Days of Exile

Chapter 30 – Role Model

8 January 0008

"Alana Kellon," a voice called out behind her on the day of her graduation.

As Alana turned around, she saw a young man dressed in a black suit. "The Turks…" she murmured to herself.

The man approached her and stretched out his hand. "Congratulations on your graduation." He said without warmth in his tone, but not unkindly either.

The blonde narrowed her eyes at him. "What business does a Turk have with me?" She folded her arms instead of shaking his hand. "You know what they say about people like you." She said bluntly. "'Better to be mauled by a Kalm Fang than to be hunted down by a Turk.'" She watched the man carefully, who showed no response to Alana's nasty remark.

"Not giving your trust easily…" The man lowered his outstretched hand. "As expected. Distrust is a useful trait to have, but perhaps you'll need to review your beliefs, if you want to consider my offer."

That was when Alana's suspicion wavered. "What do you mean?"

When the man looked at Alana, she finally took note of his appearance. Sharp, foreign features hinting of a Wutai origin, dark eyebrows and eyes. He was obviously wearing a Turk uniform. His body language sent no malicious intention, though Alana did not lower her guard. His disposition was that of an experienced officer, although that could be just a façade, because he could not be much older than her.

The man brought out an envelope. "I am giving you a job offer." He placed it in Alana's hands. "Inside are details of the job, your basic salary and benefits. If you're interested, you know where you can find me."

A job offer… To be given a job offer by a Turk, it could only mean one thing.

Alana held the brown manila envelope. It was brand new, and thick with documents, no doubt. "Basic salary… and benefits?" Alana gave a dry smile. "Your job offer is more well-known for things that are not… benefits, isn't it?" she questioned.

"That is all a matter of perspective," the Wutaiian answered. "I wouldn't deny that the job has its… challenges. Then again, your problems and issues mean nothing to me now, no offence intended." He dipped his head in courtesy. "I am only doing my job of identifying the best candidate in this cohort as a potential teammate." Alana frowned and wanted to ask more, but the man stopped her. "If you have more questions, you may consider the details in the envelope." He dipped his head again and turned to walk away.

"Wait!" Alana called out. "At least, give me your name, so that- uh… I have someone to refer to."

When the man turned to face her, Alana caught a hint of satisfaction on his face. "You may look for Tseng."

The rest was history.

Alana closed the sliding door behind her, but stood by the door. The ward was pretty small to begin with, so there was limited space to walk around. She had never seen the Junon wards, even though she knew that it was built for the Turks. On the bed, Tseng's eyes were closed. A large bandage was wrapped around him, covering his entire torso. Judging by the thickness of the bandage, Alana guessed that Tseng's wound was still an open wound.

"16 days in the hospital and the wound is still not closed?" Alana asked of Kido, who was standing quietly by the large window.

"The external wound is closed," answered Kido. "But the bandages are to ensure that Tseng doesn't move around too much and cause further damage internally. His insides are far from recovery."

Tseng's eyes opened at the sound of voices, ever sharp and alert for the slightest danger around him.

"Fancy seeing you here." Alana greeted, but not unkindly.

Tseng looked up at Alana in surprise, but smiled weakly. "I could say the same to you." He propped himself up against his pillow – at least, he tried, with Kido's help. Tseng breathed sharply whenever Kido was not careful enough. Just that Kido was not associated with clumsy; in fact, he is one of the most scrupulous when it comes to detail and carefulness.

"That must have been quite a wound, if the slightest movement gives such pain." She commented. "No offence, sir, but you were practically immobile for weeks. That wound must have been very serious."

Tseng took a slow breath. "Yes, it is quite a serious injury indeed. However, I believe I'm much stronger than what you think."

"I am inclined to disagree," added Kido quietly. "When we found him, he was slashed up pretty badly. Many internal organs were damaged. In addition, Tseng suffered in his pain for almost an hour before we came."

Alana was a brave soul when it comes to getting injured, but the thought of what Tseng might have gone through sent a chill down her spine still. "Glad to see that you're alright, Mr. Tseng."

"It is a surprise to see you, Alana," said Tseng. "What are you doing here?"

"I was sent by Veld to check on you and see if you are fine." Alana shrugged.

Of course, Veld could have sent other Turks to look at him, but Alana had volunteered herself. Veld called last night with the request to know Tseng's condition. Perhaps it was the memories of the Shinra Military School during her walk, but Alana immediately offered to go to Junon. Tseng was the one who headhunted her immediately after her graduation from the Shinra Military School. In fact, Tseng was like an unofficial mentor to her, though she dared not ask if he thought of her that way.

Alana admired Tseng immensely, though it was not with the affection like that of her younger sister, Elena. Tseng is a man of a strong will, willing to sacrifice for the bigger good. He was her role model when she was a younger Turk. Then, as she developed further in the Turk ranks, she aspired to be more like him. Through many partnerships and missions together, they developed a mutual trust between each other, despite the difference in seniority. Alana was disappointed that Tseng did not leave Shinra with them, but she was not whiny like Meia, or short-sighted like Rod. She knew that she could trust Tseng, Reno and Rude with her life, even if they were not with them.

She was relieved to find out that Tseng was safe and sound. Her younger sister, Elena, would probably faint if Alana told her that her long-admired man was not as dead as she had thought… If she could tell Elena at all.

"Am I only to tell Veld about your existence?" Alana questioned the Wutaian. "Aren't you going to tell Rude and those two idiots that you're alive?"

Tseng smirked. "I agree that the situation is grave and that Reno will need some support eventually. But for now, Reno should be more than able to keep the department running around. Despite your narrow view of Reno, he is much more capable than you think."

"We'll see about that," retorted Alana bluntly. "If I may add my opinion…"

Ever the polite Turk, thought Tseng. Some things never really change. "Speak."

Alana took a chair and sat down beside Tseng. "I heard from Meia that you have not informed Reno and Rude that Veld is still alive."

"Then I believe you've also heard from her that I don't wish to disclose my reasons for doing so."

"I did. I wasn't intending to probe anything about that. It's what you're doing now," Alana explained. "Why are you keeping quiet about your whereabouts to your subordinates too? Even if you trust Reno's ability to run the department while you're away, you could've given them a call." Alana said, folding her arms. "I believe they are worried sick about your safety."

"You aren't wrong," replied Tseng. Lifting up his PHS, he chuckled softly. "They have been relentless in their phonecalls and messages." He placed his phone back on his bedside counter. "I suppose I should explain."

Even Kido raised his eyebrows and glanced at Tseng with mild interest. Alana stared at Tseng while he gathered his thoughts. It was difficult to explain his intentions clearly. Leaving Reno and Rude to their own devices, when Tseng was technically out of the picture, would be the best opportunity to see where their loyalties lie. Tseng knew that Reno and Rude stayed in Shinra for his sake – it was time to see if they will persevere to carry out their duties, or perhaps discover something deeper…

"However," said Tseng finally. "I'm afraid that it is closely tied to the reason why I didn't tell them that Veld is alive."

He knew that Alana would roll her eyes at him, if she wanted to. Out of the respect that she had for him, however, she did not. "If that is what you prefer," she replied with a nod. "I guess I'll take my leave, then. Thank you for your time."

"It was good to see you."

The door slid open, revealing Rod and Mason. "Yo, Alana," Rod greeted. "Leaving already?" He asked when he saw Alana carrying her bags. "You've just arrived."

Alana shook her head. "I've got to go back to Junon and report to Veld." She glanced at Tseng. "I'll keep information about you from my sister and those two," she promised.

"I'll appreciate that." Tseng nodded.

"Be careful on your way back," added Mason. "May we send you to the jetty?" He asked politely. "Come on, Rod," said Mason, nudging Rod. "We gotta send a lady off safely."

When they left, Kido looked at Tseng. "I appreciate your… thoughtfulness."

Tseng regarded Kido with interest. "I don't quite understand." Tseng said lightly.

Kido paused to think of a good answer, for he was one who usually thinks before he talks. "It is no small feat to convince Shinra about Veld's death when there were no physical evidence to prove it. I believe that alone speaks many things about your intentions towards Veld and the others."

Tseng said quietly. "I've said nothing of that sort."

"That's why your secret is safe here." Kido replied with a tap of his head, and Tseng smiled. Just then, Tseng's PHS rang. "Are you going to pick that up?" Kido asked, reaching out his hand for it.

Tseng picked up the PHS, ready to pass it to Kido. A different number on the screen caught his attention. "On second thoughts, I'm going to pick this up," replied Tseng. "It's from Reeve. ... Tseng, speaking."

"Tseng," Reeve said over the phone, his voice urgent and pressing. "I need your advice – how did the Turks handle Zirconiade?"

The Turk frowned. "Zirconiade is an ancient being. It cannot be handled with mere weapons and fighting…" Tseng felt his body tense as he linked the pieces together. "Is there a WEAPON in the Shinra Building now?" If there was, he will go to Midgar immediately, recovery or not.

"You knew of WEAPON?" Reeve asked in a surprised voice.

"I saw one of them in Junon."

"Ah, the Sapphire WEAPON. No, WEAPON is not in Midgar. Ultima WEAPON has been sighted over Mideel." He paused. "We thought that it was attracted by the Lifestream under the ground."

Tseng was not surprised. He had seen the Banora ruins, right before its obliteration off the map. The destroyed town was brimming full of the Lifestream. Both Banora and Mideel shared the same continent, so it was no surprise to see that Mideel would be full of the Lifestream too.

Upon seeing the look of curiosity on Kido's face, Tseng explained what was happening. To Reeve, he asked, "What is happening to Mideel now?"

"AVALANCHE is fighting it now, but I wouldn't be too confident about using the word 'fight'. The battle is definitely defensive more than offensive."

This is bad. Tseng realized. The Planet is facing a crisis bigger than what any of us are prepared for. What should I do now? What would Veld do if he were in my shoes?

"Can we identify its modus operandi?" Kido asked.

"It won't be as easy as we hope," answered Reeve when Tseng translated the question over the phone. "The target is an ancient beast, after all. But if it is after the Lifestream like what we guessed, why is Ultima WEAPON attacking us first?"

The double-gun specialist folded his arms and considered the situation with a frown on his face. "Defeating Zirconiade wasn't easy. Neither was the Jade WEAPON. So far, no one has a solution to defeat them easily." Kido looked at Tseng. "Sir, if you ever need people to fight alongside you…"

Tseng responded with a slight nod. Let's hope that the problem can be resolved without having to call on them.

Suddenly, Reeve went quiet on the phone. "Hold on for a minute – I think… I think the Ultima WEAPON is retreating." He said.

"Really?" asked Tseng. "But we didn't defeat it, did we?"

"No, it flew away."

Tseng sighed. "Then, the danger is not over yet." He has heard a lot from Mason and Kido about the Jade WEAPON and its various fighting traits. Apparently, fleeing mid-battle to recuperate was a common trait shared by Ultima and Jade WEAPON.

"Indeed. It's not over… … They what?" The last sentence was obviously not directed at Tseng, but to someone else who was talking to Reeve. Reeve talked into the phone again, this time sounding a little more urgent. "I've got to go, Tseng."

"But-"

"I'll be back." The phone call ended, and Tseng stared at Kido in surprise.

Fred Zeffrey. Born and raised in from a small village called Gongaga. As a child, he was one of those tall and lean boys. He stuck out from the crowd, but was not outstanding. Never did well in school, never had a girlfriend either. Fred was not the exemplary type. It was much later that Fred changed into the man that he is today. Fred joined Shinra when he was 22. Despite joining SOLDIER for less than three years, his sheer determination and hard work impressed the leaders so much that he quickly rose to SOLDIER Second Class in about two years.

There were many SOLDIER Second Class, but none were as outstanding as Kunsel. Kunsel had been in SOLDIER Second Class for the longest time. Although he had been offered a promotion to First Class many times, he refused. He possessed critical thinking and sharp observation. There were many incidents where his quick thinking saved them from the worst of circumstances. Apparently, he also knew a lot of exclusive information, but it was just a rumour. Many junior SOLDIERs looked up to Kunsel, especially his flawless roundhouse kick that no one could imitate just by observation. It was said that there were only two people in Shinra who were given personal proper instruction from Kunsel on his roundhouse kick.

Fred met Kunsel shortly after becoming SOLIDER Second Class, and quickly respected him, despite being older than Kunsel. They quickly became good friends and formidable partners, trusting each other's decisions at every turn.

So when Kunsel approached Fred with a grim look on his young face, Fred knew that it was time for them to rescue his old friend, Meia Etsky. Though he was in Shinra when the exiled Turks were still around, he has never met Meia. However, he was willing to risk his life for a good friend such as Kunsel. Since Kunsel was willing to risk his life for Meia, Fred had no doubts too.

When the two men were about to enter the elevator, they were stopped by Russell, the next person of command after Heidegger. The former Director of SOLDIER, Lazard Deusericus, disappeared after being caught using funds to support Professor Hollander's experiments. Lazard was never heard of since, and Russell took over his job.

"Director Russell," they greeted, removing their helmets as a sign of respect.

"Kunsel, Fred, just the people that I want to see." Russell pulled them away from the elevator. "I would like to inform you that I'll be dispatching the two of you to Junon, with immediate effect."

Kunsel frowned. "With immediate effect?"

"What's the hurry?" Asked Fred with a smile.

"Um… The President requires some assistance from SOLDIER." Russell smiled. He was the sort of man who would talk his way through anything. "What better than to send two of my finest?"

"But 'immediate effect' sounds really urgent." Fred pressed on. "Do we need to go now?"

Russell stared at the two SOLDIERs with a look of warning. "Yes."

"But-"

"Thank you for your orders, Director." Kunsel cut in, nudging Fred's shoe lightly. "We will do our best in Junon."

Russell looked at them with a satisfied look on his face. "You two will make sure to do that." The SOLDIERs gave a salute and the executive walked off.

At the SOLDIER's lounge, Fred clenched his fists and beat against the wall. "Damn it!" He cursed. "With longer 30 minutes to prepare, what about her?" He asked Kunsel.

Kunsel shook his head. "It will be futile to argue, won't it?" He explained. "We cannot jeopardize this, getting her out needs to be low-key."

"Forget about low-key, now we can't even get her out." Fred grabbed a paper cup of water from the dispenser. "What should we do?" He asked before drinking everything in one go.

"We…" Kunsel looked away. "We can't do anything. In fact, it's best that we leave this off for a while."

"And leave your friend in the lurch? I'm sure you're much nobler than that!"

"Listen, Fred." Kunsel turned to face his partner. "I suspect… I suspect the executives know of our involvement in this." Finally, his angry partner calmed down as he realized the implications. "If we continue further, the higher ups will be convinced that we are accomplices… And by then, we will not be able to help her at all."

Fred stared at Kunsel… and then he laughed. "Trust you to analyse this in such a calm manner!"

"When we come back from Junon… Whenever that will be…" Kunsel nodded. "We'll help her."

"… If she's still alive and safe in the cell."

"As of now, there seemed to be no evidence that can point out that she's guilty." Kunsel smiled with assurance. "Besides, she is not exactly a dangerous figure to Shinra. We kinda have bigger issues to handle, even Professor Hojo. If we're lucky, she'll not be called out of the cell for some time."

Fred shrugged. "Alright, if the 'commander' says so." Kunsel grinned. "Let's go grab our things. The chopper isn't going to wait forever."

"Hey Fred," Kunsel held Fred's shoulder gratefully. "I want to thank you for all this… To help me and my friend."

"It's not you, really." Fred chuckled.

"Oh? Then what is it?"

Fred looked at Kunsel and his mind weighed the options. In the end, he decided that of all people, Kunsel was the most qualified person to hear his reasons. So a while later in the Junon-bound helicopter, Fred took a deep breath and began to explain.

There was something that Fred admitted to no one but only to his close friends. In Gongaga, there was a boy whose personality and character Fred had admired. Even though they did not know each other personally, Fred knew all about him. He was the bright-eyed lad who sometimes helped his father around town, the cheerful boy who helped old ladies with their groceries when they return from the local stores, the honest fellow who got into a fight with two boys twice his size because they would not leave the girls alone. Fred admired how upfront and pure the boy's intentions were. This boy became an example of the person Fred wanted to be. Embarrassingly, the boy was one year his junior, which explained why Fred did not tell many people.

Then, when Fred was 14, this boy ran away from home to join SOLDIER. That was the last Fred heard of him. However, Fred did not stop changing, mimicking the boy's beliefs and mentality. He became stronger physically and his lean body became big and bulky. More importantly, he grew more engaged to the world and its people. Finally, Fred joined SOLDIER in Year 0005 at the age of 22. It was all to pursue the boy who changed his life…

"Only to find out that he was declared killed in action during a Nibelheim incident, a few years prior," said Fred solemnly, while staring at the ocean below them.

The younger man stared at Fred with wonder. "That boy… He was Zack Fair, wasn't he?"

"Yeah, that little squirt ran off when he was 13… And I only joined SOLDIER at 22…" Fred chuckled. "I had so much to catch up to… Just that I could not. I suppose that is my real motive for saving your friend. I… I want to know what happened to Zack. Take it as closure to my lifelong pursuit."

"Heh." Kunsel looked out of the window and chuckled to himself. "I guess I'm not the only one who owed a lot to Zack." Seeing Fred's confused face, he explained. "I was a close friend of his… We were in the same batch of rookie infantrymen back in…" Kunsel squinted his eyes as if he could remember better that way. "Year 1997. We were both 13 year-old brats who wanted to show the world our stuff," Kunsel smiled at the fond memory. "And a good thing that the world saw. The two of us were promoted speedily to SOLDIER Second Class in three years. It's not easy to do so, as you would know very well." Fred nodded with a huge grin. "I taught him my roundhouse kick, but he never used it. He preferred using a sword."

"Amazing that we never talked about Zack Fair at all till now, huh?" Fred grinned. They laughed heartily, but soon fell into silence again. "Honestly, there were many things that did not make sense, weren't there? First he was declared dead in Nibelheim six years ago, then suddenly he was alive?"

"But he's dead this time," Kunsel insisted. "For good. The medical experts confirmed it."

"Didn't make anything clearer." Fred shook his head. "Don't you think so? Somewhere deep inside…" His voice was barely above a murmur. "You know that there are many things that ought to be explained… Perhaps, that's why your friend did what she did."

Kunsel sighed. "We promised her that we'll go back today to get her out. Now that we can't… She must be…" He sighed again. "I cannot begin to imagine how Meia would feel."

When Reeve called back half an hour later, Tseng and Kido were still discussing the events of Reeve's call, to Rod and Mason. Tseng was exhausted, but his sense of duty carried him further than his health issues.

As he picked up his PHS, Reeve spoke immediately. "I apologise for hanging up on you, Tseng. Mideel was shaking really bad. The tremors were getting worse."

"What happened after Ultima WEAPON left?"

"They said that the Lifestream was trying to break out of the ground," answered the middle-aged man. Tseng did not need to guess who 'they' were. "I guessed that it was also the reason why WEAPON appeared."

"Yet we do not know why it attacked you… How is everything over there now?" Tseng felt a stab of anxiety as he asked the question. Somewhere, instinct told him that problems were not going to end there.

"Mideel is completely destroyed. The entire ground split and fell into the Lifestream…" Reeve hesitated. "Two of the AVALANCHE members fell in as well."

Yes, I know. It's a short chapter. Didn't I say a while back that I'm cutting down on the chapter length? So here we go. A little over 4000 words. Let's try to keep it within 4000-4500, shall we?