Tifa and Cloud. They walked in the same circle where Tifa always ran a little behind Cloud. Maybe it had already started when… when Aerith had come into the picture. Tifa was not bitter, but things had just changed. Derailed on a track which direction she could not determined. And now they were here. In an endless hamster ball with no chance to jump off the ride.

"To the 7th Heaven?" Rude asked.

“There,” Tifa replied, getting her feet moving.

Rude adjusted his steps to Tifa's pace. More long glances, but Tifa got a nod as well. The former inhabitants of the slum had moved to Edge, and many did even better than before. There was enough work in the developing city. If you looked at the big picture, things were really in good shape. Only Tifa was stuck. It was not like her wallowing in things this way but breaking out of the spiral was surprisingly difficult.

"Were you shopping?" Tifa asked.

She did not know how to do small talk with Rude. They did not really know each other.

"Actually, I was coming to 7th Heaven."

Rude’s words made Tifa startle. She glanced at him sideways. There had been a time when seeing the Turks in the neighborhood had not been a good sign. Chills keep coming back as did the echoes of the past.

“It will be few hours before I open the bar,” Tifa said.

"I'm looking for Strife."

Tifa startled again. Chills came back. Maybe she should just grab the shopping bag back and run away.Like it would have helped. Rude knew quite well where 7th Heaven was located. He would find there with or without Tifa. He had even occasionally visited the bar with Reno.

“Cloud is at work,” Tifa replied.

"I can wait."

Tifa had nothing to add to that. She closed her mouth and slowed her steps further. What did the Turks want from Cloud? Was it related to Rufus Shinra? The questions did not rise to Tifa's lips, though they swirled in her mind like a hurricane.

They were at the door of the 7th Heaven far too quickly. Tifa dug the key out of her bag, slid it into the lock, and finally jerked the door open. The air conditioning in the bar hummed. Tifa had taken Shelke to the WRO’s office just before going shopping and Denzel would not be out of school for a couple more hours, let alone Cloud back from delivery. It would be a downright miracle if he showed up before night.

Do I really have to entertain Rude until then?

“Can I have the bag? I take them to the back room,” Tifa said and held out her hand.

“I can carry them all the way,” Rude replied, stepping in without asking permission.

Tifa muttered her thanks and led them across the bar to the door that led to the kitchen side. She jerked open the refrigerator where the household items were stored. Rude picked up the bag on the next table and began emptying its contents. He picked up each product from the bag and handed it to Tifa as if he had done an important and interesting job and did not have to be a maid in the middle of his workday.Tifa pressed the refrigerator door shut and leaned her back on it. Rude folded the shopping bag into a neat bundle and placed it on the table.

“Would you like something to drink? I can make coffee,” Tifa said, pointing in the direction of the coffee maker.

"Thank you."

Rude roared in the middle of the kitchen for a moment but ended up at a four-person table set on the back wall. The window gave the bar to the backyard, where Denzel usually kept his bike and Cloud his motorcycle. Now both were gone. Tifa was alone. Alone with Rude.

The gurgling of the coffee maker tinted silence. Tifa dug the mugs out of the closet and placed them on the counter to wait.

“Milk? Sugar?” she asked.

"No thanks."

Tifa nodded at Rude's response. It seemed that Rude liked to drink his coffee black. The information came to mind instinctively, even though Tifa did not really need it. The Turks were not regular customers of the bar, let alone the circle of friends of Avalanche. Why did Tifa even care how Rude wanted to drink his coffee? It would have just been better to pour in the milk without asking, give a slightly rude impression and thus evict him away without saying directly that Tifa did not actually want him here.

Despite her thoughts, Tifa poured coffee into mugs and sipped milk to hers. She placed the mug in front of Rude and sat opposite him.

"What you want from Cloud?" she asked.

"Unfortunately, it's confidential."

"Did Rufus Shinra send you?"

"I can not tell."

That meant yes. Tifa sipped her coffee without knowing how to continue the conversation. It was easy to talk to customers. Now suddenly, she had no words. She was sitting in front of Turk, whom she had not really spend time with, if not counted the times they had fought each other.

"Do you always wear sunglasses?" Tifa finally asked as silence already began to sting between the ribs.

Rude coughed at his coffee mug, put it on the table, and grabbed his glasses. In one smooth motion, he lifted them, snapped the handles against the lenses, and placed the glasses in the pocket of his suit.

"Sorry. I know it's rude to keep glasses inside.”

Rude's eyes were deep brown, beautiful downright. Tifa had not expected to see such eyes in a man who worked for Shinra and got rid of wrong people and cleaned up the traces. How could gentleness and warmth be conveyed from the eyes of such a man?

“Do you have to spend a lot of time like this? Alone?”

Rude's question startled Tifa once again. She lifted the coffee mug to her lips and weighed the answer in her mind. How would she have responded if Yuffie had asked the same thing? What if the questioner had been Vincent? Or Shera? Barret and Cid would not have asked such a thing. Could Rude be treated like a friend? Or even like a mutual?

“Cloud is busy at work,” Tifa said at last. “But I’m not alone. Denzel is mostly at home in the afternoons, if he doesn't go out with friends, and Shelke keeps me company as well.”

“Denzel? That Midgar orphan?”

Tifa nodded.

“He has settled here well. He is like a child of my own.”

Rude nodded. Tifa spun her mug.

“I should probably start the dinner soon. Reeve will bring Shelke back at four o’clock, and that’s when Denzel will come from school too,” she said.

“Don’t let me bother you,” Rude replied.

Tifa kept the sigh inside and focused on her coffee. It seemed clear that Rude was not going to leave until he saw Cloud. Unfortunately, Cloud did not always come home even for the night. Perhaps she should have told it to Rude, but for some reason Tifa did not get the words out of her mouth. Her stomach was trembling, and her muscles felt tight. It was a miracle that the mug did not shake in her hands.

Rude sipped his coffee in peace as if enjoying his statutory break in a cafe. Tifa emptied her own mug and got up from the table. She put the mug into the dishwasher and began digging for groceries from the cupboards. While working her spine twitched in the same way as she was walking across the terrain in a dangerous place and had to fear an attack. The past had left its mark, and right now Rude was remining of everything that had happened.

The vegetable-meat stew was not Denzel’s favorite food but Shelke ate it surprisingly happily. Tifa spun the meat into the pan and began chopping the vegetables. The steady knocking of the knife was combined with the ticking of the clock and the rustling of the meat in an otherwise quiet kitchen. Rude was frighteningly silent, perhaps out of professional habit.

Suddenly the pain cut through Tifa's left index finger. The knife fell to the floor with clatter and the carrot pieces stained with carmine. The exclamation escaped her lips and mingled with the whining of the chair’s legs. Before Tifa even realized it, Rude had snatched the kitchen towel and pressed it folded against her finger.

The scent of dark roasted coffee and musky aftershave wrapped around Tifa. A warm and rough hand held her hand while the towel turned red. The pain throbbed in her finger, but a sudden feeling of warmth vibrated at the base of her abdomen. A feeling that should not even arise in this situation.

"Where do you have first aid supplies?"

Rude's voice swam in Tifa's ears, his breathing felt in her neck. Tifa could barely tell that the first aid kit was on the bar side under the counter. As Rude marched out of the kitchen, Tifa was left to press the towel against her finger and wondered when she had last been so close to anyone. She had hugged Yuffie a few weeks ago, but otherwise… Well, Cloud and she had… maybe last month…

“We should rinse the wound with clean water,” Rude said and reappeared next to Tifa.

When Tifa did not get the word out of her mouth, Rude grabbed her hand and removed the towel from the wound. The wound was not properly visible in the middle of the blood, but Rude's grips were certain as he opened the sink faucet and guided Tifa's hand under the water. Tifa was unable to remove her gaze from the finger from which the blood was wiped with the water into the sewer. The coolness caused the pain to subside.

Rude pressed the tap and raised Tifa's hand. He patted the wound dry with a clean part of the towel before starting to bandage her finger.

“The wound is clean and doesn’t look very deep,” he said. "I'd estimate no stitches are needed, but if it starts to bother you, you might want to show it to a doctor."

It certainly had the longest comment Tifa had ever heard from Rude’s mouth. The grip of the rough hand only came off her fingers when the left index finger was in a neat and careful package.

“Once the wound has healed, the treatment can, of course, be completed with cure materia,” Rude continued. "However, Shinra's policy is to reduce the non-essential use of the materia as much as possible for nature conservation reasons."

“I’m pretty sure that I’ll survive without a cure materia with this one,” Tifa replied.

So, the Shinra company was really thinking about conservation nowadays. Rude thought about conservation. There was something calming about it. After all, Reeve had said couple of times that Shinra’s policy of using mako and materia had changed. Maybe Tifa had even seen hints of it, but only now at this moment did the change seem more concrete.

Rude grabbed Tifa by the shoulders and pushed her to sit. He picked up the knife from the floor and washed it while Tifa watched. The bloody carrots ended up in the trash, and Rude chopped the remaining vegetables into the pot. He pushed the meat with a turner and eventually tipped them into the pot as well.

"What else comes to this?" he asked, and Tifa was no longer sure what was going on.

This kind of things just did not happen.

Tifa listed the ingredients and watched as Rude actually dug everything up, added them to the pot and finally pushed the pot into the oven as if he would be accustomed to tinkering in the kitchen of mutuals. Did this mean that Tifa would have to ask him to stay for dinner?

~ o ~

Denzel spun the food on his plate and Shelke was not eating her serving either. Tifa tried to ignore and focused on her own portion while going through what was expected during the evening. The bar would open at six, and the evening would be busy. Denzel had to get homework done before that, and it would be good to have a moment to talk to Shelke so that she could settle into the family better. It was so difficult to try to raise a 19-year-old woman who was imprisoned in the body of a 9-year-old and whose mind had probably suffered from the cruel treatment of Deepground. Tifa could not even understand what was going on in Shelke's head.

"Who was that guy who was here a couple of days ago?" Denzel asked suddenly and looked up from his plate. Eyes tapped straight to Tifa.

“Just an acquaintance,” Tifa replied.

Denzel had come home just after Rude had angled the stew from the oven. At the time, the boy had just glanced at Rude and disappeared upstairs while announcing that he was not hungry. On any other day, Tifa would have demanded him to eat, but this time she had let it slip. Eventually, she had eaten with Rude alone, as Shelke’s mako tank visit had took longer than expected and Reeve had only brought her home at the evening. Cloud had not even appeared for the night, and Rude had left the scene after groaning at the bar until ten in the evening.

Now, however, Cloud sat at the table and turned to look at Tifa. His eyes hit the wrapped finger again, which he had even asked when he got home. At the time, Tifa had said that she had been sloppy, and the matter had not been discussed further. Only now did Tifa realize that she probably should have told Cloud that Rude had been waiting for him all evening.

“It was Rude,” Tifa told Cloud. “He wanted to see you and he waited here until ten o’clock pm…”

Cloud’s gaze glued more and more tightly to Tifa’s finger.

"Did he…?" Cloud left the end of the question unspoken.

“I cut my finger, and Rude helped with the bandage,” Tifa replied.

The whole essence of Cloud relaxed as Tifa watched, and he began to eat his portion again. Denzel followed the conversation with more interest than would have been necessary, but Shelke again seemed immersed in her own world.

"Aren't you interested in why he was waiting for you?" Tifa asked.

Cloud shrugged.

"I already know. Reno told me Shinra's greetings yesterday. "

"And?"

"It's classified."

That's what Rude had said too, but now the tension sneak to Tifa’s temples. Sometimes it seemed that every single thing with Cloud was classified. The information had to be dug out with pincers. If Tifa remembered correctly, it had been different before Aerith died. Sure, the problems were to be expected knowing Cloud’s past, but how much secrecy and squabbling was too much? Tifa would have given a lot if she had gotten back the Cloud who knew how to joke and throw sarcastic comments. At times, she saw glimpses of that Cloud but never got a decent grip.

"Why is it classified?" Denzel asked.

“You should eat your food,” Tifa told him, pointing to a plate from which he had not lost a single potato yet. It was as if she had twisted with a three-year-old, even though Denzel was closer to pre-teens than defiant age. Or were those two the same thing?

“I’m not hungry,” Denzel replied.

Tifa sighed. Maybe the boy was telling the truth. It did not matter as long as he did not steal biscuits from the closet tonight. Somehow Tifa had not been able to imagine her life would be like this. She spun in a circle formed by a bar, taking care of the children - if Shelke could be called as one - and waiting for Cloud to come home.

Denzel got up from the table and left his plate. Before Tifa even had time to open her mouth, he had already disappeared upstairs.

“You could sometimes say something to Denzel, too,” Tifa told Cloud.

“Like it would help at all.”

“It could help. Maybe Denzel needs a man’s support for his life. I can't give it, no matter how much I want to.”

“I’m not a good educator. Isn’t it enough that I try to make a living for all of us?”

"I work, too, you know."

"But you manage these things better anyway."

Tifa said no more. Circles. Everything revolved in circles. Life was one great circle from which one could not detach. What if you just simply stopped? What if she would just stop caring and let Cloud withdraw, Denzel not eat and Shelke immerse yourself in dreams? Why should she had to be the one to keep the house of cards upright if no one else agreed to try.

Tifa got up from the table and threw Denzel's food away with her own. She wiped her hand on the apron before hanging the garment on the rack and marching to the bar to arrange the bottles. They would not have been needed to arrange, but it was easier to do something than not to.

Cloud soon appeared from the kitchen to the bar and wandered aimlessly for a moment before decided to sit at one of the tables. Shelke followed him soon after.

“Vincent Valentine,” she said suddenly.

"What about Vincent?" Tifa asked.

"Vincent Valentine is behind the window."

Tifa turned her gaze to the window and noticed Shelke was right. Vincent waved his hand, and Tifa hurried to open the still locked door. Vincent had not been seen very often recently. Tifa suspected that Shelke was complicit, as she stared at Vincent all the time with a strangely dreamy look on her face. Maybe Tifa should have been more worried about that, too, but she just could not handle everything. Was it not enough that she had contributed to saving the world three times?

Tifa greeted Vincent and let him inside. Cloud nodded from his corner table, where Vincent headed. Tifa went to get coffee for everyone and decided to sit with the men, even though right now she just wanted to shake Cloud.

"How are you doing?" Tifa asked and lower the coffee mug in front of Vincent. "Have you renovated your apartment in Kalm?"

“It’s already starting to look better. It was in rather good shape given the condition many other buildings are in,” Vincent said.

“Hopefully, nothing like this will ever happen again,” Tifa said. She had to admit that the Deepground case had lifted her skin in the goosebumps, even though she had eventually been involved in it as little as possible. How many more times would some grimness be dug out of Shinra’s basements? People would have only wanted to live a normal life, but again and again the world around them threatened to be destroyed by the actions of Shinra company. When would it all end?

"How are you doing?" Vincent asked.

Cloud shrugged and tried to sink into his own coffee. Tifa forced a smile on her face and began to talk about Denzel's school success and how hard the boy was already waiting for the summer vacation. Tifa did not mention Shelke, but she could see girl’s gaze cling to Vincent's back.

"What has happened to your hand?" Vincent asked as Tifa pointed around in the middle of the explanation.

"I accidentally cut my finger; it wasn't a big deal."

“Fortunately, Rude was there to help,” Cloud said.

"That’s right!" Tifa said. "It would have been quite awkward to do all the housework all alone." She could not help the spike, which creeped in her voice instinctively. Cloud's expression soured a couple of degrees, but he said nothing.

"Why was Rude here?" Vincent asked and glanced from Tifa to Cloud.

“It’s reportedly classified information,” Tifa replied.

“Damn it, Tifa! You know that I can’t talk about work,” Cloud said.

Vincent leaned back at the table and sipped his coffee, looking to regret the entire visit. Tifa grabbed her own mug and got up from the table.

“I need to prepare to open the bar, so I’ll leave you to chat,” she said, hurrying away. She had almost arranged a scene in front of Vincent. That was not like her, and now something slimy meandered in her stomach. She should be patient with Cloud. He had to be given time to recover from everything. Denzel had to be given time to clear his rebellion and Shelke also needed time.

Time to run in a circle. Tifa wanted to either stop or rush forward. She was so tired, so bored. Why didn’t anyone ever ask what she would need?

No, these thoughts were selfish. Cloud was not intentionally tedious, he needed understanding Tifa was being unreasonable when trying to pressure Cloud to move forward. Everything would happen on its time and everything would be alright. Some day. Besides, Cloud was not responsible for Tifa’s happiness, she had to take care of herself… As soon as she had made sure everything was in place at the bar and things were going well.

~ o ~

The evening was busy, as Fridays always were. Tifa served one pint after another and tried to remember to give each one with a few nice comments. Maybe work could be easier? If she hired even one employee, she could take more free nights a week and spend more time with friends.

"Tifa?"

Cloud appeared on the bar counter with a cell phone in his hand. His face was again almost impossible to read, but Tifa decided not to even try this time. She would give space and understanding to him, life was not a speed run but a marathon.

“I have to… I got an urgent gig,” Cloud said. “Denzel came home just a moment ago and went to his room. And Shelke left upstairs as soon as Vincent left.”

“All right,” Tifa replied. "See you when you get home."

Cloud nodded and headed to the door. He glanced back to the bar before slipping into Edge's darkening night. Just a few minutes later, the motorcycle rumbled and disappeared to who knows where. A classified work gig. Yet again. In a place Cloud did not bother to mention. There was probably a good reason for that, though, and Cloud intentionally was not difficult. He just could not talk about his work, as he had said.

A young blond woman at the other end of the bar counter waved her hand at Tifa. Tifa hurried to the woman and was already fishing for a pint as the woman shook her head.

"I'm new here and I'm looking for a job," she said. "I have lived and worked in Junon at the bar before, so I thought …"

Tifa blinked. Had the Planet herself heard her?

“Marie,” the young woman introduced herself and handed Tifa her resume over the counter. Tifa grabbed it but barely caught a glimpse of the text. If a woman had even a little experience, that was enough.

"When can you get started?" she asked.

"At any time. It looks like you would need sick leave,” Marie replied.

"Welcome!" Tifa said, and this time a genuine smile gasped on her lips. "My hand isn’t as bad as it seems, but I could undoubtedly take a break."

After advising Marie of where to find everything, Tifa escaped to the kitchen for a moment and leaned her back on the refrigerator door. She could not believe her luck. Perhaps the appearance of Marie had been a gift for her patience, that she had persevered to move forward despite all the difficulties. This could be a new start of slightly easier everyday life if Marie turned out to be a good employee.

Tifa barely had time to clear her thoughts when Marie was already peeking through the door. Tifa straightened up and took a questioning look on her face.

“There’s someone here asking you,” Marie said. "I did say you were on a break, but… that guy is pretty scary."

The last words were a mere whisper, and the cold ripples run along Tifa's skin. She straightened up and followed Marieta back to the bar. It seemed she just had to forgot the break.

Marie slipped back behind the counter as the number of customers had not decreased. However, Tifa did not notice anyone but Rude standing in the doorway. Why had he reappeared?

Tifa forced a sigh down her throat and stepped across the bar to Rude. The man grabbed his sunglasses and pushed them back into the front pocket of his jacket so deftly that she could barely register the gesture.

“Cloud isn’t there tonight either,” Tifa said.

"I know."

Tifa would have liked to ask how Rude knew it, but again the words got stuck in her throat. The gaze focused on the eyes whose warmth she had noticed just a few days ago. Maybe that was why Rude wore sunglasses all the time. It was hard to consider a man with such a gentle look a threat.

"How's your hand?" Rude asked and at the same time opened the door of 7th Heaven as if he had been leaving right away.

Instinctively, Tifa followed Rudea to the terrace. She leaned against the railing and raised her left hand.

“Still hanging with me. Thanks again for the help,” she said.

Rude changed the weight from one foot to the other and brushed his bald head. Gone was the confident secret service employee Tifa was used to seeing. If Cloud had become an even more sullen, Rude had also experienced a peculiar change.

"So, Strife is a lot away from home?" Rude asked.

“He has a lot of work to do,” Tifa replied. She was supposed to stop at it, but Rude's face had a sincere look. Maybe it was sheer pretense - though Tifa did not come up with a reason for that - but something in that warm gaze made her tongue sing at that very moment. Suddenly she told how Cloud was way too far away, how Denzel was difficult sometimes and how Shelke was a little too much. Tifa would have liked to have seen Yuffie and Shera more often, but the chances were slim.

“Denzel is such a big boy that he gets along with Shelke at home for a few hours in the evening every now and then,” Rude said. "And you have time during the day."

“Yes, but Yuffie and Shera have their own jobs.”

Rude nodded. "I understand."

Tifa was not at all sure Rude really understood, but it would have been impolite to say so. Instead, she apologized for having opened up about her situation. After all, they were not friends, acquaintances at most. Former enemies.

"Do you ever want to go for coffee?" Rude asked.

Tifa shuddered and looked at the man more closely. Rude retreated half a step.

“It just sounds like you’d need company and someone who is a good listener. I’m just saying. Not a night date, just a coffee break at daytime."

"Don't you have to work?"

"Rufus is quite flexible in terms of working hours."

Tifa blinked at Rude but then turned her gaze to the terrace floor. How bad would it be if she took a little bit of time for herself? Sure, the offer came from a curious direction, but maybe this was a sign. In the same way that the appearance of Marie had to be a sign. It was time to take steps in a new direction. Open the door to new friendships.

“On Monday,” Tifa replied.

[elder-dragon-93]

Summary

Cloud stood at the end of the dock, looking up at the sky. It was clear for once, with only a few wisps of white interrupting the massive expanse of blue. He tried to remember the last time he properly saw the sky, and he realized that he hadn’t since before he came to the lighthouse. How dreary. Things here haven’t been so bad, though. A splash drew his attention to the primary reason why.

“Vincent.”

“Cloud.”

Thing I did for a Discord Server event, with art by my event partner Keiko_Roseria. Link to the rest of the collection included.

[sephirthoughts]

here's the thing!

teaser from a sefikura thing i'm writing

Finally, Cloud lost patience, picked him up, and slung him over his shoulder like a sack of rice.

“This is…humiliating,” Sephiroth said dejectedly, but he made no attempt to free himself.

For the rest of the two-mile walk, neither spoke. Sephiroth just hung there, over Cloud’s shoulder, letting his long, silver hair trail in the dirt.

[somebodys-nightmare]

Understanding the Romantic Narrative Arcs in Final Fantasy VII

There has been no shortage of discourse surrounding the “Love Triangle Debate”, (a fan-constructed term, I must inform you) of FFVII for a very long time. Most recently, with the release of FFVII Rebirth, this discourse has intensified and led to a wide spectrum of fan conclusions that range from grounded in narrative sense to completely baseless or delusional. Some takes are attached to contemporary relationship issues, personal experience, comparisons to other media or works of fiction, social constructs or societal issues, personal preference, or a lack of full context.

While any piece of media or fiction is subject to some level of interpretation (this is the very nature of humans consuming works of art), most works are created with intentional narrative direction. In fact, many works are formulaic, especially in genres such as fantasy, romance, mystery, etc. While of course there are always exceptions and deviations, as a writer and former English literature teacher I can say that most stories follow a general narrative structure or arc that makes them digestible and satisfying to readers/audiences. Such arcs impact the main, external, internal, and subplots of a story, as well as individual character arcs and character relationship arcs.

Final Fantasy is no different. While there are other cultural influences as FFs are Japanese stories, my experience with the series is the writing generally follows most storytelling conventions that can be found in all forms of archetypal writing, cross-culturally and generationally. FFVII is often accused of being ambiguous or open-ended in many aspects of its story. I tend to disagree with this idea and think that its storytelling is subversive rather than ambiguous, meaning that it requires players to work harder and use more critical thinking in order to reach the author’s intended conclusions. It also relies on false or misleading narratives for a good part of the story (such as red herrings, illusions, or unreliable narrators) as storytelling devices that help the truth in the story unfold in later parts of the narrative arc(s). Like any piece of media using these storytelling methods, this means that there will be controversy or debate as audiences contend with the author’s messages or intentions. However, that does not mean that the intentions are not there and that there is not an intentional outcome on the part of the writers.

Personally, I believe that FFVII has a very clear narrative structure for all of its main plot, sub plots, and character arcs, but that its approach is challenging to many players who have to wrestle with the story as it unfolds to understand it. It is not spoon-fed, and some revelations may betray player attachments that were originally formed. However, in my view, this is what makes FFVII such an exceptional story when compared to many others. That being said, the lack (or refusal) of understanding of FFVII’s narrative arcs has led to discourse that unfortunately mischaracterizes many of the characters and pushes inappropriate perspectives onto the storytelling, mostly surrounding the romantic arcs of the main characters and the so-called “LTD” (the fan construction, remember?). I strongly believe that the best way to understand any story is to follow the narrative arcs in order to arrive at the author’s intended conclusions.

I’m going to attempt to do that for the romantic subplots in FFVII in hopes of bringing some clarity to this issue. This analysis is based on a standard Three-Act Romance narrative writing structure (which aligns with the Hero's Journey structure), as well common romantic archetypes and tropes, both for characters and plot, but applied to the specific context of the story, world, and characters of FFVII. Please note that this is my personal analysis and it is by no means perfect, nor am I saying this is the bible of how FFVII has been written. I just hope it gives some insight into why some storytelling interpretations of FFVII should make more sense than… others. This analysis will draw from bits of the entire compilation, but the primary focus of the structure will be looking at FF7R with the OG as a baseline.

This is a long thread, so please see the outline for discussion below.

Romantic Structure/Trope Analysis

Cloud/Tifa: The Slow Burn/Childhood Friends to Lovers Romance

Aerith/Cloud: The Unrequited Love/Not Meant to Be Romance

Zack/Aerith: The Long Lost Love Romance

Final Thoughts: The "Love Triangle" is a Narrative Illusion

Cloud/Tifa: The Slow Burn/Childhood Friends to Lovers Romance

Act 1: The Beginning

The Hook (Childhood Connection Revealed)

Romance Structure: Introduction / Setup

Purpose: Establish the protagonists in their everyday lives, showing what emotional or psychological issues are holding them back from love. Readers should get a sense of their internal conflicts and motivations, along with the external situations that will challenge them later.

Childhood Friends Layer: Introduce the deep connection between the two characters, showing them as lifelong friends with an established bond. There could be hints of one or both characters secretly harboring feelings for the other, but they haven't acted on it due to fear of losing the friendship.

Example: Cloud and Tifa are childhood friends with a complicated history. Although they were close when they were little, they drifted apart but secretly longed for one another. They shared a romantic promise and then separated for seven years. At the beginning of FFVII, they are reunited, but both characters are contending with serious internal and external conflicts - Cloud’s identity crisis and the Shinra Company’s greed and abuse of the planet.

The Inciting Incident / Call to Adventure / Meet-Cute

Romance Structure: Inciting Incident / The Meet-Cute

Purpose: The main characters meet or are pushed together by external circumstances. This encounter introduces the romantic conflict—whether it’s instant attraction or tension between them.

Childhood Friends Layer: Since they’ve already known each other for years, the “meet-cute” here is more about seeing each other in a new light. Maybe one of them returns to town after time away, or an external event shifts their dynamic, making one or both start to view the other differently.

Example: Cloud and Tifa reunite in Midgar and Tifa recruits Cloud to work for AVALANCHE. She does this primarily to keep him close so she can keep an eye on him as she is worried about him and his mental state. During this time, we see an instant chemistry between Cloud and Tifa as they reconnect after years apart. When conflicts are introduced, we see the strain that it puts on them, but we also see how there’s a lingering desire for closeness, whether it be in their discussion/memory of the promise, their mutual flirting, their skinship, etc.

First Plot Point / Refusal of the Call

Romance Structure: Rejection of the Relationship

Purpose: The characters resist the idea of a romantic relationship, often due to internal or external obstacles. There’s a clear push-pull dynamic as they fight their growing attraction, often rejecting the possibility of being together.

Childhood Friends Layer: The hesitation here comes from their shared history. Both characters are afraid to risk their close friendship for something as uncertain as a romance. This dynamic creates tension as they begin to realize how much they depend on each other emotionally.

Example: This isn’t directly addressed, but the narrative deflects from intentional romantic confrontations at this point because of Cloud’s identity crisis and the pressing issues of the external conflict. Neither character is outwardly pursuing a relationship, but they don’t exactly deny their desire for closeness. We consistently see the push/pull between Cloud and Tifa throughout the early part of their arc. It's also further complicated when Sephiroth starts to sabotage their relationship.

Act 2: The Middle

First Pinch Point / Acceptance of the Quest

Romance Structure: Giving the Relationship a Chance

Purpose: External circumstances push them together, forcing them to interact and face their growing connection. Even if they resist the idea of love, the bond between them deepens as they spend more time together.

Childhood Friends Layer: Their shared history becomes an advantage and a source of conflict. The deeper they dive into new romantic feelings, the more they rely on the comfort of their friendship, but they’re also terrified of crossing the line and ruining everything.

Example: Cloud and Tifa work together both with AVALANCHE and the party at large to combat the threats present in the external conflict. Additionally, they share deep trauma from the Nibelheim Incident that brings them closer together as sources of comfort. They become one another’s rocks, and though they still do not move toward any explicit romantic confirmation, it is clear from their behavior that they both hold deep feelings for each other and care for each other greatly. Cloud in particular holds on to his promise to Tifa, making it a cornerstone of his strength moving forward.

Midpoint Crisis / Trials and Temptations

Romance Structure: Midpoint / I-Need-You-But-Can’t-Have-You

Purpose: This is a major turning point where the characters either experience a "false high" (where they feel like things are going well but something still isn’t quite right) or a "false low" (where they feel like things are falling apart). There’s often a pivotal moment of intimacy that deepens their bond but also introduces new fears.

Childhood Friends Layer: The fear of losing the friendship intensifies. They might experience their first kiss or confession of deeper feelings, but the risk of ruining their long-established bond makes the situation more fraught with anxiety.

Example: This particular point in the arc gets a little tricky for Cloud and Tifa because of Cloud’s identity crisis and Tifa’s reticence around their mismatched issues. However, Rebirth has made it clear that before the end of disc 1, Cloud and Tifa are aware of their feelings for each other and that the narrative is still in the way of it. This arc intersects events that transpire from Kalm to Gongaga, and we see the build-up of tension due to the internal conflict between Cloud and Sephiroth.

Second Pinch Point / The Road Back

Romance Structure: Pulling Back Together

Purpose: The characters are drawn back together by external events, but their internal fears and conflicts still loom large. The romance starts to deepen, but both are still fighting their feelings in some way.

Childhood Friends Layer: They try to go back to being "just friends," but it’s clear that things have changed between them. The emotional and romantic tension keeps building, and they can’t ignore how much they need each other.

Example: We see this dynamic between Cloud and Tifa continue to build throughout disc 1, particularly in Rebirth. We are consistently reminded of the tension between them and the importance of their relationship, regardless of romantic intent. Gongaga and Nibelheim are great examples of this.

Second Plot Point / The Fall

Romance Structure: The Fall

Purpose: The characters are now falling in love, even if they haven’t fully admitted it to each other. There’s often a deeper moment of intimacy—physical or emotional—that makes them realize just how much they mean to each other.

Childhood Friends Layer: One or both characters realize they’ve fallen hard for their best friend, but they are still careful or hold back from telling the other, afraid it might ruin everything. Nonetheless, they give in to their feelings in some capacity, which marks a turning point.

Example: The Gold Saucer date would be the best parallel for this point in the arc for Cloud and Tifa. In the OG Tifa almost confesses to a very interested Cloud, in Rebirth, they confirm feelings and kiss. Either way, it’s clearly meant to signal at this point, the fall has happened.

Act 3: The End

The Crisis / Dark Moment

Romance Structure: Dark Moment / The Break-Up

Purpose: This is the point where everything falls apart. The characters break up or distance themselves, either because of internal or external forces.

Childhood Friends Layer: The weight of their shared history makes this moment even more devastating. The fear of losing the friendship forever becomes real.

Example: For Cloud and Tifa, this moment is really hinged on Cloud’s mental breakdown. After the Gold Saucer Date, Cloud’s mental state progressively worsens due to events that occur within both the internal and external conflicts, and his bond with Tifa is severed completely at the Northern Crater. Cloud and Tifa are separated when Cloud falls into the Lifestream.

The Sacrifice / The Crisis Resolution

Romance Structure: The Sacrifice

Purpose: One or both characters must confront their fears and make a choice. This moment often involves a grand gesture or a realization that love is worth the risk.

Childhood Friends Layer: The realization comes that their friendship has always been the foundation of something more. They understand that risking the friendship for love is not only worth it but that the friendship can only deepen through their romantic connection.

Example: This point comes in Mideel and the Lifestream Scene. Tifa reaches her own realization about her relationship with Cloud and how her reticence has impacted things, and her conviction to save him and be with him is both profound and clearly romantic. Inside the Lifestream, Tifa helps Cloud to find himself, and many revelations about his true feelings for her are brought to light. Of course, we have not reached this point of the story in FF7R, so it will be intriguing to see how it unfolds, given all of the additional context the remake series and ToTP have provided.

The Climax / Declaration

Romance Structure: Declaration

Purpose: The characters finally confess their love for each other, making the leap from friends to lovers. This is the emotional high point where the relationship is solidified.

Childhood Friends Layer: The confession of love is tied to their long history, as they realize that their deep emotional connection as friends is the foundation for a strong romantic relationship.

Example: This moment for Cloud and Tifa is the Highwind Scene in the OG, where they confirm, without words, that their feelings match. Once again, we will see how this event unfolds in Part 3 with all the new and deepened context of Cloud and Tifa’s relationship in 7R.

The Resolution / Denouement

Romance Structure: Denouement / HEA

Purpose: The characters are together and happy, giving the reader a sense of closure.

Childhood Friends Layer: The resolution emphasizes how their strong friendship has transitioned seamlessly into a romantic relationship, giving the sense that they’ll continue to support each other as both friends and lovers.

Example: In the OG, this is seen in the FMV of the game where Cloud and Tifa are together, leading to the resolution of the entire story as Holy and the Lifestream are released. While this scene isn’t particularly direct, it’s enough to show that Cloud and Tifa are together, which leads to ACC where they live and raise a family together. This entire ending segment will likely be greatly expanded in FF7R, and so it'll be interesting to see how these moments are handled, given all of the new context.

Aerith/Cloud: Unrequited Love/Not Meant to Be Arc

Act 1: The Beginning

The Hook (Unrequited Feelings Introduced)

Romance Structure: Introduction / Setup

Purpose: Introduce the protagonist, who falls for the other character. Set up their emotional and psychological conflict, showing how these unrequited feelings shape their interactions with the other character.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character’s love is clearly unreturned, but they hold on to hope. There is a mix of admiration, longing, and pain as they watch the love interest live their life without ever seeing them as a romantic partner.

Example: Aerith’s feelings for Cloud, who she meets first on the streets of Midgar and later inside her church, are inspired by her long-lost love, Zack, whom he reminds her of. We don’t know this immediately, but we find out soon enough, and the story, especially 7R, is full of visual and symbolic cues.

The Inciting Incident / Call to Adventure / Meet-Cute

Romance Structure: Inciting Incident / The Meet-Cute

Purpose: The characters are pushed together by external circumstances, giving the protagonist more time with the love interest. The character sees this as an opportunity to grow closer, but the other character remains unaware or indifferent to their romantic feelings.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character is thrilled to spend more time with the other character and hopes this will bring them closer. However, the love interest still sees the relationship as platonic, creating tension.

Example: While their interaction on Loveless Street is the fated moment for Cloud and Aerith, the meet-cute is their meeting in the church. This is the inciting incident that not only truly triggers Aerith’s latent Zack-longing, but also begins Cloud and Aerith’s friendship as they work together for a common cause. Aerith flirts with Cloud quite a bit at this point, displaying her interest, but Cloud does not reciprocate in any romantic sense. She also refuses to let him leave and follows him around, essentially solidifying Aerith’s place in the player party and cementing her role as the heroine driving the external conflict. From here on out, we are consistently reminded that Cloud reminds Aerith of Zack, the deeper reason for her interest in him.

First Plot Point / Refusal of the Call

Romance Structure: Rejection of the Relationship

Purpose: The protagonist’s feelings remain unrequited. The other character might express interest in someone else or explicitly state that they don’t see the protagonist in a romantic light. This deepens the emotional conflict for the protagonist, who struggles with unspoken feelings.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist is heartbroken but holds onto hope. They keep pushing their emotions down, unwilling to let go just yet.

Example: Aerith meets Tifa and quickly realizes that she is someone deeply important to Cloud. In Remake, she realizes this even before meeting her when Cloud has a headache and calls out Tifa’s name. Her awareness changes her behavior somewhat, but internally, she still is still conflicted because of her internal conflict over Zack.

Act 2: The Middle

First Pinch Point / Acceptance of the Quest

Romance Structure: Giving the Relationship a Chance

Purpose: External circumstances continue to push the characters together, and the protagonist’s feelings deepen. They begin to cling to small moments, hoping that their love might one day be reciprocated.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist interprets friendly gestures as signs of romantic potential. They invest emotionally in every small interaction, hoping it means more than it does. However, deep down, they start to feel the weight of their unreturned affection.

Example: The journey continues with the party leaving Midgar, and Aerith’s feelings for Cloud grow despite her knowledge of his bond with Tifa as the party travels together. In Rebirth this is further complicated by Aerith’s loss of foresight/memories to the Whispers. We are also constantly reminded of Aerith’s lingering feelings for Zack and her grief and sadness over his loss/disappearance. Throughout the journey, she seeks out opportunities to spend time with Cloud - “dates” even though these moments are not reciprocated romantically. A notable example of this is her date with him on the clock tower in Kalm, where she speaks to him about his relationship with Tifa (hinting at her knowledge of their bond and her jealousy over it) and then her public declaration that they were on a date (in front of Tifa). Cloud's reaction to moments like these continue to inform the audience he does not return romantic affections for Aerith.

Midpoint Crisis / Trials and Temptations

Romance Structure: Midpoint / I-Need-You-But-Can’t-Have-You

Purpose: A major turning point occurs where the protagonist either faces the possibility that their love will never be returned or sees a fleeting moment where they think it might be. The emotional stakes are higher, as the protagonist grapples with whether to continue holding on.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character might attempt to make their feelings known, either explicitly or through subtle gestures, but the love interest doesn’t reciprocate. The character is left feeling exposed and vulnerable, yet still holding on to hope that things might change.

Example: For Cloud and Aerith, this continues to be the nature of their relational development throughout most of disc 1, but their interaction on the water tower in Nibelheim is probably the best example of this. Aerith has to grapple with her jealousy over Cloud and Tifa’s bond, which she has been observing for the entire game. Her acknowledgment of her feelings over it is a major turning point as a character. Additionally, this moment really cements that Cloud views his relationship with Aerith as a cherished friendship, as we see the way that he cares about her angry reaction.

Second Pinch Point / The Road Back

Romance Structure: Pulling Back Together

Purpose: Circumstances force the characters to spend more time together, even though the character is starting to feel the emotional strain of unrequited love. There may be a moment of temporary hope, but it’s tinged with the growing realization that their feelings might never be returned.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character becomes more emotionally drained as they begin to sense that their love will remain one-sided. They might try one last time to be closer to the love interest, but the gap between them is becoming clearer.

Example: This moment could best be viewed through Cloud and Aerith’s Gold Saucer date. There, Aerith not only tries to get closer to Cloud but she opens up emotionally and gives Cloud insight into the root of her feelings, which is Zack. Cloud does not reciprocate any of Aerith’s romantic overtures in this date and rather displays discomfort or awkwardness throughout most of it. However, he does allow her a moment of emotional vulnerability, which he has not been willing to do previously. This is further contextualized by how, In Rebirth, Cloud has remembered Zack by this point (albeit incorrectly). Cloud, who cherishes and cares for Aerith greatly as a friend, is considerate of this connection and offers her comfort for the grief and loss she has just admitted to feeling and seeking consolation in him from. Hence "just until the ride's over"; "I didn't do anything" etc...

Second Plot Point / The Fall

Romance Structure: The Fall

Purpose: The character finally realizes that their love will never be returned. This is an emotionally intense moment where they are forced to confront the truth—they will never be more than a friend or confidant to the love interest.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist may be devastated by the final confirmation that their feelings will never be returned. The emotional weight of unrequited love becomes too much, and they start to realize they need to let go, or come to other realizations about their feelings.

Example: The moment that most closely matches with this point in the arc is the dream stroll through Sector 5. Not only does Aerith accept that Cloud doesn’t return her feelings romantically, but she comes to a realization of her own feelings and questions them. This is clearly a reference to Zack, whose internal conflict has been consistently foreshadowed. Aerith also seems to recognize that she can’t help Cloud with his internal conflict - that is Tifa's role.

Act 3: The End

The Crisis / Dark Moment

Romance Structure: Dark Moment / The Break-Up

Purpose: This is the point of emotional reckoning, where they face the reality of unrequited love and move on in their arc.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character experiences grief over their unreturned feelings. They might decide to pull away from the love interest entirely, or they may try to come to terms with remaining friends while letting go of their romantic hopes and moving on.

Example: For Aerith, this moment is marked by her complete transition to her role in the external conflict. At this point, she has let go of her romantic fancy for Cloud and has committed herself to the bigger picture. It is at this point that she leaves the party, and leaves Cloud in the Sleeping Forest, to fulfill her role as a Cetra.

The Sacrifice / The Crisis Resolution

Romance Structure: The Sacrifice

Purpose: The protagonist sacrifices their unrequited love, realizing they need to move on for the sake of their own emotional well-being or greater purposes. This is a bittersweet moment of acceptance and self-growth, where they let go of the hope that kept them holding on for so long.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist may realize that holding on to unrequited love is only hurting them or preventing them from reaching a greater purpose.

Example: For Aerith, this point in the arc is less about Cloud and more about her role in the external conflict. This is the point in which she travels to the Forgotten City, prays, and ultimately is killed. However, it is bittersweet and tragic for her, ultimately, because she dies with unrequited love from Cloud and without ever getting closure on her true love, Zack.

The Climax / Declaration

Romance Structure: Declaration

Purpose: Instead of a declaration of mutual love, this is the protagonist’s internal declaration of acceptance. They start the process of moving on.

Unrequited Love Layer: The protagonist lets go of the love interest in their heart, realizing that they need to focus on their own future. The love interest is likely unaware of this internal shift, but it’s a powerful moment of growth for the protagonist.

Example: For Aerith, this is perhaps best viewed in her complete transition after death to the larger role she plays as the heroine of the planet from within the Lifestream. Her arc has fully transitioned away from her feelings for Cloud into her greater purpose. In FF7R, we can hope to see how Zack, who has been trying to find her, begins to impact this next phase of her arc.

The Resolution / Denouement

Romance Structure: Denouement / HEA

Purpose: Instead of a traditional happy ending, this is a reflective, bittersweet resolution. The character has grown emotionally. There is a sense of closure, though it may come with lingering heartache.

Unrequited Love Layer: The character has let go of the hope that their love would ever be returned. They are stronger for it and have moved on.

Example: For Aerith and Cloud, this moment is best summed up by their brief Lifestream reunion at the end of the game. It will be intriguing to see how this moment is expanded and provides closure for Cloud and Aerith’s relationship, as well as Zack’s role in both.

Zack/Aerith: Long Lost Love/Tragic Love Arc

This arc is a little more complicated to map out since it is not only incomplete but riddled with mysteries at this point. However, I’m going to do my best to make the connections based on the information we have and where we can theorize things may be going.

Act 1: The Beginning

The Hook

Romance Structure: Introduction / Setup

Purpose: Establish the protagonist’s life after the estrangement, showing how unresolved feelings for their lost lover impact their emotional world. There’s a sense of longing and unfinished business that propels the protagonist’s actions.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The protagonist is haunted by memories of their estranged lover and driven by a deep desire to find them again. This longing is fueled by unresolved emotional wounds, and the protagonist clings to the hope of a reunion.

Example: In Rebirth, from the beginning, Zack is singularly focused on reuniting with Aerith. After his escape from Nibelheim, even as he carries the wounded Cloud, Zack’s thoughts are consumed by Aerith. His love for her pushes him forward despite the dangerous and confusing circumstances he finds himself in. Zack’s motivation intensifies when he discovers, through a newscast, that Aerith is in danger. This revelation shifts Zack from hopeful longing to immediate action, driving home the urgency of his quest. His decision to prioritize Aerith’s safety over everything else, including Cloud, underscores how central Aerith is to his purpose, raising the stakes for his emotional journey.

The Inciting Incident

Romance Structure: The Call to Adventure

Purpose: The inciting incident transitions the protagonist from passive longing to active pursuit of reunion. Some event or revelation forces the protagonist to act, prompting them to seek out their estranged lover. Often, this is triggered by the discovery that the lover may be in danger.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The protagonist realizes that simply hoping for a reunion isn’t enough—there’s now a tangible reason for urgency. This event serves as a catalyst for the protagonist to fully commit to the journey of reconnecting with their lover, increasing the stakes as they shift from passive longing to active pursuit.

Example: After mysteriously "surviving" his last stand against Shinra (as seen at the end of Crisis Core), Zack rescues Aerith from Shinra’s grasp in Rebirth. However, instead of a triumphant reunion, the moment is clouded with confusion and tragedy. This rescue scene signals Zack’s deep emotions for Aerith and heightens the sense of foreboding in their relationship arc. The player quickly realizes that the reunion isn’t straightforward and that darker forces are at play, casting a shadow over Zack’s determined rescue.

First Plot Point

Romance Structure: Refusal of the Call / First Obstacle

Purpose: The first major obstacle or refusal of the call introduces the initial challenges the protagonist faces in their pursuit of the lost lover. Despite their determination, external forces or internal doubts surface, complicating the journey.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The protagonist’s optimism about reuniting with their estranged lover is challenged by harsh realities—whether through physical danger, supernatural elements, or emotional barriers. This moment introduces doubts about whether a reunion is possible, raising tension and uncertainty.

Example: Zack eventually brings a comatose Aerith and Cloud to Elmyra’s house. Zack’s devotion to them is evident as he cares for them despite their unresponsive states, but the world around him behaves in strange ways. The eerie sense of something deeply wrong in Sector 5 hints that Zack’s reality—and Aerith’s fate—are far from certain. He’s not just fighting to reunite with Aerith; he’s battling a reality that is becoming increasingly unstable. The player shares in Zack’s growing sense of anxiety and confusion, setting the tone for the more tragic layers of their arc to come.

First Pinch Point / Acceptance of the Quest

Romance Structure: Giving the Relationship a Chance

Purpose: The protagonist resolves to pursue their lost lover, hoping to rekindle what they once had. However, unresolved issues and emotional scars from the past begin to surface, complicating their journey.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: Time and distance have changed both characters, making reconnection difficult. The focus is on how time has altered both individuals and the lingering emotional weight of their separation.

Example: Zack’s attempt to reunite with Aerith is complicated by the metaphysical separation created by the Lifestream. Aerith remains comatose, as does Cloud, and Zack has to contend with both his own internal conflict as he tries to help them as well as the external conflict of his strange and mysterious circumstances within "Sector 5".

Midpoint Crisis / Trials and Temptations

Romance Structure: Midpoint / I-Need-You-But-Can’t-Have-You

Purpose: The protagonist’s need for their lost lover intensifies, but the relationship is far more complicated than expected. Old wounds and emotional or external barriers resurface, making reunion seem out of reach. Despite their determination, the protagonist begins to doubt whether they can ever restore what they once had.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: Time and emotional distance have changed the dynamics of their relationship. While both may care for each other, the past cannot easily be erased, and their attempts to reconnect are fraught with tension.

Example: External forces such as Sephiroth’s manipulations, and Aerith’s internal conflict over Cloud create an emotional barrier between her and Zack. Aerith, “asleep” in Zack’s world, remains unaware of his presence. As Zack learns from Marlene that Aerith’ "likes" Cloud, more tension and conflict is added. Despite these challenges, Zack remains unwavering in his commitment to reconnect with Aerith, determined to overcome the growing emotional distance.

Second Pinch Point / The Road Back

Romance Structure: Pulling Back Together

Purpose: The protagonist makes another push to reconnect with their lost lover despite significant setbacks. Faced with the reality that time is running out, the protagonist must act decisively to restore the relationship. While emotional connections may deepen, unresolved challenges threaten the outcome, leaving uncertainty in the air.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: Despite growing obstacles, the protagonist remains committed to rekindling the relationship. The emotional and physical distance between the lovers may still seem insurmountable, but the protagonist refuses to give up, holding onto the hope that they can salvage what they once had.

Example: Even as Zack’s hope begins to wane, he remains steadfast in his desire to reunite with Aerith. Zack finds himself pulled in multiple directions, creating additional conflicts. External forces and emotional entanglements continue to complicate their relationship, but Zack’s determination to bridge the emotional gap keeps pushing him forward. This section of Rebirth continues to heavily foreshadow both the truth about Zack as well as the future of Zack and Aerith's relationship, despite the conflicts.

Act 3: The End

The Crisis / Dark Moment

Romance Structure: The Break-Up / Darkest Hour

Purpose: The protagonist faces their darkest moment, where it seems that the reunion will never happen. Emotional scars or external forces tear the lovers apart, and the protagonist believes they’ve lost their final chance to reconnect. The relationship nears failure as the protagonist faces the harsh reality of their situation.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The conflict grows to the point of no return. Previous mistakes or external conflicts surface, causing the relationship to fall apart, and the protagonist is left devastated, feeling that the reunion may never come.

Example: In Rebirth, this moment comes near the ending of the game when Sephiroth's confluence of worlds plays a role in role in further uprooting Zack's existence in the Lifestream. We also know that this is the time that Aerith dies in the real world, further complicating matters and adding new layers of conflict.

The Sacrifice / The Crisis Resolution

Romance Structure: The Sacrifice

Purpose: The protagonist realizes that to win back their lost lover, they must sacrifice their pride, fear, or ego. This emotional climax reflects their willingness to make a grand gesture or display vulnerability, showing they’ll do whatever it takes for a second chance.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The protagonist makes a final, heartfelt plea to the estranged lover, acknowledging their mistakes and baring their soul. The lover, moved by the sincerity, must decide whether or not to take the risk of rekindling the relationship.

Example: Although we don’t yet know how this will play out in the Remake series, it’s likely that Part 3 will feature a reunion between Zack and Aerith. The conflicts that have built up—including Aerith’s internal struggle regarding Cloud—will need resolution. Advent Children (ACC) shows Zack and Aerith together in the Lifestream, setting the stage for a reunion in the Remake. The exact nature of this reunion remains speculative, but it’s likely Zack will make a significant sacrifice or grand gesture to resolve the emotional conflicts that have kept them apart.

The Climax / Declaration

Romance Structure: Declaration

Purpose: The estranged lover finally decides to take the risk and give the relationship another chance. After much internal struggle, they admit they’ve never stopped loving the protagonist, and they’re ready to move forward together. This is the emotional peak where both characters commit to each other.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: The reconciliation finally happens. After everything they’ve endured, the estranged lover acknowledges their lingering feelings and agrees to rebuild the relationship. Both characters take a leap of faith, trusting that they can overcome the past and move forward.

Example: Though speculative, if the arc follows the long lost lovers trope, Zack and Aerith will likely experience a heartfelt reunion in Part 3. Their lingering feelings would finally be acknowledged, clearing up Aerith’s complicated feelings for Cloud while reaffirming her bond with Zack. This declaration of love would also tie into the larger narrative arc, offering emotional resolution for both characters and allowing their story to move forward, especially in support of Aerith's role in the external conflict of the Planet.

The Resolution / Denouement

Romance Structure: Denouement / HEA

Purpose: The story concludes with a glimpse of the couple in their newly rekindled relationship. The emotional weight of their past has been lifted, and they are now ready to face the future together. Even if circumstances prevent a traditional “happy ending,” there is emotional closure and a sense of peace.

Long Lost Lovers Layer: After the pain, separation, and emotional struggle, the couple is finally together. The audience is left with a sense that their love will endure this time, offering a bittersweet but satisfying conclusion to their long journey.

Example: In Advent Children (ACC), we see Zack and Aerith reunited in the Lifestream, helping Cloud in his final battle. Their reunion suggests that, while they may no longer live in the physical world, their connection endures beyond death. Though bittersweet, their reunion offers emotional closure. The final installment of the Remake series will likely bring full resolution to Zack and Aerith’s arc, providing a satisfying conclusion, even if there are tragic elements along the way.

Final Thoughts: The Love Triangle is a Narrative Illusion

Cloud and Tifa’s Slow-Burn Childhood Friends to Lovers (Canon)

Cloud and Tifa’s relationship in Final Fantasy VII is a carefully crafted slow burn, rooted in a deep bond that extends back to their childhood in Nibelheim. Their connection is not built on superficial or flimsy romantic interactions but on a shared past and the quiet intimacy that grows from years of unspoken longing but is complicated by trauma.

Cloud and Tifa’s natural chemistry is driven by their subconscious desires and the deep, unspoken feelings they have for one another. For Cloud, his buried emotions instinctively reach out to Tifa, even though he isn’t fully aware of them. The narrative hides these true feelings, but subtle moments of affection and protectiveness reveal that, deep down, Cloud’s heart is already tied to hers, laying the groundwork for their eventual emotional connection.

The game’s emotional climax in the Lifestream, where Tifa helps Cloud piece together his shattered memories, is a pivotal moment in which both characters finally confront the depth of their feelings for each other. Their journey isn’t one of dramatic declarations, but rather a gradual, emotional reconnection that allows deeply held, mutual love and longing to blossom—a love that is grounded in shared history, healing, and mutual understanding and compassion.

This slow-burn romance stands as the true heart of Cloud’s emotional journey, dispelling the illusion of a love triangle and making it clear that Cloud’s deepest emotional ties are with Tifa.

Aerith and Cloud’s Unrequited Love / Not Meant to Be Semi-Canon/One-sided) (Fanon - mutual)

The dynamic between Aerith and Cloud, while often misinterpreted as romantic, is better understood through the lens of unrequited love and fate’s intervention. Aerith’s initial attraction to Cloud is undeniably influenced by his resemblance to her first love, Zack Fair.

As time goes on, Aerith tries to see Cloud for who he is, but tragically, this is not possible before her death, and her feelings remain complicated and unreciprocated. Their bond, while significant as friendship, never goes beyond that, reinforcing the fact that Aerith’s feelings for Cloud are more of an echo of her past with Zack.

Cloud's true self being in love with Tifa and Aerith’s tragic death seal the fate of their relationship as one that was never meant to be—a fleeting connection, shaped by circumstance rather than true compatibility.

The tragedy of this unfulfilled arc serves as a powerful narrative device, but it is clear that Cloud and Aerith were never destined to end up together, further dispelling the notion of a love triangle.

Zack and Aerith’s Long Lost Love / Tragic Love (Canon)

Zack and Aerith’s relationship is the quintessential tragic love story in Final Fantasy VII, defined by separation, longing, and loss. Aerith’s first love, Zack, vanishes from her life without explanation, leaving her with unanswered questions and unresolved feelings. Even as she begins to move forward, her heart never fully lets go of Zack, who is revealed to have fought valiantly to return to her—only to tragically lose his life in the process.

The tragedy of their love lies in the fact that both characters hold onto each other, but fate conspires to keep them apart, making their love story one of the most emotionally poignant elements in the game. Even in death, their connection endures, with Zack and Aerith appearing together in the Lifestream in ACC, symbolizing a love that transcends life itself. This arc, while bittersweet, resolves the narrative of Aerith’s romantic life—Zack was her true love, and Cloud was a reflection of the man she had lost, not a new love interest.

Their tragic love story dispels the myth of a love triangle in Final Fantasy VII, emphasizing that Aerith’s heart always belonged to Zack, even as she developed a bond with Cloud during her journey.

All of the relationships in the game are important. However, Cloud/Tifa & Zack/Aerith are the canon, mutual romantic relationships of Final Fantasy VII. Cloud/Aerith have a cherished friendship, but any romantic subtext of their relationship in the game is used as a vehicle to drive the conflicts and truths of the canon relationships forward. This is accomplished through illusions and subversions in storytelling, as well as creating internal conflict for the characters and canon relationships.

FFVII’s storytelling is deliberately designed to mislead the player through incomplete truths and emotional misdirection, including the use of red herrings, illusions, unreliable narration, and the omission of critical information or context. Cloud’s confused memories and persona, coupled with Aerith’s initial attraction to him based on his similarities to Zack, create the illusion of a romantic triangle, but the deeper truths—Cloud’s unresolved trauma and false identity, Tifa’s role as the keeper of Cloud’s real past and his true feelings, and Aerith’s ultimate fate as the Planet’s protector and her true love being Zack—gradually dismantle this illusionary love triangle.

I cannot stress enough that FFVII is not a love drama or soap opera where the game’s conflict centers on romantic rivalries, betrayal, deception, or morally questionable behaviors.. It’s a complex story that focuses on themes of life, loss, identity, self-discovery, legacy, and on and on.

Love - all kinds of love, including romantic, platonic, and familial - is a theme of FFVII, but truly and holistically, not for the sake of creating meaningless drama between the characters. The relationship dynamics appear messy at times in the earlier parts of the story, but these dynamics are designed to help us reach the proper conclusions about the story and the characters’ arcs, and how true love is a vehicle for reaching resolution for both.

Player’s choice is irrelevant to the plot. You cannot decide or alter the story structure or direction or individual character arcs or relationships. The most you can do is view the game through a slightly different lens by gaining an expanded understanding of character arcs and motivation with new replays.

Shipping is a fandom construct. It’s meant to be fun, and you can ship whatever you like. But shipping doesn’t intersect with the facts of a story or its narrative. Lying about any piece of media to convince yourself or others of its canonicity is bizarre behavior.

Respect the work and its intention, while having your shipping fun within your fandom. Don't embarrass yourself by saying an FF protagonist kissing the girl he’s loved since childhood and joined the army to impress means nothing, or worse, proves he the opposite of a hero.

You can ship your fanon without doing all that.

Last thing: Reunion is a primary theme of Final Fantasy VII. You may have noticed that it is also a primary theme for both of the canon romantic relationships. Personally, I believe that Part Three is going to drive this message home in a way that is unmistakable. I also believe that both lovers' reunions will be instrumental in resolving all of the conflicts of FFVII in the final game.

It’s not a coincidence that both reunions will take place in the Lifestream, or that they've been foreshadowed by the presence of the yellow flower.

I also believe that the dual Rebirth cover arts, described by Tetsuya Nomura as Sephiroth "tearing Cloud and Zack's worlds apart" are heavily foreshadowing the resolution of these relationships along with their connection to the the larger story structures of FFVII/FFVIIR.

Let's wait and see when Part 3 comes along.

[akatsuki-shin]

"RELIANCE" — #TsengRuWeek2024 Day 7: Free Day (Geostigma)

1,6k words | PG

Takes place at the beginning of Advent Children, before Tseng departs for his mission with Elena to the Northern Crater

(link in the reply below)

[teawitchy]

An Introduction :)

I'm hoping, maybe, this gets me somewhere on my writing progress, so here goes nothing.

Hi! I'm Hanna (she/her)

I'm on the verge of twenty-seven

Demi and hella bi

Give me all of the tea

New Hampshire born Canadian

I am an avid fan of whatever piques my interest (livin that ADHD life)

Crochet, video games and reading mostly in my down time

Love writing in the realm of science fiction and fantasy--seldom horror which is funny because I am a HUGE Stephen King fan

Grew up writing fanfiction, floated back and forth over the years

I live in BC with my fiance, our shepherd, and two lil leopard geckos

I currently have...oh god, too many stories on the go

I finished NANOWRIMO in 2022, and that is my primary work at the moment

Likely going to post a little bit of everything, really hope to one day get something published!

WIPs (at least the ones w/ decent progress)

Dead Embers

Scifi/fantasy/military-ish

Futuristic post apocalyptic

Powered superhumans and aliens

Variety of queer folk

Going for a Destiny meets FFVII type thing

Themes: Alienation and belonging, Love (romantic and familial)

Hiraeth

Contemporary romance

Three musketeers friendship

Childhood friends to strangers to lovers

Small town romance

Themes: friendship, forgiveness, love

Music inspired

[murdocsmacattack]

im keeping this energy , this fic is very worth it just hope we get that chapter 3 soon , i am still trothing at the mouth for it

The Golden Apple of Asgard : literally having updated chapter 2 of supernova 2 days ago…..

Me a total glutton : waiting for chapter 3 like..

[bardic-tales]

au: omegaverse | au: canon divergent | soulmate | Supernatural

possession vs protection | light vs darkness | consent vs autonomy | found family | healing redemption

In "Bound in Shadows," the bond between Bianca and Sephiroth transcends traditional Alpha-Omega dynamics. It is rooted in a profound soul-bond that connects their minds, bodies, and souls. This is set against the backdrop of Gaia (FF 7's world) where Alphas, Betas, and Omegas navigate complex social hierarchies. This AU reimages the characters' relationships, as it focuses on the intense emotional and spiritual connection between Bianca and Sephiroth.

This is a light A/B/O interpretation.

Content Warnings: abuse, blood, body horror, bondage, captivity, child abuse, coercion, control and domination, cults, dark magic, demons, emotional manipulation, experimentation, gore, harassment, heat cycles, hierarchy and power dynamics, kidnapping, magic, manipulation, menstruation, mind control, non-traditional relationships, omegaverse dynamics, parental abuse, possession, predatory behavior, psychological abuse, religious trauma, ritual sacrifice, self-harm, sexual themes, slavery, stalking, torture, trauma, unhealthy relationships, violence

Universe Plot:

The main storyline follows Bianca, an independent Omega, and Sephiroth, a powerful Alpha, as they navigate the challenges of their bond within a society structured around Omegaverse dynamics. Significant differences from the original plot include Sephiroth’s internal conflict regarding his identity as an Alpha and his desire to protect Bianca, leading to a refusal to mark her. This refusal creates tensions within their relationship and with other characters, particularly Angeal and Genesis, who challenge his decisions. The plot diverges further with the introduction of the Infernal Dominion, where Bianca faces the looming threat of Asmodeus, who seeks to force a union between his family and the Shinra.

Plot Points

The Ritual Marking

Bianca and Sephiroth participate in a marking ritual involving Jenova-enhanced scent exchange, solidifying their soul-bond without traditional marking. The ritual deepens their connection, establishing a visible sigil on their skin that represents their intertwining souls.

The Challenge from Other Alphas

Angeal and Genesis question Sephiroth's refusal to mark Bianca, testing his authority and forcing him to confront his fears. This tension highlights Sephiroth’s internal struggles while emphasizing Bianca's strength as an independent Omega.

Bianca’s Heat and the Heightened Connection

During Bianca’s heat, their soul-bond amplifies, bringing out Sephiroth’s Alpha instincts and testing his restraint. This event deepens their relationship, exploring themes of consent and power dynamics, as Bianca balances her desire for independence with her bond to Sephiroth.

Main Characters:

Aerith Gainsborough (Beta): A nurturing presence in the group, she fosters connections among the characters and provides emotional support to Bianca.

Angeal Hewley (Alpha): Acts as a mediator, providing wisdom and support while questioning Sephiroth's choices regarding Bianca. Asmodeus (Alpha Antagonist): A powerful demon and Bianca’s father, he seeks to manipulate the bond between Bianca and Sephiroth for his own gain.

Bianca (Omega): A strong-willed Omega who challenges traditional expectations; her connection to Sephiroth is enhanced by their soul-bond.

Genesis Rhapsodos (Alpha): A rebellious Alpha who often provokes Sephiroth, challenging his decisions about Bianca.

President Shinra (Alpha Antagonist): The authoritative figure representing the corrupt corporate system that seeks to exploit both Bianca and Sephiroth.

Tifa Lockhart (Beta): Bianca’s confidant and emotional support, Tifa helps her navigate the complexities of her relationship with Sephiroth.

Sephiroth (Alpha): The embodiment of an ultimate Alpha, he is protective of Bianca and struggles with the fear that marking her would corrupt her purity.

Character Dynamics: The relationships among the characters in this AU are complex and multifaceted, with Bianca navigating her strong bond with Sephiroth while contending with the manipulative influences of her father, Asmodeus, and President Shinra. Asmodeus and Shinra embody antagonistic forces that challenge Bianca and Sephiroth’s relationship, pushing them to assert their autonomy. The support from characters like Tifa and Aerith offers a balance to the intense dynamics, helping Bianca to find her strength amidst the struggles against the powerful Alphas in her life.

World Building

Cosmic Elements

Angelic (celestial) and demonic influences: The presence of demons, angels, and other cosmic horrors in this AU enhances the stakes and themes of the narrative.

Angelic and Demonic Influence: Bianca's heritage as the daughter of an archangel and a demon influences her character and abilities, creating a unique perspective on the balance between light and darkness. Her dual nature represents the struggle between these opposing forces, leading to complex character arcs and moral dilemmas.

Conflict with Cosmic Beings: The ongoing threat from cosmic horrors, such as Asmodeus and other demon entities, creates external conflict that forces the characters to confront their fears and insecurities. These beings often manipulate the energies of the Lifestream, impacting the balance of power in their world and driving the narrative tension.

Culture

The cultural landscape in this AU is shaped by the presence of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas, each with specific societal roles and expectations.

Hierarchy and Relationships: Alphas are often seen as leaders, responsible for protecting and providing for their packs, while Omegas are viewed as nurturers and caretakers. This traditional perspective is challenged by Bianca, who embodies independence and strength, rejecting the notion of submissiveness. Betas serve as mediators, often holding influential positions in society that bridge the gap between Alphas and Omegas.

Mating Bonds and Rituals: Mating bonds between Alphas and Omegas are significant cultural events, often accompanied by rituals that solidify their connection. These bonds are celebrated within the community and can involve the exchange of scents or markings that signify commitment. In this AU, the unique marking ritual involving Jenova's influence enhances the spiritual connection between Bianca and Sephiroth.

Magic Systems

The magic system incorporates traditional materia mechanics from Final Fantasy VII while also introducing unique elements related to the Omegaverse.

Cosmic Blood Magic: Bianca and other cosmic entities wield magic powered by their cosmic blood. This allows them to utilize their inherent magical abilities, granting them a versatile source of power that is not limited to materia. Their celestial heritage enables them to perform a wide range of spells and abilities naturally, reflecting their unique connection to the cosmos.

Materia: Materia remains a central aspect of the magic system, with characters harnessing its powers for combat, healing, and elemental manipulation. The ability to combine materia can create powerful effects, allowing characters to tap into the Lifestream’s energies.

Soul Bonds: The soul bond between Bianca and Sephiroth allows them to share emotions, thoughts, and even physical sensations. This connection heightens their magical abilities and can be used strategically in combat or during emotional crises.

Omegaverse Elements

The Omegaverse introduces distinct biological and societal traits that significantly influence character interactions and world dynamics.

Alpha, Beta, Omega Dynamics: In this AU, characters are categorized as Alphas, Betas, or Omegas, each with distinct traits. Alphas exhibit heightened physical abilities and instincts, often taking on leadership roles, while Omegas possess unique reproductive capabilities and emotional sensitivity. Betas act as stabilizers in the social structure, holding significant influence without the biological traits of Alphas and Omegas.

Heat Cycle: Omegas experience both menstruation and a heat cycle, with the latter being a monthly event where their bodies become more receptive to mating and they emit pheromones that attract Alphas. During this time, emotional and physical needs become heightened, leading to challenges in maintaining autonomy and consent. This cycle can create tension within relationships, especially as Bianca navigates her heat in the context of her bond with Sephiroth, who struggles with his protective instincts.

Menstruation: Like in the human experience, menstruation occurs for Omega females, affecting their physical and emotional states. This aspect of their biology adds a layer of realism to their experiences, particularly in how it intersects with their heat cycles and overall health.

Setting

The AU takes place in a reimagined version of the Final Fantasy VII universe, blending its iconic locations with new cultural and societal elements shaped by the Omegaverse framework. Key settings include:

Midgar: The primary hub of activity, Midgar is a sprawling metropolis that serves as the corporate stronghold of Shinra. Within this city, there are distinct districts that reflect the varying socio-economic statuses of its inhabitants, from the affluent Upper Plates to the impoverished slums below. The presence of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas creates distinct neighborhoods where social interactions reflect their hierarchical status.

The Lifestream: A mystical river of energy that flows beneath the Planet, the Lifestream holds the souls of deceased beings and is pivotal in understanding the interconnectedness of life and death. In this AU, it serves as a source of power that both Alphas and Omegas can tap into, particularly in the context of the cosmic beings influencing the world. The Lifestream's energies are coveted by both Shinra and the Infernal Dominion, leading to conflicts over its control.

The Infernal Dominion: A realm populated by demons and fallen angels, the Infernal Dominion is ruled by Asmodeus, representing a darker aspect of the universe. It serves as a juxtaposition to the celestial nature of the protagonists, further emphasizing the balance between light and darkness.

Technology

The technology in this universe reflects a blend of advanced science and mystical elements, especially in relation to Shinra's operations. Key aspects include:

Jenova Technology: Shinra’s experiments with Jenova cells create a technological foundation that blurs the lines between science and magic. This technology is employed to enhance the abilities of SOLDIERs and manipulate the natural order of the world, often leading to ethical dilemmas regarding the treatment of individuals.

Surveillance and Control: Shinra's technology allows for extensive surveillance of the population, utilizing drones and advanced monitoring systems to maintain control over both the populace and their resources. This aspect of technology adds tension to the story as characters navigate the oppressive environment.

Packs

Avalanche

Members: Barrett Wallace, Tifa Lockhart, Cloud Strife, Aerith Gainsborough, Red XIII (Nanaki), Barret's daughter (Marlene Wallace), Wedge, Biggs, Jessie, Reeve Tuesti (Cait Sith), Vincent Valentine, Cid Highwind, Yuffie Kisaragi, and the rest of the AVALANCHE team, along with additional allies they may gather throughout their journey.

Role/Purpose: The AVALANCHE Pack's primary goal is to resist Shinra's oppressive control and save the Planet from destruction caused by the corporation's exploitation of its resources, as well as stopping the Infernal Dominion. They aim to empower the oppressed and foster hope, striving for a future where the Planet and its inhabitants can thrive free from the shackles of corporate greed.

Dynamics: Members of the AVALANCHE Pack interact with a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration. Their familial bond is strengthened by shared experiences and struggles, allowing them to adapt their roles as needed while collectively pursuing their mission to protect the Planet.

Former SOLDIER Pack

Members: Sephiroth, Bianca, Angeal Hewley, Genesis Rhapsodos, Zack Fair, Kunsel

Role/Purpose: The Ex-SOLDIER Pack was formed from a shared desire to escape Shinra's oppressive control and uncover the truth about their origins. Together, they seek freedom, self-discovery, and a way to overcome the traumas of their pasts while forging a new identity separate from their former lives as SOLDIERs.

Dynamics: The members of the pack interact in a cooperative environment that allows for diverse leadership styles and strengths. With multiple Alphas—Sephiroth, Angeal, Genesis, and Zack—decision-making is collaborative, and Bianca's empathetic nature as the Omega helps maintain harmony, mediating conflicts and fostering strong emotional connections among members.

Infernal Dominion

Members: Asmodeus, Bianca (before she joins Sephiroth's pack), various lesser demons, fallen angels, and loyal enforcers.

Role/Purpose: The primary goal of the Infernal Dominion is to secure a powerful alliance with the Shinra Pack through a mating bond with Bianca, which would grant them access to the Lifestream's energies on Gaia. This alliance would enable Asmodeus to siphon souls from the Planet, replenishing the dwindling souls in Hell and strengthening his dominion over both realms.

Dynamics: Members of the Infernal Dominion operate in a hierarchical structure, with Asmodeus at the top and his loyal followers competing for favor and influence. They engage in strategic manipulation and power plays, forming alliances and rivalries while fostering a sense of loyalty to Asmodeus’s grand design.

Shinra

Members: President Shinra, Rufus Shinra, Heidegger, Palmer, Professor Hojo, Reeve, Scarlet, the Turks, scientists and engineers from the Advanced Weaponry Division, 2nd and 3rd SOLDIERS, and various corporate executives.

Role/Purpose: The Shinra Corporate Pack aims to maintain and expand the company’s power and influence over Midgar and the world. This strategic alliance allows each member to contribute to corporate goals while simultaneously safeguarding their personal interests.

Dynamics: Interactions among members are primarily professional, characterized by a veneer of loyalty that masks underlying opportunism. While the Turks serve as enforcers and problem-solvers for Rufus and the executives, the focus remains on achieving individual agendas within the rigid hierarchy, resulting in weaker bonds compared to more intimate or familial groups.

SOLDIER Pack (Part of Shinra)

Members: The SOLDIER Pack is composed of Roche, a charismatic 3rd Class SOLDIER, along with a group of enthusiastic 2nd and 3rd Class SOLDIERs who share his passion for speed and excitement.

Role/Purpose: The primary goal of the SOLDIER Pack is to uphold the legacy of SOLDIER while embracing their rebellious spirit and thrill-seeking tendencies. They aim to support Shinra's interests by demonstrating their strength and skills in competitive scenarios that enhance the company's reputation.

Dynamics: Members interact in a highly competitive environment where camaraderie is built through rivalry and exhilarating challenges. Roche’s dramatic flair fosters a culture of flamboyance and recklessness, encouraging strong bonds through shared experiences of adrenaline and the thrill of high-speed confrontations.

The Turks (part of Shinra)

Members: Tseng, Cisseni, Reno, Rude, Elena, and other supporting members of the Turk organization.

Role/Purpose: The Turks serve as Shinra's elite covert operatives, executing high-stakes missions and maintaining order in the shadows. Their primary goal is to protect Shinra's interests, often through clandestine operations, while also fostering a strong sense of loyalty and protection among their members.

Dynamics: Within the Turks, interactions are characterized by a blend of camaraderie and professional rivalry, with each member contributing their unique skills to the group’s success. Despite the hierarchical structure led by Tseng, a deep sense of loyalty exists among the members, often prioritizing their personal bonds over corporate allegiance, which can lead to tensions when conflicts of interest arise.

Differences from the Original Universe

Introduction of Original Character: Bound in Shadows features Bianca, an original character whose complex backstory and motivations are not part of the Final Fantasy VII universe. Her unique heritage as the daughter of an archangel and a demon adds depth to the narrative, allowing for new themes of duality and internal conflict that are distinct from the existing characters in FFVII.

Character Dynamics: The relationships among characters are reimagined through the Omegaverse framework, introducing complexities based on Alpha, Beta, and Omega hierarchies. This redefinition creates a fresh take on character interactions and emotional connections that differ from the original game's portrayals.

Soul-Bond Concept: Bound in Shadows introduces the concept of a soul-bond between characters, which plays a crucial role in driving their emotional and physical relationships. This metaphysical connection adds depth to their struggles and vulnerabilities, setting it apart from the more straightforward relationships depicted in FFVII.

Primal Instinct Exploration: The narrative dives into the primal instincts associated with Alpha and Omega roles, influencing character motivations and plot developments. This exploration provides a new perspective on character behavior and relationships, contrasting with the static roles in the original game.

Societal Structure: The AU presents a detailed societal hierarchy based on Alpha, Beta, and Omega dynamics, shaping cultural norms and character interactions. This contrasts with FFVII, where social structures are less explicitly defined and focus more on overarching conflicts.

Rituals and Bonding: The introduction of marking rituals tied to the Omegaverse, including scent exchange, serves as a significant plot device that solidifies relationships without traditional markings. This element differs from FFVII's handling of relationships, where such rituals do not exist.

Focus on Personal Conflicts: The central conflicts in Bound in Shadows are more intimate, revolving around personal struggles within the Omegaverse framework, such as societal expectations and pressures from other Alphas. This contrasts with FFVII's focus on larger, external conflicts involving corporations and global threats.

Themes of Consent and Autonomy: The AU emphasizes themes of consent and personal autonomy, especially regarding the implications of heat cycles and the power dynamics involved in relationships. This focus on nuanced consent stands in contrast to the action-oriented themes prevalent in FFVII.

Rules and Mechanics

Omegaverse Dynamics

Hierarchy: The society is structured around Alphas, Betas, and Omegas, each with distinct roles and social expectations. Alphas are typically seen as dominant, Betas are neutral, and Omegas are often perceived as nurturing and submissive.

Heat Cycles: Omegas experience heat cycles, during which their instincts drive them to seek a mate. During this time, their bond with their Alpha intensifies, allowing for shared emotional and physical experiences. Consent remains central to navigating this dynamic.

Soul-Bond Mechanics

Connection: The bond between Bianca and Sephiroth allows them to share thoughts and emotions, enhancing their understanding of each other's fears and desires. This bond is strengthened through rituals and shared experiences, making their connection deeper than traditional A/B/O dynamics.

Visual Representation: Their soul-bond manifests as a visible sigil on their skin, symbolizing their commitment and connection, which can also offer them mutual protection and strength during battles.

Scent Marking

Role in Relationships: Instead of traditional marking, characters can engage in scent marking rituals that enhance emotional bonds without compromising Bianca’s autonomy. This process allows for the sharing of scents that represent their feelings, strengthening their connection.

Emotional Significance: Scent plays a crucial role in establishing emotional ties, with specific scents evoking memories and feelings, reinforcing their connection in both emotional and physical realms.

Power Dynamics

Character Strengths: Each character possesses unique strengths and weaknesses based on their roles within the Omegaverse. Alphas like Sephiroth are expected to embody strength and leadership, while Omegas like Bianca navigate societal perceptions of their roles.

Conflict Resolution: Conflicts arising from the dynamics between Alphas and Omegas lead to discussions about power, consent, and personal agency, driving character development and relationships forward.

Influence of Jenova Cells

Biological and Emotional Effects: The presence of Jenova cells in characters influences their physical abilities and emotional states. This dynamic complicates relationships, as characters must navigate their innate urges alongside societal expectations and personal desires. Those affected by Jenova may struggle with feelings of isolation and horror due to their connection to this cosmic entity.

[dutchdread]

A small rant

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

Am I the only one getting sick of Aeriths character?

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

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

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

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

But what is she now?

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

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

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

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

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

While I think the cheap spectacle of hyper focussing the marketing and potentially early game around Aeriths death have already essentially poisoned the remake, making it into a mere shadow of what it could have been, I still believe that Square-enix has enough integrity left to actually kill her and move focus back on what actually matters. But I have to say, at this point it's not even just because I want the story of FFVII to be protected and experienced as it should be. But also because I am just getting sick and tired of what Aerith has become, and would now consider Sephiroth stabbing her as a mercy killing for what's left of her character.