Title: When Rude Met Reno
Authoress: Vitalini
Rating: T
Summary: Its not easy being a Turk, but what does it take to become one? While Rude is discovering what it really means to be a Turk, Tseng finally thinks he's found a way to calm a certain redheaded devil causing havoc in the Turk department. Join Rude and many new faces as they come to face the reality that is ShinRa.
Warning: Violence and language if there is anything else I'll warn you about when it comes.
Disclaimer: I only own any original characters and the fic- everything else belongs to me as much as the empire state building and the really worrying thing is, is that I have no idea where or what that is, yes I'm that clueless
Author's note: I appear to have accidentally copied some of NarcissisticRiceBall words and wit in earlier chapters accidentally or come dangerously close (. I am really sorry and when I find them I'll change them, your story was so good I must have had it on the brain when I wrote it, I should be more careful….my sincere apologies about that! Ah cannot believe I did that!
By the way: THANKS FOR OVER 1000 HITS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes I am very happy and thank you to all those that have reviewed and pointed things out to me, its really helpful! Please enjoy the next chapter of Rude's adventures.
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Standing alone in the bright lift, Rude idly stroked the dark shades with his thumb. The eye drops were still working so the lights didn't bother him. He wondered how the glasses were supposed to help; Red hadn't exactly explained or really given a proper reason for giving them to him. He was still shocked that someone he hardly knew had presented him with something that was obviously precious to them. The redhead had seemed slightly sad to part with his sunglasses. He wondered if he should give them back but that'd just be rude (no pun intended). What was he meant to do with them?
He looked down. He'd been annoyed and apprehensive about the mission, but now that had lulled to the back of his mind since "bumping" into Red. It wouldn't hurt just to try them. Opening the shades up, he examined them. They weren't anything spectacular, quite plain or maybe you'd describe them as sleek, nothing fancy of course. The shape was attractive and the sides weren't bulgy. He wouldn't look too stupid if he wore them.
Hesitantly he brought them up to his face. For some reason he felt that he would change in some way when he put them on, strange idea but it was just a feeling. Taking a deep breathe he closed his eyes and put them on. They were warm having held them tightly in his hand since he had been given them. They were a snug fit but comfortable.
He opened his eyes to a darker, clearer, though a rather limited world- but what do you expect in a elevator. His eyes cooled, if that made any sense. It was a pleasant sensation. He realized that if he wore these, or any pair of sunglasses he may never need his eye drops again. It was so simple, why he hadn't thought of it sooner.
The elevator pinged. The doors slid open and he stepped out. Glancing at his watch, he had five minutes to get to the training room. Maybe he didn't have to rush. People took a double take as he strode passed, he made an impressive sight. A tower of muscle accompanied with his constant stoic expression he looked far more intimidating then he felt and the new shades that only added to the overall image.
He reached the training room in time. He had rushed here and had to apologize to a few people because of it. Everyone else was already there, standing uniformly anticipating Tseng's arrival. They had swung round when he had opened the door, looks of disappointment crossing their faces. They must have been here for a while; there was definitely an aura of impatience surrounding them, which was perfectly understandable. Personally, he was just happy to be on time. The group got over their disappointment quickly, Marko gave him a swift disapproving look then ignored him but everyone else gave him a second glance. He guessed his new accessory surprised them.
Shutting the door as quietly as he could, Rude quickly walked over to take his place next to Jim. His smaller friend gaped at him, his mouth literally hanging open. Eventually Trent who was standing on Jim's other side shut his jaw. Rude did not think he looked that different or at least not enough to be gawked at like a museum display. Jim was just being his normal odd self.
"Nice glasses" the giant man commented. Unlike everyone else he seemed more curious than surprised and was eyeing the shades suspiciously. Rude frowned at his expression, it was one of those moments when he got the feeling Trent knew a lot more then he let on. Did he know they were Red's and if that was the case was he close to him? On the last mission, the redhead's voice had definitely excited Trent as if he'd known something was happening in their favor just because he had been there. Then again, maybe he had just been happy that they were being rescued and that his call had been received.
"Something wrong?"
"Nothing they just look familiar that's all." He shrugged smiling, "Where did you get them? There quite fetching, I thought I might get a pair" Rude instinctively pulled a face at the big man's teasing he got enough of that from Jim and John. Giving Trent a quick look over he remembered to ask about the man's shoulder.
"Huh? Oh yeah – it's fine, I had a couple of potions but I have to go back to the hospital after this to get a final check over but if should be as good as new"
He nodded; it had been quite serious despite what Trent had wanted them to believe. Admitting that a few potions were not really enough, was the same as saying it could have killed him. Trent was like that, he would tell you what he wanted to tell you and you had to guess the rest, he was easy to figure out but then again there was the possibility that he was acting. Again, Rude got the impression there was more to Trent then he was letting on.
Funny how one nights sleep could bring up all those thoughts, seeing Red before that somehow clarified his thinking. Suddenly, He realized he hadn't thanked the younger Turk. He'd just have to do it later, if they came back that is, and then if he could find him again. Now in place everyone else had resumed to acting like statues, expecting Tseng's arrival anytime. The training mat spread out before him and exercise equipment hung from the walls, it all looked well maintained. No one was in here apart from them but the lights were on to light up the whole great expanse of a room. Rude wondered why they were meeting here. Seemed like an odd place to talk about a mission. The air was cold in the room, the air conditioning atomically switched on even when there were no sweltering bodies to cool. He shivered.
Tseng said he would personally view the situation for them, he wondered what that had meant. He got the impression by his voice at the time it would involve a lot of work, considering there had been an obvious information slip something that was definitely unacceptable. Tseng was running late. He felt a bit miffed since he had run to get here on time and they were steadily turning into icicles as they waited. Eventually the door opened but instead of Tseng it was the woman who'd shown them to the room the other day who entered. She looked as stern as Rude expected she always did and she was holding a file. She walked round to stand in front of them, nose stuck in the file. Guess Tseng was too preoccupied.
"Now," she suddenly barked snapping the file shut, "this does not usually happen but the department has decided to give you a second chance since circumstances you couldn't help prevented the success of your last assignment. Do not expect such leniency in the future though; ShinRa has no place for screw-ups. Mr. Surph has briefed me of the facts and I hope you appreciate that there will definitely be no second chances after this. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am" they chorused, taken aback by the small woman's sharp tongue. Her dark eyes examined them shrewdly. She turned calling to them as she did, "Follow me."
With that, she stormed from the room and began the long trek to the roof, muttering all the while that the training area was stupid place to meet. Rude thought that to, though it would be easier to get to since they'd been told to meet in the main building. She quickly boarded a plane and they followed suit. Silently they seated themselves. Rude wondered why she was so annoyed, was she angry with them? No one dared move lest she snap at him or her like an angry viper. The craft was smaller then the last, so they were sitting closer to each other and rude could practically smell the apprehension in their breath. Jim was particularly on edge, he had to go through the fear of screwing up all over again. Rude mentally vowed he'd do whatever it took to make this a successful mission. Trent was perhaps the most relaxed if not bored, though Rude had the feeling it was down to him being tired, judging by those heavy bags under his eyes.
"You're a quiet lot." Rude looked back at their superior, she appeared to have calmed down, she surveyed them analytically, eyes lingering on Trent's injured shoulder. She considered every possible factor and an injured member could bring problems no matter how simple the task, she knew this from experience.
"You confident about this mission?" She called out to no one in particular. No one wanted to bring on her wrath, despite her stature she was no doubt a formidable fighter and in her current mood she seemed likely to attack anyone that upset her. Rude could tell those hawk eyes were for observations in battle as they roamed their bodies looking for weaknesses. He wondered if she was always so prone to aggression.
"Why am I always stuck with the Trainees?" she grumbled to herself, leaning against the hull. It was light outside they were flying over the ocean. "Right were getting nearer so I might as well tell you what we're doing. Basically its just a little information gathering trip, you're going to split up and look around. We're looking for is this guy," she pulled out a photo from the file and held it up. "Ask anyone you can if they have seen him. Keep it low key and if you happen to see him wandering round then apprehend him. Don't make a scene and don't use any weapon unless necessary. I want this to go smoothly. Right, I'll search with the injured hero, the rest can decide whether you go in twos or alone, anymore will bring too much attention."
Immediately Jim grabbed Rude, and Robin and Lithia looked at each other, guess Marko was all alone on this one. He didn't seem to mind. Trent appeared to be amused by something. No one felt like talking still feeling a little oppressed by the woman's overbearing presence but the mission sounded fairly easy. He was almost looking forward to it. Relaxing into the chair, he noticed this craft had a few more luxuries in it than that last. For one the seats were cushioned, the floor had a patterned carpet. This was not a fighter craft by any means. The plane was going unusually fast though, but the ride was smooth.
"Ma'am?" Trent bravely put up his hand, getting their superiors attention; he didn't seem to be at all put off by her irritated scowl.
"For goodness sake just call me Erharda, I'm sick of all this Ma'aming it's annoying. What?" Jim physically cowered away from her as she snarled at Trent who was sitting a safe distance away. Rude didn't think she was that scary just in a bad mood, so he gently pushed Jim off him. Robin was sniggering at Jim's inability at least to pretend to be brave.
"I was just wondering if this was an undercover mission." There was a silky innocence to Trent's voice as he calmly answered Erharda. She considered her answer for a while before huffing loudly.
"I might as well tell you more of the details, otherwise you'll be nagging me until we reach port," she straightened and steadied herself just as the plane began to tilt slightly, "It's not an undercover mission. I was going to go myself but looks like you lot will be tagging along which suits me fine since that means I can get home early but do not be a bunch of nuisances. We are going to land in the sea, board the waiting boat and go into port. Our location is Costa del Sol, so no frolicking about because of the weather." Lithia pulled a face at this and Rude wondered if she'd ever frolicked before, she was caring but unlike Jim she was very efficient and had a serious edge to her. "We'll meet back at the port by sunset and return. This is just information gathering so ask anyone and everyone but keep it low key as I said. Here," she pulled something from the file and threw one at everyone. Jim flinched when the small photo poked him in the eye having realized to late that she had efficient aim. Rude studied his own, it was just a copy of the photo she had shown them earlier. The man in the picture was tanned with curly black hair, the most distinguishing feature were the pronounced side burns. On his neck as a swirl tattoo, that reminded Rude of a whirlpool unfortunately the photo didn't show it very well.
"Why are we looking for this man?" Trent continued to question, Jim- nursing his reddened eye- lent away from her again, just in case. However, this time she smiled.
"Glad you asked, there's been some strange activity going on there, we believe he's been illegally smuggling gold Chocobos from the area no doubt going to Materia Caves or such places. We want to know why he is doing this. As well as that, he is apparently behind a number of murders in the area, from reports; there are suggestions that he claims to be doing ShinRa's work. You can see where this is going. Well all we can do is find out as much as we can, we don't have enough to clarify anything but it'd be a real bonus if we could bring him in. He is supposedly in the area, hence I want it low key so we do not scare him off."
The plane tilted further and they began a rapid and unnerving descent. Rude had never been to Costa del Sol before, he'd only seen pictures and heard stories. He knew it was a very sunny place. It was quite a coincidence that he had just so happened to have been given sunglasses before going on a mission in a summer resort. Well at least he didn't have to worry about his eyes at all.
A load splash and violent jolt signaled the landing. He cringed as his insides slid back into place, couldn't the pilot be a little gentler? The crafted bobbed up and down with the waves like a boat. Erharda calmly walked over to the metal door, near the pilot's cabin, nodded her thanks and hopped out the open door. The rest stood up and followed. Rude noticed Robin wobble slightly, though Lithia steadied him. He must not do to well on boats, he was considerably paler then before and he seemed to go a deeper shade of green with every bounce.
When it was Rude's turn to jump, he finally saw the small boat waiting for them next to the plane. The driver was an old squinty-eyed man and when Rude took his seat next to him, he found he stank of fish. Whatever he smelt, he was experienced and Rude thanked the heavens it was a short journey. They nodded to the driver who gave them a toothless grin as he waved them off. As Rude expect Lithia was helping Robin who was doing well to keep his breakfast in his stomach.
It was so bright here, the sun instantly soaked into there flesh and he felt he would burn away. Speaking of burning he was sure the soles of his shoes were going to melt, the ground was that hot. A group of locals walked by in just sandals or bare foot their skin dark and glowing.
"You could have warned us, I'd have brought protection." Trent moaned already mopping his brow with the side of his sleeve. Meanwhile Jim was removing his blue jacket. Erharda scanned the area, ignoring them. Rude did the same. The place was peaceful. Children wearing nothing but swimsuits ran by kicking a football between them, laughing and hollering. The houses were what you would expect in a coastal resort with hot weather. He welcomed the warm zephyr breeze as it passed swinging the wooden signs that hung over shops. It'd be a nice place to go on vacation. Barrels were scattered about the place. A pair of three or four years old were observing them closely, most probably thinking what strange people they were, walking round in this weather in suits buttoned up to the collar. They were lucky to live in a place like this, he thought remembering his childhood, when sunlight had been a luxury. It was pleasing to see their carefree faces, if only there was more of that in Midgar.
Standing under the palm tree it was not so bad, there were plenty of them around and the sandy colored buildings were close together to provide more shade, not to mention the owners had wisely extended the roofs of their homes or shops making a sheltered pathway. So long as they stuck to the shadows it would not cause t0o much discomfort and if there were even just a slight wind that blew away the sweat from their skin they should not be too uncomfortable.
"Wonder how much weight I'll lose just through sweating," Jim asked cheerily. Rude shrugged, he wasn't particularly bothered but he thought he'd should raise the issue of possible sun stroke. Erharda signaled for them to move out. Taking Trent by the elbow, she led him east along the coast. Lithia and Robin gave a quick departing farewell and headed into a nearby alley. Marko was less pleasant.
"You, make sure he doesn't screw this up." With a pointed jab at Jim Marko stormed off along the west coast leaving them the only option of joining Lithia and Robin as they searched the town.
"Who shoved a palm tree up his butt?" Jim scratched his head, "no wonder John's got issues, having to live with that"
Rude chuckled as they headed off at a casual stroll they had plenty of time, "John doesn't have issues."
"You sure?" Jim asked as he casually examined some fruit until he got the attention of the store holder. After finishing questioning the man and in Jim's case purchasing some star fruit, he carried on, "John is sort of weird, in my opinion."
"You're as weird as he is." Rude stated flatly, John maybe more opinionated but Jim was one of those over the top people with strange tastes, the interesting shaped fruit he'd bought was a good example of that.
Jim whistled, nudging Rude to get him to look over at a bunch of young ladies walking past, dressed in rather revealing bikinis, one or two sporting thongs. Rude blushed and looked away, walking quickly in the opposite direction dragging his older friend away.
"Aww come on, just because we're working doesn't mean we can't check out a few girls while were here, I could have asked them about the suspect."
"You just want an excuse to talk to them." Rude did not look back. Maybe it was time they went further from the beaches, maybe to the industrial side of the port, he thought. Stirring Jim along with him headed down a side pathway. There were more shops and people here. Rude was pleased to see rather unattractive plumper older women were in the majority. Nothing like a good old chat with the residents to keep ones mind focused.
As they worked their way down the street making discreet inquires Rude constantly had to tug Jim away from the odd young woman here and there especially those that had partners. It was hard work but they gathered a lot of info. Locals loved to gossip, particularly the rather unattractive plumper older women. When he said not attractive, he meant more past the age which would interest Jim. The older man insisted that you only lived once, Rude wasn't having any of it. He relented sometimes to ask questions, keeping it strictly business.
It was hotter due to the mass of bodies circulating in one place but Rude was slowly getting used to it. The atmosphere was wonderful, people had a laid back relaxed manner reflecting the more easygoing life styles, keeping to the shade as best they could since Jim didn't have the wonderful sun protecting pigment that Rude possessed. That didn't mean he wouldn't get sun burn though.
"Let me get this straight," Jim began to summarize as they finally walked away from the thriving streets and down a path into the palm tree garden that Rude guessed separated the more ugly ship building area. A local boy said the path circled round the town and would lead them to the busy dock. "The guy is definitely here, he has been trafficking Chocobos and coming back from lengthy journeys with materia. That means he must be keeping it somewhere around here to store!"
Rude nodded agreeing with his partner's conclusion. It seemed likely after all the material store holder had more or less swore at them when they showed him the picture of the man but after calming him down and a quick talk in the back where they assured the man that though they were working for ShinRa, they were here to apprhend the criminal. After gaining the man's trust, he'd provided a lot of information that revealed a number of murders the town knew the man was behind but couldn't prove. Listening to the old store holder who had lost his wife and son because he had not co-operated with the man they were after, made Rude more determined to catch him.
The palm trees were labored with coconuts and the strong smell of ripened bananas hung in the air mixed with the thick fragrances of flowers and rotted leaves. A humid mist circulated under the canopy. It was stifling. Rude had no choice but to remove his jacket and loosen his tie. Naturally, this set Jim off on one of his crazy rants and teasing if Rude did anything out of character and undressing was something he had never done in public. Eventually Jim calmed down and returned to his thinking, processing everything over again in his head.
"Rude you're not gay are you?" Jim blurted out, "don't get offended but I was just, you know, thinking and well yeah…"
Having stopped in his tracks in shock, Rude stared down at Jim incredulously, "what made you think that?" it wasn't the first Jim Jim had accused him of being homosexual but they had established long ago he was straight, so he wondered what made Jim think that. They were on a mission so he wasn't doing it to persuade Rude to join him as he went in search for a girlfriend. Rude would like to note that these trips were so embarrassing to watch he would never go on another one again.
"Well you know you're not interested in the hot girls that are all over the place here, not even a little intrigued." Jim pointed out, walking around Rude, "I bet even Marko would take a little break, but you didn't even look."
"Excuse me for being focused on my work and not a pervert." The bald man countered striding up behind Jim. He didn't know why Jim found it so important to have a partner they were in ShinRa they had more important things to get on with, but Jim did have a persistent personality which unfortunately meant he didn't give up even when he should.
Jim sighed, as one would do if they were dealing with a idiot that didn't understand that two plus two made four, at Rude's reply, "It's not being a pervert, normal men like to look at hot girls it's a law, Rude. Even women know that."
"I'm not interested in that." Rude couldn't believe Jim could really be that shallow or narrow minded about such a topic, true he had never really considered it but even he knew that there was a lot more to someone then their looks, Tabby was a perfect example. Rude would like to blame the weather for Jim's ideas and current mood but that would be unfair on the weather. After all Jim was Jim.
"Yeah I noticed. Hey be careful," he ducked just in time to avoid being whacked in the face as the branch Rude shoved out the way came swinging back. "That's why I asked. On the last mission, you checked out that kid who saved us more than once. I know I gave him a look over myself since I didn't know what gender he was. But you couldn't keep your eyes off him." Since his taller friend had stormed further ahead, Jim struggled to match his long strides. He was running to keep up.
"I was covering him." Rude replied indignantly. He was really considering punching Jim right now. He was so stupid sometimes.
"Alright, alright could you slow down? There is no need to get all moody." Rude glowered down at him. He was not gay, just observational. True the redhead interested him but not in that way! Why did Jim have to be so dirty minded, people these days.
"Jim, I am not gay." He stated slowing down. Jim nodded sensing the clear anger in his friend's voice, but in all fairness, he had just been making an innocent comment, or at least he had thought so.
"By the way where did you get those shades?" Now they were walking side by side he tried to start casual conversation to make amends.
"From Red." Rude could practically see the shorter man's inner struggle not to make a suggestive tease or comment to that. Rude wondered if he'd mind, it'd just be friendly banter. Only trouble was he didn't have any witty comebacks like John, who was full to the brim with them.
Jim's self-control broke. "Having secret meetings with your little crush, are we now?" He was already high tailing it down the path no sooner had the words left his mouth. Rude hot on his heels.
They were exhausted by the time they reached the docks, Jim was grinning madly, mumbling about how mad Rude was, his voice hoarse from screaming. Rude gave him a final feeble push before straightening once he had recovered. Some workers paused what they were doing to stare at the pair, they certainly did not look like ShinRa's elite undercover force. This could work in their favor.
"Lets just look around, we have enough information." Rude whispered, pulling Jim away from a bunch of curious but dangerous looking men. They weaved their way through the clutter of cargo and barrels ready to be loaded into the ships. The wooden boards creaked under there feet and the green water sloshed against the support beams holding the landings up. The air no longer smelt of fruit and flowers, instead it reeked like fish just like the driver of the boat only ten times stronger. Rude resisted the urge to hold his nose as he maneuvered around the bustling workers. They were shoved out the way a couple of times.
Up ahead a pair of teens tried to balance a box that was excessively heavy for them. One was yelling at a small girl - who must have been his sister- to go away. As he tried to wave her off, he lost his hold on the box. Both teens shouted as they lost their balance. Rude instinctively raced forward and grabbed the falling box, stumbling as he caught the weight. The small girl cowered behind him, expecting to have been squished already. Carefully he stepped to the side, carrying the box with him and put it down to the side. Immediately one of the two teenagers began thanking him, the other was moving his sister before she was trampled. He waved away the thanks and carried on going; Jim had already moved on ahead and was waiting for him.
"I knew you were strong but jeez I didn't think you were that strong. You eat spinach for breakfast?" Rude ignored Jim's comment and they carried on. Judging by what the locals had said the man's key operation took place at night, so logically he'd be lying low in the day time. They should check out the dock houses and such places. As they headed for the path that lead to these buildings, the people appeared to be warmer towards them, moving out of the way instead of acting like they owned the rotten wood that acted as a landing to their boats. Behind him, Jim returned friendly gestures to anyone who greeted them as they walked past, but once they reached the dock houses it was considerably quieter.
Strolling into the shady streets, the air instantly cooled. Seaweed clung to the boards that were used to support the dock houses on the sand. Further in, there were more dull wooden storehouses. Rude eyed the area suspiciously. Suddenly Jim yanked his sleeve, Rude was about to ask what the problem was when Jim place his finger on his lip, looking strangely serious. Following his companion, Jim led him back to an entrance they'd passed. The doors were swinging shutters like those in a western. Beyond the doors, they could hear angry muttering. Jim looked at him, gesturing as to whether they should enter or not. Rude shrugged, if they played their cards right they may walk away with some valuable information.
"Hey gramps," Jim called striding in; Rude prayed he knew what he was doing. Jim had been quite the talker with the locals in the town but Rude sensed they had to be more careful in this place.
"What do you want?" the man behind the counter barked at them, the place was empty but Rude could tell it was an inn of some kind. Jim unfazed by the less than welcome greeting waltzed over to the counter and faced the man.
"I just wanted to talk." He stated smoothly," You sounded pretty annoyed and since I'm a noisy so and so I was curious as to why."
"Keep you nose outta my business." Determined, Jim continued to sweet talk the man. Rude took this opportunity to look around. The floor was dirty but there were signs it had been open recently. It was most likely a place that sailors stopped for the night, the counter doubled as a bar and Rude noticed a few entertainment faculties such as darts and pool. The heavy wooden chairs were upside down on top of the tables that shined, having just been cleaned. The man was currently wiping a well-used rag over the glasses, cobwebs and dust clung to the ceiling and windowsills. It was a miserable looking establishment.
"Say, you ain't part of that ShinRa crowd are ya?" the man brandished the glass he was cleaning at Jim, his expression twisting into an angry glare, though it was hard to see behind all that hair on his face. Jim didn't respond, he was now sitting on one of the stools, resting his head demurely on his hand leaning against the counter.
"Listen pal, were just here to investigate claims about some dirty goings on in town, since it could upset the tourist business and we can't have murders going on without some inquiry." Rude breathed easily, somehow Jim managed to avoid committing them to a side. The mans face darkened.
"Aye, there's been some dirty going's on around here." he nodded solemnly and quietly went back to 'cleaning' the glasses. Five went through his meaty palms before he looked at them again, "don't suppose I could tell you something without getting into trouble could I?"
"Certainly, were only interested in the main man anyway." Jim encouraged him to talk, even offering clean tissues for the man to wipe his grubby face, lest he use the filthy cloth he hand in his hand.
"Well ya see, this fella been around a couple times, given me a handsome sum to keep this place closed for a night on occasion to have meetings, even taking my cellar and so on. Damn rat he is. Ya see I knew he was one o' those types, ya know the sort who are in ta illegal stuff. Didn't think much of it get a few o' those but he became a regular you see I ended up housing the base, didn't mind like so long as they caused me no trouble ya see. Anyway things got outta hand, like they began threaten people, bring 'em here to beat 'em up ya know. I didn't say not'in since it was more dan my life is worth ya see." The man paused to think over his next words. Jim was doing well to hide his excitement this was the best lead they'd had all day, "ta cut to the chase that son o' a sea turd this mornin' turn this place upside down, givin' me some nasty bruises hollerin' about somethin' or other goin' missun' and dat I'd let it loose. Had to close the place just to fix the damage. scared off all my custom he did! Though I wouldn't be tellin' ya this if I didn't know e was goin' to kill me when he gets back, don't cross 'im ya don't."
"I don't suppose you could tell us where he is." Jim asked hopefully.
"Yeah, he'll be in the warehouse about two from here, can't miss him and his lot, noisy idiots getting too big for their shoes and it's about time they got what's coming to 'em." He growled waving his glass as he told them the directions, "be careful, they say he's got ShinRa on his side."
Both Rude and Jim grinned when he said this, "want to know something gramps?" Jim asked leaning closer to the man and whispering.
"What?" His voice was a little uneasy as he leant back from Jim wary of his change in attitude.
"We are ShinRa. That guy isn't working for us and he's going to pay." Rude enjoyed watching the realization spread over the man's tanned face. He nodded slowly as they stood up to leave, Rude imagined he was struggling for a suitable reaction; the man was simply in a state of shock.
Once they were outside and out of earshot, Jim said enthusiastically, "How smooth was that! I am the man. Bet Mr. Wonderful couldn't pull off something like that." Rude allowed him to celebrate, since he had to say Jim was handling the whole mission with ease and confidence. They hurried to the building indicated, the sun was getting low and if they were going to be in with a chance of getting the man then they had better hurry. As the grubby innkeeper had said, loud voices echoed down the narrow passageways. Careful not to step in the stinking puddles that spread over the muddy ground they approached the building. It was like all the others, build of wood, but it was carelessly put together. It was as if someone had built it in a hurry and couldn't be bothered patching up all the gaps. As a result, they could see clearly through the walls, the bright setting sun provided enough light to see the people inside without any difficulty. The men, not much older then themselves were talking around a large truck. The man they were after was sitting on top of the trucks hood, listening to his men's bickering and jeering. They weren't close enough to hear exactly what was going on.
Crouching behind a crate, Rude continued to observe the targets. Jim was moving about next to him, he tried to ignore him but eventually his curiosity made him look down. Jim had smarted himself up considerably, he placed his bags on another smaller crate.
"Shall we spoil the party?" Jim asked, Rude wondered what happened to his bumbling friend. However, he was thankful that Jim had a plan, he just hoped it worked. Copying Jim, he straighten his tie and put his jacket on. The older trainee waited until he'd finished before standing back up, "Just follow my lead Rude." He grinned confidentially and casually strolled towards the entrance to the makeshift storehouse.
Rude copied the shorter man's laid back but serious air. As the walked boldly into view of the gang, Rude felt as intimidating as he looked- for a change. Once again, the sun bathed their backs as they stared the men down. The group had stopped talking and now looked ready to bolt or fight.
"Say partner, look what we got here." Jim drawled, like the hero cop or investigator you see on crime shows did. Rude grinned maliciously for effect. "Mind if we cut in your little gathering we need to chat with your leader."
Jim causally walked towards the group, one hand going into his jacket. Two of the men bolted, the others moved uneasily but the target just watched them with a bored look on his face, "what do you punks want?" he called down. Rude noted he had a thick accent.
Removing his hand from his jacket, Jim shrugged, arms open in exaggerated not-bother gesture. Rude felt like applauding his acting capabilities, but kept an eye on the opposition in case they made any sudden movements, Jim was leaving himself wide open, meaning Rude had to watch both their backs. "I just want to talk to you. In private."
"Not goin' to happen." The man replied a smile on his face, "What type o' scum do ya think ya are, thinkin' ya can waltz in here and talk ta me like that."
Jim seemed to consider this, frowning. "I thought we were buddies?" he finally asked. Rude wasn't the only one perplexed by this and he doubled his prays that Jim wasn't going to mess this up.
"What ta ya mean buddies? I never seen you in my life." The man jumped down from the truck and walked toward them, feeling confident since he had the numerical advantage. His sandaled feet grated against the sand that had blown. He was lean but muscular; a blade was tied to his left leg. Jim didn't move back as he approached, keeping up the confident façade.
"Well weren't you that one to say you were doing work for ShinRa?" Jim calmly stated. This caused the man to stop in his tracks; the rest began to back away, the meaning of Jim words finally penetrating their thick skulls. Jim grinned fiendishly, "Guess we're not pals then. Too bad for you."
The loud cracking of Rude's knuckles was a nice touch and the gang quickly fled leaving the leader standing undecided whether to fight or flee. He chose to flee but it was already too late. Rude launched after him, easily catching the man. He dodged the expected counterattack and grabbed the wrist holding the knife, snapping it with a quick twist. The man yelled out in pain but Rude quickly silenced him with a quick chop to the back of the neck, effectively knocking him out. Shouldering the unconscious body, he went back to Jim who had pulled out his gun.
"Let's go back."
The journey back was faster then they'd thought it would be. People stared at them as they raced by, many jumping out of the way. The few that realized who they had cheered or whispered excitedly to the people near them. Rude just wanted to get back before Erharda burst a vein in rage, since they would be late back no matter how fast they ran. His burden slowed him down and like most of the men here, he smelt of fish, the cheap cologne only making the stench worse.
"Where the hell have you been?!" They were not even able to make out the forms of their group in the distance when they heard the superior's voice calling over to them.
"Jeez, how loud can you get?" Jim huffed as he ran beside Rude along the coast. The sky was already a navy blue, the stars glowing as they hung above them. Their heated bodies welcomed the cool breeze. Trent was waving happily, one hand resting on Erharda's shoulder, possibly to stop her leaping out and tearing them to pieces. Lithia was leaning against the palm tree while Robin sat on a barrel, they too smiled as Jim and Rude approached. Rude couldn't see Marko anywhere.
"What have you got there?" Robin said, finally making out the large lump Rude was carrying. The others moved forward and by the time Jim stopped, panting like a dog Trent was already taking the man off Rude.
"Nice one." The giant man beamed slapping the two on the shoulder with such force Rude's already weak knees buckled. Jim just collapsed on the floor. "We can't say you were late for no reason, you've just saved the department loads of time."
"Indeed," Erharda was trying to hide her pleasure but the tell tale signs of a smile gave her away, "The information gathered should also give us plenty to ask this man. Okay everyone lets go." Robin helped Jim to stand up again, since he was perfectly happy to stay on the floor.
Marko was already sitting in the boat, looking sour faced and annoyed. He glared at Jim and Rude when they sat opposite him. Well they did as he had said, they hadn't screwed up. They chatted all the way back, Lithia and Trent teasing Jim about his shopping bags until he showed them the contents. It was nice to relax; Robin stretched along one of the benches, his head resting on Lithia's lap as he breathed to calm himself. She did not seem to mind, now the work was over she was being as friendly as ever not to mention she was being sensitive to the small mans seasickness. Rude smiled lazily, they would be back soon and for once, he couldn't wait to report. Mission complete.
Tseng reaction had been as they had expected, calm but pleased. After congratulating them on their success, he instructed them to meet in the common room in the main building at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning and to bring the hand written report of the mission. Then they were dismissed.
"I just want to hit the hay, why do they have to give us paper work to do?" Jim moaned as they exited the office.
"Quit complaining, rookie." Erharda snapped behind Jim, causing him to jump, "you don't even know what paperwork is yet."
The way she said it sent shivers down Rude's spine, he envisioned a mountain of paper he had to work through in the future, she laughed at their faces all anger suddenly disappearing and she genuinely smiled. She wasn't so scary looking when she was happy, "I have an appointment with Surph to keep to, don't hurt yourselves." With that she walked away, finally leaving them in peace.
"You guys don't mind if I go see my pal now do you?" Trent asked.
"Nah, It'll be great for you to hang out now" Jim said, "by the way what's your friends name?"
"His name is Kyo." Trent answered and turned away, but stopped half way, "I forgot to tell you something."
"What?"
"You know all that stuff I told you on the first mission, well most of it." Rude nodded recalling the long explanations Trent had offered them so easily, "Well most of it was a lie, because I was the Turk assigned to watch over your mission… Have a nice evening." He smiled at them and hurried off, ignoring the shocked group of Rookies who stared after him with jaw hanging open.
"You have got to be kidding me." Robin blinked, transfixed to the spot.
"What the hell!" Jim blurted out in his usual grace. Rude wasn't as shocked, he'd gotten use to Trent being one of them but he wasn't that good an actor.
Lithia was the first to recover though. Taking Robin by the elbow, she stirred him along the corridor, effectively snapping him out of his stupor. Rude followed her lead with Jim. "I'm not surprised," She commented, "I had a feeling he wasn't an amateur, too efficient unlike us blundering idiots."
"You hardly blunder," Robin said as he moved himself into a more comfortable position to walk beside her, "Anyway now that's over with, I wonder if we'll be staying in these units or getting partners? Not that I'm keen to get rid of you guys, then again I wouldn't mind swapping that Marko guy."
It was then that Rude realized Marko had already left them, possibly before Trent had dropped the bombshell about himself. No big loss, and silently he agreed with Robin.
"Rude! Jim! Over Here!" the sweet sound of Tabby's voice called over to them. Looking round Rude spotted her and John standing in front of a large window at the end of the corridor, the green glow of the reactors shining through the glass.
"Looks like you'll be leaving us to." Lithia smiled, "don't worry we're meeting our group in the academy. Have fun."
"See you guys tomorrow, and Jim." Robin called backed as they turned down a side passage.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for the fruit." The pair disappeared around another bend, leaving Rude and Jim to join their friends. Who like yesterday greeted them as if they hadn't seen each other for a month. Then of course, they too had to rummage in Jim's bags.
"Cool Shades, can I try them on?" was the first thing John said. Rude reluctantly removed the glasses and allowed them all to have a turn wearing them. They were already a part of him now; taking them off made him feel naked.
"They suit you Rude." Tabby complimented handing them back, "it's like they complete you."
"Guess what you two missed today," John grinned devilishly as he always did when he knew something they did not or when it involved terrorizing a certain sensitive woman.
"Shut up John. Don't you dare!" Tabby wailed, futility trying to clamp her small hands over his mouth.
Managing to trap her hands John delivered his news, "Tabby went out on a date! You should have seen her, face as ripe as a tomatoe and –"
Tabby now free immediately jumped and wrestling her torturer to the ground, effectively preventing him from revealing anymore of her personal affairs. Jim and Rude quietly watched the struggle; it never failed as entertainment watching these two fight. It was quite amusing to see John get beaten up by a girl. After a few minutes Rude decide it was time to separate them before any real damage was done. He easily tore them apart; once he put Tabby down, she instantly went into her own version, "It wasn't a date. I bumped into Mr. Lyons and he asked me to join him for lunch that's all."
"Okay, Okay. Calm down. We all know how John likes to scandalize every innocent activity that we do. Speaking of tales, do I have a story to tell?"
Standing up and neatening his ruffled suit John inquired as to what Jim was rambling about this time, which of course was just the invitation the older Rookie wanted. "Rude didn't get those glasses on the mission. He got them from that crazy trainee we were telling you about yesterday."
"Really," Rude didn't know if John was faking interest or not, "your not trying to replace us are you with new friends are you?"
Rude shook his head a smile on his face. He'd never replace them. Certainly, Jim and John's antics could be a handful, but there was no one's company he enjoyed more. As Jim went down one of his long stories Rude allowed himself to zone out. It still hadn't sunk in yet that he was no longer a trainee; it hadn't really been finalized yet, what had he expected a celebration or something? Come to think of that he needed to find Red to thank him. Thinking over what John had said he wondered if he'd end up as Red's friend, he'd like that Red was interesting and part of the reason he'd joined the Turks was to get out of the mundane. He was looking forward to tomorrow either way, slowly the voice of Jim penetrated into his sleepy thoughts.
"I know that, but its one of the few teasing remarks that I have that Rude responds to." The older trainee sighed, "Okay you guys want to head back now?"
Tabby nodded, stretching. They filed down the corridor in sleepy silence. Turks that walked passed eyeing them, knowing them as Rookies. They had a long way to got before they were really Turks, but whatever it took Rude vowed he'd do it and so far he was right on track.
A/N: should I put this sign here? I think I will in the future I would like to thank my dad for proof reading this, instead of doing his jobs around the house hehe…The seperation line has gone walkies so that's why this is in bold.
Pariswriter I hope you are well, I have not heard from you but I wish you the best of luck with everything! .
Thanks for reading
Please review and tell me what you think.