LLL- Well I'm back with a shorter chapter... I'm sorry there isn't much Ereri going on. But, review if you want more. Don't review if you don't care. One way or another, I'll write. So yeah.
Levi sits down at the long table, highly annoyed. Luca is in a seat across from him with a smug expression on his face.
"So you want me to return Eren to the survey corps?"
"Don't test my patience." This is the sixth day since the expedition outside of the wall and Levi has met with the Military Police everyday since then.
"I would say that we deserve to keep Eren as collateral."
"Collateral for what?"
"For the things survery corps likes to keep to themselves like the little girl Soleanna you abandoned on the other side of the wall." Levi has no idea how the military police found out about that. It was strictly a matter that only the survey corps could have known. "Or the titan that you decided to make your right hand man. What was her name? Miry?"
"That's business of the scouting legion."
"And now Eren is my business," Luca retorts, his red hair covering his right eye. Levi stands up, slamming his hands on the wood table that separates the two. "It interests me how determined you are to get him back. What's the relationship here?"
"The same relationship my foot's going to have with your ass."
"So, quite close I assume. But I'll think of Eren as the foot and you as the ass if you don't mind. My point being, have you bothered to ask him if he wants to go back?"
"I don't need to."
The door behind Levi opens and he hears his voice. "You called for me sir?" Eren says. He stumbles back a couple of steps when he sees the back of Levi's head.
"Yes Eren. It seems your ex-captain has been trying to get you back in the survey corps. Can you please tell him your stance on the subject?"
Levi turns to look at Eren and barely recognizes him. His hair is not tied up this time and hangs well past his shoulders. "I..." Eren's mouth stops moving and this bothers Levi. It's rare that Eren is hesitant and timid.
Levi can feel Luca's smile burning through his back. The cockiness is filling the room like a stench. "Yes. Please continue."
Eren closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "I don't want to go back into the survey corps. I'm joining the Military Police," he blurts.
Levi nods. "Fine." His voice is leveled and uncaring deptite the explosions happening within him. He knows Eren isn't saying this on his own will.
Levi turns and looks at Luca. The expression is priceless. "Just 'fine'?"
"Yes." Levi stands up and turns to the door where Eren stands. "Keep him." That being said, he walks out. He walks down the hall and soon hears footsteps behind him. He stops and the footsteps behind him become silent but he doesn't speak.
"Levi." Eren is much closer than he'd thought. "I want to explain but I can't" Suddenly Levi turns around and slams Eren into the nearest wall. Eren's eyes are closed and his face is scrunched up. He's clearly preparing to be punched.
His eyes snap open when Levi leans up and kisses him. It's a short peck but it's the most gentle expression of affection Levi has ever shown since he lost his memory. "I meant what I said. I will get you out of here so don't think so low of me as to chase after and try to explain yourself. It's annoying. While you're here try to get information on the doctor."
"OK."
"And cut your hair."
"You don't like it?" Eren looks down at it.
Levi knits his fingers through his brown hair and places his palm on Eren's neck, pulling him down so that their cheeks are touching. "It gets in the way." He bites Eren's ear and Eren tries his best to conceal a groan. Levi takes a couple steps back and marvels the pitiful expression Eren gives.
"Now I'm hard," he whines.
"I had to punish you somehow for now coming back." Levi turns on his heels and begins walking away. Eren's face is dressed in disbelief. This was all a part of his plan!
As usual, Levi leaves the Military Police building with more questions then he'd arrived with. There is a light drizzle outside as he makes his way back to the house. How is the Military Police getting so much information about him? What did they say to Eren to make him say he wants to stay?
Levi hears something splash in the alley next to him and goes on the defensive. He looks to his left in the dark alley and someone appears out of the shadows.
"Levi..." The girl stumbles out from between the buildings and on to the ground.
"Soleanna." He bends down to help her. There is blood on her forehead and her arm is swollen and purple. She is breathing heavily and her eyes are red. "Soleanna, what happened to you?"
"The flowers. They're all gone."
"What are you talking about?"
She falls unconscious and he picks her up and runs to the house. It seems she pushed herself to stay conscious until she found someone who could help her. He slams through the door and Armin is sitting at the table with Jean. He looks at Levi as he runs by and up the stairs. Armin thinks he catches a glimpse of Soul but isn't sure so follows Levi up the stairs.
Levi struggles to remove her 3DMG before laying her on the bed. Armin stands next to them.
"What happened?!" he asks. It's clear he's already panicking. Levi knows that Armin is smart but doesn't function straight when he loses his cool. Levi grabs both of Armin's arms and the two make eye contact.
"Calm down. Breath."
Armin looks down at Soul and then back at Levi. He exhales deeply, closing his eyes and nods. "I'm OK."
Levi releases him and looks back at Soleanna. "I don't know what happened. I just found her and the only thing she could say before passing out was 'The flowers are all gone.'"
Although better then he was 2 minutes ago, Armin is still flustered. Levi notices his efforts to stay focused. "I need two cool rags and a cup of water. Do you mind?"
Levi is already out of the room grabbing the materials. He tries desperately to understand what Soleanna's words might have meant. The first thing that comes to mind are the herbs from the clearing. He is already down the stairs and in the kitchen thinking through the possibilities and in an instant he is back in the room.
Armin takes the rags and places one on Soul's head while wiping her down with the other. "It looks like she has a broken arm and worst case scenario, internal bleeding."
Levi doesn't respond. His mind is wrapped with thoughts of what he should do rather than sit here and wait for her to regain consciousness. "Keep an eye on her," he growls, trudging out of the room. Armin nods and he makes his way down the stairs and out of the house. Levi's walk turns into a jog as he makes his way to Hange's lab. When he walks down the steps he sees Hange next to Ymir. The two are standing in front of a table looking a pile of green mush. Ymir turns when seeing Levi enter.
"Hey, wassup."
"Ymir. Tell me more about the herb."
She raises an eyebrow at the spontaneous request. "There's nothing else I can tell you."
"But I think I can," Hange says, still analyzing the green substance. "This flower you brought me is definitely the herb, but something about it is strange. It's texture has changed. I guess that's expected since it's a plant but whether it's preserved or not, the qualities of this herb die out after only a few days."
"What does that mean?"
"If you take the flower out of the ground it dies within three days and looses it's medicinal properties no matter what."
"What?" Levi thinks back to what the doctor did. He couldn't have had the flower for less than three days. There's no way.
"The doctor lied to us." Hange concludes.
Ymir walks in circles around the prison turned lab and yawns. "Well that we already knew, right. I think the real question is who knows the truth. Where did your doctor get those herbs and who is at the top of the web of lies?"
Levi glares at her. "Your mind is disgusting."
"That's why I'm the smartest. I think the same way they do."
"And that's why I need you. Come with me." Levi walks out and Ymir follows him. The rain has gotten a bit heavier. She follows his steps without question and it isn't until they are on the roof of a building that overlooks the district that he speaks again. "I will confront the Military Police."
"Don't."
"What?"
"If you do that they will become suspicious, Say you confront them and they know nothing. They will start poking their heads in shit it doesn't belong."
"So what do you suggest we do?"
"We need to dip our heads where they don'e belong. We need information but at the same time we don't want them to know."
"That I know. So how do we do it Ymir." Levi steps up to her. "I'm tired of theories and plans. We need actions."
She turns from him and looks over the town. "There are some ways I've been considering, but they are unlikely to be of any desire to you."
"Try me."
Ymir turns her head slightly and looks at him. "Hmmm, it's been a while since I've seen you like this," she jeers. "What's wrong? Is Eren in danger?"
"No, but Christa will be if you don't talk."
She sighs lightly. "There you go again threatening my girl. Fine. We can infiltrate the Military Police. Sounds difficult but the results could be worth wild. Or we can confront Reiner. We don't know where he is and I'm sure that'd be our biggest obstacle. Lastly, we could look more into the doctor's background. Who he was, who he knew, and every connection he had." Ymir looks off into the distance, her hair now soaked from the rain.
Levi leans against the edge of the wall and crosses his arms. "We're doing them all."
Ymir's eyes snap open as she looks over at him. "What!" She then narrows her eyes, suddenly more curious. "What's going on. You're a lot more, how should I put it, willing than usual. Or maybe eager is the right things are high risk and you have barely thought about it before deciding to jump in. Did something happen to Eren?"
"No. I'm just sick of waiting. Things are moving too slow."
"Ha," she smiles,"And you come to me for help."
"Something wrong with that?" His eyes are closed.
Her sarcasm takes a hit with his response. "N-no." She looks down at the ground and grunts. "You're like the brother I never had, Lance. Of course there's nothing wrong with that."
"Tch." He walks off. "Lets go."
Their next destination ends up being the Military Police Headquarters again. Levi walks up to the door and two guards block the way. "What is your business here."
"I need to talk to Mikasa Ackerman."
"I'm afraid she can't see you."
Levi's anger is bubbling over and he's knows the bad part hasn't even started yet. "I'm going to see her. Let me through before I make you."
"Are you threatening us!" One of the guards yells, stepping forward. Levi is ready to roundhouse kick the bastard but Ymir grabs his arm. He looks back and she is shaking her head. With enormous effort he lowers his frustration.
Light footsteps are heard behind them followed by that familiar voice. "What's going on?"
He turns to see Mikasa walking up. Ymir puts her arms behind her head. "Convenient timing is convenient," she huffs.
"What are you two doing here?"
Levi glares at her, forever hating the female for the rest of his life and dreading the idea of needing her help. "We need to talk to you."
"No."
'ARGGGGG!' Is she really going to give him a hard time right now. "You're going to talk to us or I'm going to..."
"LEVI!"
He looks to the left and sees Armin running to him. He stops next to him but doesn't speak struggling to regain his breath. Levi's attention has completely left Mikasa and in the few seconds he has close to forgotten she was standing there. "What is it?"
"S-soleanna... is awake. But I don't know... when she might lose... consciousness again."
In an instant Levi is making a sprint the house, the others following. He reaches the house and rushes to his room where Soleanna is. Hange is leaning on a wall near the window. He sees Solenna laying in bed, her eyes staring at the ceiling. It's clear she is having trouble breathing but is focusing on not losing herself in pain. She truly is a strong girl. She looks over, seeing the group and a smile spreads across her face. The trace of a tear can be seen down her face. "Levi," she struggles out.
He bends down to one knee. "Soleanna. What happened to you?"
More tears stream down her cheek. "I'm sorry," she breathes. "I just can't believe I made it here alive"
Mikasa walks up and wipes the tears from her eyes. Levi is annoyed. He hadn't even noticed she'd followed and wastes no effort in pushing her hand away. Although taken aback, Mikasa doesn't debate his action. Soleanna winces in pain and Levi is more forward, voice more demanding. "What happened."
Armin walks to her. "Wait Levi. We should try and figure out what is wrong with her first."
"No." She pushes Armin away and looks at Levi. "This is more important. All of the flowers are gone. I went to the clearing to get some and it was empty. It was terrible. I was so shocked that I let my guard down and Reiner had been waiting for me He attacked me, but something wasn't right. He was sloppy and more monstrous. He seemed to be losing his mind. I could only hide but so much. It took me longer to get here than I wanted, but I was almost sure I was going to die. I was bleeding to much and the titans could smell me so well. I only made it because of a horse that you guys left behind. I didn't... arggg!" She groans in pain again, more tears escaping. Her breathing is shallow and her skin is pale.
Armin steps next to her again. "What's wrong?"
"My chest hurts. It hurts to breath."
Armin sighs, sorrow flooding his face. "There's nothing much we can do but make sure you are not moved. You need to eat and drink..."
"No. It hurts to swallow," she cries. "Everything hurts so much."
Levi stands and is face to face with Mikasa. "Tell me everything the Military Police is hiding."
"I can't do that."
Levi grabs onto the collar of her shirt, yanking her closer to him. "You have a death wish if you test me."
"Oh she has a death wish alright." A new voice is heard at the door of the room and every one turns. Luca stands at the door with a cocky smile on his face. "Well isn't this quite the meeting. You must be Soleanna, I've heard great things about you."
"Luca, what are you doing!" Mikasa yells.
"Just business." He has the gun pointed at Soleanna and everyone leaps into action. Armin throws himself over her. Hange steps in front of both of them. Levi has a hold of Luca and Ymir grabs on to him.
"Get off of me!" Levi yells at her.
"I'm not going to let you screw things up for a child who already has one foot in the grave."
"Why you..."
"No!" The voice from under Armin is soft but travels through the room, gathering everyone's attention. "Please. Don't die for me. She's right. I know I won't make it. I can feel it."
Ha," Luca laughs. "You heard the girl. But whether or not you listen isn't my problem. I'll shoot you all if I have to."
Mikasa steps in front of the barrel. "Don't. If you do then our deal is off."
His face is in shock before sporting another smirk. "Are you joking?"
"Pull the trigger and find out."
The two stare one another in the face before he reluctantly lowers his gun. "Fine." He moves his red hair out his face, his voice now a growl. "But you will be punished for coming here. I can only imagine what you might've told them had I not shown up."
"How did you even know I was here?"
"I hear everything that happens within these walls."
"The front guards told you..."
"Yes, but that doesn't negate my previous statement. Now lets go." He turns and Mikasa follows him out.
When the two are out of the house, the scouting regiment relaxes. Ymir sighs. "Looks like fire head has quite the temper. I wonder what their deal was."
Levi ignores everything else and walks over to Soleanna. "I thought you were strong, but you've still got a lot to learn. Never give up on life. Even at your last breath there is something to live for even if you don't know what it is." With that he turns around and walks to the door.
Soleanna's voice stops him before he makes it out of the room. "What do you live for Levi?"
His heart plummets at this question. It's something he himself doesn't want to answer. It's a question he dreads to ask himself. "I can't remember."
That being said, he is out of the house again. Night is falling and the dark sky is only becoming darker. Levi walks down the vacant street, his boots squishing in the wet ground. He finds himself in front of Ava's house. Or the site where it once was. The rain comes down. He gets on one knee and salutes. His head is aimed low at the ground and his fist clenched tight.
"Ava, I live for you."
"Farlan and Isabel, I live for you."
"Petra, I live for you."
"Eren... I'll die for you."
A tear mixes with the rain.
LLL- Yeah. So it's like 1AM. On the bright side my last 2 exams are tomorrow and I'm done with my first year in college. Time for me to update more often.
