I owe a Final Fantasy character an apology...
Dear Cloud,
I'm so sorry for saying I ever disliked you to any fellow Final Fantasy players. Simply because I could not remember the bulk of your story didn't give me the right - now that I do know the main part of your story that I had forgotten (Sephiroth clone - failed experiment with no number, not actually the Cloud that Tifa remembered...) I feel just terrible for ever saying that I didn't like you.
In retrospect of some scenes I saw last night (I burst into tears when I found him in that wheelchair and had to stop my playthrough shortly after...) I find your plight to be...reminiscent. Having no idea who you are...if your mannerisms are your own, or compiled of another...I think we all have those problems. When I see you now, I can't help but feel pity mixed with complete anguish and respect - never again will I put you down, Cloud Strife.
You're truly amazing.
Despite feeling closeness with your character's plight, I still can't help but relate more to Zack - it's strange, I would imagine I'd feel closer to the more anguished of the two, but Zack's sunny persona just...fits me, I think. I wish you two could have spent more time together, because I both think that one would have had a lot to offer the other.
Also! I'm never doubting the amazing-ness of Cloud/Tifa ever again. She was so quiet through Disc 1, I wasn't sure what to make of her...but now that I understand the story even more, I truly adore Tifa. She's got nerves of steel, and she's absolutely amazing for sticking by you for so long, Cloud! You better be super nice to her when you wake up.
Finally...I thought I knew Cloud's story simply because I played Zack's story through, but now I understand that there's so much more to Cloud than Zack's mannerisms. There's a person in there, and his story is just as important as Zack's.
I'm so awed. Cloud has to be one of the best protagonists in Final Fantasy. Nobody will ever top Squall for me, but I never imagined Cloud would be battling Zack for second place...and I don't think there's ever going to be a winner. SO. just sit there and get along, boys.
Ashamed that she ever said anything bad about you omg you're awesome,
Jade