Aeris' Journey to the City of Ancients: A Critical Decision in Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII follows the experiences of Cloud and his team as they fight against Sephiroth's evil ambition. One pivotal moment in the narrative is Aeris' journey to the City of Ancients (also known as the Forgotten Capital). This choice raises several critical questions about her character, motivations, and the potential consequences of her actions.

Reasons for Aeris' Decision

Aeris' decision to venture to the City of Ancients on her own is driven by multiple factors, each deeply intertwined with her role in the story.

Sense of Purpose

Aeris' connection to her heritage as an Ancient Cetra is profound, and she feels a strong sense of destiny. She believes she has a unique responsibility to confront the threat posed by Sephiroth, who seeks to use the Mako Reactor at the Northern Crater to summon Meteor. Aeris recognizes that her role is pivotal in the fight against such a powerful antagonist, making her presence essential to the team's success.

Desire for Independence

Throughout the game, Aeris demonstrates a strong desire to be independent and to make her own choices. By going to the City of Ancients alone, she takes control of her fate, even if it is dangerous. This act of independence aligns with her character's development and her growing confidence in her abilities.

Understanding of the Situation

Aeris understands that the team has been facing overwhelming odds against Sephiroth. Despite the challenges, she may believe that she can handle the situation on her own, or that it is necessary for her to go ahead to fulfill her role in preventing the summoning of Meteor.

Emotional Impact

Aeris' emotional connections play a crucial role in her decision. The urgency she feels is heightened by the events leading up to her departure, particularly the revelation that Sephiroth can manipulate her friends, such as Cloud, against her.

Key Motivations for Her Decision

Two primary reasons stand out for Aeris' departure to the City of Ancients:

Stopping Sephiroth's Plan

The first reason is that Aeris is the only one capable of performing the necessary summoning of Holy to counter Sephiroth's plan to summon Meteor. Her journey to the City of Ancients is part of her mission to summon this divine force and protect the world from the impending destruction.

Protecting Herself from Cloud

The second, more personal reason, involves the events at the Temple of the Ancients. Cloud, manipulated by Sephiroth in the form of Jenova, attacks Aeris. This betrayal significantly weakens Aeris' trust in her friends and motivates her to go alone. Her desire to avoid being attacked again by someone she cares deeply about is significant. However, this decision also puts her in great danger, as Sephiroth would undoubtedly seek to prevent her from stopping him or kill her if he senses her intentions.

The Consequences of Her Decision

Aeris' actions in the City of Ancients are pivotal, not only for the plot but also for the development of the characters. Her journey is fraught with danger and emotional turmoil, highlighting her conflicting desires to fight evil while protecting her friends. This moment solidifies her as a complex and determined character, willing to take risks to achieve her goals.

The events following her departure have significant consequences for the story and the characters, including:

The summoning of Holy, which is crucial in the final battle against Sephiroth. The strain it puts on Aeris' relationship with the rest of the team, particularly Cloud. The increased tension and urgency of the narrative as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

In conclusion, Aeris' decision to go to the City of Ancients on her own is a multifaceted one, driven by a sense of duty, independence, and a deep emotional response to the unfolding events. Her actions not only advance the plot but also bring significant challenges and growth for the protagonist and her companions.