CHAPTER XX
"I'm well aware that I told you it was fine if you wanted to exercise a little or work, but you're forcing me to send you back to rest, Commander" she scolded the man, extending her arm to point at the bed, with an earnest look in her eyes "It doesn't matter if you continue as soon as I leave. The exhaustion I see right now will show me so tomorrow, and if that happens, I'll sedate you to make sure you do rest" the frown told him she was mad for real. And with good reason; his eyes were surely bloodshot by now.
"Good morning, Miss Stoltz" the officer smiled politely as he watched her coming in. He put aside the letter he'd receive the night before and the other three he'd been writing for the last couple hours "I'm sorry. I lost track of time and forgot we'd begin with the new schedule before midday".
They'd agreed on that since she had to go back to the store she worked part-time after the hospital.
Erwin wasn't evading the wake-up call. He'd been so absorbed in the recent events, the suspicion on being tracked that Levi mentioned the day before as well as Eren's futile attempts to harden, that he really forgot about this… just like he'd forgot he needed to sleep.
"Don't try changing the subject, Commander. Feeling good doesn't mean you should go over the line concerning your health; you could get worse very easily" he knew her worry was justified, reason why he tilted his head and obeyed as she nodded in conformity.
He observed her leaving the bag on the table, beginning their usual routine and oblivious to the current tension as he walked in silence. Because she had no way to know he'd talked to his friend around sixteen hours ago, nor the worrisome news he shared.
Things were going to turn nasty in no time. It was why he'd advised him and everyone to stay on the alert, to scatter around the city and await the enemy's course of action now that they'd made the first move that morning, with the murder of Pastor Nick. Therefore, following the healer's instructions was currently impossible for him; Erwin was really sorry, but he was too focused on his plan and instructions given to Nifa an hour ago. It was imperative to anticipate all the possible situations to fight back; dealing with Titans was one thing, but against your own kind... that'd be complex.
"I don't wish to frighten you, but I think it's best if you no longer come in here, Miss" he said, after letting her do her job, right before she opened the door to leave him "I cannot tell you why, but it's for your own safety that I'm asking this".
She turned and Erwin held her gaze with the respect and honesty he knew she deserved. The woman's narrowed eyes were her first reaction, careful and suspicious but never afraid. I can tell you won't make it easy, right Miss? the blond feared with a sad but discreet, prideful smile.
Her periodic visits and company had been something truly gratifying during this isolation, but the omens worked continuously against them, and he wasn't going to risk her life so recklessly. Levi may have quit seeing and talking to her, but after the jealousy fit from over a week ago, he knew the man evidently cared about her. And despite he'd like to see him having some happiness, under the delicate situation they were currently facing, Levi's decision was probably the most sensible one. For now, at least…
"Is it because of an unsatisfactory execution or maybe I've been unprofessional?" she asked, steadfast and a little defiant, looking directly into his eyes, demanding honesty.
"No" Erwin would have lied, but he didn't dare to do so. It felt disrespectful towards her.
"In that case, I'm sorry but I won't be able to listen to you, Commander" the healer replied, this time her expression relaxed. Was she content? "There's a promise I intend to keep" she muttered, nodded once in his direction, and finally walked out.
He stared at the door for a minute after she was gone, unaware of the oath she'd made to her sister about helping her brothers and sisters in arms as best as she could, no matter how dangerous it was.
Was he surprised of her resoluteness? Not at all. The tiny solemn smile on his face showed nothing but gratitude for such faith on him and his people.
I hope he got to sleep last night, she thought while rushing to HQ after the last-minute emergency at the hospital.
The man evolved well, but his body wasn't ready to return to his old ways just yet. Still, a part of her was proud to see he refused wasting his time, determined to work no matter his own situation. If there's anyone one hundred percent committed to the cause, that's Erwin Smith... Ilva said the day she'd joined the Legion, after listening to him for the first time, only weeks after his appointment as Commander.
What's happening now? she wondered, anxious about the recent events and the uncertainty she got to see for an instant in his countenance the day before, when he'd asked her to stop coming.
Elia suspected she'd been lucky to get to see him yesterday because, despite she didn't know what caused this, something strange was definitely going on. The Military Police Brigade presence was so out of place, but if the Commander didn't even say why he was transferred to another room, she wouldn't ask.
Unfortunately, as soon as she now entered the building, Elia comprehended things got worse because the premises were crowded with more members of the other division, coming, and going in the halls with an arrogant attitude; there was almost no sign of Corps around, at least not the numbers she got to see daily. Even security posts had been replaced with foreign personnel, and the entry point was no exception.
She adjusted her jacket, took a deep breath and let it out before reaching the reception, carrying her papers under her arm, ready to face one that looked particularly difficult.
"Good afternoon" she greeted with seriousness and respect, trying to put up with his unwillingness to even look at her because he was reading the newspaper "I'm Elia Stoltz. Nurse. I came to carry out Commander Erwin's routinary wound care" the woman said straight to the point, with an unaltered voice as she handled her documents.
The subject barely glanced at her but received the papers and began to read the same with annoying and intentional slowness before finally staring back at her and returned them carelessly.
"Good for you, but your patient isn't available" Elia wasn't imagining things. The fleeting smirk on his face showed he was having a good time mocking her mission.
"I'm afraid I must insist, officer. I too have obligations to fulfil" she explained, refusing to give in to his taunting as well as resist her own disgust for having to call him that way.
"Look lady" she saw him standing up, trying to placate her with his height and undeniable affront. To what Elia didn't replied "You won't see him. Commander Nile's orders, don't you get it?" he spat and just sat on his chair to continue his reading, ignoring her completely.
Elia was shocked. If the head of the Brigade was involved, then for sure this was a highly delicate matter. But Commander Erwin was still weak, and she couldn't just leave without at least seeing the man was well; it was her job to ensure his recovery. She frowned, ready to insist, but before she said a word, another guy approached to her side, almost stepped on her right foot, and interrupted her train of thought. She turned to him rather angrily, knowing that was on purpose, but her frustration subsided the instant she saw the man's face.
"I'll be on my way out now, Miles" the guy addressed the one she'd been talking to, and stood right in front of her, blocking her view. Elia was going to complain but as the man continued to speak, he secretly moved his hand behind his back and shook his index finger, so she was the only to see "Hope your shift ends soon, man. Working in this dump is exhausting" he said and finally walked aside, without looking at her "See you tomorrow".
He headed for the exit immediately after. Elia only followed him partly with her eyes and then turned to rude Miles. She cleared he throat, and the trick worked to get his attention again.
"I understand the order, but as I said before, I must comply with mine too" she was doing her best to conceal her indignation and be professional "Please inform your superior that I'll be back in two hours. Many thanks in advance, sir".
And without further ado, she turned around and left the place reluctantly, pondering the idea of getting a medical order from Dr. Nowak. But then she resolved just going back to try her luck later; Commander Erwin still had an extra dose of his medicine so, if she didn't succeed on seeing him today, she'd go ahead with the medic's order for tomorrow.
Elia had been so concentrated on this that she just noticed she'd entered Merchant Street, meaning she'd taken the wrong way back to the hospital. She turned and all of a sudden, she was facing a tall man wearing an identical uniform to the idiot at the Corps reception.
"Honestly, Elia… You need to be more careful" she looked up and her friend was concerned, which wasn't a good sign "Not everyone I work with is as decent as me. You've said so yourself, so try not to forget it".
"Trust me, I'll never forget it after this" she grumbled, still mad "Your well-timed presence was the only thing that prevented me from punching him right on the nose. A grotesque action given my own line of work, but your friend Miles is a major jerk" she gabbled and then breathed in to calm herself before addressing him properly "I owe you one, Garrett".
"First, he's not my friend" he pretended being offended and then he went to his normal self, although he still seemed serious "And I'm glad I got to see you before I left, because attacking an officer is just… Just no, Elia. Things are bad enough with Commander Erwin so, that wouldn't have helped you see him" he stared at the woman really concerned "I'd be at ease to know you won't go back there anymore. It's dangerous".
"I'm afraid you already know what I'll say to that" she wasn't going to lie to make him feel better, just like she wouldn't give up on her job. Therefore, the first step was understanding the situation "That being the case, will you tell me what's occurring?"
Elia saw him scratching his neck, undecided to speak but then met her eyes; he was worried to know she wasn't going to abandon Ilva's people. And since he was taking longer than he should, she began to move towards her workplace, but he soon caught her and grabbed her arm gently. It was then that her stomach decided to growl quite loud.
"OK, I will but I'll share what little I know" he granted and shook his head at her "Do you mind if we have some lunch in the meantime? I know a great place near here" he offered with an innocent smile, knowing she wouldn't refuse out of curiosity. And hunger.
She lowered an eyebrow at him but the friendly smile on his face convinced her, and she nodded in acceptance of the invitation. The healer appreciated his trust as much as his wish to protect her, but she was no child.
Garrett led the way and a two minutes later, they arrived at the small restaurant and took a seat to wait for the waitress that was taking someone else's order. She looked at her friend, who was offering her the menu.
"What about you?" she asked as she accepted it.
"I already know what I'll have" he shrugged and right then, the young woman suddenly stood in front of both.
"Good afternoon. My name is Rosie" it was a tall, blond girl with a softer kind of green in her eyes. She looked at Elia and then to her friend, to whom she smiled friendlier "How can I help you today, Mr. Holt?" from what she gathered, he was a regular customer here.
Garrett greeted her with his usual kindness, and then looked at her, allowing her to choose first.
"I'd like the vegetable stew and a cup of mint tea, please" the nurse said and handed the menu to the girl, who nodded once and wrote that down on her notes before turning to Garrett.
"I'll have the black beans sandwich with tomato and lettuce, but please not hot sauce in it, Rosie" the officer said, and Elia remembered how bad spicy food was for his stomach "And I'd like to drink a beer, please".
The girl nodded warmly and assured she'd be back soon. Elia followed her with her eyes until she disappeared through the kitchen door and this time, she looked around, inspecting their surroundings, glad to see there weren't many customers and that it was quiet.
"Beer?" she inquired, quizzical "I thought you didn't like it much".
"You were right" her friend admitted, as he also checked the place. Probably making sure none of his comrades were near "But it's an acquired taste. After years having to endure only wine because that's the only thing Mom likes, it's an improvement so don't you lecture me, huh".
"Why would I?" she sounded insulted, but her eyes told she was just playing around "Hopefully, no one will recognize you and scold you later. Though it seems your colleagues don't come in here" she commented, still disgruntled at the one she talked to not so long ago "Now tell me, what's up to the minute?"
"Whether they see me or not, I'm not on duty so its fine" he assured, relax but then his countenance changed to the one Elia saw earlier, full of concern "In relation to the other issue, try to remember it's based on hallway conversations and it's not entirely my opinion. Okay?" he warned.
"Understood" she nodded, looking attentively at him.
"Yesterday morning, there was a murder inside their building" he wasn't whispering but he certainly made sure she was the only person to listen "And the worst is that this person had been reported as missing after the last attack: a man from the cult in Stohess. That's why we were summoned to their building, to conduct a thorough investigation about the case and to make sure nobody tries to cover their tracks".
"But what does the Commander have to do with the whole matter?" she asked.
"I'm not completely certain but he and the others are suspects" he confessed, glancing at her a little mad at her accusing gaze "You don't have to look at me like that. I know Erwin Smith couldn't have executed something like that or send anyone; he sure is quite an unorthodox man but not a killer. However, I believe the whole issue with Eren Yeager, of whom nobody knows his whereabouts, is what works against him now. You cannot deny the Corps have monopolized his power for their own purposes and someone powerful is using his in this case to take that away, permanently".
"Cowards" Elia mumbled "Now that he's weak it's when they decided to strike" she growled, clenching her fist on the table.
Garrett was going to say something, but he had to stop at Rosie's presence, who'd just came back, carrying a tray with their food. He smiled at her, polite and charming, yet she didn't return the gesture. And he noticed it was due to Elia's upset expression to all what he'd said.
The officer watched the girl perform her duties as quick as possible, in absolute silence to leave them alone, probably thinking they were having something like a couple argument. You have no idea how I wish that were the case, Rosie… he said on the inside, not really that happy to see Elia so worried and immersed in this business.
"Oh, this is delicious!" he exclaimed after the first bite, trying to change the subject "You should have tried one. These are the greatest sandwiches outside Sina" he declared in a cheerful tone.
"I was in the mood for hot food, and I made a good call" she commented after tasting her own food "This is surely as delicious as your sandwich" she remarked, having some more "Now, regarding your observation about absorbing Eren's power" she said calmly as she continued to eat "lt's not that they'd used it to benefit themselves. The Legion has used it to move forward, find out more about the enemy and change things for all; they've lost many even having a titan's power" she was obviously thinking about Petra and the others "Sorry but I'm positive the other divisions wouldn't have known how to use it, yours especially; they only wanted to kill him before even understanding anything".
"True, but you seem to forget the catastrophe in Stohess" he seriously didn't want to fight but her faith in them bothered him "Commander Erwin had no qualms to let all those civilians die as long as they got to ambush the other titan".
Although, deep down he only hated the faith she had on that man he disliked so much… a faith that could mean something else and he just refused the idea with every fiber of his being. And without even being concious of anything but his frustration, he drank his beverage almost completely.
"I'm aware because I helped many of the injured people when we were taken there" she granted, weighing the words she was going to say now "But have you ever wondered what would have happened if he hadn't? The threat would still be around, and she could have compromised the other districts or the Walls, and we'd be dealing with what happened in my own home all over again. An attack in which your division did nothing to help" he was going to respond but Elia shook her head slowly "That's why I was so angry when I saw you that day. I know it's not your decision, but it was infuriating to see your people came when everything was a mess, and only to get the boy" Elia had finished her stew and she was leaving the plate aside carefully before looking back at him, and there was sadness in her eyes "Your early intervention could have spared many of the lives that were lost".
"I know. You cannot imagine how I wish I could change that" he confessed, dejected and quite down. Watching her now drinking her tea but knowing she was thinking about Ilva, whom he'd also loved; his regret for not reaching her before would always haunt him.
"I don't blame you, Garrett. The system isn't your fault" she said with one of those gentle smiles he'd loved for so long and place her right hand on his left, easing his own troubled heart.
Elia saw her friend was about to speak, yet he suddenly got very still and stared at the floor, dead silent and fully concentrated, evidently trying to figure something out. It was then she heard it too.
"Are those gunshots?" Elia asked, dumbfounded, and trying to sharpen her hearing.
"Indeed. And they're getting closer" he confirmed, looking at her with worry "Whatever happens, don't go out. I'll come to get you if I find someone wounded, okay?" he assured her as he stood and Elia nodded several times, trusting him.
Garrett hadn't taken more than two steps away when he froze on the spot, just like Elia and everyone else inside the place at the sight of an iron wire that just came though the entrance and hooked on the bar.
That was unmistakably part of the ODM gear. And to her immense surprise, the second she made the connection, the person using it finally appeared, landing forcefully on the side of the furnishing. It was someone she didn't imagine to really encounter after the last conversation they had. Even less under these circumstances.
"It's Levi… of the Scouts!" she heard a stranger's exclamation.
The bartender became hysterical yet still managed to ridiculously welcome him as the soldier climbed onto the bar and squat. Elia would have considered it funny but the expression she saw on his face made it impossible; especially now that she'd just seen him remove the blood from a cut above his left eye with his thumb. The way he clenched his teeth showed how pissed he was.
Elia wanted to get close, but her legs didn't react. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Garrett turning to her, almost as if he knew what she was feeling, but for a second time in less than a minute, all jumped at a voice coming from outside.
"… I smell a filthy rat coming from this bar" the healer sensed the Captain's alarm as they perceived the threat hidden behind that mocking voice.
She unconsciously stood up, still jolted by the way he arrived there. Unfortunately, she was unable to move because of Garrett, who blocked her way but as soon as she glanced back at the soldier, her eyes and his made contact for a fraction of seconds. He was undoubtedly shocked to see her there, just as she was.
Stay away! that's what she understood from the mute urgency and anger in those steel-blue eyes right before he moved fast and precise behind the bar.
She couldn't help it. Everything in her wanted to aid him because he was still wounded, and she was concerned about his leg after seeing him land with such impetus.
At that moment, everyone watched a tall man in a hat making quite an entrance as he played around with the guns he was holding in both hands and behaved like a child. The nonsense he proclaimed made her look at Garrett in horror, but he shook his head to express his own confusion; this person's identity was a mystery to him too.
"He's not here?" the man shouted to no one in particular but that was a clear warning: don't try to hide him or you'll pay dearly. It was then his voice came from where she saw him disappear, determined to not involve anybody.
Not even flies moved or buzzed during their exchange. Nonetheless, what astounded her the most was to notice the subtle emotions, such as melancholy and reproach, underneath the irony and defiance with which the Captain address this person. Besides, the brusqueness and familiarity to insult the soldier in return told her this man had been someone important in his life.
"You don't know what's behind me and the things I've done. I accept them because I had to in order to survive. But they're not that simple…"
She recalled those words in her mind. Something he'd said the night after Ilva's funeral, when he tried to convince her that he wasn't a good person.
That past was surely quite related to this character, yet the same conversation they were having, indicated they grew distant many years ago. The indisputable disappointment tone in the madman's voice supported this conclusion, fortifying her faith in the Captain.
The problem was the panic she felt when the opponent, smiling triumphantly, assured he wouldn't be able to escape because the place was surrounded. ¡No! She shouted on the inside, turning her eyes to the windows, confirming it wasn't a bluff; there were many individuals fully armed, waiting on the nearby rooftops, ready to attack.
As her hands got shaky, Elia desperately tried to think of a way to help him but making a false move could be just as bad. The only thing that kept her calm was knowing Captain Levi remained unprovoked; he didn't even respond when the man called Kenny threw a chair at the wine cabinet behind him, destroying most of the bottles. That led her to believe he might have something in mind. Hopefully.
When the attacker raised his tone, ridiculed and undervalued the deaths of the people standing in his way, the Captain's voice slightly changed to a menacing one, cold and furious. Something she'd never heard yet she understood why; she worked to save lives, but this subject had no respect for life at all. Had Ilva been alive, she might have been killed by someone like him; it was an unbearable thought.
"You kill for your own good, too, don't you?" Kenny commented, apparently tired of waiting, and moved one step forward.
"Yes" the soldier stated, determined and ruthless.
From one moment to the next, Elia and all the scared witnesses inside got startled at the sight of a shotgun appearing from behind the counter, upside down but aiming directly to the enemy and being fired without hesitation. Unbelievably, the man in the hat managed to put the second chair he held before himself, but the force of the impact still pushed him several meters back, and outside the facility.
She turned to look back to where the gun had been fired and finally saw him appear, squatting on the furniture.
Elia heard him saying thanks to the frightened bartender as he threw the weapon back at him. His sharp blue eyes were completely on alert.
Immediately afterwards, she saw him hurling himself forward and for a brief moment, he looked at her and she knew he detected the fear in her eyes, one that had everything to do with him. Elia tried to move but once again, Garrett acted like a wall, agitating her, but she looked to Levi, who also noticed; it was then she caught a glimpse of relief in his hardened expression before cutting eye contact. Is he grateful? she wondered as she watched him grabbing a chair, just like his adversary, and then threw it forcefully through a window.
The lump in her throat represented her fear of seeing him harmed by these people and it only got worse the second she watched him threw himself in the same direction the chair had done. However, she didn't even have the time to think how horrifying would be to see him die this way; the speed with which he suddenly moved left her speechless.
Her legs finally reacted, and she moved past her friend to another window to see him. She was so worried that she didn't even notice other diners imitating her out of morbid curiosity, except for Garrett, who watched her dejectedly as he stood beside her.
Captain Levi had used the chair as a diversion and the cloud of smoke as his own camouflage to get out. Suddenly, all the praises she'd heard her little sister say for years about this man, made total sense. The man was impressive, but his movements and strategy were almost unreal to believe from a human. Her eyes widened when she watched him used one of his persecutor's body as a shield to run uphill across the roof, straight towards another two and with the help of his gear, blades and his own abilities, the soldier killed them and made his way out.
It wasn't easy to watch from afar but the way he glanced in all directions showed he'd been evaluating the situation before leaving, probably giving these people the illusion of being able to capture him if they followed him.
The instant she saw him disappear in the distance, the woman realized she'd been holding her breath; she really thought he was going to die and now she was just tranquil for the outcome.
Knowing no one had been injured, she drifted to the exit but didn't get to move because her friend was holding her arm and staring at her with an expression she'd never seen on that face: he was truly worried, even scared. She was going to ask why, but he tilted his head to the window at their side.
Elia got closer and looked through it, understanding the gesture now. The dangerous crazy man that had been talking to Captain Levi was still laying on the ground; apparently unconscious but still breathing and no blood surrounding him. A blond woman had just landed close to him, but she didn't get to see more because of the noise behind her.
Her friend had left her side and was currently standing near the entrance, trying to stop people from leaving the place just yet because these strangers were still nearby, and it was safer to stay there for a while; the shots and screams from before were a clear sign that there was collateral damage in the streets. For all they knew, these people might open fire at civilians because they didn't seem to care.
Right then, she heard someone sobbing. She turned and realized it was Rosie, the waitress, kneeling on the floor and holding the bartender's torso.
"Please, somebody help me!" the young waitress cried, looking everywhere while the place buzzed in whispers, yet no one paid attention to her "I think he's dead".
"I'm not advising you to stay in here, I'm ordering you to do it!" her friend on another hand, had to stand his ground, tall and imposing. It was so unlike his usual self "This is for your own safety".
Elia could tell the people inside were getting restless, but at least they obeyed Garrett's orders so she did what she could to aid the girl in the meantime. She got closer and looked at the man lying in her arms. He'd passed out yet she couldn't blame Rosie for believing him dead.
"Rosie, isn't it?" she addressed her gently, kneeling on one leg in front of her. The waitress nodded several times, nervous "My name is Elia, and I'm a healer" she showed conviction, urging her to trust. It's what her mother used to say whenever working under a stressful situation involving scared people "Aside from what we all saw just now, could you tell me more about what happened with him, please?" she asked as she unbuttoned the top of the man's shirt.
Elia took off her jacket and improvised a pillow to support the man's head in a much more comfortable position after helping Rosie to lower him very carefully. She continued to raise his legs above the level of his heart, placing them on a wooden box the waitress brought from the kitchen.
"Do you think he'll be fine?" the girl began to say, still afraid but getting calmer.
"He fainted but he'll be alright. Don't worry" Elia assured her with a very small sober smile and then pointed in the direction of the man's chest "See? The movement in his chest is slow and steady. He's just asleep for now but you did a good job taking care of him, Rosie".
The waitress listened attentively to all what she explained that his pulse was fine and out of risk from a heart attack.
"It's not strange, considering what happened. So, as soon as he wakes up in a few minutes, make sure he stays still for some minutes before sitting. And then he needs to wait a couple more before trying to stand up, okay?" she advised and the girl breathed out, visibly better when she understood she hadn't been lying.
What nobody expected at that moment was that the woman she'd seen approaching Kenny had just entered, followed by two other men. All three armed, scaring the customers inside.
"Where's the owner of this dump?" the woman demanded, looking at all the faces, defiantly "I need the first-aid kit right away"
"He passed out" it was Garrett who answered and approached them "Mind to tell who you are?" surprisingly, he continued to show this facet of his as an officer; it was totally new to her.
"Why should I tell you?" the woman wasn't really paying attention to him. Instead, she was making sure he hadn't lied, which she confirmed as soon as she saw the man laying on the floor, next to her.
When her eyes met hers, the blond began to move in her direction, but her friend got in the way and that made Elia anxious. She doubted they wouldn't do something to him because of a uniform; the fact that they were chasing a Survey Corps Captain in broad daylight was proof enough.
"You should tell me because I'm sure you are not blind" he said in absolute calm, and only then the woman looked at him and his uniform "No one informed us of any kind of operation in this area. Otherwise, we'd have called for a general closure of establishments inside Trost"
"Very well, Officer" the scornful emphasis on the last word was insulting, and her disdainful smile was even worse, but Garrett didn't back down "Military Police Brigade's First Interior Squad, which makes me your superior" this time, she showed him her ID and the woman's expression hardened, as in telling him to step back or she'd lose her patience.
The two men behind her decided to block his way while their boss advanced to where Rosie and she were, next to the owner. Elia caught the uneasiness in her friend's eyes, but he probably knew it'd be better for him not to insist.
"You" the woman was looking down at her, stony-faced "Are you a doctor or something like that?"
"Something like that" Elia replied from below and for some reason, that made the enemy smile out of mere amusement at her dry tone.
"Good" she said without a trace of emotion on her face "I need you to follow me out and check on my boss".
Elia stood up and couldn't noticed Garrett's alarmed look at the idea of these people taking her out with them. She just stood right in front of this woman, who was at least a head taller and glared menacingly at her.
"I'll cooperate with whatever you need only if you let all these people go home, unharmed" without moving one iota from where she was, she set this condition to make sure they didn't decide on using this people as hostages for whatever they were planning "That's all I ask".
"If I had the time to play, I'd gladly force you with some interesting methods, but I couldn't care less about these poor bastards so…" that woman sneered and then looked to her side "Give the order. Nobody opens fire, understood?" she spoke with authority to the two who were with her.
Both men nodded but the tallest one went outside while the other stayed at the entrance and the evacuation started almost immediately. Rosie had been a little reluctant about leaving her boss but agreed when Elia promised she'd look after him and take him to the hospital as soon as possible.
The process didn't take long since there weren't that many people, but by the time the last two were ready to leave, they all heard a voice that probably none would forget.
"Aaah c'mon Caven. You know I get bored waiting" he whined as he entered back inside the restaurant, followed by two other peons, and adjusting his hat with the same hand that was carrying one of his guns "You said you'd get the damn kit but it's been like an hour and you're still here, doing what? I could have died in all this time, you know?"
The man continued to speak the same way he'd done a couple times when he'd been talking to the Captain. Just like a spoiled, bad-tempered little boy who thought everything was a joke. He looked at the few people there and focused on the one that answered to the name of Caven.
"Plan A failed, Captain" the woman explained, nodding towards the bartender, still unconscious "You really frightened the man, so I had to come up with another option" she continued in a reproving tone "And it hasn't been an hour. Only ten minutes".
"Whatever" he scoffed, making a face "What's plan B?" Kenny asked, scratching his neck as if this conversation was as trivial as discussing the weather.
"This woman has medical knowledge. She was going to check on you" the blond informed, looking at her, exasperated.
"It really beats me to understand why the hell that has taken you so long" he complained and walked in Elia's direction.
She saw the panic in Garrett's eyes, who was completely surrounded by the three individuals; the two that came along with Kenny and the remaining one from before.
In that moment, the only thing she cared for was him not getting killed while trying to protect her; they had no escape from there, so it was pointless. She somehow managed to discreetly shook her head as a warning, hoping he'd get it.
"I promised helping you after knowing all the innocents in here were safe. That was my condition, sir" she said to him, hoping to distract him long enough for the last diners to continue walking away from there.
"Is that so?" the cynical smile on his face was one of the creepiest ones she'd ever seen "How brave of you, lady. Demanding things in the position you are…" the smile now showed both, his amusement and also how twisted he was "Or maybe you're too silly. I couldn't say. All I know is that those whom you call innocent are nothing like that because no one is innocent here. In fact, it's a term that shouldn't even exist anymore, don't you agree?"
"Perhaps you're right" she conceded "Though I believe every person will have to face their own mistakes and misdeeds at some point of their lives, reason why my job is not to judge" she stated, trying to sound as neutral as possible not to anger him. Besides, she really believed that; she wouldn't have agreed to help him in the first place if it hadn't been the case.
"Your voice may be calm and respectful, but I can tell your aversion to me is there, I can see it in the way you look at me, woman" suddenly, that man just stood three inches away from her, looking down at her with a hint of madness in his gaze "I'm just a big cockroach you'd like to step on, isn't that right?" he smiled with perversity now "Which proves my point about your own supposed innocence. You wish you could kill me right now, don't you?"
Elia didn't like him at all, but that didn't mean she wanted to kill him. So, she decided she wasn't going to fall for this game; he was insane, and whether she said yes or no, the result would be as unpredictable as he was. Best option was just to remain silent and hope they'd leave soon.
Unfortunately, he wasn't done with this and in a matter of seconds, Kenny pulled a dagger out of his boot and was now offering the object to her, as if it were a piece of bread. He laughed and then leaned, giving her a better position for a clean cut to his throat, yet Elia's bafflement was her only reaction to this behavior, understanding later that this was still part of his game, so she merely looked to her side and refused to fall in his trap.
She'd just seen him surviving to a direct shot with no apparent injuries and knew there was no way she could kill him. Not to mention her principles as a healer prevented her from trying, which didn't mean she wouldn't be capable if she had to defend someone else.
"Tch! You're being quite insolent to ignore me like this, woman" she heard him hissed, and from one moment to the next, Elia saw him nod to the woman that was a couple steps away from her, Caven, who decidedly apprehended her. The man got closer and placed his left hand on Elia's forehead to push her head back as he moved his dagger near her throat.
She had no way of seeing anything except Kenny, but she heard the clear sound of a very short fight behind him. There was a sonorous punch, then something heavy crashed on the floor and then no sound at all; and she knew it was Garrett. Please stay on the ground, she begged on the inside, hoping he was as unconscious as the bartender.
"If you kill me now, I won't be able to help you" that was the only thing she said, undeterred.
"I'm perfectly fine, don't you see? And I'm very close to be invincible… a God" the man mocked her, and the healer could feel the heat of his breath upon her face "So, I have no need of you, stupid".
He pressed the cutting edge of his blade to show her how sharp it was. Right then, he seemed to look for something in her eyes, but Elia stood still, undaunted.
"Sir, if you are well, we shouldn't waste more time and just leave" this time, the woman was the one scolding him, but she continued to hold her firmly "Are you going to kill her or not?" she asked, bored of the situation "If you are, do so quick because the Garrison will be arriving shortly".
Kenny's smile disappeared after he slid the edge of his blade on the right side of her throat and still got no response from the nurse. Elia felt the warmth of her own blood running down very slowly, but she was determined not to give in to his incitement.
"You're a dull woman, you know?" he complained, as he moved away from her and hid his dagger in the same place where it was, and the woman named Caven finally let go of her "There's no fun in killing someone who's not afraid to die".
Having said that, he snorted and walked towards the exit. His peons were the first ones to leave, followed by the blond woman, who first punch the man on his shoulder and frowned at him, disapproving, and exasperated; this surely was a frequent thing with him.
"Hey, hag!" Kenny stopped right at the exit, looking at her with the same expression he had when telling the Captain about his hobby for killing whoever was in his way "I've changed my mind. I like the idea of breaking someone like you. It's challenging and it'd be great fun" he laughed at his own joke and smirked in her direction "Maybe next time".
He winked at her and adjusted his hat as he finally walked out of there meanwhile Elia stayed exactly where she'd been, looking through the nearest window to make sure they'd disappear.
And as soon as they did, she ran to her friend's side to help him regain consciousness.
"Don't move too fast" she advised him, assisting him to stand and checking the back of his head in case they'd hit him there, but it was actually on the neck. As for the first punch, there was a noticeable bruise on his cheekbone, getting purple now but nothing to worry about.
"What happened?" he asked, looking everywhere then rubbed his neck, confirming her supposition. Only when he made sure there were just the two of them and the bartender inside, he turned to see her "Elia, are you alright?" he was staring at the cut, horrified.
"It's nothing, Garrett. Don't get alarmed" she tranquilized him because it was true. The cut wasn't deep, and the blood there was already drying on her skin "Please help me wake up the owner. They said the Garrison was coming, so it'd be good if he previously recovers and take him with us to the hospital later" she could hear them near now, probably delayed because of the other places affected by the gunfire.
"What the hell is going on here?" he muttered, worried, and upset, still looking to her minor injury.
"I don't know, but this is evidently serious. That man said they were part of your division and then that woman stated she was your superior, but I can tell you've never seen these people in the past. Do you think they were lying?"
"I'm afraid it's true" he said, dismayed "Her military credential wasn't fake, and although I've never seen that subdivision, I know they existed, but I cannot believe they operate like this".
"Me neither" she said, even more sure about the idea she'd just had "I don't think we should say a word about it in our statement" Elia offered and he was shocked, so she continued with her reasoning "If they act like this and fear no repercussions at all, it means they have contacts, and powerful ones, Garrett. And I doubt we may get anywhere testifying against them".
"Suppose you're right" he admitted, embarrassed for the corruption inside his division "Especially after trying to kill and not capture an officer from another division. I may not like him but if they were willing to hurt you, a civilian who has nothing to do with whatever happens here, then I get this is shady".
"The Corps are probably interfering with their purposes, it's the only thing that explains this pursuit on Captain Levi" she said, ignoring what he thought of him "Although sending a whole squad after one man… it looked like they were hunting a wild animal".
"We're talking about him, Elia" Garrett observed, not looking for a fight. He was simply stating the obvious "You've never seen him move until today, but I already told you he's dangerous. So, a whole squad makes sense, and it was still not enough".
"That's a good thing at least" she muttered, saving for herself the immense relief she felt when she saw he'd managed to escape "And I'm just glad you're starting to see how weird this is. Commander Erwin and his people aren't the devils behind whatever this is" Garrett only nodded, pensive.
And I always thought you were making a fuss over his incredible abilities, Ilva... she said in her mind now, as she softly slapped the bartender's face and his eyes finally opened. She then proceeded to explain what happened.
Minutes later, when she'd been sharing her version of the events to a woman with the emblem of the roses on her back, she couldn't help but to recall the entire scene, hoping he and his subordinates to be safe and ready for what appeared to be the new storm ahead.
Since this whole scene at the bar is so intense, I used one or two lines from the show as a guide to what was happening and what Elia got to witness before meeting Kenny herself. He's one of my favorite characters, scary in his own twisted way (Happy Halloween!).
Namárië