"Alright, everyone! We're just 10 kilometers from base camp! Let's pick up the pace!"
Commandant Shadis's words struggled to reach the cadets, swallowed by the fierce winds that howled through the mountains. The biting cold nipped at their exposed skin, and the snowflakes swirled around them like tiny daggers, stinging their faces as they pressed onward.
As they ascended, the rain they had experienced at boot camp had transformed into a relentless snowstorm, making their climb even more challenging. The once-familiar terrain was now obscured by a thick blanket of white, turning the world into a monochromatic blur. Visibility was reduced to mere meters, and the cadets had to rely on the sound of Shadis's voice and the faint outlines of their comrades ahead of them to navigate through the blizzard.
Each step felt heavier than the last, the snow accumulating in their boots, threatening to pull them down into the depths of the mountain. The procession, a mix of seasoned climbers and inexperienced kids, all struggled to maintain their footing on the icy path. Their breaths came out in visible puffs, mingling with the swirling snow, as they fought against the elements that seemed determined to thwart their progress.
"Keep your heads up! Focus on the person in front of you!" Shadis shouted, his voice a beacon of authority amidst the chaos. He moved with a determination that inspired the cadets, his silhouette cutting through the storm like a lighthouse guiding ships to safety. The cadets rallied, drawing strength from his unwavering resolve, pushing through the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm them.
The wind howled like a wild beast, and the snow whipped around them, creating a cacophony that drowned out all but the most urgent commands. The cadets huddled closer together, forming a tight line as they trudged forward, their hearts pounding in rhythm with the relentless beat of the storm.
As they climbed higher, the air grew thinner, and the cold seeped deeper into their bones. Shadis glanced back, assessing the group. He could see the determination etched on their faces, even as exhaustion threatened to take hold. "Remember why you're here! This is about more than just reaching base camp; it's about building resilience, teamwork, and trust in one another!" His words cut through the air, reaching Victoria's ears.
She was wrapped in several layers of clothing, with only her eyes peeking out from beneath the scarf that concealed her face. Her hand clutched Sasha's pack with a firm grip, knuckles numb from the cold and iron-like vise, while Jean held onto Victoria's pack from behind, so close she could feel his hot breath on her neck. The group moved forward in this way, and although Victoria felt utterly drained, she had come to accept this fatigue as part of her new reality. After all, she was in training to become a soldier, and this was just how things were now.
Victoria could deal with a little less emotional fatigue, though.
The tension between Reiner and Victoria only seemed to escalate with each passing day. Just when she believed he might finally ease up and move on, he always managed to return and pester her once more. This morning was no exception, as they found themselves in a heated argument over Reiner's concern that Victoria wasn't dressed warmly enough.
The chill in the air seeped into her, sending shivers through her bones.Fuck him,she thought, still feeling the sting of anger.
The last bit of the ten kilometers seemed to stretch on forever, an endless, frigid journey that left her feeling disoriented. However, when Victoria finally stepped through the entrance of the main hall, a wave of relief washed over her as she could finally see again. The first cadets had already rushed in ahead of her, eagerly peeling off their soaked clothing and darting toward the large, empty fireplaces, hoping to get them roaring to life so the room could be filled with warmth and light.
The Main Hall here presented a striking contrast to its counterpart at the mountain's base. Whereas the lower hall was crafted to maintain a refreshing chill, this space embraced a cozy ambiance. Massive slabs of rock and wooden logs adorned the walls, exuding a sense of rugged elegance. Sturdy oak beams spanned the ceiling, supporting the aged, groaning roof above. Underfoot, a plush wool carpet enveloped the majority of the floor, with the notable exception of the areas near the exits and the fireplaces, where dark gray slate stone was meticulously arranged in neat squares. A few windows were built here and there but were for the most part absent.
"Whoa," Jean murmured as he came in behind Victoria. She stepped forward, allowing more cadets to escape the snowstorm.
"Whoa, indeed," she replied, eyes wide with awe.
"Freidrich! Kirschtein!"
"Yes sir?" Victoria jumped and then saluted as Shadis strutted over to her. Jean mimicked her movements.
"Take Braus, and air out the bedrooms and give them a nice tidy before the remaining Cadets claim beds," His glare turned to Jean. "Kirschtein, you and Springer will do the same for the boys' room."
Connie sputtered for a moment, having just walked in behind Jean. He was silenced by a piercing look from Shadis. Saluting, he cried, "Yes, sir!" The other cadets echoed him. After Shadis walked away, Connie frowned, shaking snow off his head. "I just want to sit down."
"Toughshit, Egghead," Victoria quipped with a playful smirk. Connie shot her a mock glare, scrunching his face up in response, before they parted ways, each heading off to tackle their responsibilities.
~o~
It always blew her mind how diverse their home within the Walls was.
Victoria stood in the girl's room, staring out the small window that looked down the mountain. She couldn't see anything other than a large pine tree; the storm had yet to subside a few hours later but she was happy to at least have shelter now. The large fireplace at the end of the room was roaring, the wood crackled with a sweet smell filling the air.
A few of the girls had crashed out as soon as they were dismissed, curled up in the bunks that lined the walls, dressed in fresh dry clothes. The soft snores and the fireplace were the only sounds in the large room.
It was so peaceful.
Victoria didn't realize how much she had needed a moment of quiet. She rubbed her face with her hands, a sigh escaping her lips as Reiner's eyes flashed through her mind as she thought about their circumstances.
First, Reiner's attempts to assist her during the drill were marked by a certain self-serving quality that was hard to ignore. Despite her evident disinterest in his guidance, he continued to gravitate towards her, almost as if he were drawn by an invisible force. This persistence was particularly odd given that she had openly labeled him a coward, a term that cut deep and should have deterred most from further engagement.
Yet, Reiner remained undeterred, his desire to help her shining through the layers of tension that surrounded them.
His intentions were murky: he genuinely seemed like he wanted her to succeed, to excel in a world that demanded strength and resilience. However, this noble aspiration was complicated by his underlying plea for her to reconsider her path.
To run, she thought with disgust.
He urged, no, begged her not to pursue a life as a soldier, a suggestion that felt deeply patronizing and insulting. The implication that she should run away and hide from the challenges presented was a stark contrast to her own ambitions and dreams. It revealed a profound disconnect between their perspectives—while he sought to protect her from the harsh realities of their world, she yearned to confront those very challenges head-on.
This tension between Reiner's protective instincts and her fierce determination created a complex emotional landscape. On one hand, his desire to shield her from the dangers of a soldier's life seemed to stem from a place of care and concern; on the other, it undermined her aspirations and autonomy.
The conflict between his intentions and her ambitions painted a vivid picture of the struggles they both faced, highlighting the difficulty of navigating personal desires in a world fraught with peril and monsters.
Shaking her head, she thought wearily, I'm so over it.
The sound of a bell echoed down the hall. Dinnertime.
~o~
"Owww, oww, please stop," a cadet with grayish brown hair sat in the corner of the cafeteria, his premature wrinkles deepening in pain. Mina was there, poking at his toe. Victoria was happy at that moment that whatever was going on under them was covered by the small girl's body.
"This is why we double up on socks, Daz," Mina scolded, frowning at him. "Your frostbite could have been a lot worse if we had been out there any longer. You might lose your toenail."
"My toenail!?" The cadet, Daz, screeched in panic.
"Relax, it should grow back," Mina answered.
"Wait-wait, stop!" Mina returned to changing the bandage, prompting groans of pain from Daz. "Ughhh why can't I just go back down the mountain?" he continued lamenting. "I just want to go home."
Victoria let out a soft sigh as she turned her gaze toward the cafeteria window, drawn in by the inviting aroma of soup that wafted through the air. As she made her way over, her stomach growled in anticipation, echoing her hunger. When she reached the counter, a friendly staff member handed her a tray with a steaming bowl filled with hearty vegetable stew, accompanied by a fresh loaf of bread, still warm and comforting in her hands.
"It's too bad beef is so rare now."
Victoria nearly jumped out of her skin. Reiner had snuck up beside her, lifting his hand to get a tray of food as well. He wasn't looking at her, but he stood so close, and it was so chilly, she could feel the heat radiating off him.
"Why is that?" she replied with a sigh, waiting for him to go into a monologue about the benefits of protein for the human body.
He glanced at her, his eyes glittering mischievously. "I just like beef stew."
Victoria had never wanted to throw food at someone before. That was a first.
She turned abruptly, her gaze frantically scanning the room for a familiar face. In an instant, she found her friends.
They were huddled around a table near the warmth of the fireplace. Jean was happily devouring his food, while Sasha and Connie engaged in lively conversation beside him. Armin was engrossed in a book, with Eren and Mikasa flanking him, both peering curiously at the pages.
In her haste to distance herself from Reiner, she nearly sprinted over to join them.
"So, wait," Connie was in the middle of asking Armin a question. "That's why you want to be a soldier? Because your parents died?"
"Well, that, and I couldn't just stand by after the government sent out people to die in the failed reclamation attempt." His eyes were sad as he looked down at the book. It was open to an image of a hot air balloon.
Victoria sat down with a hard thud as her tray slammed against the table. "Hey! What are we talking about?" She was oblivious to the tense air as she ripped the loaf of bread in half and shoved part of it into her mouth.
All eyes turned to her in surprise, a wave of concern and bewilderment washing over the group. The atmosphere shifted, it was as if the very air had thickened with unspoken questions and apprehension.
"Victoria, are you alright?" Sacha inquired cautiously, her voice laced with worry. She leaned slightly forward, her brow furrowed, as if she could somehow bridge the distance between them with her concern. The warmth of her gaze was a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in the room, and it was clear that she was genuinely troubled by Victoria's sudden dramatic appearance.
Meanwhile, Jean had paused mid-bite, his spoon hovering in the air, forgotten. His gaze was fixed on her with an intensity that suggested he was deeply troubled by what he saw. The uneaten food on his plate seemed to lose all significance as he studied her. It was as if he could sense the turmoil brewing beneath her calm exterior, and the weight of his scrutiny only added to the tension in the air.
She watched his eyes flicker briefly to Reiner.
Victoria felt the heat of their stares, a spotlight illuminating her inner turmoil. She swallowed the bread and opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat, tangled with the emotions swirling inside her. The room felt smaller, the walls closing in as she grappled with the vulnerability of the moment. She could see the concern etched on Sascha's face, the way his eyes searched hers for answers, and it made her heart race.
"Um, I—" she began, but the sound of her own voice felt foreign; as if it belonged to someone else. The silence stretched, heavy and expectant, and she could feel the weight of their collective worry pressing down on her.
Eren finally broke the quiet, his voice low and steady. "You don't have to say anything if you're not ready, but we're here for you, Victoria." His words hung in the air, a lifeline thrown into the turbulent waters of her thoughts. The sincerity in his tone wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, urging her to let down her guard.
Sasha nodded in agreement, his expression softening. "Whatever it is, you can share it with us. We'll figure it out together." The solidarity in their voices ignited a flicker of hope within her, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this.
But she couldn't. How could she tell them? Victoria saw how well the cadets got along with Reiner. He was like a big brother to them. Why would she shatter that just because she had issues with him?
"Nothing's wrong," she finally replied, shoving another piece of bread into her mouth. Her friends just stared at her.
~o~
Standing at the summit of the mountain, Victoria felt a rush of awe wash over her. The breathtaking panorama before her was not only a feast for the eyes but also a reminder of just how elevated she truly was. From this vantage point, she could see far beyond Wall Rose, taking in the expansive fields of grass that stretched towards Wall Maria, as well as the jagged rocky ravine that lay just below the foot of the mountain, marking the location of Boot Camp.
The wind blew colder this high up, sending a shiver through Victoria.
"Alright, maggots!" Shadis echoed through the air, "Congratulations. You made it to the halfway point of this exercise! Now for the real test! Pair up with your designated squad!"
Victoria looked around and quickly spotted Thomas Wagner.
Squad 3 was led by Thomas, who was energetically bouncing on the balls of his feet to keep warm in the biting cold. His breath formed small clouds in the frigid air as he scanned the horizon, his eyes brightening when he spotted Victoria approaching. With a wide grin, he raised his hand in a friendly wave, the gesture warm and inviting despite the chill that surrounded them.
Beside him stood Krista and Ymir, their expressions a mix of concern and camaraderie. Krista, with her gentle demeanor, offered a reassuring smile, while Ymir leaned casually against a nearby tree, her arms crossed and a watchful eye on the group.
However, it was Daz, the boy she had seen during lunch, who drew Victoria's attention. He stood slightly apart from the others, his small frame trembling slightly as he swayed unsteadily on his feet. His face was pale, and his breathing shallow, sending a wave of concern through Victoria. Daz's gaze was fixed on the ground, his eyes downcast and distant, barely acknowledging Victoria's presence as she joined the group.
Her attention to Daz was drawn away by two girls who flanked Thomas that Victoria didn't recognize, their presence adding a fresh dynamic to the group. They introduced themselves with bright smiles, their voices cheerful and welcoming.
Molly, with her vibrant personality, had a head full of fluffy, coiled black hair that was neatly styled into a bun, a few rebellious strands escaping to frame her face. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and she seemed to radiate warmth despite the cold.
Abby, on the other hand, was petite and exuded a quiet confidence. Her well-groomed bob framed her face perfectly, with the tips of her reddish-brown hair peeking out from beneath her hood, giving her an air of effortless style. Both girls greeted Victoria with cheerful waves, their energy infectious and uplifting.
Victoria felt a flicker of hope as she took in their friendly demeanor, realizing that perhaps this squad was not just a group of strangers, but a team ready to face the challenges ahead together. The camaraderie among them was palpable, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging as she stood among them, ready to contribute to their mission.
"Hey V," Krista smiled as Victoria wiggled in beside her, feigning shivers in an attempt to get a hug. She got one. "Ready to hike back down?"
"Yeah," Victoria replied, looking back at Thomas. "You have the map Shadis gave us?"
Thomas nodded in response, pulling it out. He crouched down, laying out his scarf on the snow before placing the map down. It would be useless if it got wet.
"So, we're here," he pointed to a red mark at the peak. "We have to march to the northside, here," his finger traced a path. "Grab the package from the marked tree, then march down the mountain on this trail. If all goes well, we should be back down to camp as the sun is going down."
Victoria glanced up. It was about noon, the sun hung at its apex. They had set out at about 8 o'clock this morning, so sunset sounded right for traveling back.
"Sounds good, right Daz?" Victoria looked in his direction, forcing a cheery smile. He glanced up briefly, his eyes partially glazed over but gave a thumbs up in response. The wrinkles on his face only accentuated his exhaustion.
Victoria's smile faded as her eyes drifted over Daz. He stood slightly hunched, his shoulders rounded as if he were trying to curl in on himself for warmth. The chill in the air was like daggers, and the biting wind whipped around them, making the already cold environment feel even more unforgiving. Krista noticed where Victoria was looking and offered a subtle nod in recognition, her expression shifting from lightheartedness to concern.
The group had recently learned about the critical indicators of hypothermia, and it seemed that Daz was beginning to exhibit some of those concerning symptoms. His skin appeared pale, almost ashen, and he wasn't shivering anymore. Victoria's heart sunk; the confusion, the fatigue, the mumbling.
Daz was checking off all the boxes.
As the wind howled around them, Victoria felt a surge of urgency. She exchanged a worried glance with Krista, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. The other cadets were engaged in getting their packs ready, blissfully unaware of Daz's condition, but Victoria knew they couldn't afford to ignore it. She took a step forward, her instincts kicking in.
"Hey, Daz!" she called out, her voice cutting through the wind. "You okay over there?"
Daz looked up, his eyes momentarily refocused and offered a weak smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just a bit cold," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Krista moved closer to Victoria, her brow furrowed in concern. "We need to get him moving," she said quietly, her tone urgent. "If he's starting to show symptoms, we can't let it get worse."
Victoria nodded, her mind racing. They had been taught that physical activity could help generate body heat, but they also needed to be careful not to overexert him. "Let's get him to join us," she suggested, her voice steady despite the rising anxiety in her chest.
With a determined stride, Victoria stepped towards Daz, her heart pounding. "Come on, Daz. We're going to do some exercises to warm up. You should join us."
Daz hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
"Shouldn't we just ask Shadis to just take him back to base?" Ymir lowered her voice to a whisper in Victoria's ear, nodding her head in Daz's direction who promptly went back to staring at his feet.
Thomas glanced over. "I mean, he seems like he wants to keep going."
"What he wants, versus what is healthy for him are two different things." Victoria snapped back, Krista firmly nodding in agreement. Ymir just rolled her eyes, nose scrunching up.
"Come on, you guys," Ymir's tone was harsh as she walked over and snatched up the map. "Do you seriously want to get him, and possibly us, in serious trouble cuz we couldn't complete this drill? It is timed, so let's just go, grab this stupid package, and head back down."
She glanced up at the sun. "It's a nice day, so if we rush, we can get him back down ourselves. We should hurry though before Shadis notices us slacking off..." Her voice trailed after as she watched the other squads start to head out.
Shadis was already nowhere to be seen.
"Well... I guess that answers that."
~o~
The journey to the package went smoothly enough.
The tree had been clearly marked with a piece of bright red fabric that was wrapped around its trunk. Inside a nook of its branches was a small metal box. Just as Shadis had described, Victoria thought as she tucked it into her pack, tying it up tightly. If they made it down the mountain without it, they would definitely have their grades docked.
The team pressed forward with all the speed they could muster, yet the heavy snowfall from the past few days had formed enormous drifts that complicated their journey. They advanced in a single file, with Thomas leading the way, his boots pounding the snow in an effort to carve out a path. Abby and Molly followed closely behind him, while Daz occupied the center of the line, with Victoria, Krista, then Ymir, who brought up the end of the procession.
Just when it seemed like the day couldn't get any more challenging, the once bright and sunny skies transformed into a fierce snowstorm. The cheerful warmth of the morning sun had given way to ominous clouds that rolled in with alarming speed, casting a shadow over the landscape. The conditions deteriorated rapidly, with each passing minute bringing heavier snowfall and a significant drop in visibility.
What had started as a light flurry quickly escalated into a relentless barrage of snowflakes, swirling and dancing in the wind like a chaotic ballet.
The temperature plummeted as well, adding to the sense of urgency and discomfort. The biting cold seeped through layers of clothing, chilling bones, and numbing fingers. The cadets hurried down the mountain as fast as they could, their breath visible in the frigid air, creating small clouds that dissipated almost instantly. The once vibrant sounds of the forest were muffled by the thick blanket of snow accumulating on the ground, transforming the world into a hushed, white wonderland that felt both beautiful and foreboding.
As the snow continued to fall, the trail became treacherous, with Abby struggling to maintain traction on the slick surface. They clung to each other as they did on their way to the mountain base, gripping their fellow cadets pack in front of them, their hearts racing as they navigated through the increasingly hazardous conditions.
The familiar landmarks that dotted the landscape were obscured, swallowed by the relentless snowfall, leaving everyone feeling disoriented and vulnerable.
Amid this chaos, the urgency of the situation became palpable. Thomas constantly paused to check the map, hoping that the storm would pass quickly, but it was becoming harder and harder to see it.
Suddenly, Daz stopped, arms dropping to his sides as Victoria bumped into him, causing a domino effect behind her.
"Daz?!" Victoria tried to call out to him, but he stood there swaying in the wind.
"Victoria?" Krista's voice called out from behind her.
"Something's wrong with Daz!" she glanced back at Krista and Ymir. The two girls were bundled up tight, their eyes the only thing visible. Ymir's were wide as she pointed forward. Victoria turned back to find Daz on the ground. He had collapsed.
What was worse, he had let go of Molly. The three cadets ahead of them were gone, lost in the whiteout.
Shit, Victoria thought as she knelt down beside him. This is bad. "We need to get him on a stretcher! We'll have to carry him and that should make it easier!"
"Carry him!?" Ymir was fuming. "Are you insane!?"
"She's right!" Krista exclaimed, crouching down beside Victoria. She pulled her glove off and stuck her hand over his nose for a moment. "He's still breathing and shivering again, so I think he must have just passed out from exhaustion. I hope, anyway." She mumbled that last part to herself, but V caught it.
"We have to move quickly! Get the rope out of your bag!" Victoria stood, barking orders at an increasingly angry Ymir. She didn't care though, as she looked around, trying to find a tree or fallen log.
A pile of branches?
Anything?
Fuck, what do I do? Desperation clawed at Victoria as she surveyed the endless expanse of cold, white snow enveloping her. A sense of dread washed over her, and she could feel the panic creeping in, tightening its grip with each passing moment.
What was she supposed to do in this desolate, frozen landscape?
The track of footprints from Thomas and the others was there but was quickly filling with snow. If she moved fast enough, she might be able to catch up with them. She could come back with Thomas, and send Molly and Abby ahead for help. With luck, the blizzard would disappear as quickly as it had formed. She had to hurry; it was starting to get dark.
Victoria relayed her plan to Ymir and Krista. "What are we supposed to do?" Ymir asked, squinting at her through the snow. "Stay here and freeze to death?"
"Obviously not," V snapped back. She glanced around, finally spotting a few rows of evergreens nearby, struggling to stay upright with the bracing winds. "There! Go there! See if you can get a stretcher made as fast as you can! Get Daz off the snow! The trees should provide enough cover. If you need to, dig into the snow and build a wall to the wind. I'll be as fast as I can, I promise."
As V turned to leave, Krista rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Victoria. "Let me go instead," she begged, tears freezing on her cheeks as Krista looked up at her. "Please."
"No way!" Victoria and Ymir exclaimed in unison. "I outpace you in every foot race, Krista," Victoria insisted, her determination clear.
"Stick with Ymir; she'll keep you safe." After planting a gentle kiss on Krista's head and a firm hug from Ymir, V pulled away, vanishing into the swirling snowstorm.
~o~
"Come on, keep it up!" The instructor, sporting a cropped hairstyle, called out words of encouragement as Eren Yeager and his team trudged into the camp. The fierce snowstorm had significantly hindered their progress towards the end of their trek. By the time they approached the camp, the sun had set, and the tempest had calmed a bit, yet the journey had taken a toll on their energy.
"9 hours and 12 minutes!" the man beside the first instructor shouted. "Not bad, given the conditions you had to trudge through." He held out his out, palm up.
With a sigh, 3 extra hours because of a blizzard, Eren dug the metal box out of his pocket and handed it to the instructor, who nodded, pleased. With that, he pointed towards the large bonfire, where several squads had already taken solace. "Wait, we can't go in?"
The instructor shook his head. "Not til all squads are accounted for."
Eren let out a weary groan, his shoulders drooping as he approached the flickering bonfire. His friends had already gathered around its warmth, with Armin and Jean having collapsed against a nearby fence and sitting curled up on the ground, while Sasha and Connie nestled close together, seeking comfort from the chill in the air.
Mikasa was standing there, attentively waiting for his return. She smiled slightly as he approached, but Eren could tell how tired she was.
With a moan, he collapsed between Armin and Jean, pulling his heavy wool coat tighter around him. "No one said winter training was gonna be this tough," he mumbled, burying his face in his scarf.
"Damnit," Jean muttered, stretching out. "I can't feel my legs."
"I wish they would just let us inside," Connie whined, looking towards the Mess Hall. It was lit up brightly now that it was dark, with smoke pouring out of the chimneys.
"I bet they're busy putting together a huge feast for us," Sasha fantasized, a bit of drool escaping down her chin with a giggle. "Yum..." the other cadets nodded in agreement, stomachs rumbling.
"Hey!" Out of nowhere, Reiner approached with an urgency in his bright yellow eyes that suggested a hint of panic. His nose stood out, a vivid red against the chill, yet aside from that, he appeared entirely unfazed by the biting cold surrounding him. "Have you guys seen Victoria?"
"Last I saw her, she was with Daz," Mikasa replied, head perking up in concern. "He wasn't looking so good when I saw them at the peak."
Reiner let out a frustrated sigh, hot steam escaping his lips, "He's not here either. Or Krista. Or Ymir. They're all missing."
"They're probably mixed in with the last squad," Marco had come over as well, drawn in by Reiner's anxious demeanor.
"That's just it," Reiner glanced back toward the instructors. "Thomas was leading the last squad."
He was right; Thomas and two girls that Eren didn't recognize were there now, frantically speaking to the instructors. And they were alone.
"They lost sight of them after picking up the package. He said the storm had caused a whiteout."
"Wait," Armin blue eyes were wide. "You don't think... they got lost?"
"If they get stuck out there, in this," Connie gestured around to make his point. "They're done for."
"Shit," Eren cursed as he stood. Mikasa grabbed his hand as he tried to walk away. "I'm going back out there to try and find them!" He declared loudly. The cadets around him seemed determined to do the same.
"Everyone!" The instructor with the short bob came over, her voice booming despite her small frame. "Inside, NOW!"
Eren's jaw dropped. "But Victoria and the others!"
"We know," the instructor replied. "We'll send a rescue team out first thing at first light." Her tone was as cold as the storm that blew around them.
Eren was furious. His blood boiled in anger, and he did nothing to hide it in his face or tone. "They'll be dead by then!"
"Do you want more people to die, Cadet?" The instructor snapped back, her tone final. The snowstorm howled and the wind pressed against them with ice-cold daggers, as if to make a point.
Damnit.
~o~
There was something almost spiritual about the experience of being alone in a snowstorm.
The solitude had enveloped Victoria in a profound sense of tranquility. As if she were part of something greater, something timeless and eternal.
Each step through the vast expanse of untouched snow was accompanied only by the whispering wind and the gentle crunch of her boots, creating a serene symphony of isolation that resonated deeply within her. She didn't realize how much she had been craving just...
Silence.
The world around her had transformed into a pristine canvas, blanketed in white, where every flake that fell seemed to absorb the noise of the world, leaving only the soft sounds of nature to accompany her journey.
Towering evergreens flanked her route, their dark silhouettes standing like sentinels against the swirling white backdrop. The branches, heavy with snow, swayed slightly in the gusts of wind, casting fleeting shadows that danced across the ground, giving the sensation that an unseen presence was trailing her.
It was as if the forest itself was alive, watching her every move, both protective and ominous. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the crispness of winter, invigorating her senses even as the biting cold penetrated her very core, numbing her fingers and toes.
She could't really feel the cold anymore though.
Yet, despite the harshness of the elements, she forged ahead with unwavering determination. Each breath she took formed small clouds of vapor that quickly dissipated into the frigid air, a reminder of her own existence in this vast, white wilderness.
The urgency of her mission propelled her forward, driven by the pressing need to seek assistance. She could not afford to linger in the beauty of the moment, no matter how captivating it was; the reality of her situation loomed larger than the enchanting landscape around her.
I need to get help.
As she pressed on, the wind howled like a distant wolf, a haunting melody that echoed through the trees. It urged her to move faster, all of her instincts screaming to find shelter from the storm that raged around her. The snow continued to fall, thick and heavy, obscuring her path and making each step a challenge.
Yet, with every crunch of her boots against the snow, she felt a flicker of hope igniting within her. She was not merely a solitary figure lost in the wilderness; she was a survivor, a soldier against the elements, and the thought of reaching safety fueled her resolve.
She refused to die before seeing him again.
In the distance, she spotted a faint glow, a beacon of warmth and refuge that pierced through the swirling white.
It was a reminder that even in the depths of despair, light could be found.
With renewed vigor, she quickened her pace, her heart racing with the promise of safety. The snow only deepened as she got closer, every minute stretching on like an eternity.
She felt as if her whole body was going to give out, but slowly, one foot in front of the other, she walked.
It was all she could do anymore. Walk.
Keep walking.
Keep going.
Move. Forward.
Forward...
...
When Victoria finally collapsed on the steps of the Main Hall, Reiner's voice echoed in her ears, yelling her name as darkness overtook her. She smiled when she felt his arms around her.
~o~
To say Victoria was startled when she woke up would be an understatement.
She found herself enveloped in the soothing embrace of a lukewarm bath, her skin bare and vulnerable. The quaint washroom, with wooden walls adorned with shelves of towels, was dimly illuminated by the soft glow of a small gas lamp, creating an intimate atmosphere. In this serene setting, a woman was tenderly caressing Victoria's face with a warm washcloth
"It's time to rise and shine, sweetheart," the woman gently hummed, her voice a soothing melody in the quiet room. With her warm brown hair elegantly styled in a bun, she exuded a nurturing presence, and the crisp white of her nurse's coat added to the comforting atmosphere she created. Glancing down at Victoria's face through her glasses, she noticed V's eyes had opened.
"There you are," she purred, running her fingers through Victoria's hair. "You had everyone worried, dear. Especially that blond one. I practically had to chase him away so I could care for you." The nurse chuckled, pulling back as Victoria began to cover herself in haste.
But Victoria hissed in pain as she moved. Looking down, she found her hands red and swollen. Her toes were like that as well, and she could feel it on her face when her face scrunched up.
"I don't know how long you were out there, dearie," the woman whom Victoria assumed was the nurse on duty continued without pause. "But this blizzard did a number on your extremities. You're going to have to take it easy for the rest of this excursion. I'm going to recommend to the Commandant that you head back down the mountain."
"NO!" Victoria practically screamed at the nurse, who blinked in surprise. "No, I'm sorry, I'm not leaving."
The nurse frowned. "My dear, if you have exposure to that degree again, you're going to damage the nerves in your hands. You won't be able to pull the trigger on your ODM gear."
"Wait, where's Krista and Ymir!?" Victoria ignored her. "Did Daz make it back?" She started climbing out of the bathtub, despite the nurse's protests, and the pain in her own body, and started wrapping herself in a fluffy, white robe. Not waiting to hear a response, Victoria burst out of the washroom.
It was incredibly dark in the hallway.
The nurse followed, sticking her head out. "Please, it's very late." She put an arm around Victoria. "If you're feeling well enough to stand, you should go get some rest. You need some sleep, and then a nice hearty breakfast in the morning."
Victoria's stomach rumbled in response.
"Is there any food leftover from dinner?" V asked in a hushed tone, eyes wide.
The nurse smiled in response. "Of course, follow me."
Victoria trailed silently behind her as they made their way to the cafeteria. The woman disappeared into the kitchen for a few moments and returned with a warm bowl of vegetable stew. Although Victoria felt a twinge of disappointment at the familiarity of the dish, she pushed those feelings aside and accepted it with gratitude.
Once Victoria was settled at a table, the nurse glanced at the clock. "Well, my dear, it's quite late. I'm going to go check on Daz and then head to bed. Come see me in the morning and we'll check your hands again, alright?"
Victoria nodded in response, mouth full of food.
"Good, sleep well, dear."
~o~
Victoria was conscientious, making sure to wash her dishes thoroughly before returning to the girls' room.
She felt anxious, hoping that Krista and Ymir would be there, as she longed to catch up with them.
Were they frostbitten like she was?
As she wrapped her robe more snugly around herself, a shiver ran through her; the night air was brisk, and the fireplaces were barely flickering. Despite the bath and warm stew in her belly, she couldn't wait to change into some proper clothes and curl up in her blankets.
All she wanted was to go to bed.
So when she turned the corner and ran face-first into Reiner Braun, she was more than mildly perturbed. He caught her by both arms as she stumbled, almost falling over from exhaustion.
"Victoria!" His voice was just above a whisper, and she could hear the relief in his voice. It showed in his posture as well as his shoulders visibly relaxed. She could barely see him in the faint light of the gas lamp, but his eyes glowed an even brighter gold. "I'm so glad you're awake."
He suddenly pulled her into his arms. He was warmer than the food, than the bath; warmer than her bed most likely was, and Victoria just couldn't resist.
She melted.
Victoria rested her cheek against Reiner's chest; she could hear his heart pounding within. He had his hand on the back of her head, his fingers intertwining with her wet hair, and the other wrapped around her waist. V felt his chest expand as inhaled her scent; he wasn't even subtle about it.
For a moment, everything was perfect.
"What is wrong with you!?" Just as suddenly as he embraced Victoria, Reiner pushed her away now. Still holding onto her arms with an iron-like grip, he shook her gently. "Why did you go out alone!? You could have frozen to death!" His eyes stared down at her with such intense concern, that she could only stutter.
"I-I...," Victoria managed to say but was cut off as Reiner continued.
"How could you be so stupid!? Alone, in a whiteout, is a death sentence! You're lucky you made it back at all!" His face was inching closer to hers as he demanded answers.
Anger bubbled inside Victoria.
"Stupid?" She ripped herself out of his grasp now, robe loosening slightly as she stepped back. V saw Reiner's eye flick down to her chest, and back to her face, and it only made her more angry. "What's stupid,Reiner, is how you selfish you are! I'm sick of this 'concern' you seem to have over every decision I make. All because you can't seem to get over the fact that I'm going to be a soldier, and you cannot stop me."
"I don't want you to kill yourself for this!" He pleaded, eyes wide as he stepped toward her.
"I don't want to die," she snapped back, but her voice softened as she continued. "I don't want you to get killed either, but it's just part of our world, Reiner. This is our reality. You don't hear me trying to stop you fro-!"
Rather unexpectedly, Reiner interrupted her speech by lunging forward, his hands firmly cradling Victoria's face as he smashed his mouth against hers.
He kissed her with an intensity that was anything but tender; it was fierce and charged with anger. Their lips collided, his teeth grazing against hers as his tongue invaded her mouth, igniting a passionate struggle for dominance between them.
The world around them faded into a blur, time seemed to stand still as the heat of the moment enveloped them, a cocoon of raw desire and unspoken longing.
Victoria's heart raced, each beat echoing in her ears as she responded to his fervor, her hands instinctively finding their way to his hair, fingers tangling in the blond strands as she pulled him closer.
Reiner's grip on her face tightened, his thumbs brushing down her neck and against her exposed collarbone, spiraling her into the whirlwind of sensations. The kiss deepened, becoming a dance of urgency and need as if they were both trying to convey everything they had left unsaid.
The taste of him was intoxicating, a mix of warmth and something uniquely him, and she found herself surrendering to the moment, her body arching into his as if drawn by an invisible force.
As they kissed, the air around them crackled with electricity, a palpable tension that seemed to pulse with every movement. Victoria felt a rush of adrenaline, a heady mix of exhilaration and vulnerability. She had never expected this—never anticipated that the man who had been a constant annoyance in her life would suddenly become the embodiment of her deepest desires.
Reiner's hand slid from her face to her waist, pulling her against him with an abrupt possessive urgency that sent shivers down her spine. She could feel the strength of his body, the way he held her as if she were the most precious thing in the world, and how easily he could break her.
It was both thrilling and terrifying, a collision of emotions that left her breathless.
In that moment, nothing else mattered. The worries, the doubts, the expectations of the outside world all faded away, leaving only the two of them, lost in a world of their own making. The kiss was a promise, a declaration of everything they had been too afraid to voice.
It was a moment of reckoning, where passion and fear intertwined, and Victoria knew that nothing would ever be the same again.
As Reiner pulled away just as suddenly as he kissed her, breathless and wide-eyed, as the reality of what had just happened began to sink in for him.
"I-I'm sorry." Was all he could muster before vanishing into the shadows of the dark hallway.
Victoria was left there, too shaken to move.