For Honor or Glory

Shattered

Chapter 70 

The next morning, Sephiroth made his way to the infirmary early. He was sure he would be turned away, but that was fine. He simply wanted an update on how Alex was doing. He was surprised when he walked in to see Angeal was already there as well. However, it did not seem as if he had been there long. Lorne smiled and waved him over before she whispered, "I was just telling Angeal that nothing much has changed. Alex is still resting, and her vitals are looking better. Now it's only a matter of time."

Angeal gave the girl a grateful look, but Bugenhagen walked in before any of them could respond. He gave them all a nod in greeting before he said, "General, it is good I found you this morning. There is something I need to speak with you about."

Sephiroth's brows drew down as he asked, "Is something amiss?"

The elder shook his head, and his eyes flicked to the bed where Alex was still sleeping before he looked back and replied, "Not at all, but I do believe this should be a private conversation."

That answer did not serve to reassure any of them. Genesis's voice was hard, but at least he kept it low as he said, "If this involves Alexandra, then we should all hear."

Angeal was frowning as he added, "In this case, I believe Genesis is correct. Does it have anything to do with my sister?"

Bugenhagen looked contemplative for a moment before he shook his head, "This is concerning the general. If you would excuse us for a moment, please." He then turned to the door with Sephiroth in tow.

They did not go far. It was only a little down the cave that the elder stopped and turned to Sephiroth with a saddened expression as he said, "Please forgive me if this is abrupt, but I felt you have the right to know. I have heard from Miss Hewley a little of what happened—enough to realize her mind could be put at ease with a bit of information."

Sephiroth was only more confused, but it barely showed as he said, "If this is something to do with what happened, then the others should know as well."

Bugenhagen seemed to shrink a little as he shook his head sadly. "If you choose to share, that will be your decision, and Miss Hewley's, of course."

That statement finally had alarm bells ringing in Sephiroth's head. He had a sinking feeling he already knew what was coming and found he almost didn't want to know—to have it confirmed.

He could not form the words to keep the man from speaking, so the elder continued, "I only tested the child's blood to reassure her that her concerns were unfounded. I did not expect to be able to identify the father, but the DNA pattern was one I have become familiar with over the last few weeks."

He paused and looked Sephiroth in the eye as he said, "The child was yours. I will not ask why, but I felt it was your right to know."

Sephiroth was stunned, and that unfamiliar ache in his chest was back. For a moment, he could not take a breath. He had suspected, as had Alex, but having it confirmed made it real. Neither of them had asked for this child, but having lost it before they even had a chance to learn to deal with it was a painful blow.

It was several moments before Sephiroth managed to look at the other man again. His voice was low as he said, "Thank you for letting me know."

The elder let out a soft sigh as he nodded. He didn't say anything else before he turned to leave the general alone with his thoughts. There were plenty to keep him occupied. However, Bugenhagen had been right about one thing—this was Alex's news to share as much as his. He did not like to think about hiding anything, but he would wait until she woke and let her help him decide what was right for them.