Tsengru [Chapter 2]

AN: Maybe I manage a chapter per day?... I need a life-

______

"Look closely, Rufus. As the future president you are not allowed to hesitate to do the necessary."

The president of the Shinra concern said to his fourteen years old son. Rufus watched intensely from the other side of a glas what Hojo did to Tseng. Almost with shock. He did exactly what his father told him not to: Hesitating. He wanted to storm in. Yelling at Hojo. Stopping him. But he didn't. Instead he asked his father. Rufus' voice was quiet. It shook slightly.

"What will happen to him?"

The president sighed. He rubbed his chin.

"ShinRa needs more strong fighters. Not just SOLDIER. This boy serves to test a substance Hojo created.."

How cruel, Rufus thought. But another thought popped into his mind.

"His family? Won't they miss him?"

His father let out a laugh. No, they won't. And Tseng knew. Hojo saw Tseng roaming the streets of Midgar. Something about him seemed to draw his attention. In order to get his hands on the poor boy he tried to convince his parents to let him take the boy. They agreed after Hojo put an immense sum of money on their table.

"I don't think they will. The boy is possession of ShinRa now."

It was a cruel answer. And Rufus did not like the sound of this. But this was the truth. He knew it was true.

Rufus' blue eyes widened as he saw how Tseng lost consciousness. It worried him. His heart raced. It could jump out of his chest any minute.

"W-We need to help-"

Rufus begged to his father. But this man was stoic, strict. He obviously didn't care if that killed Tseng or not.

"No."

Was everything he said to Rufus. And walked into the test room. Rufus watched the men. He couldn't hear everything they said. But then the great relief. Tseng opened his eyes. Rufus let out a breath he didn't knew he held. He looked at the brown eyes. They looked.. so innocent. Pretty even. But then the shock grew wider.

"Execute him."

Rufus heard his father saying it as if he talked about a wild beast.

Rufus' mind raced. He just couldn't watch. He had to do something.

"Father-"

Rufus looked at his father as he left the test room. With a wave of his hand he silenced his son. But Rufus' blue eyes focused on the syringe. That was poison, he thought. He couldn't just stand by and watch. Rufus stormed into the test room. Protectively he stood in front of Tseng. His arms spreaded to the side.

"Stop that, Professor. He didn't do anything. He poses no threat. I.. I am certain!"

Rufus' knees got shaky. He gulped. He sensed the anger in his father's own blue eyes. But he did what his father taught him: Took matters in his own hands. Hojo chuckled. Maybe he didn't have to execute him after all. Tseng's brown eyes stared at Rufus. He wasn't used to kindness and accepted that this was the end of his journey. But here he was. Getting protected by the president's son.

President ShinRa walked back in. He stared Rufus down. Angrily.

"What in Ifrit's name are you doing? Let Professor Hojo doing his work!"

Rufus shakes his head 'no'. His whole body trembled. He feared his father.

"Excuse me? Did you disobey, young man?"

Rufus gulped. He tried to find words. At first he didn't find the right words. The boy inhaled deeply. He finally spoke up.

"I don't think he will be dangerous. I saw.. sincerity and innocence in these eyes. I am just a little brat but.. I am willing to trust him. No. I certainly trust.. Tseng."

The tension in the air was palpable. Tseng was.. speechless to say the least. The president growled.

"But you.. You will go with him. And will held to for anything he does, Rufus. He is your responsibility now. Tomorow you both go to Veld. I don't want to see you anymore!"

Even if he didn't yell at Rufus the anger was audible. It stung what he said but he regretted nothing. Rufus turned to Tseng.

"I guess, we are both in it together."

Tseng nodded at Rufus' words. If he didn't believe in god, he did now. And he was standing right in front of him.

"Thank you."

Two simple words. Yet they held so much meaning.