Reno
Junior Member
[.Drunken Monkey.]
Anyone Can Forgive, But Can Anyone Forget?
Posts: 61
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Post by Reno on Feb 24, 2008 14:32:10 GMT -5
Reno rolled his eyes when Tseng refused..well, didn't show any signs of...getting out of his way. And he didn't want to provoke him, that was just stupid and too risky. But Tseng wanted to see him? Was it because--- Yep. The boiler.
"I thought it was sma---um...never mind." Reno was about to ask if this was the same boiler he smashed in in a slightly baffled tone, when he remembered Tseng liked to mess with him. Usually bringing up subjects or questions in which he already knew the answers to. Like as he suspected, Reno broke the boiler...and was just teasing him again with rhetorical questions. But just as he was about to come up with an excuse to leave, Tseng had stepped forwards...and in a slight panic, Reno flung himself backwards and into his seat...just as if trying to avoid an argument. Avoiding a lecture from Tseng about smashing things and messing up his own office though was never going to happen, without the alcohol in his system Reno was jumpy and very nervous...getting into an argument might end in one of them getting mauled by the other, but with the gunman taking his leave with Cissnei Reno was expecting either a good lecture or that mentioned argument. It's not like Reno couldn't stick up for himself in arguments...but usually he needed booze to keep his 'front' up, the barrier that masked his cowardly nature. But too much of the booze just made him easier to scare, too little resulted in the same thing. Reno sighed and raided his drawer to find a backet of gum, and finished off his lollipop before chewing the gum.
"Sorry about the mess." Reno began, pausing in his chews as he spoke, just to at least make an effort to show some respect...but failed rather badly.
"I had to kill a few monsters."
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Tseng
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Post by Tseng on Mar 3, 2008 6:11:59 GMT -5
Moving across to the window, Tseng waited in silence, gazing out across Midgar, until he heard the door to the office close, signalling Cissnei and Vincent’s departure. He was about to speak, when Reno beat him to it – and interestingly, he was attempting to be polite. For once.
“Monsters, Reno? Or demons?” Tseng inquired as he turned to face the red-head; another rhetorical question. He was referring to the “demons” inside Reno’s head, though whether Reno would catch on to the meaning or not was another story. The Wutaian man did not linger on the point, though, moving right on to the subject that was his reason for being here.
“I just had a rather unpleasant encounter with the head of maintenance. I think you already know what it was regarding,” his voice was as cool and level as ever. Anyone who didn’t know the leader of the Turks would think he was raising the issue as a simple topic of conversation, not giving a lecture. And if the man was angry – if he was ever angry – it was certainly difficult (bordering on impossible) to tell. “Reno, I’m… concerned about your recent behaviour. Thankfully, so far these outbursts of yours have been targeted only at inanimate objects. But what guarantee can you give me that it will remain as such? I heard you even snapped a your partner recently. It’s lucky Rude is who he is, or things may have been rather… messier.”
Striding across the room to the door, Tseng appeared to be about to leave, but he merely stopped and turned to face Reno again. Considering the red-head for a short while, he sighed. “I’m unsure what is best to do with you. I had hoped that keeping you on duty during your detox would help distract you from your withdrawal. But with the risk of you becoming a danger to your colleagues… I was considering giving you time off. Of course, I will assign Rude to monitor your behaviour during your suspension, to prevent you from… slipping back into old habits. What do you think?”
((Guh.))
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Reno
Junior Member
[.Drunken Monkey.]
Anyone Can Forgive, But Can Anyone Forget?
Posts: 61
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Post by Reno on Mar 3, 2008 10:43:17 GMT -5
Monsters? Demons? Tseng caught onto what Reno was implying, but ofcourse, chose to keep his slacked composure as if to give off the impression he never even thought about it.
"It doesn't matter what ya call them...they're both a pain in the ba---rear end..." Reno corrected himself quickly, as if trying to at least dim down his use of slang. But because of his habits as a youth growing up using slang, it was difficult. Even Rude knew that. But Reno groaned in annoyance when Tseng brought up the topic of the 'head of maintainence'...not only was the red-head irritated by the said topic being brought up right now, he was also fed up of hearing about that lazy fat bastard who 'works' as the mentioned maintainer. You thought Reno was lazy? Don't even look at that lazy bum.
"It'll only get worse if I get provoked." Reno whined like a teenager would, one that was given a detention and was being forced into doing it. But him snapping at Rude was one thing the red-head couldn't avoid, he wouldn't want to pick a fight with anyone but his own relations...most of whom he hated with a passion...and would only give off the impression that he would hurt someone if they got on his nerves too much. Throwing things at walls nearby those who irritated him where just warning signs, he usually never went any further than that unless he was drunk. But he hadn't had a drink for a while now, and unconciously Reno was breaking down from the lack of the alcohol in his system. His fradgile memories where painfully beating him inside, pushing him and slamming him hard...the truth was unavoidable...there was nothing he could do about it.
"......" Reno remained silent on the matter of being a danger to everyone, he didn't like the idea of turning into his father...a violent mess who use to beat people senseless for being weak...although he would rather stay at work to prove a point. That he wasn't like him; if he slacked off now his remaining relatives would laugh at him, and only make him feel worse about himself and what he thought he did. The red-head twitched slightly as he recalled what happened when he got fired from his last job, returning home to hear more bad news...followed by punishment, and then awakening the next day with the trauma and guilt over what he thought he caused. The death of his own father.
"I...If I don't work...." Reno began, suddenly leaning forwards and placing his head in his hands "...no." The red-head sighed and got out of his seat, calmly before tossing his over-chewed gum into the nearby un-flipped wastebasket, rubbing his head once doing so as he glanced at tseng franticly as if really concerned.
"I...I have to keep working. I don't want...." Reno began, turning away quickly and approaching the window to look outside at anything...anything to ensure tseng didn't see the trauma on his face.
"...I don't want it to happen again..." he muttered quietly.
(SUCKY!!)
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Post by Rude on May 1, 2008 11:30:51 GMT -5
Nobody bothered to say anything to the man as he strode through the ShinRa building to the office he shared with his partner. They said nothing, because they knew they wouldn’t get a response. Rude never really spoke to anyone, except Reno. Mostly, people had learned to leave Rude to himself.
He didn’t knock as he reached the door to his office. Why would he? It was his office, after all. But as he opened the door, it was quickly clear that Reno wasn’t the only person present. Tseng stood with his back to the door, and Rude gave a polite cough, stepping around the leader of the Turks and heading immediately across to his desk. It wasn’t until he’d sat behind it, pretending to sort through the paperwork that had been left there earlier, that he took the time to study the damages, the direction of his gaze hidden behind the dark glasses.
Wow, the red-head had made a real go of it, this time. However, the few items on his own desk (interestingly, none of them personal items) seemed untouched. Even Reno knew better than to invade Rude’s personal space. So everything was fine. Just as long as he wasn’t expected to clear up after his partner.
Rude’s expression was unreadable as he sat there, and therefore he gave off the impression of being completely unconcerned by the situation. Truth was, he would be far more comfortable once Tseng had left.
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Tseng
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Posts: 32
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Post by Tseng on May 1, 2008 11:33:47 GMT -5
Tseng knew quite well that provocation would spark off Reno’s anger, but that was exactly why the fact that the red-head had snapped at Rude was surprising. Rude had to be one of the least provocative members of the Turks. It was his composed nature that had caused him to be partnered with Reno in the first place – they balanced each other out. But perhaps, if Reno was itching for confrontation, Rude’s utter lack of reaction may well be as good as a direct insult.
Linking his hands behind his back, Tseng watched Reno silently. Although his expression remained perfectly calm and unreadable, in his mind, he was agonizing about the correct course of action. Reno would not accept being given leave, apparently. Even if he wasn’t losing his job, the thought of not working didn’t seem to sit well with him. But just how prudent would it be to allow the red-head to remain on-duty? He wasn’t safe to be sent on assignments in the state he was in, not even with Rude watching out for him. But just sitting around in his office all day with nothing to occupy his mind would not help the situation either.
Tseng sighed inwardly, his dark eyes shifting from Reno, silhouetted against the light of the window, to the twisted and broken EMR on the floor.
“In spite of your usual laziness and arrogance, Reno, you are one of the higher ranking members of the Turks. When you are given a job, I cannot be said that you don’t do it correctly. The Turks are growing worryingly few in numbers recently, and with recent events, it is safe to say that we cannot afford to lose any more members. It would be a shame to lose someone of your…” ‘credentials’ really wasn’t the right word, “…experience.”
The door opened behind him, and he stepped out of Rude’s way when the man gave a polite cough. Watching as Rude pretended to read through his paperwork, he knew full well that Reno’s partner was in fact observing the damages – perhaps even him. An odd pair, Rude and Reno, but no one could deny that they were some of ShinRa’s best. If you ignored their vices.
“Reno, understand that I am simply concerned for both your health and welfare and the welfare of those you work with. I feel it my responsibility as Director. You understand that you can make an appointment with ShinRa’s counsellors, if necessary. Or, I’m sure Rude will lend an ear, if you prefer. Perhaps that will help. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must attend to our visitor.” Pausing with his hand on the door handle, he glanced back over his shoulder. “I will send details of you next assignment shortly.”
Tseng put the issues with Reno to the back of his mind as he strode to his office. There were more pressing matters to attend to now. As he entered, he nodded briefly to Cissnei, striding to his desk.
“Thank you, Cissnei. Return to your business,” and then, as he sat in his own chair, he gestured to the chair on the opposite side of the desk. “Vincent Valentine, please, take a seat.” Somehow he had a feeling that the ex-Turk would prefer to remain standing, but he offered anyway.
“Now, where were we?”
((Bad posts, but yay, at least I posted.
I'm rusty. Rofl.))
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Reno
Junior Member
[.Drunken Monkey.]
Anyone Can Forgive, But Can Anyone Forget?
Posts: 61
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Post by Reno on May 1, 2008 12:18:09 GMT -5
The Red-head just remained silent as Tseng began speaking, a somewhat shocked look on his face as he kept his back turned on the Wutainese man; it was as if Reno had his mind on other things rather than what Tseng was exactly telling him. Lowering his head as if to gaze down the building through the wall and floor, the red-head remained quiet and finally 'returned to reality' once he heard the door open. His head jolting up and body twirling to look behind him in quick time, almost as if he was expecting Vincent to come back. But when he noticed Rude, he shadowed himself instantly and turned to face the window again, desperate to not allow his partner to see his face. As tseng spoke, Reno's mind began to drift again...with Tseng's voice almost fading from his ears, replaced with the sounds of crying, screaming. He shut his eyes tightly and began to twitch, desperate to hold back those repressed feelings he had built up inside. The very feelings that he heard right now. But he was grateful once he heard the door close...signifying Tsengs leave...so he could slowly turn towards his desk, keeping his head low so Rude couldn't see his face, and sit back in his seat. But he was loosing his battle against the surge of 'demons' inside his head, those little monsters who sent Reno on his angry rampages...those emotional outbursts...the sudden silences and unresponsive behavior. This time, the emotional demons came through, and Reno slammed his head onto his desk and started choking on powerful sobs. Wrapping his arms around his head as he tried desperately to fight-off the emotional breakdown. The last thing he wanted was to cry like this in front of his partner.
(SUCKY!!)
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Vincent
New Member
~ I never blamed her once.~
Posts: 18
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Post by Vincent on May 2, 2008 7:40:08 GMT -5
In keeping with his warrior-esque & battle-ready demeanor, the Ex-Turk did not take the seat offered to him, though it could be understood by anyone that knew him long enough. The truth was that while Tseng may have been a trustworthy man, others in the ShinRa corporation were a very different story. A CCTV camera catching sight of him in the hallway or one of these offices just now might warrant a full alarm. Not only might security get sent, but several robotic guards along with whatever dark secrets were lurking in the building.
And on top of that, Rufus would probably get a call.
"Cloud."
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Tseng
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Post by Tseng on May 5, 2008 10:11:22 GMT -5
“Ah, of course. I’ll start from the beginning,” pulling a file from one of the drawers behind his desk, Tseng placed it on the desk in front of him, resting one hand on top of it as he looked up to meet the ex-Turk’s gaze. “Around one week ago, Reno reported an encounter with Kadaj, in Miss Lockhart’s bar in Edge. Kadaj had been pursuing Cloud, and Reno inadvertently obstructed him and allowed Cloud to escape.”
Opening the folder, Tseng fell silent, glancing over the contents without actually taking anything in. How much would be the sensible amount of information to disclose? Vincent Valentine was by no means unobservant or easy to lie to, or keep information from. He had been a Turk, after all. He had also been one of those who fought Sephiroth in the North Crater, more than five years ago now. That alone… With a short sigh, Tseng continued.
“It seems… somehow, Cloud had come to possess three fragments of the Black Materia. These fragments were embedded in his chest. Kadaj was after those shards. Perhaps he wishes to complete the Black Materia and summon Meteor once again; we cannot be certain. We cannot even be sure that the summoning would be possible with the Materia damaged. “In any case, it was Kadaj who told Reno of the Black Materia shards. ShinRa had been searching for the Materia, and so when Reno reported their location to me, I gave the go-ahead to… “assist” Kadaj, with the intention of taking the shards before he could get hold of them. I knew Kadaj had only revealed the information in an attempt to manipulate ShinRa into catching Cloud for him, and that he was secure in the knowledge that our strength would not be enough to prevent him from taking the shards. But I also knew he could not be allowed to use them, no matter what. A blockade was set up in Junon, as that was where Cloud was headed.”
Tseng rose, and strode to the window, his back to the Gunslinger. Linking his hands behind his back, he shook his head slowly. As cool and collected as his expression was – as it always was – there was definitely an air of burden about the leader of the Turks. He did not look as Vincent as he started speaking again.
“Perhaps I was naïve, thinking it would be so simple. There was… another reason I knew we had to find Cloud, and stop him. He is showing signs of dementia and possible schizophrenia, and suffers psychotic episodes. When we were tracking Cloud’s progress toward Junon, we discovered…” he hesitated, and seemed to struggle with his words for a moment. Unusual, for a Turk. Especially unusual for one such as Tseng. “The residents of Fort Condor had been slaughtered. All of them. All evidence points to Cloud Strife being responsible.”
There was a lingering silence, during which time Tseng finally turned to face Vincent again, although he remained by the window. “No one in our medical or science departments is certain what caused this change in Mr. Strife, although the generally accepted theory is a long-term but slow-acting degenerative effect of Jenova Cell and Mako infusion. However, there is no trend of such mental illnesses amongst members of SOLDIER who underwent similar treatment… bar one or two exceptional cases. Only those medical staff who are to be involved in the operation to remove the Black Materia shards from Cloud’s chest, once it is deemed safe to do so, know of their involvement, and they all seem to believe that the shards have a direct connection with Cloud’s mental deterioration. “In Junon, Cloud attempted to use the Black Materia against Kadaj. The result was a flare of dark energy that seemed to do significant damage to Kadaj, but which also put Cloud into the comatose state which he is still in at present. Unfortunately, Kadaj also managed to get hold of one of Cloud’s three Black Materia shards. The other two will be removed from Cloud’s chest as soon as his condition improves, and our medical staff believe it safe to operate. They will be kept under maximum security. We believe there are five shards in total, although we cannot be certain, and we do not know the location of any remaining shards.”
Not the whole story, but near enough. The fact was, thanks to Kadaj, and Sephiroth, that they knew exactly where the last two shards were. But for some reason, Tseng had chosen to mention only Kadaj’s presence in Junon. And the Turk’s initial discovery of Sephiroth, unconscious outside the disused Kalm Reactor with a wound that suggested the forced removal of something from his chest, was also kept secret. When Kadaj had infiltrated ShinRa Headquarters and unintentionally released Sephiroth from his holding cell, ShinRa security had been ordered not to interfere. There was far too much to be lost by challenging the One-Winged Angel and his clones directly.
“I will arrange for you to see Cloud, if you wish. Although he is still comatose, we have taken precautions against any further psychotic episodes upon his awakening, and he is being kept under full restraint.”
Tseng returned to his desk, although he did not sit. Flicking through the file momentarily, although once again he didn’t seem to be concentrating on what he was reading, Tseng seemed thoughtful.
“Yazoo also made an appearance in Junon. And… another. She also seemed to be after the Black Materia shards. Although her intrusion allowed us to escape with our lives, I will admit that I believe she only allowed us to get away with Cloud and his two shards because she saw no difficulty in retrieving those shards directly from us at a later date. The current situation is… worrying. I doubt we will be able to prevent the theft of the shards in such an instance as Kadaj or that strange woman breaking into ShinRa. I dread to think of the consequences if the Black Materia is made whole once more.”
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Vincent
New Member
~ I never blamed her once.~
Posts: 18
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Post by Vincent on May 5, 2008 11:17:57 GMT -5
He stood there in silence the whole time, a stranger might think him left speechless by the exlanation that Tseng had just given him. So much had changed it was nearly unbelievable, with the return of the Jenova clones being the most unsettling or worrying. The Black Materia would be no harm to anyone so long as none of those with Jenova cells in their veins got a hold of it. Cloud had been the only one aside from himself to ever actually face off against the Jenova clones in battle, aside from Reno & Rude. But even Cloud had nearly lost when fighting all three in tandem. . . needing to be rescued by Vincent.
Cloud. . .your guilt is only going to be worse now. . .
To think that the Ex-SOLDIER had gone into such an emotionally stoic state after the death of Aerith, it had taken the defeat of those Remnants to make him realize he was not alone. But now, he was probably responsible for the death of an entire village, just as Sephiroth was back at Nibelheim those five years ago. Surely now the guilt would leave him in an even worse state than before, with no one in the group likely capable of convincing him to move on now. Perhaps a comatose state was the best thing for him to be in now after such an ordeal. As cold as it was to think this, they were better off not having to deal with an emotional or emotionless blonde at the same time as this Jenova and Black Materia related crisis.
"Tell me about Aerith, you said she had been sighted. If that's true she's the only one who can help Cloud when he finally wakes up."
While speaking his tone gave the slight inflection of weighing consequences, mainly that a newly risen Aerith would be in the same building as Rufus, Cloud, and the Black Materia shards. Expierence told him that this was too great of a risk to have so many important figures in the spot. ShinRa needed to divide up the 'treasure' somehow to at least force the Remnants to split up. If they wanted, the company could attempt entrusting either Cloud or the shards to Valentine. But it was highly unlikely he might do the same for Rufus after the Ex-Turk's past with his father & the company in general.
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Tseng
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Post by Tseng on May 5, 2008 14:36:01 GMT -5
Tseng had not expected much in the way of a reply from Vincent to begin with, so he was unconcerned by the ex-Turk’s silence. When the man inquired about Aerith, Tseng nodded briefly. Considering for a moment, he cleared his throat before he began speaking once more.
“Miss Gainsborough appeared with another young man, the identity of whom I’m afraid I could not tell you. He attempted to protect her from Sephiroth, so I believe she is safe. However, she vanished, before we could escape from Junon. I have assigned Turks to locate her, but so far, we have failed.” Falling silent, Tseng considered the red-cloaked man. Another may have quailed under that unblinking gaze, emotionless and cold. But the leader of the Turks met the Gunslinger’s eyes with the same level expression that he used with any other. “I have not spoken of this to anyone else – not even the President. While in Junon, Aerith told me ‘the White Materia is in the City of the Ancients’. But she also said that if Zack has already found it, we need to find him. I can only assume that means that he is also alive. But so far, we have been unable to locate him, or the White Materia.”
Sighing once more, Tseng sank into his seat, leaning his elbows on the desk and linking his fingers together. Pressing his fingers to his lips, he looked thoughtful for a while.
“The Turks are being spread too thin to function effectively. We are far less in numbers than we once were. Our priority is ensuring that Kadaj and his gang, and the strange woman and any companions she may have, do not manage to get hold of the Black Materia. I have units assigned to locate them and track their movements. But there is little I can do to increase our chances of locating Zack and Aerith. Neither will come directly here, I am certain of that. With Cloud here already, and his shards of Materia, ShinRa Headquarters is already at high risk.”
Another thoughtful pause. When he spoke again, his tone betrayed a slightly tentative approach to what he knew was essentially a very sensitive subject.
“Vincent Valentine… you were once a Turk. We could use a man with your experience and ability. I wonder, would you ever consider joining us again?”
Tseng did not hold much hope for a positive response.
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Vincent
New Member
~ I never blamed her once.~
Posts: 18
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Post by Vincent on May 12, 2008 12:05:13 GMT -5
"No, I can't do that."
He replied with what looked like zero hesitation, there was simply too much history between the Valentines & the ShinRa corporation for any of it to be forgiven. The Ebony-haired man had lost his life quite literally working for the company, more than anyone should be allowed to ask of a human being. But then again, Vincent wasn't exactly human anymore either. . .if anything he could be called an utter monstrosity. Anyone alive since then might have forgotten about the incidents that had taken place over thirty years ago, but that did not mean they had been forgiven.
Crimson eyes glittered somewhat with deadly determination.
"But I won't let the world end either."
He replied with a tone that might bolster the confidence of a strong but hopeless soldier on the battlefield. Maybe that was the way he might have treated the Turks had he still been one. Perhaps he saw something in Tseng that made him act just a hairsbreadth differntly than any other who might pose the question. Could it be the fact they were Turks he had saved Tseng & Elena? Or just because they were human beings & for anyone to be tortured so brutally went against his morals? Either way it had become clear that while not becoming a Turk once more. . . he had not refused to help the other, most likely since the current situation benefit not only himself or his friends, but the entire planet.
"What can I do. . .?"
Vincent finished the actual question in his mind.
. . .That would make her happy?
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Tseng
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Post by Tseng on May 15, 2008 6:37:48 GMT -5
The vague hint of a smile that appeared on Tseng’s face was the smile of a man who knew the answer to his question even before he received it. The information in Vincent Valentine’s files had told him all he needed to know about the ex-Turk. But it never hurt to try. And indeed, it seemed that Vincent was willing to help, in spite of the injustices served him by certain ShinRa employees, years before Tseng had been recruited into the Turks himself.
The Gunslinger’s tone, in the statement that followed, seemed to amuse the leader of the Turks. Oh, he didn’t mind at all. There was no doubting the Wutaian man had great admiration for Vincent Valentine. For a man to have suffered so much and still retained his humanity… Yes, Tseng saw the humanity in the ex-Turk, above all else. A “monster” would have no such compassion; make no such effort to do the right thing. If anything, the Gunslinger was one of the most deeply “human” people Tseng knew. It was an example that many would do to take note of.
And certainly, whether it was down to the bold assertion from the crimson-mantled man, or simply due to the knowledge that the Turks now had a powerful ally, Tseng felt a little more confident about the situation. Even if only one more pair of eyes could do little to help them find and track their many targets, the Gunslinger’s strength would prove indispensable. It was a strength he had feared was to become lost altogether, what with Cloud’s current physical – and mental – state.
Regarding the ex-Turk with a mixture of respect and gratitude, Tseng considered momentarily.
“Kadaj seemed the most determined of all to claim the shards of the Black Materia as his own. I think you know already of his immaturity, violence and his utterly ruthless nature. I believe he is not only capable, but perfectly willing, to destroy anyone and everyone who gets in the way of his goals; whatever those goals may be. Therefore, I consider him, at present, to be the greatest risk to us. “We have been tracking his movements since the events in Junon— he, and the one other of the trio who has made an appearance so far, are making no effort to hide themselves, so that is simple enough. But I have ordered my Turks not to engage them, as I am certain we will not have the strength to stop them, and I am unwilling to risk losing lives. “They are heading towards our present location. I have no doubts that Kadaj intends to take the shards embedded in Cloud Strife’s chest— almost certainly killing him in the process. As well as the obvious danger to Mr. Strife, there is the threat to the President, whose safety is my primary concern, and to all employees of ShinRa present in this building. Until Cloud recovers sufficiently for us to be able to remove those shards, and transfer them to another, safer location…”
Pausing, Tseng frowned, shaking his head slowly. “I feel ashamed to ask you to do such a dangerous task when I have been so determined to protect my Turks by refusing to allow them to do the same. It is hypocritical of me.”
Anyone who did not know the leader of the Turks might have regarded this as being said purely for effect, but in truth, it was a genuine concern. So, he would offer an alternative. It would be Vincent’s choice as to what he did to help the Turks.
“Perhaps it would be more appropriate for you to help us find Miss Gainsborough? You may have a better idea of where she could be than we do. If Zack Fair is not with her already, she may be able to give us some idea of where he is, as well. Mr. Fair should have the White Materia with him.”
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Vincent
New Member
~ I never blamed her once.~
Posts: 18
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Post by Vincent on May 15, 2008 13:17:35 GMT -5
He didn't comment on anything Tseng said at first, running the possibilities of each 'mission' as it were through his mind one at a time. It was a consideration method which Turk training had likely played a part in nourishing. Growing older had only furthered this no doubt, making the man garbed in darkness & cloaked in blood able to plan out things. . .even if it seemed he were entirely reckless. Perhaps it was the fact that everytime this man who was currently in his sixties looked into a mirror he saw himself as the same twenty-seven year old man he had once been.
But at the sametime. . .those red eyes let him know those days had gone past.
And those very same crimson eyes seemed mysterious while silently telling Tseng he was not a hypocrite for asking. He had 'died' once already. . . so did that mean he could not die ever again?Perhaps that was another reason why Valentine was so reckless: this powerful body had to be fully pushed to it's extreme limits. He had never battled Sephiroth alone as Cloud had done. Until that day came no one could truly say which of the two was the strongest.
"I'll track down Kadaj. If you want an expert on Aerith & Zack. . . wait until Cloud wakes up."
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Tseng
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Post by Tseng on May 20, 2008 5:05:14 GMT -5
The leader of the Turks studied Vincent Valentine’s expression as the crimson-mantled man spoke. It seemed to him that Vincent was not a man of few words because he had nothing to say, but because he said them in a far simpler, more natural and genuine manner. Perhaps it was easy to misunderstand the ex-Turk because so few people seemed to perceive those subtleties in the mannerisms and expressions of others. Certainly, even much of the information in his files seemed misinformed. Tseng himself had learned more about Vincent from his interactions with him – in particular that time several years ago when the ex-Turk had saved the lives of Elena and himself – than from the files. He was still learning now. Maybe he was simply reading into things too much; trying to see the human in a man who was far from it. If that was so, was it from respect, or sympathy? Even he wasn’t certain, because there was no doubt that he felt both in equal measures.
“Thank you,” he said simply, and allowed his gratitude to show in his expression, though only momentarily, returning immediately afterwards to his usual, business-like manner. Some might be unconvinced by such a thanks, but perhaps Vincent, above all people, would appreciate that simplicity and professionalism over a long-winded testimony of gratitude. Tseng himself had always been of the opinion that saying too much seemed far more false than saying too little.
“I hope you will not disapprove, but we took the liberty of acquiring the phone numbers of your companions and yourself from Mr. Strife’s cellphone. Once I have contacted the Turks currently tracking Kadaj, I will forward information of his exact location and trajectory to you. If you don’t mind, I would appreciate you contacting me, when possible, to report on your progress, so that I may manage our situation efficiently.” As he had been speaking, Tseng had drawn his own cellphone from his pocket, forwarding his number to Vincent’s phone before the Gunslinger had a chance to object.
It may have seemed a little presumptuous of Tseng, but that wasn’t his intention at all. He had switched into his efficient, business-like, “Commander-in-Chief and Director of Operations of ShinRa Electric Power Company’s Department of Administrative Research (a.k.a. the Turks)” mode, and was already busy reorganizing his plans of action in his mind to include the ex-Turk. And indeed, the fact the Vincent had once been a Turk should mean he was used to such treatment. Veld, the previous leader of the Turks, had, after all, taught Tseng everything he knew. In any case, it wasn’t essential that Tseng heard from Gunslinger, but it would certainly be beneficial.
“Kadaj was severely injured and exhausted in the battle in Junon, but I do not believe, being who and what he is, that it would have taken him long to recover. The last we saw of Yazoo, before we left Junon, he was in full health, and as deadly as ever. At present, the location of Loz – or even whether or not he has been resurrected as his brothers have – is unknown. I do not doubt your strength, Vincent Valentine, but please exercise caution. Aside from the fact I would like to keep casualties to a minimum; you are indispensable to us, in the current situation.”
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Vincent
New Member
~ I never blamed her once.~
Posts: 18
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Post by Vincent on May 20, 2008 11:52:52 GMT -5
Vincent merely listened in silence until Tseng mentioned cellphone interaction between them, which caused what one might call a small frown on his features. But then again, it probably wasn't as bad as having Yuffie calling him for no reason at all. Just talking for the sake of talking had no place or purpose with this Ebony-haired man. He only spoke when it came down to buisness or other situations which could not be soved with a certain amount of bullets. Or some other method which allowed him to remain utterly silent as he was at the moment.
The Ex-Turk stood silently as their current leader presented him with all the up-to-date information regarding what would no doubt become his new enemies. As if those descending from the alien life-form called Jenova were not already his enemy. Everything relating to Hojo's plots that included Lucretcia's body involved Jenova cells. Sephiroth being the fruit of those efforts & the sins of Valentine given a human form other than his own body. Moments came & went in this man's mind about a few what-if's when he was faced with the sons of Jenova. Could he have prevented it all with a single gunshot just as Hojo had silenced him with one?
"Do you think anything can die twice?"
He asked before heading toward the window, presumably to exit in the same fashion he had entered.
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