*
NEXT MORNING ~ OLD SCOUT'S HQ
The morning was rather a dread, only getting two hours of rest into my schedule. Nonetheless, at least I was able to sleep without any disruptions. Levi, however, sat there allowing me to rest. Feeling rather bad, he would've brushed it off and moved on. Typical he was.
The forest growth soon starts to grow thicker the more we rode our horse in, making our way to the old Scouts headquarters. Apparently no one has been there in ages, so we had to clean up the filthy building. Hearing Oluo's constant chatter to Eren, and changing his character of tone and facial expressions, it was rather embarrassing to watch.
"...A proper royal residence once upon a time; and more recently, our former headquarters....." he continues on, while I roll my eyes shaking my head riding on ahead of the group. "....fancy, yes, but absurdly impractical once the Scouts got down to business. Much, much too far removed from either river or wall."
Sighing deeply I flick my horses reigns, while trying to block the annoying soldier from my head.
Understanding he was briefly explaining about the castle, and about how we knew about it from the early days. Ordinarily he was, I trusted Levi's judgment with his choice of soldier's he handpicked. Remembering my last day before leaving three years back, I asked them to take care of Levi. Thinking back, my face would heat up at the thought of my words.
"Do not be deceived, greenhorn," Oluo warns Eren, while I turn my head around seeing him drift his horse over.
Eren furrowed his eyebrows at the nickname, "Excuse me?"
"Don't be expecting the royal treatment," Oluo scowls quietly, trying to keep his fake cool ego to the surface. "Whether you're titan or human, don't imagine for a second we all share the good captain's enthusi--"
Being cut off with that idiot's cries, he bit his tongue again.
"You dumbass," I sigh, turning my head around hearing a small snicker coming from Eld beside me. "Has he been like since I left?"
Turning to the vice captain, he nods with an annoyed expression.
"Yeah you can say that, it really is embarrassing to watch," he honestly replies, while I smile at the thought if Levi has overheard him. "But....he only does it around us, not Levi........so, I guess we're safe."
"Good,"
Finally after a few more minutes of silently riding our horses, we reach the large castle before us. Placing our horses within the musty old stables, I pat the base of my horses neck before tying her up. With so much cleaning and preparation for this place to become comfortable, I slap both my cheeks in response to wake myself up. Wincing from slapping my eye by accident, I kick the side of the wall before making my way to the building.
With our big journey from Trost, I was just thankful to have a few things provided already. Even though stables were poorly built, and weeds sprouting around, it was indeed an unkempt place. However with the building still stable and up, it was doable.
"Man look at these weeds," Gunther comments. "This place seriously has gone to hell."
Eld walks from behind nodding in agreement, "It's been abandoned for years," he replies, as my eyes trail along the moss covered walls that displayed before us. "Bet the insides' are shambles."
The sound of boots approaching us made me turn slightly, "In which case," Levi spoke up, surprising the two from his sudden appearance. "We have a problem, don't we? Best grab a broom and get to work."
"Yes, Captain," they both nod, in unison.
Leaning to the two I smirk, "Don't over exert yourself, he wouldn't work you two to death," I whisper, only for them to hear.
A hand grips my shoulder, feeling his warm breath against the shell of my ear.
"What was that, Akira?" He seethes through his teeth, while I chuckle nervously. "If you have something to say to me, best to speak up.....hmmm?"
Pulling from his grip I pat my sore eye, "Nothing, just telling them to clean the place til it's spotless to your satisfaction," in which was the truth, but I didn't want to exhaust the squad with a huge task.
He eyes me keenly, "Hmm......sure,"
Walking straight on ahead to the large heavy doors, pushing through to hear the squeaking hinges at the corners. Sighing deeply, Levi and I walked around, checking room to room which needs to be done, or what we needed to fix to get his ideal satisfaction. Small memories start to come back, taking in more of the rooms.
When I first started out as a cadet I was only here for only two years, before we had to shift main headquarters. The sound of my boots against the stone tiles echoes down the hallway, as my fingertips trail along the brick walls. Dust gathers against the pads of my fingers, before I flick them off finding myself near my old room.
"Wow, it's been a while........" trying to recall how many years it's been, the place was covered with cobwebs and dust. The smell was rather filthy, but had that old lingering vintage scent that left me feeling nostalgic.
Walking towards the window in my room, I push apart the wooden panes, before feeling a rush of the gentle fresh breeze.
Inhaling slowly, "That's better,"
With how many soldiers were piling up during my younger Scout years, there was barely enough room. To which we decided to shift headquarters, and to make more branches within each district in case we can't reach the next. Things have progressed over the years, but moving is the hardest part once you've grown use to a place you almost felt home too.
Hearing boots clamping down I turn to see Levi approaching me, "You seem spaced out, you feel up to cleaning?"
My eye widened taken back by his suggestion, being the clean freak he is.
Why isn't he ordering me around? I know we're equals, but still...
"U-Um......I'm okay, I'm up to cleaning," I assure him, touching my gauze wound. Though it was still painful, and difficult to even open my eye, I was still able to do work than just laze around.
He narrows his eyes, not taking my answer seriously.
After a matter of weighted silence, he passes me a broom and cloth, "Okay, make the place clean and spotless,"
Nodding firmly, he soon leaves the room while I lean against the wall. My chest rather more heavier, feeling my face flush a little too warm. I couldn't grasp this kind of feeling, but discovering what these unfamiliar feelings were, I guess I'm a fool to my own emotions.
"Seriously, just treat me like crap......." I sigh, lowering my eyes. "......because if you show me more kindness than I deserve from you, I swear........I'm gonna fall more for you.......idiot."
///
Dust soon begins to accumulate around the room, feeling my nose itching to let out a big sneeze. Trying to hold it in, I dust more quickly airing the room with the window wide open. It's been rather a few hours of dusting and cleaning, and sweeping. Gunther and Eld cleaned outside on the windows and walls, so that made some areas to be easier to deal with.
Levi and I were alone for a good twenty minutes, minding our own business while focused on getting most of this building finished. Wincing slightly with my eye, constantly nagging me, I roll back my shoulders and endured it.
"So.......how was training the brats?" Levi asks, which broke the heavy silence in the room.
My hand grips the broom tightly, feeling my chest heave.
"It was long time I guess, but...." raising my head feeling a smile curls upon my lips. "......I must've grown rather fond of them."
"How so?"
Thinking about it, the main soldier's I grew fond were the main ten and a few that stood out to me. When I notice potential in people, they catch my eye and I won't let them back out until they've given their all.
Turning around I went to the wall nearby him, and pulled out a scrub and thoroughly cleaned the mossy walls.
"Each one I've taught, I learned their goals and desires," I reply, not losing focus from cleaning. My fingers were red with small cuts, "Some were destined for the Scouts, and some were actual cowards. Seeing the breach in Trost, most now will likely back out from joining the Scouts......."
My jaw tightens the more I thought about it, not wanting to put their lives in danger so quickly and suddenly.
"You did well.........."
Turning to him I notice the captain was busily cleaning the window panes, seeing a calm expression written in his eyes. With the mask across his nose down, his eyes were enough to reveal his thoughts. A little bit.
"Levi?"
He turns to me, "I've seen the reports, I've seen you've become more stronger over those few years," he continues, his words were filled with sincereness. My heart pounded with every word that left his lips, like his own praises were enough to make me feel worthy. "But....I--"
"I'm done with the upstairs, Captain....Corporal,"
Turning my head slightly Eren walks in lowering his mask, while Levi faces him with his usual nonchalant expression. Eren soon pauses in his steps, standing more closely to both of us.
"What's the matter, Eren?" I question softly, dusting my hands from the grime that covered my palms.
"Uh, well if--if I may ask," Eren stammers, wording carefully. "Where will I be expected to sleep?"
Before I could answer Levi slips his mask down, "Your sleeping quarters are in the cellar," he replies, as the young boy grimaces even mentioning the word.
"The cellar? But, sir, agan?" he asks, not wanting to sleep down there. He turns to me with a pleading expression, "Corporal, please......I don't want to--"
Shaking my head, "I'm sorry Eren, it's our only safest option,"
Levi nods, "Your abilities are far from being under control," he continues. "You might go Titan in your sleep. One of the conditions of Akira and I having you in custody at all, is that we both keep you under strict security morning, noon and night. While we're in dreamland, you're in restraints. That's the rule......"
Eren's face was slight shocked and with defeat, before sending me a pleading look.
"Listen to him Eren, if you want to help mankind......please, just listen to us?" I say softly, not wanting to hurt the boy with everything that he's been through.
He sighs deeply, before Levi turns about to walk off.
"I'll check your work, take over here....." Levi ushers me over with him, gesturing for me to follow. "I want it spotless....."
Following along I give Eren an apologetic glance, before making our way around the corner walking up the stairs. Passing by Petra for only a moment, she sends me a soft smile entering the room with Eren.
"Tch, that little brat expects luxury?" Levi mutters, before we check Eren's work upstairs. Watching the captain trailing a finger along the window sill, he gathered dust and dirt. Grunts of disapproval was heard, while he checks on all around the room.
With the place not up to Levi's expectations, Eren is very screwed.
Chuckling softly, "Always so strict with cleaning, but.......at least you don't have to worry about me,"
"Tch, I know you're capable of cleaning than a rookie," he retorts quietly. "Get Eren and bring him back up, this is unacceptable."
Nodding I make my way back downstairs hearing chattering in the room, which made me eager to know what they were really talking about. Quietly approaching the door, I lean against the stone wall.
"Story goes...he was quite the rogue, before joining the Scouts, well before he met Akira," She informs the cadet. "A high roller in the Capital's black market."
"How the hell did he--I mean...." Eren questions, in disbelief.
She chuckles, "No clue. Folks talk, but who knows what really brought him here, right?" She questions rhetorically. "But I know the most popular version involves Erwin and Akira. They say those two dragged him to the Scouts kicking and screaming."
"The Commander? Corporal Akira?"
Petra nods, "But some say that Akira even got him to listen, and he would only follow her orders when he started out.....quite cute I thi--"
I decide to cut in, "What's going on?"
The two suddenly tense up seeing petra sweeping the already swept floor, while Eren freezes in place. "M-Ma'am!"
Entering the room I sigh, "Levi is not satisfied with your cleaning, back upstairs now," I tell him softly, knowing full well Levi would approach this situation more harshly.
Eren's burn with embarrassment, "Y-Yes Ma'am!"
Walking straight out of the door, I move to the side before folding my arms turning to Petra. She shyly glances my way, still pretending she was currently sweeping. Smirking softly, I lean against the wall folding my arms.
"But some say....that Akira even got him to listen..." I mimic, playfully as she laughs nervously. Raising my head, "To be honest, with that line of yours.....I myself don't really understand why he listens...."
Her eyes widen in surprise, "So you listened to all that?"
Nodding slyly, she whines gripping her broom.
"Seriously? I'm sorry.......it's just I'm still curious on how even the Commander got him to come to the surface," She whines, before her shoulders slump forwards. Placing a hand on her shoulder, I pat it.
"It's fine, but be careful when the Captain's around," I warn her. "He wouldn't like bringing up the past, okay?"
She nods with a nervous expression, "Yes Ma'am...."
////
The sun began to set behind the trees, and mountains while hearing the buzzing sound of cicadas coming in. With Eld and Gunther gathering more supplies, they soon returned before placing them in the kitchen hall, and main common room where we all would sit.
Soon night falls after a big day of cleaning the building, feeling my muscles already aching. My fingers kneaded against my firm shoulders, craning my neck before sharp pain shoots through feeling a cramp.
"Shit, shit," cursing to myself, I knead my hand more firmly against the spot before the pain settles down. Breathing in relief, I decided to make some tea for everyone being close to having our day cut out for us. I knew everyone didn't want to clean, but if you wanted to live comfortably, effort will get you somewhere than sitting like a bunch of dumbasses.
The water was soon boiled to a comfortable temperature, allowing myself to begin pouring everyone's favourite tea's. With my head filled with nothing, but raw memories, a hand rests upon my shoulder. Startled I turn to see it was only her, confused wondering she was here.
"Here, let me help serve out the tea?" Petra's voice made me relax, sending her a thankful smile.
"Much appreciated," gladly taking her offer, not wanting to make my first mess in the castle.
Lifting the cups of tea we began to serve everyone that sat around the long table, with only two candles at each end of the table. Eren sat at one end of the table, whilst Levi sat on the opposite end following with Gunther and Eld side by side. Quietly placing down Levi's tea, he gives me a nod.
"Thank you,"
Sending a smile I pull up a chair and sat between Eld and Levi, taking my tea in hand. With the silence airing around, I could tell Levi's squad was still intimidated by Eren's abilities. Eyes full of judgement, but they could place a good facade when needed. I can just sense it. They all meant well, but when it came to safety and new discovered situations, I wouldn't blame them if they striked first.
"Well......it's safe to assume our standing orders will stretch into next week," Eld concludes, after speaking with the Commander. "But word through the grapevine is we're gearing up for a big mission, a month from now."
My eyes harden, knowing where this was going.
Eld sighs, "One where a bunch of we-behind-the-ears graduates are slated to be our main backup,"
Gunther glances his friends way, "That can't be right, why do something like that?" he questions, already sympathising with the poor cadets. "The cadets have been through enough with the last titan attack. Why subject them to that kind of danger again? They were lucky enough that Corporal Akira was even there, or there would've been more carnage."
"You have to wonder how many of those snivel-drop runts peed themselves," Oluo comments, rather rudely.
Petra shook her head, "Surely this can't be the case," refusing to believe we're leading more kids, to death's door already.
A few turn my way knowing full well I trained these rookies, wondering if they're stronger than the last 103rd regiment three years ago.
My eyes fixated upon my tea, "I tried my very best with them, but they're not full prepared to be heading on a suicide mission," my fingertip trailing around the rim of my cup, while recalling the warm memories I've made.
It brought comfort, after losing everything five years ago.
Those kids are something, so I wish they will become what they desired to be......
"Mission planning isn't my responsibility," Levi spoke up, feeling his eyes rest upon me for a moment. "But....it is Erwin's...and you can bet the man's obsessed over every angle."
Eld leans forward resting his chin against his knuckles, "That's the truth," his eyes were a little dull, given we don't want this. "Especially given how unique the situation is....consider how many people died on the path to taking back Wall maria, then hope comes in a form no one expected. One that we're not even entirely sure how to deal with."
He turns to Eren who was soon put on the spot, while the room went dead silent facing him.
"Most of us still find it hard to believe, so how does it work?" Eld questions. "This whole changing into a titan trick. Really?"
Eren sweats nervously, "Wish I could tell you, but the fact is my memory's not clear," honestly admits, even though everyone stared him down. He swallows thickly, "Guess it's kinda like being in a trance."
"Like when you almost injured one of your comrades?" I brought up, as he held a painful and frustrated expression. "I'm not blaming you Eren, because it seems you're even surprised by this, than we are."
He hums in agreement timidly, "I do know the trigger seems to be hurting myself in some way," informing so new information. "Like biting my hand."
Levi and I notice him pausing, knowing full well we've already been through this before.
"You're not going to get anything out of him," Levi states simply, noting we've already interrogated him. Especially in front of the very Premier, and took a beating to believe we would take full responsibility of his actions. "Apart from what the scribblers have laid out in the reports."
He lifts his tea over the rim bring it to his lips, pausing for a moment.
"Huh, not that you know who, won't have a go at it," He murmurs, definitely knowing who he meant by that. He sips his tea for a moment, before lowering his hand, "You'll be lucky to come out of it alive, if that one lays into you......'Course it's only a matter of time."
Eren's knees bump accidentally against the table, "Who're you talking about?!"
Just in time I hear a loud bang from behind Levi against the doors, "Oww!!!" they cry, on the other side. The doors were locked from inside, as Petra kindly excuses herself opening the timber wood from the door.
"I'm so sorry," She quietly spoke, before standing up straight with a confident smile. "Good evening, squad Levi! How is the castle life treating everyone?"
"You're too early," Levi mutters, while I try to stifle my chuckle.
"Am I? S'pose I couldn't help myself!" She exclaims, striding towards Eren.
I swear every time she's around, the room lights up from the dreading depression, that everyone wore on their faces. To be honest I'm not that easily annoyed with them, except Levi. It's funny to even watch those two interact sometimes.
"Section Commander Hanji?" Eren breaths out in shock, not expecting her at all.
Sending him a smile, "hello Eren...in the event you haven't pieced it together yet," they began. "It's my job to spearhead the Scout Regiment's research efforts. Essentially, I poke and prod our captive Titan specimens. I'd very much like your help."
The boy raises a look of confusion, "My help? In what way?" he asks, leaning more forward with interest. "Like, what would I have to do?"
"Join me, of course!" She exclaims, seeing a hot feverish glance of wonder in her eyes. "On a quest of scientific discovery!"
He looks at them with concern, "Well, uh....I'm happy to help," being the polite boy he is. "Except I'm afraid it's not up to me. I'm under close restrictions by order of the higher ups, you see."
Hanji turns to me and Levi, "Akira, Levi, what's on the docket for him tomorrow?!"
Smirking I lean against my palm, with my elbow upon the table with amusement.
"Clearing out all the weeds," Levi replies, not really liking the idea of Eren ditching cleaning duties.
"Excellent, then! It's cinched!" she takes Eren's hand. "Young man, tomorrow will be grand."
"Uh....'kay...but, uh..." stammering over his words, I blow a strand of hair from my face from boredom. "....just so I'm clear, what exactly will I be doing?"
She hums in question.
"Are you running experiments or something?" He asks, knowing fell he's gotta get a handful of her chattering.
She gazes at him with excitement, "Ah, I knew it....." while I knew there was no backing out. "...you possess a singularly curious mind, don't you?"
With that being said I push myself from the table, following with Levi and everyone else not wanting to go through with what we endured before. I give Eren a quick apologetic glance, heading out making my way back to my room.
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