Disclaimer
© Hajime Isayama for creating this owh so awesome anime/manga Shingeki no Kyojin.
A/N: Ok, again sorry for the long time I haven't updated, busy with school. Thesis, Campus Journalism and research tires me out, GOMEN and I have classes until 9PM every TTH. Ugh.
Well without blabbing things out, here is Chapter 8 for you. I hope the grammar and switching of POVs and scenes won't confuse ya all. XD
Chapter 8 (Crimson's PAST)
"You'll be rendered powerless upon setting your foot down on that land. And you'll be a little kid in that land."
That is what those God's condition, the only condition they gave me. That is what makes me much more worried. And the only thing I was thinking while I am getting myself ready for a trip to decide human's fate. If I fail, I suffer the consequences with them, if I win, we would be victorious, or at least that's what I think.
"Everything would be worth it. A few sacrifices won't hurt."
I was facing an enormous gate, when I felt a presence of someone watching at the corner of my eye. The only thing I can remember is the feel of being pushes and I felt like falling to an endless pit. It seems like I can't remember or see anything at that moment. I can't even remember how I ended up lying down in this bed. Nor I can't remember this woman taking care of me for a whole week now.
"Crimson, my dear daughter, are you feeling well already? Do you want something to eat? Or maybe a stroll outside?"
These are the words repeatedly asked by the woman. She calls me by the name Crimson. Is that my name? I don't even remember. She said her name is Cassandra, and call me her daughter, so does that make her my mother? I don't know.
After a few more days, the woman decided to show me around the village. The place is located in a plane near a small forest atop of a hill. And from above, a much bigger and civilized city can be seen. They called it the Trost district. She also mentioned to me about those creatures called "Titans" and how much should I loathe those beings.
The woman told me I was 12 yrs old at that time and encouraged me to play with the kids my age. They pushed me away, and kept saying those words….
"We don't want to play with a meteorite freak!"
"Get away from that kid! She's the one who is seen inside the meteorite!"
"She probably is a monster!"
I tried to reach out to them, to explain my side that I can't remember anything about myself either, and I am a completely harmless person. But the words seem to be trapped on my throat. No words would come out as much as I want to,
The woman named Cassandra said that it is ok, and I must try harder. Eventually, I just gave up on trying too hard. It was too painful for my side.
A few more months after, I befriended an old couple, and said they are retired teachers. So after I helped them with their chores, they taught me things, lots of things like how to write, read, do math, science, music, dance, singing, playing instruments and even cooking if we have extra leisure time to spend. They said I learn really fast, faster than normal students they had did.
Little by little, I learned how to talk and hold conversations, and unconsciously I was starting to smile and laugh, the couple said it was contagious.
Luckily, I made very few friends, but of course that is still a secret from their parents. We play and kill time in the forest near our time, climbing and skipping from one tree to another. Also, I became much more confident to walk and roam around the town, even though they still see me as the same meteorite freak and throwing gross stuff and dirty water at me. Not that I need to make a fuss about that, I am used to it anyways.
Also, I decided to call the woman named Cassandra my Mom, and she was so glad about it that she prepared a small feast for the two of us.
One day, my friends told me about their desires to enrol to the military. They seem so excited about it that I was also quiet interested to join in. I told my Mom about it and she just scolded me and said Ít would be a suicide." I stormed out of the house, anger, confusion, I don't know what are the exact emotions I feel at that moment.
Why is it a stupid and suicide dream to explore and know the mysteries of the world outside? I mean isn't that great? You'll have the opportunity to explore new places, new living species and other people! I might at least meet some who'll accept me and won't judge me for what am I but for who am I.
That night, I was curled up in a dark narrow alley, my knees on my forehead in a fetal position. When I heard a sound of a painful cry, a cry that expresses the words: help me. I followed suit the sound and arrived at another narrow alley. The scene that faced me was a common bully in our town, beating the shit out of a little boy using a wooden plank.
I knew the right thing is to run and call for help. But I know as well that no one would believe me. So I walked towards the man hitting the kid and tapped his shoulder.
"What do you think you're doing to the poor kid?"
"And who the fuck you are to mess around my business?"
The man turned around and hit me with the wood in his hand. I fell down to the ground. My head felt like it would split into pieces. My hand travelled to where the pain is.
"Blood…"
The fluid, it is warm, the color was beautiful.
"AAAA! What the heck!"
I looked up at the man, now shouting like crazy holding his wood that is now on fire. He let go of the wood and frantically ran away. I can hear him shouting from afar words like: "You'll pay for this" or "They'll execute you, meteorite freak!"
But more importantly, the man is now long but gone, and the boy was now safe from harm. I forced myself to get up in spite of the throbbing pain in my head. I approach the boy and offered my hand.
"Everything is now allright. We're now safe." I gave the boy a slight smile, which he returned with a wide one. But even before he can grab my hand, something hit the back of my head. The last thing I can remember is I was tied up to a post, the boy I save just at the post near me, tied up as well. Then I fell back to sleep.
I was awaken once again upon hearing voices saying: "Just burn both of that kids!", "Turn them to the military!" and when a man said these words, "Throw them outside the walls!" every voice in the room expressed agreement.
When I woke up, I was in my bed and what I first saw was my Mom, packing my things into a bag, putting some food and water in the process.
"Guess this'll be a goodbye, hn?"
The woman looked at me, her damp and sore cerulean eyes met my crimson ones. Must be crying. She then tackled my and trapped me in a very tight hug, crying her heart out. Saying words like; I am so sorry. I can't do anything. They won't believe me no matter what.
I just let her mourn there, besides what more I can do to avoid what's coming.
Few more hours passed and a group of soldiers with an emblem of two wings overlapping each other went to pick me up. They then chained me, seeing me as a threat for some reason. Well I do carry the re enforced blades with me, they're just wrapped with cloth. It might looks suspicious but they look like they don't care. My mother was behind us, following our trail, whispering words of encouragement and apology from time to time.
We reached this gate, far from everyone's knowledge that it exist deep inside this mossy forest. It was just a small gate, worth to be called a secret passage. Two mor earrived dragging a too familiar boy with them.
And yes, that is the boy that I saved, which put me in this situation. And he would suffer the same faith as me.
The gates were now open, and without any warning and without us having the chance to protest, both of us were thrown outside the Titan territory. The last thing I saw was the woman being held by back some soldier and those emblems of overlapping wings.
"Mom.. why…" I was thrown outside the walls, outside the safety of my village. I can still hear my mom from the other side, crying… I tried to hold back my tears. I know much better that crying won't get me anywhere…
I don't really have any idea what is happening. Mom said she did this so I can continue living, without the threat of being killed. I turned to face the guy thrown outside together with me.
Crap. We need to move out of here or else we'll be Titan food in no time. I helped myself and stand up, dusting myself. I walk towards the boy, who still has his back sprawled on the ground.
"Hi, seems we're together in this same troublesome situation. My name's Crimson…" I pondered if I must use the last name of my supposedly woman. Since today, I declare her as a total stranger. Then a bright idea came through. "Etheridge, Crimson Etheridge." Yes, I don't think the old couple wound mind if I use theirs, since I owe them a lot. And they are the few people who have shown me true care and affection.
He stared at me, it feels like he is boring holes on me. But at the same time it feels like, how I must say this? It felt like I forgot about the situation we're in. Those eyes, he has these weird blue eyes. I t felt like it was really peaceful.
Still no answer from the boy. I sighed and extended my hands to help him up. "Come on! Get up from there or else I'll leave you here."
Upon hearing my "threat" the boy immediately stood up and charged towards me. "Wiat, why is he attacking me?" But to my surprise, instead of beating the shit out of me, he crashe to me with a nearly painful hug. "P…please, please don't leave me… I am scared…"
"Yes, I won't leave you. And we'll get through this together."
Man, can he just atleast tell me his name? "You know, you won't lose anything if you'll tell me your…" Before I can finish my sentence…
"Crimson… I… am so scared…" He hugged me, a hug so tight. He buried his head on my left neck. I swear he is crying so much, tears are flowing continuously. But, I can feel the fear, the pain his tears has.
I wrapped arms around him and gently patted his back. "There, there, we'll somehow survive. Just stay strong." At that time, I also wanted to cry out loud. But seeing this man. Who depends his life on me, I can't act weak and useless. "We must survive and know why they did this to us. So… stay strong."
"I… I am Alfred… please… please protect me." His hug tightened even more.
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Few days passed, the boy with me named Alfred, but he told me no more. Not that I bothered to ask much more. Days passed, we walked through an endless plains, small forests and grasslands. Our goal was to reach the nearest gate, hoping someone would notice us and save us. But damn, I was wrong.
Almost out of food, energy and hope, up in this tree, Titan were swarming below us. And as desperate as I am, I drew out the reinforced swords from my back, and when I was about to jump, Alfred grabbed me by my arm.
"I… I'll protect you… Crimson…"
"No! Alfred! You're weak now! I don't see a reason for you to act so heroic!"
"Keep yourself alive. Run if the chance grants you to do so."
His usually stoic face, has its brown furrowed together, showing the slightest hint of superiority between us. He doesn't need to speak much further. Those eyes of his, says it all.
He patted my head and gave me a soft peck on my forehead. "Thank you for everything, Crimson."
He gave me his rare smile of his and jumped down from the tree. The last thing I saw before I was blinded by a bright light and the wind almost knocked me out was Alfred biting his hand. And what emerged from the clearing is another Titan. The hair, the eyes, it really is him!
Though he might be much smaller to the other Titan, what surprised me was his swift movements, and how he fights. His style is not just a random punching and kicking or slashing of flesh with his hands. He seems skilled and knowledgeable of his capability. Wait, does this mean he is aware of his own skill?
My train of thought were cut when a 15 meter titan landed its back on the tree where I am, making the tree fall down, with me flying away from a good distance. I reached out to my nape, and discovering it covered with blood, I drift to a world of darkness.
Only to be awaken by a blood screeching scream. He is outnumbered.
"Vincent! It is no use, we need to get out of…" a shadow towered above the tree, and when I turned around, a Titan violently grabbed me.
Having the blades on my hand, I tried slicing my way out, but it was a futile move and it just drained the little energy I have. "My, my, I guess it is time to give up. I'll just imagine that it would be fun to be inside a Titan's stomach…" The Titan held me higher and propped open it's disgusting mouth.
But when all hope was lost, a mass of force pushed the Titan holding me, which sent me flying and scraping a deep wound on my arm. And with that much pain and blood loss, I saw pure whiteness and fell unconscious.
I woke from which seems an eternal slumber and what I saw was… "No…" Alfred's human body was held by his still intact arm and a Titan was biting his rib, where huge amount of blood were squirting and bones can be heard crushing.
"Vincent! Stay still! I'll save you!"
And an embodied figure grabbed me. "Don't be an idiot, there's no way of saving him!"
No, I should save him. And even if it is impossible, I'll still do it. I managed to get off the hold of the man and ran towards where my blades are and charged towards those Titans.
The last thing I remembered was I felt flames and smoke surround me before I again lost my senses. When I came back to reality…
"This is insane, everyone's insane…Did I do all of these?" I got the blades which are lying near me. "My life, my life is useless." I positioned the blade, making sure it would be a once strike kill through ny chest. "See you on the other side, Vincent…"
But before the blade struck through me, I felt a force hit the back of my nape. Then again I fell unconscious.
"Dang it, how many times would I lose consciousness?"
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And when I opened my eyes, crowds of people surprised me. But it seems they have disgust painted all over their faces. And hey! Why am I riding a horse leaning my back on this stoic looking man.
"Hoi brat, finally awake?"
I took no time or effort as deciphering where I am is much more important. There were people, a big city. This must be the Trost district. People were saying stuff like:
"They've wasted our tax money again."
"Suicidal bastards."
"Who is that kid they bought back? Her hair freaks me out!"
Come to think of it, why is my hair from jet black now silver – white shade? I travelled my eyes wider when realization strike me.
These soldiers, these soldiers who has taken me here back inside the wall also wear the same emblem as the ones who threw Alfred and I outside the Titan territory.
I quickly removed the man's hold on my waist by hitting his rib with my elbow. But dang, he wrapped his arms tighter to me. But yeah I am so smart so I bit his arm, too hard it might be, but whatever. He grunted with pain and that was my signal to run away.
I easily passed through the crowd and jumped and run through the narrow pathways of this enormous city. Soldiers were trying to follow me, but they stood no chance. No bragging, but I am confident with my years of informal training. Climbing trees through a forest and running away from bullies. A piece of cake.
They finally gave up the chase when they can't find me, and I am just hiding in a freaking pile of firewood. I let out a long sigh. I turned to my side and saw something I've regret I did. It was a broken mirror leaned into a wall. And what I saw didn't pleased me.
My hair is silver white, which is a former jet black shade. My clothes are all torn and destroyed with dried blood sticking to the cloth and my skin. And finally my eyes. Last time I've checked it was a deep black orb, but now…
"No… This can't be…"
It was red, a shade of a very blood Red, Crimson Red, just like my name. The mere shade of it sent shivers through my spine.
"I really looked like a monster…"
That day, I promised myself that I'll never look at a mirror or in any manner look at my reflection.
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The dark came and the lively streets were now just a mere cockpit for thugs and delinquents. I easily beat them though. At my first night, I beat the crap out of a lone bully and a group of five bullies. Man, they're weak yet they claim the place where I was just sitting trying to think, sleep or something to do to pass the night.
Well, that night is when my thug days started.
I beat small groups of thugs and get what I can get from them. Money, food, sometimes even their clothes. But I don't keep them to myself. I share them to the poor, to the weak. That is when I gained the nickname "Robinhood of Trost." They said it was a fictional character hero who steals from the rich to help the poor and needy, something like that.
Now, it's been three months. Three months living as a thug, a criminal as they say and the chase for me, by both parties (thugs, bounty hunters and military) became more persistent. The military even put a bounty for my capture. And beating the shit out of me (which everyone failed to do so) became a status quo for the thugs.
One night, walking down alone the dark streets of Trost, I saw a boy about to be hit by a metal rod by someone who seems to be a local bully around here. But not a thug, I have my sources.
I sneaked at his side unnoticed by him, I grabbed the rod on his hand. I pushed the rod to his stomach, careful not to stab him in the process. That alone weakened him, he fell to the ground and coughed blood.
I let the rod slip at my hold, making a clanking noise as it hit the cement. I eyed the little boy in front of me, and when I saw him shaking.
"Come on, let me take you home. I am not a bad person, I won't hurt you." I offered my hand for help and unconsciously gave him a smile. Yes, my weakness is younger kids (because technically I am still a kid).
"T…Thank you…" He placed his hand over mind, which I responded by gripping his hand slightly, trying to assure that he's safe with me.
I walked the boy to his home, there his family welcomed him with open arms. Though they slightly scolded him because of his wounds, yet I feel envious inside. At least he has a family.
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One night, I and four of the best in my group (yes I formed a small group), decided to ambush this five Garrison soldier riding a heavy crate pulled by two horses. The mission is to get everything we could. Philosophy of being a thug that is.
We were hiding behind empty wooden stacks, keeping a look at our target who's not really focused on their job. I see some of them drinking booze.
"Nanaba, I trust you to take care of the one driving the crate. I'll do my job to jam the crate's wheel from this distance. John, Ren, Mai, keep a lookout, I don't tolerate failure. Cause if we fail here, we're good as dead meat. Everyone, got it?"
They all gave a nod as a reply, and after I confirmed them fit and ready, I aimed my knife, with some kind of chain to jam the wheels and skilfully aimed it to the wheel. And as expected it landed perfectly, which abruptly stopped the crate.
The 3 of the five soldier came down to check what might be the problem and that was the signal. I glared at Nanaba and proceed to do his job, followed by John, Ren and Mai. Owh wait, one soldier was running away.
I pulled out another smaller knife from my waist and aimed it to hit his leg, just enough to trip him. It would be too cruel to cut his Achilles and he can never walk, I just need him to not get away and not reveal our identity.
"Nice shooting skills there boss." John remarked, already eating some bread from the crate.
"Boss, there is some booze here. Shall I throw them away?" Mai asked, sniffing the opened bottled, scrunching her nose in her action.
"Break, grains, meat, fish, medicine. Quite a good catch we had." Nanaba said with his ever dead face, but I can see a thin smile on the corner of his lips.
"Owh shit…"
"What the fuck is it now Ren?"
Nanaba joined the circle now curious as ever. He first looked at the bewildered Ren then to the direction he is staring at. "Crimson! Hurry! Look at this!"
I shrugged at how enthusiastic they can be (I can tell you, Nanaba is the calmest person I've known, like super fucking unbelievably calm), but they decided to join them. "What is it now, money, gold, or…" Tell me I am not seeing things. "… this is the shit."
10 sets of 3DMG in front of us, and I am quite sure the other unopened ones has the same thing/s inside. And 3 the large metal barrel I think were gas that is used to fill up the supposedly gas tanks. And yes, I am now inspecting every parts of the gear.
"Boss! We can sell all these at the black market of Wall Sina! Or maybe some fat-ass merchants…"
"No Mai… we'll use these gears, that's an order."
And that is the start of the 2 whole weeks I trained to use the gear. Though my first week was almost spent sneaking to the training grounds of the Military Trainees, trying to gather details on how to use the 3DMG, well I don't regret anything. And when I deemed myself knowledgeable and informed (not to mention I consider myself better than them) I left and spent the next full week training by myself in the rocky and deserted plains near our hidden HQ, since our last ambush would probably supply us the entire month of food.
I insisted that me, and ONLY I would be the only one to learn and use the gear, for I had to use it for some IMPORTANT PUROSE. But no, as expected from Nanaba, he pushed himself to learn together with me. Well I ended up teaching him as well, I can't let him have that accident again where he nearly fall down to a stiff cliff, sneaking at night and practicing.
And another pain in the ass, and as expected John, Ren and Mai insisted to learn as well. Damn this, if not for the reason I trust them so much (even much more than I trust myself) I trained them as well.
We perfected the fundamentals, and also not to brag, learned (well they learned from me) some special moves in case they need to use them. And as expected from my most trusted men, they didn't let me down. These people are really baka, baka I mean they are frigging strong, looks and attitude can be deceiving.
"You don't need to go against how the motion of how you're being pulled, it'll just hinder with your movements. And also while in mid – air, prepare and calculate the next moves you might need to do, well instinct might help, but it would be mph better if you have some strategies to use."
"Yeah boss…"
"And don't fucking "yeah yeah" me John, last time I remembered, you almost choked yourself when you strangled yourself with the wires!" I pointed at him accusingly.
"Ahhh… Crimson?"
Finally, this man is the only one who calls me by my name, I greatly appreciate that. "Yes Nananba?"
"When would we commence the mission?"
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And now we are on the lookout, waiting to charge and rescue kidnapped members of my "small" group. The base of this group is merely in the middle of the forest, open and exposed to the naked eye. Are they stupid or what?
"The same plan guys, I'll walk there first wearing this jacket and gear," I grasped the Garrison jacket and lightly tapped the gear on my sides. "and Nanaba will take charge after I gave the signal. Ren and John would follow if any help is needed, or if our disguise would fail. And Mai would be on the lookout."
"Got it!" They all said in unison.
"One more thing Mai." The girl flinched with her name being stated. "Stay calm, and also I trust you to run for it if anything messed up, 'kay?"
"Y…Yes… boss." She started to pick on her finger, which is her habit when she feels down and confused, and it is really an unsightly thing, she'll do it until her fingers bleed.
I let out a long sigh and walked towards her, wrapping her around with a gentle hug. "Don't worry much, I won't be Crimson, your boss for nothing." I let go of my hug and inspected her face, and when I deemed her calm enough I patted her head. I climbed up the horse and slowly made my way to the so called base of our target.
"Pleasant evening gentlemen." I carefully made my way down to the horse I am riding.Everyone in their group seemed startled with my presence, some even had weapon hidden on their back, some bluntly showing it off, beaming with confidence that would scare me.
"No need to be alarmed everyone, I was just sent here to retrieve those people you're keeping. I won't do anything harsh, I promise." I tried to act as nonchalant as I can. But no avail.
"Talk to your ass! As if we'll believe you!" And the man charged towards me holding his sword.
My, my, the plan failed immediately, well it's not like I can't go on without a fight. I ducked and grabbed the man's hand holding the sword and twisted it. He yelped in pain and the sword slipped from his hold, final touch, I hit him with the back of my blade, knocking him unconscious.
Five more people attacked me at the same time and I easily dodge each of them, knocking them unconscious. And in just a few, all of them unconscious. Nanaba, Ren and John now tying them up, as I was freeing my kidnapped men from the ropes.
"You okay guys?" I gently comforted each of them. Telling things such as they'll be safe and not to worry.
"Boss, what'll we do with these jerks?" John inquired as he kicked one noisy men.
"Hmmm… we'll leave them here. I know they can free themselves in a few hours or a day."
"Too kind you are, boss."
"Just being practical and modest Ren. Owh hey, Nanaba, found anything valuable?"
"There are some paper, ink, and paint, I think you'll like these." I just nodded as an act of agreement.Nanaba, who's currently exploring through the criminal's things, saw nothing but some firearms and swords, some food and other luxuries, but what caught his attention is. "Whoah, what a beauty, I think this one's a good pick." Nanaba held out to me a silver pocketwatch.
"Looks exquisite, hn." I pushed a button and the cover opened, revealing a clock with the usual Roman numeral indicating the time, but what caught my attention was the scripture on the back of the cover, which I am not very familiar with. It's not English, German, Spanish and not any Asian language. I just shrugged the idea and shoved the pocket watch to my pocket, thanking Nanaba for the so called gift.
We quietly walked back to our own HQ, now together with the retrieved men of mine. Mai welcomed us and showed us the best and safest route since she saw some Garrison Soldier doing their patrol.
"Job well done Mai." I offered my hand to her and pulled her up to ride at the back of the horse.
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Two months has passed and my group, especially I, Nanaba, Rei, John and Mai made a name for ourselves. Every thug, thief, criminal and the entire underground knew our existence, and I won't be surprised if the military has now an idea of our existence.
To narrate to you what we've done since acquiring these gears, well, aside from using it from running away, we use it to fool people thinking we're some sort of soldier so we can freely roam around the city. It was great, we sometimes enjoy the benefits of being a soldier.
Well, there are times when we need to pass by the underground tunnel of Wall Rose to assist some alleys and have some sort of meetings. And also, there are those days when people would purposely pick a fight with us.
A big built, bald guy purposely bumped into me.
"Hey you, won't you say anything?"
I let out a long sigh, getting tired of these low life criminals' antics. "Nanaba, John, Ren, Mai, I'll handle this one, ALONE." Mentally putting stress on the last word. They looked at each other and back to me, giving a nod in the process. They started to back off, giving the space I need to do the next action.
The bald guy tried to throw a punch at me, which I easily evaded by simply stepping aside. Goodness, is the word "weapon" removed from their coco shell, well it's not like it would make any difference.
I pulled out the blades from the 3DMG's side and run towards the guy. He protected himself by placing his arms in front of him. He might assume that I'll slice him right off the bat.
Applying the right amount of jumping power, I jumped from his head giving me much ease to twirl in mid – air. I revolved at an unimaginable speed for a few second and suddenly slowed down. Expectators though I've jammed the gear and would fall flat to the ground, but no. I spun down toward the guy, just like a boomerang, too rapid to believe.
But without me noticing, pair of two keen eyes was watching my little performance.
But instead of hitting him with the blades, I purposely just aimed at the crate beside him, spilling its contents which are sort of firearms. He fell down on his knees, shaking uncontrollably. I really did scare the shit out of huh?
With the back of my blade, I lifted up his face. "When would you useless piece of shit criminals learn your lesson, hmmm?"
"Like you're not some piece of shitty criminal yourself!"
OWh yeha, well he has some point in there. "Well at least I have some good purposes for doing it."
Let me tell you those reasons.
First and foremost, to survive. SURVIVE because this world is too cruel for you to survive if you live your life trying to be the good person and going with the flow. Not to mention the "flow" in this world is really predictable. If you act weak, you're good as dead.
Second, not everyone is good and strong enough to survive in this world. So as someone who knows her way around, I am here to provide. Well at least if I deem them worthy and if can make them change.
Lastly, to quench my aching hunger for answers. What happened to me? Yes, what really did happen? Few months ago, I was a feared little kid at the woman's village, thrown out of Titan's territory, got a friend eaten by a Titan, brought back to this city and started to live a thug and criminal life. And for what reason? To seek for answers? Revenge? Hate?
Or I am just a mere empty vessels, waiting to be filled up. And up to now, nothing fills me up as much as I want and do efforts to do so. Yes, I am a mere empty and blank being.
I was pulled out of my reverie when I saw two men looking at me from the corner of my eyes. A tall blonde man and a short in stature, raven hair boy. Damn it, I am even way more taller than…. Wait. Ok, we need to get out of here.
"Everyone, let's get going, I am so done in here." I gave a last kick at the bald man's gut.
Nanaba, Rei, John, and Mai seemd to sense the urgency of my order as they now launched their wires and made the first move to get out of these dungeon.
With one last look, I saw the blonde looking at me, a smirk on the corner of his lips. While the ravenette, seems like boring holes on me, and a tick mark was animatedly visible on his forehead, or is it just me seeing that. Well, whatever. I need to run. Run away from these people. And can I just mention that they were the one who brought me back inside the walls, and for fuck's sake, they're still military people. I don't need to be caught or something by them.
I launched my wires up the wall, swiftly allowing my body to go with the motion I've been dragged to by the wire, and with no effort (and gas) I was up the wall and easily caught up with the four of my men.
(Blonde and Ravenette POV)
The blonde stared with amazement as the figure of the retreating person disappeared from their line of sight. A smile crept through his lips. "Remember your good old days?"
The ravenette looked at the blonde scornfully as if he was some sort of pest that needs to be slapped dead. "Tsch, whatever." The ravenette started to walk his way out of the dungeon. "Hurry up! It is so filthy in here and I can't stand it!"
(Crimson POV)
I thought it would be just a regular day, beating up some rival group and running away from puny military police. Heck no, there is no way these soldiers who are these skilled are some Military Police people. I never saw Military Police who can catch up to us this close.
"Nanaba, take the lead, I'll try something. Don't make any unsure decisions, just keep moving until you reach the safe spot."
"NO! You gotta be kidding me! For all we know this might be the day you'll get caught!"
"Nanaba, don't you trust boss?" John placed his hand on Nanaba's shoulder. Heck I dunno how he can manage while in mid – air.
"It's not like I don't trust her! It's just that…"
WHoah, is this Nanaba, this is the first time I saw him this uncomposed. "Nanaba…" My voice was it's usually passive tone, yet the aura was stern and demanding.
Nanaba took a dry gulp, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Ok, I trust you, just.. just be… please be safe."
I gave him a nod and spun around, hooking my wire to the post, and successfully doing a turn to see what I intend to see. At the back of their green cloak were those wings of freedom. Scouting Legion, hn? One of the strongest and most skilled ones.
Oopps, the blonde noticed me, fuck. I skidded through the narrow alleys and hopped from post and crates, and when I was sure that they lost track of me, I became confident, and that wasa mistake, a downfall.
Then I decided a chase game won't be bad. Let us test their skills. As I made a sarp turn, hooking my wires at the corner of an alley, I released a pretty good amount of gas which sent me bursting through, knocking some civilians at the process. I hooked my wire to a near wall and rested myself in there. Then I saw they were nowhere to be found.
"Hmph, can't catch up, hn." I started to walk like nothing happened, and well, the base is just near here. Walking is safer than using my gear to navigate.
"Fuck." A blonde, a big, and tall blonde with fucked up facial hair tackled me to the ground. I winced with pain, fuck some piece of rock scraped some wound on my side. I tried to push him, but to no avail. Fuck I have no choice, sorry for this.
I had my hand, pointed like a crane and jabbed some major vain on his neck, and damn the poor man winced in pain and started having some so called seizures. Poor man.
"Haha, you're just like Levi, that attitude and all."
"What the fuck are you…"
And my speech was interrupted by ropes hopped on my neck that immediately tightened, and two other soldiers holding my two good arms.
"Tie the girl, and please whoever though of choking the girl with a rope, you're crazy." The blonde, that tall blonde whom saw me fighting that bald guy. Fuck, how unlucky can I get today.
"What if it was me, hn?" And the shorty ravenette. I suddenly felt the urge to cut those metallic eyes of him.
The other soldiers, (they are all in all, 10, goodness) managed to chain me in spite of my endless struggle.
"Then damn you, squint."
And a kick hit my stomach. Damn why do they need to hit the fresh wound. I spit the blood from my mouth and look straight to the perpetrator. "Whoah, hi there shorty, nice kick there hn."
I heard him click his tongue and that made me happy. Hahaha, I can make this squint pissed off. This is fun. Well except that I am tied up and surrounded my Scouting Legion soldiers.
"Let me ask you a question, you filthy brat." He took a deep breath, maybe to calm himself and prevent himself from stabbing me to death. "Your name first."
"Hahaha! What for? You'll still kill me, right? As if telling you my name would change anything."
Take that shortie! Well that move doesn't sound so good cause next thing I knew is he grabbed my overgrown bangs and yanked my head up, forcing me to face him. And let me tell you, looking straight into someone's eyes especially if the other person, even how highly he think he is, would feel somehow small. Like his pride was stomped on.
"Where did you get this gear?"
"Not telling you. Son of a bitch."
"You…"
"Levi, let me handle this."
The balck haired guy, which was Levi made way for the blonde, though still holding my bangs. The blonde crouched down to my level.
"My names Erwin Smithm 13th Commander of the Scouting Legion. What's your name?"
"Sorry, but it is none of your business."
Erwin, the blonde just let out a long sigh, he really must be frustrated. "You're far more hard to deal with than a certain someone I know." He took a quick glance at Levi who is yanking my hair with a smirk on his face. Dude he looks creepy.
"Guess, your friends needs to answer for you."
Then 4 other soldier came, practically dragging my friends, cause damn, they struggle like crazy.
"Guys, calm your assess, there's no use in acting strong right now." I made it sound like a lecture. Wel, they kept quiet after that.
"Again, I ask you, where did you get these?" he pointed to the gears of mine, now in their possession.
"Just saw them while washing my hands in the river. Satisfied, Mr. Eyebrows?"
The man facepalmed himself. "Where did you learn how to use these? You seem skilled and can stand against trained soldiers. Did you receive any military training?"
"…"
Levi slowly retracted his hold of my bangs, and I breathed out at the little relief given, well not really.
He practically stomped my head and my face landed at the sewage water mixed with filth and blood of god knows who or what.
"NO ONE TAUGHT US! WE TRAINED OURSELVES SO WE CAN SURVIVE IN THIS UNFAIR WORLD! SOME LOW LIFE LIKE YOU WON'T UNDESTAND!"
Mai… why do you need to say those…
"Some people like you who haven't drank sewage water and eaten spoiled food won't understand." Said Ren which earned him a pull by his long orange hair.
"Levi, pull her up."
And the man did so by yanking me up again by my poor bangs.
"Again, your name please."
Erwin asked once again, but this time, I was taken aback by how his eyes look. Sensing that playing the game won't do me anything good, I finally gave in. "Crimson. Just Crimson."
"Good."
"Now, why don't you make a deal with me?"
"Nostalgia, hmmm" said Levi which Erwin just returned with a surprisingly warm smile.
He looked back at me and… "Lend us your strength and you group's, join the Scouting Legion."
Wait. WHAT! Join the Scouting Legion, man that is a fucking suicide. Weigh your option Crimson! Think! Ugh, well it won't hurt to ask.
"Well… what if I decline your gracious offer?"
"Well, considering all the "deeds" you and your group have done, you'll be turned down to the Military Court and I can guarantee any punishment except a public execution."
"How about my friends?"
"Same thing goes with them."
"As expected, well can you do me a little favour before I give you my answer?"
"What is it?"
"Release me from these chains. I'll show you why you'll regret on even offering me that bribe of yours."
I turned to get a glimpse at my friends and their faces are like "don't you dare do a suicidal move", then turned back my attention to Erwin.
"Don't worry, it's not like I am gonna cut your throat open or something, I'll just put on a little show."
Erwin thought for a moment but in the end motioned for the soldiers to release me and told Levi to let go of me.
I supported myself to stand up as I tried to get the blood flowing from my wrist. I started to walk towards Erwin, who is holding his blades on his left arm.
"I don't know if after you see this, you would still want to get me and my group." I grabbed the blades from him, though the action was not anything liked forceful. He easily gave in to the action and lifted up the blade near my face.
"Fine, I'll join your group." And the blade I was holding crashed to pieces as light illuminated through each shard of it as it falls to the cold ground.
Erwin, and everyone from the scene gasped as they saw my little show.
"Owh, my hand is bleeding, haha." I playfully scratched the back of my neck with my uninjured hand. I might be too focused to notice but a kick made its way to my left cheek and the force send me flying to the nearest wall, hurting my wounded side in the process. Damn, I think I even lost a molar or two.
"Man… that fucking hurts…"
"Boss!" Ren, John and Mai shouted in unison.
"Crimson!" And Nanaba as well.
"Erwin! The kid is bleeding a lot! We need to treat her wounds immediately!" Said a brown haired woman wearing glasses.
People gathered around me, and what I saw before I faint was mere blurred figures.
*time skip
(Crimson POV)
"Crimson… run!" I saw Vincent from afar.
No… No… This can't be happening… "Vincent! Stay still! I'll save you!" I ran towards him. But someone grabbed me and prevented me from advancing.
"Don't be an idiot, there's no way of saving him!" Some man pulled me up on his horse.
I saw Vincent from afar, his legs and right arm torn by several titans. "This isn't right, Vincent! Vincent!" I managed to get myself off the horse. As I was about to rush to Vincent, a Titan was holding him by his still intact left arm.
The Titan opened his mouth wide open. Vincent looked in my way. With those same beautiful blue eyes. "Crimson, keep… keep fighting!" With those last words of him, he was swallowed by the Titan.
"Goodness, where the hell am I… and that dream again…" I looked down at my hands and realize that I was lying down at a bed, and my whole upper torso was bandaged (yes not wearing any top) and my face was covered with patches of some gauzes.
As I was adjusting to my surrounding, the door opened and revealed some familiar faces together with some unfamiliar ones.
(3rd POV)
"Heichou, what would we do with the kid? She's not talking and eating for three days now." Petra sat next to the kid in the bed that they just brought to the HQ.
Levi looking through the reports as he is leaning on the wall. "Let her be, she'll eat if she's hungry."
"Wa… Water…" The girl pointed at the glass of water at the bed side table.
Everyone in the room (including Hanji and Erwin) was shocked from the voice of the kid who finally talked after three days.
"Waaa! Our little girl finally talked!" Hanji grabbed the glass, spilling some of the contents in the process and handed it down to the little girl. "Here drink some, and talk to us later, neh?" Hanji patted the girl's head lightly.
The girl signalled her to give her some distance by looking at her with those lifeless red eyes which made Hanji back off. Petra also stands and went near Hanji.
The girl carefully examined the glass of water. And the water in it suddenly boiled. Her grip tightened at the object and it broke to pieces. She looked at her bloodied hands and smiled.
Everyone in the room was too shocked to move immediately. Levi and Erwin just gasped at the scene, while Hanji and Petra just let out an ear piercing scream.
The girl took hold of a big shard of glass and started slicing her wrist, her arms and stabbing herself. "Hahaha! Finally I can die! I'll join Vincent! Hahaha!" Her laugh was beyond murderous and crazy, that it sent shiver through the people in the room.
Erwin immediately took hold of the girl's arm holding the shard, while Hanji and Petra held back the little girl on her back. "Fucking let me go! Let me just fucking die! I am no use to anyone anymore!" The girl struggled with the hold of everyone. Which the three holding her was surprised because they are having a hard time holding her off, she's UNBELIEVABLY STRONG.
"Everyone, look at her wounds." Levi started to approach the group and stopped a few inches away from them. He then pointed at the stab in the girl's stomach.
"I…I…it's healing!" Erwin stuttered as he saw the wound healing fast, the muscles seems to dance at it encloses the enormous wound and steams coming out as the healing goes. The same thing happens to the other wounds.
"Why… why… why am I still here, why am I still alive. I have no one to live for anymore. My family… Vincent… they all died in vain… protecting me… why…" The girl looked at the shard of glass in her hands, covered with her own blood when Levi took hold of her wrist, gently.
The girl relaxed with that simple touch, she relaxed and loosened her grip on the shard. "You all get out of here, I'll deal with this delirious kid."
The three looked at each other and silently agreed to follow Levi's orders. Immediately after they're the only ones left in the room.
"Give me that shard, it's too dangerous in your possession." Levi gets down on his knees and looked up at the bloody figure of the girl.
The girl felt submissive, as he willingly gave the shard to Levi, the man then threw the shard far from her each. "It's… It's too cold… I feel so alone. I really wanted to end everything, but why you helping me to live on. Why did you even save me back then…?"
"So you remember everything, hn?"
"Most of it, but not all."
Before she can continue her rant, a warm figure enveloped her with a hug, a securing tight hug. "You still have someone, you have us. You crybaby."
"I am not crying."
"But you are now."
"Meanie."
"Tch, go take a bath. You're fucking filthy."
The girl touched her face, and it was warm and wet. She really is crying. The girl started to cry out loud and hugged Levi back, tightly than ever. "Thank you!" She said out loud that the three persons behind the door came inside.
"What the hell is… ohhh…" Hanji stopped even before she started to panic.
"Seems she's fine, so what's her FULL name?" Erwin started to walk towards the two figures hugging each other.
Levi lifted her up from the bed, holding her bridal style. "Hoi crybaby, you heard Erwin?"
The girl buried her head at Levi neck, and savoured the fresh and crisp smell of his. She then turned her head to the tall blonde looking at her, with gentleness and a smile on his face. "It's… it's Cri… Crimson Etehridge…"
END NOTES:
Ahm, so how was it? Sorry for the very much delay! * cries a pacific ocean.
GOMEN MINNA!
Levi: What the hell are you babbling about?
Elaborate Liar: Ah! Heichou, how was your days with your love interest?
Levi: What the fuck are you….
*enters the scene
Crimson: Hi there author – san! Squinty – san!
*Corporal looks away, he seems to be hiding his face.
Crimson: Ne, ne, author – san, what do you have in your mind for the next Chapter?
Elaborate Liar: Hmmm… *scoots closer to Crimson* Maybe we can play around the Corporal and flirt around hot and cute boys? What do you say?
Crimson: Sounds great! But I don't get the last part of your offer -_-
Levi: Hoi you brats, stop forgetting my presence. I am not like that blue haired person in that show.
Crimson: Ehhh? You watch Kuroko's Basketball? My goodness I think I love you now!
*Levi turns his head once again
Elaborate Liar: Ehhh?! How the hell do you have a TV in your time?!
*Crimson and Levi shrugged their shoulders.
Elaborate Liar: Ugh, nevermind! Well, hi my dear readers!
Readers: What can we expect? Author – sama?
Elaborate Liar: Hmmm… Flowers? Chibiness? Crimson in a dress? And a shirtless Kirschtein!
*Jean fangirls and Author squeals.
Elaborate Liar: OK this is getting long, hahaha!
Reader: Ehhh, we're kinda enjoying this, but yeah your message author – sama?
Elaborate Liar: Well, as always, I accept criticism and your reviews are what keep me going on writing this story. Yes, reviews would be nice.
*everyone goes "awww"
Elaborate Liar: And I would gladly appreciate if you do favourite and follow, and it would be a great bonus if you favourite and follow me as an author XD
Levi: Shut up author.
Elaborate Liar: Owh you should be the one to do that! Clean freak!
*Levi fangirls glares at author – san
*author sweat dropped.
Elaborate Liar: Well I think it is the time for me to leave. See you on the next update!
*author waves and runs for her life.