Wow. I've attempted reading quite a few novelizations of FFVII, but this is by far the only one I've seen so lovingly written. I love the emphasis on characters and their relationships; it's what made me fall in love with the game in the first place. Quite a mature telling of the story... I love how it stays true to the original game while bringing your own self into it.

And also, as a Cleris, I'm happy you acknowledge Cloud's feelings even though you're a Cloti. (and personally I'm quite happy to accept that Cloud eventually settles down with Tifa, and I agree that Yuffentine is...weird. Actually, reading your thoughts on pairings, very similar to mine. I do have a Clorret guilty pleasure though. No idea where that came from)

I just feel like mentioning that while I did immensely enjoy the monstrosity that is Compilations against my will (heh) that nothing compares to the original. I don't mind Advent Children (complete only... the original didn't make any sense) at all, but from what I heard of DC... it scares me. xD I actually loved Crisis Core, but the whole Genesis/Angeal/Sephiroth thing annoyed the hell out of me. haha. But yeah, even though I found myself enjoying compilations, nothing can compare to the feeling I get about the original.

Ah... Reading this makes me so nostalgic... I wish I knew where my PS1 memory card is. D: (Stupid PS2... why can't you save old games? T_T)

Well, I've rambled for quite a bit, but reading this reminded me of just how strongly I have loved this game.

oh! Will that scene where they meet Lucrecia in her cave make it in? And what about Cloud's flashback of him and Zack escaping to Midgar? I don't remember if there's any real reason to go back to Shinra mansion, though. Oh, and why do you say the Shinra instead of just Shinra?

Ah, I can't wait for the rest of this. ^_^ Good luck!

I never really saw the point of these novelizations, seeing how we already have game (I believe that FF7's story is remembered not because of its weak writing, but because the revolutionary way it used the video game medium to tell its story). What's more, none of these novelizations ever seem to get finished and most fans simply lack the writing chops to do the game justice.

However, glancing over your work in this chapter has proven my assumptions to be just that - assumptions. I envy your way with words; it's just so natural and fresh, and above all succinct.

I couldn't agree more with your views on the Complication: the retcons, the product placement, the name Aerith (I wonder if there's a movement insisting that all references to "Jupiter" be changed "Zeus" because that's what his "creators" called him). Like the old saying goes: when in Rome, it's Jupiter; when in English, it's Aeris. In Jesus' native tongue his name is Eashoa... while we're at it we should rewrite Paradise Lost to make that more canon as well.

Screw the creators, the author has been dead since Barthes, much less the corporate author, whatever that is. Yet there will always be people who need the brand name on the box to assure them that their storiez is what REALLY happened and not just what some random schmuck says happened (news flash: it's fiction; none of it happened).

Keep fighting the good fight. You have a friend and supporter in me, even though I'm a Cleris (lol, not that I care; I revile the ship-centric state of fan fiction anyway).

Awesome stuff! This is pretty sweet! I epsecially like how you described how Cloud felt when Sepiroth told him to wake up.

Excellent story as usual. I'm kind of glad you didn't have to hunt down Cait Sith like you did in the game (The most tedious scene in the game)

The excellent execution of this chapter pleases me. Top notch job!

This is sweet.very well thought out, very well written, pretty awesome!

Excellent, intriguing stuff my friend!

That was a class story. I'm putting this up as a favorite. Character interaction is good, although Cloud seems slightly more talktative. Good work with Aerith as well, I always liked her character, even though I prefer her relationship with Zack. Keep writing.

regards Skykhanhunter

Sorry I didn't review sooner!
I've been busy. Dx But today I checked my e-mail and it said you updated, which made my day. ^_^

I'm glad Vincent has finally joined the party. He's one of my favorite characters. He did talk quite a bit, but it's okay, since you were providing insight into his past.

What I really liked about this chapter was how you wrote the reactions of the rest of AVALANCHE to Vincent. Although it's hard to tell in the game, I find it very believable that they would think Vincent was weak at first, since he's so pale and sickly. Little do they know about the monsters cooped up inside of him.

Well, I don't have much else to say, but good job. Update soon, as always!

xLockedxHeartx

I thought that this part in the game was rather boring/frustrating, but you made it a little better with your writing. xD I'm glad you didn't linger too long on the cave. In the game, that took me hours to beat that stupid boss. ):

There wasn't a lot of character development in this except for Red, but maybe that's good. It's true that that part of the game didn't really focus on anyone except Red. So I guess you're just following the game.

Anyways, is Nibelheim next!? I love that part. And doesn't that mean...Vincent!? Things might get interesting. ;D

UPDATE AGAIN SOON.

xLockedxHeartx

Yay, you updated!
*does a mad dance*
xD

Anyways, I can't see why you didn't like this chapter. I thought it was well-written. I actually am very fond of that small section of the game, since Zack is one of my favorite characters (next to Tifa, that is).

I liked the battle scene between AVALANCHE and the Turks. Short but sweet. It always took me FOREVER to defeat them in the actual game. Dx I'm glad Reno took a beating from Tifa. ;D

Well, I still LOVE this story and how closely it follows the game. I hope you update again soon!

xLockedxHeartx

I.
Love.
This.

Seriously, you have no idea. You keep it almost exactly like the game, but added your own little twists to it. It's EXACTLY what I envision the novel version of FF7 would be like.

And not only that, but it's CloTi! How perfect is that! You don't bash Aeris, and you still stick close to the story line, but you have my favorite pairing!

I love the way you portray Barret, Red...all of them. Wonderful job.

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE update soon. I can't wait for the next chapter. If you don't update, I'll be very disappointed and might just have to start bugging you. ;D

xLockedxHeartx

Oh intruiging stuff! AWESOME! haha HOJO XD...aw cloud and tifa are SO cute...;) UPDATE SOON!

port is easy to remember as the left side, since both have only 4 characters in the word; starboard is the right side, where the green lights placed on ships, planes, and other large moving transports. red lights are on the port side.

ack damn! and you end it on a cliff hanger! noo! uodate update update update *chants...* update update uopdate SOON! PLEASE!