Heartwarming / Final Fantasy VII Remake

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"It took no time at all for her to start feeling like family."

For all the action Final Fantasy VII: Remake provides, there are plenty of moments that will melt your heart back to the Lifestream.

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General

• Any of Barret's scenes with Marlene, they're all utterly adorable. When he tells her good girls go to bed on time, she whines and asks him to stay up a little later so they could talk, and Barret easily gives in. He even goes Papa Wolf on Cloud when he scares Marlene. You see the man before the trauma of Shinra and it's outright adorable.
• Compared to the relatively minor Mauve Shirt roles that Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie previously served, as the trio were only really close to Barret if even that in the original, their greatly expanded roles show them to not only be great friends with one another, but also respected by the slum community. And if that weren't enough, Cloud sticks his neck out for them more than once, even despite his vocal protests to the whole comrades thing.
• The banter between Cloud, Barret and Tifa in Chapters 5-7 count as this. Even when they butt heads or disagree, it's clear there's a strong bond developing between them. Plus at points, there are some genuine compliments exchanged, such as when Tifa mentions an interest in tightrope walking and Cloud encourages her by telling her she'd be good at it.
• Cloud's character development throughout the game, particularly due to his relationships with Tifa and Aerith. He may be far from perfect, but ended up becoming a more open person by the end.

Chapter 1: The Destruction of Mako Reactor 1

• When Avalanche are conversing with each other on the train, they all seem a bit bummed Cloud didn't make it. But after opening the door, Cloud flips in, startling everyone. Barret even admits Cloud had him worried, and when he gets a questioning look from Biggs, he quickly changes it to angrily asking what the hell Cloud thought he was doing.

Chapter 3: Home Sweet Slum

• Cloud offering Aerith's flower to Tifa, she's surprised by the warmhearted gesture, and asks him when he became so charitable.
• Tifa sadly gives Cloud only 500 gil of his pay, admitting they used most of the money for the mission. She then assures him she'd be able to pay him back by tomorrow after changing the filters, but then worries if he helps she'd have to pay him more money. Cloud tells her they agreed on 2000 gil, so she only owes him 1500 tomorrow. Tifa smiles and thanks Cloud.
• After Cloud wakes up, his landlady Marle tells him he can talk to her about anything, even Tifa. Cloud asks what Tifa is to Marle.
  Marle: The granddaughter I never had. And if you hurt her, I'll take it out on your hide. You hear me?
  • Marle can later give Cloud good advice on making sure that he's listening to Tifa and considering her feelings, advice that Cloud does take to heart. After the scene where Cloud and Tifa arrange to go out for a night, Marle notes that Tifa looks noticeably happier.
• Even though he's groaning and clearly not expecting to enjoy running the filter errands with Tifa, he does give in, clearly showing that even if he hates the idea of doing what he considers to be a boring chore, he can't say "no" to her.
  • After having a small heart to heart moment between the two of them, Tifa suggests they go out later together, and seems giddy about the idea of dressing up and matching outfits with Cloud.
  • Cloud too, while a little bit subdued, seems to enjoy the idea of a night out with her, even smiling a little.
• Cloud has a hard time socializing, but Tifa stays by his side to reassure him and help him get along with others.
• If Cloud accepts Tifa's offer to make him drinks, she actively flirts and shows off her mixing skills making the first drink. The second drink Cloud breaks his usual tacit demeanor and returns the favor by holding up the drink and says it's "Beautiful". Tifa turns to hide a blush as Cloud's obviously not talking about the drink.
• After being told that his services won’t be required on the Reactor 5 mission, Cloud immediately runs into some of Don Corneo’s men looking for Barret. Rather than sell him out, Cloud instead negotiates a price for the information, and promptly kicks their asses once they’re away from the rest of Sector 7’s residents.

Chapter 4: Mad Dash

• Much of Chapter 4 counts for this, as Cloud helps Jessie, Biggs and Wedge with a late night mission to prepare for the next bombing.
  • Jessie will have various reactions and levels of affection to the results of the motorcycle minigame, but even at worst she gets a fun bit of back-and-forth out of Cloud and it's clear that she does appreciate his skill and willingness to help no matter what.
  • Even though the visit is a deception, Jessie, Biggs and Wedge still get to enjoy a lively family meal and conversation with Jessie's mother. It's something extra meaningful Biggs and Wedge as it's earlier mentioned that neither of them have families.
  • Biggs and Wedge telling Cloud about Jessie's father. It's an open and honest talk, which Biggs initially assumes Cloud won't care about, but Cloud asks to hear the story and afterwards says that he understands them.
  • Biggs spotting the turrets during the diversion and quietly declaring "I got you" as he goes to help Cloud.
  • Perhaps the biggest smile Cloud gives in the game comes from Wedge getting his pants pulled down and berated over a minor wound. Jessie calls him out on it and he awkwardly changes the subject but it's clear the three of them are growing on him.
  • While parachuting down, Wedge laments not being more useful. Cloud points out that he took one from the team and should be proud. This cheers Wedge up at once.
  • After parachuting down, even though Wedge says he'll be fine, Cloud still opts to walk him home, which Wedge is delighted by, consistantly calling him "bro" throughout the night.
  • Finding Biggs before going back to your room allows Cloud to have a talk with him, catching Biggs getting worked up and overthinking things. Cloud lightly gets him to calm down and encourages him to get some rest.
• The exchange between Cloud and Tifa while the two of them are talking in Cloud’s apartment, as seen in the Game Awards trailer:
  Tifa: You...weren't thinking of leaving Midgar anytime soon, were you?
  Cloud: Well, it seems [that] this old friend of mine's in a tight spot. A long time ago I made a promise...so...
  Tifa: I'm really glad to have you back Cloud. [Beat] Really glad.

Chapter 5: Dogged Pursuit

• Despite the Shinra Middle Manager being an asshole to Barret, when the group's cover is blown Tifa has all of the passengers move to the next car. When the man asks why she's helping someone from Shinra if she's supposed to hate them, Tifa simply tells him she doesn't want anyone to die. The Middle Manager for his part says he'll look after the others.
• When the team needs to jump off the train while it's moving, provided if Cloud doesn't let the timer run out, ^note If it does, Cloud will simply jump off a nearby window and the scene with Tifa won't happen. he notices that Tifa is having trouble working up the courage to jump. He goes to her, gives her a reassuring nod and then jumps with her, holding and shielding her as they roll along the ground. He's very gentle with her afterwards and asks if she's alright.

Chapter 6: Light the Way

• Meeting Biggs on the second reactor bombing mission. Aside from his concern for Jessie, Barret gets quite delighted with Biggs' work and tries to hug him (even though Biggs seems to prefer his personal space in this instance).

Chapter 7: A Trap Is Sprung

• As Cloud, Barret and Tifa make their way up the elevator at the Mako 5 reactor, Barret and Tifa tell Cloud to give Marlene a big smile when they get back. Cloud makes a remark about doing so for the right price, but his tone and the atmosphere of the conversation implies this is likely a joke.
• When it looks like Cloud is going to fall to his death after the boss fight in the Mako Reactor 5, Barret's first words are to tell Cloud he was wrong about him, showing he views Cloud as being a genuinely good person.

Chapter 8: Budding Bodyguard

• After Cloud does some errands with Aerith, all of the kids start wearing wooden buster swords on their backs to imitate their new hero. When Cloud tells them he doesn't do work for free, they point out they don't have a lot of money, so he offers to do the job for 3 gil.
  Cloud: I'm offering a special discount right now on toad king jobs. Looks like it's your lucky day.
• When Elmyra orders Cloud to leave her house because of his ex-SOLDIER background, he looks visibly dejected, but resigned. As he begins the lone trek out of Sector 6, the complete absence of music highlights how much he's treated as an outcast everywhere, with no place to really belong to among the civilians of Midgar. Then he sees Aerith waiting for him along the way, who has decided to accompany him regardless of people's opinions. The atmosphere then takes a more uplifting tone, complete with warm, soothing music that signifies the fact that, to Aerith, Cloud is not a dangerous outsider to be feared or loathed, but a person she genuinely enjoys spending time with.
  • Compared to the original where Cloud protested Aerith's offer of help, but in Remake after a moment of surprise at seeing Aerith he instantly accepts her offer.
• By completing all of Chapter 8's sidequests, you'll get a scene where Cloud and Aerith chat for a bit in her garden. Despite mocking Barret earlier for his claims about being able to hear the Planet's pain, Cloud opts to keep an open mind when Aerith says that she believes the flowers are able to speak and that she's trying to understand them. Then when he realizes she seems sad, he tells the flowers 'learn to talk to her' on Aerith's behalf.

Chapter 9: The Town That Never Sleeps

• Cloud and Aerith's little adventure going through the Collapsed Expressway is just filled with this. Throughout the excursion, she tries to get him to give her a high-five every time he successfully uses a crane to get her on top of a raised-up ladder, and the first few times he completely blanks on (which means he may have never given anyone a high-five before). By the third time, Cloud seems to have figured it out and tries to raise his hand to hers, but this time she's the one who misses it since she appears to have given up on him reciprocating... and she's delighted to see that he's now responsive to her. By the time the duo make it to the end of the expressway, they finally get to (slowly) do a proper high-five.
  • The high-five comes back into play again when the Colosseum tournament is over: Aerith offers Cloud a high-five over their victory which he reciprocates without any hesitation this time.
• Cloud's treatment of Aerith, in general. Despite starting things off with his usual standoffish attitude, he quickly warms up to her, and shows his kinder, sympathetic side when listening to her struggles in life. He also expresses reluctance when he thinks they're about to part ways for good, having enjoyed her company quite a lot, and even offers to escort her back home one last time before splitting up, just to be safe, though she assures him that she'll be alright on her own.
  • What's even better about this: Cloud has been insisting over and over that he has to get back to Sector 7 as quickly as possible. Yet the moment he realizes Aerith would have to go back through the Collapsed Expressway on her own, he instantly tells her he'll escort her home without missing a beat even though he's literally right in front of the door back to Sector 7, showing just how much he's putting her well-being over his own priorities. There's also the fact that going through the Collapsed Expressway was actually longer than just going down the road to Wall Market and making a turn. In fact, when Aerith reveals to Cloud she has a backup route to go home that's much safer, he gives her a very brief, but very amused smirk upon hearing that. The whole thing was just an excuse for the two of them to spend more time having a fun adventure together.
  • When Briana White, Aerith's English voice actress, streamed this scene of the game, she spent a long moment gushing over how beautiful it was that Cloud & Aerith don't want to leave each other and just keep on escorting one another back and forth. She also emphasized that Aerith is the only character who is able to consistently pull Cloud out of his traumatic headaches, just as she did in the park. And also went on for some length on how beautiful Aerith's empathy for Tifa is, considering how quickly she pressed Cloud to hurry up and go after her when he was ready to just head back to Sector 7.
• Completing all of the side quests in Chapter 8 will reward the player with Aerith's best bridal outfit. During the introductory scene where it's revealed, Johnny is protecting her from a crowd of onlookers and literally rolls out a red carpet for her.
• While much of Johnny's scenes are Played for Laughs, he can be an endearingly sweet guy at times. Take the moment when he presents Aerith in the 1 million gil dress for example. In the good and best dresses, he scatters flowers and rolls out a red carpet, respectively, which are both funny and heartwarming. But if she ends up with the bad dress, does he mock her? No. He still cheerfully encourages her to meet Cloud and stays for a bit to admire her, even though no one but Cloud is around. In fact, his reaction seems to be the only reason she gets brave enough to go out in the first place, considering that she initially struggles to even look at Cloud (or herself for that matter).
• Andrea Rhodea. After being played up as a dangerous and mysterious man to deal with, he is probably the nicest out of Don Corneo's three enforcers (though that's not to say that Chocobo Sam and Madam M are evil, just that they are jerks with a hidden heart of gold). After taking an interest in Cloud, he immediately sets out to help him get into Corneo's audition, with only a dance battle to make up for it. And much as the scene at the Honeybee Inn is played for comedy, there's something very sweet about the dancers helping Cloud get into a pretty dress with no reservations. Contrast this with Madam M, who expects Cloud and Aerith to pay the latter's 1 million gil dress by taking part in the dangerous match in the Colosseum.
  Andrea: True beauty is an expression of the heart. A thing without shame, to which notions of gender don't apply. Don't ever be afraid, Cloud.
• Just as the dance contest is about to start, Cloud almost storms off the stage in disgust since he never wanted any part of it to begin with. But the moment he sees Aerith cheering him on from the crowd, he turns back, swallows his pride, then proceeds to give Andrea Rhodea the showdown of a lifetime. For all his grouchiness, it's clear that Cloud isn't the type to let his lady friend down, especially when she's rooting for him so enthusiastically.
  • A nice touch is if Cloud is doing well at the dance, Aerith wildly shows her enjoyment. If Cloud's failing, Aerith instead encourages him.
  • When Briana White, Aerith's voice actress, streamed that scene, she stressed the importance of changing the scene from having it played for laughs in the original game to have positive representation. Her monologue is just as heartwarming as the scene itself.
  • After the Sector 7 plate dropping, Cloud can visit Wall Market again and talk to Andrea. One of his exchanges is this:
    Andrea: Did you find what you were looking for?
    Cloud: Thanks to you.
    Andrea: Good. Now never let it go again.
• Tifa worrying over a (yet unknown to her) Cloud after he passed out in Corneo's mansion.
• Tifa and Aerith taking down Corneo's henchmen and complimenting each other.
• The gym in Sector six is filled with True Companions led by Lovable Jock Jules.

Chapter 10: Rough Waters

• Aerith reassuring Tifa in the sewers and agreeing on a little shopping date, with Cloud serving as their designated pack mule.

Chapter 11: Haunted

• In the train graveyard, Tifa is very unsettled and frightened by the ghosts haunting the group, and before the Ghoul appears to fight the group, Aerith calls out to her and offers her arm for Tifa to hold onto.
  • Later on, after Aerith has been separated from Cloud and Tifa by Eligor, who torments her with a memory of her lonely childhood - Cloud bursts onto the scene to save Aerith from an attack, and while he's holding off Eligor, Tifa arrives and checks on Aerith to make sure she's okay. Aerith had just been rendered distraught by memories of trying to play hide and seek, but nobody coming to find her, thanks to Eligor's hallucination. The first thing Tifa says to Aerith when she and Cloud show up to help her? "Hey. We found you."
  • The mid-fight cutscene where Eligor attempts to shoot Aerith with its Eye Beams, but Tifa tackles Aerith out of the way while Cloud jumps in and blocks it with his sword.
• Pay close attention to Aerith during the warehouse of the train graveyard. When you enter one room she will turn to Cloud and Tifa with her finger to her lips telling them to be quiet before going over to a locker and knocking on it with a friendly “Found you.” In another room she lets out a joyful one. Both times the ghost come out of hiding. Aerith was playing hide and seek the whole time, giving the ghost what they wanted. A game. Despite its creepiness the whole thing was just a game to the ghost and knowing this, Aerith just happily played along.
• After finally putting down Eligor, the trio is treated to the sight of the now freed ghosts making their way back to the Lifestream, with Aerith cheerfully saying "So long." A brief moment of sweetness before the hell that's about to break loose.

Chapter 12: Fight for Survival

• Though it's mainly a sad scene, Biggs' death has a heartwarming moment in it after he tells Cloud about the Leaf House orphanage. He responds to Cloud's assertion that he's not good with kids with the line "but you have so much in common." He then puts his hand on Cloud's head in an affectionate way. Given that the Ultimania reveals Biggs to be a few years older than Cloud, it's possible that on some level he viewed Cloud as a little brother figure of sorts. And depending on your dialogue choices, Cloud can offer some reassuring words and holds Biggs' hand, giving the dying man some comfort in his last moments.
• Cloud and Tifa have a couple of moments as they climb the pillar together where they show concern for one another and have each other's backs. When they regroup with Barret, Cloud checks in that he's doing okay before reaching for Tifa as she runs to join them behind cover. They're subtle little moments but they show Cloud isn't the hardened mercenary he tries to be.
• Reno and Rude have one during the attack on the Sector 7 support pillar when, after the helicopter Rude is piloting crashes, Reno becomes notably distraught, thinking Rude has perished, only for Rude to turn up alive seconds later and give Reno a reassuring pat on the shoulder, with Reno expressing immense relief.
• After Rude activates the drop of the plate, there's a quick moment where Cloud chooses to abandon pursuing him to help an injured Tifa. A similar moment comes shortly afterwards at the start of the cutscene when the party escape the tower. It's a bit of Tear Jerker as well because Cloud is clearly unsure how to comfort a clearly frozen Tifa as she looks down at Sector 7 one last time, but he makes sure to snap her out of it long enough to run with her to Barret and ensure the safety of both of them.

Chapter 13: A Broken World

• While the fall of Sector 7 is indeed a tragedy, Aerith and Wedge save many lives. Aerith tells Marle about the upcoming disaster, and she gets many people to believe her, which causes everyone to start fleeing from the Sector 7 slums. Wedge manages to persuade a Shinra soldier to open the gates and allow the people to escape.
  • Aerith herself personally saves both Marlene and her friend Betty: she helps Betty reunite with her father and takes a scared Marlene to Elmyra’s house, being incredibly motherly towards both of them.
• Barret being the one to comfort Tifa when she believes everything that occurred was their fault.
  • While it's a little sad in a way as well, the Ultimania interview reveals that, due to events not yet covered by the Remake, Cloud's 5 year gap in his memory is the reason why his hug with Tifa in her Chapter 14 resolution scene was so hesitant. What makes this a little heartwarming is that this moment between Tifa and Barret is also said to be what led Cloud to hug her back. Though he's a little awkward about it, it's something he learned from Barret.
• Barret yelling at Elmyra asking where Marlene was and only calms down when Cloud and Tifa intervene. When he starts describing Marlene, he calls her cute as a button and has the heart of an angel.
• Later on, after Aerith gets captured by Shinra, Tifa and Barret both express reluctance in attempting to mount a rescue as they feel it's not worth the danger, while Elmyra has all but given up, desperately trying to convince herself that everything will work out on its own. But after stumbling upon the remains of Hojo's old lab where the mad scientist used to perform horrific experiments on people, Cloud and company then realize what truly awaits Aerith at Shinra's hands, and thus vow to rescue her no matter what it takes. Keeping in mind that Aerith's greatest fear is her being left alone (as shown in the Train Graveyard), this gesture by Cloud and the others effectively means she doesn't have to be afraid anymore, because now she has people to rely on.

Chapter 14: In Search of Hope

• The Resolution scenes, which are shown depending on the Relationship Values Cloud has with Aerith and Tifa:
  • Cloud finds himself in a dream conversation with Aerith where they share an intimate conversation that is both heart-warming and a Tear Jerker, with Aerith talking about her past and telling Cloud how much their time together means to her. She also teases him about being worried for her safety, and Cloud immediately admits that of course he is, showing how far he's grown from the cold, deflective man on their first meeting. When Aerith gently warns him not to fall in love with her, Cloud, uncharacteristically shaken by the declaration and her reaching out to touch him, quickly collects himself and asserts that he should have a say in the matter. He then promises her that he'll come to her rescue. Aerith's response is a sad yet genuine smile as she thanks him^note In Japanese, her final response is more than just a word of thanks: she specifically says the word ureshii which can mean "[I'm] glad" or "[that makes me] happy" and slowly fades away.
    Aerith: I'm glad I met you, Cloud. I really am. I'm grateful for all the words we've shared. For all the moments and the memories. You've made me more happy than you know. And I'll always cherish what you've given me.
  • In the Tifa version of the above event, Cloud wakes up in the night while they're staying at Aerith's house, and realises Tifa is missing. He finds her standing in the garden, looking at the flowers. As they talk, she starts breaking down, completely overwhelmed by everything that has happened. Tifa, weeping, comes to cry on Cloud's shoulder. After some hesitation, he pulls her into a hug to comfort her. He holds her so tight that Tifa has to tell him that he's hurting her and he lets go. When Tifa says it crying is a waste of time, he reassures her that it's alright, earning a heartfelt smile and thank you from Tifa.
    Tifa: It's stupid. I know that crying's a waste of time.
    Cloud: (reassuringly) That's not true.
    Tifa: Thank you.
  • If your relationship value isn't high enough with either Tifa or Aerith, you instead get a scene with Barret, in which he starts reminiscing to Cloud about some of his good friends from Sector 7 and even offers to introduce Cloud to them after everything is over.
• Barret's scene with Marlene in Chapter 14 is a wonderful one. He gives Marlene a gentle and honest explanation of the responsibility he feels to protect the planet and stop the "bad people" that threaten it. He also emphasizes the need to rescue Aerith and tells Marlene to thank Aerith for saving her when they do, which Marlene agrees to at once. At the end, Marlene happily gives Barret permission to go. The whole scene shows that Barret doesn't just love his daughter; he also respects her enough to make sure she understands what he's doing and why he's doing it. It also reveals that Marlene is able to handle not seeing him for a while far better than Barret can:
  Barret: She's stronger than me.
• One of the side quests in Chapter 14 is to help Marlene's friend Betty find music discs for a jukebox in Sector 6 in order to help cheer people up after the fall of the Sector 7 plate. Doing so gets three despondent people to start dancing, as well as Betty herself. Few quests can be purer or cuter than that.

Chapter 16: The Belly of the Beast

• While storming the Shinra HQ to save Aerith, one of the patrolling guards recognizes Cloud to be an old buddy of his from their training days. The man is so overjoyed at this unexpected reunion that he doesn't even question why Cloud is there or that he could be an intruder now and a sworn enemy of Shinra, going off immediately to relay the news to their mutual friend, Kunsel. For all the heavy sins they've committed under Shinra's banner, this one moment serves as an effective reminder to viewers that many of these troops are still genuine human beings with people whom they care about. The event also doubles as a tearjerker since Cloud, because of his messed up memories, fails to recognize his old friend in the end, leaving their reunion brief and hanging.
  • It also serves as a heartwarming example for ZACK. Kunsel was a 2nd Class SOLDIER who remained loyal to Zack throughout Crisis Core. It's actually good to know Zack's buddies are still on the inside as Kunsel was about ready to betray Shinra to figure out what happened to Zack. That means Kunsel is a potential future ally working on the inside. This makes the moment, again, a Tear Jerker because it becomes a case of Missed Him by That Much. Kunsel would have been able to explain about Cloud actually being a grunt and Zack being the 1st Class SOLDIER who went to Nibelheim. Cloud meeting Kunsel might have solved the plot of FFVII about two games early which explains neatly WHY Fate didn't allow it to happen.
• Cloud's behavior throughout the rescue mission itself is an understated example of both heartwarming and cool. He's laser-focused, calls all the shots with sound judgment, and also periodically reminds both Barret and Tifa to keep themselves goal-oriented (which is to save Aerith) every time the former's Blood Knight inclinations and the latter's moral quandaries start to get into their heads. On the outside, this might come across as mere stone-cold professionalism on Cloud's part, but it should also be noted that he's doing all of this with no monetary compensation in mind, only his own desire to rescue someone he cares for. It's the first true display of his leadership qualities in motion, and strong proof that this seemingly apathetic merc is a far more admirable person than he gives himself credit for.
  • Speaking of, one scene has the group getting ready to fight a normal office worker (they had been fighting for several floors by that point), but calm down and noticing he's just a normal guy. Tifa makes note that many of the people working for Shinra are just normal people living their lives and supporting their loved ones, but got caught up in the conflict between Shinra and Avalanche. While Barrett brushes it off, saying they're a part of the problem, but are simply blind to the truth, Tifa expresses regret about Avalanche's actions and how they affect the everyday people.
• Reeve has one with his assistant whilst writing the report on Sector 7's collapse, with Reeve being nothing but polite and cordial towards her, while said-assistant shows noteworthy concern for Reeve's well-being.

Chapter 17: Deliverance from Chaos

• Aerith sounds so happy when Barret quotes Cetra scripture, since this means the knowledge was not lost. Further, Barret is respectful enough to correct himself: he initially begins to say that the Promised Land belongs to the Ancients, but stops short and says "To you and your people" instead. He then suggests a new plan: he raises all hell while everyone else escapes.
• After hearing the above plan, Aerith says Barret can't do that, and the Whispers appear and swarm around her in anticipation of her warning them about Sephiroth, meaning they'll learn about him earlier than intended. She cryptically alludes to a threat started by Shinra but far bigger than them, and it becomes clear that she's aware of a bigger picture. As the Whispers swarm in to stop her, Tifa pulls her out and reassures her that they'll escape together, satisfying the Whispers. It's clear that Tifa (and everyone else) genuinely trust Aerith enough to follow her lead despite her inability to tell them what's really going on. True Companions indeed.
• Before taking on Rufus, Cloud asks Barret to escort Aerith to safety. Barret refuses at first because he's eager to get a shot at Shinra's new boss as well, but then Cloud asks again, this time looking Barret straight in the eyes and begging him with utmost sincerity. At this point, Barret realizes how much this request actually means to Cloud, so he agrees to it without further complaint.
• Like in the original, Tifa staying behind to make sure Cloud's okay when he stays to take care of Rufus. In this version, Cloud is nearly shot off the roof by the Shinra helicopter, but Tifa runs in and catches Cloud before he can fall.
  Tifa: You gotta be better than this... if you're gonna play the hero.
  • While Cloud doesn't say anything, when Tifa catches him one-handed by the wrist, he first has a look of surprise, then briefly closing his eyes in relief with a small smile, and finally grasps back at Tifa's wrist in return.

Chapter 18: Destiny's Crossroads

• Finally being able to see what could have been with Zack taking Cloud the last leg of the journey toward Midgar. Being badly beat up won't stop him putting his friend first.
  Zack: (pained) Almost there, Cloud... We're almost there.
• When fighting Sephiroth, he'll rush Aerith at some point. If you block his attack with Cloud in time perhaps in panic and remembrance of her ultimate death in the original Final Fantasy VII, she'll say to Cloud, "Were you worried about me?"
• After the final battle of Part One, when they confront one another at the Edge of Creation, Sephiroth, of all people, gets one - he seems sincere about his desire to have Cloud on his side for the next stage of his plan.
  Sephiroth: But I will not end. Nor will I have you end. Cloud, lend me your strength. Let us defy destiny... together.
  • And when he beats Cloud in their ensuing fight, he decides to let him live, intrigued to see what he does next.
  • A subtle one, but his meeting with Cloud after the plate of Sector 7 fell down is also this. Rather than gleefully and sadistically taunt Cloud, or at least show the same soft-spoken sadism, Sephiroth actually encourages Cloud to walk forward and grow stronger from his suffering. One must remember that Sephiroth's insanity started when he suffered the realization that all his life as a hero was made from the powers of a monster who was claimed to be his mother, so by telling Cloud to learn from his suffering, although twisted, Sephiroth genuinely was comforting him because enough remains in him to remember that he didn't start out as a monster.
• In the ending, where the survivors of sector 7 begin rebuilding their lives, now free to see the sun.
  • There is a Call-Back to earlier, when Aerith gave a flower to Cloud, who gave it to Tifa - previously, you could see Tifa put it in a cup of water in Seventh Heaven. In chapter 14's resolution scene, Tifa revealed she couldn't keep it alive (makes sense since she said she rarely saw flowers at all), symbolic of how she couldn't prevent the loss of her home once again. But in the ending, in their new house, there is a whole pot of the same flower in soil, symbolising renewal.

Episode INTERmission

Chapter 1: Wutai's Finest

• Despite being older and more mature than Yuffie, Sonon has complete faith and trust in her abilities, going as far as calling her "boss."
  • Yuffie becomes overjoyed when she realizes that Sonon can eat Wutai nuts without breaking his teeth.
  • Sonon becomes comfortable enough to share his backstory about losing his sister during the Wutai War, and Yuffie shows sympathy towards his loss.
• A moment that chronologically follows chapter 7 in the main game: when Tifa is worried about Cloud after they're separated at the reactor, Barret acts in an uncharacteristically upbeat manner and assures her he'd be fine.
• Yuffie encounters a grumpy Jessie and challenges her to a game of Fort Condor. Why is Jessie in a bad mood? She is deeply worried about Tifa and Cloud, who have been absent for an extended period of time. Cloud had to fill in for Jessie on a mission due to her leg injury, which has heightened her concerns.

Chapter 2: Covert Ops

• Weiss and Nero's conversation has Nightmare Fuel connotations but it is oddly heartwarming to see how close they are. Both are psychopatic killers who spend their time slaughtering and hunting preys, but they are exceptionally caring of each other. Weiss asks Nero if he sleeps well, if he looks forward to his future toy the same way someone would ask their younger brother if they look forward to a new gift, and when Nero learns about Weiss being data replicated, he simply says there is no way to replicate Weiss. Not to mention during battles, whenever Nero is hurt, he calls for Weiss and cries for him the way a child would cry for his parent. It definitely shows a new side of the ruthless Emperor of Deepground.
• Realizing that they were unable to defeat Nero, Sonon did something he wished he had done when his sister was still alive — he made the decision to save Yuffie and sacrifice himself. Although it was a sorrowful moment, Sonon's deep care for Yuffie drove him to prioritize her life over his own, allowing her to continue while he meet his demise.
  • Even after losing Sonon and witnessing the devastating destruction of the plates, Yuffie remains resolve and determined. Her resolve only grows stronger, as she is now more determined than ever to put an end to Shinra's tyranny and restore peace to her country. The hardships she has faced only fuel her determination, and she is unwavering in her mission to bring justice and make a positive change.
  • Extra points. The way Yuffie calls out to the sky for allies holds a dual significance. On one hand, it can be seen as her reaching out to the players, acknowledging their support and commitment as they accompany her on her journey. On the other hand, it can also be interpreted as a foreshadowing of Yuffie's future involvement with the Avalanche team, as they unite to confront and halt the ambitions of Shinra and Sephiroth.
• As sad and heartbreaking Sonon's death is, there is a slight comfort that unlike the DG soldiers and scientists absorbed by Nero, Sonon died with a smile while dreaming about his sister one last time, imagining they are eating Da-Chao beans together. He did not die screaming in pain or terror, but rather smiling and at peace because he had redeemed himself for having failed to save Melphie by saving Yuffie.
  • It is subtle but Nero himself, who was laughing mad about Sonon's and Yuffie's pain, stops laughing at the whole sequence, let Yuffie go and simply finishes Sonon off after this. Sonon being an older brother like Weiss was might have been probably has a role in this.
• The players get to see the main party after leaving Midgar, showcasing the friendship they formed between themselves:
  • Barret is incredibly positive and confident that they will reach their next destination if they keep going on foot.
  • Cloud demonstrates a caring nature as he checks on Barret, making sure that Barret isn't pushing himself too far or exceeding his limits after being stabbed by Sephiroth. In response, Barret acknowledges Cloud's worry and reassures him that he is alright.
  • Needing a ride, Tifa helps working on Aerith's posture for giving a spunky hitch-hiking thumb. They truly feel like sisters now.
  • After nearing their destination, the weather turns rainy, and Aerith mentions that her stomach feels like it's in knots, prompting a concerned Cloud to ask if she's okay, ready to help at a moment's notice. Though Aerith claims that there's no need to worry, Barret sees her discomfort so to help alleviate it, he suggests that she is simply hungry.
  • Throughout all of this, Cloud couldn't help but break into a simple smile, amused by their playful antics. His old light-hearted self, which had been overshadowed by his current stoic persona, starts to shine through once again, thanks to the friendships he has formed along the way.
  • Back in Sector 5 Church, Zack stands by the door, contemplating various ways to greet Aerith after his prolonged absence. However, in the end, he opts for a simple yet heartfelt "I'm back." Despite experiencing his near tragic demise, Zack's character remains unchanged, embodying the same laidback nature he had back in Crisis Core.