Reno took out a cigarette box from his pocket. The pack was empty. In disgust, he threw the annoying thing on the ground and looked around him. Elena and Rude, seated across from him, didn’t budge.

They were inside the Shinra building. It was the president’s summon.

The room was empty except for themselves. The body of Tseng was found in the Temple of Ancient and now, he would only be recorded in Shinra’s book of employee. Nothing more. No funeral or ceremony. Tseng would only recorded as a man working for the Shinra.

Reno glanced at Elena. Despite the fact that her love has disappeared, she didn’t throw any emotional tantrum that kind of amazed him.

Elena was one of them, but Reno had a little faith in her as a member. Unlike others, Elena still had a soft side on her, which was fatal drawback as the Turks. Tseng had said he’d have to see for himself what she could accomplish as the Turks. But now that he’s dead, Reno would never be able to comprehend what Tseng meant or thought of her.

It didn’t matter either. Their leader was dead. Shinra wouldn’t care or hold responsible for his death. Witnessing death must be common to them so they wouldn’t mind seeing another one. Of course, Reno was used to it to. But not someone close to him. Someone he respected and admired of.

Reno looked at Rude. As usual, Rude showed absolutely NO trauma in his feature. It might have been because of his dark sunglasses covered most of his face. Reno doubted that he would feel sorry for Tseng.

Finally, someone opened the door.

"I can hardly believe that the Turks would mourn for somebody." Rufus mocked, stepping inside.

"Quite bold," Reno remarked with a bitter smile. "We could have ripped you apart then and there, right on that spot."

Rufus raised one eyebrow. "Killing me isn’t a solution to Tseng’s death. He was just unlucky."

"How nice of you." Elena said coldly. "But it sounds ironic, coming outta your mouth."

"I didn’t come here to lick your sad little wound." Rufus replied, giving a stone cold stare. "My coming here is strictly business."

"What makes you think that we’ll work under you again after what you put Tseng through?" Reno growled. Rufus waved his hand. "I don’t want to make excuse. What’s done is done. Shinra can’t take responsibility for every little death." He looked across at them keenly. "Besides, I thought the Turks could take care of themselves. Was I wrong? Did you need a babysitter?"

Reno lunged forward but Rude quickly held him back. Rufus was amused. "I take that as a ‘no’." He slowly advanced the three. "And I believe that you won’t let his death go by meaninglessly." He continued in a smooth voice.

Elena crossed her arms across her chest. "What do you mean?"

Rufus started to circle the room. "What if it wasn’t MY fault? Tseng certainly wasn’t a careless guy. I know that man." He pointed out. "What if he was attacked by far more skilled people? Don’t you want to avenge him? In other words, " Rufus’ cool green eyes met with Reno’s. "Rather than putting meaningless blame on me, don’t you think you should put it on somewhat more likely individual whom you can take your revenge? Hmm?"

Rude released Reno. Straightening his jacket, Reno looked straight at Rufus. "What’s your game this time?" He asked cautiously.

Rufus’ face broke into an evil grin. "Get the Ancient. This will be your last mission if it goes well."

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