Chapter 8
The future now lies in our hands.
It had taken most of the night, and much backtracking, but Ymir had finally found a trail that might lead to her precious Krista. There was a line of gigantic footprints leading in a straight path towards the Titan forest. ''At last, I thought we would never find them!'' Eren said, as his eyes followed the footprints towards the forest in the distance. Ymir squinted, and nodded, she started moving towards the Titan forest, but Eren dismounted his horse. ''What's our plan?'' he asked, while petting his horse, thanking it for the long ride through the night.
Ymir blew a strand of hair out of her eyes, before she impatiently dismounted too. Eren continued, ''We don't know what the situation is. Whether there are many Titans, or whether Reiner and Bertholdt set any traps. Not to mention that they have Armin and Krista as hostages. Don't we need some sort of plan...'' Ymir was about to interrupt Eren, but a male voice behind them did so before she could. ''That is why we stopped you in the first place, so there would be time to think of a decent plan.'' The two Titan-shifters turned, only to see a pissed-off Levi, an equally angry, but worried, Mikasa and four horses, one of which turned out to be Jean. ''Oh.., uh...hi?'' the two Titan-shifters said, but before anything more could follow, a terrified scream came from the Titan-forest.
''Krista!'' Ymir yelled, before attempting to mount her horse again. Mikasa stopped her, ''Don't be a fool. What are you going to do once you arrive there? Allow all the Titans to attack you?'' she asked. Jean's eyes widened in surprise, before he said, ''That's not an entirely stupid idea. I'll be a decoy. I'll draw away most of the Titans, signal you, and then you and Eren can fight those that linger in your Titan-form, and Mikasa and the Heichou can go and save Armin and Krista.'' They heard a rumble and another scream, this one more desperate then before. ''It isn't a solid plan, but it'll have to do.'' Levi said, and Jean nodded before racing off towards the forest.
They waited for Jean's flare gun, signalling that it was okay for Ymir and Eren to approach. The Titan shifters bit their hands to trigger the transformation. Ymir headed to the forest straight away. Eren, on the other hand, lost control, much like the second time he shifted into Titan form, and attacked Mikasa, who tumbled out of the way. ''Go, save Armin and Krista, I'll deal with him.'' she directed Levi, before attaching her 3DM Gear to a tree, and lunging at Eren.
While Mikasa charged Eren, Levi rushed towards the forest. Jean had led most Titans away, only a few were left, fighting with Ymir near a large tree. Levi assumed that the tree was the place where he could find the Titan shifters and their captives, Krista and Armin. He attached his 3DM gear to a branch, way up there, before reeling the wires in, and allowing the exhaust on his gear to push him upwards. He landed safely on a branch, then looked up. He was able to see three people, two branches higher. However, he didn't see Bertholdt, which made him catious.
He grabbed his swords to attack Reiner, mentally preparing for any surprise attack Bertholdt might spring. Before he could attach his 3DM gear, he heard a roar. As he looked down, he saw more Titans surrounding Ymir, who was on the verge of being overwhelmed. Levi wanted to help her, he really did, but Krista and Armin held higher priority.
Levi heard a mechanical sound, and some cable reeling, maybe Mikasa had knocked Eren out, and had come to assist him. Whatever it was, Levi couldn't bear to wait any longer, he attached his gear to the branch where Krista and Armin were held imprisoned, then charged at Reiner.
A few minutes ago, Krista's Point of View:
This is horrible. Jean has led so many Titans away, but they probably have devoured him by now. My good friend, my love, my Ymir, is under attack by a group of Titans, and more keep coming. Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder, and look to see who's there. ''Bertholdt.'' I cry softly. He says, ''It is going to be okay, I promise you, Krista.'' and shows me his 3DM Gear. ''We've been saving it, in case we needed to escape from this place. I'm not going to flee, though.'' he continues thoughtfully. ''What do you mean?'' I ask. ''I'm going to help Ymir. Allow me to bring you back to Reiner and Armin first.'' he says, while holding out a hand.
I smile, and gingerly take his hand. He holds me close, as we wander back to Reiner and Armin. He hands me to Reiner, who holds me protectively. ''I'm going to help Ymir'' he tells Reiner, before attaching his gear to the base of a nearby tree, and jumping.
''Please be safe.'' I say softly, before hearing another reeling sound. It's rather close, and I turn to see the Heichou aim at Reiner. ''Nooooo.'' I scream, as I push Reiner out of the way, but Heichou's speed was to great, he knocks me over, and I stumble to the side, then fall.
Regular Point of View from here...
Krista screamed as she fell down. ''Krista!'' Armin yelled before being pulled back by familiar arms. ''Where's your fellow shifter?'' Levi demanded, while pointing his blade at Reiner. Reiner smirked before pointing at the fight beneath them. ''He's going to help Ymir. We'll need her, it was never our intention to let her die.'' he said, before making a fist with his hand. ''Reiner, stop it!'' Armin said, as Reiner approached them. Levi let go of Armin, and gently pushed him aside, all the while keeping his blade trained on Reiner. Armin smoothly stepped behind Levi, still speaking, ''Please Reiner, I beg you,...''
Before Reiner could hit Levi, a fist hit him on the back of his head, knocking him out cold. ''That was for Marco, you son of a bitch'' Jean said, as he grabbed his rope, and tied Reiner's hands together. ''Jean, you're alive.'' Armin said, as he tackled Jean, with a loving hug. ''Of course I am alive. I'm not defeated that easily.'' Jean said, with a smile. ''Where is Mikasa?'' he asked Levi, who pointed behind them. ''Eren's transformation had some teething problems, she's taking care of it. She has probably knocked him senseless by now.'' he said. ''Isn't he always?'' Jean asked with a quirked eyebrow.
Armin shot Levi a worried look, but Levi smiled at him. ''They'll be just fine. Jean, take Reiner to Mikasa and Eren.'' he commanded. ''Yes, Sir!'' Jean let go of Armin, saluted Levi, and used his rope to lower Reiner to the ground. ''Sir?'' Armin asked. ''Yes, Armin?'' Levi asked. ''When we get back, please hear out Reiner and Bertholdt. I know that what they did is unforgiveable, but there is a reason behind their actions.'' Armin said. ''We'll see about that. Do you still have you gear?'' Levi asked. Armin shook his head. ''Then hold on to me.'' Levi told him. Armin wrapped his arms around Levi's neck, while one of Levi's arms encircled his waist, his gear tucked under his other arm.
Levi brought Armin safely to the ground, where Bertholdt and Ymir had defeated the many Titans surrounding the tree, just as Bertholdt felt his body grow numb. His Titan form collapsed, and he climbed out of it. Ymir followed his example, panting as she tried to catch her breath. Even though she was tired, she shot Bertholdt a deadly look. ''Why did you have to endanger her?'' she said, in a murderous tone. Bertholdt knew she was referring to Krista, and said, ''You know we never planned to hurt her, but she became an unfortunate factor in our methods of kidnapping you and Eren.''
Ymir collapsed to the ground, rolling on her side. ''That doesn't matter and you know that! I've told you before, I'm more than willing to assist with your idea, and escape from the walls, but I don't want her to be...'' suddenly she stopped, as she was hugged by a smaller form. She looked to the side, only to look in teary blue eyes. ''Krista'' Ymir whispered, and the blonde nodded. ''You're a fool, Ymir. An amazingly kind and generous fool.'' Krista whispered as she stroked Ymir's cheeks. ''Why are you down here, and why are you bleeding?'' Ymir asked, while looking at Krista's shoulder, covered with blood stains. ''It doesn't matter, I'm still alive, Ymir.'' Krista whispered, as she pecked Ymir's cheek.
Two dull thumps heralded the arrival of Levi and Armin, the former immediately approaching Bertholdt in a threatening manner. "Are you going to make a mess, or will you come cleanly? Not that it would do you any more good than it did Reiner'' Levi said, pointing at Reiner's form as it hit the ground, maybe with a tad more force than required. Jean's voice hollered ''Coming!'' before he too descended. ''I won't be any trouble, couldn't pull off the plan without Annie and Reiner anyways.'' Bertholdt said
When they returned to the clearing where Mikasa had fought Eren, they found a knocked out Eren, held gently by Mikasa. ''How's he doing?'' Armin asked, and Mikasa gently smiled at him, as she stated, ''He'll be just fine.'' She let Eren slip to the ground, then stood up and did a check-up on Armin. ''Did they hurt you? Did they try to kill you? Because, if so, my specialty is cutting flesh, and I won't hesitate to give a demonstration.'' she said, glaring daggers at Reiner and Bertholdt.
Armin shook his head, ''I'm fine.'' he replied. Mikasa smiled, then turned her attention back to Eren. ''What are we going to do with these two?'' Jean asked. "Let's give them a cut for every wound Krista suffered. Oh, and Armin.'' Ymir replied, causing Bertholdt to wince. ''We'll take them back to the compound, it's up to Erwin to decide what to with these two.'' Levi answered. ''But we don't have enough horses, and some of us are unconscious, so they can't walk.'' Krista said.
''Wait, I know what to do!'' Jean exclaimed, making everyone wonder what he came up with. ''We'll tie Eren and Reiner to one horse, that'll drag them back to the compound. If Mikasa guides that horse, then we'll have three more horses left. If Ymir and Krista share one, and I take Armin with me, then the Heichou can take Bertholdt back with him.'' Jean said proudly.
Levi, Bertholdt, Krista and Armin sweatdropped, while Mikasa glared at his idea of dragging Eren in such a rude way, and was about to suggest that Jean was the one that should be dragged, but Armin spoke before she could open her mouth. ''Well, we could lay Reiner over one of the horses, so he would arrive intact for his judgement. If you would be so kind to guide it back to the compound, Jean. Then Mikasa could take Eren with her. I think it is very wise that Bertholdt, Krista and Ymir share a horse, and ehr...'' Armin wasn't sure if he should suggest to tag along with Levi, without even asking for his permission.
''You can ride with me.'' Levi told him, and Armin smiled shyly at him. Jean sighed, as he started dragging Reiner to a horse, pulling him over the back, and tying Reiner's hands and feet together so he wouldn't fall off. After Jean was done, they headed back towards the compound, with Levi leading them. During the ride, Armin enjoyed the warmth that Levi was radiating, and laid his head against Levi's back, the bumps in the road lulling him into sleep. ''Comfortable?'' he faintly heard Levi ask, before he nodded and fell asleep.
Levi smiled as he felt Armin nod, and noticed how Armin relaxed. Just as Armin fell asleep, Eren woke up. ''Wha' happened?'' he murmured against Mikasa's neck, who heard him. ''We've captured Reiner and Bertholdt, and are heading back to the compound.'' she answered. ''That is great. But I don't remember fighting any of them. In fact, I don't remember anything after becoming a Titan.'' he said. ''Well, after you became a Titan, you attacked me. I don't know why, and I don't mind really. I'm sorry that I had to knock you out, though'' she replied.
''I'm sorry I attacked you. I didn't do it on purpose.'' Eren said, and Mikasa nodded in understanding. Eren looked around, saw how Bertholdt was riding with Krista and Ymir, laughing about something Krista had just said. Jean carried a grim expression, and had a giant lump slung behind him, Eren supposed that would be Reiner. Then he looked at the horse next to them, carrying Levi and Armin.
''What's with that?'' he said a little too loud, to which Levi replied ''How very efficient of you to wake up now, dolt! The battle is over and done.'' Eren ground his teeth. ''I wasn't aware of what I was doing. Stop pretending it was my fault.'' he said angrily. Levi smirked before saying, ''I'm don't think you're at fault, after all, you're not aware of what you are doing most of the time.'' Eren frowned before stating, ''I don't get it! What the hell does Armin see in you? You're major jerk in a midget package!'' Mikasa groaned, while Levi raised an eyebrow. ''What do you mean by that?'' he asked. Eren realised his mistake, and said, ''Never mind.''
Before Levi could demand that Eren explain himself, they arrived at the compound. Eren cheered, then jumped of the horse and ran to his shared room, hoping that Levi wouldn't follow him. After all, the boys' room was known for being quite a mess. Mikasa raised her eyebrow, but before she could trail after him, she was assaulted, or rather, hugged, by a brown-haired girl. ''I'm so glad you're back.'' Sasha said, before looking at Christa. ''Come on, you guys must be hungry.'' she let go of Mikasa, then pulled both Mikasa and Christa with her, and Ymir automatically tagged along.
''Tch'' Jean shook his head, before untying Reiner, who dropped with a loud thump on the flagstones. Bertholdt felt sorry for the harsh treatment Jean gave Reiner, but continued to lean against the wall, waiting for Levi and Jean to guide them to the cells. But Jean walked up to Levi and Armin, and poked a dozing Armin's cheek. ''Aaarmin'' he said in a sing-song voice, making the blond groan a little. ''Wakey, wakey.'' he said, after which Armin's eyes slowly opened. ''You do realise I'm not nine, right?'' Armin asked in a sleepy voice, as he was lifted off the horse by Jean. ''I do, but it's the friendliest way to wake you from your nap.'' Jean teased, as he put Armin's feet on the ground and let go of the smaller teen.
Levi's eyes narrowed before dismounting his horse as well. ''Armin, could you please bring these horses to the stables. Jean and I will bring Reiner and Bertholdt to the cells. After you're done, please meet me in my office.'' Levi said, before motioning Bertholdt to follow him, leaving Jean to drag Reiner along. Armin's eyes widened, hoping he wasn't in trouble, before taking the four horses to the stables.
''I hope you'll behave, because if you don't, I'll make sure to beat you to death this time!'' Levi told Bertholdt, while guiding him to his cell. ''When I kidnapped Armin, I told him that I would give myself up for judgement. I do not intend to go back on my word, even if that means that they'll hang me.'' Bertholdt told Levi, sincerely. Levi snapped at the mention of Armin's name, then stopped walking before hitting Bertholdt in the face, making the taller guy's nose bleed.
Bertholdt stared at him, with a shocked demeanour. ''If you ever use Armin again, for whatever stupid idea you and mister big shot have, I'll kill you without a second's thought.'' Levi said. Bertholdt replied, ''You have my word, but I'll repay you the favor if you ever hurt him.'' before stepping into his cell. Levi shut the door, locked it and decided to walk away, before he really did kill the taller teen.
Before he could leave the area, Jean met up with him. ''Sir, I've locked Reiner up, Sir. You're going upstairs to meet Armin, right?'' Jean asked. Levi nodded curtly. ''Then, pardon my french, Sir, but we need to talk.'' Jean said. Levi rolled his eyes. The only one he wanted to talk with was Armin, not any of these morons. But Jean seemed persistent, so Levi replied, ''Make it short, I don't want Armin to have to wait for me.''
''Sure. Here's the thing, Armin's my best friend, even though we never said we were more than good friends. He's been there for me, even when Marco died, and he's very special to me. I know he likes you a lot, and judging by your behavior around him, I know you share those feelings. But if you ever make him cry, I'll be there to protect him. Even if you're stronger than me, I don't care how many times I would get hurt. But if you hurt him, I'll be damned if you won't get hurt as well.'' Jean told him. Levi shrugged, remaining unfazed. ''Is that all?'' he asked. Jean nodded in confirmation, and they each went their way.
After Armin was done taking care of the horses, he walked to Levi's office. His heart thumped loudly, while he headed upstairs. 'I wonder what he wants from me. I guess he wants to know what happened there. I suppose he has to make a report for Erwin.' Armin sighed. 'Of course, that must be the reason for him to summon me to his office, it isn't like we've any other reason to meet up. I kinda wish he had though.' Armin blushed at his own thoughts.
When he arrived at Levi's office and tried to enter the room Armin assumed was the cleanest in the entire compound, he found the door locked. ''That's strange, I thought he asked me to come here once I was done. Maybe there are problems with Reiner or Bertholdt.'' Armin told himself. Before he could head downstairs, to see if he could find Levi or Jean, Levi came upstairs. ''Ah, Armin, I got held up. Sorry if I made you wait for too long.'' Levi said, while unlocking the door, and entering his office.
''I just arrived as well, Si.., ehr, Levi'' Armin stammered, following Levi's lead. ''It's good to know that I didn't made you wait too long. Could you close the door?'' Levi asked while taking a seat on his chair. Armin nodded, before shuttting the door behind him. ''Did you need me to describe what happened there for your report, Sir?'' Armin asked him. Levi shook his head, while motioning for Armin to sit on the chair across from him. Armin gulped, before sitting down. 'If it's not for describing the situation, then it might be because I turned out to be useless for the survey. I did get captured easily.' Armin thought.
''Are you alright? You look kinda pale, did they mistreat you during what happened?'' Levi asked. Armin shook his head, remembering how warm Bertholdts embrace had been during their nap on the branch. ''Nothing happened, really. Bertholdt and Reiner did nothing more then bring us to the forest and..'' before Armin could go on, Levi shushed him, by leaning forward in his chair and putting his finger on Armin's lips. ''Hush, I told you, I didn't invite you here to tell me what happened. I wanted to know wether you were hurt or not.'' Levi said.
''Ehr ,Sir, isn't that what they're supposed to do at the infirmary?'' Armin asked. ''It is. But I figured that, even if you were hurt, you wouldn't drop by to get your wound checked out. You would check in with Eren, to see if that brainless dolt is fine. You would go to Jean, to hear how he's doing. You might even check on Reiner, because you're good-natured, but you tend to forget to take care of yourself.'' Levi told him. Armin swallowed, but smiled timidly when he spotted the kindness in Levi's eyes. ''Thank you, Levi. I appreciate you saying that, but I'm not as important as ...'' Once again, Levi shushed him, or rather, interrupted him, ''That's not true, Armin. Learn to value your own life. And for what it's worth, I do care a lot about you.''
Armin fidgeted, but replied, ''I care a lot about you as well. I never discussed this with anyone, other then acknowledging it to Eren, but..'' Armin paused. ''But what?'' Levi's curiousity grew, wondering what the blond was going on about. ''This may sound creepy, but ever since I've met you, I've had these dreams. They vary each time, but they all end up being about you.'' Armin confessed, blushing. Levi smiled, before saying, ''Not creepy at all, I have dreamed about you as well.''
Both smiled at each other, and a comfortable silence grew. It was Levi who broke the silence, ''I called you in here to ask what Eren was talking about when he said, and I quote, ''What the hell does Armin see in you.'' but I think I understand what he was talking about.'' If Armin was blushing before, he did so even more furiously after hearing what Levi just said. ''Eren said what? I'll go ahead and talk to him. I'm sorry he bothered you.'' Armin said, about to get up. He ought to scold Eren, because he wasn't ready to tell Levi yet. In fact, Armin had decided that he shouldn't tell Levi at all, because Levi was a higher rank than him, and truthfully, Armin himself wasn't ready to be rejected.
''Wait.'' Levi said, and got up, only to grab Armin's hand. Armin stared back at him with frightened, but magnificent blue eyes. ''Armin, I called you to confirm whether Eren was right or not. And as much as I hate to say it, but if it's true, then I have to thank him, or at least get him off punishment detail.'' Levi continued. ''Wh- what are you talking about, Levi?'' Armin questioned. ''Armin...'' Levi said, pulling Armin closer to him, so that their faces were close. ''Armin, I think I've fallen for you.'' Levi said.
''Levi.'' Armin whispered back, before pushing himself away a little, gaining a confused look from Levi. ''I do like you, I really do, but this is highly inappropiate.'' Armin said, making Levi chuckle fondly. ''Armin, I don't give a shit about my status. For all they care, I'm just another soldier. I may have a title, but that doesn't mean I'm nothing more than a title. I'm a person that just happens to like you. You're smart, Arlert, so you understand what I'm saying, right?''
Armin offered a small smile. ''I understand, Levi.'' he said, to which Levi teasingly replied ''But if it really bugs you that much, I can act like none of this ever happened, and we can go on with our lives.'' Levi walked to the door, not bothering to look at Armin. Armin quivered at the mere thought of giving up his crush, and ran to Levi, suprising the other when he grabbed Levi's hand, pulled him back, and landed a kiss on Levi's mouth.
Levi was shocked at first, then smirked, and proceeded to kiss Armin back, pulling the blond into an embrace. It was Armin who broke the kiss after several seconds, even though these seconds felt like hours. Levi leaned his forehead against Armin's, both of them staring into each others eyes. ''I love you, Levi.'' Armin whispered. ''I love you too, Armin.'' Levi said, then kissed Armin's lips once more for several subjective hours...