Saph's PoV
"This is your last chance," I warned, waving a finger at the three bristling people in front of me. "I was nice enough to tell you who was paying you guys to steal those documents and why. Free of charge."
"You wouldn't really tell Erwin Smith would you?" Farlan leaned against the wall. "I mean, Saph, we're all criminals here, aren't we?"
I guessed they'd done some digging of their own. A giggle escaped as I caught Levi's expression of annoyance. "What? So there should be a sense of loyalty between us? Because we're thieves and murderers? That doesn't make sense. Getting rich by receiving a reward from Erwin for warning him seems like a smart move, but I'd still prefer to work with you guys. I want citizenship, not money." I offhandedly gestured towards them. "You can have everything else."
"Why don't you find your own damn way to the surface?" Isabel shouted, her face scrunched up.
Because every day that goes by it might be harder to find my brother. I wanted to give some retort, but I decided against it. My focus is on how the trail's been getting colder and colder with every passing moment for three whole years, not making them understand me. "I just want to get out as soon as I can. There's nothing else you need to know. I'm not digging into your life. Haven't asked if you're willing to kill an innocent man, yet, or if any one has the experience."
"That's true," Farlan admitted. "But I'm guessing we are going to have to teach you how to use the gear before Erwin gets here. Levi?"
"I'm not teaching a brat like her."
Isabel stood up and punched two tiny fists in my direction. "Big Bro is right. She doesn't deserve it. If he won't teach, I won't either."
"Then I'll just learn by myself," I quipped before reaching for the maneuver gear tied on her.
My speed stunned Farlan and Isabel, but Levi sent a quick jab of his own into the soft flesh of my stomach, sending me flying into the nearby wall. Bones cracked against the smooth surface, snapping the back of my head into the hard structure. Now disoriented with my brain whirling around in my skull, I staggered to my feet. Splinters of crates stuck out of my hands and legs. Coming in for another attack, Levi prepared a fist to punch me again, this time to incapacitate. I barely caught the motion in time to bend my knees to jump over him. Rolling, I bounced away from my attacker. Before anyone else moved, I picked up the knife near Isabel to point it towards her.
"Here I was, trying to be civil. Just agree to teach me how to use the gear. Let's not be in this deadly position." Lightly dancing the blade in the spaces of my fingers, I taunted Levi by pretending to throw the weapon in her direction. I didn't want to throw it, but I would.
"Wait! Levi, do you really think you can run faster than she can throw the knife? Are you willing to put Isabel in danger?" Farlan held a hand out to me, cautiously. "I'll teach you, Saph. Let's shake on it."
After spitting out the blood starting to coat my tongue, I shook my head. "No. I want only the best to teach me, and that clearly appears to be Levi." A copper flavor refused to leave the back of my throat and my muscles throbbed. Wow. He really did a number on me.
Farlan turned to glare in Levi's direction. "We don't have that much time, Levi. Just do it. Who knows when the Survey Corps are going to show up?"
My eyes closed as a fake smile rose up, stretching my cheeks. "You wouldn't want your little escapade failing before it even starts, do you?"
"How about I just kill you now and then the matter's solved?" Levi snarked.
I didn't know if Levi ever murdered someone before, but it seemed unlikely. Not that I'm about to rely on that gut feeling. "Don't you think I already have the preparations ready for a case like that?" Lying through my teeth, I blinked. It's not like they'd know otherwise, hopefully. Betting that Levi's not about to risk his little group's future by calling my bluff. We all stood waiting for Levi's answer with bated breaths.
"Fine. Follow me."
Shocked, I struggled to understand what he meant to do. "Why?"
Instead of answering my question, Levi began to unclip the harness from Isabel. "If you try to run away with this gear, I will hunt you down and beat you until you're a bloody mess on the floor."
"We're going to start now?" My body still hurt from him chucking me into the wall, and bruises already began to form on my shoulder blades. Strapping into the 3DMG and flying around in the Underground didn't seem to be that appealing at that moment. Apparent in his disinterest, Levi ignored my scowl of distaste. I gritted my teeth and decided to bear the pain. No need to appear weak in front of him. "I'll be following you then."
After tossing the gear to me, he purposefully began to walk off. Never checking to see if I kept up behind his receding figure. Gathering the straps in my arms, I determined that it'd be easier to put it on once we reached our destination.
"Goodbye brother!" Isabel shouted while she swung one arm wildly back and forth in exhuberence. Catching me watching her, the young girl stuck her tongue out at me. "Brother is definitely going to teach you a lesson."
Responding with the same tone, I glared at her while poking my own tongue out. "We'll see."
"If you don't hurry, you're going to lose him," Farlan calmly commented, ignoring our childish behavior. "He won't wait."
Swiftly spinning around, I sprinted to catch up to Levi's diminishing form. He's not going to get rid of me that easy! This was my chance. To reach the surface, all I needed to do was help them out, and then I'll start on my search for my missing brother. First things first, I was going to have to learn how to use this shit.
"You are not wearing it correctly," Levi sighed. His leaning form against the side of the cave oozed irritation. I didn't need to discern the frown, not that the darkness we're drenched in allowed it. Only a small opening in the top, still covered by bars, prevented escape but let in some sunlight - a rarity for the Underground. Rocks made an uneven surface underneath my feet, and I couldn't help but judge how much time I'd need to run from my spot to the exit. Not that reaching it ensured any safety since it's guarded by Levi. He may have appeared unprepared for any movements from me, but my eye caught a hint of tensness in his muscles.
It'd be almost impossible to get out quickly if the need arose. Levi's fast. Faster than anyone I've ever met. A part of me knew that it'd been a bigger effort to chase me off rather than catch me which allowed me to escape last time. I'm not about to try it again. Slipping on the smooth surface also seemed like it'd present a problem. The worst possibility would be the possible consequences of my actions. That kept me standing still. If the plan failed, I might never see my brother again.
Not that I'd be able to move anyways. Tangled in the straps and unable to untangle myself, I struggled to wiggle free from my constraints. "Then show me how to do it!" I huffed, tugging on the metal box glued to the inside of my leg. "How am I supposed to know how to do it, if you don't show me?"
"No one showed us when we first started out. Stop being a little shit and just get your act together."
Ripping the material off, I stomped my foot. "Don't call me that. You may be older, but I'm bigger than you!"
"So you're not arguing that you're a shit?" Levi retorted with a deadpanned face, making it all much worse. His mocking and twisting everything I said for his own amusement. I didn't need him to be friendly, but I need help if this is going work.
Indignant, I began to clip the 3DMG back on my body. Ordering me around all the time. So annoying. Acting like an adult when he's maybe eight years older than me at most. Looks like a teenager though, but he acts like a cocky know it all. I didn't survive out here by myself on just pure luck! At least give me some credit for that. Yanking at a stubborn strap, the motion caused the buckle to fly up and hit my head. "Ouch," I whined, rubbing my forehead. A small bump began to form underneath the fingertips pressed lightly to my skin.
Continuing to clean his knife with a white handkerchief, Levi said nothing. Making no acknowledgment at the fact that I hurt myself. Plopping on my butt, I decided that this sucks. Seeing a line of light just behind me, I flopped to my back to soak in the hint of sun. "Have you ever been out?" I asked. If I could keep him talking, I might learn something. Get to take a break while I'm at it. Something much needed after the nonstop drills. I'd expected pratice to be the most tiring but Levi's constant frown and harsh critiques also wore on me.
"No."
Okay. Not the most talkative person in the world. This would've been easier if Farlan or Isabel were present. Both loved to chitchat. I'd have made much less progress though with either of them here, and I did want to be good at using the gear. If Levi just teaches me how to be, it'd be a potential benefit long after I left the Survey Corps. Keep the gear with me as both a weapon and a memento.
"I used to live up there. That is until my brother and I had to move down here." It'd been forever since I contemplated my time on the surface. A delusional dream was all my past became over these long years. They feel time. Every season is a intimate reminder of the cycle of life. Stagnant death fills every crevice here. It's easy for a year to pass without noticing. It's all in the past. Might as well focus on getting a future with my brother by my side again. The hope of meeting up with him again kept me going, but I hadn't meant to mention my brother to Levi, I just wanted to ease into a conversation with him. Suzu's been on my mind lately too. Having Isabel shout Brother all the time is a stark reminder that I'm missing my own.
"Are you giving up?"
Instead of answering him, I got up to blunder around with the gear in an attempt to get it going. A hook shot out , but my actions only furthered an entanglement. This time, I'd somehow gotten the harness wrapped around my wrist until they squished tightly together in a way that I couldn't move them. Refusing to ask Levi for help, I attempted to balance on one foot while using the other to hook inside a loop. The material stretched slightly, not enough to allow me to wrestle free. My brilliant idea morphed into complete embarrassment as I managed to get my foot stuck. A stinging burn began to build on the underside of my arms from all the useless squirming I've done.
Hopping, I began to veer towards the wall. "Urrrkkk," I grumbled as I attempted to steady myself.
After casually watching my failed endeavor to free myself, Levi got up from his spot on the floor. Expecting some help from him, I patiently waited for him to approach me. "Stupid," he muttered as he flicked my forehead. The small gesture resulted me careening backwards. Taken aback by the force of his flcik a throbbing pain emanated from my forehead, I useslessly glared at him in defiance. Huffing, I glared at him. "Are you going to help me or not?" I demanded.
"It'd just take a swipe of my knife to end your life," he blatantly stated. The blade he'd been cleaning now gleamed in the sunlight. "You might be fast, but you're trapped and helpless." A nostalgic feeling of astringent fear swelled deep within my being. It'd been years since this vulnerability rendered me immobile in every nerve. Not since the man with the black coat and hat.
Gritting my teeth, I snarled a warning as he approached with the weapon in one hand. I refuse to die here! Wiggling in desperation, I resolved to get free and make him pay. Don't underestimate me!
Seeing me shifting away, his foot stomped on a dangling strap. The tether tightened itself around me, causing me to wheeze as ragged air escaped my lungs. One knee hovered above the ground becoming an armrest for his elbow. Taking a fistful of my dirty curls into his palm, he jerked my head up to press the sharp metal to the throat of my skin. My body stilled at the coldness of a taunting death. A prick irritated the thin column of my pale neck as my pulse raced.
"I should kill you right here and now. That's what my gut is telling me." His exhale filled my ear with his warm breath. "It's because of them that I won't."
Swallowing, the movement made the knife nick my skin slightly. The small cut seeped out a trickle of blood to my chest. Even as I tried to lean away from him in response, Levi tightened his grip. "Then let go."
"Shut up. If you do try to betray us, however, I won't hesitate in carving you up in a variety of horrifying ways. Being a dumb kid won't save you." I winced at his harsh tone. "As soon as we get the reward for this job, you'ill get out of my sight." Eyes locked in a venemous glaring contest, Levi finally let me go.
With an added burst of an adrenaline from being threatened, I found the urgency to disentangle myself from the ODM. Relief coursed within my veins as I pressed the back of my hand against the minor wound. A small sense of coolness accompanied the touch, thankfully. Not feeling completely out of the woods yet, I stumbled to my feet with a pebble in my grasp. My aim was slightly off as I threw a rock at him but I felt like my point had gotten across.
"Agreed. I just hope you know that if any of you are in danger, I'm not going to do anything about it."
Instead of acknowledging my statement, Levi picked up the discarded 3DMG that I'd yanked off. "Filthy," he muttered, "but I guess someone like you doesn't deserve to have clean gear." Taking the white handkerchief out of his back pocket, Levi scrubbed a dirt stain off of it. "This isn't yours, and while I realize you are a pig, at least keep my things tidy." Still mumbling under his breath, Levi approached me with the gear in hand. Black hair tickled my nose as his small hands meticulously tightened the bands in various places. I could hear him gritting his teeth. "Put your hair up or cut it shorter."
Reflexively, I wrapped a curl around my finger. The length now rested between my shoulder bladesd. The curl seemed to bounce and stick out more as I let it go. "It's not going to get in the way."
Muttering under his breath, Levi thankfully didn't release any critical words out loud. His steps echoed along the walls of the cavern as he took a few steps back to admire the work. Everything fitted nicely, and while it was snug, nothing compromised my mobility. Time for me to start using it!
"When you can put it on and take it off, I'll show you the next step. Now figure it out." Levi said before heading out.
Curbed of all desire to steal the gear after that precarious incident with him, I puzzled about how I was going to get it off. Each buckle so securely fastened that it seemed impossible to get them all loose. Squeezing my eyes shut, I focused on imagining each step he took to put it on. His meticulous actions at least appeared to have somewhat of a pattern to them. Once I had the first few untied, the rest came easy. Thankfully, unbuckling myself took a lot less time than the process of putting it on. That small act itself made me more familiar on how to fit all the pieces together. Now all I needed to do was imitate what Levi did to get this stupid thing on.
Spending hours down in the cave by myself, I anxiously tried to learn how to do each move properly. Even my fingers started to get rubbed raw from the pressure I applied to my grip. Whenever I began to gain confidence in completing the task, I'd reach a deadend. Minutes ticked by when I got stuck onto what I should do next. Dampening my enthusiasm for this entire endeavor was Levi's urgent need for perfection. His meticulous desire for detail meant I'd need to be efficient and clean when I showed him, but I simply couldn't afford to have my own lack of learning get me left behind. I refuse to waste any more time in this hell.
I'm going to get so good at it. So good that all three of them will be impressed. Muscles rang out in pain as I continued the same motion over and over. Repeating each motion soon left sweat coating my hairline, underarms, and back. Urging myself to keep going, I refused to give up. I needed to master this if I didn't want to be left behind again. They didn't have an idea on when the Survey Corps would come down to enlist us. That's why I needed to improve my skills immensely. I'm bent on being successful in order to find my brother and save him. I continued the cycle of working my hands through all of the motions. This needs to become second nature to me. Again. Again. Again!
Exhaustion began to set in, and my legs that'd been stiff with concentration began to tremble. Thoughts of getting a drink oh so temptingly trickled into my mind, causing my tongue to glue itself to the roof of my mouth. It felt large and dry with dehydration. Worn to the bone, I couldn't remember the next step for getting the harness off. Maybe a little break would help me remember? Maybe I'll just lie down here for a little bit. The stone felt unusually comfortable as I rested my head against a slab. Just a small nap will do.