AN: I do not own any of the SNK characters or storyline, only my OC. This story begins after Annie is captured and before season 2. Elyse is 26 in the present story. I hope you guys like it! Reviews are appreciated.
The sun had set on the barriers of Wall Sina, revealing the secrets and corruption that daylight obscures. Elyse Winter worked well within the shadows. She could twist them into revealing the truths they hide, as was expected from a trained spy, and was manipulating them now in Commander Nile Dawk's personal office. The office itself was simple and unassuming, unlike the man whom it belonged to. Elyse knew for a fact that the office contained information that could lead to the potential assassination of several important military members, including her uncle, Commander Erwin Smith. Her employer, Commander and Chief Darius Zackly ordered her to bring this information to him, and the spy was determined to follow through.
Elyse started by searching any obvious spots for what she was looking for: the filing cabinet, the desk, even checking for false bottoms in the drawers. Eventually, she found a floorboard that wasn't quite placed correctly. Pulling it up, her hand grasped, searching in the dark space and stopping when her fingers grazed over a file.
This is it. Elyse smiled to herself, intense blue eyes skimming the incriminating documents. This will be enough.
Elyse took a few moments to study the files contents, insuring they were indeed enough. She replaced the floorboard and tucked the documents into her jacket and stood up. The spy made a quick surveillance of the office to make sure her presence would not be noticed by Commander Nile the next day. All for not it seemed, as several pairs of loud footsteps were running down the hall assumingly towards the room which held Elyse breaking and entering. Her head snapped up at the sound of oncoming danger.
Dashing for the already open window from where she entered, Elyse jumped out onto the street below. Voices were heard from above, but she didn't pause to see them beginning their pursuit. Heart racing and legs propelling forward, Elyse was determined to escape, knowing they would not fire on her within the dead of night. She knew they would want as little attention drawn to them as possible. She prided herself on her endurance running and stamina, and also knew the layout of this area well having spent her days patrolling these very streets. Elyse was able to lose her pursuers quickly, winding up in an uninhabited park where she could stash the documents in case she was caught. The spy in her knew she had not lost the thugs so easily and wanted leverage if the chase made a turn for the worse. Burying the file, she waited a few seconds before dashing from her cover and running once again. It didn't take long for the thugs to catch up to her. There were several of them and only one of her, and the head start she had she used to hide her leverage.
Quickly Elyse rounded a corner, halting as Nile Dawk himself stood at the end of the short alley, armed thugs on both sides, guns trained on her. She realized with dread that these guns were made especially for silent killing. Or maiming, which would likely be their orders.
"It seems your cover has been blown, Captain Elyse." Nile started, taking a step towards her, the spy turned to make a hasty retreat, but stopped short when a shot was fired a few paces before her feet. "I would stay put if I were you. And while you're at it, on your knees, hands behind your head."
Elyse complied, slowly lowering herself. Her eyes stayed alert, focusing more on the figure in front of her than the two guns aimed directly at her. "You should let me go Nile."
"You're in no position to make demands, Captain. I'm hurt to discover that you're the one that's been sneaking through my personal business. I had great plans for that pretty blonde head of yours."
The spy sneered at him as he got closer to her, too close for her taste. "Your personal business includes killing off my uncle."
Nile reached his hand to smooth her hair, causing Elyse to flinch away. Instead he reached into her jacket, feeling for the file. Finding it already missing, he clenched his fist in front of her. "A minor detail which I had hoped you would overlook- after the fact. The offer is still open… I just need what you stole from me."
Elyse laughed sardonically. "The evidence of you stealing from the people? I'm sorry, you are not getting that from me, no matter what you do. Embezzlement is a serious crime the king does not take kindly to, especially when the funds are used to overthrow every high ranking military member."
Sharp pain exploded on the side of Elyse's face, the taste of blood quickly filling her senses. Nile rubbed his knuckles and began walking away from her at the same time two men approached her from behind. "Such a shame..." Nile muttered, which was the last thing Elyse heard before her consciousness left her.
Erwin's desk had a large stack of paperwork on it, long overdue since the capture of the female titan, Annie Leonhart. He pulled from the top of the stack and began working his way through the pile. Most of the paperwork consisted of reports, new recruits, and reviewing the ever dwindling funds for the Scouting Regiment. Each paper needed his full attention with every tedious detail listed. Despite Erwin's diligence, his attention was dwindling and was relieved when there was a slight knock at the door. "Enter." He said, not lifting his head from his work.
Captain Levi entered the room, a forgotten envelope in his hand. He glanced at the paperwork with indifferent, narrowed eyes. Levi sat himself in the chair across from him, putting his elbow on the edge of the desk "It's close to lunch, have you been at this all morning?" Levi asked coolly.
Erwin looked up from his paperwork briefly to acknowledge the shorter man in front of him. "There's a lot I haven't been able to do with recent events.", he answered before continuing his work. A few quiet moments passed and Levi finally remembered the envelope. He gazed irately down at the item in his hands. "Tch, I forgot to mention that some gangly scout ran into me, said this is for you. When I say ran into me I mean it in the literal sense. Little shit fell over." Levi handed the envelope to Erwin. "It doesn't say who it's from."
Erwin sighed in resignation and took the envelope, examining it. Sighing once again, he took his letter opener from his desk and sliced the envelope open.
"'Erwin,'" he began aloud, "'I am sending this to you at great risk, but feel obligated to do so as your niece has made an impression on me while under my employ. She has spoken of you often and I feel duty bound to give you a fighting chance at saving her so she will not die under my orders, though I am sure she is prepared to do so.'" Erwin paused, concern wrinkling his brow. Levi was listening intently with an intense glare set in his eyes.
The captain knew what the commander's niece meant to him, though few people knew of her. She was his last surviving relative, his sister's daughter no less, and though Levi himself had never met the younger sibling he felt as if he had. On days which were worse than others he and Erwin would recollect nostalgic memories. Whenever Erwin spoke of his niece his face would brighten up and a rare smile would form on his face.
"'Elyse has been captured during her last mission. By the time this letter reaches you they will have had her contained for three days. I have discovered where she is located, but that is as far as my reach may interfere. I cannot be found tied to her, and I fear her captors discovering me as her employer would get her killed. I fear it will not be long before she is wishing for death. I suggest haste and discretion.'"
The bottom held an address but there was no signature. Despite the lack of identity of the sender, Erwin knew exactly whom it had come from. Elyse had been allowed to tell him she was working undercover in the Military Police for Darius Zackly since she had graduated top of her class. Slowly working her way up the ranks, she had finally made the rank of Captain. The last time Erwin had seen her was at that ceremony a year and a half ago.
Silence filled the office as Erwin re-read the foreboding letter. His narrowed eyes moved across the page in concentration. Levi was staring at the older man intently, waiting for the plan he knew would be laid out shortly. There was no question of the captain going with him. In the past Levi had owed Erwin his life. Despite that debt being long repaid, Levi would without a doubt support Erwin and follow him to the death if the commander needed it.
After several drawn out minutes Erwin finally looked up from the paper, determination evident in his eyes. Only Levi could see the worry that hid behind them. "This may be a trap. Even if it isn't, you're the only one I can ask to go blind into this hideout. The risk is high."
Levi's cold eyes never left the commander's. "I'll go. You and I can kill all their shitty asses for putting her in danger." He paused, contemplating for a moment. "There's a possibility that Elyse is badly injured. Those fucks are most likely torturing her for information. We should also take Hange for on spot medical attention."
Although Hange was often seen as extreme and over-zealous at times, there was a reason Erwin had chosen her as section commander of the Scouting Regiment. Her wide ranging skill set made her a huge asset, and when things got serious, the scientist could always be relied upon for any task.
Erwin knew Levi was right, but if something were to take a turn for the worst all three of the high-ranking members of the Scouting Regiment could end up dead. He knew the risk was too high, but he also knew he could never leave his niece in the hands of thugs. Elyse's potential has and will continue to benefit humanity, of that he was certain.
"We will leave at nightfall."
Once Hange was informed that Erwin had a niece it took several minutes to calm the scientist down and explain the situation to her. Hange then gravely agreed to go on a rescue mission to save Erwin's last surviving relative. Together the three members of the Scouting Regiment formulated a plan to prevent as many mistakes as possible in order to safely get the little spy back. Preparations did not take long once they had decided upon a course of action.
Hours later, the trio was parked a couple blocks from the address Darius had given them. They were dressed in civilian clothes, with large cloaks to disguise their omnidirectional gear. Hange insisted on taking a carriage instead of all riding horseback. Although it was slower, in the scenario of Elyse's condition being worse than they hoped, horseback would only worsen her injuries making their journey all for not.
Hange was to stay with the carriage to make a quick getaway in the likely event they were caught. Levi and Erwin would be the rescue team, sneaking in and out as quickly as possible. Erwin would drive the carriage if Elyse did indeed need medical attention, Hange would be inside tending to her wounds, and Levi would be on horseback, as his omnidirectional skills exceeded his partners.
Levi and Erwin left a jittery Hange and launched themselves to the nearest rooftop. Jumping from building to building, they stopped once they were directly across from the northern wall of the building supposedly holding Elyse. They were crouched low, surveying the building to discover the most desirable entrance. The building was seemingly an old storehouse, three stories high, and worn down.
Erwin was quietly watching for any activity when Levi moved to stand.
"Stay here," The captain whispered. "I'm going to get a closer look." The older man nodded gruffly in reply. Ensuring no one was around, Levi started for the next rooftop. After maneuvering over several rooftops Levi found himself facing the southern wall of the storehouse. It seemed that every wall of the building had windows on each floor except the east facing wall, though few of them, making their entrance and escape points few and possibly well-guarded. There was a small alleyway that led to the southern wall, making escape through the back entrance difficult with their gear, especially if carrying Elyse's body. Memorizing each window's location, Levi then made his way back to the commander's position.
Once Levi returned he relayed his discoveries to Erwin. The older man thought solemnly for a moment with his hand cupping his chin before making a decision.
"If there is a basement that's where they would be holding her. Underground means noise reduction." Erwin muttered matter-of-factly. "I will enter through the first floor window on the west side, clear it, and make my way down to the basement. That makes the second and third floor your responsibility. The back entrances are likely less guarded due to the alley limiting movement, you should enter through there. We'll meet on the second floor, north side, where the window is. If there are any complications shoot off one of the noisemakers."
With limited options for communication, they opted for one of Hange's experimental noisemakers. Similar to a grenade, except when the pin is pulled they release a series of high-pitched noises that can be heard through several walls depending on the makeup.
Levi was silently hoping that for Erwin's sake, Elyse was alive. The captain knew that if anything dire had happened to her Erwin could go off the deep end avenging her. He silently studied the commander beside him, who continued discussing the plan of action. Over the years they had come to be close. The serious, callous commander and the frightening captain who could stare down even Hange with his cold, hard glare had developed a relationship that has only grown.
Once upon a time Levi had been hired to end this man's life, but Erwin ended up saving Levi's instead when his only friends had been eaten by titans. Erwin gave him a chance he never would have had to escape the Underground, a chance that most people from above would have turned their nose at. They have since then been going on missions to further humanity's progress and making a real difference.
Erwin gave Levi a purpose in life, and Levi was determined to follow Erwin, even if it meant his own death.
Elyse had tried to escape. She'd endured oxygen-deprivation, beatings, knife wounds, and worse, yet she would not talk. They had threatened Erwin's life, but still she didn't talk. Elyse knew that if they could kill Erwin, they would have already. Otherwise they wouldn't have needed to fund his assassination.
They tried to break her when they told her no one was coming for her. She had already known this. That is the danger that comes with every mission. Darius couldn't risk exposing himself to save one spy. It didn't phase her knowing this. It strengthened her resolve knowing that she would die for humanity's sake.
Elyse had found a chance to escape and took it, knowing the only way she would get out of this situation and back to complete her mission was on her own. She jumped out of the three story building. She didn't make it more than a couple of blocks with what she assumed was a broken leg. The thugs caught up to her and dragged her back to her makeshift made the chance of another escape more difficult when they broke her right arm.
The captive focused on her memories with her family for strength to keep her silence. She never knew her father, and her mother never talked to about him. Elyse never regretted it, she figured her father wasn't worth her time if he was too blind to see her family was worth his. Erwin was the closest thing to a father she ever had. When her mother died, he took care of her. He educated her in every subject, determined that she succeed. He never let her take the easy route. She wouldn't be who she was today without Erwin. Her only regret would be not seeing him again.
Nile himself was the last to interrogate her. He sauntered in, seeming to enjoy her beaten state. She hated his voice. He was a fickle man with no integrity. He had tried softer tactics, saying she'd be rewarded and released for the file and any information she had. He even promised to spare her uncle's life. Nile didn't take kindly when she laughed in his face, and once again she was beaten.
After that she drifted in and out of consciousness, her waking moments no longer lucid.