(4 years later)
During Brianne's 4 year tenure of free-lancing thievery with Levi, Isabel, and Farlan, she successfully acquired many various skills. Kenny introduced Brianne to many great martial arts instructors in many different categories of martial arts. She learned man-hunting under Kenny Ackerman himself; stealth and reconnaissance under the very bitter ex-commander of the Military Police Kirigi Okinawa; hand-to-hand combat under two of Kenny Ackerman's peers, Teddy Cain and David Grant, who are both boxers; and archery and hunting under notorious hit-man Robin Queen. Kenny prides in Brianne because of her ability to learn quickly and her determination to excel in everything she is taught.
Kenny still doesn't know that Brianne is a Turgard, and Brianne still doesn't know that Kenny is the actual "Kenny the Ripper", the notorious serial killer. It's a surprise how Levi, Isabel, and Farlan have kept this a secret for so long but it's worked for 4 years. Though Brianne had initially decided to join the Military at age 11, she decided to not follow through with that plan mostly due to Levi convincing her that she won't be able to seek revenge within the system. He convinced her that she needs to work around the system to get anywhere close to the King, but he knows that's not true. Levi had to say whatever he could to keep Brianne with him. He couldn't stand the idea of letting her go especially to the Military because he's protective of her. He sees Brianne as his little sister, and he despises the idea of her joining the tainted Military Police.
It is Brianne's 13th birthday, and she comes back from training with Kirigi Okinawa on reconnaissance, which is one of Brianne's forte. When she enters the dark abandoned house, she is surprised with a candle-lit cake held by Levi with Kenny, Isabel, and Farlan there. They all shout surprise, and Brianne screams having completely forgotten that it is her birthday. She is moved by this surprise gift her new family throws for her, and she's nearly brought to tears.
Brianne: Aw, thanks, you guys. This means so much.
Farlan: Wait till you see what we got you, Bri.
Farlan takes Brianne's hand and brings her to the middle of the room where there's a blanket over a pile of something.
Farlan: So you know how you've been talking about how you wanted to be like a guardian of the Capital to make your father proud? Go out at night and do hero stuff? Well, voila!
Farlan removes the blanket and reveals a black-on-black survival suit folded neatly on the ground on top of more gifts. Brianne's mouth drops, disbelief at the wonderful gifts she sees before her. She'd never imagine her friends gifting her with such great things to help her fulfill her wish to become a watchful guardian of the Capital. Lately, there's been a raging surge of crime within the Capital, and after reading her father's will every single night for the past 4 years Brianne believes this is her calling, to be the hero that the Capital deserves. Farlan holds up the survival suit so that Brianne can get a better look at it.
Farlan: We like to call this a "survival suit".
Brianne: (mesmerized) Survival suit...
Isabel: Go on. Hold it, Bri.
Brianne accepts the suit with shaky hands. She examines it, and her mouth is still wide open. She feels the quality of the suit, and she is deeply impressed.
Kenny: It was originally intended for the First Interior Squad of the Military Police, but it was too expensive for them to buy for every squad member. It's the only one of its kind.
Brianne: H-How did you get it?
Kenny: (smirks) Don't ask, don't tell.
Levi: Go on, kid. Try it on.
The men look away as Brianne puts on the suit. They then look back at her when she has the suit on, and they're impressed at how well it fits her. Brianne examines the Kevlar armor around her chest, calves, thighs, and arms. Kevlar is strong enough to stop slashing weapons, and it can deflect bullets up to certain impacts. She moves and stretches around in it, noting how flexible and mobile she can be in this suit.
Isabel: How's it feel?
Brianne: It's amazing. I can move so well in it.
Farlan: Hey, don't forget the other gifts.
Brianne remembers the other gifts lying on the ground, and she kneels down in front of the pile of gifts not knowing where to start.
Kenny: These were from your mentors.
Kenny Ackerman gives her 2 custom katana swords including 2 scabbards that can be hung over the shoulders; Kirigi Okinawa gives her two grapple guns for the purpose of scaling tall buildings or swinging between buildings. It is very similar to the 3DMG that the Military uses except the grapple gun is similar to a grappling hook and a spear gun combo. It is designed as a compact climbing gear, and it can carry a capacity of 350 pounds; Teddy Cain gives her a 8-foot long ballistic staff which is retractable; David Grant gives her a smoke gun; Robin Queen gives her a 20-foot long metal chain for long-distance attack and two handguns with extra ammo.
Brianne: (emotional) I can't thank you guys enough for all this.
Farlan: Hey, you should thank Levi and Kenny. They prepared most of this stuff, even the cake.
Brianne smiles at Levi, knowing that he always comes through for her even on the smallest things. He smiles back, knowing what Brianne is thinking. She hugs Levi and Kenny tightly, and she kisses them both on their cheeks.
Isabel: So, you gonna try it out tonight or what?
Brianne: Yeah!
Levi: Whoa, hold on there, kid. Think you forgot one more thing.
Levi hands Brianne a black mask that has two holes for the eyes. Brianne equips herself with all her new gifts, and for the last piece she puts on the mask.
Isabel: Come back in one piece, alright?
Brianne: (nods) Will do.
Brianne leaves the building to try out the suit and gifts for the first night watch. Levi watches from the window as Brianne camouflages in the dark night traveling from roof to roof. He sees her use the grapple gun to fling herself onto a rooftop, and he worries for Brianne's safety. He's worried for the kind of enemies she'll come across and the kinds of enemies she might end up making.
Levi: (looking out the window) You promise you won't go out tonight, right?
Levi looks back at Kenny.
Kenny: She's going to find out eventually one way or another.
Levi: (touchy) You promised, Kenny. You said you wouldn't go out tonight for her.
Kenny: Kid, you don't tell me what to do.
Levi: Kenny!
Farlan: Hey hey, c'mon, guys. Everything'll be fine, alright? Let's just chill for a moment and let Bri enjoy her birthday presents.
Kenny walks off as Levi stares him down.
Levi: (calling out for Kenny) Don't go out tonight! You promised!
Brianne is perched on the bell tower looking down at the town, and she sees a group of 3 suspicious men lurking about in an alleyway. She notices a man on the street approaching the alley, and as the man is right at the alley the group of men approach him with a knife. She can tell the group is threatening the man for his money. The man slowly reaches out to give his money to the men when a long metal chain whacks the suspicious man's hand from grabbing the money.
Man 1: What the!
The 4 men look up at the roof and see a black figure with a mask standing there looking down at them.
Man 1: Who the hell are you?
Brianne: (deep and hoarse voice) Your worst nightmare.
Brianne speaks in a deep voice to mask her normal voice. She jumps down and immediately knocks out Man 1 by kicking him in the face. She easily handles the other two men, and she watches the 3 men run away cursing.
Man: Oh thank you. Thank you so much.
The man shakes Brianne's hand tightly. Brianne just nods, only to speak when it's necessary.
Man: What's your name, son?
Brianne uses her grappling gun and flings herself to a roof, not answering the man's question. As she runs from rooftop to rooftop, she wonders what she should call this new persona of hers. As she decides to rest for a moment to calm down from the adrenaline rush of her first butt-kicking, she hears a woman's scream for help. Brianne quickly uses her grapple gun to arrive at the murder scene. She can see the man with his back to her, and he's holding the body of a limp woman wearing the MP jacket. Brianne sees the knife in the man's hand, and she knows the woman is dead in his arms.
Brianne: Let her go!
The man drops the woman to the ground, and Brianne sees the woman's throat slit deeply, blood everywhere. It shocks her, reminding her of her mother's own death with all that blood. The man immediately slips into the dark night, and Brianne follows him. The man is too quick on his feet, so Brianne uses her brain. She takes out the smoke gun, and she fires it ahead of the man. He comes to a screeching halt when his vision is completely blurred by thick smoke, and Brianne approaches the man. He hears Brianne behind him, and the two combat hand-to-hand. For a moment, Brianne is taken aback by how well this man fights and how similarly he fights to someone she knows. The two are at a near draw as they continue to combat, and the man makes a little mistake. He moves to the right as Brianne moves to the left. Momentum and inertia are on her side, and she knocks the man off his feet before he can strike her down. Brianne quickly reacts, and she pins the man down so that she can stop him. Brianne feels limp when she sees Kenny before her eyes. She can't even bring herself to say his name, and he pushes Brianne off of him. He runs off immediately without saying a word, and Brianne stands there in shock. She sits there in the alleyway, and her eyes roll to the side to see the dead woman laying there turning white from massive blood loss.
Brianne can't believe it. All these years she was living with Kenny the Ripper, someone she read about in the papers but never once imagined it was the lovable and hospitable Kenny she lived with. She can't believe she's been blinded, so stupid for the past 4 years. She's in complete and utter disbelief, and she can't stomach this fact that the man she looks up to is a heinous serial killer. And she knows that Levi, Farlan, and Isabel must know what Kenny does. They've been together longer than Brianne has been with the group, and she knows that the 3 must know what Kenny actually does. Brianne immediately makes her way back to her home as quickly as she can with her anger boiling uncontrollably. Brianne storms into the abandoned building, and she throws her mask to the floor fuming. Before Brianne says anything, Levi already knows what happened. He doesn't have time to prepare himself for the worst that's going to come out of Brianne because she catches him off guard.
Brianne: (furious) You knew! You all knew!
Farlan: Whoa whoa, hold on, hold on. What are you talking about?
Brianne: You knew what Kenny does! You knew he was the serial killer, and you didn't tell me for 4 goddamn years!
Brianne looks at her friends completely disappointed and nearly in tears.
Brianne: You knew all this time, and you didn't tell me. (tears) How could you guys do this to me? How could you lie to me like this?
Isabel: We didn't lie to you, Bri. We just...we knew you wouldn't want to live with us if you really knew about Kenny, and you needed us. We were just looking out for you.
Brianne: Just looking out for me?! For 4 years, I've been looking up to a notorious, evil serial killer!
Farlan: Bri, just calm down-
Brianne: Don't tell me to calm down! I won't calm down! No goddamn way! I...I can't believe this...
Isabel: You have to understand us, Bri. All we wanted to do was protect you.
Brianne: You should've told me the truth.
Farlan: Would you really have stayed with us if we did? No, you wouldn't have. You were family to us, Bri, and we didn't want to see you go.
Brianne: ...I can't stay...
Isabel and Farlan: (shocked) What?
A light flickers in Levi's eyes when he hears those words come out of Brianne's mouth.
Brianne: I'm leaving. I...I can't stay with you guys anymore. I need to get out of here.
Brianne starts to pack her things, and Isabel and Farlan look at Levi not knowing what to do.
Farlan: (urges Levi) Dude, do something, man. Say something.
Levi watches Brianne packing.
Levi: You're really gonna leave over this, kid?
Brianne stands up and glares at Levi, hurt the most by him.
Brianne: What else did you guys lie to me about? Work around the system instead of work within the system? Was that a lie too? Did you say that so you could keep me here? That was a lie too, wasn't it? I put my life on hold for you guys. I decided to not join the Military because of you guys.
Levi: (gets angry) Now you're just twisting things. We didn't make you not join the Military. That was your own decision. You decided to not join the Military to stay with us. Everything I told you, it was the truth. We never lied to you, kid, and if you wanna twist things around to make yourself feel better then go ahead! Do whatever the hell you wanna do.
Brianne: You're really gonna put this shit on me?! I wanted to join the Military when I was 11! You were the one who convinced me to work around the system! You were the one who said to stay here and train before I do anything else! I could've been an MP in 2 more years if I didn't listen to you!
Levi: (blows up) And that was your own goddamn decision! You stayed and got training, and you can't deny that you can kick ass. Now you wanna whine and act like a little pussy because you feel stupid and lied to? Now you're just disrespecting us, you're disrespecting Kenny who made all the connections for your training, and you're now spitting in our faces and backhanding us. You wanna go? You wanna leave? Fine! Go on, there's the door. No one's gonna stop you. Go! Get out of here!
Farlan: Levi-
Levi: Hey, she wants to go and be a hero to make herself feel better about her sad life? Then let her go! (back to Brianne) And you know what, kid? I hate to break it to you, but you're obsessed. You're twisted. You're obsessed over your parents' death, and you're obsessed with revenge. I see you read your father's will every single night like a psychotic sociopath. You wanna be a watchful guardian to the Capital? Hah, my ass. I bet you anything you're gonna crack in less than a week. People like you are only fueled by emotion, and you'll burn out as soon as you're in flames. You won't be able to handle the stress and pressure of being that kind of model in this world. You're weak, you're fickle, and you can't even beat Kenny in a hand-to-hand combat after 4 years of training under him. So yeah, go. Go, kid. No one here's gonna stop you. Leave, I don't care. Just get out of here now cus I don't wanna see your face ever again!
Levi walks away from Brianne and plops down on the couch, turning his back to her. Tears start flowing down Brianne's face because she's deeply hurt by Levi's words. It feels as if he stabbed her in the heart the way the MP stabbed her mother in the heart that unfortunate night. Brianne continues packing her things while crying as Isabel and Farlan stand there not knowing what to do. They're shocked by Levi's words, never having seen him blow up like that ever in their lives. They stand there paralyzed, not knowing what to say or do to either Levi or Brianne. Brianne is done packing, and she grabs her mask.
Isabel: Bri, think about what you're doing.
Brianne: (crying) I'm leaving!
Isabel: Bri-
Levi: Just let her go!
Isabel is quiet, and Brianne's heart sinks into her stomach seeing Levi still have his back to her. Brianne slings her bag over her shoulder with all her belongings in it, and she looks back one more time at Levi. His back is still to her, and it hurts Brianne knowing that this is how their relationship will end. She never once imagined she'd ever leave her new family like this, especially Levi who has been like an older brother to her. She never once imagined Levi would turn his back on her ever and say such things, but now that it's happened she feels like her entire world is crashing down on her. Brianne quietly leaves with her stuff as Farlan and Isabel watch.
Erwin Smith, 16-years-old and in his 3rd year of Military training, is eating his dinner with his best friend, Niles Dok.
Niles: Damn, Pixus ran us into the ground today, huh?
Erwin: Yeah. I think he had a bad day.
Niles: Probably didn't get some goods from the wife, huh?
Erwin snorts at the comment.
Niles: (frantic) Oh, Michelle's coming!
Michelle: Hey guys.
Erwin and Niles look up at Michelle smiling down at them. Michelle is in the same class as them, a tall pretty brunette with olive eyes.
Michelle: Can I sit here, Erwin?
Erwin: Sure.
Erwin scoots over so that Michelle can sit next to him with her dinner.
Michelle: So have you guys seen all the new recruits today?
Niles and Erwin: Yeah.
Michelle: Aren't they so cute? Reminds me of us 3 years ago. So, planning to take any of 'em under your wing?
Niles: It's too early to make a call like that, don't you think?
Michelle: Well, I already know who I want to help. She's the cutest girl ever. Her name's Stacy, and she's 13. She said she wants to join the Military Police because it'll bring her family honor. Isn't that so cute?
Erwin: You shouldn't fraternize, Michelle.
Michelle: Oh c'mon, Erwin. You should take that stick out of your ass once in a while and let it breathe.
Niles laughs, and Erwin shows no effect to Michelle's comment. She nudges him playfully with a big grin.
Michelle: I'm just kidding, Erwin.
Erwin nods lightly.
Michelle: So Erwin, do you have any plans next weekend?
Erwin: No, not really.
Michelle: Well, it's gonna be my birthday that Saturday, so what do you say we ask for our day-of-the-year off next weekend?
Niles: (chuckles) Damn girl, you're moving too fast.
Erwin turns a little red at Niles' comment.
Michelle: It'll be fun, Erwin, I promise. Besides, you've never left this place since we got here 3 years ago. You deserve a little break, don't you think?
Erwin: First, I always use my day-of-the-year. Second, I don't want to use up my day-of-the-year to go into town to just "hang out".
Michelle: (with pleading eyes) Aw, you saying you don't wanna hang out with me?
Erwin: I mean, I'd just rather stay on training grounds and hang out. I don't want to waste my day-of-the-year on just a regular Saturday.
Michelle: (a little hurt) Wasting a Saturday...
Erwin: (catches on quickly) N-No, I didn't mean it like that. Just...why do you want to go out to town?
Michelle: Because there's nothing to do in here, and there's so much to do out there.
Erwin: (sighs) I don't know.
Michelle: (grabs his arm) Erwin, please. I promise you'll have a great time. You'll find out I'm not such a bad person to hang out with.
Erwin: (smiles weakly) Sorry, Michelle. I don't think I really want to do that. I mean, I'd be happy to hang out with you on training grounds, but my day-of-the-year is reserved for a more special day. I'm sorry.
Michelle: (sad sigh) Alright, I'm just gonna go then. I'll see you guys later.
Michelle leaves with her tray of dinner sadly, and Niles looks at Erwin with disbelief. Niles saw the tears forming in Michelle's eyes from Erwin's comments.
Niles: What the hell is wrong with you man?
Erwin: What do you mean?
Niles: Michelle is trying to ask you out on a date, and you reject her like that?
Erwin: She did ask me out on a date and I rejected the proposal. I didn't reject her.
Niles: Goddamn it, dude. How the hell does she like you? Out of all people?
Erwin: What the hell does that mean?
Niles: Listen, you're clearly a troubled guy, Erwin. I mean, I'm you're best friend and I don't even know anything about your past. I don't know anything about your parents, where you grew up, who your friends are outside of the Military. I mean...you had a life before the Military, right?
Erwin: Yeah, I did. I just don't want to share that with anyone, not even you, Niles.
Niles: (sighs) Alright, fine, whatever. But my point is, you're an odd guy and she chooses you. And you reject her.
Erwin just shrugs, and Niles chortles.
Niles: Man, what I'd give to be you, Erwin.
Erwin: (scoffs) I highly doubt that Niles...
Brianne approaches the military training grounds with all her bags way past midnight. She sees a bunch of trainees running laps on the field, and she steps onto the training ground.
Pixus: Hold on there!
Brianne looks to see a tall, intimidating man walk up to her wearing a Garrison Regiment jacket.
Pixus: You're too late to sign up this year, little girl.
Brianne: Please, sir. I really want to join the Military.
Pixus: There's always next year. Now, go on and go back home.
Brianne: I don't have a home to go back to, sir.
Pixus looks at Brianne curiously.
Brianne: I'll do anything to prove myself to you. I'll fight anyone to show you that I deserve a chance.
Pixus eyes Brianne, surprised at her offer and eagerness to prove herself worthy.
Brianne: Please, sir. I...I need to join the Military.
Pixus: (last try) We don't have any room for you.
Brianne: I'll sleep outside if I have to! I-I'll sleep in the kitchen, anywhere! Just...sir...please...I'm begging you, there must be some way I can prove to you that I belong here.
Pixus: Alright then. If you really want to join, then you have to be able to retract this wooden sword from your opponent of my choosing.
Pixus takes out a wooden sword, and he whistles for his right hand trainee, Mike Zacharius.
Pixus: Go get Erwin Smith.
Mike: (salutes) Yes, sir.
Mike runs off to find Erwin Smith, and Brianne prepares herself to prove her worth.
Brianne: So all I have to do is get that sword from whoever I'm facing?
Pixus: Yes, very simple.
Brianne: (nods) Should be.
Pixus smirks behind his mustache at Brianne's comment. In a few minutes, Erwin Smith comes out and salutes Pixus.
Erwin: Did you call for me, sir?
Pixus: Protect this sword with all you've got, trainee.
Pixus hands Erwin the wooden sword, and Erwin looks at Brianne.
Erwin: I'm up against her?
Pixus: Yes.
Erwin looks at Pixus and sees that he's very serious. Erwin looks back at Brianne, who looks back at him. Erwin gets into position first, and Brianne does too. Brianne faces Erwin, and she slowly tries to wear Erwin down. Brianne is used to controlling things to her own tempo, and she knows that people who are taller and bigger than her need time to wear down. She can tell Pixus has already made up his mind to not accept her for wasting his time, and Brianne knows she needs to make her move now. She lunges at Erwin, and he dodges her. As Brianne pretends to fall to the floor, she knocks Erwin off his feet by swiping her leg. Erwin falls to his back, and Brianne jumps on top of him. She attacks the soft point in his arm, and he drops the wooden sword to the ground shocked that he can't control his grip. Brianne picks up the wooden sword and throws it at Pixus' feet as he and Erwin both stare at Brianne unable to believe that it all happened in the blink of an eye. Pixus is dearly impressed and Erwin is speechless at how this little girl knocked him off his feet and stole his sword.
Brianne: May I join now, sir?
Pixus: What's your name?
Brianne: Brianne.
Pixus: (raises eyebrow) Brianne what?
Brianne hesitates a moment. She knows she can't use her real last name, and the only other name she can think of comes out of her lips.
Brianne: Brianne Ackerman, sir.
Pixus pauses for a moment when he hears her say Ackerman.
Pixus: Mike, show her our last room.
Mike Zacharius salutes Pixus, and he looks at Brianne.
Mike: (salutes Pixus) Yes, sir. (to Brianne) Follow me, trainee.
Brianne picks up all her bags and follows Mike. Pixus and Erwin just watch Mike and Brianne walking off, and Erwin can't take his eyes off of Brianne.
Pixus: How's that arm, Smith?
Erwin: It's...it's numb, sir.
Pixus: Mm. She knew exactly where to aim.
Erwin: Sir?
Pixus: This girl's had training before. (eyes Erwin) I suppose she means business...
Mike takes her to a place away from where all the other cabins are. They arrive at a tiny shed that barely seems big enough for one adult. Mike opens the door, and Brianne sees that it's as small as a cupboard.
Mike: I know, it's tiny. It's all we got though.
Brianne: It's fine. Thank you.
Mike: You know, you got some skills, kid. You went up against Number One.
Brianne: Number One?
Mike: Erwin Smith. He's the best trainee of his year, and you whooped him.
Brianne smiles weakly.
Brianne: I've had some training before.
Mike: It's very good training if you ask me. Well, I'll leave you to get comfortable. See you in the morning, kid.
Mike leaves Brianne so that she can have some privacy. Brianne makes herself at home in a room that's as big as a cupboard. She's glad that she doesn't have any roommates, and she takes out her birthday gifts. She stares at her survival suit, katanas, and various guns. She sighs and tries to look for a place to hide them all in case her room gets searched randomly. Brianne takes apart the wooden floor, and she stuffs them underneath the floor. She gently lays her father's will on top of the survival suit, and she puts the floor back together. Brianne plops onto her bed and gets ready for a completely new chapter of her life without her second family, a journey she must travel on her own.