Der Rüpel
Chapter VIII:Der Eintopf

I was on the verge of suffocation.

My lungs acted like shriveled raisins inside of my chest. No amount of air seemed to satisfy the dying desire my body craved. I could feel every muscle in my limbs pleading for relief. The strain they had to endure bordered on insanity. Maybe that was a plus, come to think of it, I had been able to loose the track of time.

The pain had become my personal distractor.

"I'm-I'm not-not done. One more-one more st-step-" I coughed to myself. Encouragement seemed pointless, just like accepting his challenge was. My weak knees screamed as I continued. The tears on my cheeks had long since dried, however the red liquid continued to drain from my legs. I could feel the swelling from my socks as they mimicked a sponge, which collected the pooling trickles.

My airway wheezed heavily. My vision blurred then faded with darkish spots or was that the sky? I wasn't sure. All that I knew was my stomach was being wrung like a rag from exhaustion. My one foot stumbled. I didn't feel it, until I smacked the ground. My palms barely caught me, as my feeble arms weren't stable. The small pebbles pieced my sweaty hands as I held myself above the ground.

I hacked my lungs clear of their stressed muscles. My spine exploded with mini rounds of bullet biting agony. I wasn't sure if I was ever going to recover. The damp sides of my hair stuck to my flushed face. Nausea brewed as I shook.

Eventually, my injured wrist gave way first, followed by the other. I allowed my immature body to finally rest. I surrendered to the punishment that Levi had so desperately wished to condemn me with. I would apologize later. Not here, not with this remaining crowd of people. My dry eyes trailed to the man who was coming forward. His cold orbs showed no mercy.

I tried, didn't I?

We ran hard, right Amara?

I rolled my head towards my superior. His features, for some strange reason, were barely noticeable. Was I going blind? My lips twitched for words, expect my throat was too broken like the rest of me. All that spilled was the panicked breathes and small dribbles of saliva.

Levi towered over me. It seemed like an eternity as we locked eyes. He wouldn't reprehend me any more here; would he? He knew he had won. What more was there to prove?

I braced myself as he uncrossed his arms and kneeled to my level. The tension rose, my heart nearly shattered. I watched as his hand extended towards me. I choked, as I feared the worst. Instantly, I glued my eyes closed.

Then I was coated with those unexpected velvety words, "You've done alright, brat." I shot my eyes open. A calm hand rested on my head. With barely enough strength, I managed to lift my chin towards him. I looked at the half shadowed Levi with uncertainty.

"S-sir?" I mumbled. His fingers tapped my scalp lightly.

"Stand up," he said. I gave him a weary expression, facially pleaded to anything against that command. Levi shook my head, "get up, now." I wasn't entirely sure how I managed to follow him. Yet, I did. The blood began to pool around me as I stood by his side.

Dizzy spells danced around my skull. I hopped on my aching feet. Levi cleared his throat, which gave me an indirect correction.

"Straighten up," he said. I pulled my arms behind my back and stood as square as possible. Exactly the way Levi had taught me. Against, everything he had done, he was still my leader, my guardian, and I would act accordingly. I felt faint.

"Listen up you spineless military rodents," He began. I wasn't sure whom he was addressing until a member of the crowd spoke up. With heavy lids I peered into the endless bodies. I couldn't distinguish anyone.

"Levi," someone chirped.

"You see this brat standing before you?" I heard hushed whispers from the crowd. Levi continued, "She did as she was instructed; she ran until the sun set. You all witness this. She took her punishment like an adult, like a solider, like one of us. The least she deserves is your fucking respect." I heard the low growl from his throat. It was difficult, but I managed a glance at him.

A deep powerful voice penetrated the silence, "I see your determination Cadet. It's rather remarkable watching you go to such lengths to ensure Miss Elke's residence here. However, swift legs aren't going to solidify a Scout's position."

"What more does she have to prove? What? You want her to leap off a damn building? We could have her be hogged tied for Titan bait if that satisfies you-" Levi attack back. My head felt as heavy as rock. My right eye, fevered with pain.

My chest still rattled, "Mis-mister Levi-" I whimpered. I didn't feel right. Each nerve pinched and released at cannon rate. The burning in my chest was the equivalent of a scorching furnace. The blood still dripped. Would it ever end?

"A child is not suited for war-"

"She's earned her place-"

I gingerly reached for Levi's sleeve, "L-Levi." I asked again.

"What is it-?" Levi snapped. My small frame had endured enough, there was no more strength to stand, and gradually I fell into his side. My head laid limp into his body.

I lifted my arms as if I had weights attached to them, "Mister Levi can-can you hold me?" I expected some resistance from him. I didn't even have to wait; I was scooped into his embrace and fell to his cradling arms. Finally, it was over.

I coughed several times. "I-I'm sorry," I said. My guardian held me securely.

"You've done alright Elke," He whispered as he carried me off.

No one could describe exactly the moments that led up to where we were.

Though, I wouldn't have had it any other way.

"Drat, can't seem to get the bleeding to stop. Gotta say, you fell pretty hard." Hanji sighed as she kept pressing more cotton to my fresh cut knees.

I had been sitting on a white-sheeted bed for what seemed like forever. After Levi made his awe-inspiring speech, Hanji had decided she would pester Levi until she was granted permission to fix me up.

So, that's eventually what happened.

Levi and the others left me in the care of the kooky Squad Commander while they claimed they had to attend to other matters. I was convinced they were unaware of the possible hazards that could be forced upon me. For all I knew, I could grow an extra limb by the time she finished. Her babbling about experiments would make anyone uneasy.

The women pulled the soaked pad back. "Looks like you still have some rocks in there. Don't worry I'll get them!" She said enthusiastically as she grabbed the small thin knife once more. I let out a tired groan. That was all I could manage now. Earlier, is when my ballistic meltdown had taken place. The pain had been excruciating, I had never squealed so much in my life. Now, everything was bordering on being numb. Hanji leaned me back down onto the bed; a plush soft pillow supported my head. If she would stop talking, I could have fallen asleep.

My eyes shot open as the knife dug into the exposed flesh. I let out a hiss of discomfort and slightly bent my legs to avoid the pain. Hanji held my left knee back down and proceeded with cutting out the remaining pebbles.

"-And so you see Elke dear, that's our hypothesis, as to why the Titans don't have digestive systems, proves to be accurate. I mean that wad of left over remains didn't just sprout from the ground, am I right?" Hanji found humor in her words. I found myself queasy from the thought.

Another scrape invaded my wound.

"Ow, ow-" I simply winced and did my best not to make any more commotion. I pinched my brows together before throwing an arm over my eyes. Maybe I could block out the pain? I heard another rock bounce to the floor.

Then I felt a few more dabs from the cloth. "Well kid, looks like your going to need stitches. You ran so darn long you just kept splitting the skin. No worries dear, I'll go grab my kit. I'm a master in this after all, I've practiced on hundreds of specimens." The goggle lady practically danced out of the room, "just keep applying that pressure. I'll be right back."

I leaned forward on my stiff joints and did as I was told. Lightly, I pushed my hands down on my knees. The stings and the throbs erupted in my kneecaps. Though that wasn't the only thing that was irritating me. Aside from the soreness and aches from my muscles, and a winded chest, my right eye was unusually tender. It felt as though a several sharp pins were being stabbed through it.

The miserable part was having had endured it since I decided to accept Levi's form of punishment. Why running would make my eye sore wasn't comprehendible to me. The discomfort soared the more I messed with the two wounds. My eye had actually started to bother me more, as though it wanted the glory of being the biggest pain in the butt. I slammed my hand over it. I wanted to claw it out so badly.

Suddenly, an enticing aroma filled my nostrils. I sniffed the air like a dog. It was incredibly powerful, whatever that smell was. It was also very scrumptious. My mouth began to salivate at the idea of being able to taste it. It sort of reminded me of some tangy zest or a sweet treat. In fact, it had a range of possible flavors the more I thought about it.

My nostrils flared as the scent kept coming.

Who was cooking?

I let my eyes scan the vacant room. The walls were a bare off white and matched the flooring and shelves. It had less enthusiasm than the quarters where we slept. However, that's not what I was after.

That's when my attention was brought to the metal tin that was stashed in the corner of the room. I couldn't believe what I was starring at. There, positioned over the rim was a torn blue cloth. It looked exactly like…

"Amara?" I questioned myself. Like a ghostly spirit, an invisible force beckoned me towards the trash. I slid my butt off the sheets and quietly tip toed over. The smell overpowered my senses. I stood, horrified, as I realized exactly what I had been drooling over.

I shook my head, "no-no. Oh no please." I nearly pleaded with myself, as I couldn't fathom why I was drawn to this. Why this? I peered past the torn fabric and dared to glance further downward, deeper, into the mysterious trash.

I was mortified when my stomach actually growled when I stared at it.

No one would believe that I actually pulled out that disposed of garbage. Except, it wasn't waste to me, it was an unearthly generous gift from above. Why was I thinking this way? I was confused.

Yes, I had to be disoriented from running?

Perhaps the meds they gave me?

Surely, this was just a dream?

Regardless, I held that mucus green and chard colored black piece of meat in my hands. It felt rubbery and slightly stiff. Again, my nose flared in excitement, my tongue danced, and even my eye seemed to radiate its own happiness. What was this strange feeling? This unusual craving that has kept invading me?

My guts slithered like hungry snakes. They were actually demanding this? I opened my mouth. I couldn't be doing this. Why, why was I doing this?

I drew the raw skin closer to my mouth. I was so desperate, so starved. I began to tremble as my tongue traced the bare outside of the skin. That's what solidified my decision, the taste was beyond divine. With eager taste buds I took no spare time and shoved that rotten looking jerky in my cheeks.

Tears dripped from my eyes as I chewed on the disposed piece of trash. I knew what I was doing was wrong, it was bordering on a sin. But I couldn't stop. The savoring flavor, the smoke spice it gave off, the exotic texture was taming this unfathomable greed. A strange sensation of wiggling worms moved around that right socket, it pulsed, swelled, and then it all died. The crunches from my mouth filled the room as I continued to devour the remains from the trash. I cried from wanting to eat this, yet I also sob when I took the final swallow.

It was over.

I sat there, as I remained kneeled in front of the metal bin. Some particles had fallen to the floor and all I could do was stare at the emptiness that surrounded me. What had I just done? I wanted to curl into a ball. There was no denying the actions I had committed to.

I would like to say I felt nauseous or deathly ill for chowing down on such a disgusting substance. Sadly, no…I felt…

"Feel better?" Amara said slyly. I whipped my head around to see nothing. It's all in my head. She's all in my head. I was about to ask a question when my thoughts were cut short by approaching footsteps.

Quickly, I made my way back towards my seat and positioned myself as I was left. My head covered the pillow and my hands collected the cloth and placed them over my knees. I waited as still as death even as my heart pounded vigorously.

"Ah sorry it took so long, some poor other cadet was in need of some serious patch work. Managed to poke his eye out clean from training practice," Hanji laughed as she strolled in. "Everyone had to scramble to find it! No matter got the kit back." She headed towards the bed with her large black bag. I stayed like stone as pulled out her equipment. She fiddled with a needle and some thin wire like string.

"At least this will be simple stitch up. The last solider here had that Gang Green disease. Had to remove chunks of his arms. That infection can be quite the nuisances but it has such a lovely coloring about it. " The women thought, "Shame we had to dispose of it. I would have liked to put it under the slides."

I slightly looked at the bin.

Hanji adjusted her glasses, "Now, let's see those knees shall we?" I looked at her nervously as she reached for the bloody fabric. She wouldn't notice the empty bin would she? Her hand lifted the first one.

She hesitated, "Huh?" Her other hand swiftly peeled off the next rag. She starred for a long time before she looked at me with bewilderment.

"Your knees," She paused. "They-they're completely healed."

"What it not wonderful?" Amara asked happily.

Like having stew for dinner, I replied.

The rest of the evening was rather awkward.

I decided to act oblivious to the rapid healing abilities that Hanji so desperately tried to fish out of me. She even tried to remove my eye patch, as she was sure there was some hidden meaning under there. The only saving grace was when my trio of caretakers came back. I didn't resist sprinting away from the kooky Commander and into their arms.

Thankfully, no one else believed her either.

I was settled with Farlan. He had placed me on his lap while he cleaned the smudges of grim from my face and began pressing a cold rag to the bruises. Isabel was busy rambling on about her horse experiences and I listened with heavy eyes.

For once, I begged for bedtime.

A light knock came at the door. Levi who was already up, made his way to the entry.

"What do you want?" He asked coldly. Farlan let out a frustrated groan at his partner's attitude. The man on the other side replied just as sternly.

"Commander Erwin, I have authority to speak to you at this hour. Open up," he said. Levi let out his annoyed, 'tch' and surprising did as told. The thick brow man wasted no time to stroll past Levi. He glanced around the area, raised a brow at Isabel, then made his way toward where I sat.

He held a bundle of items at his side, "I would like to speak to you Miss Elke." I tilted my head.

"M-Me Sir?"

He nodded, "Yes, you. You are still Elke, correct?" I gave him a puzzled expression.

"I think so, Sir? What do you want to talk about?" I asked slightly uneasy. Farlan held me and took to speaking for me.

"I told you before, you are not separating us. She's been through enough. Especially after today's incident."

Isabel stood up as well, "Yeah so mind your own business." Erwin remained fixated on me. He took another step closer.

"Sorry, but this is between me and Elke-"

"It's alright everyone." Levi calmly said. Erwin nodded before lowering himself to my level. He held the object behind his back.

"I would like to send my dearest apologies to you, Miss Elke. I was out of line to have been discussing such traumatic things in front of you the other day."

I was completely lost. "Um It's-it's alright Sir." I replied with a shrug. Erwin let out a sigh as he continued.

"It seems I had over looked such potential, even though it stood right in front of me. I guess I had forgotten what it truly means to be a solider of the Scout Regiment. Size and maybe even age shouldn't be factors in determining one's possible aid in this section of the military. However," he paused and retrieved a paper from behind his back. "After viewing your times against other cadets its clear as any that you have a valuable place here."

I looked at Farlan who seemed just as stunned as I. Isabel even didn't have a comeback for that lengthy compliment. Levi kept his usual composure. I starred back at the blonde officer.

"Th-thank you so much Sir," I said with fluttering butterflies in my stomach.

Erwin cleared his throat, "Then Miss Elke, as Commander of the Scouts, would you do me the honor of being our permeate messenger for our branch? I would greatly appreciate it." I couldn't hold back a broad smile. I looked at each member of my group; they gave a cheerful nod of agreement. Even Levi, with crossed arms, sent me approval as well.

A blush covered my cheeks, "I-I would love to Sir." Erwin shot me a grin as he pulled from behind his back a pair of folded clothes with a tied string bow holding them together.

"Then it's official, Miss Elke you are the new messenger for the Scout Regiment. Here is your uniform." I nearly fell off Farlan's lap as I was handed the clothes. Everything was there, just like everyone else. I was recognized just like them. I jumped off Farlan's lap and wrapped my arms around Erwin's neck.

"Thank you so much! Thank you!" I practically yelled with excitement. I could hear the whispering words of relief. Erwin unraveled his hug.

"Do us proud, solider," he said. Then he saluted me with that strange hand sign. I wasn't sure how exactly it was done. I glanced at Levi, who stood behind the Commander; he quickly demonstrated the action once more.

With a smile of confidence I repeated the proper salute. "With all my strength Sir."

"Very well solider." He said as he made his way to the door. I trotted up behind him.

"Wait."

Erwin turned around, "Hm?" I licked my lips before pulling the leather jacket from the pile. I held the press clean fabric towards him.

"This is the only item I don't need," I said. Erwin have me a perplexed look before grabbing the jacket.

"It's part of the uniform."

I nodded. "I know, I just like the one Levi gave me. It's my protector. It's a magic shield when I name impossible things. It's always with me." I looked up at the tall man. He raised a brow towards Levi.

"Seems to do the trick." Levi shrugged emotionlessly. I could have sworn I saw Eriwn hold back a chuckle.

"Very well, I wouldn't want any solider feeling vulnerable to danger. Do keep it close, Miss Elke. Might come in handy sooner than you think." Erwin replied a last time before dismissing himself. Levi shut the door behind him.

"Well that was a unexpected surprise, huh?" Isabel said as she put her hands on her lips. Fralan got up from his chair.

"Talk about a change in fate. What do you think about that Levi?" Farlan asked. Levi walked towards the rest of us. Isabel and I were digging through the clothes. Everything looked sized right.

"I wouldn't over think anything. What's done is done. Brat-" Levi looked down at me.

"Yes Mister Levi?" I asked still rather excitedly.

"What the hell are you waiting for? Go see if those shitty clothes fit."

I gathered my uniform and almost skipped towards the bathroom. It didn't take me long dispose of my own dingy attire. I fumbled with finding the correct opening in the shirt but from there everything came together nicely.

I grabbed a nearby box and shuffled it towards the mirror. I couldn't wait to see myself.

I glanced at my reflection and I gleamed from ear to ear.

Aside from the bruises and a few cuts I looked pretty darn good. I rotated my shoulders around to get a better view. I still had Levi's jacket but underneath was that new shirt. Gosh, it smelled of pure freshness.

Then as I looked closer I realized that the shirt wasn't the same hue as the others. It had a slight bluish tint. I stumbled off the box. My feet slammed the floor.

"You alright, Elke?" Farlan asked from behind the door. I panted from being startled.

"I-I'm fine," I said. I took a hard gulp before climbing back up. Surely, that wasn't true. I starred again, and there it was, the same blue top. Just like…

"Amara-" I breathed heavily.

"People change, Elke." I felt her whisper tickle my head. Then that's when she appeared next to me. Her stained dress was still covering her. That open wound to her stomach was still visible. I shook.

"You're not real."

Amara smirked, "You've changed." She danced that purple ribbon around my face. The smudge of blood stained my lips, like before. In the reflection she tugged at my eye patch. "Let's see it." I felt my hand obeying her command as it began to flip that dark flap over my head.

I couldn't speak.

The horrified tears streamed from both of my eyes.

"Blue is definitely your color." Amara pulled the skin around the rim of my socket. There was no pain, no bruised flesh, no purple veins, and no milk eye. The vision wasn't surrounded by darkness. I could see flickering shadows and defined outlines of objects. Amara glowed her vibrant hue. I was shocked.

I looked absolutely normal.

Except for the icy blue iris that hung in my right eye.

"Tell me again, why we were such fine experiments?"

Oh wow, lots of details here.

Wonder how many of you saw that coming?

Our dear Elke, what's come of you?

Scary stuff ahead!

I warned you ;)

~Enked