For Honor or Glory

Destination

Chapter 52 

Alex wasn't sure where Sephiroth had gone, but she hoped it hadn't been too far. Though the farther she got from the fire, the more she realized that it wasn't as difficult for her to see as she expected. The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth, as she already had her suspicions why that might. Still, she refused to dwell on it. That could come later when she wasn't trying to keep herself and the rest of the group from falling apart.

Thankfully, her enhanced eyesight was beneficial in finding the general. He was still walking, but his pace was slow and obviously distracted. She called out to him before she got too close, just to make sure she didn't startle him. She wasn't surprised that she had to call out twice before his head finally jerked up, and he said, "Alex? Why are you out here?"

She waited until she was standing next to him before she answered, "I just wanted to make sure you are all right. Geal went after Genesis too. We don't have to talk about any more tonight since it is getting late, but—are you okay?"

Sephiroth didn't answer right away. Alex could tell he was struggling to keep his mask up, but the furrow between his brows seemed to be winning. Despite her worry, she was shocked by his next words. "I do have a question, and I would appreciate it if you would answer me truthfully. Did I have anything to do with why Hojo kidnapped you? You disappeared after—after we spoke."

Well, hell, that was the last thing Alex had expected to hear. She didn't want to answer him either, but she respected him enough to not ignore his request. She sighed as she finally looked him in the eye and said, "Yes and no. I was told he had planned to take me anyway, but our exchange that night pushed him to take me sooner than he had anticipated."

Sephiroth didn't speak right away, but she watched as one of his fists clenched by his side. She didn't even think before she reached out and put a hand over it. His gaze shot up to hers, and it took him a moment to hide his shock. Alex didn't give him a chance to speak before she continued, "Don't blame yourself. You had nothing to do with his choice, and there was no way to prevent it from happening short of me running into hiding. I have too much to figure out for that to be an option. If anyone is to blame, it should be Hojo—or me. I knew the danger and ignored it. I acted like I was untouchable and should have known better."

Sephiroth did not look convinced, but he didn't try to refute her. Instead, he took a few moments to look her over. She almost blushed under his scrutiny. She might have if it were not for the slight frown he wore as he spotted the thin, still pink scar that ran all the way around her left wrist. It was several seconds before he finally caught her gaze again and said, "I know what that man is capable of—more than most. I will not ask what was done, but I would be willing to listen if you would like to talk."

Alex suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe. It was a mix of her sudden anxiety at the idea of trying to relive those memories already and that she was touched that Sephiroth had thought to offer. Either way, she shook her head. Now wasn't the time, but she still managed to say, "I appreciate it, but—I—"

Sephiroth put a hand on her shoulder when she cut off. His voice was low when he said, "Do not feel that I am trying to force you."

He then dropped his hand and looked back toward camp with a slight frown as he continued, "Perhaps we should return. This truth does not negate the fact that we still need to figure out where to go. We cannot linger, or we risk a confrontation with Shinra."

Alex could tell that was his way of trying to cope with everything they had just learned, but he also wasn't wrong. She gave him a nod as she said, "You're right. I'll do my best to answer any questions while we travel, but for tonight we need to decide our next moves and get as much rest as we can before moving on."