Captive Lieutenant

Chapter 2

By KatWarrior

The Imperial soldiers put up a decent fight, especially considering how many of their own were absent and being kept busy with the Edelweiss. But the Largo and the others had stronger determination on their side. Largo was going to see the Boss back no matter what, but even he had to admit that Alicia's fighting spirit was putting him to shame. There was almost some sort of flame in her hazel eyes as she fired on enemies and ran through the halls. Largo had to cover her when she stopped suddenly in front of a random door. He fired on the soldier that came around the corner and aimed at her head, just in time to save her life.

"I heard a scream!" she called, the distress obvious in her voice. "Welkin's in here!"

***

It was just after the leader had moved behind Welkin and was holding a knife to his throat that there was a loud "BANG" as the door at the top of the stairs slammed opened. Largo charged in, opening fire on three of the four Imperials. Rosie and Alicia came close behind. Welkin's tense body sagged in relief, despite the blade still against his neck.

"Hold it!" the soldier barked. And hold it they did, though none of the three new-comers lowered their weapons. The Imperial peered over Welkin's shoulder and licked his lips. "One more move and you can watch him bleed all over-"

This "bang" was not the door, but Rosie's rifle. The Imperial gasped and fell back, blood gushing from his forehead. Welkin only stared, wide-eyed, at the smoking barrel that could have killed him if her aim had been an inch or two off. He saw Largo approaching from his peripheral vision, and managed to lift his head enough to look at the large man. More noticeable Alicia's shocked and pained face behind him.

The rope binding Welkin to the ceiling was easily cut through by Largo's knife. As soon as the lieutenant was free he collapsed into Largo's waiting arms. The large man eased Welkin onto the ground for only a moment; just long enough to remove the outer shirt of his uniform and drape it over his boss' shaking hips. He then lifted him again with one arm supporting Welkin's shoulders and the other under his knees before following Alicia and Rosie out of the makeshift prison cell.

***

They were making safe progress back to the Edelweiss, but Largo couldn't help his concern. Welkin's bare skin was unhealthily warm against his arms, and the young lieutenant's breaths were coming and going in painful, labored gasps. He leaned against Largo's shoulder with his eyes closed tightly, moaning and whimpering on occasion. Largo was constantly looking between his passenger and Alicia's trembling shoulders as she ran ahead of him with Hans in her arms.

The rest of the squad was already with the Edelweiss, and as soon as they were spotted, a shout rang out that they had come back with Welkin.

***

Isara saw them coming back with her brother, and immediately started the tank. Her initial instinct to help the medic in tending to him was suppressed by her duty to get him to safety instead. She waited until Largo and the others had lowered Welkin into the Edelweiss and Alicia and the medic had him settled. Then the tank lurched forward and began its journey back to the nearest Federation base. Isara tightened her grip on the steering controls and tried to focus over her brother's moans of pain.

***

Alicia had talked to the medic into letting her join them inside the tank. Once there, however, she had been given the job of keeping Welkin calm and staying out of the way. She sat at his head, letting him use her thighs as a pillow. The painful expressions on his boyish face and the thrashing of his body broke her heart. She caressed his sweat-dampened hair and murmured any reassurances that came to mind.

She was aware of Welkin's nudity, and for this reason Alicia kept her eyes on the lieutenant's face. After the medic injected a pain-killer into his arm, Welkin relaxed just enough to open his eyes. Relief flashed through them when they met with Alicia's gaze.

"You're all safe… right? Everyone made it out of the town alive?" Alicia should have expected that from him. She smiled and nodded, an honest response. More relief flooded those lovely, hazel eyes and Welkin sighed, a few trembles leaving his body. Alicia's hands, also trembling, began to dab at his face and brow with a cold, wet cloth that the medic had provided her with. Welkin closed his eyes and breathed deeply. They were still closed when the Edelweiss stopped in front of the Federation base.

Isara bolted out of the driver's seat and to her brother's side. More medics from within the base were coming to help, but before they arrived to take Welkin away, Isara wanted to give her brother some reassurance of her own. She crouched beside him and exchanged a glance with Alicia. The brunette smiled reassuringly, and Isara took this as her cue to continue. She leaned down and kissed Welkin's forehead.

"Hey Isa," Welkin murmured. His voice was raspy, but his eyes finally opened. He smiled and reached a weak hand up to pat her head. "You're doing good. Keep it up okay?"

Isara sat up straight, smiled, and saluted her brother just as the hatch to the tank was opened and the medics came pouring in.

***

His squad was safe, and so when the doctors injected him with the sedative, Welkin Gunther readily surrendered to its effects. He drew a deep breath, and shut his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again his head was foggy and his vision blurry, but the pain was absent. His breaths and heartbeat echoed through his head as he blinked his eyes clear.

There was a figure before him - only one. When he was able to see well enough, Welkin identified his visitor as Isara. She was seated daintily on his bed, her blue eyes worried and her smile gentle. The rest of the squad couldn't be far off, but a few moments with just his sister would be wonderful.

"You gave us a little bit of a scare, Welks," Isara told him, "but I knew you'd make it." Her smile widened. "You've always been pretty stubborn." His weak smile did little to brighten the atmosphere. Instead, Isara leaned forward and clasped one of Welkin's hands. The bandage around his wrist was unnerving, reminding them both just where he had been to receive the rest of his injuries.

"How long have I been out?" he finally asked, dissatisfied with the silence. "Not long, I hope."

"Just a day," Isara answered, her smile returning with full honesty. "It's been slow. Everyone's been restless, and making bets on how long it would take you to wake up." It was a rough and tired sound, but Welkin laughed. Isara laughed, too.

"I should let the others in now," Isara suggested. "They all I decided I should come in first, and they're all waiting outside." Welkin continued to smile.

"You'd better bring them in, before they drive the medical staff crazy." At this they both laughed again, and Isara rose. No sooner had she opened the door just a sliver than Largo came bustling in with the others close behind. Rosie came in, clearly trying to mask her worry. Alicia, if she was trying, was failing miserably to do so herself. It was to her that Welkin directed his warm but tired smile. She noticed right away, and blushed.

"You're looking better already, Boss," Largo encouraged. "You should be giving us orders from the Edelweiss again in no time!" The big man grinned. "I'll make sure the medical staff gives you vegetables with your meals. You need to eat a lot of them to heal faster."

"Of course," Welkin agreed patiently. He expected no less from Largo. "How's the town?" he asked, now ready to be serious. "Did the Imperials pull out?"

"They retreated after our second attack," Rosie reported. She didn't smile, the pride in her voice was evident. "It's all clear of Imps." Her expression became a frown. "What happened out there anyway, Boss? One minute you were ordering us back, and then the next there was no sign of you. I know you want us all to live, but you're kind of important, too." Even though he was being lectured, Welkin grinned.

"I couldn't be a commander if I held my life in more importance than the lives of my squad. It's good to know that you were concerned though, Rosie." At this the older woman blushed and turned her head.

"I wasn't concerned," she huffed. "You just don't make any sense sometimes." There were a few stifled chuckles and her face grew slightly redder, but Largo spoke up again before she could make a snide comment.

"We'll leave you to talk to your sergeant," Largo suggested. "She has a lot to report." Alicia looked about to protest, but the rest of the squad smiled knowingly amongst themselves and shuffled out of the room. In minutes there was only Welkin, Alicia, and the awkward quietness left behind.

"It looks like you did your job well," Welkin finally offered. "Everyone made it back alive and the town's been liberated from the Imperials." She was looking at the floor, her cheeks bright red. Welkin kept on, even though his own face was burning hot. "And… I am thankful that you came for me. It may be selfish, but I do want to see this war end. If you hadn't come…"

"Welkin, please," she gasped out, finally looking at him. "Th-there's no need to think about that." Her eyes were moist. "We just need to think about taking back Gallia, and seeing Bruhl free again." Alicia stepped forward for the first time since entering the room. Her shoulders and hands trembled. "I… I really was scared Welkin. I know you have a lot of faith in me, but without you this squad really would fall apart. You're important to us Welkin. You're important to… to me." At this last sentence she looked away again, her face the color of a tomato. Welkin was starting to sweat, and it had to be more than just his fever. He did, however, manage to indicate the chair beside his bed, inviting her to sit down.

"You did well under pressure, Alicia," he assured his sergeant, "and that's the important part." He managed to smile at her and waited for her to look at him. When she did she was smiling as well, weak and uncertain though it was. "I'm glad to have someone so reliable as my second-in-command." It was awkward and bold, but he reached a hand out and touched her shoulder. For a while they were silent, but he just couldn't pull his hand away.

"Thank you, Welkin," she sighed at last. "I promise, I'll continue to do my best." Alicia took his hand, much as Isara had, and turned to face him. "I'll help you however I can while you're recovering." She smiled, which warmed his heart and relieved his concern for her at the same time. "I know that Largo wants you to eat a lot of vegetables, but I'll see if the cooking staff will let me use the ovens to bake some bread for you. I learned a healthy recipe before the war started that I've been wanting to use."

"That would be great," he agreed, blinking tiredly. Welkin enjoyed her company, but the pain medication in his system was demanding that he sleep again. As expected, Alicia noticed. She rose, carefully placing Welkin's hand on his chest.

"More than vegetables or bread, you need your rest," Alicia reminded him. "Feel better soon, Lieutenant." She saluted and turned, her pigtails flipping behind her and a subtle bounce in her step. Welkin smiled at the sight and fell asleep.

FIN