*
A FEW MONTHS LATER
The creaky sounds of the carriage and the distance echoes of the birds, wallow in the gentle wind. Cloak covering my face, my hands held the reigns while maintaining focus on the road ahead of me. The still and peaceful terrain made me feel at ease, knowing I'm well far from Chlorba district in which I came from. We had an order of at least ten fine stallions at least, knowing they need the mares to continue breeding.
"Captain Akira, are we just collecting horses just from dauper village or...?" Lena breaks the silence, while I grunt in response.
"Yeah, just there.........I specifically wanted to go personally," I began, feeling a little nervous. "They've only started breeding horses, but they were given special horses that would help start out their living."
"Why's that?"
A soft small smile curls upon my lips, "So.........I can meet with Mr Braus, apparently he's one of the best around these parts," I began. "He's a very good hunter too, and wanted to grab a few pointers."
She falls quiet allowing my response to sink in, before humming softly.
"So.............what are you going to do about that girl, you mentioned a while ago?" She asks me, feeling my heart strings tug. "Klara was it? What were you planning to do with her? It's been about almost a year since you saw her from the undergrounds, you planning to adopt her....?"
Klara, a small child I met from the undergrounds. Taking her would be unfair for the little children, but the thing was I had a plan in mind. It's probably not the best, but with all the chaos happening, I couldn't bring her up to the surface.
"I will be seeing her within two days from now, I got permission,"
Her eyes widen in shock.
"P-Permission? How did you manage that? I tho--"
"Took a heck of convincing through Erwin, and even the Mp's," my voice slightly darkens, mentioning the Mp's. My hands tightens around the reigns, while chewing my bottom lip. "What matters is I have a set time and place, no excuses or backing out. I will get Klara, now we're finally at ease for the time being."
"Akira........" her voice whispers in shock.
**************
Boots clamp down against the dirt while my hands rest upon my horses back, my head cranes to see a man no older than in his late thirties. A hat rested upon his head, and a beard. His eyes peer from behind his hat, with his hand holding it down.
"You must be Mr Braus?" I assume, with Lena following behind.
"Yes, that's me," he replies. "May I ask yer names?"
I give him a professional salute, "Akira Yamasaki, and this is Lena Hoffmann," gesturing to my assistant, who also saluted. "We got more soldier's to help us."
He tips his hat, "Well I'll be......so yer one of humanity's strongest soldiers, tis my lucky day," he smirks impressively, before he guides us to the stables not far from here. They're weren't as big or growing yet by their land or horses, but hopefully in the future they'll become great after great word.
We finally walk into the stables that held some horses, the room darkening due to the lack of sun but enough to know they will be enough. Mr Braus guides us around, informing and gathering what supplies we need for them. The horses were exceptionally fast, enough to outrun the titans which we were gratefully needed. My feet slowly took me to one of the horses, resting my palm against it's neck.
"Hey boy," I coo softly, gently patting the creature.
Something caught sight at the corner of my eyes, making me crane my neck.
A small girl no older than twelve years of age peers through the stable doors, seeing curiosity in the girl. She had red tinged brunette hair, and light brown eyes. Yet she held an irritated glare towards me, while I unfocus my attention upon the horse and back to Mr Braus.
"Mr Braus, this your daughter?" I gesture to the girl, who stood more broad away from the door in full view.
He turns around before a nervous chuckle leaves his lips.
With a heavy sigh with his shoulders he nods, "Yep, sure is........her name is Sasha......she's a handful,"
My eyes drift back upon the girl before making my way over, while signalling Lena to gather the horses with the soldiers waiting outside. Sasha steps back a little, but I held a hand out to assure her I'm no threat.
"Hey........Sasha......it's nice to meet you," I greet her softly. "How old are you?"
".........."
Feet shuffle over from behind me with a gruff sigh, "Sasha answer her, she's being polite to--"
I held a hand out, "It's alright, she's shy, right?"
Yet I saw a different look flash behind his eyes making me realise, there is a bigger problem than what I'm assuming. "You see......we're actually finding it hard to find good game from our hunting," He informs me. "It's hard enough to come by......and my daughter prefers to gobble down our winter's supply......ever sin--"
"Ever since those people from Shiganshina barged themselves here," Sasha seethes through her teeth. "They've got no right! They just take, and have no consideration for others!"
My eyes slowly widen, taken back from her harsh words.
"Sasha, I've already told you........titans caused the downfall........"
"It's still the people's fault for taking what's ours!" Sasha snaps angrily, before she runs off leaving me standing there. This girl......she must've loved her homeland. Standing there processing her words, a heavy sigh leaves Mr Braus's lips.
Mr Braus sends me an apologetic glance, shifting his hat to chest.
"I'm sorry for her outburst, I can--"
Shaking my head I give him a soft smile, "It's fine, the act of desperation and survival is a natural instinct of being human,"
He sighs deeply, with a heavy and solemn look within his eyes.
"She's........she's gonna be joining the 104th cadet corps next year, hope ter give her a better view on the world," he says, his accent thickens. "She's....pulled down by our old ways and tradition, she finds it hard to.....let go....."
The 104th Cadet corps, that's right I was placed to help train the cadets seen I don't have any more soldier's on my squad. Miche had enough on his squad, and Levi finally formed his squad with Oluo, Gunther, Petra, Eld. Being only Lena and I, I decided to help Keith Shadis with training the new cadets.
"I will watch over her then....."
He lifts his head up in confusion, locking eyes with my own.
"What do you mean? Aren't you part of the survey corps?"
Nodding with a soft hum, my hands settle against my hips.
"Yeah, I'm training the 104th cadet corps next year so I'm able to watch over her," I assure him, about to head off to find Sasha. Pausing for a moment, I glance sideways. "But.........the look within your daughters eyes......I see something, that urge to still fight......that headstrong will keep her alive."
With that I walk off in the direction Sasha went in, already picking up her whereabouts quickly. Finally leading myself to a tall tree, making me raise my head so high that she was perched upon a branch. Her eyes widen seeing me, before she furrowed her eyebrows and looks away. My palm rests upon the base of the tree, inhaling slowly knowing the struggles in moving on. Yet she doesn't understand the horrors, that Shiganshina went through.
Swiftly I push up jumping upon the branch she's on, without much work and adjusted my seating.
Her eyes were wide in shock and fear, as I gave her a soft smile.
"Let me introduce myself, hmmm.......?" tilting my head slightly to the side. Silence wistfully stills in the air, allowing her to adjust to my presence. ".......I'm Akira Yamasaki, born and bred from Shiganshina District.......Captain Or Commanding officer. A soldier from the 101st cadet corp......"
"S-Shiganshina district?"
Nodding slowly, her knees falls down from her chest adjusting herself.
"Your father explained your feelings, and I understand where you come from," I say, glancing at the crisp autumn leaves. "It's hard, but if you ever need someone.......I'm here. I will be training you next year for the 104th cadet corps regiment.......so you know a familiar face at least."
Her eyes widen in realisation, before faltering not wanting to let that take control.
"I-I....."
I shook my head, patting her head in a child manner.
"It's fine, no need to say anything...........can't wait to see you next year though," I send her a playful wink, about to hop down when a small tug pulls on my sleeve. Halting my head turns to see her looking a little red in the face, and embarrassed.
"I'm.......I'm sorry for.....disrespecting....Shiganshina,"
A soft chuckle leaves my lips.
"Don't worry, others have spoken worse about it than you have," assuring her. "All we can do now, is try and fix our land......"
With that I left the tree landing on the ground lightly, before making my way back to find all ten horses ready for departure. Seeing Lena discussing things with Mr Braus and passing some money, they noticed my return before everyone hopped upon their horses. Thanking Mr Braus for everything, we took our leave and began heading off to our main base of operations.
*
TWO DAYS LATER
The afternoon air grew colder by the second, with winter around the corner. Cape fluttering around my cold body, I wrap my arms around myself while being escorted down with Levi to the undergrounds. Stepping down the echoing stairs, Mp's awaited us down below. I could feel Levi's gaze upon me, making me turn to him.
"Is something on your mind?" I ask him softly. "If you're thinking I'm adopting her, I've already thought of parents for her."
He shook his head, glancing away.
"No, you're just.........nothing," he brushes it off, making me question his thoughts.
Shaking it off we continue making our way down before greeting the Mp's, but they had stern looks in their eyes. Before we could go any further, one of them stops me. "Listen we need you to sign a few papers, before further taking the child," one of them says, when they turn to Levi. "You....you stay here, she will be back in a few."
Glancing back to meet with Levi's steel gaze, I give him a reassuring smile.
"It's fine,"
With those few words I follow them into the building, as the door creaks open slowly before closing. A click was sounded, making me calmly approach the Mp's. One of them shuffles over to the desk, feeling the other soldier's presence behind me. I step forward about to take the pen that was placed on the desk, awaiting for my hand to sign the papers. Sudden force latched around my mouth causing me my gasp to choke, muffled against the large calloused palm. My first move was to grab his arm, but the Mp soldier before me prevented me by grabbing my arms and blocked my legs.
"You think we're gonna allow a scout to take a child from here? Tch, such trust you guys have," his face was close to my own, his voice deep and low. "So naive, and you being the strongest........what a joke. You're just talk, and no action...."
Trying my best to remain composed and limpid, I felt fingers being shoved into my mouth harshly feeling his nail cut along the roof of my mouth. Shit.
Wincing slightly an amused grin curls upon his lips, "But........let's make the most of the woman?" he suggests to his comrade, while I found it difficult to even breathe. With two large men holding me down, I knew my possibilities being able to take them down without a hitch. The air hits my exposed flesh feeling him peeling my shirt up, his hands wandering my self-conscious part of my body.
Without hesitation I send a heavy head butt against his frontal bone, making him stumble back. I sank my teeth into his index and middle fingers, before I elbow the man behind me. Rotating my body I grab his arm and twisted his arm, slamming him to the ground with pure force. My eyes pick up on the other soldier again, as I send a heavy blow to his head.
"Gah....o-okay, okay....." the man beneath me cries, while I gave him a dangerous look. "......you may proceed down, you can sign the papers later!"
I spat blood upon him, as my tongue runs along the cut against the roof.
The pathetic surrender made me sick, especially when they underestimated me. Blood coats the knocked out soldier's chin, while my eyes see the man's frantic eyes tearing up in response. Slowly standing up I grip my aching throat, seeing the two Mp's sprawled on the ground. The countermeasures beneath here was high, but I want to see that little girl again.
The door creaks slowly open, with a slightly stunned Levi.
"Tch, what the hell happened?" He questions, but I walk out the room swiftly not wanting to stay here any longer than I have too.
My eyebrows furrowed together in disgust.
"Greedy bastards, let's keep going," I mutter, before making our way into the main street of the underground. Licking my teeth grimacing I disgust, we both continue our way through the underground. Many people were still leaning against the buildings, bodies frail and bony and flesh grey from lack of sun. My chest tightens in frustration, but my main priority is to find her.
To find Klara.
****
"Found her?" I ask Levi, seeing him returning to the spot we agreed to meet back too. No signs of the child anywhere, and I was getting rather antsy and worried.
He shook his head, allowing me to sigh deeply, leaning my head back to gaze to the darkened surface. My hands rest upon my hips to catch myself a moment, fluttering my eyes closed.
"How old was she again?"
Eyes still resting upon the roof of the underground, I lick my bottom lip. "Last I saw her, she must've been at least three years old......"
He hums softly, when his breath hitches in his throat.
"Hey........is that her?"
My eyes snap in response seeing a little girl being thrown to the ground harshly, matted blonde hair and tainted skin with dried blood. Her tiny form was being thrown around soon after, making me clench my jaw in anger. Blood tainted her form, as I storm over without thinking. The old man that held her aggressively noticed my rude presence, before he rolls his eyes.
"What is it, I already have enough--"
Cutting him off I send a harsh uppercut to his jaw, hearing the small cry of the child fall to the ground. My body in front of her, my eyes angle towards the man, "How dare you place a hand on a child," bitterness drips from my tone.
He groans digging his right hand into the dirt, while the other clutches his jaw in pain.
"Shit........what the fu--"
I sent another kick to his stomach, making him stumble back into the dust. His weakened form was enough for me to know, he has no ounce of fight left in himself. My hands tightened at my sides, my eyes cautiously watching the man before turning to the child. Her eyes large and glassy, swimming with tears. Recognising the child the moment our eyes lock, I throw my arms around her not caring at all how bloody she was.
"It's okay, I'm here..........." I whisper softly, stroking her tangled locks. "..........you're coming to the surface."
"I-I am?"
*
BACK AT HQ
Bubbles were in full view while I prepare the bath, as I quickly rolled my sleeves to my elbows. Tying my hair up into a messy ponytail, and rolling my pants I was all set. Humming softly I finally finish prepping the small bath, before it was time to place her inside.
"Klara!"
Her small worn out feet tap against the tiles, while making her way over to me. She gazes in awe at the bath, unsure what it was while seeing her tiny toes pushing up to get a better view on the warm water. Her big forest green eyes light up cutely, baring her tooth gap grip. A bubble appears in front of her, while I picked up a stool so I can wash her. A laugh leaves her lips, popping the bubble.
"Alright, time to wash up," I sang softly, before I took her ragged clothes off. She shimmies out of them before lifting her up and placed her into the tub, seeing different excited expressions on her adorable face. Her hands splash across the surface of the water, before I got to scrubbing her tiny form. Her hair was still matted and knotty, knowing a haircut is in order.
"You sing nicely," She comments, making me chuckle.
"Thank you, just a lullaby I use to sing to my little sister when she was just a babe," I reply, as my fingers drift to her blonde hair. I scrub gently earning a few 'ow's and whines, before I pull out some scissors so I'm able to wash properly. Sectioning the hair I only grab the matted areas, and began snipping them off slowly. Getting through I trim her hair til it was all even enough, seeing how much of a difference it was.
Filling a bucket with some warm water, I cover her eyes before pouring it over her.
"Weeeee!" She squeals in response, making me chuckle in response.
The droplets fall into the tub, creating the tranquil sounds of peace echoes within the bathroom.
Grabbing some of my shampoo and conditioner, I was able to scrub her hair again while she squeezes her eyes tightly. Apologising quickly I manage to get her all washed and cleaned up, but while she was busy enjoying the water a knock was heard at the door. Quickly standing up my foot misses a step being guided into the water filled bucket, and slid smacking right into the tiles.
"Gahhhh.........goddammit!" I mutter, gripping my nose.
"Oi...........Akira, can I come in?"
"........." clenching my jaw, I could feel Klara's eyes upon me curiously.
"I'm coming in," he opens the door without another answer, before he stops seeing me sprawled on the tiles. My hair messily hung over my eyes, while having a small blood nose. He bends down guiding me back to my own two feet, before he pulls out a handkerchief.
"Here,"
He cups the back of my head, while letting my head tilt forward. His hand rests below my nose instead, guiding me back down to the stool. "Thanks," swallowing back a groan, I dab my nose a few times before breathing through it more clearly. "Anyway......what can I do for you?"
He sighs folding his arms leaning against the wall, scratching his cheek sheepishly.
"Just checking in if you're doing everything alright,"
He's bored, and got nothing else to do is more like it..........
"I see......anyway she's about to get changed, and head down to grab some dinner," I say softly, wrapping her up in a towel. I quickly dry her hair blocking her small body from Levi's gaze, before slipping on some clothes I bought for her. Once she was fully dressed, I knelt down placing her on the stool.
His eyes watch every move I made, enjoying the comfortable silence that falls between us. His soft breathing and little Klara's giggles made me feel lighter, especially after heavy days of work within the office and battlefield.
"She looks well cared for," Levi muses softly, while I finish braid two braids on either side of her shoulders.
Standing up hoisting her up to my hip, my eyes rest upon him.
"Thank you......and thanks for coming down with me," cheeks reddening in response, when he steps towards me. He took my face into his palms, eyeing my nose for a moment. "U-Um....C-Captain....?"
"Come later tonight to get it properly patched up, you smacked yourself rather hard before," He informs me, while caressing the tender spot I struck by accident. Blinking a few times I nod slowly, before we exit the room to get this little one some food down her little belly.
"Ready for some food?" I coo softly, rubbing her freshly clean cheek.
Her large green eyes gazes into my own in excitement, giving her a warm smile.
"Yeah!"
I couldn't help but bring her back up to the surface, wanting some comfort after losing my family. Knowing I can't adopt her while in the force, I knew there is a family in mind that I'm giving her up too. Only I have to watch over her for about a week, til she's able to settle with new parents. She never showed much fear seeing me again, but pure trust and love towards me since I brought her here. She's been through a lot, so I'm hoping to give her a stable home.
Was I trying to find something to fill that empty void? The guilt that I feel each day, will I return back to the girl I once was?
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