A/N : Hello everyone! Thank you for the continuous support for this fic.
Recent pandemic has left some people isolated from home, having financial issues, stressed from being alone, and some can't even go back to their families due to the travel bans. I hope everyone is doing well, and stay safe always.
This chapter serves as a sort of filler in hopes to reach the Female Titan Arc faster.
Bear with me darlings. The good parts are coming in a few more chapters.
Enjoy!
A toast to everyone who loves Levi Ackerman.
Stay safe everyone.
Love,
A.615.
Kapitel 12 – Yeager Boy
Erwin's reunion with Freya brought upon a huge change to the normally cold and stoic Commander of the Survey Corps. It was considered extremely rare to see the Commander smile and laugh without any sort of scorn or ulterior motives. Possibly to the Commander, Freya was pure mirth – a joy to have in his dimmed and soulless life.
Captain Levi managed to acquire a walking cane for his secretary amidst taking care of Freya and keeping unwanted visitors away. It was a simple one he got from a woodworker somewhere in the market no two days ago. After the fiasco with the creepy cadet harassing the Teacup, he had to instruct a random cadet to collect it while he stays in his office.
Lest the gnat comes back again.
Freya told the Commander everything. From how the creep sneaked into the Captain's office and room, to how he obsessively touches her against her will. Of course, that infuriates her cousin brother to such a degree that he promptly instructed his assistant to sniff this mouse out and get rid of him.
His exact word was, "I don't care how you do it. I just want him out of the Survey Corps from now on."
"Look for a cadet with one loose front tooth," Levi contributed to the findings, dropping a hint as to the whereabout of the cadet. He had made a mistake of not taking down the name of said cadet, but nonetheless, he made sure he suffered enough to be the only chatterbox and gossip spreader that everyone would know who he is. "He's someone that talks a lot and hates me."
Levi is sure that the deed will be carried out immediately.
A knock on the door sounded, jolting Freya in the bed. Erwin had to stay quiet in Levi's room with Freya whilst Levi went out to get the door and was greeted by a cadet, one that he sent on an errand earlier.
The walking cane is finally here.
"Levi Heichou!" the cadet saluted, handing to him a walking cane wrapped with brown paper. "Your item, sir! The woodworker said he had followed exactly as per your request and hoped it is acceptable."
Levi took the walking cane off the cadet's hands and placed it on his office table. The cadet's eyes were fixated on the walking cane, waiting for Levi's next instruction. If the walking cane was not up to Levi's request, he might just send the cane back to where it belongs.
Sliding off the brown paper wrapped and tied around the new walking cane, Levi took it up and tried it. Flipping it, applying his weight on it, all is good with the cane. The work was done simply – sleek brown wood with a wide handle so as to allow the user a more comfortable lean on the walking cane without the danger of slipping off. Levi nodded his head and waived to him nonchalantly before gesturing towards the door, "Thank you. This is good enough. That would be all."
The cadet saluted the Captain and backstepped out of the office quickly. After the gossip with the creepy cadet who had harassed Freya spreads like wildfire everywhere in the Scouting Regiment and how Captain Levi – rumoured to be livid with red hot rage at the cadet – mercilessly kicked the cadet down the castle stairs, the runner cadet dares not stay for long or let his gaze wander. Too dangerous to do that in the presence of Captain Levi.
Afterall, he is not called Humanity's Strongest Soldier for nothing.
CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME
"It's just a walking cane," Levi grumbled, feeling awkward with Erwin sitting at the beside while looking over at him with a strange expression on his usually stoic face. Was it jealousy? No. It is not possible for Erwin Smith to feel jealous. Jealous of? Freya's attention? That sounded even more preposterous.
"Oh, thank you Levi Heishichou! Thank you, thank you!" Freya squealed in happiness for the second time. Her expression was one of extreme delight, more so than when she receives honey drops from Erwin the other day before the Battle of Trost. Her eyes glimmered in sparkling blue and green, whilst her happiness spreads contagiously like a disease in Levi's room. Hell, he could feel a strange sort of quiet happiness blooming in his heart at seeing her so pleased with the walking cane.
Happy for being able to walk again? Sure thing. He could always feel her turning into a stone when he carried her on his shoulder to the bathroom and to his room back and forth. She wasn't heavy to begin with. Its easy to carry her around. He just sorts of sank into that role of caring for her and just nonchalantly does the deed. But she was always so apologetic about it. Perhaps she feels indebted to him for helping her out when he can just dump her at the hospital.
She just did not know he cannot do that. The hospital was full by the time he arrives there with her on the day of the Titan Attack. No one is available to help her. The Survey Corps Headquarter castle is the only option left for him to help treat her. Not to mention the debt of kindness from 10 years ago. She's different from the others, and that's saying something.
Sure, Freya is happy about the walking cane, and openly showers him with praises and thanks, but Erwin is different.
He still looked over at him with that weird expression. Sulking perhaps. Wait, was it sulking? For what reason? That he got the walking cane for her? Hell, Erwin's busy. He could not have thought of her needing the walking cane since he only visited her today after so many days has passed since Battle of Trost. He would not know she needed it anyway.
He just didn't expect that she would be so delighted at the prospect of being able to walk on her own again with the walking stick.
"This is perfect!" she exclaimed happily. "Finally! I can beat someone up real good with this!"
Beat someone up. Sure thing.
… Wait what?
The two men in the room jerked up in alarm.
"F-Freya," Erwin stuttered. Levi was surprised the stoic Commander stutters, but for once, he had a sort of fear reflected in his eyes when he sees Freya wielding the walking cane in her hand like a sword in the air. "That's for walking. It's to help you to walk as you heal up since you can't stay in bed all day."
"It's just a joke, Winnie," Freya laughed. Both men heaved a sigh of relief. Both men realize each other's mirror reaction and balked awkwardly.
She quickly got down from the bed and slowly stands up with the help of the walking cane. She bites her lips when she put weight on a particular sore muscle she had on her thigh. Erwin went forward to help her up, but she put up a hand and stopped him.
"No, please. Let me, Erwin. I can't always rely on my Captain to carry me. It's high time I come down from the bed on my own," Freya said, taking a deep breath and stands up as she normally would. It does not hurt much anymore, just that her muscles are still a bit sore whilst the dried-up skin on her back from all those blisters caused by the manoeuvre gear stretched tightly. It was not as bad as she has initially thought.
It was actually just fine.
She stood up perfectly well with the help of the walking cane. Giving herself a few tries of walking around with the cane, she finds that it doesn't cause her that much discomfort anymore compared to two days ago. She looked up at Levi and exclaimed happily, "Look, Captain! I can walk now!"
"I see that," Levi replied dryly. Again, Erwin gave Levi that weird look that's a cross between jealous and sulking. Levi raised both hands in a sign of surrender and walked out of the room to his office.
Erwin had noticed that with each small event that happened, Freya's attention will be immediately directed first towards the midget Captain. Of course, he had brushed it off as a sign of respect to her superiors. But when it happened the second time with the walking cane and then now, of her being able to stand up and walk again, it got a really nasty feeling bubbling in his heart.
Jealousy. He hated that feeling. He used to be the first one Freya looked at whenever there's something that makes her happy, or something that makes her scared or hell, something that she is excited to share. But now, first glace was always directed towards Levi.
Damn, Erwin thought to himself. How did this happen? It's not even a week! Or were all those rumours hinting at something? That between Levi and Freya, there is something more?
A knock sounded on Levi's office door. By this time, Freya had managed to walk out of the room and into the office area with her new walking cane. Erwin sighed and exited Levi's room, determined to keep all these aside until something comes up. Freya does have her right to whomever she liked, and there were no military rules that discourage love within the barracks or squad. The soldiers and cadets' lives are theirs to choose, and theirs to dictate. Living in the era where Titans can attack anytime, living in the now is all the right they have left, and if that happens, he couldn't exactly stop her or Levi from whatever it is that is bound to happen.
Silently, he admitted to himself that his baby cousin has all grown up. It seems only yesterday she was just a little girl following him around and mimicking him reading on books, calling him big brother. Oh, how time flies.
He made himself comfortable on the sofa in Levi's office and picked up a random report to read, closing his mind on the topic and to forget he ever thought about the possibility of them falling together.
"Enter," Levi called, his eyes watching Freya as she walks towards him awkwardly with the walking cane. She's adapting to using the walking cane quick enough that she no longer wobbles or wince in pain when she walks. Good start for her then, Levi remarked quietly to himself. The Teacup had always picked things up fast. He really needn't worry about her too much.
The door opened to a soldier with a letter in one hand. A messenger. "Commander! Captain! Madam!" the messenger soldier saluted before handing the letter to Captain Levi. Levi waived his hand and off the soldier go, leaving the trio in Levi's office.
Levi observed to himself that it was something new. Usually, they will hang around for a while more until Levi himself clicked his tongue as cue for them to scram the fuck out of his office. Probably there is something good out of the rumours of him being violent to a cadet, the one he kicked down a flight of stone stairs for the offence of disturbing his Secretary.
Serves him right. Levi promised he'd gladly do it again if this shit happens again.
"Well, well," Levi scoffed whilst reading the letter. "The request has been granted. We've received permission to see Eren Yeager," Levi said, passing the letter to Erwin's outstretched hand. Erwin read the content of the letter and nodded his head in agreement.
Standing up, Erwin walked towards the door and hovered before exiting. "Let us go. We don't have enough time to spare. The earlier this is settled, the better. I doubt anyone in the Walls will not see him as a threat, enough to not want the boy well alive for another day."
"Was this the Aberrant Titan that saved us at Trost on the day of the attack?" Freya interrupted. Levi grunted in reply and nodded. "Oh, lovely. So much potential. He'll be useful."
"I'd say they should just kill him off when they have the chance," Levi scoffed. Honestly, he couldn't care less about the Titan boy. For all he knows, he could be a spy working with the Titans forces. "He's a danger to everyone."
Erwin shakes his head and says, "I have plans for the boy, and Hange is mighty interested with him as well."
"We can't trust him enough," Levi retorted back. He swears to himself that the Commander's thinking has gone haywire. To collaborate with a Titan? And to listen to Hange's words? That damn scientist is mad hat! The boy would sooner massacre them all in their sleep by transforming or some shit than help them achieve freedom. "He's a Titan living amongst us. Not those mindless Titans we dealt with outside of the Walls. Do you even get how dangerous a Titan with a sane mind is?"
"I have a gut feeling he's on our side," Erwin continued, ignoring Levi's snarky remarks. One must get used to profanities and anger issues when dealing with the midget Captain. He is the best, and that comes with a price. "He has been living amongst us for so long, and for 5 years at that after the last attack. His father is a famous doctor, Dr. Jeager, who does not originate from any places in the Walls. I would wager his father kept a journal somewhere, and left clues for the boy to find. He could be a clue as to why the Titans exist in the first place. We'll need to speak to the boy before we can know more."
Levi narrowed his eyes and snapped back, "Your gut would have rotted for sure by now after so many years of leading suicidal expeditions."
"I believe so too," Erwin chuckled. It was very entertaining to speak to Levi at times despite how snarky he can be. "I will confirm my theory after we have a chat with the boy. It will all go according to plan. And Freya? Dress up. We'll need you there."
CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME
"Can you ride?" Levi asked her when they exited the castle.
Blinking, Freya stopped walking. Erwin turned to look at Levi, then at Freya. He raised his eyebrows when Freya didn't reply. "Well? Can you ride, Walker?"
"I-I'll try," Freya stuttered a reply, growing nervous when the two grown man stares at her incredulously. Then at her walking cane, then back up at her again.
Erwin turned to Levi and said, "You'll ride with Captain Levi."
"What?!" Freya exclaimed, eyes bulging wide at the horrors of having to ride with her superior. "B-but Commander-"
Erwin walked off regardless and allowed Levi to handle the situation. There really are more pressing matters to deal with. Levi snapped his head at her reaction and said disdainfully. "You got a problem with that, Walker?"
Freya looked back at her Captain, her eyes wide with shock and retorted plainly, "No offence, Heichou, but any females in the Survey Corps would murder me in my sleep if I were seen riding on your horse with you, Captain.
Humanity's Strongest Soldier merely scoffed shakes his head skeptically and motioned with his head for her to follow them, "Come on, mini-Teacup. Get going. We're to settle this before dark."
"I am not mini, Heichou!" Freya almost wanted to stomp her feet on the ground, tired of the constant name-calling by her Captain. Levi led her to one side of the stable, where his horse, Nacht, is waiting.
Levi almost chuckled. "You are to me."
Huffing, Freya walked faster ahead of the Captain to the stable. Upon arriving and at the sight of a horse tied up at the side of the stable, Freya's mood instantly lightened.
"Oh, hello there!" Freya cooed at the horse. Nacht whinnied lightly at the sight of her and pushed its nose into her open palm. Someone had saddled up the horse earlier for them, and it appears to be waiting for its rider. "Oh, you sweet little thing. Lovely you. So nice to see you!"
"Looks like it still remembers you," Levi said to her nonchalantly while fetching a stool from somewhere behind the stable. Freya tilted her head aside and looked at Levi curiously.
"This horse…" Freya started, not quite sure what Captain Levi is pointing at. "I did feed it regularly, but the same goes with the other horses. They would all remember me."
Levi looked at her with an unfathomable expression. Freya thought that she would get a reply from her Captain or something, but after a while he merely shrugged his shoulders and stepped up to the stool next to Nacht.
Turning around, Levi gestured for Freya to come closer and said, "Freya, come here." Obeying him easily, Freya stepped closer to him with her walking cane. It wasn't as difficult to walk as yesterday with the help of the cane. In fact, the more she walks, the better she feels. Perhaps it was just sore muscles from lack of use. After all, the Captain did carry her in and out of the room every day.
Women would die to feel his arms around them for sure, and they would resort to killing in order to be able to feel that.
"Levi Heishichou," Freya called him formally, looking up at him from below. With his hands displayed in an open inviting manner, she hesitated for a moment before she stuttered out a question, "A-Are you going to carry me up there?"
"What bonus round is this?" Levi snapped, frowning at her angrily. "Quickly now! Come here!"
"I'm heavy," Freya said, shaking her head in protest. "I'm really heavy."
Levi rolled his eyes and calmed himself by taking in a deep breath. "You are not to me. Hurry up now, I don't have all day."
Even then, he had to resort to clapping his hands at her to get her to move closer to him. It would have looked hilarious to any bystanders – Captain Levi, standing atop a stool and clapping his hands at the girl standing below him.
Just when Freya finally convinced her inner self to give in to his request and stepped closer to him, Levi quickly bent down and wrapped his arm around the back of her thigh to lift her up lest she changed her mind and run. As expected, she gave out a squeak of surprise and grabbed hold of his shoulder for balance.
"H-Heichou!" Freya stuttered. He looked up to her and frowned.
"What is it now?" Levi asked irritated. Freya was blushing furiously while her hands moved everywhere around his shoulder, as if he is a hot potato she didn't know where to touch without being inappropriate.
"I-It…this is…" Freya couldn't bring herself to say she's feeling rather timid and not sure where she can touch him. In the end, she settled with covering her face. Touch him? Hell, I want to eat him at this point, but this is so inappropriate. Oh hell, he knows. He knows right? He got that smile on his face damn oh my Maria he knows I like him right? Oh fuck fuck fuck!
In that one move, she could literally feel Captain Levi's arm muscles rippling against her. And for that moment where their bodies brushed, she could literally feel the heat emanating from him. His steely blue-grey eyes, his posture, the air of elegance he held about him and the strong aura that surrounds him. He is perfect like this. Perfectly perfect. Any woman would be happy to have him.
Amused, he ignored her initial outburst and straightened his back easily with a grunt and sat her on the horse's back with one move before she could topple them over with her flailing around.
She was in no way to sit astride on a horse. Instead, Levi had settled her right where he had hoisted her up from the ground, with both her legs at the side of the horse's torso. In a moment where she wobbles on the horse, she caught the side of the saddle and only then she noticed one thing.
This was a side saddle.
"This-" Freya was about to say something about the nature of the saddle, but her Captain beats her to it.
"Hook your leg on it. You won't fall that way. We're going to be riding at full throttle. I can't keep you on the horse with a normal saddle," said Captain Levi whilst he looked up at her from where he still stood on the stool. With both of his hands resting on each of her side on the saddle, it was at this moment Freya could truly appreciate just how attractive Captain Levi is.
A stray hair had fallen right between his eyebrows and stayed there. Without thinking much, she gently brushed the hair away from his eyes. There, she thought senselessly with a small smile. It is less distracting that way. Back to his usual hairstyle.
Levi's eyes followed her fingers when she brushed his hair aside. There was this serene look on her face, and that small satisfactory smile she had. Gentle. She was being gentle with him. He is Humanity's Strongest Soldier, and yet here he is, a woman being gentle to him despite knowing that fact.
Just like that day 10 years ago.
Levi shakes off his reverie and patted the side of her knee, telling her, "You need to eat more. Too light. You can't gain much momentum with this weight, not with the Three-Dimensional Manoeuvre Gear."
He couldn't let himself get immersed in her little action just now. They have a task on hand.
Maybe later, Levi thought to himself. Later, when they're alone.
Freya bite her lips at the realization that she indeed was not qualified to use the gear. She noticed it herself when she uses the equipment during the Trost battle. She couldn't swing fast enough and came down too slow to slice the Titans. Sure, she'd slayed some, but mostly she had to do a second swing to come back and slice the Titans again when the first one didn't land on the right side.
Levi saw her bite her lips and took a sharp deep breath to calm his inner demon down. This woman has been tempting him since day one and she hasn't even realized it yet. Shaking of his thoughts, Levi holds onto the front saddle and said quietly to her, "Ready?"
Freya dazedly nodded her head at him. Looking back down at him from that position it brought many a dirty view in her mind. Damn him and his manliness, Freya cursed silently. He's too gorgeous!
Smirking, Levi hoisted his leg over his horse and sat astride behind Freya, caging her in his arms where he held the horse's rein in front of her.
They were close enough that his body is touching her small back. He felt her shiver, and that appeased his inner demon.
"Then let's go," Levi whispered into her ear roguishly. Sliding his legs behind the girth of the horse, he applied pressure using his legs and the horse begun to trot out of the stable. "Sit tight. This will be a short ride."
CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME
It was not a short ride.
Freya fussed around in her front seat whilst Levi tried to balance the horse. The whole ride itself wasn't that smooth with all the commotion from the female rider. The road was bumpy, there were tree branches, and hell, she kept bumping back into him.
Too light! She's bouncing everywhere like a ball!
"Damn," Levi cursed, annoyed with the delays. "Erwin must have arrived. Freya, sit still!"
"Ah, ahn no! Wait! Don't- ride- so- hard-! Ahh!" Freya exclaimed, trying to grip onto the front saddle as much as she can, but her hands are not helping here with the freshly healed scares as she kept bobbing up and down on the saddle. She felt a knife-like pain whenever she gripped the saddle hard, as though the wounds have teared open again from within. Not to mention her foot was not at the stirrups to keep her on the horse. "I- I can't hold on anymore!"
Levi gritted his teeth in silent and swallowed hard. This girl will one day be the death of him. Not only she couldn't sit still and hold on, but she had made all these comments and sounds that got one part of him excited. He really didn't want it to happen that way, but she really made it hard for him to focus on riding.
Adding one more to the list of things he wanted to do with her.
Number 1: Kiss her. For real.
Number 2: Tie her up on his bed.
Number 3: Force kiss her.
Number 4: Bite her.
Number 5: Make her his woman.
Biting hard on the inside of his cheek, he forced himself to think blank nothings and nonsense. If he lets his feelings cloud his mind, he might just stop the horse right now and force a kiss upon her.
Most importantly, she's trapped in his arms. Just where he wanted her after managing to hide from him for so long since that day 10 years ago.
He had to halt the horse and steady her up if he and Freya were to make it to the Military Police Brigade in one piece. He wouldn't want to arrive there being thrown off by Nacht.
Nacht stopped galloping and slowed to a trot. Levi heaved a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. Of course, Freya was there to absorb all the glorious scene with wide open eyes. He let his hand fell down with a slap on his thigh and looked back down at Freya. "Now, let's get things right. I don't know what happened to you, but this can't keep going on. We need to get there soon, but with you bouncing everywhere-"
"I'm sorry, but you're riding too hard!" Freya promptly protested. "I bounce when the ride is too hard!"
"That's coz you're fucking light!"
"I've been eating! My foot's not in the stirrups! I can't hold myself down!"
"Eat more!" he barked, frustrated at the situation and yet not wanting to put the full blame on her. He notices that she's biting her lips again. Probably blaming herself or blaming the horse, or him, or something else. Damn it. This wasn't going to work, Levi thought to himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration. They should have gotten a carriage even though it slows them down.
There is no choice. There really are no other choices. He didn't want to take advantage of her in any way, but they really had no choice.
Sighing, Levi said to her in as toneless a voice as he could summon, "Put your arms around my shoulder and my waist."
First, she froze. Then, she balked. This wasn't the usual thing her Captain would agree to. Turning her head to look up at him, she stared a while at the Captain, who was checking out his surroundings in the forest road where they had stopped. "I thought you hated people touching you."
He looked down at her and answered simply, "You're the one washing my clothes, not anyone else."
"But," Freya started. This was getting weirder and weirder. "I'm not able to squat down. I can't wash your clothes now."
"I'm not talking about now," Levi retorted back by leaning into her face closely. "I'm talking about when you're all better."
"But-" Freya wanted to say something, but Levi interrupted her by pulling on her hand to place on his shoulder and her other hand around his waist.
"Just do it," he said nonchalantly, pulling her closer to him by her hips, effectively tucking her under his chin. "You'll slide off if you don't hold onto something, and there's no carriage around. Make do with me, will you?"
Make do with you? Hell yes, I'd do that a hundred times over. Freya blushed when her thoughts naughty translates her Captain's words. Nudging Nacht by kicking his stirrups, Levi gripped his reign loosely for his horse to move and soon, they are galloping into the Military Police Brigade.
It was quite a ride. The wind blowing against her cheeks, against her hair, with the Captain shielding her against anything else. He smelled divine in that pine scent, as always. It always brought her such a peaceful feeling whenever she caught that whiff around, and of course, to constantly remind her to think about him. It has only been a few days, but because there was no choice, she had to use his shampoo and body wash. Her hair and whole body smell just like him now, and with that thought, she blushed another deeper shade of red.
She smells just like him now. Oh, Maria, help me, Freya thought silently as her heart pounded.
He had nudged her sideways in one moment before she felt leaves brushed past her back. Looking past his shoulder, she saw that it was a tree branch jutting out of the pathway. If he hadn't did what he did, the tree branch would have slapped her back hard at the speed they are going with the ride.
Noticing the Military Police Brigade from the corner of her eyes, she briefly rejoiced at finally arriving at the base where the Aberrant Titan was kept locked up. Then a thought flashed past her mind.
Gossips.
She was hugging her Captain as if her life depended on it, which it did. Panic arose in her when she realizes the amount of gossip and scandal it would cause for her Captain were they to arrive at the base in this manner. Rapidly patting Levi's shoulder, Freya chanted to him, "Heichou! Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!"
Alarmed, Levi pulled the rein of the horse hard and caused them to come to a halt. Nacht was not happy with how his rider treated him and whinnied. Levi pacified the beast by patting its neck.
"What is it?" Levi asked, concerned eyes roving all over her to check what was the problem. A stray leaf got stuck in her hair and he plucked it out involuntarily. Had the tree branch caused her harm? Or was it something else? Did he ride too hard again?
"Heichou, we gonna have to go like this for now," Freya said while disentangle herself from the Captain's warm body. He was like a human shield, with rock solid chest and muscles. What a comfort to be in his arms, but scandalous rumours await them if this continues. "It will not do well to your reputation were we to approach the base in this manner. Rumours will spread and people will talk."
Raising an eyebrow, Levi asked her in disbelief, "That's it?" Freya nodded her head earnestly. Appearing unperturbed, the Captain replied to her casually, "Then let them talk."
"What?" Freya opened her mouth to reply, but Levi already kicked the stirrups and again, Nacht started to gallop, leaving Freya to yelp and grip onto her Captain hastily before she can slide off the horse.
CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME
Levi ignored Freya's incessant request to stop by patting his shoulder. He finds it both annoying and endearing at the same time. Never had he allowed someone to touch him like he allowed her to. It was sort of fun to tease her like this, to make her nervous and jittery with his presence, and to occasionally ignore her request.
That way, she'd pay more attention to him in order to get him to pay more attention to her. He almost smiled at the thought.
Arriving at the Military Police Brigade, Levi slides down the horse easily and patted the horse's bum lightly, a notion he did each time he came down from his horse to thank the horse silently. He raised both his hands up towards her and said, "Lean forward."
"B-but I'll fall," Freya replied, fearful of the height at her current condition. She couldn't land on her feet at the moment, not if she wanted to aggravate her muscles more while they are still healing from the battle. "Could I please have a stool? I can get down from there."
"I'll catch you," Levi assured her, grabbing both of her hands and placing it on both sides of his shoulder. "Slide down."
Biting her lips in fear, Freya did as the Captain said and slides down from the horse's saddle.
And into his arms.
Just then, Erwin came up towards them and called out, "Just in time. We're going down the basement. This way."
Freya holds herself up by leaning on her Captain's shoulder after he had settled her down on the ground. The Captain fished out the walking cane from the saddle and handed it to her. Thanking the Captain in a quiet voice, Freya stood on her grounds with the help of the walking cane and observed the surroundings as Levi walks on ahead of her toward Erwin.
Patting Nacht's massive, long head, Freya whispered a quiet thank you to the horse. The horse appeared to appreciate it and burrowed its nose into her open palm. Slowly, she trudged after her Captain towards the dungeon's entrance.
"Oh look, the Horse Whisperer," some Military Police soldier said when they saw her. "I heard she was there at the Battle of Trost when the Titan's attacked. Brave thing she did there, even as a cadet."
Freya smiled. So, they thought she is a cadet? Oh, how the rumours spread from one source to another, all ended up with a jumbled-up version of Freya Walker. Did they even know her name? Or just marked her as the Horse Whisperer? Despite everything, she was not officially introduced to any of the other regiments yet, only to those in the Survey Corps.
"Horse Whisperer? What kind of shitty label is that?" another soldier laughed at his fellow soldier who had started the topic about her by slapping his arm. "Did she work in a stable or something? With that mini stature, the horse would have stomped her to dust if she were to work in a stable."
"Don't you know?" the first soldier asked disbelievingly. "She's the one that releases all the horses from Trost when the Titans attacked. That's how I survived."
"You're lucky you came back early before the Titans all barged in. But I heard the civilians tied up the horses safely in Wall Rose," the soldier who laughed replied while scratching his head, appearing to amuse himself with the civilian's mindset. "Wasn't it the cadets who made the bulk of the casualties?"
"Yeah. All those cadets died for nothing. They waited for a reinforcement that never came."
She slammed her walking cane on the floor and stopped walking. Her hand gripped the walking cane tightly until her fingers are white. Freya clenches her teeth in rage. All those that died, all those cadets, Ian and Mitabi's Squads, those veterans who didn't get the help they waited. All because the civilians tied up the horses behind Wall Rose?
"They did nothing," Freya whispered, shock written evidently on her face. "They did nothing, and they all died. They could have had a chance. They could have lived-"
Someone gripped her upper arm from behind and nudged her to continue to walk, interrupting her thoughts.
"Walk on, Freya. Ignore them," Levi said to her quietly and glared at the Military Police Brigade that gossiped nonchalantly outside. "We have more important issue at hand here."
It was very rare for the Captain to call her by her name. And if he did, he really meant business. Freya took a deep breath and bite her lips, ignoring all the chatters and bantering of the Military Police Brigade soldiers.
She will have a chance to mourn those who falls at Trost soon.
After the Battle of Trost, the Military Police Brigade are worth absolutely nothing in her eyes. There were never good reputation surrounding them, but this was the last straw towards what was tolerable. She remembered them watching from the safety of the high Walls and did nothing. None of them came down to help them, and none of them sent aid, or horses. They were left out there to die.
A completely shameful brigade full of cowards and useless goons. Erwin said nothing and walked on. Nevertheless, he cannot afford to let himself be burdened by the dead. He had a bigger plan for what was left of the living.
They passed by the base of the Military Police Brigade without any trouble after Levi handed them the permission letter. It was stamped and signed by Commander Nile Dok, yet another spineless one. Freya looked over his shoulder by putting weight on the walking cane and do a sort of tiptoe. It was her Captain's handwriting, cursive and very elegant looking. She stumbled a little forward when she overbalances herself. Levi had sort of predicted the situation and raised his arm for her to grab hold on.
"I told you to be careful, didn't I?" Levi said exasperatedly. Freya bit her lips and mumbled an apology. The Military Police Brigade watching the entrance didn't give the trio any further trouble and allowed them into the underground dungeon, where Eren Yeager was kept.
It was wet, dark and smelled mouldy, a place that reminded Levi of his past, where he had lived in the Underground those long, long years ago. It was something like this too. Cold, dark, and without sunlight. It was also one of the reasons why he was so pale to begin with. He was one of the lucky few to not have any health issue for living so long Underground without sunlight.
When they arrived, there were two guards watching the boy, appearing to be chained to the ceiling. He doesn't look to be awake as well. The guards gave Commander Erwin a salute with a fist to the heart when he walks in with Levi and Freya.
"Commander Erwin! Captain Levi!" both soldiers clicked their boots together and put one fist over their heart. Erwin nods his head at them once and wave his hand at them. He noted of them leaving out Freya, but he kept quiet for now. Her promotion was kept only to the Survey Corps level and the knowledge of Commander-in-Chief. Nonetheless, it's not a hurry to introduce her to the world. He will reveal her in due time. The guards went back to stood at their corners quietly.
"Oh, the boy is sleeping," Freya whispered, watching the young looking Eren chained up on the bed. And what is more, he is not even lying down. He is sitting up and appeared to have passed out from whatever it is that had happened earlier. There was a bit of clinking sound when Eren moved his hand, indicating he is waking up.
Just in time for the introduction.
It appears that they are not the only one who wanted to interrogate the new Titan. A wooden chair sat in front of the dungeon room quietly, as if implying the other regiment's desire to interrogate Eren as well. Seeing as there is no immediate news or results from Eren's imprisonment in the dungeon, it proves that those who had come before them had failed in waiting Eren to wake up.
Erwin sat on a wooden chair placed in front of the dungeon, whilst Freya sat on a stool right next to the dungeon keeping Eren in it. She was to listen and memorize the conversation as much as she can, and to interpret it later to see if the Yeager boy truly does not know of the powers he possesses. They could not afford to have a spy such as Eren Yeager with Titan shifting abilities within the community. People will panic, and being humans, they naturally fear the unknown. It could and will cause the Walls to crumble if actions were not taken to determine where the Yeager boy stands.
Between the Titans and Humanity behind the Walls, Freya hoped the boy stands with Humanity.
When Eren woke up, he was greeted by darkness. As his eyes adjusted to the weak light from the torch outside the barred windows, his eyes caught two figures in front of him.
Two very prominent figures within the Walls.
"Do you have any questions?" Erwin started, staring at Eren as he slowly wakes up.
The boy appears shocked at the appearance of the top brass of Scouting Regiment and the famous Captain Levi. He could not say anything else except to stutter out on his whereabouts, looking everywhere and finally realizing that it was not a barred window, but a dungeon.
"As you can see, it's a dungeon," Erwin explained, his eyes unmoving and looking straight at Eren. "You're currently in the Military Police Brigade's custody. We've only just received permission to see you."
Eren finally noticed both of his wrist are handcuffed to a chain hanging on the ceiling. He tried pulling his hands, and it created a loud clanking sound that linked the chains all the way up the ceiling of the dungeon room he was placed in. This dungeon was not just a normal dungeon.
This is a dungeon used to torture prisoners.
Eren's blood ran cold when he finally realizes where exactly he had landed himself in. It was then the Commander held up a familiar looking key. Something that he had kept with him since the day his father disappeared.
Eren's eyes widened in recognizing the familiar brass key. "That key…!"
"Yes, it's yours. I'll return it later," Erwin replied, his eyes not moving away from Eren. Eren visibly relaxed. Lowering the key back down into his pocket, the Commander continued.
"Your home – Dr. Jeager's basement in Shiganshina is where the secret of the Titan lies. Correct?"
Eren faltered for a while before answering. "Y-Yes. Probably. That is what my father said."
Levi scoffed, eyes looking skeptically at the boy chained in the dungeon. "You have amnesia, and your father is missing, huh? Sounds awfully convenient."
"Levi," Erwin turned towards his Captain and spoke, "I believe we've already concluded that he has no reason to lie. We're still very much in the dark." Turning back to Eren, the Commander continued, "But I think what's best for us now is to question your intentions."
Eren blinked in confusion. "My…intentions?"
Nodding his head once, the Commander carry on to his theory, "In order to investigate your home, we must recapture Shiganshina District and Wall Maria. Drastic measures are necessary to quickly seal the gate. Your Titan power will be crucial. It seems our fate is controlled by the Titans, after all. Whether it's the Colossus Titan or the Armoured Titan, they're likely to be the same as you. Your intentions are the key here. The key to freeing mankind from this despair."
"I…" Eren mumbled, seemingly at war with his inner self. Freya looked at both Erwin and her Captain. Both wore a look that quietly judges the boy locked up behind the bars. He could be the start of everything towards the freedom of mankind.
She only hopes he doesn't choose the other way around.
"Hey," Levi barked, jolting Eren from his stupor. "Answer already, scum. What it is you want to do?"
In that moment, Eren wore a wild look on his face, his eyes shined with a defiance that lit fire from within. "I want to join the Survey Corps and slaughter some Titans."
Levi's eyebrows twitched at his answer. "Oh?" he muttered, finding his ideals to slaughter Titans identical with what a Survey Corps soldier ought to have in their book. "Not bad..."
Walking closer to the bars, Levi grabbed hold of one and stares into the dungeon room, where he finds the boy staring at him wide eyes. "Erwin," Levi addressed the Commander in the room. "I'll take responsibility for him. Tell that to the top brass. It is not that I don't trust him. If he betrays us or goes berserk, I will kill him on the spot. I doubt anyone will object. There is no one better suited for this, after all."
Directing his gaze back to the young boy, Levi continued, "I'll accept your enlistment into the Survey Corps. You can join the Survey Corps."
"Oh wait, I have that letter," Freya said, breaking the echoing silence that follows when Levi finishes his speech. Rummaging around in her jacket's inner pocket, she fished out a folded envelop and handed it to her Captain.
Raising one eyebrow, Levi asked her, "What?"
"Acceptance Letter. I wrote it earlier. I'm guessing that you'd definitely take him into the Survey Corps. Here," she said, handing the written letter to her Captain, who read it over once before nodding.
"This will do just fine," Levi said, folding the letter and casually tossed it into Eren's jail. The letter landed on his lap perfectly. "There you go, your letter of acceptance. You're an official member of the Survey Corps now."
Erwin stood up and nods at Eren, who sat there looking at them with a speechless expression. "Welcome to the Survey Corps, Eren Yeager."
CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME-CALL MY NAME
Walking out of the dungeon area holding Eren in, they came out to the dungeon's corridor. Erwin said, "I will be going this way. There is someone I need to see. Will meet you all at the Headquarters later tonight. That will be all."
Erwin turned on his heels and walked towards the other direction of the exit. This exit leads to another section of the base at the Military Police Brigade, a sort of shortcut that leads towards the Walls.
Freya stares at his back as Erwin walks on towards that direction. She had an inkling as to what his next step would be, but it wouldn't hurt to just confirm it. "May we know where you will be going, Commander Erwin?" Freya called, her voice echoing in the dark stone dungeon corridor, stopping Erwin from leaving hastily.
There was a knowing glint in Erwin's eyes that Freya notices. She receives no reply from the Commander, who merely turns his head around, smiles at her, then turns to leave the Captain and his Secretary with a nod of his head.
Watching Erwin's back until he disappeared down the corridor skeptically, Levi narrowed his eyes and glanced towards Freya, "What do you think of Erwin's next move?"
Freya had pieced all together while they're talking to Eren in the dungeon room. From the arrival of the letter in Levi's room, to the hasty ride towards the Military Police Brigade, and ultimately that ended with Eren being accepted as Survey Corps member at the very request of Captain Levi.
She summarized it all towards this – Eren was a bait set for Levi to sink in, and all he had to do is to listen to Eren's request to join the Survey Corps and for the Captain to bite said bait. Erwin is sneaky, she would admit that, but this is a quick move.
So smooth that she wouldn't have noticed were he to stay with them or return to Survey Corps Headquarters with them.
Freya smiled and looked up at Captain Levi. "Why, to Commander Pixis of course."
Levi looked at Freya with a quizzical frown. Freya smiled at her Captain and gestured for Levi to walk with her back to the other side of the exit. They will be going back to the Survey Corps Headquarters for now and finish up the necessary. Levi tightened his lips into a thin line and complied.
"You see Heichou, Commander Pixis is a man of reason," Freya started, her eyes staring ahead while explaining, her walking cane making an echoing sound on the stone ground. "He will listen to reason, much like how Commander-in-Chief Zackley is. If the reason is valid enough, then we will have his support – or better yet – both of their support by the end of the inquisition."
"Inquisition?" Levi repeated. How had he not heard about any of that before all these?
Freya waived her hand with a smile and continued, "The news is not out yet, but I'd wager it will be tomorrow morning. I'm expecting the announcement to be made latest by this evening for sure."
Was this all a gamble to Erwin? And the Teacup making assumptions out of Erwin's move? Levi thought to himself. This was not quite impossible, but Erwin is famous for having the mindset of someone who is extremely difficult to figure out.
"It's a gamble we're taking with Eren," Levi replied, heading towards the entrance of the basement dungeon. He despises the dungeon. It is wet and dark, not to mention there is a sort of mouldy smell to it as well, much like how it was back when he is in the Underground. Safe as that place was, it is not the place any humans want to be in for the rest of their lives. Silently, he mused that it is better to get things done. The sooner they can get out of this shitty Military ground, the better. "We'll need to let the boy know what and what not to say before this Inquisition then."
"Levi Heishichou," Freya said quietly as they neared the entrance. "As this is an Inquisition involving the contradictory requests from all three Garrison, they will surely have a need to call upon the Commander-in-Chief of the Three Military Branches, Darius Zackley. You need not worry about Commander-in-Chief Zackley's decision with which regiment Eren Yeager will ultimately land up with. He will surely side with us Survey Corps if you act accordingly in the crucial moment. We don't even need to prepare a script for the Yeager boy."
That got Levi's attention. He stopped at his tracks and turns towards her. Her eyes glittered brightly with a knowing look in them. Come to think of it, he notices that she no longer jumps or stuttered when he turns and speaks to her. He knew he had quite the commanding habit of getting answers quickly. Time is precious, he has many things to do and he is a busy man. But apparently, she got used to his habits, and has adapted well into it by continuing to fill him in with information.
There is a sort of blooming feeling in his chest that felt a bit tight. What was it? Did he just feel pride for her?
"Go on," he said to her, angling his head to the side and watching her. There was this enchanting glow about her now that he could not help but want to keep her all to himself to be able to enjoy watching her like this more. The firelight about the walls of the castle nearing the dungeon area only serves to set her hair glowing like starlight.
Beautiful.
This reason alone is more than enough for anyone else who harbours interest with her that he will fight to have her stay with him by his side. There will be no way the fragile Teacup is leaving him anytime soon.
Freya smiles and gave a nod of thanks to her Captain for the permission to continue to explain her theory. "A question then. If the inquisition were to be held for real, will we have the Wallist and the Merchants in the hall with us during the trial?"
Levi's eyebrows twitched. The Wallists are a bunch of goons chasing a nonsensical dream with their irrational, non-existent God. The Merchants are worst – each one of them sized just like a pig from greedily hoarding supplies that could have fed thousands of hungry people for a year. They are the main reason meat price has shoot up like nobody's business. "I supposed so. One is nosy with the Wall, the other one nosy about their Wallet. They rhyme together like shit after all. Why? Does it matter?"
Freya smiled and nodded enthusiastically, "Yes! They would make excellent bait for the trap Erwin is about to set, which will then contribute to a vast difference towards the outcome of the upcoming inquisition. Humans fear the unknown. We only have to make use of that and find a perfect timing to land a slap to their face to remind them."
Levi raised his eyebrow elegantly. "Remind them of what?"
Freya smiles brightly when she turns to look up at him. "Why, of having you, of course. You are Humanity's Strongest Soldier, Levi Heishichou. Surely, they would remember that. With Eren Yeager in your hands, all will be well. Oh, let us give the Yeager some support to act accordingly as well. We will need to throw in some players – Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlett, Eren's two sidekicks."
Levi frowned. "How do you know about that?" he asked, eyes narrowing at her. Had she been snooping around the reports again when she is supposed to be resting? But wait, this was in the other report that he had handed in to Erwin personally, the one he had completed while she was asleep in the night.
Freya continue to smile, "I was there at Trost remember? They were there. Armin is the brain in the operation. Mikasa is pure power, whilst Eren is the now famous Aberrant Titan that we had used to escape into the Tower. Without him, we wouldn't be able to fill our gas."
Narrowing his eyes, Levi was forced to admit to himself that Eren, whilst dangerous, could prove to be of some help if trained properly. The percentage of him turning his backs on them stays there no matter what, and he can only hope Eren Yeager will not turn on them one day with the power he now grasped in his hand.
"So, along with the Military Police Brigade, all three cowardly stooges namely the Military, the Wallist and the Merchants will then fall from the Commander-in-Chief's grace at the right moment and that is when you, Levi Heishichou, Humanity's Strongest Soldier, comes in. They will surely put up a great reaction from how much they fear Eren Yeager, and I would wager they will also pull a gun on the boy too, probably throwing in reasons such as he's dangerous and all and to kill him on the spot. And that act alone will end with them losing Commander-in-Chief Zackley's confidence. They could not and do not have the capacity to handle Eren at his weakest, let alone at his strongest as a Titan. And that's how we will win Eren over."
Smirking, Levi pondered. True, the Wallist goes on and on about the Wall being holy, whilst the Merchants side would want nothing but money and meat in their pockets, power over the civilians market. Military however, the most cowardly out of all the garrisons, will definitely be the one to balk out of being brave at the first chance they see. They never will and will not fight against the Titans due to their cowardice.
All three would crumble without the Survey Corps keeping everyone alive.
"Using their cowardice against them, huh?" Levi said quietly, pondering what Freya had just said. All of it makes sense, and all he had to do is wait for this inquisition to take place.
Turning towards the entrance, Freya gestured for her Captain to continue to walk. "Nothing better than that, Heishichou."
Levi stares at his Secretary. There are no doubts now that she inherited the brainy part of Erwin's family's bloodline. With just a simple conversation with Erwin, she manages to piece all of what Erwin is planning to do and came up with a possible outcome for all that is to happen in due time.
"Sometimes you speak as if you can see what will happen," Levi said, exiting the dungeon and walking towards his horse.
"Thank you, Levi Heichou. I'm honored," Freya replied with a gleeful smile with each step she takes with her new walking cane.
Whilst walking towards the horse, two Military Police Brigade's officer passes by the Captain and saluted him. Freya was walking right behind Levi when one of the officers raised his hand to strike her.
Freya was about to move out of the way when Levi's arm came into view and blocked the officer's hand from hitting her head. Levi growled angrily upon realizing this officer had put in full strength, intending to cause real harm to his Secretary.
"Who are you to raise your hand against her, you fuckin shithead?" Levi snarled coldly and kicked the man off his feet. Levi may be small in built, but he is extremely strong. Again, people don't call him Humanity's Strongest Soldier for nothing.
The man falls on his back and angrily looks back up at Freya. "Captain, she didn't salute any of us. We are officers-"
"Didn't you get the memo, asswipe?" Levi snapped angrily. "She's directly beneath me as my Secretary."
"H-Heichou," Freya cried scandalously despite the fear that took hold of her just a while ago. She was almost slammed to the ground with a fist by this random officer who took offence that she does not salute him in return. But Levi's words snapped her out of her fear and woke her up, "That came out wrong!"
Levi raised one eyebrow. Freya noticed he did this a lot when he is with her. "Did you forget you are underneath me, Teacup?"
"I mean, no, but yikes. This sounds so wrong," Freya started to blush a little when she repeated what he said in her mind. Underneath him. Hell, why not right? She thought to herself, then snapped. But nononono no! This is not the time, Freya! "I am directly underneath you – in ranks! I am directly under the Captain Levi's rank, and higher than seated officers yes. That's about it. Nothing connecting to carnal here."
The officer that Levi had kicked trembled involuntarily when he sees Levi smirked. It was not often to see the midget Captain's expression changes. Usually, it spells trouble. Or a trip to the Hospital. Or mucking out horse shit at the stable for a week using bare hands.
Now this is interesting, Levi figured to himself.
Cocking his head to the side, Levi gets closer to her and narrowed his eyes at the small Teacup, who was biting her lips and backstepping towards Nacht. Her small back hit Nacht's long neck and she panicked when Levi moves in and leaned into her face closely, staring her down while saying, "Why would you think I'm insinuating about something…carnal?"
Naturally, Freya stuttered. She finds she always couldn't manage a straight decent phrase whenever the Captain is close to her and staring at her. It was those eyes, Freya thought to herself. Those blue-grey eyes. "I- they- you just now- we-"
There. Again. That boyish smile. A slight lift at the corner of his lips, away from all prying eyes, something that only she alone views it. She highly doubts the Captain would smile like this with just anyone. "Freya," he called her name, and immediately her stutter stopped immediately.
"Yes, Heichou," she regained her composure and stood straight with the help of her walking cane. "Sorry. I'll just shut up now."
Freya saw the expression on her Captain's eyes darkens ever so slightly when he turns back towards the two officers. Was this what happens in the Military Police Brigade? Punishing female cadets or soldiers with their fists? As barbaric as the Survey Corps with him in charge of making sure each and every one of their cadets and soldiers scrubbed every inch of the castle grounds to the level of his satisfaction, the Military's way of settling a punishment by fist is far worst. Towards a lady as small as Freya no less.
Before Levi can move in to kick them again, Freya grabbed hold of his arm gently and said softly, "I'm sorry to interrupt this, Levi Heishichou, but we have things to do at the Survey Corps Headquarters. Commander Erwin is expecting for our return soon."
Levi looked at her small face. There was a sort of pleading look in her eyes, and that subtle shake of her head that tells him this is not the time to strike. He briefly remembered what Freya had said about the upcoming inquisition with Eren and understood immediately.
They have a reputation to uphold.
Nodding his head at her once as understanding, Freya lets go of his arm. "A minute, if you will?" he said to her. She nodded her head obediently and stood next to Nacht, stroking its neck while waiting for him to settle the trouble. The horse sensed her fear and harrumphed into her hand stomach as a way to comfort its little rider.
"I am feeling generous today," Levi started at the two officers, moving closer towards them slowly. By every right, they are in very deep trouble. Disrespecting their higher officers is one thing, but to raise their hands to cause their higher officers grave harm? That was rarely heard of due to the heavy punishment that comes with it. "So, in place of what I would normally do, I will have your names."
The two officers both looked at each other, not sure if it is the right thing to do. But when Levi moves closer to them, the officer on the floor quickly scrambled up and stood straight.
"Sigmund Falk, Sir!" the one who nearly harmed Freya shouted.
"Rolf Wagner, Sir!" the second officer who did nothing to stop his fellow officer called out his name as well.
Levi nodded his head and looked at Freya. She nodded her head, letting him know indirectly that she had memorized their names in her head. Turning back towards the two officers, Levi waived them off and said, "That would be all."
Both blinked in confusion. This was…not the usual Captain Levi.
Per rumours, he would usually drag them straight off to the stable and start making them muck up all the horse shit with their hands. But so far, he hadn't done anything yet.
"S-sir?" one of them stuttered.
"Get out of my sight now, will you?" Levi grumbled to them with a quick turn of his head, miffed that he couldn't take some time off to watch them scrub the stable floor now. However, Freya did remind him. They had more important issues at hand waiting at the Survey Corps.
The two officers quickly dashed off sight from the irritated Captain's sight.
Stepping up on a stool Freya had pulled over from somewhere, she said to him whilst her captain stepped upon the stool and lifted Freya from the ground to sit upon the horse's back, "You will be coming back for them, wouldn't you, Heichou?"
"What makes you say that?" Levi said casually, lifting himself up from the stool by the horse's front saddle and adjusted his seat on the horse. He nudged his horse to start trotting back towards the pathway going back to Survey Corps Headquarters when Freya answered him.
"You got that look on your face that spells revenge, Heichou."
Levi grinned down at her. Leaning down, he whispered his reply in her ear, "But of course."
End of Kapitel 12: Yeager Boy
Updated on: 23rd of January 2021