>>725600018 (OP)
>the moment that shaped you forever
Aerith gave me a permanent initial preference for the girl with long ponytail in games, yes.
And yeah, her death was the first (in video games only) for me, so that too is special with a specific scar and a promise to save her, if it ever became possible, but I almost never think about said death when thinking of her, because her alive moments are much more vital to her character and to me.
As for Pekora, she liked the game, good for her.