Chapter 12:
Hey~ Yeah I know it's been like what...a month since I updated XD, maybe even longer~ so yeah...sorry about that. BUT to make up for it I made this chapter over 4,000 words. I tired to put in some more ErenxCatori time. I want to develop some more friendship there, or well more of a relationship. Sooo hope you like the new chapter! Reviewing and Favoriting is appreciated! ^-^ (as usual sorry for any spelling errors~ I'm terrible XD)
Lying out on the grass in front of the headquarters, I sipped my tea.
"I still can't believe they didn't find who did it during the gear inspection…I mean someone had to use gear to kill those titans…"
Quickly drowning down my tea, I rolled over on my stomach letting out a groan.
"Hey Eren, do you know anyone in your class is thinking about joining us?" I heard Gunther call out.
Picking my head up, I directed my attention towards Eren.
Oh yeah I totally forgot about that!...but I highly doubt any would want to join after what happened…we might not get any new recruits this year.
"Yeah there are a few," Eren replied as he fed his horse at the stables.
I immediately perked up at his response.
"Really?!" I exclaimed resting on my elbows.
"Well um, there were anyways. I'm not so sure now," he said looking down.
"Oh…." I said resting my chin back down the grass.
"Attention!" Gunther yelled.
Looking up once more, I saw Levi coming in on his horse.
Oh yay…..
"Make ready people. We're going out on patrol."
"Ughhhh…." I silently groaned.
Wait I'm not on his team!...I'm not going WHOOOO!
"Yes sir! Good morning corporal Levi!" Eren exclaimed running up to him, giving a salute.
"Listen Eren, never fall two horse lengths behind me. Don't forget that the only reason you're out of your cell is because I'm watching you."
"Yes sir!"
"Let's go," Levi said starting to ride off.
Although before he passed me he slowed down, "And you, I want all that paper work to be done when I get back. You're job isn't to just lounge around."
"HEY, I'm not your assistant anymore! And for your information I'm on break AND you're still frickin' riding and not listening to me anymore…ughhhh," I growled getting up muttering to myself.
"Stupid paper work, stupid Levi…stupid hun bun...always makin' me do crap…" I kept going on as I entered the building.
"See you when you get back Eren!" I called out before entering.
"O-oh yeah, see you!" he called back riding after Levi with the others.
That boy's always stuttering.
Making my way into the quarters, I groaned all the way up to Levi's office.
"It can't be that bad…I mean….what paper work could there possibly—HOLY FLIPPING TITANS!"
As I opened the door that led to Levi's office I saw a HUGE pile of papers.
"Ughhhhhhhhhhh, I forgot all the paper work you get with possible new recruits….why do I have to do all the paper work for the ceremony" I groaned walking to his desk and plopping down in his chair.
Picking up the first piece of paper I started to read through it. My eyebrows furrowed in annoyance.
"Well looks like I'm licking all of his pencils again…"
*****line break*****
It was the next day and I was sitting next to Hanji and Levi on horseback. We were testing Eren's titan ability today.
He should have seen the flare…why isn't he transforming.
"Do you think he didn't see it? He is in a well," I wondered out loud.
"No, his ability just isn't that reliable," Levi replied heading up towards the well.
Hanji and I followed him. Getting off our horses we walked up closer to the well.
"Eren, we're calling it quits for now," Levi called out.
"Did something happen?" Hanji questioned looking down into the well and then letting out a surprised gasp.
Looking down in the well myself, I gasped in horror.
"Eren! What happened?" I breathed looking down at his bloody hands and mouth.
"Catori, Hanji….I can't change into titan…" he mumbled out in horror.
Straightening myself up, I gave Hanji a worried look.
If he can't turn into a titan what does that mean now!? Would they still let us keep him or would they take him back and hand him over to the military police?
"Are you able to get out Eren? Do you need any help?" I asked wondering if he could climb up to rope ladder since his hands were pretty beaten up.
He didn't respond. He seemed too caught up in his own thoughts.
"Actually never mind, I'll carry you out."
Quickly lowering myself down the well I could hear Levi 'tch' from up above.
"Eren?" I said poking his shoulder.
"Huh?"
"Hop on," I said motioning towards my back.
"Wha—what are you—"
"You're crazy if you think I'm gunna let you climb up this rope latter with those hands, man. Think of this as a piggy back ride."
"But I'm too heavy."
"Eren, you're a twig. Now get on."
He seemed very hesitant.
"I'm not getting any younger Eren…just put your hands around my neck and I'll hoist you up."
I could feel his hands slowly go around my neck and his chest rest against my back.
"Okie dokies, here we go~."
Grabbing his legs I hoisted him up and wrapped his legs around my waist. I could tell from his stiff body and his flushed face, we wasn't all too comfortable with this position, but don't need him making his hands worse.
"Hold on," I said starting to climb the ladder. "And when we get up there I'll treat your hands and your lip."
"Just hurry up brat, we don't have all day," I heard Levi call up from above.
"Yeah, yeah~."
The whole way up Eren holding his neck far back so I didn't rest against my shoulder.
"Geez you're gunna give yourself a stiff neck."
I didn't really get a response but I felt him rest his head on my shoulder. I had to suppress giggling because his hair and breath kept tickling my neck.
Finally getting to the top, Hanji gave me and hand to help me climb out. Unwrapping his legs from my waste, Eren set foot on the ground
"T-thanks for carrying me. You didn't need to," he stuttered looking down at his feet.
"Eh it's ok. No problem," I chimed patting his shoulder.
"Yes but now you have a bunch of blood on your neck and chest," Levi groaned.
Looking down I saw that some blood made its way onto my bare skin and clothes.
"Whoops," I said examining my shirt.
"I-I'm so sorry Catori—I didn't mean to—"
"Calm down man. It's ok~. This isn't my favorite shirt anyways. Now come on, I have to take care of those hands of yours."
Hanji got me the first aid kit and whatever else I asked her to get me from my room. I'm an expert on natural remedies and they've been so helpful that we even use them on injured soliders.
"Thanks Hanji," I said as she set down bandages and my own personal medical kit.
"No prob~."
Taking one of the flasks I poured its contents into my hand. Grabbing one of his hands I winced at the bite marks.
"Geez Eren…you had to bit that hard?"
"I was hoping if I bit harder it would work," he mumbled.
He flinches in pain as I started to rub the cream.
"Sorry Eren. But don't worry, this is meant to help it heal faster and help the pain."
Taking his other hand I soothingly rubbed his fingers as I applied the cream. Stealing a glance at him I saw his ears were red.
Does this kid ever not blush.
"Th-thanks for helping me. You're really nice."
I was a bit taken back by his comment. Again he almost reminded me of a little kid, especially with those big innocent eyes he had.
"Thanks, you're nice too Eren," I replied.
Quickly bandaging his hands, I presumed my work to be done.
"Alright all done!" I chimed ruffling his hair.
"Heh, thanks. It feels a lot better now. You must know what you're doing with that medicine. How do you know about natural remedies?"
"It's something that's been a part of my family for generations," I replied waving the question off.
"So the wounds aren't healing themselves are they?" I questioned hoping his titan powers would come into play soon.
"No…" he mumbled looking down.
His expression practically broke my heart. He resembled a kicked puppy.
"Don't worry about it Eren. I'm sure we'll figure it out soon. I'll go get us some tea, hmm?"
After he gave me a nod I went to go get him a cup from a nearby table. Coming back with a full cup I saw Levi was talking to Eren.
What is the gremlin doing now?
For others, his words might be out of earshot, but for me I could hear them clearly.
"If you can't transform into a titan, our main goal of sealing Wall Maria is off the table. This is an order. Make it happen."
I heard Eren reply with a quiet, "Yes sir."
Why that little….
Briskly walking towards Eren I passed Levi who was walking away.
"What was that?"
"We need him to turn into a titan. Failure is not an option."
Shooting him a hard glare I headed over to Eren. He seemed to be talking to the other members of Levi's squad.
At least they seem to be getting along.
Before I could reach them I saw Eren dropped his spoon.
His hands must still be sore.
I quickly walked up to the table I set down our tea cups.
"Don't' worry I'll get it Eren."
"No I got it," he replied trying to reach down and grasp it.
"No really I—AHHHHH!"
There was then a huge explosion causing me to fly to the side. Rolling a good distance across the grass I sat up holding my head.
What the—Eren?!
Eren's hand was stuck in a part of a titan's body. He must have been able to regenerate. But why now? And the body was only an arm and a partial part of a rib cage.
"Calm down," I heard Levi's voice say.
Standing up I saw the others squad members had their swords at the ready.
Are they seriously considering hurting Eren?!
"I said to calm down. All of you," he continued looking at his squad members.
"YAHOOOO!"
Whipping my head over to the source of the sound I saw Hanji running over.
Well she seems excited.
"Eren, what's the meaning of this!? Why now without permission!?" Eld shouted at Eren.
"Eld," Levi said, but got no response.
"No that can wait…Prove that you're not our enemy humanity's enemy!" Gunther shouted.
"If you make one move I'll cut off your—"
"ALRIGHT HOLD IT!" I yelled, cutting off Olou. "If any of you lay a hand on him, you're gunna lose more than that hand!"
"Catori stop. You'll make it worse," Levi said in a monotone and yet warning voice.
"No, these idiots aren't gunna listen. They're too scared," I stated, walking beside him, putting my hands on my hips.
"Catori, Captain, get away from Eren! You're too close!" Petra shouted.
Dear gosh, these people….
"No you're the ones who should get back. Get back," Levi replied still having that cool expression.
"Why!?" she shouted back.
"BECAUSE YOU'RE ALL ACTING LIKE A BUNCH OF LOONEY BINS!" I screamed making them all silent.
"Eren!" Hanji cried finally reaching us. "Can I touch that arm?! It's ok right? Right?! Just let me touch it!"
"Hanji wait, it's probably hot—"
Not listening to me she touched the titan hand anyways.
"HOT! It's hot! It's unbelievably hot!" she shouted pulling her hands away and running around.
Turning back to Eren she started asking him questions about his arm.
"So what does it feel like Eren? Can ya move it? I really want to see!"
Glancing over at Eren I saw he was trying to pull his hand out.
"Careful! You might tear your skin off! EREN!" I shouted as he pulled himself from the titan appendage and fell off.
"WHAT EREN NO! I still wanted to investigate some things!" Hanji whined as the titan form started to evaporate.
Walking over to Eren I helped him up.
"Are you ok?"
"Not…not really," he breathed heavily.
"Come on I'll help you back inside."
Placing a firm hand on his back we started to head inside.
"Thanks…."
"Hmmm?" I questioned cocking my head to the side.
"Thanks….thanks for standing up for me."
Giving him a warm smile I patted his back.
"No problem."
*****line break*****
Today was the day that we got our new recruits. And to be honest I was terrified. Standing back stage, I watched Erwin give his speech. I was sweating like crazy and I was twiddling my thumbs. One wrong move and we blow it. No new recruits.
Well he seems to be doing pretty well. Talking about the hope Eren brings and-WAIT WHY ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ALL THE CASUALTIES!? OH MY GOSH ERWIN NO!...
"Over those four years we've lost 60%. 60% in four years, that's a horrifying figure."
ERWIN.
"One month from now we will conduct a recon mission outside the walls. Recruits from among your ranks will be expected to take part."
Ok ok…you can hopefully bring them back…
"I estimate about a third of them will die."
HOLY FLIPPIN WHAT
"After four years most will be dead."
I think I'm just gunna go in the corner now.
As I walked and sat in a near corner, I heard his last words of his speech.
"But first ask yourself this, can you give your heart, can you give everything for humanity!"
"Uhhh squad leader Catori are you ok?" Roy asked as I slumped in the corner.
Not answering, I put my hand up and starting walking towards Erwin.
"Erwin," I whispered trying to keep my composure.
"Uhhh not saying your speech wasn't moving but don't you think you scared them a little bit much. ONE IS CRYING…"
He didn't answer me back.
"They're all gunna leave!"
I quickly looked back to all the recruits. None seemed too eager. Fear was in there eyes. I watched with wide eyes as they started to file out. One by one the group got smaller and smaller, but a few stayed behind.
"Can you die if you're ordered to?" Erwin asked the remaining.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and waited for their answer.
"We don't want to die sir!"
"Of course, let us hope that you don't then," Erwin said with a smile.
"You who stayed are now one of us! I welcome you to the survey corps. This is a genuine salute soldiers! Together we give our hearts!" Erwin exclaimed giving a salute.
All the remaining soldiers gave a salute back.
"You have done well to endure your fear. You are brave soldiers. You all have my respect."
I almost passed out from relief. Walking back over to Roy I slumped on his shoulder.
"Roy."
"Yeah?"
"I think I want some of that tea now…."
*******line break*******
Plopping onto my bed I let out a groan.
Despite my drowsiness, I was still happy that we even got recruits. I thought Erwin blew it. Sitting up I decided to start taking off my boots.
Knock knock
Bringing my attention to the door I raised an eyebrow.
Roy said he was going to be busy this evening and Kiwi was going to be helping Hanji….What? Is it Levi wanting to lecture me about something I did that "was stupid" or "inappropriate?"
"Come in~," sung out with a crooked smirk on my face.
The door slowly opened and a head poked out.
Eren?
"Eren? What are you doing here?"
"Oh um, I was just, I thought that ummm—you said that I could always come and see you so, I just thought I'd visit."
"Oh yeah."
"But you were probably going to go to bed. Sorry if I bothered you. I'll just—"
"No no, it's fine. I'm just happy you weren't hun bun."
"Hun bun?...Oh you mean Corporal Levi? Why would he be coming to your room?"
What's with the questions~?
"He just likes to lecture me about things or tell me I have HUGE amounts of paper work the next day. Things like that."
"Oh."
There was a pause of silence as Eren twiddled his thumbs at the door.
"You can come in ya know."
"Right, sorry."
Walking in Eren shut the door.
"So what's on your mind Eren? Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong. I just wanted to talk to you."
I'm gunna burst from this cuteness.
"Ok, well what do you want to talk about? And if you don't know, believe me I can talk about a lot of things, although be warned I might not shut up."
That got a laugh out of Eren (And I made a mental note he had the more adorable laugh), and he seemed less nervous. Despite only being a few years older than him, I think the title "squad leader" made him think I was this "higher up" person that he couldn't just talk to. Then again even Roy still has trouble calling me by my first name.
"I just wanted to ask you how you got so good. How did you get into the survey corps without training?...If you don't mind me asking."
Cocking my head to the side, I wasn't expecting that question, but I answered it none the less.
"Well I ended up obtaining a maneuver gear. I think it was sold on the black market because it wasn't like anyone from the military would have left it where I found it. I lived in a forested area where there was lots of room, so out of curiosity I taught myself. I learned surprisingly fast and just after a year or so, I was able to use it with ease. And after the wall was breached I felt like I needed to help, and I didn't want to waste 3 years in training when I already knew how to use it very well. So I went right to the survey corps, and kind of broke in Erwin's office…but anyways I showed them what I could do and they seemed more than impressed. They also seemed to like I had very acute hearing, flexibility, and reflexes. Ya know they like people with good and yet weird qualities. Mike for example. ANYWHO~ I became Levi's assistant for a year and then became a squad leader. And some consider me on or even beyond Levi's level. So I think I'm pretty good if I do say so myself."
"Wow….people considers you as good as Corporal? I thought he was man's strongest soldier."
"Yeah yeah….but not woman's strongest solider aaaand too long ago I saved his bleached butt. I ended up hurting a few ribs and my leg."
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah I'm ok now."
"So how did it happen?" Eren said with wide eyes.
He looked like a little kid waiting for a really great bed time story.
"Ok so there I was. In the forest on an expedition," I said raising my hands in a dramatic voice, "We had quite a few titans on our hands, but were able to bet rid of most. Right as Levi was taking down one, another titan came from behind and was going to try and slap him with his big hand. To be honest, my feet moved on their own and I headed over towards Levi. By this time he had already sliced the titans neck and was going to leap to a nearby tree, but he wouldn't had enough time. So I flew over and pushed him out of the way. At first the expression on his face could kill. He seemed rather annoyed with me since I pushed him, but that expression changed pretty quickly when he saw what I really did. Before I knew what was happening I felt a great force on my side. I was flung over and slammed into the tree trunk. I remember falling, but Levi caught me before I hit the ground."
Glancing back at Eren his eyes were glistening with amazement. He was intently listening to every word.
"I ended up blacking out, but I do remember right before I did."
~flash back that Catori is telling eren~
"You idiot…why do you have to be so reckless?" Levi said holding my limp body as he landed on the ground.
"What…..no thank you?" I wheezed out.
I was breathing heavily and the taste of blood was in my mouth.
"Don't you die on me. We can't afford to lose you."
"Yeah yeah, I'm pretty great aren't I hun bun?"
My hands started to shake and I head was spinning.
This isn't the end is it? I'm going to be alright….but….what if…
I started to panic and I looked up at Levi, but for once I looked for help.
"Levi," I asked this time not using his nickname.
"What?"
"I…..I'm scared…..I can't die…Kiwi…my family…"
"You're not going to die," Levi said with a serious expression.
But behind his serious demeanor I saw fear in his eyes. I could tell he didn't like seeing me like this. It scared him to see me so sincere.
"Don't act like that. It doesn't suite you."
I let out a small laugh which caused me to cough, "Never thought I'd hear you say that hun bun...
Clenching his fists he looked up to see if he could spot anyone, but it seemed they were all busy holding off the titans.
"Why did you do it?" he finally said looking away
"Because," I started to say as I fought to stay awake, "I made a promise a long time ago ….remember?"
I saw his eyes widen and he looked back down at me.
"I couldn't let you die…Levi…" I gasped.
Growling he gritted his teeth.
"Don't talk like you're gunna die. I'm not going to let you die either."
Picking me back up we flung us up to a nearby tree and it seemed that Roy finally took down the last titan.
"Roy!" Levi called out flying towards him.
"What happened?" Roy frantically said after seeing my damaged state.
"She was slammed into a tree."
"Do you know her condition?
"Well she seems to have a concussion and by the force she was hit at she probably broke some bones. For all we know she could have internal bleeding. Under the force she went under, her condition can't be all too well."
"Get her to Hanji—"
Things started to get blurry, and their voices started to muffle. And then everything went black.
~end of flashback~
"And the last thing I remember is hun bun saying my name. I've never seen him like that before. I mean the look he had on his face after I pushed him away…I guess the only way to describe it was pure shock."
"Wow….."
"You gunna say anything else other than wow?"
"Sorry, I just didn't know what else to say," he said rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's ok," I giggled out.
"You risked your life to save him. You…you must really care about him," he said with a half-smile.
"W-What? I wouldn't say that. Well I guess so. He is my friend and yet I think he's a jerkwad. We have a complicated relationship. He calls me brat. I call him hun bun. He makes me do tedious tasks to just make me mad so I lick all his pencils and occasionally his tea cup~."
Eren's eyes widened at the last comment.
"Don't tell him that."
"O-ok I won't…" he replied a little unsure.
"Good," I said back yawning.
Pondering over my last words on my story I realized I was wrong.
"Actually that wasn't the last thing I remember. I ended up waking up in the carriage. It was only a few minutes after I blacked out. Hanji was by my side along with Roy and Levi. Somehow Erwin did not know of my state yet. I pleaded them all not to tell him, so I could go on the next expiation to make sure my sister would be safe….I told them I was ok, but Levi would have nothing of that. I was angry back then when he told Erwin, but now I see he didn't want me doing something reckless and dying. He's definitely a BIG jerk wad, sadistic, narcissistic, and generally not the best person, but deep down in that cold chest of his, there's a heart."
Poking Eren's side I continued saying, "And if you tell anyone I said that I'll kill you."
"Don't worry, I won't say anything!" he said putting his hands up in defense.
Putting his hands back down in his lap, he looked down at them as though in deep thought. A small frown was then brought to his face and he let out a sigh.
"I wish I could be that strong…"
"Huh?"
"Well just you and Corporal Levi. You guys always seem so strong. Like nothing can hurt you…and when you do get hurt you just bounce right back like you're invincible. I don't know how you guys do it…or more like how you do it. You've been here for a long time and have seen many people die, yet you still have a smile on your face. You still laugh and not only that but make others laugh. You want them to feel normal. You make sure others are happy without worrying about yourself. I see how you worry for others and how you care about them. Like you did for me… I just…I want to be that person… but I don't know how…I always just seem to…mess up."
Looking over at him I playfully bumped into him.
"Eren. I want to be like you."
"Huh?"
"You have such determination at such a young age. I would have not been able to do what you're doing at that age…joining the military, fighting titans, having to deal with all those people that thought you were a monster. Despite all those things you still joined the scouting legion and decided to fight the titans with all your might even if it meant you death. You never gave up. You never gave into fear. You have such courage. You're stronger than I could ever be Eren. I want to be like you."
He gave me smile and I gave him a smile back.
"Well, thanks for coming over Eren. I like talking to you, even though I did most of the talking," I half-laughed.
"Yeah me too. I'll try to talk more, but I like hearing your stories."
"Hey don't make it sound like I'm some old woman. I'm only 19~."
"Oh no-no I wasn't—"
"I'm just messin' with ya Eren," I said patting his shoulder.
Crap, it's getting pretty late. And I better get him back to his room before hun bun sees. OR anyone sees…Don't need any more rumors...like back then when I was hun bun's assistant.
"As much as I love talking to you Eren, sadly you better go to bed, otherwise hun bun's gunna be mad."
"yeah…."
"So how did you get up here anyways without him knowing?" I questioned standing up as we headed to the door.
"Hanji helped me."
"Figures."
********line break*******
Sitting in the kitchen I sipped my tea.
Wonder how the new recruits will be?
It's been a day since they all arrived and they've all been put into training.
Huh, wonder if any of them are Eren's friends.
Finishing my tea I got up from the table.
Eren should be cleaning the stables right about now. Guess I'll pay him a visit.
Making my way out of the kitchen, I eventually arrived at the stables. And of course Olou was there, leaning against the wall, probably keeping an eye on Eren.
"Hey Olou," I groaned out in a monotone voice.
He gave me a sideways glance as he drank out of his mug and tipped his head.
"You shouldn't mumble when you talk."
His imitation of Levi makes me sick. It's cringe worthy.
"Ya know if you want to be more like Levi, loose a few feet and, for titan sake man, bleach that cravat."
As I entered the stables I could hear him grumble in annoyance.
"Hey Eren," I chimed, seeing he was busy shoveling horse crap.
"Oh hi," he stuttered seeming rather surprised to see me.
"Sooo how's the cleaning going?" I questioned leaning against the wall.
"It's going ok I guess. Nothing too bad."
"Good. So the new recruits came in. Do you know any of them?"
"I didn't see any of the new recruits. But you did, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well maybe you can—"
"Wait," I said putting my hand up.
"What?"
"I think they're walking by right now, come on!" I exclaimed grabbing his hand.
"Wait—how—"
"Can't you hear all those footseps?" I teased opening the door, and exiting the stable.
Sure enough a group of kids were walking past us and by the look on Eren's face he knew who they were.
"Know these guys?" I said with a smile.
"Yeah!" he exclaimed.
"Well come on!" I said grabbing his wrist.
"But I have to ask—"
"You're with me. It's fine~," I said passing Olou.
Sorry had to end it somewhere! Hope you liked it! Not sure we're I'm going to take Catori and her relationship with Eren. Or who she's going to end up with in general XD. So yeah leave review and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you guys! And as always any comments or suggestions are appreciated! Soooo C U IN THE NEXT UPDATE!
Cly****