The bright morning saw a very exhausted Tifa Lockhart dragging her worn body through the topside streets of sector 8 for some shopping. She had barely managed to make her escape before Cloud had woken up to begin another round of lovemaking. The brunette felt a little guilty for leaving Jessie all alone to handle it herself – but honestly, she needed a break from getting drilled into the threadbare mattress! Besides, they really did need to stock up on more groceries for the apartment if he wasn't going to let up. She was getting a little sick of eating whatever easy food they could scrounge together in between.
So here she was shopping for all the essentials, in her element at last. Much to her surprise, Cloud had given her access to all his money and insisted she use it to buy what she needed when she needed it. He was firm in the idea that his money was her money too, for some reason. It warmed her heart to know that he trusted her so much he'd just give her the key to all his finances. That was the homegrown Nibelheim boy she knew – where trust in their little village was freely given. Not like the city, where even around your closest friends, you needed to keep one hand on your wallet.
It did shock her to see how much money the Ex-Soldier had squirreled away. Was this all just from his mercenary work? Or was some of it from his nighttime exploits? Maybe this had helped his decision to not accept payment for sex anymore?
A week since Jessie's initiation to their little club had Tifa still in despair at her two-woman plan being less than effective. Seven days and Cloud was still tossing them around like it was the first. She almost missed her scheduled work shifts and had to apologize profusely to her regulars for the late start. The redhead had basically quit her job at the local theater in sector 8 after too many absent days. Well not too big of a loss since Avalanche's mechanic made most of their money through inventions like their water filters.
Shit the water filters!
When was the last time one of them did a collection run and re-upped their customers? Cloud and she did it just eight days ago, she remembered feeling relief flood through her. She had been shirking too many of her commitments lately and the days were starting to blur together as she spent most of it on her back.
So, Tifa needed to rethink her strategies, even if it had worked so far at keeping her childhood friend out of the beds of other women.
Walking into the supermarket she had to consider her options. Tifa couldn't just ask random women to join them, it'd set them back to square one when the merc was whoring himself out. And she didn't trust other women to not stir up trouble, all too aware of the jealousy that could happen when multiple women shared the same man. She had been on the receiving end of such behavior from angry wives and girlfriends, who's partner would flirt with the barmaid as she was serving them drinks. That was her not even reciprocating! No, it had to be women she knew whose character she could vouch for and would mix well with their unusual situation.
Tossing the produce and proteins into her basket, Tifa decided the easiest would be to tap into her network of female friends. Only embarrassingly, she didn't really have a whole lot of gal pals. For some reason most other females just didn't seem to like her even when there were no men involved. Though Tifa tried to be her friendliest with them, she only got sullen silences and hard glares for her efforts. This was a problem that had followed her even as a young girl in Nibelheim, like she personally offended them somehow.
There were only three women who would associate with Tifa Lockhart on a social level – Jessie and Nellie her Avalanche comrades and Marle her landlady.
Queuing up in line to finish her shopping; she considered that, as funny as the thought was to have her neighbor join them, there was a very real risk that her life might be in danger from Cloud' aggression. The man might pound the poor elderly woman's pelvis into fine powder. The barmaid didn't think she could take any more deaths on her conscience. Jessie was already in the bag, being a very enthusiastic participant. The redhead was practically living in his apartment now, with how many nights she was staying. Nellie, while quite the cutie herself, was a painfully shy one – this despite being part of a terrorist organization. And coming from Tifa, that was really saying something. She'd have to work on the girl and gauge what her reaction might be before an offer was made.
In the meantime, it meant Tifa needed to get out of her social bubble and go make friends.
Paying the cashier, she made her way out the door. Since she was here maybe she should get a quick bite to eat at a local spot? Bring a little something back for the others so they can all share later? She had some time to spare before she had to jump back into that sex dungeon, since the bar was closed today.
It was one of the few days where it was more cost effective to keep the doors closed.
Even the most degenerate alcoholic was going to have a hard time coming in on a monday night just to drink. People in the slums just didn't have the gil to justify the expense. The few that might come weren't really worth the overhead cost of letting them in for a few hours. Besides, Tifa was still working on building up Seventh Heaven's reputation as a family bar and restaurant – not just a place for people to get drunk and a little handsy with the barmaid.
She was already at capacity with weird things touching her body, thank you very much.
Tifa was in the mood for some Wutai. Maybe some drunken noodles with some beef protein to get her and the other's energy back up? No seafood, the last thing the blonde needed was an aphrodisiac. What was the name of that restaurant again? The Golden Shuriken? A little racist but it got the message across. And it certainly was memorable. Besides did it really count if the people who named it were Wutain themselves?
So lost in her thought about the ethics of leaning into stereotypes she didn't notice the girl speaking to her until a flower was shoved into her face.
And what a pretty thing she was. A little shorter than her with big green eyes that made Tifa want to stare into them. Soft looking light brown hair that was done in a long braid on the back, paired with loose short bangs up front. A bit of a pink eyesore of a dress but she made it work with a tiny reck jacket that seemed more for style than utility. A slim figure that told her that muscle and fat was just not an option on this body. Big boots, wrist bangles, and a cute bow on her head to finish off the package. Also, pink of course.
"Flower for a gil?"
"Huh?"
"A flower," the pink cutie repeated, lifting her basket full of yellow flowers up to eye level. They looked just like the flower Cloud had given her after the bombing mission. Did he buy it from her? Her eyes narrowed a bit, was this girl a client? But before Tifa could let her mouth get her in trouble, the seller continued. "For only one gil. I grow them myself under the plate, so they're a hundred percent authentic. They even have a beautiful message, 'a celebration of lovers reunited'. Maybe you can buy one for your boyfriend?"
Her first thought was of Cloud, her pretty friend who had given her the yellow flower. They weren't in that kind of relationship, despite her letting him rearrange her guts. Maybe once the beast was tamed, they could have a serious conversation about it, put down firm labels? It'd be a while, but a girl could dream.
"No boyfriend unfortunately," Tifa said, trying to keep a nonchalant tone. Was it just her or did the flower girl's smile seem to get just a bit wider? "But I do own a bar in sector 7. I was trying to go for a bit of a western theme. Wooden plaster on the walls and everything. Some flowers might really sell it."
"Oh, in that case, were you looking for a supplier? I could be your girl." Pinkie said. For such an innocent line, it was weirdly suggestive. She might have even purred a little at the end. But one of the rules for life on the ground floor was you make connections, no matter who it was. It didn't matter if the girl was one of Cloud's bedroom buddies, Tifa prided herself in being practical. If she cold-shoulders everyone who might have gotten tumbled by her childhood friend, then she might as well mark off half the city. "Maybe we can have a lunch date, if you're not too busy? Discuss our future 'relationship'?"
"Sure, I was actually about to head over to the Golden Shuriken for a meal and pick up. Wanna join?" Tifa asked politely, getting a nod in confirmation. A little company was always nice, and she didn't have to sit alone like a weirdo. Plus, too many guys would approach her, trying to flirt with obvious intentions or straight out ask if she was 'working'. What happened to all the decent guys? A nice friendly meal was just what she needed. "I'm Tifa by the way."
She stuck her hand out to shake the shorter girl's. The other woman clasped her hand and gave her an impish smile.
"Aerith."
000
Jessie was having a great week.
Not only was she getting well fucked, but it was also by the hottest guy and girl in all of Midgard! It felt like she was floating on air from how many times one of her pretty companions took her to ecstasy and beyond. Cloud she expected but Tifa, the little tease, was such an active lover it was hard to believe it had been her first time going down on a girl. It was always the shy one that was the wildest in bed, she mused. It made the redhead want to make another run at their friend Nellie. If shyness was proportional to how kinky one was in bed, then the skinny blonde would probably bust out the whips and hot candle wax.
'But don't get ahead of yourself.' she had to remind herself for the thousandth time, 'This is Tifa's boy, you gotta run things by her first.'
Jessie could read the room; she knew her place in their sexy little hierarchy. Could see it from how gently the Ex-Soldier rammed his hips into Tifa, never more than the country girl could take. Which wasn't that gentle but very noticeable when you compared it to her own rutting. Obvious with how Cloud made sure his friend's eyes were closed before he sprayed her face, but the redhead had to be quick on her feet with closing her own. The brunette even got caressing strokes of her raven locks when she was tuckered out, while her own crimson fringe was used to wipe his dick clean. Not that she minded but it certainly said a lot.
She was at the bottom of the totem pole, holes to be used when needed. Her mouth was for sucking, not talking.
But as much as she loved the wifey and mistress dynamic they had going on, being part of a growing harem, you had to be circumspect if you wanted to keep your spot.
And grow it would, because even working together they were at their limits. No matter what they did the blonde merc always had energy to spare. If she didn't know any better, Jessie would say he was getting stronger – what used to exhaust him on the first day seemed to only make him more demanding on the next. It was like he was possessed by a horny space alien. Her overstuffed holes were a testament to that. What should have been a two-woman job, was no longer gonna cut it. They needed to expand. And fast.
Thankfully Tifa was in agreement. They needed more to lighten the load.
They had thought to tap into their female acquaintances first. Not that they had a whole lot of those between the two of them. A few girls they would love to fastrack but nobdy on hand at the moment. So, they needed to go meet new people. How Tifa was going to do that when most women look at that fit body and beautiful face with either hatred or lust was beyond her. Not that she was going to be any better.
Jessie may have burned too many bridges with most of her fairer sex companions. It wasn't her fault! Who knew these girls would be so clingy after a couple nights of innocent fun? The redhead wasn't looking for anything serious, just a few casual orgasms between friends. Nothing complicated about it. Why did they always expect more? Not like her current situation, where a romantic relation was certainly not on the table.
The others… well, maybe she had gotten a little too flirty with their men. But how was she supposed to know that they'd prefer her over them? And really the ones who let her into their beds for a threesome should've prepared for the worst. You don't make an offer like that and not be a hundred percent secure in your relationship. But then again not everyone loves each as deeply as Cloud and Tifa do.
So here Jessie Raspberry was, on the prowl for a cutie in sector 5. It had to be here. She was a little too notorious in sector 7 and all the women had their guards up. Like she wouldn't give them the best night of their lives! Sector 6 pleasure district was a big no no, that was just asking for trouble. Liable to get you picked up and sent to some brothel. Or worse, into Don Corneo's bed.
Give her a bullet to the head any day over that.
And her week just got better because Jessie spied a potential up on a stage, waving her hand and talking about something to a crowd. Practically advertising herself for the redhead. She was pretty one that was for sure, kind of even looked a little like Tifa from an angle. Long black hair like the fighter, quite a bit porcelain skin on display that spoke of her Wutain descent, and some kissably pouty lips. A little on the young side Jessie thought, seeing her rounded cheeks but hey, an adult was an adult.
She pushed her way through the human traffic to hear what her new best friend was talking about.
Only for the crowd to start booing her.
"Wait, wait! I got more!" The hat girl shouted over the noise, "He just doesn't let up! Seven days of just nonstop pounding for the lucky girls! Our merc had them do every filthy thing you can think of to the male anatomy. Even held both up at one point against the door of his room and let the whole street hear!"
Jessie blinked in confusion. Why did that sound so familiar?
"You already told us that story, Kyrie!" someone shouted to Jessie's left. And there were murmurs of assent to that. The mood of the people was turning sourer by the second.
"They were more cum than women, I tell ya!" Kyrie frantically said but that got the whole assembly groaning in disbelief at the audacity. "And you'd think eventually he'd let them rest. But no! The redhead and brunette had to clean themselves up for his pleasure. Tongue every nook and cranny on each other spotless or he wouldn't let them anywhere near his penis! And they did it with a smile. Don't even get me started on what he made the lovely ladies do to each other for his entertainment after! Sitting over his debased subjects like a king on his throne."
"Yeah right, Kyrie" a pretty redhead near the front interjected. "I tried asking him about those stories to see if they were true. Even tried paying him to go to my friend's birthday party but he said no. Told me he only does mercenary work; he doesn't spread his legs no matter how much gil is offered!"
That made the assembly even more heated. A discourse was starting to form in the onlookers as people began piping up their own accounts. Each one apparently debunking whatever Kyrie was trying to say. Seeing that the story might all be lies, some people near the edges started to leave. Interest was fading fast now that the reliability of the storyteller was in doubt. And it just kept piling on.
"It's just your usual bullshit Kanaan!"
"Yeah, why don't you try telling the truth for once in your life!"
"Heh, I bet that story about him, and the Costa Del Sol girls was fake too!"
"Wait! So, he's not a prostitute!? Aw man."
"No no, it's because he fell in love, you know?!" Kyrie tried to recover at the sight of the crowd dispersing. It didn't seem like anyone had much attention to spare in hearing her now that the girl's credibility was in tatters. Still, she tried. "He still spreads them, you just got to go through his girlfriend first. But it's not that hard! She's a real freak too! Even goes out and invites other girls herself. Please, you gotta believe me!"
But no one did. Jessie felt kind of bad for the girl, even if she didn't completely understand why she was talking about someone'd sex life to the public. But say what you will about the redhead, the mechanic had a soft spot for people in distress. It was why she left her cushy topside home on the plate and a promising acting career at the Golden Saucer. How she first made Tifa's acquaintance all those years ago at that clinic, when the new arrival was being taken advantage of by the doctor. It's what made her want to take a stand against Shinra's evils and join Avalanche.
She was on a mission but couldn't ignore someone in need.
Seeing the girl, Kyrie, sitting down dejected on the stage as the crowd around them dispersed, Jessie came to a decision. Her moral compass demanded she help the distressed girl from... whatever this was. Mind set, the redhead approached the sad brunette and sat next to her, getting her attention.
"Hey Kyrie, right?" she said, offering the girl a reassuring smile. For now, she'd put slutty Jessie in a box and let big sister Jessie emerge. "My name's Jessie, I couldn't help but notice what just happened. Are you ok? Do you need help? Or maybe just someone to talk to?"
Kyrie's eyes seemed to widen in surprise at the offer being made. Of this stranger coming out of nowhere basically giving her a shoulder to cry on if need be. Not surprising, you don't get far in the slums without having a healthy amount of skepticism. Still gotta give a little, to get a little.
"I'm happy to lend an ear if you want."
000
Kyrie didn't have the best of imaginations; it was a harsh self-assessment, but it was true. She didn't see fanciful patterns in the mud like the kids when she was child. Didn't daydream of knights slaying dragons, of castles floating in the clouds, or golden chocobos granting wishes. She only had money on her mind and only the grind needed to achieve her dream of being rich. Which is why she was running into one hell of a problem making up any new stories about Cloud Strife and his sexual adventures.
She couldn't think of anything else.
And people were getting tired and suspicious of hearing the same stories. All her research into some of the most scandalous books she could find was barely any help. Even the ones that were banned by Shinra parental censorship! The problem she realized lay in the characters being used. You see, there was only so many times a person could describe the main character plowing the fields of a bunch of pretty but faceless strangers before it became tedious. Description of new positions, figuring out new words for hip thrusts, and giving explicit reenactment of moans barely helped the problem. And she couldn't get too kinky with her stories in public or Shinra patrol would have her in handcuffs before she could blink.
Seriously, didn't they have anything better to do than harass an honest businesswoman?
But if it was people that were known? If she was able to provide a description of the actors? Give them names and features the horny crowd can imagine? Every detail of these sexy women's bodies? Well, it started to paint a picture and that picture was worth a thousand words.
So, she started to follow Cloud from a distance, trying to see which lovely ladies were in his life, and who would play the heroine of her lies. Only for her not to have to make up any lies at all. Because he really was a sex god!
On just her maiden outing alone, she saw the Ex-soldier chatting up the owner of the Seventh Heaven bar. Honestly, at first it didn't seem like he had much game from how often there were awkward silences. Kyrie was seriously scared that Cloud Strife was more of a dork than even she could have anticipated. Still, she was determined and followed them for a distance, watching as the barmaid made the merc laugh about something. And then her efforts bore fruit.
Kyrie spent the first night watching him seduce Tifa Lockhart into his room.
The young entrepreneur had to see what was going on! For documentation purposes of course. She made sure no one could catch her sneaking onto the roof of the apartment complex and got into position. Thankfully it was a balcony and rooftop ensemble so she didn't need to risk her life clinging onto roof tiles – Kyrie could get nice and comfortable. A little unauthorized drilling on the concrete slabs and she had her front row seat to the show.
There was some kissing, the usual foreplay, a strip show. The younger brunette excitedly wrote down the part where he made the busty girl undress him. That was gold! And what a length on the man! Then Cloud was giving it to the slutty barmaid like it was their last night on Gaia! They were so loud, Kyrie thought they were going to wake up the whole street block with their attempt at making the beast with two backs. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice the depravity going on under their noses and the brunette was able to finish off her notes in record time. Maybe rub a quick on out while she was at it.
The next night was even better because he brought two girls home with him!
This time Kyrie came even more prepared to get all the juicy details of this little tryst. A fitted spy glass to shove through the hole she made and a doctor's stethoscope to listen in. A nice warm blanket for the night and a thermos full of soup. And an extra pair of panties because walking home soaked was uncomfortable.
She couldn't hear everything being said, the words a little garbled but she was able to get the gist. From what she was able to piece together Cloud was demanding the second girl Jessie get naked, which she did by taking off her pants. Tifa was telling him how she invited the redhead into their bed and as a reward he was going to let them both blow him. And from there the night spiraled into a teenager's wet dream.
And Kyrie kept an eye on them for the rest of the week just to make sure she got everything recorded for posterity. Nothing weird about that. She wasn't being a voyeur or anything, she was just doing research. Just to make sure she had more than enough material for her next couple of news assemblies. She could already feel the weight of the gil in her hands!
'I'm pretty good at this investigation business,' Kyrie thought to herself with a laugh, getting ready to address her adoring public and take their money, 'maybe I should open a detective agency once the scam runs dry.'
But the worst thing imaginable happened, people were fact checking her! What horny sluts were actually going to the blond merc and propositioning him for sex?! What a waste of money! And right before she gave them first-hand accounts of his actual sexual adventures! Talk about back timing.
It was disastrous, people were leaving, and she didn't have a leg to stand on. Another scheme already went down the drain before she could milk it for all it was worth.
Now what?
Then to her surprise one of the slutty girls she had been watching over the past week sat next to her. Kyrie's heart nearly leaped out of her chest, thinking the taller girl was about to beat her ass for putting her private life on display for money. It wouldn't be the first time this happened, she did live in the slums after all where such things were expected. But it didn't make the bruises hurt any less!
Instead of swinging a fist, however, Jessie was trying to comfort her.
She blinked her eyes in confusion as the redhead kept talking, not at all angry with her. The redheas was even trying to offer her help for some reason. Did this mean she didn't know what was going on? Or did she not mind the ludicrious details of her sex life being on display? Maybe she was just a pervert? But no, she seemed to actually be sincere.
And Kyrie saw an opportunity.
"Actually, that would be pretty nice," the scammer simpered, making sure to put on her most helpless 'slum girl' look. Maybe this venture wasn't dead yet? It'd give her time to rework it from a different angel if there was anything to salvage. Or failing that, at the very least let her get close enough to Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart steal from them! The Ex-Soldier was famous for taking on half the jobs in the sectors, he had to have a nice pile of gil hidden somewhere. And slutty girl number one owned a business, which meant there was also a nest egg to be taken from her. Kyrie could play the troubled teen in need of help, with the best of them! "I'm just really down on my luck and was living from job to job. Now that my news business blew up in my face, I don't know what to do. Where do I even sleep tonight?"
None of it was strictly true but Jessie didn't need to know that.
"Well then, you're in luck! I have a friend who's not really using her apartment at the moment. She's been spending most of her nights with the new boyfriend." Jessie said cheerfully, getting up to her feet and motioning for Kyrie to follow her. Kyrie made sure to give the older girl her best hopeful smile, trying not to let her smugness bleed through. A free room! Sure beats going home to her grandma tonight and having to hear another lecture about taking advantage of the poor slum people. "I'll have to clear it with my friend Tifa first but I'm sure she won't mind. We lower plate girls gotta stick together."
So, it was Tifa's room, eh? This just keeps getting better and better! These people were just asking to get themselves robbed blind!
000
Cloud was hating his life right now.
Barrett had roped him into helping with an Avalanche mission at the infamous Wall Market of sector 6. The man was firm in that just because the bombing was off for now didn't mean they could get lazy. They just couldn't be so loud about it; the gunman had grudgingly admitted. That there were plenty of missions and supply runs that could be done to help the movement and screw Shinra over.
Usually Cloud would refuse, considering their illustrious leader had barely paid him for the last mission. Weeks after it was accomplished! But circumstances changed, the Ex-Soldier now had a pair of beautiful women at home to take care of. Sure, it'd been mainly just sex and they actually have not been on any dates yet…. But he's known Tifa since they were kids, and he probably knew a little too many details about Jessie personal life at this point. He wasn't a hundred percent sure how he would classify what Jessie was to him and Tifa. Maybe another girlfriend for the couple? A throuple if you will? Whatever it was, he did things only a husband should do to the woman, now he had a responsibility as a man to provide. And Barett was offering the most amount of money for work, so here he was.
The mission currently? Following and reporting on the Turks, Shinra's Administrative Research or General Affairs Department, movements.
The terrorist cell needed to know exactly how much intel the organization had on them and how they in turn would respond. Jessie and Bigg's hacking skills were pretty good, but the Turks recently had a system overhaul because of the bombing – it would take time to crack. Plus, who knew what nasty firewalls they might have implemented since? So, until the tech geniuses figured out a way through it without triggering any alarms, that left groundwork.
(We could be at home, tucked into a nice human sandwich.)
Even if you discount Barrett's size, the man still had a machine gun for an arm. Very memorable even if they weren't trying to be sneaky. Wedge also had a size problem, which was exacerbated with the man's lack of self and spatial awareness. A terrible combination when trying to follow people whose bread and butter was investigation. Cloud has lost count of the number of jobs he had taken from the chipper giant to go looking for his cats, all because he forgot to close his front door.
The Department knew the terrorist cell was under the plate, that much was clear, but not which part of the slum they were residing in. Cloud had watched some blond baby Turk going from one location to the next in the entertainment district. And subtle she was not. The Turk was busting into one shop after the next, demanding the owner answer any and all questions, otherwise they would face the consequences of defying Shinra. It had been surprisingly effective for some, even getting some of them to admit to crimes that had nothing to do with Avalanche.
(She's kinda cute, we should file that for later.)
Unsurprisingly for the majority it was less effective. The energy conglomerate wasn't well liked down here; the slum people dodged answering completely, obfuscated their words, or straight up lied.
Currently the merc was watching blondie harassing the owner of a pharmacy. The pharmacist was actually one of Avalanche's suppliers of medical aid such as painkillers and antibiotics. He couldn't provide much, he had a livelihood to think about after all, but anything was appreciated. The fact that the girl was here was a bit disturbing. Of the five other shops Cloud had followed the Turk to this morning, at least two of them had connection to their cell, this being three. Only harsh questioning though, no one had been brought in as far as he knew.
It meant that the Shinra investigation squad was on a trail but hadn't quite connected all the dots yet. Nothing concrete enough for them to bring in public security, at least. Concerning to be sure but nothing they needed to get their knickers in a twist about yet. Besides, it might actually be one big coincidence.
The recon was basically wrapped up but one more location to make sure before he headed home.
As he continued to follow the baby Turk from a distance, Cloud thought a little of the things he'd use his extra gil for. At first he had wanted to buy Tifa a ring, to celebrate their future marriage and to let all those sleazebag customers of hers know she was taken. However, with Jessie's inclusion, he was going to have to put a hold on that for now. Maybe two rings now. But a more appropriate living space was an immediate issue. All of them were struggling to sleep in his tiny bed and he could really do without Marle's knowing look every time he left the apartment. The old woman hadn't said anything so far, but she definitely knew what was up.
(You might be misreading the situation on this one.)
But where could they live? In the slums? Topside?
Cloud liked the people under the plate, they were kind after a fashion and certainly fostered a strong community. But it was also dirty and falling apart. Crime was somewhat rampant and drug use common, not exactly a good place to raise a family. Possible sure, as he thought about the various families that lived there but was it worth it? The people up top were outwardly friendly but held a certain amount of disdain for everyone outside of their cliques. Everything was new and clean but insanely expensive.
Maybe he was thinking too hard about it.
(Definitely.)
Tifa owned a business in sector 7, a plateside home would make the commute pretty inconvenient. Plus, she had stronger ties to the community than Cloud did, seeming to know every slum dweller by name. Jessie actually had a home up here with her parents but didn't seem to have any inclination of moving back in any time soon. And had just as strong ties to the community as the fighter, although some of the women seem to have issues with the redhead. They both had forged lives there.
'So, slum house it is,' he thought with a sigh. That being said he was going to find them the best piece of real estate that he could find! SO long as it was affordable of course.
"Someone please help me!"
Cloud head snapped up from his musings to see a dark hair glasses girl running away from a group of thugs. She was younger than him, with a short haircut and an even shorter skirt with stockings. An obvious limp from an injury but no visible wounds. Glasses was looking around frantically for any help from the milling people, desperate for someone to intervene and rescue her. Nobody would of course, because those were Don Corneo's men, and one didn't cross the Don in his own territory if they wanted to live a long life.
(Wait a minute, she's a cutie! Help her!)
The merc would have stepped in but he was supposed to be on a stealth mission!
And seeing how many guys were chasing her, Cloud would have a hard time not killing at least some of them in a fight. The last thing Avalanche needed was that much heat on them right now, they were kind of his friends after all. And his girls were members! But Tifa would tear him a new one if she thought he was purposely abandoning someone in need. Jessie would too at that. The flirty girl had a surprisingly strong sense of justice in her, almost rivaling her hatred for Shinra.
During his internal battle to come to a decision, he accidentally made eye contact with short hair. Her eyes widened as if in recognition and ran at him full tilt, both hands grabbing at his suspenders. Bringing her face close to him, she frantically whispered to him.
"Your Cloud, right? I'm Nayo! I'm a part of Avalanche Headquarters. You gotta help me!"
The Ex-Soldier could only blink stupidly at that before his brain caught up to her words. This was certainly unexpected, but more importantly, it forced him to make a decision. Cloud knew about HQ and how Barett's outfit was a rogue splinter cell, but he didn't remember any Nayo being mentioned. If she was telling the truth, then she was technically a comrade and he needed to help her escape. If she was lying, well she was still aware of his association with the terrorist cell and her getting caught might force her to spill the beans to save herself. But he couldn't do anything here, too many were around watching the spectacle. They'd identify him in a heartbeat once threats were thrown around.
Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.
(Plus, she'd be so grateful, she might give you a "hero's reward.")
Mind made up, Cloud picked up the girl and ran. The gangsters hot on their trail. The Ex-Soldier ran as far as he could from the crowd and down a series of confusing twists and turns. Unfortunately, he wasn't as well versed on all the paths of sector 6 as he was with sector 7. It forced him to backtrack when he hit dead-ends, frustratingly that allowed the thugs to keep them in sight. Time passed in the blur until they hit a dead end at the large fence dividing the sectors. But at least there weren't any public security patrols around.
No witnesses at least.
Setting Nayo down, he pushed her behind him and stepped forward to face the henchmen.
"Hey blondie, think twice before trying to be a hero. That there is the future Mrs. Corneo, don't get in the way of true love," their leader huffed out, some yellow mohawk wearing asshole. His little quip got the whole six of them hooting and hollering in between the gasping for air. But points to them for not being completely stupid, even when they were chuckling and wiping sweat off their brows, they were already moving into a semicircle around him.
"Look, I think there's been a mistake. This is my little sister; she got a little lost but I'm going to take her home now. No harm, no foul. Just let us walk." Cloud said, trying to be diplomatic. He's never been great at diplomacy, but he had to give it one last shot before things got ugly. Tifa would want him to try after all. Still, as he saw them slowly creeping towards them with weapons out, it might have been an effort in vain.
"Nice try buddy, but the Don gets what the Don wants. And he wants that pretty thing hiding behind you. Don't worry if you really are her brother, you'll be compensated. Scout's honor." A black mohawk said this time, raise his right arm as if he was giving a solemn oath. Even if Cloud didn't know it was total bullshit, the little giggle the man gave was pretty damning.
(I don't know who this Corneo guy is but fuck him.)
Oh, well.
" Head down." Cloud called over his shoulder. He disconnected the Buster Sword from its magnetic holster and held it at his side. That seemed to give the opposition some pause, now taking in the size of his weapon, some noticing his eyes. Still, they approached. His senses narrowed to the immediate vicinity, time slowing to a near standstill as adrenaline pumped into his veins. He counted off the opponents and their positions. Equal pairs up front, on his left and right respectfully. Good formation all things considered, but one of them was breaking ranks a bit by stepping too close.
"What?" Nayo asked in surprise, almost like she wasn't expecting the situation to escalate.
But he was already swinging his sword downwards towards baldy on the left, who barely managed to get his wooden bat with nails up in time. Not that it did him much good as the Ex-Soldier's strength and the weight of his blade split man and weapon in two.
(Oh Gods, I'm gonna be sick.)
Idiot number two scrambled back at the carnage before him, also trying to get his hatchet up. Cloud's side swing cut him clean from the elbow, sending the appendage flying into his friends. A quick back swing and a head follow suit. There was some screaming from Nayo but the merc was already rushing towards the remaining four thugs. They had a bit more time to prepare, although it didn't take a genius to see that they were obviously not used to such resistance.
Yellow Mohawk had fired every shot he could out of his revolver in an attempt to hit Cloud, but if these bullets were coming any slower, he might be forced to take a nap in the middle of battle. Instead, he smacked the first three to the ground and the next three were deflected back at the would-be kidnappers. One took a slug right between the eyes, another center mass. Not as accurate as the merc would have liked, but dead was dead.
The black mohawked thug, Cloud ran clean through before the other bodies hit the floor.
Another scream, this time coming from yellow mohawk, who had fallen on the floor and trying to scramble away from the bodies. Cloud could only shake his head at the sight. If you couldn't take the sight of violence, then why work a job where it happened so commonly? It was like being a ranger, but you were scared of touching chocobos. Pretty pointless. Or maybe he just wasn't used to it happening to people on his side? Well, it doesn't really matter, Cloud supposed as he raised the Buster Sword higher to finish the bloody work.
"Wait!" he heard Nayo cry out, as she hugged his arm from behind, as if to stop him. "You don't need to do this! He's finished, just let him go, please!"
Oh, she was trying to stop him.
"Wait man! We didn't know you were a Soldier!" Yellow Mohawk was desperately pleading for his life. Seriously? Did he not see the eyes? The big sword? The freakin uniform? This guy might genuinely be too stupid for the good of society. "Trust me, the cartel wouldn't have messed with you if we did! The Don's got no beef with Shinra. Remember our deal! You guys still need us! Please don't do this!"
Deal? Was this Corneo guy working with Shinra somehow? Is that why some of Avalanches suppliers were being singled out for the Turks to investigate? A mole in the slums, as it were? It clearly wasn't an equal partnership, from how the gangster thought Shinra might lay the hammer on his little organization. Or it might be all the dead bodies around them.
'I need to let Barett know' Cloud thought, as he continued to watch the cowering man silently, 'but what about him?'
(You can use this.)
Maybe he can use this.
Lowering the sword back to his side, he felt Nayo loosening her grip as well. Still, keeping one her hands on his bicep as if to stop him if he made any sudden movements. Rolling his eyes, Cloud approached the blubbering thug, dragging her along, and kicked him quiet.
"Listen up! What Shinra does or doesn't do in your dirty slum kingdom isn't any of your concern." Cloud put every ounce of authority he could into his voice. Trying to recall all the times he gave the army soldiers command during battle. He couldn't really remember any specific moments but maybe if he raised his voice a bit higher? Give them the Barrett treatment? "But the company expects Corneo's people to at least use their heads, or we'll find someone else to replace your Don. You don't want me dropping by later to rediscuss the terms of our deal. As for this incident, you're going to explain to him your mistake and then you're going to forget all about it. And the next time you see the girl, you keep walking. Understood?"
Mohawk gave a frantic nod of confirmation.
"Good, now clean up the bodies and scam." Turning back to Nayo, he picked her up and gave her a moment to wrap her arms around his neck before striding away. Heart pounding at the lie, Cloud walked a distance as confidently as he could along the fence, hoping the gate was nearby. Once he did find the entry to sector 7, thankfully not blocked by any patrol, he whispered to the girl in his arms. "You, okay? Why were you in Wall Market?"
She blinked a little as if in a daze.
"My team was trying to pick up a few fake ids for some new arrivals that were coming for Avalanche business" she said, still blinking at him owlishly. Did she hit her head or something? Was she injured somewhere other than her leg? "But before we could get them, we were accosted by those goons. My crew aren't really fighters, just intelligence gathering, so we scammed out of there. We got split up and you know the rest."
Cloud gave her a grunt in assent. They walked past the gate and through the sector aimlessly. He wasn't sure what to do. He didn't have any healing materia on him to help her. Go to Seventh heaven and let her heal and rest up there? What if she was seriously injured? Then an infirmary was needed but they didn't really have anything like that down here. Maybe HQ? But he didn't know where that was.
"I'm taking you to Tifa's bar to get your leg checked out." the merc said, coming to a decision. "I know HQ and Barett's cell don't really get along, but you need help with that leg. Maybe give you time to get in contact with your friends so they can pick you up. That sound good?"
That stare again, like she was trying to look through his eyes and into his soul.
"Sounds good."
(Fingers crossed, for that reward!)
