CHAPTER VI
Elia got up from the bed where Petra installed her the previous night, after being dragged there rather dejectedly.
She'd never been prone to sleeping too many hours in a row, much less under stress, but her body must have been exhausted and so she did, which meant she felt a little better now. She slowly breathed in and out while deciding what to do next. Don't get ahead of yourself, just one step at a time her inner voice said, and it was right.
The healer looked around and noticed the sun would emerge in a couple minutes, therefore she decided to move quickly and go to the showers before everyone in the building got up. Still barefoot, Elia got close to the chair where her belongings were and only took the necessary, clothes, soap, and her comb. Then, she grabbed her boots and walked out on her tiptoes not to wake her friend, who was probably tired from yesterday as well. Luckily, she remembered well the directions the redhead shared in case she needed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Once out in the long corridor and not seeing another soul around made her feel more comfortable. She went two floors upstairs and turned left. As soon as she reached the door for the ladies' restrooms, she opened it with as much stealth as she could, and to her relief it was as empty as the hallways.
Elia smiled to herself a little, allowing these small satisfactions to take over so she could continue despite the mess her life was at the moment. She put her things onto a table and took out the soap she always carried with her; Ilva always teased her for that obsession on clean and tidy spaces, even more when it was about personal hygiene. Manic! Her sister's voice echoed in her mind. It's what she used to yell at her whenever they argued about the room they shared and Ilva's chaos inside it.
Remembering something like that brought out the despair and froze the brief joy she had. It was better for her to hurry up and leave before causing trouble to Petra. So, she got inside the showers and let the water completely soak her. She closed the water valve and applied the soap all over her body and began to rub it through her hair, repeating the process once more to feel really clean before the water started to take everything away. Five minutes later, she was drying herself before putting on clean and comfortable clothes; the usual pair of pants and a blouse; she left her sweater at Petra's room. Elia rarely wore skirts or dresses; it was one of the things they had in common with Ilva: being practical and not caring what people considered feminine. The woman stood in front of the mirror inside there and saw her reflection staring back before mechanically start brushing her hair, still wet yet no longer dripping. She fixed it and a minute later, the usual long braid was falling over her left shoulder. She brushed her teeth at least twice, and before picking up her things, she made sure the place looked exactly the way she'd found it.
Get my things, go home, and grab a bite before the hospital… she was planning while heading back to those u-shaped stairs. Two steps down, she heard footsteps approaching from below, quite close to reach the landing already. She considered going backwards but then remembered she'd leave in a couple minutes, besides, no one aside from Petra's squad really knew her so whoever that person was, would not care about her presence. The healer shrugged and continued the descent remaining calm and at the same time, prepared to avoid the person's gaze, just in case. What she never expected was being seconds away to face the same officer she never imagined seeing the night before. His attire, a rather loose grey T-shirt, and an old pair of trousers, as well as the towel around his shoulders, indicated he was going for the same she did. And as they got closer, anxiety took over her for this might end up in a wake-up call to her friend, his subordinate. But it was too late to turn back; Elia could only hope that he didn't look at her and judging by how distracted and drowsy the man looked, it was possible. Unfortunately, as soon as their paths crossed, the woman knew he saw her, for his tiny and intimidating eyes briefly met hers. Heck! She cursed internally, uneasy, and worried. He didn't strike her as the kind of too friendly or permissive superior, but rather severe and strict. That's why she decided to stop and explained, noticing he had done the same seconds later, but no words came out of his mouth. She mentally prepared for any confrontation and would accept whatever he may say as long as Petra suffered no consequences.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, sir" she said, respectfully and turning to face and address the man properly "Petra only wanted to help me. I'm actually on my way out now" she promised.
He didn't even turn to look at her directly and since there was a short distance in between, it was impossible he didn't hear her. But Elia saw him standing still at the exact same spot, apparently waiting. She thought it'd be better to add something else, like a "thank you for the hospitality" but just then, when she was about to, he broke silence.
"No idea what you're gibbering about" and without further ado, he resumed his way and Elia lost sight of the soldier as soon as he turned to the right, to the men's room.
Although not polite, his way of saying it was undeniably honest. Which was a relief, because such behavior confirmed Mr. Gin's statement on how he wasn't the kind of man who abused his power over others. And aside from that, she couldn't deny it was a bit amusing seeing his sister's hero looking so normal, yet not defenseless, in the morning.
Petra was still asleep when she got back, which was perfect to sneak out of the place. Still, she tore out a page of the notebook she always carried around to thank her for everything. She also informed her friend she'd go home and to the hospital; if everything went well for Trost citizens that day, they'd be able to return to their homes within hours. And she had a lot to do there, especially rearranging it; that'd be an effective distraction.
She managed to get out of there without encountering that many people and as soon as she reached the gates of her district, the guards recognized her from the previous afternoon and allowed her to enter.
Elia realized that the work at northern Trost was almost over since military forces were mostly patrolling. Though she didn't see it that necessary; most people inside looked dejected, hopeless and some probably had no idea what to even do. She was no better but she needed to keep moving forward.
Upon entering the house, she saw everything was exactly the way she left it. So, after leaving her belongings on a chair, the healer went into the kitchen and found some things for breakfast: a piece of aged bread, tea, and some fruits she'd found on the kitchen floor. The moment she finished, Elia stood up and stretched out determined to put her home in order, despite knowing it'd never be the same again.
She had a couple hours before leaving to see Ilva at the hospital, so the most important for now was to collect the pieces of glass on the floor; not every jar fell off the shelves but the few that did were a hazard. And then it was all about placing things back to where they were, dusting and sweeping the floor. While she was taking off the apron and gloves, she gave a glance at the clock on the chimney, but it probably broke when it fell since the hand showed it was five in the morning. It was then she remembered she'd find one inside the drawer of her father's bedside table; his pocket watch, an according to it, it was eight to ten in the morning. Visiting hours started at eleven o'clock but she planned on arriving some time before and try to insist about them letting her stay beside Ilva's side. It didn't hurt to try.
Once there, she went straight to the man's office and knocked twice but no one answered. Maybe he won't come today? she pondered, discouraged. But as she headed to her sister's room, Elia decided to try in the evening, during the second visiting hours period. Both lasted an hour, which wasn't much but still better than nothing as long as she could see her.
When she got there, immediately noticed that the first bed had been occupied and out of respect for that person, who seemed asleep, she walked towards the third bed in complete silence and saw she was the same.
Elia leaned over to kiss her forehead and felt relieved that at least she had no fever. She sat beside the bedhead, took her hand, and got close enough to share everything that had happened from her perspective after the last time they spoke. Beginning with the cadet who saved her and many other citizens during the evacuation, who seemed kind of familiar. She also told her about the wounded she helped in that bar, about Pixis' speech and the whole Titan affair, who turned out to be Doctor Yeager's son. When she was going to tell her about the encounter with her revered Captain Levi and squad, especially that she knew Petra, a nurse came into the room to check her wounds and change the bloody bandages. A somewhat stout but not chubby woman, probably in her fifties, short blond hair, and dark bug-eyes. The fact that the woman didn't ask her to leave the room to do her job told she was kind.
"Are you a relative of hers?" the woman asked, genuinely interested while preparing everything.
"I'm her older sister" Elia replied, standing up and moving a few steps away to give her space.
"Is good to know she's not alone. We've received many patients that no one has come to visit" she began by checking Ilva's vitals, then turned to Elia with sincere sadness in her gaze "I'm sorry for what you two are going through".
She surely was well aware of the diagnosis just by reading her file. Elia smiled, grateful for that honest empathy.
"If there's anything I can help you with, I'm at your service" indeed, she was kind "My name is Griselda".
"I'm Elia. Pleased to meet you" she replied, politely and then tried to lighten the mood "If you could help me get her out of here, I assure you, that'd be the best thing that could happen right now".
The woman got slightly nervous for a moment and then understood the joke, one that revealed the true desire of her heart. She gave her an apologetic little smile that stated, it wasn't possible, but she understood.
"I'm sorry I cannot help you with that, Miss" The nurse said while getting ready to cut the bandages, only she stopped when they both heard footsteps approaching.
"Good morning, Mrs. Green" said Doctor Prince, looking at her. The man carried Ilva's hospital record under his arm and a pen in his hand "Good day, Miss Stoltz" he turned to her. He was being polite, but his eyes seemed dubious.
"Good morning doctor" she controlled her voice and tried to soften her eyes.
"I'm glad to see that you're doing better today" he replied, quite serious "Now, if you'd be so kind, I'd like to see you do what Mrs. Green was about to carry out in here".
The nurse looked at him, evidently surprised but didn't say nor add anything. She just stood back and gave her space.
"What do you mean?" this was confusing enough to make her frown, skeptical.
"That, after assessing your request last night and knowing your sister unfortunately won't improve, I've decided to give you an opportunity" the bald man explained, saving for himself the real reason behind that change of mind "I consulted about her case and my superior granted permission to send her home with you, once you demonstrate you're really capable of providing the necessary care she needs".
Elia was completely astonished. This was the best thing she'd heard, even when it didn't mean Ilva was going to get better; to be able to look after her at home for as long as she kept breathing meant so much. She was terrified at the possibility of getting there only to find an empty bed and a paper indicating where she'd find her corpse.
Without further delay, she took a deep breath and nodded at the medic, determined to pass his test. The healer washed her hands in the small tray onto Ilva's nightstand, put on gloves and began to remove the bandages very carefully. She was beholding the many cuts and stitches all over her body but remained calm and worked undisturbed. She checked for possible infections but after finding none, proceeded to clean the wounds and applied the antiseptic. Trying to be as gentle as possible and using a piece of gauze, Elia cleaned her quickly and rigorously, making sure her skin was completely dry right before re-bandage her. The last thing she did was checking her pulse, temperature and, without ever looking in the nurse and doctor's direction, she took off the gloves and threw them in the trash, with the old bandages. She looked at her sister then, quite conscious of the writing sound and decided to face the man, waiting for his verdict.
"I'm glad to see you weren't lying, Miss" Elia turned to him. She sensed he wasn't joyous, but he surely looked relieved. Nonetheless, it wouldn't matter to her if she got the approval "Now, please answer a couple questions".
He asked at least fifteen medical questions, some of them not even related to Ilva's state, just to make sure she possessed some knowledge, and she answered each one without hesitation.
"Alright then" he said, placing his documents under his arm, facing her now "If you have a peaceful and well-equipped place to take her, I can authorize her moving for tomorrow, at noon".
Elia had complete intention on harassing him until he gave in to allow what he'd just said, but this turn of events made her smile at him for the first time, truly grateful. She even bowed to show how much she appreciated this.
"The place is ready, doctor" she said, sure of herself "Our family home in Trost" she wasn't going to say it still needed some repair because she'd take care of it that very night.
"Very good" he slightly nodded to conclude his business there and turned to leave but probably remembered something at the last moment "Since your sister's a member of the Survey Corps, a military officer will be present tomorrow in order to give notice of the patient's moving. It's a procedure requirement".
Elia was so glad about what had just happened that she didn't really care about that detail. She'd have agreed to almost any condition if that meant getting her little sister out of there, so she just nodded in acceptance and finally saw him heading towards the first cot to check on the other patient.
"Well done, Miss" the nurse was nearby, collecting the medical supplies she brought with her "I don't mean to be rude but, in the girl's case, it's always better to stay close to her family or loved ones" the melancholy in those dark eyes was more than enough to understand she knew what she was talking about.
"It's alright, Mrs. Green. You're not being rude" Elia said wholeheartedly as she helped her with some things "Reality is hard on every one of us. I'm just glad I got to find her and be by her side for as long as she needs me".
"If there's anything I can help you with, please do not hesitate to come and find me" the woman said before leaving the room.
As she sat beside her sister, the healer took out her notebook and started a to-do-list to on the things she needed to do the rest of the day, what supplies she should buy before heading home. During the few minutes she had left there, she also made a copy of the medical file and continued her story from before, with a sad smile on her face just to picture Ilva's surprise to her friendship with Petra before promising her, she'd be back soon.
Elia had lunch at a place near the hospital and bought as much as she could with the little money she brought with her. Enough to stock up for at least two or three days and then she would find a way to get the rest.
After the second period came to an end, Elia left the building carrying a heavy bag. She was so lost in her thoughts, she almost dropped everything the moment she felt someone's hand on her shoulder coming from behind.
"Geez, woman. I've been calling you ever since I saw you at the entrance" the redhead was raising an eyebrow while taking some weight out of her hands "Are you okay?"
"I'm sorry, Petra" Elia replied a little embarrassed "I'm ok. I think I'm still kind of dumbstruck after the doctor gave permission to bring Ilva home with me. That why I didn't hear you at all".
"That's good news!" even though she knew it wasn't an improvement in the girl's health, at least being able to take care of her gave Elia some peace "Anything I can help with?"
Elia smiled at her, feeling a little joy after those dark days for the first time. She knew Petra meant it, and as a matter of fact, she was her lifesaver because it solved the predicament on what to do once she ran out of supplies, both medical and food.
"Only if it doesn't cause you trouble at work" she emphasized before sharing the idea, and her freckled friend nodded several times "I believe that, perhaps in two days or so, I'll need a hand to cover me for an hour or two".
"You can count on it" she replied "We'll be stationed here until further notice" it was all she could say, considering the political and military situation that the superiors were dealing with.
The wait had him a little uneasy, but at least the certainty of knowing the boy would have a trial to determine his destiny was a ray of hope; of course, if he behaved until then.
The day dawned without a cloud in the sky but since it was Saturday, most people inside the premises would commence their activities a little later, and for today's case, it'd be all about the ceremony. For sanitary conditions they couldn't wait any longer, plus they'd already collected most of what was left from the victims.
Erwin smith decided to take a short break from his speech for that night, got up from his chair and stretched his limbs, ready to make himself a cup of tea when he heard footsteps approaching. For a second, he thought it was Levi, who always got up early but the unfamiliar sound of these told him otherwise.
"Come in" the Commander said while standing next to his desk, right after two knocks on his door.
The hinges creaked a bit as the door moved and an elderly bald man with a bushy gray moustache was pushing it. His gaze was cordial but discreet, as always.
"Good morning Erwin" he greeted after having the door closed.
"Good day, Commander Pixis" the blond said with respect, instantly going back to two nights ago and the casual chat they had while walking on top of the wall "Please take a seat" he pointed to the room so he decided where to do so "Would you like something to drink?"
"I'd like some tea with milk, please" the man said and sat in front of his desk "I think it's still too early for something stronger".
The Commander of Survey Corps sat in front of the other Commander and placed their drinks on the table. From the corner of his eye, he noticed he was taking his time add sugar and stir the content inside with deliberate slowness.
"I'm here because I think it's the most sensible decision, given the circumstances" Pixis began, smoothing his mustache the way he always did when talking about something really important.
"I appreciate your confidence, sir" Erwin liked the man, and he really meant that "Is this about the Yeager boy?"
"Yes, and no" the veteran said "I'm here because, although I don't fully agree with some of your methods of action, I want to believe that your goal truly is for the benefit of our race".
Erwin sipped his tea and looked at him, concentrated. Allowing the man to proceed.
"As you know, the Military Police Brigade wants to eliminate the boy and I differ about that decision" he said, disgruntled.
"Fear and ignorance sometimes cloud our minds, Commander" Erwin commented calmly, repeating Hange's words.
He'd never forget someone feared his father might seek and find the truth about titans; that was the reason for his disappearance and eventual death.
"I agree on that, but we cannot afford a mistake like this" the veteran said "Because the boy represents more of an opportunity than a threat. I can tell you feel the same way, Erwin" he nodded out of respect, confirming his statement "And that's why I trust your judgment".
"How can I help, Commander?" his countenance showed Pixis of his gratitude for the faith in him.
"As I've imagined, and although it's not confirmed yet, the one who'll preside young Eren Yeager's trial is Supreme Commander Zackly" after hearing that, a slight glint illuminated Erwin's eyes "Which gives us a chance if we play our cards in the right way".
"I'm all ears, sir" declared an attentive Commander Erwin, still pondering what this information meant. He knew Zackly was no pusillanimous fool.
"I know our interaction was brief, but the boy is one of those young cadets who's really committed to this battle" assured the man "Firstly, because I witnessed, he cared more about the lives of his friends than his own. Secondly, because I don't think he lied when said he had no clue about his condition and ability to turn into a titan; and finally, because he said something quite curious when I asked him how he managed to transform".
Commander Pixis could see that his face might remain stoic but the intensity in Erwin's gaze was undeniable.
"About the latter" he continued "He said he didn't know. But somehow, he knew his father had done something to him that was related to it. He told me of a promise the man did, about sharing the truth of the world with him once he came back from his trip" this time, Pixis' face seemed somewhat dispirited "But Shiganshina fell before that happened".
"Did his father die during the attack?" asked the blond and the commander shook his head in silence.
"No one knows his whereabouts, not even the boy. He had left the area that very morning" the veteran said and took the decisive step to trust the Survey Corps' Commander "But according to the cadet, the information is right there, in his District, under a pile of rubble in Titans' territory".
Suddenly, the old man put a hand in his pocket and took out a silver key hanging from a string of black leather. The object swung slowly and harmlessly in the air.
No surprise Commander Erwin was speechless. Is it possible that the truth of everything was so close, yet so far away? Even so, just understanding there was a real chance to go there and find this information was unbelievable and miraculous. And his amazement grew when he observed the old Commander laid the object on his desk, sliding it towards him.
"I cannot and shouldn't have this" he explained "Even if I want to do something, I do not have the resources to mobilize an operation to get there. Not to mention that I lost too many soldiers in Trost, and the ones that survived are still terrified" he sounded a bit ashamed about that but still looked up at him, firm in his decision "That's why I think it's imperative that the boy and this key remain in your care. Only then we have a chance to get there someday. I'm afraid the Military Police Brigade is so corrupt that I have no clue to what they'd do with this, though I daresay it's probably the same they want to do with the boy. That's why I haven't told anyone about this key" both men looked at the object "And also why I'm trusting in the person I've seen for years fighting and strengthening an entire division with his new perspective and ideas".
"Your confidence means more than I can express, sir" Erwin's blue eyes were fixed upon the man in front of him "I'll wait until the moment we're allowed to talk to the boy before coming up with a plan, but you can be sure we'll work hard to find the answer".
"I hope so" said Pixis, who downed what was left of his drink, stood up and outstretched his hand.
"Thank you very much, Commander" Erwin imitated him but besides shaking his hand, the man also bowed down before him, showing his sincere respect.
The veteran soldier smiled with the same respect, he turned around and left quietly while Commander Erwin Smith couldn't believe what has just happened. He looked once more to his desk to make sure he wasn't hallucinating, and there it was: the key to the world and the truth his father died for. Which now was also humanity's hope and the opportunity to fulfil his progenitor's inherited dream.
Her city was slowly coming back to life. Even so, all those sad and expressionless faces she encountered after walking out her home were heartbreaking. Especially the military personnel and it wasn't until she reached the gate at the wall that she understood what was going on around. Right in front she saw a notice, indicating that around 7PM a mass funeral would take place to honor and bid farewell to the fallen soldiers and citizens during the battle of Trost district.
The lump in her throat was coming back, bringing along the memory of the loss she was trying to suppress, for her parents and now the lives of the two men who, besides fighting for the weak, gave her a chance to see her little sister once again, regardless of the state she was in. Elia wasn't going to be able to attend the ceremony, so she tried to find some way to pay them a little tribute herself. Fortunately, by the time she arrived at the hospital, an idea came to her mind.
She smiled faintly at the sight of the many bruises beginning to change color, which meant they'd disappear in two or three days. She got closer to the girl and greeted her before making sure she had no setback while taking a seat beside her and share her idea. Though it was clear Ilva could not answer, she remembered her mother saying once that no one could ensure that a comatose patient wouldn't be able to hear. And so, still talking to her sister, the woman began writing a few lines dedicated to them. When she finished, she reread the message and saved the piece of paper in her pocket, satisfied with the result. A considerable time had passed since her arrival and the only people she saw there was a nurse checking on the other patient, quite hidden behind the white curtains. Elia checked her watch, noticing midday was almost upon them and yet there were no signs of the doctor or the authorization to leave. Visiting hours were almost over and she couldn't afford wasting more time without talking to him, reason why she decided to go look for him in his office.
As she approached, the nervousness grew inside just to imagine not finding him or worse, that he'd changed his mind. However, the healer relaxed and breathed out when she saw his door was ajar, confirming his presence there. She was about to knock but immediately stopped when a voice that wasn't his reached her too.
"The obvious is often the most sensible thing to do" that serious and intimidating tone was unmistakable. The individual behind it was exactly the kind of people who made an impression on you, whether you wanted or not.
"That might be on a military perspective but is not the same in my field, Captain Levi" the doctor refuted and tried to disguise the fear he felt "If I'm doing this, is only because you're taking responsibility from here on, and you'll assume whatever consequences regarding the patient's condition".
With a snort of fake amusement, the Captain seemed to be running out of patience.
"Do you think she'll kill her?" the man said with deadly calm, filled with what sounded like pure irony "What else could happen to the girl, if her problem lies in the fact that her death is imminent? It's absurd to the point of mere idiocy" he blurted out.
"No, but..." doctor Prince barely babbled before being interrupted.
"Is it humane to spend your last days in a hospital, where you may stop breathing any time and no one will notice until minutes or hours later, when your body begins to rotten?" he explained quite irritated, no need to raise the tone of his voice. The words were severe yet completely true "If the soldier had no one, then you'd be right but that's not the case here".
Elia pictured the doctor's expression perfectly fine in her head. He'd been cornered by someone who would be able to intimidate even the bravest. And on the other hand, she couldn't believe what was happening, nor the fact that he was the real reason behind this chance to take her sister home with her. Did he know her? Was it the reason why he was helping them? It's the only thing that could explain his behavior, and at the same it didn't make sense; Ilva would have practically told everyone she knew the man, her hero.
"If something unexpected happens, like murder, I'll assume all charges" the man's voice showed no hesitation whatsoever "Now, I'd appreciate you stop wasting my time and give me the damn document so I can sign it" he demanded.
Okay. Helping Ilva was one thing, but taking legal responsibility was totally different. He didn't know her and yet he was blindly trusting her without even a warning beforehand. She was stunned, there was no other description for such astonishment.
There was no need to continue there; with such force of character, a denial from the doctor was impossible. Elia turned around and headed back where she had come and both of them would soon arrive.
When she got to Ilva's side, Elia took her right hand between hers and focused on the rhythm of her pulse; the steady beating and the warmth were comforting while she tried to figure out what to do or say later. However, she wasn't supposed to know about any of that so, the reasonable behavior was just act normal.
"Good morning, Miss Stoltz" the doctor greeted her formally "Are you ready?"
A young nervous nurse and that man accompanied him, yet both stayed a few steps behind him. The first gave a subtle nod, he on the other hand showed no sign of wanting to say or add anything. He wasn't even paying attention for his eyes were focused on her sibling.
"Good morning. Everything in order, sir" she said firmly.
The doctor didn't seem happy, but he turned and ask the nurse to go downstairs and checkout the patient and then request the manager to have one of the carts ready in half an hour; all these after one last checking on Ilva.
"I cannot go without explaining that this is an exception for the girl's condition, and I hope for you and herself that her transition at least does not turn into a complicated or too extensive one" since he probably couldn't take his anger out on the soldier, he was doing so on her, for those words were really unnecessary.
"Crystal-clear" was all she said, managing to fake a grateful smile, though her eyes and clenched fists said something entirely different. She just wanted to leave that place soon "Thank you, doctor".
"Good luck" was the last thing she heard him say before walking out on his own.
As she followed him with her eyes, she noticed certain rage emanating from the soldier who looked like he was deciding whether to follow him or not. But for the way he turned in their direction now, she imagined he ditched the idea.
"Miss" the nurse gently called her attention "I'll come back for you in a few minutes" she took Ilva's medical log from the bedside table.
"Thank you" she replied, this time really meaning it. The nurse smiled to her before heading towards the exit. Though, it was gone the moment she had to pass by the soldier's side before disappearing through the door.
"Miss" he finally addressed her and followed right behind the nurse, not waiting for a response or anything.
He just left, the woman said to herself, a bit upset for losing a chance to express her gratitude.
Minutes later, the nurse returned with two stretcher bearers and instructed her to follow the two men, who by the way, were extremely careful to moved Ilva, who was still as asleep as before.
Having her sister just ready and installed on the transport, and while watching the two men taking a seat next to the driver, the nurse that was by her side asked her to sign a document as part of the patient's "early discharge". She thought it might be the same one the soldier signed before, but there was no other signature there except the doctor's. Still, she signed and handed it back. The nurse indicated everything was in order and then rushed back into the building.
"Shall we leave?" for a second time in that day, that man ended up taking her by surprise.
Somehow, from one second to the other, he was standing next to her and pointing at the cart. Unlike the stern and impatient tone used with the doctor, he only seemed tired now, but probably not for something related to them.
"You're going with us?" It was the only thing she was able to ask, a bit confused.
"The doctor mentioned he'd informed you that I'd go with you to check if the place meets the requirements, or if it's better to assign you one in the barracks" he replied, this time he sounded exasperated.
"He said something similar but not the way you just put it" she explained, trying to remember the exact words. However, Elia decided it didn't matter much anyways "But it's alright. No objection from my part" she said before getting on the vehicle, aware that he followed her closely and sat in the opposite side of the cart to tell the driver they were ready to go.
During the journey, the only exchange they had was him asking for directions and so, they soon arrived. Captain Levi was the first to go down, she followed and then one of the stretcher-bearers while the other helped him getting her sister down.
Elia hurried to open the door, and as soon as she walked in, she told everyone to come in, and led the way for those men to carry Ilva inside her room, not leaving their side; she was grateful they were as careful as she'd be. And it was a huge relief to see her sister home, on her own bed now.
The soldier didn't follow them to the room, probably not to interfere since the space wasn't that big. By the time the two men finished and the four of them were in the living-dining room, she offered something to drink; it was the least she could do for their help. Both were looking at her, but the officer kept walking around in absolute silence, inspecting every corner with meticulous care; she even got distracted when saw him touching the furnishings to the point of rubbing his fingers to make sure there was nothing his eyes hadn't noticed. It was a little strange at first but understandable either way. Fortunately, being a maniac, as her sister used to call her, was an advantage in this case and the reason behind her tranquility.
"Thank you, Miss, but we must go now" a voice interrupted her thoughts "The driver's waiting for us".
"It's a pity but we must return immediately" added the other, not quite happy about it but still smiled at her "Thank you anyways".
"Thank you, both" she replied with a solemn gesture before seeing them off.
OK. Now what? She pondered, aware of Captain Levi's presence, who turned to her as soon as they left
"Everything in order, sir?" she asked, facing the intensity in his gaze.
It was clear that he was rather unsociable, short temper and intimidating man but those impressions about him were gone the moment she heard him talking in that office. She certainly respected him and so would keep her distance, but if there was ever a time he scared her, it was a thing of the past now.
He only looked into her eyes for an instant, then headed to the room where Ilva was and returned two minutes later to the same place he was at first.
"Indeed. Everything in order" he replied in seriousness. Elia saw him giving her a slightly nod before walking to the door and leave them. It was then she remembered something important.
"Sir. Wait, please" she approached him. Now or never, Elia motivated herself, hoping he wouldn't refuse.
He stopped, turned and although his steel-blue eyes showed caution, they also said he'd listen.
"I heard the Farewell Ceremony is going to take place this evening" she began, straight to the point with a person who clearly wasn't into idling "I wanted to ask if you will attend".
Levi looked at her, inquisitively, understanding she was referring to the funeral.
"So I've heard" he replied, showing a glimpse of discomfort in his eyes. Then he again seemed as unemotional as most of the time "Why do you ask?" exactly the kind of man who needs to understand the reason behind her question before answering. Or not.
"I'm sorry to trouble you, but I'd like to ask you a favour" she said at the same time she searched for the object inside the pocket of her trouser and showed it to him, holding it with both hands respectfully "I cannot attend on my own, but I'd appreciate it very much if you could place this on the Corps pyre, please".
Levi took it without much thought, studied the piece of paper folded twice before commenting the obvious.
"It's not sealed" he pointed out.
"It's not private" she said, looking over her shoulder for a few seconds to where they both knew her sister was "I have no right to ask you to read this to them, but I'd appreciate you leaving it next to their bodies, so it burns away with them" she explained.
"I see" she heard him say, thoughtful. Then saw him putting it inside the pocket where the emblem of their division was and bowed his head again "With your permission, I'll leave now" and without saying more, he walked out.
Again, he denied her the opportunity to say at least "thank you". Not only for her request, which she knew he'd comply with; his solemn tone said so. But the most important thing here was everything he'd already done and not even mentioned. Despite having every right to warn her for the sake of his reputation… which proved he wasn't the kind of person that cared about banalities.
Elia shrugged and unconsciously sighed as she approached to the room Ilva and her shared for years. After washing her hands, she checked on her vitals and decided to write down an itinerary that'd help her taking better care of her.
"Your revered Captain Levi is quite unique, sis" she commented to the girl, who was as quiet as before "I'm beginning to understand a little why you idolize him so much".
It's going a bit slow with the two of them but it's hard to think Levi would be the kind of man who falls over someone so fast, right?
Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Namárië