Yay. An update -sobs a nile river- sorry for any typos. And of course, for being like the slowest writer ever. I sincerely thank you all for the support ;;;;. You guys do push me on to writing
XOXO
"How much further?!" Jean gave an exasperated huff.
"We should reach it soon!" Next to him, Armin replied with reassurance.
The plains seemed endless. It had been a while since their last sundown expedition, and it was for the most obvious of reasons. All their visions were compromised with the darkness and the risk of accidents was higher. Titans seemed to be the lesser of the issue, and nature's terrain was the true obstacle in the night.
Eren kept a close watch on his partner the moment they had left Shiganshina. Levi was less than calm after the incident within the courtroom, and everyone who knew the corporal well enough could tell despite the lack of expression. The atmosphere was permanantly filled with tension and worry, and Eren wasn't sure what he could say to make the situation less uptight.
During the ride, the brunette was tempted to communicate with Levi, hoping to comfort as he would any other times. However, he wasn't sure he himself could stay level-headed if he spoke. Elliot's missing affected him greatly, but Levi was the one taking the biggest blow of the news. In the end, Eren could only grit his teeth, watching the silhouette of his beloved ahead of him.
XXX
Elliot let out a big, long yawn. He had been crawling for a considerable amount of time a baby could, and he was finally tired. And hungry.
There were still no signs of a familiar face, only the large black and white horse tailing him with patience. He was bored of the large animal, and wanted to find something else to play with. The first thing that came to mind was the fraying, stray ends of his favourite scarf.
He sat down, reaching up for his neck where the scarf usually laid, only to find none. A soft, dissatisfied babble escaped him as he searched around his chest. When the scarf was not in sight, he looked about where he was seated, thinking that it must've dropped somewhere nearby like it usually did.
The child's search became a little more erratic with the head turns, and hands reached out blindly in the darkness. All he could grab were leaves, and he wasn't the least bit interested in them anymore.
First, his parents weren't here for him. Or anyone he knew. Next, his favourite garment was nowhere to be found.
Elliot started to whine, dragging out his voice as an unhappy baby would. And, as a rare occurence it was for him, he started to vocalise how upset he was.
Orie was was mildly startled by the unfamiliar noise that grew louder as it continued. The large horse lowered its head, sniffing about the ground until his snout bumped into the small being. He knocked over the initially seated child, and unfortunately, it only made the baby even more upset.
Elliot started to cry this time, much louder than he had ever before. He wanted his father, mother, or anyone for that matter. There was no fear instilled, merely the natural instinct and need of a young wanting their parent. Elliot wanted them, and he wouldn't stop crying until he had them.
Or at least, that was what Elliot's intention was. Orie had stuck his nose near the baby's face, snorting small gusts of warm, ticklish air in his face. Large nostrils flared as they picked up the faint, salty smell of tears, and Orie started to lick Elliot's face out of curiosity.
Now, distracted by the warm, sloppy feel on his cheek, Elliot stopped his bawl and turned his attention to his pet horse. The steed gave short, brisque licks, but it was enough to make Elliot amused. The baby sat up and tried to catch the pink, icky stuff touching him on the side of his face.
Orie happened to stick his snout into the child's middle, and Elliot grabbed onto the head. Effortlessly, the horse raised his neck, bringing the load a foot off the ground when Elliot slipped off due to a loose grasp. Thankfully, the abundant leaves on the ground absorbed his fall, and Elliot had begun to laugh excitedly. He'd play this game with his father before, and it was thrilling for him.
Reaching out and up at the horse, Elliot seeked more fun, unbeknownst that the sounds he made was attracting more than just one horse's attention.
XXX
The Scout Legion reached the edge of the forest and everyone brought their horses to a halt. Eren stared at the enormous trees that towered even his titan form. The woods was shrouded in an abnormal darkness, and it was deathly quiet without a single chirp or a bug or bird. Not exactly the best of signs.
"We'll split into our respective squads and cover as much ground as possible," Jean started, having planned this with Armin on the way. "The eighth and ninth squad will flank the edge of the forest on the left and right respectively. The rest of us form a squad frontline to sweep the woods, and be careful, because there may be a chance of encountering night-active rogues."
While Jean just giving a quick briefing of instructions, Eren stopped his horse next to Levi, observing his features. The corporal had dark look on his face, and he called out the other's name softly.
Levi merely tossed a quick glance of acknowledgement, before glaring ahead at the woods as if they were the cause of this whole mess.
Eren reached out to touch his partner's arm. Instantly, his hand was shrugged off. However, Eren wasn't going to let him be this time, and purposefully tugged Levi's arm.
Even before the older male could react, he found himself pulled against his husband's chest. The gap between the riders had them leaning towards each other awkwardly, but Levi was made to stay in this position when Eren's arm had encircled his shoulders.
The familiar warmth of Eren's caused Levi to relax unwillingly. He had been tensed the entire time that receiving an embrace from Eren was a form of relief, as much as he didn't want to admit it. Levi reached up and grasped the front of Eren's shirt, tugging him close as he buried his face into the broad chest.
"It's going to be alright. We'll find him no matter what it takes," Eren promised softly. "Even if it costs my life."
Levi gritted his teeth. He was never good at expression himself as easily (or shamelessly) as Eren could. He couldn't muster the courage to say that he didn't want to lose either Eren or Elliot. Both were a part of him, much more important than anyone else in the world. He couldn't lose anyone anymore...
"Eren, I-"
The sound of clopping hooves caught the couple's attention. Armin rode up to their sides, giving an apologetic look for interrupting their moment. Just next to him, Jean had approached as well, stopping his horse short of the others'.
"Corporal, Eren, we're moving out. Eren, you'll be following me, and corporal you'll be with Armin. Would that be alright? He's the one who's most familiar with the woods, so I'd think that it'll be good if you went with him."
"Understood," Levi replied.
"We'll talk later. Right now, finding Elliot is the outmost priority. I'll whistle for Orie, and hopefully find them together," Eren gave Jean a nod as thanks. He dropped a kiss on his lover's temple, bidding him to be careful before heading over to Jean's side.
The two engaged in a conversation that went unheard as they their horses trotted, and Levi grouped up with Armin. Jean gave the order and they set off altogether.
As they trekked through the forest on horseback, Armin had been analysing the corporal's features next to him. Levi was maintaining his usual expressionless face. At first, he had thought that Levi was merely worried, but realised that the male was paler than normal. The torch flame had hidden most of his face color, but small details very seldom slip past Armin.
"Corporal, are you alright?" The blond questioned.
There was a very slight, subtle change in Levi's face, and the blond knew he had hit the mark. Armin knew something was up despite Levi giving a 'no' a short moment after. He was determined to find out what was bothering Levi, as a concerned friend. It didn't seem to just be Elliot's missing the issue as hand. Getting Levi to speak wasn't easy, but the matter was serious and if it could affect the mission in any way, Armin needed to know.
Levi's horse made a startled neigh, rearing back on its hind legs a little when Armin's intercepted its path all of a sudden. The corporal immediately threw a glare after he coaxed his horse to settle. Armin's move was totally uncalled for, especially since they were running no less. Someone might've gotten hurt.
"Oi," Levi snapped angrily, just as his own mare snorted at the other steed in disapproval.
Armin stood his ground, brows furrowed as he sized up to the corporal he once feared. He wasn't the meek figure he was years back. The years of being in the field made him stronger both physically and mentally, and he now wasn't the type to cower or hesitate. Not even Levi, when the situation called for it.
"Corporal, what are you hiding from us?"
Levi clicked his tongue, knowing how the Armin now was never the type to beat around the bush.
"I said that it was nothing."
"Corporal, if it's distracting you, everyone's safety could be compromised, and I cannot allow that," Armin persisted. Once more, a sharp click of a tongue came as the first response. It confirmed Armin's suspicions.
The quicker he got over this stupid thing, the faster he would be able to find Elliot, and thus Levi gave in without further qualms.
"I'm carrying. Again," Levi said nonchalently, clipped as he urged his horse to walk past Armin's. It started to trot ahead, leaving the stunned Armin behind.
It took several seconds for the blond to digest Levi's words, surprise written all over his face. Eventually, he collected himself, bidding his steed to run and catch up with Levi.
"It's dangerous for you to be out here, then!" Armin protested loudly, eyes affixed on the figure riding ahead of him.
"You're not stopping me from searching for Elliot," Levi threw a harsh glare over his shoulder that promised death. "If you do, I won't forgive you."
Armin flinched just a little under the intense gaze, knowing that nothing could stop Levi now. He never had the power to, anyway. Only Erwin, occasionally Eren and once in a blue moon Hanji, were able to sway the corporal.
"Does... Eren know about this?" Because there was no way in hell that the brunette would've allowed Levi participate in an expedition. One at night, no less.
"No, he doesn't." Armin could only chew his lip in worry at the response.
The blond cast a fleeting glance at two members of the squad that had been running alongside him. He jerked his head in a silent order, to which the two nodded, understanding right away. They redirected their horses, heading in the direction of the neighbouring squad where Jean and Eren would be.
"Corporal! Squad leader!" A female's voice called out from ahead where a few Scout Legion members had proceeded. She rode towards them, but all Levi could see was the object she held in her hand.
Elliot's scarf.
"It was on the ground," the woman went up to Levi, looking nervous and near the point of tears as she held the accessory out. "But Elliot was nowhere to be seen."
Levi didn't even process much of her words. He stared at the scarf as if it was poison to touch, his hand reaching out slowly. His fingertips registered the wooly texture of the material before letting the firetorch he held go. It clattered to the ground without concern as Levi grasped the scarf and held it close to his chest in desperation.
No, Elliot couldn't be. The girl hadn't mentioned anything about blood that could indicate something. But Elliot was so small, he might've...
Levi's eyes widened all of a sudden, jerking with a mild startle. He heard something. Very soft, in the far distance. No one around him seemed to notice, only taking in the sudden sight of him staring ahead in the darkness.
Levi grew up in a location where hearing was probably more important than sight. It came naturally to him to pick up small details normal people wouldn't notice. He kept his hearing sharp, ignoring the harsh breathing of horses and the soft crackle of fire on other people's torches. He could hear, though the faintest it could be...
"Elliot," Levi whispered softly.
Even before Armin could speak, the corporal had already sped off on his horse. Everyone was stunned as the darkness enveloped the male in mere seconds. Without the firetorch Levi held before, it was impossible to make out a shadow or silhouette. But they couldn't lose the corporal at all costs.
Just as Armin ordered everyone to follow, his horse gave a neigh and clopped to the side. Recognising the response, the blond's gaze immediately glanced in the direction that the horse was trying to avoid, and his eyes widened at the sight of two large faces.
It had been a while since he had last seen a titan, and it was almost shocking to. However, he was sure that these he encountered was by far the worst he had ever seen. It was as if it were a titan's form of degeneration. Their hair was thin and falling while their skins held a deathly pale tone near white. The rogue titans seemed devoid of their sunlight sustenance, though Hanji had never fully tested that theory out. These titans were literally walking skeletons.
Armin immediately ordered the squad to fight. He cast a final gaze into the direction where Levi had disappeared to, praying that he would find Elliot as soon as possible.
XXX
Elliot started to cry again, because now, even his pet horse had left his side. The horse seemed to have been alerted by something and that prioritised playing with him.
Now that he was truly alone, Elliot didn't like it and showed it explicitly. His voice shook a little as his throat became dry from crying. He started to hiccup instead, only to cry again as every interval.
"Elliot!"
A familiar voice finally reached him, and the baby stopped his tears. He blinked a few times, sure that he heard someone. His name reached him again, and he let out an excited squeal.
It was his mother!
He couldn't see his parent yet, so maybe they were playing like how they always did. Though, it's usually his father who played this game. Maybe his mother decided to join in as well?
The aim of the game was to find his parent, and Elliot set off to do so. He treaded on all fours, following the direction of the voice. He babbled to himself in encouragement. He would have to find his parent in this game, and they would call his name out like a clue. Once he found where they were hiding, he'd get a sweet treat as a reward.
The rustle of leaves alerted the child, and he knew he was near his goal. It merely made him even more determined, and he crawled at a quicker pace, unable to wait to see his parent.
Elliot heard the rustle of leaves around a large tree, and he giggled happily as he rounded it, expecting his mother to be waiting there. However, it wasn't his parent who stood there waiting. This 'person' wasn't as small as the people he had been with. He(?) was much bigger, with a body as thick as some of the smaller trees. The 'person' didn't speak, merely staring at him blankly.
Elliot sat down, puzzled. He was sure he heard his mother's voice, but he was still nowhere to be found. He felt disappointed at his loss and this huge 'person' didn't seem interested in interacting with him. Disinterested in someone who wouldn't play, he started to crawl away, unaware that a large hand was reaching out for him from the back.
"DON'T FUCKING TOUCH MY SON!"
Instantly, Elliot recognised the voice and squealed, looking back. Just then, a loud, scary thud came from the huge 'person' who seemed to have fallen over on their stomach. Elliot stared at an equally blank face, wondering what had happened.
"Elliot," his mother's voice called out in a gentle manner and the child felt himself being picked up from the ground. When he was being turned around, he saw his parent's face and Elliot squealed in delight. His little hands started to touch his mother's face, sure that he was well and truly there.
"I thought I lost you," Levi whispered. Words could not describe the amount of relief that flooded through his emotions. He thanked whatever god that allowed him to make it in time before anything happened to his baby.
Elliot giggled with glee at his mother, patting the face that was snuggled next to his. He was being held close, and he finally felt safe and warm.
"Let's go home," Levi said, knowing Elliot would understand the last word. "And you need a bath. You reek of horse," he grunted in distaste.
Levi whistled for his horse, since he had switched to his gear when he assaulted the titan. His horse trotted over and he mounted it, steering her in the direction that he had came from. She broke into a well-paced trot based on her rider's orders, and Levi almost smiled at the sight of Elliot enjoying the horseride, the baby laughing to himself.
The mare stopped advancing all of a sudden, snorting loudly and seemingly shaking her head as if refusing to proceed. Levi took the reigns in a single hand while the other grasped Elliot tightly. He didn't like how his horse was reacting, because she was conditioned to react to potential danger. She took a few steps back, hinting her rider to allow retreat.
Levi was tempted to let her, but he was trying to source out the danger and identify what it was exactly. He listened, carefully. There were some sounds the resembled slow footsteps, which meant that whatever they might be up against could be avoided easily. He had no intention of clashing with any titans head on. Not with Elliot's life at risk.
Carefully, he sorted his options. Fighting was out of the equation, and that left the other choice of escaping. He could probably ride around the source of the noise as quietly as possible.
"Elliot, shh," Levi coaxed softly, wrapping the red scarf around the child's neck.
Elliot knew the command well and gave a wide, open-mouthed smile. Now that he had his scarf back, he was contented.
Levi tapped the flanks of his horse gently, and she proceeded to walk. If they were lucky, they could be ignored altogether.
The thought was short-lived, when Elliot, despite being asked to stay silent, squealed in a certain direction. At that moment, Levi was startled by the sudden increased in pace of the footsteps. His eyes widened in belated realisation that they might go up against the worst possible titan given their situation.
"Go!" Levi yelled at his horse, urging her into a gallop.
A night-active deviant was the hardest to face. Judging by how heavy the steps were, he was guessing it was that of a bigger category, maybe some fifteen-meter type if he was unlucky.
If any of the human titans were here, dealing with a deviant would be piss easy, but Levi had none of them to help. He was on his own, and he hadn't a clue to where the nearest squad could be. In a way, he was glad he ran ahead from Armin's squad and retrieved Elliot in time, but now he was in a pinch that he wished the blond was present to help.
The thundering footsteps only grew louder by the seconds, and there was no doubt that the deviant was catching up to him. Levi gritted his teeth, searching for any possible solution in dealing with the situation.
Losts in his thoughts, Levi hadn't realised that the tall deviant had advanced quicker than he had anticipated. Over his shoulder, he could see an abnormally pale titan that was literally skin and bones tailing behind. It looked worse than death.
His mind reacted quickly, going for an option that may at least put both Elliot and he safe from the titan's reach. Levi was about to fire a single side of his gear clasp to a tree, but what he hadn't expected was the titan to leap forward, clearing whatever distance they had before.
Grey orbs widened in shock as the impact of the titan landing caused the ground to shake. Levi let out a cry when the back of the titan's hand had slapped him aside easily during its attempt to grab the human.
"Elliot!" Levi shouted desperately when the child slipped out of his grasp. He couldn't even register what had happened exactly when his back hit a bed of leaves. His head hit the ground a little, causing his vision to swim. Everything was swirling in shades of grey, and his ears were ringing with the sound of crying.
"Elli... Elliot!" Levi gasped out.
The child responded with an even louder crying, calling out to him. Levi struggled back onto his feet, only finding himself crumbling to the ground when a sharp pain originated from his foot. The split second's pain was enough distraction for the deviant to loom over the tiny child in comparison. It seemed more interested in the baby than him despite his yelling.
The titan stretched its huge hand, taking its time to apprehend the tiny being, and Levi watched, immobilised by fear.
Elliot's crying faded all of a sudden. His green eyes opened wide and big, staring up at the titan that loomed over him. There wasn't a single hint of fear in eyes, and instead, he started to smile, reaching his hands out to the deviant.
"Da!"
This time, Levi was too shocked to move for a different reason. It was the first time he had heard Elliot speak. He would've loved to figure out what he was trying to say, but now wasn't the time to.
Without a warning, the ground rumbled in fashion Levi was too familiar with. Reacting quickly, Levi clenched his jaw as hard as he could and he scrambled to his feet, his sprained ankle recovering from the short moment's immobility. He forced himself to run, covering that small distance between Elliot and him.
Levi threw himself forward, grabbing the baby just as the deviant was being smashed in the side of its face. While Levi was cringing in mild pain, Elliot continued to squeal excitedly. His arms were still reaching out, but at a new, taller figure that came to stand in place of the deviant. Steam escaped its unusually large, bare jaw, while a set of glinting emerald eyes were staring down at the two tiny figures at its feet.
"Da!"
Yay, an update. ahah. Keeeel meeee. I'm soooo sorrry for the lateness. I've been distracted D; I deserve to be killed.
Leviiiiii I miss writing snk. But I'm hooked onto Free! eternal summer too ufufufu... I feel like doing a fanfic for it. And for KnB too. WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFEEEE.
I hope you've enjoyed this chapter ;w; I shall go hide now. Just one more chapter before I end Elliot Jaeger woots.
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