CHAPTER XII
It was considerably late when he left the building, hence he had no chance to go change his clothes. What he did manage to do was to bring back the small container to return it to its owner. Especially that night, because the girl's end was near, and this was most likely the last time he'd be inside that house yet there was one thing he wanted to do before.
"Hello, sir" he perceived the surprise in those grey eyes of hers, because he usually arrived no later than 10PM "Please, come in" now, she went back to her usual manners and kindness.
"A lot has been going on with the whole trial business, but I imagined you'd be awake and thus, you wouldn't mind me arriving this late" the Captain explained without thinking too much as he hand back the small container. Only then he realized he'd been apologizing to her, when he seldom offered excuses to anyone.
It wasn't just sharing a comment on what the whole population was gossiping about lately. The awkward yet not negative feeling, was how natural it felt and that left him somewhat stupefied. But by that quiet and tired expression on her face, he guessed she had not much idea. Like two days ago, when she had no clue, it was Sunday.
"Indeed. I don't mind" the woman assured, and a faint smile showed up for some seconds before she turned and headed to the kitchen, left the object on a table and walked to where her sister was.
Levi noticed the bags under her eyes were considerably marked and she felt exhausted. And by the image in front of him, where the young soldier looked so much paler and thin, he could tell she probably hadn't left her side not two minutes. Aside from that, the deterioration in her breathing was extremely different; having unnormal pauses right after exhaling, and he also heard a scraping sound coming from her throat that was barely noticeable… for now. Just like what happened with his mother, years ago.
"It's stupid to ask how's she when it's obvious. How long has she been like this?" he muttered, after looking at the girl. Her sister was writing something in her notebook "I'm sorry I couldn't come last night" it was clear she had no real rest since his last visit. He didn't like it and felt somewhat guilty for it. His obligations were extremely important, and yet he could have just walked there after 4AM; the time he arrived.
"Really, sir, it's fine. I did sleep a little last night, but Ilva's condition has been changing continuously, sometimes quite abruptly. This started yesterday afternoon and she has been stable within her gravity but I'm afraid she won't last another 48 hrs.… maybe less" she said in a quiet voice while leaving the object on the bedside table.
"You look bad, lady. Go have some sleep" the Captain told her, straight to the point. If things were reaching this final part, it'd be dangerous to find her like this, under tiredness and grief "I'm sure you want to stay beside her but if you go on like this, and she hasn't changed…" he may be not that great with words, but he was no insensitive asshole "You won't be able to do so tomorrow".
"I know. But, what if…?" of course she was scared. The experience and knowledge probably meant nothing when it was your only family the one you were losing.
"If anything happens, no matter how small, I'll inform you right away" he earnestly offered, inspiring her confidence "I promise" Levi said, and the honesty in his blue eyes was the push she needed.
The healer's gaze was full of fear, but the man saw her nodding silently, wholeheartedly trusting in him. She asked him to wait outside a little, so she could thoroughly clean her before, then explained he'd only need to stay alert, making sure she didn't get worse, which he would know by comparing his observations to the ones she'd been writing down.
Leaning against the corridor wall, the soldier waited with his arms crossed for her to finish and leave the room. He sensed her talking quietly, a murmur that made him picture in his mind what she may be doing right now: standing next to the soldier's bed, bending to softly kiss her forehead before finally whispering something. Something that was only for her.
The Captain had no idea why, but he recalled the instant when he spoke to that woman a while ago, when it felt so natural. Completely unable to see that too many years had passed since the last time he connected emotionally with another person.
Ever since Furlan and Isabel's deaths, he unconsciously put up a barrier to protect himself from the world's shitty ways. But this wasn't about him, and she represented no threat; he only knew he wanted to help with their horrible situation. But Levi couldn't foresee how their story, sharing time, experiences, and his conversations with the woman would affect him. Much less when that person feared him not. On the contrary, she truly respected him. Not as a soldier, not as Captain or because of his abilities; she respected him as a person. Making him feel normal, unimaginably comfortable, and often free… even from himself.
"Everything's ready now" he followed her voice. She was standing next to the doorframe, then lightly bowed her head, and walked towards the end of that corridor, disappearing through the door to the right.
The soldier returned to the room and noticed the girl's skin tone. That day had been unusually warm and yet she was only paler and getting thinner. The good thing for now was that her breathing seemed a little better.
He sat on the empty bed, looked at the clock on the wall and saw it was ten minutes to midnight. He grabbed the notebook from where the woman had left it and decided he'd check on her general state every thirty minutes and make a note on everything.
Three hours later and so far, there were no visible changes. He went to the kitchen in the blink of an eye and got some tea and a small piece of bread; he had not dined that evening. When he finished, the man left everything in order and washed his hands. One back but before taking a sit, he felt like chatting with her for a while. Levi had no idea if she could hear him, but according to what her sister said once, nobody really knew if comatose patients were fast asleep, or conscious but their brain had no control over the body.
The soldier shrugged, knowing he'd lose nothing by trying.
"Was it really that important to obtain my recognition, Private?" he began in a monotone voice "I may be a Captain, but I'm actually no one. I come from nothing, and most likely will become nothing soon. Just like you" Levi was standing next to her bed, focused on her left hand resting on the side "Sure. Knowing who you were, I gather you didn't care about that, nor the rumors that for once, are true. I appreciate it" he didn't smile but he was truly grateful to her. Not many soldiers were that loyal and this girl was exactly one of those who'd have followed him to whatever end. The Captain sighed and lowered his head a little, staring at her face now "Well, if that was the case, I'll be honest with you. I know this is not how things were supposed to be, but as scouts, you and I know better than most people how bad things get. Still, I admit you've had my recognition for a while now, Private Stoltz. However, I must tell you it was me who requested your temporary discharge from our last mission. I did it because I intended to recruit you and the Möser brats once we were back. And despite not having idea about the outcome, I accept my share of responsibility regarding your lives, and your deaths" he confessed, unafraid to be pointed at by people, because the two that mattered in relation to her case, were this very girl and her older sister, who already made declared none of them could believe such a thing. And this time, those steel-blue eyes looked to the window on his right with iron determination "I'll make it up to you and them too" he closed his eyes and nodded once.
Evidently, there was no response or reaction from her, but he felt somewhat lighter for being able to say it. The Captain looked at the time and after running the routine examination, he grabbed the notebook, added the data and then opened the small drawer of the nightstand, took something out of his pocket and left it under a couple papers, the copy of her hospital file and a book. After closing it, he went for another cup of tea and sat in total silence on the bed.
Around two hours later, the young soldier looked the same but the pauses after exhaling were getting longer. I have no choice… he said to himself while on his way to get the healer. He promised.
Levi followed the path he'd seen her go and stood in front of their parents' room, a place he'd not seen since the first time he set foot in that house, and to where he never entered. Resigned, he knocked three times, yet nothing happened. He didn't even hear some movement coming from the inside, so he repeated the action twice, this time with more energy but once again, he got no answer. What the hell! the man cursed while touching the bridge of his nose, quite exasperated; he was no creep, but he couldn't avoid experiencing some nervousness and frustration at the idea of going in.
He opened the door and moved carefully into the room that was almost completely in darkness, except for a minimum light coming through the window; it wasn't much but enough to see where he was going.
When he located the bed, Levi cleared his throat loudly, trying to wake her up but the silhouette onto it remained the same. He guessed the woman had been more than exhausted, for she was fast asleep, so he just moved closer to get on with it. The moment he got a better view, he noticed she'd uncovered herself. Fortunately, that night hadn't been as cold as the others, and so, her father's pajamas seemed good enough for the little chill around them. She slept sideways, with her back towards him and it was impossible not to contemplate the way her right limbs rested harmoniously onto her left ones. The only part the Captain couldn't see yet was her face, due to that position and some loosen hair near it.
The soldier barely placed his palm on her right arm but again, nothing happened. Damn it, woman. How can you be such a heavy sleeper?! he complained internally and grimaced. Though deep down he understood fatigue was the cause behind it, but he also knew he shouldn't waste time. He'd have to move her. The idea alone caused him a non-familiar anxiety but there was no other way. He breathed in and out to remain calm and did it, then quickly stepped back. The woman was finally facing up, but he got paralyzed at the sight; there were tears on her face, tears that were recent and he was deeply stunned by them. She probably fell asleep crying, but the way her eyelids moved indicated she'd been having a nightmare; one that anguished her. Levi didn't mind when people cried near him, but he never once saw anybody doing it in their sleep.
He composed himself and approached one last time to shake her shoulder, trying not to scare her. But he needed to leave soon, or he'd start feeling flustered. Shup up! his mind yelled and commanded to do something fast.
"Hey, you!" he said, his voice deep and clear "Wake up lady".
As soon as she opened her eyes, he saw her sitting up too quickly and so he took some distance. The woman squeezed her eyes shut, trying to dissipate the dizziness caused by the sudden movement. And then she looked in his direction; despite the darkness, she seemed scared.
"Don't jump to conclusions" he advised her, avoiding looking into her eyes "I just came because you asked me to inform you of any changes. I knocked several times but got no response" he explained, letting her notice in his voice how disgruntled he was by having to do so and enter uninvited.
"Right" she answered and then turned to the window, as if trying to determine what time was "I'm sorry. I heard nothing" of course, she'd apologize and that bothered him
"It's fine" he simply rapped out as he got closer to the door.
"What happened?" she was getting out of the bed now, and began to fix her hair in a simple ponytail and for some stupid reason, Levi felt his face warmer. Which she fortunately had no way to notice since it was dark, and she was putting her shoes on. She threw on a robe over her pajamas and began to follow him.
"Her pulse and temperature have been steady, but the rhythm of her breathing has changed" the soldier explained as best he could "I don't remember how you called it before but the periods in which she stops breathing, those are prolonging".
"How long?" she inquired as she followed him into the girl's room.
"It's nine seconds now" he said, standing by the door. Allowing her space "When I arrived it was seven, at most".
"I understand" was all she said as she checked her vitals first. He knew she meant something like This means she won't last long. "The difficulty to breathe will get worse now" the woman carefully placed another cushion under her sister's head and back, and the subtle elevation helped a little "And so her heart will begin to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body, trying to help her lungs on getting more oxygen. But they're not working as they should, so this means any of them may fail first, or both".
Levi didn't want to gaze at her face. He knew she was in a lot of pain, but restrained herself from feeling it to endure and focus. He looked at the girl instead, whose body was struggling to live and wondered if she had any notion about it. He hoped not.
"Perhaps I'm a monster for what I'll say, but under this kind of conditions, the best for her would be to finally rest" Levi heard her voice and it felt as if she were saying it more to herself than him.
The healer's eyes were fixed on her sister's hand, but it was the kind of stare when you're actually seeing nothing in front of you, consumed by sadness and fear. And it was hard not to recall that last day beside his mother, as the only witness to her passing; around twenty-eight years ago, the same year this woman had been born. He never ceased to miss her, but the idea of watching her never-ending suffering while lying on that cot, abandoned by the world, and afflicted about the fate of her beloved son... it was awful.
"You love her, don't you?" Levi moved and sat on the chair, hands on his knees and eyes on the soldier. He seemed unaffected, but he was trying to control his own sadness to provide some comfort. Something he wasn't very good at, but he saw the healer nod once as she turned to see him "Then don't call yourself a monster" he emphasized "No one who claims to love anyone else would want to extend this. Existing isn't the same as living, and you know that".
She looked down and stood there for a few moments.
"I know" she looked at him with a devastatingly sad smile "But I think it's cruel for her to perish and for me stay; I'm older and I've lived longer…" the woman sighed, and held the girl's hand acutely "Besides, it's obnoxious to know that, despite my medical knowledge, there's nothing to be done. But most of all, it's hard to accept that I'll never see or hear her again".
"Cruelty surrounds us, and we can only learn to live with it. It's either that or let it consumes you, and I don't think myself mistaken to say your sister would hate the second option. She was no coward" the Captain focused in his own hands, half clenched to his knees as he suppressed the incomprehensible urge to touch hers. He pushed away those idiotic thoughts and concentrated on the few important memories he had, the ones he cherished to keep moving forward "In moments like this and despite her youth, you should think about this one question… While she lived, was she happy?"
Her eyes opened wide, she returned to observe the girl's peaceful face with nothing but longing and warmth in those eyes, making them softer, calmer, and slightly brighter. And Levi could tell she was seeing beyond that face, into something he had no access to: her own memories.
"Certainly… It's the only thing that matters" she muttered and sat on her bed without looking at him, but now there was a different kind of smile on her face. Still sorrowful and yet there was also peace about it "Thank you, sir" she said but did not look at him.
Levi felt his own cheeks burning at the unexpected compliment, one he didn't need, especially not from her. It didn't annoy him, but the sincerity in her tone somehow made him feel vulnerable to something he couldn't even describe.
The man managed to stand up and he went to the bathroom to wash his face with cold water, considering he'd leave soon.
"I know you need to be on your way soon. I'm sorry, I don't mean to take advantage of you but, could you please wait a couple more minutes? Just to get a shower" the woman said as soon as he came back. She was looking at herself somewhat embarrassed, only now realizing she was still in her pajamas and that robe. A detail Levi didn't care about, but for the way she apologized, it was clear she did.
"If you can bear it, try with water as hot as possible. It'll help relaxing your muscles" he shared the tip. Tch! What the heck is wrong with you, moron!?, he internally cursed himself immediately after. She surely knew that.
"I'll take it into account, sir" the woman answered, with those natural good manners of hers "I already took care of the essentials with my sister so, I'll be back in no time" she assured him and didn't wait for him to move. She just walked past him, while carrying the wasted bandages and disappeared in the hallway.
Levi checked on the girl and briefly went to the kitchen before coming back and sitting on that chair. He was worried about this day, but it made no sense for him to come after knowing his subordinates would be right there to assist her. That was the mission. But in the back of his mind, a tiny voice was trying to say something else. Something he desperately needed to ignore.
He looked at the young soldier and felt hopeful after reminding her sister not to drown herself in the anguish and desolation for the upcoming scenario, aware that she understood what he meant: the sadness for her absence would never go away but learn to live with it was what would make this girl proud.
Twenty minutes later, Captain Levi saw her coming back into the room and so, he stood up and gave one last look at the soldier before leaving. His instinct told him; this was the last time he'd see her alive. The man nodded in her direction while the healer wasn't looking and then walked out of that place.
"I prepared some tea, hours ago" he said while adjusting his coat, without looking at her and yet he felt her presence a couple meters away.
But as usual, she defied his mental sanity by getting closer. Though fortunately, she did it only to open the door for him. Levi headed out and thoughtlessly stopped at the sound of her voice.
"I don't know if I'll be able to say this later but, good luck with the trial, sir" he could not turn to see her. He perceived she was close, and that proximity made him nervous "I don't know if this is of any help, but my parents knew the boy's family and they were very nice people. Ilva used to play with him every so often, when they were much younger; since both loved fighting and daydreaming…" he was stunned, and yet determined no to look at her being that close so he just kept listening "I personally didn't know him, but he seemed a good lad. His father was a friend of my father. A good doctor and a compassionate person. It's all I know"
"Do you know where he is?" this was absolutely important, according to what Erwin said about the key.
"No. Last time we had some contact to the Yeager family was like a month before Shiganshina happened" she explained. He could tell she wished she knew more "That's about it".
"Well noted" he acknowledged receipt of the message, and before resuming his way he decided to tell her "I don't think I'll be able to come tonight, but I understand my subordinates might" he shared, and out of the corner of his eye saw her looking down for a moment. What did that mean? Was she discouraged about it? "You can trust them. They're the best" he stated, firm and honest.
"I do" the sincerity of her response was intense, just like those silvery eyes he tried to avoid.
Levi gave a little nod and walked out. And once more, the sound of her voice made him stop. Only this time, he did turn because she called him "Captain". It was formal and polite, but at the same time, demanding. And a hidden part of him rejoiced at that tiny detail.
"I trust them just as I trust you, sir" the woman said and held out her hand with respect and gratitude. Somehow, he got the impression she also knew this was the last time he'd go there.
"Trust yourself as well" You'll be fine if you do, he added in his mind as he reached out and shook her hand "And I'm no sir. Just Levi".
The sunrise was near as he walked through the streets, debating whether to share with Erwin the last piece of information she provided. There was nothing solid about it, except he trusted her judgement, but he knew his friend would want to know the source and why he believed it. Which would lead to uncomfortable questions that he had no idea how to respond. Exasperated, the Captain ran his hand through his hair and concluded he'd say something only if needed. He wasn't going to involve her in this whole titan business, even less now; like it or not, her statement would make no difference nor influence in the matter. No, they won't consider it, he said to himself, unconsciously desperate not to think about their recent proximity, or how burning his hand felt at the touch of her skin, one that was rather cold and so damn soft.
Had he no need for his hand to fight, drink tea and wipe his own ass, he probably would have cut it right then, just to stop the unfamiliar tingling in it; Levi couldn't comprehend how did this feel so pleasant but at the same time it agitated him... It made no sense. But then, there was the memory of a faint smile and a solemn nod dedicated to him right before she let go.
It was past nine in the evening when Petra saw the man in the hallway that led to the mess hall after crossing the courtyard. He was on his way to headquarters' main office to attend the last meeting of that day; since the trial was around the corner, they'd probably discuss what should be done next.
Captain Levi wore his formal uniform, and he didn't seem so happy. Not that he ever looked that different, but it was the impression she got.
"Good evening, Captain" she greeted him, evading his frown "Anything I help with? You seem tired" she asked and stood still, waiting.
"Migraine" he said and slowly shook his head "I'm sure I gave you no further instructions for today, soldier. Why were you in such a haste?" he inquired, as casual as he could. He was only trying to confirm where she was heading.
"Yes, Captain" the redhead looked to the floor, unsure to mention anything related to Elia's house but maybe he planned on going, and if Gunther was also there… yeah, better to let him know "I was going to get Gunther. We're…umm we're going to see Ilva now"
She noticed the Captain didn't say more. He simply nodded and continued his way, but for a second, Petra glimpsed some relief in his expression. Because of that, she thought he knew how bad things were.
As they walked, her suspicion about something going on between them increased, especially after situations like the recent one. Of course, she doubted anything had happened under the current circumstances, but the thing was there. Even if the Captain probably had no idea; his concern was clear but it felt different to the one she had about her friend. That and the way he looked at her that morning before leaving.
Elia. She repeated the name in her mind, scared for what was coming her way. The woman loved Ilva above all so, the notion about never seeing her again was going to be hard. I guess that's why I like the idea so much, Petra admitted to herself and sighed, hoping something good came along Elia's way, with or without Captain Levi. Though she certainly rooted for the first option.
When they reached the door, she observed the house wasn't entirely illuminated. Petra approached to the window and peeked Elia's silhouette through the curtain, going from one side to the other. She turned to the man standing next to her and exchanged a worried look before knocking. And, the instant she opened and saw them, she saluted both with a half-smile. One that showed gratitude and the tranquility to have them there. As if she'd been waiting exactly for them.
"We're sorry for the time, Elia. Truly. Our schedule this week is the worst" the redhead rushed to say as they followed her inside the house, apologizing.
"Petra. I know and please don't worry. Ilva's friend came last night" she said, and she understood perfectly what that meant. However, the concern and fear were notorious in the healer's eyes "I'll be with you shortly".
Elia left the living room and went to see her sister; she was right onto something at that very moment. Reason why they decided to wait until she came back. And she did three minutes later, quite downhearted.
"She's gotten much worse" her friend said to both; the tone of her voice sounded somewhat lifeless. They saw her walking towards the old counter, grabbed a covered mixing bowl, and beckon them to follow her to that room.
As they got nearer, they heard a frightfully irregular sound getting closer. And by the time they went inside, both soldiers observed the girl's body onto the bed, as still as before, and oblivious to everything. Or so it seemed because she was struggling to breathe; that was the hoarsely sound from before.
Petra and Gunther looked at each other, unable to talk. They may have lost uncountable lives outside the walls, in horrible ways, but witnessing the slow death for a young soldier was just as bad. Her final hours clinging to life, so fiercely… it was heartbreaking. And despite her friend wasn't paralyzed to see her suffer like this, she knew Elia only focused on helping her as best she could, while she could. But she was probably shattered.
They saw her slightly uncovering the soldier's chest and she began to apply a greenish ointment, one with a potent smell. So much, that it caused Gunther a little cough and she advised him to sit on the chair while she did on the bed.
"I'm sorry, guys. This is pretty strong" Elia warned them as she continued to repeat the process, but also applying some under Ilva's nose "This is a concentrated mixture of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, plus other things that will help clearing her airways. For a while at least" Petra understood she shared that to mostly distract herself rather than explaining.
And she wasn't lying. It was that powerful that the effect was almost immediate; in a matter of seconds, the girl's breathing calmed considerably.
"I'll go wash my hands. Wait here, please" Elia said after leaving the bowl, covered, onto the bedside table and rushed outside. Then returned carrying three glasses of water with her.
"You seriously don't need to worry about us" the freckled woman said "We're here to support you. You just tell us whatever you need" she said with determination and carefully removed the tray from her hands before leading her to sit right next to her.
"It's the third time I've resorted to this, but..." her voice cracked. With all the strength she had left, she was trying not to collapse. If she did now, she wouldn't be able to stop and Ilva needed her "The difficulty to breathe has increased within hours, and her heart started to pump more blood to help her receiving oxygen, but that accelerates her pulse alarmingly. Just to keep her body alive" she explained, staring at her only family. Petra saw her stand up and approach to the girl's side. She put her palm delicately on her forehead and caress her, fondly. A gesture full of devotion and longing "It's kind of cruel that while one part works to save her, another gets affected. They may fail any time now" Elia muttered, desolated.
"With all due respect, Miss" this time, Gunther interfered for the first time after greeting Elia at the door "I didn't know her directly, but I know she was a fine soldier, truly committed and strong. She may not have fallen in the battlefield, but she's still fighting like the warrior she is. Sacrificing her heart, just like she did to save her home" Petra looked at him, feeling proud of his remarkable words. Ones she completely agreed with.
Elia looked at him, still dispirited but she was quite grateful for his words. The earnestness in her eyes and the reverent nod she dedicated to her brother in arms were proof enough.
At that moment, Petra realized that the Captain knew what was going to occur that day. She couldn't know his reasons not to be there and yet something told her he trusted them to help this person.
"I'm well aware you can take care of her" her comrade began to say, reticently at first but as he kept talking, he sounded more secure of himself. Probably worried about Elia's worn-out aspect "but if you need it, I can go find a doctor".
"I appreciate the idea, Mr. Schultz" her friend said as she added another blanket to provide some heat to Ilva; that night was notoriously colder than the last "I'll follow your advice, but not for now" the healer concluded as she finished tucking her sister in.
About an hour later, the young soldier began to fight for breathing once again, and it sounded even worse that before. And, although Elia repeated the procedure with the ointment, the soothing effect lasted a couple minutes, and the apnea's frequency changed, extending the periods in which there was an absolute absence of oxygen.
Knowing these might be the last minutes of her sister's life, Elia got up and stood near her, holding her left hand firmly to let her know she was there. Gunther moved to the doorway, miming his legs hurt from staying still for so long but she knew he was crying, just as she was. Silently.
From one moment to the next, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. She saw her friend's eyes open wide with shock, but then they got teary as she covered her mouth with her free hand. Elia closed her eyes, and she shook her head, as if denying what was happening. The healer bend and got closer to her, trying to hear the beat of her heart, some weak breathing, but Ilva Stoltz was gone now. And she would never come back.
Petra observed her friend standing up straight, finally shedding tears at the realization that it was over. She knew there were no words to console her now, because it was her family, her little sister, whom she deeply loved and cared for. Just like her parents, Ilva was gone too. And for someone who values her loved ones more than her own life, this surely hurt bad. That, and understanding you're an orphan now. It didn't matter if you were an adult; it meant you were alone in the world.
But Petra decided she wasn't going to let her feel abandoned. So, she did the only thing she could for now: get closer and hug her to reassure her she was there, that she'd be there no matter what. She couldn't help her own tears, but she knew Elia wouldn't mind for this indeed, was a sad day.
The redhead felt how her body kept shaking as she wept for several minutes before her legs gave in and Elia's weight got heavier; she had fainted. Fortunately, while she was still holding her.
"Gunther" she called her friend, unable to move much in the space between the two beds. In a matter of seconds, he was standing beside her, drying away his own tears with his sleeve "Help me carry her to the other room. I don't think its wise to keep her inside here for now" he agreed and in less than two minutes, they'd managed to move her to her parents' bedroom.
"I think now's the time to go get a doctor" Gunther said, looking at her friend while she covered her with the blankets "Right?"
"Yeah. I think so too" she agreed and considered the options "Though I'm afraid at this late, we cannot afford being picky. You'll have to get one from the Military Police Brigade. Their branch in Trost is closer"
"I know. But it's a doctor so, probably not an ass like the majority of them" the man nodded once and rapidly left.
When he entered the place, he asked the first person he saw in his way. And a young lad, carrying a considerable amount of paperwork, told him he'd find the doctor's office at the third floor, at the end of the hallway. Gunther stepped up the pace, but by the moment he glimpsed his objective he also crashed into one of the two men who just turned the corner. Luckily it was just his shoulder colliding with his.
"I'm sorry man, but I'm in a hurry. Kind of urgent" the soldier apologized, noticing the annoyed stare from the first one, but his companion stood between them and told him something he couldn't hear. The tall guy then turned to him and said he could go.
Gunther resumed his way, concentrated on getting to that office that he didn't pay that much attention to the intrigued expression in the second officer, who's eyes were fixed upon the emblem at the back of his jacket.
As soon as Petra saw her comrade returning with who she presumed, was the doctor, she breathed out, tranquil. She'd stayed by her friend's side ever since he left, uneasy about her unconsciousness and how pale she looked, but her breathing was normal.
She was going to speak to the doctor but just then, she noticed a third person had joined the group, who was now walking behind the doctor. His green eyes showed how concerned he was, and as soon as he entered the room and looked to the bed, he barged his way through to get closer to her friend.
"Elia!" his deep voice showed how much he cared "What happened to her?" he blurted out, staring at her. Somewhat demanding but not angry, like the last time she heard him.
"Hey, you, show some respect!" Petra had no time to answer because Gunther reprimanded him. He looked exasperated at the intruder "She just saw his sister die, that's what happens. So back off now. The doctor's going to examine her".
The redhead witnessed the evident dismay in his face after hearing those words. He fell silent and got up from there, heading out of the room. She knew well where he was going, and something told her to just let him be. After all, she remembered Elia saying he'd been a close friend to both of them in the past.
"How long has passed since then?" she heard the doctor's voice and turned in his direction. He had a slight frown and was probably as mad as Gunther about the other guy. But his profession prevented him from sharing an opinion or judgement.
They both narrated the events from that night as best as they could, and the professional listen attentively while checking Elia's state, using some devices from his doctor's bag. Once he finished, he put those back inside and led the way out of the room.
"The distress and her exhaustion took its toll on her" the doctor explained, as they walked to Ilva's room "She's also a little dehydrated".
"What do we do then, doctor?" Petra asked, hoping this wasn't serious.
"Let her get some sleep" the man advised "If she doesn't wake up in two or three hours by herself or by you, go get me" both soldiers nodded "But I'm sure she's just drained right now so… Once she wakes up, make sure she drinks water. Slowly" he indicated, emphasizing the last word as a warning.
Having said that, the doctor walked inside the other room to corroborate the girl's death. Petra followed him closely and both stopped at the sight of that tall blond guy sitting on the empty bed, with his hands on his knees, head down, and eyes firmly closed. And even though his presence annoyed the two other men around, none of them said a word because he was clearly affected by this.
The doctor decided to check on the soldier in silence and confirmed what they already knew; it was obvious after seeing him covering her entire body with nothing but a white sheet.
Petra glanced sideways at this Garrett, who seemed horrified at the image in front of him, as if he couldn't believe it. Then he kneeled beside Ilva's bed a just cried like a child who lost his best friend. Again, and permanently.
"Her body needs to be removed soon" the man said to both, when they reached the living room "One of you must notify at your division's headquarters promptly" he took a form from his bag and wrote down quite fast. He signed the document and handed it to her "This death certificate will be required" Petra examined the piece of paper and there it was, cause of death, full name, and everything. She nodded affirmatively.
"I'll go at once" Gunther said, but Petra beckon him to wait a minute before leaving.
"Thank you very much, sir" the redhead walked the man to the door and as soon as he was gone, she looked at her friend "Just give me second, I'll be right back" she indicated.
Petra reached Elia's father desk, and, out of the first drawer, she took a notebook and tore a sheet of paper from it. She held her own pen and began writing. She needed to stay there with Elia for now, reason why she couldn't deliver the message herself. But it was the right thing to do.
Knowing the essential was there, she folded it and sealed the note with the Wings of Freedom on it.
"Take this on to the Captain" she indicated to her comrade, who waited at the entrance. She gave no further information "After you deliver this certificate to registry, you should inform Eld and Oluo. I know they'll want to accompany Elia this afternoon".
The soldier stared at her solidly, nodded and left. He probably thinks I'm explaining the Captain why I may be absent in a couple hours she thought to herself, at ease about it. Gunther had no way to imagine the rest of the story nor his interest in Ilva's case. Sometimes, male ignorance comes in handy.
She walked back inside and startled a little when she caught sight of the tall guy leaning against the door where Elia was now.
"She's still asleep" he muttered, this time heading towards the exit while she stood outside in the middle of the living room "When she wakes up, please don't tell her I was here. I don't want to upset her. But I'm... I'm very sorry" he was being completely honest; his voice said so.
"Her funeral should take place this sunset, at the main cemetery" Petra observed the way he stopped in front of the entrance door. She couldn't be sure how Elia felt about seeing him there, but she knew her friend didn't hold a grudge against him. But then she remembered something else "I cannot tell if the Captain is going to attend, but if you're not going to behave..." she warned, deadly serious.
"Thank you" he said respectfully and disappeared right after giving one last glance in Ilva's direction.
Petra sighed and walked into the kitchen, trying to figure out what was going to happen next. She considered some water with sugar in it once Elia woke up; that sometimes helped calming someone's nerves, or so she said once.
She foresaw the next hours wouldn't be easier for her, especially after the removal of her sister's body. If she's awake by then. She truly hoped so, for it'd be harder to open her eyes and see her gone. Forever.
Thank you for reading!
Namárië