The Impact of a flower girl - An Analysis of Aeris's role in Final Fantasy VII

by AnonymousGamer
Written during July and August of 1998

(Author's preface: Everything that follows reflects my experiences, views, and theories. I am in no way trying to force my thoughts onto other people. However, I would like to show my fellow RPGamers a different way of looking at some elements in Final Fantasy VII-most notably Aeris. If you like my essay, thank you in advance. If not, take it with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy my insights into one of Square's magnificent works of art. I welcome any feedback with open arms.)

Initial Comments

After nearly 65 hours of game play spread over a period of two months, I pressed my PlayStation's "Eject" button and inserted Disc 3. I proceeded anxiously to play Final Fantasy VII into the morning hours of the next day. My party members-Cloud, Tifa, and Cid-approached level 70, so the final battles lacked significant difficulty, yet kept me on my toes; I did not possess the Knights of the Round materia. While fighting the one-winged Sephiroth, my entire party died except for Cid, who was frogged, and had one hit point; I somehow managed to revive my fallen allies, use a megalixer, and then defeat the demented villain. My eyes latched on to the television screen with anticipation as the ending FMV sequences took place. I waited as the credits scrolled past my television, refusing to believe that what I just saw was the entire ending. To my delight, my patience was rewarded with a short epilogue; Nanaki allows his offspring to see the remains of Midgar, a ruined city overrun by foliage. The volume on my TV was too low for me to hear what followed-the eerie laughter of children. At first, I became disappointed with the ending, but not entirely. Searching for an answer on the Internet, I fell prey to the conflagration of rumors regarding Final Fantasy VII's incompleteness. It was not until I found the RPGamer's site on the Internet and read a few editorials on the ending that I realized my impulsive conclusions regarding Square's controversial RPG. After reading these well-written essays, I learned about the sound of laughing children following the final FMV sequence-the key element I missed the first time. It had been more than 8 months since I defeated Sephiroth for the first time, so I decided to view the ending again, and this time listen for the laughter. I easily trounced the one-winged angel with my level 88 party and observed the game's ending with wide-open eyes. I saw a different ending than I had seen 8 months earlier. This time, I heard the children's laughter. So I began a brand new game; instantly, I noticed connections in the plot that I missed the first time. Just as a book makes more sense after being read a second time, the pieces of this puzzle they call Final Fantasy VII finally began to coalesce into place.

I my opinion, many people incompletely explained some of the implied segments of the game's plot in their analyses, particularly Aeris's place in the game's resolution. I do acknowledge that the plot and ending are very open to interpretation; some say they are too open. However, I would like to address a few points in the game's story and conclusion that I feel are more thorough than conventional analyses. What follows is the result of eight weeks' pondering, analyzing and compiling of Final Fantasy VII's themes and supporting themes as they relate to Aeris-the center of my argument.

At first glance, one can easily mistake the plot for another banal conflict between good and evil. While the game shares a few select elements with a classic prose of its sort, Final Fantasy VII is unique because it features an abundance of meaningful depth and substance. Final Fantasy VII's main theme is Life. This, I cannot argue. However, I must object to any who see Life as the only theme; another crucial theme lies embedded within the game. A veteran of Final Fantasy VII may recall that much of the game's story revolves around a beautiful, yet mysterious 22-year old girl named Aeris. From the first familiar image of the flower lady watching the Mako in the Midgar pipeline to the final image of her sitting in the Lifestream, Aeris has a profound influence in the game's plot, impression, and mood. Though her theme is somewhat hidden, a gamer can identify her meaning if he chooses to look hard enough. If the game could be given an official secondary-supporting theme, it should be Aeris's.

Laughter that speaks a thousand words

Before I get to the main thrust of my article-Aeris's place in the game-I will explain what I believe actually happens to Humanity after Holy's judgment.

Past editorials share a common explanation for the game's final feedback to the gamer, the children's laughter. I will paraphrase:

Humanity is wiped out but not forgotten.

Although this is a perfectly valid explanation for the meaning behind the children's laughter, the above conclusion does not provide detail into Humanity's fate. When broken down into more elementary components, the laughing children reveal what really happened to Humanity following Holy's appearance. But first, I must point out Final Fantasy VII's thoroughly corrupt society so that I may support upcoming propositions.

Before Aeris and the rest of the Lifestream unite to stop Meteor, Holy comes to its own conclusion: Humanity has abused its privilege to exist in its current form. This is supported by humans' blatant disregard for other humans and nature: Avalanche's bombing raids, the burning of Corel, Tifa and Barret's attempted public execution, Shinra's decision to drop the Sector 7 plate, Don Corneo's womanizing as well as Hojo's biological experiments. Mankind also shows signs of greediness: Shinra Corporation's financial monopoly on Mako reactors and Rufus's search for the Promised Land, among others.

I must also assert that in literature, children often represent immaturity and innocence. At the same time, laughter more obviously suggests happiness, joy, and euphoria. Whether it is President Shinra explaining his gluttonous plans to acquire additional Mako or Aeris attempting to explain her innate feelings as a member of the Cetra, characters mention the Promised Land for its guarantee of supreme happiness.

Humans almost manage to destroy their own planet. Once Holy is unleashed, only one logical course of action remains: Stop Humanity's destructive mayhem before Humanity stops the Planet's pulse. Holy deems humans too annihilative, corrupt, and irresponsible to lead their lives on the outside world. Similar to the way a disappointed parent sends a misbehaving child to his room, Holy returns Humanity to the joyful, carefree Lifestream-a place where Humanity can no longer harm the Planet. The children's laughter represents their newly gained innocence and immaturity, for humans are now mere children to Planet, not the lethal, self-destructive zombies they had matured into. Thus, Holy spares the corrupt human race by confining them to the Lifestream, suggesting that Humanity is not lost at all, but simply revoked of its mortal freedoms. Perhaps one day, Humanity will receive another chance at life...

In Search of Hope

Most people agree that Aeris gave her life to help save the Planet; I am no exception. However, I have not seen any other party discuss Aeris or her concern for the future in any detail. This is what I intent to do: shed some light on the selfless, caring, and enthusiastic Aeris.

Aeris adds an element of hope to the dreary, melancholy world of Final Fantasy VII.

Aeris's inevitable role

The first time I saw Aeris fall, I wept because I did not understand. Rage and hatred of Sephiroth blinded me. Why her? Why like that? Why then? Why? I asked myself these questions until my words sounded bizarre. Eight months later, I pondered over the scenes I apparently did not comprehend. I decided to play through the entire game again. After observing Aeris's seemingly inexplicable actions a second time, I wept again, but now because I understood…I understood the reasoning behind her motives.

The only human who does not abuse the right to live is Aeris. She always shows respect for other humans and remains in close communication with nature. Aeris never exhibits malice, disrespect, avarice, or any other form of corruption unlike her fellow self-annihilating humans; she is amiable, courteous, selfless, and just plain fun. Her gentle radiance throughout the game glows against the dark, cold world. Because of these qualities, she stands out in a populace of degenerates; when Aeris speaks, the Planet listens. Aeris's purity as the last Ancient ensures the Planet's cooperation with her plans to salvage the future of Life from its greatest threat.

Her visit to the Temple
Aeris never really formulates the plan herself. When she visits the Temple of the Ancients, the Cetra present in the Temple introduce the foundations of a plan that may counteract Sephiroth's momentum. (Evidence of this plan is never directly asserted, but is continually implied.) After the Temple, one can see how Aeris accepts and embraces her responsibility.

Aeris
 "You could become one with the Planet,
  but you're stopping it
  with the strength of will."

 "For the future?"
  For us?"

Cloud
 "What are you saying?
  Do you understand?"

Aeris
 "You're uneasy...
  But happy?"

 "Because I'm here?
  I'm sorry…I don't understand."

Amazingly, the only dialog here where Aeris speaks to Cloud is the first set of lines. The rest of Aeris's lines are part of her communication with the floating spirit energies of the Ancient Temple.

Aeris
 "For the future?"
  For us?"

This is the first clue that hints toward a plan or proposition. It would seem that the Ancients are concerned for the well being of the Planet, as is shown in lines above. Her fellow Cetra probably expressed their worry about Sephiroth and his destructive plans, as he was already waiting inside the "treasure house of knowledge." The Ancients inform her that, as the sole surviving Cetra and possessor of the White Materia, only she has the ability to stop the "evil consciousness." The Ancients tell Aeris that she must help the future for the sake of the Planet and all life dwelling within. Aeris's half-comprehending reply appears in the form of the lines above.

Cloud hears Aeris's half of her conversation with the Ancients and replies accordingly:

But Cloud's questions go unanswered; Aeris continues to commune with the spirit energies. This threw me off the first time I read the dialog, as I could not tell who was talking to whom, so I just entirely ignored the seemingly incoherent lines.

Aeris
 "You're uneasy...
  But happy?"

 "Because I'm here?
  I'm sorry…I don't understand."

Aeris's next set of lines suggest that the Ancients guarding the Temple feel uneasy because they are aware of Sephiroth's plans to use the Black Materia. However, the Ancients are at the same time glad because they know Aeris is now becoming conscious of the Planet's imminent crisis. Aeris, at this point, still does not fully understand the Cetra's words.

Once inside the Temple, Cloud and Aeris reach a pool of spirit energy in the room with the huge rolling boulders. Aeris listens to it, and the following conversation ensues:

Aeris
 "It's full of the knowledge of the Ancients."

 "No…not  knowledge
  ...consciousness…a living soul..."

 "It's trying to say something."

 "I'm sorry, I don't understand."

 "What?"

 "What is it?"

 "...Danger?
  An evil consciousness?"

These last lines help emphasize that the spirits of the Cetra do not feel secure about Sephiroth, or the future. I find it interesting that the Cetra called Sephiroth "an evil consciousness." I get the impression that this entity is undoubtedly tainting the Lifestream, and preparing to turn against all life. With this, Aeris's awareness continues to expand.

Later, after Cait Sith shrinks the Temple into the Black Materia, Sephiroth materializes to claim the gem. The following dialog results:

Sephiroth
 "And soon, I will create the future."

Aeris
 "I won't let you do it!
  The future is not only yours!"

Sephiroth
 "Ha, ha, ha… I wonder?"

Now that she has her thoughts and ideas aligned, Aeris outwardly challenges Sephiroth and his plans despite her own physical vulnerabilities. Aeris, a single survivor of the Cetra, tells the mighty Sephiroth that she will not let him carry out his plan? Sounds like a bold statement. But Aeris does not intend on preventing Sephiroth's actions directly. Aeris puts forth no resistance when Sephiroth chooses to slay her. No, Aeris will prevent Sephiroth's plans from taking shape with the backing of the Planet-from within the Lifestream. After all, it is too late to stop him from calling Meteor. In order to stop Sephiroth from controlling the future, Aeris needs to leave her current life so she can return to the Planet. Once there, Aeris will have her own counter-influence against the effects of this "evil consciousness."

Her budding plan
The Planet is in danger not only from Shinra's Mako-depleting reactors but also from Sephiroth and his selfish plan to use Meteor. Aeris discovers from the spirits of the Ancient Temple that she is capable of stopping Meteor by praying for Holy; once summoned, Holy will take action according to what is best for the Planet. However, it is possible that Holy alone will not grant sufficient power to rid the planet of its crises. Aeris needs the support of the Cetra and the rest of the Lifestream. Furthermore, Aeris realizes that she is physically weak, but spiritually strong; she is no match for Sephiroth himself, but she can gain the support of the Planet and Lifestream. When Sephiroth does manage to coax the Black Materia from the mentally unstable Cloud, Aeris does not worry at all; things are happening just as the Ancients suspected. Review the following dialog between Aeris and Cloud during his dream:

Aeris
 "And let me handle Sephiroth."

 "It's only a matter of time before Sephiroth uses Meteor."

 "That's why I'm going to protect it.
  Only a survivor of the Cetra, like me,
  can do it."

 "The secret's just up here..."

 "At least it should be
  ...I feel it.
  It feel like I'm being led by something."

 "Then, I'll be going now.
  I'll come back when it's all over."

These lines of dialog are significant for one reason only: Here and only here, Aeris vaguely conveys her plan to Cloud. At no other time during the game does Aeris even hint towards her intents.

Aeris
 "And let me handle Sephiroth."

Here, Aeris tells Cloud that she will deal with Sephiroth. Straightforward, but superficially illogical to Cloud and his friends. (See Her valiant words below for further analysis of the above line.)

Aeris
 "It's only a matter of time before Sephiroth uses Meteor."

Even Aeris does not deny Meteor's inevitability. Sephiroth has gone too far and is moving too fast to stop now.

Aeris
 "That's why I'm going to protect it.
  Only a survivor of the Cetra, like me,
  can do it."

Aeris slowly leads up to her intentions. The lines above 'break' the news to Cloud. Due to a dubious translation, the mentioned 'it' presumably refers to the Planet and the future of Life.

Aeris
 "The secret's just up here..."
  "At least it should be
  ...I feel it.
  I feel like I'm being led by something."

The secret she speaks of is the City of the Ancients, or Forgotten Capital. This place is most likely special because it is full of spirit energy. Furthermore, the city probably exists as an amplifier to communicate with the Cetra spirits and the rest of the Planet. Like the Black Materia, the White Materia can only be used by someone of great spiritual strength in a place with ample spirit energy. The Ancients, who are aware that the White Materia can only be used under certain conditions, are probably leading Aeris there.

Aeris
 "Then, I'll be going now.
  I'll come back when it's all over."

Her last words bother me to this day. I'm sure the storywriters meant for this quote to carry depth intentionally, but I have still not found the extent of its depth. "I'll come back when it's all over." Ironic, is it not, that she never comes back in life per se? I suppose she could be referring to her "appearance"-noticed by Marlene-as Meteor approached the Planet's. Although, "it" isn't really "all over" at the time Marlene opens the tower's windows. Perhaps she is referring to the image of herself in the Lifestream we see just before the credits? This is my best guess, and fits her quote well, but who knows? I bet Hironobou Sakaguchi knows.

Now that Sephiroth holds the Black Materia, Aeris knows it is time to put her plan into motion. The Ancients in the Temple already informed Aeris of her unique inheritance-the White Materia. Therefore, she also knows how to execute her plan. Well after Aeris's death, Cloud realizes a few pieces of the whole:

Cloud
 "Aeris knew about here [-the Ancient City]...and what she had to do."

Once she arrives at the Ancient Capital, Aeris prays on an altar for the Planet's assistance-Holy. At this point, Aeris knows she is weak and exposed to Sephiroth, and also knows that once her spirit energy leaves her body to join the Lifestream, she will not be able to help stop Sephiroth directly. Aeris will, however, be able to call Holy and rally the support of the Lifestream in preparation for Meteor. Again, Aeris's physical weaknesses and spiritual strengths dictate that she is more powerful in the Lifestream than in life; thus, Aeris is more influential deceased than alive. Red XIII's grandfather tells Cloud the following while in the Ancient City:

Bugenhagen
 "Holy…the ultimate White Magic.
  Magic that might stand against Meteor.
  Perhaps our last hope to save
  the planet from Meteor."

 "If a soul seeking Holy reaches the planet,
  it will appear."

Bugenhagen's second quote precisely reiterates part of Aeris's actions.

Tifa later reminds Cloud that Aeris always talked about the future and never fretted about any of the group's problems. Similarly, Cloud remarks that "she was smiling to the end." Aeris never worries about the future because she knows how to save Life itself; she just never directly shares it with any of her friends. After waking from his dream, Cloud tells Tifa and Barret that "only the Ancients, only Aeris can save us from Meteor." The humble flower girl must silently rely on Cloud and his party to stop Sephiroth in life while she helps stops Meteor in death. One must carefully listen to her words and observe her actions in order to catch the first glimpse of her furtive agenda.

Her valiant words
During Cloud's dream, Aeris tells him, "And let me handle Sephiroth." This statement is deeper that one would first imagine. Aeris obviously does not intend on confronting the crazed lunatic in battle. But Aeris could be saying that she is the only one who can stop what Sephiroth put into motion-Meteor. Here, she would be referring to the fact that only a member of the Cetra can call upon the Planet during a time of global crisis. Why should the Planet pay any attention to the Ancients? The Planet respects and listens to the Cetra; this is the Planet's show of gratitude for the help they provide after Jenova inflicts the Northern Crater injury. Since she is the sole surviving Ancient, Aeris says only she can prevent Sephiroth's Meteor with her summoning of the Planet-Holy and the Lifestream. In calling the Planet's assistance, Aeris actually uses her mother's memento-the same one that secures her hair's bow tie.

Alternatively, Aeris might also be foreshadowing her fate that she suspects will unfold at the Forgotten Capital. Aeris will need to leave her current life in order to join the Lifestream, despite her developing relationship with Cloud. And consequently, Sephiroth is now pursuing Aeris because she hopes to foil his plans. Perhaps Aeris's statement meant that only her death will mean something to the Planet, or perhaps to Cloud. Up until that point, Cloud mainly wanted to settle a score with Sephiroth that stemmed back to the events that took place in Nibelheim 5 years earlier (i.e. his mother's death, Tifa's father's death, Sephiroth's attack upon Tifa, the burning of Nibelheim, etc.). But if Sephiroth strikes Aeris down in the presence of Cloud, the helpless hero will be that much more motivated to hunt Sephiroth and destroy him. Remember, in order for Aeris's plan to work, Cloud must eliminate Sephiroth. Holy is unable to take action against Meteor until someone defeats Sephiroth; this is why Sephiroth imprisons Holy after discovering that Aeris successfully calls upon the Planet. Aeris's prayer is confirmed a success when the White Materia, emitting a pale green glow, falls from her hair.

Her alternative solution
Once Cloud destroys Sephiroth, Holy moves against Meteor, at which time Aeris leads the Lifestream as a gesture of support towards the Planet. Aeris's presence is confirmed when Marlene opens the window of the tower in Kalm, expecting to find the "flower girl." It seems that Holy could have let Meteor ravage the Planet and reset the evolutionary clock, considering it began to enhance Meteor's rage. Holy had good reason to let the planetesimal deal the world a serious, if not fatal, wound; if Holy would have stopped Meteor and granted humans the chance to continue living, Humanity would eventually continue to slowly siphon the life from the Planet ultimately resulting in the Planet's demise. (In his observatory, Bugenhagen demonstrates what happens when the Planet loses all its life energy.) When Holy first intercepts Meteor, the only evident way to alleviate the Planet of its ailments is to get rid of Humanity. As evidence of its judgment, Holy begins magnifying Meteor's effects on the Planet, considering that Meteor alone would yield results agreeing to that of Holy's judicial ruling. And especially with Sephiroth defeated, Meteor would solve the Planet's other problem: Humanity. However, Aeris anticipates Holy's creed; she grew up with knowledge that humans are inherently corrupt, especially considering her past experiences with the Turks, Shinra's Science department, and all the scum that collide with her on the streets of Midgar. Holy would have allowed Meteor to devastate the perfectly good planet, only to remove all humankind. This flawed reasoning is similar to Shinra's decision to drop the Sector 7 plate so that they might rid the city of a small group of terrorists! Aeris is not about to sit on a fence post and watch Meteor fall. She requests that Holy consider an alternative solution, the solution that is component to her plan: Do not endanger the entire Planet just for the sake of flushing out Humanity. Instead, return the troubled humans to the Lifestream where they will be content and peaceful. Evidence of Holy's acceptance of Aeris's plan is not confirmed, however, until the final FMV sequence that takes place after the credits. This final movie shows us that the Planet remains intact, but what about humankind? One can only infer that Holy agreed to both parts of Aeris's proposition from the distant sound of laughing children. In this way, Aeris successfully executes the final segments of her plan by pointing out Holy's error and citing the Lifestream's unanimous thoughts, hopes, and wishes: Life has the will to survive, despite Humanity's mistakes. Life need not pay for the actions of humans.

Their relation
Another part of Aeris's plan is left under-discussed by many Final Fantasy VII gamers, though its implications seem significant to me. Aeris loves Cloud, and Cloud loves Aeris! (I think Cloud's relationship with Tifa represents a different kind of love, a more platonic love.) Though neither Cloud nor Aeris would fully admit their feelings toward each other-possibly because they did not even fully realize it themselves. Aeris and Cloud's relationship exists in more ways than one sees at first glance. I could cite several instances during the game where the two deepen their bond-the most notable incident being their date. Their entire relationship begins based on mutual needs. Aeris needs a bodyguard, and Cloud needs to return to Tifa's Bar in Sector 7. Later, Cloud finds that Aeris is a powerful link to the very object his group's entire mission revolves around-the Planet. As the story develops, the two begin to pay each other back the favors they had borrowed: Cloud falls onto her flowers, he becomes Aeris's bodyguard and escorts her home, she guides Cloud to Wall Market and saves Marlene when the plate falls, he rescues Aeris when she is caught by Tseng, she provides the group with a kind, maternal figure, etc. This give-and-receive relation continues until Aeris finally gives her life to ensure that there will be a planet for future generations to live upon.

Cloud
 "Aeris...
  I'll do the rest."

Cloud's final return favor is to carry out his end of Aeris's scheme so that the Planet and all life dwelling in and upon it might be saved-Cloud must seek and eliminate Sephiroth.

Her other reason
You see, Aeris also knew that if she had not died for the sake of the Planet and her plan to preserve Life, she and Cloud could not live on together in the Lifestream. In order to understand the previous assertion, one must recall that part of Sephiroth's devious plan calls for enslaving every iota of life on the Planet. If Aeris had not acted on her plan and Cloud not stopped Sephiroth, Meteor would have fallen and the insane, power-hungry maniac would have gained god-like omnipotence, which would shatter the Lifestream's freedom and joyous contentment. Similarly, if Aeris had not acted on her plan and Cloud did manage to stop Sephiroth, Meteor would remain on its collision course; not only humans, but all life on the Planet would perish. Jenova caused a 'crisis from the skies' long ago; the only discernible remains of this previous catastrophe appear in the form of the Northern Crater. However, the previous projectile obviously was not hazardous enough to wipe out all life. Additionally, the Cetra helped heal the Planet's injury at the Knowlespole-the Northern Crater. But the Cetra are now extinct. In addition, nothing prevents Meteor from being more massive that the previous object, since the size of the planetesimal chosen by the Black Materia is somewhat random. Cloud even states upon seeing the Northern Crater, "Next time, the wound won't be so small." With no one able to help heal the Planet's injury, the world's situation looks grim. The only course of action that would allow total resolution of all problems ailing the Planet and Humanity was for Aeris to turn her hopes into actions. Soon after eliminating Sephiroth, Cloud says to Tifa, "I think I can meet her...there." Here, Cloud alludes to reuniting with Aeris in the Lifestream. The primary phase in Aeris's plan was to leave the outside world and join the Planet's spirit energy where she would have greater influence over future events. While her main motives focused on saving the Planet and the future of all life residing on it, Aeris no doubt looked forward to the time when she and Cloud could be together again in the vast ocean of spirit energy below the Planet's surface.

Aeris's hopeful gaze upon the airship

There was something puzzling me about the CG image of Aeris looking up at the docked airship; this picture appears on the Final Fantasy VII instruction booklet and on the inside of the discs' jewel case, among other places. The image seems to rank almost as prominent as the CG image of Cloud standing in front of Shinra Headquarters ready to draw his sword-which appears on the front cover of the jewel case. But there was something else, something more that I had not yet fully comprehended.

Something is there
I thought about this haunting scene for many days. Then, I decided to watch the FMV sequence where Cloud climbs onto the Junon docks and views Highwind for the first time. I wanted to see Aeris talk about the airship so I might better understand this perplexing enigma. After I became a stowaway on the cargo ship to Costa del Sol, I guided Cloud to the disguised Aeris and spoke to her. After reading the following dialog, I began to understand that Aeris and the airship are inseparable symbols representing the very theme that I am arguing:

Aeris
 "Hey Cloud, did you see the airship at Junon?"

Cloud
 "...I heard it was big,
  but I didn't expect it to be THAT big."

Aeris
 "That was REALLY something...
  Hey, do you thing I could get on it?"

Cloud
 "...keep hoping."

Aeris
 "Wow! I'm really looking forward to it..."

 "...Lets ride the Airship together, OK?
  Promise, promise me!"

The sudden insight struck me like a Fat-Chocobo.

I have already shown and will continue to show that Aeris is a strong symbol of hope; in this CG image, her figure coincides with hope. Yet, symbolically, what is she watching so intently? What is she hoping for? To answer this yourself, tell me; what is Aeris always thinking about? Tifa mentions Aeris's preoccupation before the crew returns to the Ancient Capital with Bugenhagen:

Tifa
 "She always used to talk about the 'Next time'."

 "She talked about the future more than any of us..."

 "Although she never talked about
  it to us she must've had a rough life."

 "I think Aeris looked
  forward to tomorrow and
  the future more than anyone..."

 "...she must've had many, many dreams..."

The airship, the object of her observation, is a representation of the future-the future of the Planet, Life, Cloud, even herself. Aeris loses her mother and father while still a child, grows up in the slums, makes a living selling flowers for one gil each, meets but then loses Zack, and is constantly running from the Turks. Aeris has good reason to dream of a better tomorrow. The illustration of Aeris looking up at the airship is a symbolic reflection of Aeris looking hopefully towards the future.

The circumstances never allow Aeris to fly Highwind...in life. This just goes to show that Aeris can not help the future...in life. Aeris's future has no place in life, only in death-only in the Lifestream.

After defeating the one-winged angel, Cloud states, "This is all we could do," implying that the future now rests in Aeris's hands; and what better hands to be in than the hands of hope.

Coincidence?
Now, I think I know why Square displays Cloud's CG image on the front cover of the jewel case and Aeris's CG rendering on the inside; herein is another observation I made about Aeris looking at the airship, a critical theme in the game. It is just too coincidental not to mention:

On the inside of the jewel case, Aeris eagerly stands beholding the airship with awe and anticipation.

Beneath the surface [of the Planet], lies hope in the future.

Loose ends tied

To this day, after eight weeks of the most exercise my brain has ever received, I am still uncovering subtle details in the plot that make me look at the compact discs' mammoth collection of ordered bits and say "Wow."

A brief history of the Cetra and Jenova
You see, Sephiroth endangers the Planet and all its life because he becomes a traveler of the Lifestream, gaining the knowledge and wisdom of all those who ever lived. However, Sephiroth is merely Hojo's little lab creation; he cannot handle that volume of knowledge without turning greedy. Even more, he is a puppet of Jenova, the former mastermind behind the Planet's planned Armageddon. Jenova arrived on the Planet thousands of years ago using an unknown form of transportation. The impact delivered a serious injury to the Planet. When the Cetra arrived at the Knowlespole, they discovered the Planet's recent wound. The Ancients then began to cultivate the land with energy so that the Planet might heal its scar. This alone was not enough; only time would completely heal the Northern Crater. Then, Jenova appeared. She introduced a virus to the Cetra, thus wiping out most of the ancient race. However, as is explained in Professor Gast's report, a few brave Cetra confronted, defeated, and confined Jenova. The 'crisis from the skies' as the Cetra called her might have been long forgotten, but humans developed themselves with industrialization. Shinra accidentally stumbles upon the imprisoned Jenova during a mining operation. Professor Hojo mistakes Jenova for a true 'Ancient' and begins to experiment with her body. One of the resulting products of this experimentation is Sephiroth. This is essentially the Jenova Project-the quest to create a race of beings with the powers of the Ancients. Hojo did not know he was creating a ballistic child of Jenova, a possessed offspring who would attempt to carry out his mother's original plan. This is why Jenova's intentions appear to parallel Sephiroth's actions; Jenova's cells live on in Sephiroth, making him a mere puppet. Consequently, the foreign entity finds a way to continue with her plans to imprison the Planet.

Meteor's purpose
The more I think about Meteor, I the less I think the Black Materia was designed as an offensive weapon; Meteor, rather, is a defensive precaution. Think about it this way: if there is a person on the Planet crazy enough, powerful enough, greedy enough and diabolical enough to seek the Black Materia and summon Meteor, that individual needs to be purged. The person's careless actions-summoning Meteor-prove that they are a major threat to the Planet's well being. The Black Materia is a sort of cursed gem meant to eliminate any who dare to use its powers. The Cetra, builders of the Ancient Temple, were probably well aware of the possibility that Jenova might walk the Planet again, even in the form of a host. Crippled by Jenova's virus, the ancient race knew they would become extinct soon. They raised the Temple of the Ancients so another hostile takeover of the Planet might be prevented. This new shrine would protect the Planet from Jenova long after they leave the Planet surface. Therefore, the Cetra leave the Black Materia as a trap designed to eliminate its summoner, albeit a tad inefficiently. Unfortunately, Jenova learns from her mistakes as well as the knowledge collected through Sephiroth and out smarts this precaution by knowing exactly where to be when Meteor impacted-at the center of the Planet's wound. As President Shinra said himself, "[Sephiroth] was brilliant... Perhaps too brilliant..." But Sephiroth's brilliance only stemmed from his connection with Jenova.

Parallels
I realized that Holy's initial judgment has striking parallels to Shinra's dropping of the Sector 7 plate. Both decisions qualify as overkill. In both cases, Aeris sacrifices herself to save another party. And lastly, Life ultimately survives both calamities. While Cloud fought his way up the Sector 7 pillar, Aeris went with the Shinra in return for Marlene's safety. This is similar to Aeris's plan to sacrifice of her own life so that the life of the Planet could have the chance to continue. Marlene, a probable symbol of Life, arrives safely at Aeris's house despite the falling plate, while Humanity arrives in the Lifestream despite Holy's initial judgment-thanks to Aeris's confident leadership of the Lifestream. Recall Marlene running to the tower window in Kalm thinking she will catch a momentary view of the "flower girl." As Meteor looms overhead, Marlene turns toward Aeris for hope; likewise, during this final crisis, Life's future rests solely upon Aeris.

Light
I discovered an omnipresent companion to Aeris's character: her association with light. In several places, Aeris stands in a white light, often times falling from above. Beams of light seem to 'follow' Aeris because they complement her theme. People sometimes refer to a beam of light as a 'ray of hope.' Hence, the reason for the light falling upon Aeris is to reinforce her role as the game's theme of hope. For example, when Cloud falls onto Aeris's flower bed, she stands in the sunlit Sector 5 church. This is interesting, considering that Midgar's urban plates block out all sunlight! The vicinity of Aeris's house also basks in sunlight, despite its location in the slums. We see Aeris locked in prayer, kneeling on an altar in the Forgotten City. The light that falls down upon her here is particularly important. (This is where I think the climax of the game lies.) When Cloud walks up to the altar, Aeris sits in deep meditation. As she wakes from this trance, Aeris looks up at Cloud and smiles. At the same time, the light falling upon the altar increases its intensity and the camera switches to Cloud. The light suggests that hope for the future, for Life, strengthens because her prayer has reached the Planet; the camera then switches to Cloud to show that Aeris is executing her part and all that remains is for Cloud to fulfill his half of the unspoken plan. This is the moment when I suspect Aeris finds her 'Promised Land.' She understands her looming death; as a descendant of the Cetra, Aeris can sense these kinds of things. But the Christ-like flower lady remains smiling because she knows that the deed she was carrying out would ultimately provide hope for the survival of so many others. She grants Life the greatest gift ever by forfeiting her own existence.

Cloud
 "Aeris has left us great hope.
  But, it cost her her life...
  her future..."

No other individual could be as influential as the sole-surviving Cetra, especially one who possesses the White Materia. Even after Sephiroth withdraws his blade from her slender frame, light continues to shine down upon her, because it is through death that Aeris can proceed with her intentions to stop Meteor. It is through death that Aeris's hope lives.

Marlene
Not too many people pay attention to Marlene. In my humble opinion, she is one of the game's true symbols of Life. Marlene escapes tragedy more than once. For instance, when Shinra sets fire to Corel, Marlene is the sole survivor. When the Turks knock out the Sector 7 pillar, Marlene is the only survivor other than Cloud and his friends. Marlene constantly evades threats, thus she constantly finds ways to continue her life. Children are classic symbols of life because of their newborn age; Marlene is only 5-6 years old. Barret says that he is fighting for the future of the Planet, while other times he states that he is fighting for Marlene's future. These reasons coincide because Marlene represents Life, including that of the Planet.

Cloud's realization
After defeating Sephiroth, Cloud fully comprehends Aeris's actions as is suggested by the following dialog:

Cloud
 "I think I'm beginning to understand..."

Tifa
 "What?"

Cloud
 "...An answer from the Planet..."
 "...the Promised Land."

Cloud elegantly sums up his awareness in the previous three lines of speech.

Cloud
 "I think I'm beginning to understand..."

Cloud comes to know that Aeris did not die in vain; he now knows how she was attempting to stop Meteor in the Forgotten City. Aeris relinquished her life so she and the rest of the Cetra could convince the Planet into relieving Humanity of its existence on the surface of the Planet.

Cloud
 "...An answer from the Planet..."

Just before fighting Sephiroth, Cloud shouts, "Come Planet! Show us your answer!" The "answer" that the "Planet" provides is Aeris's alternate solution. The "Planet" in this case is synonymous with the Lifestream. After all, the Lifestream gives the Planet its energy, its life.

Cloud
 "...the Promised Land."

Aeris and the Lifestream's answer is the "Promised Land," a place where humans have no corruptness, hate, or greed.

Nanaki's ending
The final FMV sequence basically implies that "Life will find a way to survive." Meteor came within mere kilometers of the Planet's surface, yet the Planet still exists five hundred years later. Red XIII was thought to be the last of his race, yet he leads offspring to witness the ruins of Midgar. The city itself should have been leveled, but the crippled icon of corruptness remains standing upon the triumphant Planet. I believe Midgar stands for a reason. Holy leaves Midgar partially intact as a vestige, a reminder to future generations of life: If you choose to base your future on Humanity's past, the Planet will suffer. Holy's preliminary judgment leads one to believe that Life was without hope. Yet, one pure-hearted Cetra along with the other Ancients and the rest of the Lifestream persuade Holy to instead remove Humanity from the face of the Planet and return them to the global stream of spirit energy.

Final Comments

Final Fantasy VII contains something that other games such as Tomb Raider and Super Mario 64 inherently lack-depth. Consider, also, that Final Fantasy VII is Square's first RPG to feature 3-D environments and characters, first RPG on the PlayStation, first RPG born under Sony's unrestricting content provisions, and first RPG created to utilize the spacious compact disc format. The game is truly a masterpiece.

This essay does not approach granting the game its full justice, for Final Fantasy VII is the result of more than one year's work by 100 talented programmers, modelers, script writers, CG artists, and one hell of a composer. The boundaries of the game extend far beyond the practical limits of this article. Aeris could not have said it better:

Tifa
 "What does that mean?"

Aeris
 "More than words... I don't know."

Final Fantasy is a registered trademark of Square Co., Ltd. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks belong to their corresponding owners.