For Honor or Glory

Saying Goodbye

Chapter 2

That weekend was a whirlwind of activity. Both boys had to pack everything they had for the long journey. Genesis's parents had offered to pay for his trip, but he refused. If he and Angeal couldn't go together, then he didn't want to take the quick route. They ended up settling for giving the pair of boys a little money to help with expenses on the way. Not that Angeal wanted to take it, but Genesis finally told him that he would take it, and if he ended up helping his friend along the way, so be it. Angeal still objected but gave up the fight when Alex insisted he quit being prideful. Not that he felt that he was since he had always been taught to hold to his honor. Still, he didn't want to spend his last days in Banora fighting with his sister.

The Rhapsodos's even threw a going-away party over the weekend. It was filled with good food and a few of the other kids in town. Most of the boys were jealous and excited, while the few girls tried to make sure both Angeal and Genesis remembered them. That was an activity that made Alex angry, but all it took was a few well-placed glares, and most of them left well enough alone. At least for the time being.

As for the rest, no one doubted the two boys would make it into Soldier. There were even bets as to how long it would take them to rise in the ranks since everyone had confidence that it was just a matter of time.

Alex spent most of the weekend alternating between ignoring both boys and trying to stick to them like glue. Angeal tried not to get aggravated with her behavior since he knew she was hurting. That didn't make it easier for him to deal with. Especially since she spent just as much time moaning about Genesis leaving when he wasn't around as she did when they were all together. He almost felt a little miffed that she seemed to have more tears for his friend than him.

Not that it was true, but most of her tears for her brother were kept behind her bedroom door so he wouldn't see them. It was one thing to mourn losing a best friend and boyfriend when it hadn't been that long since she realized she had those feelings. However, the wrenching sobs she stifled with her pillow each night for her twin were too much. She knew Angeal would feel even worse if he saw them, and she didn't want to make it harder on him. Even if she was hurt.

That Monday found both families gathered together at the edge of town before the sun was even up. It was a quiet group as everyone said their goodbyes. Once the adults were finished giving the boys all the advice they could, it was Alex's turn. She gave them both a tired smile before she pulled them both into a tight hug. The three of them stood there like that for several minutes. It wasn't until the top of the sun could be seen over the hills that they finally pulled away from each other.

Angeal gave his sister one last long look before he spoke with a final reminder. "Don't kill yourself, but make sure to take care of mom. Also, don't stop training just because we aren't here anymore. You need to make sure no person can ever take advantage of you."

She rolled her eyes but still nodded. "Of course. You know I already have a job. Once the warm weather hits, I'll have more time. I'll make sure mom doesn't have to kill herself either. And I can't promise to try and fight with your sorry excuses for practice swords, but I will keep up with the rest. Okay?"

Angeal wanted to say more. There were so many little things he could think of to try and remind his sister, so she and his mother were kept safe. However, in the end, he just nodded. No matter how worried he was about the two females he was leaving behind, he had no doubt that they could take care of themselves, even if dad was gone.

At that point, Genesis stepped forward and ignored the looks the adults gave them when he pulled her into a tight hug. He held her like that for a moment before he whispered into her ear. "I will dream about you every night until I see your face again."

Alex chuckled as she pulled back far enough to look into his eyes. Her tears had started once more, but she ignored them as she answered. "I doubt that, but a girl can dream. Just don't get carried away. I know you, and you will be the best one day. You just need to remember that it takes time. Don't let your short term position get in the way of your longterm goals."

He frowned at her reprimand, but she only grinned. They both knew she was right. Still, time wasn't waiting for them, and they both knew it. He finally cupped her cheek and gave her a quick kiss before he stepped back. Both of their cheeks heated when the adults all made some form of comment. At least none of them seemed worried about it. If anything, they all seemed to have wondered how long it was going to take before the two teens finally realized what the adults had seen for some time. Not that anyone was in a hurry, as they were all young. At least the separation would give them both time to grow so they would be better prepared for life later on.

When Genesis stepped back, he gave his parents one last nod before he smirked and gave Alex one last parting remark. "Don't forget. Don't let anyone else turn your head."

Alex scoffed. "And who would? This town isn't that big." When he frowned at her response, she stepped closer, and her smile faltered a little as she continued. "Besides, who could compare, even if I did have a hundred choices?"

Instead of answering, Genesis was pulled backward by a frowning Angeal. He was still glaring at the other two teens as he called back to everyone. "If we don't go now, we won't get to the next town by nightfall. Stay safe, everyone. We'll both write when we get to a place where we can send letters. Even if I have to tie him to the chair until it's done."

Genesis scoffed as he pulled away from his best friend. He also waved at everyone as they finally disappeared over the hilltop. Gillian had come to put an arm around her daughter's shoulders as soon as the boys were out of sight. Even the Rhapsodos's came to stand beside them for a few minutes.

The two boys had barely been gone for fifteen minutes before Alex pulled away from her mother and raced to the top of the hill. Tears were streaming down her face, and her breath was coming fast. It was more than the steep incline that had her gasping for air when she finally stopped. The road stretched a short distance before it curved around out of sight. The boys were already gone.

Alex dropped to her knees there and finally let it all out. All three of the adults shared a knowing look, but none of them moved to approach the girl. Instead, they spoke together quietly for a few moments before they parted ways. Gillian stayed behind to make sure her daughter would be alright, but she still didn't try to make her go back to the house.

It was nearly an hour later that Alex finally got up and wiped away her tears. When she made it back to the bottom of the hill, she managed a smile for her mother. "So, what's next?"

Gillian pulled her daughter into a tight hug as she tried to reassure her. "I know it feels like it will be forever, but it won't be long until you are old enough to follow if you want to. For now, why don't we get back and get a late breakfast? I'll even make you pancakes with dumbapple sauce."

Alex smiled at her mom. They couldn't make the sweet treat often, so it meant a lot that her mom was willing to make them just for the two of them. She finally nodded. "That sounds great. I'll even cut up the apples."

Gillian smiled at her daughter as they made their way back to the tiny house in town that had been theirs since the twins had been babies. It may be a lot quieter without the men around anymore, but it was still home, and always would be. No matter where any of them went or how long they might be away. Alex reminded herself of that fact as she tried not to think about the cause of the silence and the two boys that had been an inseparable part of their trio since they first met so many years ago. She knew she would be better with time, but at the moment, all she could think about was the fact that she was still there, and they were gone.