Tifa's Twin?
Cloud, Barret, and Red XIII cautiously navigated the dim and perilous corridors of Mythril Mine, advancing steadily in their mission to stop Sephiroth. Yet, the exhaustion from their arduous journey was starting to wear them down.
As they turned a corner, a sudden flash of light grabbed their attention. Standing before them was a tall figure dressed in a dark suit, an unmistakable presence. It was none other than Rude of the Turks.
"Looks like we've got company," Barret grumbled, tightening his grip on his gun-arm.
Cloud stepped forward, his sword gleaming in the dim light. "We can handle them. Stay focused."
Rude's piercing gaze met Cloud's. "Long time no see. I hope you haven't forgotten who we are."
Cloud crossed his arms, his expression hardening. "The Turks. Shinra's lapdogs," he replied with disdain.
"Well... uh—" Rude's confidence wavered as he struggled to find his words. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Yeah... the Turks."
Just as the silence began to stretch uncomfortably, a voice emerged from behind Rude. "Sorry about Rude, he's not the best with introductions," said Elena, revealing herself to the party. "Allow me to give it a try. Feast your eyes on the Turks' latest and greatest, Elena!"
Cloud, Barret, and Red XIII exchanged puzzled glances. Elena's appearance was strikingly similar to someone they knew very well. She had the same eyes and the same smile, albeit with short blonde hair.
Barret lowered his gun-arm and scratched his head. "Well, ain't this a surprise? Tifa, did you go and clone yourself or something?"
Red XIII tilted his head, his ears twitching. "It's like observing a parallel universe version of Tifa. This is rather perplexing."
Even Cloud couldn't help but chuckle at the resemblance. "I didn't know you were into cosplay..."
"Cosplay?!" Elena blushed, clearly flustered. "Wait, what are you guys talking about? I'm Elena, the newest member of the Turks!"
"She may be new, but she's still a Turk," Rude interjected.
"E-L-E-N-A!" she emphasized. "Remember it!"
"Well, now," Barret smirked, "Whether you're Tifa or not, we ain't got time for doppelgangers."
"You do have a different scent, I'll give you that," Red XIII added.
Before more teasing could unfold, Aerith and Tifa caught up with the group. "What's going on here?" Aerith asked, glancing at the scene before her. When she saw Elena, she stopped in her tracks, widening her eyes. "Uh," she playfully nudged Tifa, "Looks like we found your long-lost twin sister."
Tifa blushed deeply, her gaze shifting between Elena and Aerith. "N-no way, she can't be my sister! We're not related at all!"
"Are you sure?" Aerith laughed. "Maybe you two were separated at birth!"
"That's enough!" Tseng's commanding voice resonated from behind the Turks. All eyes shifted towards him, his stern expression leaving no room for levity. "Enough with the jokes."
"Tseng!" Elena exclaimed, relieved to see him.
"I thought I gave you orders," he said, pausing to survey the assembled group.
"Right, let's get back to the mission!" Elena agreed. "Come on, Rude!"
"Hold on," said Tseng, his gaze lingering on Aerith, then Tifa, freezing in realization. "Hmm... the resemblance is striking, I have to admit."
"Tseng!" Elena squeaked, but this time, even she couldn't help but crack a smile. "How could you!?"
Laughter erupted from both sides of the group, breaking the tension that had surrounded them. The sound of camaraderie echoed through the corridors of Mythril Mine, a ray of light in the face of impending danger.
Little did they know then, this chance encounter would spark a series of unforeseen alliances between the Turks and Avalanche. The unknown journey would continue, fortified by a deepened connection, united in their common quest to stop Sephiroth...
