7Seals
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Chapter 8
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•Previous Chapter: Chapter Seven
•Next Chapter: Chapter Nine
• New chapters every Thursday
•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
• Word Count: 2.7k
• Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with * at each chapter.
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Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
0:12 ━❍────── 4:09
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
VOLUME: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%
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Levi's Perspective
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The relentless September sun beat down on us as we observed from the roof. Iris stood beside me, clearly uncomfortable in the afternoon heat. Her black hair clung to her face, and she fidgeted with it incessantly.
She couldn't seem to sit still, a habit that grated on my nerves. Perhaps if she focused on functionality instead of treating it like a fashion show, she might find some relief. I couldn't fathom how she managed to avoid getting that mess caught in her ODM gear with its considerable length.
My attention was fixed on the squad's training below, a specific few chosen the night before. As I watched, it became painfully apparent that incompetence ran rampant in the regiment. The veterans, in particular, displayed a lack of commitment to training, acting as if it held no significance. Little wonder that so many of them met their end outside the walls.
I observed several soldiers halting during their laps after practice—an embarrassing display. The captains failed to address the issue, allowing indiscipline to fester unchecked.
"They all lack discipline," I groaned, my frustration evident. "Looks like our selection will have to suffice for the time being."
She didn't utter a word, just observed the training below. But was she truly present? It seemed like her mind had been wandering, neglecting her duties.
If I had known how easily this woman gets distracted, I might have thought twice about choosing her for my squad. Yet, the decision wasn't entirely mine; Erwin had been insistent on Iris leaving Wright's squad.
"Pay attention. Tell me, who performed best on the ODM gear today?" I grumbled at her. "In order."
"Eld. Then Gunther, Petra, and Oluo last," she replied hastily, her words sounding rehearsed, like everything else she said.
"Wrong," I retorted, rolling my eyes at her response.
"Gunther, Eld, Oluo, and Petra," I corrected her. "Petra lacks speed, and Oluo treats it like playtime."
"Right," was all she could muster in acknowledgment.
"If you don't watch out, Gunther or Eld might take your position," I warned her.
She laughed as if I were joking. It fueled my irritation further; the glare I shot her wiped the small smile off her face, replacing it with fear.
"You think I'm kidding?" I stated sharply. "If you don't get your act together, you'll be asked to step down. I'm giving you a month until they're formally invited to join the squad."
"Yes, right, sir," she responded with a salute.
"Meet me after dinner. We'll go over your training plan from there," I instructed. "Don't be late."
I descended from the roof, deliberately avoiding the impending conversation with her. Today, I was too weary to entertain her nonsense. My desk awaited me, stacked with a mountain of paperwork demanding attention before I met with Erwin.
My role was a relentless cycle of paperwork and subpar soldiers—a wearisome existence. How was I to aid Erwin in reshaping the regiment before our next expedition, a topic he incessantly brought up? The whims of that curious fanatic could lead us all to our demise. Erwin's relentless pursuit to reclaim Wall Maria, despite insufficient funding for meals, was a reckless gamble.
"Hey. You," a voice echoed behind me as I strode down the hall.
I saw no reason to halt for anyone other than Erwin. Ignoring the voice, I continued my focus on the tasks at hand.
Before my hand could touch the doorknob to my office, another hand covered it, obstructing my entry.
My eyes met his, recognizing Alexander's presence.
Not this shithead.
"I was talking to you," he asserted, attempting a threatening tone. The look in his eyes meant nothing to me, but it was familiar.
His effort to intimidate was feeble, distinct from the thugs I'd encountered. However, his eyes bore a stain of something darker.
I responded with a blank stare, well aware of his desire to provoke a reaction, as he had since my arrival, tossing empty promises my way.
Glancing at his hand barricading my door, I knew removing him myself would escalate into conflict, resulting in more paperwork. He was already wasting my time.
"Move," I uttered lowly. "You're in my way."
"You don't get to call the shots around here," he retorted, our eyes locked in an unyielding stare. "You haven't earned anything above ground. We don't roll like y'all did down there. Up here, we don't steal. We work hard for what we have."
"Is there a point to this?" My voice dripped with annoyance.
"I want you to stay the fuck away from my squad," he growled. "Remove Iris from your squad and move on to the next."
"I asked for the point of this nonsense. Not your wants. I'm not a damn genie. You want change? Go talk to Erwin," I dismissed, my patience wearing thin.
"I'm not asking. I'm telling." Alexander closed the distance between us, jabbing his finger into my chest.
More paperwork sounded appealing at that moment.
Without hesitation, I grabbed his finger, swiftly twisting his arm behind his back, and pinning him against the wall. I applied pressure, pushing his arm further up his back as he grunted, attempting to break free.
"Resist, and I'll break your fucking finger," I warned coldly. "This is how it's going to go."
"You can't do this." he defiantly stated.
"Wrong. I'm going to do whatever the fuck I want. And you? You're going to watch and let it all happen," I chuckled, tightening my grip. I moved his arm even higher, causing him to yell out in pain. "You're an embarrassment to the regiment if you can't get out of a measly position."
"Levi," Erwin's voice broke from behind me.
I released Alexander's arm, watching him stumble to catch himself.
"What's the meaning of this?" Erwin asked, his gaze shifting between Alexander and me.
"Just comrades being comrades," I stated, crossing my arms and observing the disheveled rat before me.
"Bullshit," Alexander yelled in frustration.
"Language," Erwin chided. "You're dismissed, Wright. Make sure to go to the infirmary to check your arm. I want a full report of the incident on my desk by tonight."
After dismissing Wright, Erwin headed straight to my room, and I had no choice but to follow him.
"You're early," I remarked.
"You were late," he replied, tapping his wrist.
Did I really spend my whole time bickering with that rat?
"Care to explain, Levi?" Erwin inquired.
"Not really,"
"Wasn't an option," Erwin retorted.
"Fine," I replied, walking to my desk and taking a seat. I watched Erwin make himself at home, preparing tea, as I began explaining the recent events.
"Sounds like someone's had their hands full," Erwin commented, handing me a cup of tea.
"Since I just explained the bullshit to you, can I skip the incident report?" I asked, hoping to cut through the bureaucracy.
"No," he said firmly. "We need this for the records."
All I could manage was a scoff.
"This Iris girl is more trouble than she's worth. It's starting to piss me off," I expressed my frustration to Erwin.
"What was your reasoning for this, Erwin?"
"I'm surprised you don't know," Erwin chuckled. "It's highly inappropriate for a superior and a subordinate to be romantically involved, especially in the same squad. Not only is it unfair, but it's extremely unsafe in this circumstance."
Erwin took a moment to pause, sipping his tea.
"There's more, but at the moment, I need to see how this plays out," he finished.
"Is this another one of your gambles, Erwin?"
"It's crucial you keep an eye on her, Levi," Erwin stated. "Nothing must go unnoticed."
He ignored me. What a classy man.
"Is this why you called a meeting today?"
I grumbled, my eyes flickering from the stack of untouched paperwork to Erwin.
"No, we have other matters to attend to," Erwin said. "You're going on your first mission."
"Iris isn't prepared enough," I quickly stated, my gaze intensifying as I thought about her readiness. She's too slow, she can't keep up with me on her ODM gear. Not to mention her skills are still juvenile.
"Alone."
"Where?"
"The underground."
The knock on the door disrupted our conversation.
Who could it possibly be now?
"What?" I barked at the door, irritation evident in my voice.
"Aldridge. Reporting for duty."
Of course, it's her.
"Come in, Iris!" Erwin called cheerfully, inviting her in like it was his office.
"Commander," Iris saluted, her long black hair falling slightly in disarray as she closed the door behind her.
"How are you?" Erwin inquired. "That's a nasty bruise you got there. How'd you get it?"
"Oh, I fell," she laughed, her violet eyes avoiding my scrutinizing gaze.
"You fell?" I questioned, my eyes narrowing, observing the growing bruise on her face.
Another lie fell from her lips.
"It was a mishap during a sparing session. Clumsy me," she chuckled, her hand lightly brushing against her hair.
"Well, I'm glad to see that your bruise isn't causing you any harm. What can we do for you?" Erwin asked, seemingly unaware of my sharper observations.
"Levi wanted me to stop by after dinner," she said, her eyes flickering briefly towards me.
It's Captain.
"Right," I grumbled, my gaze shifting from her to the neglected paperwork. "Do the paperwork before tomorrow. Then we will discuss your training plan. You're dismissed."
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The damp, dimly lit streets of the underground were a stark contrast to the starry nights I got so used to. Lanterns flickered, casting a feeble glow on the worn cobblestone paths. The echoing sounds were no longer the laughter of children playing, but hurried footsteps fleeing from potential dangers.
In this twisted version of home, people didn't approach you to share thoughts on their beliefs; they reached out desperately, seeking aid in a world that turned harsh and unforgiving. Months had passed since my departure, and the return was a solitary one. No one by my side, just the heavy burden of my own existence.
Down here, no one recognized me. But then again, they never truly knew me. I was the thug, the supposed monster, a sheep raised by wolves who ultimately joined the pack. The underground had shaped me, molded me into another one of its ruthless denizens.
Erwin's decision to send me on a mission to this forsaken place caught me off guard. Did he truly trust me after what transpired a few months ago? Perhaps he believed I'd stay true to the cause, but trust was a fragile thing, and I wondered if Erwin's faith in me was well-placed. Was this another one of his stupid gambles?
Walking these streets in Survey Corps uniform would be suicidal. Erwin might think it was an effective approach, but he didn't comprehend the underground like I did. A uniform here was a beacon, a signal to every cutthroat that a soldier had wandered into their territory.
If answers were what Erwin sought, it would have to be done my way. Captain Levi was set aside; I was just Levi— the one who grew up in these treacherous alleys.
My first destination was one of my most reliable clients. A man who dealt in drinks but traded in information. His bar was a hub of secrets, and if anyone had the lowdown on what was happening in the underground, it was him.
When I entered the dimly lit establishment, I was greeted by the familiar scent of cheap alcohol and the low hum of conversations, ones that could cost your life.
"What can I getcha'?" The bartender's voice cut through the dimly lit atmosphere, a stark contrast to the gloom outside.
"Black tea," I muttered, keeping my head lowered.
"Sorry, sir, but I ain't got that," he replied.
"Cut the shit, Rick. I know you got some stashed away for me somewhere," I retorted, lifting my head to meet his gaze.
"Well, I'll be damned," Rick chuckled, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
"I thought you were gone for good. Should've known you'd be back."
He moved around the bar, gathering the necessary items to prepare the tea. As he worked, he continued to speak, curiosity evident in his eyes.
"Now tell me, how did you manage to escape those Royal cocksuckers? There's lots of rumors floating around since you've been gone," he inquired.
I accepted the tea from him, taking a sip as he prattled on about the underground gossip.
"Ya know, boy, " he remarked, cleaning a dish, "you look healthy. I couldn't even tell that was you under that cloak. That's a nice one you got there. Did you get that from above, from one of those fine merchants?"
"That's the point, Rick," I replied, deflecting his question. The less information he had, the better. I leaned against the bar, savoring the bitter taste of the tea.
"So, you gonna tell me how you ended up getting outta there or what?" Rick's gruff voice broke through the ambient hum of the underground bar. "Cause people are saying you died, others are saying you're locked up. But my favorite one is that you're a Royal cock sucker now, living it big in Wall Sina."
Rick was a good man, an old man, but a good one. After Kenny left me, Rick was there. He let me work for food or even a place to sleep at times.
"I'm on a mission for Commander Erwin," I replied quietly.
"A mission?" His eyebrow quirked up. "I'll be damned. The rumors are true. Did the little ones join too?"
All I could do was shake my head in agreement.
He let out a low whistle and smiled.
"I'm proud of ya, Levi. Ya got them all out of here."
I watched the joy brighten his face as he continued to talk. It wasn't going to last long, though.
"Now are they down here too?" he inquired.
Again, I shook my head.
"Well, where are they?" he pressed.
"Dead," I replied.
There it went, fading just as fast as it came. His eyes filled with remorse as he waited for me to speak.
"Titans," is all I said to him. He should get the message.
"My condolences," was all he could offer.
A moment of silence passed by until he was back to himself, putting on a fake persona after the grim news.
"Now, how can I help, Levi?" Rick's raspy voice cut through the murmur of the dimly lit underground bar.
"What do you know about the black market dealers selling ODM?" I cut straight to the point.
"Now, you know just as well as I do that's some dangerous stuff right there," Rick said, wiping down the counter.
"I know it's a lot, Rick. Thought you'd be the best," I explained.
"Let's just say things have changed. They know better than to crawl up in here, especially knowing you could be here," Rick replied.
"That won't last long when word gets out I'm in the Survey," I said to him. "You got what you need to protect yourself?"
"What did you think I did with your old stash as a kid?" Rick chuckled.
"Very well," I said. "Where do they go now?"
"Mal's prolly'. That's where the MPs gamble. Been nothing but pains in the ass," Rick said.
"Thank you, Rick," I said, leaving more than the tea was worth on the counter.
"Levi, you know it's not this much," he protested.
"Don't make me change my mind, old fart," I said, pulling my hood lower and heading out.
Mal's wasn't far, two streets over, and I was already through the door. The bar was filled with men in suits, uniforms, and cloaks. How times have changed since I last graced these grimy floors. There wasn't a trace of the rugged men that ran rampant in the underground.
"What can I getcha, sweets?" Her perky voice spoke out.
"Sit,"
"Now look, you're in my bar—" she stopped when I threw the bag of coins on the table. Her hand quickly reached out to grab it, but mine was faster. I lifted my hood a bit so she could see my eyes as I took back the money.
"Wow," she said. "You really do got your mama's eyes."
"Sit, and you'll get this at the end," I said, shaking the coin bag.
"But ya act like that damn old man," she remarked, complying with my request. "Now what can I do for you, sweetheart? Didn't expect to see you so soon."
"Who's been doing the ODM trades?" I asked her.
She looked around, assessing the crowd. Her voice lowered as she leaned over the bar. "Well, who do you think, babe?"
Her head tilted towards a loud group of men in the corner, gambling as more military police scum walked in.
Of course, it was the MPs. Who else would have access to the latest gear? But how did they manage to get ahold of Scout gear? I scanned over each of the men, none of them I knew, but I memorized each of their faces.
"About dame time. Welcome back!" one of the men yelled my way.
Shit. They noticed me. How, though? I've never seen these men a day in my life. Never once seen them down here before today.
"Oh, shut up." A woman's giggle followed behind the man's voice as they walked past. The green cloak flowed behind the man as he had his arm wrapped around a woman in an MP uniform with blond hair.
"Here. I got what I wanted," I said to Mal as I threw the coin bag towards her on the table, keeping my eyes on the MPs.
"I know your momma's proud of you," she said to me as she dismissed herself from the area.
"One whisky and whatever the women wants." The familiar voice said.
The green cloak was a give away, but who in the Scouts would be dumb enough to do black market selling in the underground? It wasn't until the man turned when I realized who it was.
Alexander.
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