It's Just A Scratch: Chapter 4

A light golden daze traced the horizon, reaching outward bound across the morning sky. Each new glimmer of sunlight acted as a signal to humanity, granting them with the precious knowledge that a new dawn had graced their world.

A tumbling breeze swept across the newly awoken village, promptly casting away the dusk twilight air. Each elegant gust swept the cobbled streets, rhythmically dancing about the fresh flowers inhabiting the town. White tulips flourished, their ice white beauty decorating each window ledge of the the local infirmary. Drenched in their newly found sunlight, the pale petals collected their morning nourishment. Their pristine leaves grateful for the gift of life upon which they had been blessed.

Light began to filter through the small infirmary window, bringing with it a refreshing glimmer of hope. Gentle streams of sunlight ticked the nose of Armin who appeared resting upon a small wooden chair, bound by his unconscious state to a world of dreamlike escapism.

Yawning lightly, Armins aquatic blue orbs flickered open to the greet the new day. The radiant glow encroaching from the window tickled the boys sun kissed face, forcing him to re-adjusted his blurred morning vision. Sitting upward Armin turned to face Mikasa, his tired eyes expecting to find her resting, tucked away within a warm cacoon of blankets. However, that wasn't the case.

Sat upright with a stern expression, Mikasa stared longingly into the distance. Her pupils urging the door to open as her body sat still, raptured within a sense of helplessness. Each second became more strenuous than the last as Mikasa's mind clawed at the wooden walls, unable to bare another moment of isolation.

"How are you feeling?" The blonde questioned, before proceeding to elongate his arms outward in a large stretching motion.

"I should be with Eren." Mikasa stated, her voice taking on an icy edge.

Falling silent, Armin appeared taken back by Mikasa's statement. Though she had been through such a traumatic ordeal, the dark eyed girl fought on, her mind clearly in pursuit of Eren's safety. Climbing up from his comfortable position, Armin stood beside Mikasa placing his left palm on her shoulder. A gentle glimmer of comfort graced the boys expression, offering reassurance to the distressed girl.

A light knock swept the solid oak door alerting all those in the room. Mikasa's gaze shot toward the noise, desperate to see if Eren had returned.

"Eren!?" She called, wide eyes welcoming the illusive guest into the room.

With an unnerving creak the wooden door opened uncovering the visitor. They stepped forward promptly welcoming their presence into Mikasa's field of vision. Making his way forward into the room, Commander Erwin stood before the pair.

Slumping her heightened shoulders, Mikasa's anxious expression quickly dissolved swiftly fading to look of dissatisfaction. Gently closing her dusk hues, Mikasa let out sigh.

"Did you sleep well?" Erwin proceeded to inquire, smiling toward the girl.

With a brief nod Mikasa answered the question before diverting her gaze toward the window. Looking toward the girl, Armin shook his head. The blonde boy was fully aware that Mikasa hadn't caught a glimpse of sleep. Picking up on this, Erwin proceeded to speak.

"Eren's fine, you don't need to worry." Erwin calmly explained, grasping Mikasa's attention once more.

It was clear that the Commander had deciphered the situation. Proceeding to swiftly move in, putting Mikasa's distressed mind at ease.

"In fact, I saw him just a moment ago. He should be here soon." Erwin continued, watching as a light smile graced the girls weary expression.

The tense atmosphere subsided, making way for a more peaceful environment. Though Mikasa appeared content with the knowledge of Eren's safety, it was clear something still bothered her. The weight pressing down upon her had been lifted. However, only slightly.

"Now that we've cleared that up, shall we discuss your next step?" Erwin prompted, hesitantly taking on a stern tone.

Sharing a brief glance, a sense of uncertainty simmered amidst the room as Mikasa and Armin looked toward the Commander. Both pairs of eyes anticipating Erwin's next move. An eerie silence lingered briefly before Erwin cleared his throat in preparation to speak once more.

"I'm afraid to say, in your current state there is no way you can continue working on under the Survey Corps." Erwin began, his voice seemingly reluctant to speak. "I'm sorry, but I will have to discontinue your position effective immediately."

Armin looked toward Mikasa, his blue gems wide with anguish awaiting her response.

Her pale face appeared tense, it was as though she had already anticipated this dire reality. However, amidst her mangled legs and frail appearance, a passion burnt away fiercely beneath the surface.

"I'm sorry, I cannot accept that." Mikasa stated, her voice cold.

Taking a deep breath, Erwin closed his eyes briefly before intercepting the girls gaze.

"This is not an offer. It's an order." He persisted, a sense of doubt seasoning each word.

It was clear Erwin didn't want this, nobody wanted this. However, with Mikasa laying motionless before him, it was the only option.

Left speechless, the girl peered up toward the commander. Furrowing her brows, a sense of dismay graced her delicate expression. Scrunching the pristine white bed sheets amidst her grip, the girl hardened her gaze.

"I will walk again." The girl demanded, determinism thriving amidst each word. "I will never abandon the Scouting Legion"

"I know it's difficult to accept, but you have to face reality. Even if you put your best efforts into rehabilitating your legs, it would take years. Plus, after hours of training and strenuous work, there is no guarantee that you would walk again. I hate to say it, I truly do, but there are no other options." Erwin persisted.

Mikasa tensed her grip, clutching once again to her bedding. Each word as it left Erwin's mouth acted as a knife twisting in her side. Her quivering eyes lay victim to an emotional confrontation, fighting against a flood of tears attempting to pass her masquerade of solitude.

"Mikasa..." Armin spoke, his voice tentative in the situation.

A tense silence followed, it was as though no one dared speak. With her eyes locked on the ground, Mikasa processed the situation. Armin looked upon his childhood friend as she began to tremble before him. Shaking his head lightly in disbelief, Armin turned to the commander.

"Surely there is something we can do!?" He begged, desperately searching for an answer.

"I'm sorry." Erwin replied, evading Armin's pleading hues.

Intruding upon the tense conversation, the oak door opened. With a gentle push, the door let out a light creak gasping the attention of all those in the room.

Levi emerged from the doorway, his eyes analysing the quiet room before him as Eren followed cautiously in his stead. The pair had unintentionally interrupted the minefield of emotion, looking upon their fellow survey corps oblivious as to why an eerie silence lingered throughout the room.

"What's going on?" Levi enquired, callously shattering the uncomfortable atmosphere.

Levi looked about the room, each person before him seemingly distressed, evading eye contact at every given moment. Eren looked toward the captain, equally as confused by the situation.

"We were just discussing Mikasa's future." Erwin replied, turning to face the concerned pair.

Piquing Levi's interest, the captain raised an eyebrow. His cold stare pressing Erwin to continue. Looking toward his subordinate, Erwin pursed his lips in attempt to speak once more.

"I've been decommissioned. I'm no longer fit to work under the Scouting Legion" Mikasa interrupted, her voice cold.

All eyes shot toward the girl. Peering forward with a stern expression, Levi looked on. Not one trace of emotion appeared present upon his expression.

"What!?" Eren exclaimed, clearly taken back by the news.

"I know I'll be able to walk again. I promise you, I'll do it." Mikasa continued as a raging passion simmered amidst her twilight hues. "Please believe in me."

"I'd love to believe you, but I simply cannot. I'm sorry." Erwin persisted, emphasising his point as the room fell into a silent state once more.

"I believe you." A stern voice ruptured the silence.

All eyes turned to the source of the voice, Lance Corporal Levi.

Standing beside Eren, Levi rested again the dark oak wall. His blank expression made him appear uninterested, however this wasn't the case.

"I believe you have what it takes to walk again." Levi repeated.

Composing herself, Mikasa hardened her expression. Determinism thriving amidst her hues, she stared back toward Levi.

"Levi, you know there's nothing we can do." Erwin intruded, his attempt to make the head strong captain see sense. "We don't have the time or people to aid her."

"Leave it to me. I'll train her." Levi persisted.

Falling silent, the commander met Levi's icy gaze. Not one word passed between the pair, it was as though they fully understood each other from one brief glance. Levi aimed to achieve impossible, all Erwin could do now was trust the judgment of his subordinate.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Erwin inquired.

With a simple nod, Levi answered the commanders question.

"Fine. You have my permission. However, only on the condition that if doesn't affect your work as captain." Erwin explained, shooting a stern glance toward the Lance corporal.

"Is that ok for you?" The commander questioned turning to face Mikasa.

A look of shock raptured her expression. With wide eyes Mikasa nodded, promptly accepting the offer.

Though it appeared everyone had given up hope, Levi fought her corner. Not even Eren jumped in whole heartedly to Mikasa's aid. When her future lay shrouded in darkness, the most unsuspecting person offered a helping hand. Though that hand may have be cold and seemingly heartless, it radiated an inexplicable warmth. A little light in the dark simmering away as proof. Proof that there is a person behind those icy hues of his. No matter how much Levi fights it, denies it, ignores it. He is human, and always has been.

A light smile graced Mikasa's pale face as she looked toward her captain. It was clear that a weight had been lifted from her broken body.

"We begin at dawn." Levi informed, swiftly evading eye contact the captain turned to the door.

"Tomorrow?! Are you crazy?" Armin shrieked, dumbfound by Levi's proposal.

"You're right." Mikasa concluded. "Tomorrow is too late."

"That's not what I meant!" Armin blurted, clearly struggling to comprehend what the pair were thinking.

"Then we begin today, I shall return at noon." Levi confirmed, before proceeding to leave the room.

Without a moments hesitation, Erwin proceeded to follow Levi through the door way. Mikasa watched as the pair spurred off, leaving the trio to their own devices once again. Stood motionless in disbelief Armin and Eren shared a brief glance, both utterly confused by the situation.

The morning rolled on amidst the town. Sunlight beamed down, illuminating the cobbled streets as Erwin and Levi exited the infirmary. The light blue sky welcomed their presence as they continued on into the town. Walking side by side, the pair manoeuvred across the bustling village in silence. Erwin's expression appeared cold, dashed with doubt. If Erwin wanted to he could have easily denied Levi's proposal, but something inside the commander grew curious as to what Levi planned for the partially paralysed girl.

"I do admit, it is impressive." Erwin stated, bluntly breaking through the unwelcoming silence.

"What do you mean?" Levi inquired.

"Mikasa. Her will to fight on is truly remarkable." Erwin looked forward, his eyes dancing across the bustling village before him.

Levi's expression remained seemingly bored, as if not interested by the conversation offered by commander Erwin. However, he continued to speak, much to Erwin's surprise.

"It's her will to protect Eren that pushes her forward. It intrigues me." Levi stated, piquing the commanders curiosity.

"How so?" Erwin inquired.

"In my opinion, personal emotions prevent rational choice and lock away a persons true potential within combat. But for the first time, my theory has been disproved. Mikasa has shown that when overtaken by her will to protect Eren, she doesn't fall. She fights." Levi explained.

"I knew something was troubling you." The commander sighed, looking toward Levi who remained lost in thought beside him.

Shaking himself from his confused daze, Levi looked up to face Erwin.

"Anyway, that is irrelevant for now. Have you spoken to Hanji about the Titan?" Levi questioned.

"Yes. There's no doubt that the titans have been evolving due to human experimentation. We need to find the person responsible, for humanities sake. " Erwin explained, his voice turning cold.

Nodding, Levi's eyes turned icy once more as the pair proceeded on further into the town.

-X-

Looking down upon the hustle and bustle, the mid day sun illuminated the summer sky. Laughter echoed throughout the town as children danced about the cobbled roads, playing soldiers oblivious to the true toils of the adult world surrounding them. Watching as people hurried about their day to day business, a lone silhouette traveled amidst the civilians, infirmary bound.

Dark hues stayed locked ahead as Levi grew closer to the infirmary. A gentle breeze tickled his face, ruffling his black hair in the process. Looking ahead, the sharp glimmer of pristine white petals dashed Levi's field of vision, alerting the captain to his current location. The infirmary stood proudly ahead, it's warm aura welcoming all those in need of assistance.

Within a few moments, Levi arrived before Mikasa's door. Knocking gently, the captain pushed forward into the room. Not anticipating what he'd see upon entering.

Before the dark eyed captain, Mikasa sat upon the edge of her infirmary bed. Being alone in the room, her expression lay deep in concentration. Surprising the captain, Mikasa had already taken the liberty of changing into her gear, hookshot straps and all. Oblivious to Levi's presence, Mikasa fumbled about her legs in attempted to finish off connecting the various straps. With her immobility this proved challenging.

"What are you doing?" Levi uttered, confused as to what Mikasa was trying to achieve.

"If I can't even dress myself properly, how can I even think of walking?" Mikasa mumbled, looking up to meet Levi's gaze.

Sighing, the captain leant against the doorframe, watching as Mikasa continued to struggle. Her eyes burning with infuriated passion as the straps disobeyed each command, disconnecting and unraveling amidst her tired hands.

Bored of waiting, the captain rolled his midnight eyes. Without hesitation he proceeded to walk toward the girl, kneeling down before the white bedding.

"What are you doing!?" Mikasa shrieked as the captain intercepted her grip, taking the straps into his own hands.

"It's ok to ask for help sometimes you know." Levi bluntly stated, finishing off each attachment with ease.

As Levi's hands gracefully moved about her legs, Mikasa looked down upon the captain kneeling before her. His tired eyes working away to help her once again, that's all he ever seemed to do at the moment. Each touch to her fragile leg appeared delicate, it was clear he had taken extra precaution to avoid any more unnecessary pain. With his face deep in concentration, Mikasa was able to study him further. It was unbelievable to imagine that the same man kneeling tentatively before her, was the Titan killing machine deemed 'humanities strongest soldier'.

"What are you looking at?" Levi muttered, looking up to catch Mikasa's gaze.

"I was just thinking. Why did you decide to rehabilitate me?" The girl pondered, awaiting a valid response.

Looking down, Levi picked up where he left off. The captain continued to work on her hookshot, it was as though he had disregarded the question.

"You're a valuable soldier." He muttered, his cold voice piquing Mikasa's curiosity.

It was as though a sense of uncertainly lingered within his tone, this was seemingly out of character for Levi. Pushing this sense of doubt to the back of her mind, Mikasa stayed silent.

Tightening the final strap, Levi had finished preparing Mikasa. Standing up, Levi proceeded to brush himself down from the dusty ground.

"Is that tight enough?" He questioned, gesturing toward the hookshot straps embracing her legs.

"I don't know." Mikasa responded, looking toward the straps with an icy glare. "I can't feel them."

Levi's dark hues widened as the realisation dawned upon him. Mikasa had lost all sense of feeling within both of her legs. She'd been left with such a hopeless future, yet her fighting spirit simmered away deep within.

"Are you ready to begin?" Levi questioned.

Looking up Mikasa nodded, eager to get back on her legs as soon as possible.

"We need to make our way to the training department, it's near the survey corp base within this village." Levi informed. "We have made arrangements for a wooden wheelchair to transport you place to place until you have strengthened your legs. However, as it's been requested on such short notice it won't be available until tomorrow."

"So how are we getting there today?" Mikasa questioned, looking about the room for some form of transportation mechanism.

Without so much as one word, Levi stepped forward swiftly scooping Mikasa into his embrace. Levi lifted Mikasa with ease, one arm firmly beneath her knees and the other supporting her back. Falling into his grasp, Mikasa couldn't help tumble into his firm chest. His warmth strangely enticing to the unsuspecting girl.

Swiftly exiting the room, Levi carried Mikasa from the infirmary. The captains stern expression hovered a mere few inches from the girls face. His light breath tickled her pale skin, dancing across her forehead. The sudden flux of intensity stiffened Mikasa, forcing her expression to turn ridged. A crimson tint engulfed her face as a rush of heat surged beneath her skin. Without a second to think, Mikasa promptly shot her head down in attempt to evade Levi's gaze. Her heart began to pound in an inexplicable fashion. Shooting open, her eyes grew wide as she struggled to comprehend the emotions rampaging within her.

Quickly composing herself Mikasa lay still, saturated in confusion. Peering down to check on the tense girl, Levi raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong?" Levi questioned.

"Nothing." Mikasa mumbled, shaking off the strange feelings still lingering amidst her.

Not thinking much of it Levi looked away, concentrating on the path ahead. It only took a few minuets to manoeuvre through the small village, giving Levi and Mikasa the rest of the day to begin rehabilitation.

Arriving at the small outdoor training area, Levi placed Mikasa down upon a wooden bench. Though she didn't understand why, the sensation of Levi's protective embrace dispersing from her body left an emptiness about her. What was it about the captain that made her feel so uneasy? Mikasa struggled to understand this underlying compassion she felt as she peered up toward the man standing before her. Could it be he was becoming like family to the injured girl? Seemingly always there to pick her up when she's fallen down and pushing her to achieve what everyone else deemed impossible. Or was it just sheer gratitude, admiration due to the fact over every possible person, Levi alone kept faith in Mikasa.

Beside the bench, a large piece of apparatus awaited the pair. It was nostalgically familiar to Mikasa. Positioned before the girl stood the same equipment used to train the new recruits on using the 3DMG.

"Let's begin." Levi stated. "Let's start by seeing how much weight you can put on your legs."

Walking toward the machinery, Levi proceeded to prepare the various ropes before turning back to collect Mikasa. However, instead of swooping her into his arms like last time, the captain simply knelt before her. His back awaiting her presence with his arms gesturing her in.

"Get on." Levi bluntly stated, clearly proposing a piggyback ride.

It was as though he didn't want to carry her in the intimate fashion he'd previously demonstrated, instead offering her a ride on his back as you would with a young child. A sense of disappointment washed over her, though she didn't understand why, Mikasa chose to remain motionless.

"Why are you carrying me this way, I'm not a child." Mikasa questioned, curious for an answer.

Silence lingered for a brief moment before Levi tuned his head to face the girl. His stern eyes meeting her confused gaze.

"You seemed uncomfortable in the way I carried you earlier. I assumed you didn't like it so I thought this way might be more appropriate." The captain explained with a sharp edge to his tone.

Blushing lightly Mikasa remained silent. It's not that she didn't like it, in fact it was quite the opposite. There's no way she could say that to captain though, it wouldn't be simply unthinkable. Mikasa herself could barely understand the feelings she had experienced, never mind attempting to explain them to someone else.

Remaining silent, Mikasa went along with the captains suggestion. Locking her arms over Levi's shoulders, Mikasa manoeuvred herself to rest upon the captain. Levi looked ahead as the girl clambered upon him. Using his arms to support her frail legs, Levi carried her toward the training equipment.

Placing Mikasa on the ground, Levi attached the corresponding harness to her hookshot straps. Taking a few moments to prepare her fully, the captain proceeded to pull a large rope raising Mikasa into the air. Managing to stay upright with ease, her frail legs dangled beneath her.

Lowering the rope slowly, Mikasa was able to put a light amount of pressure upon her feet. However, each time Mikasa attempted to balance her knees buckled beneath her. Dark eyes burnt with a fierce passion as her face morphed into a picture of dissatisfaction.

"We can start with something easier? Maybe some stretches?" Levi questioned, sternly gazing upon the limp girl.

"No. I can do this." Mikasa persisted, gesturing for Levi to lower the rope once again.

-X-

An orange tint flourished across the afternoon sky. The dispersing sunlight taking it's final bow, giving way to the moons extravagant beauty. Tired chatter lingered between the weary townsfolk, clearly ready to relax after a strenuous days work.

A cool twilight air swept across the town, a clear reminder dusk would soon fall upon the sleepy streets. Despite the fleeting daylight, two lone silhouettes forged on seemingly hard at work. Watching the pair, a small window saturated in light peered down from a near by building. Amidst the small window, Commander Erwin sat bound to a desk decorated with an abundance of paperwork. Leaning back on his chair, the bushy browed commander intently watched his subordinated as they attempted to fulfil the impossible.

"What are you looking at?" A soft voice interrupted Erwin's tranquil state.

"Huh?" The commander questioned, turning toward troop leader Hanji whom had entered the room without him realising.

Peering past the commander, Hanji shot a glance through the dimly lit office window. Upon seeing the familiar pair Hanji understood the commanders thought path.

"I'm not sure what Levi's trying to achieve with this. Hasn't he been paying attention to anything the doctors have been saying?" Hanji sighed, watching alongside Erwin from the window as Mikasa continued to repeat the same training exercise over and over again. "I hate to admit it, but they are seriously wasting their time."

"I think we just need to hold a little faith in the captain, there must be a reason for his choice." Erwin spoke, seemingly confident in Levi's decision.

Turning to look up at her commander, Hanjis eyes widened. It was clear a large bond of trust connected Erwin and Levi. Though Erwin may not fully understand the reasoning behind Levi's actions, he had faith in the captains decision.

Breaking away from his gaze, the commander turned toward Hanji.

"Any new revelations regarding the evolving Titans?" Erwin inquired, taking on a more serious tone.

"Yes." Hanji stated, collecting her thoughts on the initial reason she had visited commander Erwin's office. "We have discovered a possible suspect."

"Oh?" Erwin persisted, raising an eyebrow for Hanji to continue.

"An ex member of the survey corps. Looking for information we came across his file, it appears he was fired for illegal experimentation on test subjects a few years prior to my joining of the survey corps." Hanji explained. "His name is Dr. Micheal Oliveá and we have traced his location to a small house within the Trost district."

"I see. In that case myself along side a small squadron will head out to his location tomorrow. We ride at dawn." Erwin commanded, his voice stern.

"Yes sir!" Hanji proclaimed, eager to discover the truth behind the evolutions occurring amidst the Titan population.