Chapter Thirteen ~ Settling Differences

Levi's prov.

The crescent moon glowed up above me. The soft rays of light glittered down on the ground, a light breeze twirled through the dusty ground. My eyes were fixated on the small pendant in my hand, coated in a fine layer of dust and mud. I felt my stomach heave at the sight of the dirt coating my fingers, but I couldn't bring myself to actually retch. I needed to find her and I cannot do that if I let my fear take over me. My hand stung as the blood dripped from my hand and onto the parched earth. My tears stopped flowing ages ago, but my shoulders still heaved, sobs still caught in my throat. I shifted my gaze over the disturbed ground, there seemed to be a small trail leading off into the trees. Three sets of boot prints along with two straight, deep lines, as if they had been dragging a body. There was no blood, other than my own, on the ground so I could safely assume that she may still be alive.

I stood up on shaky, numb legs. I needed to get to Erwin, surely he would help in the search for (F/N). I thundered back to the mess hall, pushing the door open with so much force, it slammed against the wall, groaning on it's hinges. Erwin, Hanje and Mike all glanced up at me, their eyebrows furrowing at my dishevelled state.

"(F/N) is missing," I grated through clenched teeth. The bracelet digging into the skin of my palm, a rhythmic dripping on the wooden floor. The blonde Section Commander abruptly got to his feet, the chair crashed to the floor with a loud thud. His eyebrows drew together, his electrifying eyes practically glowing in the dim candle light.

"What do you mean she is missing?" His voice thundered as he stepped toward me.

I growled under my breath and stormed over to him, grabbing the man by the nape of the neck. The Section Commander groaned and buckled under the force of my grip, my eyes focused on his suddenly fearful blue hues, "I mean, she went to train a cadet, and now she is gone! She didn't show up for the evening meal and I found this on the training grounds," I snarled, thrusting the bracelet in front of the ditzy blonde's face. I released his neck and allowed him take bracelet from my hands, his eyes zeroing in on the initials, his eyebrows pulling down into a furious glare.

"And just because you found a bracelet, you immediately jump to the conclusion that she is missing? How do you know she is not just in her barracks?" The blonde questioned, crossing his arms across his broad chest.

I yanked down on my hair in frustration, my eyes narrowing further at Erwin, The stupid fool! I grumbled under my breath, How could I get him to understand?

"Because she promised she would never take it off! That's how I know!" I spat, turning my back to the Section Commander. My hands shook by my side as I tried to gather back my self control. One more word from the man and I would end up punching him square in the face.

Mike piped up, sipping on his tea as he eyed me, "She promised you she would never take it off? Why would she do that?" His deep voice curious as he quirked an eyebrow in my general direction.

I didn't answer, but then again I didn't need to as Shitty Glasses perked up beside him, "Isn't it obvious? He gave it to her, that's why she promised, isn't that right Levi?"

Slowly I nodded my head, closing my eyes as I sighed deeply. I needed them to believe me, I needed them to help me. For the first time in my life, I don't think I can actually do something on my own.

The blonde Section Commander cleared his throat as he pondered the thought, "Well lets assume that your conclusion is correct, there is no way we can actually go and look for her," he paused. I whirled around, staring down the idiot as he continued, "There are no witnesses, not to mention the fact it's dark so there is no possible way we can follow a trail," his voice agitated as he dropped the bracelet back into my awaiting hand. I stared up at Erwin in shock, I couldn't believe my ears. Hanje's eyes swept over me, her russet brown eyes filled with sympathy and understanding.

"However we can try and pick up the trail in the morning. Hopefully who ever they were, they didn't get far," Erwin continued, stroking his chin with his fingers.

I clenched my hands into fists, the bracelet cutting deeper into my flesh, the dripping quickened in pace as a small puddle of blood formed on the ground. My whole body was quaking in fury, how could he even suggest that? The stupid fucking man!

"No!" I hissed, staring at the floor, I could feel hot angry tears start to build up in my eyes, "If we don't leave now, the trail will be cold by tomorrow."

Hanje stood from her seat and stepped over to me, putting her hand on my shoulder as she stared up at the Section Commander, "He's right Erwin. If these people are bold enough to capture one of our own, right under our nose, it is likely they knocked her out and dragged her away. Therefore I surmise that there will be an eighty percent chance that the trail will be dead tomorrow," Her voice soft as she explained the statistics to the blonde, "If we leave it too long then there will be less than a fifteen percent chance we will find her alive. These people are sophisticated to coordinate an abduction right on the our training grounds. I think that is even too high a risk for even you to not consider looking for her now."

Mike stood from his seat and stood beside Hanje, "For once, I will have to side with Four Eyes. We need to look for her now, otherwise we may as well assume she is MIA."

I was grateful that the two of them sided with me, that they at least believed me, however Erwin just stood there. His eyebrows creased and assessing us with shrewd eyes. He ran his hand through his hair and sighed deeply, "Look I understand you all care about her and want to find her, but it is far too dangerous to just go gallivanting off into the woods on the assumption that we will be able to follow the trail. Our best option is to get the Military Police and let them continue the search."

"NO! I know for a fact that those lazy bastards will not do anything!" I shouted, stepping toward the man, my anger close to bubbling over, "You can sit back here and wait for her body to turn up like the heartless fucking imbecile you are. But I am going to find her!"

Erwin sighed and shook his head, "No you won't. You will let the Military Police do their job," he growled.

My eyes widened. I snapped, I couldn't contain my rage any longer. I stormed up toward him and threw a punch at his face. My knuckles smashing into his jaw, a loud satisfying crack rang through the air. I recoiled my fist and swung again, cracking my fist against his nose. Mike pulled me off the Section Commander as he collapsed onto the ground, clutching his face in his hands, groaning in pain. I wiped my brow with the back of my hand, my breathing accelerated as I pulled against the arms that restrained me. His thick biceps curled under my underarms, his hands resting on my shoulders as he pulled me back.

"HOW CAN YOU BE SO FUCKING HEARTLESS! SHE IDOLISES YOU! HELL SHE EVEN THINKS OF YOU AS A BROTHER AND YOU WOULD ABANDON HER IN HER TIME OF NEED! YOU SHOULD BE GRATEFUL I AM FUCKING RESTRAINED! BECAUSE I AM SO CLOSE TO SLITTING YOUR FUCKING THROAT!" I roared, my blood boiling in my veins. I struggled against the goliath as I tried to lunge at Erwin, who was still groaning on his knees. His fingers clawing at his face, his hair rumpled and falling over his hands.

"Calm down Levi!" Hanje scolded, her eyebrows drawing together as she stepped closer to the Section Commander. She knelt down and rubbed his shoulder soothingly, before she turned back to me, tears steamed up her glasses, "I'm sorry, but if the Section Commander has made up his mind... then there is no changing it."

I huffed and stopped struggling, wriggling free out of Mike's grip before yanking my jacket off my shoulders, throwing it on the floor in front of them. "If you won't help me then I quit!" I growled, storming out of the mess hall. Hanje's shrill voice called out to me, begging me to reconsider, but I refused to listen. I couldn't stand being in the company of people who wouldn't help. Especially when that person was so beloved by all those around her. I turned to Hanje, my eyebrows furrowing, "If you want to help look for her then ask around about a tall male cadet, long brown hair and brown eyes, average build. If not just give the description to the Military Police. But I am going to find her now!" She nodded her head, throwing her arms around me quickly. I didn't return the brief display of affection, I just pushed her away and turned my back on her.

I sprinted toward the ODM store and quickly stocked up on blades and gas. Attaching the canisters and compressors to my harness. Then I ran to the stables and quickly tacked up my horse. I hoisted myself into the saddle, stroking the horse's mane as I placed the bracelet around my wrist, kissing it gently. Kicking the horse's sides, I rode him forward to the training grounds and picked up the trail, leading the horse into the woods. I will find her, no matter how long it will take. I'm coming brat! Hold on!

Glaring up at the brightening sky, I let out a frustrated cry. The trail had long since gone cold, the grass was no longer showing impressions of boot prints. There was nothing, it was just gone. As if they just disappeared. I even scanned the trees in case there may have been indentations from possible ODM gear use, but there was nothing. I threw my arms onto the horse's mane and rested my head against them. My back protested with a sharp aching pain from spending all night riding. I was completely shattered, having spent the whole night following the trail. My eyes were heavy and drooping closed. How am I supposed to find her now? I've exhausted myself and lost the trail. Not to mention, I quit the Scouting Regiment so there was no way they would help me now. Why did I have to ask Erwin for help? Why didn't I just go off by myself? I would have caught up with them by now. I would have had (F/N) safely back in my arms.

I felt like the ground was being pulled from under my feet. I felt like I was freefalling into a dark abyss where I would see the light of day again. I ran my fingers through my hair, yanking down on the roots. My scalp screamed in pain as I choked back a sob, tears forming in my eyes. I've lost her. I've lost her and I will never get her back. Oh why did I always call her a damn brat? Why was I so horrible to her? Why did I always jump to conclusions with her without letting her explain? My mind threatened to burst with the vicious onslaught of questions and 'what ifs'.

My horse's ears perked up, his nostrils flaring as he nervously stamped his hooves on the spot. His right ear swivelling as he looked in that general direction. I lifted my head and listened intently. I could hear faint voices in the distance. I quickly swiped away my tears, hopping off my horse and tying him to a tree before creeping over to the direction of the voices. Two male voices, grunting and laughing drunkenly. I quickly ducked behind a tree, hoping they didn't hear or see me as I listened to their conversation.

"...Boss should let us have some fun with her..."

"...See the rack on her..."

"...She's quite the looker..."

"...Good in bed..."

"...That bracelet looked expensive..."

"...Scouts probably gave it to her grieving husband..."

"...Not married..."

"Explain the initials on the pendant then dumbass!"

"Boyfriend? I don't know! All I know is the boss wanted her to get to some guy."

I peered around the trunk of the tree as the voices grew closer. They were both older men, one short and slim, the other tall and quite fat. Both of them were smoothing the grass over, removing any trace of the trail I had been following. I knew the trail wouldn't just disappear! They've been getting rid of it! I snarled as they came closer.

I tiptoed up behind them, equipping both my blades and pressing them into their backs, "Don't move a fucking muscle or I will kill you both." The pair froze, their conversation ceasing as the taller of the two turned around to face me. His meaty face obscured by a bushy blonde beard, his body covered in a oversized black trench coat that exceeded past his knees.

"And who are you?" he asked calmly, reaching slowly into his pocket.

I sneered at the man, my eyes narrowed, "Tch... big mistake," I growled, thrusting the blade into his stomach, ripping his abdomen open as I pulled the blade back out and pointed back at the man, "You are in no position to question me!"

He cried out, blood spurting from the wound as he desperately tried to stop the bleeding with his hands. He glanced up at me with terrified eyes and tried to edge closer to me. The ruby red blood flowed onto the dewy green grass, soaking into the soil. I grunted as he fell onto the floor, his bloody fingers scraping up my leather boot, tears and blood pooling beside him, his breathing slowing into nothing. Tch... disgusting pig! I thought as I kicked the man away from me and circled the other.

"Hey look man... I'll tell you everything... just please don't hurt me... I beg you!" He cried, tears flowing down his cheeks, his nose dripping. I curled my lip in disgust at the snivelling man, his hysteric sobs the only sound that echoed through the silent forest.

I pressed the blade into his navel, the other held limply at my side, "Where is she? What have you done with her?" I growled, my eyebrows curving menacingly over my eyes. My hands steady however I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me, I felt like I was ready to combust.

"Who? I don't know who you're talking about!" The man sniffed, wiping his nose with the back of his sleeve. His skeletal-like body quaking like a leaf during high winds.

"Where is the woman you took? Her name is (F/N)! Where the fuck is she?" I shouted, becoming impatient, my grip on the blade tightening, "Tell me now or I will not hesitate to carve you up like your friend here."

The man's sludgy green eyes widened in panic as he cast a glance at his lifeless friend, his whole body shaking violently. I pressed the blade firmly against his abdomen, hearing his shirt rip open under the sharp blade.

"It makes no difference to me whether I kill you or not," I hissed, stepping closer to the cowering man.

"Okay! Okay!" he cried, placing his hands over his eyes, "Gabriel took her!"

"Where? Where did he take her?" I pressed, my tone stern but I could hear the desperation in the depths of my monotone voice.

"He said he was going to hold her in the Underground until the boss arrived, after that I don't know!"

I scowled at the man, he better be telling me the truth, "Who is this boss?"

"I don't know, I swear! Only Gabriel has dealings with him," he whined, scrubbing his hand over his face and twisting it up into his short receding grey hair, "The boss has some issue with this guy and this woman is the key to getting to him. Other than that I don't know anything else, please I just want to go home!"

"Why does Gabriel only have connections to this 'boss'?" I questioned, my eyes narrowing. What the fuck is going on here?

"Because he is the head of the smuggling gangs and the stair-guards in the Underground." My eyes widened slightly. I knew I recognised that shithead of a cadet. He ran the Underground smuggling trades with the merchants and ran the operations regarding the stairs. He is the one who helped put the price of freedom to go top side. It was his goons who tried to capture Isabel when she tried to release that damn bird.

"Well I would like you to deliver a message to this Gabriel," I grumbled, twisting the blade at his stomach, his skin tearing with the movement. A small trickle of blood bled through his shirt as he whimpered, "And if you don't, you can trust that I will hunt you down and kill you."

"Yes I will do what ever you want! Just please let me go!" he cried, tears streaming down his terrified, pain-stricken face.

I sighed and curled my lip again in disgust, noticing a growing wet patch spreading down his trouser legs, Shit! The shithead is that scared he pissed himself.

"Tell him, if he so much as lays a finger on (F/N), then I will personally rip him apart and feed him to the titans! Do I make myself clear?" I hissed, twisting the blade further again. The man crumbled to his knees so I towered over him, my eyes piercing into his. Oh how I would love to kill this scum, but I need him alive.

"Y...Yes... p...perfectly cl...ear," He stuttered, wiping away his tears with his sleeve.

I nodded and lowered the blade, watching as the man scrambled to his feet and sprinted away in the direction he came. Fortunately, I already knew where Gabriel lived, having had a run in with the man once before. However this would require more help. I would need some assistance to infiltrate such a place. I would notify Erwin where I was going but first I needed to meet up with an old friend of mine. A man who would be perfect for the job at hand.

Reader's prov.

I slowly dragged my eyelids open. My groggy (E/C) eyes met with a dim torch-lit room. I scanned the room, there was nothing in here apart from the dark, dirty black bricks. The smell of mould and decay penetrated through my nostrils, a smell I would never forget. My veins were ice cold and dread speared my heart, the same feeling I had been experiencing for the last few days.

I couldn't see much, but I could tell I wasn't alone. My arms felt numb and lifeless above my head, I glanced up to find them shackled up in the air. The dirty, blood spattered cuffs wrapped around my wrists attached to two long yet taunt chains that extended up to the ceiling. My legs were also shackled, spreading my thighs so I felt all exposed. I glanced down my body to find my clothes missing, the only things on my person was my bra and a bloody skirt that I knew wasn't mine. My eyes widened, Where the hell am I? Why can't I remember how I got here?

I struggled against the icy metal, the cuffs biting into my flesh, rubbing them raw to the point of breaking the skin.

"There's no point struggling, you will never get out," A smooth voice called through the darkness. I turned my terrified eyes in the direction of the voice. A tall man sat in a winged chair, his legs crossed over each other, a glass of wine held in his palm while his elbow rested on the arm of the chair. His reddish brown eyes glinted malevolently as his mouth curled into a terrifying smile.

"W...Who are you?" I croaked, my throat dry. My voice sounding raspy and dead.

"Oh sweetness, don't you remember?" he enquired, his eyebrows raising slightly as he cocked his head to the side, "'Please ma'am, I know it will stand for nothing to my final grade'... yada, yada, yada," he smirked with a flourish of his free hand.

My eyes widened at the cadet, "But... but why did you kidnap me?" My voice frightened as I continued to struggle against my restraints.

The man cackled maliciously, throwing his head back. His wild flaming hair flying around his face, his features contorting in the firelight. The shadows playing tricks with my mind as his face twisted and contorted in frightening ways.

"Oh, now that was funny. You are a funny girl," He chortled, swiping away the tears from his eyes, "I would have thought it was obvious, I would be glad to tell you... however some of my friends have come to visit and would love to meet you."

My eyes widened as two men appeared behind him, I would have tried to get away from this place but I knew it was pointless. Unless I chewed my own damn arms off that is.

The men loomed over me, one stroking my cheek with his grubby fingers, "Don't worry angel, this won't hurt...much," he said in his raspy voice while he fumbled with his belt buckle. The other man pulled out a sharp knife from his boot and held it to my throat, "Fight back, I dare you!"

I shook my head frantically, fixing me eyes on the man in the chair, "Please... don't do this... I'll do anything!" I pleaded, struggling against the cuffs again.

He smiled and took a sip of his wine, "Oh I am sure you would, sweetness. But my poor little darling, unfortunately I need you to lure Levi here. And before you even think about it, he won't save you! Because we are going to kill him," the man said, cackling once more as the henchman positioned himself behind me. The other slicing the knife blade across my cheek. I screamed, tears flooding down my cheeks as the man grabbed my hips, "NO! PLEASE DON'T HURT HIM!"

He cackled again, rising from his seat and cupping my cheek with his spare hand, "You know what we are going to do, we are going to beat you in front of him until he begs us to kill him in order to spare you. Then we will slit your throat, and then, oh the sweetest part will be cutting him up into little pieces before we finally kill him," He growled, his voice threatening as his eyes glowed red.

"NO PLEASE! KILL ME! TAKE EVERYTHING OUT ON ME! JUST LEAVE LEVI OUT OF THIS!" I spat, yanking my face away from his grasp.

The man ignored me "Alright fellas, have your fun, just leave her alive enough that Levi will come running," He said as he straightened and walked out through the door, glass of wine still in hand, cackling as he left.

I screamed again, all I could think about was Levi and how they would hurt him. I wanted him to burst through the door and save the day, hold me to his chest and take me away from this dreadful place. But Levi never came to rescue me from the tormentors.