Chapter 5: No Limits
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The training session went relatively smoothly as far as Levi was concerned. Sure, had he wanted so spend much of his time training with some brat? Not really. He would have preferred going over mission plans with Erwin or drinking a cup of black tea in his room with the door shut. But, as much as he hated to admit, he didn't quite hate the time he spent on the training grounds. And Kagome had managed to impress him a little bit, especially when she kept up with his speed in a race throughout the Training Grounds, not that he had openly let her know that. He didn't much have a problem giving credit where credit was due, but he also didn't see a point in congratulating someone for having skills that might give them a fighting chance against Titans.
As if her damn head needs to get any bigger. He scoffed inwardly. It was a dangerous game for anyone to really think they were invincible. All it would take was one miscalculation to die. And really, who would want to brag about Titan killing skills if all it meant was they were resigning themselves to a short life of terror?
Besides him, of course.
Though, he had to admit that he had been amused at her attitude. While she didn't give him any real backtalk whenever he discredited her, he could practically see Kagome biting her tongue, her nose scrunching up in irritation. And he knew that she would have told him off as best she could had he not been the one reporting her capabilities to Erwin. He had even been slightly intrigued at the prospect of hearing her spit out whatever curses she was thinking in her head. She had such a fiery spirit for someone who had just seen hell in Trost for the first time. However, he couldn't say he was optimistic that it would last. She was bound to fall victim to the cruel realities when, inevitably, she began to lose the people around her. That's only, of course, if she survived this herself.
"Tch. What a pesky situation." Captain Levi strutted back to Erwin's office. The training had lasted a few hours, and the moon was soon to be settling into its place in the sky, the swirls of orange of purples making their transition into a deep and navy blue. Levi knew that he had to give an honest assessment of the situation, but it was never enjoyable for him to recommend people to the front-lines with the elite squads, aka the people who were brought in to defeat the more formidable opponents. It had disturbed him greatly when he had handpicked his own team, but at least they had more than just one days experience with real Titans when he did. This girl was just some damn prodigy.
But she was good. Hell, even better than some of his own.
He hated this job.
"Ah, Levi. You've returned from the session." Erwin motioned him to come in as the captain closed the door behind him, "Tell me, in your honest opinion, do you think Miss Higurashi is the real deal?"
"The brat is good." Levi sat down in the chair in front of Erwin's desk, leaning back and crossing his legs.
Erwin lifted a brow at the dark-haired man's vague response, "How good?"
"Let's just say she could single-handedly do the work of a hundred scouts." Levi answered bluntly, looking off into the distance.
"Humanity needs soldiers like that." The commander scratched his head as he pondered what to do with her. They had a big mission coming up now that Eren Jaeger was there as a tool. Though, it was still unclear how useful or even safe the boy would be. He looked back at the captain. Levi's dull stare would usually give the impression that he was thinking nothing at all, though Erwin could tell he was contemplating the situation deeply.
"Would you use her life for the good of mankind?" The blonde man suddenly asked, pulling Levi out from his thoughts.
"What kind of stupid question is that? Every scout's miserable life is being used for that." He huffed in response.
"Even in vain?" Erwin now seemed to be probing at his subordinate, who shifted in his seat.
Levi just looked at him darkly, thinking back to the lives that were lost in this war against Titans, "Tch. I don't waste lives in vain. I avenge them." With that, the short man lifted himself up from his seat and began to make his way out, no longer interested in entertaining Erwin's moral questions. It wasn't like the captain didn't do a lot of thinking on his own for him to be subjected to the dark conversation. But he was stopped just as his hand reached for the knob.
"Captain, Eren's powers leave us with an uncertainty. Given those circumstances, we could use as many skilled scouts around him at all times." Erwin's icy blue eyes flashed down to the formation plan for the upcoming mission, "Take the girl with you and your team."
Levi paused, but eventually opened the door and let himself out without another word. Everything he did would be to help Erwin's vision for the world come to fruition after all. There never seemed to be anyone with a better head on their shoulders outside of the commander, even if sometimes those orders pissed him off. Still, there was a reason he wasn't the leader himself, nor did he ever want to be. So, he knew he would have to comply.
But he'd be damned if took on the tedious job of informing the brat himself.
"That jerk. He barely said anything positive that whole time!" Kagome growled to herself as she walked to the barracks to get ready to relax and sleep, "Just telling me to get my head out of my ass... Well, maybe next time I'll stick my foot up his!" She continued to make her way, her frustrations clearly showing over her delicate features. The only kind of compliment the captain had given her were a few dull Not bads. Other than that, he offered up blunt critiques. But the girl wasn't stupid. She knew she had done pretty good. But now she just worried that Levi would not recommend her to elite squads.
I just want to be useful! Why is that such a crime to him? I had really thought that, after talking to him in the classroom, we would actually get along decently. She grit her teeth as his face flashed into her mind, the same empty expression staring her in the face, Screw him and his condescending attitude! Doesn't the guy have any emotions!? I swear one day I'll get even better than him. Then, I'll dare him to critique me so harshly.
She continued to curse him inwardly, though one moment in the training still stayed on her mind, puzzling her to no end. After the session, when Kagome had eagerly awaited any sort of comment from the man who had seemed prepared to just leave her there without giving her a single clue on how she did, Levi had looked over to her, and just stared at her. And while it was the same icy look on the surface, it hadn't felt as harsh as usual. It had practically stunned her in place just as she was about ready to demand that he tell her what he thought of her performance.
He had silenced her with the most non-threatening look she had ever seen him give. It had no ounce of intimidation. And then, he had just walked away and left her, mumbling something about how she needed to get to take a shower and get to bed.
"I really just can't figure that guy out..." She mumbled to herself once more, wanting to continue raging in her head, but also becoming so curious as to what his motives even were. He was outstandingly crude at times, incredibly condescending and showed no semblance of human compassion aside from a few quick slips. And yet, he was dedicating his life to save humanity and even had the trust of Erwin Smith, one of the most professional and well-spoken leaders she had ever seen.
It bothered her so much. And she couldn't explain why.
As she continued to make her way, her slow stride adding quite some time to her walk, her head was still abuzz with perplexity. But she soon began to hear her name being called out, as if she was a lyric in some song just as she had about finished her evening stroll before getting ready or bed. She followed the tuneful tone until her eyes fell upon a woman running towards her. Her brown hair was tied up in a messy ponytail and she sported glasses and an eccentric beam. It had appeared almost as if she was laughing from her excitement, eyes crinkling in the corner as if playfully grinning as well.
That woman... she's the one from Trost. I remember her standing on the rooftop and teasing Levi... Kagome waved awkwardly, But who is she?
"Ahh! Kagome Higurashi, it is nice to see you again." The woman slowed her steps down to a normal walking speed as she got closer to the former priestess, "I don't think I ever got to introduce myself since Levi took all the spotlight, huh? I am Section Commander Hange Zoe." Hange reached out and grabbed Kagome's hand, shaking it excessively before continuing, "I have some exciting news for you, cadet."
"Exciting news?" The younger woman questioned, cocking a brow.
"Ahh, yes! It appears Commander Erwin has made a placement decision for you." Hange announced, "Looks like you'll be heading out with the Special Operations Squad first thing in a the morning. Exciting, huh? Ha, perhaps even we'll get to know each other and I'll get to tell you all about my Titan research! I have a lot of theories, and you look like the kind of girl who's got a knack for that kind of science." The brunette gave Kagome a wink as she said that last part.
"Special Operations Squad?" Kagome blinked, "But that's Levi's squad... There's no way he recommended me for his own team. He acted like he couldn't stand the sight of me." She was sure Levi would have gone back to the commander and said she wasn't good enough with the way he had talked down to her.
"Ha! That captain's got a fuse as short as his height." Hange chucked, "But I wouldn't worry too much about him. He's all bark and little bite. Except if you're a Titan of course. You'll get used to him. If he's the one who recommended you, you must be good!"
Maybe... Maybe I was wrong. Levi must have said something good about me. And he's even accepting me into his squad. She looked off into the distance, an illusion Levi's dulled stare looking back at her curiously, I thought he was unfair and judgmental. But perhaps I misread him...
"Ahh, well. It was good seeing you. But I must get back to my research." The brunette exclaimed, "Ooo, if we have time another day, I may be able to tell you all about it. I've got some special new test subjects." She giggled uncontrollably at that last part, as if she couldn't contain her own eagerness.
"Oh! Yeah, sure!" Kagome nodded, still unsure of how to feel about this section commander. "And tell the captain that I'll be ready and at the Scouts Headquarters at dawn to depart."
"Will do, Miss Kagome Higurashi." Hange grinned with her sing-song tone, waving her hand in confirmation. She then turned and ran off, leaving Kagome standing there, her confusion plastered all over her face like a thin veil as she attempted to make sense of that woman's utter quirkiness. She then took in a deep breath, processing everything that she had just heard as it replayed in her mind. It was certainly an unexpected turn of events, the kind that make one retrace their steps and wonder how it got to this point. And the former priestess did, trying to see if there was any point in which Levi hinted that he had thought Kagome was a good soldier at all. But all she could hear was his harsh tone biting at her with his insults.
Oh well... I guess I'll never quite understand it. She shrugged, poking out her lips in discontentment for a moment as she moved forward into the barracks, But I can't say I'm complaining. I'm on the toughest team the entire regiment has to offer. And I'm leaving so soon. I should probably tell Armin and Mikasa. They'll be happy to know I'll be there to look out for Eren.
She quickened her step, boots slamming against the stone road until she reached the entrance to the barracks. There were a few lounges, and she was sure she would find the two there, relaxing before bed. The door opened at her pull, the sound of chatty soldiers now filling the halls. While the solemn ovetone still existed like a shadow following everyone who experienced the terror of the Titans, things seemed to be lightening up a bit. Even if she could still see the throbbing pain pulsing withing everyone.
Kagome wandered about, checking around for her friends. She eventually found them in one of the lounges as expected, sitting about and not making much noise. Neither of them were very outspoken. Armin was a bit shy, and Mikasa was a woman of few words unless the time called for it. The chatty one in the group had always been Eren. And even though they knew he was safe for now, Kagome knew they were worried about what would happen with Captain Levi hovering over the boy.
"Hey, guys." The former priestess called, grabbing their attention. Their expressions seemed to brighten as they saw her approach them.
"Kagome!" Armin greeted, "We didn't know what happened to you after the trial. Where did you go?"
"I actually got summoned to see Commander Erwin. He heard about my record of Titan kills in Trost, and had Levi do a training session with me." Kagome explained, watching as their faces painted over with shock, "I actually have some good news."
"That pipsqueak... I swear I'm gonna get him back for what he did to Eren..." Mikasa grumbled, as if the sound of his name lit a rageful flame within her, "I don't care who he is. He went too far with his little show."
"Hey, I won't stop you. He's not very pleasant to be around." Kagome added, "But you won't have to worry about Eren being alone with him and his squad because... I was put on the team!"
"Huh? They put a new recruit on an elite squad?" The blonde boy questioned in disbelief, "I don't think that's ever happened. I mean, we've only fought one battle. Though... I do have to admit that you were pretty impressive. I don't think you had ever been so agile in training."
"It's insane, right? Granted, I'm sure they'd put Mikasa on if they had more time. I'm leaving with them somewhere tomorrow, probably to help Eren train his Titan skills." She smiled as she watched the relief pour over their faces like cold water on a humid day, "So, I'll be there to make sure they don't do anything to him. Outside of him being our friend, I really do think he has the determination to really use his powers for something good."
"That's amazing, Kagome!" Armin exclaimed, clearly excited for his friend, "Good luck on the squad!"
"Thanks!" Kagome took a good look at the both of them, "I've gotta take a shower and get to bed, though. It's gonna be an early morning. If I don't see you guys before I leave, I'll try to see you again before the next expedition." She turned to leave, waving as she did.
"Oh, wait." Mikasa shouted before turning her voice back into a light whisper when Kagome looked back at them, "We just wanted to say that we're happy you're okay. We were worried the Military Police had gotten to you after what they said at the trial..."
Touched by the concern, the former priestess could feel a warmth coursing through her, like the body heat in a hug. She graciously told them not worry about her, that'd she survived enough not to go out anytime soon, then took her leave. It was a pleasant send off, knowing her friends were really wishing her the best. The whole, she had thought it was Eren that occupied their minds and hearts. But she had a place with them now, too. She had people who really cared about her.
It was the motivation she needed to feel good about tomorrow. She would make her friends proud.
I know, it's not the most eventful chapter. But I have to say, I really like writing from Levi's point of view just because it gives me the chance to really delve into his mysterious character. After all, it's hard to tell what he feels just by looking at him.
Also, I could really picture Kagome pouting at every one of his mean comments lol
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Also, thanks for everyone who suggested some possible Inuyasha characters to show up. I really enjoyed reading them and I'm definitely gonna take them all into consideration. Feel free to keep letting me know any more possible (side) characters that you can think of!
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This chapter, I'd be interested to see who else you'd pair Kagome or Levi with. I'd obviously go with InuKag, but I've also read a few Kagome/Naraku fics that weren't bad.
As for Levi, I've never put in much thought into any other pairings. Though I do find Levi/Annie pairing to be interesting given the situation.
Let me know!
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Also, do you all prefer action scenes or romance scenes in fics like this?
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And make sure to review! All your reviews are the reason I keep writing 3