Chapter Five: The Losses Begin
Sector five was a quiet section of the slums to begin with; but this early in the morning it was like a ghost town. The streets were deserted, save the occasional piece of trash that came rolling down the street. The artificial lights only made this place feel more surreal then it already did. Cloud had made sure he shut the door quietly as he walked away from Aeris' house. Something in the back of his mind was telling him to take her with him but he felt the danger was just too great. He noticed the weapon shop man still had his door open. (Danger never sleeps and neither does he), Cloud thought as he walked inside. The man immediately grinned when he saw the young Ex-SOLDIER walk up to the counter. "Take care of yourself. It's the law of the slums. But to do that, first you need weapons, right?" Cloud shook his head quickly and looked over the selection.
He decided on a few hand grenades and put them in his pack. (May just need them to buy me some time) he mused as he walked out of the shop. Though there was no sunrise or sunset in the slums of Midgar, Cloud knew the people would be getting up soon. He decided it was best to get going. Without making another stop Cloud passed through the rest of the small town and quickly made it to the road along side the wall. Instead of taking a right, which would bring him back to the church; Cloud took a left. His jaw almost dropped when he saw Aeris standing there. "You're up bright and early", she said with a slightly amused tone.
Cloud was completely surprised by the fact that she got here before he did. At first he didn't know what to say. "How could I ask you to come along when I knew it would be dangerous?"
Though she understood his intentions she wasn't about to let that comment go. "Are you done?" Cloud could clearly see he was not going to be able to persuade her into going home. He scratched his head, in a slightly defeated way. Aeris smiled, "You have to go through the slum in sector six, to get to Tifa's 7th Heaven." She waved in the direction of a large hole, made in between two large sections of wall. "I'll take you there. Come on!" She quickly ran into the hole and disappeared on the other side. Cloud tried to call out to her, in the slight hopes that she would stop. When it didn't happen he just shrugged and followed.
About twenty feet from where he had come in Cloud saw Aeris waiting. She looked around the area as he came up beside her. When she got her bearings the two started off as quickly as possible towards the other side. There were places Cloud was sure he could climb but he knew Aeris couldn't, he followed her lead. Some of the monsters that lived in the debris piles heard them go by. On more than one occasion Cloud and Aeris had to fight them off. With great skill and ease he was able to kill more than a dozen. Aeris provided some 'Cure' spells for whenever Cloud let his guard down. He noticed right away that they were working well together. As for her offensive skills she swung her rod with confidence at any monster that happened to get too close. Though he could tell she was nervous from the fighting she kept a cool head. (She must be used to this.)
It took about twenty minutes to make it to the other side. The monsters thinned out on the other side of the highway. Cloud looked back at the broken down road. (It must have been a good source for goods and supplies before this plate was put up. Now its just falling apart and full of monsters.) Not waiting any longer the couple walked passed the exit into a more serene setting.
Cloud had never seen such a run down old playground in his life. Though he never really played on one as a child, Nibelheim never needed one. He had seen more than his fair share in some of the places he traveled to. Aeris looked around for a moment, her eyes lighting up as she remembered hours of playing as a little girl. She points to a large gate on the other side of the playground. "The gate to Sector 7's in there."
Cloud smiled, "Thanks. I guess this is goodbye. You gonna be alright going home?"
Aeris immediately put her hands on her face, trying to sound weak and helpless, "Oh, no! Whatever will I do?" She looked at him a bit more seriously, "...isn't that what you want me to say?"
Cloud had to admit he was being a bit over protective of this young woman. She had already proven to him that she could take care of herself. "Well would you like to go to Sector 7 for a little while?"
She smiled, "I could do that. But won't I be in your way?" Aeris turned away for a moment.
Cloud didn't get what she was saying, "What do you mean in the way?" He thought she was talking about Tifa (Nah. That can't be it) Then he thought she was talking about AVALANCHE. He eagerly awaited her response.
She could tell he was trying to figure out her last statement. She just smiled and dismissed the topic with a quick, "Nothing!" She placed her hands behind her back and looked back to the old playground in front of her. "Can we take a break?" Cloud nodded slightly and she took a few steps to a slide in the shape of a large Moogle. Moogles were types of faeries that existed in legend only. Her eyes widened at the memories of her sliding down that slide many times in the day. "I can't believe its still here." Without looking back she quickly went around its back and climbed to the top, sitting right on the head. She was beaming, "Cloud get over here!"
Cloud walked over to the Moogle and found a quick way to the top. Getting a quick start he jumped onto one of the steps and vaulted the rest of the way to the top, only his hand was used to keep some balance. He sat next to Aeris in a careless fashion. Aeris looked thoughtfully up at him, "What rank were you?"
"Rank?" He looked at her slightly confused again.
She nodded, "You know, in SOLDIER."
Finally understanding, "Oh I was...", he felt a weird sensation come over him, only for a second, but he had a response, "First class."
She looked away for a moment, "Just the same as him." Cloud could sense a bit of sadness in her voice.
He could tell this line of conversation was going to be a bit tough on her, but the door was open. "The same as who?"
"My first boyfriend." She tried not to sound too sad at the face that statement brought to her.
Cloud glanced back at her, "You were...serious?"
She shook her head, "No. But I liked him for awhile."
Cloud smiled, feeling a bit better, "I probably knew him. What was his name?"
Looking away from him, "It doesn't really matter."
Cloud and Aeris sat on the Moogle for a few moments in silence. Cloud knew she didn't want to talk about an Ex anymore than he wanted to hear about it. For now he was content just to enjoy the silence her company had given him. A small rumbling behind him made them both turn around him. The gate to Sector 7 opened and a small, but elaborate chocobo drawn carriage made its way into the park. The driver took no notice of the two sitting on the slide and expertly steered the large yellow bird in the direction of the town. Getting a clear view of the back, Cloud was shocked to see who standing at the edge. "Huh? Hey, back there..." Aeris looked up at him. "That girl in the cart was Tifa? Where was she going? She looked kinda odd..."
Aeris looked in the direction the carriage was going to. (That's not a good place for her to be going into.) She jumped off the slide and began to follow the carriage. Cloud was too stunned to stop her. "Wait! I'll go on alone! You go home!" She obviously wasn't going to listen to him. Soon she disappeared down the path, leaving Cloud standing on the slide shaking his head. (It's gonna be one of those days.) He jumped off the slide and followed the path that Aeris had taken.
Cloud stopped for a moment as he took in the site that greeted him. It was another town, the one in Sector 6. He had heard this area was called the "Wall Market". It was a place of whores, gambling and crime. (What the hell is Tifa doing in a place like this?) By the inn Aeris was waiting for him. He could tell she was slightly nervous about being there. "This place is scary in a lot of ways. Especially for a girl. So we've gotta find Tifa fast." Cloud nodded, he had come to the same conclusion without being told.
The man standing out the door, at the inn eyed both of them as they started walking down the road. He yelled out to them, "Hey you two. How about some rest? We've got a beautiful room, how bout' it?" Cloud decided it wasn't the best time so they moved on. There were shops all around. On his left there was a pharmacy with a small shack attached with a sign that said "Item". There was a few houses on his right and a dress shop further down. A young man, probably a hired thug came up to them. He smiled as he eyed Aeris, "Hey boy! You shore got a good lookin' heifer there! Take her to the Don's place, and you'll make a mint." Cloud resisted the urge to beat the man because he could see Aeris didn't care about what was said about her.
They both decided to check out the other side of the street for some information. He could see a materia shop which made up a dead end and a small side street on the other side. An older man, overweight, was looking rather sheepish. Cloud figured this guy would know something. The man looked up at the couple, quickly becoming embarrassed he looked away. "I just can't make up my mind. Mmm." Cloud's expression told the man what his next question would be. "Huh, about what?" He hid his face in shame, "Hmmm, don't make me say it. It's the shop down on the right."
There had to be something special about that shop the man was talking about. Cloud started in that direction, Aeris followed right behind him. Cloud's suspicions proved correct as "Honey Bee Inn" greeted them. (This sector of town is sickening.) Cloud thought. There were men all around, a regular Shinra soldier, practically drooling through the blue mask he wore. Another man, another thug was bashing stuff up in the back end of the road. (I guess he couldn't get in.) Pushing past a few people Cloud walked over to the two men that were watching the door. Cloud decided to ignore the one in the suit, he looked too snobbish to give any information. The older man next to him seemed like he was in heaven. (He should be willing to talk.)
Cloud looked at the older man directly. He happily turned towards Cloud, "Welcome!! Even unpopular dweebs, like you may meet your destiny here!!" He smiled, "You looking for a girlfriend too?"
(Ah, What the hell?) Cloud thought, "You know a girl named Tifa?"
The man's eyes widened. (Maybe this kid isn't a dweeb after all.) "Hey, you're pretty fast. Tifa's our newest girl." Cloud smiled inwardly. The man continued, "But, unfortunately, she's having an interview right now. Here at the Honey Bee Inn, it's customary for all the new girls to be taken to Don Corneo's mansion." Cloud thought the man seemed jealous. "Don Corneo is a famous dilettante. Now he wants to settle down and is in the market for a bride."
Cloud really didn't want to hear that. He quickly turned away from the man and ran back towards the town. Aeris had waited over by the corner, not wanting to go anywhere near those guys. From the look on Cloud's face she could see he was worried. Both of them made their way to the other end of the wall market. Cloud was really beginning to worry about Tifa. (Why would she be in a place like this? Is there something I don't know about her?) Without really noticing they passed the first gate into the Corneo Complex.
There was one guard waiting by the door. He had a small machine gun in his hands, which he immediately raised as Cloud approached. If Cloud had wanted to he would have taken out the man, but something told him to be more subtle. The guard sneered at him. "This is the mansion of Don Corneo, the most powerful man on the wall market." He noticed Cloud's mako eyes and changed his tone slightly, "Look the Don's not into men. So don't let me catch you round here again..." Aeris had stepped up from behind Cloud. The man smiled, "Hey, you got another cute one with you!"
Aeris had come up with a plan. Quickly pulling Cloud aside she whispered into his ear, "Hey this looks like the Don's mansion. I'll go take a look. I'll tell Tifa about you."
She was about to start forward when Cloud said a bit too loud, "No!! You can't!!"
She turned around, "Why?" She knew she could take care of herself. (Why is he being so protective?)
Cloud quickly pointed around the area, "You DO know...what kind of...place this is, don't you?"
She realized he was right about this one. (What choice do we have?) "Then, what am I supposed to do? You want to go in with me?"
(Of course I want to go in there.) "We'll being a man, that'll be pretty hard. Besides if I bust on in there it'll cause too much of a commotion." Aeris listened to him, ("Well being a man..." That's it!!) She began to giggle. Cloud continued, "But, I just can't let you go in alone...Oh man....." He looked down at the ground, "First, we'll need to find out if Tifa's alright..." Looking up Cloud noticed Aeris was laughing. (Now isn't the time to laugh.) "What's so funny Aeris?"
She knew Cloud wasn't going to like this, "Cloud, why don't you dress up like a girl?" She made sure to add, "It's the only way."
"WHAT?!" (Of all the stupid ideas!) He shook his head adamantly saying that wasn't going to happen. Aeris paid no attention to his protests. She just smiled at the doorman who was trying to listen in on their conversation. From the confused look on his face she knew he was unable to do so.
"Just wait. I've got a cute friend I want to bring." The doorman's expression lightened up as she said that to him. Both Cloud and Aeris could tell what he was thinking; it made Cloud more uncomfortable.
Cloud could tell that arguing with Aeris wasn't going to change her mind or the fact that she was right. He looked at her pathetically, "Aerith! I can't....."
Aeris looked adamantly at him, "You ARE worried about Tifa, aren't you? Then come on, hurry!" Without another word she ran back down towards the entrance. After a moment of standing there Cloud followed.
On the outside Aeris told Cloud they needed to get a dress. There was a dress shop down the road from the mansion; something Cloud had noticed on the way up to the Don's house. He said nothing and followed her lead as they made their way down to the center of the town again. Cloud hesitated as he walked into the dress shop. Aeris was already inside looking at all the dresses on the racks. Her expression told him that there was nothing quite his size there. She looked over at the woman behind the counter. "Excuse me! I'd like to get a dress."
The woman looked sadly back at her, "Umm, it might take a little time. Will that be all right?"
Because there were plenty of dresses in there Aeris was confused, "What's the problem?"
Taking a deep breath the woman looked over at all the dresses on the racks, "Well, my father, the owner, has been in a slump lately. You see, he makes all the dresses." Aeris nodded, "And, where is your father?" she asked.
The woman looked away, too embarrassed, "He's probably plastered at the bar." Aeris could tell this was hard for the woman to talk about. She smiled confidently at her, "So... You're saying we can't get a dress unless we do something about your father?"
The woman nodded slowly, "Yes. I'm sorry. He's caused so much trouble." It was at that moment did the words that Aeris said sunk in. With sudden surprise she exclaimed, "You'd help me bring him back?"
Aeris nodded, "Well, if don't do something, we don't get a dress, right?" The woman was beaming, "Really!? Please help my crazy old dad. I just don't know what to do anymore...."
Cloud had been hoping the shop owner wouldn't be able to make a dress for him. His hopes died when Aeris said, "All right, we'll do something. Let's go, Cloud!" She led the way back out into the street. Cloud was feeling his masculinity falling by the second. (I can't believe I'm gonna do this...)
The bar was located back towards the Don's house, next to the gym. In front of it were two men standing in front of a pile of garbage, complaining the the weapon shop keeper was collecting junk. Looking at the pile Cloud had to agree with them. Walking into the bar the couple noticed many people talking happily in conversations. (Just trying to get some enjoyment out of this life), Cloud thought. Off in the corner they saw an older man by himself nursing a beer. There was a good pile of bottles on the floor by him already. Aeris motioned to the man telling Cloud that she thought he was the one. (Great a drunk is going to be making me some clothes...). They casually walked over to the man. Aeris stood next to him, smiling, "Excuse us, are you the father of the girl at the Clothing Store?"
The man turned around to face the attractive woman who just spoke to him. He smiled, "I own the Clothes Shop...but I ain't your father."
She could easily tell he had too much, "I didn't say that..." Before she could finish Cloud forcefully inturupted, "Make me some clothes."
Whirling around to face the new voice, the man nearly fell out of his stool. He angrily glared at the young man, "I don't make men's clothes. And I don't feel like makin'anything right now." He quickly turned toward his beer, taking another gulp out of his now luke warm beer.
Aeris looked over at Cloud, "Cloud, you wait over there for a second. I'll try to talk to him." She pointed to the bar, "Why don't you go over there and have something to drink."
Cloud could see she was annoyed at his gruff comments toward the dress maker. He obediently walked towards the bar and bought three shots. Sitting down on a stool he downed all three quickly and faced the direction Aeris was in. (I can't believe I'm doing this...)
When Cloud was a good distance away she began to talk to the old man again. "You know mister. He always said that just once, he'd like to dress up as a girl." She smiled in Cloud's direction. He shifted in his bar stool uncomfortably as if she was planning his execution. "So, that's why I wanted a cute dress for him..."
The old man was dumbstruck. "What!? A tough looking guy like that?" He couldn't believe that a guy like Cloud would ever be into something like that.
Aeris grinned, "So, how 'bout it? Will you make him one?"
The man gulped another sip of beer. "...might be interesting. I was gettin' a little bored just makin' regular clothes."
Aeris let out a small laugh, "Then you'll do it for us?"
The old man nodded, "Yeah, all right. What kind of dress you want?"
Aeris looked over at Cloud. (This dress had better look real good on him for this to work.) "Something that feels soft...and that shimmers."
The old man smiled, "Hmm, got it. Y'know I got a friend that has the same taste as him. I'll go talk to him."
Cloud saw that Aeris thanked the man. (Great....she got the dress...oh man...) She waved to him, letting him know they were going to leave. Putting a few gil on the counter he left behind Aeris. The old man was grinning as they did.
Seeing that they had some time to wait for the dress it was decided to do some shopping. Cloud figured they should go to the weapon's shop first. Having the best equipment possible was key for survival. It was a bit cramped inside. There was fencing all around. One man was at the counter while the other was off to the side, working on a tank. (What the...how'd a tank get in here?) Cloud thought as he walked up to the counter. There was a good selection of weapons, a new glove 'metal knuckle' for Tifa and a full metal staff for Aeris. There was also some new armor. Making these purchases Cloud gave Aeris, who was waiting outside, the new staff and armor. She smiled holding the weapon in her hands. It was a bit lighter than her old weapon but she knew it was much stronger. They started back towards the town.
The next stop on the shopping spree was the materia shop. Opening the door they saw the shop keeper sitting on a coushin on the other side of the counter. He looked at Cloud and Aeris and shook his head, "Sorry we're closed." Looking at Cloud, "Hey man. Got a minute? I need to talk... man to man."
Cloud looked at the owner. He shrugged his shoulders, "What is it?"
The materia shop owner was elated, "Really! I really appreciate it." He looked at Aeris, "......I'm sorry but, young lady? Would you turn the other way, for a second?"
Aeris wasn't sure how to take that, "Why.....?" quickly asked. Cloud looked at her. In a stern tone he said, "....Aeris."
She sighed, "Gosh!" and turned around, walking to the other side of the shop. The shop owner looked at her, "I'm sorry, lady." He looked back at Cloud, "Now here's the thing. Do you know that vending machine in the inn?" Cloud nodded and the man began to talk again, "I'm itchin' to know what they're selling in it. I just can't ask a girl to go get it." He checked to see if Aeris was trying to listen in. "What? Why don't I buy it myself? Well to tell you the truth, I got in a fight with the guy at the inn and can't go there anymore. Come on, so how 'bout it?"
Cloud thought it over, (Well it'll be some time before the dress is ready. Ah why not.) "I'll go."
The man smiled, "Good, thanks. I'll be waitin' here when you're done." He looked over at Aeris who started over to them. She said flatly, "Finished?"
Cloud nodded and the two left the shop. Cloud walked over to the inn and stepped through the door. There was a woman behind the counter who smiled as he walked in. Aeris was confused about why they were there. Paying 10 gil they got a room with two beds and Cloud said it would be a good time to rest. Aeris nodded and when she walked into the room Cloud went over to the vending machine. "He means this?" Taking out some extra gil he put in 200 and let the machine drop the item. Putting it into his pack he went into the room and took a quick nap.
The man in the materia shop was surprised to see Cloud walk back in a little while later. Cloud looked evenly at him, "I got it."
The man smiled, "Oh, really!!" He looked at Aeris, "Hey!"
She shook her head, "Geez." Walking back to her corner in the store she waited like she did before. The man looked back at Cloud, "And, what was it?"
Taking the box out of his bag Cloud handed it to the man. He shook his head angrily, "A protein drink set. That Jerk. I'm gonna do so much more business than him, his head'll spin." Reaching behind him he took a small item from behind the counter, "Thanks, bud. I'm motivated now. Take this, it's not much..."
Cloud looked at the diamond tierra and frowned, (He's right this isn't much.) As he began to leave Aeris ran up behind him. The last place for them to go was the item shop. Cloud decided that he was hungry and went into the restaurant on the way there. Aeris said she wasn't too hungry so he sat up at the counter by himself. The staff on the other side asked what he'd have. Looking around at what everyone else was eating he decided, "I'll have today's special."
The waiter behind the counter nodded, "One today's special comin' up. In this store, you pay first. It'll be 70 gil."
Cloud took the necessary money out of his wallet and the waiter thanked him. He waited for a few minutes until the food was placed in front of him. Because he hadn't really eaten in awhile he at the meal quickly, washing down what he didn't chew with water. "It was alright."
The waiter smiled, "Thank you. Here's an item coupon for the Pharmacy. You can exchange it for one item there. We're out of coupons, so we stopped giving them away. Watch for our NEXT promotion!"
Feeling full and happy Cloud and Aeris went down to the item shop. The clerk was busy putting things on the shelves and didn't notice them standing there. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of Cloud and spun around. "Whoa! Why don't say somethin' if you're standing there." Cloud took out the coupon he had just gotten, "Oh, you have a coupon. Then please select any one medicine you like."
Cloud looked at the choices and took the digestive medicine. He also purchased some status curing items and potions. Deciding the dress should be ready, he left the pharmacy and started towards the dress shop.
The man in the dress shop smiled as the Cloud and Aeris walked into the shop. He grinned at Cloud especially, "Oh, you're here. It's ready. Go try it on."
(I can't believe I'm doing this.) He took the silk dress and looked it over as he walked into the dressing room. Another customer was looking at him slightly confused. (Yeah you and me both lady.) He stepped inside and began to change. On the outside there was some struggling sounds, then Cloud said, "How...do you put this thing on?"
Aeris decided to check up on how Cloud was doing. She walked over to the dressing room and peeked in through the door. Without his shirt on, or pants she stared for a moment. A small smile came on her lips. Her hand it the wall a bit forcefully and Cloud looked at her in total embarrassment. He turned a bright shade of red and put his pants back over his boxers. "Whoa! What are you doing!"
She stepped away quickly, trying hard not to laugh. "It's still not right. A wig! That's what you need!"
The shop keeper nodded, "Umm, I thought you might, so I talked to my friend about getting one. You know the gym? You'll find a lot of people there like you. Go and talk to them."
Cloud had finished putting back on his clothes. He stepped back into the store, "...'like you'? Aeris, what did you tell him?"
Deciding not to get him angry she smiled, "Does it matter? Anyhow, we got a pretty dress!" She left the store first, Cloud followed behind her. The two walked up towards the gym.
Cloud's first impression of the place was that it was too temporary to be a regular gym. It looked more like a circus tent than a building for athletes. Aeris and Cloud slowly walked inside and stopped as they looked at their new surroundings. On their right was a ring where two men were practicing on eachother. In the far left corner a man was lifting weights and on the other corner another was doing squats. Watching intently there was a man in drag watching the fighters. Cloud assumed that would be the one the dress maker told them about. He stood next to the man, who casually looked up at him. "You the one.... Who wants to be cute?"
Cloud had no idea what the shop keeper told him but he didn't like where it was going. "Cute?" he said slightly confused.
Aeris nodded, with a small smile on her face. "Right. And about the wig..."
The man nodded, "Yeah, I heard. But it'll cost ya."
The man who was doing squats looked up and angrily ran over to the group. "Urrrrgh!!!" He pointed to himself, "Big Bro!! The only way you're gonna get cuter is if you can beat the Big Bro!!"
His comments made the men in the ring stop fighting and look their way. Walking over to the ropes they peered down at the Ex-SOLDIER and laughed. One said, "That's right!" Another nodded, "So, you've got to compete with us!" The man in drag grinned, "You're right. Let's do squats." This made the other men in their happy, the one who made the challenge before smiled, "All right! We'll beat you out of this gym!"
It took Cloud and Aeris a few minutes to recognize the man underneath the women's clothing. Cloud was surprised, "Are you...?" Aeris finished the statement, "THE beautiful Bro?"
His grin grew louder, "What? You didn't know? Always running around here saying Big Bro' this, Big Bro' that...."
Bro waved off the man, "Never mind that, come over here." Both Cloud and his opponent walked toward the center of the room. "Now. I'll explain the rules. From the starting position you have to go all the way down and come all the way back up. No half squats or they won't count." He looked at Cloud, "Got it?"
Cloud nodded, "I got it."
"Whoever has the most squats at the end of 30 seconds gets the wig." He looked at the man as if to say, "Don't lose the wig."
The big man stood up straight, "I'm not going to lose. Big Bro's wig is MINE!!"
The beautiful Bro shook his head, "Just be quiet." Looking at Cloud, "It's not fair for you to start right away. So, you want practice?"
From all of the moving around he did earlier, Cloud decided he was ready to go. He shook his head. The big man and him faced off. Bro nodded, "Now let's begin the real thing. Start!"
Aeris cheered Cloud on as the two men started doing squats in the middle of the gym. Cloud paced himself and kept up dead even with his opponent. To him, he already seemed to have beaten Cloud, so he occassionally he did a victory pose, allowing Cloud to take the lead. Cloud didn't try to keep count he just continued on until the man in drag told them both to stop. He couldn't tell if he had won or lost. "He had 16 squats and you had 23 squats." Cloud grinned, Big Bro was wiping the sweat and disbelief from his forehead. "You're really something. Okay, I'm a man of my word, here you are." Cloud gratiously accepted the blonde wig from the man.
The man was fuming, "I'm so mad I'm so so so--- mad!" Before anyone realized it Beautiful Bro slugged Big Bro in his jaw, sending the big man sprawling over by the mirror. The other fighters were shocked.
Bro shook his head, "Shut up! Don't cry just because you lost!"
From the other side of the room, they heard the man groaning something. Cloud and Aeris were already leaving, wanting to get away from the madness as quick as possible. Cloud decided that he wanted one more drink before going through with this. Aeris laughed a little and followed him into the bar. By the bathroom door there was a young man who seemed to have to go real bad. Cloud walked over to the door and knocked. A woman inside snapped, "HEY...someone's IN here...don't look." Cloud could tell she wasn't feeling good at all. She looked weakly at him, "What...urk?" Cloud took out the digestive he got from the pharmacy and handid it to her. She looked surprised, Huh? You'll really give me some? Thanks." She downed it and smiled, "Phew, I feel better now. This is for your kindness." She took out a cologn from her purse and handed it to Cloud. Taking a smell he thought it was really sexy. When she was far enough away the man waiting by the door ran in and slammed it shut.
Cloud had two drinks and decided it was time to go back to the dress shop. He walked over to the dressing room inside and stepped inside. Though there was some struggling he quickly got the dress on, put the wig on and any other items he managed to get. Opening up the door he stepped out to see the whole store looking at him. Aeris was laughing and the shop keeper nodded, "Hmm, not bad. This may be a new business for me."
His daughter looked up at him, "Yeah, you're right. Should we try it?" She was so happy, the emotion was clear on her face, "Thanks for showing us something new. My father's got his motivation back now. So the dress is on the house."
Aeris was looking Cloud over carefully, "Walk nicely like... this. Miss Cloud." She took a few steps forward to show him how she walked. Cloud shook his head, "What do you mean 'nicely'?" (I'm going to kill her.) She gave an aww type of sound, "Oh you're so cute, Miss Cloud." She decided it was her turn to change, "Aaah, I want one. Do you have one that'll look good on me too?"
Both the shop keeper and his daughter started going through the racks, pulling out dress after dress and arguing with eachother about their choice being better. Aeris looked into the rack her self and pulled out a nice red one. "...I want THIS one." She walked over to the dressing room, "I'm going to go change." Before stepping inside she looked at Cloud, ...No peeking!"
While the door was shut Cloud just stood there. Under normal circumstances he would have done just what she asked him not to do. She peeked at him it was only fair. But being in the dress made him lose all desire for that. When she stepped back out into the store he looked her over carefully. She checked herself out in the mirror, "So? How do I look?"
Cloud thought she looked incredible, but he wasn't about to say that to her. The dress was cut right, showing all the right places and highlighting her figure quite well. Instead of saying anything like that he just shook his head. She sighed, "Oh you're no fun!!" Deciding they wasted enough time they both started for the Don's mansion.
Cloud stood a little ways back as Aeris greeted the door man again. He looked Cloud over thoughtfully, too thoughtfully. (Now I know what they go through.) The door man smiled, "Damn!! Your friend is hot too!" Cloud's mouth dropped. "Come in, come in!!" He knocked on the door, "Two ladies coming through!"
As if he said some sort of magic word, the two doors opened up and Aeris and Cloud stepped inside. There was a large staircase with golden colored walls and red tapestry. Statues of dragons were along the walls. A man behind a desk smiled at the two, "Hey, ladies. I'll go and let the Don know you're here. Wait here. Don't go wandering around..." He turned around and went through a back door.
Aeris looked at Cloud, "Now's our chance. Let's find Tifa."
Cloud looked around the lower floors, there were no doors so Cloud figured she would have to be upstairs. As quickly as his dress would allow he went up to the second floor and noticed that two of them were locked. The only open one was at the far end of the hallway. (Might as well try that one.) He descended the stairs into the basement below.
Tifa had been waiting there for little while. (Oh, man what am I gonna do? I should have listened to Barret.) She didn't even notice a young blonde haired woman walking in from the stair case.
Cloud looked around the room. It was a torture champer with a table, a rack and various things that were probably used for sick pleasures. Cloud walked about midway through the room before he became self conscious of what he was wearing. Turning crimson he walked over to the other corner of the room.
Aeris had been a few steps behind Cloud and saw him go to the other corner of the room. (He's gonna want to kill me.) She shook her head at Cloud and walked over to Tifa. "...Tifa?" Tifa looked up at her, wondering how she knew her name. "Nice to meet you. I'm Aeris." Getting a small acknowledgment from Tifa she continued, "Cloud's told me a lot about you."
At the mention of Cloud she focused on the new comer, "...And you are?" After a moment she remembered where she saw Aeris before, "Hey you're the one with Cloud in the park..."
Aeris smiled, "Right, with Cloud."
Tifa frowned, she managed to weakly say, "Oh..."
Aeris shook her head, seeing the dissappointment, "Don't worry. We just met. It's nothing."
Tifa looked surprised, "What do you mean, 'Don't worry'... about what?" She laughed a bit, "No, don't misunderstand. Cloud and I grew up together. Nothing more."
Aeris chuckled, "Poor Cloud, having to stand here and listen to both of us call him nothing." She turned to the other woman, "Right, Cloud."
Tifa just stared at the blonde, "Cloud?"
Cloud had never been more embarrassed in his life. He walked over to Aeris who just laughed slightly. He gave her a evil glare and she just pushed him over to Tifa. Tifa took a look and moved the wig that Cloud had been wearing. Finally realizing who it was she almost jumped out of surprise. "Cloud!?" Almost smiling, and angry she said, "Why are you dressed like that!? And what are you doing here!?" Concern took over, "Forget that, what happened to you after the fall!? Are you hurt!?"
Cloud shook his head and tried to calm her down, "Hey, give me a chance to explain. I'm dressed like this... because there was no other way to get in here." He pointed to Aeris, "I'm all right. Aeris helped me out."
Tifa looked the dress Cloud was wearing over, "Oh, Aeris did..." Cloud smiled slightly.
Now it was his turn for questions, "Tifa, explain. What are you doing in a place like this?"
Tifa looked away, she didn't want to tell Aeris about it, "Yeah, ummmm."
Taking the cue from Tifa, Aeris smiled, "Ahem! I'll just plug my ears." She walked over to the doorway.
Tifa smiled at Cloud, relief quite apparent on her face, "I'm glad you're OK." He held her hand lightly.
Cloud nodded, "Thanks. What happened?"
Tifa took a deep breath, "When we got back from the Number 5 reactor, there was this weird man. So Barret caught him and squeezed some information out of him."
Cloud smiled, "That's when the Don's name popped up."
She nodded again, "Right, Don Corneo." She looked idly at her dress, "Barret told me to leave the lech alone...but something's been bothering me."
Cloud looked over at Aeris who was still covering her ears, "I see. So you wanted to get the story straight from Corneo's mouth."
Tifa blankly stared at Cloud, "So I made it here, but now I'm in a bind. Corneo is looking for a bride. Everyday, he gets three girls, chooses one of them, and then.... ...and, well.....", she shuddered at the thought. "Anyway, I have to be the girl... or I'm out for tonight."
Aeris had uncovered her ears during the last part of the conversation. She smiled, "Sorry...but I overheard. If you know the three girls there's no problem, right?"
Tifa thought it over some, "I guess so, but..."
Aeris nodded, "We have two right here, right?"
Cloud knew what she was thinking, "No, Aeris! I can't have you get involved."
Aeris put her hands on her hips, "Oh? So it's all right for Tifa to be in danger?"
Cloud shook his head, "No, I don't want Tifa in..."
Aeris ignored him and walked Tifa over towards the door. Tifa looked concerned, "Is is all right?" Aeris smiled, "I grew up in the slums...I'm used to danger." Aeris looked at Tifa seriously, "Do you trust me?"
Tifa nodded, "Yes. Thanks, Ms. Aeris."
Aeris shook her head, "Call me Aeris."
From above the man who was behind the desk shouted down to them. ""He---y!!" He walked halfway down the stairs, "It's time, ladies. The Don is waiting!" He turned around and started back up. As he was walking they could hear him say, I told ya not to wander around... I tell ya, women nowadays...Hurry up, will ya!"
Cloud looked at both Aeris and Tifa, "I probably don't need to ask but the other girl is....Me....right?"
Tifa and Aeris looked at eachother grimly, "You're right, there's no need..." Aeris finished the statement, "...to ask." Cloud sighed and started up the stairs, handing Tifa her new glove and armor before going.
Back at the top of the stairs Cloud saw the man who was at the desk blocking off the hallway to the stairs. (Guess there's nothing I can do now. I'm glad mom can't see me now.)
The office of Don Corneo was quite elaborate for a small time crook. There was a lot of expensive vases all over the place and the carpet was top notch. Cloud almost puked when he saw the Don sitting at his desk, with a cruel smile on his face. He had to imagine what Aeris and Tifa thought. On both sides two henchmen were standing by. The one on Cloud's left spoke authoratatively, "All right, ladies!" He pointed to the area in front of the desk, "Line up in front of the Don!"
Not wanting to cause a rukus before they got the information Tifa wanted Cloud lined up in between Aeris and Tifa. Corneo's eyes bulged as he saw the visions of beauty in front of him. He jumped onto his desk, "Hmmm! Good, spendid!" He jumped off of the desk and walked over to where Aeris stood. She smiled nicely at him and he of course smiled back. "Now, lets see...which girl should I choose? Hmmm...hmmm!" He proceeded to walk across the area; when he got to Cloud he said, "This one?" Cloud turned his head away shyly. "Or this one?" He said to Tifa who stood confidently in front of him, (Hmmm strong one. That'd be fun) Corneo thought as he turned his attention back to Cloud. He tried to get a better look at Cloud but each time he turned his head, Cloud looked the other way. Finally the Don stopped looking and yelled, "Woo-hoo, I've made up my mind!!" He looked at all the women thoughtfully, "My choice for tonight is....." There seemed to be an invisible drum roll in the air. Cloud began to sweat (What if he chooses...me?) A huge sigh of relief came to him when the Don went over to Aeris, "This slender little girl!"
Aeris nodded, "Don, you've got great taste."
The Don smiled, (Of course I do!) He was in a good mood, these women were far hotter than the ones he normally got. "You can have the other ones!"
Cloud had thought it would be getting better for him. Hearing that he almost had a heart attack. The two henchmen smiled, "Yes, sir! Thank you sir!"
Don Corneo motioned for Aeris to follow, "Well then, shall we go my pretty." Without another word Aeris left the group and followed the Don towards his back room.
Cloud and Tifa were seperated by the two henchmen. Tifa was led back down into the basement by one and Cloud was sent to the only other door he hadn't been through yet. It was a large room, with couches and a TV, the employee lounge. The floor was slightly messed up with food containers and bottles of liqour. The man who led him there, names Scotch, walked over to the windows, ""Hey guys! We've got guests. We'll take REAL good care of you. This is all thanks to the big boss, Don Corneo!" All the men said unanimously, "Heey!! Three cheers for Don Corneo!" Scotch smiled, "Heh, heh.... Well ladies, are we, uh, all ready?"
Cloud was about to say no when they all started chasing him around the room. He avoided them easily, probably because they were drunk and because he didn't want their hands on him in any way. He quickly walked over to Scotch. Scotch grinned at him, "Hey... what's wrong? Want me to keep you company?"
Cloud quickly shook his head, "No... I'm flattered, but no thanks." (It's time to end this.) "Because..."
Scotch looked confused, "Because...?"
Cloud nodded, "Because...I ain't INTERESTED in a buncha scrubs like you!"
He jumped to the center of the room and ripped the dress of. Throwing the wig down to the floor with a sense of finality he took his sword out from the case he had carried with him. Scotch and the others were outraged, "Wha.... a MAN!???" Pointing at Cloud he yelled, "God damn it! You think you can get away with this! Get him! Knock the crap out of him!!"
Cloud saw three of the men run at him from behind. He leaped into the air and landed nimbly behind them. With one quick swing he took out all three. As they hit the floor Cloud smiled at Scotch.
Scotch's temples throbbed, "Grr! C'mon, what's the matter with you good for nothings!? All right now, COME ON! I'll show you how it's done!!"
This time Scotch stayed back as the other two attacked. Cloud took out the first man with a quick stab in the chest. The second tried to pistol whip Cloud but missed as Cloud ducked underneath the blow and back stabbed him. Scotch looked on in surprise but immediatly started to shoot at Cloud. Seeing he was too far away to use his sword he decided to cast a fire spell. Scotch felt the gun drop out of his hands as flames burnt the skin around him. He tried to pick up the weapon but Cloud ran him through before he could reach it. Resheathing his sword Cloud looked over the room and quickly left it.
As he made his way through the halls Tifa came running over to him. He looked her over, back in her regular clothes. "Are you alright?", he asked quickly.
She smiled and raised her fist, "Of course! If you take me lightly, you're gonna pay for it!!"
Cloud laughed quickly, it was time for them to save Aeris. Tifa and Cloud burst through the door and saw the back entrence still open. The began to make their way to the other side.
Aeris was sitting on the corner of the Don's bed, while he was grinning sheepishly at her from the other side. He looked at his watch, "Woo-hoo! Come, come, don't be so shy..."
Aeris was so nervous, "Ye... yes...But Mr. Don. I'd like you to explain something to me first..." She hoped to get the information before she had to do something she would never forgive herself for. (I hope Cloud and Tifa hurry up.)
Thinking her hesitation as something else he smiled calmly, "Of course, my dear. I'll take you through it slowly, step by step. So come on!" He stood up and removed his robe, letting her see him without a shirt.
Aeris was horrified, "No, that's not what I meant! NO, STOP! Just, wait a second!!" (I've got to get out of here!!)
Don Corneo began moving on towards her, she was in a corner with no way out. (I should have listened to Cloud!) He smiled, "Come! Come! Aoooooh!! I can't wait any longer! Here comes papa!!" He began to unbotton his pants.
At that moment Cloud and Tifa broke into the room. The Don looked up, surprised at the inturruption, it was long enough for Aeris to move out of the way of him leaping on top of her. Both Cloud and Tifa could see the fear that was on Aeris' face, her color was coming back to her, with a weak smile she said, "Cloud!!"
Don Corneo looked at the two new comers and recognized them both as the ones he looked over before. He gazed at Cloud, "Wha... what the hell? Who goes there!?"
Aeris regained her composure, "I'm sorry, Don." She went out of the room for a few moments and changed back into her regular ones. Cloud and Tifa stood ready for the Don to try and escape. When she returned he looked at her as well.
The Don was about to say something when Tifa cut him off, "Shut up, we're asking the questions now..." She defiantly looked the pathetic looking man over, "What did your assistants find out? Talk! If you don't tell us..."
Cloud held out his sword, "I'll cut them off."
Don's eyes bulged wide open, "No! Not that! I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!"
Tifa glared at him, "So...talk."
Corneo began to sweat heavily, he wiped it off on his robe. "...I made 'em find out where the man with the gun-arm was. But that's what I was ordered to do."
Tifa looked at him, "By who?"
He shook his head, "No--! If I told you that, I'd be killed!"
Tifa was getting tired of him, "Talk! If you don't tell us..."
Aeris put her foot up on the bed, "...I'll rip them off."
Corneo decided that would be worse than getting it cut, ""Waaaaah--! It was Heidegger of Shinra! Heidegger, the head of Public Safety Maintenance!"
Cloud looked surprised, "The head of Public Safety Maintenance?" (Well that explains why he has so much expensive stuff.)
Tifa's anger was beginning to rise, "Did you say the Shinra!? What are they up to!? Talk!" She decided to cut to the chase, "If you don't tell us...", she put her foot up on the bed, "I'll smash them."
Corneo realized this was worse than the other two, "...You're serious, aren't you.... ...ohboy, ohboy, ohboy.... I'm not fooling around here either, you know. Shinra's trying to crush a small rebel group called AVALANCHE, and want to infiltrate their hiedout. And they're really going to crush them... literally. By breaking the support holding up the plate above them."
It took the words less than a second to sink in. Tifa stepped back away from everyone, "Break the support!?"
The Don nodded, "You know what's going to happen? The plate'll go PING and everything's gonna go BAMMM!! I heard their hideout's in the Sector 7 Slums...I'm just glad it's not here in Sector 6."
Tifa was in shock, "They're going to wipe out the Sector 7 Slums!?" She looked fearfully at Cloud, "Cloud, will you come with me to Sector 7?"
He nodded, "Of course, Tifa."
They all start out of the room. The Don stops them, "Just a second!" Cloud had, had his fill of this disgusting man already, "Shut up!" The Don shook his head, "No wait, it'll only take a second. How do you think scum like me feels when they babble on about the truth?"
Cloud thought about it, "They don't know what the hell's going on."
The Don hit a lever and laughed, "Close, but no cigar!" Underneath them the floor opened up and they all fell into the depths below. From his vantage point Don Corneo danced happily.
