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This chapter is actually a modified version of the original one that I first posted up. The original chapter was a bit messy so I changed some of the formatting to make it similar to all the other chapters I have, for consistency's sake. So if you happen to read the bolded lettering concerning author's note on formatting in chapter 2, don't get too confused because that message applies to the original chapter 1. Okay… I'll stop now… enjoy!
Chapter 1: Of Pranks and Notes
The sky darkened, clouds looming overhead…
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Sitting behind a desk mounted with nothing but piles of paper work, a man in a dark suit symbolizing the authority of nothing other than "I-am-a-Turk" was reading through reports concerning the terrorist group AVALANCHE. Frustrated, he ran his fingers through his long black hair and tied it up into a ponytail. His face was stern, but not unforgiving. Despite his young age, he had already climbed his way up the Turk hierarchy and was now considered to be a superior among his colleagues.
It was going to be another late night for Shinra employees as they worked to uncover the reasons responsible for the recent mishaps occurring throughout the outskirts of Midgar in addition to adjusting to the new president of the company, Rufus Shinra. The former president's death was surprising but it was also an incident that was to be expected. After all, with all the recent tax hikes, the growing number of impoverished citizens within Midgar, and not to mention the minimal amount of effort put forth to rebuild multiple sectors, it was difficult not to despise Shinra.
Not too far off, the distant footsteps of an approaching individual could be heard. "Geez, not now…" The black haired Turk moaned. He already had enough work to deal with without the commotion caused by a certain someone… Suddenly, the door flew open and there stood an individual seemingly mocking what it meant to "look" like a Turk. His hair was atrociously red framed by a pair of goggles, while he bore no tie around his neck, he made no effort to tuck in his dress shirt which hung loosely over his pants.
"Good day to you Captain Tseng!" chimed the red head.
"I told you to cut that out, now leave me alone Reno, or I'll report this to President Shinra." Tseng's tone was grave and to the point.
"Hey! You don't have to get that serious yo, I was just bored and decided that of all people, I'd keep you company."
"That's the last thing I need, now get out." he was losing his nerve.
"You aren't being very fair, I'm not even---" before Reno could finish his sentence, a gun was drawn out in one sweeping motion by the black haired Turk and pressed against the red-head's forehead.
"Now then, we can either do this the easy way---", Tseng titled his head slightly to left and stared into Reno's fearful eyes, "---or the hard way, and I suggest you choose wisely."
Sweat began to trickle down Reno's back. "C-c'mon Tseng, I was just---". click The trigger was slowly being pulled back. "On second thought, maybe I'll go grab a drink…" Slowly backing away from his armed superior, Reno dashed for the door and quickly closed it. Tseng placed the weapon back in its holster and sat back down. "Yup, this is definitely going to be a long night."
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Downstairs in the pub Reno ordered his usual beverages and silently drank them. "Man, this place is getting so lame, there hasn't been anything to do lately… Give me an assignment already---"
"Talking to yourself again?" A bald man in dark sunglasses approached the counter and sat next to Reno.
"Eh? Oh, it's just you Rude. Yea, I guess you can say that this is the after effect of keeping me locked in for too long. Where have you been lately?" Reno began swirling his drink around watching bubbles rise from the bottom of the glass.
"Just got back from an assignment in Sector 5---" seeing the confused look on Reno's face, "---AVALANCHE."
"Oh…" the moment of silence dragged on before Reno spoke up again. "I'd like to get my hands on one of those AVALANCHE bastards, you know, teach them a lesson or two."
"I'm sure you would", replied Rude draining away his glass. "Anyhow, I've got to go." Searching within his pockets, he pulled out some gil and turned to leave.
"Going already?" Reno asked.
"Tseng told me to drop by about half an hour ago when I returned, something about paperwork."
"You're late then… well, have fun anyhow… seriously." Reno stated with a grin.
Before Rude reached the elevator at the far end of the pub, Reno bellowed, "TELL CAPTAIN TSENG THAT HE'D BETTER GIVE ME AN ASSIGNMENT SOON OR I'LL BE DROPPING BY TO SEE HIM AGAIN YO!" With that, Rude nodded and stepped into the elevator.
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It didn't matter what day or time it was, if there was work to be finished then it would get finished. At least for some people…
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Reno strolled across the recently polished hallway floor making his way towards Tseng's office hoping that an assignment involving leaving Shinra in hopes of some action elsewhere would be planned for him. Cautiously knocking on the door, no reply could be heard. Reno pressed his ear over the surface of the door and listened carefully… nothing. "That can't be right." Reno thought to himself. It was one thing for him to be late in the morning, but for Tseng? Impossible. Bracing himself for the worst that could happen for intruding into Tseng's office without permission, Reno poked his head into the room only to find Tseng sleeping peacefully with his head on the desk, pen still in hand.
The red haired Turk stepped into the room silently closing the door behind him. Walking over to Tseng, he looked down upon his colleague. His gaze was quickly distracted after noticing a marker lying on a nearby table. Innocently smiling, Reno picked up the marker and looked over his shoulder at the doorway. "Doesn't seem like anyone is coming… hehe, lesson number 1, never leave a marker lying about a sleeping person when Reno is around."
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The door burst open, panting in front of the doorway a young female in a suit gasped for breathe. "Sir! I deeply apologize for being so late but the traffic was mayhem today and even though I left early like I usually do it didn't seem to help so please don't---" The blonde Turk stopped and gazed upon the back of her sleeping superior. "Huh?" Walking over to the desk, she tapped the shoulder of Tseng. "Sir… Sir! It's half past eight in the morning and you're still…" Finally stirring, Tseng sleepily raised his head and looked to see who had woken him up.
Staring into the face of his wide eyed co worker, Tseng asked, "What's with that face?"
"Umm…" the woman's face turned a bright shade of red. How would she tell him… hopefully it was washable… what if it wasn't? He'd think she was the culprit. "Err… sir, I think you should look at your… ahem…"
"What are you talking about? Seriously, whatever has gotten you all shaken up I suggest you immediately—" turning his head so that his face was reflected off the glass window of the office, Tseng starred in disbelief, "Oh god…"
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"M-my apologies sir! I should have said it directly to you earlier but I---"
"No need to apologize, Elena. It was my fault for over sleeping." Tseng dried off his face with a towel upon exiting from the washroom. "But really now… when I find that Reno…"
"Reno sir?" replied Elena.
"Well, I couldn't think of a better candidate for this scheme. In any case, how are things coming along for you so far?"
"Uh… Y-yes sir! Things have been going smoothly upon my entrance to the Turks."
"I see, well, now that Reno's finally healed…"
"S-Sir! If I may, um…" Elena was finding it awfully difficult to find the correct words to use. Usually, she didn't have this type of problem among conversations with individuals other than Tseung…
"What is it?" Tseng asked as he walked over to his desk and straightened his paperwork.
"Well, as I am only a substitution for Reno, I've actually found the experience of being a Turk much more rewarding than my past position. For that, I was wondering weather I could continue to serve under you as a Turk…" Again, Elena's face turned red. Despite the short period of time she had worked under the status of a Turk, it had been the one of the best things that could have happened to her. Although the missions sometimes proved to be life threatening, she knew she had finally found her place in Shinra.
"Ah well, actually, I can't exactly demote your Turk status. In fact, I've already spoken with President Shinra and he has agreed to allow you to stay in your current position under my command along with Rude, Reno, and the others. So I'll be expecting much from you in the time to come." Tseng replied.
Happiness and excitement began to fill Elena's soul. Finally, Tseng was beginning to recognize her work. She knew she'd have to continue improving to greater heights in order to gain his full trust, but for now, his encouragement meant everything to her. "Yes sir! I'll definitely do my best!"
"Ah, before you leave, do you mind delivering these to Reeve?" Tseung pointed to the folders lying across from him.
"No, I don't mind." Picking up the folder, Elena headed across the room and opened the door. Before stepping out, she asked, "Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Um… what will you be doing about Reno's punishment?"
"Hm… now that you mention it. Here." Flipping through the mound of papers on his desk, he managed to find a worn out envelope. "Deliver this to Reno by noon and tell him that he better give his all during this mission or else he'll be dealing with me."
"I will sir." With that, she closed the door.
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Downstairs in the pub, Reno, Rude, and Elena gathered around the envelope from Tseng.
"Ehhh? A mission?" Reno lifted the envelope into the light attempting to see what was written inside.
"For goodness sake, just open it", replied Rude.
The two companions were back in the underground Shinra pub having their usual orders when Elena came running out of the elevator doors over to their location. As usual, her tone was as serious as ever, something Reno enjoyed poking fun at. He could just remember the first time he met her…
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"Hey Elena!"Reno said while he took a seat next to the blonde turk at her desk. "Ouch, geez that hurt, stupid wounds. Anyhow, heard you'll be taking my place while I recover here yo."
"That's right. And who allowed you to come in here anyways?" she snapped.
"Technically, it's our office, my desk is over on the other end if you'd care to take a look."
"I don't have the time to stare at your mess, I have to finish these documents before Tseng returns."
"You're too tense, you've got to ease up a bit. Tseng won't kill you for not completing those papers."
"Well, it's a habit of mine to turn things in on time! Unlike a certain someone", snapped Elena.
"Hey! Where'd you hear that?" Reno asked with a grin.
"You'd be surprised how many people talk about you behind your back. In any case, it's expected of Turks to carry out there assignments on time and---"
"Blah, blah, blah… really, just ease a bit. It won't hurt."
"Get out!"
"Why?"
"Because I'm busy!"
"Why?"
"I've got reports to read over and documents to sign and file!"
"Why?" Reno was thoroughly enjoying the moment.
"UGH! Must you question everything?" Getting up from her seat, Elena grabbed Reno's shirt collar and attempted to drag him out of the room.
"Ow, ow, that's abuse you know! Okay, I'll go!"
"Fine!"
"Oh! and I'll also make sure to tell Tseng-chan how much you want to finish those papers for him. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear that you're working oh sooooo hard yo" Just at that moment, a paperweight came flying across the room aimed for Reno's head. "Woah!" Luckily, the door closed just in time behind him and he heard a smashing sound come from the room. "Phew!" Yelling louder so that Elena could hear him behind the closed door and especially for the other Shinra employees walking through the hallway, "WE SHOULD DO THAT AGAIN SOMETIME ELENA HONEY! IT WAS FUN YO" The sound of gun shots rang across the hallway….
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(Returning back to the present moment in the pub)…
"Eh? But it's more fun guessing what I'll have to be doing! It's been a while since I've gotten to go somewhere you know!" Reno happily stated.
"Geez! Give me that!" Elena, tired of watching Reno act like a five year old, grabbed the envelope out of his hands and opened it.
"Hey! That's mine! And what are you still doing here, weren't you just suppose to deliver it to me?"
"That's none of your business!" Tearing the embossed Shinra sticker off the flap of the envelope, Elena read the message inside. A moment's silence past and then… "Hahahahahahahaha!" She clutched the paper in her hand while trying to control her laughter. "No way! You're in for it now after what you did to Tseng!"
"What? What is it? Hey, let me see!" Reno cried out, attempting to grab the paper back.
"What did you do to Tseng?" Rude looked over at the red head, eyebrow raised behind his sunglasses.
"Ah, nevermind that, it was a classic prank, that's all." Finally being able to read the paper from Tseng, Reno stood up at once. "... WHAT? You've got to be kidding me!" Running towards the elevator, he jabbed the button and at once, ran inside when the doors open.
"… What just happened?" Rude stated.
"You've got to pay his tab?" Elena answered.
"Hilarious…"
"Well, read for yourself then", Elena seated herself in Reno's chair and ordered from the bartender.
Rude picked up the letter and began skimming through it. Placing the paper back in its envelope, the bald headed Turk picked up his drink.
"Well?" Elena questioned, turning her gaze over to Rude.
"Nothing… I just don't think it's that bad… that Reno, he's over reacting…"
"Haha, you've got to be kidding me. I don't think I could ever imagine Reno doing such a task…"
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Thanks for reading the first chapter of my Turk story. Although not much happened, I hope to put in more action and a lot more humor into the next chapters! Until then, stay tuned for Chapter 2!