FF7 Deleted Scene: Aerith is Cloud’s strength

Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Omega included a series of deleted scenes from the game, complete with script dialogue and notes. The final scene listed features a conversation between Cloud and Rufus, and would have taken place toward the end of the game. The two enemies parley in Gold Saucer, and Rufus tells Cloud to stay out of Shinra’s hair. Then, as the conversation closes, he asks Cloud what makes him so confident that he can save the Planet.

Cloud’s answer? Aeris.

I can see why the scene was cut in terms of pacing, and perhaps it wouldn’t have been realistic or necessary to have Cloud and Rufus meet face-to-face. But it’s a pretty touching Clerith moment nonetheless.

Here’s my translation of the scene.

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This scene triggers while you are in the cockpit of the airship between the scenes of dropping off Bugenhagen and the failed rocket event.

Cait Sith: Oh, Cloud. Seems like Rufus wants to talk with you.

Cloud: Okay, put him on the line.

Cait Sith: Nah, not like that. He says he wants to meet and talk in person.

Cloud: …Where?

Cait Sith: The Gold Saucer .

[At the Gold Saucer – location undecided, riding the Ferris Wheel?]

Rufus: Long time no see. How are things with Sephiroth?

Cloud shrugs.

Rufus: Oh my. You don’t know, even though you’re a Sephiroth clone?

Cloud: I’m… not. I, I was a kid. I lived in a world of illusions that I created myself. But I don’t need illusions anymore.I’m not playing at being a SOLDIER anymore, either. I’m just Cloud now.

Rufus: ..Is that so. Then, Just-Cloud. Meteor is about to collide with the Planet. What are you and your friends going to do about this crisis?

Cloud: We will… we will borrow the Planet’s power. The power of the Planet, of the Ancients, and our own power together..

Rufus: Hmph… If you ask me, that’s a fairy tale. You can tell it like that to your children. Let’s talk about reality.

—LATER—

Rufus: Meteor was summoned by Sephiroth, so in other words, if Sephiroth is gone, Meteor will change course. This is what we have concluded. We will take down Sephiroth. Whatever you do, be ready for that. However! Do not disturb us. This is our last chance at surviving.

Rufus turns to leave.

Rufus: I want to ask one thing. What is the basis for your absurd confidence that you can save the Planet?

Cloud: … Aeris.

Rufus doesn’t hear.

Rufus: What was that?

Cloud: Even if I tell you, you wouldn’t understand.

Rufus shrugs and leaves. Cloud is alone.

Cloud: Aeris… It will be okay, won’t it.

⊛In the initial stage, Rufus and Cloud were planned to have this conversation before the Mako Cannon was fired into the barrier. Although Rufus disagrees with Cloud’s group, the fact that he is seriously trying to stop the Planet’s crisis is impressive.