For Honor or Glory

Tempers Fray

Chapter 68

The group of five ex-Shinra employees had been in Cosmo Canyon for more than a month and a half and were still no closer to an answer than they were when they first arrived. That led to many frayed nerves and near fights—mostly from Genesis and Peter. Though Alex was starting to have days where she would rather not deal with anyone.

The men all tried to remember that her crankiness was likely to do with her advancing pregnancy. Angeal had even asked if she thought it might be twins, with as much as she started to show. That had not made Alex any happier, and the resultant glare he got kept any of the others from bringing it up again.

The only thing that seemed to keep her temper at bay was the daily chess match she had with Sephiroth. After their first match, Bugenhagen had allowed her to keep the set while they were there. Though the two of them switched to playing in the local café/pub instead of behind closed doors.

It had only taken a few matches before the two of them became the center of a daily ruckus. They both ignored the people that would come in to watch, but sometimes it was difficult. It had started out as lively debates about which player was the better strategist and who might win, and why. However, that didn't last long. Money started being placed on their matches, which Alex found humorous. Sephiroth was confused about the whole thing, but he didn't complain either.

The one good thing to come from all of that was that it became much simpler between Alex and Sephiroth. They both smiled more often when they were together, and the general was less awkward when they were alone. Not that it happened often.

Angeal didn't say anything, but Alex could tell he wanted to. She was glad he didn't. She wished that Genesis would have followed suit. He never asked her to stop playing chess, but any time he was near while they played, the whole group immediately calmed, and tense silence followed. Thankfully, he wasn't around often. She was just glad that he decided to keep his opinions to himself. Even if that meant the rift grew between them. Alex hated it, but Genesis pretty much quit talking to them all unless he had to. It felt like déjà vu.

Alex had been so caught up in trying to find a solution that she only faintly knew how much time had passed. It was edging closer to two months, and she still had no answers. She could tell the elders were close to telling their group that there was no solution to be found. At least not in this village. However, this was the first morning she didn't at least try.

She woke up feeling nauseous for the first time in weeks. She still tried to go, but she barely made it to breakfast. She was thankful that the café was empty when she jumped up from her oatmeal and dashed out. Thankfully, she kept it down, but she groaned with embarrassment when Sephiroth was the one to find her leaning against a wall nearby.

His eyes held nothing but concern as he helped her stand straight. She wasn't too upset that he didn't let go either. Before he could ask, she managed a smile and said, "Sorry, I just felt a little ill. I'm sure it's nothing, but I'm going to lay down. If you see Geal, would you please ask him to let Bugenhagen know?"

His frown only increased as he said, "Let me take you back to your room. Afterward, I will let the elder know myself."

Alex thought about declining his offer, but she felt her stomach twisting again and knew now wasn't the time to argue. She was curled up in bed before Sephiroth was even out of the room. It was not much longer before she dozed off.

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Throughout the morning, Sephiroth thought about checking on Alex several times, but each time he stopped himself. She had looked pale and tired, so she was probably sleeping, and he didn't want to disturb her.