Later, in Shinra Tower...

Hojo's Lab, Shinra Tower

"Aerith!" Tifa and Jessie exclaimed in unison. They ran to greet her, embracing her in a warm hug. "You're OK!"

Aerith returned the hug, smiling gratefully. "Yeah, I'm fine," she began before noticing Cloud clutching his head in pain. "But your friend--"

"Cloud!" Tifa exclaimed worriedly, rushing to his side. "Are you OK?"

"Mother... Jenova... Sephiroth..." Cloud muttered before collapsing to the ground, ****. The group rushed to check on him, but their attention quickly turned to the dog-like creature slowly approaching them.

"Please forgive my actions earlier," the animal spoke in a dignified tone. "Hojo... brought out the worst in me."

"Can't say I blame ya. Goddamn Shinra scumbag," Barret replied. "But what the hell are ya? A science experiment?"

"Call me Red XIII," the animal introduced itself. "That is what Hojo calls me, at any rate. Right now, however our priority is obviously your friend..."

"...He should be fine," Aerith said, examining Cloud. "I have an old room here. He can rest there while we figure out what to do next."

As Cloud rested on the bed and Barret & Red XIII kept watch, Aerith, Tifa & Jessie sat in a circle on the floor, talking quietly.

"So, Tifa... Jessie..." Aerith spoke up, looking at the pair of women curiously. "Are you two, uh, together?"

"I guess you could say that," Tifa smiled warmly. "We just started dating, and we're pretty much figuring things out as we go."

"I'll take that as a yes," Aerith smiled. "You two make a cute couple."

Jessie blushed, grinning back at her. "Yeah, I guess we do," she replied. "But I'm still committed to my duty as your bodyguard."

"I appreciate it," Aerith said. "But now I wonder if promising you a date for your services was a mistake..."

Tifa chuckled in response. "Well, we haven't had the exclusivity talk yet, so you don't have to worry about me getting mad," she teased. "But now that I know about your little deal, I'm going to have to insist on coming along."

Aerith giggled. "Sure. I'd be happy to take you both on a date," she smiled. "It's a promise."

A moment later, Cloud began to stir. He opened his eyes and slowly rose to a sitting position on the bed. "Hey... how are you feeling?" Tifa asked.

"I'm fine," Cloud said bluntly. "Don't worry about me. The sooner we get out of here, the better."