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stargirlaveblog · 3 months

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7Seals

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Chapter 2

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• Previous Chapter: Chapter One Next Chapter: Chapter Three •Content: Levi Ackerman x OC female. Canon verse!

• Word Count: 2.5k • 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.

“I want to confess as best I can, but my heart is void. The void is a mirror. I see my face and feel loathing and horror. My indifference to man has shut me out. I live now in a world of ghosts, a prisoner in my dreams.”

- Ingmar Bergman

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Hange's voice shattered the tranquility of my dreams, a morning sunbeam cast through my window. Blinking away sleep, their wide-eyed excitement loomed over me with a lamp illuminating the room.

"Hange, let me sleep," I groaned, flipping over and burying my face in the pillow, shoving the blanket over my head to fend off the morning invasion.

"No can do," Hange declared, ripping the blanket and pillow away with zealous determination.

"What the hell, Hange?" I moaned, propping myself up but unwilling to surrender the haven of my bed. "This better be good," I muttered into the mattress.

"Emergency meeting," Hange announced with urgency.

"I'm not a Captain," I complained, lifting my head to peer at them.

"Everyone is required to go," Hange explained. "It's some big news you don't want to miss."

"Tell me later," I mumbled, shoving my face back into the bed.

Hange's grip on my arm tightened, and suddenly I found myself on the cold floor, the warmth of my bed snatched away.

"We have to go. We seriously cannot be late," Hange urged, dragging me out of the room, my uncoordinated form stumbling in tow.

The hallway was a chaotic stream of scouts heading towards the mess hall, clad in uniforms I hadn't bothered to put on.

"Hange, you couldn't have let me get dressed," I groaned, glancing down at my nightgown, bare feet meeting the cold floor.

The final pull from Hange led us into the mess hall. The room buzzed with murmurs, scouts huddled together, an undercurrent of confusion weaving through the air. Still half-asleep, I tried to make sense of the situation, unsure of what had stirred everyone into this early assembly.

"Alex!" I yelled, waving my hand as I spotted him emerging from the crowd. Behind him, as always, were Miche and Oluo.

"It's happening," he declared as he joined us.

"So it's real?" Hange's eyes sparkled, their smile growing wider, hands trembling with excitement.

"Can someone fill me in on what the heck is going on?" I grumbled.

Alexander looked me over, a critical gaze from head to toe.

"You couldn't get dressed?" he scoffed, pulling off his jacket and draping it over me.

"Sorry, Hange pulled me out of bed," I explained, adjusting the jacket.

"Whatever. Next time, don't come out here looking like a fool," he groaned, scolding me.

"It's embarrassing."

I barely had time to react to Alexander's words when a familiar loud voice sliced through the crowd's murmurs, capturing everyone's attention.

"Today, the Scout Regiment sees change," Captain Erwin announced from the stairs above, his presence capturing everyone's attention.

"Our captains will be put to the test to see if they are fit to lead. Scouts will be examined for potential new captains."

Whispers surged through the crowd like a storm.

"What does he mean, 'fit to lead'?" Alexander scoffed. "Is he going to demote us?"

"Captain Erwin can't demote," I tried to reassure him.

"Starting today, I will be leading the Scout Regiment from this point on. There will be a lot of changes coming, so please brace yourselves," Erwin declared. "Tomorrow, at the first 8 o'clock hour, we will be heading out on an expedition. The main objective is to survey the area and for me to evaluate you all. Any comments, questions, or concerns can be addressed today at my office. You all are dismissed."

Erwin left, leaving us in stunned silence. Anger and panic echoed through the room in a cacophony of voices.

"What does this guy think he's doing?" Oluo exclaimed.

"Hange, did he explain this in the meeting last night?" Alexander questioned.

"No, he only mentioned becoming the commander," Hange replied.

"Then why the hell is he just now saying this?" Alexander complained. "I worked my tail off to be a Captain. I'm not giving it up now."

The confusion in the room mirrored my own state of mind. I wasn't angry, just lost in trying to understand what prompted this sudden change. Why didn't Shadis tell us himself? And why did he leave? It made sense that Erwin was to take over. He did everything for the Scouts, including initiation for the recruits something Shadis was supposed to do.

As the waves of anger and frustration crashed around me, I sought solace, walking away from the upset clusters of people to find a moment of clarity. I felt the gaze of those midwinter eyes once again. Leaning against the wall with arms crossed, he observed the chaos in silence. I took a seat on the bench next to him, offering a casual smile.

"What are your thoughts on this?" I asked, attempting to strike up a conversation as if we were old acquaintances.

"Tch," was all he let out. "Why are you out in your pajamas? You're going to catch a cold."

"Oh, this?" I replied, forgetting about my attire until the morning breeze reminded me.

"I didn't have time to change. Wasn't really given the option, either. I had just woken up." I laughed it off, feeling a bit embarrassed. Normally, I wouldn't care, but Alexander's words echoed in my mind, it was embarrassing that I was out in public in my pajamas.

Levi didn't respond, only his eyes scrutinizing me like I was a parasite clinging to his world.

"Are you excited for the next survey? This will be your second one, right?" I asked, attempting to shift the conversation away from the awkwardness of his judgmental scrutiny.

"Excited?" he responded flatly. "What's so exciting about watching others get devoured by titans?"

My attempt to lighten the mood only made the tension worse. I should've stopped talking, but I couldn't.

My words seemed to hang in the air, intensifying the awkwardness between us. "You're right. Pardon my mistake," I said, my tone trying to ease the tension. "Are you prepared? That's the more appropriate question to ask."

"No question is better," he replied with a bitter tone, and a moment of silence followed. I looked down at my lap, cringing at my own words.

"I'm prepared for whatever the commander throws my way. Are you?" Levi's voice broke the silence.

A smile crept onto my face, and I quickly looked back up to meet his eyes. They locked for a moment before he glanced away.

"I'm never prepared, but I'll be quick on my feet when the time comes," I said in a calm tone.

For that moment, it was nice to have a real conversation with him, even if he wasn't welcoming. But the moment faded as footsteps approached.

"Iris," Alexander's stern voice cut through.

I rose to my feet, meeting his glare.

"Is he bothering you?" Alexander asked, gripping my wrist and glaring at Levi.

"No," I quickly replied. "I was bothering him."

It seemed like Alexander didn't hear the last words I said. Like he wanted to ignore them. My eyes were glued to the ground, trying to ignore Alex's anger.

"Listen here, freak," Alexander's voice carried anger. "You stay in your lane, and we will stay in ours. That's an order. Got that?"

I looked up to see Levi's face completely unfazed by Alexander's harsh words. Levi only looked at Alexander's hand gripping my wrist and then back to me. Never once did I see him look at Alexander.

"Come on," I felt Alexander pull me away from the area as he walked through the crowd. My eyes still looked back at Levi as he watched us walk away.

"I'm sorry," I mouthed as I was dragged away from his line of sight.

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The world outside the walls was a breathtaking sight. The sky stretched endlessly, and the towering trees seemed to touch the heavens. Flowers adorned the landscape with wild abandon. Yet, this beauty came with a price.

"Abnormal to the right!" A scout's urgent cry pierced the serene scenery.

My eyes focused on the grotesque Titan charging mindlessly towards us, a twisted grin on its face, drool trailing from its mouth. The unfolding scene was abruptly interrupted when the Titan crashed face-first into the ground, blood splattering from the back of its nape. There he stood triumphantly on its head as he wiped the blades off with his handkerchief, disgusted by the blood.

Levi's swift action had averted a potential disaster. The casualties he prevented surprised me. One more second and we all could have been trampled.

"Good job, Levi!" I cheered, but the response from others was silent. They pretended the Titan went down on its own. Anyone else and they would have been cheering and profusely thanking them.

Burning eyes bore into the back of my head as we rode toward the woods. I knew it was Alexander, anger radiating from him, but I refused to let it dominate my thoughts.

Unfortunately, avoiding the confrontation proved futile. Alexander's horse closed the gap between ours. "What the hell was that?" he asked quietly.

"What was what, Alex?" I replied, my tone tinged with irritation.

"You know what,"

"No, I don't. Care to enlighten me?"

"Praising that rat," he groaned.

"You, of all people, should know I praise everyone for their Titan kills," I shot back, meeting his glare head-on.

"Captain Wright," Erwin's commanding voice intervened.

"Yes, sir?" Alexander responded, redirecting his attention to the mission.

"Your lack of attention is going to get you and your whole squad killed," Erwin's stern warning hung in the air. "Your insecurities are glaring. Fix it before it's fatal."

Erwin rode off, leaving Alexander visibly angered. The weight of change, with Erwin now the commander, was a tension in the air above all our heads.

Erwin saved me now but later is a different story.

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The velvet black canvas stretched for miles, adorned with iridescent lights scattered across the sky. Outside the walls, the expanse of the sky was boundless, a sight I cherished every time I stepped beyond the confinement.

Sunsets during our missions held a special allure. The hues painted across the horizon were a stark contrast to the constrained skies within the walls. Tonight, I wanted to venture out to the sky that seemed to stretch endlessly, promising a sanctuary of thoughts under the moon's watchful gaze.

The moon, my confidante, awaited me. No one else looked at me the way she did—listening intently, a beacon in my darkest moments. She bore witness to all my secrets, my fears, and the tears shed for fallen comrades.

Tonight, under the celestial gaze, I yearned to share the changes within the Scout Regiment. The prospect of transformation that lingered in the air, and I couldn't wait to confide in the silent confidante above.

In the tent, Alexander's snores were louder than ever. I wanted to shove a pillow on his face to stop his snoring. Sometimes I wonder if my insomnia is because of his late night snoring. Unfortunately disturbing his rare moments of piece felt like tiptoeing around a slumbering beast, and yet, the moon beckoned.

I slipped from Alexander's arms, donned my cloak and shoes, and secured my bag, casting a lingering look at the peaceful figure beside me. The captain's serenity in sleep was a stark contrast to the grumpiness he exhibited while awake.

The crackling fire greeted me as I stepped out of the tent. Someone tended to the flames, their figure cloaked in the flickering light. It intrigued me; late-night wanderers were usually a rarity during our missions. Who was up this late tending to a fire? It didn't bother me none, it was nice to have some company for once.

I plopped down next to them without much ceremony. "Couldn't sleep?" I asked, stretching my hands towards the fire for warmth.

Silence hung in the air, but I couldn't resist stealing a glance under their cloak. "Should've known it was you," I grinned. "How are you holding up?"

Their gaze remained locked on the dancing flames. "Fine," came the curt reply.

"Thirsty?" I pressed on, brushing off the cold shoulder.

No response, no eye contact. Nothing new.

"I'll take that as a yes," I chuckled, setting a pot of tea on the fire. While it brewed, I pulled out my sketchbook from the bag, ready to capture the night's beauty.

Drawing under the moonlight brought me unparalleled peace, and having Levi's silent company wasn't about to change that. I tossed back my hood, basking in the moon's glow with closed eyes.

"You're going to ruin the tea," Levi's voice cut through my tranquil moment.

"Pardon?" I said, meeting his gaze as he lifted the kettle from the fire.

"You're letting it steep for too long," he remarked. "And the fire is too hot. It should steep for three minutes if it's on a fire."

"Oh, I'm sorry," I replied. "Want me to make a new batch?"

"It'll suffice," he said, his tone as bland as ever.

I poured him a cup and served myself one too, watching as he grabbed it from the rim, just like the first time we met. It was a quirky habit, one he refused to let go. Something so small, yet I was intrigued—I wanted to know why the rim over the perfectly good handle on the side. It was a minor detail, but I craved understanding.

While I continued sketching the dim surroundings, I decided to break the silence.

"So, how do you like the Scouts so far?"

"I don't," he replied bluntly.

"Oh, well, why's that?" I asked, still absorbed in my sketch. His straightforwardness caught me off guard, though I shouldn't have been surprised.

"Everyone's arrogant assholes who think they are better than everyone," he stated.

"For a moment there, I thought you were talking about the MP's," I chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood. But my attempt fell flat, met with silence. Once again, I realized he wasn't much of a talker.

"I'm sorry if Alexander is getting to you," I said quietly, looking up at him. His eyes were already locked on me. "He wasn't always a jerk. It doesn't help that all the guys feed his ego."

"Hmph," Levi breathed out, eyes shifting away as he crossed his arms. "Like I'd let that shit bag get to me."

I smiled, my gaze lingering on him. "Good. I'm glad," I said, lowering my voice and glancing around for unwanted visitors.

"It's about time someone stands up to him. But let's keep that between us."

Once again, silence draped around us like a comforting cloak. The more it happened, the more I found solace in it. My sketch continued to capture the moon's tender caress over the land as the night unfolded.

"What is that?" Levi's voice cut through the quiet after a while.

"This?" I said, lifting my sketch.

"Yeah, that," he grumbled.

"Oh, just a sketch of the night sky," I replied casually, doodling away. "It's a beautiful night out, isn't it?"

"I guess you can say that," Levi spoke, his words measured.

"Just look at how pretty she is, Levi," I said, tilting my head back to gaze at the moon. Once again, he didn't utter a word.

"Do you not like the night sky, Levi?" I inquired.

"It's not my favorite," he admitted, a slow opening up to me. A brief pause lingered.

"Do you?"

"Absolutely. She's always there for me. Whenever you need her, she's there," I explained.

"Who is she?" Levi asked, clearly confused.

"Well, the moon, silly," I said with a playful smile.