AN: I do not own any of the SNK characters or storyline, only my OC. I'm trying to make it so my chapters will be longer, which means it takes longer for me to update. I hope you guys are enjoying it so far, reviews always help! :) Shout out to all my friends who've helped me publish.
Erwin entered the first floor window with no incident. It was unlocked, which would have seemed suspicious if not for the cigarette butts littering the windowsill. He wrinkled his nose at the acrid smell.
Seems this bad habit has saved me some trouble. Maybe whoever smokes these will die of lung cancer before I get to them, too.
He had hoped Elyse would be in the room he entered first but he knew that was wishful thinking. The desolate, run down room was empty, save a few mice that were making a meal out of the contents of a knocked over trash can, a table, and a couple of chairs. It had two closed doors, one to the right of the window and one directly across from him. Choosing the latter, Erwin covertly walked closer, listening for movement on the other side. After a few moments he could distinguish at least three separate voices.
"Boss sure had those boys do a number on that girl." One grunted, voice a low croak.
Another replied in a low grumble. "She hasn't been steadily conscious since then, how is that supposed to help us get information out of her?"
Looks like we'll be needing Hange after all. The commander thought, clenching his fists. He breathed deeply, trying to control the rage burning within him.
"Unless you want to end up like her, I suggest you don't say stuff like that when the boss is around." The third person chuckled, earning a Tch and another grumble from his accomplices.
Their chatter continued while Erwin strategized. The three of them against Erwin posed a challenge, especially with the inability to judge his opponents appearance beforehand. However, with quick, precise work and the element of surprise he could take out the first one before the other two could fall through the door. If they were armed, Erwin could steal one of their guns and use it against them.
The commander silently moved to the other door to the right of the window. He listened quietly for a few moments. Upon hearing nothing, he opted for opening the other door first. He didn't want to risk the noise attracting the three brutes and losing his upper hand. Erwin quietly grabbed one of the chairs and placed it against the door to the window's right side, hoping it would slow someone down if they were on the other side.
Erwin picked up an aluminum can from the scattered trash, frightening the mice to flee. Both doors only opened into the room he was hiding in, meaning he could hide behind the open door and ambush whoever entered first without exposing himself when they first entered.
Erwin positioned himself beside the door before throwing the can. The talking outside of the door hushed at the sound of the clatter.
"Did you hear that?"
"Sure did. Do you think it's just the mice?"
"Go check it out, idiot!" There was the sound of shoving before footsteps approached the door cautiously.
There was the sound of shoving before footsteps approached the door cautiously. The commander's body tensed, preparing to surprise his oncoming opponent with a blow to the head. The door creaked open slowly as one of the unlucky thugs investigated the room.
Before Erwin had a chance to attack, the booming sound of shattering glass echoed from the floors above. The thugs glanced quickly at each other before running hastily towards the sound.
"Bitch is trying to escape again! Hurry up!" Alonso commanded, prompting the other two to match his speed. The three of them were up the stairs in seconds, showing Erwin his next destination. He now knew that his niece's life rested in Levi's hands. His capable hands. Erwin thought to himself, closing his eyes and breathing deeply in hopes of calming the raging storm within him. If anyone can save her, it's humanity's strongest soldier. It made him laugh knowing Elyse was giving them hell, it gave him the calm to focus his rage on his enemies.
Erwin peeked around the cracked door and established no one else was around before exiting his hiding spot. The door opened into a large, open room with old barrels that had been turned into makeshift tables and stools. Erwin watched for a moment longer before following the thugs up the stairs, the sound of fighting already resonating throughout the time-worn building. The commander hoped he could distract the thugs into attacking him, giving Levi the opportunity he needs to escape with Elyse.
Levi examined his break in options. There were windows facing the south on both the 2nd and 3rd stories, each having the potential for a brawl. Very little was known about this operation, the layout of the building, how many adversaries, and where Elyse was being kept... all important variables to account for. Choosing the best entry point with little information was more than complicated, which made Levi pause and consider his options. Upon closer inspection he found one window on the second floor broken, glass shattered onto the street below. Levi stared for a moment more, realizing Elyse must have tried to escape through that window. Levi was impressed with her for not giving up. The spy had no way of knowing if rescue was on the way, and the fact that she was even still alive meant she hasn't given into her captors and revealing information.
The broken, second story window was high up off the ground. Levi's expression turned grim as he contemplated his next moves. I doubt she didn't get injured from that height, that makes things more difficult. Levi considered silently. Maybe ... I can use her attempted escape to our advantage. The captain began peering through the windows, hoping to get a better idea of the layout. He began with the broken window. No light came from the room, matching the dark sky that hid him. Hoping that the lack of lights meant lack of guards he risked calling for Erwin's niece.
"Elyse," he tried, waiting silently for any signs of movement. After a few moments, he tried again, a little louder. "Elyse, are you in here?" Levi began turning away, ready to give up when the sound of shuffling made his ears perk up. He looked sharply back through the broken window, eyes narrowing as he tried to make out her shape in the dark.
"H-hello?", Levi squeezed the window's ledge as the hoarse, wavering voice reached his ears. Goosebumps formed on his arms, whether from the cool air or his rush of anger he was unsure, "Who's there?"
He could make out movement in the darkness when suddenly there was a groan of pain and a stream of whispered curses. Her attempted movements stopped, confirming the spies injuries to the captain. A surprising swell of anger welled up in his stomach.
"My name is Levi, I'm here with Commander Erwin. Elyse, how many shitheads are keeping you hostage?" He growled.
Elyse thought for a second before replying. "Two guard my door, I can hear them talking when I'm awake. And I've seen 5 others around." She paused before adding, "I won't be any help in a fight... I-I can't move very much."
He nodded in response, "Erwin and I are here to rescue you. Will you be able to leave with us?
"Well, I am not staying.", she laughed painfully. "They've got my arms and legs tied. I'm a fucking worm. Useless."
Levi thought for a few moments, deciding what to do next. The carriage was too loud to bring right to the building, and he knew he could easily carry her the few blocks to safety. There was just the small matter of attracting the seven other thugs in the process. "Try to make it to the window."
Elyse gathered the small amount of strength left in her and prepared for the pain that was to come. It took a moment, but after a few suffering seconds Levi heard her start to move through the stale room. With every centimeter she progressed the more her agony grew. Each troubled breath of the sour-smelling room left her more and more dizzy.
A small whine escaped her but Elyse didn't stop. She needed to leave this place, yet her vision was fading to black with every victory forward. Elyse ground her teeth in frustration. She could still feel the painfully freezing water in her lungs, the fracturing of her fragile bones, and worst of all she could still feel the toxic touch of the man who tortured her into this pathetic state.
Deciding a break was best, she rolled onto her back, crying out as her back bumped against a stool. A heavy object fell from the stool, striking her head. After her moan of pain, the room grew quiet.
Levi stopped himself from calling out to her as a door opened, causing light to stream into the room. He ducked his head away from the broken window so he would not be seen. Two men entered the room, squinting their eyes in the dark. Levi glanced inside for a moment to examine his enemies. One was a short and bulky man, while the other was thin, toned and much taller. The tall one had made his way further into the room while searching for Elyse, while the short one cowered by the door.
"Where's is she?" The bulkier man asked, trying to hide the nervousness in his voice. His tone amused Levi, Elyse must have done some damage to him to scare such a bull of a man.
"I don't see her ropes lying around anywhere. She's still in here, so be careful." The other replied, "This little cunt is getting to be more hassle than she's worth. When she finally gives in I hope Commander Nile lets me finish her off. " The tall man kneeled down, finding an unconscious Elyse. He ran his hand down her cheek. "It's been fun bruising her pretty face, I'll admit to missing the pleasure I get from this one once the little thing is dead. She's unconscious, Abe. You're safe."
The brute by the doorway, Abe, walked to stand next to his comrade. "Looks like she was struggling. Knocked herself out again."
"Jesus, at this rate she'll die before we can interrogate her again." The tall man stood and brought his foot back, kicking Elyse in the stomach.
Levi launched himself through the window with his arms up to protect his face. Strategy and variables be damned. He had his swords drawn as soon as he landed. Glass crashed down around him onto the dirty floor as rage propelled him forward. The two men shouted in surprise, Abe going immediately for his standard issue firearm. Levi lashed his sword out, striking the man's now immobilized hand. Humanity's strongest soldier blocked a knife aimed for his face by the tall, cold-blooded criminal. The captain glared at the other man, their blades locked in front of them. Abe regained his composure and directed his beefy fist towards Levi's stomach. Levi knocked the tall man back in time to dodge Abe's fist and ram his sword hilt into the man's temple, knocking the man out. In the same moment another man ran into the room, gun drawn. He shot a quick round at Levi, who dodged and shot his 3DMG at the man's gun, effectively knocking it from his hands. As the new opponent reached to get it, the tall man was after Levi again with his knife.
"So someone came for the bitch after all, huh?" He said, once again engaging Levi in battle. Levi responded by kicking the taller man in the jaw. His head reeled backwards, knocking his opponent over.
Levi's hard gaze traveled to Elyse's still form, noticing her shallow breathing. I'll have to hurry this up. Before the taller man could stand back up, Levi hopped over a table in his path to the man by the doorway who was once again taking aim. As he finished this man off with a quick slice of his blade, four other people entered the room.
Everything stood still for a moment as Levi took in his situation with bleak eyes. He could smell the stench of these thugs and sneered in distaste. If these little shits are the remaining men of the seven Elyse had mentioned, Erwin must not be far behind them. Levi pulled his noisemaker from his pocket, tossing it into the new group of adversaries, hoping to gain an upperhand.
"Grenade! Get down!" One shouted, diving for the door while the others ducked for cover. High pitched screeching filled the room, causing the thugs to cover their ears and look around in confusion. The captain turned back to his tall opponent in time to see the thug slam Elyse's head roughly against the ground in a final attempt to kill her. Levi's eyes widened as he saw the man mock salute him before running and jumping through the window, attempting escape. Levi ran to the window, seeing the man limping away, he took his knife from its holster and threw it. The knife buried itself into the man's back, causing him to jolt forward, falling to the ground.
Levi didn't have time to see if it had dealt a finishing blow as the commotion behind him began. Commander Erwin had finally entered the battle, instantly taking out one of the thugs closest to the door. The two scouts made eye contact as the three converged on Erwin.
"Take Elyse to safety!" Erwin commanded. "I'll follow after you!"
Levi hesitated for only a second before running to Elyse's side. Gently, he picked her up in his arms before running for the window. Levi turned for a last glance at Erwin. Two of the thugs were fighting him, while one was now pursuing Levi. The captain positioned himself on the window sill, preparing for the risky maneuver to escape the narrow alley with his 3DM gear. Before his pursuer could reach him, Levi and the unconscious Elyse flew from his grasp and into the air. Once on the roof, he took off in the direction of the carriage where Hange waited.
Erwin was able to take out another attacker before gaining the opportunity to escape behind Levi. He was relieved to see his niece safe in the captain's arms, he only hoped she'd stay that way. The commander knew nothing of the extent of her injuries and inwardly thanked Levi for thinking of bringing Hange. Her expertise, though sometimes extreme, always proved valuable.
It wasn't long before they reached the carriage. It seemed Elyse's kidnappers weren't expecting anyone with 3DM gear, so they didn't have pursuers for long. Hange was waiting and started waving her arms once she saw them. Noticing the slack body in Levi's arms, she immediately got into the carriage and began prepping her medical supplies. Erwin and Levi landed side by side and Erwin took the girl into his arms, eyes troubled. Levi stayed quiet as the commander clutched his only surviving relative close to him.
"She's barely breathing.." Erwin whispered, "Those bastards." Levi stepped forward, placing a hand on Erwin's shoulder.
"The sooner we get her into Hange's hands the better. I don't think we're in the clear just yet." Erwin nodded, bringing Elyse into the carriage where Hange was waiting. Levi found his horse and mounted. A few seconds later, Erwin took his position as the driver of the carriage. Together they rode back to the safety of the Scouting Regiment Head Quarters.
The trip back was uneventful for the commander and the captain, but Hange's work had just started. Elyse's condition was bad and not improve. Fear filled Hange's heart but she pushed her nervousness aside and got to work.
The section commander diagnosed several bone fractures, multiple contusions, and worst of all, she believed the spy was suffering from a brain injury, causing it to swell. Erwin called to her several times from outside, hoping to get a status of his niece's health, but Hange drowned him out, concentrating instead on the wounded spy. Hange did everything she could while in the carriage hoping it would buy them time to reach a hospital and praying desperately Elyse would fight too, afraid of what would happen if the commander's niece could not be saved.
The entourage reached the compound as the daily activities of the scouts were just beginning. They passed many surprised onlookers, some barely having time to jump out of the way, the whole time Erwin shouted orders to warn medical of a critical patient arriving, sending scouts running. They skidded to a halt right outside of the medical bay, Levi and Erwin quickly going to the carriage doors to carry Elyse and Hange jumped out after them. Medical staff filed out of the doors, carrying a gurney. The commander and the captain placed Elyse gently onto the gurney and followed behind as Hange led the group into the building, shouting at bystanders in their path.
Two doctors fell into step with Hange as she started explaining Elyse's condition. They nodded along before directing the gurney into a room fully equipped for the spies critical condition. Erwin tried to enter but Hange stopped him.
"Erwin, you know you'll be in the way in there."
The commander glared at her but she didn't relent. Finally he sighed and ran his hand through his blonde hair. "Tell me she'll live."
Hange stared solemnly at the ground for a moment before replying, "It's up to her now." Erwin didn't speak. Silent moments passed between them, each contemplating the seriousness of what was to come, before Levi spoke up.
"From what you've told me, she's a fighter. Believe in her Erwin." Levi said, arms crossed firmly against his chest. "The doctors have dealt with worse injuries than this."
Erwin nodded and sank into a nearby bench, his stance defeated. The two sank down beside him exhausted from the night's events. Hours passed with no news. The group had since moved to a more comfortable waiting room. Levi hated hospitals despite their sterile reminded him of humanity's losing struggle against the titans. The bright, empty white stirred a feeling of loneliness he would otherwise avoid, especially after the very recent deaths of most of his squad. He could almost feel the death and sorrow seeping into his soul.
Erwin was on edge. He'd never believed in any deity worth worshipping, how could he with the hell they lived in? Yet in these moments the commander found himself begging anything out there that might listen to save his niece. If there is any goodness left in the world, she is it. Please. He prayed silently, eyes squeezed closed and hands clasped tightly. Erwin had known loss in the past, more than most people with his job. He's always been able to push passed it, knowing their sacrifice was for the benefit for humanity, but now he was barely holding it together. There was a heavy weight in his heart that he hadn't felt in a long time.
Hange had gone to get them coffee and sustenance a while ago, when suddenly she came rushing back with a weird grin on her face and arms full of food. Levi and Erwin stood up, waiting for Hange to explain her lightened mood.
"They put her into a medically induced coma!" The section commander reported. Erwin looked stunned at the news, while Levi kept his cool, hard glare.
"Why the fuck are you happy about that, shitty glasses?", Levi demanded.
Hange's smile didn't fade. "They're saying her chances of living are much improved now. They've stabilized her.", She explained, " Elyse will be closely monitored the entire time she's under, but the doc said she is giving death one hell of a fight!"
Relief was written all over the commander's face. "Of course she is." He smiled faintly, moving to sit back down. "That's my girl." Erwin returned to his state of deep concentration, hands clasped together under his chin, elbows resting on his knees.
Levi watched Erwin closely from his place, leaning on the wall. The man looked more unstable than he'd ever seen him, yet he still held his composure. Levi was reassured by the news, yet still had an uneasy feeling in his stomach that wouldn't go away. Hange placed everything she was carrying on the table in front of them while humming happily. Levi picked up a coffee and turned to Erwin.
"I'm going to go check in with the other scouts to make sure we haven't missed anything to get some rest." The captain suggested. Erwin nodded without looking at him. Levi and Hange shared a knowing look before he departed, relieved with the excuse to leave. Hange stared gravely after him, knowing his eagerness to leave and the daunting reason behind his departure.
Hange turned her attention back to the commander, making mindless chatter to keep the mood light while they sat together. She opened her snacks and ate, joyfully explaining the science behind an induced coma to the frigid man beside her, knowing full well he couldn't hear her.