At Corneo's Mansion

Don Corneo's Mansion

Basement

"Jessie? Jessie, can you hear me?" Tifa asked as she watched the young woman stir.

"Ungghh... was knockout gas really necessary? Corneo really has no idea how to make a good impression..." Jessie grunted.

"Jessie, what are you doing here? Why'd you follow me?" Tifa asked.

"We were worried you might have gotten in over your head. Corneo's got a pretty nasty reputation," Aerith interjected. "I'm sure you can take care of yourself, but this is a pretty risky situation..."

Tifa turned to Aerith, and when she saw the stunning stranger in the gorgeous red dress, she felt her heartbeat speed up instantly. "And you are..."

"My name's Aerith," the woman answered cheerfully.

"...I'm Tifa," she introduced herself, blushing slightly. "Uh... how do you know Jessie?"

"She's my bodyguard," Aerith explained, smiling.

"...Bodyguard, huh? I wouldn't have figured you for the type, Jessie," Tifa remarked with a smirk. "That seems more like something Cloud, Barret, or I would do."

Jessie smiled at Tifa, shaking her head. "I was the only one available for the job, I guess," she shrugged. "I'm not the fighter any of you guys are, but I can take care of myself."

"She's doing a fine job," Aerith said, "I'd hire her again."

Tifa flashed Jessie a playful smirk. "That's our demolitions expert. You're just full of surprises, aren't you, Jessie?"

"I guess so," Jessie chuckled in response. "So, I guess we just wait here for Corneo's audition?"

Tifa nodded. "Looks that way," she said. "It shouldn't be long now."