Chapter 14:
AN: I just wanted to clear some things up. The past chapters have been true to the AOT storyline. However, I'm changing things up now, for story convenience...and I'm the author, so I can do what I want (*insert evil laugh here*). Basically, I just want my other AOT babies to show up, so things are not going to follow the exact timeline from now on.
Those next couple of days were used to rest. Erwin realized just how much Levi needed a break, losing his squad and all. He gave Levi and Isabel the rest of the week to mourn. However, the resting period ended there. Soon after, the world within the walls fell apart. Enemies of humanity were discovered, and a battle raged within Wall Sina. Eren fought hard against Annie, but it was not enough. She hid herself away in giant crystal like a coward. Levi couldn't get payback anymore.
After finishing his report on the event and his discoveries, Levi allowed himself a moment of peace. However, Erwin walked in a minute later.
"You need to choose a new squad." He stated, sliding a form in front of Levi.
"What? You seriously expect me to fill this out right now?" Levi scowled.
"Levi, I know it hurts, but we have to look to the future. The Special Operations Squad is vital to the Survey Corps. We need them more than ever, now that we have enemy titan shifters against us."
"No one can replace them," Levi muttered. His mind shifted to his deceased squad.
"They aren't going to be replaced. They will still live on in our hearts and memories. However, I need this form on my desk by the end of the day tomorrow." Erwin stated.
"Only a day? You telling me to choose another squad right off the bat?" Levi glared.
"We have many capable soldiers in this Regiment. Not to mention those kids in the 104th are talented. They can help out Eren. Give it a chance, Levi. I trust you'll make the right decision." And with that, Erwin left Levi alone in his office.
Levi sighed. He looked down at a list of scouts in front of him. He had heard of some, and they definitely could have the makings for being in his squad. However, as much as he hated to admit it, he needed to keep that titan brat in mind. The kid needed people he could trust. Humanity didn't stand a chance if he didn't. So, he came to a conclusion, writing down names one by one.
"Goodbye sanity." He muttered after writing down the last name. He was surely going to regret this.
…
"Eren! Did you hear? Captain Levi recruited us to his squad!" Armin exclaimed, rushing up to the brunette with a big smile.
"Thank goodness. Now I won't have to face the captain's glares alone." Eren shuddered.
"I still need payback," Mikasa muttered, remembering the beating that Eren took that day in the courtroom. She pledged that raven-haired midget would pay.
"Not to mention we're going to be on the squad too," Jean smirked. Connie and Sasha followed close behind.
"Ugh, just when I thought things were looking up. Captain Levi just wants to torture me with Horse Face, doesn't he." Eren grumbled.
"What did you call me?!" Jean exclaimed, lunging for the titan-shifter. Thankfully, Connie and Sasha were able to hold him back.
"I think Krista's going to join too," Armin whispered to no one in particular.
"Why us, though? It's not like we have a lot of experience." Connie asked. "I mean, I know I'm awesome, but it still is hard to believe."
"Since we've seen titans, he might trust us not to freeze once the situation arises." Armin pondered aloud.
"Who cares about why? Maybe we'll get special treatment since we're a part of the elite squad. More privileges. Meat privileges." Sasha grinned, salivating as she thought about the tasty treat.
"Whatever the cause, I'm glad it's not a bunch of strangers. Especially after losing everyone, I don't want to warm up to people I don't know." Eren said solemnly.
The kids nodded, agreeing with his logic.
"Oh, there's one more thing you should know before we get there. It's about Captain Levi. First, he's really focused on cleaning, so be extra thorough. Second...there's this girl…" Eren stated.
"Captain Levi has a girlfriend?" Jean gasped.
"Not like that! She's more like his daughter. She's a three-year-old that survived the Trost invasion. Captain Levi is really protective of her. She's really sweet, just...be careful. She's seen titans and lived to tell about it, and she also saw her family die. She has a lot of trauma, and she gets scared easily." Eren explained.
The kids remained silent for a moment.
"I don't know about you all, but I am going to help her. I want to become her friend and let her know she isn't alone." Armin decided.
"Armin's right. I understand what she's going through. We all need to love her. We need to show her we care." Mikasa agreed, fiddling with her scarf. She was reminded of the time Eren gave it to her. It was his way of showing he cared.
"Just tread carefully. Make one wrong move, and Captain Levi will have your head." Eren shivered.
The kids nodded, both excited and terrified for their new promotion.
…
"Papaaa! Eren's back, Eren's Back!" Isabel chimed through the halls as she skipped to open the front door.
Levi emerged from his office, preparing himself for the days of training ahead. He always hated meeting new people, but he guessed it couldn't be helped. He needed to do his best to make sure humanity could be freed.
"EREN!" Isabel squealed as the teen stood in the doorway. She leaped into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"Hi, Isabel," Eren said sheepishly.
"Missed you!" Isabel exclaimed, clinging to the boy with pure joy.
"I missed you too," Eren said, turning around so she could see the other cadets. "These are the new members of Captain Levi's squad. They're going to live with us."
Isabel smiled at them. "Hiya!" She beamed.
Armin was the first to respond. "Hello. My name is Armin. I'm so glad to finally meet you." He did his best to give the warmest smile.
Isabel waved.
"I'm Krista. It's wonderful to meet you. I really like your dress." Krista smiled.
"Thank you." Isabel grinned, playing with the soft fabric of the dress.
The other kids introduced themselves, to which Isabel was more than happy to welcome. Levi stood back, allowing his little girl time to take in the new members.
"Alright, enough with the sweet introductions. I'm Captain Levi." Levi stepped forward, and all of the cadets immediately saluted, pounding their fists to their chests.
"Sir!" They all stood at attention, ready for their first command.
"Now that you are all acquainted with everyone, I have your first assignment. I want this place spotless. I will give you three hours." Levi said, his slate eyes staring into each cadet's soul.
"Yes sir." They said and quickly skittered inside, trying hard to find the cleaning supplies.
"I have to go work now, Isabel. I'll see you later." Eren said, setting the girl down on the ground before rushing off with Armin and Mikasa.
Isabel skipped over to Levi, beaming up at the raven-haired man with pure delight. "They nice." She concluded.
"That's why I chose them," Levi said, ruffling her hair. "While they're cleaning, do you want to go and play outside? I have a surprise for you."
Isabel nodded eagerly, skipping out of the door. Levi followed, a slight smile pulling at his lips. The notion of new friends seemed to cheer her right up. Hopefully, these kids would help her through her struggles.
Levi led Isabel through the clearing by the barracks to the edge of the woods. There, hung a swing, carefully strung where Isabel could easily reach it.
Isabel gasped. "SWING!" She cried, rushing over to the new present.
"Do you like it? You'll be able to pretend to fly like me." Levi smirked, helping her up onto the plank.
"Love it! Push please." Isabel begged, clutching the ropes with excitement.
Levi chuckled and gave her a small push, sending the girl further into the air.
"Higher!" Isabel commanded, and Levi obliged, sending her higher and higher with each push. However, he knew the limit, and only kept her to a certain height. He wouldn't want her falling off and hurting herself.
Isabel's giggles rang throughout the clearing. "I'm flying! I'm flying!" She proclaimed, beaming as the wind whipped at her auburn locks.
Levi couldn't help but smile. Her giggles seemed to warm his heart, and he continued to push her until she was ready to get off. However, it was not time to go inside quite yet. Instead, she ran around with Levi, starting a game of tag.
"You can't catch me! I fast!" Isabel exclaimed as she ran away from her Papa.
Levi decided to humor her, running with little force but pretending that he was using every bit of effort he could muster. He huffed and puffed, trying to play it off like he was tired. Isabel didn't seem to notice, because she kept on running and laughing with unadulterated joy.
Finally, Levi pretended to pass out from exhaustion, collapsing into a heap on the soft grass.
"Papa! Wake up, silly!" Isabel said, rushing over and trying to shake him awake. Levi continued to fake sleep.
"Papa! I done running. You can wake up now!" Isabel said.
Levi took this moment and scooped her up in his arms. She let out a gasp, surprised at his sudden movement. Levi quickly started to tickle her, and she laughed once again.
"This is what you get for being so dang fast," Levi said.
"Sorry." Isabel huffed between giggles. "I be nice now."
"You promise?" Levi asked.
"Yes, Papa," Isabel replied.
Levi let her go, and she quickly scrambled away, a wide smile plastered to her face. Not a moment later, she engulfed Levi in a tight hug.
"Love you, Papa." She whispered.
"Love you too, Isabel." Levi chuckled, giving her a loving pat on the head.
From inside the barracks, Eren, Armin, and Mikasa watched as the pair continued to play. It shocked the three of them to see the Captain Levi smile. Who would have thought the seemingly cold-hearted man could actually be a parental figure.
"He's still a midget," Mikasa muttered, continuing to sweep the floor.
"Yeah. But he seems nice. At least to her." Armin said. "She must be really special if she's able to soften his heart."
"Yeah. She's a good kid." Eren said, washing off the window. "I just hope she'll be happy with all of us."
"She will be. After all, we had fun growing up. I'm sure we can find something that she likes to do. We just have to channel our inner child." Armin said.
"Yeah. Let's finish this room guys. We still have a lot more cleaning to do." Eren said, moving on to the next window, leaving Isabel and Levi to play in peace.