Day 2: Asylum
This is actually a remake of an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. The Incurables is one of my favorite episodes and for those of you who have seen it, you may notice I changed a bunch of the plot, and some of the dialogue. Like one of the parts is that they find out the Nurse that was killed was molesting a certain patient. It was supposed to be the split personality patient that was being interfered with, but I changed it to the vicious serial killer instead because of the way I put the characters. Well, enjoy!
Doctor Petra Ral hissed as her wrist moved uncomfortably. Thunder rumbled as she sat at her desk within the Trost Mental Institution. Giving out a sigh, Petra decided to pour herself a cup of tea to help soothe her nerves. As she poured the tea, dull pain flared up her arm.
"Ow, damnit," she muttered to herself. Her wrist had been badly injured due to an accident on her house stairs, it was rather silly. (I forgot how she injured herself)
A woman's scream pierced the air and Petra nearly dropped her teacup in surprise. A nurse came crashing into her office crying and looking absolutely horrified.
"What is it?" Petra asked franticly. The nurse was shaking with terror.
"Nurse Carolina, I-," she burst into tears, but Petra heard enough. She ran out of her office and followed the wave of nurses down into the stairwell to the basement Ward. Five nurses were all panicking. Petra ran into the head of security.
"Gunther! What's happening?" Petra asked.
"They got out," Gunther said, jogging down the hall. Petra followed.
"Who?" she asked. They stopped at the end of the hall in front of a door that made Petra's stomach drop.
"The Incurables," Gunther said. They heard a roar and a body was slammed against the glass, making Petra cover her mouth in horror. The attacker banged the nurse against the glass four more times, assuring her death. The dead body dropped to the ground and behind the metal door the face of the attacker appeared in the window, grinning. Petra looked right at her.
"Oh, Mikasa," Petra said her name and the attacker disappeared. Gunther took out his keys and started to unlock the door. "I'm coming with you," Petra demanded. Gunther looked at her in surprise.
"Are you sure?" he asked. Petra nodded.
"Yes." Gunther sighed and opened the metal door with a creak. Inside were two unconscious bodies and four women. One was sitting over the dead body, one was draped over the table in the room, another was sitting at the table and another was standing up holding a plastic baby and talking to it as if it were real. Petra looked at the girl sitting by the body. "Mikasa, get away from her," Petra commanded.
"No," Mikasa said bluntly. She glared up at Petra, as if daring her to move.
"I need you to move away from her, I need to help the nurse," Petra said. One of the girls laughed.
"I doubt you need that." Petra looked at the girl sitting at the table.
"Ymir-," Petra started.
"She's long dead, doc. Long dead," Ymir said. Petra closed her eyes. The atmosphere in this room was always unsettling.
"Then I really you to step away, Mikasa," Petra said. The girl on top of the table jumped down towards Mikasa and threw her arm around her shoulders, making the blackette smile.
"Well, are you gonna do it?" she asked, while looking up at Petra. "You said you were gonna tear her to pieces!" she shouted, viciously. "There she is." Mikasa and the girl exchanged looks, then Mikasa looked at Petra and pounced. Petra didn't even have time to react when Mikasa tackled her to the floor. Mikasa punched and flailed viciously, until two nurses grabbed her.
"Get off of me!" Mikasa snarled as she kicked in the arms of the nurses. Petra breathed heavily as she stood up.
"Lock her in her room," Petra said, desperately.
"Are you okay?" Gunther asked. Petra nodded, when she finally took notice of the other unconscious body.
"Mr. Drainie! Mr. Drainie!" Petra cried as she ran to help the security guard up.
"Oh God," he said as he stood, head in hands.
"Are you alright?" Mr. Drainie blinked.
What happened? I was hit from behind, where's Nurse Carolina?" he asked. Petra bit her lip.
"She's dead, Mr. Drainie," Petra murmured. Mr. Drainie paled.
"Mina's dead," he said, numbly. He glared. "One of those monsters killed her!" He looked on the ground and saw a bloody knife. "And she did it with my knife!" he cried. He went to reach for it when Petra slapped his hand.
"Don't touch that!" she exclaimed. The red head turned to the nurses. "I need you to escort them all to their rooms," Petra demanded. The nurses nodded.
"Why thank you very much," Ymir said when a nurse grabbed her arm gently as to not aggravate her. "It's so rare to have such gentlemanly behaviour these days." She casually climbed over Mina's dead body. The girl with the fake baby looked up.
"Will you be leaving soon?" she asked Petra. "My babies need their sleep. They need the lights out." The girl on the table no longer shouting and being vicious, turned to the girl.
"Hey Sasha?" she giggled. "Can I help?" Sasha smiled.
"Of course, Girly," Sasha beamed. Girly laughed and looked at Petra for confirmation.
"Of course," Petra sighed. Girly gave a shout of delight.
"Thank you, Dr. Ral!" And she jumped up and followed Sasha into her room. At the back of the common room another girl appeared. Petra straightened.
"Miss. Dreyse," Petra greeted. Hitch looked on and smiled.
"Well, that was certainly more exciting than most evenings here," Hitch said.
"Did you see anything?" Petra asked.
"Of course, not…and even if I did…" she trailed off. I wouldn't tell you…Petra didn't need her to finish the sentence to know what she was going to say. Hitch was escorted back into her room and Petra looked at Mina Carolina's dead body.
"Can you have your staff transfer her to Dr. Hangi?" Gunther nodded.
"Of course," he said. Petra's husband, Levi, entered the room and zoned in on the dead body. Levi was called because he was the detective of the local Trost Constabulary. He rubbed Petra's back to help calm her.
"How did they all get out of their rooms?" Levi asked. Petra shrugged.
"I don't know, the guard on duty's name is Samuel Drainie, you could ask him," Petra suggested. Levi nodded.
"I intend to."
Upstairs, Levi and Samuel stood at a desk that guarded the stairwell that led to the Incurables ward.
"If the patients have behaved themselves, they are allowed a half hour free time in the recreation room," Sam explained. "After that they are locked up for the evening."
"And you locked in Mikasa Ackerman?" Levi asked.
"I didn't have to, she has not been allowed out of her room all day. She'd been unusually agitated," Sam explained. Levi raised an eyebrow.
"Unusually?" he asked. Thunder rumbled and Same waved him off.
"No more than usual, actually," he said. After a beat of silence, Sam poured some tea and Levi struck the nerve to ask.
"Why take a knife into the Ward?" Sam looked offended.
"I've been attacked four times! Who wouldn't?" Levi nodded.
"I see. So, after locking in the remaining patients, you checked to make sure that Mikasa's room was secure?" Levi questioned. Sam crossed his arms.
"I've been doing this job for fifteen years, there are very few duties to forget," Sam said.
"All of the rooms are locked with the common key?" Sam nodded.
"That's right, yes. The ward door as well," he said, showing him the key. Levi took a breath, a little frustrated.
"Well then, Mr. Drainie, how did they all get out?" Levi asked.
"I don't know!" Sam responded, exasperatedly. "I heard a commotion, I went to respond, and Nurse Carolina was being attacked!"
"And they were all out of their rooms?"
"I…I think so," Sam said.
"You think so?"
"A nurse was being attacked, I didn't do a head count!" Sam said. He put on his jacket and turned to leave when Levi stopped him.
"Mr. Drainie, your lantern," he said handing it to him.
"Oh, thank you," he said, grabbing it and making his exit. Levi sighed and fixed his jacket, when Petra appeared from the stairwell. "It's possible he may have forgotten to lock one of the doors, but all of them?" Levi asked. Petra shook her head. "It's not likely," she agreed. Levi walked towards her.
"One of the patients could have got hold of the key," Levi suggested.
"Perhaps Mikasa Ackerman, the one who killed Nurse Carolina," Petra offered. Levi nodded.
"I'd like a word with her."
"So, would I." They both descended the stairs.
Once downstairs, a nurse led them towards Mikasa's room.
"Mikasa has a serious psychiatric condition," Petra told Levi. "She's not responsible for her actions," Petra warned.
When they reached the door Levi said, "Be that as it may, Petra, it makes her no less dangerous." The nurse opened the door hesitantly and slowly. Levi and Petra stood in the doorway.
"Mikasa, may we speak with you for a moment?" Petra asked, gently. Mikasa was laying on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She didn't acknowledge them.
"Ackerman, we need to ask you some questions. How did you get out of your room?" Levi asked.
"The door was open," the girl said, emotionless. Levi was confused.
"You're saying that you-,"
"Is that Detective Levi I hear?" a feminine voice called. Levi's eyes narrowed. "I want to speak with you." Levi and Petra looked at each other. "Only you," she added. The red head nodded, albeit hesitantly, and Levi walked away.
"You finally came for a visit," Mikasa said, gaining Petra's attention once again. She was leaning on her elbows, looking up at her.
"You're not my patient, Mikasa," Petra stated.
"You remember the island, don't you Petra? We had a gay time there," Mikasa smiled. Petra unconsciously took a step back.
"We're not here to talk about that."
"I wish I killed you all," Mikasa growled. "All of you congratulating that witch for taking Eren away from me," Mikasa's eyes flared dangerously.
Over with Levi, he approached Hitch's door and a nurse unlocked it and he stood in the doorway.
"Hello Levi," she said.
"Miss. Dreyse."
"You are looking so well," Hitch stepped closer. "How's married life? Has it settled into a dull routine yet? I find that is usually the case, especially for the man," Hitch explained. Levi scowled and turned away. "I shouldn't be locked away with these lunatics! Levi, I was so distraught when my fiancée jilted me. I didn't know what I was doing. I just lost my mind." Hitch got emotional. "If I could go back in time…" But Levi wasn't buying it.
"Dreyse, I know that you are as sane as I am, no need to convince me otherwise." Hitch grinned.
"It is amazing what a good lawyer can do for you, isn't it?"
"Hitch, I only need to hear one thing from you. Did you or did you not see Mikasa Ackerman kill Nurse Carolina?" Levi asked, getting fed up. Hitch stepped closer and gently grabbed his arm.
"What would you like me to say? I can say anything you want," she whispered in his ear. Levi took her hands away and stepped out of the doorway.
"Goodnight, Dreyse," he said as the nurse closed the door. Hitch grabbed the cell bars.
"When I get out, I expect you will be calling on me," she smiled. "Detective."
Petra sighed.
"Why did you kill Nurse Carolina?" Petra asked Mikasa.
"I had the chance."
"That's it?" Petra asked, surprised.
"That was enough," Mikasa replied.
"So, you admit to killing her?" Mikasa grinned like the devil.
"Of course, Petra. I liked that feeling." Petra sighed. "I had almost forgotten it," Mikasa said wistfully.
"That's enough Mikasa," Petra said, now feeling uncomfortable.
"Oh, and please…give my regards to Zoe Hangi," Mikasa said. Petra took a shaky breath.
"We're done here," she told the nurses. "Please lock the door." Before the nurse could anything, Mikasa leapt up and roared, tackling Petra from behind. Petra grunted in pain when she landed on the ground. Mikasa grabbed at her throat, trying to strangle her. Levi got there in time and took the girl and practically threw her into the hands of the nurses. Mikasa let out a scream of frustration.
"You're next!" she screamed. "YOU HEAR ME, DR. RAL! YOU'RE FUCKING NEXT!" Mikasa shouted as she was being dragged back to her room.
"See that she's restrained," Levi ordered. The nurses nodded and carried a flailing Mikasa back into her room. Levi helped Petra up. "How's your arm?" Petra nodded.
"It's fine," she said. Petra looked back at Mikasa's door and saw nurses putting her in a straight jacket with buckles and no sleeves, so Mikasa could not move her arms. Petra and Mikasa locked eyes through the window and the teen smiled, sending shivers down the red head's back.
Later that day, Petra met with Hanji at the morgue to look over Mina Carolina's body.
"She was stabbed eleven times," Hanji explained, while wiping her hands. "No one could have survived the attack." Petra nodded.
"Mikasa is a very violent woman," Petra said. Hanji made a knowing face.
"I am all too aware of that," Hanji reminisced.
"You know she still takes no responsibility for any of her actions on the island or before?" Petra asked. Hanji looked solemn.
"She murdered her family, she murdered her friends, who would want to face that?"
"Now she vows revenge on the both of us," Petra explained. Hanji looked confused.
"Revenge for what?" she asked.
"For surviving, I suppose." Hanji looked at the ground.
"Do you…do you think, maybe, she should be transferred to another institution? One farther away from us?"
"Hanji, it's not necessary," Petra responded.
"An ax-wielding maniac vows revenge on you…and me, for that matter, and you don't think is necessary?" Hanji asked. Petra shrugged.
"She's in custody." Hanji nodded grimly.
"Alright, it's just a caution." Petra smiled comfortingly and turned to walk away. "Petra," Hanji stopped her. "There were bite marks on the body." Petra's eyes widened at the unsettling feeling in her stomach.
Petra carried a lantern through the Incurables ward.
"Mikasa?" Petra called. "I need to speak with you." No response. Absolute silence. "Mikasa?" she called again. On the table was a body and Petra screamed when she realized it was her own.
"Petra~," came a sing song voice. Petra whipped around and saw Mikasa holding an ax. She grinned and swung the ax and that's when Petra woke up in cold sweat.
Levi also woke and sat up next to her.
"Petra is everything alright?" he asked tiredly. Petra was taking deep breaths.
"It's nothing Levi, just an unpleasant dream. Go back to sleep." Levi nodded and laid back down, soon Petra followed suit.
The next day, Levi was in his office at the stationhouse. He had written a map of the Incurables ward and labeled the rooms. He was talking to Inspector Erwin Smith about the case.
"It was reported that all of the inmates were out of their rooms when Mr. Drainie entered the Ward," Levi explained.
"All except Hitch Dreyse," Erwin added. Levi nodded.
"Apparently she remained in her room during the commotion," Levi finished.
"And they just wander around free?" Erwin asked.
"Well, no, not usually."
"You said the old bugger was forgetful," Erwin confirmed.
"Yes, but I'm not inclined to believe he forgot to lock every room." The Inspector nodded.
"And no one saw anything?"
"Well, there's no one usually down there. Mr. Drainie stops in once an evening but that's it," Levi explained.
"Whose fingermarks are on the knife?" Erwin asked.
"Armin is working on that as we speak."
"In the Trost Institution, Armin had just barely dodged a punch Mikasa sent his way. She was carried away as Hitch stepped up to get her fingerprints taken.
"Constable, don't you have mine on file?" Hitch asked.
"Hitch," Armin greeted.
"Or did you just want to get close to me again?" Armin didn't respond, but he took Hitch's hand and dipped her fingertips into black ink and placed them on a piece of parchment. Hitch smiled and leaned in close to Armin's ear. "You're very gentle," she said. Armin looked up at her and let go of her hand.
"That's all, Hitch," he said. Hitch smirked and walked away. Ymir then stepped up.
"Hello Constable Arlert," Ymir said.
"Hello Ymir," he said, grabbing her hand.
"I do apologize for trying to kill you the last time I saw you, I misjudged you," she explained. Armin smiled.
"Well Ymir, we all make mistakes."
"I trust you are staying on the right side of the road?" Ymir asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I am indeed," Armin promised.
"Good boy," the brunette said, patting his head.
"Good to see you Ymir!" Armin said as she was led away.
"You too," she called back. Sasha was up next, and she was holding yet another plastic baby.
"Hush, I'm sure the constable will only be a minute," Sasha reassured the doll. "Armin, can you take Suzanne's as well? She would love you to," Sasha said, holding the doll out. Armin looked confused but smiled.
"Uh, of course," he said taking the doll, causing Sasha to beam.
"What the devil is this?" Erwin asked Armin back at the stationhouse. Armin looked at the Inspector nervously.
"Hard to say no to a child, sir," Armin said. Erwin shook his head.
Levi and Petra entered the gates of the Trost Mental Institution. They were going to question the patients some more.
"So, all of their fingerprints were on the murder weapon?" Petra asked.
"Yes, all but Hitch Dreyse. We can't ignore the possibility that one of the other women in the Ward is the killer," Levi explained.
"What about Mikasa Ackerman's admissions?" Levi shrugged.
"She is a deluded woman, Petra. I have a duty to make inquiries," Levi explained. Petra studied him
"We have a duty," she corrected. Levi looked unsure.
"She tried to kill you, Petra, I'm not entirely comfortable-."
"And I'm not a schoolgirl," Petra assures. Levi sighs in defeat. There is no arguing with the Missis.
The duo stood in the doorway of Mikasa's room. She was sitting on a chair facing them in her restraining jacket.
"Mikasa, you've been telling people that you killed Nurse Carolina, why?" Levi asked.
"Because I did," Mikasa stated, matter-a-factly.
"Is it possible you might be stretching the truth?" Petra suggested gently, as to not anger the black-haired girl.
"No, I attacked her," Mikasa said sternly. "Did she struggle?" Levi asked. "She didn't have the chance," Mikasa explained. She shook her head. "She was a tough bird, I bit her, and she didn't even squawk." Mikasa looked away.
"And you're sure she was still alive?" Levi questioned. Mikasa grinned.
"Oh, I certainly am." She looked back at the duo.
The couple then moved onto Sasha.
"I must say, I was glad to see Nurse Carolina dead," Sasha admitted, cradling a plastic baby. Levi and Petra looked at her, surprised.
"Why?" Petra asked.
"She was a cruel, spiteful woman. She would take my babies away from me. With the slightest provocation, she'd just take them away." Sasha hugged the baby. "I love my babies."
The couple then moved onto Ymir.
"You picked up the knife," Levi stated. "Why?" Ymir shrugged.
"Seemed a handy thing to have. I don't like to speak ill of the dead, but she got what she deserved. She was wicked, and the wicked are to be punished. His will was done," Ymir explained. Petra's eyebrows shot up.
"The murder of an innocent woman was God's will?" Petra asked, and Ymir laughed.
"Oh, she was far from innocent." Levi took a turn.
"What did Nurse Carolina do that deserved to be punished?" Ymir hesitated.
"I can't say," she said. Levi sighed.
"Ymir…"
"No, I won't say. But, you can ask Annie. Mikasa was the nurse's favorite because she always managed to get herself restrained, but Annie's room is right next to hers. Not to mention Annie and Mikasa tell each other everything."
Now in Annie's room, they asked the same series of questions.
"Did you see anything?" Petra asked the blonde. Annie shook her head.
"I didn't. I was suffering from a migraine and they can be terribly blinding," Annie explained.
"Annie if you saw something, you need to tell us," Petra pressed. Annie shook her head."I didn't." Petra's eyes narrowed.
"Don't lie to me, Annie. I need to know the truth. What happened?" Annie's self control broke and something in her eyes changed. They were filled with anger.
"LEAVE HER ALONE! She said she didn't see anything!" Annie shouted. Levi and Petra took a step back. Annie had slammed her hand against the table and Petra flinched. She turned to Levi.
"Detective, may I have a moment?" Levi looked at Annie carefully, but nodded and walked away. Petra approached the seething blonde with caution. "Maddie?" Petra asked. Annie turned to her.
"Yes?" she snapped.
"Were you holding the knife?" Annie nodded. "Why?"
"To keep Mikasa away from Girly. We may be close but she's not all there, you know," Maddie explained.
"Maddie…can I talk to Girly?" Annie glared. "Please?" Petra added. Annie finally obliged, and her anger dissipated and was changed to an innocent smile and laugh. "Girly, it's me, Dr. Ral," Petra said. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Annie giggled.
"Hello Dr. Ral," Girly said. Petra smiled.
"Hello Girly." They both sat down at Annie's table. "How are you?"
"Good," Girly replied.
"Girly, do you know what Nurse Carolina did to Mikasa?" Petra asked. Annie's smile faded, and she nodded. "Will you tell me?" Annie shook her head.
"I'll get in trouble," Girly said.
"No, no, Girly, you won't. I promise," Petra reassured. Annie leaned in closer.
"Nurse would go into Mikasa's room at night, and she would touch her in places she wasn't supposed to," Girly explained. Petra nodded grimly.
"Thank you, Girly."
Levi met up with Petra and she told him of her conversation with Annie.
"Do you believe her?" Levi asked.
"She's three years old, I don't think Girly would lie," Petra explained.
"Did she say anything else?"
"Only that the nurse would go into Mikasa's room and touch her in private places." Levi nodded.
"I've asked to see all of the files relating to Nurse Carolina to see if I can find any corroboration," Levi explained. Petra shook her head.
"None of the other girls reported any violations," Petra stated.
"Maybe she didn't do it to any of the others."
"Let's find out."
Finally, it was Hitch's turn to be questioned.
"I would offer you tea, but as you can see my accommodations are quite sparse," Hitch said to the duo. Petra waved her off.
"We don't care for tea," she said.
"And what will you do for me if I answer your questions?" Levi set his jaw.
"You should be grateful you still have your life," Levi said. Hitch smirked.
"I told you, Detective. I will say and do whatever you want." Petra's eyes narrowed.
"Did you see Nurse Carolina acting improperly around any of the patients here?" Levi asked.
"What would you like me to say?" Hitch taunted.
"Did she molest anyone?" Levi asked, losing his patience.
"I keep to myself," the girl stated. "but if you would like me to speak ill of the dead…" Levi rolled his eyes.
"This is obviously a waste of everyone's time, Doctor," Levi said to Petra. She put an arm on him.
"Just give me a moment, Detective," Petra said. Levi glanced at Hitch, who smirked. Levi then walked away, and Petra turned back. "Hitch-,"
"Mikasa Ackerman is a vicious killer," Hitch interrupted. "I doubt she needs a reason to do what she does." Petra eyed the ground. "She talks about it all the time, you know. Mikasa thinks you are the reason she and Eren aren't together. You threw her in here and destroyed her life." Petra clenched her fists.
"What did Nurse Carolina do to make Mikasa attack her?" Petra demanded. Hitch grinned.
"Mikasa is getting bolder, you know. She waiting for you to let down your guard, and when you do…" Hitch chuckled.
"Hitch why are you trying to scare me?" Petra asked. Though no doubt she was now a little on edge.
"I'm not trying to scare you. I'm just letting you know what I'm looking forward to," the girl shrugged. "Because I know the reason I'm in here."
"You're in here because you're a murderer trying to evade justice," Petra argued.
"No, I'm here because you're scared of me. Have you seen the way your husband looks at me?" The red head bit her tongue. "Oh, I'm sure you have. You may think he loves you, but you know he desires me," Hitch rambled.
"Perhaps I misjudged you," Petra glared. "You're clearly deluded." Hitch raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, am I? Once I get out, I'll show you who's the deluded one." Petra finally snapped.
"Hitch! You're never getting out! Ever! You are exactly where you deserve to be!" Hitch looked amused as Petra stormed away.
Levi and Petra stood by the desk by the stairwell of the Incurables Ward.
"I must confess I lost my temper," Petra admitted, after explaining the conversation with Hitch to Levi.
"Perfectly understandable," Levi said. "But she may know the truth."
Petra sighed. "She'll never surrender it." Before Levi could respond, another voice spoke.
"Doctor, they are not letting me see Mikasa. I was told you are not allowing her to receive visitors?" The duo turned to see Eren Jaeger.
"That's true," Petra confirmed.
"Why?" Eren asked. Levi raised an eyebrow.
"Because she killed someone, Mr. Jaeger, only yesterday," Levi explained. Eren studied him.
"Sorry, who are you?" Levi opened his jacket to reveal his badge.
"Detective Levi, Trost Constabulary," Levi introduced.
"Mikasa would not kill anyone without reason," Eren replied.
"Eren, I know first hand what your sister can do. I was there when she killed your fiancée," Petra said. "What was the reason there?"
"Mikasa felt my marriage to Historia would rend us asunder," Eren explained. Levi was shocked.
"You excuse her actions?" Eren rolled his eyes.
"I understand them, now, can I see her please?" Eren asked.
"I'm sorry, Eren, but I can not permit that," Petra pressed. Eren was desperate.
"But I need to see her." Levi stepped towards him.
"Eren, go home," Levi ordered. Eren tsked and shook his head but obeyed and walked out. As they watched him walk away, Levi said, "How often does he visit?" Petra shook her head.
"I don't know, Levi," admitted Petra.
The couple looked through the visitor's book and were quite surprised.
"He never missed a day," Petra noticed.
"That's unusual, he's a very devoted brother," Levi nodded. "Is there an address on file?"
Later that day, Armin and Levi rode their bikes to an apartment complex surrounded by fence and it was bustling with life.
"Now, sir, this is where Eren Jaeger's been staying since his sister's confinement. Previous to this, he had a lovely house in Shiganshina," Armin explained.
"What happened to it?" Levi asked as they approached the complex.
"Apparently he's been spending every penny trying to help Mikasa," Armin replied. Levi nodded.
"Without much success."
Entering Eren's apartment, they were both exposed to his messy living quarters of a two-room apartment.
"From Shiganshina to this," Levi said. They both started to search the room. Armin was rummaging on the desk, when he came across multiple pieces of paper.
"Letters from Mikasa, sir," Armin announced. The blonde raised his eyebrows. "Are we sure they were brother and sister?" Armin asked, reading through the letters.
"Yes, Armin, why?" Levi said. Armin started to quote the letters.
"'I cannot bear to be apart, I ache for you, at night I burn," Armin recited. Levi took the letter and Armin went back to searching.
"I burn?" Armin looked on the bedside table and grabbed an item.
"Two train tickets, sir," Armin said, showing him. "Eren was to depart with somebody last night. The same night his sister escaped her room." Levi grabbed a little box.
"On a trip Mikasa couldn't take." Levi showed Armin the box where there was a shape of a key in the mold. "In spite of Eren's best efforts."
Petra and Levi met in the park, hand in hand.
"We haven't found Eren Jaeger yet, but we will," Levi assured.
"I'd like to see those letters. That's hardly writing from a sister to a brother," Petra sighed.
"It would appear that he slipped his sister the key to her room, we also found 2 unused train tickets," Levi explained.
"He intended to flee the city." The Detective nodded. Two children ran by laughing and playing. The duo couldn't help but watch. "Whoever knows the direction one's life will take?"
Eren Jaeger arrived at his apartment and took out his key. He was about to unlock his door when Armin Arlert grabbed his wrist, shocking the brunette.
"Eren Jaeger, we need to have a word," Armin said.
Armin had taken Eren back into the stationhouse. Eren sat in the interrogation room, looking at Mikasa's letters.
"You have a filthy mind," he said.
"The content of the letters seems clear enough," Levi stated. Eren bit his lip and turned away.
"Mikasa is my adopted sister. We loved one another," Eren confessed.
"And yet you attempted to marry another. Historia Reiss correct?" Eren took a breath.
"I attempted to live in a way…that society deemed I should. It was a mistake. Mikasa could see that." Levi grabbed the key mold and showed it to Eren.
"Do you deny making this?" Eren said nothing. "It was found in your rooming house. I'm going to assume that it's the key to your sister's ward. Do you deny that?" Levi questioned. Eren shook his head. "Where did you get the key to make a mold?"
"That prison guard left it on his desk," Eren explained. "Mikasa doesn't deserve to be in there. We were going to leave the city, start a new life."
"And yet she ended someone else's," Levi said. "Why would she do that?" Eren shook his head stubbornly.
"She wouldn't. All she wanted to do was be with me. She wouldn't have risked losing that chance," Eren said. Eren looked on desperately. "She loves me."
With Eren's newfound confession, it was time to pay Mikasa Ackerman another visit. Petra and Levi stood in the doorway of the teens room. Mikasa was at the back of the room facing away, shifting in her restraining jacket.
"Mikasa," Petra called. "Can I see the key your brother Eren gave?"
"He didn't give me anything," Mikasa insisted.
"Ackerman, Eren told me he gave you a key, so you could escape from this door," Levi said. Mikasa scowled but turned around. She showed the key that she was hiding in her mouth. Levi stepped forward and took it from her teeth.
"Thank you," he said. Levi put the key in the hole and glared. "It's doesn't fit," he stated.
"Of course, it doesn't," Mikasa said breathlessly. "But that's why I have to get out of here. Can't you see?"
"I don't understand," Petra admitted.
"Eren can't live in this world alone. He talked for months about how he was going to get me out of here, how he was going to save me, how we could start over. He's my adoptive brother and I love him, but…"
"But what?"
"He's an incompetent. Nothing Eren does ever works! He picked a harpy for a bride," Mikasa all but snarled. "He picked a lawyer who fleeced him dry. I have to be out in the world to protect him." Mikasa looked a bit emotional.
"Ackerman, if the key your brother gave you didn't unlock the door, then how did you get out?" Levi asked. Mikasa shrugged.
"I…pulled on the door and it opened. I thought it was a gift from God. He was rewarding us, even though Eren failed," Mikasa explained.
"And why didn't you just leave? Meet your brother and escape? He booked tickets," Levi questioned. Mikasa gave a murderous look.
"I wanted to make sure the witch was dead. I wanted to make sure she wasn't going to hurt anyone else. You talked to Annie, correct? I'm sure she came clean about some things. And you wondered why I wanted to escape," Mikasa growled.
The duo climbed the stairs and stood at the desk of Mr. Drainie. Petra poured some tea.
"Since Eren's plan failed, clearly someone other than Mikasa opened the doors," Levi begun.
"Mr. Drainie?" Petra suggested.
Well, I could see him forgetting to secure Mikasa's door, but opening all of them? That was a deliberate act," Levi explained.
"I have to take another look at these files. One of them killed Nurse Carolina and is blaming Mikasa," Petra said, taking out some folders.
"Can it wait until morning?" Levi asked.
"I'd rather do it tonight."
"When shall I expect you then?" Levi asked. Petra smiled and looked at him.
"Levi, when you've been working on one of your cases, have you ever heard me ask that question?" With that point taken, Levi nodded.
"Right, I'll see you later then Petra," he said. Petra smiled gratefully.
"Thank you, Levi." After that Levi left and Petra sat at the desk to start going over then files.
In his office, Levi was studying the board with the map of the Incurables Ward.
"Already avoiding the wife?" came a voice. Levi turned to see Erwin in the doorway.
"She's working late," Levi said. Erwin raised an eyebrow.
"In the loony bin?"
"Petra assures me that she can take care of herself," Levi responded.
"Levi, if there's no chance of punishment, why bother solving the crime?"
"To find out the truth," Levi replies.
"The truth is one of those lunatics killed someone and they will pay nothing for having done it." And with that Erwin took his leave. At that moment, Armin walked in with a pile of papers, he handed them to the Detective.
"Sir, those files you asked for." Levi took them."Thank you, Armin."
Back at the institution, it was late, and Petra was having multiple cups of tea to keep herself awake to go over the files. She sighed and looked over Ymir's file. Ymir's voice echoed in her head, reading her own file. A vision of the brunette sitting beside her came to life
"I can no longer live in a world that is so uncivil," the brunette said. "Thieves and liars all around us. There are no more decent people." Petra studied the hallucinated Ymir. "And how is one to live when that is the way of the world?" Switching over to the next file, Sasha then appeared.
"I just couldn't stand to see them suffer," Sasha started. "Maggie would scream and cry from morning till night and little Sarah suffered most extremely with rashes…I," Sasha was looking right at Petra from her place behind her. "I just wanted to let them sleep, to let them rest, let them find peace." Annie's file was next.
"Yes, two others who live with me, I know that now, but I have them under control." Petra looked at Annie tiredly. "Or at least I think I do. I just don't know who to believe sometimes." Petra heaved a sigh and the girls disappeared. Petra downed the rest of her tea and stood up to get more. She placed another file beside her and began to read.
"The world wants to deny me my happiness." Petra turned and saw Mikasa fade out of the shadows. "But I wasn't going to let that happen. People tell me I killed my family. I only did that to protect Eren," Mikasa explained. Someone coming up the stairs snapped Petra out of her reverie and Mikasa disappeared. Samuel sees Petra and smiles as she tries to pour the tea with her injured hand.
"Here." He takes the teapot and starts to pour it.
"Thank you, Samuel," she said.
"They're all secure tonight," Sam assures. Petra smiles.
Of course, they are," Petra added.
"Sure wouldn't want that to happen again."
"Nor would I," Petra agreed. Petra took a sip from her tea.
"And you want to be here alone?" he asked the red head.
"Like you said, they're all locked up." Sam nodded. "Samuel, before you were knocked out, did you see anything?" Sam shook his head.
"Oh…I wish I had," he said.
"Was Hitch Dreyse out in the Ward when you saw Nurse Carolina?"
"I don't believe so, of all of them she is the least trouble," Sam admitted. Petra sighed at yet another dead end.
"Thank you, Samuel," Petra explained. Sam nodded and took his lantern to head home. Petra sat back down at the desk with the last file and her freshly poured tea.
"It's not that simple to be a woman in the world," Hitch said. She was sitting beside Petra. "I was engaged to be married to a wonderful man. I had been a poor girl all my life, and suddenly a world of promise and wonder was laid out for me." Hitch then looked sad. "And then he discarded me. I was desperate and betrayed, and something just snapped." Petra took a long sip of tea, for she was falling asleep. Petra's vision blurred, but Hitch was still there talking. "After that I was blind, I couldn't recall anything I did, but I was so full of rage…" she trailed off. Petra's vision finally blurred to darkness and she fell asleep on the desk.
As Petra opened her eyes, she was surprised to see Annie.
"It's alright," she said. "Don't be scared." Petra was still dazed as she began to stand up."
"Girly?" Petra asked. Petra's vision cleared, and Annie giggled.
"Hello!" she squealed. Petra sat up and her stomach dropped. Horror overtook her as she realized she was on the floor in the Incurables Ward with all five girls surrounding her.
"Dr. Ral," said a voice. "So nice of you to join us," Hitch said. The red head jumped up and ran to the door. She started banging on it and screaming for help. "No one can hear us when one of us needs help. I doubt they can hear you," Hitch smirked. Sasha was cradling her baby, but she looked worried.
"My baby isn't feeling well, could you take a look at her?" Sasha asked Petra.
"Hitch, I need you to open the door and let me out," Petra demanded. Mikasa snarled as she struggled with the restraining jacket.
"You are no longer in position of telling me what to do, of telling any of us what to do," Hitch retorted.
"And what is it you are planning to do?" Petra asked, trying to remain calm.
"Me?" Hitch asked with a smile. "I'm going to leave this place. I have asked very politely, even followed legal channels, all to no avail," Hitch explained.
"Then open the door and walk out."
"I intend to." Mikasa growled and started to struggle more.
"Get me out of this!" she snarled. Hitch smiled at her and ran a hand through Mikasa hair.
"Oh, little Mikasa is getting anxious." Sasha held her baby out to Petra.
"Please Dr. Ral, can you just look at her, she's not well," Sasha pleaded. Petra ignored her.
"Why are you doing this to me?" Petra asked. Hitch smiled as she continued to soothe Mikasa by running her fingers through her hair.
"Because you're vindictive and cruel. You know I don't belong here, but you are keeping me here because you are afraid I will take your husband," Hitch continued, and Petra set her jaw. She ran to the door again, screaming for help. She was stuck in a room full of murderers, and it was only a matter of time before Mikasa's rage was unleashed.
Back at the stationhouse, Levi was going through files about Samuel Drainie. Levi was surprised to find that Sam had a criminal record. Drainie was arrested and charged for assault. He also discovered that Samuel Drainie wasn't his actual name, but instead Jamison Wilkes. Coming to a sudden realization, Levi had worked it out. His heart sunk.
Petra was standing in the corner, watching as the patients conversed around her. Hitch finally emerged from the room dressed like a common woman.
"Where did you get those clothes?" Petra asked.
"An admirer, I have plenty of them. None of us in here are very happy with you. How could you have allowed us to be under the care of Nurse Carolina?" Hitch asked. Petra's mind was racing a mile a minute. Trying to think of a way to diffuse the situation.
"I had my practice in another part of the building. I never even associated with Nurse Carolina. I never even heard of her until-,"
"Mikasa killed her?" Hitch asked. Petra took a shaky breath and Ymir approached.
"So, if I'm to understand you correctly, you're pleading ignorance? Is that your excuse?" Ymir asked.
"It's not an excuse, it's a fact," Petra began. Ymir slapped her across the face.
"She was a horrid person!" Ymir growled. "You allowed her in here with us!" Petra took a breath.
"I didn't even know-."
"A wise woman knows what goes on under her own roof." Ymir turned and walked to stand beside Hitch. "It's time for Mikasa to do her work." Petra was horrified. If Mikasa was released from her strain, she would attack. And if that were to happen, Petra had a pretty good idea who would win that battle. Hitch, Ymir and Mikasa walked away to discuss and Petra turned desperately to Annie, who had been quiet.
"Annie is that you?" Petra asked. Annie nodded. "Annie, you have to help me. I know you're not a murderer. You can't let them do this," Petra said.
"I can't stop them," Annie replied. Mikasa was begging to be released so Annie took the opportunity. "There is a way out," Annie whispered.
"Show me," Petra said.
"You won't tell them I told you?" Annie asked.
"Of course not."
"We have to hurry. There's a broken window in my bedroom. If you're careful, you can climb out." Annie and Petra went over to Annie's room. Petra went over to the barred window and tried to find the breakage. Annie stayed by the doorway as a guard. When Annie started laughing, Petra cursed herself for her idiocy. She was never talking to Annie, she was talking to Maddie.
"Fooled you!" Maddie shouted. "If there was a broken window in here, wouldn't we have left through it?" Annie walked towards her. "You must be scared, because your thinking isn't making any sense!" She grabbed Petra's hair and dragged her back to the others. Hitch smiled.
""I thought you wanted to make us better," she said. Annie let go and Petra looked at Hitch.
"I do."
"Can you believe that?" Hitch asked the other girls. "She says she wants to make you better and the first thing she does is try and run away. No one will make you better. I've heard what they call you: The Incurables. You will live in this room until you die. If you want out, follow me," Hitch said. She took out the key to the Ward and Petra's eyes widened.
"Where did you get that?"
"I have friends everywhere. I can be a very popular girl," Hitch said, studying the key. Annie grinned.
"When we get out, Hitch, Mikasa and I are gonna find a couple of fine men, live the life of Riley." Mikasa made a growling noise. "Oh, well, of course you have Eren," Annie added.
"Please, all of you please be quiet," Sasha pleaded. "I don't want to leave, I just want you to e quiet. My girls need their sleep." Annie grinned wickedly and whipped around.
"Sleepy time!" she shouted. Annie took the doll and laid it on the floor.
"Don't! Stop it!" Sasha begged. Annie jumped up and landed on the baby's head, smashing it to bits. Sasha cried out.
"They're not real," Maddie growled. Sasha continued to cry, and Annie looked down at the broken baby. Sasha picked up the baby and held it to her chest, crying. Annie looked up and her face changed. She went from Maddie to Girly in a second.
"Sasha?" Annie asked. She zoned in on the broken doll. "What happened to your baby?" Annie stepped towards her.
"Get away from me!" Sasha wailed.
"Let me help you with your babies," Annie said running to Sasha.
"Don't touch her!"
"Sasha, I can help you," Girly assured. "Don't cry." Annie also looked like she was going to cry.
"She doesn't deserve any comfort," Ymir said. "There's no greater sin than that of hurting a child. You reap what you sow." In the door, Mr. Drainie investigated the Ward with a flashlight, which didn't go unnoticed by Petra.
"Help! Help! Mr. Drainie!" Petra called, but he was gone.
"Friends everywhere," Hitch said. Petra turned around.
"Did he give you that key?" Hitch smiled.
"Men give me a lot of things."
"Why?"
"Men are simple. I should be going," Hitch said. She put on a shawl and looked at Mikasa.
"Look, I'm sorry for what Nurse Carolina did to you all. I will try and make it right," Petra said. Hitch smirked.
"Nurse Carolina never did anything to me, or them either, I'll wager."
"Then who did?" Hitch gave her a knowing look. "Mr. Drainie," Petra concluded. "Not Nurse Carolina. It was Mr. Drainie who visited her at night," Petra said. Mikasa tsked.
"Very good."
"And you knew, and you said nothing?" Petra asked.
"Oh, I said plenty. I told Nurse Carolina about Mr. Drainie. She was horrified. And then I told Mr. Drainie what I had told her," Hitch begun.
"And he killed her," Petra finished.
"I saw it with my own eyes," Hitch smiled.
"Why did he unlock all the doors?" Petra asked.
"I told him to. I wanted to help these poor women. At least that's more than anything you ever did for them. But you showed up before anyone could get away," Hitch explained.
"Why didn't you tell us what you saw?" Petra asked.
"That wouldn't have got me out of here. Only Mr. Drainie could do that. So, I told him I'd be needing then key again. And then I told him I wanted to see you in here, just to see how you liked it," Hitch explained. Hitch moved past Petra, about to walk out when Petra grabbed her and threw her to the floor.
"You're not getting away!" Petra shouted. Petra got on top of her to grab the key, but Hitch held it out of reach. Both girls wrestled on the ground as the other girls watched. Hitch managed to get up and try to escape, but Petra cornered her between a wall and a wardrobe. Still holding the key above her head, Hitch pushed at Petra trying to get away, but the red head was stubborn. Finally, Petra was knocked on the head with a pot and she collapsed with Annie standing over her with a sneer, holding a pot. Hitch smiled relieved at Annie, who grinned, and they all looked at Petra's dazed body on the floor.
Back at the stationhouse, Levi had a phone up to his ear, he looked troubled.
"Come on, pick up."
After receiving no answer, he hung up the phone and left the office.
Petra was coming out of her daze and she winced at her headache. But when she looked up and paled, she knew a headache was going to be the least of her problems. Hitch was untying Mikasa, who looked very eager to do her job. Mikasa took off the jacket and grinned like a madman. Hitch handed Mikasa an iron club.
"Goodbye, Dr. Ral," Hitch said. Mikasa started to walk towards her and Petra stumbled back.
"Mikasa, put that down," she said, her voice shaking with fear. Hitch made her escape, leaving Petra to fend for herself against the vicious Ackerman. "If you hurt me, you will never see Eren again," Petra stated. Mikasa grinned.
"I'm going to kill you and leave this place, I'll see Eren," Mikasa promised. Mikasa swung the club at Petra, who just managed to dodge and jump to the side. Though Petra jumped right into Annie, who pushed her towards the raven. Mikasa swung and hit Petra very hard in the back, and she fell to the floor. Ymir and the other two seemed to be enjoying the show. Mikasa lifted her arms to swing down on Petra, but the red head kicked her, so she fell backwards.
Levi arrived at the gates of the hospital, but realized they were locked, so he did the reasonable thing and climbed it.
Once on the other side, he saw Mr. Drainie and Hitch come out of the doors.
"Hitch Dreyse!" Levi called. Both looked up and ran. Sam tried to block his path, but Levi easily disposed of him by punching him in the face. Sam fell back, and Levi took chase after Hitch. "Hitch stop!" he shouted. Hitch still ran, until Levi pushed her, and she fell into the lawn. Levi lifted her up and she kissed him. "Get off of me," Levi scowled, as he held Hitch's hands, so she wouldn't get away.
"So, you are choosing me over Dr. Ral?" Hitch assumed.
"What are you talking about?" Levi asked, eyes narrowed.
"Where do you think she is Detective Levi? And who do you think she is with? That is, if she is still with us," Hitch smirked. When realization dawned on him, Levi glared and pushed her away and hurried into the hospital. Hitch smiled and departed.
Meanwhile, with Petra, Mikasa was on top of her strangling her.
Finally, Petra gathered her strength to kick Mikasa and send her flying over her head. Unfazed, Mikasa got up and the two girls faced off. Petra made the first move and punched Mikasa with her injured hand. Mikasa grunted in pain, but Petra wasn't done. She hit Mikasa a second time and she laid on the floor dazed. Petra thought it was over, when Annie stepped in front of the black haired teen protectively and raised the iron club.
"Maddie DON'T!" Petra begged.
"You…you hurt her," Maddie seethed.
"Don't do this!"
"You can't make me," Annie retorted.
"If you hurt me, Annie will be punished!" Petra reasoned. Annie raised the club.
"I WILL!"
"And Girly! All of them will be punished! If you hurt me, they'll be locked away forever!" Petra cried. Annie looked at the ground, slowly lowering the club. "And it will be your fault Maddie!" Annie snarled and raised the club over her head. "ANNIE!" Petra cried desperately. "Don't let her do this! Annie, I know what Mr. Drainie did to Mikasa! He'll pay for it, I swear!" Annie's lips trembled. "I swear!" After a beat of silence, Annie lowered the club completely.
"Dr. Ral?" Annie asked. "What's wrong?" Annie asked, grabbing her hand.
"Petra!" Levi called as he entered the Ward.
"It was Drainie," Petra gasped out.
"Yes, yes, I know. I've got you," Levi said as Petra hugged him.
"Well, you took your own sweet time, didn't you?" Ymir mocked. Levi sighed and gave Petra an embrace.
Back in the safety of her own home, Petra poured herself a drink. Taking off his jacket, Levi entered.
"What did he say?" Petra asked.
"He admits to taking liberties with some of the female patients. He would don a nurse's uniform and interfere with them. Most of them were drugged so they had no idea what was happening to them," Levi explained.
"Except Hitch," Petra added.
"Mr. Drainie said Hitch confronted him with the knowledge and she also informed him that she told Nurse Carolina." Petra nodded.
"And he admits to killing her?"
"Yes, he killed the nurse and then unlocked all of the doors." Petra sighed.
"Good Lord." Petra started to walk, and Levi followed.
"His real name is Jamison Wilkes." They both sat on the couch and Levi continued. "He was incarcerated when he was twelve years old for the assault of his abusive father. He was in and out of institutions most of his early years. It would appear his demons returned to him." Petra nodded.
"I don't think the demons ever leave, Levi. And the asylum never checked his credentials? His past history?"
"No, they did not," Levi confirmed. Petra tsked.
"Well, that is going to change," Petra vowed.
"I should hope so."
"There's also not going to be a Ward where patients are kept in isolation," Petra said.
"Can they be helped?" Levi asked. Petra smiled sadly.
"At least they can be properly attended to. Where is Hitch Dreyse?" Petra questioned.
"Oh, I'm sure we'll find her," Levi said. Petra looked grim.
"Or she'll find you."
