Chapter 6: Corneo
Sector 6 was exactly as Aeris had described it: a mess of metal and garbage which seemed almost impassable at first glance. Cloud could easily see how hard it would be to navigate. However Aeris, it seemed, knew her way through the rubble.
"You know they actually tried to fix this place up at one point," Aeris commented.
Cloud nodded, noticing some construction equipment in the distance. Aeris led Cloud to a small gap in the garbage which appeared to have, at one point, been a parking lot.
"This is the easiest way to Sector 7," Aeris said. "Just through here leads to the gates."
Cloud was still wondering about how he was going to get through the Sector 7 gate, but he decided to hold off on that thought until it came up. They crossed over the split levels of earth and eventually found themselves at a small playground. There was a small house in the middle of a sandbox, a slide shaped like a small animal fairy called a moogle, and a swingset. It would appear nicer if it wasn't surrounded by metal scraps. Cloud saw the Sector 7 gate about a hundred yards from their location.
"I used to come here all the time when I was little," Aeris said smiling as she sat down on one of the swings.
Cloud leaned against one of the support poles. "I appreciate you leading me through Sector 6. Let me take you home."
Aeris laughed. "Well then that would be kinda pointless wouldn't it? I mean I led you through all of that, and… no, Cloud. I'm gonna stick by you. After all, I want to meet your friends."
"Heh," Cloud chuckled. "Um, yeah."
Cloud wasn't sure the underground group would want to be randomly "met" by a stranger who already had Shinra on her tails. However he figured there was nothing he could do about it at this point.
"So Cloud, in SOLDIER. What rank were you?" Aeris asked.
Cloud stood up. "First class."
Aeris sunk in her seat a bit. "Oh, that's funny." Although her voice had no trace of humor in it. "It's the same rank as him."
"Who?" Cloud asked.
"My first boyfriend," Aeris replied.
Cloud sighed. He had seen a lot of couples get torn by military involvement. Many of his friends had lost their girlfriends as a result. It's why he chose never to really get involved with anybody once he joined. But there was that one girl…
"You were, serious?" Cloud asked.
"Sort of," Aeris sighed, lightly swinging.
Cloud shook his head. It was a bad idea for her to have fallen for a member of SOLDIER, he figured. Suddenly the gates of Sector 7 began to slide open. Aeris and Cloud looked over and saw a large wagon being pulled by an equally large yellow bird: a Chocobo.
"Hey, we should head to Sector 7 now that the gate's open," Cloud said. He jumped off the swing and began to walk towards the gate. However the cart turned to pull in to the Sector 6 town of Wall Market, and Cloud noticed someone riding in the back.
It was strange, she had the same face as Tifa, the same build. And yet she was wearing a glowing blue dress. It was only when the two made eye contact that Cloud snapped out of his confusion.
"That's Tifa," Cloud said quietly.
"So that's Tifa…she's your… girlfriend?" Aeris asked.
Cloud shook his head. "No, she's an old childhood friend. Listen, I'm sorry but I need to cut this short, I have to go find out what she's up to."
Aeris smiled and walked up to Cloud. "Let me guess. You want me to go home?"
Aeris at this point was so close to Cloud that if he had shivered he would knock her over. He could smell the flowers on her. It wasn't a perfume, it was the natural scent. However, Cloud seemed completely unimpressed.
"Yes," he replied tersely.
Aeris frowned and poked his nose. "Not gonna happen. Besides, you're the one concerned about my safety right? Are you gonna ask an unescorted lady to walk home through all this?"
Cloud looked back at the labyrinth of wreckage and finally caved. "All right. But tread lightly. You do know what kind of place Wall Market is right?"
Aeris rolled her eyes. "Legalized prostitution, mob rule, yeah I think I have a bit of an idea what Wall Market is like. Remember, I live here."
The two walked through a "pathway" cleared in the wreckage. The fresh cart tracks led towards a large mansion the was built back against a wall; perhaps the name sake of the town. Aside from that mansion, the rest of the buildings were in about the same shape as Sector 5. The one exception to this rule was the brothel nearby, enchantingly titled "The Honeybee Inn".
Cloud had been here a time or two before. He had arrived here his first week in Midgar and got lost amongst the seemingly backwards culture. Bright lights of the city above and below, alcohol and drugs easily accessible and of course the overall objectification of women.
All the rumors of the violence and lack of morals that flowed from Midgar; Cloud believed that this was their epicenter.
"Do your bodyguard a favor, and stay close to me okay?" Cloud asked.
"Oh relax Cloud," Aeris replied. "They haven't legalized kidnapping yet."
"Right, because it's illegal that will stop it," Cloud sighed.
"No really," Aeris explained. "Because they've legalized about everything else, crime in this area is very low."
Cloud smacked his head, desperate to retort, but it was clear that Aeris was not the kind of girl you could reason with. Try as he might, Cloud could not remember knowing any girl who could be reasoned with. Aeris's street smarts and general stubbornness made her all the more annoying.
Aeris ran towards the mansion and Cloud ran after her. He found that, even with his SOLDIER training, keeping up with her was tough. Maybe that is why she was so confident. Of course, Cloud remembered that this girl probably spent most of her life running.
The mansion of the local mob boss, Don Corneo, was just as gaudy inside as it was outside. Neon lights everywhere, various items from across the world, strewn almost randomly about the place. Of course, all that Aeris and Cloud got to see was the main foyer. They were stopped by a bouncer, who wore an outfit that said "I'm strong, but not smart."
"Hey man, the Don ain't interested in dudes. Your friend is welcome to come in, of course," the bouncer announced.
"What's going on in there?" Aeris asked.
The bouncer seemed almost astonished that Aeris knew how to speak, but answered her question all the same: "Well the Don, believe it or not, has decided that his young days of partying are at an end and in his middle age he should settle down with a wife."
Aeris seemed impressed, as if she had personal knowledge of the Don's behavior. "Oh really? So is he courting somebody?"
The bouncer laughed. "Ah, not exactly. You see we have some applicants who are going to appear before the Don and he will choose from them."
Aeris's expression returned to her usual judging glance. "I see. You wouldn't know if a girl named Tifa is in there?"
The bouncer also seemed amazed that Aeris had used the words "girl" and "name" in the same sentence, however: "Ah, let me see? We've only had one girl show up so far. She was wearing a blue dress and had dark brown hair. Is that your friend?"
"That sounds like Tifa," Cloud replied. "Listen we need to speak to her."
The bouncer shook his head. "Sorry brother, not today. Maybe if the Don doesn't choose her you can have her later, but right now the answer is no."
Aeris and Cloud stepped away from the bouncer.
"Well this isn't good," Aeris sighed.
"Hey listen, we're getting in this place if I have to bust that guy up," Cloud said.
Aeris shook her head. "Don't do it. Don's men are among the best in the business. Even a SOLDIER needs to know when he's outnumbered."
Cloud hated to admit that she had a point.
"Listen, I'll go in there and Tifa and I can think of a way out," Aeris said. "I'll tell her that you sent me."
Cloud put his hand on her shoulder. Aeris shivered a bit under the pressure of his hand. "No you won't. I've let you do a lot of crazy things today, but that's where I draw the line. Maybe we could bribe the bouncer."
Aeris began looking Cloud up and down and then started to giggle. Cloud let go of her and thought for a moment that she was being even more condescending than usual.
"What?" Cloud asked.
"Cloud, you should dress up like a girl," Aeris explained.
Cloud looked back at the bouncer and then at Aeris. "Have you lost your mind?"
"No, think about it. The bouncer is obviously not that smart. If you just put on a dress, a wig and maybe a little make-up he'll think you're a woman. Just enough to get inside and find out if Tifa is alright. You can go ahead and 'bust the place up' on our way out," Aeris explained.
Cloud sat down on the rug and put his head in his hands. Today was beginning to be a very long day indeed.
"Fine," Cloud sighed.
Aeris walked as seductively as she could manage up to the bouncer. "Listen, I want to get dolled up for the Don so I'll be back, but I'm also gonna bring a cute friend with me, okay?"
The bouncer nodded. "All right, sure."
"Thanks, love," Aeris smiled and blew a kiss at the bouncer. She and Cloud walked out of the mansion.
Bill Mayhew was having a dry spell. He owned one of the oldest dress shops in town, and as such, the oldest dresses in town. The fashion world had always been a fickle business, and even with the addition of his daughter to his work, their practice of dress-making had been in the tubes for almost six months now.
And so, he was at his usual haunt: a small pub near the mansion of Don Corneo, drinking away his woes. He heard the bell of the door ring and saw a lovely young woman enter wearing a pink dress. He recognized it immediately. The modest cut, the button-down skirt and the tasteful but still appealing blouse. It was his own handiwork.
The woman was escorted by a young man with spikey blonde hair wearing the uniform of a SOLDIER. He could tell right away that they weren't from around these parts.
"Excuse me sir," Aeris asked him. "We heard that you were a dressmaker."
"I was, back in the day. When dresses like that were considered skimpy. Back when people left something to the imagination. Boy this town has gone to hell…" Bill sighed.
Aeris smiled nervously and continued. "Um well, we would like you to make a dress for us."
Bill looked up at Aeris. "I'm afraid my craft has gone too. All my fashion is out-of-date and a girl as lovely as yourself deserves to wear the very best."
Aeris blushed. "Well thank you, but the dress isn't for me."
Bill's curiosity was now piqued, and he turned away from his drink. "So then… who is it for? I need at least the measurements of the person to work."
Aeris put her hand on Cloud's shoulder. "The dress is for him."
Bill spit some of his drink out. He gazed upon the tall man with a muscular build. He was definitely a manly man. So why in the world was he doing something like this?
"You're not a fruitcake are you son?" Bill asked.
"No, it's not like that. It's um… more complex," Cloud explained.
"Probably some guvment mission… alright count me in. This is a lot more interesting than my normal work," Bill replied.
Within a few hours, the dress was made. Cloud had acquired a blonde wig from the daughter of the shop-owner. Apparently she knew some other guys who liked to cross-dress that hung out at the gym. Cloud found the whole situation just ridiculous.
"Alright," Aeris smiled, sporting a brand new crimson dress. "Ready to get to work?"
Aeris carried her clothes in a bag she bought. She offered to carry Cloud's as well, but Cloud said that he would rather be able to get out of these clothes as fast as possible, so he wore his own on underneath.
The bouncer saw the dolled-up Aeris and Cloud and was speechless. He just opened the door for them and stuttered: "You're f-friend's hot too."
They were escorted by a man wearing a dark blue tuxedo to a "waiting room". The waiting room was in the basement of the mansion, which was clearly used as the Don's
S & M room. There was a rack, stocks, a bondage chair and table. Whips, hot coal applicators and all manner of bondage toys lay around the room.
They saw Tifa sitting on the table (obviously refusing to sit in the chair). Tifa looked at Aeris and Cloud as though they were strangers. Cloud forgot that he was dressed like a woman and began to speak casually.
"Tifa are you alright?" Cloud asked.
"Um, who are you?" Tifa asked.
Cloud removed the wig. "It's me Cloud."
"You're alive!" Tifa ran up and hugged him. "But why are you dressed like a woman," Tifa replied, part nervous smiling, part expression of horror.
"I know it's ridiculous, but it's the only way I could get in here to help you out," Cloud explained.
Tifa sighed. "A little above and beyond there, aren't we?"
Aeris began to giggle and Cloud scowled at her.
"What's going on?" Cloud asked.
Tifa began to pace the room. "So we head back to Sector 7, convinced that you're dead. We get attacked by some soldiers who, after some persuasion, reveal to us that Corneo is actually a Shinra mole. So Barrett tells me not to get involved, but I decide that if Corneo is on our doorsteps, Shinra isn't far behind. I decided to come here and bust his chops until I get the info I need, so I have to win this stupid game of his."
Cloud nodded.
Aeris coughed lightly. "Um, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."
Tifa turned to Aeris. "Not a problem. I'm Tifa, and you are…"
"Aeris," Aeris replied. "Don't worry, I'm just his friend."
Cloud sighed.
A man came down to the room and escorted the three "women" to the Don's Room. The Don's Room was the most gaudy of all. A red light, black light and blue light all hung from one fixture and strobed slowly. The bed was completely oversize. Easily four people could sleep in it. Cloud began to think that was the idea. A large neon lamp was behind his bed next to a chest of "goodies".
The Don himself, was very clearly aged. He looked like a man who had once been somewhat attractive, but wrinkles, excess weight and poor fashion sense had more than taken care of that. An unkempt mohawk and oversize shades only heightened the effect.
"Oh my, you all look so lovely," the Don smiled. "Now who should I choose?"
The Don looked over all of the "ladies" carefully. The Don's expression changed from one of childish glee to that of suspicion, or at least careful deliberation. He was looking right at Cloud. Cloud put his hand behind his back, getting ready to withdraw his carefully hidden sword when the Don announced: "This one!"
Tifa and Aeris were escorted out and the Don signaled for Cloud to join him on the bed. Cloud laughed on the inside that this old man had considered a man the most attractive.
"So how are we going to do this?" Corneo asked. "We could start slow if you want, or just get started now."
Cloud slid closer to Corneo. "Well you see," he said not attempting to mask his voice. "I already have a man."
Corneo laughed. "My what a deep voice you have. Exotic. Who is this man of yours?"
"Barrett," Cloud said.
Corneo began to tremble and perspire. Outside, the sounds of a struggle were heard, and the doors to his bedroom burst open. Tifa and Aeris had apparently found time to change during the scuffle and Cloud decided it was time to do the same. He tore off his dress and wig and pulled out the Buster Sword.
"Alright Corneo, what information have you been feeding the Shinra?" Cloud demanded, holding his sword at the man's midsection.
"I can't tell you!" Corneo cried. "They'll kill me!"
Cloud raised his sword up to Corneo's head. "And what do you think I'm gonna do if you don't tell me?" Cloud slammed his sword down into the bed just short of Corneo's groin.
Corneo yelped "I told them about you all. I told them where you were hiding. I'm just glad you rats weren't in Sector 6 is all."
Tifa looked into Corneo's eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
Corneo began to sob uncontrollably. "I can't tell you anymore, please!"
Cloud raised his sword from the bed, and finally Corneo caved.
"They're going to crush you! With the plate! They're going to blow up the support pillar over Sector 7, please that's all I know!" Corneo sobbed.
Cloud looked at Tifa. "The support pillar?! We have to warn Barret!"
Tifa nodded. "Let's go!"
The three began to run, but were stopped by Corneo shouting "Wait!"
They turned around and looked at the man, who now seemed slightly more confident. Cloud did not like his expression.
"Just one more thing. It's important," Corneo said. "Why do you think I told you all of this, knowing what the Shinra will do to me? 1) Because I'd given up hope. 2) Because I'm sure of victory. Or 3) Because I'm Insane."
Cloud saw it a moment too late, the Don's hand reaching for a lever and the parties unfortunate position over a very large trap door.
"Number 2," Cloud said as he threw his dress at Corneo. It did nothing to stop him from pressing the switch that sent the three plummeting down into the dark sewers below Sector 6.