Chapter 22: Elena

In this line of work, you’re occasionally hit with unreasonable demands. Requests that are fundamentally impossible, not cost-effective, lacking in technical know-how, or simply without precedent—the kind of talk you’d usually want to tune out.

Typically, these come from supervisors or clients who have no idea how things work on the ground, so I usually just find a polite way to tell them "no." This time, however, things were a little different.

"And that is why I’m asking—is there any way we could integrate a training program into the Shinra Academy curriculum for students who wish to join the Advanced Weaponry Division?"

The request came from Cloud. He was consulting me on whether we could create a pipeline to draw talent from the Academy into Advanced Weaponry—or more specifically, into the Experimental Unit. It’s true that while we have slots for technicians, any recruit with actual combat potential usually gets snatched up by the Turks first, and whatever’s left is claimed by the SOLDIER program. After that, the Public Security Division just takes the rest.

Our unit definitely needs more boots on the ground, so I’d love to have a dedicated recruitment slot. But squeezing something into the school’s official curriculum would require a lot of bureaucratic maneuvering.

"Do you have someone specific in mind?" I asked.

"Yes. A few students have shown interest in our division, and one in particular seems exceptionally promising."

Cloud handed over the student dossiers. As I scanned through the personal grades and instructor evaluations, a familiar name caught my eye.

"We can’t change the entire system overnight, but I can pull some strings to give one student preferential treatment under the guise of a 'scout.' So, Cloud... which one is your favorite?"

Predictably, he pointed to the very student whose name I had reacted to. Well, her talent is undeniable. It might be wise to bring her over to our side while she's still green. I’ll use my authority to clear it with Director Heidegger for now.

"Hey, Elena. Come to the faculty office later. I need to talk to you about your career path."

Ugh, again? I’d already turned them down once, but the instructors kept pestering me to join the specialized training program for the Turks. Sure, getting access to high-level combat training is tempting, but the last thing I want is to follow in my big sister’s footsteps and join the Turks.

"You're here. Hah, look at that pout. You’ve got 'I don't want to hear about the Turks' written all over your face."

"Obviously. If you already knew that, Instructor, then you already know my answer."

This instructor was one of the few people who actually talked to me, considering I tended to be a bit of an outcast in class. I appreciated the gesture, but my career was a separate issue.

"No, no, this is good news. You’ve been saying you wanted training outside of the Turk pipeline, right? Well, the Advanced Weaponry Division put in a specific request to take you on as a trainee."

"Wait—Advanced Weaponry? Isn't that where Senior Cloud works? The one who visited the other day!?"

"That’s the one. Why don't you at least hear him out?"

As long as it wasn't the Turks, I was interested.

 "Fine. I’ll listen."

"Great. Actually, he’s waiting in the guest lounge right now. Let's go."

"What!? Senior Cloud is here now?"

"Yeah. The Captain came personally. If you have questions, make sure you ask them."

When we entered the room, I saw him. Instead of his usual training gear, Senior Cloud was dressed in a sharp, professional suit. Being told I was receiving "special education" just for me made me happy, but the nerves were definitely winning. My heart was racing—completely unlike me—until he pulled out some documents and spoke to me kindly.

"Relax, you don't need to be so tense. I’m just here to scout you for my unit. Let's start with that."

He laid the materials out on the desk. Apparently, while still a student, I would be treated as a Shinra employee and receive training at Head Office. I’d get a salary, and the school would credit my training and work toward my graduation units.

"There’s no precedent for a student receiving this kind of treatment, but we’re launching this as a test case."

"Does this mean... I’ll have a guaranteed position in Advanced Weaponry after I graduate?"

"Yes. You’d join my Experimental Unit immediately. And depending on your effort, Elena, I’m even considering you for a Vice-Captain position down the road."

"Why go that far for me? My practical scores are good, sure, but I’m not the top of the class. And I'm the weirdo who keeps turning down the Turks."

I knew I was decent, but on paper, there were others with better overall grades. For a division that handled high-tech armaments, there were probably students better suited for technical weapon handling. I was well aware that I stood out for the wrong reasons.

"Well..." Cloud replied, looking a bit bashful. "I just felt that you could achieve even greater results than you are now. Call it 'buying low' on a future talent."

"Do you really think... I can live up to those expectations?"

To be honest, my current skill level wasn't even close to his. This man was likely stronger than any Turk. I was thrilled he had faith in me, but I couldn't see myself reaching that level. For a moment, I caught myself thinking that someone like my sister would be much more qualified.

"Actually, I started out aiming for SOLDIER too," Cloud said, sensing my anxiety. "But I didn't have the aptitude for it. The Advanced Weaponry Division picked me up instead."

He told me his story—how he left his rural hometown dreaming of SOLDIER, only to have those dreams crushed, and how the Head of Advanced Weaponry scouted him. He started as a weapon tester, proved his worth, and worked his way up to where he is today.

"In that sense, you’re much more talented now than I was back then. Besides, you’re starting to feel the limits of what you can do alone, aren't you?"

He was right. If I just stayed at the Academy, nothing would change. This was my chance.

"I’ll do it! I accept! Please take care of me, Senior Cloud!"

I stood up and bowed deeply. It was a little embarrassing, but the idea of becoming a Vice-Captain under him was a dream come true. A chance like this might never come again.

From that day on, my life as a trainee in Advanced Weaponry began. It started with general lectures and practicals, but quickly shifted into specialized and live-combat drills. I went up against various virtual enemies in simulations and even had to spar against new prototypes currently in development.

"Is there any point in fighting Shinra's own machinery? Aside from training against Avalanche or other humans?" I asked one day.

"Think of it this way: our equipment is often stolen and used by enemies. Terrorists also base their tech on our research. Learning their patterns and quirks now will only help you later."

Cloud was right there with me for every session, pushing me right to my limit but never over it.

"I know you're great at hand-to-hand combat, so next, let’s master a variety of weapons. Once you know how to use them, you’ll understand how to counter them. If we find something else you’re suited for, we can integrate it as a sub-weapon into your tactics."

"You want me to try all of these!?"

"I did the same. If we find a good fit, I can have Director Scarlet commission a custom set for you. I’ll be your opponent—let's go through them one by one."

"Ugh... fine! But you have to treat me to sweets after this!"

"Deal. You can eat whatever you want at the cafeteria."

"Yes! Don't you dare forget that!"

Spending every day together allowed us to open up. People call him the fastest-rising star among Shinra’s youth, but he never acts superior. He’s always looking out for my well-being. I even met Director Scarlet; she told me that the only reason this scout happened was because Cloud took full personal responsibility for me. When I asked him about it, he just said:

"Director Scarlet did the same for me once. I’m just doing it because I’m certain you can keep up."

Gosh, he really knows how to make a girl happy!

Between the training, the studying, and the crash course in being a professional, I was busy. Cloud even brought in members of SOLDIER to spar with me, worried that I’d pick up bad habits if I only practiced with him.

"Ho, so Cloud finally got himself a junior? I’m Zack! Nice to meet ya!"

I never expected him to call in a high-ranking SOLDIER commander. Apparently, they’ve been friends since they joined the company and still push each other as rivals.

"I heard Cloud hand-picked a recruit, so I wondered what kind of person they'd be... didn't expect someone this cute!" Zack joked.

"E-eh? Well, even if it's the truth, you're making me blush!"

"Don't let her looks fool you," Cloud cut in. "She’s my pride and joy. And her skills are every bit as sharp as the guys in your unit, Zack."

So, I ended up joining joint exercises with the SOLDIERs quite often. Once, when I fought against Zack’s subordinates in a mock battle...

"Whoa, Cloud... what kind of training are you giving her?"

"Just a modified version of what I went through."

"Ah... okay, I get it. No wonder she's this strong."

"Unlike your group, I only have one student. I can give her my undivided attention and pour all my resources into her."

It was a close call, but I managed to take down five of them in a row. Even I was surprised by the result.

"Did you teach her that move? Kicking a grenade to launch it at the target?" Zack asked.

"She adapted that from the way I parry with my sword. She has great instincts and works hard. I finally understand why you’re so fond of your own juniors, Zack."

"Wait, did you just call me 'cute'—I mean, did you just say you were fond of me!?"

"I said you're my pride and joy."

I’m actually having the time of my life. I feel like I’m constantly breaking past my limits, and I feel like I can go even higher as long as I’m with Senior Cloud. It feels like a lifetime ago that I was stuck at the Academy, worrying about my sister.

"Alright, let's finish up with a sparring match between me and Zack for everyone to watch."

"You're on! You might've won the team battle, but I'm not losing one-on-one!"

"Hmph. We'll see about that."

"Oh? Trying to look cool for your cute student? I won't make it easy on you!"

Zack is incredible, but Cloud is on another level. Their battle is in a different dimension entirely. But... one day, I want to be strong enough to fight right alongside him!

Scouting Elena from the Academy was definitely the right call. She’s growing stronger by the day and approaches our training with everything she’s got. Word has spread that she snubbed the Turk program because I reached out to her; just proving how talented she is has been a major win.

"Senior, when will my new equipment be ready?"

"Director Scarlet is currently analyzing your data and building a prototype. It should be ready soon."

"Really!? Our Director is so amazing. As a woman, I really look up to her."

Elena handles herself well around Scarlet. Perhaps because they're both women, they seem to get along. I feel confident leaving my guard to her when I’m away; she’ll be a vital asset to the unit's operations. I know I pushed a bit hard to make this happen, but I’m glad Scarlet backed me up.

I wondered if I was becoming too protective of her, but then again, Scarlet did the same for me. As long as she produces results, the rest of the company will accept her. Until then, I’ll be her shield. Raising a subordinate is hard work, but I'm learning a lot.

I never would have thought of kicking a grenade to redirect it. Having Zack and Vincent help with her training was clearly the right move. I’m starting to see why Director Heidegger insisted I mentor someone.

"Oh, Senior Cloud! I heard a great new cake shop opened in Midgar. Want to go with me?"

"A cake shop..."

I don't usually go out for things like that, but Scarlet did tell me to take breaks on my days off instead of just training. I usually spend my downtime helping out Zack’s girlfriend, but a day spent communicating with my junior couldn't hurt.

"Alright. Let's get dinner at a restaurant while we're at it. I have some meal vouchers to use."

"Whoa! Is that the place popular with couples that’s impossible to book!? Senior, did you do this for me!?"

"I got them from a bingo tournament at a Public Security banquet after our last inter-departmental joint exercise."

I had invited Director Scarlet, but she told me she could go whenever she wanted with her own money and that I should take someone else. If it makes Elena happy, it works out.

"In exchange, we’re turning up the intensity of today's training."

"Yes, sir! The Experimental Unit’s star recruit is ready. I’ll follow you anywhere, Senior Cloud!"

She’s so full of energy—a different kind of friendliness than Zack’s. Being around her reminds me a bit of my time back home.

I wonder how Tifa is doing?