What is the deal with Cloud and Tifa

[Masamune·1600]

If for some strange reason Cloud got hypnotized, the how got left out.

Cloud wasn't "hypnotized," per se. As shown above, the events in his life before he left for Midgar left him without what we might call willpower or self-confidence. After Hojo introduced the JENOVA cells into Cloud, they, in conjunction with his own weakened will, left him susceptible to Sephiroth's manipulations. This is directly stated; again, refer above.

So ok then, he was "the real Cloud" who knew Tifa as a kid, took off for SOLDIER, and was just a grunt who failed to make rank and then thought he was someone else for some reason? Ok, so why then are we told all over he is a clone? If the clone talk is false or lies, there's still the mysterious bond between him and Sephiroth? I'm also well aware of the JENOVA factor, and that Shinra did stuff with it. And you mention "CLONES". What are "CLONES" exactly? Not actually clones?

In at least one sense, Cloud is a clone. Although the word departs from scientific usage in our world, in FFVII it refers to anyone given JENOVA cell therapy. Every member of SOLDIER is a Sephiroth clone, as is anyone who received JENOVA injections from Hojo following the Nibelheim disaster. "CLONES" refer specifically to certain clones (the black-garbed individuals who journey to the Reunion). The CLONES are actually the survivors of the disaster, the former residents of Nibelheim. They were given tattoos by Hojo.

The information regarding the CLONES can be found on a report in Tifa's room addressed to Hojo. It reads as follows.

"Periodic Report to Professor Hojo"

1. Clone Activity Report

Unfortunately, no 'CLONES' have left this town this quarter. As previously reported, the 'CLONES' seem to be sensing something. But all they say is 'reunion' or 'Sephiroth' and show no other signs of activity.

2. Confidentiality Report

A total of eight people have visited this town this quarter. Fortunately, none knew about the incident five years ago. Therefore, no one knows the town was restored exactly as it was five years ago. Our staff, disguised as townspeople have improved their acting skills, and we do not report any problems at this time.

Cloud and Zack can be distinguished from the CLONES at least in the sense that neither was given a tattoo. Refer to the Escapee Report in my first post.

Does that mean that mean then, that Cloud was just some random loser grunt who got stabbed by Sephiroth, and got grabbed near-death by Hojo to be messed with JENOVA cells, then be called a clone for some reason? If not, then what?

In a sense, yes, although I'd hesitate to call Cloud a random loser when he basically overcame Shinra's greatest SOLDIER. Cloud is a clone simply in the sense that he was given JENOVA cells, which is all the word really means in this context.

You can't have it both ways. He's either a clone, or a disturbed guy who thought he was someone else. And that's not even counting the fact that Tifa got fatally stabbed and it's not explained how she survived. It's hinted that it was a false memory. Both versions are hinted at this, this is my point.

Obviously, you can have at it both ways, when you consider the FFVII definition of "clone" in the context of the Jenova Project. Cloud was given JENOVA therapy, which, in conjunction with his weakened will, allowed for him to essentially lose his sense of self. In that weakened state, he replaced himself with Zack (who, as a member of SOLDIER, would have represented to Cloud the achievement of a particularly important goal) in his memory of the disaster. Cloud came by these memories while travelling with Zack, as shown in the basement flashback. At the time of those travels, Cloud was obviously barely conscious, and susceptible to all that happened.

The fact that Tifa was stabbed doesn't necessarily imply that it was fatal. The wound was bad, certainly, but it didn't prove mortal (just as neither Cloud's injury nor Zack's wound proved fatal). The game addresses this several times. Zangan goes so far as to leave her a note clarifying how he rescued her when the player obtains Tifa's Final Heaven Limit manual.

Tifa, what's happened to our town? Was it all an illusion, or just a dream?
No, it was neither. I remember trying to get people out of the flames, but not
having the strength... Burning with anger, I went to the reactor to kill
Sephiroth.

But he was nowhere to be found. Instead, I found you, collapsed inside. I felt
saving you was far more important than going after Sephiroth. There were
several others that were still alive inside, but I was only able to save you.

As I was coming out of the reactor, Shinra troops were just arriving. I recall
a scientist named Hojo was in charge. He ordered the troops to gather up
everyone still alive for the experiment. I didn't know what type of experiment
he was talking about, but I wasn't about to let them have my dearest student.

Putting you on my back, I headed down the mountain to the village. I used the
Cure spell on you many times and started to head for Midgar to look for a
doctor for you. I don't like that city, but my Cure spells weren't helping.

I decided to go to Midgar to find a doctor I could trust. I'm worried about
you, but I can't settle down in one place for very long. Have you recovered
fully? Are you well?

I wonder how many years have passed since then? I just got into town again, but
I can't believe it... The whole town is back to normal, except for the strange
beings with black clothes all around...

The town reeks of Shinra, but I won't go after them. You may think I'm running
from them, but it's just that I don't want anything to do with Shinra anymore.
Feels like time is running out.

I'm sure you'll find this letter. And this gift for you. It should come in
handy. I can't even jump anymore. But I hope you continue to sharpen your
skills and remember what I taught you.

To my most precious student, From Zangan.

Zangan was Tifa's martial arts instructor. In the Kalm flashback, he can be seen trying to help after the town is set ablaze.

The memories were either real or false. Can't be both. Only one set of memories were what really happened. And I clearly see conflicting occurences during different flashbacks. And nobody ever comes out and clears things up.

The Kalm flashback was obviously false, although the only major fallacy regarding the memory involved Cloud's superimposition of himself over Zack. The Lifestream sequence at Mideel clarified what actually happened. Any missing pieces can then be filled in by the basement flashback. There's not much anyone can do to help if you're not willing to recognize that.

Tifa acts squirrely from start to finish, possibly hinting she doesn't know the facts either. If she was the clear-minded spectator in Cloud's strange turn of events, why not come out and say exactly what happened instead of acting strange and letting Cloud suffer?

Tifa was, in all probablility, afraid of screwing with Cloud's mind, as he obviously sincerely believed his warped take on events. Further, the fact that Cloud knew most of the pertinent details regarding the disaster had to confuse the hell out of her, particularly since she didn't see that Cloud was present. Several times throughout the story, Tifa seems to want to ask Cloud the pivotal question(s), but simply can't.

Recall what Tifa says when the party sits around the Cosmo Candle, for example:

Tifa: Cloud... Bonfires are funny, aren't they? They make you remember all sorts
of things. You know, Cloud. 5 Years ago... ......It's nothing. No, forget it.
I'm afraid to ask...

Cloud: What is it?

Tifa: It feels like... it feels like you're going far away... You really, really
are...... you... right?

I think these particular lines might help to clear away a lot of lingering doubts.

This is not discerned with any clear proof, it's just left a mystery. Either that or it's a plot hole. But I'm convinced it was intentional. But please, pay close attention to what I'm asking. Like I said, I analyzed the heck out of the plot logistics.

I've shown you to the best of my ability what actually happened. You'll have to clarify your questions further if you want additional information, but rest assured that there is no mystery nor plothole concerning Cloud's identity.

So, no offense to your explanations, but they're technically just as much conjecture as my own theories. Which I won't mention unless someone is intrested.

What I've offered is not mere conjecture, but the only logical conclusion that can be arrived at regarding the events in question.