~ It Has Begun ~ Starset
TWO WEEKS LATER - WITHIN WALL ROSE
***************
Standing firm among all other soldiers, my eyes remain forward while the torches flicker on either side of the podium before us. The air grew colder and colder by the minute, but our bodies remain standing. My hands rest behind against my lower back, head tilted up facing our Commander.
Keith Shadis, our current Scout Commander.
His piercing brown eyes scan across the large crowd of cadets, as tonight is the very night we graduate. A heavy silence weighs around us all, hearing people muttering and whispering improper judgement upon our current Commander.
"Good evening, as some might know or not I am Keith Shadis, Commander of the Survey Corps!" He announces, causing everyone to quieten down. His eyes were the most intimidating pair since I've joined, but I'm gained his respect by a few visits since.
"Also known as the Scout regiment, and today is the very day you will choose your regiment!" he continues on, allowing it to process in everyone's minds. Sinking in, I've already chosen my path already. "There aren't many scouts nowadays, but we are kindly asking for many willing soldier's to choose the scouts, thus making it further in exterminating the titans.....therefore....."
I notice hesitation flicker in his eyes, sensing something causing a stir within him.
".....knowing mostly everyone here, you are scared to even lay your life down for humanity," his eyes harden, blinking in surprise this sudden accusation. Yet I noticed he was directly implying this towards some soldiers, whom were scared at wits end. "This decision will affect your life, and status......yet I'm not here to force you upon any regiment, but your own choice!"
He falls silent causing everyone around me to murmur, commenting and scoffing.
Skeptically gazing back up to Commander Shadis, I questioned his own motives right now. He expressed his choice of words sincerely, and even when the lights of the flames flicker across his face he looked exceptionally sincere.
"Now those who've decided to join other regiments, may be dismissed!!!"
In that very moment many soldier's start walking by me, one by one while their boots heavily trudged by me. My eyes remain forward, not giving another second thought in mind. Not me, I want to provide some leverage to ease the worry among the walls, especially when many live in poverty and suffering because of the titans.
Soon everything fell silent, while my eyes scan around seeing only a few soldiers standing.
Keith Shadis smirks slightly, folding his arms.
"I see.........for those who have stayed, allow me to welcome you to the Scout Regiment. This is a genuine salute, soldiers! Together, we give our hearts!"
We all salute him thumping our right fists against our left side.
"Sir!!!!!!"
Yet peering at the corner of my eyes, there he was. Standing there smugly, his eyes attached to my own. I'm starting to hate him more, than ever before.
Peter Walsh.....that bastard...
**********
{Year 840 ~ Within Survey Corps quarters}
Slipping on my belts and clips, I adjust my thigh straps for a moment when a knock sounded in my ears. Lifting my head my eyes glare upon the door, wondering who it could be. Shaking my head I fix my strap before walking over, I open the door with a soft click noticing her.
"Nanaba? I'm getting ready for the expedition....." I trail off, as she nods.
"Yeah, I came to accompany you," She smiles softly, causing my eyes to widen slightly.
Nanaba.....we've been comrades for the past three years, and still going strong even thought she's roughly four years older.
"Oh thank you, just let me grab my jacket and get going," I inform her, as she nods.
Finally whipping out my jacket we both hurry out of the survey corp building, while i slip my uniform jacket adjusting the collar heading to the station room collecting our ODM gear. Today was the very day I get to meet the outside world, and I'm nervous as hell. Things have been mostly training and experiencing any time situations, adjusting to nature outside.
"You ready?" She questions, while swinging her saddle upon her horse.
Humming softly I clip the buckles together, looping the reigns up.
"Nervous......but these expeditions are needed to be done," I say, before finally hoisting myself upon my horse. Looking upon the blonde, she sends me a soft smile.
"Always the one who has words of wisdom," She chuckles, before hoisting herself up. She clicks her tongue following with me, making our way down to the gates that exists from Karanes to the outside of Wall Maria.
****
The pounding hooves of the horses sounded while we all finally were making our way through the gate, as my eyes fall upon the gate. Soon as we were released from within the walls, my eyes widen in amazement being greeted with the light brightening my view. The miraculous view sent my heart pounding, finally connecting with the outer walls.
"Wow!" My eyes light up, hearing Nanaba laughing beside me.
"I know!"
"Alright, my team disperse!!!" Our squad leader announces, as Nanaba and I follow to the right with two other soldier's following along.
The wind pounding against my ears deafens my hearing, but senses were on full alert hearing the distant heavy rumbles vibrating against the ground.
"Titans," whispering to myself, when our squad leader raises his hand.
"Titan dead ahead, Yamasaki........annihilate the bastard!!!!"
My eyes widen from his sudden order, and especially me as well......
Nodding I gladly cooperate before adjusting my balance upon my horse, sheathing my swords with a sharp swipe I jump up midway activating my grappling hooks embedding them into the flesh of the titan.
It bounded towards us, rapidly.
Pulling myself flying through the crisp morning air, I charge head in flying high above the fifteen metre titan before gripping my blades backwards before twisting my body down. Spiralling down my blades sharply and discreetly sliced the nape, blood spraying from the attack before flying back down sitting back down upon my horse.
"Wow! That's your first kill!" Nanaba exclaims. "But.....your blades, why did yo--"
Our Squad leader cuts her off, clearing his throat.
"No talking you two, we must scout this area!" He scolds, causing us two to nod following along. My adrenaline rushes while moving fast with our horses, my hands gripping the reigns tightly feeling nervous in my chest.
The wind blows through my hair, feeling my eyes remain ahead.
A few times titans have come from ahead in our path, blood being shed and the stench of the rotting corpses causes my hairs to curl on my arms. While our horses gallop further than before my eyes shift up to the clouds that were slowly gathering together, which made my heart clench for a moment.
This doesn't look promising at all, especially in this condition.
"Um..........s-sir...." one of the other soldier's stammers, making our leader gruff in response.
He glances over their way, seeing their eyes widening in sudden fear.
"What is it now?!"
"T-The weather........s-should we signal a r-retreat?" they stammer, but our leader flicks his reigns more harsher than before.
Patronising us with his stern and cold words, I wouldn't say he's the best Captain.
We all follow him along the open plains of the land, while trees run by us around. The wind bellows deeply causing my hands to tighten more around the reigns, my knuckle whitening in the process.
Both Nanaba and I share a glance of concern, before a red flare was fired.
Our attention turned to the piercing fire of the flare, red colouring the air for a moment remembering in my training that it meant a titan is nearby. With things the way they are, shouldn't we be firing a blue to retreat with the weather conditions.
Not wanting to get scolded on my first expedition, I purse my lips tightly.
"Dammit," cursing in an undertone.
The soft pitter patter of droplets start to begin to cascade down from the grey skies, the sun being blocked out causing the area to grow darker than before. The winds begin to pick up, while the heavy footsteps become louder seeing titans showing up yet again. Shifting my hand I flick over my hood, covering my head from the soon to be downpour.
"Nanaba!!!" Our Squad leader orders.
Nodding she angles her eyes, narrowing a heavy gaze upon the flesh eating titan.
She soon jumps up upon her horse sheathing her blades out, before activating her ODM gear. She finally digs the grappling hook into the flesh of the beast, flying high up towards the threat before us. She swings around near the nape, before pushing forward with heavy amount of the gas in the tanks.
Blood sprays everywhere, while her hair and face tainted with red.
She soon flies back down the moment the heavy body collides into the wet soaked up mud, as the rain soon begins to shower down more heavier than before. Flicking my head in the direction of another flare fire, my eyes slightly widen.
A black flare.
Soon a purple flare was followed causing chills to run up my arms, my mouth slightly agape. Soon my squad picks up on the two flares, realising we were the closet squad around.
"Captain! Someone is need of help!" I call out, while the rain muffles our hearing.
He turns in the direction for a moment, before shaking his head.
"We must keep moving forward!" He orders us, but my jaw clenches.
"Sir with all due respect, purple means someone is more likely about to be eaten!" Nanaba adds, also backing me up on the matter.
He growls lowly.
"Keep moving forward, they will be dead either way!" He orders loudly, causing me to get more frustrated than anything else. Pursing my lips tightly with my jaw tightening, knowing what I'm about to do was against our code of operation.
"Well I'm sorry captain, but we are the closet squad around," I apologise sincerely. "But......comrades come first!!!!"
"Wha--"
I steer my horse around kicking the side of her, while speeding through the rain. The constant yelling coming from him was enough to know I will be punished for my actions, but I remain nonchalant of my choice.
Pounding my way through the heavy mud, the rain begins to seep through my uniform and cloak. Peering through the forest following the smoke signals, soon they all disappear when I hear the cries of a squad which I'm presuming.
Finally peering through the clearing my eyes widen catching sight of rookies like me struggling, noticing their captain was no longer around. One of them were in the hands of the twenty-metre titan, screaming and crying out loud.
"Damn our captain!!!" Another voice wavers.
Jumping off my horse instantly I activate my ODM gear embedding the grappling hooks into the tough flesh, pulling myself towards the ravenous beast. Hoisting my body higher up I grip my blades downwards, and with the click of my finger I spiral down slicing through the nape. Blood soon showers around tainting my uniform, along with coating my face. The stench was awful, yet the heavy thump it made falling to the ground made me assured we are safe for now.
Landing down the ground firmly I almost slid with the mud, before balancing myself running straight towards the soldier's. Just when I made it towards them, my eyes slightly widen in horror. Not him, why out of all squads it has to be him?!
One of the other soldier's races up to me, recognising as Elias, "Thank you, thank you so much Yamasaki!" He thanks me, taking my hand in his.
Blinking a few times away from his gaze, I shift my eyes upon Elias.
"It's no problem," I assure him, before making my way over to the titan where another comrade of theirs struggles to stand. Bending down I lend a hand to them, trying to ignore Peter that I could feel his piercing gaze chewing me right through.
"Thank you," Lucas breaths out, when he winces in pain. He cowers down, clutching his torso to his knees. "Gah......dammit....my ribs..."
My eyes widen, before my eyes dart around.
"U-Um....."
"Yamasaki, where is your squad?!" Peter questions, while I ignore him.
The rain drenches my cloak to the point I was dripping wet, flicking my hood off my hair stuck to my forehead. Lifting up Lucas, my gaze follows two of their horses and another but squashed to a bloody pulp.
"Ngh......thanks Yamasaki...." Lucas groans, rubbing his aching head I walk him over to the horse.
"It's fine, but.....Elias!" I call over, as he walks up to me.
"Yes?"
Looking around I could hearing the faint heavy sounds of footsteps still lurking behind the heavy showers of rain, "I want you to have Lucas on your horse.....wait, where is your Captain?"
Peter rolls his eyes, folding his arms like nothing mattered to him.
"He ditched us, what a coward he was," he scoffs, while I grit my teeth in anger.
Dammit, what is with this years squad leaders? They act so high and mighty, but once they meet danger they fled with the weak to be gobbled up.
"Shit,"
"Yamasaki, what about? Where's your squad?" Elias questions me, causing me to stiffen in response.
"They kept going....."
"What!?"
Shaking my head I take Lucas' arm, "Let's just get you three out of here, which way did your captain even go?" I question, finally getting Lucas up top.
Elias turns around searching for a familiar route, but soon his face begins to show more concern and confusion painting across. He begins to stammer, unsure which way he even fled. Soon he started to panic in the situation they were in, but I remain focused rushing towards my horse. Hoisting myself from the stirrups, I heavily sank into my saddle before clicking my tongue.
"Follow me, we shall go in the direction my squad went," I usher them, even though I hated the fact that Peter was among the three. Wait.....wasn't there.....four? "Hey......Elias....didn't you have four comrades on your squad, just before?"
He lifts his head while peering through his dark chestnut brown hair, while the rain soaks his hair.
"U-Um........"
"Did you or not?" I repeat myself, getting annoyed with how long we've been dawdling for.
he nods nodding furiously, "Yes, yes we did.........he was killed a few minutes before you arrived!" He cries out, causing my breath to hitch in my throat.
No........I was too late then......I failed to--
"Oi, if you have a team not far.....let's get going!" Peter growls in annoyance, rolling his eyes I focus on our main course of action.
***
We thunder down the raging storm as it grew worse than before, making it harder to see what was even before us. Trying my best to remain calm, I was beginning to feel more scared than before.
"Akira, I can't even see!!!" Elias calls out.
"Neither can I, but we must remain diligent!!!!" I shout back, even though I have no idea anymore where we were.
Suddenly in view a large hand reaches towards us, causing all of us to dodge the attack but my horses hooves soon slipped down. My eyes widen feeling my body lurch forward, colliding into a sea of mud and torn up grass. Crying out in response from the fall, a heavy weight holds me down to the ground.
"D-Dammit,"
"Akira!!!" Elias exclaims in fright, when heavy steps were sounding from all directions.
My heart quickens, not knowing what else to do.
"Great, look what you did Yamasaki!" Peter yells angrily. "You lead us to a damn ambush!!!!!"
"Shut up Walsh! You don't understand what she sacrificed to save us!!!" Elias snaps back, while I try sliding my horse down. "Look what our Captain did? Ditched us! Look at you, hardly doing a thing to help us, some comrade you are!!!"
"Excuse me? How dare your accusations!!!" he fires back.
Slowly standing up hearing their arguing blaring all around, my vision saw a few white dots in view. Blinking a few times I adjust to everything, when out of nowhere something tight and large latched around my body causing my eyes to widen.
"No Akira!!!!" Lucas calls out, causing both the boys to turn to me.
Building up speed I sharply curl up with it's hand, before spinning with the gas in my tank activated. Spinning sharply I slice it's fingers, with blood showering around again while I push off embedding my grappling hook into the flesh yet again.
The roaring sound rumbles through the valley, before I hoist my body up spiralling down slicing it's nape off with one swift movement. Landing on the ground my feet lose footing, causing my back to clash into the ground.
"Gah.......damn........"
My senses pick up with the heavy stomps of titans around us, making me stand up quickly only to wince slightly. Pausing in my movements, my hand automatically clutches my torso. Finding it difficult to breath, the pain starts to intensifies with every slight move I make.
"Akira?"
Shit, it hurts..........I didn't even realise....
Suddenly Elias jumps down running towards me, "Hey.....let me help you up, did something happen?!" He questions in alarm, his hand resting against my arm tenderly.
".......I-I'm alright," I assure him, but he continues to hoist me up to my saddle. Adjusting myself my eyes lower down, "Thank you, but we need to move now...."
Nodding he recollects himself hopping onto his horse, Lucas holds on tightly.
"Let's go!!!!"
***
The rain begins to die down clearing up giving us a better view, finding ourselves near the wall? Knotting my eyebrows in confusion, I hear flare guns firing.
The smoke reveals a dark blue.
"Retreating....?"
Turning around I noticed Peter glaring towards me, while I shift over to see Elias and Lucas doing alright. Breathing heavily with my heart finally settling down, I begin to find more squads leaving forests or just arriving near the wall.
"Akira!!!!!!"
My head perks up with the familiar voice, before seeing Nanaba galloping near us.
"Nanaba!"
Soon I notice only Nanaba and one soldier remained alive, while my thoughts drift off to our captain and lost comrade.
"It's so good to see you, you have no idea how scared I was!" She hisses at me, scolding me like a friend would.
Her horse gallops in sync with mine, hands tightly tangled with my reigns.
Pursing my lips tightly, "I'm sorry......but, I managed to save these three,"
Her eyes turns to the three soldiers, including the jerk.
"Why didn't you let peter die?" She jokes. "That would've put some ease on your shoulders at least....right?"
Shrugging my soldiers, I flick my reigns.
"That would be a tragedy......anyway, what happened with......Captain?"
Her eyes darken for a moment, grieving.
"He........he only died a few minutes after you disappeared," She replies, her voice cracks. "It was horrible, we watched......his body......torn.......limbs....."
The traumatic sight must've been ghastly.
"He tried using one of us as the bait instead, bribing us if we helped him he would raise our rank," She adds, as my eyes widen in horror. "We lost a good soldier today....."
I couldn't comprehend how I felt, yet all I could muster was a weak nod.
"I see........I'm sorry,"
She shook her head, "All we can do now is report his death and our comrades, fulfilling our mission," She clarifies, but I noticed her harden haze ahead.
I too felt pathetic right now.....
"But...."
Lifting my head up slowly turning to her, a small smile curls upon her lips.
"You were a total badass, you contravened the Captain's orders and went off," She smirks, making my eyes widen in response. "I didn't realise how strong you are, when it's a matter of life and death is in play...........that's why i really admire you.....Akira."
Slightly taken back from the last few words she confessed, I felt warmth in my chest.
"Anyway we're regrouping up ahead....." She continues, gesturing her chin ahead. "....You saw the blue flare....?"
Nodding she smiles.
"I'm just so glad you made it out safely," She smiles, before turning to Elias. "So......what happened?"
Turning around I gesture to Lucas, "Lucas has his ribs crushed, but was able to survive," I reply. "Elias tried to save him, and Peter..........just stood there.....so...."
She sighs rolling her eyes.
"Well looks like we have a lot to report for our first mission," She sighs deeply, sending a sharp glare upon Peter before we continue making our way towards the gate.
*
*
A FEW DAYS LATER - WITHIN WALL ROSE
**********************
The soft pitter of the rain hits the roof tiles above, while my eyes wearily flutter open. Adjusting the dim brightness I search the room, finding myself in one of the medical wings. Why am I here? What happened? Turning my head I notice a figure sitting by the window, before noticing an old face.
"Petra? When did yo--?" I try sitting up, but sharp pain shoots through my torso again.
Gritting my teeth trying to ease the tension, the young girl stood up quickly.
"Easy, lie back down," She ushers me, causing me to lie back down slowly.
The air in my lungs held in were finally released, puffing my cheeks out.
She brought a chair up beside me drawing a heavy sigh, "We've been on different squads remember, so we rarely saw each other," She explains softly.
Petra Ral.
I remembered the names of my comrades, but never formed strong bonds with them all. She was someone who stood out with Nanaba, but never got time to form a friendship together. My questions start to drift away, squeezing my eyes tightly feeling my torso in pain again. Realising my condition I wore only gauze around my torso, with my bra around and down dressed with pants still.
"What happened, why can't I remember what happened?" questioning her, unable to process my memories.
Her soft caramel eyes flicker away for a moment, before turning back.
"The moment you returned your body was overwhelmed with the pain, you suddenly collapsed...." She explains. ".....hearing what had happened to you, your ribs were lucky they weren't broken but almost fractured......"
Silence endures through the room, almost deafening.
"So........"
Her voice sounds so silky and smooth, no hesitation writhing in her voice.
My head cranes towards her voice, ".....you saved a squad....breaking the rules, huh?"
Blinking a few times I begin to recall those events before, I hum softly.
"Yeah......it was really ignorant of me,"
She gasps in response before shaking her head, her eyes search mine in alarm.
"No, not at all........I find that really.......courageous!" She exclaims, feeling bashful from those few words from a person i barely have spoken too. "You would not believe how word has spread, but......with the news spreading.....Commander Shadis wishes to speak with you."
Sitting up so fast I ignore the pain, my eyes wide.
"Huh? Why?"
She gave me a sheepish look in her eyes, scratching her cheek embarrassed to admit the sudden news that was unfolded. Gripping my torso I went to stand, when she stops me holding me gently down.
"Please? Just take it ea--"
"No!" I abruptly interject, before pushing myself up ignoring the throbbing pain. Walking over to find my black shirt folded on a pile, I take it and threw it over myself adjusting it. My back remained facing her, while running my fingers through my tangled hair.
"I must go see him now, how long have I been out?"
"Three nights and four days," She replies, making me roll my eyes.
"All the more to go straight to Commander Shadis now,"
Grabbing my boots at the edge of the door in the room, I weakly walk over and slipped them on while she stood there unable to do anything. Finally collecting my thoughts, mentally and physically my hand drifts to the door knob, only to pause.
"Thank you.......Petra, for watching over me,"
My eyes remain forward, not flashing a glance back.
"Akira.........you're still healing, you--"
She struggles to place her words, while I finally grip the knob in hand. The cool metal presses against my warm hand, my eyes harden for a moment.
"I'm fine, just worry about yourself,"
With that I head out without uttering another word, striding the hallways of the survey corps base. The sounds of my feet clicking against the stone, sent echoes throughout knowing everyone must be out training or recuperating. Yet I'm so damn frustrated with how my first mission out the walls was a fatal disaster, did I really cross the line?
Turning the corner I pass by a few survey corp members, but their eyes linger upon my weakened figure.
Without batting an eye I ignore the odd stares finally reaching the Commander's office, halting before the door. My hand lifts slightly scrunching to a fist, and with a heavy sigh drawing past my lips I knock twice.
"State name and your business!!!!"
Swallowing thickly, I took a deep breath in when thunder rolls in the distance.
"Akira Yamasaki sir, I've heard word I should see you?!" I announce.
".........."
Silence fills the air, causing my stomach to churn.
"Come in!"
Opening the door I was greeted with Commander Shadis, and Peter's Squad leader standing in the room. My eyes slightly widen but not noticable for them to see, closing the door behind me. Soon I stood there with my hand resting behind my lower back, trying to show respect towards my seniors.
"Just the person we need to see," The squad leader claims, folding his arms while his eyes remain upon me.
Was it disapproving type of look? Why can't I read what's on their expressions?
Commander Shadis' brown eyes pierce into my own, causing my chest to tighten in response. He leans forward hands clasped together, look up to me from his seat.
"Do you know why you are here?"
Blinking a few times, I purse my lips together.
"No sir....."
He sighs deeply shaking his head, "You're here because you broke a rule, especially on a team mission in critical conditions," He replies, answering his own question. "Overhearing word and rumours, is this true? Yamasaki?"
Knowing my honest nature, I nod slowly.
"Yes sir,"
My eyes lower to the ground, when he sighs deeply.
"What you did, deserves punishment for straying from your own squad..."
My eyes slowly drift up, meeting his own.
"Yes sir,"
His eyes angle slightly, "Your punishment would be receiving back lashes, twenty times......" he continues, slightly wincing at the punishment I'm given. "....but....."
"Hmmm?"
"....what you did was the most courageous thing anyone has done, since I've become Commander," He changes the course of the situation, when a smirk lies upon his lips. "....you saved three of Arvin's squad.......going out of your own way......responding to a flare, which was black and purple."
"Sir?"
"You're not gonna be punished for those courageous acts, but.......I want to know why your squad never turned to help," He stood up, walking up to me. His hands rest behind his back, "Why didn't your squad leader respond to the emergency flares....because as part of the survey corps....we must follow protocol."
How do I explain that my squad leader was selfish, and he ignored the weak?
Shadis raises an eyebrow, "Well.......?"
My eyes glance over to Squad leader Arvin whom has his arms folded, awaiting for my answer. I didn't even understand what was running through my leader's mind, but I knew he never cared one bit, but himself.
"He didn't care about the signal flare, he assumed by the time we arrived.....they would be dead," I reply honestly, but my eyes angle towards Arvin standing there acting high and mighty. "But.....it seems you need to find more brave soldier's next time Commander..."
He furrowed his eyebrows.
"What did you say, soldier?"
Turning to Arvin I tilt my chin up, "Squad Leader Arvin fled his squad the moment one of his soldiers was eaten," I repeat myself. "I came in just in time, before Lucas was devoured only earning with severe broken ribs........and Captain Arvin...?"
He grimaces my way, seeing a flash of lightning blaring through the window.
"....you need to work on your soldier, Peter, he didn't help your team members either," I add, as his eyes widen. "Being a soldier isn't about cowering in fear, and leaving everyone behind. We are the victims, yes, but we stepped up to protect the weak. Not run away from our problems, we must step forward and take the hit......that's what it is in becoming a soldier.......you better think twice and work on your team....."
Captain Arvin was taken back by my words, when I turn back to see Shadis' eyes glaring upon Arvin himself. He storms towards him and grabs his collar harshly, the tension thickening the more I uncovered more of the truth behind the situation. Yet it must be known to the Commander, or nothing will be fixed and renewed.
"Yamasaki, you're dismissed," Commander Shadis ushers me out, while his eyes not leaving Arvin's gaze.
"Sir,"
Without another word I turn on my heel before walking out swiftly, opening the door I shut it right behind me striding down the hallway. Addressing the real problem, I guess protocol is protocol.
Turning the corner without look I felt my body collide into someone, when a hand wraps around my wrist tightly. My eyes snap up only to see him towering over me, his hazel eyes pierce into my own.
"I've overheard the conversation, you tattletail," He growl lowly, while trying to escape his tight grip.
"I'm not a tattletail, I'm only addressing the real situation," I reply calmly, when suddenly pulls me into a room slamming me against the stone wall. The sound of the door clicking behind me, sent shivers down my spine.
His eyes look like they were undressing me, while my eyes widen.
"You're weak and vulnerable now," he smirks. "So....I will give you the punishment you deserve...if the Commander won't...."
I send a sharp kick to the groin swiftly causing his body to hunch forward, finally releasing me. Rushing towards the door large hands grab my hips pulling me back, slamming me into the ground hearing a small snap within my torso. Choking on my air, tears prick the corners of my eyes.
"P-Please Peter, I don't understand what you want?!"
He slammed his hands over my mouth, before pinning me down straddling my waist. Breathing heavily through my nose, my eyes were forcefully met with his shit eating like grin.
"You don't understand, you can't be naturally talented in the survey corps," He sneers. "I'm older than you around three years, and you seem to get better and better every year since we started training..."
Grunting beneath his hand over my mouth, I struggle to breath properly.
My chest was weakly heaving up and down, before suddenly he flips me onto my stomach ripping off my shirt releasing my mouth. He straddles me down with his heavy weight, hearing the sound of something metal being whipped out, he chuckles in response.
"P-Please.....Peter?"
His hot breath fans over the base of my exposed neck, his lips slowly kiss the shell of my ear.
"Please what? I don't understand what you want?" He chuckles beneath his amused smile, before feeling the cold nip my skin.
With what little strength I twist my body making his body lose balance I elbow his chin, swiftly acquiring the blade from his hand I jump away. The moment my eyes met his own, if looks could kill....I would be dead by now. Standing up with blade in hand, I angle my eyes realising he's blocking the door.
"We're meant to be soldier's, leave me alone," I plead with him. "I don't want violence with our own soldier's.......please?"
He scoffs smearing the blood from his nose, that I've caused.
"Stop acting so innocent, your strong......but you degrading you will be fun,"
My eyes widen not understanding his intentions, nor his actions. Leaving me entirely exposed from collarbone and down to my waist band, I felt suddenly self conscious. His eyes linger across my body, when he clicks his tongue.
"Who did that?" He raises an eyebrow.
"Did what?"
He gestures towards the old wounds my father placed upon me, marring my skin underneath.
"It's none of your concern," I reply, before taking my chance to bolt to the door.
Yet sharp pain shoots through my torso causing my moves to falter, feeling his large arms grab me and pushing me up against the wall. His hot breath fans over my face, before his teeth gnaws against my flesh up my throat feverishly.
"S-stop......P-Peter....?" I plead, as my thrashing begins to slowly become more sluggish.
He smirks against my skin before his mouth almost meets mine, but I yank my head away. He growls pinning both my arms above my head tightly, while the other hand roams my body gripping my hip.
"Submit to me," he demands.
My eyes were filled with anger, yet I still felt so pathetic in this moment.
"No!"
His other hand releases my wrists before gripping my arms tightly feeling bruises forming beneath his grip, causing my breath to quicken. He begins to strip me down til leaving me in my undergarments, yet I kept thrashing against his hold. The cold air nipping at my skin, feeling more vulnerable than before. Soon my body was succumbing to darkness, feeling myself blacking out for a moment.
The next moment I find myself lying against the stone wall, alone.
"W-What?"
Shifting my head around I felt blank, empty......did he....do anything?
I notice I was still clothed, but his fingertips and touch still lingered across my skin. Tears slowly begin to form in the corners of my eyes, unable to fathom what had just happened. Pulling my knees to my chest I bury my face into my knees, before my throat croaks out a small sob.
Dammit, why wasn't I strong enough?
Why couldn't I have escaped? Why did I let this happen?
My hands slowly tighten into fists, my breathing becomes uneven feeling my body slowly growing warm then cold. My heart begins to have palpitations, my chest feeling suddenly heavy and harder to breath. My eyes swimming with tears, confused as to what's happening with me. My body trembling in response to this familiar feeling, like a panic attack was rising again.
"Dammit, dammit......dammit........you're weak and pathetic," I waver to myself, cursing while trying to maintain my sudden attack. The bruises throb with my veins pulsing, making me swallow dryly.
*
YEARS 840 - 6 MONTHS LATER - WITHIN WALL ROSE
*************************
Fist connecting against the wooden dummy before me, the wind rushes past my gauzed fists. Laboured breaths escape my lips, while I sharply inhale swinging a high kick to the head of the dummy. I land gently on the ground, my ponytail whips around in response before parting ways from the dummy after a few hours of heavy training.
Bending down I grab my towel wiping the sweat that aligns my hairline, licking my bottom dry lips for moisture.
"You're getting better Akira!" Nanaba comments, resting against the fence nearby. "What's been your sudden motive now?"
Escape the claws of Peter Walsh, but his words gnawed me to the bone.
"No motive," I lie, while taking a quick drink of water that was laid for me. Chugging it down, i wipe away the excess, before lifting my sharp gaze settling upon Nanaba.
"How about you? You've gotten stronger over the past few months," I point out, grabbing my towel I drape around my sweaty bare shoulders. Wearing a tank top, with some lazy shorts.
She folds her arms, walking over to me.
"Yeah I've been putting more extra hours with my ODM training," She replies, when soon her gaze falls somewhere else upon me.
She swiftly walks over and touches a spot against my neck, causing me to flinch slightly.
"Akira....what's this? You seeing someone?" She smirks, raising an eyebrow.
Shaking my head, I flick my towel playfully towards her.
"No, I can't focus on men right now," I reply, even though I've been used and tormented for the few months since that incident. Every late night was torment, causing me to have restless nights of sleep.
So training hard and working on my ODM skills distracted me from that, than isolating myself.
"Always so uptight, you should let loose and meet someone at least......" She smirks lightly, about to playfully nudge me, yet I flinch in response. Her eyes soon start to look into my own in concern, before folding her arms again.
"Hey.....Akira, is there.....is there something going on?" She questions, deep concern lacing in her gentle voice. "Us girls should stick together, so if there is anyth--"
"I'm alright Nanaba," I smile warmly, hiding the truth. "Just been training so much......I've been just overexerting myself....but I'm okay...."
She hesitates for a moment, while I sat down and began unwrapping my gauzed fists.
"So.......I've heard you're changing squads," I assume, my eyes remain on the bloodied gauze.
She hums softly.
"Yeah.......I hope you don't mind," She asks, making me lightly smirk. "At least I'm still staying with you in the same rooms."
Shaking my head, I finally finish one fist and worked on the other.
"No it's your life, your choice......I will be fine," I assure her. "You should go and pursue that, but we will still be room buddies.......so that's still a plus...eh?"
She nods while I stood up dusting myself.
"Yeah, so........enjoy our new Captain," She chuckles, making me half smile.
Nodding I glance up to meet her eyes.
"Yeah he's an interesting captain, but he's the best so far,"
She nods in agreement.
"Sure is, he hasn't led anyone astray......and always follows protocol and acted with any smoke signal,"
Things have been changing over the past, yet sometimes I wondered what was going on in my own mind. Slowly creeping in depression, I placed such a facade over that with a smile that made my life feel more normal.
"Anyway let me guess, you're actually leaving tomorrow?" I assume, collecting my towel draping around my shoulders taking my bottle and bloodied white cloth in hand.
She nods solemnly.
"Yeah, sorry...." She apologises, but I shook my head.
"Hey I'm okay, we're soldiers......we will meet any time anyway...." I assure her, as we both rest our foreheads together with warm smiles. "......remember, you've been a very close friend of mine. Nothing can change the fact that you're the first to ever give me hope, and becoming stronger...."
She chuckles through light tears.
"Yeah, thank you Akira.......one day I hope to hear your name being chanted," She grins widely, before pulling away.
"You too Nanaba, we will get strong," I encourage her, grinning widely.
Our friendship was strong and the more I dwelled on it, i realised I made a real friend. She was someone I relied on, along with the rest of my comrades. We both walk down to our shared room, knowing we will still stay together in the same room. I haven't heard any news on my brother in the 102nd cadet corps, seen it's been six months ago since he started his training.
"So any news about.......you, I mean......you moving to another squad or remaining with our new captain?" She questions, making me smirk.
"Still staying with him as always, we already lost a comrade and gained a new one," I began. "But we just lost two of our comrades last month yet again..........how many more people left? The survey corp is dropping low in numbers....that's why I'm training hard now......so I don't drop dead."
"I see......I understand,"
Wondering what squad she's joining, my head perks up.
"So......what squad you joining?"
"Miche Zacharias,"
My eyes widen, "Wait isn't he like the walls strongest soldier?" i question. "That's amazing!!!"
Her eyes widen, "I know, I can't wait to work beside him!" She eclaims, expressing the same energy. "I have always admired him, and I'm hoping to fight beside him for a long time!"
Softly smiling seeing such admiration flicker in her sky blue eyes, hoping we will become stronger.
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