Chapter 21: Haven, part 1.
Within Wall Rose
Reiner and Bertholdt rode behind Mike, Lynne and Gergel for hours, passing the momentarily deserted villages people had left at the news of titans reaching the inside; while Zacharius was almost sure all the creatures had been killed, he would take no risks and asked the other two to accompany them and make no questions. Without his gear he knew all he could do was act as a decoy for any titans they could run into, but he had the responsiblity of getting the shifters to their destination.
It was still dark when the group arrived at another abandoned town, bigger than the previous ones and where an inn was located; Mike told them to dismount and get inside the building.
_We'll rest here until dawn, then keep moving until we reached Mr. Perelli's state.
_Perelli's? -Lynne asked in surprise- Isn't that one of the wealthiest merchants in Wall Rose? Are we taking these two there? Why not the others?
_Those are the orders. -the taller man said- Reiner, Berhtoldt, take a room and rest. We'll take shifts in case any titans remain, understood?
Hoover and his friend exchanged a glance then nodded, a feeling of uneasiness they couldn't shake weighing on their spirits but not saying a word as they entered the silent building and went upstairs. Once they were in the room however the blonde grabbed his head and collapsed on the floor.
_Fuck, fuck, fuck! -he hissed- What is this?! What's fucking going on?!
His friend looked at him in surprise, then knelt beside holding him by the shoulders anxiously; Braun trembled as if a severe fever had got him.
_Reiner! -Bertholdt said in a low yet desperate tone- Calm down please!
_Calm down? -the other said, somehow managing to whisper instead of shouting- How can i calm down with all that happened? Zeke's dead! We're traitors! And Pieck's following that bastard who knows where! How can you be so relaxed about it?
Hoover looked down and shook his head in impotence, and when he eyed the blonde the other saw the uncertainty and sadness, falling silent as Bert tried to speak.
_I'm not. -he finally said- I'm not Reiner, i'm scared. I'm too scared, for you and i, for Pieck, for Annie... for our families. So much i chose to trust Niko out of despair, because as crazy as it sounds i don't think he was lying when he said he could help us somehow. And if it let's our people be free... then i'm in with all my might.
_But our people... the marleyans said...
_The marleyans can go to hell! -the brunette snapped, showing anger for the first time- I'm tired of being a dog for them, to be afraid of them! I don't want to have to wear that fucking armband anymore! I don't want my mom to look down every time one of them glances at her! I don't want to... i don't want to hear i'm a monster when i turn my back!
Both fell silent and in the darkness Reiner couldn't see his friends face clearly, so when Bertholdt started shaking he thought he'd collapse, until he heard the sobbing and realized he was crying. Reiner's arms surrounded him by instinct, holding the shivering young man; Hoover's nails dug into his back as he cried almost silently, letting all the weight on his heart go for a while.
They stayed like that for a while, even after the taller stopped crying, hidden in the dark. Softly, the blonde moved a bit and his friend looked at him sniffing from time to time.
_Forgive me Bert. -he said sincerely- I didn't mean to make you feel so awful, i... i'm an idiot.
_'s 'kay. -he sniffed deeply and pointed to the beds with his head- Let's sleep a bit, or Mike will get mad.
_Yeah.
The shifters stood and got one on each bed falling asleep soon despite their worries, such was the exhaustion, both physical and mental, that overcame them. Outside their room, Mike moved away from the door he'd been leaning on while listening, nodded to himself and readied for his shift.
The following morning they kept moving, and while on the road they met a small group of Garrison forces escorting people back to their homes, since they explorers had confirmed no titan remained in the zone and everyone was being taken back to their villages. Mike exchanged a few words with one of them and returned looked mildly satisfied.
_We're lucky. -he said once they resumed their trip- Mr. Perelli was checking on the state he has in this zone when everything started. If we hurry we might find him before he returns to his home and leave you two under his care.
_Where does he live? -Reiner asked.
_He actually lives withing Wall Sina, but most of his income is from trading within Wall Rose. -Mike told him- He has several houses spread within and in the outer districts.
The two friends shared a glance. How could Niko be related to a man of Perelli's kind?
They arrived at noon, riding over the hills near the state. Mike told the group to stop and everyone took a moment to appreciate the view. The ample field was the first thing they noticed, dotted in white of cotton on a side, the golden shade of wheat on the other; a huge appelyard could be seen in the distance beyond the big luxurious house.
_I'll go forward alone. -Zacharius said- Wait here until i come back.
The group obeyed and stayed on top of the hill, watching him ride towards the state until he was a small shape in the distance; then a few dots moved to welcome him and after a short while one left for the building, returning to take him inside. Less than ten minutes later, Mike returned and told the shifters to follow him and the legionnaires to return to HQ. Gergel and Lynne nodded and said goodbye before turning and riding away.
_Mr. Perelli is here. He'll see you now.
He guided them amidst the curious looks from the workers, some of which went back to work while others stared a bit longer but looked away as soon as either shifter glanced at them. No one said a word as they arrived at the mansion, where a tall butler guided them through a decorated hall and expensively furnitured rooms to a study, where he knocked on the door.
_Come in. -said a man's voice, clear and strong.
The man bowed and disappeared as silently as he'd arrived. Mike opened the door slightly stiff, and they entered a well lit room with big windows and many libraries, where a man sat behind an ebony and gold desk.
Giacomo Perelli looked up from some documents and stood, walking around the desk with grace despite his round body. He was a fat and jovial man, with short hair carefully combed and a thick moustache he pleased in trimming with its tips upwards; according to him, it made his smile even more friendly. His fingers sported several jeweled rings in silver and gold, and his clothes were made in fine silk. The man smiled kindly at them, nodding in respect at Mike's badge.
_Welcome, gentlemen, to my state. I am Giacomo Perelli. -he said in a polite yet firm tone- I have been told you requested to see me for some urgent matter, and i accepted out of respect for the Corps. Now what brings you here?
Mike took Nikolai's letter out of his pocket, handing it to the man without a word. Their host took it and began to read; after the first lines, his face turned from friendly to serious, and by the time he finished he looked clearly surprised. He looked at the shifters, then at the letter, then at them again and finally cleared his throat.
_Tell me, young man. -he said addressing Hoover- How come you know Nikolai?
_Um, we are comrades in the Legion.
_I see. And has he told you about me? About how we met?
Bertholdt blinked, hesitating a bit before denying and blushing quite a bit.
_N-no sir. He only told us you are a friend of his.
_Did he now? -the man said, narrowing his eyes and shaking the letter- Here he says you're two friends in need of a place to stay hidden before he comes back from settling some matters, and that he's trying to help you.
_Y-es sir. -he mumbled- He really is.
Giacomo frowned, looking from one young man to another.
_Well then, i guess that's how things are. -he suddenly opened his arms and grinned widely- Welcome to my mansion, lads!
_Really? -Reiner said- Can we stay?
_Of course boy, of course! -the fat merchant said- Any friend of Niko's is a friend of mine! You'll be my treasured guests while i stay... did Nikolai say when he was returning?
_Uh... -Braun tried to remember- I think he said in a week or so...
_Excelent! Excelent! -the older one said, frotting his hands in delight- In that case, we'll be ready to greet him the way he deserves! Oh, it'll be good to see him again! But please come, i'll show you your rooms while my men take care of your luggage!
_They don't have any. -Mike said- They left in... quite a hurry. And can't risk to bring their things here.
_Is that so? You must be in quite some trouble! But never mind, i'll have someone bring you some new clothes... how fancy are you?
The others looked at each other in confusion, then Bert shrugged a bit.
_N-nothing too fancy... i mean we need to stay low.
_Of course, of course. Simple but comfortable, like any sound man would say! Good, good! I'll have someone to keep you company too, in case you need anything... old Jones will do, he's a bit grumpy but extremely loyal and knows everything here even better than i do.
_If that's settled, then i'll leave them to your care, Mr. Perelli. -Mike said saluting- In the Legion's name, i thank you.
_The honor is mine, my good friend. -he answered, returning the gesture.
Once Mike was gone, Giacomo took them to a big guest room, with two comfortable beds, while assuring them any need they had would be satisfied and he'd instruct their servants to provide them anything they needed.
_Thank you very much, Mr. Perelli. -Bertholdt said- Although...
He hesitated and fell silent; the merchant eyed him with curiosity while smiling kindly.
_What is it my child? Go on, don't be shy.
_It's just... i don't want to be disrespectful, but... we never imagined Nikolai was friends with someone of your status. He never spoke of his friendships.
Perelli chuckled and nodded, clearly amused by the younger's shyness. He told them to sit on one of the many expensive chairs, while he did as well.
_It's hard to understand, but it's true: Nikolai is to me like a son. -he said and they went wide eyed- You'll understand once i tell you how we met. You see, my riches were nowhere near as much as they're now; before the fall of Wall Maria i was a successfull if also not very important merchant, and i was about to strike a deal with some powerful bussinessmen in Wall Sina that would greatly improve my position. But then, it happened.
Both shifters moved awkwardly on their seats, glancing at each other. Giacomo nodded solemnly.
_Yes, the Colossal Titan appeared. And those days were dark ones, everyone was terrified from both the titans and the people, not knowing what was going to happen. It was then that one of my competitors, a black hearted scum of a man, used his money and influence to make sure i would be part of the recovery mission. -he said shaking a bit in righteous anger- Such infamy, using the tragedy as a chance to get rid of me!
Giacomo took a handkerchief from his pocket, drying the sweat from his forehead and breathing deeply to calm himself.
_I was told to join the ranks of the "recovery army" or face death as a traitor. I knew he was behind it, but it was pointless to fight; all i could do was look in the eye at my dear wife and my beloved daughter and lie to them, saying i would return while knowing i was going to die. That day we marched, afraid yet fueled by that same fear.
He sighed deeply, shaking his head sadly as he closed his eyes at the memories. Reiner looked down, ashamed and upset.
_I won't go into details, for you are young and need not my nightmares to become yours. All i can say is that from the thousands that made the force i belonged to, soon fifteen was all that was left. We ran away, screaming at the heaven's for mercy and a miracle; all we managed was to attract their attention, and soon our fifteen turned to nine. We hid in a nearby forest, terrified of our inevitable end. Yet when everything seemed lost, it happened; the miracle we prayed for came to us. He came to us.
His eyes lit up when he spoke, rising his head as his voice became suddenly strong once more.
_The first thing we noticed was the smell, like a pig which spent its lifetime inside the most rancid pen in existence. Then he appeared, silent and calm yet threatening like a storm brewing in the horizon; he looked at us with a strange smile and made a gesture for silence, then walked towards the nearest titan of the two nearby. I still can't tell how it happened, despite watching his every move... all i know is that in a few moments, both monsters were dead.
Hoover nodded silently, and Giacomo looked at him expectantly so he cleared his throat and spoke.
_We saw him fight in Trost. He's... unmatched.
_And that's an understatement my son. -he answered with reverence- He's the deadliest man alive, a hunter at his very core; we knew it and flocked at him, desperate for protection. And blessed be the man, he accepted us. When he could have just walked away, he slowed down to give us time to follow him. I wasn't this fat by then, but i'm sure he wouldn't have left me behind even then. He told us what to do, when to move, how to hide. He guided us under the moon's light like a group of smugglers and had us sleep during the day in safe places he spotted on the way. And by a miracle, we all reached the wall in time to join the retiring forces; i've never seen men happier to see the gates than my companions. And that's not all.
He leaned forward, a sly smile appearing on his chubby features and giving him an uncharacteristic ruthless air.
_My competitor, burn in hell, had been trying to buy all my business from my wife at a ludicrously low price since everyone thought me dead and she had no way to keep it running for long. Yet my dear, goddesses shine upon her, refused to do so until the forces returned and i was officially declared dead. Oh, her surprised and joyous face when i appeared at the door was the only thing i enjoyed more than that excrement's horrified expression! Oh sweet vengeance, he'd spent most of his resources to pull favors, and after i returned everyone wanted to make business with "the luckiest trader in the walls"! The bastard hung himself soon after, but i had no ill will to his family, and gave them enough money to live after his decease; his only heir is now working in the Garrison, married and happy. Good thing he's nothing like his trash of a father.
_And what about Niko? -Reiner questioned- I guess you saw him again, right?
_Indeed son, indeed. He was at my side since all the others were quick to return to their homes, all turned into local celebrities at some degree despite the tragedy. I was the one with the most work to do after coming back and i dare say the most grateful of all, since thanks to him i lived to become a rich man; i would have made him my heir without hesitation, but he didn't take my offer the way i expected.
Both shifters frowned and shared a quick glance while the merchant nodded in agreement, his voice slightly hoarse as he continued.
_He looked at me in the eye and asked me if i honestly wanted someone like him in charge of my business. I realized that in my rush i could have made a bad decision, in spite of his bravery and commitment; i assume you've seen his scarred body, which he showed me. -he said and both nodded- He's not a man who settles down; he seeks conflict, likes to go against the odds as he showed when he saved us. So instead i gave him lodging in my former residence, a much smaller state, and then asked him to move to this very place when i got this plot of land as part of a business trade. He accepted under the condition of being taken as a worker until he found another job and stayed for almost a year, which i think is a lot for someone like him, before he decided to join the Corps. The rest you know better than i do my boys.
There was a thick silence, which the older used to take air after telling his story. Once he seemed more recovered Bertholdt dared to speak.
_ It's an amazing story, Mr. Perelli. We had no idea he'd done something so selfless when in the recovery mission.
_He has a troubled past, but is a good man deep inside. I'm sure he's doing all he can to help you wherever he is, so right now you should rest and wait. I'll leave you alone now, so you can make yourselves comfortable.
He stood up and they imitated him, giving the man a thankful bow.
_We're in your debt sir. -Reiner said.
_Thank you for helping us.
_Nonsense, my friends; anything i do for you is little compared to what i owe our friend in common. I hope however that you'll join me this evening for dinner: i'll treat you to the finest food you can find this side of the walls!
They nodded enthusiastically, and he left. Once he was gone, Braun turned to look at his friend.
_Well, colour me surprised! Nikolai is a goddamn hero in these parts!
_He said Niko likes to go against the odds. -Hoover remembered- No wonder he accepted to help Annie. Damn, i wonder where she is!
_She must be alright Bert, we have to trust him.
_Do you think he's going to make it? To reach his... ship, wherever it is?
_We'll have to wait. He said he'd be here in a week, so all we can do is wait for him to appear and then...
_Then what?
_We'll help him overthrow the government. -Reiner said fiercely- And we'll free our people.
End of Chapter.