Hrm, When I played FFVII I thought that Cloud's ego border was basically merged with Zacks, when Cloud suffered from the Experiments. Therefore, I thought that he thought he was the first rank soilder because his self identity was merged with that of Zack. Thus the constant confusion on Clouds part. Therefore he had Tifa as a child hood friend, and Aeries bore about the same setiment to him through Zack's memories.

Ugh, that is where I get lost though.

Bipper