Wutaiverse Update
Time to expand my little AU thingie, hope everyone likes, and on that note I'm gonna get started on the next bit.
Title: 1986 - 06 - Long Live the Queen
Author: Scrolls
Rating: PG-13?
Fandom/Pairing: FF7/None (eventual Aeris/Cloud/Sephiroth/Zack)
Disclaimer: SqaureEnix Owns, I'm just having some fun.
Notes: Turkey Time!
Summary: What if Momma Strife had taken Cloud and Aeris and gone to Wutai?
Constructive criticism will be hugged while flames will be used to line the bunny hutch.
Enjoy Ladies and Gentlemen.
1986 - 06 - Long Live the Queen
The 70th floor of the Shinra Tower: Home to the highest view in all of Midgar, also the location of the upper office of the President of Shinra. The desk within was a massive construct that allowed him to watch anything within the company, from employee messages to the parking lot keycard use list. Although the reason for its size was to impress any visitors, Tseng himself was left wondering how much of it was actually computers versus empty space used for show.
Veld stood two steps back and to the right of the President, both watching as he looked over the orders just handed to him. Tseng knew why he was being given this assignment, or at least the top two reasons anyway. The first was to see if he would follow orders, a test of loyalty. The second, was that out of all the Turks and prospective Turks, he was the only one with the necessary background to pull this off.
“The main goal of this operation is to demoralize Wutai.” The President leaned forward, elbows braced on the desk, his fingers inter-laced. “Normally there wouldn’t be any timeframe; however this particular mission needs to be done within the next two to three months.”
“May I ask why the time limit?”
“Should you complete this mission successfully? Yes. Any other questions?”
“No Sir. If you will excuse me, I need to begin making preparations.” Giving a small bow, Tseng left the Presidents upper office. If he was to make his deadline he would need to prepare right away.
***
Getting into Wutai was both very easy and very quiet. To those who asked; he said he was making a pilgrimage to the Da-Chao. To those who pressed; he came from Junon and this was his first time away from the city. To those who pried; he was the son of a seamstress and his father a sailor, long lost to the water.
Those who heard the last bit would cluck over his father’s bad fortune then let him go on his way. Pilgrimages being made by those Wutaians living on the continents weren’t unusual. Wutaian children, raised on stories of the homeland, would often visit the place they had heard of so many times before (whether they wanted to or not).
His reasons for traveling were ordinary and everyday, and excluding those who asked, none of his fellow travelers spoke to him.
***
Upon arriving at Wutai proper he did in fact visit the Da-Chao; a massive statue of the Goddess, carved out of the rock. Surrounding the monument were dozens of temples who’s sole purpose was to tend to the surrounding gardens, statuary and the Da-Chao itself.
Again as he wandered the walkways and watched the shadows shift over the carved stone, he was alone, none of his fellow visitors spoke to him at all. Except for the priests, who of their own accord, and without any prying questions, talked to him. There was no malice, no suspicion in their manner, and they were quite happy to answer his questions.
As the evening had waned, Tseng had judged that his day spent there was most likely enough to convince any watchers that he was what he claimed to be.
It was three days later that he secured a job at the docks; helping to unload the fishing boats as the came in, riding low in the water from the weight of their cargo.
Step One of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
A week after obtaining his cover, Tseng began to wander the areas surrounding the Royal Pagoda. Slowly he learned all the streets and locations that lead to the Palace. Slowly he worked his way inward, creating mental map that he would need later.
As he walked he observed those who were in the area; what they did, where they went, how they dressed, how they spoke. As he watched he considered which ones he could emulate, which ones he could match stride for stride, word for word. One by one he discarded those he would not be able to imitate perfectly, until he finally, he found a group he could pretend to be.
By this, and his own blood, he would automatically become part of the scenery, one of the many who kept the Palace running, but often were never acknowledged. By this persona, he would be able to gain access to the Royal Pagoda and learn its ways.
***
At first he had been watched. Being what he was and a new face to boot, it was only natural that it would be so. But after a while, when nothing seemed to change, when he seemed exactly what he appeared, after time had passed and new things stared to happen and new people started appearing, those who watched slowly began to turn their eyes to other interests.
Being ignored-and thus invisible-was to be his best asset on this mission. And managing to assume a persona that would allow him right into the Royal Pagoda made it even more so.
Step Two of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
In the month since his stakeout of the Palace and its surroundings began, he has learned the daily and weekly routines. He has walked through nearly every non-classified area he can. And as he became to those outside the Pagoda, Tseng became one more bit of background to those inside.
He had even managed to get into the Royal Wing once. He saw none of the Royalty, but still, that he would be able to get inside said quiet a bit on its own.
For the past week he has paid special attention to the routine of the Queen, watching to see where and when she is vulnerable, and also untouchable.
He is most fortunate in that one instance of the former is completely suited to his mission goal.
Step Three of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
Blood poured from her neck-the artery sliced clean through-pooling and sinking into the ground as he watched.
Watching the red liquid drain from her body he cannot help but think of his own blood, his own heritage, of why his trip was mostly silent. About the culture and ways of thought that allowed him so deep into the Palace with none to notice him.
Tseng stands over the dead Queen for a full three minutes, thinking of the past, the present, and the many futures that he can see in front of him.
It is the sound of someone calling for the Empress that pulls him from his thought, makes him realize the time he’s wasted.
Fading back into the shadows, he slips the blade into a nearby pond, and is well outside the Royal Wing when the screaming starts.
Stopping to stare like those around him, Tseng can’t help but wonder if the cherry tree will bloom its traditional color, or, like the granny-tales say, will bloom bright red from the blood it has drunk from.
Step Four of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
Slipping away from the Royal Pagoda was slow going. He had to keep stopping to mill with the crowds, gawk at the soldiers, and ask what was going on, in order to not attract attention to himself. Spiraling out from the Royal Wing he slipped into and out of the various crowds, aiming for one of the smaller service gates, knowing that they would still be open for a while yet, as the focus at the moment would be on securing the Royalty.
Being what he was, even with what just happened, he was still invisible, he was still let past the gate unchallenged, none even considering for a moment that he could be the one responsible.
Step Five of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
He returned to the docks, knowing that while his Pagoda persona could disappear without notice, if he did so down here, it would be talked of. From here he watched the news of the Queens dead ripple throughout the city, the grief and worry expressed, the colorful clothing and banners replaced with black and white with touches of red.
Still he was not watched, he had been here to long, the officials were looking for those who had recently come to Wutai, and plenty of those they would find. But Tseng? No, Tseng was well known down here, and none, for even a moment considered him.
***
Before he left Tseng couldn’t help but visit the Da-Chao again. It was, he supposed, simply because it was the only place where he had actually been talked to for no reason than to talk to him.
He spent the day just walking the grounds, talking with the priests and really just enjoying the day. The last priest he talked to was the eldest he had met; the two had had a wonderful time discussing the philosophy of several of the statuary on the temple grounds. But as Tseng bid the elder good-night, the man stopped him.
“Why don’t you try drawing a fortune? You may just get one of the blessings that were placed among them.”
“I appreciate the offer sir but-“
“Don’t you ‘sir’ me young man. After the wonderful conversation we just had the least I can do to repay you is to get you to draw one of the fortunes.”
In the end, Tseng bowed to the priests wishes and lined up with the others waiting near the main entrance of the Da-Chao. Again silence reigned in his immediate area. As the line moved, Tseng allowed his eyes to trace the carved rock that dominated the northern sky.
Finally coming to the head of the line, Tseng blindly shoved his hand into the box and pulled out a piece of paper. Expecting to see a quote or proverb when he opened it, he was surprised to see instead an exact copy of the Da-Chao, surrounded by Leviathan.
When Tseng left the temple complex hours later, he could still faintly feel the burning of his forehead under the bandages. And descending the steps to leave the monument, he couldn’t help but marvel at the cosmic irony of the blessing he had received.
Step Six of Missions Objectives Complete.
***
His forehead no longer burned, now it just itched. Still, it had provided some distraction during his return trip and for that he had been grateful.
The Turk’s main area was quiet as usual, what few desks, tables and chairs were empty. The Turks, even at play, tended to be a quiet bunch. Switching the file containing his written report to his right hand, he buried his left in his pocket to him from scratching. Crossing the room, Tseng knocked on Veld’s door, and hearing his reply, entered.
“It’s Tseng Sir. I just wanted to check in with you and turn in my mission report.”
“Mission status?”
“Complete Sir.” He told Veld, handing over his report to the older Turk.
“Good, why don’t you go ahead and give me the verbal since you’re already here.” Veld waved at one of the chairs in front of his desk.
“Yes Sir.” Tseng sat, and then began his report.
***
Three days ago Tseng had reported in of the success of his last mission. Besides his verbal telling to Veld, Tseng had already gone through his official debrief and his written report had been looked over by three senior Turks, all had complemented his patience.
Today he was being recalled to that same office. Seeing Veld’s door ajar, he knocked, but didn’t wait to be called in, knowing that the small opening was silent permission for any to enter. Again Veld was alone in his office. This time there had been a few Turks in the main area, either typing up their own reports, studying mission files or simply talking. Another difference was that his forehead was now unbandaged.
“You called for me Sir?”
“Yes Tseng, very nice job on your mission. The President was quiet impressed.”
“Thank You Sir.”
“Success isn’t without reward Tseng. Welcome to the Turks.”
“Thank you Sir.” That was when he realized who was missing from the room. “May I ask sir, who my partner will be?”
“That, would be me.” Veld told him, face completely deadpan. Tseng couldn’t suppress his blink of surprise, well, he hadn’t been expecting this.
***
The reactions when Tseng became known of-and to whom he was partnered to, were varied; from the welcoming-his fellow Turks took him out drinking every night for a week straight, to outright hostile-the PR head outright refused to even look at him most times, to the simply uncaring-the head of the Scientific Research Department just looked him over, hmmm’d, and walked away.
Tseng dealt with each reaction as best he could and took those first couple of months one day at a time.
Some within Shinra had questioned his loyalty, but why would he be loyal to those who only saw within him the blood that was not Wutaian?
So, did I over cook it?
Title: 1986 - 06 - Long Live the Queen
Author: Scrolls
Rating: PG-13?
Fandom/Pairing: FF7/None (eventual Aeris/Cloud/Sephiroth/Zack)
Disclaimer: SqaureEnix Owns, I'm just having some fun.
Notes: Turkey Time!
Summary: What if Momma Strife had taken Cloud and Aeris and gone to Wutai?
Constructive criticism will be hugged while flames will be used to line the bunny hutch.
Enjoy Ladies and Gentlemen.
1986 - 06 - Long Live the Queen
The 70th floor of the Shinra Tower: Home to the highest view in all of Midgar, also the location of the upper office of the President of Shinra. The desk within was a massive construct that allowed him to watch anything within the company, from employee messages to the parking lot keycard use list. Although the reason for its size was to impress any visitors, Tseng himself was left wondering how much of it was actually computers versus empty space used for show.
Veld stood two steps back and to the right of the President, both watching as he looked over the orders just handed to him. Tseng knew why he was being given this assignment, or at least the top two reasons anyway. The first was to see if he would follow orders, a test of loyalty. The second, was that out of all the Turks and prospective Turks, he was the only one with the necessary background to pull this off.
“The main goal of this operation is to demoralize Wutai.” The President leaned forward, elbows braced on the desk, his fingers inter-laced. “Normally there wouldn’t be any timeframe; however this particular mission needs to be done within the next two to three months.”
“May I ask why the time limit?”
“Should you complete this mission successfully? Yes. Any other questions?”
“No Sir. If you will excuse me, I need to begin making preparations.” Giving a small bow, Tseng left the Presidents upper office. If he was to make his deadline he would need to prepare right away.
***
Getting into Wutai was both very easy and very quiet. To those who asked; he said he was making a pilgrimage to the Da-Chao. To those who pressed; he came from Junon and this was his first time away from the city. To those who pried; he was the son of a seamstress and his father a sailor, long lost to the water.
Those who heard the last bit would cluck over his father’s bad fortune then let him go on his way. Pilgrimages being made by those Wutaians living on the continents weren’t unusual. Wutaian children, raised on stories of the homeland, would often visit the place they had heard of so many times before (whether they wanted to or not).
His reasons for traveling were ordinary and everyday, and excluding those who asked, none of his fellow travelers spoke to him.
***
Upon arriving at Wutai proper he did in fact visit the Da-Chao; a massive statue of the Goddess, carved out of the rock. Surrounding the monument were dozens of temples who’s sole purpose was to tend to the surrounding gardens, statuary and the Da-Chao itself.
Again as he wandered the walkways and watched the shadows shift over the carved stone, he was alone, none of his fellow visitors spoke to him at all. Except for the priests, who of their own accord, and without any prying questions, talked to him. There was no malice, no suspicion in their manner, and they were quite happy to answer his questions.
As the evening had waned, Tseng had judged that his day spent there was most likely enough to convince any watchers that he was what he claimed to be.
It was three days later that he secured a job at the docks; helping to unload the fishing boats as the came in, riding low in the water from the weight of their cargo.
Step One of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
A week after obtaining his cover, Tseng began to wander the areas surrounding the Royal Pagoda. Slowly he learned all the streets and locations that lead to the Palace. Slowly he worked his way inward, creating mental map that he would need later.
As he walked he observed those who were in the area; what they did, where they went, how they dressed, how they spoke. As he watched he considered which ones he could emulate, which ones he could match stride for stride, word for word. One by one he discarded those he would not be able to imitate perfectly, until he finally, he found a group he could pretend to be.
By this, and his own blood, he would automatically become part of the scenery, one of the many who kept the Palace running, but often were never acknowledged. By this persona, he would be able to gain access to the Royal Pagoda and learn its ways.
***
At first he had been watched. Being what he was and a new face to boot, it was only natural that it would be so. But after a while, when nothing seemed to change, when he seemed exactly what he appeared, after time had passed and new things stared to happen and new people started appearing, those who watched slowly began to turn their eyes to other interests.
Being ignored-and thus invisible-was to be his best asset on this mission. And managing to assume a persona that would allow him right into the Royal Pagoda made it even more so.
Step Two of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
In the month since his stakeout of the Palace and its surroundings began, he has learned the daily and weekly routines. He has walked through nearly every non-classified area he can. And as he became to those outside the Pagoda, Tseng became one more bit of background to those inside.
He had even managed to get into the Royal Wing once. He saw none of the Royalty, but still, that he would be able to get inside said quiet a bit on its own.
For the past week he has paid special attention to the routine of the Queen, watching to see where and when she is vulnerable, and also untouchable.
He is most fortunate in that one instance of the former is completely suited to his mission goal.
Step Three of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
Blood poured from her neck-the artery sliced clean through-pooling and sinking into the ground as he watched.
Watching the red liquid drain from her body he cannot help but think of his own blood, his own heritage, of why his trip was mostly silent. About the culture and ways of thought that allowed him so deep into the Palace with none to notice him.
Tseng stands over the dead Queen for a full three minutes, thinking of the past, the present, and the many futures that he can see in front of him.
It is the sound of someone calling for the Empress that pulls him from his thought, makes him realize the time he’s wasted.
Fading back into the shadows, he slips the blade into a nearby pond, and is well outside the Royal Wing when the screaming starts.
Stopping to stare like those around him, Tseng can’t help but wonder if the cherry tree will bloom its traditional color, or, like the granny-tales say, will bloom bright red from the blood it has drunk from.
Step Four of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
Slipping away from the Royal Pagoda was slow going. He had to keep stopping to mill with the crowds, gawk at the soldiers, and ask what was going on, in order to not attract attention to himself. Spiraling out from the Royal Wing he slipped into and out of the various crowds, aiming for one of the smaller service gates, knowing that they would still be open for a while yet, as the focus at the moment would be on securing the Royalty.
Being what he was, even with what just happened, he was still invisible, he was still let past the gate unchallenged, none even considering for a moment that he could be the one responsible.
Step Five of Mission Objectives Complete.
***
He returned to the docks, knowing that while his Pagoda persona could disappear without notice, if he did so down here, it would be talked of. From here he watched the news of the Queens dead ripple throughout the city, the grief and worry expressed, the colorful clothing and banners replaced with black and white with touches of red.
Still he was not watched, he had been here to long, the officials were looking for those who had recently come to Wutai, and plenty of those they would find. But Tseng? No, Tseng was well known down here, and none, for even a moment considered him.
***
Before he left Tseng couldn’t help but visit the Da-Chao again. It was, he supposed, simply because it was the only place where he had actually been talked to for no reason than to talk to him.
He spent the day just walking the grounds, talking with the priests and really just enjoying the day. The last priest he talked to was the eldest he had met; the two had had a wonderful time discussing the philosophy of several of the statuary on the temple grounds. But as Tseng bid the elder good-night, the man stopped him.
“Why don’t you try drawing a fortune? You may just get one of the blessings that were placed among them.”
“I appreciate the offer sir but-“
“Don’t you ‘sir’ me young man. After the wonderful conversation we just had the least I can do to repay you is to get you to draw one of the fortunes.”
In the end, Tseng bowed to the priests wishes and lined up with the others waiting near the main entrance of the Da-Chao. Again silence reigned in his immediate area. As the line moved, Tseng allowed his eyes to trace the carved rock that dominated the northern sky.
Finally coming to the head of the line, Tseng blindly shoved his hand into the box and pulled out a piece of paper. Expecting to see a quote or proverb when he opened it, he was surprised to see instead an exact copy of the Da-Chao, surrounded by Leviathan.
When Tseng left the temple complex hours later, he could still faintly feel the burning of his forehead under the bandages. And descending the steps to leave the monument, he couldn’t help but marvel at the cosmic irony of the blessing he had received.
Step Six of Missions Objectives Complete.
***
His forehead no longer burned, now it just itched. Still, it had provided some distraction during his return trip and for that he had been grateful.
The Turk’s main area was quiet as usual, what few desks, tables and chairs were empty. The Turks, even at play, tended to be a quiet bunch. Switching the file containing his written report to his right hand, he buried his left in his pocket to him from scratching. Crossing the room, Tseng knocked on Veld’s door, and hearing his reply, entered.
“It’s Tseng Sir. I just wanted to check in with you and turn in my mission report.”
“Mission status?”
“Complete Sir.” He told Veld, handing over his report to the older Turk.
“Good, why don’t you go ahead and give me the verbal since you’re already here.” Veld waved at one of the chairs in front of his desk.
“Yes Sir.” Tseng sat, and then began his report.
***
Three days ago Tseng had reported in of the success of his last mission. Besides his verbal telling to Veld, Tseng had already gone through his official debrief and his written report had been looked over by three senior Turks, all had complemented his patience.
Today he was being recalled to that same office. Seeing Veld’s door ajar, he knocked, but didn’t wait to be called in, knowing that the small opening was silent permission for any to enter. Again Veld was alone in his office. This time there had been a few Turks in the main area, either typing up their own reports, studying mission files or simply talking. Another difference was that his forehead was now unbandaged.
“You called for me Sir?”
“Yes Tseng, very nice job on your mission. The President was quiet impressed.”
“Thank You Sir.”
“Success isn’t without reward Tseng. Welcome to the Turks.”
“Thank you Sir.” That was when he realized who was missing from the room. “May I ask sir, who my partner will be?”
“That, would be me.” Veld told him, face completely deadpan. Tseng couldn’t suppress his blink of surprise, well, he hadn’t been expecting this.
***
The reactions when Tseng became known of-and to whom he was partnered to, were varied; from the welcoming-his fellow Turks took him out drinking every night for a week straight, to outright hostile-the PR head outright refused to even look at him most times, to the simply uncaring-the head of the Scientific Research Department just looked him over, hmmm’d, and walked away.
Tseng dealt with each reaction as best he could and took those first couple of months one day at a time.
Some within Shinra had questioned his loyalty, but why would he be loyal to those who only saw within him the blood that was not Wutaian?
So, did I over cook it?