For Honor or Glory

Unwelcome News

Chapter 60

The three men were taken to a room at the local inn while a few other men took the birds to a stable. Sephiroth wondered about the location but didn't ask. He could also hear that someone had taken up a position outside the door. He spared little thought for their guard. They had no reason to cause problems, so they should not need to worry. Though that didn't mean he was not still wary. His experience rarely allowed him to let his guard down for any reason.

Even though he kept an ear out for activity outside the room, he ignored Peter as he used the restroom to clean up. Genesis was still scowling, but he could tell the man barely took his eyes off the door. It caused an uncomfortable sensation in Sephiroth's chest when he realized it was because the man was worried about Alex as well. He had wondered about the other man's actions for the last month or more while they traveled, but he could not deny what he was seeing. Not that it changed his own stance. He realized well enough that he was worried as well.

Several hours had passed since they had been shown to the room. Sephiroth had not moved from the spot he had taken up leaning against the wall and facing the door. Genesis was still pacing, and Peter had fallen asleep on one of the cots. However, both men that were still awake stood and faced the door when they heard the knob. Angeal looked ragged when he came in, which didn't help either of the others.

Before either of them could ask what was going on, Angeal held up a hand and said, "Alex is sleeping. It didn't take them long to figure out that she was malnourished and exhausted. They gave her something to help her sleep after they gave her some food. We'll find out more after she gets some rest. For now, I've been told I can stay with her, but I wanted to let you both know what was going on."

Sephiroth wanted to ask more, but it was Genesis that stepped forward with a somber look. "You look like you need rest as much as anyone. Why don't you allow me to sit with her for now."

Both the other Soldiers gave him a wary look, but Angeal's didn't last long. He sighed and ran his hand down his face before he finally said, "Genesis, we both know that would be a bad idea right now. If you mean it, then you try to talk to her later, after things have calmed down. Now isn't the time."

Genesis's jaw clenched, and for a moment, it looked like he might blow up. After several seconds he finally released his clenched fist as well before he turned to the other cot. He sat down before he pinned Angeal with a glare. However, before he could say anything, Angeal held up a hand and said, "Don't worry, they aren't letting me walk around without an escort, but that means I can make sure someone comes and gets you both as soon as she is awake."

He then paused and looked at Peter with a slight frown as he continued, "Though it might be best if it's just you two. For now."

Genesis gave Angeal a nod as he replied, "There is no hope; no honor remains. We shall see what the morrow holds." Sephiroth could tell that Angeal was fighting another sigh, but he didn't say anything before giving them both a nod and walking back out.

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It was not even dawn the next morning when there was a knock on the room door, and both Soldiers stood. Neither of them had slept much the night before, so both were ready when one of the local men entered and gestured to them. "Your companion has woken. We have been given permission to escort you to where she is."

When they both moved to follow him, but neither bothered to wake Peter, the local gave them a curious look. "Will you not wake him?"

Genesis glared, but Sephiroth was quick to speak. "It would be best if we did not."