In the initial concept, the first love was Sephiroth
[Nomura]: The setting of "she overlaps with Cloud's first love" was originally considered to be filled by Sephiroth. Zack was commissioned for drawing near the end of development, and it was done in a particular rush. Looking back now, it wasn't even colored; the higher-ups' request was really sudden and urgent.
The scrapped idea of older sister/younger brother + unrequited love
Her mother carried Cetra blood. Shortly after giving birth to Aerith, the mother was captured by the Shinra Company,and was forced to give birth to Sephiroth and other artificial Cetra. The mother later died. Aerith lived in the slums with her adoptive mother. Even though she lived in the slums, she didn't feel gloomy. A dilapidated church was her place of rest. She matured late and had never been in a relationship with a man; she had a rather pure-hearted side. (The following settings were not yet finalized) Aerith once had a boyfriend she secretly loved. He often bought her flowers, and before she knew it she had developed feelings for him. Aerith talked about her various memories. Cloud compared these memories with Sephiroth's actions and became convinced that Aerith's secret love was Sephiroth. Whenever a situation arose where Aerith might learn that Sephiroth was her boyfriend, Cloud would hide it or deflect, so as not to destroy Sephiroth's image in Aerith's heart.
The scrapped idea of siblings and first love
—So are there any other examples where "parts of the setting and image are strongly reflected in the character design" like this?
[Nomura]: Yes, because originally Sephiroth & Aerith were set as brother and sister, I created a commonality in their bangs; although this setting was decided against early in development, it has genuinely remained in their bangs (laughs). I remember at first they were set as a pair of siblings，and afterwards Sephiroth was set as Aerith's first love; it was only when Mr. Nojima came up with the character "Zack" that the "entanglements" between them finally came to an end.
The initial design of a Jenova-ified brother and a Cetra sister
They were originally siblings!
Actually, in the early design, Sephiroth was Dr. Gast's son, which means he and Aerith were half-siblings。The Jenova-ified brother would harm the Planet, while the sister who inherited the Cetra blood would protect it—it seems there was such a plan.
The initial design in which Aerith came to like Sephiroth because he bought flowers
【Cloud】: Why are you so kind to me?
【Aerith】: Didn't you come to buy flowers? I've been selling them since a long time ago... but they don't really sell well. People in this world don't have the luxury to enjoy flowers.
【Cloud】: Is that all?
【Aerith】: I just think that people who come to buy flowers are good people, like the person I first fell for.
【Cloud】: Your first love...
【Aerith】: No, just someone I admired.Every time he saw me, he would buy flowers. Somehow, when you came to buy flowers, it reminded me of that. Ah, but don't worry about it at all. It's all in the past. Come on, let's go.
The relationship between Aerith and Sephiroth, as written above, had various proposed ideas such as "the person Aerith had feelings for was Sephiroth" and "they had a sibling relationship."
Art Museum
Sephiroth and Aerith sense the fate of the Planet as the eras change.
From the sorrowful air surrounding the two, one can feel the loneliness and sadness of those who bear such destinies.
Facing a future bound by fate, the two begin moving toward the promised land.
Where Sephiroth exists, Aerith must exist as well
【Nojima】:Since Sephiroth exists, Aerith must exist as well. I have no doubt about that (laughs). And the only one who could tell Cloud, regarding the responsibility he bears toward Aerith, "don't worry about it," is Aerith herself.
Where Sephiroth exists, Aerith must exist as well
Wickedness and purity.
