I do not own Attack on Titan/Shingeki no Kyojin (sadly)
Hello, good people of this strange fandom. This week hasn't been so great for me for many reasons: work, horrible reviewer that needs to get a life, and so on. So I won't be talking (writing) a lot this week.
Well, here you go.
The week had pasted quiet boringly. Petra returned the day after Levi and Eren had returned, but apart from that, nothing special had really happened.
Levi had explained to the council about what had happened in Sina. Darius and Pixis both sent letters as proof of what they had agreed to.
Eren had recently been having weird dreams. It was about a shadow that crept around the room and said unspoken words. He decided not to tell Levi, it was only a dream after all, and he had had much worse.
Recently, Levi had given Eren a tiny bit of work to do, saying that he might as well do something if he's going to be Queen. Asshole. Nah, Eren was just being stubborn and wanted to lie in bed all day.
In the week on Eren's twelfth week pregnant, Levi had business during the night. He didn't want to disturb Eren and decided to work in his office. Eren was alone in the bed, but he didn't care. The bed was big and he had it all to himself. It was dark and the moon seeped in through the curtains. It was a full moon that night, and Eren spent it thinking about what the clearing looked like. He would never forget that sight.
It was until something snapped inside of him and his whole body froze. While he was staring at the curtains and the moonlight, Eren noticed a shadow to the side. It was inside the room.
Eren gulped and thought that he was just hallucinating. He was tired. Yes, that was it. He closed his eyes, only feeling eyes on him. It wasn't Levi. He knew Levi wasn't that tall.
He opened his eyes a tiny bit and jumped as the shadow had moved closer to him.
"When are you going to stop pretending to sleep?" The shadow asked. He was an Alpha. Eren sat up slowly and glared.
"How did you get in? Who are you?" he asked. The shadow sat down on Levi's desk chair.
"Ah, those are very basic question. How? Who? Why?" he said. Eren huffed.
"Answer the questions," he replied. He heard the shadow chuckle.
"My, this is interesting. I didn't think Levi would find such a delicious, yet strong, Omega. I'm surprised to see you are a boy. And here I thought I was in the wrong room," the shadow said. Eren frowned.
"How do you know Levi?" he asked. The shadow sighed.
"Me and Levi go way back. But that's not why I am here. I just wanted to see if the information I have been receiving is true. I couldn't help myself and came all the way from the underworld to see you, Queen Eren," he said. Eren didn't waver.
"The underworld?" he questioned.
"Yes. You know, the place full of gangs and drug and that shit. You know what? I feel nice and I'm going to tell you something," the shadow said, walking up to Eren. Eren's eyes widened and the shadow stood right in front of his bed. "Be careful who you trust. It seems that not everyone here likes you and prefers getting money by selling out their Queen and what he is up to. Been Omega saving, have we?"
Eren felt shocked. There was someone who was selling his out? Someone in the palace? Eren glared and gritted his teeth.
"Who? Tell me who and you will get a lot of money," Eren said. He had never been one to bribe, but he wanted information from someone who was from the underworld. It was probably the best he could do. But the shadow shook his head, tutting.
"Now, now, little Omega. That is not how the game is played. You can tell Levi if you wish, but I won't tell who is ratting you out. That would just spoil everything. I won't do anything, yet, but I would watch out if I were you. Farewell, dear Omega," he said, before vanishing like he really was part of the shadows.
Eren stared into the darkness. It wasn't fear he was feeling anymore, nor was it confusion. It was shock and anxiety. What was he to do? His head was beating fast and he wished that Levi was here. Eren swallowed and lay back under the covers again, trying to close his eyes, but he couldn't. He couldn't sleep because he felt like he was being watched.
The night went on and Levi eventually entered the room quietly, walking to the bed and slipping in. Eren immediately latched on to him. Levi flinched, before looking confused.
"Eren, it's late, why are you awake? I'm sorry I'm here at this time, but you didn't have to wait," he said, but Eren violently shook his head.
"Someone was here," he whispered. Levi stared at his mate, before clicking his tongue. He sniffed around the room, trying to pick up any scent.
"The smell is faint and I can't tell who it is. I'm sorry, brat. They didn't do anything, did they?" he asked. Eren shook his head, burying his face into Levi's shoulder.
"No, he just spoke. Someone is ratting me out to the underworld. They know of our plans," he said. Levi sighed and lay back in bed.
"Shit. Well, there isn't much we can do now. Go to sleep, Eren, and we will talk in the morning," Levi said, who had an angry look on his face. Eren finally did close his eyes.
Whoever tried to get in the way was going to pay.
. . .
Eren and Levi woke up the next morning and spoke of what Eren had seen. Levi believed it would be wise not to tell the council. If they did, and it was someone on the council, then they would be harder to find as they would try to conceal themselves. There was something in the back of Levi's mind saying that it was Nile, but then again, that would be too easy.
Eren didn't tell anyone of what he had seen. He spent the day in the library, thinking about how his dreams and that Alpha the night before were connected. Eren wasn't the type to predict the future, but it creeped him out beyond anything. Whoever they were, they were going to pay in blood.
Petra had walked in around lunch time. It couldn't be her, she was so sweat and seemed to have a heart of gold. She looked slightly confused at Eren, before smiling.
"What's on your mind, Eren? Have you finally begun thinking of names?" she asked. No, she couldn't be. Eren shrugged his shouldered.
"Nah. It's still too early. I'll start thinking about it seriously around Levi Birthday. It's August, so I'm more concerned about how bloody hot it is," he said, fanning himself. He had paper on his lap to do with the coronation shit.
Apparently, Eren had to memorise a whole paragraph. It was a custom between the three Kingdoms to speak about who you respect them and will keep the peace. The only problem was that the paragraph was huge. He looked at it and sighed, forgetting about his shadow guy problem.
Petra smiled and picked up the papers.
"Wow, I wouldn't like to be you right now," she said. Eren huffed.
"Petra..." he complained. Petra shrugged her shoulders.
"I'm kidding. Anyway, do you want help? The great thing about these speeches is that if you are to become a Queen, the King is to read out the questions. I think it's sweet." Eren looked at her.
"Levi's reading out the questions?" he questioned. Levi didn't tell him that when he handed the papers to him. Petra nodded and sat down.
"Right then, I'll read Levi's parts and you have to say your lines without looking at the paper," she said. Eren huffed and nodded.
"Sure, go ahead," he said. Petra nodded and looked down at the paper, before reading out.
"'Do you, Eren Ackerman; Omega of Shiganshina and wife of the King of Maria, swear to govern the people of your Kingdom along with me in a just way?'" she asked, before looking up at him expectedly. Eren bit his tongue.
"I do?" he questioned. Petra's smiled dropped and she hit Eren over the head with the papers.
"You really are useless. I wish you luck on governing a Kingdom with Levi," she said. Eren huffed and leaned back.
"Okay, go on. What am I meant to say? It isn't something unbelievably cheesy, is it?" he asked. Petra smiled.
"These things always are. This is what you are meant to say, and listen carefully. 'I, Eren Ackerman, agree to assist in the governing of the people. I promise to stand beside my King and to never go against him, as long as I live'. There," she said. Eren cringed slightly.
"Who wrote that shit?" he asked. Petra chuckled.
"Probably the council. They usually do this sort of thing. Each speech is different depending on the personality of the Queen. The late Queen, King Kenny's wife, had a much kinder and more gentle personality. It seems that the council are well aware you do not wish to sit back and be just a husband, but a Queen as well. Well done. Now say what I had just said," Petra commanded. Eren huffed.
"'Probably the council. They usually do-'"
"Not that bit. God, sometimes I don't know if you are being serious or are just doing this for a joke. Please say it's the latter," Petra interrupted. Eren smiled and nodded.
"Fine. 'I, Eren Jäeger, agree to assist in the governing of the people. I promise to stand beside my King and to never go against him, as long as I live'. God, I feel like I'm selling my soul," he said.
"You are. Why 'Jäeger'? You'll be an Ackerman when you make this speech, so you might as well use it," Petra queried. Eren sighed and sat back.
"I'm not an Ackerman yet, and I would prefer to keep my name as long as possible. I don't want to change my name when I don't have to," he replied. Petra nodded.
"I understand. But, Eren, you do realise that the wedding is only in two months, right? You'll be an Ackerman after that, and so will that cub. I can't wait to see your hometown. I've never been to Shiganshina before and I've heard it is beautiful," she said. Eren nodded.
"Yeah, it is. I miss it, but I'm grateful that I will be able to go back. Ever since I've started to read, I've read about this monstrous Prince keeping a girl locked up in the palace, never to leave and go home," he explained. Petra raised an eyebrow.
"Have you been reading 'Beauty and the Beast'?" she said. Eren stared at her.
"Yeah. How did you guess?" Eren asked. Petra sighed.
"You're right, Levi would never do anything of that sorts. He's protective, but I think he believes you are much saner in Shiganshina than here. I think we all would be. I miss home, but I visit it monthly, so that's okay. Never be a damsel in distress, Eren. It doesn't suit you." Eren nodded.
"Way ahead of you." Petra smiled and sat beside him.
"Okay, Jäeger, what is really on your mind? If you don't tell me, I'll get Levi or Hanji, and I know you don't want either," she said. Eren thought for a moment.
"I would rather have Levi. I'm not fond of Hanji trying to make me spill the truth. She would probably give me some truth serum that she had just made but hasn't tested yet. I could die," Eren replied. Petra rolled her eyes.
"Point taken. Please, Eren, tell me what is wrong. I won't tell anyone, not even Hanji," she pleaded.
She wasn't. How could Eren think she was the spy? She didn't have the heart. He just hoped he was right. Eren sighed.
"Someone is leaking the stuff that happens in the palace to the underworld. Everything that I have said about Omegas," he admitted. Petra was very surprised.
"The underworld? Wow, I haven't heard about that since I first met Levi," she replied. Eren frowned and turned to the Omega.
"Why only then? What has the underworld got to do with Levi?" Eren asked. Petra looked slightly astonished.
"You don't know?" she questioned. Eren shrugged his shoulders. "Eren, Levi used to be part of it. That was before King Kenny came for him."
Eren looked down. He knew that Levi had been in the slumps. But the underworld? No.
"Why didn't he tell me?" Eren asked. Petra shook her head.
"I don't know. Maybe he just wanted to forget about it and move on," she replied, but Eren wasn't having it. He got up and walked towards the library exit. "Wait, Eren, Levi's probably very busy," Petra called, but Eren ignored her. He wanted answers.
He left the library and made his way to his room, knocking on the door slightly, before entering. Levi was at the desk, working through papers. He looked up to his mate, before looking down again.
"Sorry, Eren, I'm really busy at the moment. Could you save it for later?" he asked. Eren clicked his tongue.
"Why didn't you tell me you were part of the underworld?" Eren asked. Levi looked up frowning, before he realised.
"Petra," he muttered, "Look, Eren, it's not a past I'm proud of. I don't like thinking about it. I saw a lot of things that a children shouldn't have seen."
"That person last night knew you, though. He knew your real name. He knew I was your mate. Do you know who is could be?" Eren asked. Levi sighed.
"Yes, but that still doesn't answer the question who is feeding him information. Look, I'll explain everything in an hour or two," Levi said. Eren glared slightly, before huffing and leaving the room.
Eren was annoyed, and he didn't know who to trust. So he thought of something completely and utterly stupid. It was time for a trip to see Grisha. Grisha was in a cage, meaning he could never give information to anyone outside. He was probably half dead. Eren still need to tell Armin what he was going to do with him.
Eren went down to the dungeons and was allowed passed. He entered the cold dungeons and sat down on a stool.
"It's rare for you to visit me. Had a falling out with Rivaille?" Grisha said. Eren huffed.
"Shut your mouth," he said.
"Hey, you came to me. So if you haven't got anything meaningful to say, get out. I was having a lovely quiet time," Grisha replied. Eren sighed.
"What do you know of the underworld?" he asked. Chains began to rattle and Grisha came into sight. He looked ancient and very thin.
"The underworld? I never though I would hear that word from you. Why the interest?" he asked.
"Just answer the question, old man," Eren replied. Grisha sighed.
"The underworld is a known place for gangs, drugs and the people who are on the wanted list. Most people go there because they are forced to. The underworld usually recruits people who have no where to go, like the people from the slums," he told. Eren thought for a moment. "What? Did Rivaille turn out to be someone from the underworld? I wouldn't be surprised. He broke my finger so well that they will never heal."
"You're point being?" Eren asked.
"I'm surprised you didn't work it out by yourself. You say you're smart, but you can't even work out where your own fiancé gets his skills from," Grisha said. Eren felt pissed and stood up.
"I've finally thought of what I want done with you. It's something that will make people think I'm from the underworld," Eren hissed, before leaving.
"Well, you are your mother's son, and she can be scary when she wants to be," Grisha muttered.
Eren left the dungeons, not really getting the answers he wanted. He immediately went to Hanji's lab and walked in on one of their less smokey experiments.
"It's working! It's working!" Hanji cheered, before seeing Eren sit down on a chair. She shut up and pushed Armin to go talk to him.
Armin walked over to his best friend and sat down next to him.
"Why such a depressed face?" he asked. Eren shrugged his shoulders, not really in the mood to spill his heart out about Levi's secret.
"I've found out what I want done with Grisha," Eren said. Armin looked surprised, but also relieved.
"Finally. I was wondering when you were going to decided. Well, go on. How sadistic is it?" he asked. Eren leaned back.
"I'm going to give him a boat," Eren said.
"Huh?"
"Then I'm going to strap an anchor to him," he continued.
"Here we go."
"I'll send if off to the sea with a days worth of food. He will have a note attached to him, meaning that if anyone sees him on land, they send him back to the sea. He'll be alone and cannot swim. He'll either starve to death or be eaten by a shark."
"Why the food? If you're going to kill him, shouldn't you send him off without the food?" Armin asked. Eren breathed out a laugh.
"I'd rather not have anymore blood on my hands than I already do. If I send him off with food, then I won't feel as cruel, even though the bastard deserved to be nailed to a post by all of his toes, hanging upside down." Armin felt a little creeped out.
"Are you okay, Eren?" he asked. Eren sighed.
"I'm fine," he said stubbornly. Hanji walked back into the room, looking to the two boys.
"Aw, Eren, why in such a strop?" she asked, teasing slightly. Eren huffed.
"Shut up, Hanji?" he replied.
"Ouch. And I thought Levi was bad when he was in a mood. Well, at least you didn't call me 'Shitty Glasses'," she said, before walking over to him and kneeling down. "What's wrong, Eren?" she asked, completely serious.
"I'm just not having a very good day," he replied.
"Oh, we all have that. I always get insulted for being a science freak, but who cares? It's my life," she said. Eren looked down.
"What do you know of Levi's past?" Eren asked. Hanji looked puzzled.
"I know a little bit, like how he was in the slums. If you want answers, I suggest you either ask Levi, or Farlan and Isabel. They knew him during that time, so they should be the best option," she replied. Eren nodded and got up, walking out of the room before anyone could say anything.
He went off to search for Farlan and Isabel. He looked in the lounge and saw Farlan sitting on a chair, reading. He looked up and saw Eren.
"Eren. How are you?" he asked. Eren nodded and sat down opposite him. Farlan could sense the atmosphere and put down the book. "What can I help you with?" Eren sighed.
"I want you to tell me everything you know of Levi and the underworld. The places. The people. Even the acts," Eren said. Farlan looked very surprised.
"Eren, this is something that you should discuss with Levi, not me," he replied. Eren shook his head.
"No. He will only tell me half of the truth. He won't mention the most important bits. I want to know them. Now." Farlan looked at Eren very seriously, before sighing.
"When Levi was very young, you know he was in the slumps with me and Isabel. A group of people from the underworld took us in and 'raised' us. Levi showed potential and was known as the favourite of the boss," Farlan explained.
"Can you tell me about this boss?" Eren asked.
"The boss was someone that not many people knew about. He was thought of as a shadow because he always lingered in the dark and watched over people," he replied. That was him. A shadow. Eren clicked his tongue. "Eren, what is this about? Why so interested in the underworld? Has Levi said anything?"
Eren shook his head.
"No reason," he said, before leaving the room. Eren decided to go back to the library. Petra no longer there, probably went back to work. Eren found the coronation papers where he had left them.
He sat down at the windowsill and saw that it was raining. Today was so depressing.
The door of the library opened and Levi walked in. Eren could smell him, so there was no need to turn.
"Eren," Levi said. Eren hummed in response. "Oh for fuck sake, Eren, stop being such a brat! Okay, I'm sorry I didn't fucking tell you about my shitty past. I don't want to remember it. You say you saw a shadow like man last night? Well, he's probably the boss that I worked under. He's completely insane. You can't just hate me or be annoyed at me for hiding something that I decided held no meaning in my life anymore. This is who I fucking am now!" Levi exclaimed. Eren sighed and turned to his mate.
"Your ex-boss is going to destroy everything. I'm annoyed at you, but I don't hate you. He is going to treat this like a game and gamble away what we want and need. He's mocking me for being, or going to be, a Queen. I just want everything to disappear," Eren said, not really showing any emotion. Levi frowned.
"His name is Nicholas Frey. He's a dangerous guy that is only ten years older than me. He was a teenager when he took me, Isabel and Farlan in, and he had already obtained a very fierce reputation ," Levi explained. Eren nodded.
"What are we going to do?" he asked. Levi sat down.
"Don't draw attention that we know Frey and what he is up to. We'll keep a close eye on everyone around the palace. Have you told anyone?" Levi asked. Eren nodded.
"Only Petra, though," he said. Levi pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I would have preferred you didn't, but even I know it wouldn't be her, so it's okay. Just don't go tell anymore else. I suspect someone on the council, taking that they hear every bit of information."
It was then that moment when Eren smiled. Levi frowned.
"What?" he asked. Eren looked to his mate.
"Why down we start our game?" he asked. Levi raised an eyebrow.
"Go on."
"You say it is someone on the council. The only thing that I can think of to draw out a spy is to tell that we have certain information that he would want to each of them, but it would be different," Eren said. Levi realised what Eren was getting at.
"So that one of those people will tell Frey what we said, meaning we can easily tell who it is," Levi continued. Eren nodded.
"Exactly."
Levi nodded.
"Well done, brat. That goes into the genius pile, even if it doesn't work," Levi said. Eren smiled slightly, before looking back to the rain.
"I saw Grisha. I've decided what I want done with him, and it's a way that kills him without blood on my hands," Eren said. Levi nodded and sat down.
"Why did you go to Grisha? You didn't need to go to him to decide what is to be done," Levi asked. Eren sighed.
"I wanted to know what he knew of the underworld. Your world is so strange, and I thought my life was crap. I didn't get anything though. I even went to Hanji and Farlan. Farlan explained more of your past, but it didn't feel right. I should have waited to hear it from you, but there goes my stubbornness," Eren said. Levi looked to his mate, and frowned went he saw how red Eren looked.
He stood up and walked to him, putting his hand on his forehead. He was burning.
"Shit, brat, you've got a fever," Levi said. Eren smiled and just looked out the window.
"I'm not surprised. I should have got one ages ago. I guess I've been holding in a lot," he replied in a quiet voice. Levi rolled his eyes.
"Shut up. If you're ill you, should just tell me, not revel in other matters. Eren, you're boiling." Eren nodded and felt Levi pick him up. He didn't even last half a second as he fell asleep.
. . .
"He should be fine. He didn't look very good when he came by the lab. I should have checked him up before he left, but he was determined to find answers. I'm sorry, Levi," Hanji's voice came. It sounded distant.
Eren felt his head throb. He could feel his head wet, like it has a cloth on it, but was quickly drying out.
"Forget it. It's just a fever. As you said, he should be fine. I'll keep an eye on him while I work," Levi said. Eren opened his eyes a little bit. It was still during the day and the light poured into the room, only a few specs of dust floating in the air.
He could see Hanji and Levi standing by the door. Hanji left the room, and Levi turned to face Eren. He realised that he was awake and walked over calmly.
"You are one hell of a problem," Levi said, sitting down on the bed. Eren hummed in response.
"Don't you mean 'I have one hell of a problem'?" Eren asked.
"That too." Eren tried to sit up, but was immediately pushed down. "Don't even think about it. Your fever is still high and Hanji has said you need to rest," Levi said. Eren huffed and lay down.
"What else did she say?" Eren asked. Levi got up and went to his desk.
"She said that you need rest and that your cloth needs to be wetted every five minutes," he replied, not looking at Eren. Eren smiled slightly.
"It seems that we are both upset at each other for hiding things," he said. Levi glared at Eren.
"You are upset with me for hiding something that was in the past. I am upset with you for hiding the fact that you are ill, in the present. Huh? I wonder which is more important," Levi said sarcastically. Eren rolled his eyes.
"You call me a brat for a reason," he muttered.
"Damn right. You are more of a brat than you ever were. But, it seems you think of great plans when you are ill," Levi said. Eren frowned.
"Plan? What plan?" he asked. Levi looked at him.
"And it seems you don't even remember when you are a genius. No matter. I'll explain everything to you when you can actually remember shit. Now get some sleep before I put you to sleep myself," Levi said, getting back to work.
"Oh, so scary," Eren muttered. Levi clicked his tongue.
"Eren."
"Alright. Alright. Sleep, I get it. I'll just wet my cloth first," Eren said, before taking the cloth off his forehead and dipping it in the basin beside the bed, and putting it on his forehead. He lay down and closed his eyes.
He went to sleep after feeling a small kiss on his forehead.
Here's another chapter. I would like to point out to all my reviewer to remember that this is just a god damn Fanfiction. I could write a whole lot better, so don't get so f-ing serious. Apparently I should be ashamed with myself for putting feeling into a story that is mine. Apparently I'm a brat when I can easily tell you I have seen a lot of things in this world. Yes, I related myself to this story.
It. Is. Mine.
I would like to thank these people for the following:
Reviewing - Jackie Baker, BlackNecko, Pinkii Fangirl, Ririlian, Fanfic Tache, Shugo Chara Jazz-chan, Diaglassheart, Melyway, Tee, alonealexabluerose, Lona and A World Made Happier With Yaoi.
Favouriting - Cutiewinks, melimelosucre, feamlenaruto and Wolfayne.
Following - Cutiewinks and MoonliteNightmare.
Lovely reviews and such. You guys make me feel better. Okay, I'll be honest. Yes, I should be ashamed for getting so caught up in this story. I decided to write it so that I could get away from this bullshit world, but apparently I'm not even allowed to do that. Anyone who even bothers to pick a fight while they are anonymous is a brat to begin with, and a coward. People like my story, and if they didn't, I would be on chapter 32 by now. I would have given up a long time ago. Maybe I should just stop this story because of one person.
.
.
Ha! As if. I'm not soft.
I shall continue with my crazy writing for the people who want it. Show some respect. I dare any of you who this that this story is terrible to do what I do. Update every Friday with a chapter over 5,000 words. Live through college work. Have a job most of the week. I dare you!
Ah! Had to get that off my chest. I feel better. Come at me with all the horrible reviews, but I've done nothing wrong. I'm a person that wants to be joyful and this is my way of showing it. I love a lot of my reviewers because of the things they say. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it is just disrespectful the criticise someone without telling how they can improve.
Finally - don't ever insult my other reviews. That is the most selfish thing someone can do. It is just down right rude.
These are rules I have for my reviewers or anyone else who reads my story. If you guys can live with these, then we will get along fine.
Well, until next Friday.
P.S. hopefully I'll be more cheerful.
