Will of the Broken (Levi x OC)

Chapter 21: Expedition Part 3

South Shiganshina... A perfect little outlier district

On the other side of the gate rested the flat expanse we knew as hell.

To say that I felt dull to it all would be a lie. Sure, I was a veteran soldier of the Scouting Regiment, but there was a difference in being immune and schooling your emotions into an endless calm.

We sat on our horses as Commander Shadis yelled over us all. It was one of his pep talks. I didn't listen to many of them.

This time, was different for some reason. Maybe it was the dread and white hot terror ripping at my chest in an attempt to make me cry out.

"Today, we take one more step forward!! Show me what you've learned in training!! Teach the titans the power of the human race!!" He shouted over the wide rows of soldiers.

It wasn't the best speech, but then again, I've heard it before. The gates slid up and halted for us.

"ALL TROOPS!! ADVANCE!!!" He cried furiously. Slowly, the pounding and clopping of hooves on the ground grew louder.

Eventually it the rows stretched enough for our squad to go.

"Hey... Now would be a great time for someone to tell me this isn't really happening." Farlan muttered nervously.

"Well, it certainly is hard to believe. That humans from The Underground could set foot outside the walls." Levi said while tugging on the leather strap of the reins and kicking the sides of his horse gently.

"I hope you're ready for the view. It is always the best on the first round out." I chuckled, following Levi and the others beyond the wall.

I felt the wind whip my skin, and for a moment I felt free of my worries. That was short lived as I remembered our enemies.

I looked at the trio to watch their expressions. It was always amazing to watch the expressions of new recruits lighting up. It is usually the only time it happens. After an expedition that wonder and amazement disappears for a while.

"Woah! It's Amazing!!" Isabel exclaimed, eyes wide and smile bright.

"Yeah." Farlan agreed quietly. I watched an expression of awe flood his face. He was absolutely floored by the endless stretch of blue above him.

"It's not bad." Levi spoke in a gentle shocked tone that made my eyes land on him.

His ebony hair swayed lazily in the wind and his stormy blue eyes were more prominent. They were glimmering with the force of the stars on a clear night. Despite the fact that his face was straight, it was softer like last night.

I felt my heart pounding inside my chest and looked away. It was too much.

Silly as it sounds, I am more afraid of my father than the titans. So, even if Levi was a friend in my eyes, he was a distraction. Everyone I knew and saw as a friend were distractions.

However, it is hard to let that go. I desired affection and friendship. More than I ever thought I would.

I just had to make sure my father thought I was still a blank slate.

That was sure to work right?

"Oi, are you constipated or something?" Levi's strong voice pulled me from my thoughts as fast as our horses could run.

"That's very vulgar, but no. Just thinking." I said softly, trying to regain my composure.

"Well, I asked you a question. What are titans like?" He asked looking at me.