Chapter two ~ The Three Criminals
My eyes slowly fluttered open to the sound of the birds singing their beautiful melodic morning song. The sky outside still pitch black as I willed the damn animals to shut up and let me sleep. I groaned, my internal body clock still tuned to the training regiment schedule. I rolled lazily out of my nest of blankets and sheets and padded over to my dresser. I got dressed into a beige shirt and normal uniform trousers, my mind wandering to the up coming mission as I buckled my belts around my legs. I hated having to wear the harness, granted it was a wonderful thing for the ODM gear since the canisters were heavy duty shit but really? Why so many damn belts? And why did they have to be leather? The belts always caused chafing and nasty sores, not to mention the strategically placed belt along the chest which had the tendency to emphasize my breasts. Which was definitely not helpful when most of my comrades happened to be of the male gender. Once I had finished my battle with the harness, I grabbed my jacket and slung it over my shoulders, my new wings on my back.
I walked over to my desk and perched on my chair, lighting my solitary candle. The flame exploded, engulfing the darkness into an illuminating amber glow. The file still laid open on my desk, the photograph balancing over the stack of papers. I reached over for the details that Erwin had gathered on Lovof and began rereading them. This Lovof character seemed like a real piece of work. In recent years he had been charged on multiple occasions, smuggling goods, embezzling, even attempted murder. However every time it would make it to a trial, the evidence would either be missing or tampered with and therefore completely useless. Concern for Erwin's safety brewed in the back of my mind. I knew the man could take care of himself but this Lovof seemed really dangerous. People who would be appointed to testify against the noble would often find themselves mysteriously vanished or turn up in a mangled mess of body parts shortly before the trial. Erwin couldn't be allowed to continue investigating this man on his own. It would be too dangerous. A shiver rippled down my spine as I thought of finding Erwin in a pile of limbs. There would be no say in the matter, no matter how much he would plead. I needed to keep this man away from Erwin, we will bring him down together. Whatever it takes.
The sun peaked its face out from behind the light pink clouds, setting the world ablaze with its brilliant warmth. Birds soared playfully in the pale blue sky, their wings carrying them effortlessly through the crisp morning air. My (H/C) hair fluttered in the light breeze as I stepped out of HQ. I welcomed the warmth, allowing it to rouse me from my sleep-deprived state. I spent the night in fitful bouts of sleep, never seeming to get more than two hours at a time. I soaked up the rays like a lizard trying to thermoregulate, in order to function properly. I felt the warmth subside as a dark shadow loomed over me, cracking my eyes open to see the blonde Section Commander's icy eyes assessing my calm demeanour.
"You will need to wear this," He commanded, thrusting a neatly folded cloak into my waiting hands. The silky bottle green material flowed through my fingers as I unclasped the button, throwing the 'Wings of Freedom' around my shoulders. As I adjusted my cloak, Mike brought forward three stallions, fully geared for the mission.
The first, pure white like freshly fallen snow, his eyes a deep mahogany. The second a caramel bay with a light chocolate mane and tail. A white star upon his forehead that travelled down the length of his face to a pink muzzle. Lastly a black stallion. No white or even grey was present on his gleaming coat. His thick, wavy mane flowed down his muscular neck, his forelock trailed down to his velvety muzzle and he had the most beautiful dark blue eyes. His eyes reminded me of the ebony haired criminal we were to catch today, even if the horse seemed to hold more emotion than the man.
Mike stopped in front of us, handing me the reins of the black stallion before hoisting himself onto the bay's back. I stroked the muscular neck of my horse, his soft coat gliding beneath my fingers. I heard him snort as if to day he didn't appreciate being fussed over, which made me smile and shake my head. I quickly tied my hair into a pony tail, since my hair was long enough that if I wasn't careful with my ODM, I would end up having a pretty nasty accident, and hopped into the saddle. I guided the stallion so he came to stand next to Mike's horse, smirking as the two seemed to nicker and nip at each other.
"You nervous?" Mike asked, a smug smile tugging at the corners of his tight lips. His normally neat dirty blonde hair was now all dishevelled and falling in his face from the breeze.
I glanced up, his dull yet playful eyes staring into my own. There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice that seemed to set my teeth on edge, "Definitely not," I deadpanned, slipping on my emotionless mask. Even in the training corps, trail missions were dangerous and I'd learnt the hard way to never show my enemy my emotions lest they use them against me.
Erwin mounted his horse as the two others joined Mike, his hand raised in the air, "MOVE OUT!" He cried, kicking his horse's sides. I squeezed the black stallion's sides, sitting into the saddle as he reared and surged forward, beginning our journey to the Underground District.
After a long day of riding, we finally made it to the opening of the Underground. Two Military Police guided us to the staircase from the gates of Stohess District. I never liked the Military Police. How could you find honour in wanting to work for the King? Yes I can understand that the King would need protecting, but why did the Military Police have to steal the best soldiers to guard one person. What was the point of training so hard and besting skills at fighting titans, only to hide behind some wall. It was pointless and I saw no honour in becoming part of the smallest Regiment, which was full of slackers in my opinion.
The two soldiers lead us down the staircase, our footsteps echoing around the chamber as we descended into the depths of the abyss. It was worse than I could have ever imagined. The dark light made it next to impossible to make out any intricate detail of the surrounding buildings. Low burning torches outlined the walls, casting an ominous flickering glow. The air was dank and heavy, the smell of waste hung in a thick miasma, making it hard to breathe without wanting to choke or vomit. Poverty evident as we passed through the filthy streets, rubbish and waste piled to the sides of the walkways. Men, women and children slumped against walls, hidden in dark tunnels, their pale faces gaunt and corpse-like. Cries, shouts, screams all begging for our attention. I tugged my hood further down my face. How can these poor people be forced to live in such disgusting conditions? I thought, my face contorted in disgust.
Mike seemed to notice my discomfort, a deep sigh escaping his lips as he placed his hand to the small of my back and began steering me away from where I had stopped. The corpses of a starved mother and a small baby tucked in her arms. Her dead eyes boring into mine.
"We can't help everyone," He comforted, his voice pained.
I wrinkled my nose and began to walk faster to get away from his hand, "They do not deserve to live like this," I growled, my eyebrows kitting together in a deep scowl.
Erwin, who has been walking silently in front of us, turned his head slightly so I could see his emotionless eyes, "You're right. They don't deserve to live this way," he said, his features nonchalant. I glanced up at him, my mouth held open slightly as he continued, "They are born into darkness, only to live a life of pain, hunger and suffering before they waste away into nothing. To be remembered and mourned by no one. It's a cruel existence really."
My breath hitches as a solid lump forms in the back of my throat. He spoke as if all of this was an everyday normal. That all this pain was to just be ignored.
"Can't the Military Police or the nobles do something to elevate their troubles?" I spat, "To at least feed the starving and help the sick?"
My teeth clenched together, a muscle in my jaw twitched under the force. One of the MPs who was walking in front, stopped dead in his tracks. He leered at me over his shoulder, his sparse brown eyebrows pulled into a tight frown. His forehead marred under the effort.
"Even if we could help them, why should we? These rats would become greedy and start an uprising." He turned to face me, he was short. His dark brown hair laid flatly on his head, his muddy eyes looked as if they were too close together, his mouth pinched into a sneer. His dark blue shirt straining around his pot belly. Tch... clearly been to busy fattening yourself up, pig!
"What you see here, ain't the full picture sweetheart. Most of who live down here are low life criminals and we would rather not help such degenerate pieces of scum."
My eyes widened at his cold-hearted reply. My lips pressed into a grim line, fists shaking ever-so-slightly at my sides.
"Tch..." I glowered after the man as he retreated around a corner. No you don't want to help them because you want to stay nice and cosy away from the filth, the criminals and the titans and keep yourself fat and happy, I thought, feeling my eyebrow twitch.
Erwin placed a large hand on my shoulder, patting it gently as we followed the sad excuses for MPs. In the middle of the street was a large stack of boxes in a large cart. Four rough looking merchants were standing guard, surrounding the cart. I walked over to Erwin under the cover of a small, unsteady looking balcony, "So what's the plan?" I asked, eyeing him from the corners of my eyes.
"The merchants have set up the bait, all we need to do is wait for them to appear," Erwin explained, taking a seat on a small stool that the MPs had provided. I leaned against the wall, picking at my cuticles.
And so it begins...
I couldn't be sure how much time has passed before I saw Mike straighten his back from his slumped position. I was still leaning against the wall, my legs crossed at the ankles. Thanks to the canisters at my thighs and the compressor on my back, the gear made it very hard to find a comfortable position to stand or sit. My eyes flitted to Mike, who's nose twitched as he sniffed the air.
"Mike, what is it?" Erwin questioned, staring up at the dark rock ceiling.
The broad blonde straightened up, pulling his triggers from their holsters and attaching the long thin blades, "It's them!"
"How can you be so sure?" One of the MPs interjected, crossing her arms over her small chest. Her short grey hair brushing her jawline as she sneered at the goliath.
"I can smell them," Mike clarified, throwing them a hard glare.
Wait, I knew the guy has a fetish with smelling people, but did he seriously just say he could smell them? Who the hell is this guy? I grasped the handles of my own gear, my eyebrow arched as I glanced at Erwin. We sprinted to the front of the small alley we had ducked into as three agile bodies flew elegantly through the dank air above us.
The three went straight for the boxes, knocking the merchandise over. People ran out from the sides of the streets, grabbing what little they could from the spilt goods as the two MPs began to give chase to the criminals.
Erwin shot his hooks into the ceiling and began the pursuit behind the MPs, hoping they would give us sufficient cover until we needed to apprehend them. Mike, myself and the other two, of which I still hadn't learnt their names, flew up behind Erwin. Even just hundreds of metres away, I could hear hushed voices carrying over the sound of the metallic wires and the rush of the wind. I couldn't decipher what was being said but I know it wasn't good. The MPs just in front kept the pursuit until two of the criminals shot their hooks into the buildings opposite, causing the MPs to crash into the ground with a loud thud. I heard laughter as they joined back up with the ebony haired criminal.
"(L/N), You will go after the short one. Mike and I will go after the other male. You two will go after the female," Erwin yelled, glancing at us as he gave the orders.
"Whatever you do, do not lose him!" Mike growled, his eyebrows furrowed.
I nodded once, turning my attention back onto the three in front. They propelled through the air, rounding a massive stalactite that hung down from the ceiling like an icicle. I caught sight of my target as he looked up at me. His eyes connecting with mine, a crackle of electricity shot through me as I surged forward, retracting my triggers and blasting the gas so I was just a little way behind him. The other two seemed to be talking to him, the only words I could make out were, "...Of freedom...the scouts...lets do this!" I watched carefully as the brown haired man and the fiery female both separated from the other, the other scouts behind me taking the same routes as their intended targets. I locked onto my target, his ebony locks danced as the breeze brushed through them, his eyes forward as he soared through the air. His movements graceful, elegant like a dancer. His body agile and sleek, definitely build for speed rather than strength. He turned his head slightly, sharp cold eyes raked over my figure. He whipped his head back round and stepped on the gas, making his escape to an alley. From above I could see the alley only had one point of exit, it was completely closed off. He would have to vault over the wall in order to get away from me. I fired my triggers up into the ceiling and flew silently above him, watching as he glanced back. His eyes nonchalant as he noted that I was no longer tailing him. He landed gracefully on the wall, bending his knees slightly as he brushed a hand through his hair and glanced around him, "Tch... I hope she didn't crash," He said in a deep monotone voice.
As he turned on his heel, I propelled myself into a nose dive, raising my elbow up, not only to shield my face but to give myself a more streamline attack. The air whipped around me as I fell through the air. I heard a crack as my elbow came into contact with the ravenette's back. I quickly threw my other arm around his waist, ready to push him into the dirt when he turned in my grip. My (E/C) eyes meeting his. Cold, steel eyes bored into my own as he gripped my arm and threw me over his head. He landed on his feet, his hands splayed on the ground as he crouched. His gaze never leaving my form as I arched my back and flipped in the air, the heels of my long brown leather boots skidding along the dirt covered ground.
Hm... Nice move. He crouched down lower, like a tiger about to pounce on his prey. His eyebrows furrowed as he glared at me. He sprinted forward, sending his hooks flying through the alley and hoisted himself effortlessly into the air. I growled and soared after him, drawing my blades. The dim torch light glinting off the silver metal. I was directly above him, my compressor spluttered as it signalled that it was running on fumes. I plunged into a dive, spinning to gain momentum as I slashed his wires. The heavy sound of metal slicing through metal ricocheted off the buildings. Before he could comprehend what happened, I swiftly kicked him in the small of his back. Smirking as he plummeted to the ground landing heavily on his shoulders.
I touched down in front of him, my blades still drawn as I studied him. He skidded across the dirt, the dust flying up between us. He tucked his head to his chest and pushed at the ground with his hands, using the skid the leverage himself up enough to flip over and land onto unsteady feet. His knees buckled slightly as he tried to balance himself. Two figures approached from the corner of my eye, my blades now drawn at them. Erwin and Mike were walking forward with the brown haired male just in front of them. Behind I could see the struggling female, her legs kicking wildly into the air as she screeched for the other scouts to let her go. My eyes returned to the slumped figure of the ebony haired man. His breathing has normalised, his shoulders rising and falling lightly.
Not so tough after all eh? I thought. As if he heard my unspoken thoughts, he sprang up to his feet. Charging at me with his hands clutching a small blade to his side. He thrusted his arms up, his blade coming into sharp contact with mine. I pushed him back but he launched at me again, this time Erwin grabbed hold of his wrists, holding them high above his head. My eyes still locked on the enraged elf as his teeth gnashed together. His eyes fierce as he glared back at me.
"Stop! Look around you!" Erwin said calmly, his voice halting the ravenette's struggles. His eyes darted to his comrades who were held tightly in Mike and the other scout's grip, once he caught sight of them his breath hitched, the blade fell through his fingers, his eyes now locked onto Erwin's.
I sighed and sheathed my blades, taking a pair of metal cuffs from my cloak pocket. I walked behind the ravenette and forced his arms behind his back as I cuffed him. He was taller than me by a mere inch, his lean body clad with muscles that I could clearly make out even through his clothing. His hair styled in an undercut, however his was more neatly kept than what Erwin's was. His toned arms pale and cool against my fingers. His skin smooth and untouched. He didn't resist or put up any hesitation as I pushed him down into the dirt, kicking him in the backs of his knees to make him kneel before the Section Commander. I stepped to the side as the other two were brought forward as well, Mike making his way over to me. I snickered at him as I noticed him clutching his side.
"Was he too rough on you?" I chuckled. Mike huffed a 'no' before standing next to me behind the three criminals.
Erwin took centre stage in front of the criminals. The low flickering of the torch light illuminating his features, his eyes trained on the small ebony haired man as he held up the triggers to their ODM gear.
"Where did you acquire the ODM gear?" he questioned, his voice carrying over the thick air like a thunder clap.
No answer.
The three just kneeled with their heads bowed. The only sounds to be heard were their breathing and the occasional civilian in the distance.
"Your vertical manoeuvring skills are excellent. Who trained you?" Erwin continued, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Tch... flattery will get no answer from them. I huffed, wincing as I placed my hand on my hip, that little bastard had some good moves. I will definitely be nursing some bruises in the morning.
Still no answer.
Erwin towered over the ravenette. Glaring at him with his electrifying blue eyes, "You're the leader, aren't you?"
Nothing. Not even a glance of acknowledgement.
"Have you received any kind of military training?" Erwin persisted, a muscle in his jaw twitched.
I could tell his patience was wearing thin with his tone. The ravenette raised his head slightly. His emotionless features gave nothing away as he threw a challenging stare at Erwin. The Section Commander sighed, shaking his head as he backed off. He glanced over at Mike and nodded once. Mike rushed at the ebony haired criminal, yanking his hair and throwing his face down into the cold, hard, wet ground. His face landing in a murky puddle, the water sloshing around his face as he struggled against Mike's brute strength. I pinched the bridge of my nose, silence would only bring more pain upon them.
The man groaned as he turned his head, his skin scraping across the gravel so he wouldn't inhale the disgusting water. The Section Commander sighed, rubbing his temples, "I'll ask again. How did you come to learn vertical manoeuvring? His eyebrows almost touching with the force of his scowl.
The ravenette remained silent, however the other two seemed to perk up at the sight of their leader's discomfort.
"We taught ourselves!" The taller criminal spat, his eyes glaring daggers toward the blonde.
The female glanced at her leader, screwing her face up and trying to move. I stepped forward, gripping her shoulder in a vice-like grip.
"I wouldn't if I were you. You'll only inflict more pain on him," I said in a low voice, hoping she would take my advice. As much as we needed them to cooperate, I didn't want to see them get hurt. Mike pulled on the ravenette's hair, earning a loud grunt of pain.
The female turned her head to look at me dead in the eyes, "You think I am going to let a soldier push me around!" She screamed, her shrill voice echoed in my ears.
The male who had been watching me in confusion, glared back up at Erwin. He shook his head, his caramel hair flopping around his head, "We taught ourselves in order to survive. Anyone who walks in sunlight and doesn't know what sewer water tastes like wouldn't understand!" He growled between clenched teeth as he bowed his head again.
Electric blue eyes landed on my form, his blonde head nodding once as I removed my hand from the female's shoulder. I eyed Mike from the corners of my eyes. He still held the man's head in the puddle. His arm shaking with the effort. Damn the little midget must be tougher than I thought.
"My name is Erwin Smith," The blonde continued, stepping towards Mike and the ebony haired criminal. His tone sharp and very stern.
Mike grunted, gripping the man's hair tighter in his fist, threatening to rip it from his scalp. The man coughed, gurgling in the back of his throat as he inhaled the water.
"What is your name?" Erwin sighed, stepping closer to the pair.
No answer.
Erwin gestured to Mike to raise the man up. Mike tore the ravenette's head up with a sharp tug on his hair.
"GAK...URGHHH..." The man gasped, grimy water streaming down the left side of his face. The dirty water turning a murky red as it slid over the abrasions on his cheek, forehead and jaw.
"Your determination to keep silent is impressive, but I am losing my patience..." Erwin growled as he pointed to myself and Mike.
We both drew our blades and pressed them against the necks of the ravenette's subordinates. As much as I hated threatening human life, I could understand the Section Commander's motives.
"Talk or I will not hesitate to make you regret your silence," Erwin warned, his eyes ablaze with annoyance.
The ravenette lifted his head to the blonde, his eyes narrowed dangerously, "If you're going to kill us then get on with it, you bastard," he spoke in a dangerously calm voice.
I grimaced at the thought of him gambling with their lives just to up hold their silence. I wouldn't kill another human being. That would make humanity no better than the titans themselves.
"What is your name?" Erwin barked.
The criminal sighed, his face breaking its emotionless mask to form a murderous scowl, "It's Levi."
Erwin's lips twitched into a smirk as he stepped forward, leaning down to the ravenette. His chocolate leather boots touching the disgusting water as he knelt down to eye level with the criminal. His blue eyes holding the cold steely glare Levi was throwing at him.
"I'll make a deal with you Levi."
Levi's thin eyebrows pulled together even tighter, confusion hinted in the back of his eyes as he straightened his back so he was exactly eye level with the towering Section Commander. The blonde smiled smugly at the man, "You have two choices. The first being you join the Scouting Regiment. Lend us your strength and skill in the fight to reclaim our world from the titans," he said proudly.
I groaned inwardly. Erwin always made good ultimatums, sugar coating one of the options so he could always get his way.
"Or we can hand you over to the Military Police. No doubt the magnitude of your crimes will speak for themselves in granting you an unwelcomed stay and a one way ticket to your execution."
The stoic blonde rose to his feet, giving Levi and the others his back, "Make your choice wisely."
Levi hung his head, his features settling back into their emotionless state, "Deal. I will join the Scouting Regiment."
I could practically hear the smile in Erwin's voice as he instructed Mike and the other two to release to the subordinates from their binds. Mike working on the male, his large hands fumbling with the small set of keys. I sauntered over to Levi, who was now standing on unsteady legs. Carefully, I unlocked his cuffs and studied him as he rubbed his raw wrists. My eyes explored his form, my eyes travelled to his perplexed eyes. His left cheek was raw with tiny cuts and abrasions. The blood stained water still trickled gently down his cheek and dripped onto his white shirt. I reached into my pocket and held out a white handkerchief towards him. He stared at it blankly, "Why would I want this?"
I groaned, ignoring him and closing the distance between us and began to wipe the cloth over his cheek. He winced slightly as the cloth mopped up the bloody water and pressed into his raw skin. Once he was clean I let my hand fall to my side, feeling the blush creeping up my neck.
"Why did you do that?" He questioned, raising a thin eyebrow and crossing his arms over his broad chest.
"Well I can only imagine the amount of germs and crap that resided in that water. And you do not seem like the type to enjoy disgusting sewer water," I chastised, glaring at him.
Amusement flashed through his steel blue eyes as he unfolded his arms and held out his hand, asking for the cloth that was held limply at my side. I handed it over and observed as he scrubbed at his face and the locks of his hair that had fallen prey to the murky puddle, his face now a light red from the force of his scrubbing. I rolled my eyes and trudged over to Erwin who leant against the wall of a shop. His eyes following my movements as I came to stand beside him, "I hope you know what you're doing," I mumbled.
Erwin smirked and placed a large hand to the small of my back, leaning his head in so he could speak into my ear, "I know exactly what I am doing," he said as we lead the criminals our of their underground lair and up to the surface.