Chapter Text
Scar did exactly what he said he would. He wrapped a bandana around Steb's eyes, being mindful of the fins on Steb's cheeks and then the fin at the back of his head. He held Steb's wrist behind him, his hand easily wrapped around Steb's slender arms.
He looks much weaker than he is. But Scar knew that if Steb wanted to, he could easily slip from his hold and punch him in the face like he did before. Which is why Scar kept his other arm on Steb's shoulder, pushing him forward as well as making sure he can't turn around so easily, and without Scar noticing.
A part of him can't believe he's letting an enforcer go free. Just like that, hoping that he'll keep his word of not exploiting them. Everything in his body is screaming at him to not do it. But again, what other choice does he have? Keep him with them, hoping that they'll convert him or something? Keep him as their prisoner until he dies of old age?
…that would be a good handful of years, considering he's a Vastaya. Scar is just gonna have to hope.
Just in case, he actually even took multiple different routes. It took them twice as long to get where Scar said he'll let him go, but he didn't want to risk that Steb could potentially be able to orient himself, even with his eyes covered.
Eventually, they get there. It looks pretty much like before, except now there's a passage between the fallen rocks. Just as Scar expected. He knew that at some point either Vi, or someone else they would go for help, would punch through the rocks. He has to admit, he didn't expect Piltovans to care for a Vastaya that much. But again, Vi wasn't a born Piltovan. Traitor.
“There. Go.” he took the bandana off Steb’s eyes and shoved him forward.
Steb almost fell over his own legs, and then over rocks on the ground. Not something Scar did intentionally, but surprisingly, Steb was able to keep his balance.
Steb looks around, taking in his surroundings, and then he turns at Scar. He just stares at him for a moment, and Scar is ready to tell him off when he brings his hands up to sign.
Thank you, Scar.
Scar tenses up with a deep frown.
How does he–
…. Titch. Definitely Titch. Fucks sake, can't this kid keep his mouth shut???
Scar scoffs.
“I meant what I said earlier about finding you if you say anything about us.”
I know. I meant what I said too, about the supplies. Scar rolls his eyes.
“Don't bother, I don't want Pilties donations.”
Scar actually does. The idea that they could have more food, more medication…little part of him hopes Steb actually means his words. At the same time, a much bigger part tells him to not believe him and that he'll put something in those supplies to track them. Or worse, poison them.
I'll bring them here. Two days.
Scar only rolls his eyes with a small scoff, shaking his head.
---------------
Steb watches as Scar shakes his head at his words. He's not surprised Scar doesn't trust him. He barely trusts Steb won't tell on them. But Steb is determined to bring something.
He didn't only see people. He saw kids, elderly people, families. The image of that little kid that looked so similar to Scar comes to his mind. If there's someone in Zaun who deserves supplies, it's them.
When Scar doesn't say anything anymore, Steb slowly turns and starts walking. The air is clear, no signs of The Grey. Caitlyn must've turned on the clearing vents a long time ago. Most likely right after Steb got kidnapped.
He's carefully stepping over the rocks. His eyes had adjusted to the dark already, but the small rocks are blending into the ground. Somehow he hopes he'll find his beret, but if it's anywhere here, he can't see it.
Steb looks back at Scar. He can only make out his silhouette, the details long lost in the darkness. He has no doubt Scar can see him as clear as the day, he can feel his eyes piercing into his back. Those damn bright green eyes. For a moment he can't help but wonder if he were to shine a flashlight in his direction, if his eyes would reflect the light. Just like they did when he was staring Steb down when he was tied to a pole.
He walks through the small tunnel. Most likely Vi’s work. He's seen her punch through a wall before with those gauntlets. If he ever ends up on the other end of them, he'll rather surrender immediately.
He can't help it. He turns around again. Scar is no longer there. Steb didn't even hear him leave.
Steb stares into the darkness for a moment longer before he turns back on his path again. Time to get out of this hell.
~
It doesn't take Steb to get out that long. He followed the path he remembered they took, crawling out of a manhole within a large garden. It's their dedicated way to get into Zaun. It's secluded, so no one actually knows their business. It leads into sewers first, but getting out of them in Zaun is easy when they have The Grey following them.
Steb looks up at the sky and takes in a deep breath of the fresh air. The sky is slowly getting orange colours. How long did they hold him there? He lost track of time, but he believes it couldn't be longer than two days.
He should find Caitlyn and the others first before he goes home and takes a bath. He sighs, running his hand through his hair. It shouldn't take long, he could ask a patrol, they’re basically everywhere. And he has no doubt they were notified of the accident. He could go to the station, but looking for a simple patrol sounds easier. They just need to know he has returned. He rises to his feet, dusting off his uniform of any leftover debris.
Steb looks like a mess. He was already aware of it, but the stares didn't help. He already stands out like a sore thumb normally, but his messy look doesn't help it right now at all. He avoids eye contact, searching for the blue uniforms of his fellow enforcer coworkers. Finally he spots them. Three, standing together and facing each other.
Instead of facing the outside, looking around for danger, like they were taught.
Steb couldn't care less. He's not gonna correct them. Even if his rank is now a little higher, thanks to Caitlyn, he would most likely be allowed to scold them. He just doesn't care enough to do so. Especially right now. And it’s not like they would even listen or even understand him.
He walks closer to them.
Oh.
Oh fuck no–
Before Steb has a chance to turn around and walk away, go on his way to find a different patrol, his eyes already lock with one of them. He can feel his stomach twist as they immediately notify the other two of Steb's presence. His whole body tenses when they turn around, their eyebrows rising as if they're surprised Steb is still alive.
He stands still while the other three walk up to him.
“No way–we thought you were already becoming one with the sewers,” the Captain laughs. Steb wasn’t missing for that long.
Steb ignores the feeling of wanting to shrivel away and stands up straight. He knows how this man is, he won't let him get under his skin today. All he needs to know is where to find Caitlyn.
Where can I find Commander Kiramman? He signs. The captain’s eyebrows rise up, looking at Steb as if he just called him a slur instead.
”I don’t understand what you’re trying to do with those hand gestures. Talk to me like a normal person would.”
Steb’s stomach twists again. All the confidence he had just disappeared with a snap of a finger. Right, no one up here really knows sign language. The only person who ever made the effort to learn it is Maddie, and right now, she’s not here to translate for him.
“I know you have a voice. Use it with me if you want something.” the captain frowns, the two enforcers accompanying him snicker behind him.
Steb’s hands curl into fists, nails digging into his skin. Fuck.
“…Commander Kiramman….where…?” his voice comes out quiet and hoarse from how he doesn’t use it. Thick accents accompanies it.
”You’re asking where to find Commander Kiramman?” the captain asks back, crossing his hands over his chest. Steb nods, but there’s no answer from the captain.
”…yes.” the Captain smirks, clearly happy with himself that he made Steb speak, even as little as he did.
”The last thing I heard she and her Strike Team got pulled from the Zaun investigation. At least until we found out what happened with you. Since you’re finally back, you should go and get yourself checked in the hospital. I’ll tell Commander Kiramman where to find you.”
The captain gives Steb a satisfied smile, then he turns around and starts walking away. The other two enforcers look briefly at Steb before following the captain. Steb lets out a shaky breath, finally relaxing his hands. He winces, his nails left visible marks on his palms. He hates this man with extra passion.
He also changed Steb’s plans. Steb knows he’s fine. He’s just dirty and tired. Maybe a little dehydrated. Nothing he can’t fix himself. For a moment, he considers actually not listening and just going home like he wanted to. But the others are probably gonna be looking for him in the hospital…
Steb sighs, and starts walking towards the hospital.
~
It’s usually Steb taking care of patients. It feels very unusual to be the one sitting on the hospital bed and letting someone look over him. And uncomfortable. He keeps squirming with every touch. He’s certain that now he just wants to go home.
“You look fine, the only thing that’s concerning is your wrist, but it seems like you already took care of that.” Priya hums, her hand gently pushing against Steb’s bare shoulder, as if she were looking for a broken bone or hidden bleeding.
Steb leans away from her touch unconsciously, his eyes staring into nothing. He’s glad that bump on his temple isn’t noticeable enough.
“Steb!” Steb’s ears perk up at the familiar voice, his expression softening when he sees Maddie speedwalking towards him with others behind her.
Steb looks back at Priya, nodding at her silently as a thank you. She nods back at him, then she leaves him to talk to his team. He pulls his uniform back up, closing the buttons just in time for Maddie to stop right next to him. She slides onto the bed.
“Are you okay?” she asks, looking him up and down, like she could see any injuries through his uniform. He nods.
I’m fine. Maddie sighs, giving him a small smile before turning to their friends.
”He says he’s fine.”
”Steb, what happened??” Caitlyn comes closer to him. He expected to be questioned, luckily, he prepared a lie.
It was a trap, I believe. My mask broke because of the rockfall, I ran off to escape The Grey and got lost.
Maddie slowly translates everything. He actually has no idea what happened to his mask. Scar used it to wake him up at some point, he knows that. But where it went afterwards? No idea. As far as he knows, it could even be broken after getting kicked across the room.
Caitlyn frowns at his words. The gears spinning in her head are more than obvious.
“But—you saw someone, no? Or who was Maddie shooting at??” Vi joins the conversation. Steb shrugs his shoulders.
If someone was there, I hadn’t noticed.
“Where did you go? Did you see anyone else? Or anything?” Caitlyn asks. Steb is glad he prepared all of this beforehand.
I passed out at some point. I woke up with no supplies on me, so someone found me but probably assumed I was already dead. I didn’t find or see anything. I’m sorry.
Caitlyn groans at that. She was probably hoping Steb could have found something that would help them, just for him to lie in her face. Well, not exactly, the Firelights wouldn’t help them. He didn’t feel good about lying. But if what Scar said is true, that two people in this strike team know where Firelights are, he doesn’t even dare to mention them. Steb is sure those two people are Vi and Caitlyn.
“You think you’re good to continue tomorrow?” Caitlyn turns back to him.
Steb swallows. He wants to say that no, he’s not. And probably never will be. He already didn’t like taking part in using The Grey, but now he hated that thought. He also needs to figure out how exactly to bring supplies down to Zaun.
He still ends up nodding. Caitlyn lets out a sigh.
“Get some sleep, we’re back on tomorrow.” with that, Caitlyn turns and walks out. Vi is quick to follow her.
Loris pats Steb’s shoulder, which causes Steb to jump at the sudden touch. Then he also walks out. Maddie smiles at him, and he returns the smile.
Maddie accompanied him until their paths divided. He didn’t mind. He did mind when they first met, but he ended up softening up quickly once he found out Maddie’s been learning sign language. Just so she could communicate with him. No one has ever done that for him, not even once in all those years he’s been an enforcer for. Since then, he was glad to keep the Junior Officer around.
Steb opens the door to his home and slips inside. The sun was slowly disappearing behind the horizon, colouring his apartment in oranges and yellows. He wastes no time running a bath and taking off his dirty uniform.
He looks over his wrist again and remembers the soft touch of Scar’s fingers. It was so different from when he threw Steb on the ground, knocking the air out of his lungs, or when he was walking Steb through the sewer. He knew Scar behaved like that because he was trying to protect his people. But if Scar did it intentionally or not, he also showed Steb the softer part of him. Even just for a little bit.
He sinks into the water, letting out a content sigh. His gills flutter open, filtering out any dirt and other nasty stuff. The water feels soothing against his skin. He bends his knees and lets his head under the water.
For a moment, the world goes quiet.