Chapter Four ~ Memories
The thick concrete wall met my body with a thud, collapsing onto my hands and knees. Pain sears through my side and back from the additional weight that was Eren Jaeger. The knees of my white trousers were dirty and tattered from the rough landing, grazing my skin, leaving small blood spots appearing onto the stark white fabric. Jeez, Levi is going to really have it out for me now if I can't get these stains out. I sat up gently, pressing my triggers. The compressor on my back splutters, my gas provisions depleted and empty.
Great, now what am I supposed to do? I thought as I gently unbuckle the belt holding Eren securely to my side. I wrap my arm around his waist, supporting his back and head as I lowered him gently to the cold hard concrete. He was still scalding to the touch and his nose is still bleeding steadily. I kneel beside him and wipe the blood away with my cool hand, before pressing it gently to his smooth cheek. His whole body tenses, a shiver rippling through him in response to my touch, a light groan rumbled from his chest. So he's not completely unresponsive then. I threw one of his arms around my shoulders and hoist him up and proceed to carry him over to the supply lift. Shutting the gate behind me and twist the handle so it took us down the wall.
The shadow of the alabaster stone looms over us as my eyes sting with unshed tears at the helpless boy next to me. I knew Mr Hannes had saved him and Mikasa all those years ago, but I didn't know if they had lived beyond that. Once Wall Maria had been reduced to rubble by the Armoured titan, Wall Rose was thrown into chaos. The three of them could have died in any number of ways, whether it be from secondary disaster of famine, the fights and squabbles over food, starvation from the lack of good produce, worked to death when trying to bring up a harvest from the cold, hard ground.
I guess, in the back of my mind, I always imagined them alive, happy and healthy. But with no way to confirm this for sure, I still mourned over their loss as if they had died back in Shiganshina.
Pain lances through my chest as I stare at Eren, his features contorted in pain as I gently lower him against me. Stroking my fingers through his chocolate brown tresses, the soft strands flowing delicately through my finger tips. I wanted to reassure him that everything is going to be alright, that no matter what, I would never leve him. But how could I promise him something that I was so uncertain of. There was no way of knowing whether the Military Police would allow him to live, to help take back what was takn from us back in Shiganshina.
I sniff, composing myself as the lift rests against the ground. Carefully, I wrap Eren's arm back over my shoulders and heaved him over towards the Commander of the Garrison Regiment. A small smile on his tired, aged face. His amber eyes glinting with relief when he caught sight of the boy hanging limply at my side.
"He did it. He plugged up the hole and gave humanity our first victory against the titans," He said in a raspy voice, his hand running over his smooth, bald head, "Now our remaining mission is to clear up the titan scurge and start the cleansing process."
I shift uncomfortably as I stand in front of Commander Pyxis, his eyes still trained on Eren's form as he pulls out a silver, rose carved flask from his breast pocket and takes a long swig.
"You are taking him to the Military Police base, am I correct in assuming this?" Pyxis asks, extending his arm, offering the flask to me. The smell of the alcohol hit my nose, making me want to gag as I wrinkle my nose out of disgust, "No thank you Sir. And yes you would be correct in that assessment. I have been given strict orders from Commander Erwin Smith to take Cadet Jaeger to the Military base."
Pyxis regards the information thoughtfully, "As ever, Erwin's timing is short of impeccable. At least we can have the help of the veteran Scouting Regiment to help with the disposal of the titans," he states, gesturing for one of his men to come forward, "Ready a carriage. I will personally go with these two to ensure our friend, Mr Jaeger, isn't harmed."
"Yes sir," and the soldier ran off to make the preparations as the bald Commander addressed the rest of his subordinates.
Once inside the carriage, I began to relax, my back slumped back and my shoulders heaved as I collect my uneven breathing. Eren's head resting in my lap, his gentle, shallow breathing, the only other sound in the small confined space. Pyxis decided to ride up front, probably so he could have quicker access to whom ever would greet us at the base. A sigh shudders past my lips at the thought of those bastards apprehending Eren, beating him and killing hm. There was no way I would allow that to happen to him.
A loud bang sounded on top of the roof along with loud mutters. My wide (E/C) eyes stare up at the ceiling, hoping that who ever it was would just go away. I glance at the window by chance when a pair of brown booted feet slip through the open window. I shift, unsheathing my blades. Grasping the leg of the intruder, throwing him flying into the seat opposite me, my blades held at the base of his throat.
"Steady on brat!" Captain Levi reprimands, swiping his dishevelled hair out of his face as he sits up. His eyes glacial as he throws a death glare at me, massaging his shoulder from where he had collided with the walls of the carriage.
I blinked at the raven haired Captain, gaping at him, Oh shit! Now I am truly dead.
"I am so sorry Levi," I whimper, sheathing my blades as I helped the Captain, my eyes assessing him for further injuries.
"Don't worry about it. It seems I taught you well" he said, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips, a smile in his eyes, "Maybe a little too well."
"Sorry," I chuckled, sitting back and placing Eren's head back on my lap. We were silent for a little while, Levi's eyes staring at the boy as I cradle his head gently, brushing the stray strands of hair out of his face.
"You know the kid?" He asks, his voice wavering slightly. I nodded once, smiling a sad smile as I brought my eyes up to the Captain, "Do you remember me telling you about the kids I used to be friends with in Shiganshina?"
Levi nods, his eyebrows furrowing as he crosses his leg over the other, his hand resting limply on across his knee.
"Well I lived next door to him. We were best friends..." I trail off, pain thick in my voice as I squeeze my eyes shut, blocking out the memory. Anything to do with my past now brings me terrible pain, a constant reminder of the things and people I lost when the titans invaded.
Levi clicks his tongue against his cheek, his face marred with a thoughtful frown, "Were? What makes you assume you still aren't friends?"
I groan lightly, my fingers still sifting though his hair. Hot tears fell down my cheek and land onto his sleeping face. Eren's lips parted slightly, his breathing calming down, less erratic. The tight marks around his eyes fading slowly. His skin no longer blistering hot, but cool.
"Because Levi, it's been five years. Not to mention that I am not the same person I was back in Shiganshina..."I pause, my voice cracking, "Look can we not do this. It's been a very long day. I just want to make sure he is safe and go to bed."
Levi chuckles and flashes me a rare small smile. He's already told me multiple times that he hates his smile and avoids smiling at all costs. However with me, sometimes he just can't help himself. "I will agree with you on that count. Quite the day indeed."
We sat in a calm silence for a while. The carriage rocked gently over the cobbled streets, the horses whinnying at each other, their hooves clacking on the stone ground. My (E/C) eyes trailed over Eren's form, committing it to memory. Oh how the man had changed from the boy I knew back in Shiganshina. I only wish I would be able to get to know this man before one of us would meet our demise. Whether it be at the hands of titans or humans.
"Has Erwin informed you of my orders?" I ask, wiping my tear stained face. I could only imagine how I must look, all blotchy and red. My eyes probably bloodshot from all the tears.
The Captain nods once, his eyes warm and embracing my stare, "Yes and I have notified the drunk, he will ensure nothing happens to the pair of you."
Three loud thumps crashed on the carriage walls behind me, "You know I can hear you, Captain," Pyxis' disembodied voice rang out. Levi chuckles darkly, "You were supposed to, idiot. What is the point of insulting someone if they cannot hear you insult them?"
I sigh, shaking my head, my (H/C) hair falling gracefully around my face as I massage my temples. A strong headache powering through my aching head, just what I damn needed. Just what I needed to cap off my shitty day.
"I'm not going to leave him again," I declare, glancing up at Levi through my eyelashes. He shifts in his seat, staring intently at me, "Then you best hope that the asshats at the Military Police don't just want to put him down as soon as we get there."
"They can't, they have no right to take such action into their hands," I growl at the man, my eyebrows pulling down across my eyes in a deep-set frown, "Mikasa was right, he deserves to be rewarded for his service, not punished or imprisoned."
Levi sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair and straightens his cravat, pulling it neatly around his neck, "That maybe so, but you were also correct in that all they will see is that he is a titan," his voice monotone as he stares at me, gesturing to the unconscious boy by my side, "That will be what is in question here. Whether we can trust him and use his abilities to win this never-ending battle, or whether it is better to cut our losses and dispose of him and continue going how we are now." His tone exasporated as he rubs his own temples, his eyes closing as if he were deeply stressed about the entire matter.
"Tch... like the Military Police would agree to such matters. I bet they would rather dissect him than relinquish custody of him to us," I hiss, glaring at Levi. I loathe the Military Police with a passion. Only Levi knew the reason behind my hatred and it was definitely a sore subject. However just thinking of the Regiment that held Eren's life in the balance sent an icy chill shuddering up my spine.
"That's why it's most likely going to go to a court marshal. If so, then we will get to present our case and just hope that they will rule in our favour."
"Well there shouldn't really be any other alternative. If we can regain control over Wall Maria, then we can gather our strength back," I explain, my eyes focused on Eren, "So far our efforts have been a waste. We haven't come any closer to paving a route to Wall Maria. But with Eren's titan ability, we can retake the Wall and hopefully eradicate the titans once and for all. Then we can be done with these blasted walls and actually explore this world that we live in."
The corners of Levi's mouth pull up gently, his eyes softening as he glances at me. He reaches over and places a hand on my knee, squeezing gently, "I'm with you on this. If you trust him, then so do I, well sort of. I can't say that I implicitly trust his ability, however I can say that I trust your judgement of the situation entirely. If you think that this is worth fighting for then I will help in whatever way I can to win this battle for you," His voice soft and gentle as he regards me with his warm gaze.
I smile back at him, placing my cool hand over his, "Thanks."
"However it is not me who needs convincing..." he pauses, sitting back and glancing out of the carriage window, "They are."
I turn my gaze out of the window. Rows upon rows of Military Police soldiers gathered around the carriage which was slowing to a halt. They all held musketts, raised and aimed at the door. My eyes widen at their frightened faces, every single one of them scared of the boy who laid next to me.
Shit!
Levi shifts, handing me a pair of metal cuffs, "Put these on him, that way he will look less threatening and they won't jump to any rash conclusions," he states through clenched teeth.
I gulp as I take the cool metal shackles from the Captain and lock them around Eren's wrists with shaky fingers. I could hear the raspy voice of Commander Pyxis speaking to some of the soldiers, asking them kindly to lower their weapons. Levi sighs and kicks the door open, his left arm threaded around Eren's right while my right arm bands his waist, holding the unconscious boy steady. We descend down the steps of the carriage and walk up to stand next to the Commander.
"Commander Pyxis and Commander Erwin Smith have given orders for Lieutenant (L/N) to see to this soldier," Captian Levi states, authority thick in his voice.
"He needs to be locked away!" One of the soldiers shouts, raising his muskett, aiming for Eren's head.
"Kill him!"
"He deserves to die!"
"Damn monster!"
"Stand aside so we can kill this titan!"
My mouth sets into a grim line as the vile insults were thrown at Eren, my free hand twitching at my side as I reach for my blades. Commander Pyxis sighs lightly, turning to the soldiers, regarding them directly with a cold hard glare, "Now, now. I would ask you to regard your next moves very carefully. As you have been informed, Lieutenant (L/N) is under orders to protect Cadet Jaeger. Now kindly show her some respect, lower your weapons and show her where she may carry out her sworn duties," Pyxis' voice thunders, twirling his moustache in his wrinkled fingers. His dark blue bolo tie glinting in the dark torchlight. His aged eyes carefully assessing the situation as the soldiers obeyed him.
A very tall soldier along with a smaller male steps forward, her cool eyes regard me as she turns on her heel and begins to lead me through the throngs of stunned soldiers and into the Military base. Many turn to glance at their retreating forms, her ash brown hair cut short and layered around her face as she scowls at them. The male doesn't look back at me so I cannot see his features. His long chestnut hair pulled up into a pony tail, his fringe falling just above his callous eyes. They lead Levi and I through the base, down some steep stone steps until we came to dank, dingy, dimly lit dungeon.
"He will stay here until the higher-ups figure out what to do with him," The female says in her throaty voice.
"If you are under orders from the Commanders of the Scouting and the Garrison Regiments then you will stay in the cell with him," The male sneers, his voice deep and as callous as his eyes.
"Wait, what!" I cry, as Levi's pushed out of the way, his grip releasing Eren. His eyebrows pull down across his eyes in a glower, "Don't you dare touch me!" He growls, his voice threatening an venomous. His face becoming flushed with anger.
The male soldier takes no notice as he shoves me forward into the cell, causing me to trip and fall onto the hard concrete floor, dragging Eren's dead weight along with me.
OW! Shit! I groan, touching my forehead which oozes dark blood, trickling down into my eyebrow and across my eyelid.
"You stupid fucking brat!" Levi roars as he pushes past the female as the male soldier locks the gate behind me. He tosses me the keys and points to a large contraption above the lone bed. Chains hung from the ceiling, what the hell is this place? A torture chamber?
I sat up and glance at Levi's angered features as the soldiers try and push him out of the cellar, towards the stairs. Levi manages to squeeze passed them and grips the iron bars with his cool hands, "Erwin and I will get this sorted as quickly as possible."
I nod, watching as he offered his cloth through the bars, wiping my forehead gently, mopping up the blood. I wince as pain lances through my head. The soldiers turn to grab Levi, but he unsheathes his blades, pointing them at the soldiers, fear flitting through their eyes, "If you make one move to touch me, I will cut off your hands."
I sigh, I don't want Levi to get in any trouble, not after all the shit he has had to deal with throughout his life, "Levi just go. We will be fine."
He turns sharply, his raven hair caressing his cheekbones as his eyes soften when they meet mine. His cravat dishevelled and his jacket rumpled and creased, those soldiers better hope that they never meet him again, or he will skin them alive for messing up his imaculate uniform.
"Okay, I will be back soon," He sighs, sheathing his blades before throwing the scariest death glare I have ever seen on his face, stomping passed the soldiers, purposefully smacking into their bodies with his shoulders as he pushes past them. Before he steps through the door, he casts a glance back at me, his eyes softening carefully. I smile gently at him, nodding as he turned back and stalked up the stairs in front of him.
The soldiers threw a dirty scowl at me and the unconscious boy before they, too, made their retreat up the stairs, slamming the heavy wooden door behind them. The loud sound echoing off the stone walls. I stare at the ground, my eyes pooling with tears at the thought of being stuck in this dark dungeon for days, with nothing to accompany me other than the sleeping form of my former best friend and my own thoughts. What a terrifying thought that was!