chapter 5 : Regrets and Retribution

Levi and Lily boarded a train bound for the capital, their destination filled with uncertainty. As they sat in their seats, Levi couldn't shake the mixture of emotions that flooded his mind. He was grateful for the chance to reconnect with his sister, Silvia, but he couldn't shake off the guilt that gnawed at him for neglecting her all these years.

Silence filled the compartment as the train rumbled along the tracks. Levi stared out the window, lost in thought. Lily, ever observant, broke the silence.

"I know this is personal for you, Levi," she said softly. "But remember, we're a team. I'll be right there by your side, supporting you every step of the way."

Levi turned to face her, a mixture of gratitude and determination in his eyes. "I appreciate that, Lily. I couldn't ask for a better partner. I want to keep my sister safe, and I won't let those criminals harm her."

Lily nodded, her expression resolute. "We'll find those slave traders and put an end to their vile operation. No one should have to endure what your sister went through."

The train journey seemed to pass in a blur as Levi and Lily discussed their plan of action. They would need to gather information discreetly, infiltrate the slave traders' operations, and rescue the victims. The task ahead was dangerous, but they were prepared to face it head-on.

Levi and Lily arrived at the local law enforcement station, hoping to gather information and assess the situation discreetly.

"Excuse me my name is Lily I am a former lieutenant of the capital first lawmen division and this is Commander Levi my captain we'd like to speak with the commander of this division regarding rumors of a slave trade operation somewhere in this city."

"Pleasure to meet you mam Sergeant Jonathan Reed at your service, I'm sorry to inform you that our higher-ups are not in at the moment as they are attending a summit with the other division commanders of the capital to discuss the surge of HVT's(high-value targets) that seem to be trying to make a name for themselves as of late but any info I have of any suspected slave trade is at your full disposal but might I add that I can guarantee nothing of the sort happens under our watch."

Lily looks at Levi seemingly vindicated.

"That would be great as we have no time to waste as this is a time-sensitive matter."

The officers at the station appeared cooperative, providing them with files and offering assistance.

As they left the station, Levi couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

"Tail them."

"Yes sergeant"

Finding a place to stay for the night, Levi and Lily went over the information they had gathered so far.

"Our first course of action should be investigating the shelter my sister referred to and depending on their answer I say we stake out the location and follow them."

"Sounds easy enough and at the very least we can count on the sergeant and his men if need be."

"I'm not so sure, Maybe I'm not used to the city type but didn't that guy seem a little off to you?"

"Not at all I'm telling you this is the level of professionalism to expect from capital lawmen."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Just that the difference between you two is night and day."

"You know I didn't agree to bring you on this trip to be ridiculed for my work ethic."

"I'm just saying maybe you could learn a thing or two from them."

Midway through their conversation, they detected a faint sound from the other side of the door, as if someone was eavesdropping on them.

Levi and Lily exchanged a knowing glance, deciding to continue their conversation as naturally as possible. Suddenly, Lily in a swift motion shot an ice shard through the door, injuring the eavesdropper on the other side. They rushed out of the room, chasing after the wounded man, but the crowded streets swallowed him, and they lost track of his whereabouts.

Over the next few days, Levi and Lily continued their investigation deciding to stake out the location from a distance instead of visiting directly in case their plans had been leaked, Their efforts led them to the location of the warehouse where the criminals operated. Little did they know, they were about to face a formidable adversary.

As they observed the warehouse from the skylight they saw the slave traders, led by a well-dressed man with a cane who seemingly could control others using collars. Innocent people were under his influence, carrying out his every command.

"Next up we have a lovely lady at the cusp of her womanhood sure to make the perfect servant or concubine for the right price let's start the bidding at 5000 thousand dollars."

At that moment a young girl of about 18 years of age was brought onto the stage kicking and screaming.

"Well well, folks it appears we have a feisty one on our hands."

The man snaps his fingers and a black collar-shaped tattoo appeared on her neck as the tattoo grew smaller it slowly suffocated the girl until she bent to his will.

"I've seen enough I'm going in." Levi crashes through the skylight with Lily following close behind.

"Is this a private party or can anyone join in." said Levi

"By the order of Captain Levi you are all under arrest for the crime of slave trading failure to comply will be met with forceful containment."

"Like hell we are!"

The auctiongoers scatter some pulling out weapons while the slave trader sends more collared slaves to attack Levi and Lily.

"You've got some nerve to crash one of my events for that you will pay with your lives."

Utilizing their powers of ice and lightning, Levi and Lily worked together to incapacitate the attackers taking extra care not to harm the controlled individuals slowly gaining the upper hand, the slave trader realizing his pawns were dwindling, made a desperate attempt to escape. However, as he made his way towards the exit Levi intercepted him raising him off the ground holding an electrified dagger to his throat.

"I wouldn't if I were you, not if you want your partner over there in one piece."

Levi then noticed one of the man's hands was ungloved.

"You see I have the power to place a collar on anyone I touch and miss frosty over there isn't as light on her feet as you are one wrong move and pop her head comes off."

Looking over at Lily he hesitated as she fell to the ground tattoos swarmed her body beginning to form a collar around her neck.

"I dare say she is a strong-willed one usually it doesn't take as long to break one's spirit alas all the more fun for me."

"You bastard!"

"Choices... choices you can either allow me to escape and save your partner or bring me in and watch her die."

The slave trader let out a laugh and Levi's expression went blank At that moment Levi dropped the man then at the moment he was falling Levi formed a spear made of solid lightning throwing it into him hurdling him through the roll-up door and into the dirt hundreds of feet from the warehouse, Looking back the tattoos began to fade on Lily and she slowly began to recover as he went to aid her.

"How did you know that would work?"

"It was something he said, If letting him go would have saved you that told me that once he was out of range his powers would not affect you as long as the collar didn't form."

Levi and Lily headed outside as the heavily injured slave trader began crawling away trying to escape however he was unexpectedly cornered by the local lawmen.

Lily smirked.

"Give it up we have you surrounded."

Levi furrowed his brow, a realization dawning on him.

"Think again, We never told the division our location or called for backup. These must be the corrupt lawmen working with the slave traders."

A man appeared from the rear of the group clapping.

"My my you have my praise commander and here I thought i'd get to keep up this charade a while longer."

There before them stood Sergeant Reed.

"I should have known you were behind this it seemed too easy to have that much assistance, especially under the assumption that it was a rumor."

"Well I couldn't have any old punk off the street discrediting our division now could I and to my surprise what do I find a nosy captain his soon-to-be-dead lieutenant, You should know Lieutenant I hate you preppy types the most so stuck up and squared away looking down on those who don't meet your fancy capitals high standards it is disgusting, and while I may not be as strong as a captain or lieutenant I've brought more than enough men to take care of you two."

The lawmen's expressions hardened, and without hesitation, They launched an attack on Levi and Lily. A fierce battle broke out, With Levi and Lily defending themselves against the unexpected betrayal. Despite their injuries, They fought back refusing to back down.

Amidst the chaos, The slave trader managed to escape, The corrupted lawmen, relentless in their assault, posed a significant threat. Levi and Lily pushed their limits, using their skills and powers to fend off their attackers.

As the battle raged on, Levi's determination burned brighter than ever.

Lily struggled but kept her guard up pushing past her pain. "your chance to surrender has passed."

Levi and Lily fought until the brink of exhaustion as they took down the men one by one normally Lily could have frozen the battlefield making quick work of the men but in her condition, She could barely move leaving the attack and defense mainly to Levi as he zipped around the battlefield in quick bolts of lightning he put down the dozens of men despite their various strengths and superior numbers they were outmatched due to Levi's warlike training he received from Captain Stone, He held nothing back showing off the difference between raw power and experience, Despite their misdeeds he refrained from using his powers and took them down using his bare hands seeing them as misguided soldiers rather than purely evil men, Finally levi approached reed and without his men to back him up he immediately lost his bravado and folded before the might of Commander Levi.

As the authorities arrived to arrest the captured slave traders they were shocked to see their men amongst the criminals and although the slave trader escaped Levi found solace in saving the lives of the young women there and knowing that at least for the time being his sister was safe.

(The following morning )

Levi Lily both covered in bandages report the local station.

"Why do I have to file paperwork this isn't even my division."

"Their commander will be returning this evening and I'm sure he will be wanting a full report on why half of his staff is behind bars."

"It is not my fault he has lousy men."

"That may be true but it is your fault for sending 53 of them to the hospital with broken arms and ribs."

"If they trained harder that wouldn't be an issue."

"Not everyone is as much of a training freak as you are you know now quit your whining and finish the report so we can get something to eat."

Levi stares at Lily for a bit then sighs and returns to his paperwork glad that she is okay after the events of the night before and thinking of all the challenges that await them.