For Honor or Glory

Tentative Allies

Chapter 77

It was just after breakfast the following day when Alex was shocked to see Elfé walk into the infirmary. Even more so when the other woman headed straight for her bed. Alex was wary, but she greeted Elfé anyway.

Elfé returned the greeting in kind, but it seemed as though her mind was on something else. That thought was confirmed when she took the closest seat and said, "I know you have no reason to trust me, not after yesterday. Still, I would like to apologize. I had no idea what they had planned, and I do not condone it. Please believe me."

Alex didn't answer right away. Instead, she studied the other woman's face. Somehow, she doubted Elfé was lying, but she still held doubt.

Before she could say anything, Lorne walked in. The younger woman immediately glared at Elfé and said, "Why are you in here? Weren't you told this was off-limits without an escort?"

Elfé stood immediately, but Alex held up a hand and gave Lorne a smile as she said, "It's alright. We were just talking."

Lorne gave her a doubtful look, but when Alex only brightened her smile, Lorne sighed and said, "Fine, whatever. But I want you to know I'll be right in the other room restocking."

Both Elfé and Alex nodded in understanding. As soon as Lorne was in the other room, Elfé sat back down and gave Alex a curious look. "Why did you stand up for me?"

Alex shrugged. "You apologized, and you seem sincere, but don't think this means I trust you. I just want to see what you have to say."

Elfé gave her a curt nod. "That was the bulk of it. The only other thing I wanted you to know is that the elders are keeping both Fuhito and Shears locked in their quarters for now."

She paused and looked away for a moment before she finally looked back with a sigh. "Honestly, I had hoped to find out why the elders seem to trust all of you—even the Silver Demon. It doesn't make sense, but I get the feeling there is more going on."

Alex nodded, but she was frowning as she said, "I accepted your apology, and I don't want to make things harder, so I'll try to remember that you don't know Sephiroth. Your opinion of him is solely based on rumors, so I will ask you politely this once, to never call him that again."

Elfé couldn't quite catch a grimace, but it was gone in a flash as she nodded. "Forgive me. It is an old habit that I will work to break." She hesitated after that, but only for a moment before she said, "Would you be willing to share why the elders trust you?"

Alex sighed before she said, "Even though I think it would be best not to burn this bridge, that doesn't mean I'll be spilling our secrets. Though, I suppose it won't hurt to let you know that none of us work for Shinra any longer."

It was Alex's turn to pause, and she gave the other woman a contemplative look before she said, "I suppose it also won't hurt to tell you that it might be a toss-up, which one of us Shinra wants more—Avalanche or their escaped 'employees.'"

Elfé froze and stared at Alex with wide eyes, though Alex kept going before she could say anything. "We have too much going on right now, but I think if we ever meet again, there could be a lot of potential for an alliance. At least if it's you and not Fuhito."

Nothing was said between them for several seconds as Elfé watched Alex for any more surprises. When she stood, she crossed her arms, but her eyes were contemplative as she said, "I get the feeling there is a lot left to learn, but I will agree that if we ever do meet again, there could be potential. Hopefully, by then, we'll have more reason to trust one another. And don't worry about Fuhito. I still don't know everything he had planned, but I won't let him get out of hand again."