Tseng Fan Club

[LicoriceAllsorts]

I'd like to call this meeting to order. We are here today to initiate the operation of a club formed with the primary objective of showering admiration on the Director of Shinra's Department of Adminstrative Research, General Affairs Division: Tseng.

Our agenda:
1. choose a name for the club. Submission welcome. To start the ball rolling, here are two: "Steel Velvet" and "Revolver". Something involving Stealth might also be appropriate.
2. recruit new members. Not by force. Remember, we're not SOLDIER.
3. discuss Tseng. Possible topics include: what is his preferred blend of coffee; how does he dress on his occasional days off; at what age did he leave Wutai; why did he join Shinra; what's his favourite drink; who is his favourite subordinate; who is his greatest love interest; is it true that he is the thinking woman's studmuffin; and does he, or does he not, smoke?
4. find excuses for his mistreatment of Aerith
5. form a Rufus fan club for liaison purposes
6. post fanart and fanfiction
7. invade and conquer France and rename it Tsengotopia

Understood?

 

[Madame Mayor]

I called my old fansite Invincible... it had to do with one of the translations on his ultimania page.

 

[Octo]

Octorawk reporting for duty!

I have many incoherent thoughts on the subject in question, but it may take me a while to assemble them. That, and I've got to go and cook dinner which is annoying.

Once that mission is out of the way I'll be back to spam up this thread.


Also, I misread your post, thought you said 'Submission welcome'...as in the name of the club would be 'Submission' which would be an entirely different thing altogether. >__>

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

Also, I misread your post, thought you said 'Submission welcome'...as in the name of the club would be 'Submission' which would be an entirely different thing altogether. >__>

It was Freudian slip...

Though it's not such a bad name, now I come to think of it.

I'm not sure Tseng is invincible so much as indestructible.

 

[Dana Scully]

No real idea on the name, but....

Tseng. Is. A. Fox. <33333

So yeah, sign me up please. I'll throw up some links to fics/art later.

 

[Madame Mayor]

It was Freudian slip...

Though it's not such a bad name, now I come to think of it.

I'm not sure Tseng is invincible so much as indestructible.

The line was something about how "Tseng always seems to pull through, is he invincible?"

It's been a while though, and those translations are long since gone.

 

[Octo]

I did like that line in AC Complete, where Rude says how Tseng and Rufus have nine lives.

How many lives has Tseng lost though?

As far as I can remember, in Before Crisis, theres 2 occasions where Tseng gets pretty badly injured. Once where he gets shot (can't remember who by) and on his special episode where Veld saves his life when he gets stuck under a fangirl some machinery or something.

Then in Crisis Core, Genesis threw a fireball at him, but he was fine like 2 minutes later (not a hair out of place, naturally)

Then we have the run in with Sephiroth of course, and latterly (sp?) Kadaj
and Co.

So as far as I know, assuming I haven't missed anything out, hes used up 5 lives so far!

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

I'd also count him being saved by Rufus from sentence of death at the end of BC. That was another close one, although he wasn't actually injured. He was also blown up by AVALANCHE in an episode of BC; the Turks were then attacked by a dragon sleeping under the highway, before Sephiroth intervened.

Episodes 10.3 and 10.4

A dragon sleeping under the highway! This is why I love FFVII.

 

[Octo]

Yeah, I hate it when dragons fuck up the traffic!


I forgot about those other near misses. Fuuuuck, so thats 1 life left?!

Ahem, well. He isnt actually a cat so I guess its okay.....



So anyway...

what is his preferred blend of coffee;

Dunno, something strong and expensive....like that one made of weasel shit? (I hear its nicer than it sounds honest!)

how does he dress on his occasional days off;

I can't imagine him in anything other than suits...or you know...in the nip like >__>. On days off his suits are very very very very very very very dark grey. And maybe once he wore a white suit to a summer wedding, but he will never try that again.


at what age did he leave Wutai;

Now...I think about this alot. You'll have to bear with me. If we assume that Wutai = Japan because Yuffie and Godo Kisaragi have a Japanese surname. Well, are we then to assume that wherever the hell Tseng is from = China?

Just a thought like. Having read Licorice's fic though I got to thinking more. (I wholeheartedly recommend her fic btw) If I were to write a fanfic it would go something like this (but im semi bloody illiterate so it wont happen!)

Basically I think Tsengs family would have had to leave Wutai when he was very young. And whatever the reason was, I think it would have to be something really really terrible that would leave Tseng with nothing to lose and hatred for Wutai....enough to join Shinra ( The enemy of my enemy is my friend) I haven’t thought it through properly but I would think he was about 2 -3.

why did he join Shinra;
See above.

what's his favourite drink;
Sake, but served cold!

who is his favourite subordinate;
Hmmm I’ll have to think about this.

who is his greatest love interest;
See above

is it true that he is the thinking woman's studmuffin;
I don’t think there has ever been anything more true than this! Of course he is, I mean......the other guys are sexy I suppose, but we’re given so little to go on with Tseng. You cant help but think!

and does he, or does he not, smoke?
I’d say yes...sometimes, but he’s one of those magical people who never smell of it.

 

[looneymoon]

Oh goodness, Tseng *fans*

The one thing I've always wondered about this sexy, sexy man is... what is with the bindi?

 

[Octo]

^I second that!

I mean, they (the developers) will spend ages going on about Genesis eating frigging apples in his hometown etc etc etc.

And then we have a character that was in the ORIGINAL GAME. And they tell us fuck all...except that bit in the Ultimania about how he'd been a Turk for 10 years prior to FFVII.

Its not everyday you see an oriental dude in a suit, with long hair and a bindi is it? It must mean SOMETHING

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

What I say to Square Enix is back the fuck off from our Tseng. If they did tell us about the bindi it would be a totally disappointing piece of nonsense crap backstory. I like that we know so little about him. I like the fact that we can make up whatever we like: is he not thus the ultimate fantasy figure? My favourite interpretation ever, from some fanfic I can't remember, was that the bindi was a mark meaning he was a bastard, and thus a shame and a curse to his family, unwanted and rejected. Hence his decision to throw his lot in with Shinra. I think it says a hell of lot for Shinra as an equal opportunity employer that they would have someone of Tseng's ethnicity as the number two in their covert ops department at a time when they were at war with his own homeland. Most countries would have interned him.

Also, I have to say that until I began hearing otherwise, I assumed Wutai was China, on the grounds that a) the people of FFVII look exactly like Japanese people look when they draw themselves in mangas, blond hair and everything, and b) Wutai is under-developed and backward compared to the industrialised east, and c) Wutai was defeated by the industrialised east in a big war, and d) Shinra makes cars.

 

[Octo]

. I like that we know so little about him. I like the fact that we can make up whatever we like: is he not thus the ultimate fantasy figure?

This. Yes. Indeed.
However theres a part of me that wants things validated! ....but I don't think we can trust SE anymore lol. I mean, I get the feeling that they develop characters nowadays purely based on haircuts.

My favourite interpretation ever, from some fanfic I can't remember, was that the bindi was a mark meaning he was a bastard, and thus a shame and a curse to his family, unwanted and rejected.

He is a bit bastardy lol, seriously though, that fic rings a bell. I'm assuming the mark is permanent whatever its meaning, but doing that is a good way to mark someone for life, its not exactly easy to hide.

Hence his decision to throw his lot in with Shinra. I think it says a hell of lot for Shinra as an equal opportunity employer that they would have someone of Tseng's ethnicity as the number two in their covert ops department at a time when they were at war with his own homeland. Most countries would have interned him.

Lol, yeah. But hes too damn good for that.

Also, I have to say that until I began hearing otherwise, I assumed Wutai was China, on the grounds that a) the people of FFVII look exactly like Japanese people look when they draw themselves in mangas, blond hair and everything, and b) Wutai is under-developed and backward compared to the industrialised east, and c) Wutai was defeated by the industrialised east in a big war, and d) Shinra makes cars.

Yeah I know what you mean, it is a bit confusing. I think Wutai had elements of Japanese and Chinese culture mixed together, for example the Da Chao monument seems Chinese to me, and then you've got Kisaragi as a surname (Don't know what is meant to made from names like Gorky, Shake and Chekkov though!) so maybe it isnt that odd that a name like Tseng crops up too. Plus there is nowhere else mentioned in any of the compliation titles that would make sense as his hometown.

Anyway, I think that whatever made him join Shinra would have to be pretty bloody monumental. Given that Tseng actually seems afflicted by concience (more than the other Turks I feel) there must be a reason for him to stay, or rather that he has literally nothing else. Maybe he's institutionalised


Another thing, what do you think about Tsengs portrayal in the Case of Shinra? I know its little more than officially sanctioned fanfiction but still, I just love this image, I wish they'd animate this like they did the Case of Denzel:

They found a store and chose some more appropriate clothing&#8212; Tseng wore a flashy t-shirt resembling those from Costa Del Sol <THIS COULD NEVER HAPPEN! and Elena wore a petite one piece dress. The two of them entered a bar where they presumed most people would gather at. Most of the tables were already taken. Finding empty seats, the two of them sat down and immediately began observing the crowd. Tseng&#8217;s eyes were trained on a man wearing a black shirt who took up an entire table that should have had room for four.
&#8220;He&#8217;s sleeping, isn&#8217;t he?&#8221;
&#8220;He could be&#8212;&#8221;
&#8220;Mr. Tseng?&#8221;
&#8220;What is it?&#8221;
&#8220;I decided to stay with the team partly because of my pride as a Turk but, the most important reason was because of&#8212;&#8221;
Elena had never tried to hide her own attraction towards her superior but when faced with the man right before her, even she couldn&#8217;t put her feelings into words.
&#8220;Continue.&#8221;
&#8220;Hmm?&#8221;
&#8220;It&#8217;s unnatural for you to be silent. I don&#8217;t care if you&#8217;re just going to talk nonsense. Just talk.&#8221;
&#8220;Nonsense&#8230;?&#8221; Elena said sighing slightly, looking up at Tseng&#8217;s face. Tseng seemed to be concerned about the sleeping man ever since he entered the bar.


Ahh, I just love the way he comes across here. I know Elena didn't really pick the right moment (does she ever?) but he didn't have to be quite so cruel. Plus...has he forgotten that he did kinda ask her to dinner!? I'm just tickled by the idea of Elena being cut off by the man she adores, and him wearing some sort of horrific hula shirt in this grotty bar http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nx3IQYb4D28/0.jpg


Don't get me wrong though, I do like Elena. I just feel a bit sorry for her.

 

[Celes Chere]

Holy shit, best club ever. Tseng is the best TURK, seriously. I'll contribute fanart once I'm home for longer. BD *thumbs up*

 

[Obsidian Fire]

Some thoughts on Tseng's mistreatment of Aerith.

Seeing how at the end of BC the Turks are the most distrusted department in Shin-Ra, it wouldn't surprise me if President Shin-Ra would send the Turks on several controversial missions to let them "know who's boss" so to speak. This might also explain why it is the Turks who drop the Sector 7 plate instead of say, Heidegger's SOLDIERs.

It's interesting to note that Tseng is not the only character that has no backstory outside of the fact that they're Turks. We don't know how or why Reno, Rude, Veld (Verdot) or Vincent joined the Turks either. Their only backstroy is that they are/were Turks. The aspect they all have in common is that they were all veteran Turks by the time BC started.

 

[Madame Mayor]

I always liked that theory that he's smacking her back into the helicopter cause she's hanging out yelling 'Marlene's okay guys!'.

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

@ Gimpy - yes, I like that. He was trying to keep her safe. Also, Barret was shooting at them and... and... Aerith had thrown herself into the line of fire... to protect Tseng... and he was shoving her out of harm's way... yes, that's it.

@ Octorawk - I love Case of Shinra. Tseng is still a cold bastard, if not exactly heartless, and he still misses Veld. I loved the Hawaiian t-shirt image so much, and I'm astonished that nobody has ever made fanart of that scene. Maybe I'll commission one! I also loved Case of Shinra for the way it develops Rufus' character. One of my favourite lines in it goes something like, "He reflected there was a time in every man's life when he has to leave the shelter of his father's house and make his own way in the world." Later it's observed that Rufus and his Turks at Healen are "playing at having a company", but they all come across as having a good time and thriving on the challenge. They're actually happy that the old Shinra is no more; the way they're living now is much more fun.

I think the Turks are a bit like the French Foreign Legion; if you pass the entrance tests, no questions are asked, and you leave your old life and your old identity behind. That's why they lack backstories. Which is great, because we can make them up for them. At least no fanfictioneer has ever suggested (as far as I know) that Tseng spent his formative years as a drug-addicted high class rent boy. Poor Reno.

 

[Obsidian Fire]

Case of Shin-Ra is good. It explains a lot about Shin-Ra in general and a lot about Rufus. I think the reason why the Turks and Rufus are happy that the old Shin-Ra is gone is because they are their own bosses for once. Rufus doesn't have to work around his dad anymore and the Turks don't have to deal with Heidegger and Scarlet breathing down their necks. It helps that Rufus has spent the last three years with the Turks and probably knows them as actual people rather than just random employees.

@LicoriceAllsorts I like your explanation for why certain Turks don't have backstories. The only problem I see with it is that we know the backstories for all the player Turks from BC as well as Elena. That could just be because they all joined up later through. The reason I'm interested in their backstories isn't just to know how they joined the Turks. It's because they would also tell us a lot about Shin-Ra. Tseng's backstory would tell us what Shin-Ra was like during the start of the Wutai war. Veld and Vincent's backstories would tell us what Shin-Ra was like when SOLDIER did not exist, Midgar was not Shin-Ra's headquarters and maybe even what Shin-Ra was like before they got the monopoly on mako. Interesting, no?

 

[Octo]

@ Gimpy - yes, I like that. He was trying to keep her safe. Also, Barret was shooting at them and... and... Aerith had thrown herself into the line of fire... to protect Tseng... and he was shoving her out of harm's way... yes, that's it.

lol, yeah but, I wanted to slap her myself several times! She was shit at fighting and the noise her staff made as she ineffectualy smacked enemies was like 1000 fingers on 1000 blackboards for 1000 years >_<

As for Tseng, I think he was just plain frustrated. And then theres Case of Shinra:

Before long after many years and certain events passed, Aerith came into contact with the anti-Shinra group Avalanche and the situation took a sudden change. Tseng became agitated as he couldn’t get a grasp of the situation at hand and because of that he treated Aerith with an attitude of such pretense evil that even his subordinates turned cold towards him. He would always think of what to say to them.
This isn’t pretense evil. To Aerith, Shinra itself is evil. That’s why evil should act like evil—


Personally I can't fathom what he saw in her. The only thing I can think of is that he thinks she embodies some sort of ideal, something he never gets to experience in his line of work. It reminds me of that line in Robin Hood, the Sherrif of Nottingham says of Maid Marian "For once in my life, I will have something pure!"

Yeah, so, call it jealousy but I don't think it could ever have worked out between Tseng and Aeris. Shinra and Masamune blades aside. If he'd got to know her properly, besides her prattling on about flowers etc, he'd have been dissapointed. Tree hugging moon maiden!

Sorry for the Aeris bashing guys!

@ Octorawk - I love Case of Shinra. Tseng is still a cold bastard, if not exactly heartless, and he still misses Veld. I loved the Hawaiian t-shirt image so much, and I'm astonished that nobody has ever made fanart of that scene. Maybe I'll commission one!

I've done something terrible with photoshop and an AC screenshot, I'll post a link when I've uploaded it to photobuttock. I'm thoroughly ashamed of myself! >__>

I think the Turks are a bit like the French Foreign Legion; if you pass the entrance tests, no questions are asked, and you leave your old life and your old identity behind. That's why they lack backstories. Which is great, because we can make them up for them. At least no fanfictioneer has ever suggested (as far as I know) that Tseng spent his formative years as a drug-addicted high class rent boy. Poor Reno.

Yeah, that makes sense. Maybe they learned their mistake after Veld, families and backgrounds are a liability!

Don't tempt fate regarting fanfics! The walls have eyes!
>__>
<__<

@ Obsidian. I agree, I would like to know more about Shinra. I know they are meant to have made all that money from weapons, but I still cant get my head around how they could end up the most powerful company/government/dictatorship on the planet.

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

Before long after many years and certain events passed, Aerith came into contact with the anti-Shinra group Avalanche and the situation took a sudden change. Tseng became agitated as he couldn’t get a grasp of the situation at hand and because of that he treated Aerith with an attitude of such pretense evil that even his subordinates turned cold towards him. He would always think of what to say to them.
This isn’t pretense evil. To Aerith, Shinra itself is evil. That’s why evil should act like evil—

What I wondered was why he would even feel the need to explain his motives to Rude and Reno? Also, I've never understood that quote. Does he actually think Shinra IS evil? Does he think that he himself is evil? But then why is it 'pretense [sic] evil'? Wouldn't the quote mean that his earlier niceness was the pretense? I is so confused.

Looking forward to that fanart!

 

[Octo]

I think fanart is a rather grandiose term, its literally a cut and paste job. Don't get excited!

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b366/Mudskii/ohgodwhathaveidone.jpg

See? Sorry everyone.

I think the whole 'pretense evil' thing, is meant to mean that basically he thinks he should behave how she expects. From his point of view...maybe its easier to do terrible things as long as she believes that its genuine. How can I phrase this...

If she thought his heart wasnt in it, then she'd, I dont know...beg, or try to reason with him? And her doing that would hurt him more. Maybe its easier to have her look at him with hatred rather than pleading? Am I making sense?...probably not.

Of course that whole 'friendship' thing muddys the waters a bit. I don't know how much of a friendship they could have had, Case of Shinra makes out that as soon as she found out who he was she hated him...

...there might be something lost in translation there. (Not that the translators haven't done a good job!)

 

[Madame Mayor]

Aerith thinks Shinra is evil, therefore Tseng believes he should be evil.

Also don't forget their keyword together:

Tseng was given the assignment to secure Aerith, the last surviving Ancient in the world, and for many years has continued to request her assistance for Shinra. However, Aerith despised Shinra for the lose of her parents at their hands, and refused all of his requests. But undeterred, Tseng continued to try to persuade her without resorting to force.

Incidentally, their relationship is also shown in &#8220;FFVII&#8221; and &#8220;BC&#8221;. According to rumours among the Turks, Tseng seems to harbour special feelings for Aerith, but whether those are love or not isn&#8217;t certain. On the other hand, Tseng also seems to be somewhat special to Aerith, and in &#8220;FFVII&#8221; she says: &#8220;&#8230;Tseng&#8217;s with our enemy, the Turks, but I&#8217;ve known him since we were little&#8230; There&#8217;s not a lot of people I can say that about. In fact, there are probably only a handful of people in the world who really know me.&#8221;

 

[Obsidian Fire]

It seems to me that Aerith met Tseng for the first time shortly after she had escaped Hojo's lab. She would be around seven, eight years old at the time with the memory of the labs fresh in her mind. She would have every right to hate Shin-Ra. Indecently, that would be around fifteen years before the start of the OG which is around the same time Tseng joined the Turks.

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

Awesome Hawaiian t-shirt Tseng. So suits him. [Suits him, gyah-ha-ha.

So anyway, here is my favourite avatar of Tseng, which I use on fanfiction.net:

And here is the link to the full picture. Unfortunately, she's never finished the doujinshi.

http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=&section=&q=tseng+rats#/d18qspe

 

[Obsidian Fire]

Here is one of my favorite Tseng centric fanfictions. It's his side of the last FMV in Crisis Core and the author nails his personality. A must read. Wavering Certainty