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Chapter 15
"Commander, are you sure you want to do this?" Nile asked they watched the Garrison soldiers carry Levi's limp body back to the dungeon cell.
"What are you worried about, Nile? He took enough tranquilizers to take down a horse. I am sure he won't move around any time soon."
Levi was locked away in a jail cell under the watchful eye of Garrison soldiers and a MP medic until the trial ended for the day. Only then, did they pick up the limp man to transport him back to the Military Police base. Commander Gibson insisted that she and Nile follow the transport team back to base. She wanted to ride back in the same carriage but there wasn't enough space. Thank Sina, Nile thought.
"True but…" Nile continued. Unconscious or not Levi was dangerous. Nile didn't see why they had to stay in the dungeon while the beast was chained down. The stupid Garrison soldiers even left cell door open. Commander Gibson ignored her subordinate.
"Set him down gently," said the MP Commander. "We don't want the Survey Corps crying foul." They eased Levi's limp body on the ground. In sleep, Levi almost looked like the child she remembered. He was still small, but there was no doubt the little boy had grown up. His actions in court proved that. Over the last decade or so Jenna enjoyed reading about Levi's escapades.
"Did a certain someone stop by last night?" she asked.
"Yes, commander," said Nile. "He came soon after Erwin left the dungeon."
"Very good. I want a message slipped underground about today's events." The Military Police Commander said smoothly.
"Commander?" said Nile. "Are you sure that's wise? What if…"
"That is the point, Nile," said Commander Gibson sternly. She turned to look up at her subordinate. Nile couldn't hide his true apprehension. Tangling with his old classmate had put Nile on edge. If he ever hoped to replace her, he was going to have to grow a pair. She released an internal sigh. When he wanted to, Nile was actually very effective in completing his goals. "You know what I want Nile," she said to taller man.
"Yes, commander," said Nile. His shoulders slumped. Commander Gibson turned her attention back to Levi.
"Use this." She pulled a letter from her jacket and handed it to Nile over her shoulder. Without looking at the letter he slipped it into his jacket pocket. The Garrison soldiers stepped out of the cell. Levi was being turned over to the Military Police and Survey Corps until tomorrow morning. Two Military policemen stepped inside the cell.
"Strip him," said Nile.
"Yes sir," the young men said as they knelt beside Levi's unconscious body.
"Wait," Commander Shardis said as if on cue. He walked down the steps followed by Captain Erwin.
"Oh hello, Keith," said Commander Gibson. "We are putting your boy in our best cell." She displayed the windowless box as if it were the entrance to a palace. "You are Captain Smith, correct?" She turned her attention to the sturdy man.
"Yes, commander," Erwin saluted.
"I see. You are the man who brought Levi to the surface?"
Erwin's posture stiffened. "Yes, commander."
She moved from Nile to walk over to Erwin Smith. Second in his graduating class; only beaten by Marie Talbot, now Marie Dok. This man already brought down a noble and his future was still bright. What a beautiful trifecta it would have been to have the top three from that class. Too bad she would have to settle for two. She walked around him sizing him up only stopping to stand by her peer.
"Jenna, what are you about to do?" Keith Shardis asked. He nodded in the unconscious man's direction.
"During today's event, it was brought to my attention that the prisoner might have a weapon in his possession. We are going to strip search him for any other weapons before binding him." That part was a lie. No one told her about any weapons, but if she knew Levi there was at least one knife on him at all times.
"Commander Gibson," Erwin said quickly. "If you will allow me to be so bold. Levi is a part of my squad. I am sure that if he were conscious he would be more comfortable with someone that he knows doing the search versus a stranger" Captain Smith's face was a mask of concern.
I wonder what you are hiding behind those pretty blue eyes, thought Commander Gibson. Ever since Zacklay told her about the Survey Corps going to the underground she was fascinated. How did they do something none of her men were able to? Somehow this man was able to not only capture the Invincible Levi but also bend him to his will.
"Who says that he needs to know about the search?" said Commander Gibson. "I can assure you Captain Smith, this isn't his first time under our care."
"This is true, commander," Erwin continued. "But I would know; and as his commanding officer, I would feel more comfortable completing the search." Commander Gibson smiled. No wonder Nile was so worried. This man had an artful way of pushing you around. She would have enjoyed putting his mind to use.
"I guess it would be alright," said Commander Gibson. "As long as you don't mind, Keith?" The Survey Corps commander nodded his consent. He still believed that Erwin was taking too many risks on one soldier but he trusted Jenna Gibson even less.
"Erwin," he addressed his captain. "You will turn over anything that you find over to the Military Police."
"Yes, sir," Erwin said with a salute.
"We'll leave you to it the." Commander Gibson turned to leave; Nile at her heels. He waved for the two MPs to leave the cell and follow them.
"Oh, she paused and turned back around. "I can imagine that this has been a very stressful time for everyone. If there is anything that you need in order to prepare for tomorrow Captain Smith, my men are at your disposal."
"Thank you, Commander Gibson," said Erwin. She smiled up at him then turned her attention to her own captain.
"Nile,"
"Yes, commander."
"Please make sure that the guards know that they are to show Captain Smith every hospitality we can offer."
"Yes, commander," Nile replied. He glared at Erwin. They were just at the staircase when Commander Gibson said.
"See you tonight for drinks, Keith." Commander Shardis replied with a grunt. The two Survey Corpsmen waited until they were sure the MPs were gone before speaking.
"What do you think, sir?" asked Erwin.
"I don't like any of it," said Keith Shardis. "All of this cloak and dagger bullshit makes my head hurt." He released a tired sigh. "For whatever reason Jenna is interested in Levi, and you, for that matter…It is never good to be in her line of sight."
"Yes, sir,"
"I don't' know what's going on, and I still don't know if Levi is worth all this trouble, but if Jenna is this invested then it means something bigger than the Royal Games is happening," said Commander Shardis. "I don't like these games."
"I know, sir," Erwin said softly. "I will take care of this." Commander Shardis looked at Erwin, then Levi, then back at Erwin.
"I leave it to you then," said Commander Shardis. "I have to prepare for this dinner tonight."
"Yes, sir. Good luck."
000
Commander Jenna Gibson sat in a chair overlooking one of the metal grates that peered into the cell. She crossed her left leg over her right. She sent her subordinates away before she sat down. This was for her enjoyment. She watched the Survey Corpsmen talk before Keith left. Commander Gibson leaned forward with interest when Captain Smith entered the open cell.
He tenderly brushed away the dark hair from Levi's sweet face. Captain Smith took his time untying the rope around slender wrists. His great hands massaged the red lines that marred the pale skin. He moved to Levi's feet and untied the ropes. Even though Levi's ankles were protected by his boots Captain rubbed them anyway.
Suddenly, Captain Smith rose to his feet and stepped out of the cell. He returned a few moments later with what looked like a table cloth. He folded it long ways on the cell floor. Erwin picked up the smaller man and placed him on the fabric as if he was made of glass.
Captain Erwin returned to his work. He slipped Levi's boots off his feet and set them to the side. From the left boot he withdrew a small black handled knife. Captain Smith placed the knife in his inside jacket pocked. A smile touched Commander Gibson's lips. The smile grew when she saw him reach beneath Levi's hips to draw another dagger from small of Levi's back. Commander Gibson noted that he took his time releasing Levi's waist. She was thoroughly intrigued. It appeared she and the young captain shared another interest.
There is a certain thrill in courting criminals of Kenny and Levi's caliber. The sweet brutality they were capable of made Jenna's heart flutter. She shivered thinking of how Kenny kept her on a fine line between pain and pleasure. She would imagine what those hands had done sometimes only hours before. Jenna bit down on the tip of her pointer finger. Captain Smith, how many times have you felt the kiss of Levi's blade? If you haven't had the pleasure you will.
To be honest, Commander Gibson wanted a repeat performance of today's events. Both Kenny and Levi kept knives under their pillows. Once she saw Levi curled up with one of the daggers like a cherished stuff animal. She was curious to see how Levi would react without his security blanket. It was only an added bonus to see the little man break down once he found out that a stranger touched his pristine body.
"Commander," Nile said behind her. "It's time for you to meet with the other leaders." He voice came out like an annoyed sigh.
"Nile,"
"Yes, commander?"
"One day you will have a case that changes you," and Commander Gibson. Nile knew his commanding officer meant the case that lead to her promotion. The story was urban legend among the Military Police. She was the only policeman to ever bring Kenny Ackerman to trial and live. "When that day comes, I hope you don't lose yourself."
000
Levi woke in the dungeon. He knew this one was deeper in the castle from experience. There were no windows here; nothing to gauge how long you've been in hell. The world around him felt like he was being rocked on a boat. His body felt like he was the waves rocking the world. When he tried to sit up he fell back with a thump.
"Shit…" His words came out like molasses. Am I drunk?
"Oh, you're awake." Levi turned his head to see a wavy John and Mike staring into the cell.
"Go get Captain Erwin," Mike barked behind him. Levi saw a blur of a soldier run up the stairs.
"Levi, are you alright?" asked John. If Levi focused he could keep the behemoths still for a few moments.
"Yea," said Levi. "Why are you here?"
"Guarding you," said John as if that was the most obvious thing known to man. Mike sniffed then turned around. Levi tried to turn his head. Captain Erwin came down the steps followed by an MP. He nodded to the soldier to open the cell.
Erwin walked into the cell. He knelt beside Levi. "How do you feel?"
"Drunk," said Levi. He felt Erwin's freakishly large hands prop him up against the stone wall. When he swayed, Erwin moved him around like a rag doll until he was sure Levi wouldn't fall over. That's when Levi noticed he'd laid on a cloth.
"This is your own fault," said Erwin sternly. "You should have trusted me and kept your mouth shut."
Levi tsked and looked away; which moved his whole body to the side. Erwin propped him back up. "Is that why you have those ridiculously large tall fools guarding me?" Levi slurred. "It might be difficult to beat both…"
You won't be fighting anyone anytime soon, thought Erwin but he knew better than to say it. He looked behind him to Mike and John. They stood at parade rest outside the cell. Their size artfully blocking the smaller MP's view. Erwin was lucky that they were there for the wrestling portion of the Royal Games. When the 3D races were pushed back all the other competitions were moved forward.
"They aren't here to fight you," said Erwin when he turned back to Levi. "You are causing me a great deal of distress Levi. If you would just-."
"I can't trust you!" Levi snapped. John flinched from his post.
"How is that working for you so far?" Erwin growled. Was that sarcasm? Levi thought. If he could move he would punch his commanding officer in his fucking face.
"Oi!"
"Lower your voice," Erwin growled low. He placed his hands on either side of Levi's face more to make him look forward than to keep him from swaying. Levi took a deep breath. Blurry Erwin's face was bright red. The ice in his voice matched the chill in his eyes. Levi grit his teeth. When Levi spoke he kept his voice quiet and just as low.
"Fuck you, Erwin." He looked down at his lap and noticed for the first time that his shirt was untucked. Not only that but his straps and harness were missing. Instead of boots he wore leather slippers on his feet. Levi's breathe quickened and he started tugging at the chains.
"They discovered one of your knives," Erwin said quickly. "They wanted to strip search you.
"Don't worry," Erwin continued. "I administered the search and removed them." None of this calmed Levi's breathing.
"You saw me naked?" He continued to fight in Erwin's grasp. "You TOUCHED me naked?"
"I assumed that you would prefer me over some random stranger…"
"Why did anyone have to touch me with their filthy, fucking hands?" Levi's shuddered. He screwed his hands into his eyes shut to block out how disgusting he felt. "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!"
"Levi..."
"This is your fault," Levi's voice rumbled in the back of his throat.
"If you left me alone, Farlan and Isabel would be alive. I wouldn't be locked in this fucking cell and I wouldn't have had filthy, fucking fingers touch me!" No matter how hard he moved Levi's actions were in slow motion. Erwin released Levi's face. Levi toppled to the ground. Erwin had reached his limit. He flexed his fingers. If Levi could just stop being stubborn and…
"Levi!" His anger dissolved when he looked down. Levi's eyes were glazed over. His slender fingers shook as they unconsciously fiddled with the locks on his new bracelets. There was sheen of sweat across his brow. Erwin wondered how much was in that tranquilizer. For someone like Levi who was used to having control of his faculties this had to be hell. Add into the mix that once he woke up and found out that he was potentially violated would push anyone over the edge.
Erwin knelt back down in front of his subordinate. He sat Levi up despite the drunken fists that hit his arms. Glassy gray eyes fought to focus on him.
"Mike," Erwin said still focusing on Levi.
"Come on," Mike said. He and John stepped in front of the MP guards. "We're going upstairs." The two power houses nudged the smaller men toward the staircase.
"But we're…" one of the MPs complained. "
"Don't worry, it just to the top of the stairs," said John. Erwin looked over his shoulder to ensure they were gone before he brought his hand to Levi's cheek. His fingers found their way up to Levi's hair. The roots were moist as he expected. Levi released a breath and closed his eyes.
"Don't touch me," Levi slurred even though he looked physically more relaxed. Erwin's fingers lingered for a second before he removed them.
"What happened in court today?" Erwin said calmly.
"You let that bastard lie on me," Levi's tongue felt heavy in his mouth. It felt heavier as he forced the words out. "He fucking lied on me and you said nothing." Levi grit his teeth. His small frame started to shake with rage.
"Forgive me for assuming but, have you never been tried in court?"
"I don't get caught," Levi spat. "And when I do I don't stay."
That made sense, thought Erwin. At that moment more pieces fell into place. Multiple sources attested to the fact that Levi could have escaped from this prison. Erwin remembered the way Levi dangled the handcuffs triumphantly. All he could think was how bad it would appear if someone saw him. Erwin felt like an ass. Levi had shown him not only trust but loyalty as well. This demi-god of cleanliness voluntarily placed himself in an underground filth box on Erwin's word. He joined the Royal Games, even though he knew he would be come in contact with his old life. And from the impression Erwin got from Kenny the ripper, the two did not part on good terms. Erwin wasn't bold enough to assume that perhaps Levi stayed because of him. Assumptions is what got him, got them, in this situation.
"I'm sorry, Levi," Erwin said. "I failed you." Levi clenched his jaw. His eyelids started to droop slightly showing that the tranquilizer was still coursing through his system. "Please believe in me a little longer." Erwin straightened the towel he brought down for Levi to sleep on, and then he carefully lifted the groggy man and eased him on top of it.
"Fuck…you…" Levi mumbled as his eyes closed.