Chapter One - Discovery

Mikasa resided at the table quietly, staring at her plate of breakfast. The table was filled to the brim with misfits, but a special one was missing. Eren Jaeger.

He usually accompanied Mikasa and Armin, his friends, to the mess hall. When he didn't come downstairs that day, Armin mentioned he was likely busy. A few almost agreed it was peaceful without the titan-shifter.

But this was a special case. Mikasa was not one to act depressed, although she was akin to Levi in appearing deadpan. Her fork slid around the plate like a truck, ignoring the food altogether. All that mattered was the road.

Armin fumbled his fingers underneath the table. He thought hard about a way to brighten the mood, but none came to mind. In the end, the blonde knew his last resort would be best. The silence was unbearable.

"I can go up to Eren's room and retrieve him," he suggested. His blue eyes scanned the others for a response.

As everyone turned to look, Mikasa nodded slightly. That was all Armin needed to know. He nodded in return then walked up the stairs, arriving at the door. He knocked gently.

"Leave me alone," a voice grunted from inside. Although he pushed with all his might, the door wouldn't budge. It was locked.

"Are you okay? Do you want any breakfast?" Armin ceased from knocking.

"I'M FINE!" Eren shouted once more, then a loud thump made the door tremble. Armin flinched, scurrying downstairs to greet the others. Mikasa watched him expectantly. She wanted an answer, and it would have to be the truth.

"Where is he?" She asked. Her hand had reached for the scarf, pulling it away from her mouth. It wasn't necessary, but she repeated the question.

"Where is he?"

"Well, he told me to leave him alone, so-" Armin was cut off as Mikasa shot up the stairs. Levi eyed the blonde closely, then obtained keys from his pocket.

"She won't be getting in without me," he said and followed her, taking his time.


The atmosphere was hushed. Mikasa's boots skidded then came to a stop as she rapped roughly on the door.

"Eren, let me come in. I know something is wrong," she said, continually knocking until her fist hurt.

Levi walked around the corner, suddenly grabbing her wrist. He then placed it by her side and exchanged a scolding glance.

"I would enjoy if you wouldn't get blood on the doors. Doors are difficult to clean," the Corporal fit one of the keys into the lock and clicked it open.

Inside, Eren was persistent; he had pulled his covers over himself. All they could see from their stance was a lump in the blankets. Both rushed over and Levi immediately ripped them off. He frowned.

"How did blood manage to get on the white sheets?" He tapped his shoe expectantly. It was Mikasa's turn to glare. He sighed.

"I'll grab the doctor," Levi huffed, then exited through the door. Eren had managed to pull the covers over him once more.


The gang were all gathered around the bed once the doctor arrived. He was busy scribbling notes when Levi eventually grew impatient. On the other hand, the entire idea of having to write notes concerned Mikasa and Armin. Eren must be a unique case.

"How is he?" The doctor looked up from his notepad, irritated.

"Not quite that well. I can not comprehend his current state. To begin, he coughs up blood, experiences migraines, and may be prone to fainting." He paused, evaluating their gazes before continuing.

"While it is difficult to pinpoint a specific reason, I believe it has to do with titan-shifting. When turning into a titan, it induces great stress on the body."

After some hours of words none of them recognized, the doctor waved goodbye. No one returned the favor, save for Levi. Their gazes were mostly fixed on Eren. He was sleeping.

The Corporal tilted his gaze to the others.

"Don't let a single hint escape. This will only be addressed as a cold and fever, you hear?" Levi said sternly. He began to make his way towards the door.


Once arriving to the bottom of the steps, everyone greeting the three solemnly. Connie was first to speak.

"Oi, what happened to him? Is Eren sick?" Mikasa and Armin, not knowing what to say, relied on Levi. He was capable enough to handle the situation.

Silence spread over the room like a disease. Finally, before the captain spoke, everyone tuned in.

"It's a cold and a fever. Nothing to worry about, so leave Eren be and allow him rest."

Once the sentences were loose,

Everyone doubted

The words

They

Had

Just

Heard