~ Let It Burn ~ Citizen Soldier
*
NEXT DAY - UNDERGROUND CELL
**********
The crackling sounds of the torch flickers in the dark cell room, my back pressed up against the cold stone wall behind me. My arms folded while my eyes remain staring at the floor, waiting for further instructions til we can have them change into proper uniform.
His steel eyes were piercing into my own soul, feeling the intimidating gaze linger upon me since I got here just a few minutes ago.
"So........you gonna say something?" breaking the silence, my eyes drift up facing him. "You've been staring at me for a few minutes......I can tell you have a lot to say..."
He clenches his jaw, but calmly remains composed.
"Tch, everything about you was a lie since I saved your dumbass," He comments bitterly, as he leans against the wall. Both his friends were sitting down on the cell bed, the sound of chains clanging together. "Why did I even bother.....?"
"Yeah, you lied to big bro!" the girl agreed, but her voice more childish and accusing.
Closing my eyes I inhale slowly, parting my lips.
"My main goal was to gather intel, and with those thugs down below chasing me....." I began, my eyes narrow. "......that was bound to happen either way, it was your choice to save me or not."
"But it was your fault for warning them about us!" The man tucked away with the girl, eyes was showing anger. "I knew it! You were trouble, what is your real name?!"
"........."
"Answer us, bitch!" He shouts angrily, charging towards the bars with anger and confliction flickering within his light grey eyes. "You're just a high and mighty person, who can do whatever she wants.....you get it good, right? You get spoon fed with everything from the beginning! Come on, admit it!"
"........."
"Answer him!" the girls yells, her anger matching her comrades.
Parting my lips slightly, hesitation sets in.
Levi's eyes soon drift to his comrades shaking his head, "Enough! There's no need for that," he ceases them, before turning his eyes upon me.
"Anyway, with your comments from before," I trail off, my voice grew firm. "Some get it good, and some don't.......don't assume we all get it good, because even up here is hell too....don't forget that."
"Yamasaki!"
Turning I see Miche standing just half way down the stairs.
"What is it?"
His eyes sternly look into mine, making me realise that I should be heading to the meeting with Commander Shadis and Erwin. Nodding I leave the room without saying another word, hating that I can't fully explain myself without them thinking I'm a liar.
***
Flagon's fist meets the desk in an outrage from the sudden news that Erwin has announced, eyes narrowing towards the Commander.
"To be honest, it's humiliating!" he admits sternly. "We've been properly trained, and you want us to take in some criminals?! Being treated the same as underground thugs, is going to affect our troops' morale!"
Finn nods in agreement.
"I agree with Flagon," Finn concurs, sitting beside his comrade. "Furthermore, we're even taking them along the next expedition beyond the walls?"
Erwin glances my way, giving him the same expression before turning back to him.
"I do understand your concerns, however......" Erwin replies. "......I can vouch for their ODM skills, unlike their skills.....they are soon to match Yamasaki's ODM skills by far."
Both Finn and Flagon's eyes widen, glancing my way.
"Besides, Erwin's new formation idea is revolutionary," Commander Shadis comes in, supporting Erwin's side of the issue. "Until now we've focused on how to defeat titans, but this focuses on how to avoid encountering them. It's sure to result in fewer casualties."
Erwin nods.
"I"m confident it will play a role in reforming the military," Erwin adds, self assured.
Flagon's eyes narrow, still not tolerating the three thugs one bit. Nor was wanting an explanation at all, as Flagon's eyes rest upon me.
"What the thugs lack is discipline and knowledge of our formations," Commander Shadis points out, speaking up. "It shouldn't take them long to learn those. Because they're apparently not idiots, right.......Akira...Erwin?"
My eyes lift up meeting his own, nodding.
"Correct sir,"
"Yes,"
Commander pushes his chair out, "All right, that is all," he clarifies. "Meet down in your squads outside, we shall introduce them to everyone else if we're gonna continue evaluating the possibilities of their skills."
"Yes sir,"
Sitting there my eyes fall upon the tea in front of me, my lips purse together remembering Levi offering me tea the other night.
Yes, it was just any normal tea, but when we spoke......he was rather polite. Yet when you force your beliefs or law upon someone who doesn't abide by them, of course they're gonna strike or oppose it without hesitation.
Especially being pushed into a corner....
"What's on your mind, Yamasaki?" Erwin questions deeply, making me snap out of my own thoughts.
"Nothing,"
He lightly scoffs, "What could be possibly 'nothing' when your mind isn't engaging?" He questions, slightly irritated.
Five days with sleepless nights, my body is at it's limit.
I guess it's just catching up to me now, but I can't sleep. I need to stay awake and alert, especially with the new crew of the three.
***
Standing amongst the survey corps I notice Peter looking at me from afar, while I stood right beside Miche and Erwin. My eyes remain on him for a moment watching his movements, not realising I was holding my breath in.
"Attention, all hands!!!!"
We all turn before standing in our squad lines, with me standing in front in between the two tallest men in the survey corp. Our hands rest behind our backs, heads up tall looking forward to see Commander Shadis standing on the side up front.
Soon my eyes caught sight of the three standing up front with how survey corp outfit dressed, when I felt his steel gaze pierce into my own eyes.
"I'd like to introduce this trio, who'll fight with us starting today!!!!" Shadis announces. "You three, greet your comrades!"
The air grew silent, while Levi remains calm and composed with arms folded.
"I'm Levi," he bluntly introduces himself.
Everyone slightly looks up, taken back by his sudden rudeness.
"Levi, the first thing you're going to learn is discipline," Shadis scolds him, eyes narrowing upon the young man. "Next!"
The young girl steps forward with a brightening smile, taking a deep breath in.
"Isabel Magnolia! Nice to meet you!" She greets, seeing her cheery side again.
A small curls upon my lips, thankful to place a name upon her face.
Soon it was the other young man's turn as he salutes on his left side, "Farlan Church, is the name," He greets, seeing a whole different side of him.
It makes it more bearable to see now, than having to watch his sharp gaze upon me.
"Flagon, they're joining your squad! Look after them!" Shadis informs my comrade, while I felt Levi's eyes fall upon me. Just sensing it gave me chills, but no matter, I can't see him as a threat.
"M-My squad, sir?"
Shadis glares upon him, folding his arms while raising an eyebrow.
"Is there a problem?"
Flagon's eyes slowly lidded slightly calming down, fumbling over his words.
"N-No, sir," when I felt his eyes fall upon me. "Why not Akira's or even Erwin's squad?"
"I'm giving him overall assistant command duties," Shadis replies. "New recruits are your responsibility, got it?"
Flagon soon got the message, without another argument settling on the pile of responsibility.
He soon salutes, "Yes sir! Understood!"
"Akira will be accompanying you if need be, most likely if you're dealing with anything troublesome," Commander Shadis adds, my eyes remain nonchalant. "I would've sent her with Erwin, but her skills remain useful for the recruits!"
I could feel my little brother's eyes upon me from behind, waiting for everyone to disperse after Commander Shadis' command. Standing there I didn't realise my mind was sinking further from reality, blinking a few times I find my little brother towering over me.
"Huh? Did you say something?" I question him, unsure whether he said something or not.
He shook his head, before he lifts his hand and knocks my temple with his knuckle.
"You on the other hand look pale, you doing okay, sis?"
My eyes soon widen, slapping my cheeks harshly waking myself up.
"Sure am! Anyway, the sun is setting so you, Lena and Jonas go rest up or train," I assure him, turning to my squad members."I'm sorry I've been absent for a while, important things came up......but right now I just need....."
My drifts to my head feeling it throb against my skull, grimacing slightly.
"Captain?" Lena questions in concern, but i share her a soft smile.
"I'm alright, just do whatever you do when I'm not around," I suggest, before making my leave.
Rubbing my face with both hands I exhale deeply, feeling the warmth of the sun kiss my skin before walking to where Flagon went. I knew he would be questioning what the hell he was meant to do, especially after our small meeting just earlier.
Turning the corner I find myself at the barracks, when I saw him shut the door angrily.
"Damn, why do we ha--" He cuts himself off, noticing me standing there. "A-Akira....!"
He salutes me with a stern glint within his eyes, but I walk over to him placing a gentle hand against his tensed shoulders.
"Don't worry, I'm here to help you out," I assure him. "I know it's sudden, but just bear with it for a while......I don't know Erwin's real intentions behind this.....but, I've got your back."
His eyes widen with his cheeks reddening in response, "T-Thank you," he stammers, noticing his ears tinting red.
"Is everything okay? You look rather red...."
His eyes widen more before fumbling over his own words, until he clears his throat.
"I'm fine, anyway.......that short one better watch his mouth," he scowls, narrowing his eyes towards the building he just exited from. Look in his direction, I sigh deeply looking away. "Oh that's right, that girl.......could you at least show her where the girl's stay?"
Nodding he walks by me, thanking me quietly.
**
Knocking against the wooden door to the building the three were in, I step in finding two of the boys taking off their jackets with young Isabel sitting on a top bunk of the room. She swings her legs happily, until all three noticed my presence.
"You again, what do you want?" Farlan spat, bitterly.
Their intense gazes sent me off a little, making me rub my tired eyes again.
Suddenly my body was slammed against the wall feeling my head collide into the stone, my ears suddenly ringing. Groaning I felt someone gripping my collar, seeing his eyes right before my own. His nose almost touching mine, jaw clenched with a heavy wavering breath in his throat.
"Big bro!" Isabel exclaims in shock, when suddenly a sharp slap followed.
The stinging sensation lingering while my eyes remain staring into his eyes, holding no reaction to the sudden attack. I clearly deserved it, especially with the mess they were in with us.
"Do you have any idea who I am?" he mutters beneath his hazy breath. "That was for slamming into the ground, and the other......for clearly putting on a fake facade!"
I remain silent, my eyes held no emotion to his words.
"W-Wait Levi........you shouldn't really hit women!" Farlan calls him out, as Levi sends him a harsh glare causing the young man to step back.
Soon my hand slowly grips his wrist, tightening it causing his eyes to slightly widen, pushing a pressure point releasing his grip from me.
I step forward my eyes slightly looking into his grey ones, "Listen........I'm Captain, and that makes you three currently below me for now," I sternly comment, reminding them who they're dealing with. "I don't want to put up with your bullshit than I already have too, and be grateful......or you would've been in jail hours ago......but you gained something honourable.....remember that.."
Releasing my tight grip around his wrist my hands falls to my sides, flicking my hair to the side.
"Wow, so badass!" Isabel exclaims, slightly taken back.
Turning to her I gesture her to come down, which she gladly complied.
"Come with me, you will be staying in the barracks with the girls," I say softly, my voice softening. "You will be bunking with me for the time being......alright?"
Her eyes widen in excitement for a moment, before turning to the two males sending an intense glare towards me. Unsure whether to trust me or not with their comrade, but I knew she will be alright with me.
"Big bro, Farlan......I will be fine," She assures them, seeing them both slightly hesitate.
Giving them a sharp nod we both leave the men's barracks, closing the heavy door behind us both. She happily skips behind me like a child, seeing something that helps her cope with her situation.
It pained me seeing this, but for some reason I knew she was very important to the boys.
**
"Wow, thank you!" She exclaims, patting the soft mattress above my bed. She soon jumps up childishly, messing up her bed sheets in the process. "So soft....."
Her voice grew tired and hoarse, while sinking into the plush mattress.
"Yeah, it's not much but enough to make ourselves comfortable," I reply softly. "Dinner will be shortly, so we can sit and chat......or you can see the boys..."
She hums softly to herself, swinging her legs playfully back and forth before jumping down before me.
"I wanna stay with you!"
Taken back by her small outburst of excitement, I smile.
"Okay, fine by me," sitting down against the plush mattress beneath me, she follows as well.
"So........." her voice trails off. "......how old are ya?!"
Furrowing my eyebrows I turn to her, "So you wanna get to know me now, huh?"
She nods with a bright smile, her hands gripping her feet while leaning forward.
"Twenty one,"
Her eyes widen, "Wow, you're older!"
"How old are you?"
"Eighteen,"
The sudden questions began to ease the thick tension between us two, realising she was no longer a threat to me. Only Levi or Farlan I would rather keep my eye on, because judging by Isabel's playful behaviour.....it seemed she lacked a normal child. Especially with this behavior, it was her coping mechanism. Judging by her character she seems to be a little more defensive when around Levi too, but when she's alone you can absolutely read her like an opened book.
"You know......my little brother is just a year younger than you," I brought up, as her eyes slightly.
"You have a brother? What's it like, you know.....?"
Smiling softly, my eyes drift up.
"It's a warm and cozy feeling to be honest, he's part of my squad......" I reply softly. ".....always asking for extra training lessons, extra ODM gear training.....but overall he's a very loyal soldier too. We both share an incredible amount of the same things, especially when it comes to our comrades."
She awes in amazement, quietly.
"Wow........you sound like you really care about him?"
Nodding I lower my gaze, "Yeah........"
Soon silence fills the room with only us two inside, hoping to at least calm her down about the situation. She sighs deeply, leaning against the wooden beam that held the bunk bed up. Her forest green eyes stray away from me for a moment, as I untie my hair letting my locks fall.
"You know....." her voice breaks the heavy silence, making me see a solemn expression cross her face. ".....when I met you when you captured us, I cursed you. Yet I heard you were only following orders......I don't know whether to trust you or not......"
Humming softly, I pull my messy raven locks up to a messy bun.
"You don't need to trust me if you don't want too," I assure her, feeling a few strands fall around lightly framing my face. Leaning against the wall behind me, I fold my arms. "Besides I have nothing against you three....."
"Huh?"
"I can't believe I'm admitting this but.......I've never felt safe til the moment Levi saved me from the perverted scum," I admit, with a soft chuckle. "I've never felt that feeling before........his kind hospitality made me rethink a lot of things."
My eyes suddenly fly wide open, cupping my mouth.
"What? Do you like big brother?!" She exclaims, when I lower my hands waving them around.
"N-no....not like that, it's just........I can sense his kindness," I reply, replacing my words. "I feel he has been very good to you....am I correct?"
She nods with a big bright smile, mentioning him.
"He has, he took me under his wing an--" her eyes widen, covering her mouth instantly.
I look at her in concern, leaning forward I place a tender hand on her shoulder.
"Isabel........don't you....have...." i couldn't finish, because it must be a hard topic to talk about. She slowly lowers her gaze in shame, probably cursing herself for blurting it out without a filter in mind.
Sighing deeply I rub my thumb along her shoulder in comfort.
"You're not alone okay? Even though you have those two men with you, I've you," I assure her, seeing her large forest green eyes widen in shock. Soon she gives me a different look in her eyes, like I unlocked something that she never really talked or even thought about in a long time.
"H-how......w-why are you kind to me?" She whispers, unable to fathom the tender kindness I shared for her.
Smiling softly, my eyebrows hike upwards.
"Because everyone deserves a second chance,"
Her breath hitches in her throat with my response, lowering her eyes feeling suddenly guilty while twiddling with her thumbs.
"A second chance, huh?"
****
After lights were out I walk down the hallway around the Barracks, after leaving Isabel fast asleep. She was suddenly out like a light after having a good warm meal for the night, but recalling our close conversation....it gave me better insight in what her life was like before hand.
Running my fingers through my hair, I groan with the intense throbbing in the back of my skull.
"Akira...."
Raising my head slowly, I didn't realise Nanaba standing before me.
"Nanaba........what are you doing up?"
She smirks, hands on her hips.
"What about you? You should be asleep," She gestures her chin up, a light chuckle leaving her lips.
"Ahh.....I don't feel like it," I reply softly.
The soft crickets sounded in the peaceful night, while the cool air starts to pick up all around. A shadow casts a shadow over half her face, only taking a glimpse of her light blue eyes. Soon we both sat down somewhere quiet and alone, away from the barracks.
"So.......you went to the underground, how was it?" She questions, leaning forward with her right leg over her left one. Elbow propped up, she rests her chin on her fist.
Resting backwards against the wall, I exhale deeply staring up at the night sky.
"Nothing like I would imagine," I admit softly.
"That man.....Levi, I kept noticing that he would stare at you the whole entire time," She points out, while biting back a sharp remark about that man. "He looks so uptight....."
"Aren't we all?" I chuckle softly, as she follows along.
"Yeah I guess......but seriously, are you feeling alright?" She questions. "Ever since I saw you the night you captured them, you haven't been looking well at all......"
Smirking with her sudden observation, I brush it off.
"It's only been about five days since I last slept properly, that's all," I assure her, my eyes drifting up to the sky. The sea of stars littered across the sky, every single one was made when a soldier dies with honour.
"Five days? Akira.....seriously I know your strong, but seriously.....you need some sleep at least," She places a tender hand upon my shoulder, eyebrows furrowing in concern.
"That's the thing.....I can't,"
Soon she sighs looking away finding interest to the ground, my eyes lingering up to the sky for a little longer.
"Nightmares are such an ass," I mutter under my breath, but not enough for her to hear.
"Huh?"
Shaking my head, "Nothing......just mumbling to myself,"
She soon exhales deeply leaning back against the wall behind us, "So........you're assigned to help Flagon out with the three rookies?"
"Hmm...hmm,"
She clicks her tongue, "Must be very important with those three......"
Nodding in agreement, I couldn't say anymore than what has to be said. Most of it was confidential to say the least, for the most part of it too......I knew some things were best to keep under wraps. Things should be left unsaid, which I prefer to say most of the time.
Especially with Isabel and I's conversation, which everything we said should stay within the room.
"Well good luck with training them," She smiles gently. "Horse training, ODM gear training, self defense training........you excel in all those, so.....there's no problem for you.....right?"
Nodding.
"Yeah, let's just see how they go with me monitoring them,"
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