Chapter 8: Arrival at Nibelheim

Inside the helicopter, I shed the wine-red dress that had become Scarlet's trademark.

At first, I felt a massive amount of resistance toward working in such a flashy outfit. However, I eventually resigned myself to wearing it, realizing that an iconic look is a weapon in itself—a way to project a powerful, unforgettable image.

Since I was originally a man, it felt bizarre at first, almost like I was cross-dressing. My legs and chest felt exposed and vulnerable. I used to look at young girls wearing skirts with bare legs on freezing days and think they looked miserable, but I never dreamed I’d end up in a position where I’d be doing the same.

Even if I could make it work within the halls of Shinra, once you leave Midgar, you’re faced with monster-infested lands and dusty desert regions. Even Corel Village, where a Mako Reactor is scheduled for construction, is likely just a gritty, sandy place in the mountains. The thought of having to visit places like that in a dress makes me feel a bit depressed.

It would be strange to change my style now, and you could say the flamboyant look acts as a sort of "bluff." There aren't many women in high-ranking positions here; I’ve heard that for women, the ladder to success is much steeper than for men. Perhaps Scarlet’s wardrobe and attitude were the "correct" choice to ensure she wasn't buried by the men surrounding her.

"I’ve gotten used to the dress, but a suit feels much more grounding after all this time."

I swapped the work-dress for a suit similar to what the Turks wear. If I stayed in that loud dress in a rural place like Nibelheim, I’d stand out like a sore thumb—and the high heels would only make it worse. Scarlet seemed to enjoy marching around in heels, but personally, I prefer normal shoes.

It’s been a while since I wore leather shoes that are easy to move in. These aren't the cheap pair I used to own; I don't know what kind of animal hide they're made of, but they fit my feet perfectly.

Actually, there’s a secret in the heels that only I know. They utilize a small Materia and the gravity-control technology adapted from the Stan-ray units. Thanks to that, they’re easier to walk in than you’d think. Better yet, the thin heels don't get caught in metal grates or gaps in scaffolding. I was actually impressed; I used to wonder how anyone could enter a Mako Reactor—which is essentially a live construction site—in high heels. That mystery is now solved.

I was also surprised to find various odd gadgets unique to the technical field. To put it simply, Scarlet is an engineer at heart. Since I’ve always liked the latest tech and gadgets, I’m actually enjoying this environment more than I expected.

"Not bad. This look actually suits me."

Checking the mirror, I have to admit Scarlet’s appearance is top-tier. She has slender legs and a "curvy in all the right places" figure. The suit emphasizes her body lines; in short, she has a "nice body" for her age.

If this were a girlfriend, I’d be thrilled, but being the one inside the body is a different story.

Lost in these thoughts, I put on a pair of sunglasses for my disguise. As if by magic, the transformation was complete. No one would look at me and realize I was Scarlet.

Because her usual image is so strong, I currently look like just another member of the Turks. There are a fair number of female agents in their ranks, so this should keep my identity as the Head of Advanced Weaponry a secret.

While I was busy changing, the helicopter landed at an airfield near Nibelheim. "Airfield" was a generous term; it was really just a cleared, maintained square. In Midgar, night flights are possible, but no one visits the countryside at night. Apparently, the manual states that if a night landing is required, local employees must guide the pilot down using handheld lights.

I checked Hojo’s flight records, and every single one was during the day. It seems he hasn't visited the Shinra Mansion himself lately. However, there were records of personnel from the Science Department coming and going, so it must still be functioning as an experimental site.

Stepping off the helicopter, I saw Cloud and Tseng, who had disembarked first to secure the perimeter.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. It’s quiet—not a monster in sight."

"This area is a bit far from the village, so there are fewer monsters affected by Mako," Tseng replied. "That Turks uniform suits you."

"Oh, thank you. It’s a bit tight around the chest, though. Was this the only one?"

I was grateful they prepared the suit on such short notice, but the fit was definitely snug around the bust. I suppose it’s just a testament to how well-endowed this body is.

"My apologies. Since it was a rush order, I could only procure the size used by one of my colleagues."

Fair enough. There wasn't time for a tailored fit, and I was the one who asked for a Turk outfit on a whim. It's a bit cramped, but it doesn't look bad. In fact, I think it looks pretty cool. While Tseng was being professional and complimentary, Cloud hadn't said a word. I wasn't going to force a compliment out of him, but his silence was starting to feel ominous.

"Cloud, you’ve been quiet. What do you think of this look?"

"H-huh? Yes... I mean, the impression is completely different from usual, but... uh... I think you look very beautiful."

He was completely panicking. My mistake—putting a subordinate on the spot about their boss's outfit is a recipe for disaster. I remembered a time in my past life when my boss bought a designer suit that didn't fit him at all; when he asked for my opinion, I struggled to find the words, too.

Maybe it doesn't suit me after all...

If I think about it, my sensibilities are still male, but the body is female. I might not be choosing clothes that actually flatter this form. Since becoming Scarlet, I’ve just been rotating through her existing wardrobe, intentionally picking similar styles to avoid suspicion. If I ever try to enjoy "fashion" for myself, I’ll have to be careful.

Cloud’s reaction made me feel a bit embarrassed for getting carried away.

"Well, whatever. As long as people don't realize it's me."

Cloud looked like he was about to say something else in his flustered state, but Tseng nudged him with an elbow—a signal to drop it. Cloud took the hint and fell silent.

That’s right. A senior who knows how to cover for you is precious; you should definitely follow his lead. If I stop pushing the subject, we can avoid further awkwardness. Sometimes you just have to let things slide to keep the peace, Cloud.

"Anyway, Cloud, go into the helicopter and change quickly. That outfit is far too conspicuous."

Cloud was currently wearing a sleeveless high-neck shirt similar to a SOLDIER uniform. He had chosen it himself, prioritizing ease of movement. Perhaps he still has some lingering attachment to being a SOLDIER. However, instead of the traditional indigo-blue, his outfit was primarily black—reminiscent of the style seen in Advent Children.

It would be a problem if he were mistaken for a real SOLDIER, and I wanted to see if he’d look a bit more mature, so I gave him some style advice. He took it quite readily.

It’s a bit different from the game, but it’s cool in its own way. Between the outfit and the equipment I helped him tweak, Cloud seemed to really like the look. My success there gave me too much confidence in my own fashion sense—that was my downfall today. I know how to dress a man, but I’m a complete amateur when it comes to women's clothing. And unfortunately, I don't have any female friends I can consult.

"Hurry up and change. I’ll keep watch while you’re busy."

"S-sorry! I’ll be right back!"

Cloud scrambled into the helicopter. I had prepared a standard infantry uniform and helmet to hide his face, so his identity should be safe.

He’s even ended up with his own Fan Club lately. There are fan clubs for Sephiroth and Zack too; I secretly joined them thinking I might pick up some intel, and they’re surprisingly entertaining. Cloud is handsome and capable, so a fan club isn't a shock, but I was still surprised when I found out it existed.

Naturally, I joined his too. It looked like fun! It’s more of a "let’s all watch over him" kind of club—a peaceful sanctuary compared to the cutthroat relationships at Shinra. He’s popular with the older women. Since the ratio of young recruits at Shinra tilts heavily toward men, I suppose it’s only natural.

"To confirm the plan: once we head toward Nibelheim, we’ll gather information in the village before heading to the Shinra Mansion."

"Yes," Tseng replied. "I will handle that part. You two should stay out of sight and kill some time in the village where you won't be noticed."

The official reason for the Turks visiting Nibelheim was an internal audit to check the local conditions. Obviously, we can't enter areas that require Science Department clearance, but we can investigate the employees living there and the accessible zones. We’re also checking for any friction with the local residents, which gives us a legitimate excuse to ask around.

"Cloud and I will avoid contact with the villagers as much as possible to keep our identities hidden."

"Once the investigation is done, we will check the Mansion together," Tseng continued. "I will approach from the front to distract the researchers..."

"And Cloud and I will slip in through the back. I’ll handle the internal security systems via the terminals, and if we run into any "failed experiments," I’ll leave them to Cloud."

"Please try not to leave any traces," Tseng warned. "The Turks cannot spare enough personnel to create a cover story if things go south."

If we mess up, we're being cut loose, I realized. In other words, this was Rufus's way of saying, "This was your idea, so prove you can handle it."

"Sorry to keep you waiting. The Stan-ray units for perimeter defense are ready."

"Ara, how thoughtful, Cloud. You’re getting quite handy with Advanced Weaponry. Even if you stop fighting, you could make a living as my assistant."

Initially, I just put Cloud through hellish training to make him stronger, but he’s so diligent and hard-working that he’s become a true member of my department. He can even do basic maintenance and repairs now; honestly, he’s probably better at handling machinery than a standard SOLDIER.

For context, a Stan-ray is a small security drone manufactured by the Advanced Weaponry Division. Using gravity control, they can fly at high speeds to intercept intruders. They’re equipped with cameras for reconnaissance, and some models even have projectors. In the game, they’re just "trash mobs" you encounter early on, but in reality, they’re incredibly versatile.

"Well then, I’m counting on you two for protection along the way."

"Understood, Lady Scarlet," Tseng bowed.

"Cloud, you have the best sense of the terrain here, so you take point. I’ll cover the rear."

"If we bring the Stan-rays into the village, we’ll be spotted, and we can't bring unmanned units into the Mansion secretly... so it’s just the two of you. Since I’ll be splitting up from Tseng, I’m relying on you, Cloud. Be a good escort."

In Midgar, there are guards, Shinra troops, and an endless supply of automated weapons at my beck and call. Out here in the sticks, there’s nothing. If we get jumped by a monster or one of the Mansion’s experiments, I am 100% confident I would die.

So, seriously, Cloud—I’m counting on you. Fighting in the flesh is impossible for me! I tried the easiest setting on the combat simulator in secret and got absolutely destroyed. I got hit while trying to activate my defensive Materia and it was an instant Game Over.

Getting punched? No, thank you. Never.

It’s been a year since I left this village. That year has been so intense that it feels like it passed in the blink of an eye. I’ve been so busy that I only managed to write to my mother a few times. I never imagined I’d be coming home like this.

While the world around me has changed drastically, my hometown hasn't changed at all. It’s as if time itself had rewound.

"How does it feel, returning to your hometown after all this time?"

"I don't know... it doesn't feel real yet. Nothing has really changed."

"A landscape doesn't change much in a year," Tseng remarked. "But people do. Just as you’ve distinguished yourself this past year."

Tseng-san was right. Even if the scenery remains the same, a year is more than enough time for a person to change.

I wonder if Mom is doing well...

She said she was fine in her letters, but I never thought I’d be seeing her again so soon. She wrote that she’d be relieved if I found a girlfriend in the city, but looking back at my conversation with Lady Scarlet... I think it’ll be a long time before I have a girlfriend.

I thought I had changed quite a bit, but seeing how I couldn't even say anything clever when I saw Lady Scarlet in a suit, I clearly still have a long way to go when it comes to talking to women. I thought I’d gotten used to people after talking with Zack, but I realize now that most of my conversations with the opposite sex have been strictly about work. Maybe I should ask him for advice when I get back.

"Tseng will gather info from the villagers. Cloud, we’ll wait at your house until then."

"Understood. My mother should be home at this hour. We can't offer much in the way of hospitality, but please, make yourself at home."

"Don't worry about me. Even if it's for a mission, you’re home for the first time in a year. Take your time and talk with your mother."

Lady Scarlet was going to be killing time at my house. The thought made me incredibly nervous. I have to properly introduce her as the boss who’s been taking care of me. I told Mom in my letters that she was my benefactor, but actually introducing them is another matter entirely.

It’s a shame I won't be able to see Tifa, but I wonder how she’s doing? I’ll have to ask Mom about her later, in private.