// @wrxckfear I know you’re not very active here but please consider: Tifa talking Rufus into playing live action Among Us in the ShinRa tower with his turks? The imposter(s) “kills” by slapping a big red sticker on their victim (very inconspicuously ofc) indicating that person is dead. Crewmate tasks is deadline paperwork. They cant do it at their desks though. They gotta get creative. XD (Tifa just helps out when asked (simple little things like restocking a printer, or getting coffee for somebody etc.)
If someone guesses the imposter(s) right, they get a bonus at the end of the month. If Teefs wins though, she gets some of Rufus’ time to spend with him. \o/
The lobby is luxurious, it has the corporative taste for opulent items. In the serene night, as everything is darker, the dim lights inside the building are aesthetically pleasing for Reno. The glossy floor tiles reflect the shine coming from the large lamp with smaller ones attached to it, hanging above to light upon a display of exhibiting vehicles like the Hardy-Daytona.
The cafeteria seems the most conveniently pleasant to stay at during late hours. Not a sound of a living being and the Turk could roam as he pleases. He’s just taken out a cup of coffee from one of the vending machines. It keeps his right hand warm while the other hoists his weapon above his shoulder. Today he’s on the watch, otherwise he’d much prefer his comfortable bed than having to wander cautiously inside a large corporate building with many floors which he’s supposed to check every corner of to ensure all is secure. Occasionally he would spot a couple of SOLDIER coming by. Frankly, he could have chosen being with someone during the night shift but he passed on it. Something about the unbreakable silence and glassy exterior of the stairs with mild glow illuminated by the smaller, round lights carved in them and on the walls is just pretty for the eye and calming for the soul. The area is quite spacy too. But Reno isn’t sticking along for too long and follows the route to upper floors via the elevator.
As he waits for the lift to arrive, the redhead drinks up his coffee and discards the plastic cup in the nearby bin. Polished Oxfords mildly tap on the floor and halt in front of the elevator doors. The Turk’s left hand is slightly waving the rod and the action is ceased once the doors open. However, inside seems to already have been occupied. Notable platinum blond hair and white suit come into view to contrast the dark surroundings.
“… Cool. I ain’t the only weird guy goin’ ‘round like a headless chicken at late hours. Hi, Boss.”
A jest, a greeting, whatever that may be taken as. There’s just the slightest smile upon the Turk’s façade.
The first time she heard him play, she was shocked. She hadn’t ever really assumed that Rufus had any musical talent (or artistic talent, cooking talent, etc), and maybe that was wrong of her. He was certainly full of surprises and his ability to play the piano was one of them.
Skylar crept into the room, footfalls nearly silent since she was sure he would stop if he knew she was there. The way his fingers danced along the keys, the way he looked so relaxed (even his shoulders weren’t tense, she noted) awed her. The music he was playing was slow, and almost melancholy. It made her wonder what kind of mood he was in, to willingly go to play and to play a piece like that.
“I never knew you could play.” Even though she spoke softly over the sound of the music, she knew he would be able to hear her. “Is it one of your favourites?”
Most days spent with the the VP were lounging in his office while he dealt with work. Work work work and more work. Today had been quiet so far. He’s already ‘checked the parameter’ 20 times, watched three movies, taken Darkstar for 5 walks around the Vice President’s floor and still the hours dragged on. The current boredom killer, was playing with the dog.
Darkstar sat at attention, Eyeing the bit of chocobo jerkey Reno had in his hand. A sad excuse of a snack from the vending machine that was likely stale. “Ok, lets try this again Darkstar. Goood girl...Good girl...Staaaaaaaaay...” Reno gently took her by the muzzle, long pale fingers wrapping around lean snout and settled the treat on her nose. He’s left Rufus to his own devices at his desk.
The beast drools and looks down as Reno places the treat, leaving the tidbit to fall to the floor. The redhead swears and swiped it before the hound can get it. “Nope. Nah. Hold on girl....Okay this isn’t working...What if..we tried... Hugs instead!” Reno held the treat up to try and encourage her to Lean on him.
All it took was the stretch of her neck and she had the treat.
“hmmm okay not that...Too tall......What about kisses? Hmm?” Reno put the treat between his lips and sure enough she gave him a little smooch before taking the treat. “Awwww yes, Good girl! You’re such a clever sweety!” He said as he loved on her ears and kissed her nose.
“Ok, Next trick! Go cheer up Rufus!”
Lean hands went to his pocket to pull another treat free, then he pitched it over Into Rufus ShinRa’s lap. The Guard hound trotted over on long legs, claws clacking against marbelflooring. The beast ducked under the desk and set her face in Rufus’s lap, eyes looking up at Rufus for permission to eat the treat and short stub tail wagging from the half of her sticking out from under Rufus’s desk.
Reno gave a self satisfied smirk at his work. “Good giiiiiiiiiiiirl!!!”
“Don’t worry Wedge, your secret is safe with me. Pinky promise! ” Genuine smile ‘pon rosette, wrists behind her back, a few digits may idly fiddle with the bangles adorned there. vague nod in his direction before taking leave. And she is once again outside in the middle of Sector 7, noting the usual business, the children who run past. All about their day as though NOTHING may be different. Should her plan come to fruition, she would need to leave without delay. Travelling to Junon would be by no means quick. Aerith returns home swiftly, storing items of essentials in her backpack. Only when she is prepared, does she stand before her mirror. Noticing now how she is biting her lower lip. For worry? A moment of hesitation? A groan. This wasn’t about her, the fears of travelling, venturing into the unknown. it would potentially save his LIFE.
Her travel isn’t concealed, but to any onlooker it would look as though she were there to celebrate the same thing. A small boat doing trips throughout the day from Midgar. Tickets were scarce but she was lucky to collect one of the last for the journey she REQUIRED . Most were already at the event. Coming ever closer to her destination it is now that she self doubts. Had Avalanche had any inkling about her involvement, she certainly would not have made it this far. The boat pulls into the dock, and she steps off. A moment to enjoy the fresh air, being so close to open water was both DAUNTING and MESMERISING , truly C A P T I V A T I N G . Her attention only subtracted when noise from nearby crowds would hone her back to the task at hand. With noise and people appearing by the hundreds, she was certain Rufus himself would not be far behind.
Ensuring her backpack is safe in its place before setting forth, the ancient makes way into the centre. The bright city streets, the crowds that pushed her to and fro, the annoyance it would cause her as another stranger pushes past. Silently reminding herself why she had dragged herself to be here. She’d known him most of her life, and had it not been for the generosity of her release, she would not be stood here today. A free woman, able to live her own life. But is this simply because she feels like her FREEDOM is a debt to repay?
Tuneful music, melodic and majestic as the parade begins. Security patrolling for as far as the eye could see, and yet had they the knowledge of she, they would know the grave danger their president was in. And she slithers through crowds, cheering and getting caught in the MOMENTUM of the parade to not blow cover. Every so often to catch glance of him in the vehicle to escort, certain he notices her. By chance he might, he does not show recognition. But not before long she is sliding down a back alley, out of sight from the crowd. Checking over her shoulder religiously to ensure no one may follow. A short way in the distance, a door opens from what appears to be some form of catering, only noticing this by attire of those that exit. Whilst they distracted by perhaps a short break, she grants herself entry.
Creeping carefully, treading light and E N S U R I N G she takes no chances with every corner she passes. For a while that feels too long, she detects sense of hopelessness. Sure enough Avalanche would soon have their plan in place, of which she was inconclusive, not a single word had been so much as muttered to her. But she did not plan to hang around and find out how this may unfold. All of her time would’ve been for nothing - he wouldn’t even know she tried. At last, a corridor that gave more promise.
Two security on the door, armed and tall. Almost ADAMANT this is where Rufus may be. Furrowing brows she thinks on the spot, a hum before jumping in without thought. Coughing loud to gather attention, a panicked tone, still out of sight from anyone passing. “BREACH ON THE MAIN GATE! ..... INTRUDERS!” Back remains flat against the wall, a few stray strands of brunette may stick to the stone upon doing so. Silently praying they would run without glance. On reflection, she thought this not a reliablesource of those entrusted in watching over the president. Still, there is no complaints. Thankful and exhaling deep, a moment to recover before she takes the leap. One last look down the corridor before she cautiously opens the door and slides in.
A waiting room of sorts that separates off into further. But the blonde hair catches her gaze, and she is immediately drawn. Sure this is who she sought, but she does not approach with haste. And as she notices the coat he often wore, she takes but three seconds to grab his hand and pull him in her direction. “Shush - Don’t panic! It’s just me.” She raises her free hand to pause him in whatever speech he may speak. “ You’re not safe here, you gotta come with me!” A pause. “Now!” A firm nod with her confident tone, his hand still grasped in hers. To give another fleeting look over her shoulder before escorting him to their best chance of unnoticeable escape.
“I’m not your pet, boy.” The fire deity hissed as it bared it’s fangs at the human who dared to think capturing him was a smart idea. He had come for the Ancient, heard her summoning prayers but this...this had all been a trap.
The great fire deamon tugged on the bonds that held it in place before the silver haired mortal. It roared, thrashing angrily before him. But as the planet grew weaker so did her agents, his body growing heavier with each rageful snarl.
@wrxckfear sent “ look long enough into the eyes of any creature, there’s no knowing what you’ll find. ”
SJ TUCKER STARTERS
Status: ACCEPTING
What is that supposed to mean? Eyes narrow at the other before him. he finds himself fixated on his eyes now. Is there something within his eyes that he’s supposed to be seeing? Ugh, he doesn’t have time for these stupid games.
His eyes seem aloof, if he were to stare longer what will he find? Cloud isn’t sure he even wants to know, there’s no point - he doesn’t particularly care. Rufus wants him dead as far as he’s aware, so what’s with the games? It’s annoying, really.
“Maybe you’re right but - your eyes are....dull. Not worth staring into to figure out.” Playing with fire is he? It seems to be his thing.
Slipping between the crowds of protesters was no easy feat. ShinRa guards and avalanche goers clashed in a wellspring of insults, threats, and shoves. Some even enduring a lethal beating from either side; a sad sight to see, really. It made her heart throb just watching the two parties clamoring and spitting in each other's faces.
Ears itched and stung as the loud dissatisfied mantra of Rufus' ascension echoed across the entirety of Midgar. 'Down with ShinRa. Down with Rufus.' They chanted, they barked, and yelled earning a somber expression from the barmaid.
What...makes you hate him so? Tifa thinks as she casts a worrisome glance towards the top of Shinra's tower.
She begins by dipping between crowds and guards alike, keeping her distance from the heavy armored watchmen and timing their patrol pattern. Their blind spots weren't hard to exploit which made access to the outdoor steps accessible.
...And up she went.
1...2..3...4...5 flights of steps. Okay. This'll be a nice warmup.
6...7...8...9...10... still going strong.
11...12...13...14...15 Phew! I can go a little more.
16...17...18...19...20 .....
21...22...23...24...25...26...27...28...29...30 Just... 'thirty more flights... of steps to go...'
31...32...33...34...35...36...37...38...39... Forty! Okay. Making progress.... Just gotta pace myself....
41...42...43...44...45........Stupid of me not to bring water.... 46... keep going...47...48...49...50 ....... ehehe....
51...my legs want to give out... 52...how much further? 53...I can just about see the top...54...55...56... .... .... .... ...57...
"Shit!" Knees suddenly buckle from underneath her just to catch herself wit the help of the railing. She looks over her shoulder for a brief moment to calculate if she would have survived the fall. No such luck.
...58...59... She takes a moment to catch her breath, allowing herself to fold over on both hands and knees. She could still hear the protesters mantra as clear as she were still down in their cluster. Tifa just had to wonder what it felt like to hear crowds of people so dissatisfied by someone merely existing...
...60.
Finally, she enters through the fire escape. The blast of cool air from Shinra's cooling agents were like a godsend. She closes her eyes. She needed a moment to feel the breeze tickling her skin and brushing long brown locks of hair in every which way as she feels her body temp gradually steady. When she finally opens her eyes however, she wasn't prepared for to see a turk standing directly in front of her. She might have gasped. Perhaps even jumped. But the look on Tseng's dark visage held an expectant stare. Like he knew she'd be coming.
"Follow me." He demanded, having already started down the hall.
Despite her better judgement Tifa decides to trail along, focusing on the squeak of her boots against the freshly waxed floors.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Depends what it is." They enter the elevator Tseng granting access to the upper-most part of the building.
The feeling of the lift felt like she was being pulled down.
"Did you know I was coming?"
A low chuckle emanates from his chest.
"Purely coincidence." The bell rings above the lift, Tseng gestures a hand towards the sliding glass doors, "After you."
"Ah. Right." She takes one careful step out and into the hall. So far she's not been ambushed. And she was on the 70th floor... Was Tseng leading her to Rufus?
Not long after they stop before a closed door as the turk raps the back of his gloved hand gently against the door. "Mr. President. There's someone here to see you."
