Reunion

"You're Aerith?" Tifa said.

She looked at the blushing flower girl with some degree of surprise. Aerith hid behind her arms, staring intently at the two friends in front of her, denying the existence of the crowd that could see her from every other angle.

"She's not, er, usually naked," Cloud said.

Aerith reddened even more.

"You got away from Corneo?" Aerith said.

"Cornered him when he came out to see us," Cloud said. "We would've searched for you, but things got out of control."

"He said Shinra are going to drop the plate," Tifa said. "We had to get back here as soon as we could! I'm glad you're OK though."

Tifa gestured with one hand upwards. Aerith turned, looking over her shoulder towards the tall pillar that kept the plate over this part of Midgar up. She could see the flash of gunfire up there from some people resisting.

Tifa grabbed Cloud's hand, quickly pulling him towards the gate.

"We have to help them," Tifa said.

Aerith looked up again. She imagined the wind that high up whipping against her exposed body, running past soldier after soldier. There might be fewer people up there, but it was also stark metal, no chance of anything to cover with.

Then, reluctantly, she finally took in what was on the level all around her. Dozens of people were staring. The novelty of a naked woman appearing in a puff of smoke hadn't worn off yet. Aerith squealed again, moving one hand to cover her ass and still trying to hide her jiggling boobs.

Was it much better being down here? Aerith swallowed. Did it matter? She felt utterly humiliated, but if that plate was going to drop, she had to put that aside. People were in danger!

"Where do you need me?" Aerith said, putting on a brave face.