Squall & Laguna. Fuck those clowns/jokers/whatever.

F*** FFIX for that too =D

Zorn and Thorn

Squall and Laguna - 3
Zorn and Thorn - 2


Squall & Laguna squeak by. Next up...


Edgar Roni and Sabin Rene Figaro - Final Fantasy VI - Brothers

Sabin: I didn't turn my back on the kingdom, big bro. I knew you'd be a better king. I trained hard, knowing I might have to help you one day. Now I know why I have these stupid muscles!

(Edgar and Sabin are royal brothers. But Sabin seemingly forsook the kingdom and ran away. It turns out he was actually in training to protect the kingdom, so that Edgar could be the one to rule it. The two reunite during the adventure of Final Fantasy VI and together make a great team. They are also known as "Edgar & Mash.")

vs.

Auron and Jecht - Final Fantasy X - Fellow Guardians

Jecht: What are you shooting me for?
Auron: So you don't do anything stupid again. I can't believe you attacked that shoopuf. Lord Braska had to pay the handler for damages from his own travel money.
Jecht: I said I was sorry. It's never gonna happen again! I promise!
Auron: Ah, a promise? Which you'll forget come tomorrow!
Braska: Auron, please. He did apologize. He knows he was wrong.
Jecht: That's it. Only thing I drink from now on is shoopuf milk!
Braska: You're sure?
Jecht: We're on a journey to fight Sin and save Spira, right? If I keep screwin' up...and...making a fool of myself...my wife and kid are never gonna forgive me.
Auron: That's on the record.

(Auron and Jecht were fellow guardians of Lord Braska, who later became High Summoner by summoning the Final Aeon and defeating Sin. At first, Auron is not impressed by Jecht. He thinks that he's nothing but a loudmouth and a drunkard. Still, Auron isn't necessarily what anyone would expect either. He's a monk who fell into disrespect after refusing the hand of the priest's daughter. Together, Auron and Jecht journey together to protect Braska. At first, Auron's feelings about Jecht seem to be validated, but as they continue on, the two learn about each other and Auron realizes that Jecht is serious about making the most of his second chance. In the end, Jecht becomes the Fayth for Braska's Final Summoning, while Auron is killed after challenging Yunalesca, but he records as an Unsent to guard others on a new journey, including Jecht's son...)

Edgar Roni and Sabin Rene Figaro

Auron and Jecht.

Edgar Roni and Sabin Rene Figaro

Edgar and Sabin

Edgar and Sabin - 3
Auron and Jecht - 1


Easy win for Edgar & Sabin. Next up...


Nanaki and Bugenhagen - Final Fantasy VII - Grandfather and Adoptive Grandson

Red XIII: Cloud, this is my grandfather, Bugen. He is incredible. He knows everything.
Bugenhagen: Ho Ho Hoooo. I hear that you looked after Nanaki a bit. Nanaki is still a child you see.
Red XIII: Please stop, grandfather. I'm 48.

(Bugenhagen is the adoptive grandfather of Red XIII/Nanaki. Red XIII looks up to and respects Bugenhagen, an elderly man who is filled with wisdom about The Planet and who has an interesting past as well.)

vs.

Sazh and Dajh Katzroy - Final Fantasy XIII - Father and Son

Dajh: Found you! I caught you Daddy!
Sazh: Dajh, how? ...

(Sazh and Dajh are father and son. Sazh is a trained civilian airship pilot who lost his wife several years ago. Since then, he's been rather depressed, but his son has been a bright light in his life. Dajh loves chocobos, so when he expressed a desire to see a fal'Cie, Sazh took him to the power plant at Euride Gorge for a trip and to surprise him with a chocobo chick. But when Sazh turned his back for a moment, Dajh wandered off and ended up becoming branded as a Cocoon l'Cie. He gains the ability to sense power of Pulse origin, leading Jihl Nabaat and her crew to take an interest in him. Sazh boards the Purge train in the hope of finding a way to help Dajh escape his fate, but ends up becoming branded as a Pulse l'Cie. When Dajh later finds him and Vanille, he turns to crystal, having completed his Focus. But during the ending of the game, he and his father are reunited.)

Nanaki and Bugenhagen

Sazh is pretty funny in FF13, but I didn't like him in battle. Seemed like he was only there for comic relief.

Not to start a conversation, but actually, I used Sazh in battle a lot. Until Hope reaches Synergist Level 4, Sazh is the only character that can cast Haste, which I consider a high priority spell. I love Sazh's Eidolon as well.

Nanaki & Bugenhagen

Wanted to update this last night, but the boards were acting up. Anyways, only a couple of votes, but I think the results are obvious:

Nanaki and Bugenhagen - 2
Sazh and Dajh - 0



And so another FFXIII team is eliminated. It's still early on, but I wonder if all the teams from that game are destined to strike out.


Well, next up...


Fujin and Raijin - Final Fantasy VIII - Friends/Partners

Zell: If you guys stand behind him that much... Tell frickin' Seifer to stop this nonsense!
Fujin: AFFIRMATIVE!
Raijin:We ain't no sell-outs! We're behind Seifer all the way, ya know!?
Squall: Ok...Understood. So you want nothing to do with Garden now? ...From now on, we're not gonna hold back. (...I guess that's how it goes. That's what comrades are all about...)
Rinoa: You're just gonna let them go? Squall?
Raijin: Don't wanna...talk anymore, ya know......Kinda painful...ya know...
Fujin: WIMP! RUN!
Rinoa: ...I feel sad.
Squall: Friend or foe...It all comes down to circumstance. That's how we were raised. It's...nothing special. (Nothing special...Is that true? Then...What is this I'm feeling?) Let's go.

(Fujin and Raijin are members of a "posse" with Seifer Almasy and friends to both him and each other. Though they're very different, they tend to stick together, even though they often don't get along on many things. Fujin has a habit of speaking in simple, declarative commands or expressions ["RAGE!"] while Raijin has the annoying habit of ending his sentences with "ya' know?" Both are fiercely loyal to Seifer, but on the Lunatic Pandora at the end of Disc 3, they come to realize that they don't know what he's doing anymore and they can't keep supporting his actions.)

vs.

Larsa Ferrinas and Vayne Solidor - Final Fantasy XII - Brothers

Larsa: The first duty of the Consul is to maintain order in Dalmasca. My brother�my brother is not one given to failure. Perhaps things aren�t going as well as they might be� But give him a little time, and he will put things to rights. Be not troubled. My brother is a remarkable man.
Penelo: He frightens me.
Larsa: Why?
Penelo: I�m sorry. He is your brother. It�s just�you don�t understand how much we lost to the war. My friends, my parents.
Larsa: So, you fear the Empire? Listen to me. The men of my family, we are taught to place the needs of others before those of our own. I will see that you are kept from harm. It is my duty to House Solidor.
Penelo: But how�how can I trust you?
Larsa: Because I give you my word. My brother would do no less.

(Larsa Ferinnas and Vayne Solidor are brothers from the Empire's House Solidor. As the game starts out, Larsa is loyal to his brother, as he believes him to be a generally good man and the men of House Solidor are taught to put others before themselves. Larsa has learned this lesson, but he comes to realize that his brother is not in all ways the great man that he thinks he is. In the end, Larsa joins your party in fighting against Vayne. Vayne, for his part, is the murderer of both his own and Larsa's one-and-the-same father.)

Fujin & Raijin

No other votes?

I haven't played XII, so I don't feel like I can vote fairly. But I have to say I'm shocked to find out Larsa is a man...

http://images.wikia.com/finalfantasy/images/2/27/Larsa.JPG

I never thought that Larsa was a girl, even when he was called "Lamont." But I guess I'm the only one, though. But since when was Lamont ever a girl's name?


I guess I'll wrap this up...

Fujin and Raijin - 1
Larsa and Vayne - <font color="red">0</font>


Strago Magus and Relm Arrowny - Final Fantasy VI - Grandfather and Granddaughter


Relm: Grandpa! Stop goofing around!!
Strago: Sorry, dear...
Relm: If I hear even a peep out of you, I'm gonna draw your portrait!!
Strago: No! Anything but that!
Relm: ... ...but you know... Just once I'd really like to do a portrait of you... on canvas, of course!
Strago: Relm! How can you be thinking about pictures at a time like this?!

(Strago and Relm are grandfather and granddaughter. Strago is an old man and a blue mage who seeks revenge against a monster known as "Hidon." He ends up being entranced by a group of Kefka fanatics, but in an optional scene, Relm can find him and break him out of his trance, and he'll rejoin the party. Relm is a spunky young girl with a big mouth on her and a paintbrush that can strike fear into enemies.)

vs.

Yuna and Tidus - Final Fantasy X / X-2 - Summoner and Guardian


Tidus: I got a theory. I think the fayth gathered up my thoughts and put 'em
together to bring me back. Maybe. Something like that. Or maybe...I'm still a dream.
Yuna: Wait! So you'll disappear?
Tidus: Cherish me, Yuna. And I'll cherish you. All right? We gotta stay together. That's what we have to do.
Yuna: Is that what the fayth told you?
Tidus: Nah. But I like it.
Tidus: (after Yuna pushes him into the water) That's not cherishing!
Yuna: You didn't disappear.

(Yuna ends up becoming the High Summoner who defeated Sin and lived. Tidus arrives in Spira, displaced from a thousand years through time and a dream of the Fayth. He becomes Yuna's guardian and openly questions the various Yevon precepts. His energy and spirit have a huge influence on Yuna, who eventually decides "You say it's your story, but it's my story, too, you know? It would be so easy...to let my fate just carry me away...following this same path my whole life through. But I know...I can't. What I do, I do...with no regrets." In Final Fantasy X-2, Yuna begins a quest to find Tidus after seeing a sphere that appears to feature him. In the end, depending on the player's actions, she can either be reunited with him, or she may decide "It's better this way. I know he's already with me, right here.")


Oh, big news. I have found a place to move and that's going to be keeping me busy for the next few days to a couple weeks. Therefore, all of my FFShrine activities save Final Fantasy Idol will be suspended. So there's plenty of time to vote here. Cast your votes!

Strago Magus and Relm Arrowny

Strago Magus and Relm Arrowny

Yuna and Tidus

Because FFX was the first FF I played.

Yuna & Tidus

Strago Magus and Relm Arrowny

Strago Magus and Relm Arrowny

Okay, everyone. I am fully back online and ready to go. This will end later this evening, so if anyone else has a vote, get it in now.

Yuna/Tidus

Sorry totally forgot about this thread.

Okay, here we go again...

Strago and Relm - 4
Yuna and Tidus - 3


Kind of a surprise there - I didn't think either Strago or Relm were that well liked. Or is it a representation of dislike for Yuna and Tidus? Well, anyway, it's Strago and Relm to Round 2.


And we go on to this battle...

Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart - Final Fantasy VII - Childhood Friends


Tifa: "Hey, Cloud... Would you tell me 'It's all right'?"
Cloud: (chooses to "Say It Cool") "It's all right, Tifa."
Tifa: "Now I feel like things are really going to be all right. Thanks, Cloud."

(Cloud and Tifa are childhood friends... or are they? The truth is, Cloud always looked up to Tifa and her little group of friends, but he wasn't a part of that group. Over time, he began to think "If I could just get stronger...... Then even Tifa would have to notice me......" Through a series of events, the two really do become friends, and more...)

vs.

Vaan and Penelo - Final Fantasy XII - Childhood Friends


Penelo: I thought that this money was the people of Dalmasca�s property. The Imperials stole it from us, so it�s only fair that we take it back. It�s our duty as Dalmascans. (takes out a coin) Well, wasn�t that what you said?
Vaan: Yeah, but I never said anything about taking it back from me!
Penelo: This is for that bread you took the other day. Just because I help Migelo out every now and then�it doesn�t mean that you get to eat for free, too, you know.
Vaan: I know that, you think I like living like this? One of these days I�ll fly an airship of my own. I�ll be a sky pirate, free to go where I will.
Penelo: Well, be careful. You�ll never fly anything if you�re rotting in a dungeon!
Vaan: Hmph.

(Vaan and Penelo are childhood friends, described as being like brother and sister, though some material related to FFXII also describes them as a romantic item. They are both orphans who grew up to together in Rabanastre's Lowtown. Vaan, with help from Fran and Balthier, travels to the Skycity of Bhujerba to try to rescue Penelo after she is kidnapped by Bangaa. Vaan is often the subject of some gentle teasing from Penelo. Their relationship grows closer in the sequel Revenant Wings.)

Vaan and Penelo
Damn right they grow closer together in RW. Dat smoochin' and sexin'. It's cute.

Cloud & Tifa

Lets be a fan boy but in this battle Cloud and Tifa win it for me.

Hey Agent long time and all that.

Well, only three votes, but let's do an update...

Cloud and Tifa - 2
Vaan and Penelo - 1


Next up...


Cecil Harvey and Rosa Joanna Farrell - Final Fantasy IV - Married

Cecil: Step aside, Rosa.
Rosa: I'm not going anywhere. Why not? Without me along, who will heal you when you're hurt?
Cecil: Rosa...
Kain: You can't win this one, Cecil.
Edge: No use arguing with a woman.
Cecil: Then I'll argue no more.

(Cecil and Rosa meet through the events of Final Fantasy IV, but Cecil has a protective nature. Though he doesn't want to see Rosa hurt, he can't stop her from following him into danger. At the end of the game, the two marry and take the throne of Baron.)

vs.

Quina Quen and Vivi Ornitier -Final Fantasy IX - Married

David Heavenguard: May the blessin's o' heaven be upon this man an' woman!
Quina: ... I... So happy...
Vivi: ... M-Me, too...

(This is sort of a more jokey pairing, but after Zidane and Garnet get "married" at Conde Petie, Zidane will suggest that Quina and Vivi should get married too. It's left up to the player, but if they agree to it, then the ATE Nuptial Joy is activated and Quina and Vivi are married. Nothing is ever mentioned about it again from that point and contact between the two characters is minimal. The website Gamesradar named this pairing #2 on their article of the five worst Final Fantasy couples.)

Cecil & Rosa

Cecil Harvey and Rosa Joanna Farrell

Cecil & Rosa

Cecil & Rosa

Cecil Harvey and Rosa Joanna Farrell
HHNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGG

that and I love these two.

Vivi & Quina... I just like their theme songs for the most part.

Vivi and Quina ghey deserve at least one vote

Cecil Harvey and Rosa Joanna Farrell

Vivi deserves something much better than that filler.

EDIT: Plus Cecil & Rosa are the best Couple in all FF franchise IMO

Vivi and Quina ghey deserve at least one vote

Cecil and Rosa - 6
Vivi and Quina - 2


Best turnout in a while, seems this battle inspired some passion in the voters.


Here comes our next battle...


Biran Ronso & Yenke Ronso - Final Fantasy X - Friends

Biran: Look! One of Kimahri's friends. Looks just like him.
Tidus: What?
Biran: Both follow summoners on all fours! Hornless goatlings!
Yenke: Hornless! Hornless!
Kimahri: You come to insult Kimahri?
Biran: Wrong. We come to warn little Kimahri.
Yenke: Summoners disappear. Never return.
Biran: Next will be Kimahri's summoner.
Yenke: Poor Kimahri! Lost his horn, next lose his summoner!
Biran: Pitiful Kimahri! Howl alone! Howl alone!
Tidus: Do those two got something against you?

(Biran & Yenke Ronso are companions who the party encounters in Final Fantasy X. Many years ago, Kimahri lost a fight with Biran and when Kimahri wouldn't admit defeat, Biran broke his horn. The two heckle Kimahri and the party by extension, but at Mt. Gagazet, Kimahri faces them head on. This time, he wins. The two then pay tribute to Yuna and promise to block those who would attempt to follow her and cause her trouble. Unfortunately, they and many other Ronso are easily dispatched by the unsent Seymour Guado.)

vs.

Jote & Mjrn - Final Fantasy XII - Sisters

Jote: Lente’s Tear is a permission. Pass through the Wood and leave. To other places go.
Mjrn: That cannot be all! I saw it when I left the village! Ivalice is changing! How can the Viera stand and do nothing at all?
Jote: Ivalice is for the Humes. The Wood alone is for us.
Mjrn: But that is wrong! How can we just hide here in the trees when all the world outside is on the move! I, too, wish to live freely—to leave this Wood!
Fran: Do not do this. You must remain away from the Humes. Stay with the Wood. Live together with the Wood. This is your way.

(Jote & Mjrn are sisters. Mjrn is drawn away from the Viera wood, stirred by soldiers passing through the wood. In her uneasiness, she goes to investigate, but she is captured and a manufacted nethicite stone is set beside her, so that the Mist can be drawn into her. It sends her into a rage. The party finds her and rescues her, returning her to the wood. There, Jote, the leader of the wood, tells her that she must never leave again. Mjrn is not happy, but accepts the decision at Fran's urging. Both characters later feature in some of the Eruyt Village sidequests.)

Jote & Mjrn

Biran & Yenke

Biran & Yenke

Jote & Mjrn

Jote & Mjrn

Biran and Yenke

Biran and Yenke

Biran & Yenke - 4
Jote & Mjrn - 2

The two Ronso move on to the second round.


Next up...


Aeris/th Gainsborough and Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII - Antagonists

Cloud: Thank you... Aeris/th. Aeris/th's voice has already reached the Planet. Just look at the glow of the White Materia. But...... how about Holy? How come Holy isn't moving? Why?
Bugenhagen: Something's getting in its way.
Cloud: ......Him...... He's the only one that could do it. ...Sephiroth. Where are you?

(Aeris/th and Sephiroth are antagonists and Sephiroth ends up being Aeris/th's murderer. But her sacrifice is not in vain, for her prayer for Holy reached the Planet. The rest is left up to Cloud and company, who travel into the Northern Cave to defeat Sephiroth, allowing things to unfold from there.)

vs.

Regent Cid Fabool IX and Lady Hilda - Final Fantasy IX - Married

Regent Cid: Oh! My darling < ribbit > Hilda! I finally found you < ribbit >!
Hilda: I do not remember ever marrying a toad.
Regent Cid: I-It's me < ribbit >! Cid!
Hilda: Of course, that mustache... It really is you!
Regent Cid: Hilda, come back to the castle < ribbit > and return me to my former self < ribbit >!"
Hilda: Dreadfully sorry, my sugar cup, but I surrendered your favorite airship to a man named Kuja.
Regent Cid: Forget about it < ribbit >! As long as you're alright < ribbit >!
Hilda: Oh, my sweet froggy-woggy!

(Cid and Hilda are husband and wife. But after Cid committed one too many infidelities, Hilda grew angry, turned him into an oglop, then stole his airship which she was later forced to surrender to Kuja. Eventually, the two are reunited and Hilda restores Cid to his original form, but not before extracting a promise from him to never go skit-chasing again. At the end of the game, the two settle down and adopt Eiko as their granddaughter.)

Aeris & Sephiroth.

Aeris & Sephiroth.

Aeris & Sephiroth.

Cid and Hilda

Aeris/th and Sephiroth - 3
Cid and Hilda - 1


Not much love for the bug and his wife.

Okay, next up...



Zidane Tribal and Garnet Til Alexandros - Final Fantasy IX - Married

Marcus: So, the sun is our enemy, too. The eastern sky grows bright. Will we not spread our wings, as yonder birds in joyous flight?
Cinna: Hark, Marcus! They cannot wait any longer! The ship departs!
Marcus: Could she have betrayed me? Nay, ne'er would my love speak false. I must have faith! She shall appear if I only believe! As the sun lends me no ear, I pray instead to the twin moons! I beseech thee, wondrous moonlight, grant me my only wish!
Zidane: Bring my beloved Dagger to me!
Garnet/Dagger: How did you survive...?
Zidane: I didn't have a choice. I had to live. I wanted to come home to you. So... I sang your song. Our song.

(Zidane and Garnet first come to know each other when Zidane and the Tantalus crew stage a kidnapping of her. She asks Zidane to be kidnapped, as she wishes to travel to Lindblum in order to speak with her Uncle Cid. As they journey, Zidane schools her the ways of appearing as a commoner, much to the disdain of Captain Adelbert Steiner. As the game continues, they grow closer and closer. Though I don't believe it's ever been officially confirmed, it can be reasonably assumed that they married following the events of the game and Lived Happily Ever After.)

vs.

Lucil and Elma - Final Fantasy X / X-2 - Comrades

Elma: Commander!
Lucil: Thank you, Lady Yuna. It was a good match.
Yaibal: You really are amazing, Lady Yuna.
Elma: You were incredible, too, Commander!

(Lucil and Elma are comrades. In Final Fantasy X, the two were chocobo knights, with Lucil as Captain and Elma as a loyal knight. [And Clasko as a third wheel.] Following that, both joined the Youth League and after Nooj's disappearance, Lucil became the group's de facto leader, with Elma as a second-in-command. Lucil seems to enjoy her work, but expresses that she's only the acting leader and that she's holding down the fort until Nooj returns. Elma, meanwhile, expresses a desire to re-start the Chocobo Knights. As a sidenote, it's been suggested by more than one fan of the series that the two may be lesbian, or at least fantasized about.)

Zidane and Garnet

Zidane and Garnet

Zidane and Garnet

Zidane and Garnet

Zidane and Garnet

Cpt. Lucil and Elma,I'm sure if I wasn't so obssessed with FFX Id have voted the other way

Zidane and Garnet

Zidane and Garnet - 6
Lucil and Elma - 1


Little support for Lucil and Elma. Zidane and Garnet easily proceed to the second round.

And we move on to this battle...


Firion and Maria - Final Fantasy II - Childhood Friends

Leon: We've been through too much. We can't return to the past.
Maria: Wait, Leon! Why? Firion, please don't let him go!
Firion: What Leon said is true, Maria. I can't stop him from going. We shall meet again, Leon!

(Firion and Maria are childhood friends. They lived a comfortable life in the kingdom of Fynn along with their friend Gus and Maria's brother Leon, but everything changed when The Empire attacked. Leon is separated from the group and Firion and Maria, along with the somewhat childlike Gus, began a quest to save the world. I believe Firion is also a key character in Dissidia.)

vs.

Zone and Watts - Final Fantasy VIII - Fellow Resistance Members

Zone: Finally... We've waited so long for this encounter with Vinzer.
Watts: Was that perfect, sir!? Amazing, sir! You're the best, sir! Your SeeD rank went up by 1!
Rinoa: Well then...
Watts: Leave the intelligence to me, sir!
Zone: OwOwOuccchhh.

(Zone and Watts are members of the Timber Owls resistance group. Their fathers were the founding members of the group. Watts "gathers intelligence," while Zone seems to spend a lot of time moaning about his stomach, though he serves his purposes as well. After the two sacrifice their train tickets to the party, they manage to escape and end up aboard the White SeeD Ship, where you can talk with them late in the game and gain valuable information, and also parlay Zone's lust for naughty magazines to your benefit.)

Zone and Watts

Firion and Maria

Firion and Maria

and firion is a character in dissidia.

Firion and Maria

Firion and Maria

Well, I think the result here is obvious, so I'm going to go ahead and end this one early:


Firion and Maria - 4
Zone and Watts - 1


Little support for the two comrades from the Forest Owls. It's the two characters from the early classic that win in this battle.


Next up...


Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy - Final Fantasy VIII - Rivals

Seifer: Even if you don't talk, others will. The instructor, the little messenger girl, or the Chicken-wuss...He wouldn't last 3 seconds!
Squall: (Th...They're...) ...They're...all here...?
Seifer: Oh, you bet. But since I like you so much, I thought you should go first. I was hoping you'd be there, Squall. So...how'd I look in my moment of triumph? My childhood dream, fulfilled. I've become the sorceress' knight.
Squall: (...Sorceress' knight... ...His...romantic dream...? But...Seifer... Now, you're just...) ...A torturer.
Seifer: What did you say!? Passed out cold, eh? This is the scene where you swear your undying hatred for me! The tale of the evil mercenary vs. the sorceress' knight... The fun's just started, Squall. Don't disappoint me now!

(Squall and Seifer are antagonists. They've been at each other's throats all their lives, ever since they grew up together in Edea's orphanage, but Squall doesn't remember a lot of it, because of the GF. Once they both came to Garden, their rivalry only intensified, coming to a head when Seifer kidnaps Rinoa on the Lunatic Pandora.)

vs.

Kuja and Queen Brahne - Final Fantasy IX - Antagonists

Kuja: I'm not done telling how to make soulless toys out of the dregs of souls!
Zidane: Dregs of souls? You mean Mist!?
Kuja: First, you don't want to listen, now you start asking questions? Oh, brother... But you're not ready yet!
Dagger: Why, you-- don't you feel anything!? Taking the lives of so many...
Kuja: Spare me the lecture. Lives come and go all the time. What's the big deal? Speaking of warmongers, why... what about that mother of yours, Princess? She said she won't feel alive until she has everything! It breaks my heart to see such greed! The war was my fault? No, no! Your mother wanted it! All I did was give her a little push!
Dagger: Liar! My mother was sweet and kind. You changed her!
Kuja: Mwahaha... So the curtain rises! Perfect, my canary. Let me show you the truth about your mother! First Act: The End of Ugly Desire. It's showtime!

(Like Squall and Seifer, Kuja and Brahne are antagonists, though they begin the game as allies, at least on the surface. The truth is that Kuja has been manipulating Brahne all along. As Disc 2 comes to a close, he reveals himself and crushes Brahne by summoning Bahamut. Brahne is left dying on the shore and Kuja remains alive to carry out his evil schemes against Brahne's adoptive daughter, the newly crowned Queen Garnet.)

Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy

Squall and Seifer

Squall and Seifer

Believe it or not, I'm going for IX this time.

Kuja & Branhe

Kuja and Branhe

Okay, would have ended this last night, but I dislike ending battles on Saturday evenings. So, let's get moving again...


Squall and Seifer - 3
Kuja and Brahne - 2


So Squall and Seifer squeak by on that one and move on to the second round. We move on to this battle...


Celes Chere and Locke Cole - Final Fantasy VI - Lovers

Come on! This floor's about to break apart!
Celes: LOCKE!!
Locke: I will not let go... ...I promise! You almost ate it trying to pick up that silly trinket!

(Celes and Locke meet early on in Final Fantasy VI and Locke offers Celes his protection. As the game continues, they grow closer. If you find Phoenix, then in an optional scene, Locke's former flame, Rachel, lets go and tells Locke go on living his life, giving her endorsement for him to be happy with Celes. If you do not find Locke in the optional sidequest, then Celes grabs for the bandana, saying that it's her good luck charm and pleads for Locke to come back to her someday.)

vs.

Kiros Seagill and Ward Zabac - Final Fantasy VIII - War Buddies

Ward: So, Laguna...Julia should be making her appearance soon.
You goin' for it tonight?
Kiros: You, go for it!

(Kiros and Ward are war buddies - somewhat high-level soldiers with the Galbadian army. They are close companions of Laguna, who they realize has something singularly unique about him, even if his behavior is sometimes, well... odd. After an incident at the Lunatic Pandora, Kiros and Ward are separated for a long time and Ward loses his voice. The two eventually reunite and, in a way, Kiros becomes Ward's voice because he always understands what he is trying to say, even if he can't say it out loud. The two also reunite with Laguna and become top-level aides to the President of Esthar.)

Celes and Locke

And where did you find that picture? I don't remember an FMV of Laguna, Kiros, and Ward...

Edit: Ah, my mistake.

A lot of the pictures I've been using for these are fanart. Just Google Image Search using terms "Kiros" "Ward" and you'll find several copies of that image.

Celes and Locke

Celes and Locke

Kiros and Ward

Celes & Locke

Celes & Locke

Kiros and Ward

Celes and Locke - 5
Kiros and Ward - 2


Romance wins the day on this one. We're starting to get kind of close to the end of Round 1. Next up...


Lenna Charlotte Tycoon and Faris Scherwiz - Final Fantasy V - Sisters

Lenna: Father!
Faris: ... F... ather.
Lenna: Faris!
Faris: ...
Lenna: So you WERE my sister.
Faris: I'm sorry. It was too hard for me to say.
Lenna: Sister!
Faris: Lenna!

(Lenna Charlotte Tycoon, a.k.a. Reina & Faris Scherwiz, a.k.a. Sarisa, a.k.a. Salsa are sisters. They were separated at any early age and Sarisa was taken in by a group of pirates, changed her name and started passing for a guy. Fate reunites the two sisters, who are brought together to save the world. In the game's ending, Lenna and Sarisa are asked to take the throne in place of their father, one of the Warriors of Dawn, but Sarisa longs for adventure. If Sarisa is KOed in the final battle, then Lenna rules, but misses her sister. If Lenna is KOed, then Sarisa reluctantly takes the throne. If both are KOed, then the staff of the palace lament that there is nobody to assume the throne.)



vs.

Snow Villiers and Serah - Final Fantasy XIII - Engaged

Before I asked you to marry me, I wished that you'd say yes.

(Snow and Serah are engaged to be married, something which Serah's sister, Claire "Lightning" Ferron, does not approve of. But when Serah is branded as Pulse l'Cie, everything seems to fall into doubt. Snow assures her that he will stick by her no matter what and then proves it when he travels into the fal'Cie to try to rescue her. She turns to crystal and Snow believes that her mission was to save Cocoon. When the entire group is branded as Pulse l'Cie, he sticks with this belief, eventually allowing the group to carve a new fate. In the game's ending, everyone is decrystallized and Snow & Serah reunite. Presumably they get married and live happily ever after, though I expect Final Fantasy XIII-2 will tell us more about that.)

Snow & Serah

Lenna & Faris

Two votes? Anybody care to break the tie?

Sure. Snow and Serah

:) Thanks! That's our first Final Fantasy XIII pairing to advance to the second round.

Lenna and Faris - 1
Snow and Serah - 2



Next up...


Cloud Strife and Aeris/th Gainsborough - Final Fantasy VII - Romantic

Cait Sith: This isn't good. I can't say it. Poor Tifa.
Aeris/th: No! Tell me! I promise I won't get mad!
Cait Sith: Is that so? Then I'll tell you. Looks good. You are perfect for each other! Aeris/th's star and Cloud's star! They show a great future! Cloud, I'll be your matchmaker, preacher... I'll do whatever you want me to You just call me when it all happens!

(This may possibly be the most well-known "romantic" Final Fantasy couple of all time. But in the game itself, the two don't really have all that much time for romance, other than the Gold Saucer date, if Aeris is the one to choose Cloud. The two flirt, but in the end, Aeris/th gives her life for the Planet. In Advent Children, at the end, "Cloud senses Aerith's presence and also mistakes her as his mother. She and Zack joke over people calling her that, and tell Cloud his place isn't with them yet.")

vs.


Freya Crescent and Fratley - Final Fantasy IX - Lovers

Freya: Ahahaha... What irony. To find the man about whom I have dreamt endlessly... ...only to discover that he cannot even remember who I am! Come, Zidane! The enemy's hand has not been stilled! We must regroup!
Zidane: Freya...

(Freya and "Iron Tail" Fratley were lovers, but Fratley felt the need to grow stronger and began a journey around the world. Unfortunately, that journey caused him to lose his memories, all but a faint feeling of having once been called a "dragon knight." The two are reunited, only for Freya to be crushed by the knowledge of what has happened to Fratley and for them to soon be separated again. At the end of the game, they are finally together. Fratley still does not remember the past, but Freya expresses a desire to cherish what they now have, regardless.)

Cloud and Aerith

Freya Crescent and Fratley

Freya Crescent and Fratley

Cloud and Aerith

Cloud and Aerith

Cloud and Aerith

Freya Crescent and Fratley

Okay, got a bit distracted by Final Fantasy Idol, but it's time to wrap up this battle and move on to a new one...

Cloud and Aeris/th - 4
Freya and Fratley - 3


So Cloud and Aeris/th just squeak by on that one. That's the end of the Cloud pairings - all of them have made it to the second round.


Next up...

Squall Leonhart and Ellone Loire - Final Fantasy VIII - "Brother and Sister"

Squall: I was always waiting for 'Sis' to come back. I'm...all alone. But I'm doing my best... I'll be ok without you, Sis. I'll be able to take care of myself. (...I didn't turn out ok at all.) ...Sis Elle... Elle...Ellone. So, Ellone was 'Sis'. She was a bit older than us, and we all used to call her 'Sis'. Quistis, Zell, Selphie, Irvine, Seifer, Ellone and myself... Yeah... I'm not sure what the meaning behind all this is, but we were definitely together.

(Squall and Ellone are siblings through adoption and when Squall was a little boy, he referred to her as "Sis" Elle. The two lived together in the orphanage, but Ellone had to go away, to the White SeeD ship. Squall never quite got over losing his "big sister," but the two reconnected through Ellone's mysterious power to send someone's consciousness back into the past. In the end, the two meet again and learn that the present is what's important.)

vs

Wakka and Lulu - Final Fantasy X-2 - Husband and Wife

Wakka: I always try to cram myself into some kinda mold, you know? A blitzer, or a guardian, or a follower of Yevon... And now, a father. I always get so wound up about what I should be. But you know, in the end I'm just me. Anyway, I can't keep coming up with new Wakkas all the time, eh? So it looks like I'll just have to start doing things my way. That's the way I'll write our story.
Yuna: Hang in there, Dad.
Wakka: Sin was nothin' compared to diaper changing, ya? ... Hey. Sorry it took me so long to decide on a name, Lu.
Lulu: It's all right. I knew it would be worth the wait. I had faith.
Wakka: You? Had faith in me?
Lulu: Wakka, we're in this together. Whether you see it or not, I really do rely on you.
Wakka: Guess I'd better not drop the ball, ya?
Lulu: You won't.


(In Final Fantasy X, Wakka and Lulu were fellow guardians of the summoner Yuna. At first, Lulu doesn't seem to think much of Wakka, finding him impulsive, prejudiced and a wishful thinker who refuses to face reality. However, she begins to see things in him, such as when he gives his all at the blitzball game and when he begins to realize that Yevon isn't what it says it is. Their feelings for each other continued to grow and in Final Fantasy X-2, they are married and Lulu is expecting a child. In Chapter 5, she gives birth to the child, who, if you complete the requirements, is named Vidina, Al Bhed for "Future.")

Wakka and Lulu

Squall & Ellone

Wakka and Lulu

Hmm, expected this battle to get a bit more attention, but okay...


Squall and Ellone - 1
Wakka and Lulu - 2


The married couple from FFX/FFX-2 goes on to the second round. Next battle...

Godo and Yuffie Kisaragi - Final Fantasy VII - Father and Daughter

Godo: Yuffie...... I am the same now as I was before when I wanted the war. But, after I lost the war, I began to think... Is strength, only for defeating the enemy? ...or just something to show-off to others...? Might begets might. That's the same way as the Shinra...
Yuffie: ......
Godo: I knew you were looking for Materia for the good of Wutai. But, the reason I hide my strength now, is also for the good of Wutai... And now, I realize both are necessary... Strength without determination means nothing. And determination without strength is equally useless...!

(Godo and Yuffie are father and daughter. But after Wutai lost to the Shinra, Yuffie became disgusted with her father and set off on her own. The two have harsh words for each other, but in the end, Yuffie shows her father her newfound strength. Godo is impressed and shares his personal feelings with her, telling her secretly to come back... with the materia!)

vs.

Balthier and Fran - Final Fantasy XII - Partners

Balthier: Not many Viera where you come from, thief?
Vaan: It�s Vaan. Sorry�
Balthier: Well, Fran is special�in that she�d deign to partner with a hume.
Fran: Oh? Like a Sky Pirate that chooses to steal through the sewers?
Vaan: Pirates? You�re Sky Pirates? So you have an airship?
Balthier: It�s Balthier.

(Balthier and Fran are partners in sky piracy. At some unspecified point in Balthier's adventures, the two of them met up and joined forces. Balthier, original name Ffamran mied Bunansa, is the son of Dr. Cidolfus Bunansa, but has renounced his father, whom he believes to be mad. He considers himself the "leading man" of the adventure, but places great value in the wisdom and knowledge of his Viera partner.)

Balthier & Fran!

Balthier & Fran!

Godo & Yuffie

Balthier & Fran!

Balthier & Fran!

Godo and Yuffie - 1
Balthier and Fran - 4


Easy win for the Sky Pirates from FFXII, it seems the ninja and father from FFVII didn't stand a chance.


We're nearing the end of the first round of this edition, but we still have a few battles left, so let's keep it moving with this one...


Reno and Rude - Final Fantasy VII - Partners

Reno: Hey, Rude. Who do you like? What are you getting so embarrassed about? Come on? Who do you like?
Rude: ...........Tifa.
Reno: Hmmmm....... That's a tough one. But, poor Elena. She.... you......
Rude: No, she likes Tseng.
Reno: I never knew that! But Tseng likes that Ancient...
Cloud: What are they talking about?
Elena: It's so stupid! They always talk about who they like or don't like. But Tseng is different. Ah! Oh no!

(Reno and Rude are partners in Final Fantasy VII, comrades in the Turks. Elena joins later as a sort of third ranger, but Reno and Rude have a personal bond. They later return and are seen working together in Advent Children, and even more so in Advent Children Complete.)

vs.

Laguna Loire and Julia Heartilly - Final Fantasy VIII - Romantic

Laguna: You...You saw me?
Julia: You were always smiling while listening, right? You have beautiful eyes. Though they look a bit scared now. Don't worry. I'm not going to pluck'em out and eat'em. I just want to talk, gazing into those eyes. Would you like a drink? Wine perhaps?

(Laguna Loire always admired the piano playing of the woman at the bar of the hotel in Galbadia that he and his comrades Kiros and Ward so often frequented. Then, one night, he finally worked up the courage to approach her. What he never knew was that the woman he had his eyes on had her eyes on him as well. Though she was a great piano player, she always dreamed of writing lyrics and his courage and way with words inspired her to write a song. But then, Laguna was sent away to fight and Julia ended up marrying another man, but her life was cut short when she died in a tragic car accident.)

Reno & Rude

Laguna and Julia

Their relationship was forced, but it was still interesting.

Reno & Rude

Reno & Rude The Turks are one of the best things in FFVII

Reno & Rude - 3
Laguna & Julia - 1


Easy win for the Turks. Next up:


Scarlet and Heidegger - Final Fantasy VII - Coworkers

Heidegger: G'yaaa, Haaa, Haaa!!! Here they come! G'yaaa, Haaa, Haaa!!! So they really showed up! You sure did treat us like dogs up to now!!
Scarlet: You killed off a lot of my precious soldiers!
Heidegger: G'yaaa, Haaa, Haaa!!! But let's see how you do against anti-Weapon artillery!
Scarlet: You guys are worthless, but my proud creation is a sure thing! I'll show you the destructive power of the Proud Clod!

(Scarlet and Heidegger are coworkers at Shinra Inc. Cait Sith dubbed them "G'yaa haa haa and K'yaa haa haa" due to their distinctive laughs. Both don't seem to possess even an ounce of a conscience and both are great at plotting and scheming. Scarlet is particularly nasty to Tifa. Both meet their downfall when they are trapped in their own Proud Cloud, which Cloud and crew bust up.)

vs.

Bartholomew and Hope Estheim - Final Fantasy XIII - Father and Son

Bart: You're my son! This is your home.

(Bart and Hope are father and son. Hope bears a deep resentment towards his father, who is clumsy at showing his love for his son. But at the urging of his fellow L'Cie, he reunites with his father, who shows great sympathy and understanding to their situation. He also tells Hope that this is is home, and he should never feel unwelcome there.)

Scarlet and Heidegger

Bartholomew & Hope

Scarlet and Heidegger

I always considered fun this couple.

Scarlet and Heidegger
I think they made me laugh at times.

Scarlet and Heidegger - 3
Bartholomew and Hope - 1


Cid and Edea Kramer - Final Fantasy VIII - Married

NORG: Bujurururu! THIS-IS-MY-GARDEN!
Squall: NO! It's not just yours.
NORG: Bujurururu! THEN-WHAT-IS-IT!? IS-IT-CID'S-AND-EDEA'S!? THAT-PATHETIC-MARRIED-COUPLE'S!?
Squall: What...? (The headmaster and Edea are married!? ...I don't get it.)
NORG: Bushurururu...NOW-I-UNDERSTAND. CID-AND-EDEA-ARE-TRYING-TO-TAKE-GARDEN-AWAY-FROM-ME. YOU'RE-ONE-OF-CID'S FOLLOWERS-AREN'T YOU!? PREPARE TO DIE!

(Cid and Edea are married. They first got married a long time ago and Edea was the Matron in the orphanage where Squall and co. grew up. Together, Cid and Edea founded Garden, but then, Edea became possessed by Ultimecia, leaving Cid as the headmaster of a Garden that was training SeeDs with skills that might be used to fight his wife.)

vs.

Vaan and Reks - Final Fantasy XII - Brothers

Vaan: I brought you some of those flowers you like: Galbana Lilies. Remember? You always said how they smelled nice, and how pretty they were. Remember? The King— Did you? Were you really a part of it? Even if—Even if you were— Captain Basch must have tricked you into it!

(Vaan and Reks were brothers, but we don't get to see their actual relationship within the game itself. Instead, we learn about after-the-fact, in a manner of speaking. Reks was the older brother, but he joined Rabanastre's forces to fight against the Archadian invasion, only to lose his life at the end of the man who was impersonating Captain Basch. Vaan was left an orphan, alone, but he still has fond memories of brother. For a long time, he blames Captain Basch for his brother's death, not knowing what really happened.)

Cid & Edea

Cid & Edea

All right, only a couple of votes, but let's move on:

Cid and Edea - 2
Vaan and Reks - <font color="red">0</font>

Elena and Tseng - Final Fantasy VII - Lovers

Elena: Cloud... huff... wheeze. I won't let you go any further!
Cloud: What's down there?
Elena: It's a SE-CR-ET. It really doesn't matter! But you really got guts doin' my boss in like that!
Cloud: You mean Boss... Tseng? That wasn't us. Sephiroth did it.
Elena: No! Don't think you can fool me, liar!
Cloud: I'm not lying... it was Sephiroth.
Elena: Don't try to act innocent. I'll never forget it!!

(Elena and Tseng are colleagues in the Turks, with Tseng as Elena's boss. Elena is speculated to have romantic feelings for Tseng, though Tseng has never been indicated specifically to have romantic feelings for her, so the idea of them being "lovers" may be more of a fanon thing. Due to a notorious mistranslation (replicated above), players of the U.S. version believed Elena to be devastated by the supposed death of Tseng, but the PC version script corrected this to read "It really doesn't matter! You really got guts messin' my boss up like that!" Elena and Tseng return in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, working together and their role is expanded in Advent Children Complete.)


vs.

Irvine Kinneas and Selphie Tilmitt - Final Fantasy VIII - Childhood Friends / Romantic

Irvine: Well then... We'll need to choose a party for the trip to Deling City. (indicates a party in which Rinoa and Selphie are in a group with him) How's this?
Squall: (Yeah, whatever.) Have a good time...
Selphie: Are you being sarcastic!? You are, aren't you! Well, fine then! We WILL have a good time!
Rinoa: We understand very well. Come on, Mr. Kinneas, let's go!
Squall: (...H-Hey.)
Irvine: Call me Irvine. I'm a pretty lucky guy. Hand in hand with two beautiful girls!
Selphie: Irvy Kinnepooo! I'll make you very happy!
Squall: (Did I say something terrible? Women...I don't understand them.)

(Selphie and Irvine lived together in Matron's Orphanage along with Squall, Zell, Quistis, Seifer and Sis "Elle". Eventually, the two were separated. Selphie ended up in Trabia Garden, but later transferred to Balamb Garden, with Irvine ending up at Galbadia Garden and becoming a trained sharpshooter. Eventually, the entire party reunited and Selphie and Irvine found each other again - "Sefie" and "Irvy." Though Selphie seems a bit unsure about the whole thing, there is a definite spark between the two and she is seen wearing his cowboy hat and acting possessive of him in the ending video.)

Elena & Tseng

it also might help if u voted too, agent.

Thanks, aces. The idea's tempting, but I'll have to pass. I've been running this for years now and in all that time, it's always been my policy not to cast a vote. I already take a lot of power by being the one who draws up each battle (I believe in all the other rumbles, it's done randomly.), so it just wouldn't feel right to me to cast a vote also.

Elena and Tseng

I'm a fan of neckties.

Elena and Tseng

I'm a fan of neckties.

Irvine & Selphie

Irvine & Selphie

Okay, sorry for the delay - haven't had much time to update lately. Here's the results:

Elena and Tseng - 3
Irvine and Selphie - 2


Elena and Tseng scrape by by one vote. Next up...


Biggs and Wedge - Final Fantasy VIII - Comrades

Squall: What do you think you're doing!?
Biggs: Huhhhh? Likewise, MISTER! What do you think you're doing!? H-HEY! What happened to all the soldiers down below!? WEDGE! Take care of these twerps!!! W...Wedge? I...ah...Well...ah...I seem to be done here, so I'll just be on my...I-I'm leaving...Move! Move! Move!
Seifer: Sorry to crash the party.
Biggs: Ah...AHH...AHHHHH! Are you CRAZY!!!
Seifer: "Just shut UP!
Biggs: (as battle begins) Prepare for the worst, you brats!
Wedge: (joining the battle) Major Biggs...Have you finished the repairs, sir? What is the enemy doing here!?
Biggs: WEDGE! Where were you!? No pay for you this month!
Wedge: ...Should've stayed home!

(Major Biggs and Lieutenant Wedge were comrades in the Galbadian army that served as a sort of recurring joke in Final Fantasy VIII. The party first encounters them at the top of the Dollet Communication Tower where they put up a pitiful fight before being swept out of the battle by the Elvoret. Biggs, however, retains enough strength to send the party a little surprise. Biggs & Wedge next show up in the D-District Prison, where Biggs speculates on whether it's right to fight unarmed prisoners, only for Wedge to point out that your party is, in fact, fully armed. They decide to rumble anyway, Biggs griping that he got demoted to lieutenant. He and Wedge get their butts kicked again and Biggs wonders what's below lieutenant. The final encounter is in the Lunatic Pandora, where Biggs decides to quit the army and a very reluctant Wedge follows.)

vs.

Isaaru and Maroda - Final Fantasy X / X-2 - Summoner and Guardian

Isaaru: Hey, you.
Tidus: Me?
Isaaru: You are Yuna's guardian, no? Maroda's heard a curious rumor. I thought you should know.
Maroda: I heard it from those Crusaders. Seems that summoners have been going out on pilgrimage and just...disappearing.
Isaaru: It could just be the fiends got them...but not so many so quickly.
Maroda: Sorry I don't know more, but...watch your back. Ain't much future for a guardian without a summoner, eh?

(Isaaru is a summoner and Maroda is one of his brothers and his guardian. As Isaaru's brother, Maroda can think of no higher calling than to guard his brother, so he is naturally shaken when his brother is kidnapped by the Al Bhed and spirited away to the Summoner's Sanctuary. He later ends up on the Fahrenheit along with Maroda and a very shaken young Pacce. His pilgrimage ends when his brother's does - after Isaaru trs to stop Yuna from continuing on her own pilgrimage by fighting in an aeon battle at the end of the Via Purifico. In Final Fantasy X-2, Isaaru and Maroda find themselves apart. Maroda has joined the Youth League, while Isaaru has taken a job bringing excitement to the people who visit the ruin of Zanarkand, and watching over the ruins of the Zanarkand Temple in general. However, depending on the player's actions, Isaaru will return to Bevelle in Chapter 5, and Maroda complains that he plays the hero and leaves others to the dirty work.)

hmm...Biggs & Wedge

Biggs & Wedge

Biggs and Wedge!

Biggs and Wedge

Biggs and Wedge

Okay, that's enough for a blowout. Watch for the next battle later this evening.

Okay, let's wrap this one up:

Biggs and Wedge - 5
Isaaru and Maroda - <font color="red">0</font>


The summoner and guardian from FFX fail to pick up even a single vote, while the comic duo from FFVIII sail on to the second round.


Next battle:


Garland and Kuja - Final Fantasy IX - Creator and Creation

Man: You have gone too far, Kuja. I granted you the freedom to do as you wish in Gaia for one purpose alone. Now that you have lost sight of your mission, I will no longer tolerate your actions. You have not the slightest idea whom you are defying. I will show you soon enough. You too, Zidane...
Kuja: !!!? What happened to the Invincible!? Enslave Alexander, as you enslaved Bahamut! !!! Could it be...Garland!? Impossible! Why would he come to Gaia!? If it is indeed Garland, he must know my plan! But why has he assumed control of the Invincible...?!!!? No! He can't be...

(Garland and Kuja are creator and creation. Garland was hoping to control Kuja for his own ends, but Kuja ended up having too much ambition. Garland tried to rein him back in, but Kuja had grown too powerful. But Garland had more power than Kuja imagined, and even though his physical body was gone, his presence remained, haunting Kuja and providing advice to Zidane.)

vs.

Yuna and Rikku - Final Fantasy X / X-2 - Cousins

Wakka: Yuna, she knew what she was doing when she chose to become a summoner. To face Sin, ya? Yuna knew!
Rikku: But Wakka, that's just totally wrong! Summoners shouldn't have to sacrifice themselves...just so the rest of Spira can be happy, right?

(Yuna and Rikku are cousins, but end up becoming such good friends that they are like sisters to each other. As an Al Bhed, Rikku objects to Yevon's teachings about summoners having to sacrifice themselves. She joins the party as Yuna's guardian, hoping to find a way to save "Yunie." Though she tries to project a cheerful air, like the others, she is sad on the inside due to the nature of the journey. Of course, in the end, the party chooses a different way, and Yuna lives. In Final Fantasy X-2, Yuna again joins up with Rikku, who is part of the sphere-hunting group, the Gullwings. Both Yuna and Rikku have a much more cheerful feeling about them. Yuna is grateful to Rikku for teaching her to relax and encourages Rikku when she expresses that she feels like she's often getting left behind, telling Rikku that next time it will be "her story.")


P.S.: I'm thinking of ejecting Gus & Leon from the competition and substituting some other character pairing. As far as I can tell, other than the fact that they were childhood friends, they really have very little direct interaction in the game Final Fantasy II and so there's really nothing to work with. Would anyone object to removing them? And, if not, anyone have any suggestions on a pairing that they'd like to see added?

Garland and Kuja

Eject the bastards if you like. dont bother me none

Garland and Kuja.

Garland and Kuja

Garland and Kuja

Yuna and Riku
Kuja doesn't know how to put on the Ritz.

Garland and Kuja

Garland and Kuja - 5
Yuna and Rikku - 1


Barrett Wallace and Marlene - Final Fantasy VII - Father and Adoptive Daughter

Dyne: I told you... I... I want to destroy everything... Everything... This crazy world... Even me...
Barret: An' what about Marlene? What's gonna happen to her!
Dyne: Think about it... Barret... How old was Marlene back then...? Even if I did go to her now... she wouldn't even know me... And what's more... Barret.... These hands are a little too stained to carry Marlene anymore...
... ... ...
Barret : ...Dyne. Me an' you were the same... My hands ain't any cleaner.... I shouldn't be able to carry.... Marlene either.... Uuuuurrrrgghh!!!

(Barret and Marlene are father and adoptive daughter. Because of what happened to Dyne, Barret has been raising her, with Tifa's help. He tries his best, though it isn't easy at the leader of the rebel group AVALANCHE. In the conversation above, he admits that he too feels unworthy to hold her because of the things he's done. Later on in the game, Marlene is kidnapped and used as a pawn by Reeve, at least until he ends up serving openly on the party's side.)

vs.

Squall Leonhart and Rinoa Heartilly - Final Fantasy VIII - Lovers

Squall: (Rinoa...You feel so cold. Are you going to be like this forever?) ...... Isn't there anything I can do!? You were so full of life. Now you don't even make a sound... I want to hear you voice. (This is like talking to a wall.) Rinoa... Call my name. (......)

(Squall and Rinoa are lovers. They first meet and dance at the SeeD graduation ball, Squall later explaining that SeeDs are trained in such skills. They meet up again in Timber, Squall and co. ordered to assist the Timber Owls. Squall at first sees Rinoa as something of a silly girl who is out of her depth. But as the game continues, something happens. As Squall begins to open up to his emotions, he finds himself falling for her, almost without realizing it. In the end, he vows to become her knight and protect her, even if she becomes the world's enemy.)


P.S.: Gus and Leon have been ejected from the competition. I will find another pairing to take their place, most likely to be part of the next battle.

Squall and Rinoa
Squall doesn't let his own malfunctions get in the way... of his heart.

Barrett & Marlene

Squall and Rinoa

I'd go for either pairing I suppose.

Barret & Marelene

Barrett & Marlene

Barret and Marlene - 3
Squall and Rinoa - 2


Only two battles left in the current round. Next up...

Celes Chere and Cid Del Norte Marquez - Final Fantasy VI - "Granddaughter and Grandfather"

Cid: Celes... the project that kept me going over the past year is down below. Go have a look at it!
Celes: Granddad.
Cid: Celes... you must leave this place. You have to find your friends!
Celes: I know... But I'll bring 'em all back to meet you!
Cid: That Locke fellow, too, no doubt...

(So after ejecting Gus and Leon, I had to come up with another pairing, and then I thought of this one. Celes and Cid ends up together following Kefka's actions that lead to the World of Ruin. Cid watched over Celes for a whole year when she was in a coma. Celes is touched by his actions and decides to call him "granddad." Cid gets sick and you end up with two options - you can save him, or if you fail to save him, he eventually dies.)

vs.

Queen Brahne and Garnet Til Alexandros - Final Fantasy IX - Mother and Adoptive Daughter

Vivi: I don't know why Bahamut attacked the one who summoned him. But we found Queen Brahne on the beach, next to her escape pod. She could hardly move. And I thought she'd come to a stop any second. I hate Kuja a lot. But I hate Brahne a lot, too... ...so much that I wanted this to happen to her. I should be happy, but... Once I saw Dagger start to cry, I didn't know how I should feel. I kind of wanted to cry, too...
Brahne: I...I...can hear...my daughter's voice.
Dagger: Yes, Mother! I'm here! Right here...
Brahne: I...I am empty now... Free... Free...of that...terrible... greed...
Dagger: Mother...
Brahne: I haven't...felt this way...since I saw that play...with you...and your father. I led...Alexandria...down...the path... of ruin... The people...will be...happier...with you...on the throne...

(Queen Brahne and Garnet are mother and adoptive daughter. After Queen Brahne lost her original daughter, she and her husband rescued Garnet from a ship at sea and raised her as their own. But something happened to Queen Brahne following her husband's death and she became possessed of a terrible greed. Though Garnet never stopped loving her, she knew that something was very wrong with her mom and her actions. Though the two ended up aligned against each other, they made their peace in the end.)

Celes and Cid

Garnet & Brahne

Garnet & Brahne

Celes and Cid

Garnet & Brahne

Garnet and Cid!

Garnet and Cid!
Er, better check the choices again.

i couldn't choose. All the Cid's are awesome, but Garnet is... soft. You can treat my vote as "null" this round.

Right. Well, anyways...


Celes and Cid - 2
Garnet and Brahne - 3


Now, the penultimate battle of the first round (sorry, made a mistake in the last post, there are actually still two to go, including this one):



Rinoa Heartilly and Seifer Almasy - Final Fantasy VIII - Formerly Dating

Rinoa: I...really liked him. He was always full of confidence, smart... Just by talking to him, I felt like I could take on the world.
Selphie: Your boyfriend?
Rinoa: I don't really know. I...I think I was in love. I wonder how he felt...?
Selphie: Do you still like him?
Rinoa: If I didn't, I wouldn't be talking about it. It was last summer... I was 16. Lots of fond memories...
Squall: (I liked him...wasn't really a bad guy...He was one of us... Seifer...You've become just a memory.)

(Rinoa and Seifer were boyfriend and girlfriend, sort of. As indicated above, Rinoa was head over heels for him for a while, but she was never entirely sure if he felt the same way about her. Eventually, their fling came to an end. Later, the two ended up as enemies, and Seifer kidnapped Rinoa and "junctioned" her to the Sorceress Adel.)

vs.


Quina Quen and Quale - Final Fantasy IX - Student and Teacher

Quina: What!? This is food!?
Grandma Pickle: You've never seen a pickle before?
Quina: No, first time. I still need eat many different food and get much learning. My master tell me so.


(Quina and Quale are master and student. Quina has learned much about the ways of the Qu from Quale. However, Quale felt that Quina still had much to learn. To that end, he asked him to go out into the world with Zidane and the others in order to try food from other places and learn many other things besides. If you catch enough frogs, you can eventually battle Quale, who will acknowledge the strength of his student upon defeat. Also, in an optional scene involving Vivi's "grandfather," Quan, Quale realizes that he too still has things to learn.)

Rinoa & Seifer

Rinoa and Seifer

Quina and Quale

Quina Quen and Quale
lol

Looks like we have a tie. Someone who hasn't yet voted, break it, please. If there are no votes by tomorrow morning / early tomorrow afternoon, then I'll flip a coin.

Okay, coin toss it is... and the winner is... Rinoa and Seifer. Okay, final battle of the first round...

Cid and Mid Previa - Final Fantasy V - Grandfather and Grandson

Lenna: Did Mid come here!?
Faris: Cid! Pull yourself together!
Cid: I'm hopeless now. Don't bother yourself with me.
Mid: Grandpa!
Cid: Mid!
Cid: (as Mid hits him with a flurry of slaps) Ow! Hey, hey, hey, Mid, stop that!
Mid: Grandpa, you idiot! You idiot!! Nothing can make you give up!
Cid: Mid.
Mid: You're the one who always said not to be afraid of failures. You're the one who always said that if you fail, then you should just try it over again.
Cid: Mid. Mid, should just try it over. Again... Mid! You're right!

(Cid and Mid are grandfather and grandson. When Cid has a breakdown following the destruction of the Fire Crystal, it is his grandson Mid who helps him to see that he must not give up. The two continue to provide service to the party throughout the game, in particular, working together to allow the airship to also have the capability of a submarine.)

vs.

Basch fon Ronsenburg and Reks - Final Fantasy XII - Captain and Soldier

Balthier: Nice moves there, Captain.
Vaan: You mean “traitor.”
Balthier: So they say. But I didn’t see him kill anyone.
Vaan: My brother did.
Basch: … Reks.
Basch: He said he had a brother two years younger. I see. He meant you. Your brother. What became—
Vaan: He’s dead.
Basch: I’m sorry.
Vaan: It was you who killed him!
Basch: I give you my word: that was not the way of it.

(Basch was a captain of Rabanastre's forces and Reks was a soldier under him. Unfortunately, things went disastrously wrong, as on Rek's first mission, he witnessed the apparent traitorous actions of his captain and then was killed by him. As we find out, it was actually Basch's twin, Noah fon Rosenburg, a.k.a. "Gabranth.")

Basch & Reks

i always had an inkling it wasnt really Basch that killed Reks. i never got very far in the game.

Cid and Mid
Even their names go together.

Basch & Reks

Okay, so not exactly the most exciting battle. Let's go ahead and wrap it up...

Cid and Mid - 1
Basch and Reks - 2


And that puts an end to the first round. Let's see what we have left for the second...


Firion and Maria - Final Fantasy II - Childhood Friends
Cecil Harvey and Rosa Joanna Farrell - Final Fantasy IV - Married
Strago Magus and Relm Arrowny - Final Fantasy VI - Grandfather and Granddaughter
Celes Chere and Locke Cole - Final Fantasy VI - Lovers
Edgar Roni and Sabin Rene Figaro - Final Fantasy VI - Brothers
Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart - Final Fantasy VII - Childhood Friends
Cloud Strife and Aeris/th Gainsborough - Final Fantasy VII - Romantic
Cloud Strife and Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII - War Buddies
Aeris/th Gainsborough and Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII - Antagonists
Barrett Wallace and Marlene - Final Fantasy VII - Father and Adoptive Daughter
Nanaki and Bugenhagen - Final Fantasy VII - Grandfather and Adoptive Grandson
Reno and Rude - Final Fantasy VII - Partners
Elena and Tseng - Final Fantasy VII - Lovers
Scarlet and Heidegger - Final Fantasy VII - Coworkers
Squall Leonhart and Laguna Loire - Final Fantasy VIII - Son and Father
Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy - Final Fantasy VIII - Rivals
Zell Dincht and Seifer Almasy - Final Fantasy VIII - Rivals
Rinoa Heartilly and Seifer Almasy - Final Fantasy VIII - Formerly Dating
Laguna and Raine Loire - Final Fantasy VIII - Married
Fujin and Raijin - Final Fantasy VIII - Friends/Partners
Cid and Edea Kramer - Final Fantasy VIII - Married
Biggs and Wedge - Final Fantasy VIII - Comrades
Marcus and Blank - Final Fantasy IX - "Brothers"
Zidane Tribal and Garnet Til Alexandros - Final Fantasy IX - Married
Queen Brahne and Garnet Til Alexandros - Final Fantasy IX - Mother and Adoptive Daughter
Garland and Kuja - Final Fantasy IX - Creator and Creation
Biran and Yenke - Final Fantasy X - Friends
Wakka and Lulu - Final Fantasy X-2 - Husband and Wife
Brother and Buddy - Final Fantasy X-2 - Best Friends
Basch fon Ronsenburg and Reks - Final Fantasy XII - Captain and Soldier
Balthier and Fran - Final Fantasy XII - Partners
Snow Villiers and Serah - Final Fantasy XIII - Engaged


The usual applies - the above list is only for reference, but you can see the updated results in the first post of the thread. First battle of the second round:


Reno and Rude - Final Fantasy VII - Partners


(Reno: And what are we up to?
Yazoo: We know, Mother is here.
Rude: Oh, yeah?
Loz: Yeah, this thing... monument thing... Shinra made it.
Reno: Oh, no, you're just too clever
Rude: Except, you're wrong.
Reno: And wherever she is, we just don't know.)

vs.

Marcus and Blank - Final Fantasy IX - "Brothers"


(Marcus: Bro, over here!
Blank: Hold up. My body still feels kinda stiff.
Marcus: We've gotta hurry! Zidane and Dagger are in trouble!
Blank: Who's Dagger? Zidane's new girl
Marcus: What? You don't know?
Blank: Know what? What are you talking about?
Marcus: Just keep running!
Blank: Sheez...)

Reno and Rude - Final Fantasy VII - Partners

Marcus and Blank

Reno and Rude

Reno and Rude

Marcus and Blank

Reno and Rude
fo da lulz

Marcus and Blank

Reno and Rude - 5
Marcus and Blank - 3


That's the will and spirit of the Turks!

Next up...


Laguna and Raine Loire - Final Fantasy VIII - Married


(Kiros: (...What?)
Laguna: (Girl talk...Let's come back later. Come on!)
Kiros: (Something inside me tells me to listen.)
Ellone: Raine...Aren't yoo gonna marry Uncle Laguna?
Raine: A guy like that? He was carried in here crying like a baby, and I was the one who had to take care of him... His crude way of speaking...I don't know if his aspirations as a journalist... Every time I try to have a serious conversation, he avoids it... I can't stand his snoring and he talks in his sleep...
Ellone: But he's really nice! I really, really like him! Raine, Uncle Laguna and Elle should all be together!
Raine: ...But you know... I think what he really wants to do is travel all over the world. I don't think he has it in him to live in a quiet country town like this one. Some people are like that... ...Ouuu, it makes me so mad.
Ellone: ...Yoo don't like him?
Raine: ...I feel the same as you, Ellone.)

vs.

Brother and Buddy - Final Fantasy X-2 - Best Friends


(Shelinda: So, tell us about him.
Yuna: It's a long story.
Shelinda: I'm sure it is! One can only imagine the fascinating tales that led to you becoming the leader of the Gullwings.
Brother: Hold it right there! I'm the leader. Me! Gullwings! We rock you!
Buddy: Whoa! This thing on?
Shinra: It's taping two morons right now.)

Brother and Buddy

Brother and Buddy

Laguna and Raine Loire

Laguna and Raine Loire

Laguna and Raine - 4
Brother and Buddy - 2


Not much of a surprise there, I suppose. The real surprise is that Brother and Buddy even managed two votes.

Next up...


Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart - Final Fantasy VII - Childhood Friends


(Cloud: Tifa was in a coma for seven days. We all thought she wouldn't make it. If only I could've saved her... I was so angry... Angry at myself for my weakness. Ever since then, I felt Tifa blamed me... I got out of control... I'd get into fights not even caring who it was. That was the first time I heard about Sephiroth. If I got strong like Sephiroth, then everyone might... If I could just get stronger...... Then even Tifa would have to notice me......)

vs.

Zell Dincht and Seifer Almasy - Final Fantasy VIII - Rivals


(Seifer: I love battles. I fear nothing. The way I look at it, as long as you make it out of battle alive, you're one step closer to fulfilling your dream.
Squall: What!? Your dream?
Seifer: You have one too, don't you?
Squall: ...Sorry, but I'm gonna pass on that subject.
Zell: Yo! Let me in on it, too!
Seifer: Mind your own business.
Zell: Friggin' hell... (He starts punching the air.)
Seifer: What's the matter, Zell? Swatting flies? (walks away)
Zell: Damn you...!)

Cloud and Tifa

Zell Dincht and Seifer Almasy

Cloud and Tifa

Zell Dincht and Seifer Almasy

glad i made it to the next vote in time.

Cloud & Tifa

Cloud and Tifa

Okay, something of a late update here, but let's get moving again...


Cloud and Tifa - 4
Zell and Seifer - 2


And so the "childhood friends" from FFVII are preferred over the antagonistic pairing from FFVIII.

Next battle...


Celes Chere and Locke Cole - Final Fantasy VI - Lovers


(Locke: I'm with the Returners. Name's Locke.
Celes: Returners!!! I used to be General Celes... Now I'm just a common traitor...
Locke: Let's go!
Celes: !? You'd take me along? Thanks, but no thanks. I can barely walk... I'm grateful, but... Even if you got me out, you'd never be able to protect me. No, I think I'm better off here.
Locke: I'll protect you! Trust me! You'll be fine! Let's go!)

vs.

Biran and Yenke - Final Fantasy X - Friends


(Yenke: Why not talk, Kimahri? Not see Yenke for ten years! Say something! Kimahri forget Yenke? Forget Biran?
Biran: Leave Kimahri, Yenke. Kimahri is small Ronso. Kimahri so small can't see Yenke and Biran's faces.
Yenke: Kimahri forget Ronso friends? We taught you much at time of horn-molt! Biran taught Kimahri to be strong Ronso.
Biran: Maybe taught too much.)

Celes and Locke

Celes and Locke

Celes and Locke

Celes and Locke

Celes and Locke

Okay, this is an obvious blowout, so I'm going to go ahead and end it...


Celes and Locke - 5
Biran and Yenke - <font color="red">0</font>


Hornless! Hornless!


Next up...


Squall Leonhart and Laguna Loire - Final Fantasy VIII - Son and Father


(Squall: Why are you building a statue of him?
Elder: You find it strange, yes? I doubt you will understand. We believe that Master Laguna has a special something. That something is the power to attract people. We still don't know what it is, so we decided to build a statue of him. We felt that we may come to understand why Master Laguna is so special by doing this.
Squall: (...That bumbling clown...? I'd better not say anything.))

vs.

Balthier and Fran - Final Fantasy XII - Partners


(Fran: I�ve heard the voice of the Wood. She says Mjrn is not in the village. Jote. Where has she gone?
Jote: Why do you ask? The Wood tells us where she has gone. Or�can you not hear her? You cannot. Your ears are dull from hearing their harsh speech, I think. Viera who have abandoned the wood area Viera no longer. Mjrn, too, has left her embrace.
Balthier: And you forsake them in turn?
Jote: It is the will of the village. Viera must live always with the Wood. So is the Green Word, and so is our law.)

Balthier & Fran

Balthier & Fran

Balthier & Fran

Balthier & Fran

Okay, this is another blowout, so I'm going to keep things moving...


Squall and Laguna - <font color="red">0</font>
Balthier and Fran - 4


Bit surprising there, I thought Squall and Laguna were somewhat more liked than that. Or maybe Balthier and Fran are just that popular.


Okay, next up...

Edgar Roni and Sabin Rene Figaro - Final Fantasy VI - Brothers


(Sabin: I've been watching from afar, hoping that the world might regain some sanity... At this rate, Figaro will be reduced to a puppet state.
Edgar: Our time to strike back has arrived. The Empire's going to pay for what it has done...
Sabin: Think a "bear" like me could help you in your fight?
Edgar: You'd...join us? Sabin...!!
Sabin: I think Duncan would rest easier if he knew his disciple played a part in bringing peace to the world.)

vs.

Barrett Wallace and Marlene - Final Fantasy VII - Father and Adoptive Daughter


(Cait Sith: That was a surprise, the controls went crazy. This ain't good... Weapon came out of the sea and is heading straight for Midgar.
Cloud: The new weapon should stop him, right?
Cait Sith: I don't know if it's ready or not...
Barret: Hey! What's gonna happen to Marlene!?
Cait Sith: Doncha worry none, Marlene's in a safe place. She's with Aeris's mama. Barret!! What was that scratching just now!? As long as Marlene is safe, who cares what else happens, right?)

Edgar and Sabin

Edgar and Sabin

Edgar Roni and Sabin Rene Figaro

Edgar and Sabin

Wow, another blowout. Well, let's keep it rolling...

Edgar and Sabin - 5
Barret and Marlene - <font color="red">0</font>


Next battle...


Biggs and Wedge - Final Fantasy VIII - Comrades


(Zell, Selphie, Biggs and Wedge: AAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Biggs: S-So we meet again! Now we'll teach you the lesson we should have taught you earlier! I know it might seem cowardly to fight unarmed prisoners... ...But I hope you appreciate our position. Hey, it's a dog eat do...
Wedge: Uh, they are fully armed, sir...
Biggs: W-WHAT!? H-Ho-How...? Ahh, hell with it! Let's go, Wedge! ... ... I was demoted because of you! I'm only a lieutenant now! I'll get my revenge!)

vs.

Wakka and Lulu - Final Fantasy X-2 - Husband and Wife


(Lulu: Welcome back.
Yuna: Hi, Lulu.
Rikku: So tell us about the baby! It's gonna be born soon, right?
Lulu: Hm. Not yet. Wakka's getting a little ahead of himself.)

Biggs & Wedge

Wakka and Lulu

Biggs & Wedge

Only three votes? Well, all right, let's keep it rolling:

Biggs and Wedge - 2
Wakka and Lulu - 1


Next up, we have...


Firion and Maria - Final Fantasy II - Childhood Friends


(Hilda: I see you have regained your strength.
Firion: Your Highness, please allow us to join the rebel forces!
Hilda: Nonsense. You would only waste your lives in the war. You must go home at once.
Maria: But, Your Highness, we no longer have homes. And our parents, they're...
Hilda: ! Oh... I am very sorry for your losses. You are welcome to stay in Altair. You need only know our secret code to live here.)

vs.

Cloud Strife and Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII - War Buddies


(Cloud: Come this spring.... I'm leaving this town for Midgar.
Tifa: ........All boys are leaving our town.
Cloud: But I'm different from all of them. I'm not just going to find a job. I want to join SOLDIER. I'm going to be the best there is, just like Sephiroth.)

Firion & Maria

Cloud and Sephiroth

Firion and Maria

Firion and Maria

Let's get this show back on the road...


Firion and Maria - 3
Cloud and Sephiroth - 1


And so the friends from FFII, seeming underdogs, make their way to the third round. Next up...

Fujin and Raijin - Final Fantasy VIII - Friends/Partners


(Raijin: Yo, it's Squall. Oh yeah. Fujin's gonna treat us, ya know? Want somethin'?
Fujin: RAGE!
Raijin: ? (Fujin kicks him in the leg.) !!!!!!!!! Ahh...Ouuu...Ahh... ... ... Squall, psst...psst...psst... (Fujin's kinda harsh at times so you betta watch it too, ya know?
Fujin: WHAT?
Raijin: O-Oh! I-It's nothin'!)

vs.

Zidane Tribal and Garnet Til Alexandros - Final Fantasy IX - Married


(Zidane: (Could it be that she...likes me?)
David Heavenguard: ...An' the wisdom tae follow the path...
Zidane: (Gotta admit, I was pretty deep that night in the black mage village. Maybe that's when she fell for me? I'm such a stud!)
David Heavenguard: May the blessin's o' heaven be upon this man an' woman!
Zidane: Dagger! Now we're man and wife! Time for the kiss... ... ... Playing hard to get, eh?
Shanis Gatekeeper: Happy fit! Now ye need anoonce yer joinin' tae the twins at the other gate!
Zidane: What!? You mean there's more?
Shanis Gatekeeper: We have tae follow tradition, lad!
Zidane: Ah, well... Time for us newlyweds to make the rounds, Dagger.
Dagger: Remember, we're only married while we're here.
Zidane: Bliss is so fleeting.)

Zidane and Garnet

Zidane and Garnet

Zidane and Garnet

Fujin and Raijin

Fujin and Raijin - 1
Zidane and Garnet - 3


Zidane and Garnet win that one, easy.


Next up...

Strago Magus and Relm Arrowny - Final Fantasy VI - Grandfather and Granddaughter


(Relm: Grandpa. Who are these people? Friends? Can they use magic, too?
Strago: Yaa! Hush!
Relm: (spotting Interceptor) What a cute doggy!
Shadow: Get away. He bites.
Strago: Go to your room!
RELM: I will not! What a fussy old man!)

vs.

Nanaki and Bugenhagen - Final Fantasy VII - Grandfather and Adoptive Grandson


(Bugenhagen: Cloud says they are trying to save the planet. Honestly, I don't think it can be done. For even if they stop every reactor on the planet, it's only going to postpone the inevitable. Even if they stop Sephiroth, everything will perish. But, Nanaki. I've been thinking lately. I've been thinking if there was anything WE could do. As a part of the planet, something to help a planet already in
misery... No matter what happens, isn't it important to try? Am I just wishing against fate? I am too old to do anything about it... This year, I'll be 130. Ho Ho Hoooo. That is why, Nanaki, you must go with them! For my sake.
Red XIII: Grandpa...
Bugenhagen: I wanted to show you your real father before you left... I'm so glad that you came back while I was still alive to show you.
Red XIII: Grandpa... don't talk like that. I don't want to think of life... without you.....)

Strago and Relm

Nanaki and Bugenhagen

Nanaki and Bugenhagen

Nanaki and Bugenhagen

Strago and Relm - 1
Nanaki and Bugenhagen - 3


Strago and Relm pick up the first vote, but then get shut out on the rest.

Next battle is...


Cid and Edea Kramer - Final Fantasy VIII - Married


(Cid: Are you angry with me? Haha...I don't blame you. All I do is talk big, but in times or trouble, I run away. I was in a no-win situation...Your defeat would be the end of you. Your victory would mean losing my wife. I just couldn't bear...to face either circumstance. I don't care about myself...But...please forgive Edea...)

vs.

Garland and Kuja - Final Fantasy IX - Creator and Creation


(Garland: I have no intention of destroying Gaia. I only wish to make Gaia into Terra.
Zidane: What did you just say!?
Garland: Of course, not everything went as planned. You growing up on Gaia, for example. There is another one built as you were. He may be the one who threw a wrench into my gears.
Zidane: He!? Who the heck are you talking about!?
Garland: Someone you know quite well. Follow me... The time when the aura of Gaia will turn to the crimson glow of Terra has not yet come. I may need your help anyway.)

Garland and Kuja

Cid and Edea Kramer are closer to being round characters.

Cid and Edea

Cid and Edea

Garland and Kuja

Let's end this...


Cid and Edea - 3
Garland and Kuja - 3


It's a tie! All right, let's look to the battles from the previous round and see about a tie-breaker...


Cid and Edea - 2/2 = 100%
Garland and Kuja - 5/6 = 83%



Well, I guess I have to give it to Cid & Edea, seeing as theirs was 100%, even if it was only two votes.


Next up...

Scarlet and Heidegger - Final Fantasy VII - Coworkers


(Cait Sith: Both Gya ha ha and Kya ha ha are up to something. Wanna eavesdrop?)

vs.

Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy - Final Fantasy VIII - Rivals


(Dr. Kadowaki: Looks like your eyes are focusing. You should be fine. Say your name for me. ... Why don't you take it easy in training? Next time you might not be so lucky.
Squall: Tell that to Seifer.
Dr. Kadowaki: That Seifer...Won't listen to anyone. Why don't you ignore him?
Squall: I can't just run away.
Dr. Kadowaki: You wanna be cool, huh? Well, don't get hurt in the process.)

Scarlet and Heidegger

Squall and Seifer

Scarlet and Heidegger

Scarlet and Heidegger

Squall and Seifer

Scarlet and Heidegger

Squall and Seifer

Scarlet and Heidegger - 4
Squall and Seifer - 3


Scarlet and Heidegger just eke that one out.


Next up...


Aeris/th Gainsborough and Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII - Antagonists


(Aeris/th: It's only a matter of time before Sephiroth uses Meteor. That's why I'm going to protect it. Only a survivor of the Cetra, like me, can do it. The secret is just up here. At least it should be. ...I feel it. It feels like I'm being led by something. Then, I'll be going now. I'll come back when it's all over.
Cloud: Aeris/th?
Sephiroth: Hmm........ She's thinking of interfering? She will be a difficult one, don't you think? We must stop that girl soon.)

vs.

Basch fon Ronsenburg and Reks - Final Fantasy XII - Captain and Soldier


(Reks: My brother is all I have left, sir. He�s two years younger then I. Living in Rabanastre.
Basch: So young.
Basch: You�re barely old enough to be a man. You shouldn�t be forced to wield a sword.
Reks: No, sir. I want to fight. For my homeland and for my parents.)

Aww, I hate to feel like a bandwagon-jumper, but... Sephiroth and Aeris.

Reks sucked.

Aww, I hate to feel like a bandwagon-jumper, but... Sephiroth and Aeris.

Reks sucked.

Sephiroth and Aeris

Aww, I hate to feel like a bandwagon-jumper, but... Sephiroth and Aeris.

Reks sucked.

Basch and Reks

Euch Fanboy time sadly

Aeris and Sephiroth

Sephiroth and Aeris

Reks was just the unpaid extra.

Euch Fanboy time sadly

Aeris and Sephiroth

PS: 'sup bump...

Anybody feel like hosting this rumble till Agent returns?

I'll continue this for the time being if no one objects. Someone's got to keep this going! But please be patient, it may take me some time to advance the rumble, and I'll try my best to be timely.

Now then, where were we? Ah yes.

Aerith and Sephiroth: 7
Basch and Reks: 1

After ten long months, Aerith & Sephiroth finally take the cake. We have three more competitions before the next round. Next up:


Cecil Harvey and Rosa Joanna Farrell - Final Fantasy IV - Married

Cecil: Step aside, Rosa.
Rosa: I'm not going anywhere. Why not? Without me along, who will heal you when you're hurt?
Cecil: Rosa...
Kain: You can't win this one, Cecil.
Edge: No use arguing with a woman.
Cecil: Then I'll argue no more.

(Cecil and Rosa meet through the events of Final Fantasy IV, but Cecil has a protective nature. Though he doesn't want to see Rosa hurt, he can't stop her from following him into danger. At the end of the game, the two marry and take the throne of Baron.)

vs.

Rinoa Heartilly and Seifer Almasy - Final Fantasy VIII - Formerly Dating

Rinoa: I...really liked him. He was always full of confidence, smart... Just by talking to him, I felt like I could take on the world.
Selphie: Your boyfriend?
Rinoa: I don't really know. I...I think I was in love. I wonder how he felt...?
Selphie: Do you still like him?
Rinoa: If I didn't, I wouldn't be talking about it. It was last summer... I was 16. Lots of fond memories...
Squall: (I liked him...wasn't really a bad guy...He was one of us... Seifer...You've become just a memory.)

(Rinoa and Seifer were boyfriend and girlfriend, sort of. As indicated above, Rinoa was head over heels for him for a while, but she was never entirely sure if he felt the same way about her. Eventually, their fling came to an end. Later, the two ended up as enemies, and Seifer kidnapped Rinoa and "junctioned" her to the Sorceress Adel.)

Cecil & Rosa

Cecil Harvey and Rosa Joanna Farrell

Cecil and Rosa

Cecil & Rosa