Y/n felt a strong pain in his chest, where he had been impaled with a spear, he looked to his right and saw a man who seemed nonchalant at the events.
?: What are you doing?
?: Get up.
?: I know you didn't die by that spear.
A drop of blood fell to the ground.
Two realities mixed together and Y/n jolted awake, his senses alerting him of a danger long gone. As he got up, he realized it was a dream.
With this in mind he got up and looked around the room, his eyes fixated in a corner where a person laid. Upon realizing who was the body's owner, a horrible sensation overcame him.
His mother was dead.
No doubt about it, a knife the size of Y/n's 6 year old arm was impaling her.
Y/n stared at the corpse, his brain not wanting to process the information that was being received. That unresponsiveness also led to an unknown figure lurking into the room go unnoticed.
4 years later, Town inside Wall Maria
Baker: STEALING IS A FELONY, COME BACK HERE YOU-
Y/n didn't hear the end of the sentence as he ran amidst people taller than him, trying to escape from whoever he had stolen a week's worth of food from.
However, when he dared peek a glance behind him, he crashed into a man he had met 4 years ago and had been teaching him since.
Levi: What the hell are you doing? Get off me.
Y/n rolled onto the floor, where he met the adult's eyes.
Levi: Didn't I make myself clear last time you stole something?
Y/n shivered, but still tried to make himself sound confident.
Y/n: I still need to eat, I don't want to die, or worse, grow up to be a midg-
Levi: Shut it. Give me the bag.
Y/n: No.
Levi didn't say anything, just glared at him, expressionless. It was enough to convince Y/n.
Y/n: (Sigh) Screw it.
He dropped the bag, and as Levi took it, he gave Y/n a half-smile and said one last thing.
Levi: Say fuck instead of screw, it's classier.
As Levi walked off, around half of the bag's contents fell to the ground and he didn't make any effort to pick them back up. Y/n silently thanked him and picked up what would later become his dinner.
He had met Levi the day his mother died. After some doubting, he took the child under his wing and brought Y/n to Wall Maria. He then took care of him for a few days and taught him some basics on fighting and the life on the streets.
He knew he wouldn't be able to help the kid anytime due to being the captain of the Scout Legion. But thanks to Levi's teachings, Y/n could defend himself if the occasion required it, no matter if he was armed or not.
Whenever Levi was around town he would locate Y/n and teach him, which at first consisted on Y/n being beat to a pulp, as Levi didn't hold back. But with enough time, they reached a point where Y/n could somewhat defend himself against his mentor's onslaught. With enough time
One month Later
Levi came back from an expedition beyond the walls and decided to look around for his pupil, who he found sleeping in his usual spot, close to the center but difficult to access, to prevent wanderers from winding up there. He suddenly remembered the first time he saw him, his shirt cloaked in blood.
But he pushed the memory aside whilst pushing Y/n to wake him up.
Levi: Come.
He lazily opened his eyes, knowing there was no harm nearby.
Y/n: (Yawning) Where to?
Levi: Don't play dumb, I want to talk about a few things.
Y/n: Why don't we talk (Yawn) here?
Levi: I'm not going to waste an opportunity to teach you a bit more.
Y/n got up as he answered.
Y/n: How kind of you.
Levi: Don't push it.
They walked between the buildings until they reached the warehouse they used for training. With plenty of space to move around and some wooden boxes that served as obstacles it made a decent teaching ground.
Y/n: So, talk first or teach first?
Levi walked to him without answering until they were close enough so that this could transform into a Levi x Reader.
However Y/n sensed something else and dodged his right fist, which was swinging with full force devastating anything in its path.
Y/n: You could have answered, you know?
Y/n closed the distance between them with 2 steps and threw a punch to Levi's face.
Levi: No fun in that.
Levi caught his hand and threw him over his shoulder. While getting up, he asked.
Y/n: So anyways, what did you want to talk about?
This time Y/n stood his ground and waited for Levi to come, which he rapidly did and tried to connect a kick to Y/n's shin.
Levi: I just wanted to say that you...
Y/n saw it and absorbed the kick, this surprised Levi for a fraction of a second, enough for Y/n to throw Levi, already off balance, to the floor.
Levi: should keep in mind that this isn't a permanent home
Y/n approached him slowly, with caution and made a question.
Y/n: Can you go straight to the point?
When the boy was close enough, Levi put his foot behind Y/n's ankle and kicked his knee, making him step back.
Levi: You should move to Wall Sina soon.
He got up and charged towards the now injured Y/n.
Y/n: As in tomorrow?
He narrowly dodged but was too slow to gain anything from the move.
Levi: As in in some months, if I can teach you what I want you to know before then.
Levi punished said slowness with a kick from afar to the gut. Y/n took a few strategic steps back while coughing, moving next to a box.
Y/n: (Weakly) May I ask why?
Levi tried to continue his attack but didn't, or want to, notice he was being lured into a trap.
Levi: More crowded, more people. There's higher competition there, whether it's MPs or others like you.
Y/n threw one of the boxes towards him, but he didn't move as he watched the object miss him completely.
Levi: But also higher risks.
However, that was never Y/n's plan. The box flew towards multiple other boxes, which would all collapse on Levi. However, it lost momentum and ended up on the floor. Y/n, disappointed, looked at the box one beat or two longer before he inquired.
Y/n: And what after that?
This past mistake, however, seemed to make him confident on his next try, and so he began carefully approaching his tutor.
Levi: What do you mean?
They began circling, and with the confidence boost Y/n made an unprovoked error when he tripped over himself.
Levi: We'll have to work on that balance.
Y/n: I don't want to keep doing this for the rest of my life
Levi: Right.
Levi knew that he wouldn't commit the same mistake afterwards, so he decided not to punish it.
Levi: Enlist in the military, that's what I did.
Y/n got up from his landing spot and replied with a smile.
Y/n: And here you are, fighting a kid.
Levi took his training knife out, a gesture which Y/n repeated.
Levi: I'm teaching you. You'd be dead if this was a fight. Besides, it's either that or the fields.
They began circling each other, and kept on Y/n's training.
Levi: That's enough for today, I'll get you something to eat.
After rummaging through some boxes he threw Y/n a military ration bar, and got one for himself.
Y/n: What's this?
Levi: Food.
Y/n: Right.
They both began eating in silence, until Levi made a question.
Levi: What were you doing before I found you?
Y/n: Sleeping.
Levi: You know what I'm asking, you half-wit.
Y/n knew he was asking about when they first met, but needed some time to answer.
Y/n: Yeah, to be honest (Pause) I don't remember much. We moved here and there, my mother and I, we had gotten to that poor resemblance of a home days before you and I met.
Levi: What about your father?
Y/n: I... don't think he was ever with me, I can't remember him.
He frowned at Levi.
Y/n: What's with this sudden interest though? You've never really asked me this kind of things.
Levi took a deep breath, looking to the side.
Levi: You should get going, we've been here for hours. I'll stay around, I got some things to take care of around here.
Y/n took the hint instantly, and decided it was best this way.
Y/n: Alright, thanks for the nutritious dry piece of cement. I'll see you around.
Levi: Bye.
As Y/n walked off, Levi's proposal of moving to Sina lingered in the back of his mind. This life was the one he had gotten used to, but as he said, it would be a challenge, and Y/n didn't want to miss this chance.
He'd move to Wall Sina.
Around 2 months later, Training Warehouse
After one surprisingly exhausting training session in the early morning, in which no side seemed at a real disadvantage at any time, Y/n just finished what Levi had offered him, which mainly consisted of lettuce. He had said his goodbyes when Levi told him plainly.
Levi: You're ready. You can go to Wall Sina.
Y/n stopped in his tracks, looking back, he replied with a puzzled expression.
Y/n: Huh? That's it?
Levi: What? Did you expect a speech and a diploma?
Y/n: No, but I just wanted to know where should I go, maybe also some tips or something like that.
Levi: Sure. There's Stohess, it's richer, but that includes the Military Police on your tail almost sempiternally. And the other option is the Underground, which switches the MPs with people like you, trying to live. It's your choice to decide, both will bring you even more experience, and in terms of being dangerous, you really can't compare one with the other, it's simply different.
Y/n pondered for a few seconds before giving his answer.
Y/n: Definitely Stohess.
Levi: Sure.
Y/n: How am I supposed to get there?
Levi: Work something out.
Y/n: One last question.
Levi: Make it quick, you should really start getting prepared.
Y/n: Why do you help me?
Levi's expression changed to one of surprise, but returned to its usual glare almost immediately.
Levi: Not now.
Y/n: Not now?
Levi: I'll tell you, but not now.
Y/n still wanted to insist, but his experience with the man in front of him had taught him when he could push him, and he knew he shouldn't try now.
Y/n: Alright, I'll be going then.
As Y/n left the warehouse he heard Levi say one last thing.
Levi: Don't be stupid and don't die, those are my tips.
Y/n: Don't be stupid...
And with this in mind, the h/c haired kid made his way to the square, place in which he remained until he finally overheard a talk about one of the carts. It was going to load some cargo and leave this same night.
Y/n didn't waste time and picked up his belongings.
That night, with his few belongings, basically made up of some pieces of bread and a knife he had stolen some time ago, Y/n pinpointed the cart he was looking for jumped in, and hid himself in a blanket as best as he managed. It certainly wasn't comfortable, but it was long since Y/n had truly been comfortable.
The journey was completely unremarkable, excluding Y/n's inability to sleep fearing he'll get caught, and a beautiful view of the sky. Hours passed, and as the sun began bathing the landscape in its light they arrived. Before the cart stopped completely, Y/n jumped out of it, just in case they began unloading immediately. No one seemed to be around, so he walked along the streets looking for a place to lie down. He finally saw fit an empty corner not too far away from the main square, where he slept.
He woke up a few hours later and decided that, if he could, he'd set off to Wall Sina that same night. He ate part of the food he had brought with him and walked to the square, where he repeated the process he did in Wall Maria.
Fast forward to his entrance in Stohess
Y/n jumped out of the cart again, and seeing the ambiance, he was dumbstruck by the change from one city to the other. Here, the citizens wore suits, dresses, children ran around with some complex toys. To Y/n it all screamed money, riches. There wasn't that much difference between him and any other child in his former city, but standing in the square, he was obviously an outsider. Shocking to see. As he stood around, a kid around his age spotted and approached him.
?: Hey, you!
Y/n somehow knew that the call was directed to him, and turned around with a confused expression.
Y/n: What do you want?
The blonde kid seemed unfazed by Y/n's cold answer and began asking one question after the other in a quick succession.
?: I've never seen you around here, are you a foreigner? Why are you so dirty? Where do you come from? Where are your parents? What's your name?
Y/n was overwhelmed, and instead of answering, glared. Thankfully, the kid didn't seem to expect him to answer his barrage of questions.
?: My name is Thurner, well that's my surname, but everyone calls me Thurner, so you should too, of course, if you want, I'm not going to force you. Oh and what's your name? Wanna have dinner with my family?
Y/n: Food?
Y/n's food reserves had been emptied on the last journey, so he didn't think much before accepting Thurner's offer.
Y/n: Y-Yeah, sure, I'll have dinner with your family.
Thurner: That's great to hear, you're so slim, you should eat more, or maybe you can't, are you poor? But if you live here...
Thurner stopped speaking, maybe to think or maybe to catch his breath. Seeing this opportunity, Y/n ended the conversation with a lie about his parent asking him to be elsewhere and so they agreed to meet in the square around an hour before sundown.
Y/n spent the rest of the day making his way around the district, recognizing where the MPs were the most active, and overall making himself at home.
As the sun was close to its departure to give way to the night, Y/n marched to the square, where he found the blonde boy he had met that day. They both made their way to Thurner's house, which parents were surprisingly kind and didn't push the subject of his family when Y/n redirected the subject.
After the meal, Y/n knew he would benefit of a friendship with Thurner. He would try to, at the very least. The Thurners were clearly rich, but to Y/n's surprise they were also probably the nicest people he had ever met. The combination of having money and being a good person wasn't something Y/n had seen.
He still lied to them and told them he'd head over to his parents, that they were waiting for him with clean clothes. He left the house and went to his new spot, where he laid down, and slept.
9 hours earlier, Shiganshina
Colossal Titan: Hey
Eren: Oh no, I hope my mom doesn't die
Eren's mom: *Epicly dies*
Mikasa: Skill issue
Armin: ?
A/N: Why the fuck did I write this part like this? Am I braindead?
6 months later, Stohess
Over the past 6 months, Y/n had begun to trust Thurner, up to the point of telling him about his family and how he managed to survive. Thurner promised to keep it a secret from his parents, just in case they told anything to the MPs, even if Y/n considered them lovely. After telling him, he often gave Y/n food, which he corresponded with teaching him basics of fighting and helping him train. They both decided to join the cadet corps.
There also was the occasional visit from Levi, but dealing with the now overpopulated districts in Wall Rose and the Scout's ventures, it was far less often than usual.
One day, after creating some dummies to practice, Thurner and Y/n, both of them mentally and physically exhausted, came back to the district from a tiny forest close by. They parted ways in the main square, each to their own home. However, he found the corner he called home occupied by a tall, brown haired girl with freckles around her age. Y/n felt no remorse when he kicked her awake, to which she let out a scream and then replied.
?: Who the fuck are you?! Why did you just kick me?!
Y/n was taken aback by her tone.
Y/n: What an overreaction, people can't take anything these days.
Y/n: This is my place. And you were here.
?: Who says this is your place?!
Y/n: I do.
?: Who are you?!
Y/n just shook his head, exhausted.
Y/n: Why do you care? Just leave, what's so difficult to understand? Goddamn.
The girl took a few step backs and tried to get her thoughts in line to attempt and get through Y/n's stubbornness.
?: Look, we're the same age, and we're both living on the streets, isn't that enough information to help each other out?
Y/n lazily stared at her and answered.
Y/n: Sure. My name is Y/n L/n.
?: I'm Ymir.
Y/n noted her not saying her last name, but didn't push it. Instead he pushed the actual, important, matter at hand.
Y/n: Alright, nice meeting you, I'm glad I could help you get to know me, not many people get the chance. Now get out.
Ymir: No. You're coming with me.
Y/n: There's no light, where are we even supposed to go?
Ymir: I need help stealing something.
Y/n: You trust me that easily?
Ymir: I can beat you up that easily.
Y/n looked the girl up and down. She couldn't. Probably? His brain wasn't functioning correctly, so he just went along whatever she said.
Y/n: And what do I get?
Ymir: Your ugly little corner and part of the score.
She smiled proudly, inviting him to come.
Y/n's plan was to sleep, but knowing the girl wouldn't give up, he agreed.
And so they quickly moved along the city model which they had both been remembering for the last two years. Ymir explained along the way the plan.
They were going to the house of a jeweler. One of the pieces he had made gained great value in the black market, but no one had tried stealing it because of the reinforced door he had created himself and the height of the windows. That was the part Y/n came in, being of a decent stature, he'd serve as a human ladder, combined with Ymir's height, she should reach inside.
Y/n: Okay, and what's the escape plan?
Ymir: We walk away, simple as that.
Y/n: I mean if we get caught, genius.
Ymir: Don't worry about that, we won't get caught.
Y/n: But-
Ymir: No.
The rest of the journey passed in silence, and they found themselves in front of a large house painted in red.
The windows were wide but really short, making any adult incapable of entering, but making them the perfect fit fit the job. The height of said windows was greater than expected though. even Ymir standing completely upright on his shoulders, and even on his head, left a considerable amount of wall to the window left. This, however, was solved by jumping.
Ymir finally got through, and thus, Y/n began waiting, and continued waiting. Every once in a while he thought he was hearing the girl's footsteps, but he was wrong. What he really was sure of hearing was a scream, followed by rushing and furniture falling.
Y/n started to look around, hoping no MP was nearby. Unfortunately, three of them were at the far end of the street they were in. First they looked at him suspiciously, not making out who he was because of the night. Before they acted, Ymir flinged herself out of the window and began running, she was holding a necklace and had put on various bracelets. Y/n followed her, and so did the MPs.
They had entered a chase, which continued corner after corner, until, after taking a left, they found the path diverged into three. They chose none of the paths and instead entered a church with a semi-open door.
They moved to the far end of the church while arguing in whispers where to hide until they heard movement coming from a room connected to the main church. Ymir jumped behind the table from which the priests impart their sermons, grabbed Y/n by the arm and made him squish next to her. A few seconds after, two men from the contiguous room entered, and they both heard their conversation.
Priest 1: -on't get why that was troublesome, he's making the mother of all omelettes here, Jack, he can't fret over every egg.
The priest named Jack stopped in his tracks to answer.
Jack: Sam, what are you on about now? Nevermind. It was a problem because she is the heiress to you-know-what very important house, but out of wedlock, unfit, by that matter.-(sigh)- To be fair, it would have been easier if she just got killed and everyone forgot about her, but instead it was decided she would change her name and join the army.
They began moving towards the exit.
Sam: Well then that's it, she'll join the military and it's all over.
Jack: You must give time to time. Her mere existence is a problem, she'll hit us when we least-
The sentence ended with the sound the door made when being closed. They still stood in place until they made sure no one was still around, but recognising the danger was indeed over, they both got out of their hiding place. Y/n brushed himself.
Y/n: So much for not getting caught, eh? Enough for milady today? May we go already?
Her lady didn't respond, entirely focused on her own thoughts. After some time, she spoke up.
Ymir: I'm joining the Military.
Y/n frowned, confused by the sudden statement.
Y/n: Yeah that's my plan too, I don't wanna go to the fields.
Ymir ignored his statement.
Ymir: I want to go to find that girl.
A/n: 1 am, I'll just publish this thing, don't be afraid to tell me what you think, this is my first fanfic.