Chapter 1: Of Fateful Meetings and Strange Beginnings

This is a fic set during Before Crisis exploring the relationship between Rufus and Elena as well as their lives interacting with the other members of Shin-Ra and AVALANCHE. My plan is to follow close to canon and explore how a personal relationship between Rufus and Elena during Before Crisis would turn into a professional one during Final Fantasy VII main game.

Thanks to Violet's Veil for helping me brainstorm! You're awesome! ^_^

Rufus never cared much for the Shin-Ra Military Academy. It seemed like a complete waste of time for these children. They started classes young and trained their entire teenage lives to become part of the Shin-Ra military. Most would make it on to SOLDIER, as they were trained for, but very very few actually made it past recruitment. Rufus knew that many of the students at the Academy had hopes of joining Shin-Ra's secret organization, the Turks. They were a mystery to these kids and that enticed excitement. What they didn't know, however, was that the Turks almost never hired from the Academy.

He chuckled to himself on the helicopter ride to the place he thought so little of. How ridiculous the whole program was, yet here he was on his way to inspect the students' progress on behalf of Heidegger, who couldn't be bothered with the task himself.

As the helicopter landed, Rufus could see a group of teachers just outside the building, the students gathering near the windows to watch his arrival. It didn't take long for the engines to be cut and the helicopter doors to be opened by Tseng, the only Turk he actually trusted. Tseng walked slightly behind him towards the Academy. The instructors gave him a salute before scurrying off, back to their classes. He indulged the headmaster with small talk before being led inside to watch the training of some of their top students.

He was led to a room behind a two-way mirror. He could see clearly the large training room, currently occupied by five of the students. They were unable to see him. Most likely the students were told of his arrival, but were not informed on his presence during their training. Whether they knew he was there or not, he was sure he would not be impressed.

While Rufus was waiting for the instructor to begin their test, he watch the students warming up. They were about nineteen, his age, give or take a year or two. He noticed almost immediately that the four boys in the room far outnumbered the only girl. She was small and rather childish looking. Her blonde hair was pulled up in long pigtails, tied with red ribbons to match her school uniform. Although her outward appearance was very sweet looking, Rufus could see the danger behind her chocolate-brown eyes.

"Emma's sister," Tseng said, almost to himself. Rufus tilted his head slightly towards the Turk, a question in this gesture. "The girl with the pigtails is the sister of a Turk."

"Which one?" He asked, curiosity taking over.

"The gun specialist," Tseng stated simply.

Rufus nodded, "The one always causing trouble with that red-head of yours?"

"Reno?" Tseng smirked, "Yes sir."

Rufus nodded again. He wondered if the girl in the training room was anything like her sister. He had met Gun— Emma, Tseng had called her— a few times now. He found himself constantly annoyed by how serious she was. She was much like Tseng, only more stubborn and not as easy to annoy. Tseng trusted her wholeheartedly, though Rufus couldn't find it in himself to do the same. He didn't trust any of the Turks really.

He looked back out towards the students, now standing at attention as the instructor gave them their assignment. When the older man left the training area and entered the observation room, he informed Rufus that they would be sparring using hand-to-hand combat.

"Elena is the best student we have. She's received top marks in firearms as well as martial arts. I am positive she will not disappoint." Rufus nodded at the instructor's remark, only partially listening. What caught his attention was the fact that the four boys were clearly fighting together against the girl.

"Begin," the instructor spoke through the intercom.

At his words, the students began their training. Every punch and kick the boys sent towards Elena, she dodged with ease. She seemed to be holding back her punches, taking the defense for the first part of the fight. She was smart, Rufus thought. She would wear them out then take them down one by one.

True to Rufus's prediction, the boys were flat on their backs within fifteen minutes, with Elena standing in the center of the room, not a single hit landing on her. She stood with her hands on her hips, a wide grin on her face. She was obviously very proud of herself. Rufus couldn't help but chuckle at how much like a school-girl she really was.

"What did you think, Mr. Shinra?" The instructor asked, looking expectantly at Rufus.

"Impressive," he responded cooly. He was still watching the girl, now helping her fellow students off the floor.

Some time later, Rufus had finished the rounds of the rest of the facility. The academy was exactly the same as it had been the last time he visited. Though, this time, he couldn't stop thinking of the girl he saw training. The only other people he had ever seen fight like her were the Turks. No doubt she learned much from her sister, but it was still truly impressive.

Rufus had exited the academy alone, Tseng breaking off from him to acquire a few files from the headmaster that Heidegger had asked for. Rufus, growing annoyed with the Academy, assured Tseng he would be fine on his own and he would wait in the chopper.

As Rufus approached the helicopter, he noticed a flash of yellow disappear behind it's body. Curious, he walked around to the other side, noticing someone darting back to the front. In one quick movement, he stepped back in front of the chopper and caught the arm of a retreating girl. She froze at his touch before trying her best to pull free, but Rufus kept his grip firm on her arm. He recognized those blonde pigtails of hers.

"What were you doing to the chopper?" He asked, voice tight and threatening.

The girl turned to face him, eyes wide in fear. "N-nothing!" She stammered, "I was just looking! I've never seen one of these up close and I got curious so I snuck out here to see. My sister always tells me my curiosity is going to get me in trouble one day and I guess she was right. I just saw you walking over and I panicked because I'm not supposed to be out here, I was just curious, swear!"

Rufus stared at her in amusement as she continued babbling. This was the girl he had seen take down four boys her age with little effort, and here she was running her mouth, unable— perhaps unwilling— to escape his hold. After all, she could very easily break free, but she most likely knew her place enough to not break his arm.

The girl was in the middle of a story about her sister when Rufus released her arm and held out his hand toward her. She stopped talking immediately, looking at him in confusion. She hesitantly shook his hand.

"The name's Rufus Shinra," he said, lacing his voice with natural charm.

"I-I know who you are," she replied, then whispered, "Elena…"

Rufus pulled the girl slightly closer by her arm and smirked at her obvious shock. "It's a pleasure to meet you… Elena."

The girl's face turned red as she stammered a response. The approaching sound of footsteps saved her from having to form a complete sentence. Rufus looked away from Elena to see Tseng walking towards them. As he approached, the girl looked absolutely enthralled by the appearance of the Turk. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow, but said nothing. His stare made her squeak in alarm and run back towards the academy's doors. Tseng looked back at Rufus, who was still very amused by the girl, but merely shook his head and gestured towards the chopper.

Once the helicopter had taken off, Tseng had finally asked, "What was she doing by the chopper?"

Rufus shrugged, despite the fact Tseng, who now was piloting, could not see. "She was curious, I suppose."

"You two seemed to be getting along well."

Rufus sneered at the back of Tseng's head.

"She talks too much." Rufus crossed his arms with a huff, looking out the window of the helicopter as they flew back to Shin-Ra Headquarters. Still… Despite her nonstop jabbering, he couldn't seem to get Elena out of his head. He was completely fascinated by her disposition and her ridiculous looking pigtails.