insusurro | ARRIVAL.

ARRIVAL.

𝑰𝑵𝑺𝑼𝑺𝑼𝑹𝑹𝑶: 𝑨 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑳𝑫 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑻 𝑫𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑵𝒀

𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 you moved under your own power. The shadows that dwelt in the corners of your vision vanished, the world is bright and the shackles of destiny fall from your liberated limbs.

You're free.

But before you can take that next step, before you can alter your fate, a terrible howling fills your ears. It's an ill wind full of malice, one that rips you off of your feet and back, back, back from this chance to seize your destiny. The shadows coalesce into a single entity, its hands locking around your throat. It cannot let this stand.

You think that maybe this is the end. The world goes dark as it rushes past you, this is the end.

Except you wake to the feeling of rain on your skin.

The cliffs around you bare the scars of a fierce battle. Before you, a massive city faces the sea. Behind you, greenery sprawls for miles. Midgar has never looked so beautiful, but it has also never looked so unlike itself. The Sister Ray points proudly towards the sea. A bustling city crawls out from its shadow, looking wealthier and more robust than the slums ever did. You don't have long to ponder this.

Because you aren't alone. Others are coming to, looking just as confused and uncertain as you do. Some are battleworn and bloody, as if they were pulled from a fierce battle. Others appear to be in perfect health, as if they were simply pulled from a long slumber, though no less confused and lost. The howling that filled your slowly begins to fade, and as it does, the rain begins to clear.

𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐀𝐑 is within a few hours walking distance. 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐌 lies not much further in the opposite direction. There is no presence urging you to walk to one or the other, no voice from on high telling you what path your feet should walk. Underneath this infinite blue sky the choice to go - or to stay - is entirely yours.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐎 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐓?

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[ Tseng softly shakes his head, his eyes do another cast over Rufus. The worrisome part of Tseng wants to make sure Rufus is not overdoing it. Although, with the current situation they both were going to push it. Tseng needed to pick up the pieces quickly before any of them fell into unfavorable hands.

His dark eyes come to Rufus' bright ones. ]

I will look to see what's left, what's salvageable. It's possible to still connect to the network and find footprints of the others.

Allow me some time, sir.

[ He waits for either approval or disapproval before he will move again. He intends to leave Rufus and collect what he can to mend, make, or hack into whatever network is available in Kalm to look for evidence of the rest of his Turks and any birds they have in the area. A helicopter would be ideal. Though, if they were to take a Chocobo cart all the way to Healen then so be it. He suspects the clinic would be in tip-top shape to allow for communications, in the very least. ]

Alright. I'll see what I can find here- this used to be a safe house of sorts so I'm sure there are things hidden away that no one has found. A gun, gil, something.

[And hopefully there won't be a repeat of the last time the Turks had left him here by himself. At least this time Rufus was in better condition to fight back against anyone who tried kidnap him again even if he was currently unarmed.

He knew he didn't have to tell Tseng to work quickly- they both felt the same pressure to secure what resources they had and find the others as soon as possible. His gaze met Tseng's, a silent assurance that it was alright to leave him here for the time being.]

I'll be here. [His voice was quiet this time but firm, a promise that he wouldn't let the past repeat itself this time.]

[ Tseng's confident in Rufus' assurance and he slips out from the room and back onto the street.

Some of his missions require Tseng to employ some of his less than honorable skills. Something he'd had to learn to live without some years ago. Yet, there's always that nagging allegiance to higher morals that voices its unwanted opinion whenever Tseng faces against utilitarianism. Although, Tseng has to push his thoughts aside as he swipes a few items from shops and some electrical equipment from power boxes. Finally, he acquires a few more materials and promptly returns to Rufus.

He discreetly returns to the hideout and locks the door behind him. ]

Sir, another moment.. I'll be able to access the network.

[ Or, in the very least, create a homing beacon for a nearby bird. Tseng brings his haul to the table in the kitchen and begins to dismantle some of the items and rebuild something else using the parts. All of their helicopters are modified to Shinra's advanced technological standards. Palmer, however, likes to put a touch of something of himself in it. Tseng once thought it was akin to having offspring. Anyone who created something unnatural was enticed to put a little more than sweat, blood, and tears into the creation. A calling card, a mark, a signature. Through years of working with Palmer and using his equipment, Tseng can identify just how to connect to Palmer's birds.

Tseng is lost in his thoughts as he works on connecting the antenna to his device. If he's lucky the satellites would be reachable and help Tseng pinpoint a helicopter. ]

...

[ He pulls a breath in and activates the makeshift device. He has his phone connected to the device and uses the screen as a monitor and keyboard. He inputs code into a black screen and waits for feedback. ]

It's connecting... I can leave a message for the other Turks to meet us at Healena, or I can locate their positions using this. What do you prefer?

[Rufus hadn't been idle while Tseng was gone. The house had been looted of most things by Midgar refugees after Meteorfall but Rufus knew Shinra personnel, not just the Turks, liked to create little ingenious hiding places to stash away things that might be useful later. It had taken him some time but in a compartment under the floor of the downstairs bathroom had offered up a gun, some ammo, and an old cell phone. It wasn't much but it was better than nothing.

He wasted no time in loading the gun, hoping it worked before trying to see if he could get the cell phone to work. He was trying to turn it on when Tseng came back and he joined him in the kitchen to watch him put together the homing beacon. He said nothing as Tseng worked, letting the other man focus on his work until he was done.

He wasn't aware he was holding his breath until Tseng finally spoke up.]

Have them meet us. The more we move around the area the greater the chance that I'm recognized which would put us both at risk.

[He moved closer to watch Tseng's phone, trying to see the screen.]

But if any of them are compromised and can't reach us then we'll go to them.

[There was no question about that.]

[ Tseng offers a steady nod. He appreciates Rufus' urgency for not only their circumstances but that of the other Turks. He's certain the two of them will be able to manage.

Just as Tseng suspected, he was able to locate Palmer's nearest bird with the device. Palmer couldn't help himself, Tseng was at least grateful for the man's predictability. After entering a sequence of code Tseng's device pinged a response from a bird, not a mile outside of Kalm. The code? Well, that was simple. Tseng input a code to project a "frequency" of 200-300 Hz which is specific to honey bees. Not that he physically created this sound, but input the code into the homing device and like a radar, the nearest bird responded with code of its own. It came back clear and concise: Dancing Bee Located ... alongside coordinates which gave Tseng the position. ]

We will find the number 32 helicopter just outside of Kalm, northeast from here.

[ Tseng wraps up his work by sending virtual messages to the missing Turks. He finishes and straightens his back, a look over Rufus. ] Let me know when you're ready for departure.

[ It may be Rufus' preference to leave under the cover of night, or to go right away. Either way, Tseng will follow the order. ]

Edited 2020-06-02 00:11 (UTC)

[He let out a breath as Tseng was able to locate one of the helicopters nearby. relieved that they were able to do this at least.

It was tempting to say that they could wait and go at night but he knew he wouldn't be able to allow himself to rest with everything that he had to do. It would feel like he was just being idle and wasting unnncessary time. It was a risk to go out during the daylight but he was willing to take that gamble.

He was running on fumes as it was so he decided that he might as well keep going while he was still able to remain on his feet. He could allow himself to rest when they got safely to Healen and they started to hear from the other Turks out there.

He checked to make sure the gun he had managed to find was properly loaded before looking back at Tseng with a slight smirk.]

Let's go. You better let me sit in the co-pilot's seat this time, though.

[He didn't wait for Tseng's answer as he grabbed the hat on his way out the door once the gun was tucked away in an inner coat pocket.]

Edited 2020-06-02 09:51 (UTC)

[ Tseng follows after Rufus, the makeshift locator in his hands. The streets were still crowded and humid with a foul odor of sweat, blood, grime, petrol, and a mix of various other things shared between the exhausted refugees. Kalm would soon be exhausted of its resources and desperate people are capable of all sorts of options to self-preserve. Tseng will consider the option for aiding Kalm once the current predicament is settled. More than anything, Rufus' reputation could use some polishing with charity work via aiding Kalm with resources.

They reach outside the town in less than an hour. The population thinned outside of town and the further they walked from Kalm the fewer people they passed staggered out on the road. When they no longer saw people they began to see dropped items scattered around the path. This was likely due to discarding unnecessary weight to make the journey easier.

Pans, silverware, toys, books, all sorts of items were left on the path. It told a story about a long journey and perhaps reevaluating for hope, with discarding these possessions in the endeavor to keep walking. Their journey was not as lengthy as the refugees coming from Midgar. Rufus and Tseng reached a dirt road that led out to a farm with a hangar. The place was under surveillance by Shinra employees. They were met by the military unit and offered water, food, and somewhere to rest. Tseng ordered for the helicopter to be prepared and while this was being done he opted to take a much-needed rest within the farm home. He was currently sitting in the kitchen with a glass of water and a plate of finished food before him.

The next thing he would do was shower and change clothes. He would need to find something here, it may not be his standard suit - but he'll have that once they get to a significantly well-stocked base. Unlike this farm base, it had the bare minimum and a skeleton crew. Efficient, absolutely, but not manned with many employees. He was exhausted and he could only imagine Rufus feels the same. However, the blond had such a heavy determination that Tseng wouldn't be surprised if Rufus was eager to go the second the chopper was ready. ]

[Rufus was quiet as they walked, silently taking in the state of Kalm. It was a grim sight and it was uncomfortable to face but he didn't look away or make any effort to hide behind Tseng even when refugees closed in on all sides at times. He knew that he had to take responsibility for what was happening so he took it all in, letting it sink in so he knew what work there was that needed to be done and what could be done for the people of Kalm.

It was still a relief to reach the hanger. He was still lost in his own thoughts as he just nodded in response to the salutes and greetings offered to him. He declined the offer of food, for now, opting instead to shower and change into something clean since he wanted time to process his thoughts. The farmhouse wasn't exactly luxurious but it felt good to scrub the grime off and change into something more suitable even if the only thing they had available for him was plain black pants, a white button-up shirt, and a black sweater. It was better than nothing though and it was getting colder as it was getting late.

He only glanced at the bed in the bedroom he was changing in, imagining how good it would be just to just crawl under the blankets and sleep but he shook his head, finishing quickly and making his way downstairs to the kitchen.]

Have they finished with the preparations?

[The sight of the food set out made his stomach growl with the realization he hadn't eaten anything all day. But if they were ready to go then he wasn't going to waste time with that.]

I take it you haven't heard from anyone else yet, either.

[ Tseng had hoped Rufus would take the initiative to attend to self-care, however, the president just as well assumed to keep on trucking along until he had no choice but to pass out.

Tseng pushes out a heavy sigh and his eyes look over Rufus. He's satisfied, at least, the other found a shower and clothes. ]

No, not yet. It will be some time. I haven't heard anything yet.. [ Tseng moves to stand, he collects his plate and glass and sets both in the sink. He then turns to Rufus and gestures to the chair he abandoned. He won't linger to see if the other takes the seat as prompted. Instead, he moves to the fridge and takes out a plate and a pitcher of filtered water. The plate he sets on the table, before the chair, and the water he pours into a fresh glass before setting that down as well. Tseng intends to serve Rufus or the empty chair; whatever Rufus does decide. ]

We have a few hours still, sir. [ His dark eyes set on Rufus' bright ones. ] During this time I recommend some R&R. [ He gives Rufus another look before he moves toward the stairs where he intends to climb and find some clothes and a shower. ]

Alright. I suppose I can do that.

[There isn't any protest as Rufus sank down into the chair as Tseng started to set things out. He wasn't going to think too hard about why that worked so well. The heavy sigh said enough.

He knew that if they couldn't go anywhere he might as well sit down at least eat something. The food didn't look like anything special but it didn't matter- he was starving and he would have eaten anything put in front of him.]

I'll be up shortly then.

[Rufus returned the look before turning his attention back to his plate. It didn't take him long to clear it though it didn't take him to regret it since he was starting to feel sluggish as he went upstairs to the room Tseng was in. He let himself in without knocking, sitting on the bed as he waited for Tseng to finish in the shower.]

( Tseng spends quite some time in the shower. The steam fills his chest, and his lungs feel renewed by the vapor. He feels comfort through the washing of his body, ridding himself of the hard evidence from his long journey. He finally emerges from the bathroom. He's wearing a robe, and his hair is freshly brushed, but still dripping around him. The floor is cold beneath his warm feet, and each step is quicker to reach his room.

His eyes fall onto Rufus, on his bed, and his lips part as he maneuvers through the door and closes it behind him. He pulls in a breath, and his hands move to the fabric across his chest. He idly wipes his fingertips there as if touching the door has left undesirable grime on his fingers.

He hopes this means Rufus is willing to accept rest as the next necessary step in their journey. )

[Rufus just watched Tseng as he came into the room, silent. The bed was more comfortable than he would have expected in a farmhouse like this, it would be too easy to fall asleep if he let himself give in for even a moment.]

Have you heard from anyone else? My phone still doesn't get service and the battery is almost dead. I'm going to have to get a new one.

[He set his dead phone on the table by the bed before turning back to Tseng.]

I'm not tired but you should get some sleep if you are. The house is well guarded by Shinra personnel and no one knows we're here.

( The clothes he had left in the bathroom to be handled by the house staff. All the items he had with him are atop the dresser. Tseng stills in his trek to listen before he crosses the room to the dresser to find some underclothes. Inside the drawers were packaged socks, underwear, and undershirts. He obtains the appropriate packages and sets them aside for now. He then turns to the closet to find some pants and a shirt. Like Rufus, he won't find a uniform close to what he usually wears. Instead, he pulls out a pair of gray pants and a dark red long-sleeved shirt.

He'll visit the armory before boarding the helicopter and obtain some weapons and a vest - if they have one. )

I used the base's network to send another message to the others. They know our progression and our destination. I am confident we will hear from them soon enough.

( He lays the clothes on the bed and returns to the dresser. He opens the packages and slips on the underwear before he pulls off the robe. He then takes the socks and undershirt to the bed where he sits and pulls each item on him. Tseng then folds the clothes and sets them aside on the nightstand.

He brings his hands up to his hair and pulls it back into a bun and wraps a hairband over the bun twice to keep it in place. He lowers his arms to his thighs and closes his eyes. He can imagine Rude and Reno are likely somewhere close to one another, and Elena is likely not far behind them. His eyes open to the robe he left hanging on the dresser. He isn't sure he can sleep if Rufus decides not to.

He pulls in a breath and holds it before he sighs. )

We both need to sleep if we can.

If I fall asleep, wake me up as soon as we're ready to go or if you hear anything.

[It was going to be hard to actually let himself rest after everything that had happened during the last day. The pure adrenaline he had been running on was starting to taper off.

He still stifled a yawn, not wanting to openly show that the exhaustion was weighing him down heavily. Maybe there wasn't any harm in getting an hour of sleep while he could.

He moved over so Tseng had room to join him on the bed since he wasn't going to come outright and say he preferred for them to stay in the same room. He didn't care if it made anyone talk about if it was appropriate.]

I don't want to stay here longer than we have to.

( Tseng allowed himself to mentally celebrate the prospect of a good long rest. He was anticipating at least four to six hours of sleep. His body feels heavy, and his mind began to fog with the memories of the last day or so. The unpleasant nether phenomena creep upon him like dread for what might come when he does sleep. Would his dreams depict further horrors within the abyss of his guilt? Would there be a face to his fears within the darkness, or would it continue to manifest as the dark reaper with endless appendages reaching for him with sharp accusations?

The dread weighs on his shoulders, Tseng is even more exhausted than when he first sat on the bed. He feels Rufus move beside him, and he takes the invitation without hesitation. Horrors may welcome him when he finally slips into the void or nothingness. Either way, Tseng prepares for the journey by settling into the bed next to Rufus. It isn't long before he falls asleep. )

[Rufus watches Tseng settle on the bed and close his eyes. The last of his determination to remain awake has vanished and his eyes drift closed before he could remind himself not to sleep for very long.

For all intents and purposes, he's dead to the world as soon as he's asleep. Normally he's not a deep sleeper but he needed the rest. It's not until several hours later that he suddenly sits up, feeling disoriented.

He had no idea how long he had been asleep, everything felt disjointed and he couldn't quite connect the pieces of how he had ended up here for a few minutes. There was light coming through the curtains covering the window- he had slept longer than he had intended.]

Tseng- what time is it? Are things ready?

( Tseng wakes with Rufus' sudden words. He sits up next to the president and brings a hand up to his face to wipe at his tired, gritty, eyes. The hand drops to his lap, and with a heavy croaked voice he responds. )

What? ( It then occurred to him where they were and what the situation was. He pulls on the sheets, freeing his legs from beneath them to the bitter cold air that settled in the room. Darkness also developed while the two of them were asleep. Tseng moves over to his clothes and pulls on his trousers. The unfamiliar clothes were the best he could hope for in a fit without having access to his tailored suits. Such a worry was quite low on the priorities, in any case. After Tseng slips on his shirt and steps into his shoes, he heads for the door. )

I will see to things.

[Rufus feels like his entire body is weighed down by lead- getting up was going to be more difficult than he anticipated. He knew that this would happen- even though he had been running on fumes once he had crashed it would be hard to get going.

He watches Tseng get dressed, trying to hold back a yawn as he nods.]

I'll come with you.

[Otherwise he risked slipping back into the comfortable bed and slipping right back to sleep. It took a great deal of effort to pull himself towards the edge of the bed, pushing away any exhaustion.]

If we're ready to depart I want to be ready to go.

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ARRIVAL.

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