Amai POV~
The next few days had dragged along slowly, the only difference between them was the lessons I had been taking. Throughout this time I had continued doing odd jobs for Captain Levi as a way to fend away the boredom of doing nothing all day. And to to pay back the favours he had done me, even though I had spent all this time around him, I still couldn't figure out where I had seen him before. Today was the day before the expedition and I had just finished my lesson with Petra. She had drilled the meanings of the different flares into my head, and the direction the regiment was to move depending on where the flare was. My head was pounding from the long and tedious lesson. I was carrying my books in my arms as I headed to my bedroom, I found it odd that I was in a single bedroom while other cadets were bundled together in rooms, maybe they don't trust me. That's understandable.
Brinley hadn't bothered me again, probably because I haven't been alone. Next time I will stand up to her instead of being scared. My confidence had grown in the past days and I wasn't as nervous as before, the regiment was warm and welcoming and I was treated like a cadet that had been there for years. Of course I was still slightly weary of these people, but my outer walls had been chipped away by every smile and kind gesture. I pushed open the door to my room and lazily placed down the books on the table beside my bed. With a deep sigh, I plonked myself down on my bed. I had this afternoon free, though, unfortunately, everyone was preparing for the expedition, leaving me by myself. I groaned and fell onto my back, leaving my legs hanging off the edge of the bed. I laid there trying to relax, when I heard a impatient knock on my door.
"Come in" I called, quickly pulling myself into an upright position. Hanje burst through the door, her brown locks of hair flying madly as she dashed into the room. She came to stand in front of me, her face right in front of mine.
"Amai, have you ever watched ODM gear in use?" she practically yelled in my face, my mind instantly remembering times in the underground. I could remember a trio, knocking down a cart of food, and . . . the survey corps. I was being moved from place to place then, though, that was the first time I had seen something as beautiful as the ability to soar through the sky, and have the freedom of a bird. I was kicked and told to keep moving after stopping to look the three, who's faces had never been burned into my mind. It was a short memory, one that I had gained last year.
"Ugh, once" I muttered, hoping she wouldn't ask where.
"Well, get ready to see the pros in action, the special operations squad is practising, come on!" She yelled, making my head pound harder, I had no choice as she grabbed my uninjured arm and ran out of the door with me behind. I couldn't help but smile as we ran, I had become closer to Hanje throughout the week, and everyone else that I now considered friends. We sprinted through the building, Hanjes grip not once loosened as we burst out the front of the building and into the warm, summer air. As Autumn was nearing, the trees were beginning to turn orange, though there were a few which remained the same green shade as before. Next week was to be the first week of Autumn, meaning the days would become cooler. The landscape was a blur as we ran towards towering trees a few hundred metres away. I could recognise stables out of the corner of my eye, I had a lesson there yesterday about horses commands. Our feet thudded against the ground as we approached the trees. By now both of us were beginning to get out of breath, we stopped at the edge of the forest as we both panted.
"Come on, this way" she yelled as she continued to drag me, I panted as we ran, long distance running isn't my thing. I was thankful when we stopped in front of a large wooden contraption, shaped as a human? Hanje finally let go of my hand allowing me to take in a few deep breaths and regain my composure. A large wooden log was placed on the nape of the figure, being used as a representation of a titans nape. Two cadets were placed alongside the figure, holding onto ropes, connecting to the body, obviously to move it.
"Watch this Amai" I nodded in response, already anticipating what was to happen. The sounds of a machine whirring soon appeared, two hooks penetrated the titans nape. My eyes widened, those movements. The titan shifted as the two cadets pulled on the ropes, in a flash the hooks were readjusted, now hooked into a thick tree branch, and I was able to see the person who was gracefully using the ODM gear. Levi, he turned in mid air and used a spurt of gas to propel towards the nape, in a clean swipe the wood had a deep slice, cutting through to the figure. You've got to be kidding me...
"That's the work of humanity's greatest soldier, GO LEVI!" She yelled enthusiastically as he sped away, while I was left with my jaw hanging open. He sped away without a word, he was either ignoring us, or didn't hear Hanje. Hanje turned to me, wondering as to why I was so quiet, could it be? It's impossible, I knew he suspected I was from the underground, but this!
"Looks like someones got an admirer" I heard Hanje snort, I closed my jaw and looked as serious as I could. Was this why he stood up for me, and lied about where I was born? I desperately tried to keep calm as I continued to think. Does that mean the other two are here, no, they would be with him, right? The image of the trio on ODM gear kept reappearing in my mind.
"Pfft, it's not like that" I said back, while my thoughts were screaming. There is no way. I should ask Hanje, but that would just make her suspicious as to why I was asking. I will have to ask him directly. . .
"Alright, alright, anyways what do you think?"She asked with a wide grin spreading across her face.
"Its amazing, I can't wait to use it" I muttered, imagining myself flying to great heights and the wind using past me as I sped along. Being able to soar across azure skies, unable to be touched by the filth of the underground. A smile crept onto my face, as my eyes softened, It will be like I'm free. After all these years I'm so close to achieving what I have always wanted.
"Great, but just let your scapula heal first" She stated, I smiled sheepishly, while looking down at my arm in the sling.I frowned, I wonder how long from now. My daydreams were shattered as I was brought back to reality of a broken shoulder bone and months of training.
"Cheer up Amai, it's been a week already, only five more to go" she smiled, I reciprocated with a small one, it sounds a lot longer when she says it out loud.
Time Skip~
The warm, bubbly room I usually walked into for dinner had completely changed. CHills ran down my spine as I thought what these people would have to face tomorrow. Nervous mutters arose from the tables, food was left untouched while others sat quietly with a blank expression on their face. Even the room seemed colder tonight, and even the warmth emitted from the blazing fire couldn't give me comfort as I moved towards my friends table. I spotted them on their usual table, Nevaeh was sitting quietly with her food barely touched, Hadley was eating hers silently and Matthew was shovelling down his food as if nothing was different. placing down my plate, I sat beside Nevaeh. Tonight dinner was potato soup and bread, a simple but filling dinner. I was greeted by a small smile from Nevaeh, her hazel eyes looking slightly dull. I gave her one back, trying to reassue that things would be alright. I didn't know what to say, what do you tell someone with the uncertainty of whether they would live or not. I could speak from personal experience, but the words couldn't form in my mouth, I found it impossible to describe the feeling I had.
"Nevaeh, you should eat, you'll need need the strength for tomorrow" I heard Hadleys stern voice say from across the table. Nevaeh looked up and nodded slightly before eating her food tenderly. I sat there before eating my food, as I did so I could hear people mumbling excitedly about what tomorrow would bring. I was surprised as to how motivated they were to run into the face of death.
"Idiots, they haven't been on an expedition before, i'm sure they won't find it amazing as they expect" I heard Matthew mumble underneath his breath, his eyes dark. I gulped as I continued to eat my meal, I haven't been on one either, when its my time, I guess I will know the harsh reality of people around you dying in front of your eyes. Once I had finished my meal I sat solemnly and listened to the sounds of cadets murmuring to each other, I tried to look around in an attempt to spot Levi. But to no avail, maybe he is absent tonight, or I can't see him.
Time skip to next morning~
All of the cadets heading off on the expedition were about to leave the scouts headquarters, my heart pounded fast as I began to worry for all of the people who were heading out. I stood beside Nevaeh, Hadley and Matthew who were all waiting to be told to mount the horses. Of course I was staying behind along with a few other cadets, as my shoulder was still healing. We were standing a fair way away from the headquarters as everyone prepared to leave. Horses were standing obediently, waiting for their owners to mount them. The day was warm, as sunshine warmed our backs, driving away the chilling feeling of death which was to occur.
"We'll see you when we get back Amai" Nevaeh said to me with a warm smile, obviously hiding fear, it seems no matter how many times you go on an expedition you can never really get used to it. She reached out her arms and gave me a gentle hug, I flinched at the sudden contact but reminded myself she was a friend and I hugged her back with my free arm. I wasn't expecting her to do this, but, it felt nice for a change, I couldn't remember the last time I had a hug. As I was caught up in my thoughts I didn't notice two other pairs of arms wrapping themselves around the two of us, joining in with the hug. I let a smile grace my lips as I realised I was around people I could trust, even after only knowing them for a few days. It then dawned on me, I'm no longer afraid of these three.
"Three of us leave. . ." I could hear Hadley say to us, in a surprisingly soft tone, different to the stern one I was used to.
"And three of us come back" the other two responded as our hug broke apart, these people had obviously cared and loved each other for years. I hope one day I will be able to share the same bond.
"Take care you guys" I said, wishing themsafety on this expedition. A nervous smile spread across my lips, and they returned the same gesture.
"All cadets in positions!" I could hear Erwins powerful voice boom, that reminds me. After sharing a few quick words the three of them mounted their horses and got in position. I waved to them before moving away. I hadn't gotten the chance to ask Levi last night, he wasn't even in his office. If I see him, I won't be able to ask with everyone around. I cursed myself for not asking earlier. I began to walk to the gathering group of cadets who were staying behind, when I was stopped by a large brown horse who suddenly stopped in front of me. I stumbled back slightly before looking up, I immediately recognised them.
"Amai, make sure to keep up with those notes, kay?" I heard Hanje say to me, obviously wanting me to keep studying. She looked thrilled, with pink dusting her cheeks, most likely because she would be seeing her beloved titans very soon.
"Sure thing, Hanje, take care out there" I said reassuring her that I wouldn't fall behind because she was about to leave.
"Don't worry bout me Amai, my babies won't harm me" she said with a large grin before riding off, At least shes enthusiastic about this. Her horse snorted as she began to trot over to the formation. I began to turn away once again, when another horse came up behind me. I shuddered as I could feel its hot breath bearing down on my short stature. I turned around to face the horse, who has a beautiful, shimmering, black coat. I looked up to meet the eyes of who was sitting atop of it.
"You better not try and escape again, shitty brat" I heard Captain Levi say down to me, I felt immediately nervous under his gaze. But I needed to ask him that question. I bit my lip, restraining my curious inquiries. Not where there's other people who could hear. His black hair fell in front of his dark eyes as he looked at me.
"Yes Captain Levi, and take care" I said in immediate response, I was already regretting my choices of words. I did the salute with my free hand and bowed slightly, I mentally slapped myself for saying the last part as my face heated up.
"Tch" I heard him mutter before turning the horse around and heading off, I have to ask. I joined the group of remaining scouts, I looked at the group of brave members of the survey corps in formation ready to head off. Though only one thought occupied my mind.
How many of these people will I never see again?
Sorry for taking so long to upload, I've had writers block and I'm hoping to upload sooner in the future. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the chapter~
