A Reason to Fight (Levi x Reader x Erwin)

Chapter 39: Cognitive Dissonance

Your POV

"I've never seen her this despondent before," I hear the gentle voice of Peter say to someone, "She just sits there and doesn't respond to anything. Since you're close with her I thought maybe you could help her."

"I don't know what you expect me to do, but of course I will try."

That voice... I know that voice, it's been so long since I've heard it. No, it can't be him, what would he be doing here?

But it was him, it was confirmed when he stood in front of me, "(Y/n)," He says my name as he gives me his signature crooked smile, "I've missed you. Are you well?"

"Mac," I squeaked as I looked up at him, "You're here."

"I am," He chuckled as he sat down next to me, "Tell me what is wrong. What are you feeling? How are you feeling?"

He wraps an arm around me and pulls me closer to him, the gentle thumping of his heart helped relax me into his arms.

"I don't feel anything." I reply quietly.

"Like numbness? Where? Did you have a bad fall or something?" Mac asks me, examining my body for signs of injury.

"No," I respond weakly, "Emotionally. I think they have been messing with my head again."

"What makes you say that?" Mac asks nervously.

"I didn't mean to get Teresa and Kirsten in trouble, but they got punished because of me... But I don't feel anything. I don't feel guilty or angry or sad. It's just... Nothing."

"What have you guys been doing to her?" Mac rounds on Peter who is just standing off to the side, "You said you were going to stop."

"We don't have a choice, Malcolm," Peter sighed, "She's a lot tougher and resilient than anyone else; we have never had this much trouble before."

"What can I do? Just tell me, I won't allow this to go any further. You see what her mother is like, I'll die before I let you guys do that to her too. I may have enough to persuade Lawrence to let me buy her."

"It's not that simple," Peter replies, "He won't just part with her."

"What if I threaten to go public?" Mac offers.

"The word of one unknown man against Lawrence Pearson? That will never work." Peter argued.

"(Y/n) can talk about her experience, people will believe her."

"Her memories are too fragmented, she won't be able to give adequate testimony."

"Let the experiment effects wear off and maybe that will help." Mac pleaded with Peter.

"She wouldn't survive that, we've built a strong barrier in her mind preventing her from remembering. For most of them, as the effects wear off and her mind starts to recall certain memories she will experience overwhelming pain. The pain mixed with the guilt and sadness would kill her. It isn't something I would ever recommend she do."

"You think I'm just going to stand here and allow you guys to continue these sick tests?" Mac growled at Peter, growing angrier.

"Yes, you must. The spinal fluid is killing her, it's in her genes from her mother. But it is also keeping her alive. She won't survive without it, Malcolm. I know it's frustrating for you, but there isn't anything we can do. Pearson watches her like a hawk. Try not to worry too much, she was only just given another dose, her emotions will be more normal again soon once it settles in her system."