They went to the floor above using the small elevator and they picked up a Poison Materia along the way.
When they arrived at the upper floor of the Science Department, they found Hojo, who was looking at another cage and operating some controls.
Aeris was in the cage, sobbing and shivering.
"Aeris!" shouted Cloud, alarmed.
Aeris's eyes widened in surprise, and her face brightened with a delighted smile when she saw Cloud, and ran up to the wall of the cage.
Hojo turned away from the controls to face Cloud.
"Aeris? Oh…is that her name, then? What do you want?" asked Hojo, looking at Cloud sharply, his eyes narrowed.
"We're taking Aeris back," said Cloud, burning with resolve, as he unsheathed his massive sword in a flash.
"Outsiders," muttered Hojo.
"You should have noticed earlier, you…!" snarled Barret, angrily. Hojo sighed wearily.
"There are so many strange and peculiar things in this world. Life is such a complicated thing," said Hojo.
"Shut up! We've come to free someone who doesn't belong in this place!" snapped Cloud.
"Ah…Cloud Strife. I'm glad to see that President Shinra and Tseng haven't gone mad after all. So…you were hiding in this building," said Hojo, thoughtfully.
"They both can't be much of a psychopath compared to you, Hojo," said Cloud, coldly.
Hojo took no notice at all, but a truly evil grin formed on his face as if a nasty thought had just struck him.
"I take it you saw Jenova downstairs…How nice, to have a reunion," said Hojo.
Cloud snarled as he and Barret both raised their weapons, ready to attack. Hojo didn't even flinch, staring back at them with icy calmness and strange confidence.
"Are you planning on killing me just like that? I don't think you should. I wouldn't if I were you. You see, all of this equipment here is extremely delicate. Without me, who would operate it? How would you be able to rescue your little friend?" asked Hojo, coolly and calmly.
"Ugh…" said Cloud, sensing sudden defeat, lowering his sword. Hojo laughed coldly, scornfully.
"That's right. I recommend that you think things out more logically before you make any rash moves. Now, bring in the specimen!" ordered Hojo, turning back to face his assistants, as calm and casual as though Cloud, Barret and Tifa weren't even there at all.
The lion-like creature they had seen in the floor below suddenly appeared inside the cage from the bottom of it, (using the elevator for the specimens) with Aeris, and it looked suddenly ready to attack and pounce on her.
"Cloud, help!" cried Aeris, running as far away as she could in the cage from the lion-like creature, which was snarling and baring its sharp, ferocious teeth.
"What do you think you're doing!?" asked Cloud, angrily, turning to face Hojo.
"Lending a helping hand to an endangered species. Both of them are on the brink of extinction. If I don't help, all these animals will disappear," said Hojo.
"Animal!? That's terrible! Aeris is a human being!" snapped Tifa, angrily.
"You're gonna pay for this, you bastard!" shouted Barret, also furious.
Hojo remained unfazed by their comments and was still calm and casual about the whole situation.
"Barret! Can't you do anything to help Aeris?" asked Cloud, desperately, pointing to Aeris.
Aeris was running from the lion-like creature in the cage and she was trying to get away from it as much as possible, but since the cage wasn't practically large, this was quite a difficult thing to do, and the lion-like creature was therefore easily advancing on her.
"Alright! Step back! Step aside and let a pro like me show you how it's done!" shouted Barret, and raising his gum-arm, he aimed his gun-arm right at the door of the cage.
"No, don't! Stop it!" shouted Hojo, now suddenly alarmed and nervous, as he had immediately realised what Barret was just about to do.
Barret fired his gun-arm at the door and blasted the door into pieces in seconds with a stream of bullets. Bright white light and clouds of white smoke suddenly blinded the whole inside of the cage.
"No! What are you doing!? My precious specimens!" shouted Hojo, alarmed. He went close to the cage and peeked inside, trying to see what was going on.
This soon turned out to be a big mistake.
The white light vanished, and the lion-like creature suddenly lunged at Hojo, and leapt straight out of the cage.
Hojo was knocked hard onto the floor with the lion-like creature right on top of him. Hojo screamed and shrieked in terror and agony as the lion-like creature began to attack him, slashing at his flesh with its razor-sharp claws.
"Now's our chance to get Aeris," said Cloud.
Cloud quickly ran into the cage. Aeris ran over to Cloud and she threw her arms around him, and hugged him tightly.
"Thanks Cloud. I knew that you'd come for me…" said Aeris, softly, smiling.
Cloud grinned and looked away shyly, but he was still hugging Aeris too, glad that she was alright. After a while Aeris and Cloud finally let go of each other, breaking their embrace, and they both walked out of the cage.
Suddenly, there was a rather strange sound coming from the bottom of the cage, and the bottom of the cage suddenly opened up. Cloud glanced down at it.
"Cloud, what's wrong?" asked Tifa, concerned.
"The elevator is moving," replied Cloud, knowing full well what this meant.
Yet another specimen was soon going to appear right inside the cage, and it was bound to attack them on sight.
Hojo started to laugh madly and insanely, despite his chest wounds and bleeding from many claw marks. At this, the lion-like creature stopped attacking him and glared furiously down at him, as if listening to what he had to say.
"This is no ordinary specimen! This is a very ferocious specimen!" said Hojo, with a dark sneer on his face, and then he collapsed, unconscious from his wounds.
The lion-like creature quickly leaped off Hojo, and suddenly moved towards Cloud and the others.
"This specimen is rather strong. I'll help you all out. We should be able to hold it off if we all work together," said the lion-like creature, making Tifa, Cloud, Aeris and Barret all jump in shock, and they all stared at the lion-like creature in surprise and stunned disbelief.
"It talked!?" shouted Tifa, surprised and shocked.
The lion-like creature frowned at this, its good eye narrowed sharply.
"Of course I can. Just because I am not a human being does not mean that I cannot speak your language. And I would prefer not to be called 'it'. I am an equal to all of you, not an inferior, nor a superior. I'll talk as much as you want later, miss. But, perhaps we should concentrate on the specimen that's just about to attack us," replied the lion-like creature, sharply.
The lion-like creature happened to be even smarter and far more intelligent than any human, and was also very wise and noble. Snapping out of his surprised trance and seeing the sense of the lion-like creature's words, Cloud quickly turned back towards the cage.
"We'll take care of that monster. Someone has to take Aeris somewhere safe. And we've still got Hojo to deal with. Tifa, you take Aeris somewhere safe. I'm counting on you," said Cloud.
Tifa nodded as she ran off, and Aeris followed her, as Cloud turned to face the lion-like creature.
"What's your name?" asked Cloud, curiously.
"Hojo has named me…Red XIII. A name with no meaning whatsoever to me, although it apparently fits with my tattoo that Hojo put on me. Call me whatever you wish," said Red XIII.
The specimen suddenly arrived in the cage.
It was a monster with its mouth on its right shoulder. Its mouth had sharp teeth and the specimen had a feathery tail. It stood on two legs and its face and body was very deformed.
The specimen was called G0152.
Red XIII was also able to fight however, and used his own razor-sharp claws and teeth as his weapons. Red XIII could also use Materia and he also had Materia equipped in a white feather on his head.
G0152 shrieked loudly, and purple powder suddenly appeared, and then vanished, poisoning Cloud, Barret and Red XIII, and causing them to stumble to their feet in dizziness.
Red light suddenly burst from the ground at Barret's feet as he charged up his gun for a moment, and then suddenly fired a big, orange ball of energy from his gun-arm straight at G0152.
It hit G0152, and sent it flying hard into a wall and exploded. The wall was reduced to pieces and G0152 seemed very shaken and injured.
Red light suddenly burst from the ground at Cloud's feet as he ran up to G0152, and slashed it three times with his sword, giving it three huge bloody scars across its body. G0152 shrieked in pain from its wounds.
Green light burst from the ground at Red XIII'S feet as he reached for a Materia on the feather on his head, and the Materia flared to life in a bright green glow. Flames appeared out of nowhere and struck G0152, burning some of its feathers and skin. G0152 shrieked again from its wounds and burns.
Barret raised his gun-arm and fired his bullets straight at G0152, hitting it and giving it small bloody guns wounds to add to the big sword wounds. G0152 shrieked again, in agony.
Cloud ran up to G0152, raised his sword, and swung it at G0152, slashing through its skin and feathers and giving it another bloody sword wound across its skin. G0152 shrieked louder than ever, his feathers all stained with its blood.
Red XIII ran up to G0152, and slashed it with his claws, giving it bloody scratches across its skin, and tearing some of its feathers off.
G0152 roared angrily and suddenly attacked Red XIII and slashed its claws at him, giving him bloody scratches across his body as well. Red XIII howled in pain and was barely able to stand up on his four feet.
Green light then burst from the ground at Barret's feet as a bolt of lightning appeared from the sky and struck G0152, stunning it for a while, but otherwise not doing much.
Red XIII just managed to stand up on his four feet and run up to G0152 and slashed it with his claws, giving G0152 more bloody scratches across its body and ripping most of its feathers off. G0152 shrieked in agony, the terrible shriek heard from all around the science lab.
Green light burst from the ground at Cloud's feet as some magical energy appeared out of nowhere and fully healed Cloud, Red XIII and Barret, healing them of their poisoning earlier and healing Red XIII'S scratches and injuries.
G0152 shrieked with rage, and purple powder suddenly appeared, and then vanished, poisoning Cloud, Barret and Red XIII once again, and causing them to stumble to their feet in dizziness.
Barret slowly got up and raised his gun-arm, and fired more bullets at G0152, hitting it and giving even more bullets wounds and severely weakening it. G0152 shrieked in pain as its dark blood stained the floor.
Green light burst from the ground at Red XIII'S feet as flames appeared out of nowhere and struck G0152, burning all of its feathers to pieces, and leaving huge scorch marks on it. G0152 shrieked in agony.
G0152 suddenly attacked Barret and slashed its claws at him, but Barret raised his gun-arm and used it to shield himself so the claws hit the gun-arm instead, and therefore Barret wasn't affected.
Cloud raised his sword, ran up to G0152 and swung his sword at it, slashing through its skin and giving it another huge bloody scar across its body.
Barret raised his gun-arm and fired more bullets at G0152, hitting it and giving even more bullet wounds. G0152 fell to a bloody heap on the floor of the lab, barely even alive and hanging by a thread, but it would still be a danger nonetheless.
Green light suddenly burst from the ground at Red XIII'S feet, as he reached for a Materia with one of his paws. Many flames appeared out of nowhere and struck G0152, killing it instantly and burning it until it was nothing more than a smoking pile of ash.
Cloud, Red XIII and Barret quickly healed their poisoning with potions, which also fully restored their health. Tifa and Aeris ran back over to Cloud, Red XIII and Barret.
There was no sign of Hojo. He had clearly regained consciousness and had ran off during the battle.
"Your friends are back," said Red XIII, turning to face Cloud.
"Aeris, are you alright?" asked Cloud, concerned.
Aeris nodded, while Tifa walked up to Cloud.
"She seems alright in many ways. But what happened up here?" asked Tifa, staring in surprise at the smoking ashes of what was G0152.
"We killed that specimen, but Hojo escaped. Oh, and thanks for your help," said Cloud, turning to face Red XIII.
Red XIII simply nodded.
"I have a right to choose too. I don't like two-legged things," said Red XIII.
"What are you?" asked Barret, curiously.
"An informed question, but difficult to answer. I am merely what you see. You must have a lot of questions, but first, let's get out of here. I'll lead the way," said Red XIII.
"In that case, Red XIII, I guess you should come with us," said Cloud. Red XIII didn't answer.
"So you did come for me, Cloud…" said Aeris, softly with a warm smile.
Red XIII suddenly leaped straight past her without warning, and Aeris jumped back in surprise and fear.
Noticing this, Red XIII looked back at Aeris.
"I apologise for what happened back there, inside of the cage. I was merely acting to throw Hojo off guard. There's no need to be afraid of me, I promise," said Red XIII.
Aeris slowly nodded, as if she was still unsure and doubtful.
"Now that we've saved Aeris, there ain't no need for any of us to be in this building. So let's just get the hell out of here," said Barret.
"If all five of us go together, we'll be noticed. Split up into two groups. Barret and Red XIII should come with me. Tifa and Aeris, you can find your own way out," said Cloud.
Tifa and Aeris nodded.
"I'll see you later. We'll be waiting at the 66th floor elevator," said Tifa.
"And just don't get caught by Shinra!" shouted Barret, after them, as they began to run off.
Aeris and Tifa ran off to the 66th floor elevator. Cloud, Barret and Red XIII took another direction to the 66th floor elevator.
****************************************************************
Meanwhile, Tseng and Rude were walking along the Shinra building, when Tseng's mobile phone suddenly rang.
Tseng quickly answered it.
It was an urgent message from a lab technician on the 67th floor. Intruders had been spotted in Hojo's lab.
From the lab assistant's descriptions, it was definitely members of AVALANCHE.
"To make matters worse, the specimen, Red XIII, escaped from captivity and attacked Professor Hojo," said the lab assistant.
Tseng was tempted to laugh and say that Hojo deserved it, but he was a Turk, and he was therefore bound to his duty above all else.
"What about the Ancient?" asked Tseng, urgently.
"They broke her out of the lab too. I overheard them saying they have plans to meet up on the level 66 elevator," said the lab assistant.
Tseng hung up and put his mobile phone away.
"We'll take care of them. Come on, Rude. Follow me," ordered Tseng.
Rude nodded. The two Turks quickly boarded an elevator and rode up to the 66th floor.
"Be prepared for a fight. It seems those AVALANCHE guys are furious right now, and they might also have Red XIII with them," warned Tseng.
Rude nodded and tightened his fists.
The elevator dropped them off at the 66th floor, and they found a place to hide for an ambush. Aeris and Tifa were the first ones to arrive on the 66th floor.
"Wait here," said Tseng, and he left their hiding place and walked right out into the open space ahead of Tifa and Aeris.
"Hello, ladies," said Tseng, coolly.
Tifa and Aeris spun around in surprise and automatically took up defensive stances. Tseng just shrugged.
"Aeris, I'm glad to see that you're safe," said Tseng, coolly, as Aeris' eyes narrowed slightly.
"If you're so worried about me, then why did you ever capture me, or bring me here, or hand me over to Hojo?" asked Aeris, stamping her foot impatiently.
"I'm sorry, Aeris. Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" asked Tseng, coolly.
Tifa merely glared angrily at him, ready to attack.
"I don't trust you," said Aeris, shaking her head.
"Look Aeris, I only did as Shinra ordered, and I got my commission. But we've both known each other for a long time, right? There are some feelings that a man can't help but have when he's known such a pretty woman for so long. Besides, I couldn't bare to see Hojo use you as just another helpless specimen," said Tseng, sounding sincere.
Tseng held out a hand. He seemed so harmless. There was an image of pain in his eyes that would guilt-trip Aeris if she didn't trust him.
Aeris hesitated for a moment…then went to take Tseng's extended hand. Tifa wasn't fooled for a second, however, and was far less forgiving.
"Aeris, no!" shouted Tifa, as she jumped in front of Aeris and punched Tseng hard in the face and kicked him hard in the stomach.
Tseng snarled angrily as blood ran down his nose and all the wind had been knocked out of him, but he caught Tifa's arm and flung her across the room where Rude came out of hiding to capture her, and he did so.
Tifa was unable to break free from Rude's grasp and she had no choice but to surrender.
Tseng then quickly grabbed Aeris by her arms and handcuffed her so she was helpless and also had no choice but to surrender.
Tseng and Rude brought Tifa and Aeris up to the president's office on the 70th floor where they were held captive for a moment. Then Tseng and Rude went back, found another hiding place nearby the elevator and waiting for the other members of AVALANCHE to come.
Tseng took out a tissue from his pocket and wiped his bloody nose, and he was still winded in the stomach.
"Do you suppose that we missed them?" asked Rude.
"For someone who doesn't speak much, you sure are talkative today," said Tseng, coolly, putting his tissue away even though his nose was still bleeding.
Then they heard voices down the hallway and listened carefully, as Cloud, Red XIII and Barret were walking down the hallway to the elevator.
"These are Shinra's best fighters? We've picked our teeth with every one of them. Well, that icky creature in the specimen lab was fairly tough," said Barret.
"That fight took a lot out of us, though. We should really head to the inn by the gym in this building," said Cloud.
"It sounds to me like you guys know this place inside and out," said Red XIII.
"We do now. Funny how no one suspected us. Some guy on the 61st floor even gave us his key card thinking that we were Shinra maintenance workers," said Cloud.
"Surely our presence must make us look suspicious? After all, I mean I'm supposed to be one of that mad scientist's laboratory specimens, remember?" said Red XIII, as the three of them boarded the elevator, and noticed that Tifa and Aeris weren't there yet, even though they had a head start.
"I think they both got caught by those Shinra bastards. What a bunch of fools," muttered Barret, annoyed.
"We can't be too sure, Barret. We're sure to run into them soon. They wouldn't just leave without us," said Cloud.
Suddenly a man came into the elevator. It was Rude.
"Hey, what is it?" asked Cloud, surprised.
"Would you press up, please?" said Rude.
"Turks? Must be a trap," said Cloud.
Suddenly, Tseng walked straight into the elevator.
But, Cloud wasn't prepared for the other, more painful surprise that awaited him.
Rude cracked his knuckles, and suddenly punched Cloud hard across the face. Cloud feel to the floor, extremely dazed, and he looked up at Rude, but all he could see were bright sliver spots that danced in front of his face.
He was too dazed to even get up.
"Was it fun for you?" asked Rude, sarcastically.
Tseng stood beside Rude, and he pulled out a shotgun from his pocket and he pointed it at Red XIII and Barret, both of them had no choice but to surrender.
Cloud slowly got up, although he was still feeling dazed and peculiar. Tseng pointed his gun at Cloud, Red XIII, and Barret, as Rude handcuffed them tightly.
"It must have been a real thrill for you all. Did you enjoy it? I trust that you did…while it lasted. It's hard to imagine that a bunch of idiots like you could ever have gotten into the Shinra Headquarters. But the tour ends here, the President is very anxious to meet you all…" said Tseng, icily.