[ Really and honestly, it’s not that bad. The guy has fun with it, but it’s more so the thrill of challenging someone so high up on the rung above him. Aerith swears she’s seen him before, just as she’s beginning to close her eyes. There’s a swirling feeling in her head, one that makes her feel a little woozy for a moment, or maybe weightless is the word she’s looking for… Slowly, the world starts to make sense again, and she’s on the mat, looking up to the gymnasium’s tall, tall ceiling. Tifa’s face peeks over, and Aerith wonders if this is what Cloud saw back in Corneo’s mansion. ]

Heya… Tifa…

[ She takes any help offered to her. No need to try and look tough after getting her ass knocked down to the ground. Back on her feet, she looks around to see that the whole match has been put on hold, and the guy who knocked her down is getting scolded. He doesn’t look, she notes, very sorry. He tosses a glance back to the two of them as he’s scolded, winks, and turns back to the ref, who is gesturing toward Aerith and Tifa’s team with vigorous motions. The match will resume shortly, but it’s a good chance to work on a strat, she thinks. Nodding, she turns back to Tifa ].

I’m alright! But, Tifa… I think you should be our king.

[ Their two teammates, both fox youkai, look between themselves for a moment before shrugging. It’s not nearly as important to them as it appears to be to the others. After a moment of deliberation, one of them explains that she’ll probably be targeted anyway because she’s shown how strong she is. The other mumbles something about Shuten missing out on contracting Tifa, but judging by the way she stares at one of Sutoku’s newest, brightest faces, she thinks it was a loss for Tamamo, too. ]

We’ll protect you, but they won’t be any match for you anyway, I bet! Even if they knock us out, they’ll never catch you, Tifa.