The following morning, Alex was woken when a hand brushed the hair off her face. She blinked a few times and stifled a yawn with her free hand. However, that movement had her hand brushing against warm skin, and her eyes widened when she saw Sephiroth on one elbow and looking down at her. A small smile graced his lips as he said, "I would ask how you slept, but I have a feeling it wasn't well."
Alex felt her cheeks heat because that wasn't exactly true. "Well, I am a little sore from sleeping on the ground, but I actually slept well." She snapped her teeth shut after that. There was no point in telling him the only reason she was able to sleep was that he held her, and she felt safe.
Instead, she tried to change the subject. "And you? Were you able to sleep?"
Sephiroth looked away, but at least he was honest. "No, I stayed awake to be alert for threats. Though, I do feel I rested enough."
Alex felt like she was about to burst. She hadn't considered that, but it meant that he had laid there all night and held her while she slept. That thought brought heat to her cheeks that she refused to acknowledge. Instead, she rolled off his duster and stood before putting her coat back on after she dusted it off. To ward off any awkwardness, she said, "I hope your duster isn't any worse for the wear."
When he didn't respond right away, Alex looked over to see he was watching her. At least he had already put his duster back on. However, that thought fled when he said, "Do you regret telling me that you care and allowing us to get closer?"
Alex suddenly realized that her actions might have made him think that she was trying to distance herself from him and what happened. She immediately stepped over and took one of his hands in hers. She made sure he was looking in her eyes as she said, "Not at all. I may get a little embarrassed now, but not because of you or what happened. It's more like—"
She had to pause for a moment as her cheeks flared red. How could she explain it? Not even she understood it fully, but that didn't keep it from happening. When she felt him shift, she hurried to find the words. "Look, I give you my word that I enjoyed getting close to you. Thinking about it now, outside of the moment, it's hard not to blush at the thought. But not because I regret it."
She sighed as she saw his furrowed brow. "This isn't making any sense, is it?"
She was glad when he took a moment to answer. Even more so when his other hand reached up to cover hers. He watched her eyes as he said, "I cannot say that I comprehend why it embarrasses you, but I do believe when you say it is not a bad thing. Perhaps you can help me understand in time.
"For now, the sun is almost up. I do not doubt that your brother is already on his way to look for you. If we do not want to miss them, we should leave."
Alex felt like he had splashed cold water on her. At least she stopped blushing. She nodded as she said, "Knowing Geal, he was up as soon as the sun was and has everyone gathered to help. I hope we can make it to the main path before they pass this point."
Sephiroth continued to hold one of her hands as he headed toward the entrance. "We are closer to that split than they are, but it would still be best to hurry. If we can make it there before them, I noticed a shortcut to the lower path that should save us some time. It could be difficult for you, but I can assist."
Alex had the urge to remind him that just because she wasn't a Soldier didn't mean she wasn't capable of more than the typical scientist. However, she swallowed the comment down as she let him lead her out of the cave. She knew he hadn't meant it condescendingly.
It did not take them long to get back to where the fork in the path was. The light was still dim, but it was enough for Sephiroth to ascertain that the way had not been disturbed since Alex came through. Alex wasn't sure what he saw to get to that conclusion, but there wasn't time for him to explain. Not if they wanted to get back before the cavalry showed up.
They had not gone far when Sephiroth pulled her to a halt and headed toward the outer edge of the trail. He motioned for her to come over and pointed down. "As you can see, the switchback is just below here. I can jump down then catch you. There are a handful of places like this before we reach the trailhead."
Alex wasn't thrilled with the idea of jumping off a cliff, but at least it wasn't too far down. Plus, Sephiroth would be there. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that he was one of the few people on Gaia that had both the strength and reflexes to pull it off without her getting hurt. With that in mind, she turned and nodded. "We should get it over with so we can be on our way."
Her agreement was barely out before he jumped down then turned to face her. She swallowed once when he held up his arms before she closed her eyes and jumped. A split second later, she felt him catch her by the waist as he absorbed the impact, so she felt very little of it.
She still had her eyes closed when he set her on her feet, but they snapped open when she felt his palm on her cheek. Her eyes were wide as his lips tilted up the tiniest bit, and he said, "I hope that was acceptable."
Alex felt her cheeks heating at the intensity of that look, but she managed a nod. It seemed that now they had both decided to quit hiding how they felt, that look might be something she would have to get used to. Not that she minded.
She smiled back as she put her hand over his with the intention to pull his hand down so they could continue, but they both froze when they heard, "Alex! There you are. I was so worried!"
Both Sephiroth and Alex spun around to face the noise, though Alex was relieved when she saw Angeal and Genesis running toward them with Nanaki not far behind. At least they hadn't missed them.
However, her relief was short-lived. As soon as the two got to where she and Sephiroth were standing, Genesis glared at them both as he said, "What is this about? We have been worried sick, and yet you are standing here like lovestruck teens that have no cares other than the kiss you were about to share."
Alex could not stop the blush that raged to the tips of her ears. Part of it was embarrassment, yes, but not all. She clenched her fists to keep from slapping the man as she managed to say, "That isn't what was happening. Not that it would be any of your business if it was."
Genesis's glare deepened, and he started to say something, but Angeal stepped between them to both cut him off and to grab Alex. He took her by the arms and turned her both ways slightly so that he could look her over thoroughly before he frowned at her and said, "What were you thinking? Do you have any idea how worried I was to wake up and find nothing but a note stating you had gone off alone into the monster-infested mountains with nothing but your determination?"
Alex had to look away from the fading terror in her brother's eyes. She felt even worse now than she had the night before. Her voice was barely above a whisper when she said, "I know, and I'm sorry. It was reckless of me to leave without being prepared, and trust me, I've already heard about it once."
Angeal let out a relieved breath before he looked over to see Sephiroth standing nearby with a frown. He gave the man a nod before he pulled Alex into a hug. "Just promise me you won't do anything that stupid again. I don't want to lose you."
Alex didn't answer right away. As much as she regretted making her brother worry, could she promise not to do something similar if the ones she cared about were in danger? A few seconds had passed, and Angeal pushed back. He still had a hold on her shoulders and was frowning again as he said, "I mean it, Alexandra Michelle Hewley. Don't ever go off like that again."
Alex groaned as she covered her face. Angeal rarely ever used that tone, but when he did, she knew he meant business. Even so, did he have to pull out the middle name too? Still, she knew there was no way out of this. She sighed as she looked back at him and said, "I will promise that if I ever feel the need to go after someone I am worried about again, then I will at least make sure someone comes with me and we don't go unarmed."
Angeal's frown deepened for a moment before he sighed and let her go. "I suppose that is the best I'm going to get, isn't it? At least you understand what was wrong."
Alex still felt guilty, but she was glad the worst of it was over—for now. She had no doubt her brother would have more to say once they were alone. Thankfully, he dropped the subject and turned to Sephiroth and said, "At least she found you. I suppose since you are with her, that means you plan on coming back, so we can discuss everything?"
Sephiroth had a furrow between his brows but still answered. "Yes, we discussed what might have happened, and Alex has convinced me to help figure out how to keep it from happening again."
Angeal let out another soft sigh, but he turned back down the path as he said, "Well, let's get back. We still have to talk to the mayor later, and it would be best if we figure out how to keep that from turning into a disaster."
Genesis was still glaring at them all as Alex and Sephiroth fell into step behind Angeal. At least he kept it to himself, even if his looks were enough to kill.
When they passed Nanaki, the young guardian lowered his head in greeting as he said, "It is good to see you well."
Alex felt her guilt twist tighter as she realized it was more than her brother that had been concerned. Somehow, she still managed to answer. "I apologize for worrying you, but I am grateful you came to help." He nodded once again in acknowledgment, but the rest of the walk back was silent.
When the group got back to the mansion, Nanaki led them to Bugenhagen in one of the upstairs rooms. As soon as they all walked in, the elder turned to them with a smile. "Ho, ho, well, that was much quicker than anticipated. Though I am glad to see you both back." He then floated nearer to the wall he had been inspecting and continued. "I believe we may have more good news. This wall looks to be our secret entrance, but I have yet to figure out how to get in."
Genesis was standing in the doorway with a frown and his arms crossed, but mumbling broke out amongst the others. Well, all except Alex. She had stayed back and had a hand on her head. As soon as Bugenhagen made his announcement, one of those overwhelming spikes had come up. She bit her lip to keep from groaning as she tried to sort through the image she had been given.
She only looked up when she felt a hand on her arm. Genesis had moved and was giving her a concerned look. Alex's head was already too full to try and deal with him at the moment, but she somehow managed a grateful smile before she stepped forward. She had to push past her brother to get in front of the wall. Once she was there, she examined the bricks with a critical eye to see if she could match up the vision she had been reminded of with what was in front of her.
Alex hadn't even noticed that all talking had ceased as she started feeling around on the bricks in the upper right corner. It was only a matter of seconds when she found one that felt loose. There were several gasps when she pressed it, and the wall started to shake. A cloud of dust was kicked up that had her coughing and waving it away. Once it settled, they were all staring at the top of a spiral staircase that descended into blackness.
Alex turned back with a grin. "I guess that's one good thing today."
However, the smile dropped immediately when she saw the rest of her group staring at her with wide eyes. Her brother was the first to say what was on all their minds. "Alex, how did you know how to open it? I thought you said you didn't have that information."
Alex's eyes widened, but she quickly covered up the deer-in-the-headlights look with a shrug and a self-deprecating smile. "Lucky guess? I mean, it seems like it would be the place to look first—at least for those of us that are right-handed."
None of them looked like they quite believed her, but her brother was the only one to give her a questioning look. She was thankful that he didn't follow up on it. Instead, Bugenhagen looked over the edge of the staircase before he turned back and said, "It seems as though this might be a bit difficult for me to manage. Perhaps it would be best if one of the Soldiers went first to ensure it isn't as rickety as it seems."
Alex was quick to add, "That might be a good idea anyway. Given what I learned, there is no telling what might be down there. I don't think everything was removed, and some of the things left behind might still be alive—and hungry."
Genesis made a disgusted face as he said, "There are no dreams, no honor remains. Though, I suppose there is no gain without sacrifice."
Alex rolled her eyes at his outburst but didn't say anything. She didn't need to. Sephiroth did it for her. "Genesis, there is no need to be melodramatic. We are better equipped to handle this type of situation than the others."
Instead of settling down, Genesis nearly snarled at the man as he said, "And what would you know of sacrifice? All you do is destroy."
Alex felt the rage radiating through her as Sephiroth took a step back. She could tell the words bothered him even if the pain didn't show on his face. She was about to go off on the red-headed git, but her brother grabbed her arm before anything could be said. He was frowning at Genesis, but his voice was even when he said, "Genesis, that was uncalled for. Don't forget, we are all in this together. We all face the same obstacles. You wouldn't have said the same thing to Alex or to me, and we all know it."
Genesis looked as though he was about to yell at Angeal as well, but he snapped his jaw shut and stormed out of the room. Angeal sighed and ran a hand down his face before he looked back at the elder and said, "Perhaps it would be best to leave this until later anyway. We have a meeting with the mayor that will likely take the rest of the day. Now that we know how to open this passage, we can close it and come back later if we have the time, or in the morning with us all well-rested."
Bugenhagen looked contemplative for a moment before he nodded. "Yes, that does seem wise given the circumstances. It is not yet noon, but there is no point in putting things off. Perhaps the mayor would be willing to see you early. If so, I believe it might be best for me to stay here with Nanaki. It is not my story, after all."
Alex thought about objecting since Bugenhagen's presence could help add weight to their request, but Angeal had already nodded and said, "Of course. I'm sure Nanaki would be more comfortable waiting here. Hopefully, it will not be long until we return."
Alex sighed but still moved to pull the brick back out. Luckily, her guess was correct, and the wall slid back into place. Once that was done, they all shuffled downstairs. Unfortunately, Genesis wasn't anywhere to be seen. Angeal mumbled something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like a curse. However, he didn't allow any time to ask for clarification before he turned to the elder and said, "If Genesis returns before we do, please let him know we have gone to speak to the mayor. We can look for him if he isn't back by then."
Alex was uneasy at his absence, especially with the way he left, but there was nothing they could do about it at the moment. She was still looking around for any sign of the man as they made their way out and toward the village.
There had been no sign of him before they got to the mayor's house, which had Alex frowning as her brother knocked on the door. Somehow she managed to wipe it away when Tifa opened the door to greet them.
The girl must not have been expecting the people on her doorstep because she was still standing there and staring with wide eyes when her father came up behind her. The man was wearing a slight frown, but his voice was calm and even when he told Tifa to go to her room and watched until she was out of sight. Once she was gone, he turned to his visitors and said, "You are early, but I suppose there is a lot to talk about. Especially since you seem to have found the general."
Sephiroth looked away with a furrow between his brows, but his attention was diverted when Alex put her hand over one of his. His eyes widened slightly when she gave him a reassuring smile. Both Angeal and Brian watched the exchange with interest, but neither said anything. Instead, the mayor stepped back and motioned for them to follow him in.
Once they were all seated in the living room, Brian looked over the group with an evaluating eye before he said, "You have already told me that you broke from Shinra, and given their lack of any updates regarding the lot of you, I would guess that it wasn't on amicable terms. I also assume they want you back. Something tells me they would do anything to save face to the public. So, tell me, why should I let you stay? What could you possibly accomplish here that would be worth it?"
Alex shared a look with her brother and Sephiroth. Neither of them looked pleased with the circumstances, but the general gave her a nod as he said, "I trust your decision. You are the reason we have made it as far as we have already."
She blushed under his compliment, but when her brother agreed, she gave them both a resolute nod and turned back to the mayor. "I cannot tell you everything, as it would be best for you if you didn't know. However, I can give you the gist of it, and then you should be able to understand why we are here and what we are looking for."
Brian didn't look entirely convinced, but he just motioned for her to continue. Alex took that as her cue to start. Over the next hour, she explained that they had been experimented on before birth, how they had found that out, and her kidnapping and ensuing rescue. She also explained the basics of what that had to do with the incident the day before and what they had been trying to accomplish. It was also mentioned that the experiments were mainly done there in Nibelheim, which was why they were there. They hoped to find a way to nullify the worst of the damage with the resources they could find.
Once she was done talking, the mayor stood and took a few steps away. It was several seconds before he looked back with a deep frown. "I can't say that I blame you for coming here, and if I kicked you out now, I know I would regret it. That doesn't mean this situation isn't dangerous. Your presence alone will eventually have Shinra troops crawling all over my village. I can't let that happen."
Alex stood in a rush with a plea on her tongue, but Brian held up a hand to keep her from talking. "Don't bother. I'm not going to ask you to leave yet, but I will give you a time limit. You have a month. Any longer, and Shinra is sure to track you here. If we see anything that points to them heading this way earlier than that, I want your word that you will leave without question."
Sephiroth was instantly on his feet. The furrow between his brows had not disappeared since Alex had brought up the incident he was involved in, but his voice was calm and clear when he said, "You have my word that we will do all we can to keep danger from you and this village. I understand your position. It is the least we can do for the hospitality and trust you are extending."
Angeal was up by then as well. He gave the general a smile before he turned back to Brian and said, "He's right. We are honor-bound to ensure nothing bad will reach this place."
The mayor looked like he wasn't sure he could believe them, but he sighed before he said, "If that's settled, then I would like to request you stay out of sight as much as possible. There is no need for people to panic every time they lay eyes on one of you."
Alex frowned at the request, but Angeal was quick to say, "You have our word. We may need to restock on basics before we leave, but other than that, we will not bother you."
After that, the mayor shook hands with all of them before he led them out. All three were still tense, as the meeting hadn't gone perfectly, but at least they knew they had a window of opportunity. It was better than nothing.
A/N: Not a lot going on in this chapter, but we do see some setup for coming conflicts. Plus, I'm sure you all know what's coming in the next one 😁😏😊 Anyway, I will work on getting it out as soon as I can. Also, please drop me a line and let me know what you think so far, whether it's good, bad, or ugly 😅. Thanks for reading and cheers!