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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[ Just when he thinks he ought to turn around and head to Midgar a booming voice calls for his attention and he maneuvers closer to the growing crowd around the herald. He doesn’t stay for too long after hearing news about Midgar’s abundant crisis of resources. There were two types of common reactions to disasters, natural or manmade. The first was to band together in support and ride out the storm. The other was to hoard as much as you could and disappear until its all over. Midgar had plenty of both. According to the public speaker, crime is rising in Midgar.

Tseng carries onward, past the herald and down the street until he came to familiar crossroads. Shinra’s reach far extended Midgar, however, in the wake of recent events some of their facilities may have been compromised. There once was a hideout here some years ago. Tseng didn’t have any way of knowing if it still belonged to Shinra or if it was handed off.

Two steps toward his destination and he heard Rude’s voice behind him. Tseng turns to look at the familiar man. His lips part and he gives the other a glance over. Quickly assessing the other man’s presentation. Tseng’s own clothes looked well-traveled, his shoes were powdered with dirt, and his hair thick with sweat, pollen, and dust. He looks very much like a man who traveled to Kalm on foot. ]

Primarily, seeking out some tucked away resources. Secondarily, finding out where everyone is. After that? [ Tseng shakes his head gently. ] Is to be determined. [ He is relieved to see Rude. That’s one of many he still needs to locate. ]

[The two of them coming together was natural at this point. Tseng's presence alone is enough to bring some normalcy to this strange and abnormal situation. Even just two Turks were better than one. With their numbers up, Rude falls into line will full intentions of joining the man on his mission. Even if the latter part is yet to be decided.]

If we're here, Rufus and Reno have to be too. [It only made sense. He'd been flying with the both of them just before being attacked by the ghastly spirits. Maybe Elena might have been there as well? His hand comes to the parts of his neck not covered by the collar of his shirt momentarily as he remembers that choking feeling quite vividly but not much else.

As they walk along, Rude suspects he has an idea where they might be going.] Once we find them we can re-evaluate the situation, sir. [Which was his subtle way of saying he wouldn't feel right doing much else without having found his partner--and the newly minted president. At least from the time where he was pulled from.]

[ Tseng brings both hands before his stomach. He alternates between both hands, tugging down the leather glove on his palm before he lowers his arms again to his sides. He gives Rude another glance before he continues toward the hideout. They had quite a few buildings of operations, underground bases, and hideouts from just about every direction from Midgar on out. It was only natural Shinra's resources trickled out like a web with Midgar in the center like a hive. Tseng did not doubt if he was unable to secure this place then he would find one soon enough. Even better with Rude to accompany him. If anyone knows Reno's pattern of habits it would be Rude.

Although Tseng manages well enough to pick up the trail of his Turks, there just wasn't a better seeker than one's partner.

Tseng leads Rude through a tight alleyway which soon opens up into a wood processing plant. The smell was sudden once they made it to the clearing. The crowd in town had its unique smell of overworked, exhausted, injured, and sweaty bodies. The population masked the smell of the plant well enough to make the exchange of odor quite noticeable. While freshly sliced wood often brings a breath of pleasant natural smells, the plant uses chemicals in their lumber processing which gives off gasses akin to the scent of rotting cabbage, or sulfur.

Tseng gives Rude a small glance as he presses onward. An old log cabin sits a few hundred yards from the plant. Last Tseng had known of the place was that it belonged to the plant's owner and whoever filled in as the on-call managers for the plant. The basement to the lodge belonged to the plant's investor: Shinra. Which, of course, wasn't accessible outside of the select few Shinra employees.

It was midday by the time they reached the lodge. Tseng leads Rude around to the backside. There's a heavy, large, secure door in which Tseng activates and the both of them enter the exclusive entryway for Shinra without coming across anyone on their trek. Tseng figures one of two things: the residents of this lodge are at work or they're in town helping out with the influx of refugees.

After a long journey down a sloped hallway, they come to the foyer of the basement, which is absolutely fashioned to the late Shinra's preference. Throughout the foyer are several hallways that lead to different divisions within the hideout. Tseng leads Rude down toward some stairs. They take the stairs leading down to the bottom floor. There are a few rooms on this floor but the one Tseng goes to is the security room. After accessing the code to unlock the door he looks to Rude and nods to him. Allowing the man to go inside first before Tseng follows. ]

The doors and lights are circuited off the main power grid for the lodge and plant. Everything else unnecessary is on stand by. This is to save resources when there is no one here at this location.

[ It's not that Tseng has to explain these things. ]

Now that we're here we will be utilizing more power off the main conduit. Which may off put some power to the plant.

[ Tseng busies himself at the control panel. It should be enough to access the CTV for Kalm and maybe link up to the network which they can use to find out where their missing counterparts are. ]

[Traveling took time, but it seemed to pass quickly with all the thoughts going through Rude's head as they made their way to the safehouse. He hadn't been there before, but he knew of it. The inside managed to look much better than the outside of the lodge.

Inside the foyer, Rude stopped in between the large rounded staircases that joined at the floor above them. It didn't look like a hideout. It looked like a billionaire's luxury mansion. It occurred to Rude immediately that it was both. It was so nice that he felt as though they should be asking permission to even stand there.

Following behind Tseng, taking in their location carefully in case he might need it later. While the other Turk is at the control panel he notices there is no other personnel around. Shinra or otherwise. The video feeds come in and immediately Rude begins to scan for any passersby that might look like any of their people. It would be impossible to find them visually which is why the network would be the best idea.]

It's a small enough town that we should be able to find anyone here without much trouble. We'll find Rufus, too.

[That had gone unspoken between them, but Rude put his hand on the back of Tseng's shoulder. He's certain they both had that concern on their minds. The man they were meant to protect was likely out there on his own. He might have to take priority above even his own partner. That single thought made Rude rethink certain things, but no matter how fast he wanted to get to Reno, he knew the man could take care of himself before they found him.

Rufus on the other hand? There were many people who would see him dead if they discovered him so far away from the central Shinra building.]

[ Tseng agrees without indicating so. Rude would know Tseng's sentiments without having to attest to them. They both carried a purpose in which without it rendered them pointless. Rufus Shinra was the company anymore and all their efforts would be for his benefit.

The first thing Tseng did was to try and ping the phones of those he was looking for. Each endeavor came back as an error with a general message stating the phones were out of service. It wasn't all too surprising considering his phone wasn't working as well. Another tactic, then. He begins to search for access to other hideouts. Looking for Rufus' access code for all and any doors. The reason Tseng was able to get into this mansion was that he too had his own all-access code which was designed to work on any Shinra door. Reno, Rude, Elena, they had their own codes as well that would permit entrance as well.

The search had three hits from the last 24 hours, two which occurred before the incident and one which occurred an hour ago. ]

Reno. His code was used in Costa Del Sol an hour ago.

[ Tseng looks to Rude. He didn't think Reno would have any business there, or at least.. he can't remember what he would be doing there. It's also very likely his attack came with some memory loss. ]

Do you know why he's there?

[Rude allows Tseng to do his thing. Rude was much better at the hands on stuff than the tech stuff, though if he needed to he always had Reno to rely on for the more complicated situations. Unfortunately, that was the problem now. His partner was nowhere to be found. Nor Elena.

His attention moves from Tseng to the screen, perking up at the words Costa Del Sol. Of course Reno would be there. He almost smiles knowing that he's there, no doubt looking for him. Rude almost feels ridiculous for not going there first to look for him. When he catches his superior looking his way, his jaw tightens and his lips press together into a tighter seam.]

I know why he's there. He's looking for me.

[His eyes lower, hoping his shades hide that he can't quite hold Tseng's gaze. It's not unusual for his partner to want to seek him out, so the fact that he feels a little bashful about it should be smothered and hidden before it gets out of hand, or worse, Tseng picks up on it.]

[ Tseng accepts the answer. Glad for Rude's astute connection with his partner which definitely puts Tseng's apprehension at ease. The last thing they need is one of their codes to be in the hands of someone else. Not that Reno would be one to give it up out of his own free will.

The last day, or so, hasn't been routine business. Even for the Turks. They came up against some out of control situations but fighting off ..

Never mind that now. Tseng pushes aside the strange tendrils of darkness that pulled him into the unknown abyss. They needed to secure a ride to Costa Del Sol. ]

Let's send him a message.

[ Tseng steps back from the controls, leaving a message box for Rude to type something to his partner. ]

[Rude assumed Tseng would be the one to send the message to Reno, but realization dawns on him that it might seem different than it actually is.]

What I mean is, he knows there is a beach there that I talk about visiting often. One that I used to go to often when I was young. Not the one we go to for vacation.

[Somehow trying to clarify only makes him seem more questionable. Like why were the two of them planning vacations together? Why were they talking about their childhood's when past didn't matter to Turks? The two of them worked well together in a professional capacity, but the rest of the time they were indiscernible from a married couple.

Well, that was Reno's relationship with most people.]

I'll tell him to stay put. That we're coming to him. Is there a garage here?

[Rude closes in on the console to type the message, trying not to be anything but professional before he hits send. In the off chance they can't find transportation he suggests he head toward Kalm. And as a PS note he adds that Tseng is safe with him.]

[ Tseng leaves Rude to his task, without scrutiny for the information shared. Tseng was no stranger to bonding with one's partner, nor did he discourage it. The best pairs were the ones that worked cohesively. Rude and Reno would be no good together if they were unable to move fluidly from one to the other. If that were the case then they might as well work alone. Rude's comment about vacationing with Reno didn't go much deeper than a superficial acknowledgment of the information.

At the question of a garage, Tseng moves to another console to bring up the inventory for the hideout. There aren't any birds here, but there is a car. ]

Yes. We can take the car to the port. First, let us make sure we have everything in order before we go. [ Which meant restocking up on items, reloading, and etc. to prepare for the trip. ]

[Although he's a little anxious about what Tseng might have read into his relationship with Reno, it wouldn't have been the first time anyone had wrongfully assumed they were romantically involved. They did tend to be very close with each other. How much of it was being comfortable with him and how much was something else? He didn't know and doesn't like to think about it.

For now he's focused on getting to Reno and finding Elena and Rufus as soon as possible.]

I'll drive. [Rude offers, turning back to look at the layout of the place to check where the weapons were kept. He has his pistol but something more and a bit of ammo never hurt anyone.] Are you armed? We can see what this place has in terms of weaponry.

( Astute as ever, Rude was quite good at reading any situations and acclimating or, in the very least, assessing what he needed to adapt. Tseng's thoughts were of the same fold, and he brought up the layout of their base on the screen. The armory is on the floor above them. They would be able to access the room with their codes - programmed universally for every base, of course, much like how Tseng was able to get in through the front door. Tseng checks a few more things on the control panel before he steps back and gives Rude a small nod.

He leads the way out of the security room and up the stairs to the level above. The hallway is larger than the one beneath, and there are various directions one could go as the underground base holds a few large divisions. He's grateful to hear only the humming from florescent lights above them and the soft echo of their shoes as they walk down the hall.

Once they retrieve supplies from the armory, they once again take to the hall and head for the underground garage. There's one car, an older edition of their standard vehicle, but there's nothing to cry about there. At this stage of the game, they're lucky to have found this base still intact. Once they're on the way, they travel down a lengthy underground highway that opens up into a secret entrance outside Kalm and a mile from the base. Tseng takes the backseat and begins to fiddle with some equipment he obtained from the base. They were able to obtain new phones and a tablet, which Tseng is desperately trying to connect to a satellite. He intends to contact the base on the shore. They'll need to prepare to cross the water to get to Costa del Sol, and he would much rather the team there get started on that sooner than later. )

[Rude gathers supplies, but spends a particularly long amount of time deciding between handguns and different accessories. He takes a rifle silencer and one for his handgun as well. Stealth and subtlety was always important. Yet he takes a grenade as well. Just in case.

Down in the garage, he follows behind Tseng, keeping his eyes and ears open just in case there was anyone around where they shouldn't be. There's not much to pick from as far as vehicles go, but this one would do. With two sets of hands packing up the trunk and back seat it takes nearly no time at all. Once they got to Reno, Rufus was as good as found. Tseng could do his thing while he and his partner took care of locating the President.

The drove well enough, and makes the trip a smooth one. He sort of zones out for a while as they drive, focused on the road and navigating as Tseng does whatever he's doing. Rude is silent and doesn't want to be a distraction, and his superior is doing the same. The silence doesn't bother him at all, but it does underscore how important he thinks Reno is in their dynamic or else they'd rely on communicating in grunts and hand gestures.]

When last have you had a vacation?

( Tseng's eyes lift to the back of Rude's head. A silent breath exhales from his nostrils. His eyes are back to the task at hand. Thus far, there hasn't been any luck in connecting to a satellite - despite his best efforts. )

After my visit to the Temple.

( Rude will recall the beaten and battered Tseng recovering in hospital with the Full Cure having been his saving grace. Thanks Veld.. Turks and vacations aren't necessarily a thing that happens, one is always on duty. Even on vacation. )

I won't be able to reach the base before our arrival. We'll rest when we get there while the team there makes the necessary travel preparations.

[Usually that was true. They didn't have the time for proper vacations. Only undercover missions that were manned in fancy resorts. Often times that meant that their target was there as well genuinely vacationing with their families as higher paid Shinra executives tended to do.

Rude keeps his eyes on the road, but wonders if there's any way he can suggest another excuse for a holiday without Tseng dismissing him immediately.]

This place..it's different from the Midgar I came from. Maybe things here are different. It's possible we can squeeze in a bit of R&R while we sort out what exactly is going on?

[Even as the words leave his mouth it sounds like a weak rational at best, but even so, he's going to hold on to it for when they get everything sorted out. Forcing Tseng to relax was more of a group activity than a one man mission in the end. The only person he'd take suggestions like that from is Rufus Shinra himself.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

ARRIVAL.

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oh no.. Rude is adorable.. /)(\!!

he's soft toward all the turks

what a doll ;3;

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