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I wanted to post this, because being a huge Cloti fan, a huge Tifa fan, and a huge Aeris/Tifa alliance fan, this shows that I support Aeris/Tifa and no more hatred towards Cleris, Cloti, Aeris and Tifa even more! <33

A realization.

Welcome to my thread, Second Thoughts. I thought I would post this, to inform that I no longer have a hatred/dislike for Aeris Gainsborough. And here is why.

Why I hated her.
Basically, because she was too much of a flirt. Even if you deny her, she still asks for dates. However I considered, that that wasn't fair to her. If you play the game being completely NICE to her, then she has every right to flirt with someone who isn't cold to her.
I thought, for a long time, that it wasn't fair to Cloud that Aeris seemed to be 'using' him, only because he reminded her of Zack. :/ Later on in the game, though, she admits that she wants to see the real Cloud.

Also, Cloud at that time, was trying to copy the persona of Zack, so of course she thought of him. In Maiden That Travels The Planet, she admits that she was jealous that Tifa knew the real Cloud, and was the only one that could help him. In VII, I thought her to be VERY inconsiderate of Tifa's feelings for Cloud. But I gained respect when she admitted she was jealous. Also, Tifa tended to keep her feelings very hidden. Sometimes I wonder if she even knew that Tifa felt as strongly for Cloud, as she did. I don't think Aeris MEANT to hurt Tifa by flirting with Cloud in front of her. Sometimes, she would catch herself saying things she didn't mean to to Cloud, when Tifa was there. However, like I said, Tifa kept alot of things inside, where Aeris was open and honest and also very comfortable with herself and who she was. She wanted to tell everything from her heart, instead of keeping them hidden. I think Aeris herself knew that hidden emotions are a dangerous thing--- and that's simply her nature. She never meant to hurt anyone's feelings intentionally. Aeris talked to Tifa, found things in common with her, and Tifa did the same. They were friends, not rivals.
I didn't like her, for what she had said to Zack in Maiden Who Travels The Planet. She was cold to him, stand-offish. Basically told him that she hated his personality, because it wasn't timid like Cloud's. For one... I don't think that Aeris would say that out of no-where. Zack must of done something that made her feel a bit fed up. However, I don't know if that's true. I don't think I should dislike her, for something that hasn't been confirmed yet, because that just isn't fair. If she hated him simply because he never came back, then I would definitely not like that about her. Knowing Aeris's personality, however; that's just not like her. Zack seems to still love Aeris, but it's obvious that Aeris truly loves Cloud, and Cloud alone.
Crisis Core should reveal more about Zack and Aeris' past, so we will have to see. ^^;

The reason I get so mad at her for being harsh towards Zack, is because he really is my favorite character.
Her bad mouthing him and me not knowing why, didn't settle very well. Something must of happened...
but until I know someone's true story, I won't judge them. And even if Zack did do something wrong-- if
that's how it turns out, I won't blame her for anything. In fact, I'd be mad at Zack for doing a bad thing.

^^;

If Aeris really WAS that cold to Zack for no reason, I will probably lose all this newfound respect for her. But I have complete faith---
I think I know how Aeris really is, now.

What I realized
I realized that Aeris was nothing but pure, open-hearted and simply, honest. She cared about everyone, even Tifa whom I had first thought she had treated a bit horribly. For Gods sake, she cried when Tseng got hurt. Tseng, the person who wanted to take her away to ShinRa. All Aeris has ever had in her heart, was love. And, I still don't think she really knew Cloud. It's mostly proven in her story. But, she wanted to know the real him, and she wanted to GET to know him. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I still don't like the Cleris pairing, but I DO know that there is proof for it, and that Cloud definitely cares about Aeris.
Aeris is so kind hearted, and I wonder why now, I wonder why I could hate a character that was so sweet and self-sacrificing. Not because she died, but because when she was dead, she mentioned that she was jealous of Tifa. She was happy that Tifa was the one who was with Cloud. In that moment she was admitting those things, she was a lot like Tifa, who stood back when Aeris and Cloud were together. Both Tifa and Aeris seem to be letting Cloud decide. Not only do they care about Cloud, but they care about eachother, and all of their friends.
Aeris wasn't as perfect as she seemed. She was naive, and sometimes, a bit selfish. She admitted that she was though, and she told always what was on her heart. Everyone makes mistakes, in fact I am the one
that states I like Tifa for making mistakes, and then admitting to them.

And so, that is why I know longer hate Aeris, that sweet flower maiden.

It's pretty hard not to get overly caught up in the anti-craze sometimes. I do not hide the fact that when I first started playing the game I was anti-Tifa. I've found though the easiest ways for most people to get out of the anti-craze is to simply remove Cloud from the picture. Do that and most anti-arguments to either individual character falls apart.
I say most, however, because I am related to an anti-Tifa and married to an anti-Aeris; both of which have been able to give me perfectly valid and understandable reasonings for their opinions. I bring this up because I do want my members to understand something. There is such a thing as a respectable anti; which is why I chose to use the word extremist instead of anti in our home page slogan. If you wish to debate or discuss real mistakes and flaws in the character you are welcome. However, I do not wish to see such hypocrity which usually shines in such points as the sweetheart/dearest one arguments.
This is also why I welcome members that enjoy the rival context of the Aerti relationship... because with good eyes even portraying the less pleasant side of our beloved Tifa and Aeris can give us a better understanding and appreciation for them.
Well... I just rambling now. Lunar, I truly appreciate your honesty and openness on what I may guess may be a sensitive subject. Especially in a guild that harbors many that may still feel the burn of anti-ness... even if it is now in past tense. I'm looking forward to reading more if you ever get the inspiration.

Wow, that is really deep:3

Well, I've never really been and anti-Tifa or anti-Aeris person. If anything, the closest I've been to being an anti preson is anti-Cloud. XD But he's a good person, just a little confuse, so I don't blame him. The only thing I really don't like is how some fans hate Aeris or Tifa just because she loves Cloud, and they think Cloud should be with the other girl and ignore her. They are both great characters who should be treated with respect:3

As for Cloti and Cleris, I think they both love Cloud, and each one has unique things to offer him, so I'm a little spilt inside on which one is better. But I'm pretty sure there the creator of FFVII didn't have in mind either of which one Cloud would be with. I think the reason why he didn't have Cloud love one specific girl is because he wanted for the fans to choose themselves who they thought Cloud should be with. that way, even when the game ended, the fans would never forget the greatness of FFVII, and its characters. If he choose one specific girl for Cloud to love, the game would of lost some of its magic because fans wouldn't have been given the chance to decide who they think Cloud should be with because it's already been decided. That's what I think anyway.

You know, I've never really NOT liked anyone in the story. Except Dyne... ooh, I don't like him. He left his daughter in the hands of barret. Not that Barret was doing a bad job of raising her, but I think it's a little selfish, like he was dodging his responsibilities.

I'd like to think Hojo was just over reacting with the powers of science because he was always in Professor Gast's shadow. Think about it~ He snapped. Just like his son!!!!!!!!

Ahem. I respect you, Lunar, so I applaud you. You get a cookie. *Gives*