Levi X Reader | One-Shots & Mini-Series | Heavy Editing

Aniki

|-Story 1 of the Family Series-|

!Graphic content!

The town beneath one of the richest cities in the walls was harsh, cruel even. Even more so for a child. A child growing up alone in the underground was a child dead before they reached adulthood. Even at the tender age of six, you knew that. You knew that the moment your mother sent you away to fend for yourself. In the underground you had two options; give up and die or scrounge and maybe survive. This was the harsh reality for those who lived metres below the affluent.

Then again, you were just a child.

You bare feet dragged along the ground, mind numb to whatever that matter was squelching between your toes. It was just another day searching for whatever would keep you alive for another few days. The merchant's cart was in your line of sight, your stomach growled painfully as you set your eyes upon the apples and bread. You were small, your size made it relatively easy to steal undetected. However, those bandits on the stolen manoeuvre gear had thrown a spanner in the works. Merchants were on guard, often sporting shot guns on their person as a deterrent to the thieves. Your body crumpled to the ground and you clutched your starving self as another wave of intense hunger cramps crippled your form.

You didn't care anymore. You had to eat.

Forcing yourself to your calloused feet, your eyes locked onto their target. Approaching the cart with caution in each step, your little arm began reaching for the sustenance you craved. The second your hand made contact with the stale bread, you felt something make contact with your abdomen. Your body flew back, hitting the wall directly behind you. You begged your mind to catch up with your body as you saw the merchant readying to kick you again.

"You thieving shit!" He screeched, lunging toward your sluggish self. Before you could gather yourself, another merciless blow was landed on your form. Your arms cradled your head, trying to shield yourself from the relentless assault.

"Pl-please stop! I'm sorry!" Your voice could only be described as pure and utter panic. Consciousness was fleeing your body, trying to protect you from registering the pain of the bones cracking under the boot of the rich, fat man.

You weren't sure if your body had gone numb or if the attack had really ceased. Though, when you felt cold hands pry your arms from your face all you could do was beg for mercy. "Hey, hey! It's okay, it's over!" Your body froze at the unfamiliar feminine voice. Lifting your head from between your boney knees, you locked eyes with her own green hues. "Calm down, little person. Here, take your bread. Take more!" Her exuberant attitude was discombobulating following the recent events.

"Isabel, you're scaring her. Just give her some space," the scolding voice of a man came from behind her.

"Am not! Right, little bird?" Your eyes widened as she stood, looking at the bulky contraption hanging on her waist. Looking at the man standing behind her, it all clicked. These were two of those bandits targeting the merchant stands.

"Look! They can't even speak," The man said, approaching you with a bag. He shot his companion a partially serious glare before turning his attention back to your shaken form. "Hey, little one. Take this and make sure you're gone by the time he comes to." Your eyes followed where he was pointing, seeing your attacker unconscious a couple feet away. Standing over him was the last of the bandits. He turned and locked eyes with you, his grey eyes piercing your soul.