Chapter 17: Paranoia
(Eren)
It's been a few days, since Eren found Eve or Natasha. He had noticed how his girlfriend had been acting strange. She was distant towards him. Eren wanted to know if he had done something wrong to make her feel like that. He thought about it. Deep down he didn't do anything to pissed her off recently. Maybe she's just naturally moody. He'll let her be for now.
The titan shifter was walking along with the group to the location where Commander Hange and her last remaining soldiers were. The forest was dense. Everyone stopped to see two Scouts soldiers and two men who dressed like Connor. Probably they're assassins. Connor had mentioned it at one point.
"Halt. Enemies or Allies?" One of the soldiers said with their rifle pointed at them.
Both Commanders Rico and Nile reassure them. "At ease, men. I'm commander Rico Brzenksa of the Garrison Regiment. Your commander, Hange had sent one of her men to find us to work together." Rico said.
The other soldier lowered his rifle. "I'm sorry Commanders, we have been on edge for days or weeks. We couldn't recognize either of you. Please follow us. We'll lead you to our cabin." The group followed the soldiers while the assassin hid in the shadows to patrol for any danger.
Eren used his hood to hide his face just in case. This will be the first time he'll see some of his old friends and Commander. He knows what's waiting for him. He deserved it for being misguided. He noticed Eve also hid her face. She had her reasons for being Levi's granddaughter from the future. Soon, she'll meet her young version of her granddaughter.
As the group got closer, Eren felt nervous. He will get a legendary beating from his friends and mostly from his former captain, Levi Ackerman. Sadly, he won't get to see Armin nor Mikasa since they are in Marley for a mission. One day, he will be reunited with his best friends.
Finally, they reached the cabin. There are people busy outside. Only a few people entered the cabin in which he was one of them. Natasha was outside sitting alone on a bench. Before he turned away, he noticed that Ricky was walking towards his girl and sat next to her. This asshole, why all of sudden he decided to talk to her again? Didn't he distance himself from her? It doesn't matter right now. Eren may be irritated about seeing Rick being close to his girlfriend, but he has other important matters at this moment. He trusts his girl. That's all it matters.
Once he's inside the cabin, Commander Hange was standing in the middle. On her left, a man he never met; but Connor gave a description of William Miles, Mentor of the Assassins. On her right, Jean, his former rivalry and comrades glared straight at Eren. Fuck, here goes nothing.
"Oh look, the traitor is here. What the hell are you doing here, bastard?" Jean was pissed off when he saw Eren in her view.
Commander Hange raised her hand to gesture Jean to stop talking before things got ugly. "He's here because Armin had vouch for him as an ally now."
Jean shut his mouth. He doesn't see why they should trust Eren. Wasn't he the one of the reasons this nation became shit? Sure, the Templars made the first move to attack Paradis and Marley, but Eren and his precious Jaegerists had secretly worked against them before this sudden war.
Niles spoke as a reminder why they are here. "In these difficult times, we will need allies to defeat these invaders. We will need Eren the most especially Zeke and the Jaegerists still believe Eren is on their side. This is an opportunity to defeat them and that imposter, Lord Nathaniel. Our true ruler is Queen Historia Reiss."
"That's wonderful news. This will make it a bit easy to make a surprise attack." Hange said.
William nodded in agreement. "We only have one of my assassins acting as a spy. So far, he mentioned, the Queen is safe but apparently, my grandson got caught." He frowned at the thought of his grandson, Levi being kept on the animus machine. The same machine he and his youngest son, Desmond had been on. The side effect was served. The longer you spend time in that machine; you start developing the Bleeding Effect which could lead to sucide from the madness it causes. One of the victims, Clay Kaczmarek or Subject 16 took his life because of the madness of the Bleeding Effect.
Rico Brzenska was confused. "Your grandson? You mean the Captain Levi is captured? As Humanity's Strongest is held hostage?"
Hange and Niles looked at each other then at the new Commander of the Garrison.
"We have a lot to discuss to catch you up." Hange spoke.
Rico looked concerned in what had happened since she and Niles had been in hiding. Eren on the other hand was more concerned in the condition about Historia. He heard rumors that the queen gave birth to the baby but it had lived for a few minutes. He doesn't know if it's true or not. After all Natasha is the granddaughter of Historia and Levi. Either the baby had survived and was saved somewhere or both Levi and Historia had another child.
"Let's all sit. I'm sure both commanders are exhausted from your journey here." William gestured his hand to lead everyone to the table ahead.
Everyone nodded then started to walk towards the table. They all sat on to their chairs. Once they are comfortable enough, both Hange and William explain to Rico from Historia's pregnancy to her secret relationship and marriage to Levi. Finally, they mentioned the birth of the prince. Eren sighed in relief the child survived and now Sasha is protecting him all the way across the world.
"Huh, the Captain and her Majesty? That's a pairing you never see coming." Rico said. She had absorbed what had been said to her.
"I was actually surprised too when they told me to be their witness. Armin was the first when he accidentally eavesdropped on them." Hange chuckled from remembering when they came clean to her.
"Still I didn't expect Captain Levi Ackerman to pursue a relationship with the queen. He's so-" Rico was interrupted.
"Stoic, aloof, cold, and reversed…" Eren spoke out in a soft tone. "But, I can see why Historia had fallen for him. He's dedicated, loyal, empathic. He and the queen have so much in common it's hard to believe if we don't know them too well."
"I'm surprised you're telling us this especially from your little stunt the last time we have seen you, Jaeger." Hange raised her brow curiously from his words.
"I was not myself that day…" Eren looked down in shame. The odd artifact he has in his possession was powerful to control him. He was the thing he despised most. A slave. He still has it but made sure to be very careful so it won't possess him again. Historia is a beautiful woman. If he was a normal man, he would crush on her like his old former comrades had done.
Dating or having a crush on any girl wasn't on his agenda until he met Natasha. Before meeting her, he had dreams about her. That time he didn't know who she was or what she would be for him. The first dream about her had awakened his sexual desire. He remembered that first dream still. She wore a white see through dress with a flower crown made of lavender and winter roses. The setting was in a dense forest with some sunlight shining through the trees. Eren could feel a heavy mystical energy. He had thought she was some goddess trying to contact him like this Minerva being. He had followed her as she playfully ran and giggled. It sounds so innocent and pure so he thought. Finally, she turned around to face him to speak.
"If you want me, you have to seduce me…"
"Show me, how much you desire me...only me."
Then that innocent phase had disappeared when her dress slipped off from her flawless body. Her long wavy chocolate brown hair flowed from the light breeze. Her breasts were covered by her long. The way her eyes stared was full of daring, lust, and passion. He wants to get closer to feel her if she's real. She had a mischievous smirk while taking a bite of a red apple then a yellow snake slowly slither down from the tree to her shoulder and further between her breasts.
That's when he woke up with an erection. It was painful too. Eren shook a bit to focus on why he's here.
"I see. You looked like a mad man that day, but if you show any signs of madness or an act of betrayal, I would hesitate to put a bullet in your head but your a titan holder of three so don't worry, I won't hold back to make you pay for it, so don't test me. Do we have an understanding?" Hange glared firmly as her tone was dark. Eren thought Levi was scary but Hange had taken first place in that category.
"Yes, Commander Hange. I swear on my mother's soul." Eren said with a serious tone.
"But you still have a long way to have our complete trust with you." Rico added.
Silence had took over the group. Then Will broke the silence. "We are going to need two more spies for the plan to work."
Everyone stared at the Mentor Assassin. They all wanted to take their home back and end the war for good.
"Armin is going to ask Mikasa to have her convince the nation, Hizuru, to ally with us again. In return, we'll give them what they want, our resources. Since Marley is under attack by the Templars; Armin vouchers for the new Commander in Chief wants to make a peace treaty and ally with us to defeat this war. Since the three of you are the last hold that represent this nation and Her Majesty's military, it's your call. But I would let old grudges go for the sake of this island and the rest of the world. If the Templars win to gain control of this side of the world, the next will be the other side where my home is and the infant crown prince is located." Will said.
"Even though we do like the Marleyans for their attacks from many years ago; I will put aside my differences to save my country, my people, and my family." Niles said.
Rico sighed. She can't let her bad judgment ruin the opportunity that will ensure a better future. "I agree. We'll have a peace treaty and allied with our former enemies."
Will turned to his lover to await her answer. "Hange?"
Zoe Hange was contemplating while tapping her finger on her chin. "Oh I'm all forward with teaming up the Marleyans. So who's the new guy in power in their military?" She asked.
"Reiner Braun, the Armor Titan." Will said.
Everyone was shocked. The Marleyans would have never chosen an Eldian as their higher up. This explained why all the sudden they want to have peace and have an alliance.
"So, do we all agree to accept this new alliance with Marley?" Jean said.
"Yeah, I will use the telecommuter to talk to Armin." Hange said.
"Zoe, it's called a laptop." William corrected her. She chuckled embarrassingly. "Oh how silly me. I'm still getting the hang of it."
"Who do we choose to spy on Jaegerists and the imposter?" Rico said.
"Hm, Eren can be a double agent to spy on the Jaegerists. For the templars, we have Reggie spying on the templars and the grandmaster. So that leaves for spying the imposter." Niles contemplated on who they should pick for that part.
Rico glanced at the window to see certain figures sitting on the bench talking to each other. "We can use Rick and Eren's girl as spies. One spy for the King and the girl can play the queen's handmaiden."
Eren glanced at where Natasha was outside still chatting with the other guy. He glared at Rico for considering that.
"No. She's not part of any of this! Are you trying to put her in danger? Absolutely not." He was angry for the Garrison Commander wanting to put his Eve in danger. "Can you choose someone else?"
"Eren. Stand down. Remember what I said earlier?" Hange said. This made the titan holder stop talking but the expression was still upset.
"Take it easy Jaeger. The girl is perfect since she's not recognizable. Plus, having you and Rick close to her; I'm sure she will be safe. The Jaegerists are allied with the templars and Lord Evans. So having a few more spies in each factor, it will give us the chance to get enough information to destroy them once and for all." Rico continued.
Eren sat back down trying to contain his anger. This is what he's afraid of. Having his girlfriend in a dangerous place and being killed. Oh fuck, he hopes it does not come to that or he'll awaken the Rumbling to have the world wipe. She's the reason why he's considering his original plan to be at halt. The thought of losing her will be the same pain as the day he lost his mother.
While he was absorbed in his paranoia, he didn't realize one of the soldiers had already called Natasha and Rick to enter. He could hear her light hearted laughter when she made her appearance alongside Rick. He turned his body to peek a glimpse at her. Eren can't believe how lucky he is to have a woman like her loving him. She may have so many flaws, but she always has a fiery spirit that overshadows her other qualities. His green eyes stared into grey ones. Natasha gave a warm smile then her sight focused on all three commanders, the Mentor, Jean, and him.
"Rick and Eren's girl, we have a very important task for the both of you." Rico said which Natasha became annoyed at how Rico didn't bother to say her name. Eren had told both Nile and Rico of her name yet only Rico kept calling her Eren's girl, Girl, or Useless wanderer.
"What task would it be, Commander Brzenska?" Rick curiously to his superior officer.
"I'm glad you ask, Private Rick." The Garrison Commander continued.
"We want both of you along with Eren to be our spies. All three of you will go undercover but you guys will go into different factors. Eren will go back to the Jaegerists to play his role as their leader. You, Private, will go undercover as one of the king's trusted guards. The girl will go undercover as one of Queen Historia's closest handmaidens." Rico was interrupted by Natasha.
"I'm not Girl or any of the names you label me. My name is Eve. E...V...E. Eve." Her tone was feisty. Rico grunted from being disrespected.
"You should watch your tone when you're speaking to a commander." The platinum blonde woman glared at the brunette.
"Thank god you're not my commander or I'm not in the military when I could get court martial for defining a superior officer." Eve said.
"Ok ok both of you. We're not here to fight, right Commander Rico?" Nile glanced at Rico hoping she doesn't keep provoking. These two had always argued ever since they met. They just don't like each other.
"Eve? What a unique name for a lovely woman." William said to get Eve on their side.
"Yeah, my parents were very religious." Eren knows that's a lie but she needed to invent some background so suspicious won't arise.
"Eve what?" William continues.
"Eve or my full name is Eveline Potts." Natasha continued.
"Your accent is familiar. Are you from the States?" He said.
"Yes, I'm from New Orleans, Louisiana. I was here by accident. I was adventuring in the ocean with my boat then I got caught into a storm that drifted here on this island." Her tone seemed very convincing if Eren didn't know the truth. She's seriously a very good liar.
William nodded and took her words for it. "Very well. Can you perform this task? I promise you once the war is over. My assassins and I will happily take you back home."
"I can. If you need me to be a queen's handmaiden, then you got the right person." She made a graceful courtesy that high born ladies do. She had one of her famous smirks.
Hange was observing. To her, this girl has a bit resembling a dear friend of hers. Maybe the commander is seeing things. Well, it doesn't matter. They got their spies.
"Tomorrow, all three of you will go to the capitol and play your part. Assassin Garcia will assist both Rick and Eve on getting into the new positions as royal guard and handmaiden." Will said.
Once everything was settled, both Eren and Eve were finally alone in a room where they will rest for the night until the following day. Eren had held his feelings of agreeing letting his girlfriend take the role as a spy.
"Eve. Why did you agree in taking the task? You don't have to join the cause or anything. It's dangerous. You could get caught or worse get killed." Eren sounded frustrated but also worried.
"Eren, I know you're upset and worried for my safety, but I can handle this. Please, trust in me? You will be in the same area." Eve goes to wrap her arms around Eren's neck as Eren pulls her close to him so he can hold her tight.
"I'm scared that something could happen to you. I can't lose you. You're the one who gave me hope. You're helped me realize my plans are too extreme and there's another way. You have already changed this timeline in a good way by saving the majority of the human population. That's how important you are to me." His head nuzzled on her chest. His tears fall from being scared of losing the woman he loves.
He can feel her fingers softly brushing his long dark hair. Eren can feel how relaxed he becomes under her touch. "I will not hesitate to awaken the Rumbling if the world takes you too.
Natasha bent to eye level him. "Eren, listen to me. You have to promise me not to use the Rumbling at all cost. Promise me, Eren. Promise...me." Her hands were placed on his cheeks.
He could see how it frightens her that he'll bring destruction if she dies. He didn't mean to scare her. All he wanted to wake up from this nightmare and glance at her sleeping form. But this is a cruel world. The only beautiful thing the world had to offer was her. His Eve. His temptress.
Eren turned around to grab his bag where all his possessions are inside. He dug his hand to find an object. Once he pulled it out, it was a small silver case that has aged throughout time. He slowly holds both hands to place it on his lap. His emerald green eyes stared into steel grey eyes. She was curious why he held that case. Slowly Eren shuffled which Eve stepped back to give him room. The titan holder slowly goes down on his knee. Natasha gasped as she realized what he was about to do.
"Natasha Eve Ackerman Stark….I can't live without you. These short weeks had been up and down already. But I know the moment I met you, you were becoming special to me. You're my light to this madness world. Even if we get separate by time, I will one day find you. We are meant to be. I'm so crazy about you, I kept asking myself what had you done to me?" He chuckled then kissed her hand softly.
"I know it was not that long I have hurt you. I'm still sorry for the reason that made you cry. I just want to say. I love you. I love you always and forever." He saw how her eyes got watery then watched how her tears fell from her beautiful face.
"Will you marry? I want to be your husband. If one of us dies, I prefer I will be the one. I can't bear the thought of letting time pass and not having you beside me. Be my wife, Natasha." His soft passionate tone made her sobbing on how his proposal speech was romantic.
She sniffled and tried to find the words to speak. "Will you still love me even if I had a past that labels me as being an easy girl?" She feels if he wants to marry her, he needs to know her past of the party and sex life she had. "Because in my time, I was known to be a party sex addict girl."
"I don't give a shit about your past. That was you before. All I know, I fell in love with a strong, confident, funny woman that is capable kicking my ass if I fuck things up." He chuckled which she did too.
"Then yes. I will happily be your wife. I love you 3000, Eren Jaeger." She whispered to him with a sweet velvet tone that made him go crazy. He gets up to sit back on the bed but this time; he pulled her to sit her on his lap. His hand still holds the case. He opened the case to reveal a bulky ring that's shaped like a huge teardrop. The jewel had a perfectly cut shape, real emerald and outside of it there's small diamonds.
Natasha gasped at how antique and beautiful it looked. How could Eren afford this ring? "Eren this is so beautiful." Natasha picked it up gently to see inside the ring there was something written. It's not in Eldian for sure. It looks Turkish. Why does he have an Turkish ring?
"Try it on. I asked a jeweler to make the band into her size finger. Natasha nodded as she slid the ring onto her finger. It does fit a perfect match. "Where did you-?" Eren interrupted her.
"It was my mother's. Long ago before she died. She showed her most valuable possession which was this ring because it was a family heirloom. I don't remember much but she said many centuries ago. A beautiful woman who came from a far away land. She ran away from being assassinated at her family's palace. I don't know if she was a princess or a bastard of some king. It had passed down through generations of females until I was born. Maybe one day, we'll have kids and pass it on to them." Eren explained.
"The only thing I can't figure it out is the writing inside the ring along with some sigil it has." Eren gently grabbed her finger where the ring was.
"It's in Turkish. This ring looks so old that you might be a descendant of some Sultana who had escaped. You probably have Turkish royal blood in you." She teased him. On the other hand, he rolled his eyes.
"Then my dad must have a thing for royal women." He said in a joking tone.
"Well, after all you are his son. You're forgetting I got royal blood." She giggled.
"It's a good thing I don't care because I love you for you." Eren learns to give a soft kiss.
"Good, because I love you for you. Even if you did try to activate the Rumbling because I know you have a good heart. You're a good man, Eren Jaeger. Just remember that. " She leaned in to kiss him more.
(Mikasa)
Mikasa had been busy doing small errands that Reiner kindly asked her to do. So all day, she ran around the base to send messages to other ranking officers. Sometimes she takes turns to help out the soldiers defending their last frontlines against the enemies. The raven haired woman was so occupied that she forgot to check in with Mentor Miles. Luckily, Annie got her back to check in for her. These several days, the Marleyan soldiers were slowly warming up to Mikasa, Armin, and Annie. Even though Annie is an Eldian-Marleyan, they label her as a traitor in the beginning. The Female Titan holder doesn't seem to be bothered by being spew insults at first.
One day Armin had enough and defended Annie. Mikasa was shook and amazed how Armin began to gain confidence to speak out. He usually stayed quiet and let things go. She was proud of Armin in what he's becoming. Annie had been good for him.
Speaking of relationships, Reiner had been busy being the commander in chief that he rarely had time to spend time with her. It's fine for her since this is war. They are lucky to be together despite having heavy burdens in trying to stay alive and win the war. Mikasa was now sitting on her desk writing in code to send to Ambassador Kiyomi for help. Armin had told her to have the nation, Hizuru, to help them in time of their need. He was sure they would not reject them because Mikasa was a kin towards the Ambassador. She is an Azumabito as much as she's an Ackerman.
Her mind shifts to her other estranged kin, Captain Levi Ackerman of the Survey Corps. She may have issues with him due to her being overprotective towards Eren. Other than that, Mikasa was worried about him. News had reached to her that Levi was captured. She wanted to go back to the island to rescue him, but Reiner talked her into some sense. Mikasa is now trying to do her part so the government of Hizuru can assist them to fight off the templars.
Mikasa sighed once she finished coding her message. The letter was folded to be placed into the enveloped and sealed. She heard heavy footsteps coming towards the room. As the door opened, she turned around to see Reiner.
"Hey, what have you been up to?" Reiner hugged Mikasa.
"I was writing a letter to Lady Azumabito for help." She hugged him back.
Mikasa gets up to be comfortably hugging her lover. Her cheek pressed on his chest to nuzzle gently. This is one of their rare times to embrace each other. As both couples had been busy doing their part in the terrible war that is happening.
"Armin already told you?" The blond haired man was starting to kiss her neck affectionately.
Mikasa let out a soft moan from having his warm soft lips on her skin. They haven't had this type of contact since they had sex first time with each other. She uses her fingers to run through his golden hair. "Mhm...he did. I- n-need to g-give this letter to be s-send."
The Asian-Eldian woman was losing in her thoughts. Reiner had a smirk when he noticed how distracted Mikasa was.
"Don't worry about that, baby. It's a good thing I, your boyfriend is now the commander in chief." Now his tone became deep with husk in seducing his lover.
Mikasa was feeling her knees wobbly from the way his tone changed. Her hand traveled down to give a teasing squeeze on his covered manhood. A deep moan came from Reiner when she groped his bulge.
"I'm aware of your position, Commander." Now Mikasa uses her seducing tone on him as she's in control. "Try to be patient for a few seconds, baby. I am going to send this important letter then I'm all yours." She smirked back at him.
The female assassin stepped back and went to the desk to pick up the envelope letter. She turned around to give a tender sweet kiss to Reiner. Reiner kissed her back from enjoying the kiss. He saw her walk away from the room to go send the letter.
Mikasa didn't take long to come back to Reiner who had been waiting patiently in the room. She opened the door to see him lying on the bed staring up the ceiling. Once she has closed the door, Mikasa goes to Reiner and straddles on top of him.
"What have you been thinking?" Mikasa stared at Reiner who was lost in his own thoughts.
He noticed the weight of her body on him. Reiner glanced to see Mikasa laying her head on his chest while running her finger on his small exposed part of his chest.
"I've been thinking about you. How lucky I am having an amazing strong woman by my side." He smiled at her. The raven haired beauty blushed from his comment. Her hand already started playing his buttons which some were undone.
Mikasa slowly rubbed his chest as she leaned in to kiss him again. They let the sweet kiss become passionate and hunger for more. Reiner slowly undoing her trousers. She kicks off her pants then goes back straddling on his lap. The blonde man hovered his lips on her neck to mark her skin. Her breathing pattern became shallow from attending his lips to her neck. Mikasa loves feeling his lips on her neck. It's one of her favorites he does to her. She pressed herself down to feel his throbbing bulge as her hips rolled slow and steadily grinding on him.
Reiner groaned when her body grinded on him. His eyes were dark with lust. The Eldian from Marley stared at his girlfriend while she zones out from grinding fast. The titan shifter groped some parts of her body until he flipped her underneath him.
"Reiner...I love you." Mikasa said breathlessly. Her steel colored eyes stared into his amber eyes.
Reiner gave a soft smile from hearing Mikasa saying those three words. He thought it would take her months or probably the last minutes when he dies for her to say it. He kisses her softly with love and gentleness.
"I love you, Mikasa." He responded back. Mikasa was feeling shy as she expressed her feelings towards him. She rarely showed her emotions in general unless she saw her friends happy or in danger. She used to be reckless when it came to Eren but once she realized his feelings will never be mutual, Mikasa slowly disciplined herself to control her emotions. Being an assassin had also helped her with containing them.
She had removed his shirt as her lips kissed on his bare chest. In return, Reiner took off her shirt too. It didn't take that long for them to be completely bare nude. Mikasa moaning from his fingers teasingly caressing her exposing body which her skin started to get goosebumps from this intimate pleasure.
Her body made an arch the more her body temperature had risen. Mikasa placed her palm on his chest to add pressure for him to shift their position back to how they were earlier. She climbs back on top of him, but this time she gently slides herself onto his hardened cock. Both groaned together when their pleasure intensified.
Mikasa felt his length stretch her walls. She slowly rocks her hips. Her hands were on his solid chest to steady herself. Reiner had already placed his hands gripping on her curves. His eyes can't stop watching the way her hips roll gracefully. It's like seeing an artistic dancer blowing away her audience with her skills. He's a man who got hypnotized.
Reiner moaning along hers as their pleasure increases more. Her pace began to shift with speed. Now, he started to thrust upward onto her body rolls which she's bouncing.
"Fuck Reiner...I love you…" She chanted again and again like a spell while being lost into pounding him on top. She leans in to roughly kissing his lips. Mikasa knows something within her wants to take over. She doesn't know what it is, but for years she was scared to let that thing take over.
It's one of the reasons she tried not to let her emotions get out of control. Sometimes when she dreams, the thing had always taunted her for being blinded with love to a human who had rarely appreciated her enough to be her potential mate. The thing in her dreams had looked like her. The only difference was that her eyes glowed silver. Her smirk looked devilishly. Her look-like stand proud like the warrior she was. Mikasa is the opposite based on whoever that monster was with her face. For years, it had neither given a hint who or what the monster was. When her eyes locked on Reiner officially on the day they spar together, that demon in her had awoken. Mikasa had swept under the rug to deal with that thing.
Reiner could hear her mumbling 'I love you' over again. She's getting comfortable with expressing her feelings. He thought mentally. He was close to reaching its peak soon. The sound of their wet skin making slapping sounds echoes the room. He won't be surprised some of the soldiers will hear them.
"M-mine...mine, mine.." He doesn't mind Mikasa getting a bit possessive but it doesn't sound like her the way she said. His eyes took a glimpse to see her beautiful dark grey eyes he adore had become glowing silver. This had raised concerns for him.
"Mikasa?" He said worriedly.
Mikasa was still riding on him, but her warm shy smile turned into a devious smirk. Her facial expression had lost her shy, reserve, caring that made her genuine to love. The titan shifter was in a dilemma because a part of him felt a bit scared but also felt Mikasa won't cause harm to him. He felt her nail from her index finger tracing his face as if she's toying her prey.
"Shhh my darling mate. Mikasa is asleep for now, but don't you worry about that handsome face of yours for her. She is safe. My host can be stubborn in fighting to keep in control from me." This new Mikasa rolled her eyes annoyingly at the amount of times both titan and host fought to be in control. She would have been cooperative if Mikasa had embraced who and what she truly is. An Ackerman titan.
Reiner was speechless. Nobody knows where the origin of the Ackermans is or how they are able to gain superhuman-like abilities to slay titans or massive armies. After all they are legendary to his people in Marley. His mother used to tell scary stories about the mythical clan of the Ackermans. When he went on his mission to Paradis Isle and encountered Mikasa Ackerman, he was scared and worried that their mission would not succeed. Turns out she was just a quiet girl who protected and smothered Eren Jaeger. During his betrayal, his perspective had changed when he saw how deadly Mikasa and Levi were capable of while fighting off them. Yet, he was still astounded how beautiful and strong Mikasa is. She was like a goddess of war raging into the battlefield.
"Y-you're not Mikasa?" He said with confusion. This possessed Mikasa let out a velvety chuckled.
"Oh no, my darling." she purred. "I'm Styx, it's a pleasure meeting you, Reiner Braun."
"Styx? Like the Greek mythology Styx?" He was still turning to understand what was happening.
"No, not really. But I picked that name when I was awoken when this woman saw her family being murdered. Poor child. We needed to survive. It's who we are." She leaned close to him to take a long sniff.
"Oh you do smell very nice. I have tried to get Mikasa to open up by taking you as our mate. I swear, do all Ackermans are stubborn and blind to meet their other halves?" She sighed. "Anyways, no where are we? Let's resume our mating. I loved how you give me euphoric pleasures."
Reiner was about to say something but he forgot his cock was inside her as she teasingly rocked her hips. He moans while letting Styx/Mikasa bounce on him. The blonde man let her continue until they both reached their orgasms. Both let out a final loud moan and Reiner cums inside her fill her with his hot seeds.
"Please don't be scared of us. We'll never want to hurt you. You're ours, mate." She cupped her hands on his face to kiss him passionately soft.
Reiner is still grasping on what this Mikasa or Styx had said. He nodded to ensure her, he understood. Styx nuzzled on him while resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her to hold her tightly. He knew now that Styx is part of Mikasa and he will always be by her side no matter what. It will be strange, but eventually he'll get used to it and grow to love the titan Styx too.
(Levi/Arne)
Kahr, Eldia Empire
One year had passed since their wedding. Arne and Ingrid had moved to a small home in the port town of Kahr. The town was bigger than Leira. After all, there's many merchants from parts of the world. The trade routes from the Empire to other kingdoms like Hizuru, France, and Italian Provinces. They rent their home from a wealthy landlord who Arne's father knew long ago.
Both couples worked hard to meet their ends. Lady Ingrid was determined to work hard in her job as a barmaid. She struggled at first to figure things out but eventually she got the hang of it. For Arne, he worked in construction for new homes. This was their daily life. For the past year, they had an awkward rocking marriage until a month ago they cave in and confessed to each other about their feelings. Since then their relationship blossom. Today, it was gonna be a busy day. It was morning, Arne woke up to see his wife not sleeping on the bed.
"Hm. She's probably left early." He mumbled sleepily. He got up to get ready. By the time he was dressed and walked to the small kitchen, he saw Ingrid making breakfast. Usually, she never makes breakfast, only supper. Arne was fine with it. He understood Ingrid was never taught how to be a wife of a mere peasant like him. She was a noblewoman who was betrothed to a prince.
He was amazed she had prepared a hearty meal for the both of them. Maybe someone taught her how to increase her cooking skill? The grey eyed man made a sound to get her attention.
"Oh? Good morning, Arne! I hope you slept well. Come sit down. I made breakfast. I have learnt a lot from working at the tavern." She gave her warm cheerful smile. Ingrid placed a basket of fresh berry muffins.
Arne was still processing seeing her here in the morning making breakfast. He sat on the chair and glanced at the table that's filled with two bowls of porridge, a pile of strips of bacon. Inside his porridge, there's two slices of lemon and drizzles of honey with some brown spice sprinkle on it. He was curious where Ingrid got all these pricy ingredients? They barely could afford a ration of porridge for supper. Yes, that's what they eat everyday for supper. It annoyed him since he was used to eating a variety of meals from his mother. One time Ingrid was frustrated because that's all they could afford. Living in a town like Kahr was too expensive for them to live.
"Ingrid, where did you get all these ingredients? I appreciate you putting your time to make breakfast, but we can't afford to buy lemons or whatever spice you bought." He moves the lemons to see better the spice on his bowl.
"I didn't buy them nor the ingredients to make our porridge more tasty. My boss gave me leftovers because they were gonna go bad by tomorrow so he was kind to give me. Don't worry, I'm not an idiot to spend our money carelessly." She gave off a hint of cynicism. The one thing she doesn't appreciate from him was his thought of her being an ignorant person.
Arne sighed and took his spoon to scoop into his bowl and eat the porridge. His eyes widen from the amount of flavor in one scoop. His tongue feels the explosion in his taste buds. He moaned enjoying his breakfast. Once he swallowed the porridge, his eyes glanced at an smirking Ingrid feeling proud of her porridge recipe.
"Sooo what do you think?" She said.
"It's not that bad. So what's the brown spice stuff you put in the porridge?" He asked.
"It's grounded cinnamon." She said while scoping her spoon into her bowl to eat her porridge.
"I like it. It's zesty, sweet but nutty too." He began to eat a bit more face pace.
"I'm glad you are enjoying it. Here is a muffin. I just took it out of the oven." Ingrid gave a warm muffin to Arne. He grabbed it and thanked her.
"Arne, I need to tell you something. I got a letter from my cousin, the leader of the clan." Arne dropped his spoon to stare at his wife with worry. "He found us? When did you get the letter? You could have told me when you got it, Ingrid. Damn it. We need to leave right away." He was panicking. Who knows her family or the king's guard would be here very soon or they're on their way here.
"Please Arne be calm. He's not going to turn us to the king. He made a promise to me. He said in the letter that he wants us to go see him in my ancestral home in Völse. I know this sounds suspicious but he will keep his honor of not sending us to the king." Ingrid pleading with her husband.
"Ingrid, didn't you once mention that he was vouching for you to be married off with the prince? How can you be sure he'll not trap us to our doom? I'm more concerned how he found us." He rubbed his temple spots from the anxious feeling he was getting.
Ingrid looked down while playing her food. It's best to come out clean to her husband. "I've been keeping contact since ten months ago…" Arne was in disbelief in what his wife had said.
"Wait what? You have kept this secret for ten months? Why? Do you have any idea you put both of us at risk? My parents' effort to make sure we are safe will be in vain. What has gone into your head, Ingrid?" He can feel his anger rises. He was trying to stay calm and level headed but this is a betrayal to him.
"I'm sorry….I know I should have told you in the beginning, but I thought you will shut down the idea to have help from my family." She tried to explain her reason.
"I might at first but I would have considered it after. What gave you the idea to trust your cousin? We don't know 100 percent if he'll backstab us. He didn't give a damn about his honor when you told me he sly his way to be the leader of your clan when it should have been you to lead." He pointed it out. Arne gets up.
Ingrid couldn't help to let tears slip from her eyes. She knew that her betrayal had hurt her husband. She loves him so much it broke her heart to see the look on his face. She thought it was the right way until for sure her cousin was being honorable this time and will help because they are family.
"Please Arne understand that I just wanted to know he was being honest about helping us. He regrets pushing me to be married to the prince. He thought he was doing right for our clan's survival. I was selfish for not understanding how in danger my clan is. I didn't mean to hurt you.." She sob from the situation she causes in their peaceful marriage. A month ago, they finally confessed to each other and consummated their marriage with love and passion. That result now led her expecting their first child. She just found out last night from a local midwife when Ingrid was having her sickness.
Ingrid feels if it's the right time to tell him this news, but that's what got to their argument right now because she had kept things to herself from him. Maybe telling him that she's pregnant will calm him down and end this argument. My gods and goddesses, she hates crying in front of anyone especially to her husband.
Arne had been quiet. He looked down to not aggravate which he sees how Ingrid is crying. He didn't mean to get over worked up for this secret she told him. It just hurts that the woman he loves doesn't trust his judgment enough to know the letters she kept in contact to her family. This is one of his issues he had mentioned to her. Trust is very important to him in a relationship. He needs to leave to have time for himself before he says something to make her upset and hurt. He felt ashamed to make her cry.
"Arne...I also need to tell you something important." She struggled with her words as he was still angry but quiet.
"What? Is it another secret you didn't bother to tell me?" His tone was dry cold that made his wife flinch in hurt for now being labelled as untrustworthy in his eyes.
"I..I'm with a child. I just found out last night by the old midwife. You were asleep when I got home..I didn't want to wake you up." She sniffled while whipping her tears away.
Arne lifted his head up to glanced at her. He doesn't know what to say about this news. It should be the happiest moment but all he can think about is the fear they will do something terrible to Ingrid and their unborn child? He's now a family man. He can't trust anyone around. What if their child grows up and is being used as a pawn for their political game? He needs to pack up and run away with his growing family to protect them.
"Arne? Please say something?" She looked scared and worried.
Arne walked to her and kneel to eye level her. "You're with my child." He placed his palm on her flat belly. He made a small smile at the thought his love of his life is carrying his seed, their child.
"How long are you?" He asked.
"A month exactly. I have been feeling ill and you told me to stay home to rest but I was stubborn to stay so at work; I passed out and the old midwife was there having her meal to check up on me until she found out I'm pregnant." She said.
Arne had his hand cup her face while his thumb caressing her soft cheek with dry tear stain. "You really are a stubborn woman." He whispered softly then leaned to kiss her lips.
In return she kissed him back. She was glad how his reaction was good about her pregnancy. They pulled away from their sweet kiss. "You married one." She tried to make a joke.
Arne nodding then gets up. "It's getting late. I need to head out to work. I want you to try to rest. Please?"
"How about I work until noon?" She negotiated.
"I will stop by at the tavern so we can have lunch together then we come home and talk about leaving town." He kissed her forehead affectionately. Arne is still hurt for lack of trust his wife has on him, but at this moment. He doesn't want to distress her in her vulnerable time.
She nodded in agreement and watched him grab his stuffed then packed some muffins. Probably to share with his worker buddies.
"Arne, I love you.." She said gently as he was about to exit their home.
He glanced at her. "I love you Ingrid." He stepped out of her view and walked to his work. Ingrid sighed and started to clean up to get ready to go to work.
The rest of the morning goes by quickly and noon arrives. Arne was off earlier as the few homes were built for the day. He was walking on the streets to get to the tavern where his wife works. He entered the place to spot his Ingrid cleaning the mugs.
Arne went towards the bar and sat on the stool. Ingrid glanced up to see her husband in front of her.
"Arne! I'm glad you're here. How was work?" She placed the mug orderly on the shelf.
"It was well. We finished the houses for today and I got my pay for this week." He smiled. "How about you? Have you been feeling well with the baby?" His tone was concerned for her well being.
"Yes, I've been ok and our baby had made me get hungry that the cook kicked me out from kitchen duty. That's why I'm at the bar." She giggled.
"I'm happy you're ok." He smiled and admired her giggles.
"Let me get some lunch in the kitchen. Take any empty table and I'll meet you right up." She said.
Arne goes to pick a table to sit and waits for his wife. At the entrance, there were two men with strange foregin clothing coming. Suddenly, the sound of gunpowder was heard and all hell broke loose. The people duck under the tables to protect themselves. He glanced to see his wife frozen in place with two plates of warm meal. She whimpered in terror. Luckily, no harm towards her yet.
Arne Ackerman saw a knife on the floor and grabbed it just in case.
"It's her." One of the men said to the other. The other unscrolled the parchment to double check the image matched her.
"Take her. The king has been looking for her." He mumbled.
Ingrid uses the plates to throw at them then make a run. When she was about to reach Arne, a third man snatched her. She screamed and struggled to get out of his grip.
"Arne!" She glanced at her husband. Arne had a fear expression as his worst nightmare is happening right now.
Arne roared in rage to use the knife and take charge to both of them. He barely made a slashed mark on one of the men's faces as they screamed in pain. The other was behind him and knocked Arne down unconscious.
"Take this one too. Since the king wanted to punish him as well." The men grabbed both Arne and Ingrid. Ingrid curses at the kidnappers while they drag her away.
Noooo Arne you gotta get up…
Fight or fly…
We're Ackermans. We protect our family…
Back on the other side of the Animus, Levi was moving his body in despair. He knows the familiar feeling in what Arne is going through. Feeling useless and despair. Dr. Andersen pulled him back to reality as he stopped the machine.
"I think that's enough for today. You're showing signs of the Bleeding Effect." His tone was concerned for Levi's well being.
Levi opened his eyes and gasped from what he just witnessed. He sits up quickly while mumbling with anxiety. "I need to save her. I need to save her, my wife…"
Davos Andersen observed Subject 18's behavior. Huh? Very Intriguing. "Historia?" The scientist assumed.
"Who is HIstoria? I meant my wife, Ingrid. Who are you?" Levi's accent changed.
Davos assumed Levi is Arne as the Bleeding Effect sometimes can make you believe you're one of your ancestors. It will come and go unexpectedly, but it doesn't last long.
"Arne, everything will be fine. We'll help get your wife." He said. This was the only way to calm Levi down until he was back to himself.
Slowly the male Ackerman blinked his eyes and he glanced around to try to remember what had happened. "What the fuck was that? How long was I blacked out?" He rubbed his head from the intense headache he's familiar with.
"Ah, I'm glad you're back to normal Levi. The Bleeding Effect has got you already. We will take it slow the next session. You can go back to your cell. Guards escort him back to his cell. We'll continue tomorrow." Davos said as two guards escort Levi out of the white room.
It was a short walk since the white room is very close to the dungeon cells. One of the guards opened the cell and pushed Levi in, then cuffed him to the chains as he is one of the dangerous beings to be held captive. Once they chained him and locked the cell, they left the dark dingy cells. On his right, he spotted a familiar figure next to his cell. Pixis was in the cell along with other important rank military men and women from different regiments. Some noblemen were locked too on the other side of this dungeon; there were extra cells but they were less dark and there were brightness from the outdoor ray's.
"Captain Levi, I see they pushed your limit to be able to use the machine?" Pixis observed the younger man next to him.
Levi chuckled darkly. "You can say that." He started to feel drained from exhaustion.
"Try to rest, soldier. You are our humanity's Strongest but also our hope. Especially our beloved queen's hope. I understand this is bs for you, but you, the queen are our hope. We are inspired that we'll win this war." The older general continued.
"I want to destroy those who crossed the line with us. I missed my Historia and our son.." He mumbled. Levi doesn't care if the rest of his cellmates know about his relationship with the queen and that they have a child together who is alive and safe.
Just as he predicted, most heard what he said and started to mumble. The raven haired man scoffed annoyingly then rested his head on the hard stoned walls to try to rest. Soon everything was quiet. He can hear his titan counterpart talking in his mind.
Very soon, well drained the city with our enemies' blood. It's been a long time since we have feast on them.
A/N: This felt like a month had passed that I barely finished this chapter. There were some parts I struggled to where I wanted it to lead. So, enjoy the chapter and let me know what you guys think? Until next time!