Paris, France
March 12th, 1946
12:08 P.M
"How's Monsieur Moisey feeling?" Manon trilled as she strode into the medbay.
Moisey sat upright on the medical bed with Dax by his side. The Giant was gingerly trying to dress the Rat's wounds. As Manon entered the room, the two fighters looked to the woman with surprised expressions.
"Woah! Look at you two. Nurse Marcovici is substituting for Esmeé, I see?" Manon smiled at the sight of the once sworn rivals getting along. Moisey gave a hoarse, raspy laugh while Dax continued to fix his dressings.
"I figured it's the least I can do to help." Nurse Marcovici mumbled. Eugene watched Dax's large fingers fumble as he tried to carefully clean his gnarly sutures. A pained hiss of air escaped him each time Dax touched his face.
"Well how are you doing, Eugene? Can you speak yet?" Manon inquired. She sat down at the foot of the bed. "You certainly seem more alert today."
Though Moisey didn't get a chance to respond to Manon's question. Instead uncomfortable noises escaped his lips as the Romanian continued to tediously wipe the dried blood and pus from his wounds. Infection oozed from the gruesome dog bites. Dax's nose wrinkled in both concentration and disgust.
Eugene weakly raised his hand to pause Dax's preening so he may rest a moment. Swollen, red stitches ran from the left corner of Eugene's mouth all the way up to what remained of his ear. Spiderwebs of sutures crept along his cheek and jaw in an attempt to piece his shredded mug together. It almost looked like the Rat was left with a permant smile carved into his cheek.
Dax pulled away to give his patient a little break. He turned his back on Moisey to clean the blood from his hands. The Rat quickly saw this as a chance to scratch at the threads that held the skin on his throat together. The wound itched and burned to no end. It was beginning to drive him insane. Eugene couldn't bare to leave it alone any longer.
"Eugene can't speak yet. Just simple noises for now. Though Docteur Birde said that in a few months he should have most of his voice back." Dax spoke on Eugene's behalf. He lowly hummed before turning to to resume his care. Though once Dax saw Moisey's scratching, he reached over to catch the patient's wrist. The Rat gave a raspy croak in startled protest.
"Though that'll never happen if someone doesn't stop scratching at his wounds when they're trying to heal..." Dax added with a scold. Moisey furrowed his brow at his helper's words. Eugene shot Manon the same stare he always did when Dax was testing his patience. He silently pleaded for her to jump to his aid.
"If it itches then that means it's healing, Eugene." Manon chuckled at Moisey's agitated expression. With rag in hand, Dax carefully turned the wounded man's face back towards him. Eugene only gave him a wary look. Dax could only grimace into those big brown eyes. He felt horrible for having to cause Moisey more pain. But he absolutely had to keep Moisey's wounds from growing more infected. Dax felt that he owed Eugene some sort of care after the years they spent hating one another.
Eugene couldn't help but let out another pained cry as the Romanian gingerly attempted to clean the inflamed wounds. The fighter immediately raised his hands to grip onto Dax's sleeve. His breathing quickened. His heart rate began to skyrocket from the stress. He felt like he was about to faint from the pain. In fact, maybe fainting would be a good idea. At least then he wouldn't have to feel Dax plucking at his swollen skin.
"Manon, can you please explain to Eugene that I'm trying to save him from dying of infection, and that I'm not here to torture him?" Dax huffed. Eugene attempted to flinch away from the his hand with another hiss. Dax fought to hold the unruly Rat's head steady.
"This would go a lot smoother if you just held still, Eugene... We're almost done..." The Romanian growled through gritted teeth. Moisey gave a defiant, barely audible whine as Dax held him down.
"You two are a mess..." Manon sighed. "Eugene, toughen up. I know it hurts but it has to be done. And Dax, you're doing a great job. Who knew you would make such a good nurse? Maybe we should get you a cute little uniform. I'm sure Esmeé has a couple extra pairs." The woman snickered as the annoyed Romanian shot her a warning glare. She was only trying to lighten the mood.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny..." Dax grumbled. The wounded man let out a wheezing chuckle at the thought of the large man in a dress. Though his distorted giggle halted as he quickly fell silent in pain. Nurse Marcovici had began applying pressure to his sutures to get him to stop laughing. Eugene frantically patted at Dax's arm in a panicked surrender. Dax's tactic proved successful.
"Hey, how's that German kid doing?" Dax asked, trying to distract himself from Eugene's endless squirming. "I haven't heard much about him, since none of us here speak fluent German besides you and Eugene."
"He's doing well. He still seems a little foggy from that concussion of his. Though his dog bites are healing well."
"Do we even know his name yet? How old is he?"
"He's nine, and he said his name was Ludvik von Adalwulfe. The other children have taken to calling him Luddy." Manon stated. "Though I can't help but wonder what his story is. He really doesn't talk to anyone except Adelaide."
"Maybe- Unf!" Dax's sentence was cut off as Moisey resulted to shoving the Romanian's face away in desperation. "Maybe he's just- Erngh! Maybe, he's just shy." He finally grunted out. Dax mouthed a silent "Stop it" to a mewling Eugene.
"I guess so. He's a very bright child though nevertheless. Did you know he fixed his leg brace all by himself?"
"That's pretty impressive. It looks brand new." The Giant commented as he concentrated on his writhing patient. Eugene quietly whimpered in immense pain. His fingers dug into Dax's arms in a weak attempt to push the man away. He prayed for the cleaning process to end soon. He knew it had to be done, but God, did it hurt. Moisey could almost swear it was worse than when the dog originally tore into his skin. It felt like pure, agonizing torture.
Though the Rat's prayers were finally answered when he watched Dax set his tools down. Moisey gave a shaky sigh of instant relief.
"Okay, you can stop whining now. It's over with. Where is the mighty Moisey I used to know at?" Dax huffed as he wiped sweat from his strong brow. Eugene immediately laid his head back upon his pillow with a muffled thunk. His chest heaved while his heart raced. The Rat closed his eyes with a thankful groan as Dax gently massaged his dark hair in an attempt to calm him down.
"You know, the Leons have been constantly asking about you, Eugene." Manon spoke, watching the fighter finally settle. "I know you didn't want them to see you like this, but they really miss you."
Eugene subconsciously leaned into Dax's gentler touch while Manon spoke. His thoughts were still focused on trying to ignore his throbbing pain. Adrenaline continued to pump through him. Though after a few moments of gathering himself, he sat up and lazily began to motion with his hands for something to write with. Dax promptly handed him a notepad from the nightstand. Moisey went to scribbling down his thoughts. Within seconds, he handed the sloppy note to Manon.
"I want to see them too. But I'm worried that my face will scare them."
"Eugene, you're going to look different, sure, but they're going to have to get used to it. After an attack like that you're bound to be left with some scars." Manon frowned as she read Moisey's note. Eugene sighed. He began to write once again.
"Let them in. Though make sure that they understand that I can't speak. I don't want them to think I'm being mean."
Manon quickly scanned over the hasty handwriting for a few moments before rising with a nod.
"Of course. I'll go get them. They'll be so happy to see you, Eugene. They look up to you way more than you think." The usually gruff woman smiled. Moisey gave a half-hearted thumbs up as she walked away in search of the children.
Though once she was gone, the wounded man instantly gave a long moan of dread. He truly was anxious for his Cubs to see him in such a state. Moisey hadn't even seen himself yet, but he knew that his face was now drastically different. At least that's what he assumed from his visitors' instant condolences as soon as they gazed upon him.
"You'll be alright, Eugene. It isn't even that bad, honestly." Dax spoke as he saw Moisey grow restless. Eugene glanced up at him with his swollen, stitched together face. If his eyes could speak, they'd be saying "Really?" in the most sarcastic tone possible. For the entire left side of Eugene's face looked like a jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces gone. He knew he looked bad.
"Oh come on, you're still the same old Eugene that you've always been inside. I bet you'll look just fine after everything heals." The Romanian encouraged, ruffling Moisey's messy black hair. "Besides, scars make for good stories. Some would even say they make you look more handsome. I should know..." Dax winked as he gestured to a faded scar that rested upon his own lip. It was a small badge of honor from a schoolyard fight when he was a boy. The Rat soaked up every word the Giant spoke. He sure hoped Dax was right.
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Adelie and Ludvik sat across from one another on the cold floor of the Den. The boy's braced leg was awkwardly sprawled out beneath him. The two were locked in a very important conversation.
"Luddy, do you like rats?" Adelaide questioned. Ludvik simply stared back at her in confusion.
"Was?" The boy quietly asked. He didn't know a lick of French.
"Rats. Raaaats. The little animal?" Adelie tried to explain.
"Ratten? Wie eine Maus?" Luddy motioned with his hands to try and imitate a rodent's ears and teeth.
"Oui! Ratten! Rat!" The girl smiled. "Do you like them?" Adelaide could see in the Ghost's blank expression that he still didn't understand. She thought for a few moments before reaching over to poke him in the chest.
"You."
"Mich? Ludvik?" Luddy questioned as he pointed to himself. Adelie nodded.
"Love?" Adelaide made a heart with her hands, and tilted her head in question.
"Liebe?" The boy's brow furrowed as his foggy brain strained to comprehend.
"Rats!" Adelaide then goofily acted out the same gesture for rodent that Ludvik did. The German's face lit up in realization as her words finally clicked.
"Oh! Oh, Ja! Ich versteche! Ich liebe ratten! Richtig?" Ludvik asked in an eager tone. He studied Adelie's freckled face for approval of him figuring out her strange language. Though Adelie only sat there perplexed by his foreign tongue.
"Mich. Liebe. Ratten." The Ghost spoke slowly. He performed the hand motions the children made amongst themselves. Adelie excitedly nodded as she too understood. Two bright smiles shone on their little faces.
"You do? You love rats too?" The girl repeated. "Then you'll love my friend!" Adelaide reached into her coat to pull out her small companion. The rat sleepily blinked awake as it was removed from the coziness of the girl's pocket. It yawned, showing a pair of yellowed teeth.
"Isn't he adorable? His name is Robers. Robers the rat." Adelaide proudly proclaimed as she held the furry critter out to Ludvik.
"Hallo." The Ghost showed a shy smile as he waved to the rat. The rodent lifted its pink little nose to sniff in the boy's direction.
"Robers. Rat is Robers" Adelaide repeated as she pointed at the rat. She hoped that the boy would understand that was it's name.
"Robers. Ratte ist Robers..." Ludvik quietly repeated. Oddly enough, seeing Robers reminded Luddy of his home in Germany. When his "room" was the dark basement of the manor. There, rats and bugs were often his only company. Memories of loneliness and neglect flooded into his mind, but the boy quickly shook them out of his head.
"You want to hold him? You want Robers?" Adelaide questioned, she held the animal out towards Ludvik.
"Ja." Luddy softly confirmed as he held out his hands. Robers slowly stepped onto his palms. He curiously sniffed at the boy's sleeve. Ludvik giggled as the rat's whiskers tickled his pale skin. Adelaide watched her two friends get acquainted with a smile.
"He likes you! Ratten... Ratte liebe... Ratte liebe Luddy?" Adelie asked as she tried to speak in Ludvik's language. The boy happily smiled at Adelie as she stumbled through the simple German words. It was so nice to be able to sit in someone else's company. To talk with a fellow child was something Ludvik had never done. Is this what having a friend was like? He couldn't help but wonder. Ludvik so badly wanted to ask Adelaide if they were friends, but he didn't know the proper words.
"Oh, great. Don't let Adelaide guilt trip you into saving every rat you see." Miguel sneered as he wandered over. Ludvik blinked at Miguel with honest confusion.
"Was?" Luddy questioned. He held Robers out towards Miguel, thinking that he too wanted to hold the pet. "Ratte?" Miguel rolled his eyes.
"I don't want the rat, idiote." Miguel rudely pushed Luddy's hand away. The Ghost jumped at the sudden movement, moving to protect the precious pet in his grasp. Ludvik didn't know what Miguel said, but it didn't sound nice. Why did he push him? Did he do something wrong? Concern quickly crept upon the skittish boy's heart.
"Adelie, why are you talking to him? He doesn't understand a word you're saying."
"Hey! Be nice to him." Adelaide frowned as Ludvik fell silent. A nervous expression was plastered on his face. "And he can understand. It's just that we don't speak German." The girl argued.
"Of course we don't. We don't speak Nazi around here." Miguel glared. "I don't trust him. I bet he's a spy for the Germans. He's probably listening to everything we say and then he's going to tell Hitler all about us." The Leon Cub claimed. He kicked at the Aryan's leg brace.
"Aren't you, Ludvik? You are a spyyyy? Do you understand that? Nazi spy?" Miguel mocked. He harshly jabbed a finger into Luddy's shoulder.
Luddy flinched away in confusion and fear as he scooted away in defense. The two siblings quickly began to bicker. Ludvik's frightened blue eyes flicked away with worry. He was scared. The Ghost only wanted someone to be nice to him. Adelie was the only one that showed any kindness to him. He wanted Miguel to like him too, but why didn't Miguel like him?
"No, he is not! Why are you always so mean, Miguel? You're never kind anymore!"
"I'm just saying the truth! He's a German. All Germans are evil!"
"That's not true. Ludvik is a good German!"
"Do good Germans almost get people like Moisey killed?"
Adelaide fell silent. Miguel didn't seem to notice the figure looming behind him.
"Well? Do they? No. I didn't think so." Miguel decided, believing he had won the argument. Adelaide remained silent. She joined Ludvik in his anxious habits.
"What? Now you won't talk to me because I'm right?" Miguel asked. His tone fluctuated with agitation. Though the Cub's scowl quickly drained from his face as a hand rested upon his shoulder.
"Miguel."
"Yes... Mama Manon?" Miguel winced.
"I've already talked to you once about being rude to our guest. Don't make me have to do it again." Manon warned.
"Yes, Manon. I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize to me, apologize to Ludvik." Manon directed. Miguel's mouth stupidly hung open as he gawked at her. He had to say sorry to Ludvik? He could never!
"Don't give me that look. Go on, say you're sorry."
An annoyed grumble left Miguel's mouth as he looked at the Ghost in front of him. Luddy gently pet the rat in his arms and continued to look away. He began to fill with anxiety as he heard his name being spoken.
"Why do I have to say sorry? He won't understand me anyways." Miguel argued.
"You know German, Miguel. Don't even act like you don't. I was your German teacher for crying out loud!" Manon yowled. She shoved the boy forwards. "Now, apologize."
"Es tut mir leid..." Miguel mumbled. Luddy lit up in surprise as he heard the Leon speak his language. Miguel knew German this whole time?
"Es ist in Ordnung..." Ludvik replied. He quickly looked away once again. He knew that Miguel wasn't apologizing out of kindness. Luddy also knew that Miguel was not a friend. In all honesty, the German boy was afraid of the grouchy Leon.
"See? Was that so hard?" Manon sighed. Miguel shook his head, but continued to stare Luddy down with a distrusting eye.
"Now, believe it or not, I'm not here to discipline you three." Manon changed the subject. "But instead I have some good news about Monsieur Moisey."
"Can we see him yet?" Adelie instantly chimed in. Her face glowed with hope.
"You may. But I have some rules before you can visit Moisey."
"Oh, I can't wait!" Adelaide jumped to her feet with excitement. They were going to see Moisey! It felt like it had been months since she last saw her beloved mentor.
"I know, I know. But I want you to understand that Moisey is still healing. He may look a little different than what you're used to."
"So his face really did get ripped off by the dog, huh? The rumors were right?" Miguel questioned. He scratched at his head as he tried to image what Eugene with no face looked like.
"No, Miguel, his face did not get ripped off... Though he did suffer a lot of facial wounds. He'll just look a little odd for now. Though once Moisey heals he'll look similar to what he used be." Manon explained with a sigh.
Ludvik still sat upon the ground. He struggled to get his bum leg underneath him as he attempted to get up. Adelie noticed and reached down to help the teetering Ghost to his feet. Luddy braced himself against his friend's shoulder until she handed him his crutch. The boy handed Robers to Adelie, who then placed the rat back into the warm safety of her pocket.
"Kann ich kommen?" Ludvik sheepishly asked Manon. The woman nodded with a subtle smile.
"Of course you can come, Ludvik. Moisey cares about you too." She answered back in German tongue. The Frenchwoman then turned to lead the children towards the med bay. Manon briskly walked with her head high as her young followers trailed after her.
Manon looked like a prideful mother goose strutting about with her little goslings hurrying to keep up. They began to walk through the cavernous Den together. A place that was once the somber resting grounds of millions was now full of life. Flickering candles melted away among the weathered bricks, and lanterns created a warm glow upon its residents' faces.
People of all ages, backgrounds, and religions lounged about. A large group of men played darts in the corner. Their boisterous shouts echoed throughout the Den as one hurled a projectile at the drawing of Hitler that was pasted to the wall. The dart had found its mark right between the caricature's eyes. They laughed like a drunken pack of hyenas and slapped each other on the back. Cigarette smoke billowed from their grinning mouths. A friendly wrestling match had begun as they all shoved one other about.
In the far side of the room, several women sat in a circle. Together, they sang along to an old gramophone that sat nearby. It's lulling, underwater like voice crackled out a slow tune. The woman had heard the song hundreds of times, for they only had three records. But they knew it by heart. It brought back memories of the olden days. The days when they could dance and sing as loud as they pleased above ground. And oh, how they yearned for those days to come again.
While they sang, the women idly decorated weapons of war. Nimble fingers painted and carved the worn wooden stocks of their guns. Beautiful, colorful artistry of rebellion were proudly displayed upon their defenses. It was a symbol of their strength. It showed that they could still find beauty, even in war.
Children ran about playing tag. Friends sat and chatted. Fighters stood around telling war stories. People ate, laughed, and slept here. The Den was absolutely full of life among the dead.
Sure everyone's clothes were worn and torn. Their faces ruddy and their bodies calloused. But that didn't matter. They had each other. They were a family. This was their home. This was their life. And they would continue to fight for what little freedom they had until the very end.
Tipped hats and nods welcomed Manon as she strode past with her group. Ludvik struggled to keep up with the woman's quick pace. But Adelie would often stop and wait for the boy. She waved him on with friendly encouragements as he hobbled on.
Though once they reached the medbay, Manon halted to warn the children once more. The Leons and the Ghost clumsily bumped into one another due to the sudden stop.
"Now, before we enter, I want you to know that Monsieur Moisey cannot talk either. So don't get upset if he doesn't answer you."
"What? Will he ever be able to talk again?" Miguel questioned in shock.
"He will be able to talk again. Just... Not for a while." Manon explained. She hoped Moisey would be able to speak again, at least.
"And most importantly, no rough housing. Be gentle with Moisey." The young trio nodded in affirmation. Manon then turned to pull back the privacy curtains. Once the cloth barrier had been lifted, Adelaide was the first to run in. Manon tried to catch the excited child by the scruff. She failed.
"Monsieur Moisey! Monsieur Moisey, I missed you!" Adelie cried out as she hurried to Eugene's bedside. She threw her arms around him in a clumsy hug. Moisey gave a wheezing laugh. Though it was obvious that he was in pain due to the child suddenly throwing herself at him.
"Adelie! I said be gentle!" Manon called out. Eugene waved the woman's scold away. He hugged Adelie back and gave her a reassuring pat. It felt great to be able to see his Cubs again. He had missed their shenanigans. Adelaide still clung to him, her little face buried against his chest as she happily giggled.
Though Miguel was a little more reserved. He stepped close to Moisey with prying eyes. He seemed unsure. The Cub almost didn't want to touch Eugene in fear of hurting him in some way. The fighter truly looked terrible.
Moisey saw Miguel standing there like a deer in the headlights. He held a welcoming arm out to offer the boy a hug along with his sister. Miguel hesitantly obliged. It felt good to be with Moisey again, but Miguel couldn't help but wonder if Eugene would ever be the same again. Was he always going to be like this? Just stuck on a hospital bed with a face that looked like a pincushion?
Adelaide shot up with sudden realization. She reached atop her head to remove the worn cap that she wore. It was the Moisey's. The very same one he had given her the night he disappeared.
"Oh! Moisey here's your hat back. Manon told me to keep it safe for you." Adelie explained as she finally looked up at the man. She raised her hand to place the well-loved cap back onto the Rat's hair, but stopped. Her gaze wandered around Moisey's face as she took it all in. The Frenchman watched her chipper expression fall. The child's glowing smile had quickly drained from her face.
"Moisey, you look... Scary." Adelaide spoke as she reached to feel at Eugene's face. It no longer had the grey, scruffy stubble it used to. His signature warm smile was now twisted and distorted. The girl felt at his inflamed stitches in curiosity. Eugene winced in response to both her words and touch.
"Yeah, it almost looks like he's a monster..." Miguel added as he too studied the man's face. The children had never seen someone with such extensive wounds before. Naturally, they wanted to ask questions to understand. Their minds scrambled to try and accept that this is what Moisey looked like now. Admittedly, they missed the man's charming features.
"Will you two be polite? Moisey is not a monster, and he is not scary." Manon sighed as she saw Eugene's face turn into a hurt expression. Ludvik stood next to the woman. He looked at Eugene with the same concern that the Leon's did. But Luddy knew what the original wounds had looked like. He decided that the fighter looked good in comparison to the night of the attack.
"I'm sorry." Adelie apologized, "You just look different." The little girl explained. Moisey understood. He didn't think the Leons would accept him right away, but it went smoother than expected.
Adelie's hands wrung the man's cap in her hands. She felt guilty for saying that he looked scary. She didn't mean to hurt his feelings. Though Monsieur Moisey held no grudge. He leaned his head down so that Adelie could crown him with his signature flat cap. Once she placed it upon his hair, Eugene gave her a wink and a crooked smile. He held his hands out as if to say "Ta-da!". The Rat acted like he now looked perfectly fine. The children laughed. He was definitely the same playfully Moisey that he always was.
"You're looking more like yourself already, Eugene." Manon commented with a smile. Moisey's mangled face showed a kind expression as he hugged his Cubs once again. His pained spirits had certainly been lifted. Moisey was now truly on the rocky road of recovery. All he really needed was his unruly children to cheer him on.