"Anna, wake up!" The smaller girl groaned and turned over.
"It's too early. Give me five minutes," she muttered.
"Where were you last night? I was scared you'd left for good." Annabel opened her eyes to be greeted with the bright orbs of her friend's.
"Isabel, can you get off me please? I can't get up with you on me," she complained as she tried to shove Isabel from her.
"Oops my bad," she said as she stood up and rubbed the back of her neck, "Anyway where were you?"
"I was on the roof," Annabel explained, "I needed some time to think for myself. I'm sorry for worrying you." She gave a small smile to the hyper energetic girl who tackled her into a hug in turn.
"Don't do that again. I don't want to lose my sister." She looked at her friend with wide eyes before wrapping her arms around her. For Isabel to consider her a sister was something that meant more than words could describe.
"You won't lose me. I don't plan on leaving any time soon," she chuckled softly, "When you want me around I'll be around." It was a bonding moment for Annabel. She never realised that she was really wanted around and that in her own way, she was helping this little group to keep going with her simple, existence. This was her home now and was now considered a member of the family. Annabel was home.
"Sorry to ruin the moment, but Levi has some things to say." The two girls looked up to see Farlan softly smiling from the doorframe. He couldn't remember the last time Isabel had gotten so attached to someone. She wasn't even this close to Levi who she considered her big brother for a long while now. He supposed she really needed another girl around. He might have gone insane if he was with two girls instead of having Levi around. He was happy for the two girls to finally have found people to trust.
Annabel and Isabel pulled apart and made their way to the table where they had their meetings.
"Annabel will be helping us with getting our supplies today. She won't need to use her gear." Levi looked around as his three friends who looked at him with wide eyes.
"What are you thinking Levi?" Isabel snapped, "She doesn't know anything about stealing. She could get herself killed!"
"Anything we do can get ourselves killed down here. It's a risk we take every day," Levi said with a cold, hard glare on his face. "When Annabel came into this place she knew what she was signing up for. She had the choice to go above to Sina and we told her this."
"But Levi-" Isabel began to counter until she was interrupted.
"Isabel, it's fine," Annabel said as she placed her hand on Isabel's shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile, "What Levi said is true. I knew what I was getting into when I accepted staying here." Isabel looked at her friend in surprise then gave a death glare to Levi. She didn't argue any further. Annabel turned her attention back to Levi, "What will I have to do?"
Farlan raised an eyebrow at Annabel's odd behaviour. She wasn't wearing a smile as per usual and she seemed a bit more up front.
"What happened to her last night?" He thought to himself. He looked over at Levi who understood why he was confused. He simply waved it off which was his sign that he would tell Farlan later.
"You're simply a distraction. Down here, if people see a beautiful girl by herself, they don't pay attention to much else." As the words left Levi's mouth he cringed at the thought of the filthy men that wondered the streets just waiting to snatch of a girl to sell. "Do you think you can handle it?"
"I'll give it my best shot," she answered nervously. She'd never had to face the danger first hand before let alone by herself. At the many thoughts of what could happen flashed through her mind, she began to shake. This didn't go unnoticed by Isabel and Farlan. Farlan walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder while Isabel began to shake as well; her shaking was from anger, though.
"Can't you see Levi?" she shouted at the man, "She's shaking like mad! Obviously she doesn't want to do it."
"Whether she wants to or not is beside the point," Levi snapped which caused everything in the room to fall silent. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Since she arrived we haven't had enough food to survive properly. She owes it to us; she owes us her life." His voice is his usual monotone voice. She had expected him to be angry or show some annoyance but there was nothing. That was the most nerve wracking thing of all.
He turned and observed Annabel's reaction to his speech. Her eyes were wide but soon returned to their regular state.
"Have your breakfast. We leave as soon as we're ready. When we get to where we plan to strike then we can discuss the plan." Annabel nodded.
She knew if she spoke a word her voice would be shaky. Isabel was right; she didn't want to do it but she had no choice in the matter. What Levi had said was true. This was the least she could do for their trouble. Being down here and having to get food was extremely difficult. Annabel started eating her food slowly. The usual chattiness of Isabel wasn't filling the room as she was used to which, only caused her anxiousness to rise.
After eating, she left to her room to change into her gear. Isabel, once again had to help her with the complex straps but she didn't mind too much.
"You know you don't have to do this," Isabel said quietly.
"You know I do, Isabel. I won't deny that I'm scared, but if it means that we can survive then I will do it," Annabel nervously laughed.
"It isn't fair to you though Anna! You've never done anything like this before," Isabel argued. Annabel just shook her head at the girl before grabbing her wrist.
"Listen to me Isabel. I understand you want to keep my safe and I appreciate it but I need to start somewhere don't I? This is that time." She gave Isabel a warm and reassuring smile before brushing the few nots from her hair. Isabel had taught her how to do the braid that she loved which she now wore every day.
When she was completely ready Annabel left Isabel to change and get herself ready. She left the room and closed the door, making her way back to the small table. As she took her seat she looked up to see Levi in the same position he was in thirty minutes ago when she left to get ready.
Levi looks up to meet her gaze. The two stare at each other momentarily before Levi looks away.
"Do you resent me for this?" he asked suddenly. Annabel looked at him, confused by his question.
"Why would I? You're only doing what's best for your friends. I can't resent you for that." Levi raised an eyebrow at her answer. It wasn't as if he cared what her response was; he was simply curious. He hated to admit it, but he was slightly relieved that she wasn't angry with him. Having to live with someone who resents you isn't a pleasant thing to do. He nodded at her answer. "After what you did for me last night and ever since you took me in, I owe you this. Don't you agree?"
"I suppose," he muttered.
The two stayed in silence for another five minutes until the other two come out of their rooms. Levi stood from against the wall and faced the group. He studied them closely, looking for any sign of untidiness but found none.
"Let's get moving. The later it gets the more shit we have to deal with." All three nodded as they walked out the house; the gear on their hips swayed with each step. Annabel was the only one not equipped with her gear as it was necessary for her role. If she needed to get away, one of the others would come and get her. If she was caught with it, then it would be a dead giveaway that she was up to something of trouble.
They walked to the hidden corners of the black market where the best supplies where. They needed three things, gas, food, and cloth. Levi had recently gotten frustrated with the conditions of the ones they currently owned so this was a high priority of the list. Levi who was leading the group signalled for the others to stop. He looked around until he was satisfied that no one was in earshot.
"Annabel is going to be the distraction. All you have to do it play the damsel in distress role," Levi explained. "Isabel, Farlan and I will do our thing. Until one of us comes to get you, keep them distracted. You got that Brat?"
"Yes Levi," Annabel replied. Levi looked her over and shook his head. He walked over to her and pulled the hair tie from the end of the braid. He brushed his fingers through it until it was as smooth as silk.
"That's better. You're more attractive when your hair's down," Levi stated. He didn't mean it as a compliment and Annabel knew that. Even still she knew this it didn't stop a pink tint from appearing on her face. She turned her head so that he wouldn't notice.
Luckily for her, Levi didn't notice a thing and just held out a load of mismatched items for Annabel to take. She took them and held them closely to her. "Good luck guys," she said as she turned to walk away.
"Anna." She turned back to the gang to see who called. "Be careful out there," Farlan warned her.
"Of course," she said with a sweet smile. He froze as his heart raced slightly faster. No matter how many times he saw it her smile still had the same effect on Farlan.
Annabel walked towards her position and waited to get the all clear. Farlan gave the signal and she walked towards the targeted stall run, by a shady looking man. He looked to be in his mid-thirties with a messy beard and greasy golden hair. She cringed inside at the fact she had to interact with someone of such an appearance. His eyes were small and had an evil like glare to them. His lips turned into a smirk the closer she came to his little store.
It was time for the plan to start. She tripped and fell to the ground; the items she was holding fell in each and every direction. She let out a gasp and groaned, trying to get the disgusting man's attention. She was in luck. He immediately stood up and ran over to her.
"Are you alright, Darling?" he asked in a smooth voice.
"M-my ankle," she sobbed, "I have to get back to my sister. If I don't she won't have anything to eat today." The smirk on the man's lips grew larger.
"I'll help you up and carry your things for you. Just lead the way and I can get you to your sister." No matter how much he tried, he couldn't stop the grin from growing on his face, making his intentions clear.
"T-thank you very much, mister," she said with the sweetest smile she could muster. The man grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. She gasped as soon as she was on her feet and feel to the ground again. "I-I'm sorry. I-I think I sprained my ankle."
"It's okay Sweetheart. Why don't I just carry you? You can hold onto your things." The thoughts of what this man could be thinking raced through her mind and disgusted her greatly.
In the distance by the stall Levi was keeping a careful eye on Annabel; he didn't trust that man and knew of his reputation. He was well aware of what he's done. There was a reason why he choice this man despite his habit of abusing women. Annabel was by no doubt the most attractive girl in the underground; a girl that a man such as that monster could never resist. If he laid a hand on Annabel, he would kill the man himself.
He decided to get things done quickly. It seemed that their newest addition was quite the actress so they had a lot more time than usual. Isabel focused on the gas, Farlan on food and Levi went for everything else they need. Levi knew that if he left Annabel alone for too long they wouldn't see her again.
Annabel was shaking in her skin. Being in the arms of God knows who was a terrifying thought let along something to actually happen. She directed him to a random house far into the distance. She wanted to think that this man wouldn't do a thing but he wasn't very subtle. His grin gave away his true intentions which caused her quaking to quicken. She silently prayed that her friends would finish soon so she could get away from the monster holding her.
They reached the furthest house in the area sooner than she had hoped. The man gently placed Annabel down; his grin growing wider with each passing moment.
"Thank you," Annabel quietly said.
"It's not a worry my dear," his smile grew wider," but you know carry caused me a bit of trouble and could have lost me some business. I hope you don't mind compensating me for the trouble." He took a step forward as Annabel took one backwards. Eventually her back hit the front door.
"Please hurry," she pleaded. She looked left and right for any possible escape but there was nothing. She was completely and utterly trapped. The man let out a low chuckle and Annabel let out a shriek.
"It seems your ankle is better now. That's a good thing." He placed his arms against the door on either side of her. "Now telling me little darling, why would you lead me to my own house?" Annabel's voice hitched as he opened the door causing her to fall backwards. She crawled as far away as she could but he easily caught up to her. He bent down and took hold of her wrists. Whimpers left her mouth as the man came closer. "How about you make it up to me? You are quite the catch after all."
"Please no; don't do this please," she continued to beg as he felt her body, his legs pinning her down. She pushed her hands against his chest but to no avail; he was too much stronger than her. Annabel's shaking increased as she let a name escape her lips, "Levi, help me please."
"Levi won't be coming any time soon Sweetheart. Let's get started shall we?" Annabel furiously shook her head but the man ignored her pleads. He swiftly and skilfully removed her cape revealing her gear straps. He didn't question the maneuver gear straps. His lustful eyes had his eyes on one simple goal.
His hands slid past the straps and under her shirt. She shrieked and shook as much as she could. Her adrenaline was pumping but her shock was preventing her from making any moves that could possibly save her. She was trapped.
Something was troubling Levi; something he couldn't put his finger on. There was a delay whilst gather the supplies. Someone came up to the stall and they had to explain they he was the owner's brother and was delivering more stock. He also had to sell something to the woman which gave them a few extra coins in their pockets. He knew of her; she was a well-known killer down here but never would she take on the short man. She didn't know what he looked like, only his reputation.
Levi didn't have the best name in heroics but he had the best name when it came to surviving in such a dump. He also had the best name when to it came to pissing people off and ruining them when they tried to get revenge for it.
It took them a total of seven minutes before the woman was convinced enough to leave. Seven minutes more that Annabel had to be alone with that man. He knew something was wrong. After returning to the house with the biggest load of supplies they'd ever managed to get, Levi went out onto the streets to look for the girl. Though Isabel and Farlan were concerned far more than he, Levi told them that he'd handle it and he never broke his word.
He wondered aimlessly. There was not a single sign of Annabel that he could find. He groaned in frustration.
"Where the fuck is she?" he wondered aloud. It was then that he heard something at his feet. He looked down at what he had kicked and his eyes widened. It was a necklace; then necklace Annabel wore when she first arrived in the underground. It was a creature he and the others had never seen. It was like carved, wooden fish but there was something slightly different about it. It had a certain amount of beauty that a normal fish could never obtain. When they had asked about it all she could recall was the word "dolphin". She knew nothing more than that.
Grabbing onto the necklace he looked around furiously, but there was no other sign of her.
Annabel had stopped struggling as tears streamed down her cheeks. The man atop her was now fiddling with the buttons of her shirt
"You see; it will be as good for you as for me. A beauty like you deserves to know pleasure." Annabel's eyes widened at the truth settled in.
"No, no, no, no," she repeated as horrifying thoughts settled in her mind. As he pushed the fabric of her shirt past the straps his eyes scanned her small body over.
"Simply divine." Annabel let out a scream. She let it out in hopes that someone that gave a damn would come her rescue. He slammed his lips onto hers in an attempt to silence her. "Now, now my sweet; we wouldn't like anyone to interrupt us now would we?"
"Stop it please," she begged but she was silenced once more by his lips upon hers. His hands moved up from her hips and groped her chest. She squirmed under the man's touch but his muscular body only pushed down on her more.
Just as the man's hands made his way down to the waist line of her pants there was a loud bang from the door. He stopped his actions and looked up. There was another loud bang and with it the door fell from his hinges.
Levi stood there studying the situation. His usually expressionless face now showed his pure rage. His eyes bore straight into the man's soul as he stormed over. Levi took the knife from cloak and continued to approach the piece of filth that lay atop the beauty.
The man stood up and Annabel crawled to the back of the room covering herself.
"Hey what do you think your do-" the man never got to finish his sentence as the blade entered his chest.
"Tch, a piece of filth such as you should never have touched her. You're disgusting." Not a hint of his anger appeared in his voice with only his face betraying his calm demeanour. He pulled the blade back and the man's body dropped to the ground. Blood instantly pooled around him, the life fading from his eyes.
Levi wiped the blood from the knife and turned his attention to Annabel. She was sobbing silently in the corner. Tears stained her usual peaceful face which caused Levi to frown. He walked over to her and her eyes darted towards him. She let out a small shriek as he walked closer.
"It's just me Annabel," he said calmly.
"L-Levi," she stuttered. Her arms were wrapped around her chest trying to hide her body from seeing the light of day. She slowly and cautiously stood up. She felt filthy; she felt disgusting. She wanted to go home and wash every single bit of skin that was touched by him.
Turning her gaze from Levi she looked towards the body on the floor. He had already paled greatly and his eyes showed no signs of ever being alive to begin with. She shook as all of the day's events began to sink in. Levi has just killed a man for her and she didn't feel as though she cared at all. She was still in shock after having such a close call with the monster that now lay slain before her.
She chocked on a sob and lunged at the man. She knew he wasn't an emotional man but she just needed to hold onto someone she could trust. She needed to feel clean again.
Levi jumped a little at the sudden contact. He'd never been embraced before and didn't know how to react properly. He didn't want to show any feeling towards her, but in such a state he was well aware that it would do further harm to her mental state. He slowly and awkwardly put his arms around her. She gripped onto his shirt and he pulled her closer.
"You should be more careful Brat. You would have been in a lot of trouble if I hadn't have shown up," he lightly scolded. He was furious that she hadn't taken more care but he knew when anger only fuelled the flame.
"Th-thank you Levi," she whimpered. Levi clicked his tongue before letting her go. He walked over and picked her cloak up from the ground before handing it to her.
"Put this on," he said as he turned around so that he wouldn't see a thing. She didn't hesitate in covering up even more. She tapped Levi on the shoulder and he turned back around.
Without a second thought Levi picked her up, an arm under her legs and one supporting her back. Annabel didn't fight against it and snuggled further into his chest. The day's events completely drained her of all her energy and once she felt safe, she gently drifted off to sleep.
Levi looked down and observed the sleeping girl. In contrast to before she looked at ease. It was as if nothing had happened today. His anger with her soon subsided as he looked at her. He shook his head at her and continued to walk back to the base.
"Tch, stupid Brat."