Chapter 4-Hope
LEVI'S POV
I hate Erwin. My sentence of ten years is finally over but the survey corps is becoming a part of me. If I stay I will soon be promoted to corporal, if I leave, there is a very unlikely chance that my two best friends are still living in that house near the edge of Wall Maria. It is very much possible that they moved since titans have taken over that piece of territory. I hope they still remember me just as I have not forgotten them.
Twenty-four years of my worthless life passed by so quickly. Twelve of them were spent in the military, honing my skills and power. The other half of my life was spent cherishing the family that I had obtained. So here I am, at some bloody trial, for some shitty brat claiming to be a titan-shifter. The piece of shit won't stop talking so I take matters into my own hand. As for pissing me off, I kick his face in. After shutting his trap in utter shock, I continue my "disciplining" and beat the maggot to a pulp. The jury didn't seem to joyful at my reasons but I retort with how their methods could equal to mine if they even learn how to control the brat.
"I believe pain is the best way to discipline one into a proper being." I love my motto, I use it as an excuse so the judge won't think I'm completely heartless. The judge decides to favor the survey corps, deeming us fit to watch over the kid. After the trial, I was planning to check back on the house at the edge of Wall Maria. I do not care if there are titans, I just wish to see evidence that they are still alive. I still hope to see Keith and _ again. Until I am given free time, I have to keep an eye this stupid brat. He was luckily his teeth were already back in, either way I did not feel guilty. No one should talk back to superior, even I had to learn that. Once Hanji says see will take care of him for the day and try some tests on him, I immediately take my leave for Wall Maria.
On horse back, I travel through each town covered in debris and rubble. I did not see many titans on my way there, so I assumed today was just a lucky one. I sped up the horse's pace as soon as I saw a glimpse of my old home. I wish I could've just brought my own horse and not this slowpoke. Sadly, my horse was injured for the time being but I bet he could still out run this one. The rented horse could not be compared to my wonderful black stallion. The house is, somehow, still intact so I hop off the horse and search the house. As I approach the front door lightening appears from the sky. It had not yet come to my attention that the clouds were already filling the sky. I open the door and step inside to find nothing but dust. I try to contain myself as I walk into the once again filthy house. I check each room, each corner, and each crack for any sign of blood. Sighing contently, he lastly walks into the backyard and into the rain. The thunder roars above him as he sees Keith's garden covered in weeds and rotten plants. Levi smiled at all of the wonderful memories he made within this small house. Sure it was only two months that he got to stay but he was still happy.
Recalling the memories, he smiles to himself, imagining what the two would look like all grown up. His horse neighs abruptly as the thunder continues to roar, my thoughts interrupted by the wimpy creature. I climb up the tall muscular animal and head toward town again. I hope my luck has not changed, seeing, as I have not brought any swords. Even though each room was bare, it gave me hope that they chosen another place of residence to occupy within Wall Rosa. I soon reach HQ late into the night. I quickly patrol to make sure none of the cadets are roaming around and then head to bed and recover from the shitty day.
17-Reader's POV
I begged my brother to move out of this house so we could be closer to base. His eyes were growing weary and dark from lack of sleep and stress. I always made sure his health was well but some things cannot be helped with a stubborn brother like mine. His hair was also starting to fall out and soon a clean shaven head. I guess growing up does weird things to everyone, I just hope Levi grows up a little better than Keith did. I soon came up with a new nickname for him, egghead. Keith finally agreed one day out of the blue, I swiftly packed everything and we moved out the next the day. We were not a moment too late because the day after our we heard the terrible news of the colossal titan and its rampage. Wall Maria was taken completely over within a few days. Training and the military took Keith's mind out of the gutter and helped him prioritize his life. His thoughts didn't always lead to Levi anymore and each year he became a stronger squad leader. The trainees this year were proving to be very interesting this year. Trainee Eren Jaeger always reminded me of Levi from time to time. His strong will and loyalty to his friends proved to be his greatest strengths. He was definitely not as fast as Levi but he was definitely taller than I remember to Levi to be. I chuckle to myself before evaluating the next trainees. Armin Arlert reminded me of Keith back in his first military days. He was, believe it or it not, quite shy and timid but his intelligence outweighed everyone. Mikasa, even though was very antisocial, reminded me of myself. I would always strive to be better and always wanted to protect my two best friends. Sadly, unlike her, I could not protect either in my childhood. After four years, the 104th trainee regiment graduated, I was very proud of each student and there was a huge celebration held. Afterwards, Keith and I headed home, laughing and remembering how our regiment grew up so quickly.
Day of trial-21
Stupid trial, I cannot believe I was not invited. I am the second in command, a captain, toward Eren. Do I have no valuable knowledge or am I am not worthy enough to stand by my superiors. My favorite cadets were inside hearing of what would happen to Eren but I couldn't. I was so pissed and it just kept boiling as I kept waiting to hear the news from the trio of Armin, Mikasa, and Eren. Once it ended, the doors swung open, crowds of random people rushing out for a meal and other important reasons. I spot Armin's blonde head following the crowd and call out to him. He turns around quickly to find my presence.
"Armin," I call out again and begin to walk toward the little fellow. Once I stand in front of him, he salutes me formally.
"Captain Shadis, ma'am!" His cute sky blue eyes lighten up at me. I salute back but soon break the formalities by ruffling his soft hair. He laughs and smiles brightly. Armin was always like my little brother. He knows how much I love reading and he taught me things about the outside world. Outside of the HQ I treat him as family and I sometimes invite him, Mikasa, and Eren for dinner.
"_ is fine, Armin. Only at HQ with the captain stuff, okay?" He nods and keeps smiling. I thought I saw him blush but I brush it off not thinking much. "How did the trial go?" I am quite curious as to what side will get Eren. I hope it was the side not wanting his death.
Armin debriefs me on the trial and decribes a corporal that beat up my pupil. MY student was beaten up for only speaking a little too much. Oh well that won't do. Armin tells me Eren is still inside getting treatment while Mikasa is waiting at a nearby restaurant. My thoughts return to the maniac who thinks he can get away with beating up Eren.
"Who the hell beats up one of MY cadets while they are chained up nonetheless?" I scream aloud. Armin isn't sure what to do and was shocked to me marching toward the building. He grabbed my arm in a desperate pull. I was planning to give that corporal a piece of my mind. I look back at Armin who was still hanging onto my arm trying to pull me back. I stand up and realize I was not being rational. Armin is zoned out I think, he seems to be staring at a window. I look at the same window and my eyes squint to get a better view of the tall scenery. I spot someone's head of black hair. My eyes won't pull away and I become deeply concentrated on finding out who the person was. The black hair swayed and bounced until the person walked away from the window and I presumed toward the door to the exit. I felt like I needed to wait for them at the exit. My legs were cemented and my thoughts were on overload. Armin pulled me out of my trance and suggested something to eat before Mikasa gets mad for saving a table for so long. My stomach rumbles in agreement but my mind is telling to wait a little longer. I chose to listen to my stomach and followed Armin to the restaurant. If I stayed what was the likelihood that I actually knew that person anyway. But probability would have proved me wrong if I stayed for just another minute.