"That's just your interpretation"
I've lost count of the amount of times people have asserted some variation of "SE never confirmed either ship, there is nothing in the Ultimanias saying one way or the other, it's just your interpretation".
It doesn't matter how good your argument is, any leap of logic is too big, only a single explicit watertight statement will do. They don't care for context, they'll make up any excuse to not accept evidence.
But is it a matter of interpretation? Or, like I've said before, is it a matter of lying to yourself vs not lying to yourself?
Instead of telling you my interpretation, this article was made to allow you to make your own. Here I will not make an argument, I will simply make a story, a story with minimal personal input, just official statements and materials put in order, perhaps paraphrased to make it flow, like changing "tifa" to "her", but every sentence referenced. Undeniably, objectively, this is the story of FFVII.
_______________________________________________________
FFVII, A canonical Love story:
Chapter 1: Early Youth
When they were younger, Tifa and Cloud used to play together a lot. Their houses were right next to each other, and it was easy to go back and forth.[1] Tifa was idolized by the village boys. Cloud was just as drawn to Tifa as the others. [2]
When Tifa’s mother died and three of her friends decided to take her up the mountains where the dead were believed to go, Cloud wasn’t invited. But even so, Cloud secretly went after them wanting to cheer Tifa up[3]
Unfortunately, both Tifa and Cloud fell down a cliff partway through the journey. Cloud sustained only minor injuries , but Tifa was knocked unconscious and remained in critical condition for a whole week. [4]
Hating his own weakness and inability to do anything, Cloud learned of Sephiroth and longed to be as strong as him. He thought that if he became stronger, Tifa would accept him.[5]
Cloud had started falling in love with Tifa [6] In order to get her to notice him Cloud decided to join SOLDIER [7] Cloud called Tifa to the water tower[8]
The tower at night appears to be a date spot for the town’s young residents[9] Before leaving the village he called out for Tifa, the girl he liked romantically, he declared he would become a Soldier [10] and promised to protect her. [11]
To Tifa Cloud was unreachable, a thing of beauty. Like the stars.[12] “Cloud has such a beautiful face,” her mother once complimented him at the dining table. Did that happen when she was seven, or was it eight? For some reason that compliment made her feel happy and a bit shy.
Her mother had given her a knowing wink.[13]
As she was choosing what outfit to wear, the realization came to her that this would be the first time she would sneak outside at midnight behind her father’s back, and with, of all people, Cloud Strife! This night was special. Her spirit soared. Sleep was the last thing on her mind.[14]
Was Cloud waiting for her on that water tower, thinking of her with special emotions, emotions that were more than a friendship? Would he confess those feelings to her? If that were the case, how would she respond?[15]
Did she even like him?
She held a hand up to her heart and thought it over. Yes, there was no mistaking it. She liked him. However, this “fondness” she had for him was different from just wanting to spend time alone with him.[16]
She felt less nervous; her footsteps became lighter. She sprinted toward the water tower.[17]
The things Cloud told her at the water tower were nothing extraordinary. He told her he was going to leave town when spring came. That he was different from everyone else. All the boys said the same thing to her in the end. But even so, she wasn’t disappointed.
Was it due to some sort of spell cast on her the night of the stars falling down? Or was it perhaps the sight of Cloud seeming slightly enthusiastic that she found so endearing? That promise she suggested they make was just a simple idea.[18]
“Hey, promise me something. When you become famous, and if I’m ever trapped or in trouble, promise you’ll come and save me.”[19]
It was just an idea, but from the moment it was made it became an irreplaceable promise. And that night, when Tifa realized that the Cloud she admired was just an ordinary boy, she fell in love with him [20]
____________________________________________________
Chapter 2: The Nibleheim incident
After Cloud left town, Tifa really thought about him a lot, she used to wonder how Cloud was doing, whether he was able to get into SOLDIER. She started reading the newspapers, thinking there might be an article about him.[21]
When she heard that there would be SOLDIERs coming to the village, she looked forward to being reunited with Cloud. [22]
Believing in Cloud’s promise, Tifa’s waiting to see Cloud become a SOLDIER like Sephiroth. Tifa dresses herself in a pretty and sexy look. Does she do that to spirit up herself in preparing for a touching reunion?[23]
Tifa is hired as a guide to lead Sephiroth and Zack to the mako excavation facility. She is not a fan of ShinRa and, although she admits to desiring a blonde-haired soldier operative for a boyfriend, she does not have a lot of nice things to say about soldier.[24]
"Are there any blond guys in SOLDIER? Well,it’s just a dream… Any girl would love to have a blond SOLDIER guy protect her when she’s in a pinch.Well, it’s no good just waiting for my blond knight in shining armor to show up,so I’ve started learning how to fight, myself.My teacher tells me I’ve got a knack for it."[25]
Who's the SOLDIER she's curious about?
Believing that Cloud has become a SOLDIER, Tifa's feelings of how much she wants to hear something about him somehow shows through in her texts. The two of them care about the other so much, yet both Cloud and her are perhaps too shy and bashful to explain the situation to the middleman, Zack. As a result, it seems they completely slip past each other in Nibelheim.[26]
The young lady who waited for the SOLDIERs held out hope of a reunion with Cloud in her heart[27]
However, she was unable to meet with him and though disappointed deep down, she lead the SOLDIERs towards the Nibel Reactor.[28]
It was a great chance for Cloud and Tifa to see each other again, but Cloud did not want his identity as a regular trooper known, and avoided her [29]
The night they arrive in Nibelheim, Cloud finds himself reminiscing of the promise he shared with Tifa at the water tower. Could it be that he won't talk about her to Zack because he wants to keep that memory precious in his heart?"[30]
Cloud dreamed of becoming a SOLDIER, but lacked the strength and instead could only become an infantryman. Yet, the rage he felt at his hometown being burnt to the ground and Tifa being hurt awakens an alarming strength in him, and although it may be because he had let down his guard, Cloud defeats the strongest SOLDIER of them all, Sephiroth.[31]
Cloud lifts a collapsed Tifa up in his arms, and upon seeing her aware of him, he smiles gently.[32]
"Cloud. You came for me... Our promise... you kept it for my sake"[33]
Cloud had rushed to Tifa's side when she was in a bind, just as he promised.[31]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Epilogue: Fake memories~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reunited with Tifa, the girl that he’s always liked, Cloud was ashamed that he did not become a SOLDIER. From those feelings, Cloud constructed an illusory self identity blended with the stories he heard from his friend Zack and his own real experiences and began to act the part. [34]
He seals his memories, and hides his feelings deep inside his heart[35] A Promise to Tifa, Etched in his Memory[36], tender feelings that no one may ever know[35]
_______________________________________________________
Chapter 3: FFVII
In order to fulfill the promise Cloud had made to save Tifa if she were ever in trouble he joins the AVALANCHE mission, not knowing that he'd already fulfilled his promise years ago.[37]
To Tifa, Cloud is the only one through which she can get in touch with her past. He is her ideal love and his existence is also like a prince who promised to come to her rescue when she is in trouble.[38]
Following this, the pair experience many hardships, and through these the distance between them shortens.[39]
Tifa sets out with him on a journey in pursuit of Sephiroth. She continues to support him at all times, such as when Cloud fell into the Lifestream, and she devotedly nursed over him.[[40]]
Cloud falls victim to mako poisoning twice, but both times - at the Sector 7 slums station and at Mideel as well - he regains his consciousness because Tifa calls out to him.[41]
In the eyes of Cloud, who had no faith that he even truly existed, Tifa was the sole support of his heart[42]
"No matter what anyone else says to me, it’s your opinion that counts"[43]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lifestream~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cid and the others revisit Mideel after a long time away. However, Cloud shows no signs of recovering, and Tifa's worn down from the endless days she's spent taking care of him.[44]
Tifa tries frantically to escape while pushing Cloud's wheelchair, but the two are swallowed up by a fissure and fall down into the lifestream.[45]
As Tifa tumbles into the water's dark depths, her head is inundated with an abundance of knowledge and innumerable chattering voices, Unable to stand it, she calls out for Cloud.[46]
Countless voices she doesn't recognize call out to her, and she becomes confused and overwhelmed. When Cloud was swallowed up by the Lifestream after being turned into Sephiroth's puppet, he must have been unable to withstand these conditions and succumbed to mako poisoning.[47]
Tifa gets through the worst of it by calling Cloud's name[48]
"Somebody help....please. Cloud, help me"[49]
After falling into the lifestream, Tifa and Cloud weave together scattered strands of memory as they attempt to find Cloud's true self[50]
When Cloud was a young child, he was isolated from those around his age, and so he tries convincing himself that he must be special. However, Tifa was still important to him — this childhood awakening of love is revealed in the spirit world.[51]
Trying to probe the feelings hidden in Clouds heart, Tifa asks him what his reason was for trying to become a SOLDIER. He unexpectedly answers: [52]
"Because I wanted you to notice me."[52]
Cloud informs Tifa that he's been holding favor for her ever since before the promise even [53]
"a sealed up secret…… wish…… Tender memories…… no one can ever know…"[54]
Tifa did not realize that Cloud was holding favor for her until he informed her in the Lifestream[53]
As the feelings are earnestly transmitted Tifa learns a lesson about the complexity of the human heart [55]
The memory of 5 years ago, the promise at the water tower, Cloud’s motive to decide to become a SOLDIER. Together with Tifa, Cloud grasps the truth of himself and now faces the reality of 5 years ago. During the tragedy of Nibelheim, Cloud defeated Sephiroth as a mere soldier, keeping his promise to Tifa. At last, the two who discovered the truth meet again with true significance, and return to reality where their friends await.[56]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The night underneath the highwind~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the time of the final battle with Sephiroth, the two share a fateful night. With this possibly being the end — an evening overcome with a flood of feelings becomes something special.[57]
"This is probably the last time we’ll have together……"[58]
For many years, Cloud and Tifa have been holding favor for one another. Facing the impending final battle with Sephiroth, they at last confirm together their feelings of desire for one another.[59]
Thanks to Tifa, Cloud regained himself, and before the final battle with Sephiroth, he confirms with her feelings that can’t be expressed in words.[61] Everyone leaves to find the people most important to them, Tifa and Cloud stay together and reveal their feelings for each other during their final hours, and.....[60]
"Words aren't the only thing that tell people what you're thinking"[61]
Without using words they confirm that their feelings match[62]
_____________________________________________________
Chapter 4: Advent children
After realizing their feelings for each other Cloud and Tifa start living together[63]
“It all starts now. A new…”
Cloud looked for the right words.
“A new life.”[64]
“But when I think about how many times I’ve thought about how I was going to start a new life, it’s funny.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve always failed everything.”
“That’s not funny.”
“After this … I think I’ll be okay.”
Cloud was silent for a long time before he spoke again.
“Because I have you this time.”
“What I mean is kind of different"
Cloud answered with a smile.[61]
Now running a delivery business while helping out Tifa with the newly opened “Seventh Heaven” bar, Cloud, Tifa, Marlene and Denzel lived together like a family.[65]
Since 2 years ago, Tifa has been the only one he has opened his heart to.[66]
The present Tifa isn’t just Cloud’s childhood friend, but also the mother of the ‘family’ they were forming in Edge.[67]
She is a mother, a sweetheart, and a close ally in battle[68]
she is also the woman who understands him all too well and devotedly supports the mentally-weak side of him[69]
The more he realizes how happy he is living with Tifa and the children, the more the fear of losing that and regrets toward the past trouble Cloud…[70]
Cloud continued to regret the deaths of his best friend and comrade, who were dear to him[71]
He is scared that the peace he has now might shatter[72]
Cloud never had a candid personality to begin with, and although he started living with Tifa and even started working, he obtained a peaceful living he’s never experienced before, and this conversely makes him anxious. And in the midst of this he contracts Geostigma himself, and rather than being able to protect the person dear to him, he instead is forced to face his own death, and so he runs away.”[73]
Behind these actions lies feelings of guilt towards his past failure to protect people who were important to him [74]
Tifa, watches over Cloud warmly as he regains the strength to move forward. Having been together with him since they were young, she is able to believe in his recovery for certain.[75]
She gives encouragement to Cloud, who is unable to shake off his doubts, and creates the catalyst for him to regain the will to fight[[76]]
With the support of former allies and Tifa, an important woman to him and now also part of his family, Cloud regains the courage to move forward.[74] At the end of a long struggle, she gently welcomes back Cloud on his return home after settling things with himself.[[77]]
Cloud overcomes his immense feeling of guilt[78] Geostigma is cured. Cloud returns to Tifa and the children. [79]
~~~~~~~~~Epilogue: The guide to Clouds promised land~~~~~~~~~
The place where he awakens —
That is Cloud’s Promised Land
As he sleeps, Cloud hears two voices. The voices of two people very dear to him, who are no longer with him. Playfully and kindly, they give him a message: he doesn’t belong here yet.
When he awakes, there was his friends. There were the children, freed from their fatal illness. Tifa and Marlene, and Denzel asking for Cloud to heal his Geostigma — his family were waiting. Engulfed in celebration, he realises where he is meant to live. He realises that he was able to forgive himself.
And when he turns around — “she” is starting to leave. Together with the friend who had given Cloud his life. Cloud no longer has to suffer in loneliness … And so they too go back to where they belong.[80]
Cloud was home again, where he belonged, together with Tifa, [81]
The heroine who would be by Clouds side until the end[82]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Fin(al Fantasy VII)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now look me in the eye and tell me it's "just my interpretation".
_______________________________________________________
Reference list:
Referenced materials:
Games and movies:
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)
Final Fantasy VII: Last Order (2005)
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core (2007)
Literature:
Final Fantasy VII: On the way to a smile (2009)
Final Fantasy VII: Trace of Two Pasts (2021)
Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Ω (2005)
Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania (2007)
Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania Revised Edition (2009)
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Ultimania (2007)
Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania (2008)
Dissidia Ultimania (2009)
Final Fantasy 25th Memorial Ultimania (2012)
Additional guides:
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children -Reunion Files- (2006)
Crisis Core: Complete Guide (2008)
Advent children: Prologue book
Interviews:
Dengeki volume 686 (with Yoshinori Kitase and Tetsuya Nomura)
Shonen Gangan (Nomura)
Weekly famitsu issue No. 1224 (Nomura)
__________________________________________________________
Note: References which receive a double bracket designation "[[]]" are from sources which, while official, cannot reasonable be considered prescriptive cannon, and should only be used in a descriptive capacity.
Ps: don't start complaining to me about "incorrect translations or other crap like that, I am done arguing with people who think they're the only person in the world who knows how to properly translate Koibito, with everyone else just being charlatans.
Regardless of translations, the overall sentiment doesn't change, if you think it does, you are once again lying to yourself.
However, Referencing a bunch of similar quotes in a bunch of similar products is tricky, and these quotes propagate over the internet so widely that it's hard to tell what is accurate and what is not, so if there are very specific inaccuracies let me know and I'll adjust them.
__________________________________________________________
[1]
When they were younger, she and Cloud used to play together a lot. Their houses were right next to each other, and it was easy to go back and forth.
~A trace of two pasts
[2]
The letter on Tifa’s desk in her room was written by the son of the shop owner. If you read it all the way, you’ll learn how Cloud had distanced himself from his peers in the village or how Tifa was idolized by the village boys. Cloud was just as drawn to (charmed by? attracted to? pulled?) Tifa as the others.
~ Ultimania omega
[3]
As a small boy, he didn’t get along with others apart from Tifa. So when Tifa’s mother died and three of her friends decided to take her up the mountains where the dead were believed to go, Cloud wasn’t invited. But even so, Cloud secretly went after them wanting to cheer Tifa up ~ AC prologue - Cloud profile
[4]
Unfortunately, both Tifa and Cloud fell down a cliff partway through the journey. Cloud sustained only minor injuries , but Tifa was knocked unconscious and remained in critical condition for a whole week.
~Ultimania omega, story analysis
[5]
Hating his own weakness and inability to do anything, Cloud learned of Sephiroth and longed to be as strong as him. He thought that if he became stronger, Tifa would accept him.
~Ultimania omega, story analysis
[6]
Before leaving for Midgar, Cloud declared ‘I’m going to become a SOLDIER’ to Tifa, a village girl he had started falling in love with, and also promised to protect her.
~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 24
[7]
Tifa - "now that you mention it, why did you want to join Soldier in the first place? I always thought it was a sudden decision"
Cloud - "..I was devastated. ..I wanted to be noticed. I thought if I got stronger someone would notice."
Tifa - "Someone to notice you? ...Who?"
Cloud (inner) - "Who? You know who! ..You, that's who."
Cloud (Outer) - "You.."
~ Lifestream sequence, FFVII
Trying to probe the feelings hidden in Cloud's heart, Tifa asks him what his reason was for trying to become a SOLDIER. He unexpectedly answer, "Because I wanted you to notice me".
~ Ultimania omega, story analysis, p180
[8]
The familiar reminiscence scene from FFVII － She made a promise with Cloud, who had called her to the water tower, that he would “Protect her when she was in a pinch.”
~ 10th anniversary ultimania - Tifas profile.
Cloud and Tifa are childhood friends, both born in Nibelheim. When Cloud leaves the village, he calls Tifa out to the water tower and promises that he will become a SOLDIER. At the same time, he is also made by Tifa to promise that he will come to rescue her if she is ever in trouble.
~ Crisis Core Ultimania
[9]
The water tower erected in the center of Nibelheim. The large wooden cask catches rain water, and filters it to supply the townspeople with water to use in their daily lives. In the game, it is counted as one of the 7 Wonders of Nibelheim, as a place where the water runs red, due to the color of a red summon materia that was in the tower seeping into the water. Also, the tower at night appears to be a date spot for the town’s young residents, and Cloud had also called Tifa out here and talked to her before leaving Nibelheim for Midgar
~ Crisis Core Ultimania -pg. 280
(alternative translation: The youth seem to consider the water tower at night to be a date spot and so to does Cloud it seems, as he calls Tifa over to this place and talks with her before departing to Midgar)
[10]
Before leaving the village, he boldly called to Tifa, a girl he liked romantically, and declared he would become a SOLDIER.
~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 12
Before leaving for Midgar, Cloud declared ‘I’m going to become a SOLDIER’ to Tifa, a village girl he had started falling in love with, and also promised to protect her.
~ Crisis Core Official Guide
[11]
Before leaving for Midgar, Cloud declared ‘I’m going to become a SOLDIER’ to Tifa, a village girl he had started falling in love with, and also promised to protect her.
~ Crisis Core Official Guide
The familiar reminiscence scene from FFVII － She made a promise with Cloud, who had called her to the water tower, that he would “Protect her when she was in a pinch.”
~ 10th anniversary ultimania - Tifas profile.
[12]
Yes, the reason why her heart was racing now was because Cloud was unreachable, a thing of beauty. Like the stars.
~ A trace of two pasts
[13]
“Cloud has such a beautiful face,” her mother once complimented him at the dining table. Did that happen when she was seven, or was it eight? For some reason that compliment made her feel happy and a bit shy.
Her mother had given her a knowing wink, which didn’t escape her father’s notice - he scowled at them. This moment became one memory she had of her family life before her mother passed away.
~ A trace of two pasts
[14]
As she was choosing what outfit to wear, the realization came to her that this would be the first time she would sneak outside at midnight behind her father’s back, and with, of all people, Cloud Strife! This night was special. Her spirit soared. Sleep was the last thing on her mind.
~ A trace of two pasts
[15]
Was Cloud waiting for her on that water tower, thinking of her with special emotions, emotions that were more than a friendship? Would he confess those feelings to her? If that were the case, how would she respond?
~ A trace of two pasts
[16]
Did she even like him?
She held a hand up to her heart and thought it over. Yes, there was no mistaking it. She liked him. However, this “fondness” she had for him was different from just wanting to spend time alone with him.
~ A trace of two pasts
[17]
She felt less nervous; her footsteps became lighter. She sprinted toward the water tower.
~ A trace of two pasts
[18]
The things Cloud told her at the water tower were nothing extraordinary. He told her he was going to leave town when spring came. That he was different from everyone else. All the boys said the same thing to her in the end. But even so, she wasn’t disappointed.
Was it due to some sort of spell cast on her the night of the stars falling down? Or was it perhaps the sight of Cloud seeming slightly enthusiastic that she found so endearing? That promise she suggested they make was just a simple idea.
~ A trace of two pasts
[19]
“Hey, promise me something. When you become famous, and if I’m ever trapped or in trouble, promise you’ll come and save me.”
~ A trace of two pasts
~ FFVII remake
[20]
"It was just an idea, but from the moment it was made, it became an irreplaceable promise. And that night, when Tifa realized that the Cloud she admired was just an ordinary boy, she fell in love with him"
~ A trace of two pasts
[21]
"After you left town, I really thought about you a lot"
"I used to wonder how Cloud was doing"
"I wonder if Cloud was able to get into SOLDIER?"
"I started reading the newspapers, thinking there might be an article about you".
~FFVII - Tifa in the lifestream.
[22]
When she heard that there would be SOLDIERs coming to the village, she looked forward to being reunited with a Cloud who had became excellent/praiseworthy.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Tifa profile
[23]
Believing in Cloud’s promise, Tifa’s waiting to see Cloud become a SOLDIER like Sephiroth. Tifa dresses herself in a pretty and sexy look. Does she do that to spirit up herself in preparing for a touching reunion?
~ Crisis Core Ultimania - Tifa profile
[24]
Tifa is a young girl in Nibelheim who is hired as a guide to lead Sephiroth and Zack to the mako excavation facility. She is not a fan of ShinRa and, although she admits to desiring a blonde-haired soldier operative for a boyfriend, she does not have a lot of nice things to say about soldier.
~ Official Crisis Core Guide - Tifa profile pg.11
[25]
"Are there any blond guys in SOLDIER? Well, it’s just a dream… Any girl would love to have a blond SOLDIER guy protect her when she’s in a pinch.Well, it’s no good just waiting for my blond knight in shining armor to show up,so I’ve started learning how to fight, myself.My teacher tells me I’ve got a knack for it."
~ Crisis Core - Tifas email
[26]
"Who's the SOLDIER she's curious about? Believing that Cloud has become a SOLDIER, Tifa's feelings of how much she wants to hear something about him somehow shows through in her texts. The two of them care about the other so much, yet both Cloud and her are perhaps too shy and bashful to explain the situation to the middleman, Zack. As a result, it seems they completely slip past each other in Nibelheim."
~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 520
[27]
Holding the hope of a reunion [with Cloud] in her heart,
The young lady who waited for the SOLDIERs.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Tifa profile
[28]
However, she was unable to meet with him and though disappointed deep down, she lead the SOLDIERs towards the Nibel Reactor.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Tifa profile
[29]
When staying at a private house, the mysterious voice echoed inside Cloud’s mind again, asking him why he didn’t see Tifa before leaving to the Mako reactor 5 years ago. In truth, Cloud didn’t want his identity known as a regular trooper/soldier and avoided Tifa, but this memory is sealed. Does the voice trying to awaken him belong to Sephiroth, who made Cloud his puppet? Or is it Cloud trying to return to his original self? – Judging from the dialogue, “It was a great chance for you two to see each other again,” it seems to be the latter. The voice also says things that see through to Cloud’s hidden feelings.
~ FF7 Ultimania Omega - pg. 110
[30]
"Thinking of the past at the water tower. The night they arrive in Nibelheim, Cloud finds himself reminiscing of the promise he shared with Tifa at the water tower. Could it be that he won't talk about her to Zack because he wants to keep that memory precious in his heart?"
~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 537
[31]
Cloud dreamed of becoming a SOLDIER, but lacked the strength and instead could only become an infantryman. Yet, the rage he felt at his hometown being burnt to the ground and Tifa being hurt awakens an alarming strength in him, and although it may be because he had let down his guard, Cloud defeats the strongest SOLDIER of them all, Sephiroth.
~ 25th Memorial Ultimania vol.2 - pg. 21
Cloud had rushed to Tifa's side when she was in a bind, just as he promised.
~ Ultimania omega, p179
[32]
He lifts a collapsed Tifa up in his arms, and upon seeing her aware of him, he smiles gently.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Cloud profile
[33]
She ventured into Lifestream together with Cloud. Amidst the course of him trying to ascertain his memories, they became aware of the feelings which each other was holding.
~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 42 - 47, Tifa’s Profile
(alternative translation: "Tifa: You came for me... Our promise... you kept it for my sake... Within the Lifestream with Cloud. While verifying Cloud and her own memories, the two both realize the feelings the other held inside their hearts."
"Cloud..So you came for me...you kept our promise..you came..and saved me."
~ Last order - Tifa
[34]
Reunited with Tifa, the girl that he’s always liked, Cloud is ashamed that he did not become a SOLDIER. From those feelings, Cloud constructed an illusory self identity blended with the stories he heard from his friend Zack and his own real experiences and began to act the part.
~ Ultimania omega
[35]
Deep inside Cloud’s heart, feelings were hidden that no one knew about.
~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 27
"A sealed up, secret wish. Tender memories... no one can ever know."
~ FFVII - Cloud
[36]
A Promise to Tifa, Etched in his Memory.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Cloud profile
[37]
The memory of Cloud and Tifa exchanging promises on the water tower 7 years ago has a vital significance when searching for “Cloud’s true self” in the Lifestream. Also, the promise to “come to Tifa’s rescue if she is in trouble” forms the reason for Cloud assisting AVALANCHE in this scene, but he has in fact already fulfilled this promise 5 years ago in the Nibel mako reactor.
~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 71
[38]
To Tifa, Cloud is the only one through which she can get in touch with her past. He is her ideal love and his existence is also like a prince who promised to come to her rescue when she is in trouble.
~ Tifa profile advent children prologue book
[39]
Following this, the pair experience many hardships, such as the Nibelheim incident which appears in CC, and the Jenova War in FFVII, and through these the distance between them shortens. And in AC, they live together with Barret’s daughter Marlene and a boy named Denzel. Though there was also a period later where Cloud lived away from them after having contracted Geostigma, they finally reach a commune and return to living together once again. In DC, they rush together to Vincent’s aid, in his battle against Deep Ground SOLDIER.
~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 280
[[40]]
But after reuniting with her childhood friend Cloud, she sets out with him on a journey in pursuit of Sephiroth. She continued to support him at all times, such as when Cloud fell into the Lifestream, and she devotedly nursed over him.
~Tifa Dengeki profile.
[41]
"Cloud falls victim to mako poisoning twice, but both times - at the Sector 7 slums station and at Mideel as well - he regains his consciousness because Tifa calls out to him."
~ 20th Anniversary ultimania - File2: Scenario
[42]
"In the eyes of Cloud, who had no faith that he even truly existed, Tifa was the sole support of his heart with their shared past as his childhood friend -- she was undeniable proof that he *did* exist."
~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 15, Clouds profile
[43]
Cloud: But you said, ‘Long time no see, Cloud’ right?
Those words will always support me.
I am the one you grew up with. I’m Cloud of Nibelheim.
No matter how much I lose faith in myself, that is the truth.
That’s why you shouldn’t be so scared.
No matter what anyone else says to me, it’s your attitude that counts...
~ Cloud to Tifa PS1 version.
Cloud: No matter what anyone else says to me, it’s your opinion that counts
~Cloud to Tifa in FF7 Steam(pc) version.
[44]
Cid and the others revisit Mideel after a long time away. However, Cloud shows no signs of recovering, and Tifa's worn down from the endless days she's spent taking care of him.
~ Ultimania omega, a story check, act.3-4
[45]
Tifa tries frantically to escape while pushing Cloud's wheelchair, but the two are swallowed up by a fissure and fall down into the lifestream.
~Ultimania omega, story analysis, p180
[46]
As Tifa tumbles into the water's dark depths, her head is inundated with an abundance of knowledge and innumerable chattering voices, Unable to stand it, she calls out for Cloud.
~Ultimania omega, a story check, act 3-4 Searching for who he was that day.
[47]
When Tifa falls down into the lifestream, countless voices she doesn't recognize call out to her, and she becomes confused and overwhelmed. When Cloud was swallowed up by the Lifestream after being turned into Sephiroth's puppet, he must have been unable to withstand these conditions and succumbed to mako poisoning.
~Ultimania omega, a story check, Tifa panics.
[48]
she gets through the worst of it by calling Cloud's name
~Ultimania omega, a story check, Tifa panics.
[49]
"Somebody help….please. Cloud, help me"
~ FFVII - Tifa during lifestream sequence
[50]
After falling into the lifestream, Tifa and Cloud weave together scattered strands of memory as they attempt to find Cloud's true self
~ Ultimania omega, a story check
[51]
When Cloud was a young child, he was isolated from those around his age, and so he tries convincing himself that he must be special. However, Tifa was still important to him — this childhood awakening of love is revealed in the spirit world.
~ 25th anniversary ultimania - pg. 21
[52]
Trying to probe the feelings hidden in Cloud's heart, Tifa asks him what his reason was for trying to become a SOLDIER. He unexpectedly answer, "Because I wanted you to notice me".
~ Ultimania omega, story analysis, p180
[53]
Even though Cloud was holding favor for Tifa from some time ago, Tifa’s interest in Cloud did not start until the time when the promised was exchanged. It might have been her loneliness due to her surrounding friends leaving one after another, but more than that, it seems largely in part to him making the promise to become her hero. Incidentally, Tifa did not realize that Cloud was holding favor for her until he informed her in the Lifestream. Even though she was called and it was just the two of them, she can be quite clueless.
~ Ultimania Omega - pg, 25
[54]
Cloud: ….a sealed up secret…… wish…… Tender memories…… no one can ever know…
~ FFVII - Cloud in the lifestream.
[55]
Deep inside Cloud’s heart, feelings were hidden that no one knew about. Even though there were important memories to himself, many of them were forgotten. In the process of looking for the real Cloud, Tifa learns a lesson about the complexity of the human heart, and the feelings are earnestly transmitted.
~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 27
[56]
The memory of 5 years ago, the promise at the water tower, Cloud’s motive to decide to become a SOLDIER. Together with Tifa, Cloud grasps the truth of himself and now faces the reality of 5 years ago. During the tragedy of Nibelheim, Cloud defeated Sephiroth as a mere soldier, keeping his promise to Tifa. At last, the two who discovered the truth meet again with true significance, and return to reality where their friends await.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania
[57]
The Fateful Night the Two Share
An event near the time of the final battle with Sephiroth, where Cloud and Tifa stay at the airship Highwind together. With this possibly being the end — an evening overcome with a flood of feelings becomes something special.
~ 25th anniversary ultimania
[58]
Cloud: Yeah… okay. This is probably the last time we’ll have together……
~ 20th Anniversary ultimania -Pg. 199, “Impressive Scenes”
[59]
For many years, Cloud and Tifa have been holding favor for one another. Facing the impending final battle with Sephiroth, they at last confirm together their feelings of desire for one another.
~ 25th anniversary ultimania - pg. 23
Declares that the team should dissolve in the final hours before the final battle, and communicates his feelings together with Tifa, who remains behind at the airship with him.
~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 15, Cloud’s profile
[60]
When their companions disperse to the places where people important to them await, Cloud and Tifa are the only two to remain behind. They reveal their feelings for each other in their final hours, and…….
~ Ultimania Omega - pg. 198
When Cloud proposes that the group separates temporarily, she remains behind at the airship and communicates her feelings together with Cloud.
~ Ultimania Omega -pg. 27, Tifa’s profile
Cloud reveals his feelings for Tifa in the mental world.
~ 20th anniversary ultimania - pg. 229
[61]
"Words aren't the only thing that tell people what you're thinking"
~ Final fantasy VII
~Tifa’s profile FF7 Dismantled
~ Tifa figurine
~ FF7 Art card
~ Dissidia 012 as a voice line
~ Dissidia NT both in-game and in her trailer
~ FF Mobius
~ In FF7 Remake marketing.
~ Dissidia Opera Omnia
~ 2003’s Final Fantasy VII International Memorial Album - full script
~ 10th Anniversary ultimania - pg 8 - 13
~ 20th Anniversary ultimania -pg. 195
“Words aren’t the only thing that tell people what you’re thinking…”
—Prarie: What she said to Cloud the night before the final battle when he said there were many things he wanted to talk about.
~ 20th Anniversary ultimania -pg. 195
Thanks to Tifa, Cloud regains himself, and before the final battle with Sephiroth, he confirms with her feelings that can’t be expressed in words.
~ 20th anniversary ultimania - pg. 394
Nojima: “Oh, the scene with the risqué line of dialogue? It was
Katou who wrote that as well, not me.”
―”The line ‘Words aren’t the only way to tell someone how you feel,’ right? That was quite a mature conversation for a FF game.”
Kitase: “But I remember having to get another version that was too intense toned down.”
Nojima: “The original idea was more extreme. The plan was to have Cloud walk out of the Chocobo stable on board the Highwind, followed by Tifa leaving while checking around, but Kitase turned it down.
~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 8 - 13
[62]
Thanks to Tifa, Cloud regains himself, and before the final battle with Sephiroth, without using words, he confirms with her that their feelings match.
~ 20th anniversary ultimania - File 2: Scenario guide - For the one I love - VII – The night before the final battle
Cloud and Tifa, who remain, reveal their feelings for each other and clarify them together. story playback section
~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 118 (120 in revised version)
And when Cloud and Tifa remain behind alone, in their final hours, they reveal their feelings for each other together.
~ 20th anniversary ultimania - pg. 232, Story Playback
[63]
The only woman who knows Cloud’s past. In FF7, Tifa is the only one who knows Cloud’s childhood, and furthermore, she holds the key to people involved in the story of Nibelheim’s burning down, which is also depicted in CC. She and Cloud came to realize their feelings for each other in the end of the story, and live together in AC and DC.
~ Crisis Core Ultimania - pg. 33
[64]
“Cloud, you’re smiling.”
“I am?”
“Yeah.”
“It all starts now. A new…”
Cloud looked for the right words.
“A new life.”
“I’m going to live. I think that’s the only way I can be forgiven. All sorts of things… happened.”
“That’s right…”
“But when I think about how many times I’ve thought about how I was going to start a new life, it’s funny.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve always failed everything.”
“That’s not funny.”
“After this … I think I’ll be okay.”
Cloud was silent for a long time before he spoke again.
“Because I have you this time.”
“You’ve always had me.”
“What I mean is kind of different,” Cloud answered with another smile
~ On the way to a smile - Case of Tifa (thelifestream translation)
[65]
Now running a delivery business while helping out Tifa with the newly opened “Seventh Heaven” bar, Cloud, Tifa, Marlene and Denzel lived together like a family.
~ 10th anniversary Ultimania Cloud Strife profile
[66]
Since 2 years ago, Tifa has been the only one he has opened his heart to. Now, his heart is closed even to her.
~ advent children prologue book - pg. 21
[67]
The present Tifa isn’t just Cloud’s childhood friend, but also the mother of the ‘family’ they were forming in Edge.
~ 10th anniversary ultimania - Tifa profile
[68]
There are many dimensions to Tifa’s character. She’s like a mother, a sweetheart(koibito), and a close ally in battle.
~ Advent Children -Reunion Files - Nomura, pg. 19
[69]
Apart from being Cloud’s childhood friend, she is also the woman who understands him all too well and devotedly supports the mentally-weak side of him
10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 42 – 47
[70]
The more he realizes how happy he is living with Tifa and the children, the more the fear of losing that and regrets toward the past trouble Cloud…
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania -Cloud’s profile, pg. 36 - 41
[71]
Cloud continued to regret the deaths of his best friend and comrade, who were dear to him
~ Dissidia Ultimania
[72]
Cloud is scared that the peace he has now might shatter, so he is living on his own.
~ Nomura - shonen Gangan interview
[73]
Cloud never had a candid personality to begin with, and although he started living with Tifa and even started working, he obtained a peaceful living he’s never experienced before, and this conversely made him anxious. And in the midst of this he contracts Geostigma himself, and rather than being able to protect the person dear to him, he instead was forced to face his own death, and so ran away.”
~ Nojima - AC prologue.
Because he contracted Geostigma, Cloud left Tifa and the children, and began living in the Slum church.
~ 10th anniversary Ultimania - Complete Timeline
[74]
With the support of former allies and Tifa, an important woman to him and now also part of his family, Cloud regains the courage to move forward.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Cloud’s profile, pg. 36 – 41
Note: "important woman" here uses the term "taisetsuna josei" while this term doesn't have to be used romantically (like with "partner" or " significant other" the context here implies it. A more platonic term would be "Taisetsu na hito".
[75]
Tifa, watching over Cloud warmly as he regains the strength to move forward. Having been together with him since they were young, she is able to believe in his recovery for certain.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania - Tifa profile
[[76]]
She gives encouragement to Cloud, who is unable to shake off his doubts, and creates the catalyst for him to regain the will to fight
~Tifa Dengeki profile.
[[77]]
At the end of a long struggle, she gently welcomes back Cloud on his return home after settling things with himself.
~ Tifa’s Dengeki profile.
[78]
One of the first ideas we had for Advent Children was to have Cloud overcome and resolve that immense feeling of guilt.
- Reunion Files. pg. 58.
[79]
Geostigma is cured. Cloud returns to Tifa and the children.
~ 10th Anniversary Ultimania
[80]
The place where he awakens —
That is Cloud’s Promised Land
As he sleeps, Cloud hears two voices. The voices of two people very dear to him, who are no longer with him. Playfully and kindly, they give him a message: he doesn’t belong here yet.
When he awakes, there was his friends. There were the children, freed from their fatal illness. Tifa and Marlene, and Denzel asking for Cloud to heal his Geostigma — his family were waiting. Engulfed in celebration, he realises where he is meant to live. He realises that he was able to forgive himself.
And when he turns around — “she” is starting to leave. Together with the friend who had given Cloud his life. Cloud no longer has to suffer in loneliness … And so they too go back to where they belong.
Back to the current of life flowing around the planet
~ 10th anniversary ultimania - pg. 131 Story Playback (133 in revised version)
[81]
Inside, I felt one thing was for sure: Cloud and Tifa would be together. Everybody would be back home where they belonged.
~ Nojima - Reunion files - pg. 70
[82]
"No, originally there was only Aerith, and Tifa was added as another heroine later. To make up for Aerith dying, we needed a heroine who would be by the hero’s side until the end"
~Nomura - weekly famitsu issue No. 1224
