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“We’re out of that hellhole! The fresh air is calling our names!” Luis walked ahead with excitement while his partner walked calmly behind him just as happy. Making it out of the bug-filled mines on a surprisingly sturdy elevator shaft, with no immediate enemies, made them drop their guards for a second. They both looked around the huge open room. Every inch of the room had tons of crates and a lonely rusted crane, with wooden pallets laying around. Looking up they could see a hit of the dark sky. Leon looked over to the flirty scientist to see he was already turned looking back with a grin. “Because if we made it all this way you know it means we’re almost-” A grunt escaped from Luis, which made Leon straighten up with concern. He hoped no enemies got the drop on them, or if the Spaniard hid any injuries from the bug-filled mines.
“Almost what?” He said in a calm voice, he wasn’t sure why he wasn’t freaking out, maybe to keep his companion calm, or maybe because deep down he knew it would do more harm to panic. Just then blood dripped down Luis’ mouth as he coughed and fell. “Luis!” Just as he was about to run over to the Spaniard, a man jumped off a ledge, landing right by the body with an eerie laugh.
Leon looked at the person with wide eyes and parted lips. He knew that face. He knew that it was impossible. But he knew it was impossible to see ghosts.
“Long time no see, rookie.” Leon swallowed down his fear, his betrayal, and his shock, stepping forth.
“Major Krauser? What the hell? Why?” He had to keep it together to get to Luis. He watched as Krauser kneeled by Luis and grabbed something from Luis’ pocket, holding it up. Without realizing it he took a small step towards Luis.
“Recovering stolen goods.” He pocketed the tube of amber, “And killing a few rats along the way.” He snatched the knife out of Luis’ body, standing up just as fast. Leon never took his eyes off him. “Easy work.” He walked menacingly towards Leon. As Krauser got closer, Leon backed up unconsciously. Widening his eyes.
“Ashley… It was you.” It wasn’t a question and Krauser knew that. Leon made the mistake to glimpse at Luis to see his wound oozing blood. He knew to strike Krauser quickly. Krauser watched as the rookie's fingers twitched towards his handgun, he stuck fast with his knife stopping before Leon’s pale neck. Krauser wanted to just kill him but he wanted to see the rookie fight after so long ago.
“You catch on quick.” The fight began. One to kill and one for justice.
A single gunshot went off hitting the knife posed over to kill Leon echoed in the cave. Leon looked behind him, seeing Luis leaning heavily on a box, firing another gunshot this time hitting Krauser in the shoulder. The Major jumped away from Leon. Standing on a stack of steel crates in front of both men.
“Enough play, rookie. You haven’t changed a damn bit.” He frowned with a crazed look in his eyes, “What a disappointment.” Krauser jumped to the crane, to reach the third level of the room, pausing for a moment, shaking his head and continuing to walk out of the room, away from the two men in silence.
A loud pained grunt followed by a soft thud made Leon jump. He pushed himself up and ran over to Luis. He looked at the white shirt staining a deep red. He knelt down, looking through his bag for healing items he could use. He had plenty of herbs and bandages, pulling them out.
“Not looking good, eh, my friend? And such a loss to the ladies and gents of the world.” A low airy chuckle cut off with a whimper.
“Don’t talk.” Leon moved Luis’ hair behind his ear gently. “Luis, I need to get your jacket off.” He spoke faster, “I have to stop the bleeding. And once I do I’m getting you out of here.” He didn’t want to lose his friend. And isn’t that a funny thought, throughout this whole mission this Luis Sera has been getting off his nerves, but deep down he knew he wasn’t really upset about it. He loved the company, the jokes, the flirting, the optimistic ways this man had. He didn’t have to worry about him taking care of himself seeing that he knew his way around a weapon, but now? Now he was panicking.
“Don’t.” At first Leon didn’t register it, the whisper was low and airy. “Don’t…” The second time was stronger and it made Leon pause in his search for the right herbs.
“No, you’re not dying on me. Please let me help.” Leon’s voice cracked, trying to keep it together. Luis grabbed Leon’s hand, and dumped a small key in the process.
“Take this. The key to my laboratory.” He grabbed his pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, “Go there… and remove those damn… parasites…” He coughed, putting one cigarette to his bloodied lips. Grabbing his bronze lighter, trying with weak fingers to light it.
“No, I-I can’t leave you here.” Leon could barely see through the tears welling up, “You’re going to be just fine. Please just let me check the wound.” Leon couldn’t let another person die. He couldn’t, especially a friend. Leon put the key in one of his many pockets and gently touched the lapels of Luis’ jacket to reach for the zipper.
“No Leon… Leave me… Save Ashley and,” more blood dribbled down his bottom lip, “...k-kick their asses for me.” His nimble weak fingers dropped the lighter with a small airy chuckle. His eyes drooped. Leon stopped trying to get the jacket off and took hold of the small bronze lighter. His thumb slowly brushes the engraving on the side. He flicked the lighter on, raising it to the cigarette in Luis’ mouth. Lighting it, watching it slowly light up, watching it glow in this dark room, watching the rising smoke disappear into the air. A small wobbly smile appeared. “You know, I led a pretty shitty life.” Smoke drifted from his blooded lips, “But now, eh… what do you think, Leon?” Luis uses the last bit of strength to look Leon in the eyes, Leon tried to hold eye contact but had difficulty seeing past his unshed tears. An airy groan left the Spaniard's lips. Tears fell from Luis’ eyes.
“People can change, right?” The hopeful tone rang out as Luis’ final hope breathed out on trembling lips. A small smile left on his face as he passed quietly.
Leon watched as the light left Luis’ eyes. Watched as a small smile stretched on his face. Watched as the cigarette fell out of those bloodied lips. Finally releasing his tears. He gripped the lighter to his heart and carefully put it back in Luis’ hand. He wiped the tear tracks on Luis’ cheek gently with his thumbs. Closing Luis’ eyes with a soft touch of his fingers.
“Of course they can…” Leon whispered into the quiet room, “You did…” He sniffs, “You changed Luis. I’m so sorry, I couldn’t save you.” Leon tenderly laid Luis down, putting his head in his lap.“You were a fine knight, Don Quixote.” Leon leans his forehead against Luis’, closing his eyes, letting more tears fall. “Thank you Luis."