Author/s Message:
We've met again, everyone I am on my 5th Chapter and we're already at the "practice expedition" phrase as Erwin said. Sorry that it took a long time to update, I was supposed to update yesterday but I forgot that I still must reread and correct some stuffs before posting, hope it's just ok?
So who had a good laugh with the "cockroach scene" last chapter, my friend and I had a good time discussing what to put in that scene, hahaha.
Well I am babbling too much, gomen XD This Chapter is kinda cut short because it seems not right to add more scenarios in here. And I am trying to do the owh so famous "SNK cliff hang" feel. I know that you've felt that, especially if you watch the anime ?
Well, without further ado, Chapter 5 is here. Please ENJOY
Chapter 5
(At the Scouting Legion HQ)
"Oi Squinty - san. Get your ass off. Erwin - san needs you to get moving. The graduation of the Trainees would commence in just a few hours." I was shaking the body, covered by an overly white and clean blanket.
"Fuck off! I am in no proper condition to live life. I feel so dirty!" He then further wrapped the blanket to his body.
I sighed at the scene. Where you actually see the humanity's strongest fall...
But, he can't manage to mourn of him being "dirty". For Pete's sake, if it is between a cockroach and Titan, a cockroach can beat the crap out of him? Seriously, being clean freak is way more absurd that anything. So...
"Corporal Squint! If you don't get up and move your ass now, I'll pour all sorts of pests to this room and your body! I am fucking dead serious!"
He squealed and he rushed towards his bathroom to make himself ready.
In the end, Levi and I didn't end up attending the graduation ceremony. Instead, we're asked to do a patrol together with Erd, Gunther and Eren. We patrolled with no particular reason. So I just assumed it was kind of training for Eren.
Absent mindedly, while the four of us are speeding off on our horses, I happen to see someone looking at me. It was the Squint Levi. My eyes popped out of what I saw. But he immediately looked away.
I swear I saw a blush on his cheek. Or I am just sort of hungry? Tired? Maybe just those two reasons. But not the one you're thinking off, brush off that idea. And I am not telling you what that idea is.
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(Next day, early morning)
I was apparently assigned to teach and train these trainees. Besides my job of personally training Eren, helping Hanji with research, working battle plans with Erwin and being a sort of messenger for the Scouting Legion. Why am I so busy? But then again, this is better than doing nothing.
I and the trainees (excluding Eren, he is doing something else) were in the part of the HQ where I and some others if they're not busy (Levi's squad) trains the newbie or even oldies who can't handle using the 3DMG even if they got in here and had been here for long. Well I didn't even graduate! How can I tell the difference?
"Ahem!" I purposely coughed to clear my morning hoarse voice and catch the students' attention. They're pretty plenty, I never expected to get 50 new recruits. "First of all, I wanted to introduce myself and my horse. This is my gorgeous white horse in here, is Fenrir." I saluted in front of them, "and I am Crimson Etheridge, Squad Leader, came from nowhere in particular. Nice to meet you all!" and gave my brightest smile and a wink.
And majority of the men fainted as well as some girls. I panicked with the scene. "Eh! Guys! Don't sleep at me. We haven't even started to do anything?! The Squint would kill me for sure if you'll be slacking like this!"
"What do you mean by nowhere in particular?" said the female that has her neck adorned with a rather inappropriate for the weather red scarf.
"Mikasa – san? Ahhh!? That don't mind small unnecessary stuff." I held my hand up in the air and playfully waved it. Trying to say to her that she must not mind it. And thank goodness she got the message as she just nod.
The whole day until noon was spent with the trainees taming their horses. Some almost got their ass kicked by the horses, thank goodness I saved them. Some can't even get up from the horse without them neighing. But most of them actually befriend the horses. Let us take this cute little blondie. I think she is Christa – san?
"Guys! Lunch is ready!" said Petra from the HQ main door, still wearing her apron and has her hair tied up.
The lunch seems to pass peacefully, except with this certain girl. Sasha I think is her name, who always tries to steal other's ration.
And this cute guy who looks like a girl (for me atleast) and his friend Mikasa sat side by side with me. We silently ate our lunch, with me casually asking stuffs to them like their graduation ranks and their skills.
I discovered Mikasa was the Valedictorian of the class, as what I expected. While Armin is not even in the top ten, but he has great strategic skills, a little more training and some battle skills training, plus height. He might be the next Erwin.
Mikasa seems silent and fidgets with the strand of her hair from time to time. "You're friends with Eren right? He mentioned to me about you guys. He said everyone is a great person." And her face brightened up. "And he is in good shape, so no worries."
"Thank goodness…" Mikasa took hold of my shoulders and look into my eyes, silently thanking me. I returned the gesture with a smile.
The lunch hour passed by surprisingly peaceful. But then, Levi is still not around. Where the hell is that squint?
(Lecture Time)
And yes, I was again instructed to teach the newbie about the long range scouting formation.
"Good afternoon everyone! To start with," I pulled out the string from the cloth hanging in front of the supposedly classroom. And the cloth smoothly fell down to reveal what it is. "This is a map or rather a plan both Erwin and I worked together. A long range scouting formation."
The whole meeting went pretty easy than what I expected. Asking what I was expecting? Well, maybe soldier complaining about the position and why we are supposedly be separated far from each other. But instead, they've agreed with it.
The final thing was I discuss how to use the smoke guns and the colours corresponding meanings. All has been said, the meeting was adjourned at sunset.
"Bye guys! Need to attend to my special student! You're free to look around, though I think today is when we'll give away your new uniforms? So whatever, BYE!"
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As expected, Eren is in Levi's room.
"Hoi! Squinty – san! Are you going to train Eren of you'll just make him your living feather duster? Huh? We're getting out of here. And don't dare fight back, I can kill you in one blow!" Yes, I am using that "incident" to blackmail him.
Levi clicked his tongue in same manner as how he do when he is insulted about his height. "You won't dare to."
"Try me, Squint!" and I sped off holding Eren's hand.
As we walked down 3 floors down from Levi's room.
"Crimson – san! Where are we going?" Eren was trying his very best to follow my lead, and catch up with my speed, but I was just practically dragging him.
"Just come and see!" I smiled at him, with such warmth. I know this would get all the stress out of him.
I opened the door wide and perfect timing. The 104th Squad was there. Just a few meters from us, facing their back at us.
Eren looked at me, seeing he is asking for permission, I allowed him by giving a nod.
"And there is a cinematic reunion. So touching!"
(Levi POV)
Levi stared down at his window, observing Crimson dragging Eren by the hand to present him to his friends.
"That crybaby, is she trying to blackmail me? Tch." I swear I'll get back to her. Then the memory of last night came back….
"Ummm, Squinty – san? Your face is groping my breast?"
"FUUCCCCKKKKK! Now I am a pervert as well!? Screw this shit!" and he smashed the cup hard on the window pane, causing the cup to be broken and wound his hand.
(The next day…)
Early morning, I am helping Petra to prepare everyone's breakfast when Hanji came running to me rather excited holding a….
"Crimson – chaaaannnn!"
She's holding a bouquet of flowers, with assortment of white baby's breath, pink plumeria and red roses. I've received countless of bouquets before and until now from suitors ranging from commoners to nobles. But I don't really care that much.
BAM! Realization hit me. "Ehhh! Hanji?! Is this yours? Beautiful!" I grabbed the bouquets from her hand and examined it. Truly, the arrangement is made to perfection. "Finally someone's courting you! Is it Levi?" I said that sentence rather in a whisper, but I saw Petra blush and heard her squeak.
"Noob! That's for you! And what makes you think someone would even court me? Silly Crimson – chan!" She poked my forehead with her finger repeatedly as she spoke.
And yes, I am teasing Hanji to be together with Levi, for goodness sake, they're on their legal age. And there's a saying that opposites attract. Also take into consideration that they've known each and every fibre of themselves from years of being a soldier. For short, I ship them, got it?
Back to reality… "Ehhh! Really? What a pity…" I pouted my lips, disappointed that the bouquet is not for Hanji. Then I saw a card inside the bouquet.
"Ehhh! A card?" Hanji practicaly grabbed the card from my grasp. Hanji then cleared her throat, which attracted everyone's attention in the dining room.
"Good day, Dear Crimson. This is Roberto. Please accept this flowers as my apology and as well as a form of gratitude. I am sorry if my servants treated you with dismay. And to make – up with you, I want to invite you for dinner. You're always welcome in the palace. See you soon."
In the end was the very royal – ish signature of Roberto. But the problem is Hanji read the whole thing aloud. Every soldier has their eyes on us. And to my surprise, Erwin and Levi are standing on the doorway.
"FUCK." I quickly grabbed the letter away from Hanji and hid it in my back pocket. Then I let out a hesitant laugh, to either say that people must not give a damn, or rather I am just too embarrassed.
Erwin signalled me to come closer, much to my dismay. And my heart is fucking beating so fast.
Surprisingly he just patted my head and smiled at me. "I see that my beautiful Crimson has got a suitor again." And he playfully messed up my hair.
I playfully slapped away Erwin's hand and pouted at him like saying "you silly commander".
"Tch, playing you games again?" And that was your usual grumpy Levi. I just wonder what happened to his bandaged hand?
Levi somehow transforms into a hate loving monster whenever gifts arrive to the HQ or when someone invites me to go with them on a date. Nobles or Commoners, he treats them the same. You ask how? Well, if he can't shoo them away with an icy glance, he would just beat the shit out of them. For an instance, there is one person who got his rib broken and maybe some other few bones, bruises and bleeding lips.
I plucked a piece of pink plumeria and smell it. Then went near the grumpy Squint. I smiled at him and tucked the plumeria on his left ear.
"Corporal Squint is so pretty. Neh?" I cupped his right cheek with my right hand, gently caressing it with my thumb. And his face turned into deep red.
And then I went for my run.
1… 2… 3…
"COME BACK HERE YOU IDIOT!"
And the chase started just like that. And everyone in the dining hall busted out in laughter.
XxXXxxxxXXxxxxxXxxxxxXxxxxx
The day of expedition came. Almost everyone has the same expression painted on their façade. Fear. Fear of dying, to be eaten, to be wounded and crush by the hands of those gruesome Titans. Even I, won't deny that somehow I am still disgusted with those creatures. Well except for Hanji who seems to be too excited about seeing some Titans
We are all already positioned in front of the gate, waiting for a cue to advance. I was about to ride my horse Fenrir when…
"Crimson, let me have a moment with you." Erwin as always the calm and collected one, requested a time to talk to me. And as usual Levi is there. Dark auras emitted around his presence. CREEPY it is.
"I want you, for now, to be in Levi's squad who'll be escorting Eren. This won't be permanent ,you'll have your squad back after this." His tone pleading but with authority and sounds like the only acceptable response is a yes.
I just nodded at him. He then nodded as well and pat my shoulder, and the two made their exit to ride their horses.
With the little time left, I approached my squad about the situation. They easily accepted my explanation and they promised to protect each other as much as possible and no one would die. I smiled at how passionate my squad is. These are the soldiers I can be most proud of.We hugged each other and said our good lucks.
When each and every one of the scouting legion are on their position…
"We will now begin the 57th expedition beyond the walls…"
Everyone in the pack has a dead serious façade painted on their being. It felt like no one is breathing. The air seems too humid and heavy. Everyone seems thinking what might possibly happen in this expedition.
"ONWARD!"
And that is the signal where the gates open and each and every horse take charge forward.
The pack easily managed to be out of the area of houses, thanks for the help of some distractor soldiers, well that is my squad. Not that I am speaking highly of my soldiers, but yes I have to admit that they're the best
Now, we're in the open plains. Free from any structure to effectively use our 3DMG. And this is where shit starts to happen. Upon the sight of Titans, unlucky for us, they were almost aberrant Titans. Erwin signalled everyone now to spread on the assigned positions according to plan we've formulated.
Everything seems to go according to plan. Just when the rounds of smoke signals indicating presence of Aberrant are fired rapidly, this isn't good. I cursed myself mentally.
I was lost in my train of thoughts of the possible things and how could I solve it, the back flank destroyed? The left? The front? And then a soldier coming from the east, has this look of worry all over his façade.
"Reporting from the east! The right flank is completely destroyed! Our recon system is partially inoperative!" My eyes grew wide, thinking of that one possibility… a sentient Titan, like Eren… But this one's up for Eren, if my theory is correct that it is heading towards where we are. This is bad…
"You heard that Petra?" Levi ordered Petra, to go pass the message to the left flank.
"Yes Corporal!"
Why the hell would Levi allow Petra to go alone? Without receiving a proper order, I went to follow Petra. It would be too dangerous if my theory is right.
"Just where the hell are you going?"
I was already 10 meters approximately away from them but managed to hear him. Great auditory skills I guess? "None of your business you heartless freak!" I shouted from the bottom of my lungs.
XxXxxxxxXXXXxxxxXXXX
"Crimson! Why are you here! You're supposed to be beside Eren all the time!"
"Petra – san, don't freak out. You must be more worried about yourself. And besides Eren has the strongest squad and humanity's strongest with him."
"But…"
"I can't let you go on your own and risk yourself to die!"
We reached a flank from the west and reported to them what happened to the right flank. After reporting it to them, Petra and I advanced faster, aiming to enter the vicinity of the forest.
But, I saw my squad from my left. And as if they did see me as well Nanaba waved at me.
"Petra, I think you're safe from here up to when you reach the forest!"
Petra shot me a look which means "would you be alright" look.
I smiled at her and… "Everything would be fine."
She nodded and further advanced to the direction of the forest. I hope everything would be fine and "the plan" would be successful.
I went to where my squad is and informed them to pass on the same message which we are asked to be passed.
"I'll go for it." Nanaba volunteered.
But as he was about to leave… "Have two people accompany you, the situations pretty unpredictable. Going alone is a bad idea itself…" I am an easy going person to start with, but what I just said, is a serious one. No one messes with me, especially if I am very serious and sure of what I am saying.
Everyone in my squad looked at each other and nodded as a response.
"And one last thing…" everyone looked at me again… "Just don't die, guys, that's an order."
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"Petra, where the hell is Crimson?!" Auruo asked Petra in a way like he was sure that something bad might happened to Crimson.
Petra let out a long sigh. "The lady insisted to stay with her squad for a while. She promised to catch up to us as soon as she can. We knew better that no one can order the lady besides Erwin."
"Tch, stupid brat." Levi clicked his tongue, obviously annoyed as he kicked his horse on its side causing it to neigh and ran faster.
"There goes the boyfriend material." Erd whispered to the other 4 and all of them silently giggled except Petra, who seemed to be in between embarrassed and disappointed.
XxxxxXxxxxXXXXxxxxXXxxxxx
(Crimson POV)
Nanaba and the other two came back to the group in one piece, thankfully.
"Guys, beyond this point, we'll be on our separate ways. Go guide the newbies who's on top of the trees. I'll go inside the forest…"
"ALONE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME CRIMSON?!" Nanaba cut me even before I can finish my statement. HE sounded like a real worry - wart, but you can still feel the genuine care.
I let out a deep sight and managed to pat his shoulder (even If our horses are galloping fast). "Nanaba, you knew me better than everyone else, you know I can get back alive. Worry about yourself. Don't die. Ok? I can tell you it is pretty disgusting to do swimming inside a Titans' stomach. I've warned you."
I tried to joke, and everyone seems to laugh at it, except for Nanaba, who just gave me a small smile, and tucked the messed up hair behind my ear, then stroked my cheek.
"I…. err… I mean, WE, we'll try not to." He stammered suspiciously.
"You will all survive. Claim it before your eyes. Don't think so low about everything. You don't have the liberty, special in this situation."
"Roger that! Squad Leader Crimson!"
And we went on our separate ways. Immediately after I was sure that everyone was atop of the trees, I advanced towards the pathways towards the center of the forest, hoping to catch up fast with the others.
20 minutes has passed since I was all by myself hoping to see a sight of the Squint's squad, but still no hope. Just when..
I felt the ground beneath me, shaking, even if Fenrir is trying his best to advance as fast as he can, even the poor horse can feel the approaching menace. The quake is coming from the left, back and front. I can even barely smell them, thanks Mike for years of patiently passing on "the gift", I can smell them.
"Titans!"
3 from the west, 3 from the south, and one from the front. They became visible in just a matter of time. This is now or never, fight for death, since I am already too fucked up anyways. I leaned near into Fenrir's ear and whisper. "Hey, Fenrir, can you go for a good run? I know you're a good horse, so I think you can make it. You can remember the Squint's face, neh?"
I positioned myself and to stand up and fight for a thin chance of survival. "Go!" I kicked Fenrir in its behind and it managed to dodge the Titans in its front, it won't be my horse for nothing. I swiftly and miraculously landed splendidly.
Even if I was fully aware of the situation, bad luck seems to be on my side today. I was nearly smashed to death on a tree by a titan, walking on all its four. Thank my reflex for the last minute save. "Don't your even dare you fucking spider Titan!" and yes, I can't help but compare him to that certain spider I found while cleaning the HQ.
My aim was straight, it's the nape. Both wires landed on it nape, and like all Titans, it was too dumb to dodge, I easily sliced its nape. That's for its sneaky attack.
But in just a mere second, all the remaining Titans are gathered around where I stand. As the steam from the fallen Titan grew hotter and hotter beneath me, I can only think of one thing.
"I am good as dead, better fight dying or die doing nothing."
Three Titans, fell down on the ground easily, as these were just normal ones. Dumb as they are branded, piece of a fucking cake. But the problem remains, the remaining three are two 15 Meter and one 10 meter Titan. Aberrants and seems to be suspiciously sane. It is too scary to think that these Titans can actually learn.
And I am all but a perfect definition of exhausted. I have major bruises all over my body, and I almost exhausted my gas. The amount left might not even be enough to neither kill a Titan nor do a very impossible escape.
Then came the perfect timing, they seem to be unaware of me hiding in a thick part of a certain tree, and their nape are aligned in perfect parallel position. One good strike is enough for a double K.O. I prayed to a no particular God for luck and made my signature fighting stance. This might be my last attack in my entire life.
When I calculated the perfect timing, I aimed for the tree to make my way to cut their napes in one shot. Which was done perfectly, that is what I hoped for. But…
"Oopss… too shallow." Goodbye world.
One of the Titan grabbed both of my wires and aimlessly throws me to nowhere in particular. And I felt pain. It ends up that my wires are tangled in a certain tree branch. I didn't have the single moment to act surprised. And I would tell you, trying to escape is useless, and if ever I try to remove my gear, I would just end up falling on the hard ground, or the smaller Titan's mouth, drooling as it await for the bait.
I felt a numb feeling on my left arm and right foot, and when I looked…
My left arm was practically cut off from below the shoulder joint, and my left leg was hanging in there attached to my knee with a thin flesh. Probably resulted because of the pain I've felt when the Titan aimlessly threw me. The wires probably caused the disturbing sight I am currently looking at.
It might be inappropriate to laugh at that moment, but I did. A laugh so startling that even the Titans seem to pause for a second to again start approaching my hanging figure. After recovering from that crazy laugh, I closed my eyes. And that is my final act, to close my eyes and say… "Goodbye everyone, please fight for humanity…"
Author's Message:
And… that's Chapter 5 for you! Is my "cliff hang" attempt a success or not? Please tell me
Also, please spread, share, read, review, rate, follow, favourite my story. Would be gladly appreciated.
Negative and Positive review are much appreciated as it would really help me improve. Also, I know my grammar sucks, who might be a kind person here who can do the BETAing job for me? I know I can't pay you by merit, but I have my big heart to thank you so
And to clear things up, you've noticed that even as a squad leader, I put Crimson into Levi's squad, because Crimson is responsible for Eren as well. But Crimson end up separated from them. I have my purpose of course hihihi
Also, you might notice that Crimson don't really use formalities that often (Commander, Corporal, Captain, etc.) and resort to call them by nicknames and their plain name. Well, I have a side story for that. Because in between updates, I am planning to upload extra chapters (might happened outside the time frame of the story) to support some scenarios in the story).
Next chapter is surely a "mystery revelation" and "past story about the scouting legion family relationship history" chapter. You'll know why when you keep yourself updated
So all for now, see you next update, THANK YOU AGAIN MY FAITHFUL, CONTINUOUS READERS, LOVE YOU