Chapter twelve
Sometimes, acting rash is your only answer.
''Armin?'' a voice called out. Armin frowned, he wasn't ready to get out of bed yet. ''Armin, wake up.'' a voice ordered this time. Armin recognized the voice and sat up. ''Eren, what are you doing here? For that matter, where's here?'' Armin asked, as he noticed their surroundings. ''What do you mean? We're living our lives, Armin.'' Eren said, caressing Armin's cheek fondly. ''But... the king, my speech? I still haven't...'' Eren shushed him. ''The king can't harm us here, Armin.'' he said, hoisting Armin up, only to drag him to a fire pit where his friends were gathered. ''Armin, did you sleep in? You're unusually late getting up.'' Christa asked gently, as Eren sat him on a soft spot of grass.
''I...I don't know.'' he answered and someone next to him bellowed a loud laugh, before patting Armin on his back kinda hard. ''Arlert being confused, that's a first!'' he said, and Armin looked up to see Reiner. ''Reiner... you're supposed to be dead. What's going on?'' Armin asked, as he got up and backed away from the group. ''Armin, is there something wrong?'' another voice behind him asked.
Armin looked around, only to see Marco's face smiling back at him. ''Marco... death, I..'' Armin murmered, before backing away again, tripping over a leg that belonged to Annie. Bertholdt walked up to him, and said, ''Armin, you seem kind of pale. Did something happen? Did Shadis order you to-'' but Armin interrupted him, by shouting, ''Shut up! Shut up! You're dead. This is nothing but a bad dream.'' before pushing Bertholdt away and running off.
Eventually, he found himself in the dark woods, and didn't see the campfire any more, nor heard the yelling of his friends. He sat next to a rather large tree, and pulled his legs to his chest. ''Remain calm, Armin. It's nothing but a dream.'' he told himself. ''Rough night?'' a random voice asked, and Armin looked up to see Levi.
''Levi, I..'' Armin began. ''Shush, I won't tell them you're here. They've headed back already, though Eren seemed a bit worried.'' Levi said with a grin. ''What am I doing here, I don't understand what's going on.'' Armin said, desperate. ''You are correct, you know. This is nothing but a dream.'' Levi told him. ''But I've got to wake up. I'm going to...'' Levi silenced him with a kiss.
''I know, follow me.'' Levi took his hand, and helped Armin up. After a short walk, they reached the ocean. Armin's eyes widened, and he stared fondly at the ocean. ''This dream, Armin, is your goal. Keep it in mind, see it as your confidence boost, or..'' suddenly, Armin hugged Levi. ''I love the ocean, Levi. I'm glad I can see it, but, to tell you the truth, the real reason behind my actions is the fate of the people, and you. I... I really love you.'' Armin said. Levi took Armin's hands, and said, ''Armin I-''
Suddenly, Armin was being shaken awake. ''Oi, Armin, wake up'' Jean said, and Armin softly groaned. ''Something wrong?'' he asked. ''Tomorrow's the day. Tomorrow you'll have to speak for hundreds of villagers. How do you feel?'' Jean asked, sitting next to his smaller friend. ''Honestly? I guess I should feel some pressure, but to tell you the truth, I don't.'' Armin said, leaning his head on Jean's shoulder. ''I would be a nervous wreck.'' Jean told him.
''I remember that Marco once told me that about you. You freaked out, and told me that Marco was joking.'' Armin said. ''I should have told you the truth back then.'' Jean replied. ''But Mikasa was sitting near me, and you tried to impress her?'' Armin questioned. Jean shook his head, ''To be honest, I tried to be brave, I tried to lie to myself.'' Jean replied. ''But, I don't think you were lying, Jean. Of course, you'd be a nervous wreck, but you'd compose yourself, because the people around you need you to be a leader. Marco wasn't lying when he said that you'd make a good commander.'' Armin said.
''Thank you. Have you thought about what you're going to tell tomorrow?'' Jean asked. ''I sure have.'' Armin smiled back. ''You know, if Levi could see you now, he'd praise you.'' Jean said. ''I don't think he would. He would tell us to think it over, instead of acting as boldly as we're doing, knowing that the throne has more power than any titan could ever have over humanity.'' Armin said. ''But, if you know that, then why are you doing this?'' Jean asked. ''Levi may not act like it, but he's entitled to a certain rank. His rank is known nation-wide, also known by the king. My rank is lower than a commoner in the King's eyes. That difference is also the key why the king thinks that his threaths will work.''
''But why would he allow you to speak, if he could arrange someone like Levi or Erwin?'' Jean asked. But before Armin could reply, Ymir got up and said, ''Are you an idiot? I mean, even Connie could see what is going on here. Also, can we talk about something else than the mini-midget and the world'st worst father?'' she asked. Jean shrugged, and Armin let out a stiffled laugh, but couldn't help wonder how things were back at the compound and how Mikasa and Eren were doing.
''Shouldn't we've told Erwin that we are heading to Sina?'' Mikasa suddenly asked, as they allowed their horses to rest in an open field. Levi, who was washing his face, looked up. ''Erwin will understand once he finds out that we're missing. There isn't somewhere else that we need to be, and since you two went, he'll figure out that we are travelling towards the king to reclaim our soldiers.'' he replied. ''Then what are we doing here? Shouldn't we rush ourselves to Sina?'' Eren asked. ''Not yet. We can't just break into the castle, take prisoners with us, and walk out. It's highly guarded, and I don't want to suffer any losses if we don't have to.'' Levi said. In his mind he couldn't help but add 'I want Armin back in one piece if possible, I can't bear to lose another beloved.'
''I take it you've come up with a strategy?'' Mikasa asked. ''In the short time I had?'' Levi retorted. Mikasa just glared at him, and Levi chuckled. ''I don't have anything particular in mind, since we decided to go rescue them on a whim, but I guess that the two of you are rather good with acting rash, if necessary.'' he told her. ''I think I do have an idea'' Eren said, making Mikasa and Levi wonder what he possibly could have come up with.
''We ought to get some regular clothes, so they won't recognize us in the city. My guess is that we'll arrive by night, and then...'' Eren was stuck for a moment, as he pondered how they should enter the castle. ''Eren, breaking into the castle could cost our lives, and disguising ourselves won't be that much of a help, since we've got our 3DM gears.'' Mikasa explained. Levi countered, ''Actually, I think the plan's pretty good. We could use our raincoats, so we'll be able to wander around without standing out too much with our 3DM gear. It'll cover your face a bit, so that the royal guards can't regonize and imprison you as easily. As for arriving at nighttime, I agree on that as well.''
Eren grinned wide, happy that he was able to help, even if it was in a small way. ''What are you thinking, Levi?'' Mikasa asked. ''I just thought of it, but we won't have to break into the castle.'' Levi told her. ''What do you mean?'' Eren asked dumbfounded, how else were they going to free Armin?
''Tomorrow is supposed to be a celebration of the king's 'greatness'. He does it every year, and last year, Erwin had to give a speech how his majesty had 'helped' the Survey Corps to defeat the titans by giving them supplies, and everything they needed. The king is nothing but an actor and an attention whore.'' Levi said. Mikasa's fists clenched, as if ready to run to her horse and leave as fast as possible, so she could beat the hell out of this so-called king. ''That is where we'll strike. That's if the king is taking the cadets to the celebration, but I think he will, for several reasons. He may even have threathened them.'' Levi said.
''But won't there be lots of guards at this celebration?'' Eren asked him. Levi tch'ed before replying, ''So? We've a titan shifter, and two survey members that are plenty strong. I doubt that we can't handle a few soldiers.'' then walking up to his horse. ''I guess you're right.'' Eren said, as he and Mikasa followed Levi's example, before they headed off to the great wall of Sina.
''WHAT DO YOU MEAN ERWIN SMITH HAS LEFT?'' Marshall Fubar yelled at the wall-priest, who winced. ''I- he and his members...'' the wall-priest stuttered, before the Marshall stared angrily at him. ''Where did they go to!'' he demanded. ''Ex-commander Smith has mentioned something about seeking freedom, since they no longer had the duty of the Survey, Sir.'' one of the wall-priest companions dared to say. The marshall feigned interest as he looked to the pale wall-priest ''And how could Erwin Smith have been sure about not having his duties anymore if I have received orders that I should tell him that his corps was about to be disbanded?'' he said.
''I may have blurted it out in a fit of rage.'' the wall-priest replied with an ever so tiny voice. ''YOU IMBICILE. Here's what we are going to do. You are going to head to the nearest gates, and tell them to spread a message that Erwin Smith is prohibited from passing through the gates! I'm heading back to the king, and we'll see what he'll do about your fatal mistake.'' Marshall Fubar said, before signalling the rest to head back. ''Arrogant prick.'' the wall-priest mumbled as he watched Marshall Fubar and his contingent leave, then shouted ''You know what we have to do!'' before mounting his horse and heading to the gates of the next wall, the great wall of Rose.
Meanwhile, the king himself was once more knocking on his daughter's door. ''Christa?'' he called out. ''I'm not coming out of my room, father. I don't wish to participate in your foolish celebration.'' she told him. ''That's alright, my darling. I've found someone who will speak for me. You don't have to come for me, but you can come to see your friends, before they will get locked up again.'' There was a silence, before he heard small feet walking, and a click before the door opened.
Two angry blue eyes stared at him harshly. ''Don't you dare use them for this nonsense.'' she growled. ''Sweetie, I've only asked once, and they are doing this willingly.'' he said. Her eyes widened before she said, ''I want to ask them that myself.'' The king smirked, before saying, ''Then, let us head downstairs, I can show you where they are.'' Christa now fully stepped out of her room, following her father, wondering what her friends were possibly thinking.
As they arrived at the dungeons, she spotted Ymir, Jean and Armin sharing one cell. Ymir lay on the ground, and Jean and Armin were both sitting against the wall. Armin seemed to be thinking hard, and Jean seemed to be picking his nose. ''Ymir!'' she said, as she ran to the cell, and the taller girl's eyes sparkled as she heard the voice of her beloved Christa. ''Ymir, I'm glad you're alive.'' Christa said, as the older girl rose to meet Christa.''Of course I'm alive. I won't die before you do, because then I wouldn't be able to protect you.'' Ymir replied, gazing at her through the bars, making Christa blush.
Jean feigned to barf, before greeting Christa as well. ''Hi Christa.'' he said sheepishly, making Armin finally look up. ''Hi, guys. I'm very sorry that I've brought you into this situation.'' Christa said. ''Don't sweat it.'' Jean reassured her, though Christa wondered why they didn't seem worried at all. ''My precious daughter has a question for you lot.'' the king said, wanting to get past the small talk rather fast.
''Is there something wrong, Christa?'' Ymir asked, but the petite girl shook her head. ''Father just told me that you are going to give a speech about him at the celebration tomorrow. Is that true, and if so, why?'' Christa asked. Armin smiled melancholic as he replied, ''The king has requested our services. Seeing that he required our assistance, we had the urge to fulfill this duty.'' ,hoping that the message would come across.
Christa frowned, showing that she clearly was confused about her friends actions. Her father was a terrible man, why would someone want to speak about his glory willingly. ''Christa, won't you be there tomorrow?'' Ymir asked gently. ''I wasn't planning on coming. I don't wish to support my fathers ideals.'' she replied. ''Please come, my darling, maybe Armin's speech will show you otherwise. Your friends will be there awaiting you. Considering the command of words he has, I suppose it will be a marvelous speech.'' the king said.
''That's something I can guarantee you, Sir.'' Ymir said, and Christa cocked her head, before nodding slowly. ''Alright then, father. I'll join your celebration.'' she said, before saying her friends goodbye and heading back to her room. The king glowered at the three friends once more. ''I've said this once, and I'll say it once more, any shenanigans tomorrow, or one wrong word and-'' ''the guards will kill us instantly.'' the three friends chorused back. The king huffed before returning to his court.
''You wouldn't die before she does? Romantic much.'' Jean remarked sarcastically at Ymir, who stuck her tongue out. ''She knows what I'm talking about. Not that I would let her die, for as much as I can control that.'' she replied, falling back to the ground. ''You are surprisingly gentle for someone who puts on a tough face, Ymir.'' Armin said. ''And you've suprisingly got some guts, seeing how you are dating earth's supposedly strongest. I don't see any difference.'' Ymir remarked. ''That aside, do we really want Christa to come tomorrow?'' Jean suddenly asked. ''Why not?'' the others asked him. Jean pointed to the guard sitting a few feet away, signalling why he didn't answer the question. Ymir smirked as she said, ''It'll turn out just fine.''
By the time night fell, Eren, Mikasa and Levi arrived at the gate of wall Sina. Eren's face was covered by the hood of his cloak. The guards quirked their eyebrows as they recognized the emblem on the green cloaks. ''What business have you here?'' one of the guards demanded. ''Can't we simply eat here?'' Levi asked, raising his eyebrows. ''Wait Mike, these could be refugees, maybe they don't know.'' the other guard said. ''I highly doubt that, I think they have escaped and are here to attack the king in revenge.'' Mike said.
''What do you mean with revenge?'' Mikasa demanded to know. ''You know perfectly well what we're talking about. We'll take you to the king, I bet that'll make you-'' before he could finish his sentence, Levi glared at him and said, ''Either you co-operate and allow us in, or I'll personally feed you to a titan. Your pick.'' The other guard gulped, but the guard named Mike shook his head. ''I can't allow that, because-'' Eren's fist crashed against his face, knocking Mike out cold.
''I suppose you're the smart one.'' Levi said as he looked at the other guard, who nodded meekly. ''Good. Then I trust you to not tell the king we've arrived, and to not allow your colleague to cause a panic once he's woken up. If it does happen, I'll track you down, and feed you to a titan, or chop you to dog food.'' Levi said, as Eren wiped bloodspats of his knuckles. The guard nodded, allowing Levi and the others to enter through the gate. ''Wait, Heichou. What if he doesn't keep his word?'' Eren asked. ''Then I'll do what I just said, and then we'll have to wing the situation.'' Levi replied ''But you did hit him pretty hard, so I guess it'll take a while for him to remember what happened.''
''I think we should try to find an inn, so we can catch some rest, before tomorrow. If we stay here and talk too much, people will find us suspicious.'' Mikasa said. They soon found a small inn, where an older friendly woman let them in. ''My, my, you must have had a long journey. Did you soldiers come here to enjoy the celebration tomorrow.'' she asked,as she allowed them to hang their cloaks on the coat rack.
''We did.'' Mikasa replied curtly. The elderly woman smiled at her. ''I see. You've deserved a day off, since you have served many days to help humanity.'' she told them, before adding, ''I suppose the three of you must be very hungry.'' Eren nodded, and the older lady laughed. ''I've some left over soup and a few pieces of bread. It's not much, but it's the least I can offer. It's on the house, of course.'' she said. ''That's very generous of you, ma'am.'' Mikasa said. ''It's my pleasure, sweety. Please sit down as I warm the soup. I'll bring it to you as fast as I can.'' she said, pointing to the wooden table behind her.
The three sat down as the lady hurried herself to the kitchen. ''She seems very nice.'' Eren said and Mikasa nodded. ''Last year, Erwin and I stayed over here as well. She's very motherly to people in the Survey corps, because her daughter served in it for many years. She's been most understanding about the losses as well, but gained a habit of treating Survey members as her lost daughter.'' Levi said with a sympathetic look in his eyes. Eren and Mikasa turned painfully quiet, remembering that Carla Yeager had been just as sweet and gentle as this particular woman. Eren wondered whether if she would have stayed alive, and he died in her place, his mother would have become the same as this woman.
''That aside, she's also been very loyal to the king. Don't mention him too much when she's close.'' Levi warned them. ''Can we ask her about the celebration tomorrow?'' Mikasa asked. ''Of course. If anyone can give us information, it should be her.'' Levi told her. ''Speaking of the celebration, where do you suppose Armin, Jean, Christa and Ymir will be?'' Eren asked, getting to the point.
''I'm not sure about Christa's part, since she's ran away from home before. So I don't know whether she'll be there or not.'' Levi replied honestly. ''And the rest?'' Mikasa asked, not really caring about Christa. But before Levi could reply, the elderly woman returned with a steaming pot filled with chicken soup, three spoons and bowls. She put them on the table, serving the three their soup. ''I'm sorry it took so long. I'll go ahead, and get you some bread, before I'll join you at the table. Feel free to dig in.'' she told them, before retreating to the kitchen.
''We'll discuss this matter later.'' Levi told them, as the woman retreated, before pouring himself some soup. ''So, what are we going to talk about in the mean time?'' Eren whispered. ''Anything really. If she brings up tomorrow, feign interest. If she wants to praise the king, you can change the subject. If you wish to, talk about the weather, or even the freaking birds.'' Levi told him. ''What about the birds and bees?'' Mikasa said, as she poured herself some soup as well. Eren frowned at her reaction, and Levi's eyes nearly popped out, not that he didn't tried to compose himself. ''That is a rather un-appropiate subject for dinner, or the elderly.'' Levi replied, as the elderly woman entered the room again, putting some bread on the table. ''Were you talking about something that happened within the corps?'' she asked, as she sat in between Eren and Mikasa.
''Something along those lines. Our dear friend has recently started seeing someone, and I was asking how things were going between them.'' Mikasa said innocently, as she took a loaf of bread and devoured it like Sasha usually did. Eren shrugged at her manners and followed her example, making the older lady giggle. ''Oi, watch your manners.'' Levi warned, as he sipped a bit of his soup. ''It's alright. My sweetie used to do that as well when she returned from the missions outside the wall. Now, what did I hear about love?'' she asked with interest. Levi coughed, before replying, ''I... I found someone I liked recently, ma'am. He's been kidnapped, and honestly, I'm worried about the conditions my lover is in. The friends that surrounded us have been giving me a hard time, saying they won't accept my love easily.'' , avoiding the fact that his friend was male.
''I see. That's what friends are supposed to do, my dear. My daughter told me that she had found love in the corps as well when she was still alive. The corps made quite an ordeal about it, seeing how fighting was important over love. But love gives courage and allows people to fight for their significant other, if only to see each other one day more. If you'd look into your heart, you know your lover is out there waiting for you. As for the conditions, I'm sure you or the king will figure something out for her to be safe again.'' she answered.
'But the king is the one person I want to save him from.' Levi thought, as Mikasa answered, ''The reason we're giving him a hard time is because our friend Armin is precious to us. We want to know how sincere his love for our friend is, because Armin is really fond of him.'' ''Who couldn't be fond of such a charming young man?'' the older woman asked, as she smiled at Levi. ''I've this feeling you'll see him again sometime soon. Promise me that when you do, you give him a hug and tell him that you appreciate him. Tell him that you love him, because, that was the only thing that my daughter ever regretted not doing.'' she said, holding out one pinky to Levi, who took it, and smiled as he swore, ''I will.''
Mikasa stared amazed at Levi, whose smile seemed sincere. Armin had given the same look once, when they had discussed Armin's feelings at the bridge near the compound. Eren suddenly yawned, gaining attention from the three others. The older woman giggled, as she said, ''My, you must be very tired, it's pretty late after all, and the three of you must have had an awfully long journey. I'll prepare your beds right away, so that when you've finished your soup, you can have a decent sleep.'' She removed her pinky from Levi's and walked upstairs.
''So, what if the guards came here tonight, because of what happened at the gate?'' Mikasa said, knowing the older woman was out of earshot. ''Then we hide ourselves. In the worst case scenario, they will kill us when they try to catch us, or imprison us in the castle.'' Levi replied. ''So, what was all that about the birds and the bees?'' Eren asked, wondering what his childhood friend had implied that was so improper. ''That matter is not important, Yeager. That very decision has not occured to either Armin or me, since we're far to busy serving the corps. Not to mention the fact that he's been kidnapped a lot lately.'' Levi said with a faint blush on his cheeks, before sipping a bit of his soup.
''Armin?'' Jean said. It was late, and honestly, Armin wanted nothing but a bit of rest for the big day. ''Is there something wrong, Jean?'' he asked in a hushed voice, not wanting to be the one to wake Ymir. ''You remember what you asked me earlier? When you asked me what you would do if tomorrow was your last day?'' Jean replied, speaking in a hushed voice as well. Armin nodded, wondering what Jean was thinking. Jean continued, ''Then, if that crossed your mind, you know you may not be able to see the ocean if you die tomorrow.''
''I know that.'' Armin said. ''But, if you go trough with this, then surely...'' Jean didn't want to say it. ''Then I may die while doing humanity a favor. Even if they disregard it, or call me a liar, I'll be satisfied, Jean. Knowing it is revenge for what they have done to...'' suddenly Armin was unable to speak, because Jean's lips were over his. Armin's eyes narrowed as he pushed Jean off, who gave him an apolegetic look. ''Jean, I'm taken, and I don't intend on cheating.'' Armin told him firmly. ''I know. I just don't want to die tomorrow with any regrets.'' Jean said, before leaning against the wall, seemingly depressed. Armin frowned as he turned over, avoiding Jean's devastated expression and trying to catch a bit of sleep.
It had took a while to empty their bowls of soup, but once they were done, the older woman insisted they would head to bed as she would do the dishes. Levi, on the other hand, insisted on helping cleaning the dishes, so he headed to bed later then Mikasa and Eren had. When he arrived, he found Mikasa and Eren already fast asleep. 'So much for discussing the matter of our plan for tomorrow. I'll wake them up early, we're winging it anyway.' he thought, before taking of his his belts, and pants, and took one final look at Mikasa and Eren before he laid down on his bed.
'What if we fail to rescue them tomorrow? What if we cause any casualties that are unnecessary?' he suddenly thought, before staring at his pinky. 'I'd like to be able to hold Armin in my arms once more. To comfort him, to assure him everything will turn out alright as long as he is with me.' he blushed at the thought. He smiled, before falling asleep, faintly remembering the thought of him holding Armin.
''Heichou?'' Armin's voice asked, as Levi looked up groggily. ''Armin?'' he asked, ''What are you doing here? I thought you were imprisoned? Besides, didn't I tell you to call me Levi?'' Suddenly, he realised he didn't lay in the bed provided by the old lady. His body leaned over the table where his head had rested a moment ago, and Armin, Mikasa and Eren were staring at him in confusion.
''You suddenly groaned before you let your head collapse to the table, sir. Is everything alright?'' Eren asked. Levi looked around, he remembered this place. It was his favorite restaurant, the place where he had asked Armin to join him to celebrate Eren's so-called victory at the trial. ''Why would Armin be imprisoned?'' Mikasa wondered.
''Ah, it's nothing. I'm just being silly, I guess.'' Levi said, as he smelled the alluring scent of the candles. Why was he remembering this place so clearly, why now? ''Levi?'' Armin suddenly asked, and Levi looked up, to see Mikasa and Eren were gone. ''Where did your friends go to?'' Levi asked. ''I asked them to gather the horses. There is something I'd like to tell you, Levi.'' Armin said, and Levi leaned forward. ''Then say it. I can't read your mind, and if you can't even say it, it can't be that important.'' Levi told him.
Armin smiled, as he replied, ''I disagree, sir. In this one case, action will suit me better than words to explain what I want to tell you.'' Levi raised his eyebrow, wondering what the blond came up with. ''You're going to puke over me, and tell me you despise me. After all, we weren't really friendly the last time we saw each other.'' Levi said. Armin giggled as he shook his head. ''I'm not one to hold that against you, sir. Just remember that actions are clearer than words, you'll need it.'' Armin said, before he pecked Levi's lips and dashed to the exit.
''I think I understand it, you little snot.'' Levi said to himself, before getting up and leaving the building. After all, it was time to take some action.