XxXxX
"Damn do I hate these jobs…" James said as he closed a set of double doors to a rather luxurious office. Sculptures and paintings lined the sections of the walls that wasn't covered by bookshelves. "But you did the right thing sendin' your wife and kids away. Don't want em' seein this unsightly business." James turned to see a rather portly man sitting behind a desk. He was sweating profusely as he stared down at his desk in anticipation of what was to come.
"To think someone paid the Grays to come after me. What did I do to deserve this?" The man asked to nobody in particular.
"Couldn't tell ya, but he did offer a bunch of money for yer head so we didn't ask nothin about it." James spun the cylinder of his revolver and quickly loaded a single bullet. Stopping the motion just as a golden bullet was behind the barrel, James pointed the weapon towards the businessman. "Any last words?"
"Will you even remember them if I told you?" He responded in disgust, making James chuckle somewhat.
"Nope, but I found that it makes people feel a little better before they bite the dust." James then clicked back the hammer and took aim. "Maybe you can ask em' if it made them feel better for me." A loud bang resonated throughout the room, making the birds on the rooftops flutter about in panic.
James stayed like this for a moment, simply pointing his smoking revolver at the now dead businessman before slowly placing it within its holster on his hip. He took a deep sigh and fell back into one of the chairs in the corner of the room. Leaning his elbows on his knees, the Gray covered his face in his hands. "I hate this job, you know? Killin' people that is. Every time I shoot someone it takes a little of me with it." James looked up to the dead body of the business man and found that it hadn't moved, much to the gunslinger's relief. "A mercenary aint a good occupation for a family man, but someone like you wouldn't know anythin bout that. You're just an honest man that looked at some powerful people the wrong way." James stood and walked over the side of the desk where a window was built into the wall. The city street outside made it known to him that he was still inside the city of Yarckel. "I'm sorry for the pain I've put on yer family. Hopefully they'll learn to forget like the rest of us…"
Not five seconds later the door to the room burst open revealing three Military Police brandishing their weapons. "Everyone on the ground!" A woman shouted, clearly the squad leader, but all that met them was a dead body and an open window.
James landed on the roof of the nearby building before glancing back at the window he had just departed from. The job was done. Now all he needed to do was lay low for a while and leave the city once the Military Police quieted down.
Zipping across the roofs of the city, James was abruptly halted when a shadowy figure landed before him. It was dark out and the only light came from the street lights behind the dark mantle.
"How can I help ya?" James asked as his hand hovered over his revolver on his hip.
"You…" The voice was feminine, but this didn't help the Gray in learning who stood before him. "You're a Gray."
"…" James's eyes narrowed as he stared at the girl. "And you're a soldier, aintcha?"
"So I finally found one." The dark mantle lowered her hood to reveal dark orange hair and blazing emerald eyes. "You're going to answer a few of questions."
"Oh? And what are those questions little lady?"
"Does the name 'Naruto' ring any bells?"
"It could, depending on the price." James replied with a grin. The soldier only growled as she stared down the Gray. "Got a name soldier girl?"
"Petra."
"Well 'Petra' if you don't mind I'm a little busy, but if you want to tag along I'm sure we can come to some form of agreement." With that the two shot off into the towards the inner workings of the city. Landing in an alleyway James glanced around before returning his attention to the soldier. "Now, you said something about Naruto? The 'Angel of Death' that the rumor mill has coined him? Now why would a lone Survey Corps soldier like yourself want information on someone like him?"
"I'm not here to shout out my mission to some random Gray. Do you have any information on Naruto or not?" With each passing word Petra's temper grew larger and larger. James lifted his hands up in mock surrender.
"Now hold yer horses little lady. I aint here to pry, but we Gray's need to know about our patrons before we take a job or sell information."
"I thought you scum would take any job for the right price." If Petra's harsh words had any effect on James than she couldn't see it.
"And normally we do, but you see we don't just sell information on friends for nothin."
"…" Petra's eyes narrowed at the Gray's words. 'Friends?! Is that what Naruto is to these mercenary scum?!' Calming herself, Petra continued. "Fine. What do you need for your assistance?"
"Hmm… what indeed?" James looked into the air as he thought over what to ask. "Money, for one, and the reason for seeking out the most notorious man in the kingdom."
"How much money?"
"Depends on the information." Petra wanted to punch the Gray, but restrained herself. "But first you have to tell me why you want to know about our resident titan slayer." Petra looked down to the cobbled alleyway for a moment as she thought of a decent response. "He must have twisted yer insides every which way if you're this hung up on him."
"Shut. Up." Petra said in a low and dangerous voice. James only shook his head at the threat. While he didn't know why this single Survey Corps soldier was so interested in Naruto, it didn't take a genius to understand that Petra had a personal stake with the blonde. "Naruto turned his back on humanity when he obstructed our operations in Stohess, and now he's even more notorious within the military when he assisted you Gray's in defending your base in the southeastern swamps."
"…?" James simply furrowed a brow with his arms crossed. Clearly amused at the heated words coming out of Petra's mouth. While common knowledge within the Gray's and military, most of the population doesn't know of Naruto's current relationship with the military since the operation within Stohess was publicly stated to be a success that brought to light that there were hybrids amongst the populace while the attack on their base was held under lock and key.
Petra was growing more heated by the second, but a sigh escaped the Gray's lips. The soldier looked up to see James rubbing the back of his neck.
"Look, I got the feelin' I know what you're wantin' to ask, but are too afraid to ask it. That, or you've got orders tellin' you not to." Petra was about to say something, but James spoke before she could. "In either case I can't tell you anything on what he and that blonde MP are doing, but I can show you where I last saw em'."
"… How can I trust you?"
"If yer gonna pay the tab then I aint got no reason to not show ya." Petra's hard stare made the man sigh once again. "Just call it a gut feelin' I suppose."
"That's it? You're just going to accept the money and sell out your… friend?" With a shrug of his shoulders James turned around and began walking towards the street beyond.
"Like I said. Just a gut feelin'."
XxXxX
"Did I make you proud, dad?"
"…"
"Did I bring happiness to the world like you did?"
"I…"
"… No matter what happens I'll always look up to you."
I smashed my hand into a nearby tree, making its bark creak under the pressure.
"To kill your own child like that. Who would have thought you'd do such a horrible thing?"
"…" My eyes snapped to the shade as she walked alongside me through the giant forests around the Misty Lake at the southwestern area of the kingdom.
"What? Not going to answer?"
"Do you remember what I told you down in the dungeon?" The lavender and crimson eyed shade frowned at my words.
"I do, but that won't stop us from trying to get back the Naruto-kun that we know and love."
"Then you are a fool." I turned away to see Annie further ahead giving me a concerned look. "What?"
"Was that…?" Annie asked, but I simply passed by her without a word. Annie stared at my back as we continued to shift through the dense forest. Finally, she jogged up to my side and looked over to me. "Sorry."
"Don't be. I'm not blaming you for anything."
"Still…" We sank back into silence once again when it was clear that I wanted to drop the topic.
"I think you're scaring her." The shade commented as she hovered around Annie. Observing the girl in interest.
"…" I ignored the shade and kept my eyes trained forward. Much to its annoyance.
"You can't ignore us forever. One day you'll come back to us." With that the shade disappeared into the depths of my crumbling subconscious. Maybe one day I will return to where this figment of my madness describes, but not yet. Not when there was still work to be done.
"If you need anything." Annie's voice pulled me my from my thoughts. "Just let me know. I'm here for you." After another bout of silence, I finally answered.
"Thanks." The silence between us became comfortable after that. We finally found a road and soon after a little village nestled within high trees. So tall were these ferns and pines that they cast the sleepy village in a near perpetual shade. A soft breeze blew through the forest, rustling the leaves above and pushing the hanging signs in front of their businesses. Several people strolled about the single street to their homes or place of work. Everyone had a smile on their faces as they interacted with those close to them.
"I don't think I've ever been here." Annie commented. Trying to figure out where they were so she can pinpoint their location on her mental map. Annie stiffened as she felt my hand grasp onto the back of her hood. I pulled it down to reveal her blonde hair to the world. "What are you-?!" When she looked to the side Annie noticed that I had already removed my hood as well.
"People will begin to question us if walked around hiding our faces."
"But what if someone recognizes us?" The soldier glanced around at the people surrounding us. Some of who were giving us strange looks. Any one of them could know who they were and if that's true then they would alert the local royal garrison. Heightening Annie's already growing anxiety. A bead of sweat trailed down from her temple as she looked around at those looking at her, but her pervasive thoughts halted when a hand was placed onto her shoulder.
"Look at me." I ordered, making the blonde girl turn to me. "Relax. Nobody here knows who we are."
"But the looks they are giving us…" Annie glanced over to the people who had been staring at us, but some of who had went back to what they were doing before.
"They're just curious. Hey." I squeezed her shoulder softly, making Annie look to me again. "We're fine, okay? Trust me."
"… Okay." Annie looked down to her feet as if to hide her face away. The only ones that would be looking for us would the military and any royal garrison that has been paying attention to the reports given out by the Survey Corps and Garrison. Here, however, there wasn't a military or royal garrison so there was no need to worry.
"Now let's find a place to stay. It's getting dark out and I would like to sleep in a bed for once." Annie only nodded her head in acceptance as she followed me towards what looked like a two story inn. When entering a young man, maybe in his early twenties, sat behind the counter. He had chocolate brown eyes and dark gray hair and looked bored with the pencil he was playing with being a clear indicator. "Hello?"
Startled, the man shot his head up to see us standing in front of the desk. "Don't scare me like that!" When I gave him a bemused stare, he simple sighed. "Right, well I assume you're looking for a room?" With a nod of my head the man checked the keys hanging along the back of the wall. "We have plenty of vacancies."
"Not a lot of travel around here?" The man simply shook his head as he reached for a key.
"If you were here a week ago then you'd be saying something different, but not at the moment. Little Greenwood is out of the way for most travelers. We really only get the odd merchant that comes along or the folks that want to visit the Misty Lake. Since we are the closest village to it we have plenty of people that travel here and set up in our inn before going and camping along its shores." He turned and looked me up and down. "I'm assuming that's what you were doing? Most people have already returned and are on their way home because Fall is just around the corner."
"Something like that." I commented as the man thought he caught a glimpse of someone behind me and moved to see.
"And who do we have here?" A sly grin appearing on his features. Annie gave him a strange look as he leaned against the counter. "The name's Thomas. Nice to meet cha'."
"…?" Annie looked to me, but I simply shrugged my shoulders. "Annie." The blonde reluctantly said.
"Well Annie how about I give you a tour of-."
"I'm fine."
"Don't be so quick to dismiss my offer! There are so many little places that may surprise you."
"I said I'm fine." Annie returned, a little more heated. Seeing that Thomas we going to persist I pulled Annie into a sideways hug, who stiffened initially but eventually relaxed.
"Sorry, but my little sister can be distrusting to those we first meet." I commented.
"O-Oh you're her brother! I can see the resemblance." 'What the hell and I thinking?! Hitting on his sister right in front of him! Wait… she's a soldier?! What have I gotten myself into?!'
"Mind if we get two-."
"One." Annie interjected. I sent her a curious look before continuing.
"… One room?" Thomas looked between us, but shrugged.
"Sure, but we only have single bed rooms. Are you sure that's okay?" Thomas asked.
"That's fine." Annie said before taking the key from Thomas's hand and marched up the steps.
"Thank you." I stated before following Annie up the stairs. Finding the open door I move see the girl removing her gear. "Everything okay?"
"I'm fine." She replies as I lean against the doorframe.
"…?" My blank expression must have held something because Annie made an audible 'humph' before turning away.
"It's just that… I…" She closed her eyes and tried to best voice her words. Seeing her struggle, I let out a sigh and shook my head.
"Annie." Her name made her turn towards me. I can guess what the issue is here, but I don't want to pry. "We both have our issues, and we both know that about each other. I just want you to know that, no matter what happens, I won't be going anywhere." A small, soft smile spread across Annie's features. Her hands, previously clenched in deep thought, released themselves.
"Because you'll have my back as long as you have mine, right?" I nodded my head at her words.
"Now let's grab something to eat and I'll let Thomas know we'll need a cot." I said as I turned to leave through the doorway.
"Right. I'm starving." Annie replied before following me down the steps. After asking Thomas for a cot, we returned to the streets and began looking around for a place to eat. There wasn't much here, a couple of family diners and a bar, so we decided to slip into one of the diners for dinner. After ordering I glanced at Annie's clothes, much to her slight embarrassment.
"What are you looking at?"
"You only have your military uniform, right?" Annie's head bobbed up and down in affirmation. "You need a new set of clothes."
"What's wrong with my military uniform?"
"If you want to blend in then you'll need some civilian clothing. The cloak is fine, since you can pass that off for a rain cloak, but the uniform needs to be hidden." I bulled on when I knew she went to object. "And no, you can't always wear your cloak to hide your uniform." Annie grumbled something under her breath, but nodded her head after a moment.
"I'm not wearing a dress."
"Whatever you want to wear. As long as you can blend in."
"And you? Are you going to change?" I looked down at my clothes in thought. I've been wearing the same clothes for a long time. Changing now…
"No, I think I'll stick with what I got."
"Why not? People might recognize your black cloak."
"They are… sentimental to me I guess." I tugged a little on the fabric, making the ensemble shift slightly. Annie noticed and simply nodded her head in understanding.
"Fine, we'll go clothes shopping after we eat." Annie begrudgingly said.
"And here we are! I hope you two enjoy." The waiter said after placing our plates of food in front of us. He quickly left to give us some privacy.
As we ate I could tell Annie was trying to say something. I furrowed my brow as I watched her attempt to bring something up, but was purposely holding herself back. "Something on your mind?"
"It's just… I'm still in shock at how old you are."
"…?" I tilted my head just to the side in thought. Taking my silence for something else Annie went to repair the faux damage that was done.
"It's not that I don't believe you! Because I do. It's just…"
"Farfetched? Crazy?" Annie blinked as a small smile graced my features. "Yeah, I understand. Why do you think I haven't told anyone?"
"I'm the first one?" Annie asked, slightly surprised.
"Well not the first one." Appearing next to Annie was the shade from before.
"The first one in a long time." My eyes darted to the black shade, but it smiled all the same. Annie caught the movement of my eyes, but only looked back in confusion.
"Who else did you tell?"
"I-." I blinked and then there was someone else sitting before of me. A girl with bright blonde hair and emerald green eyes. She smiled at me and said something that never reached my ears.
"Oh! Look who we have here!" The shade commented as it looked at the aberration before me. Another blink and the girl morphed back into my companion.
"Naruto?" A few more blinks and my mind returned from its daze.
"Hmm…? Did you say something?" I gave her an aloof look, making Annie look slightly annoyed.
"You just stole that line and you don't even know it." The shade grumbled to my side. It sighed before disappearing once again.
"…" Annie gave me a suspicious stare before taking another bite of her food. "Well hopefully there's a good clothing store around here."
"If there's not then we'll find somewhere that is." I replied. Our meal was finished in short order and with it paid we began walking down the single street that encompassed its one and only road. "Looks like there's only one clothing store."
"Let's just find something and get this over with." I gave Annie a curious glance. Making my fellow blonde sigh. "I've never enjoyed clothing shopping like the other girls."
"I can't imagine Mikasa would be overly excited about the prospect either."
"Yeah… I never really talked to Mikasa all that much, although I can't help but agree." Annie watched as I approached a shop that had different types of clothes hanging out front. Pants, skirts, dresses, shirts, all of different colors were on display. "I don't even know what would look good on me."
"Don't look at me. I've been living outside the walls and fashion tends to change quickly." Looking around I saw a few people strolling down the street, but none of them Annie's age. "I guess we can always just ask. Can we get some help?" I said into the store. A shuffling sound radiated from the back of the building before a young girl, maybe a year or two younger than Annie, approached us. She had long black hair and green eyes with a skirt and sleeveless shirt filling her out.
"Hello! My name is Lena. How may I help you today?" The girl asked with a bright smile.
"My friend here is looking for some new clothes." I gestured to Annie, who was looking at a pair of pants.
"Hmm… is she your sister or something?" Lena asked, making Annie twitch for unknown reasons.
"She is. Why?" The girl's smile brightened again as she shook her head.
"Oh no reason! Anyway let's find you something to wear." Lena said as she dragged Annie into the store.
"I don't want to wear a dress!" Annie shouted as Lena pulled towards the back of the store. I chuckled at the sight before looking over some of their other wears. Various shouts echoed back towards me followed by giggles as I finally saw a wrapping hidden beneath a jacket. Curious, I pulled it out and gave it a look over. It was a long black piece of cloth that looked vaguely like-.
"That's not the point! You know putting your hitai-ate on is a testament of respect towards a fellow Leaf Shinobi!"
I blinked and a plate of silver metal appeared on the black cloth in my hands. A symbol in the form of a strange leaf appeared onto the plate. 'That's…'
"Well what do you think?" With another blink the plate disappeared. Looking to my side I saw an embarrassed Annie standing before me with a grinning Lena peeking out from behind her. It was a simple arrangement, all things considered. A pair of tan khakis, a black short sleeve shirt, and a navy-blue hoodie. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail that I've just noticed had a grown since I saved her from the Survey Corps. "I tried to get her to wear more modern-."
"Revealing." Annie cut in.
"Clothing. But she's stubborn. With a body like hers she could get any guy in the kingdom!" Lena continued as if the blonde hadn't said a thing.
"You look amazing Annie." I commented, making the blonde blush slightly.
"Thank you…" Annie muttered as she turned her head to the side in clear embarrassment.
"And what do you have there?" Lena asked as she approached me to see what I was holding.
"It was hanging from a hanger by itself." I replied before handing it to the girl.
"Hmm… it looks like it belonged to another outfit that was bought. It was probably left behind because the owner didn't want it." Lena handed it back to me and winked. "You can keep it if you want."
"…?" I furrowed a brow at the young teenager.
"If we were to sell it by itself then we would barely make a return."
"I see… well thank you."
"It's also because I like you." I blinked at Lena's words before her cheeks flared. "I-I mean you seem like a good person! Oh man…" Annie sighed and placed the money required for her clothes into Lena's hands.
"Let's go." Annie said before moving away from the store with a bag in hand. Probably more pairs of clothes similar to what she's wearing now.
"Thank you for your help Lena." With that I too followed after my 'sister'.
"Come back anytime!" Lena shouted after us as I waved over my shoulder.
Falling into step with my companion we walked in silence towards our inn.
"Hmm…" I hummed, making Annie send a glance my way.
"Hmm what?"
"Oh nothing. Just thinking."
Annie gave me an annoyed glare before returning forward. We quickly found our way back to the room where a cot could be seen set up near the window.
"Even sharing a room with her? How bold you, Naruto-kun." I quickly tempered the anger that was on the edge of my tongue before releasing a long-winded sigh.
"Tired?" Annie asked.
"Tired of something…" I mumbled as I released my cloak from my shoulders and hung it on the nearby coat hanger.
"Hey!" The shade shouted, getting in my face with an angry face. "Why are you being like this! You used to-!"
"Leave." It was a single word that was uttered, but the tone was dark and threatening. The shade blinked in apparent shock. Annie too looked surprised by my sudden threatening tone.
"I… okay." Annie began to move towards the door, but my hand fell onto her shoulder making the hybrid flinch. This was enough to halt the blonde from leaving.
"But I-." The shade continued.
"Now." With a look of hurt the shade began to fade.
"We'll find a way, Naruto-kun. No matter what." With that the black shade disappeared once again.
Silence swept through the room like a cold winter breeze. I released my hand and Annie backed away from me. She dared not speak of what just occurred, but she could guess.
"Long ago I felt love towards another..."
The face he made after speaking those words… it hurt her soul to see him in so much pain, but there was nothing she could do. Annie was never one to understand matters of the heart like some others, but even she could tell what the problem was. Even now those maddening memories continue to plague him in a very physical way and it ate away at her knowing that she couldn't do anything.
"Do you want to…" Annie tried anyway. It was the least she could do for everything he's done, and is still doing, for her.
"Get some rest Annie." I stated before laying down onto the cot, not seeing the frown gracing Annie's features. "We need to get moving bright and early in the morning."
"Okay. Goodnight… Naruto." Annie softly said before moving towards her own bed. Maybe it was too soon. Whatever happened down there in that dungeon truly rattled him. He'll come to her when he's ready…
Right?
XxXxX
True to Naruto's words they were on the road once again heading… where were they heading? Annie didn't know, and she was scared to ask. Well… scared wasn't the right word for why she was refraining from asking her companion. Still, Naruto's demeanor was mirroring how he was when they were traversing the seemingly endless dungeon. For a moment, after the two returned to the surface, Naruto seemed to revert to how he was before, but now this was not the case.
Silent mumbles and heated glares at nothing seemed to be ever present for her fellow blonde. When fellow travelers passed by a mask would slip into place and he was suddenly bright and sunny, but when they passed the mask would slip off and those bright blue eyes would become dull and lifeless.
It… hurt Annie to see for some unknown reason.
"Please… just stop." The sudden break of their silence made the blonde girl jump somewhat. Turning towards the source of the voice, Annie could see the dark mantle squeezing his eyes shut. "Please."
'Why?' Annie's hands balled themselves into fists. 'What happened that's making you like this?'
"Hey, Naruto?" Her voice broke him from his trance. Naruto opened those cold eyes and stared forward. "Where are we going? You never told me."
"…" At first Annie thought he wasn't going to answer, but eventually he did. "North." Annie bridled at his simple answer.
"I get that! I want-!"
"Cainhurst."
"Cainhurst? The castle city ran by the Pious family?" When Naruto nodded his head, Annie was only more confused than she was before. "What's there that you need?"
"Information." Annie glared at him when he refrained from continuing. Knowing that he wasn't going to divulge anything more, Annie simply shook her head and remained silent as well. She needed to remind herself that his mind was still trying to pull everything together. At least Annie thought that's what he's doing.
A traveler riding a horse drawn caravan approached them. It was an elderly man with a straw hat to block the sun from reaching the top of his head. "Well don't you two look lovely! Is that your sister? I can see the resemblance!" The elder said with a smile. The mask slipped on easily enough for Naruto as he smiled at the man. For some reason Annie's eye twitched at the comment.
"Thank you." Naruto replied.
"Can I offer you some watermelon? They're some of the best fruit you'll see outside the capital!"
"How much?" After he a brief haggling they ended up with two full watermelons. One being carried by each of them. With that the two continued on their way.
"Why did you buy these? We have enough food to last us until we make it to the next town." Annie asked. Naruto shrugged and looked down at the green fruit in their arms.
"Because they looked good." Was his simple answer. He looked up into the sky and realized they've been walking all day and the sun was beginning to set. "Let's set up camp for the night. We should make it to the next town in a couple of days." Annie simply nodded as she followed him into the woods where they put down their bags in a clearing. "I'll get us some firewood if you set up the tents."
With that he was gone. Annie blinked at the abruptness of his exit, but began setting up their tents. It was a swift affair. Two one-person tents were put up quickly and a firepit ready for when Naruto brought the wood. With nothing else to do Annie sat on a log and waited. Her weapons had been checked several times and her gear was ready to be used at any given moment.
She really needed a hobby…
Another fifteen minutes passed and Annie was beginning to get worried. 'Where is he?' Ten more minutes passed before she decided to go looking for him. It didn't take her long. A loud slam radiated throughout the woods, making the hybrid move towards the source of the noise.
"You are dead! Why do you even care?!" Naruto shouted, making Annie slip behind a tree before she could announce herself. A breath of silence washed over him. "That is the worst reason that I've ever heard! All I want is to be left alone. Why can't you do that?" A breeze blew through the forest, shifting his cloak ever so slightly. "So stubborn. The Naruto you knew is gone. He's-." He stopped midsentence as he stared into this phantom that haunts him so. "It doesn't matter. I only have one reason for existing." The breeze stopped and he hung his head and shook it weakly. "If you truly are a figment of my madness then you should know what that reason is."
"You have one reason for existing, Annie Leonhart. One reason. Complete this mission and we will welcome you into the fold. If you fail…"
With that he bent down and picked up the discarded wood and made his way back towards camp. As he passed the tree Annie was hiding behind, Naruto stopped. He stood there for a moment, like he was going to speak, but a soft sigh escaped his lips before he placed a hand onto her head. It was enough to make Annie breath in sharply as the dark mantle softly ruffled her hair before continuing on towards their campsite.
Minutes had passed and Annie found she had slid to the dirt ground below. 'Why am I crying?' A few tears escaped her eyes as she stared at the ground. A few memories pushing themselves back into her mind.
XxXxX
I had made the fire and was staring blankly into the flames when I sensed Annie approach. Keeping my eyes trained on the fire, Annie moved and dropped down onto the log close to me. We sat in silence, with the only noise coming from the bugs and the crackling of the flames.
"Naruto." Annie began, finally drawing me to look at her. Had she been… crying? "I…" She refused to look me in the eye, but even still she was struggling with what to say.
"You remember something, don't you?" I commented, making Annie stiff as a board. "It was something I said that triggered it."
"Yeah."
"Whenever you're ready." I then went back to tending to the fire. A few moments passed before a growl escaped Annie's lips. Then a loud yell as she abruptly stood and kicked one of the watermelons as hard as she could. The green fruit exploded into a shower of pink and rained over an unoccupied portion of the campsite. My eyes followed the young hybrid as she stomped over to a tree and began slamming her fists into its bark.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Slowly I stood from my resting point as Annie continued to pummel the poor tree into submission. Her fists soon becoming bloody with her relentless pursuit to expel her frustrations. When Annie went for another punch I softly placed my hand onto her forearm, making the girl freeze. At my new angle I could clearly see the tears trailing down her cheeks. Retrieving a roll of bandages from my cloak, I slowly began wrapping Annie's bloody fists even as her tears continue to fall.
"H-How do y-you do it?" Annie asked. I didn't answer at first as I continued to wrap her hands. "How d-do you b-bottle it all up?" A sad smile graced my features.
"Because my bottle has long since been broken." Finishing the last of the bandages I pulled Annie towards the clearing that was covered in watermelon. "Come here." Annie didn't object, but she was still leaking tears. "Punch me."
"W-What?"
"Throw a punch."
"But I-." I waved her retort away as motioned her to do it.
"Indulge me."
"I'm not really feeling-." I was then in front of her with a fist shooting towards the surprised blonde. Her body reacted on pure instinct and blocked the punch aimed at her gut before sending her own towards my grinning face. I ducked the counter attack with the speed of an aged shinobi, but not before swiping my leg out to knock her down.
Annie jumped back and reengaged once again, but I could only smile as I watched my eager partner jump into the fray. For the next hour we threw punches and kicks at one another. The fire was beginning to lose its flame and the clearing was slowly growing darker. When Annie went to go for another bout a held a hand up to stop her.
"That's what I wanted to see." Annie blinked in surprise at my words.
"See what?"
"That face. That expression when you're doing what you love. You look so happy when you're in the moment. It's nice." Annie sighed and looked away.
"I used to be able to hide my emotions so well…"
"You don't even realize it yet, do you?" The hybrid finally met my eyes, my smile still in place.
"Realize what?"
"Before you were just following orders. A drone for some master. A husk of who you are, but just now…" I gestured towards Annie's rejuvenated form. "I couldn't see the Female Titan. The person standing before me is a proud young woman who pushes herself to be the best fighter in the kingdom and can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. And her name is…" New tears formed in the blonde's eyes as she trembled before me. "Annie Leonhart."
It was like an arrow was let loose from a bow. Her head slammed into my chest and her arms wrapped around my midsection. I brought my arms around her frame just to make sure I didn't lose balance. Her pained cries echoed throughout the forest and her tears stained my cloak, but I only rubbed circles on the small of her back. The fear and anxiety of the unknown wracked her body with each heave of her pained lungs. Who she was before, and what she might become in the future. It's a challenge that we all face and are apprehensive to stand up to. The only thing I can do for her now…
"Remember…" Annie finally smiled against my chest as her tears finally subsided.
"I'll have your back…"
"As long as you have mine." I finished. With one last squeeze Annie removed herself and for the first time since we met a genuine smile graced her features.
"Thank you."
"Anytime." I replied before walking to the campfire. "Now let's make some food and eat that watermelon."
"Sure, and I'll let you know what I remembered."
"Sounds good."
XxXxX
"Learn to control it Eren! Your powers are going to be the lynchpin to our plans!" Zoë shouted as she continued to push the hybrid to his limits. From afar Mikasa and Armin watched as Zoë, along with several over Survey Corps members, trained Eren in his abilities.
"You fight purely based on instinct. There's no refinement to your attacks or style."
Mikasa's eyes narrowed, and the grip on her sheathed sword tightened. That day continued to haunt her. To be so utterly suppressed hurt her ego, sure, but more importantly it left Eren vulnerable. If that black mantled bastard wanted to he could have killed Eren right in front of her and there was nothing she, nor anyone else, could have done about it.
"Mikasa." Armin stated, shaking the girl from her thoughts.
"Did you need something?" Mikasa asked, not taking her eyes off Eren who once again attempted to transform.
"Levi gave Petra the green light to search for Naruto." Mikasa frowned at this thought. Since the incident at Stohess Petra has been a mess. One blow after another caused this shift in personality. From happy and upbeat to quiet and isolated. Maybe it was for the best that Levi let her search for Naruto? She was of little use the way she was now. In truth Mikasa would have volunteered to join her in the search for Naruto and Annie, but Levi would have certainly shot that down. Besides…
"Then show me you have the strength to stop me."
Gritting her teeth, an image of Eren and Armin laying on the ground defenseless appear in her head.
"I expected more from you, Mikasa."
The way he said it… the more Mikasa thought about it the way he spoke was more attuned to disappointment in a child than Naruto simply verbally harassing her.
No, Mikasa had to train and stay near her friends if they are to be protected from their enemies in both the government and Naruto. She wouldn't have offered to accompany Petra even if she asked.
"I see…"
"His orders were to survey, but not approach." Armin stated with a serious expression. "It was a mission that she will probably fail in completing."
"Probably. The kingdom is a massive place. Finding a couple of people would take a long time if-."
"No. Petra will more than likely find them, but she will fail to follow Levi's order to not approach them." Mikasa stared at Armin for a moment. Would she truly disobey a direct order from her superior? It's hard to believe that Petra would do such a thing based on past experience, but she's lost much since Mikasa has met her.
"If she does then they'll kill her."
"…" Armin never responded, but kept his hardened stare at the training before them.
'What's going through your mind, Armin? Out of everyone here you seem to think that Naruto has some redeemable factor. What is it you see in him?' Mikasa thought before returning her gaze forward.
And for now, Armin would remain silent. There was something about the mysterious figure that was Naruto that continued to plague his mind, but what was it? Why help them only to turn his back on humanity? Humanity itself seems to be dividing itself anew with the conspiracy against the Survey Corps. What of the nobility and their stance on the rising tensions within the factions of the military? For the moment they've stayed silent on the issue, but for how long will that last?
Shaking his head of these various questions, Armin knew that the only thing that mattered at this moment was to complete the objective set before them and both Historia and Eren are crucial pieces to this ever-changing puzzle.
XxXxX
Over the course of the next few days, we had passed through a couple of small villages that reminded me of Greenwood on our way north. Annie mostly stayed silent, but then we appeared on the edge of forest overlooking a massive field of golden hay. A single path wound its way through the tall plant, but from our slightly elevated position we could see a larger town in the distance.
"How about we rest here for the night?" I asked, making Annie nod, but she gave me a sideways glance.
"Sure." Annie said. "Are you going to tell me why we're heading to Cainhurst?"
"I've already told you." I replied as I moved towards the forest and waving a hand over my shoulder. "Information."
"What kind of infor…" With that I disappeared into the forest. Annie looked to the ground and shook her head. A whisper leaking of her mouth when she thought I was out of earshot. "When will you trust me like I trust you?"
On the other side of a tree I frowned at her words as I listened to the young hybrid set up camp a ways away from the trail. Little did she know that my trust in her wasn't the problem… at least not at the moment. No, it was my trust in myself that I was worried about.
Picking up the needed firewood I returned to camp to see Annie moving through some kata's. Starting the fire Annie just realized I was there when the bundle of wood began lighting up the surroundings. Her blue eyes landed on my sitting form for a moment before returning to her kata's. There was a slight tension in the air, but I refrained from saying anything.
Finally the blonde hybrid sat down for dinner once I finished the stew. A simple vegetable mix with some spices that I picked up
"She looks to be on edge." The shade commented after appeared beside me. "You're making her uncomfortable."
I can only imagine why. My constant bickering with myself is certainly not improving my relationship with my traveling companion, but there was little I could do to alleviate the issue. Annie is curious about why we're returning to Cainhurst, but I can't tell her. Not yet anyway. There's still so much to unpack, and the information within that castle may be the next step to shedding some light on this mystery.
"You don't trust me… not completely anyway. Do you?" Annie asked into the darkness of the clearing. The lights of the village in the distance sprung up over the field of hay and reflected off the grand trees behind us.
"There's still so much I'm trying to-."
"Stop! Just stop…" Annie shook her body and looked to the half-eaten bowl of stew in her hands. "Why can't you tell me why we're going to Cainhurst?" I went to speak, but she must have known what I was going to say. "I know its information! But what kind of information?! What are we doing?! What's our plan?! Please!" I stared at the disheveled girl for a while before sighing.
"The plan… my plan, from the very beginning, was to stop the titans. It still is, and always will be, my mission." Annie flinched somewhat when I mentioned my plan but remained silent. "Annie, do you know why I saved you from the Survey Corps?" When Annie remained silent I bulled on. "It was because I needed information on the titans. That was it."
"… What were you going to do if I declined your offer to go with you?" Annie finally removed her gaze from the fire and stuck me with a gaze questioned everything.
"I was going to kill you." Annie's eyes widened, but then her more rational mind caught up just as I was speaking. "Your memories were severally hampered, but if you were going to return to your former masters then I'd have followed you and killed everyone that I found there."
"Then why didn't you just do that?" I sighed and looked over to the town in the distance.
"I'm… not too sure. I guess I wanted to give you a chance to turn over a new leaf." I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. Annie blinked a couple of times as she stared me down.
"Thanks… Naruto." Annie commented before taking another mouthful of stew. I could tell she was still somewhat irritated at my refusal to elaborate on why Cainhurst specifically, but she was fine for now.
"See? The old you is still in there somewhere. You can't run away from it forever." The shade said with a soft smile. "I only wish that you would trust others like you used to."
If only it were that easy. Trust is what got me into this situation in the first place, but I took Annie in so I have to take responsibility for my actions. She was alone in this world with the military looking for her, and with her distrust of her former hybrid comrades, there was no one else the blonde hybrid could turn to.
XxXxX
The next morning came quick and we were moving just before the sun crested the horizon. Our walk down the winding path started dull until the sun moved over the tree line and bathed the hay with an early morning light. A soft breeze brushed through the field. Shaking the crops and making a rustle amongst the barren path towards the town of Schlier.
It was peaceful, and the smell of the fresh crops around us brought me back to a similar time. No titan threat. No world ending disaster, or evil maniacs to stop. Just the joy of the open world to travel.
A shiver ran up my spine as the gates to the town emerged before us. I glanced behind us, then to the fields to our left and right. Finally returning my gaze to the gate I saw three men standing at guard. Two off to the side speaking to one another and the third leaning on the other side of the open gate.
"Annie." I said in a hushed tone. My fellow blonde glanced at me, but noticed I was pulling my hood over my head. "Put your hood on." Nodding her head, Annie placed the hood over her head. "Follow their orders to let us pass. If things get out of hand then follow my lead." The three men standing at the gate all held spears and wore maroon uniforms. As we moved closer I saw the emblem of a sheep emblazoned onto the left of their chest.
Once they took notice of us the guard by himself approached us with the long spear propped onto his shoulder.
"Name and reason for coming to Schlier?" The guard asked in an almost bored tone.
"Jayce Ravenscroft." I replied before pointing towards Annie. "And this is Hannah, my little sister." He gave Annie a sly grin.
"Oh? Remove your hood Hannah so I can take a better look at ya." I could almost feel the hardened glare that Annie was sending him from underneath her cloak. "Well? What are you waiting for?" A soft sigh escaped her lips and she did as the soldier obeyed. "Look at what we have here!"
"What are you shouting for?!" One of the other guards asked from a little way away.
"Come here boys and check out this hot little thing!" With that said, one of the two other soldiers walked towards us and grinned when he saw Annie, who was staring blankly at the guards.
"You don't see a pretty blonde like you every day. What are you two doing all the way out here?" The second guard asked.
"Just passing through. We won't be staying very long." I commented.
"Oh I wouldn't leave so soon! Schlier's got plenty of places for you to entertain yourself and I can show your sister around to all the best shopping places around town." The first guard said as he went to reach for Annie. The girl watched as his hand approached her and it took everything she had to not move out of the way. They needed to stay in cover. Just as his hand went to brush her cheek I grabbed onto his wrist. "What the hell-?!"
"Let's not get carried away, shall we?" Annie looked somewhat surprised at my action, but remained silent. "That's my sister your trying to touch." The second guard tightened his grip on his spear as he watched from the side.
"Oh yeah? This is the only way to get into town. Besides I bet she would love some companionship that isn't her brother." If Annie could kill someone with a glare then this man would have been dead several times over.
"You two about done over there?!" The third guard shouted from further away.
"How about you remove that hood of yours, dear older brother." The man asked as I tightened my grip on his wrist. With a flick of my other wrist my black hood fell backwards. "Hmm… brother you say? Same hair and eyes, if not slightly different." He narrowed his eyes at me then looked to Annie. "I can see the resemblance, but there are certain things that don't-."
It was too late to notice the blade that erupted from Annie's cloak as it dug itself into the side of the guard's neck.
"What the hell?!" The second guard off to the side shouted as he fumbled with his spear.
Blood sprayed over the path as I kicked the first guard away while grabbing his spear that was falling to the ground. Just as the surprised guard went to present his spear I threw the sharpened blade into his head. An audible crunch met my ears as the man fell backwards against the dirt.
Annie had shot towards the third guard who had snapped out of his surprises state and was moving towards the guard house behind the wall. 3D maneuver gear propelled her towards his retreating back. The man reached for a lever, but the hybrid's swords pierced his back. Stumbling forward the man crashed into the lever and yanked it down.
The blazing screech of a loud red flare shot into the air.
"…" I stared up at the red orb that hung in the morning air. Looking back down there were two people staring at us with wide eyes. Annie moved to the man who had wished to take advantage of their travels. "Satisfied?" When she didn't respond I glanced at my fellow blonde to see that she was gripping her swords tightly. I could see more guards running down the street towards the gate from the local barracks further within town. "Come on." My hand was softly placed onto her back, and she tensed at my touch, but she knew what we needed to do now.
Either we stay and kill more guards, or we flee.
It was an easy choice to make. We shot East into the field of hay just as the guards arrived at the gate.
"Their escaping into the fields! Get more men and…!" Their words became muffled as we pushed further into the sea of golden crops. We didn't stop for what seemed like hours. Every now and again I looked over my shoulder to see if Annie was still following me, but it was never needed as my companion was hot on my trail. After fifteen minutes of running I realized that that the crops had changed from hay to corn. Not that it mattered to me at the moment, but interesting to note.
How large was this field of crops?
I remember that Pixis once mentioned that nearly forty percent of the kingdom's crops were grown within the Fink's territory. Making them one of the most important royal family's in the kingdom and the theoretical 'bread basket' for many people, both royalty or commoner. With this in mind, and from what I could see from yesterday atop the small hill leading into the Fink's territory, this was a virtual sea of various types of crops that would expand on for acres.
Another twenty minutes passed of none stop running before I began slowing my pace. "I think we can stop for a minute. There should be enough distance between us and Schlier that they won't pick up on our trail for a while." I glanced towards Annie to see her taking several deep breaths. "You okay?"
"…" The hybrid had her hands on her knees and I couldn't see her eyes because her hair was in the way.
"I think you wore her out." The shade commented from my side. "She's not a shinobi like us you know."
"For once we agree on something." I replied.
"Finally! I thought you were just being mean to me just to get under my skin!"
"Only because you bring back too many memories I would like to avoid remembering."
"Are we really that painful?" Their crimson and pearl eyes looked saddened.
Before I could respond I was tackled to the ground by Annie. Well, I was tackled into the corn around us which formed a sort of cushion for me to fall on to.
"Stop!" Annie straddled me and gripped onto the collar of my cloak. "You have to stop talking to this… person. They aren't real! None of it is real!" Annie shook my collar and it was now that I saw her hardened gaze boring into my own. "It's your mind playing tricks on you!"
"We are real you blonde hussy! What the hell is her problem?!" The shade shouted. I glanced towards the shade and let an annoyed growl. "Besides! We're not the only one that's down here! You should see that other one that's still sleeping!"
"There you go again! Looking towards something that doesn't exist!" Annie's grip on my collar tightened even as her stare softened. "Why do you do it? Why do you let it hurt you like this?"
"I let her because…" No matter how many times I tell her off. No matter how vile I am to her. No matter how much I lie to myself. "I don't want to forget."
Annie's eyes widened as she stared down at me at my sad smile. "F-Forget? Forget what?" For the first time the shade stayed silent.
"Do you remember what I said when we sat at the edge of the Misty Lake?" It took Annie a moment to remember what I had said. When she did her eyes widened.
"So, all this…?" I nodded my head to answer her faded question. "Her memory must bring so much pain."
"They both were killed right in front of me." My sad smile persisted even as tears began to leak out of the corners of Annie's eyes. "And it was all my fault."
"There couldn't have been anything you could have done." Annie tried to reassure, even though she couldn't have known what happened.
"There was. I let them take of advantage of my weaknesses. It was my mistake, and my family paid the price." Even thinking about those memories that emerged from the dungeon brought so much pain that all I wanted to do was seal it up and walk away. "I thought I had set humanity on the right path, but human nature is not so easily quenched." A sigh escaped my lips. My eyes traveled to the blue skies past Annie's misty eyes.
"Do you hate humans?" Annie asked carefully.
"No." The sad smile returned to my lips. "I love them."
"Even after everything they've done to you…"
"I'll still fight for them because it's not their fault. It's only human nature after all."
It was now that everything finally clicked into place for Annie regarding the person beneath her. That solemn smile and dull blue eyes staring into her soul that reflected her own, but was so deeply scarred that it even pained herself just to glance at it. He's sacrificed so much and has done so over and over again for the sake of others. With the ability to rule over the world at his fingertips, he instead worked on helping humanity. Even as the last vestige of his mind crumbled around him.
"Do you… do you want to…?" Annie knew this was a long shot. She knew that her ability to help in this regard was limited at best, useless at worst, but she had to try.
It took a moment for me to respond. The shade was still staring at us in trepidation, and Annie looked to be on edge as well.
'My bottle was broken…' Another sigh escaped my lips as I tried to remember.
"I can't remember their names, or anything beyond the night that it occurred, but I'll try." If she was trying this hard then the least I can do was trust her with this.
And so I told her of the nights that my loved ones were killed right before my eyes. Those visceral images that have been plaguing my mind since we entered that damnable dungeon. Tears leaked down my cheeks, as they did for Annie.
By the end of my tale Annie had strengthened her grip on my collar. I knew what was coming next and prepared for it. The blonde hybrid's arms wrapped around my chest and her head rested on my chest. For nearly fifteen minutes we stayed like this. I looked to the side and found that the shade was still there, but had a solemn smile adorning her features. With a gust of wind, the shade disappeared through the stocks of corn that surrounded us.
"I want to apologize." I said as my fellow blonde separated from our embrace.
"If anyone needs to apologize then it's me." I shook my head and pushed on.
"You've been curious as to why we're going to Cainhurst, and while I wish I could tell you, I can't yet." I stood up from where I had been laying to see Annie looking confused. "The memories from the titan in armor had been… distorted to a degree."
"So, you think there will be something at Cainhurst that will shed some more light on what is going on?" I nodded my head at her assumption.
'If these memories are to be believed then…' My insides twisted in a rather painful manner. 'No… they're just memories of a titan that's gone mad. Nothing more.'
"Ready to move?" I asked, making Annie nod her head. "It's not like we just killed three guards."
"Actually… I wanted to thank you." I furrowed a brow at Annie's words. "For standing up for me."
"Anything for my precious 'sister'." I replied, making Annie give me a death glare, but this only brought out a chuckle. I placed a hand onto her back and began pushing her along through the cornfield. "Come on. They're probably still looking for us and I don't want you to kill more guards."
"That creep deserved it." I could tell that Annie had little issue with the death of those men. The thought of what they were planning on doing with her if they had their way haunted the blonde hybrid's mind until I brought my hand onto her head.
"While I normally frown on killing. You were defending yourself. Just try and not kill them next time, okay? It would make it a lot less troublesome if you did."
"We'll see." Annie gave me a sidewise grin as we began moving through the cornfield at a faster pace.
"Stubborn shifter…" I mumbled, but grinned all the same.
"Crazy blonde." I gave her a look that displayed the hypocrisy of her comment, but then I knew exactly what she meant.
"We are, aren't we?"
"And I wouldn't have it any other way."
XxXxX
"You know we don't get many folks like you hiring us." James started, but this only made Petra sigh in annoyance. They've been traveling for the better part of three days now and this mercenary has continuously tried to strike up a conversation nearly every thirty minutes. It was getting tiring. To try and shift her tactic Petra decided to answer this time.
"I'm surprised you get any military personnel hiring you." Petra's reply made James grin in victory. Much to the soldier's annoyance. 'Why did I even respond?!'
"There's always someone who wants to kill another. The military aint no different. Maybe a civilian is too outspoken about a Sargent, or maybe someone needs to be removed quietly and they don't want it to be traced back to them. Your leaders aren't as squeaky clean as you think, soldier girl."
Petra knew this to be true. From the Survey Corps recent plans to the corruption within the Military Police, the military was far from the shining beacon of humanity that it's made out to be. "Whatever…"
"About time you spoke about something other than your target. Was starting to get annoying."
"And why do you care so much?" Petra replied, an obvious dip of distain in her voice.
"I don't, but you sound like yer taking this way too seriously." Petra stopped in the middle of the path surrounded by hay and tremble in obvious rage as James wore an aloof expression.
"Too seriously?! Naruto hampered our mission to capture that murderer and now actively assisted a mercenary organization that was fighting against the military!" Petra jabbed a finger into the arm of James, who continued to watch on as if bored. "And now he's on the run with the very person who killed my squad!"
"… And?"
"What do you mean 'and'?" James shook his head before turning away from the normally calm soldier.
"All those things shouldn't make you flip yer lid." Petra growled at James, but he simply continued walking with Petra following close behind. "What I'm trying to say is that if Naruto was any other person then would you be acting like this?" The soldier blinked a couple of times as the thought ran through her head. "Yeah, I thought so. You have a personal stake in this. Now, I don't particularly care what your reason for tracking him down is, but I do have to learn why my client is so invested into a target that it may hamper my mission. So, keep your head on straight and don't make this harder than it needs to be, got that?"
"Crystal…" Petra returned, but her thoughts returned to what James had said earlier. If Naruto had been somebody else, would she still feel so betrayed? Maybe Levi, or one her former squad mates, but otherwise…
"Can I truly trust you?"
'Damn it!' Petra's hands tightened into fists.
"We're pullin up on Schlier. A nice lil' town that's overflowing with nearly every crop you can think of. 'Bread Basket of the Kingdom' is what they call it." James commented, either not noticing, or uncaring, of Petra's internal plight regarding their current mark. "It's also a cross junction that either leads south towards the Great Woods and the Misty Lake, back east where we came from, to the capital in the west, or north into the snowy peaks of the Broken Teeth mountains."
"…" Petra decided not to answer, but only to continue to glare are her guide.
"We'll be heading west and break off before we reach the capital. It's the shortest way there, but we're going to have to avoid any Military Police. You might be okay with em', but I aint." As the two approached the gates, the Gray noticed that there were seven guards standing around the gate.
"I can only imagine why…"
"Interesting." James commented as they approached the maroon wearing men. When Petra gave him a curious glance the mercenary continued. "Normally there's only two to four guards at the gates." Petra looked to the men as well and noticed that, as they drew closer, that all of the guards were on edge.
"Halt! What is your business within the town of Schlier!" One of the guards shouted as he walked forwards, but the other six were keeping a close eye on the two travelers.
"Traveling on official military business. All classified, and has nothing to do with this town, so you can be at ease." Petra commanded with authority. Clearly not in the mood to deal with whatever was going on.
"Military you say?" He looked over Petra and recognized the uniform and 3D Maneuver Gear strapped to her hips. With a nod of his head the man looked to James and noticed his gear as well. "And you?"
"Just some hired help." James replied with a shrug. Noticing the grey coat and hat the man simply nodded as well.
"I see. Do you have your papers on you?" His question was pointed towards Petra who handed him the documents. After a quick scan the man returned the papers to Petra before standing to the side. "Enjoy your stay."
"Before we go, can you tell me what in the world happened here? Aint ever seen this place under such a lockdown before." James asked as Petra moved by the guards.
"Can I call this a partial payment to one of our outstanding jobs?" James waved his hand in front of him.
"Sure, sure. Sounds good to me, as long as the information is good."
"How can I guarantee that it will be taken off?"
"I'm the one who completed it you rock head. Now what's going on?" The guard looked slightly annoyed by the statement, but ignored it for now.
"Three of our guards were killed yesterday morning. Not sure by who, but the alarm flare went off and by the time we got there we only saw the tail end of a person escaping into the corn field." James tapped his chin in thought before pressing on.
"Which gate was this at?"
"The southern gate. We never caught them so they're still on the loose."
"Couple of bandits, or maybe some criminals that got recognized?"
"Don't know, but our boys were taken down quick."
"Thanks for the information. I'll knock off thirty-five percent." The guard shook his hand at that.
"More than enough. Good luck out there." James nodded and walked into town to see Petra waiting for him.
"About time. Know the guy?" Petra fell into step with the hunter as he walked by.
"You could say that." James took a look around and noticed that there was a tension in the air. It's not a mystery as to why. Three guards were just killed at the gate, and since Schlier is so close to the border of the Fink's and Gradle territory, there's a worry that it may have been caused by them. Harvest season was right around the corner so they could have done something, but this was unlikely. "Before we leave let me check in on something."
"…?" Petra sent a confused glance towards James, but he waved her off.
"Relax. We're in no rush here."
"Is it about those dead guards?"
"Overheard that, did we? Yes, I'm curious about them."
"Why? A couple of bandits killed some guards while trying to enter the city. Happens all the time in these remote towns." James shook his head at the comment. Petra truly didn't know how important this town was to the kingdom.
"Even after I explained how important Schlier was…" James muttered.
"Did you say something?"
"No… just take a break to restock on supplies, or requisition some supplies from the local barracks. I'll meet you at the center of town, near the barracks."
"What will you be doing?" James had begun walking towards the southern gate.
"Keeping my ear open. See you in sixty." With that James moved at a steady pace towards his objective. Petra huffed and turned down a separate street, leaving the Gray to his own machinations.
As he approached the southern gate there was at least fifteen men. Two in the guard house, six exiting the rows of hay on the eastern edge of the road, five standing in the entrance of the gate, and finally two looking at separate faint crimson spots on the road.
'Don't know any of these boys. Best avoid confronting them for the time being.' Looking to the side the gunslinger noticed a woman slapping off dirt from a rug. "How are we doing today ma'am?" The brunette looked over to see a smiling James approaching.
"I'm doing well…" It was clear that the woman didn't trust him, but we bulled on anyway.
"That's excellent! If I may, why's the entire town on pins and needles? You can cut the tension with a knife." James asked.
"You haven't heard? Some of the guards were cut down right over there." The woman pointed towards the gate. "While many of the guards are nice, I held no love for those men. Always harassed the woman and girls that traveled through here. Disgusting sort, those were."
"Did you see who attacked them?" The woman shook her head in the negative.
"I was inside when it occurred. When I heard the alarm flare go off I came out and saw men running down the street."
"I see… well thank you for the information ma'am. You have good day." With a slight bow, James began walking where he came from when a little street urchin came into view. She was carving a piece of wood from a rather large stick and had several cuts on her small hands. A mop of long black hair adorned her dirty frame. Several small items surrounded her as if she was trying to sell them, but many had sharp edges that could splinter someone if they weren't careful. "Hey little fella."
The girl stopped what she was doing and looked up at the imposing figure that stood before her. "U-Um… hello." She returned in a weak voice. It was like she was prepared for James to beat her, or steal her merchandise.
"This where you normally set up?"
"I-I can l-leave! P-Please don't-!"
"Relax kid. I aint the authorities, or a thug. Just passin' through."
"Oh…" This seemed to relax the street urchin somewhat, but she was still on guard. "Would you like to p-purchase something?"
"Indeed I would. Information, if you have it."
"I-Information?" The girl looked confused at the inquiry, but didn't shut down the request.
"Where you here yesterday by chance?" When she nodded her head James continued. "Then did you happen to see the incident regarding the guards?"
"Y-Yeah. It was scary." James mentally grinned. 'Bingo.'
"Can you tell me what happened?"
"T-Two people in c-cloaks came up to the gate. A c-couple of the m-mean guards walked up to t-them. I-I don't know w-what they said, but the two cloaked p-people just attacked them b-before running into the f-fields." James absorbed her words like a sponge.
"Did you see what those two cloaked people looked like?"
"Kinda… I think they were brother and sister because they both had blonde hair and blue eyes I think." The girl said as she scratched her head in thought.
"Thank you for your assistance little angel." The girl blushed at the name. "Here's compensation for your help." James removed a stack of coins and placed it onto the cloth in front of her.
"W-Wow! Thanks mister!" The girl exclaimed with a bright smile.
"I see you make a living on carving wood."
"I've been trying to raise money to help my little brother. He doesn't feel very good at the moment." James glanced into the alleyway behind her and saw a bundle of cloth leaning against the house beyond. A cough met James ears, making the man sigh.
"Damn my bleeding heart." The street urchin gave him a strange look as he pulled out a paper package and handed it to the girl.
"What's this?"
"Medicine." At that the girl's eyes widened.
"B-But I can't accept this! I didn't earn it!"
"Yes, you did."
"I-I did?"
"By helping me you've earned it." When she went to refute James plopped down onto his haunches and opened the package still in the girl's hands. "Now give him this much when I leave. Then in twenty-four hours give him this much. He should be right as rain by the end of the week." When James looked up to see tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.
A sniffle was the only warning he had.
The street urchin rocketed into his midsection making him lean backwards as she wailed into his coat. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" The girl continued to muffle into his coat over and over.
"Oi! The hell?! I got a reputation to uphold here!" James shouted back, but the girl never heard any of it. A few of the townsfolk from the side could only smile at the scene before them. A sigh escaped his mouth, finally resigning himself to his situation. "Come here you." With some effort James removed the girl from the embrace and placed her onto his lap facing forward.
"What are you doing mister?"
"Gonna teach ya how to stop hurtin yourself." James replied as he grabbed the piece of wood she was carving and the knife. Placing the wood into her hand and the knife in the other, the Gray began guiding her along. "If you're going to whittle then you best do it properly. Now remember what I'm teachin ya because I'm only gonna to show you once. Got that?"
"Yes sir!" The girl replied, her demeanor as bright as the sun.
XxXxX
Petra blinked at the strange sight that she had arrived to. The soldier had been waiting at the center of town after obtaining the supplies needed for the next leg of their trip. So she had waited for James to return, but when thirty minutes had passed she became agitated. When the orange haired soldier went to search for him, the last thing she expected to find was the mercenary sitting on the side of the road with a little girl in his lap as he guided her hands through the motions of how to whittle.
"Is this real…?" Petra said to herself. James finally looked up from his impromptu lesson and chuckled.
"If it isn't soldier girl! Get everything you need?" James said with a goofy grin.
"Yeah… What is going on here?" Before James could respond the girl in his lap decided to answer for him.
"Mister wanted to teach me how to weattle so I don't hurt myself anymore!" The black haired girl beamed.
"It's 'whittle' and I had to ask a few questions to this little rascal." James shuffled her hair, much to her annoyance. Petra could only smile at the scene. While James was a cold blooded killed, it didn't take away from the innocence of the situation. "Anyway, you ready?"
"Whenever you are." James lifted the girl from his lap and moved so that they were both standing.
"Are you leaving, mister?" Patting her head and fixing her hair, James sent her a small grin.
"I am, but remember what I told you. How much when I leave?" The girl quickly grabbed the package and showed the amount.
"This much!"
"And how much tomorrow?" When the girl showed James the amount, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Good girl. Now you be well, you hear! I want to see your work across the kingdom!" James said with a smile.
"I will! I'll be the best whittler in the kingdom! Just you wait!" The girl exclaimed back.
"That's what I want to hear! Take care you little scamp." James turned to Petra and the two made to leave.
"Thanks mister! For everything!" The girl exclaimed with tears in her eyes. James waved over his shoulder as the two maneuvered further down the road. The two walked in silence for a while until Petra broke the calm.
"Why?" James hummed in question at her own. "Why help that little girl?"
"Because she needed it, I guess." James shrugged his shoulders.
"You just don't seem like to the type."
"Because I'm a Gray?" Petra nodded her head. "Sorry to break your reality of us, but we're not all bloodthirsty monsters. You military folk only see us like that because people hire us to mess with y'all."
"Well your track record says otherwise." Petra shot back.
"Whatever you want to believe, soldier girl."
"I have a name you ass." But this only brought a chuckle from the gunslinger. Deciding to change the subject Petra noticed that they had passed the road leading to the eastern gate. "Why are we heading towards the northern gate?"
"Because we're heading north."
"I thought we were going-."
"Plans change. Don't they teach you that in the military?" Petra shot a glare towards the man, who waved it off with practiced ease. "Calm down lady. Were you like this when you traveled with angel boy?"
"He wasn't a dick like you are." The venom in her voice only served to entertain the assassin.
"He seemed like the fun sort whenever I talked to him. Quiet and contemplative, but he could crack a few jokes. Had a good taste in liquor too."
"You still haven't told me why we're changing directions."
"Damn, you remembered that? Was hoping you'd drop it." After a moment of silence, Petra pushed again.
"Well?"
"Sorry, was hoping you'd go back to brooding. No such luck I suppose." Before the soldier could shout James bulled on. "Got a tip that may help us." This seemed to calm Petra down a miniscule amount.
"And this tip is leading us north?"
"Yes ma'am."
"What is this tip?"
"That the angel boy and flower girl are alive, and not stuck in that crazy cave." Once the two passed the guards standing near the gate, James continued. "Can't believe they actually made it out.
"But you said that the entrance to the cave they entered was caved in." Petra replied in a weird mixture of shock and annoyance.
"I did. Your pals in the Garrison made sure to cave it in when we abandoned the place."
"Then how did they make it out?"
"How the hell am I supposed to know? There could have been another entrance somewhere else. It's not like we mapped that place out. Our expedition was nearly wiped out." James retorted with little bit of heat. Making Petra's temper simmer further.
'What is wrong with me? I never get this irritable, but ever since Naruto swiped the Female Titan from us…' Petra thought. A sad thought passed through her mind. 'I should have never left him…'
"In either case we're heading north to make sure this lead is solid." In truth James was going off a hunch, but his instincts were screaming at him to follow through.
"…" Petra remained silent and continued to follow alongside her hired tracker.
"Back to silently brooding? Works for me, soldier girl."
"I'm going to kill you when we're done."
James could only explode into laughter.
XxXxX
AN: I know it's been a few (four!) months since I said I was going to work on this story. It's just… well you all get it. Life throws us so many curve balls. Some we hit, some we homerun, and others we miss. In the end here's the next installment of Lost One. In truth this chapter has been sitting half-finished for years now. Wasting away in my old external hard drive at the bottom of my moving box in the basement. I'm glad I found it, along with all my notes regarding this story. You all don't realize just how many notes I wrote for the world of this story.
It's extensive.
I'm surprised myself, and impressed by my past self that I'd go to such links to do this. Glimpses of the past will be imputed here and there, but everyone reading should know my writing style. I won't directly tell you what happened, but I will leave enough evidence that will point towards a logical conclusion that is either correct, or partially correct. I can see why, though, that when the canon AoT world expanded to include the world outside Paradise Island, that I got became so crestfallen with this story. It must have felt like all that work went up in smoke.
But I'm here now, and everyone reading this story knows that the canon universe does not apply here. Onto the chapter itself! There's not very much action going on here because there was a lot in the last few (I know it's been a while, but bear with me). Many of the characters are traveling from place to place, and while nearly everyone can travel at faster speeds as they are now, everyone has a reason for not doing so (the reasons should be easy to figure out).
Last question! Should I leave up the Author's Note in chapter nine? I thought about taking it down, but now I'm not so sure. Thanks on your input regarding this!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! I love you all!