Hey so here's another chapter. This one contains a portion of my new miniseries which will be short little bits between the time that Caria returned from training and the Female titan Arc at the end of each chapter until the climax of the female titan arc. I forgot to mention something I found out while trying to pinpoint the time period SNK takes place in. It's definitely think it's after the industrial age that seemed to have been halted due to the appearance of Titans. So in episode 19, which was referenced last chapter,Levi was writing on a chalkboard with white chalk. The chalkboard was introduced in 1801 by James Pillans, a teacher in Scotland, whose credited to having invented the first modern chalkboard when he hung a large piece of slate on the classroom wall. Just thought this kind of further supported the idea that SNK has technology more closely related to that of the 19th century save for the maneuver gear. I just need to know what kind of plumbing system they might of had. Even knowing if the upperclass had some sort of indoor plumbing would be useful, but alas, I'll have to do more research before I find out. Also the results are in, and by results I mean one -_-. Caria will be apart of the Levi formation. ;)
Chapter 21 The Things we Don't Say
"Oh hey Caria. Did you need something?" the soft eyes of Petra smiled at me upon my entrance.
The red-head had always been suspicious of me, like there was an unspoken rivalry she felt from me although it was only now that it was truly in place. I liked Levi a lot more than I had anticipated and unfortunately for Petra, the feelings were mutual between me and him.
"Petra... I lied to you the other day." I swallowed. It would be like ripping off a bandage I inwardly encouraged. Tell her like it is.
"Huh, what do you mean?" The young woman's brow creased.
"I actually really-"
"Hate Levi. Caria hates his guts!" In barged Eld, Gunther and the Oluo who had all just fallen unceremoniously through the door that they had so obviously been leaning on.
"Hey what are you guys doing here?! I thought I told you no spying on me Oluo!" Petra shouted.
"Ho ho ho my dear Petra, this time we weren't spying on you. We were spying on Caria who just so happened to be here with you," Oluo laughed haughtily.
"Anyways, Yeah, we actually came to apologize for all those Levi jokes. Caria hates the guy cause he's always making her stay up late so we joke about them being all lovey dovey because it gets on her nerves," Gunther explained.
I turned to glare at Eld who made a bunch of hand motions that made no sense to me until he finally realized I didn't get it, and rushed over to sling me over his shoulder causing a string of shouts and profanities to be released.
"Sorry for barging in Petra, we just didn't think it fair to let Caria explain our jokes. We'll stop now though," Eld waved heading out the door with me in tow. I watched from Eld's back as the amber eyed Petra stared after us in bewilderment whilst being harassed by Oluo who was in turn being restrained by Gunther. We rounded a corner and Eld put me down but quickly doubled over as I delivered a swift punch to his gut.
"You've got 3 seconds to explain to me why you just interrupted my conversation with Petra."
"Alright alright..." Eld spluttered still recovering from my punch. "It's just that...I know something must have sparked between you and the Captain in our little prank. I mean last night, he was pretty predatory looking and I have a pretty fair guess of what he had in mind. Like an eagle getting ready to devour a fish," Eld said with crossed arms, glaring me down.
"I don't like your comparisons..." my cheeks burned knowing he was on point.
"Caria, nows not the time to tell Petra. She's pretty taken with the Captain in case you haven't noticed and even though she's an amazing soldier, I'd rather you put that 'announcing your lover status' off until after this next expedition.
"She's not a little girl, she's a grown woman. I'm sure she'll understand. It's only fair that she knows that..." I paused realizing what I was admitting to Eld. I couldn't miss the grin slowly stretching the golden beard.
"Knows...?" Eld motioned for me to finish my speech.
"Knows the truth," I finished stubbornly.
"And what 'truth' might that be?" Eld smirked.
"None of your business. Now let me through."
"Caria, all joking aside, I think this can wait. Emotions can affect performance no matter how hard people try to ignore them. For all we know, Levi's affections may be what Petra fights for, and the truth... well the truth can wait. She just doesn't need to know anything now. The expedition is tomorrow."
I sighed and gave into Eld's suggestion.
"Fine, I'm going to bed," I yawned, stalking off to my room. Eld was right. There would be plenty of time after the expedition, and the retaking of Wall Maria to worry about such trivial matters.
The crowds of Recon soldiers organized into their respective positions on Erwin's formation plan. I had it engraved into my memory. The plan formed a wing like symbol into which all the soldiers were positioned into specified units. Our unit was in charge of Eren, the most important person to humanity right now. I barely had time to talk to anyone from my Trainee clas, and since I was apart of Levi's unit, my position was to be hidden from them. They had first come to us about a month ago though I was separated from them most of the time. However, when I did get a chance to see everyone, I was shocked to see that Jean, Connie, and Sasha had been in the crowd of new soldiers. Jean had been so persistent on joining the Military Police and Connie and Sasha seemed like they would have also preferred the simplicity of the Military police, yet something or someone had changed their minds. I had passed Ymir and Krista, the former winking at me and the latter waving with a happy-go-lucky smile contrasting her companions dark smirk. Reiner and Bertolt also made an appearance which was reassuring considering how skilled they were. Annie was missing, and of course Marco, who had met his demise in the battle of Trost, didn't get to see his dream of serving the king come true. Other than than those two, the majority of the top ten had made their way into the Survey Corps ranks. It was a shame that I wouldn't be able to see them off.
"Caria, are you sure you don't want to be in my formation. I could use your skill," Erwin commented striding up along side me.
"I'm sorry commander but-"
"Erwin. She's with me. It'll be safest with my team," Levi interrupted.
A silent deja vu staring session occurred between the two men, and it wasn't long before Erwin gave in since no one matched Levi's sharp stare. I wasn't familiar with Erwin's fighting capabilities but Levi was said to be the strongest of the Survey Corps so perhaps that's why he had so much influence with the commander.
"Good luck Caria. Don't be reckless and follow Captain Levi's orders," the commander saluted taking his leave.
"Caria, come. I want to check your tank," Levi said grabbing the arm that had been poised to salute the retreating commander.
"But I already-hey!" I protested being pulled towards an empty supply station. It was little more than a shed and Levi quickly closed to door behind him.
"Listen to me... and I can't stress the listen part enough. Follow my orders," He instructed while sporting a grave expression. It was almost lost to me, but I heard it in his voice. Could it be that he of all people was anxious about the coming expedition? I had been fine in my first expedition, and in the clearing of Trost but intuition told me that this was different.
"Levi...this expedition, is there something else to it?" I asked searching his grey eyes. He sighed and this time I could tell he wanted to tell me the truth; he was done hiding things from me. However, clearly this was one of the times where Levi was truly acting as Erwin's subordinate because he didn't confirm or deny my suspicions. He had been ordered to keep a tight lip on the subject.
Levi studied my face and gradually, his expression softened. I heard the breeze outside, the distant chatter and finally ,the soft ruffling of clothes as Levi's hand drew up to my face. The motion was tender, meaningful. And this time I didn't feel his carnal hunger, only his care.
"Caria...I have so many things to tell you," He muttered vaguely. He leaned forward to plant a cushiony kiss on my lips, one hand fisted into my ebony locks falling from my ponytail. He passed from my lips and caught me in a surprise embrace. For a time, he held me and I stood shock still not at all familiar with this side of him. Something was triggering it and in his embrace I felt my own pessimistic imagination instill fear in me. There was some unknown danger that even Levi was uncertain of, and if he of all people had reason to believe that something bad might happen, how could I not be affected? Still, were I the hand that guided time, I would stop the flow just so that I could intake the honey-black tea smell of the Captain. There was also the warmth of his hard chest that I wanted to bask in for a while.
"Umm Levi, we should probably get going..." I mumbled after a few moments knowing that the time was drawing near for us to leave the sanctuary that Wall Rose provided.
"Hmm," He agreed pulling away.
"I... um well I can't imagine you getting hurt or... I'm not sure if it's possible so I don't know what to tell you except that if I die, remember me, okay?" I said with a smile. Levi frowned at my statement that was something of a morbid joke.
"No...You won't die. You're strong and you have me. Stay close and follow my orders...please." He added with urgency at the end. I nodded, following the Captain out the door and returning to our position in the formation where Oluo, Petra, Gunther and Eld sat mounted on their horses. Eren didn't seem so despairing anymore. A renewed sense of determination had ignited within him. Out there, outside of Wall Rose were our bitter enemies. The titans that were all too familiar with victory over mankind. But this time it would be humans that emerged victorious like we had in Trost.
"We will now begin our 57th expedition beyond the walls! Onward!" Erwins voice roared over the hundreds of hooves battering the ground. I smiled. This was just like last time. I was pumped and my hands held steady on the reins of my stead eager to tear my swords through titan flesh again. Levi was on my right with brows creased. I knew his thoughts were on the true purpose of this expedition. Whatever it was, we were the key component. But how many lives would it take to safe guard the key? That was always the question.
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***end chapter***
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***chapter 1 miniseries***
Mini Stories : Events occurring between Caria's return from training and the Female Titan Arc
Chapter 1: She who sits alone
"Hey Caria!"
"Oh hey guys. I thought you two usually ate with the veteran soldiers," I smiled, grateful that they had shown up.
"Actually, we're just here visiting this girl Gunther fancies. She's kinda mousy looking but I guess that's what he's into," Eld teased.
"What!? She's cute, didn't you see the way her dimples pinched when she smiled back at me?" the lovestruck soldier swooned.
"So... why are you sitting all alone here? It must be tough being the only one in your class to start at the Survey corps so early, but we don't bite." Eld reassured me with a bright grin.
"I don't know I've talked to a few people but they seem like they're avoiding me and I keep getting strange looks...I know I'm different... but most of the people in the 104th regiment were pretty friendly and didn't seem to mind. I was thinking that maybe people don't get too close since this job comes with a high death rate so the less you know someone the less it hurts when they're gone..." I finished, watching Eld and Gunther exchange knowing looks.
"That's true but... Oh look! Hey Warner, come here!" Eld called out to someone coming out of the food line. My face lit up at the tall attractive golden blonde haired man striding over to us. He had sharp green eyes, a strong jaw and a soft half smile on his face as he greeted Eld. I felt butterflies rise when our eyes met.
"I don't think I've seen you around. Normally I'm in one of the other buildings but there was a shortage of food so I came here. What's your name?" the man said is a smooth voice that churned my insides.
"I'm..Caria Wolf. I just graduated from the 104th Trainee class," I extended my right hand to shake his but instead he grasped it and lowered his lips to plant a light kiss on my knuckle. My face grew hot at the gesture, and I saw Eld and Gunther smirking in the corner of my eye.
"The pleasure's mine. Someone as exotic as yourself...I don't see how I could have missed you before," Warner complimented.
"See Caria now you know some-"
"Caria. I was looking for you," a male voice suddenly sounded from behind me.
It was none other than Captain Levi with his green cloak billowing behind him as he walked purposefully towards us. He stopped directly in front of my hand and Warner, who immediately let go of my hand to stand at attention for Captain Levi. The short mans usual hard expression settled on the young man and he turned so that his back was to me and he was directly facing the taller soldier.
"Warner Bertrand. 102nd Trainee graduating class. I see you've aquainted yourself with our newest recruit," The Captain recited turning to place a firm hand on my shoulder. I smiled at the Captain and then to Warner whose demeanor had changed almost instantaneously. He returned the smile, yet it was no longer warm and welcoming but rather detached and strictly formal.
"Err I've got to go. See you Gunther, Eld. Captain Levi sir..." The young man saluted. I watched in disappointment as the handsome young man turned and swiftly walked away to an unknown destination. He hadn't even bid me goodbye.
"Uh Captain, do you always come here around this time?" Eld asked.
"Yea, I've taken it upon myself to make sure Caria's getting used to things around here. Why?"
"Well that explains a lot... cough I mean, I thought you usually took your lunch with the rest of the squad leaders so I was just wondering." Levi's eyes narrowed in suspicion but he didn't say anything further.
"If that's all, I'll be leaving. See you for training Caria. Gunther, Eld, I need you to pick up a couple of brooms and more cloth for the headquarters, were running low again," Levi ordered
"Maybe if you didn't use them 24/7..." Gunther mumbled.
"What was that?" Levi asked.
"Oh we'll take care of it right away," Eld saluted as I giggled softly. The Captain turned on his heel and walked away with onlookers following his every step until he exited the building.
"Caria why don't you just come eat with us from now on," Eld offered.
"Sure. Let me just grab some more of this potato soup, it's really good!" I grinned.
-Caria out of ear shot-
"Wow, I never thought he was actually into anything but killing titans and cleaning. He certainly likes the way Caria's grown up, or out i should say," Eld joked to his friend.
"Yea, he's not alone, but it's crazy that he's so... territorial," Gunther scratched his head feeling sorry for the newest member of the Recon unit.
"Yea... Levi's scaring everyone away from the poor girl," Eld added. And the Captain didn't have to say a single word to do it. It made Eld kind of jealous actually. What he wouldn't give to have that kind of power...
"Wait, what about us or Oluo?" Gunther asked his friend.
"We're taken...well I'm taken and you...you don't stand a chance," Eld shrugged
"Hey!" Gunther frowned.
"Nobody takes Oluo seriously so he's not a threat, but everyone else is," Eld explained. "When it comes to Levi, he can't be too careful. You saw the way he looked at Warner when he had his back turned to Caria. He's already created a fence around her."
"Man, that's kinda unfair," Gunther voiced.
"It's not like Caria's completely alone. There's bound to be some Trainees joining up with us this time around and if it's someone Caria already knows, Levi probably won't be as guarded with them. Plus. She's got us," Eld said dismissing Gunther's concern for the young /woman.
"That's true...poor Warner though. He was definitely interested."
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***end mini chapter***
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***author commentary***
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Thanks for reading. I want to thank the reviewers for their support for the story as well as those following and liking the story. It warms my insides like thai lemon grass soup. Yum yum(*hint hint* you should try the soup if you've never had thai food). Anyways have a nice rest of your day or night depending on when you're reading this. Ciao!