Zack and Aerith

Art by Nami--Chan on deviantArt.

You search for art of this couple on deviantart, and it is all so FREAKING ADORABLE.  Not going to lie.  

Also, go check out some of the cosplays done by Konoe-Lifestream on dA.  Awesome stuff.

Anywho, I rather like getting the opportunity to have Aerith and Zack as a couple.  They're adorable.  This is probably what would have happened to them if they both hadn't died when they did.  They would have continued to flirt and grow closer and maybe eventually, they'd tie the knot.  It might even be on their minds now, considering their in their mid-to-late twenties as far as my fic goes.

Regardless if that's on their minds or not, it's for sure that Aerith is the reason Zack's in Hollow Bastion at all.  He's a mercenary--he's spent his entire career going where the work is.  He's GLAD that Hollow Bastion is in the mess it's in, because that means he has a job AND gets to be with Aerith.  He's hoping that the Restoration takes a while.  And, when Hollow Bastion is restored, he's hoping he can either find more work there, or that Aerith will just come with him to where work is.  (Not that he really WANTS to put Aerith in harms' way, but Aerith's probably already made it clear to him that she can fight and take care of herself (and six other people while she's at it.))

Aerith and Zack have a history.  I'm not entirely sure what all that history entails, but I know that they have one.  They met each other years and years ago and they've settled into a life that sometimes revolves around each other, and sometimes revolves around sending letters to each other.  Currently, they're together and they'll take that.  Plus, something's changing, because Zack's not leaving without Aerith this time--if he leaves at all.  Because even though Cloud mentioned that whole darkness thing that he needs help with, Zack's staying for Aerith.

And boy, is he a help in Hollow Bastion.

Zack could probably handle the rounds of Hollow Bastion all by himself and do just fine... until the event where he stumbled across one to many or one really huge Heartless and his ego took over and he got himself hurt.  Admit it, it would happen.  But that's where Aerith comes in.  Because, somehow, Aerith can keep herself out of trouble in battle, fight off loads of Heartless, and STILL have the presence of mind to look after everyone else in the party.  Or just Zack, because Zack's a handful.

But she loves him.

art by CaeruleaLacus on deviantArt

 They don't have any epic combos (though, I may still come up with one).  They fight well both side-by-side and separately from each other. But they're still a powerful combination of fighters.  

Zack's biggest weakness is his ego.  He takes on too much or he starts showing off and doesn't have the buff to back it up.  Aerith... well... Aerith doesn't have a weakness.  Not that I've seen.  She respects everyone unfailingly and she will stand by her friends almost to a fault.  But those aren't weaknesses.  She's... beyond that, somehow.  I mean, the worst that could EVER happen is that her magic gets low or that she is up against something too powerful and she doesn't have enough help.  But those are extenuating circumstances.  

Aerith brings out the best in everyone--even on the battlefield.  And she sure does surprise people when she shows them that she can hold her own.  

Now that I think about it, I don't think they're stronger than Squinoa.  That's not saying they're not strong, but Squall and Rinoa have not only known each other for years, but they've been together for years.  Aerith and Zack have lived apart from each other as much as they've lived away from each other.  Yes, their relationship is still strong (stronger maybe), but when it comes to fighting enemies, they're good, but they're not exceptional.  Sorry, guys.

At least neither of them are in danger of falling into darkness.  I mean, Aerith probably could have been a Princess of Heart if she was born a year or so differently.  Zack--well, he had a small little problem with the darkness back when he was a kid in Olympus Coliseum, but that was because his want for power go to his head and Hades tricked him into something he didn't actually ask for.  He's grown up since then and is pretty balanced.  I would say.  Besides, that happened BEFORE he met Aerith.

And, I think that's all I have to say on probably what is my most adorable couple.  (Namiku, don't even start... yes, you're adorable... but you're not Zack and Aerith.)

art by MidorikoXP on deviantArt.