"This is the very ecstasy of love."

"I love thee best, O most best, believe it."

A chance encounter with a young flower merchant on the desolate streets of Midgar becomes less random when Cloud, a crass mercenary hired by the terrorist fraction AVALANCHE against the oppressive Shinra Electric Power Company, finds himself once again in her presence after falling through the roof of her church onto her resilient flowerbed. She introduces herself as Aeris the flower girl and immediately finds herself indubitably attracted to his familiar features. In between their friendly discourse and playful teasing, Aeris even barters Cloud for one date in exchange for his protection when they are suddenly intruded upon by a menacing figure standing in the doorway along with armed guards hell-bent on returning Aeris back to Shinra custody. Together they manage to escape capture by exiting through the back and jumping on rooftops; whereupon Cloud becomes aware that this was not the first attempt against her. Concurrently, a winded Aeris discovers that her suspicions about Cloud once belonging to the elite Shinra forces know as SOLDIER were correct, as well as that Cloud has a sense of humor.

They dodge their assailants and Cloud keeps his end of the bargain by safely escorting her back to her home in the Sector 5 slums. Once there, Aeris presents him to her worried mother, Elmyra, whose fears are later calmed when Aeris tells her that she was with her new bodyguard. Aeris asks Cloud what he plans next, and after being informed that he plans to return to his childhood friend Tifa's bar in Sector 7, Aeris decides with a firm obstinacy to personally take Cloud to his destination even if he objects and imminent danger lies ahead. However, before Aeris is able, she is pleaded by her mother to stay the night while at the same time convincing Cloud to depart without her by morning to spare her any further heartbreak.

A presagious dream that evokes a memory of his mother asking that he settle down with an older girlfriend while in his hometown of Nibelheim, compels Cloud out of bed and to carry forward. Yet, he does not get far before he is encountered by a visibly upset Aeris, who ignores his better instincts to not endanger her wellbeing. And before he has any other opportunities to bid her farewell, Aeris diverts him to an old playground where they sit together as she questions him about his military past and tells him about a nameless boyfriend, who was also First Class like Cloud and that she once liked but had gotten over. Their conversation is quickly interrupted by the reappearance of Tifa, who Cloud last saw before his near fatal drop during their second bombing mission. She is now aboard a carriage treading into the seedy Wall Market in Sector 6. Aeris follows swiftly after her, not heeding Cloud’s advice to return home and together they learn that Tifa has gone to see the lascivious Don Corneo at his mansion where he seeks a new bride.

Finding no clear solution short of causing a commotion, Aeris persuades a mortified Cloud to dress as a woman and they go about collecting as many articles to make him look as feminine as possible. When they have completed, the two venture into the Don’s lair where they are reunited with Tifa. She tells them how she has come looking for answers, but is now stuck in a larger problem. Tifa is at first emulous of Aeris’ partnership with Cloud, but soon finds a sympathetic cohort in the young woman who she readily trusts to help. All three are called by one of the Don’s hired goons to line up before him so he can make his decision, however the other two do not wait long before they bust in on the Don and his unlucky lady. And what looks like an assured victory for the trio with Corneo revealing Shinra’s deadly assault on the plate above the Sector 7 slums, takes a turn for the worst when one of Corneo’s cheap parlor tricks sends them into the subterranean sewers below his bedroom. They must hastily make their exit if they are to stop Shinra from executing their plans.

Yet by the time they arrive, a full-fledged war is already underway between AVANLANCE and Shinra forces. Cloud and Tifa race up the pillar to aid their hotheaded leader Barret, who is already at arms with an attacking helicopter, while leaving behind Aeris to find his daughter, Marlene, at Tifa’s request to take her to safety. They are soon encountered by Reno of the Turks (the ruthless assassin group in charge of handling Shinra's sordid affairs), the same man who tried to apprehend Aeris in the church and who has just activated a bomb set to explode at any minute. He leaves immediately and they are then confronted by the leader of the Turks, Tseng who insists that Barret cease fire or face the possibility of injuring his special guest, a detained Aeris. She advises them to flee quickly and reassures Tifa about Marlene. The bomb detonates almost instantly and the three escape using a hanging wire. They have failed to protect everyone in the slums, all of which have been killed by the collapsing plate.

Landing at Aeris' playground and finding everything in shambles, a furious Barret, now more convinced in his plight against Shinra, whose Reactor caused the explosion responsible for torching his hometown Coral, mourns the loss of his friends and his daughter, who he assumes is still in the wreckage. Tifa informs him otherwise and the two follow a pensive Cloud, who has already walked away from them, asking that he take them to Marlene. Cloud tells that he does intend on rescuing Aeris but that there is something that he'd like to know first about the Ancients. They head to Aeris' house, but not before Cloud falters and regains consciousness mouthing the word "Sephiroth".

They arrive and encounter Elmyra, who already knows about Aeris’ arrest. She tells them that Aeris is the sole survivor of the Ancients and the reason for Shinra's pursuit of her throughout the years. Slowly she begins recounting Aeris' origins and about the her strange knowledge which stirred up the Shinra's interest enough to send Tseng to retrieve her so that she could lead them to the fabled Promised Land. Elmyra ends her story by assuring them that Shinra has no intention of hurting Aeris and that Tseng took her in exchange for Marlene's safety. Barret rushes upstairs to reunite with her, while Tifa blames herself for endangering Aeris. Elmyra consoles her as Cloud joins Barret upstairs where he is approached by an eager Marlene telling him of Aeris' growing fascination with him. Downstairs, Tifa is also in agreement to help Aeris no matter what and before they leave, Barret asks Elmyra to look after Marlene and encourages that she relocate to a more secured destination.

The three proceed towards Shinra Headquarters and once they reach their aim they must retrieve all the keycards to access every floor afterwards. In their search for Aeris whereabouts, the gang overhears a conversion between the President and other Shinra executives, including the boorish Heidegger (Peace Preservation) and Scarlet (Weapons Research), and the compassionate Reeve (Urban Development) as they discuss the abandonment of Sector 7, Mako rate hikes, and the Promised Land before they are joined by Hojo, in charge of Shinra's Science Department. He tells them of his progress with his new specimen, but that the research will probably take much longer than planned so he will have to breed her to withstand the study. Their conference ends with more talk over the Promised Land, and the three heroes follow Hojo back to his laboratory where they come across a large, red cat creature incased in a tube and a headless female being in another. Upon viewing the specter, Cloud, stricken by delirium, identifies it as Jenova before they continue after Hojo.

They finally find Aeris, also in a glass chamber at which point Cloud calls out to her and tells Hojo that he plans on taking her back. Unfazed by the incursion, Hojo brings forth the cat creature from the previous room to join Aeris. It startles her as Hojo enlightens the crew with his stratagem for helping the two endangered species. Barret’s gunfire remedies the situation by releasing the creature which launches itself at Hojo. Cloud runs in to help Aeris up and orders that someone take her somewhere safe while he and the others handle the mad man. The beast introduces himself as Red XIII before freely helping Cloud's party in battle. Afterwards, Aeris returns and is comforted by Cloud’s admittance that he did come for her. Red also apologizes to her, and the five spilt up in two groups in order to facilitate their getaway.

However they don't get far before Cloud's party is encountered by Rude and Tseng of the Turks. They are captured and all but Aeris are taken to the President. Cloud asks about her location, but is guaranteed by Shinra that she is safe. He tells them that she is the last surviving Ancient, otherwise known as the Cetra, a race that lived thousands of years ago. He continues by telling them that the Cetra will show Shinra the way to the Promised Land, which is said to be very fertile, especially in Mako energy. He calls an end to there meeting and they are escorted to their prison cells. From inside her hold, Aeris tells Cloud that she knew he would come for her and Cloud reminds her that he is her bodyguard and about their deal for one date. Tifa speaks up from the cell she shares with Cloud and asks Aeris if the Promised Land really exists. Aeris says that she doesn't know, but that the Cetra were born from the Planet, speak with the Planet, and unlock the Planet and that they will return to the Promised Land, which promises them supreme happiness. Aeris is no longer able to answer anymore of Tifa’s questions since she does not know since she can no longer hear the Planet over all the people and noise. She continues by saying that she could only hear it at the Church in the Slums and how someday she'll leave Midgar, speak with the Planet and find her Promised Land.

Cloud wakes up in the middle of the night to find that his cell door is open. Puzzled, he investigates and discovers that the hallway guard has been slaughtered. He immediately wakes Tifa and they set out to free the others. Noting that no human could have caused the damage, the group reenters the laboratory that once held Red. It is now bloodstained and Cloud notices that Jenova is missing. Following the trail of blood, the gang takes the elevator up where they realize that President Shinra has been slain. Cloud recognizes the murder weapon as none other than, the legendary Shinra SOLDIER, Sephiroth's sword. While they examine the homicide, the corpulent Palmer (Space Development Division) runs out from underneath, but he is caught and interrogated. He tells them about Sephiroth’s resolve to keep Shinra away from the Promised Land. Sephiroth's desire to protect it from Shinra confuses the gang, but Cloud knows that a villain like him has ulterior motives.

Their quiet calm is soon disturbed by the arrival of a helicopter outside. While they are distracted, Palmer wriggles out of the room, however they are more concerned with the passenger inside. It's Vice-President Rufus, a man shrouded by speculation and the son of the former president. Cloud runs out to the balcony, followed shortly by the rest. After a quick introduction at Rufus’ petition, he discloses that he is now the new president and regales them with his new appointment speech in which he plans to run his empire on fear rather than money like his father. Cloud orders that Barret get Aeris out of the building since it poses a real crisis for the planet. He obeys and leads everyone else out to the elevator, except for Tifa, who decides to stay behind and wait for Cloud.

Cloud reveals to Rufus that he has no intention of letting either him or Sephiroth have the Promised Land and after battling him, Cloud meets up with Tifa before they head downstairs to join the others. Meanwhile, Barret’s party face they own problems leaving the building. Aeris tells them that they should leave her since she is the one they are after, but Barret assures her that it is his turn to watch over her like she did for Marlene. Aeris thanks him, and while they visualize a plan, they are met up with Tifa, who leads them over to a truck in a showroom. They climb aboard and a second later are reunited with Cloud on a motorcycle. They follow him up the stairs and out a window onto the freeway. After a chase, they escape Shinra and are at the front gate to Midgar.

It is here that Cloud reveals his motives to settle a score with Sephiroth, which even may save the planet. Each member, fueled by their own ambitions agrees to continue, especially Aeris who seeks to discover more about the Ancients even if it is her first time leaving Midgar and she is somewhat worried. However, she takes comfort in the company of her bodyguard who she nominates for their leader.

Their quest for answers leads them to traverse entire continents in a hunt for the maniacal and elusive Sephiroth. First in Kalm, where Cloud relates his distorted memories as a First Class SOLDIER, chronicling his days stationed in Nibelheim and leading to the conflagration that consumed his hometown started by his once idol turned archenemy. And from there, they visit other towns gathering as much information as possible detailing Sephiroth’s migration as well as the incidental Shinra complots to further their enterprise, but more importantly helping to improve the lives of the people they cross.

And although Aeris' agenda focuses heavily on uncovering more about her heritage and the consequent salvation of the planet, she is not adverse to deepening her relationship with Cloud, from making him promise to take her on the Shinra airship the Highwind to asking him what kind of skin tone he prefers.

It is over the course of their adventure that her persistence will gradually coax Cloud out of his shell and impel him to concern himself with the greater whole of their mission and to care about the allies they make along the way, including the teenaged ninja and Materia thief Yuffie from Wutai and the immortal ex-Turk Vincent awoken from his eternal sleep in the Shinra Mansion basement in Nibelheim. However, no matter how well-accompanied and adjusted Aeris is with her new found friends, the sadness of knowing that she is the last of her kind and the responsibility of being its only successor leads her to question her own identity and feel at a greater solitude which emerges itself frequently on her journey with Cloud. Yet, whatever personal conflicts trouble Aeris, she does not allow it to detract her or from trying to encourage her friends, although she might not always have the best execution.

Cloud and Aeris’ budding rapport intensifies more with the addition to their crew by the fortune telling cat from the Golden Saucer casino, Cait Sith, whose predictions seem to foresee tragedy for the two. Albeit, whatever fate holds for them can not impede any possibility of a future together as much as the resurgence of Aeris’ past boyfriend, Zack, when she inadvertently meets his concerned parents in his hometown of Gongaga. They have not heard anything further about their son and Aeris, saddened by the news but not distraught, confesses to Cloud that she is certain that Zack has probably found someone else and that it is all in the past, prior to teasing a jealous Cloud.

Cloud continues to show a special affection towards Aeris, more so when they reach Red XIII’s (or Nanaki) home in Cosmo Canyon. Besides speaking to his sagacious grandfather, Bugenhagen, who tells them more about the Lifestream (a path of energy comprised of souls roaming the planet) and helping restore Red's faith in his father by defeating the Gi tribe, Cloud reciprocates Aeris’ feelings, assuring her that everyone, but mostly that he is there to help her.

However, Cloud is not dissuaded in his chase after Sephiroth, which continues to thread them along on their journey. Yet when their expedition into Nibelheim causes Cloud's memories come into further doubt, he begins to suspect even more that the past he supposedly shared with Tifa maybe false. Now with his hometown rebuilt and inhabited by new residents including mysterious cloaked beings, and finding Sephiroth in the Shinra Mansion basement speaking of a reunion with Jenova, the crew takes immediate incentive to delay his plans.

Their mission ultimately leads them to Rocket Town and another run in with Shinra seeking to borrow the same vessel they need. However the brassy pilot and master engineer Cid, who already has a terrible history with Shinra’s aeronautics department and whose dreams of voyaging into space were crushed by his assistant Shera's intervention, joins forces with Cloud and company instead, lending them his prized aircraft turned makeshift boat and informing them of Shinra’s destination to the Temple of the Ancients.

Learning about the Keystone which they need to enter the temple, they return to the Golden Saucer to ask the manager who has just purchased it. A quick battle in an arena grants the group its usage while a tram malfunction costs the group a layover at the hotel inside. Cloud reiterates the gist of their objective during a meeting in the lobby, but something rouses a disquieting sentiment in Aeris, who leaves for bed early. It's not until after they have all parted ways that Aeris returns to Cloud's room to fulfill their agreement. She invites Cloud on their date and practically hauls him out. They are the hundredth couple at the Event Square where they perform as a knight and princess in small play and ride the Gondola afterwards. Fireworks sound in the background as Aeris professes to Cloud how similar he is to her ex-boyfriend Zack, but that she knows that he is different and wants to meet him. This indubitably confuses Cloud and the night ends with Aeris promising a more exciting date the next time. On their way back they come across Cait Sith handing the Keystone to Tseng and who then reveals himself as a Shinra operative before suggesting that they cooperate or else.

They leave the next day for the Temple of the Ancients, which houses the Black Materia, the ultimate destructive magic capable of summoning Meteor, a force powerful enough to destroy the world. Aeris automatically includes herself along. She is able to speak with the planet, but loses contact before finding another caped man. Inside they find Tseng mortally injured and Aeris tends him as best she can. He returns the Keystone to them and as they continue they become engrossed in an onerous labyrinth and encounter the muted spirit bodies of the Ancients that still linger there. It’s not long before they reach a pool emitting a light that warns them of Sephiroth’s looming presence and shows him attacking Tseng after conversing with the rookie Turk Elena. He reveals his plan to become one with the planet by causing a massive injury and taking all the collective energy needed to heal the wound.

Sephiroth also begins to display an even stronger control over Cloud. He manages to snap back to his senses and they shortly discover that the temple itself is the Black Materia. However, the only way to obtain it is by answering a puzzle inside that will ultimately crush the solver. Yet, this does not distract Cait Sith from volunteering in an attempt to make up for his previous transgressions. Noticing a dejected Cait, Aeris, wanting to show that he is still trusted and useful to them, asks that he read their fortunes to predict her compatibility to Cloud. Cait responses by telling her that they are perfect for each other and that he’ll be whatever they need to solidify their union.

Outside, they recover the Black Materia and Aeris ensures to Cloud that it can only be used by someone with great spiritual energy and that Sephiroth will never find the Promised Land since he is not an Ancient. However Sephiroth appears to inform her that his travels through the Lifestream have made him far superior. Aeris contests him, but he resorts to manipulating Cloud again, forcing him to give him the Black Materia and then to thrash Aeris repeatedly while she tries to console him.

Cloud soon finds himself transfixed in a dream with Aeris in a brightly, lit forest. She hints that she is on her way to stop their enemy by uncovering the secret that lies ahead. She beseeches Cloud to take care of himself before leaving, promising to return when it is all over. Cloud tries to follow but to no avail and is joined by Sephiroth instructing him to prevent her from doing so. Cloud wakes to find that he did indeed succumb to Sephiroth’s evil will and that Aeris has left the group. Barret and Tifa encourage him to search for Aeris, but Cloud fears for his sanity. However Barret manages a rise out of Cloud and they depart towards Bone Village to excavate for the Lunar Harp.

The Lunar Harp allows them to access the Sleeping Forest which in turn allows them to enter the Forgotten City, otherwise known as the City of the Ancients. They decide to rest for the night, however Cloud has a feeling in his soul that Aeris is there, as well as Sephiroth, and alerts the group. They hurry to find Aeris as Cloud hears her voice radiating from inside. It leads them to the Ancient Capital, a crystal structure where at its core, Aeris is knelt, praying. Cloud motions the others to stay behind as he goes to approach her. Yet, he quickly becomes the target of Sephiroth’s control and almost tries to harm Aeris himself. With the heated protests of the others behind him, Cloud snaps back to his senses long enough to see the unimaginable occur before him. Swiftly descending from above with sword in hand, Sephiroth stabs it straight into Aeris, who prior has lifted her head to smile serenely at Cloud. Instantly she is killed and from her unraveling hair ribbon, a tiny glowing orb is released and falls into the pool below. Cloud rushes to catch Aeris’ lifeless body and cradles her in disbelief. He silences a callous Sephiroth who remains too absorbed in his own delusions to show remorse, before Cloud expresses his pain of losing her. Unimpressed by his humanity, Sephiroth leaves Cloud, dropping the Black Materia. Cloud, still in shock, looks on immobile as everyone in his party grieves for the loss of the flower girl. His sorrow, the greatest of all his companions, propels him alone to lay her to rest. He places her in a nearby lake, staying long enough to watch as her body peacefully sinks below.

The murder of Aeris ushers in a new stage in Cloud’s quest for revenge against the man who previously destroyed his hometown and possibly the Planet next if he is not stopped. And although there is a part of himself that he doesn’t understand, he will continue on his journey to seek reparations.

Yet, things are not so simple for Cloud, especially when conflicting stories between Sephiroth and Tifa about his past and identity sway him to believe that he is nothing more than another failed experiment by Hojo. And after once again handing the Black Materia to a resurrected Sephiroth, Cloud falls into the Lifestream at the Northern Crater, only later to be found by Tifa, already contaminated by Mako poisoning in Mideel. Without their leader the situation looks bleak for the gang. However, that does not hinder them from finding another route of action even after Meteor has been summoned. Eventually with the guidance and determination of Tifa, Cloud is able to sort the true memories of his past after an attack by Weapon, the Planet's emissary and protector, sends them plunging back into the Lifestream.

Once he is finally able to prove that he is Cloud of Nibelheim and not Sephiroth's clone, he is reunites with his friends, openly accepting him back. Together they are able to initiate the end of Shinra’s despotic rule and stop the various Weapons from attacking, all the while trying desperately to find a solution to stop Meteor which comes surprisingly in the form of Bugenhagen's tutelage.

Returning to the Forgotten Capital, they discover that Aeris' prayer has given them a greater probability of defeating Sephiroth. In her last moments, Aeris has managed to summon Holy, the ultimate curative magic, by using the Materia she once considered useless. And although Holy does not guarantee the salvation of the Planet and could even have an adverse effect, Cloud decides to finish what she has started, thanking her for her sacrifice.

Aeris remains an ever present force in their journey, with each member celebrating her life in their own special way and remembering her as the one person that gave them the most hope. And although everyone holds in their heart something or someone that they are fighting for, no one more than Cloud keeps that very personal memory alive or fights as hard to unfreeze her smile by letting her spirit return to the Lifestream.

In the end, it is the memories of Aeris combined with their own memories that grants them the strength to face Sephiroth. However, it is in their decisive battle that Cloud finally triumphs single-handedly over his fearsome adversary and even receives an answer from the planet, a way to meet Aeris in the Promised Land.