The fourth installment of my story! Things heat up a bit in this chapter and I'm loving it. If you like it, let me know, if there's something you think I could do better, LET ME KNOW! I finally got around to typing this on my laptop, the first three chapters I wrote on my phone. Hopefully there's less error, more description, and all around better!
I do NOT own Shingeki no Kyojin/ Attack on Titan ( DX how I wish I did!)
Eren packed the few things lying around his room he forgot earlier that morning.
An overwhelming sense of pride filled him from his heart to his finger tips. He let the sensation warm him up.
Jean flew through the door and quickly grabbed the duffle resting on his now bare bed. "Can't believe I still have to live with an amateur like you. Hopefully not in the same room at least." Jean gave Eren a look-over to gauge his reaction.
He didn't let the snide comment get passed his skin, and he turned to Jean and still wore the same proud look on his face. "Jean, I'm proud of you. Congrats; really." He grinned at his now stunned ex-roommate.
He threw his bag over his shoulder and slid passed Jean, then went out the door. "What a freak." He whispered under his breath.
Eren caught up with Armin who was waiting for him just outside the main entrance. The duo followed the other Special Operations Squad recruits and climbed aboard a covered wagon. Levi was waiting for his other subordinates at the driver's seat out in front.
"Hurry up or I will leave you!" Levi shouted to the rear of the wagon. The recruits not already seated scrambled into the back. The crew was packed tightly with their luggage on the wooden floor.
"Hyah!" With Levi's command, the horses began the trek with a brisk pace.
"Why do you have so much shit Yeager!?" Jean asked and shoved his pack away from him as far as he could, his voice teeming with frustration. "You only need your scout uniforms now, and you bring thirty pounds of garbage with us!" He grunted and threw his arms across his chest with a huff.
Armin could barely keep his snicker to himself and put his hand over his mouth.
"What do you think the others are like? It's hard to believe Levi has any equals." Sasha got a dreamy look on her face and a huge smile crept across her lips. "I may not be able to control my excitement! I might pass out in the presence of such... skill." Her cheeks turned cherry red and she clapped her hands to the sides of her face. I can't wait to meet some new boys!" She began to squeal and shook from side to side, swinging her long chestnut ponytail.
Eren swore he saw her pupils turn into hearts. The drool escaping her lips however wasn't a figment of his imagination. There was only one thing she loved more than a plate of piping hot food; a man with a nice body.
"Calm down Braus, any man in his right mind would take one look at you and spin the other direction. Anyone can see 'trouble' written all over your face." Jean turned his head away from her and sighed. This would be a long trip for him.
"Oh come on Jean-y poo. You know there are plenty of men out there that couldn't resist me!" She leaned forward, and placed her palms on the floor of the wagon. The inside of her upper arms ever so slightly pushed her full chest up and out of the top of her blouse. His eyes met the exposed milky skin below her neck. Jean's face and neck turned beet red, and he turned his head so fast it could have flown off. Sasha threw herself back in a fit of crazed laughter. She clenched her gut as the sound continued to leave her mouth. She wiped a single tear from the corner of her eye.
"Oh my goodness!" she choked on spit and let another cackle out, "Gotcha Kirstein."
He nonchalantly crossed his legs and commanded the thick evidence of his arousal under his jeans to pitch that tent at a later date. He sighed and would have his comrades to believe a particular screw in the floorboard was excruciatingly interesting.
The rest of the group couldn't resist and belted out with their own laughs.
"Oh come on Jean, there's no need to be embarrassed!" Armin nudged his arm with his own elbow to try and coax a smile out of him. "Everyone knows she's got a nice rack!"
"Armin!" Eren called out in disbelief at the comment his usually reserved friend made. He started in another fit of laughter. To Eren's surprise, even Mikasa busted out in her shockingly loud laugh, complete with snorts.
The laughter died and tension slowly built. The group all had the same thought in mind. Castle Utgard was in what is now considered Titan Country. They would have to learn to live with the constant fear of attack, and also continue their training.
Armin broke the silence. "What do you think it'll be like? A Titan could practically knock on our door any time of day."
"Knock down our door is more like it." Jean added with a hard look on his face.
"The Captain knew what he was doing when he settled his squad there. We have the skills to keep ourselves safe. Besides, we also have each other." Eren said, and exchanged glances with every one of his good friends, including Jean. "I will die before I let those filthy monsters lay a finger on any of you." His emerald eyes blazed with an all-too-familiar hatred. 'I will never let another fall before me.'
The sunlight began to fade and the breeze became cooler. The path became rougher, and they knew they were fast approaching the castle. They didn't know the exact amount of time, but it must have been at least another hour and a half, then the horses whinnied to a stop. Seconds later, the cover to the exit of the wagon flew open. Levi stood in the opening.
"Grab your things and follow me." He instructed, grabbed the horses reigns, and began at a hurried pace for the gate.
Eren was shocked to see a wall around the entire compound; much shorter than the wall surrounding the cities, but much taller than he.
"This is our main line of defense." The Captain answered the question on everyone's minds. The gate began to rise from the ground before them. "This wall stands at twelve meters tall, and is sufficient for the majority of titans. We have not come across more than fifteen titans taller than ten meters on any Outside Expedition. Anything larger than that approaching the complex will become an extermination necessity. This wall was erected with my instruction. Hurry inside." He pulled on the reigns and the horses quickly trotted inside the gate, followed by the group.
The gate closed behind them with an earth rattling thud and they approached the castle. The castle was grand to say the least. Towering spires dotted the skyline of the structure; huge stained glass windows littered the walls. Dark gray stones constructed the work of art. Obvious modifications had been made to turn it to appropriate training grounds. Stables were to the left of the castle, and various large pieces of training equipment were situated to the right. The tallest spire had the roofing removed and a sort of makeshift crow's nest was created. He pictured Levi perched atop the castle with a watchful eye surveying their surroundings for threats. A two story gate was the main entrance to Eren's new temporary home.
A few officers were lined up outside this main gate, with intent eyes on the fresh meat. "These are my Corporals. If you are not studying directly beneath me, you will report to and obey them. Hanji Zoë, Mike Zacharius, Dita Ness, and Darius Baer." The four Corporals stood at attention and gave the military salute with their right hands curved over their left breast. "I will let them announce their new squad members." Levi stepped to the side and the four corporals stepped down the stone steps.
The female corporal took a step forward and gave a quick smile and wave. "I am Corporal Hanji, and I'm the Scouting Regiment's resident scientist!" She took a deep bow. She had a lower voice for a woman, glasses, shoulder length reddish brown hair pulled into a lazy ponytail, and a cheery disposition that just wouldn't quit. "I was actually just given permission by Commander Erwin to begin forming my own team of researchers; our strongest strengths will be our knowledge and wisdom." She stood with her shoulders thrown back proudly and placed her hands on her hips. "Which is why I need nothing short of genius, I need Armin Arlert to join me!" She clapped giddily and Armin was so proud to have been called a genius by the likes of her. She threw her arm around his shoulders and guided him inside.
The blonde man took a step forward and gave a short, quick bow. He had a short curtain of hair parted in the middle. He was tall, taller than Reiner was, and had determined, hazel eyes. "My name is Corporal Mike Zacharius, and I am also only interested in the best and brightest. I based my decision on a number of factors, battle instinct along with skill, intelligence…" he trailed off, he had a particular recruit dead in his sights. He lifted his arm and pointed at Jean, then motioned with a single finger for him to follow. Jean's eyes widened in surprise and he quickly hurried behind the already retreating Zacharius.
"Hello, my name is Dita Ness." He took a step towards the recruits. He had broad shoulders, short scruff covering most of his face, a beige bandana covering his hair and an honest smile on his face. "I feel like my newest recruit could shake things up a bit; my current team could learn a thing or two from her!" He let out a warm chuckle and waved for Sasha to join him. She bounded up right behind him and they joined the others in the interior of the castle.
The one that must have been named Darius stepped forward. He was a very large, thick man. He had a thick, coarse beard covering his chin and neck, his dark hair was brushed back and his eyes told no lies- he had seen some shit no man should ever have to see. "I had first pick and I made my decision in less than ten seconds. I believe you can meet or even surpass Levi's skill level someday. Mikasa, please join me inside." He turned on his heel and retreated inside the castle. Mikasa turned to face Eren; she squeezed his hand and followed her new Squad Leader.
The huge door closed completely behind her. This left Eren and Levi in the darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of the torches on either side of the door.
Levi took a few steps and shortened the distance between the two.
"He had first pick after I gave him who was left on the list." Levi said. His cool voice washed over Eren, and made his arm hair stand on end.
"Oh, uh… Really? I'm… Honored for you to have chosen me Captain." Eren did the only thing that felt natural and he gave the salute to his superior.
Levi turned and started to walk behind him. He held his wrists behind his back and smiled to himself. Eren felt his face getting hot, he knew he was about to turn crimson again. Then, he felt a soft, hot breath on the back of his neck. Eren shivered and kept his gaze forward, didn't dare, no, couldn't turn his head to look at Levi. He gripped Eren's left wrist, making him break the salute. He felt his temperature rising, as well as something else…
He closed his eyes tightly and made himself think again of Annie, naked before him, and lying on a bed. Instant relief. Levi could tell Eren was shrinking before him, and it made him feel powerful.
"Eren, follow me inside." He whispered into his ear, only an inch or two away from it. "I'll show you to your bedroom…"
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!