A/N: Welcome back to the fourth official chapter to Our New Daughter. I am having so much fun writing this story. As you can see my fire and ambition to write this story is still strong. I haven't lost the will to write yet, and for your guys sake I hope it'll never come. This chapter will be bit more focused on Eren and Krista's…"homelife" you could say. I'll try my best on this chapter. Just note that I may added somethings that may or may not exist in Attack on Titan. I try to stay true to the world, but sometimes information about certain things aren't available. So, I just went with it. Hopefully this chapter will be interesting enough for you. Enjoy.
Rating: M (This chapter for languge)
Chapter 4: Our New Daughter, Our New Cage
Eren woke up as he groaned silently. He blinked the sleep from his eyes as he lifted his head. As he moved, he could feel some weight on his right side. Eren could also feel, that his right arm was going numb as a result from the weight. Looking down he could see Krista leaning against him. Still asleep, from the sound of her breathing and the way her chest rose. Eren sighed as he looked down at the child in Krista arms. The child was currently awake as she smiled at him. Then the wagon stopped, jerking Krista awake. Krista yawned as she looked up at Eren. Noticing that she was currently leaning against him, Krista lifted her body away from Eren as she slightly blushed.
Eren then lifted his right arm in front of him, sighing in relief as the blood started to run back into his arm.
"Where are we?" Krista asked as she looked down at the child.
"I'm not sure?" Eren answered.
Standing up, Eren started to look around. It was then that he saw, about 50 meters away, stood a house.
"Alright. Eren, Miss. Lenz, if you could please exit the wagon?"
Eren turned to Hannes, who just smiled sympathetically at him. Sighing to himself, Eren quietly bent down and held out his hands towards the child. Krista looked at Eren for a moment before handing the child to him. Taking the child in his arms, Eren looked down at the laughing child. Then he stood up, and started to walk to the edge of the wagon, followed by Krista. Eren then sat down and slid off the wagon safely. He then offered a hand to Krista, freezing her in her tracks, as she looked at him in surprise. Eren, however, didn't move as he continued to stare at Krista. Krista blushed at Eren staring silently at her, while the child just smiled. Hesitantly, Krista took Eren's hand and with his support, she jumped safely onto the ground. Once she was on the ground, Eren let go of Krista's hand. Hannes and Peter moved the cart forward leaving Eren and Krista. They both stared at the cart as it moved closer to the house. They stayed still for a few moments then, together in silence, they started to walk to the house.
Arriving at the front of the house, Eren and Krista just stared in awe at it. The house wasn't huge by the way of the rich and luxurious, but it was still a decent size. They noticed that there were a few Garrison soldiers around the house. Krista looked around and noticed that some of the soldiers were carrying things inside. Soon, however, the child started to get a bit fuzzy in Eren's arms. Eren sighed heavily as he brought his "daughter" to eye level.
"What's wrong?"
Krista just looked over and stared at Eren. Eren eyed the child, who started to lightly cry. Eren brought the child closer to his chest as he started to walk to the opened front doors. Krista had moved slightly to take the child from Eren, but she stopped herself as a thought entered into her mind.
She isn't YOUR daughter.
So, Eren walked away as Krista stayed still. Wither or not Eren noticed her, she couldn't tell. But she watched as Eren entered the house. Turning her attention to her left, she watched as Hannes and Peter were unloading the supplies, from the back of the wagon that they came on. Looking down at the ground, Krista started to feel alone. Slowly, very slowly, she walked into the house. The inside was slightly breathtaking for her. For she could tell that this home could house at least 10 people if not slightly more. The living room had some luxurious chairs, not extremely like the nobles. But enough that shows wealth. Hearing crying, Krista started towards the kitchen, where the sound is coming from.
"Hold on a minute, will you? I'm cutting the apples as fast as I can."
Turning around the doorway, Krista could see and hear the child, as she sat in a wooden high chair crying for food. Eren, was busy in the kitchen to make the mush apples that the child likes. Without a noise, Krista walked up to the child and rubbed the top of her head. The child looked up at who touched her, as she started to settle down. Krista grabbed the child's hand and started to hush her.
"Hey now. Shhhh, it's ok."
"Mama."
Krista felt her heart beating harder as she frowned. She looked over the child as she felt the child grabbed a hold of her thumb. The child started to slightly bounce up and down as she kicked her tiny legs. Then, Eren stopped in front of the wooden high chair and grabbed a near by chair. The small, now happy child, turned her attention over to Eren. Eren brought a small spoonful of the mush apples, to the child. Krista watched as the child opened her tiny mouth as wide as possible, and took in the sweet taste of mush apples. Once she was done swallowing, the child opened her mouth again to receive more of her yummy food. For the next five spoonful it was like this. Eren would bring the food to the child. The child would open really wide. The child would slightly chew in a way, shallow and open her mouth once more.
Krista had by this time, sat down in a chair of her own. Especially since the child wouldn't let go of her thump. However, Krista just quietly observed Eren's facial expression. Though Eren kept his hard stare and he hasn't smiled, something that Krista herself hasn't seen in a while. But who could blame him? Krista was in the same boat as Eren. She stared at the child in guilt as she watched her eat another spoonful.
"Can I do it?"
Eren turned towards Krista as he placed the spoon back into the bowl. Krista meanwhile, was extremely confused as well.
"Why did I just blur that out?"
A few moments went by, and the child had opened her mouth to receive her tasty dish of mush apples. Eren, just watched as Krista started to blush from embarrassment, as he could tell that she didn't think it through. But to Krista surprise, Eren handed her the bowl without question. Silently, and with slight hesitation, Krista took the bowl, while she freed her thumb. The child watched in anticipation as she turned towards where the bowl is, cause that's where the food came from. The child made a happy noise as she smiled at Krista. Krista smiled softly to the child as she scooped some food for her. Bring the food towards the happy child, Krista watched as the child ate it with joy of being fed. For the next few minutes Krista fed the child, while Eren just silently watched. Eren ended up turning towards Hannes who came by for a second, before leaving the three in the kitchen. Soon, the child was full and refused to eat any more. Instead the child yawned and rubbed her face. Using a small cloth, Krista wiped the child's face clean, while Eren took the bowl.
Grabbing the child from the chair, Krista gently placed the child against her, as she started to rock back and forth. She was smiling as she lightly tapped the child's back, however, when she looked at Eren. Who just stared at her, her face quickly fell as she turned away and walked out of the kitchen. Eren exhaled sharply out of his nose, as he slowly followed Krista out of the kitchen. He watched as Krista walked towards the front door. Following her, Eren went outside and watched as several wagons that the Garrison Corps brought, started to leave. Looking around, he saw Krista conversing with several of the Garrison soldiers. One he recognized as Rico, from the Battle of Trost, and the other he could tell was Marie. Walking to them, Eren started to listen in on their conversation.
"So, is this it?" Krista asked.
Rico nodded. "Yeah, this place is going to be your new home."
Krista sighed silently to herself. The child in her arms fell fast asleep.
"Marie." Krista said as she turned to her.
"Yes?"
Krista started to slightly blushed as she spoke. "U-Um…D-Do you know what r-room the child is going to sleep in? I got to put her in bed, since it's getting late."
Marie just smiled sweetly and nodded. "Of course. If you would follow me, I'll lead you to the room with her crib."
With that Krista and Marie walked away back inside the house. Eren just watched as the two walked before Rico called his attention.
"So, Mr. Yaeger."
Eren turned to Rico.
"If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. OK?"
Eren nodded as he spoke. "Is everything OK here?"
Rico rose an eyebrow. "If you mean that everything is in order? Yes, it is. All of your belongings and Krista belongings are in the house."
"What about food?"
Rico smiled at Eren's question as she answered it.
"There is food inside the house. Not only that, but there's also food stored in the basement as well."
Eren crossed his arms as he sighed heavily. "Is there anything about this place that I should know? Like where the fuck we are located at?"
Rico just inwardly groaned at Eren.
"You should know that behind the house is a stable. Both yours and Krista's horses from the Survey Corps are located there. Not only that," She pointed to her right. "but if you look to your left there's a small guest house built there."
Eren turned his attention to where Rico was pointing at. True to her words there was a smaller building, about one-third if not smaller than the main house. Eren was surprised that there was even another building.
"Another house? Who's staying there?"
Rico lightly smiled. "I am." She answered.
Eren turned back to Rico in shock.
"You are?"
Rico nodded her head. "And it's not just me. No. Peter, Marie and Hannes are going to stay there. There's also going to be one more person, but I'm not sure who it is."
"So, five people are going to live in that building?" Eren thought as he looked at the ground.
Eren brought his head up. "Why are you guys going to live there?"
Rico sighed. "Orders. We were told, that we were going to be stationed here for an unspecific amount of time."
"Did the higher ups placed them here to protect Krista, me and the child? Or are they here to make sure we don't leave?"
Eren just sighed in defeat as he looked up at the sky. The full moon shining down on them. Knowing that there's nothing left to talk about Eren, just turned and started to walk back to the front door. But as he started to walk away, he remembered one thing Rico forgot to mentioned.
"Hey, Rico?"
"Yeah?" She answered.
Eren turned to face her. "You never did tell me the answer to one of my question."
"What was your question?"
Eren stared at Rico for a moment. "Where is this place?"
For a whole minute, Eren and Rico stared in silence, as the wind started to lightly pick up. Then Rico opened her mouth and spoke.
"I can't answer that."
Eren grit his teeth as he swore. Then he resumed his walk to the front door. All the while Rico just watched him carefully.
"Things will not go well."
Eren went back inside the house, and closed the door. He then leaned against the door as fatigue started to set in.
"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" Eren thought as he continued to grit his teeth in anger."FUCKING HELL! WHAT IN GOD'S NAME CONVENSED ME THAT THIS WAS A GREAT IDEA?!"
Eren knew. He knew from the moment that he signed that damn document that this was a mistake. Now he and Krista are basically prisoners in the walls. Just like before the fall of his home, he felt like he's trapped in a cage. He had a little freedom when he joined the Scouting Regiment, but now it's like he's been placed right back in a cage. Like a cage bird who can't have freedom. Now, he not only dragged himself into a cage, he also dragged in two people with him. Krista and a small child. Tears threaten to escape Eren's eyes, but hearing footsteps coming down the stairs, caused Eren to quickly push his feelings away. Within a few moments, Marie came walking down the stairs.
Marie saw Eren standing by the door and greeted him.
"Hey, Mr. Yaeger."
Eren nodded in acknowledgement, but he stayed silent. He watched as Marie walked to the front door, opened it, smiled and left.
"Good night."
Once the door closed, Eren sighed heavily. Then he decided to head up stairs. He had to find Krista, they need to talk. Walking up the stairs Eren couldn't help but wondered, why was this building built? This building took time to build, but to whom was it built for? Was it built for some rich noble? Or was it built for something else? Reaching the second floor, Eren started to search the rooms for Krista. He noticed that most of the rooms on the upper floor were empty. The others were in use. One was a nursery, intended for the child to learn and grow. Another room had a spare bed, dresser and a mirror, but that's about it. The last one was occupied.
Looking inside, Eren opened the door and peered inside. He saw Krista, as she was looking down at the sleeping child. He then heard Krista humming softly as she petted the top of the child's head. Walking into the room, Eren got to look more at the room. He noticed a single large bed in the room. He also noticed both his and Krista's wardrobe's in the room. The crib that the child was sleeping in was in here as well. It was then that Eren noticed how large this room was. Obviously, this was the Master Bedroom, and it seems that it's expected that both him and Krista were supposed to share it.
"Krista." Eren spoke.
Krista turned to Eren who continued to stare intently at her. This caused Krista some uneased somewhat. But she could tell that Eren was angry, and hopefully not at her.
"Yes, Eren?"
Eren didn't say anything for a moment before he spoke.
"We need to talk."
Krista nodded and left the sleeping child. Eren turned around and walked out of the room. Krista followed Eren downstairs. They entered the kitchen and Krista watched as Eren grabbed some food out of the cupboards. Krista sat down in a chair when Eren brought some bread, cheese and fruit. It wasn't until she saw the food that Krista realized how hungry she was. For a few minutes Eren and Krista ate in silence. However, Eren opened his mouth and spoke.
"Krista," Eren watched as Krista looked at him as she continued to eat. "we need to talk about the child, and about our current situation."
Krista sighed heavily as she finished her bread.
"Where should we start?"
Eren placed his elbows on the table as he brought his hands up.
"We should start with the obvious, the child."
"What about her?"
Eren took a deep breath. "For one, we can't just keep calling her 'The Child.' If you remember what Commander Pixis said, we need to come up with a name for her. Especially since she has to get baptized into the Church."
Krista couldn't help but agree with Eren. After all this child is their daughter now. Not giving her a name would be cruel. A lot crueler than ignoring that the child exists. Eren stared heavily at Krista and for a brief moment he thought that Krista flashed a hint of sorrow. But maybe it was due to the fact that it's late? So, Eren just ignored what he saw.
"So…What shall we name her then?" Krista asked.
Eren sighed and shook his head.
"I don't know. To be honest I'm terrible at names. I could honestly careless on what name we use."
Something stirred in Krista as she felt her blood start to boil. But that feeling quickly went away, when she realized that, she too, was in the same boat. After all, she never thought that she would have kids in this lifetime. That she would have to name one. Due to certain circumstances, she never thought that she would have a family. With her being in the Survey Corps, and fighting Titans, her end could happen at any time.
"Well," Krista started. "we should name a few to start with. Then we can go from there. If that's alright with you?"
Eren didn't say anything as he leaned back in his seat. While, he did think that Krista would have a name by now, he knew that he would have to come to terms with this. After all, he is supposed to help raise the child. He agreed to the terms, and he didn't hesitate in signing his life to a cage.
"Very well, I think we should call her 'Betsey.'"
Krista rose an eyebrow. "'Betsey?' You want to name her after what most people name cows?"
Eren just stared at Krista. "Why not? Unless you have a better name?"
"How about Elizabeth?"
"Too long."
Krista just stared at Eren. "That's too long for you?"
Krista could tell that Eren was using that as an excuse. She could tell that Eren is putting up a front. He was scared. About what Krista doesn't know. Scared that he might not be able to leave this place? Scared that their friends might die? Or was it something else?
"Alright, how about Ruth then?" Krista asked.
Eren shook his head, "No. Sarah?"
"Sarah could work." Krista said thinking.
"How about Mud?"
"Eren this is serious!"
"Then you pick a name. Or we will only end up call her Anna instead?"
Krista smiled. This caused Eren to glare at her as he leaned forward.
"What?"
"'Anna.' I think that's a good name for the child."
"You want to call her Anna?"
Eren watched as Krista continued to smile. Only getting a nod in response to his question, Eren sighed.
"Then Anna it is."
For the next couple of minutes Eren and Krista sat in silence. The atmosphere from the friendly banter earlier left. Soon, Krista could feel that a more serious conversation was here. A chime from a near by clock caught Krista's attention. It was then that she realized that it was one o' clock in the morning.
"Krista."
Turning back to Eren, Krista watched as he looked down at the table. He was tired, Krista could tell. But it was more to that.
"Let me ask you something."
Krista watched as Eren eyes looked up to her, and she could feel like he was staring into her soul. He had the same look whenever he felt hatred. But was this hatred or regret?
"Do you feel like you are stuck in a cage?"
Krista eyes went wide. Her breathing started to become heavier as Eren continued to stare at her.
"What does he mean by that? Does he…No. No one knows."
"W-W-What makes you say t-that Eren?"
Eren studied Krista deeply.
"What I mean by that is, how I view my situation. My life."
Krista sighed silently in relief. However, she listened intently to Eren.
"All of my life, I've been stuck in a cage. Growing up in the walls in my home district. I always wanted to know what was outside of these walls. To free my so called 'wings' and live my own life. No one else really cared about how they lived. Most were content in living in the cage known as the walls. However, they didn't call it a cage. They called it home, freedom. But then everything changed, and everyone was reminded that they live in a cage." Eren paused as some memories passed in his mind. But he continued, all the while Krista silently listened to him.
"Yet, despite the reminder, everyone is still content in living in this cage. Krista, do you know what happens to a bird that can't fly?"
Krista didn't answer verbally, instead she shook her head as her mind was trying to follow what Eren was saying.
"Birds that can't fly…gets eaten."
Krista eyes went wide as the moonlight shined through the kitchen window. But Eren continued his train of thought.
"That is why I joined the Survey Corps. So, I could spread my wings, and fly. To be free of this cage that I call home. And for a while I knew what I had to do to keep my freedom to fly. But now…" Eren stared at the table in front of him. "Now, I am stuck back into a cage. Krista…"
Eren sighed heavily as he closed his eyes. He didn't say anything else, instead he stood up, ending the conversation. Krista didn't watch, instead she continued to stare ahead as if Eren was still sitting down. Eren walked pass Krista and out of the kitchen. However, he paused, but Krista didn't turn around. She continued to look forwards.
"I'm going to sleep in the spare bedroom. You sleep in the Master Bedroom. If you need anything don't hesitate to call me. I'll help out anyway I can."
With that Krista heard Eren walk away from her and up the stairs. Krista didn't move, even as she heard the closing of a door. Her thoughts were on what Eren had just told her. And that confused her to no end. Because Eren had never opened up to her before. Even though for the past eight, nine days she and Eren spent more time together than they had in the Training Corps. Is it because Armin and Mikasa wasn't there? Or was it do to their current situation? It doesn't make sense, since both her and Eren are complete opposite. Yet, Krista couldn't help but think, that deep down, she and Eren might be more similar than she originally thought. She knew what Eren was telling her.
She knew exactly why that was. Yet…Krista sighed heavily as she slumped in her chair. Looking at the clock it was ten minutes til two. Standing up, Krista blew out the candles that lit the kitchen. Then she went abound the house and made sure that any light source was extinguished. Then she walked upstairs. As she passed by the spare bedroom, Krista couldn't help but to look it. Eren was fast asleep, exhaustion caught up to him. Walking to the Master Bedroom, Krista opened the door. The child…No. Anna, was still fast asleep. It was then that Krista noticed that a small stuff toy was on the ground. Picking it up, Krista smiled at the small stuff rabbit. Gently she placed the rabbit in Anna's crib. Then she got undressed, and she grabbed a loose white nightgown from her wardrobe. Putting that on, she then climbed into bed. It could have been a few minutes, but for Krista is was a matter of seconds, she fell into a dreamless sleep.
-Guest House-
Hannes sighed heavily as he watched the house. He watched as the lights were put out. Eren and Krista had gone to bed. Turning around he was about to head inside when the sound of a horse came closer. Looking towards the sound, he watched as a warhorse carrying a scout came riding up. The hooded figure got off the horse and lifted his hood.
"You must be Captain Levi, I presume." Hannes said with a smile.
Levi just stared at Hannes, who just chuckled. Walking down the steps to the ground, Hannes took a drink from his canteen.
"Come on, I'll show you where the stable is."
Levi nodded as he followed Hannes, leading his horse behind him. As they got closer to the main house, Levi was impressed by the size of it.
"Is this where Yaeger and Lenz are staying in?"
"Yep, the lights went out a few moments before you arrived. So, they must be fast asleep by now."
Levi didn't respond as he continued to look at the house. Within a few minutes, Levi noticed a stable with quite a few horses inside it. He counted six horses as they stood still. One was drinking from a trough while two more were eating hay. The others just looked bored as they eyed the two humans.
"You can put your horse here."
"How many soldiers are here?"
Hannes groaned as he put down the wooden beam.
"If you don't include Eren and Krista, there are four of us, here right now. If you don't include yourself."
Levi just stared at Hannes. "What do you mean?"
Hannes sighed as he tied Levi's horse to it's hitched. "What I mean is that there are going to be two more soldiers here."
This statement surprised Levi. For he was told that it was going to be him and a couple of Garrison soldiers stationed here. Makes him wonder what is not being said. After all, he doesn't know why it is that Eren and Krista is here.
"How do you know that?"
Hannes just chuckled. "That's easy. It's because I am going to be in charge of security here."
Levi just "hmm," as he watched Hannes walking away. Following him, Levi started back towards the smaller house.
"Why are you the one in charge of security?"
Hannes didn't answer, as he kept walking. Levi just sighed.
"If you aren't going to tell me that's fine. But answer me this, why is it that Yaeger and Lenz out here in the middle of nowhere?"
Hannes stopped in his tracks as he turned his attention to Levi.
"Listen. I'll answer your questions once we get inside. We can't talk outside. We don't want Eren or Krista catch wind of this."
Levi nodded in response as the two walked back in silence. Reaching the front porch, Hannes opened the door and motioned Levi in first. Inside, were the remainder members of the so called "security" team. Levi immediately recognized Rico, but not the other two. Rico and the others were surprised that Captain Levi was here.
"Levi, what are you doing here?" Rico asked.
"I could say the same to you." Levi retorted.
"Now, now." Hannes started as he got in between Rico and Levi. "We're going to be spending some time here together. So best to get along now."
Rico sighed heavily as she smiled. "Your right, Hannes." She turned to Levi. "Sorry if I sounded rude Captain Levi. I've had a long day."
Levi gave a nod as he spoke. "I understand."
"I'm going to head to bed now, Hannes. I'll see everyone in the morning."
With that Rico went up stairs to sleep. Levi turned his attention to the other two in the room.
"Who are you two?"
The man smiled and held out a hand, which Levi shook.
"I'm Peter, and this is Marie. We never formally introduced ourselves about a week ago. We were with Eren and Krista during their Expedition."
Memories of what happened entered Levi's mind.
"That's right. How are you two doing?"
Marie smiled as she placed her hands behind her head.
"We're doing fine. Though we are tired as hell. I had to help move Eren's and Krista's stuff. While Peter where got the easier job."
Peter just glared at Marie before sighing.
"It's late. I'm going to bed."
This surprised Marie as she chased after him.
"Hey, Peter?"
Hannes just sighed as he pointed at a chair.
"Why don't you take a seat Levi, and I'll answer everything I can."
Levi nodded and took a seat. He then watched as Hannes took a seat in front of him. Hannes let out a sigh as he sat down.
"So, Captain Hannes. What exactly are we doing here?"
"Straight to business huh?" Hannes thought.
"Well, Levi, before I answer that let me ask you something. What are your orders in being here?"
Levi stared at Hannes intently. "My orders are to be an escort for Yaeger, and Lenz back to the Survey Corps for training and back here. That's my first order. My second is to help keep unauthorized eyes from this area. And finally, my third order is help to serve the person in charge."
Hannes sighed deeply. "Levi, my orders consist with being the man in charge. My number one order is to protect this place. I'm to organized nightly and daily patrols in the area."
"So, we both have the same goal."
Hannes chuckled. "Yeah, except I won't be going anywhere."
Levi stayed silent as he eyed Hannes. Then he spoke.
"Now to answer my question, Hannes. 'What exactly are we doing here?'"
Hannes leaned back in his chair.
"Unfortunately, I can't answer that for you."
"What do you mean?"
Hannes put up a hand. "Don't bite my head off yet, Levi. What I mean is that I can't answer that for you. Instead you'll just have to see for yourself tomorrow. Any other questions?"
"Why the secrecy?"
Hannes sighed. "All I can tell you is that this has to do with humanity survival. There's another person inside the main house. But you can see for yourself in the morning. For now, you need sleep."
Levi just glared at Hannes. There's something here that's no one is telling him. There's a reason why he's here. What that reason is he doesn't know. But he's under orders that when he escort either Eren or Krista to the Corps, that he doesn't say anything about this place. But it's not only the where that can't be said, but it's the who that bothered him. When he got this assignment, he had to swear to secrecy on not talking about a certain individual. Why? Who is this person? Unfortunately, he won't be able to see this person until this tomorrow morning. For now, Levi will head to bed. It's been a long day.
"Very well. Good night Hannes."
With that Levi went upstairs and off to bed. Hannes sighed as he leaned back in the chair.
"Tomorrow, Levi is going to meet her. I wonder what his reaction would be, when he finds out that we are protecting not only Eren and Krista, but a child as well."
A sharp cry jolted Krista awake, as she frantically looked around. It didn't take long for Krista to locate the sound. Getting out of bed, Krista walked speedily towards Anna's crib. Seeing her daughter crying, Krista picked her up.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
Anna continued to cry, as Krista tried to comfort the child. Thinking the child is hungry, Krista left the room and went downstairs. She walked pass Eren who just stared at her, but she gave him no heed. Instead she headed straight towards the kitchen and placed Anna in her high chair. Her crying still continued.
"Ok. Okokokokok, let's see here. Milk. I'll give you milk."
Krista started to look for milk, however, she couldn't find milk. Anna's crying was starting to drive her nuts. She needed to find something else. Anything to feed the child. Eren however, came downstairs to offer some help. As Anna's crying never stopped.
"Krista, what's going on here?!" Eren yelled above Anna's cry.
Krista turned around as she held some carrots.
"Anna's crying! I think she's hungry, could you keep her company while I cut up the carrots?"
Eren nodded and turned his attention to his…daughter. While that is something foreign for Eren, he doesn't have time to dwell on it. So, he went down towards eyelevel with Anna.
"Hey Anna, how are you doing?"
Anna stopped crying for a moment and Eren smiled. But then she continued to cry, causing Eren to frown. Krista came to the high chair with the cut-up carrots. Using a fork, Krista picked up a piece of carrot and tried to feed Anna. Anna however, just pushed the carrot away as she continued to cry. Krista was confused as she tried to feed the carrot again to Anna. But Anna just kept pushing it away.
"What's wrong? Aren't you hungry?"
Eren felt Anna's forehead, but she doesn't feel warm, but Anna kept crying. This caused Krista to pick up the crying Anna. A headache started to formed from the consistent crying. Eren, at this time decided to take the child away from Krista.
"What are you doing?" Krista asked as Eren took Anna.
"I'm trying to help."
"But you're doing it wrong!"
This confused Eren as he only had her for a second.
"How am I doing it wrong when I only had her for a second?"
Anna started to cry louder. Which prompted Krista to take back Anna.
"Here give her to me."
"What do you want me to do then?"
Krista thought for a moment before an idea came to her.
"Fix her a bath."
This caused Eren to scoff out loud.
"A bath? How's a bath going to help?"
"I don't know? Maybe she's crying cause she's dirty?"
Eren sighed heavily and walked away. "OK. Ok. I'll find a small container and fill it up with water."
Eren left Krista alone with Anna, who had settled down some, but was still crying. Krista started to whip away some of Anna's tears. Anna had gripped Krista's nightgown, as she looked around. Soon, Eren came back with a container filled with water, and set it on the table. Smiling, Krista thanked Eren, and she proceeded to strip Anna. As Krista took Anna's clothes off a strong smell hit both Eren and Krista.
"Oh, god!" Eren stated as he turned away.
Now they know why Anna was crying. Krista handed Anna to Eren, which Eren voiced his complaint.
"Hey! Where're you going?"
"I'm going to grab somethings to clean her. Just hold her, and I'll be back."
Eren was going to protest, but Krista left. Sighing, Eren just stared at Anna. Her tear-stained teal-greens pierced into his as she breathed heavily.
"Dada."
Eren didn't react, instead he kept staring at her. What secrets does she hide? Where did she come from? Who are her real parents? Eren sighed, as Krista came back with some cloth. After a sickening (according to Eren,) experience of cleaning up their daughter. Once Anna was cleaned up, Eren put her in the water. He then added some soap and moved the water around, causing some soap bubbles to form. Anna started to splash the water, and was now very interested in the soap bubbles. Eren and Krista watched as Anna put some in her mouth before making a weird face. Krista giggled while Eren just smirked, as he placed some soap on Anna's head. A knock from the front door, caught their attention. Eren turned to Krista.
"Stay here with Anna. It might be Hannes."
Krista nodded and Eren left the kitchen. Krista poured some water on Anna's head, causing her to giggle loudly at the sensation.
"Do you like that Anna?"
Anna just stared at Krista before, she restarted splashing some water around.
Eren meanwhile opened the front door. Standing there was the last person he thought he'd see here.
"Captain Levi?"
Levi just stared at Eren as he stood there.
"Yaeger."
"What are you doing here?" Eren asked.
"I could say the same thing, if I wasn't here under orders."
Eren moved out of the way and let Levi in. Levi came in followed by three more people. A nurse and two Military Police. Eren was confused as he shut the door. But before he could ask any questions, Levi spoke.
"Where's Lenz?"
Eren pointed to the kitchen.
"She's in the kitchen."
Levi didn't hesitate as he moved towards the kitchen. Eren called out to him.
"Captain Levi, wait?!"
Ignoring Eren, Levi went ahead to the kitchen. Entering the kitchen, Levi saw Krista standing over a container of water. But what caught his eye the most, was the small child who was chewing on her arm, as she sat in the water. Krista got a bit startled when Levi walked in. Instinctively, she stood closer to Anna. Following Levi, were the nurse and two MP's with Eren coming right behind them. For a few minutes no one moved or spoke, except for the child in the tub, who started to taste the soap again. Then without a word, Levi turned around started to walk out of the kitchen. The two MP's followed, while the nurse walked closer to Krista.
Levi stopped by Eren and just said. "Follow me outside."
With that Levi and the MP's walked towards the front doors. Sighing heavily Eren turned to Krista, who just eyed him. Then silently, Eren walked back towards the front door. Once Eren was gone from her sights, Krista turned to the nurse.
"Hello, Miss Lenz."
"Who are you?" Krista asked.
The nurse slightly bowed as she answered. "My name is Nurse Holly. I was given orders to relocate here and help you and Mr. Yaeger with the child."
Krista didn't say anything as she picked up Anna from the water. With her clean, there's no longer any reason to keep her in the tub. Nurse Holly, grabbed a towel and handed it to Krista.
"Thank you." Thanked Krista.
The nurse bowed slightly once more. "It's my pleasure."
Using the towel, Krista started to dry off Anna. Then she redressed Anna with what she needs to wear. Then placed her in her wooden high chair. Anna started to bounce slightly as she called out to Krista.
"Mama."
Krista smiled as she petted Anna's head. Turning around, Krista watched as Nurse Holly started to prepare some food for Anna. Holly noticed Krista staring at her, and just smiled.
"I got this, Miss Lenz. You just sit, rest and keep an eye on the child."
Krista sat down in the chair and just watched as Nurse Holly worked.
Eren, meanwhile, had walked outside and towards Levi. Levi spoke when Eren got close.
"I need you to answer my question, Yaeger."
Eren nodded and asked. "What's your question, Captain Levi?"
Levi sighed as he stared at Eren.
"Is that child, the other occupant of this house?"
Eren nodded. "Yes."
Levi eyes narrowed at Eren. "What the hell did you two get involved in?"
Eren stayed silent, as he looked away. Even he didn't know exactly what he was involved in. Or why he got involved in the first place. Not even Krista knew what she was getting into. Neither of them. Turning his attention back to Levi, Eren sighed.
"We aren't too sure either Captain."
"I want to know something." Levi stated as he got closer to Eren. "I want to know why it is, that the person we aren't supposed to mentioned, is that child inside?"
Eren shrugged his shoulders. "You are asking the wrong person about Anna."
Levi lifted an eyebrow. "Who's Anna?"
Eren took a deep breath as he sighed. "Anna, is the name the child. Krista and I named her after we had agreed to take care of her."
Levi stayed silent as he took in this information. He watched Eren with curious eyes.
"Yaeger, is…Anna, a noble daughter?"
"I don't know Captain Levi? I don't have an answer to that question."
"But she's not your daughter, is she?"
Eren was a bit shocked when Levi stated that. Almost immediately Eren felt something stir inside.
"Of course, she's my daughter. Krista and I adopted her."
That is what he heard in the back of his mind. Yet, that's the kicker. Eren was a surrogate father for the child, for Anna. And Krista was the surrogate mother. Neither of them had the child. The child was born somewhere else, escorted by six Garrison soldiers, and found by Krista and him. The child was supposed to be adopted by another family. Yet, for some strange reason, she was pawned off to him and Krista under the penalty of death, should they decline.
"Technically no. But Captain Levi, Krista and I are her parents now. And I'm under orders to take care of the child. If there's nothing else Captain, I should go check up on Krista and Anna."
Levi sighed silently to himself as he responded.
"Very well, but before you go, I need to tell you something." Levi paused for a moment before continuing. "In two days, I need to escort one of you to the Scout Headquarters. Commander Erwin is under orders that both you and Krista are in a rotation right now. That means, that for two days one of you is in training, while the other stays. After two days, the two of you switch. This is the schedule until new orders arrive. Understand?"
Eren said nothing as he walked away. As he walked, he eyed the two MP's that were eyeing him. Why they were here, he doesn't know. But he could have sworn that he's seen them before, but where? Ignoring that thought for now, Eren entered the house.
Levi, in the meantime, was walking back to the guest house. A great deal of things were on his mind. Why is it that the most brash scout under his command and the gentlest scout, chosen to take care of a random child? Yet, at the same time, the military has taken full interest in this. Why? How is this child, a child that no one seems to know where she came from, is important that the Commanders of all three branches have placed people to protect?
"Hannes, Peter, Marie and Rico of the Garrison Corps. Most likely they were chosen by Commander Pixis to be here. There's Hitch Dreyse and Marlowe Freudenberg of the Military Police. Don't know if Commander Dok is involved, but obviously here under the same orders. Then there's me from the Survey Corps, under orders from Zachary. The seven of us chosen to protect this place and the three inhabitants."
Levi entered the guest house and sat down, as he thoughts continued.
"Eren Yaeger, Krista Lenz, and the child, now named Anna. These three individuals closely eyed by the military. But most importantly, all three must be protected, and the child Anna must not be spoken outside this compound. Why? There's something more here than meets the eye."
The rest of the day went by like a blur, and soon it was nightfall. Eren sat down on the edge of the bed in the Master Bedroom. For Nurse Holly took the spare bedroom, which was obvious prepared for her. This forced Eren and Krista in an awkward predicament, as there's only one room left prepared with a bed. But to help take care of Anna, they had no choice. Which is why he's currently sitting on the bed, with his elbows on his knees. The words Levi spoke continued to spin around his head. Eren couldn't explain it, as this morning for a while, he and Krista acted different. They acted like they were somewhere else. For a while, it seemed like they forgot that there were other people in the world. Hearing Anna, fussing caused Eren to turn to Krista. He watched as Krista was rocking her back and forth, trying to put her to sleep. Turning away from them, words ran through his mind.
She's not your daughter.
Eren gripped his hands tight as he grits his teeth.
"I'm just a caretaker to this child. I am not her father. I was given an order, and as a soldier I must follow it."
Yet, here he is. Following his orders, he must be in the same room as the child. Anna. Anna is her name now. Eren could feel the bed shift as Krista climbed into it. Eren wanted to run. He wanted to get out of here. Despite the fact that he's only been here for one day, he felt trapped. He hates feeling trapped.
"Eren."
Eren didn't turned to Krista. Instead he just spoke as he stared at the wall in front of him.
"Yeah?"
Krista knew something was wrong. The last several times he's been this quiet, was due to the fact that Eren is blaming something on him.
"What did Captain Levi want?"
Eren took a moment before answering.
"Nothing much, just wanted to know about t-…Anna. He also wanted to know which one of us is going back to the Regiment for training in two days."
Krista sighed heavily as she blew out her candle, the only light source in the room.
"I see…Well, we can discuss this in the morning. We have too."
Eren just grunted in response. This caused Krista to say good night, as she laid down and sleep. Only she would, if it wasn't for the fact that sleep wasn't going to happen. Her thoughts went to the conversation she and Eren had last night, or earlier this morning. The conversation about being in a cage. She had watched Nurse Holly work all day. And Krista couldn't help but be impressed at how well she handled Anna. She was able to tell when Anna need food, when she needed to be changed, when she needed a nap. It was like she was a mother. An actual mother. Krista, of course, was there to help as much as possible, with what she can. Though it seems Anna doesn't care much for Nurse Holly.
But it made her think more and more about the cage. A cage bird depends on the Handlers for survival. For without the Handlers the cage bird would run out of food and water, and would either die of starvation or dehydration. Her memories from her childhood ran through her mind. Krista sighed softly as she felt the bed moved as Eren laid down. Closing her eyes, Krista tried to sleep.
This new home is a cage. And the occupants of this new cage, is three. Wither Eren and Krista like it or not, they are here. And they agreed to this. The moment they signed the papers their fate was sealed. They agreed to raise Anna as their own child. To be baptized in the Church of the Walls to show support of humanity. The path they are on is broad with no end in sight. A long dark path to nowhere. Yet walk it they must, alone. With the child of unknown origins in their arms, they'll continue their journey.
They are in a cage. A cage of their own making.
A/N: And that's chapter four. Hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did. I tried my best with what I can for this chapter. I don't know if they have soap bubbles in Attack on Titan. I tried to look it up and all I got was actual Attack on Titan bars of soap that people can buy. I hope you guys like the name Anna. I was thinking of calling her Sarah, but then Anna came to my mind and I had a bit of trouble choosing. But I chose Anna in the end.
(I know that Anna is close to Annie, I didn't make that connection until several days after I made up my mind. Anna stays.) I know you guys have some questions by now other than about Anna. Like does Commander Erwin know about the child. For a short quick answer, yes, but he doesn't know where Eren and Krista is located. The reason why will be answered in the next chapter more in depth.