Aswari was sat gently on Reno’s hospital bed, stroking Reno’s hair gently, when Tseng entered the room.
He kept his voice low as he said, “is he okay Aswari?”
Aswari jumped and stood up quickly. She turned to look at him a little panicked.
“Calm down Aswari. I am here not as your boss but as a friend. So is he okay?”
Aswari smiled, a little calmer. “He’s stable…thankfully.”
“Good.” Tseng grimaced as he said, “we know who attacked Reno and Rude back in the mountains.”
“Really? Who?”
Tseng’s face darkened as he told Aswari what happened many years ago.
“We thought we had killed him, or rather, that Reno had killed him but clearly he hadn’t.” Tseng fell into thought for a couple of moments then continued further.
“A few years ago, Aswari, a SOLDIER named Taithora was found deep under the old Shinra building and found out secrets that should remain secrets. He was deemed too dangerous to be kept around and President Shinra ordered the Turks to kill him and his family. The killing of Taithora`s family was believed to be overkill but also necessary. Veld, my predecessor, sent Reno to kill Taithora`s family and Taithora himself. Reno returned, reporting that Taithora was dead as was his family. We all believed Taithora was dead, as did Reno himself. Recent events, however, tell us otherwise.”
“Dun-dun-durrrrn!”
Aswari and Tseng jumped and turned to see Reno watching them with a sadistic grin on his face.
“Reno! That was not funny!”
Reno gave a small laugh before cringing in pain. He smiled when Aswari came over and squeezed his hand in comfort.
Tseng smiled then said, “Aswari, Reno, if I may continue?”
Reno rolled his eyes but Aswari nodded for Tseng to continue.
“Aswari, you have to be careful. As soon as Taithora learns that Reno is still alive, he will try to kill Reno again and will try to get to Reno through you Aswari. Be on your guard…both of you.”
Aswari nodded again, more solemnly this time and Reno nodded too, mentally telling himself he was going to protect them both with all of his being.
Tseng left the couple alone in the hospital room and found Elena stood outside.
“What’s wrong Elena?”
“It’s Taithora sir. He’s been reported in Edge.”