I kept my hood up, in concern that he would see my face. In fact I pulled it up further, concealing my face. He couldn't be here, not now at least. I pulled my head back together before looking over at my so called 'helper'.
A young brown haired man stood before me, looking up at me with a confused expression. I mean it's no surprise really, the military are never really down in the underground. He wore dirty underworld clothes, his hair shaggy and filthy.
I straightened myself out before talking to him.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" I spat suddenly, making the young man flinch.
"Helping you," He answered casually, still holding the thug beneath him.
"Did I ask for your help? No, so you should run back to your little hole and let the military do what their are made to be doing, Riley," I ordered him around.
The young man froze at the use of his name. I know I wasn't supposed to be drawing attention to myself and stirring up trouble, but since when do I ever listen?
"How do you know who I am?" He demanded an answer.
"I surprised you don't recognize me, after all our paths have passed more than one occasion," I replied smugly but coldly before removing my hood to reveal my face.
"Ren?" Riley tried to make out words.
"When did you join the military? And why would you? Do you not remember what they did to your family?" He told me and I snapped.
Without any warning I lunged towards him but a pair of arms kept me from doing so.
"Captain stop!" I heard Saki yell to me.
"How dare you insult the military. Without us you guys would have been devoured by the titans by now," I replied with a low menacing tone of voice.
Riley looked at me as if he has just run into a complete stranger. He has no idea what the military has been through to get to this point.
"God Ren what happened to you? When you were little you were the happiest peson I've ever met. Now you're just like you're damn cousin," He scoffed, casuing me to growl slightly.
"Don't bring that Idiot into this he doesn't even deserve to be my cousin after the hell he put me through," I answered through gritted teeth.
"I wouldn't let Levi hear you say that, he'll rip you limb from limb," Riley spoke, crossing his arms as if he were trying to make a point.
"Wait, Levi as in captain Levi of the special operations squad?" Lekanna asked and I rolled my eyes, turning to Hana.
"Restrain the thug," I commanded.
She saluted before shoving RIley out the way. I turned around to face Minoru.
"Yes Minoru the captain of the south bases special operation squad is my cousin, as much as I hate to admit that," I answered her question with little, almost no emotion.
"That does explain a few things. Such as the stubborn, blunt attitude and the always negative answers," Riley butted in, making me swing round on my heels to face him.
"Unless you want to end up like him I suggest to shut your mouth Riley," I snapped, gesturing to the thug on the floor.
"Okay, okay, I'll shut it, in fact I'm just gonna go," He replied, turning around and hurrying off.
"I would for your sake," I coldly spat back before shifting towards my squad.
"Let's get this idiot back to base," I commanded.
They all saluted me before hurrying off to complete their orders I had given them. I turned back to see if Riley was still hanging around, I hope he wasn't otherwise I will just arrest him for Military harassment.
Looks like he took my advice and scurried off to annoy somebody else. For his sake, I'm glad. I really don't have time for baby games anymore.
"Captain," I heard Hana's voice speak up from behind me
I shifted my attention towards her.
"What is it?" I asked in monotone.
"The target has been restrained, well one of them. Unfortunately the other two managed to slip by us before we had the chance to stop them. We await your commands," The young soldier saluted me, the rest of my squad standing behind her.
"Hana, you will escort the thug back to HQ where Erwin will deal with him from there," I Commanded.
Hana saluted me before grabbing the thug and starting to head back to her horse above, leaving just me and the rest of the squad down in the underworld.
"Yasu, Saki, you will make an attempt to find and arrest the other two suspects that managed to slip through our fingers. Minoru you will accompany me as I lead Hana back to HQ, We can't afford to be wasting time being surrounding by people on the surface," I told the rest of my team.
They pressed their fists to their chests before starting to complete what had been assigned to them.
I turned to have one last look behind me, seeing if RIley was still hanging around. He wasn't.
If you must know Riley and myself were once friends back when I was very young. I once lived in the underworld with my brother, parents and Levi. That was before those bloody titans broke through the wall and ruined my life.
I still take my mind back to that day and think. 'I should've run in and helped him. Maybe my family would still be alive or I would be dead too, at least I would be with them either way.
If there's one thing that hasn't changed about me, it's the fact that Is till wish to this day that I could be with my family, even though I'd never admit that to anyone.
I shook my head from my thoughts before blinking a few time as my eyes were met by the sunlight from the surface. I can see how the people in the underworld have become so unhealthy from a lack of sunlight.
I scanned the area, spotting Hana and Lekanna on their horses, waiting for my command.
I walked over to them, mounted up and got ready to start heading back to HQ, however Hana's voice stopped me.
"Captain, will Yasu and Saki be joining us?"
"They will be meeting up with us back at base. They are two very capable boys and don't need to be babysat like the rest of the men in this corpe," I replied, scoffing and pushing Illusion forward.
"Should we not wait for them. I mean what if they need our help?" Minoru ojected.
"Do I need to remind you of what our mission is? Well then let me do so. Our orders were to restrain three thugs that have been causing trouble in the underworld. We were to restrain them and bring them back to HQ where they would be dealt with by the proper authorities. As you can see we only have one of the three we were ordered to arrest so the two boy will stay back and arrest them before heading back to HQ. We are ascort this idiot back to HQ, not wait for the boys. Have I made myself Clear Ladies?" I asked them, coldly, not turning back to face them.
"As crystal captain," Was Hanna's replied.
"Minoru?" I asked the other soldier.
"Perfectly Captain," She replied.
"Good, now focus on the task at hand," I commanded them, before picking the pace on horse back.
We came to a halt as we arrive at HQ and dismounted our horse. By the time my feet had touched to floor the commander and two of his men were making their way over to us.
I saw Erwin speak to the two young men before they came rushing over to us and took the thug from Minoru and Hana, dragging him somewhere away from us. Probably to be put in a cell where he belongs.
"Well done Ren, but I will have to say I expected you to come back with all three of our wanted men," Erwin told me and I rolled my eyes.
"Don't be too quick to make assumptions, as you can see I haven't brought the whole squad back with me. the two boys are still in the underworld hunting down our other two brats," I told him, crossing my arms.
"Very well," Was all he said before turning and walking off in the direction where his two 'sidekicks' wondered off in.
"Captain what would you like us to do in the meantime while Yasu and Saki are still on the mission?" Minoru asked me.
"You are relieved of duty, but be on alert for when I need you. That is an order," I told them.
"HAI!" The two girl replied in unison before rushing off to do their own things.
"YOOHOO Ren!" I heard the woman who surprised me in my room earlier call out to me.
Great, what does she want now?
"What," Was all I said.
"I hope you remember that you've got that court case tomorrow, and also you are to attend a meeting at the other HQ this evening, Commanders orders," She sung, bouncing on the spot.
Was she fucking kidding me? I already have one court case to attend to, why would I need to attend another?
"What are you saying I have to attend a meeting? I already have a court case that I have no idea why I'm attending. Why do I have to go to a meeting as well?" I demanded an answer from the brown haired woman.
"Because all captains, commanders and corporals of the scout regiment are to attend this particular meeting as support or witnesses, and as a captain you have a duty to follow that order," She informed me.
What could possibly be so so important that they have to call over every captain in the corpe? I don't even want to set foot in the other HQ because he's there.
"I am not going," I stated, receiving back a frown from the mad woman.
"I'm sorry Hayashi but it's an order directly from the commander himself. You know that orders have to be followed out, so you are not getting out of this one," She got all up in my face.
"Okay one, get out of my face. Two, who are you to tell an officer above you what to do. Remember your place Hanji. If anything you should be taking order from me not the other way around," I threatened the young woman emotionlessly.
"She didn't send out the order Ren, I did. Now that's enough ladies," Erwin suddenly stepped in, pushing the two of us apart.
It's a good thing he did to because I reckon another minute or two and I would've knocked her out.
"Why did you send out such a ridiculous order like that Smith?" I questioned my superior.
"Because this meeting is for all of the squad leaders to know. They can then pass on the message to the rest of the regiment," The told me.
Oh my god you've got to be kidding me.
"Seriously? Why can't you just tell the captains what's going on and we can all move on with our lives swiftly?" I kept firing questions.
"Because there is a lot more to the meeting than just the news itself and you are to find out tonight at eight o'clock pm sharp, or your whole squad is going to be in trouble not just you Ren," He threatened me.
By the tone of his voice I could tell that he was being dead serious. I now had no choice but to obey the order. If I didn't my whole squad would be up to their necks wit Erwin.
"Fine," Was the last thing I said before turning on my heels and heading for the castle doors.
This is just great not only am I not around to be certain that the two boys of my squad make it back tonight with the two other thugs, but I will have to see him.
To be honest with you I do actually care about my squad, but I'd never admit that to anyone, specially to my squad themselves. I am their captain and that's all I'll ever be to them, nothing more.
I made my way through the doors of the castle and started to seek out the two girls of my squad. I needed to tell them about this new news. I knew the first place I could look would be the library, Minoru loves to read. She has since I picked her for my squad.
I pushed open the large double doors of the castle library and started making my way through the isles of stands that held hundreds of books for anyone and everyone's needs, including my own. I did come in here at times to read up on things when I wasn't on duty. Believe it or not I do actually enjoy a novel or two in my spare moment.
I came to the end of the massive aisles and came out into the study section of the library which was lined with study table and more books.
I scanned the room for my squad member until I saw a small figure at the end of one of the study desk reading a book.
"Minoru,"
I spoke up and the young girl's head shot up to face me. She quickly closed up the book she was reading and stood up to give me her full attention. She saluted waiting for what I had to say.
"Drop your hands soldier. Okay collect Hana from her hiding place and meet me in my room for a very quick meeting," I ordered her.
"Understood captain," She answered before placing her book on the table and practically running out the room to find her teammate.
I paused for a second to look at the library again before starting to make my leave, Remembering the time where I used to sit on my brother's lap and read books with him. I do miss those days but I won't be getting them back any time soon, so I shouldn't be falling too deep into my dreams.
I exited the library and starting to head towards my room, where I would wait for the two girls of my squad to join me.
I still couldn't believe that I had to attend this ridiculous meeting tonight. I already have enough on my mind as it is, I really don't need another bloody thing to take care of, however duty calls and I'm already on Smith's bad side so I may as well just suck it up, get through it and just continue on with my life.
I started to wander up the stairs in the corridor to the castle, towards my room. The castle room were organized into ranks, Cadets being towards the ground floor with the smaller room. Some cadets were even two per room, either because they were absolutely ridiculous and might wet themselves if they were left alone in the dark every night, or because there wasn't enough room, but I've got a feeling it's the first option.
On the higher floors would be the captains and commander. Yep, lucky us we have to commander in our HQ. Personally I think he should be in the other castle. One becuase he is there more often then here is in this castle, and two, it would keep him out of my hair for once.
As far as I know there are three captains in this castle. I've never really spoken to them though. I'm pretty sure it's either because they are not too fond of me or because they are just too busy spoon feeding their squad member to really speak to me.
I came to my room and walked through the door, taking a seat at the desk and looking out at the cadets training in the field just outside my room.
My room was directly facing the field, so I would see cadet either training or laughing and joking around in the mornings as I got up. My desks faces straight towards the window so I would have a view of the forest while I complete my homework. I used to find it somewhat relaxing, now I just expect it when I open the curtains in the morning.
A knock at my door, pulled my out of my thoughts and brought my back to the real world. I pulled myself from the chair I was currently seated in and dragged myself over to the door, opening it to reveal Hana and Minoru.
"Come in," Was all I said to the pair of them.
I took my seat back down in my desk chair while to two cadet's stood attentive, waiting for what I had to say.
"There have been some sudden changes to our plans for tonight. All captains have been called over to the southern base where they will attend a pointless meeting, so in other words I am being forced to attend, so Minoru as my second in command you will be in charge for when Yasu and Saki return, hopefully with their targets. Hana you are to help Minoru in anyway she needs it and I trust you girls will do the right thing because you have never let me down before, but don't let that be the last time I say that," I informed the two girls.
They pushed their fist to their chests, saluting me as I stood up.
"Now if you will excuse me I will be taking my leave because the meeting is at eight o'clock sharp and it is already…," I paused to glance at the clock.
"Six forty five and it take a while to get there, so if you will excuse me," I finished, gesturing for them to clear out of my room.
I sighed before starting to prepare myself for the one thing I was hoping I was never have to do for as long as I lived.
Hiya guys,
So YAY! I'm still alive and I updated.
I went through previous chapters and noticed I made a lot of mistakes in terms of names so I have gone back and changed those for you so you don't get confused. Let me know how you think Ren is going to deal with having to see Levi again and let me know what you thought I really do need feedback.
Anyway I hope you liked this chapter it's the longest chapter so far. It came to a whopping 9 pages and came to a total of 3,043 words, which is a lot.
Thanks for reading.
Luv you guys
Tia