Days of Exile

Chapter 2 – Meet

9 December, 0007

In the Shinra HQ, a meeting took place. Tseng wished he could fall asleep. But he couldn't. He was no longer a regular member of the Shinra staff. In front of him, Scarlet, the head of WEAPON department, was rattling on about the misbehavior of the Turks. Tseng hated to admit, they were all true, just less exaggerated than what Scarlet had made them out to be. There was no denying the triumphant smirk on her face.

What would Veld do? Tseng thought. There were many things that he wished he could learn from Veld, but he no longer could, not when…

"Good work." President Shinra's voice interrupted Tseng's thoughts.

"President." Scarlet said seriously. "I think the correct course would be for the Turks to be disbanded and the three people who survived executed."

Tseng gritted his teeth silently. He glanced at the other juror, Reeve Tuesti, to see that the employer was solemn and quiet. Reeve clearly didn't deem it necessary for the Turks to be executed, but his opinion held no weight in this jury session.

Tseng clenched his fists tightly. He was not going to let Scarlet disband the Turks. Disbanding will clearly lead to ultimate deaths for all the Turks once they figured out that they were still alive. He couldn't allow that to happen. Not to him, not to Reno and Rude, not to the escaped Turks outside of Midgar. But Tseng held his tongue, no, he must observe further.

Leon Shinra considered Scarlet's words thoughtfully. "Well then, I will announce the verdict." The President stood up and cleared his throat. "The General Affairs Investigations Division, also known as the Turks…"

A solitary voice rang from the back of the room. "Wait."

There was a murmur of surprise in the room. Tseng turned around and saw that Rufus Shinra was standing by the door, flanked by Reno and Rude. There was a gasp as everyone recognized the missing Vice-President.

"Why are you here?" Exclaimed Scarlet. "Weren't you supposed to be on a long business trip?"

Rufus glanced at Tseng. Was that the reason that he gave everyone in Shinra? He ignored the thought in his head and replied, "I'm here to stop Shinra from making its greatest loss."

"Loss?" Scarlet repeated. Tseng glanced at Reno and Rude, but their appropriately reticent expressions told him nothing.

President Shinra, regaining composure quickly, frowned at his son. "Our company's prosperity has already been secured."

Rufus scoffed at his words. "Apparently, it seems to have become rather decrepit in my absence." Ignoring the small cry of fury at his insolence, Rufus continued. "An entrepreneur is always prepared for any risks… Should I explain it to the President?" He leered at his father, as if the President knew nothing about beginning a business.

Tseng watched the Vice-President carefully. Rufus Shinra still had a young face, but hardened with cynicism and ambition. His blond hair, once flat and messy, was now slicked and neat. There was a change in Rufus, though Tseng would not be certain if it was for the better or worse. He wondered what Rufus was driving at. The blond's rude words and sarcastic tone were making the President aggravated. Tseng wondered what Reno and Rude were thinking, allowing Rufus to enter the meeting room and interrupt the jury on the Turks' fate.

"To be honest, the Turks should remain." Rufus went straight to the point. There was a murmur of discussion between Scarlet and the other jury, Reeve Tuesti.

President Shinra watched his son carefully, hiding expertly the fact that his son was rude to him. "The existence of the Turks is a risk to the company." Leon Shinra said slowly. Remaining calm and composed, even when your employer spits you in the face, is a hallmark of being successful in this dog-eat-dog world.

"It would be a mistake," Rufus countered. "Not to recognize assassinating Veld and the leader of AVALANCHE as the extent of the Turks' loyalty." The blond looked around the room. "Any objections?" There were none, although Scarlet clearly looked like she was going to make a very violent objection. "Good," Rufus interrupted before Scarlet could speak. He strode towards President Shinra confidently and submitted a report to him. "This is the amended report that I've approved. If you're willing to approve, then the case shall be closed, then."

President Shinra glanced at its contents, for the sentences were few. "Very well." He said finally. "The leader of AVALANCHE was assassinated. Veld, former leader of the Turks, was terminated. Nearly all the Turks are missing in action." Leon Shinra signed the report hastily and shoved it to Scarlet. He then turned to Rufus. "If the Turks misbehave… it's your head."

"Of course, father." Rufus smirked.

At the rooftop, Reno stared at Tseng and Rufus. Rufus had called the remaining Turks onto the rooftop, but now that they were all assembled, Rufus was silent.

Then, the Vice-President spoke in a very serious tone. "Considering the trouble you've caused, Tseng… That was a very good outcome." He spoke, as if musing about some experiment instead of lives.

Reno nodded awkwardly by the side. When Rufus found Reno and Rude guarding the meeting room, he requested that they let him inside the meeting room. Reno hesitated, but Rufus refused to reveal anything about what he intended to do. He was glad, overjoyed even, when he saw that the Turks were going to be spared thanks to Rufus. The other Turks will be safe as long as they hide in the presence of Shinra and not enter Midgar. He, however, was to remain in Shinra.

He thought of a girl who was waiting for some announcement on her fate. He had just messaged all the exiled Turks the outcome of the jury and promptly cleared any traceable data after sending. Everyone, especially the girl, will be overjoyed to know that their execution will be overlooked. However, Reno could not be comforted when he thought of how he might never see that girl again.

"We owe you a lot, Vice-President." Reno heard Tseng say. The redhead clearly heard Tseng's struggle to keep his emotions out of his voice. "On behalf of the Turks, I thank you." Tseng bowed but Rufus waved him off with a hand.

"Hmph, don't misunderstand," said Rufus coldly. "I did not do this for your sake." He turned to face the Turks, the only three remaining. "Show your gratitude in the work that you do."

"Yes sir." Tseng said.

Rufus walked past them and towards the elevator. Reno looked at Rude, and then at Tseng. "So… just the three of us, huh?" Reno spread his hands at the two of them.

Rude threw him a look. "Not enough?"

The redhead kept quiet. Even Rude was losing the initial concern for the other Turks months ago. Was he the only one left who cared about what was in the past? As Reno glanced between both Turks, it dawned upon him that perhaps, he was the only one who still held the hope that he could leave Shinra and join the rest.

"No matter what, we will always carry out our duty." Tseng said. "For the Commander. As well as for our lost comrades."

Fire burned within Reno as he heard Tseng's words. How dare he use the mantra and even pay tribute to the people whom he killed and ignored the fates of? Reno refused to believe that Tseng killed Veld and his daughter Elfe, but it was getting harder to believe by the minute.

Tseng, do you not intend to leave this place at all? Reno badly wanted to ask Tseng, but he could not, because suddenly, alarms and red lights flashed angrily throughout the building. They looked at each other in surprise.

"Emergency Alert!" The announcement screeched. "Intruders in Mako Reactor 1!"

What? Intruders in the Mako Reactor? That's a first. Reno thought. It should not be a big problem though. The Guard Scorpion will take out any twerps that try to mess around with the Reactor.

Reno had an unsettling feeling inside, as if his busiest part of his career has yet begun. As if another crisis was rising after the end of the one they had just tided over. He tried to ignore the nagging feeling inside but he knew. Reno had now learnt not to underestimate, for 'humble beginnings' can lead to fatal mistakes and consequences.

"Well then…" He tapped his EMR on his shoulder casually. "It's straight back to work, yo." He droned. At least, he will hold on here and observe some more. Nothing is set in stone, Reno will have to play by ear and adapt as things change.

Reno and Rude nodded at each other and they started to walk back to the building. However, Reno felt that Tseng was not following. He checked on his leader to see what he was doing. Tseng was staring ahead, his brow furrowed. Then suddenly, he removed the hair tie that was keeping his ponytail in place. Dark tresses of hair fell behind Tseng. The new Tseng stood before Reno and Rude, looking more dignified and leader-like than before.

It was then that Reno knew, with finality, that there was no turning back. Tseng had accepted their fate to remain in the Turks till they die, or Shinra falls, whichever was later. Whether Tseng submits to Shinra out of obligation than loyalty, Reno won't know. Reno sighed inwardly. Wherever Tseng goes, he will follow. That was how much he respected the leader. To take care of Tseng and Rude, Reno will continue to be mortal enemies with the world… with her.

"This is the beginning of a new way of the Turks." Tseng said solemnly.

"But one thing remains the same." Reno gave a cheeky grin.

"Our pride in our work." Tseng cut in before Reno could say anything inappropriate.

"That or, the Turks are unbeatable." Reno muttered under his breath, to which Rude ignored and agreed with Tseng instead.

Tseng nodded. "Let's get going." Together, the three of them ran back to the building, not knowing that a new crisis has just begun to seed and sprout.

Meia struggled to keep her teeth from chattering. If the November wind was not strong enough, the December one was enough to freeze her insides. She was thankful for the little fireplace in her inn, but it only kept her from freezing. She was still far from warm. Nevertheless, she enjoyed working in the inn. She took the night hours while Winifred took the day shift. Winifred was not a bad person to work for. In fact, Meia enjoyed talking to the old man, if one enjoys hearing an old man rattle on about his stories as a combat medic during the Wutai war. Winifred was well-versed in magic in his younger days. Meia's eyes would light up as the old man described the kinds of magic he would use to save lives and destroy enemies, for Meia's knowledge of magic and Materia were only limited to books and not experience.

Her fascination to magic and Materia was largely due to her abilities. Although she was far from Shinra, Meia never revealed to anyone that she had a photographic memory. Having a past of being a Turk, Meia tried to keep her special abilities a secret, for she had read all of the Turk documentations years ago and if Shinra were to know that their secrets were in the hands of someone else, Meia's life will definitely be forfeit. Her photographic memory led to other abilities being discovered, such as being an extremely fast learner. Also, due to her large brain capacity, she could equip many Materia without feeling any side effects. Not that she ever used them heavily. She still relied on her own combat abilities and double-gunning skills.

Winifred looked up from his newspaper and instructed Meia to clear the trash into the bin behind the inn. Meia shivered as she thought of the cold but still, she walked around the inn, dumping all rubbish into a large plastic bag. Clanging the lid of the bin with flourish, Meia took a moment to stare up at the sky, where stars shimmered like glitter.

Leia and Haato must be on their way to Wutai now. She thought.

Needless to say, Haato was well-liked by everyone in Leia's hometown. Haato was uncharacteristically nervous, much to Meia's surprise. She had thought that Leia would be more uptight about Haato saying the wrong things, for the katana-expert was quite capable of saying the most inappropriate of things. Leia was relaxed. "I trust Haato." Leia had said in a way that reminded Meia much like Leia's mother, Mrs. Glasko. "I know that my relatives and friends will approve of him." And they did. It was weeks of joy and merry making, spending time with Haato and Leia. Meia managed to also introduce them to the friends that she made while in Icicle Inn, Randy Ederfeld and Heidi Dunn.

A soft but consistent noise caught her ear. It was the crunching of boots upon snow, the sound of one walking through the snowy fields. One would have missed it or overlooked it, but Meia thought the figure hobbling a short distance away from the back of the inn looked strangely familiar.

Who could that be? Meia thought. It was late at night, most Icicle citizens slept early in the week. She squinted and allowed her mind to riffle through images of people that she had met in her life. When her powerful memory served her, she almost released a short scream. Swiftly clamping her hand over her mouth to stifle even a gasp, Meia leant against the wooden walls of the inn and prayed hard that the walking figure could not hear her palpitating heart. For only he alone might have the capability of even hearing a heartbeat racing in fear.

Sephiroth…

There was no mistaking it. The silver waist-length hair that flowed behind him, the tall, towering stature that not many can outmatch, the chilling six-foot sword that was Masamune hanging by his side. However, Meia could not see his face, for it was dark. She was glad though; she could not imagine how she would survive if Sephiroth spotted her. Sephiroth was topless, but the howling night winds did not seem to affect him at all.

How is it possible? Meia shivered, pulling her large coat closer to herself. It is minus fifteen degrees out here and he's naked? No, wait… Sephiroth is supposed to be dead.

How could she not think about that immediately? Didn't the renegade SOLDIER First Class fall into the Mako back in Nibelheim, five years ago? That was what she had read and cross-referenced in the Turks' report then. Then again, it was stated that he fall into the Mako pool inside the Mako Reactor and was not seen again. There was no confirmation to state that he was dead indeed.

Looks like he's not dead all this while.

Meia watched the man walk slowly down the snowy trail until he disappeared. Once she judged that Sephiroth was far enough not to hear her, she ran back into the inn and breathed hard. Winifred's voice startled her and Meia screamed.

"Whoa, calm down, girlie!" Winifred exclaimed in alarm. He placed his hand on her head. "I'm sorry if I scared you." He glanced outside through the window. "Did you see a ghost or something?"

Meia stared at him blankly but soon regained her composure, though not as well as she hoped. "… N- No…" She stammered while hot tears streamed down her face. "Or m- maybe… I… I thought I did."

Winifred's face was full of concern. Immediately he sent Meia home himself and gave her the night off. Mrs. Glasko was equally concerned when she saw that Meia was escorted home, but did not press further when Meia didn't explain. The willowy elder brought Meia a cup of hot chocolate, asked for the last time if Meia needed company (she didn't) before leaving the girl to herself.

Meia pressed the steaming mug against her face and allowed the steam to warm her nose. Her mind was filled with thoughts and arguments agreeing and conflicting each other simultaneously. What was Sephiroth doing here, if he went missing in Nibelheim? Where had he been the past five years?

No, Meia. She told herself. The more pressing issue is… what is he going to do now? Think, Meia, think. If you are Sephiroth, what are you going to do after being missing in action for five years?

She frowned and tried to recall any information regarding Sephiroth. While in Shinra, Meia did an unforgivable crime of reading through the entire archive of Turk reports. In order to access any past records in Shinra, one needed to fill in a request and when granted, the Turk can only read in the presence of a higher authority. Meia initially read a few of them for fun, but soon she started encountering unethical reports and disturbing findings. Seeing the implications of this newly gained knowledge, Meia claimed that she had stopped reading the Archives to her colleagues, but secretly she continued reading everything. Only Veld knew that Meia had read the entire archive. If anyone else knew of this, Meia's head will roll because some of the information contained in the Turk Archives were too sensitive to be leaked. Meia amazed at her foolish courage as to boldly ask Veld then, but was more shocked to hear that Veld not only granted permission, but authorized her to read without the need of a higher official's scrutiny. Till now, she could not imagine why.

She thought about the incident where Sephiroth was last sighted. Leia and Cassie, the Turks who were most involved in the Nibelheim incident, had reported that Sephiroth was behaving unusually days before the Nibelheim incident. They found that he was reading extensively the research of the Shinra scientists, namely Hojo and Gast Faremis, in the Shinra Mansion. Leia and Cassie brought copies of the research and included them inside the report as well.

Suddenly, something in her mind clicked. Meia recalled a particular report by Kelvin Fischer. He was a colleague of her father and partners with Vincent Valentine. Vincent Valentine was a senior Turk much admired by Joseph Etsky, so much so that he would rattle about the wonderful things Vincent did to his pregnant wife. When Meia was born, it seemed that the stories of Vincent Valentine stayed in her head, even more so than the faces of her parents. Meia could not explain why. It was the stories of Vincent Valentine that inspired Meia to become a Turk.

Kelvin Fischer and Vincent Valentine were observing the experiments of Project S, where scientists plant Jenova cells into the fetus, named 'Subject S'. Reports of the child's development stopped a few years after Vincent Valentine disappeared and nothing was mentioned about Project S anymore.

Meia turned the idea in her head. What if… Just what if… Meia frowned. Sephiroth had something to do with Project S? S… Sephiroth?

Don't be naïve. Meia laughed to herself. How could things just fall in place that easily? Is it a coincidence? But what if… what if... it is true that Sephiroth is the child birthed from Project S? Then… Sephiroth, now knowing his heritage… was he seeking information? Explanation? … Meia shivered as she thought: Revenge?

Revenge on what?

Whatever it was, Meia had a bad feeling about it. There were too many questions unanswered and the questions led to more questions. One thing was for sure.

I need to return to Midgar. Maybe I'll have to sneak into the headquarters to have a look.

"Mrs. Glasko?" Meia called from the top of the staircase.

"Yes, Meia?" The elderly woman replied. Meia saw her appearing at the bottom of the stairs, looking concerned and relieved that the girl was talking again. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm afraid not." She said. "I am going to return to Midgar."

Mrs. Glasko widened her eyes. She was the only person in Icicle Inn that knew that Meia, Leia and Haato were Turks. Naturally, she knew about their exile. "But I thought you can't?"

Indeed. Meia thought. Even though my life is not sentenced to execution, I am unable to return to Midgar. Nevertheless, I need to go back. "I know," She said. "But something bad is happening, and I need to return to Midgar to confirm it. That and, inform everyone of the issue."

Mrs. Glasko's face softened. Perhaps she had heard this many times from her own daughter, even when she was a mercenary, pre-Turk days. "If you insist, then leave tomorrow morning?" She suggested.

Meia chuckled. "Yes." She agreed. "I don't think traveling now, at this hour, is safe." Meia glanced at the clock. It was close to eleven at night. Monsters were roaming freely in the wilderness. The only person who could travel at night alone and still be safe will probably only be Sephiroth.

She looked at her PHS. With the heavy snow falling at night, the reception was too weak for her message to be sent. Meia sighed and finally decided against informing anyone. She had to return to Midgar first to make sure. She hoped that her delay or decision will not cause any fatal mistakes.

Dum Dum Dum, the story of Final Fantasy 7 has begun! Imma keep this short and sweet… if possible.

Thank you for the wonderful reviews! I'm simply overwhelmed by your love, support and reviews, you make me a very happy girl!

There was an anonymous reviewer who left a really constructive point of view for me to consider. Here is my response: Thank you for leaving your comments and providing an extra opinion here. Throughout "I Want To Be A Turk!", this whole moral thing was exactly what I've been fighting inside – to balance the Turks such that they aren't as bad as we think they are according to FF7, yet not too good as if they are blameless either.

I admit, I haven't quite figured out how to balance between the two. Too many times I feel that my Turks are too happy. Indeed, that conflict is reflected in the pretty contradictory mentality of Meia. Speaking of which, I am aware that I might write her too much like a moral compass, but I'm trying to make her flawed. She is, just that I guess I'm not that great in showing it, heheh.

Regardless, I hope that with the sequel I can sort out my stand on the whole moral thing and then improve for your reading pleasure. Till then, please bear with me!

That's all, I think. Oh! If you're free and you enjoy reading OC stories, do pop by rukoyokunefan's fic, "Angelic Light". The story plot is promising, so why not give it a shot? She would love some feedback (I think!) so go ahead :D