Love in a Time of War

Chapter Sixteen

Emiko smiles as she rides her black and white stallion alongside Levi, her brother hiding his smile from the rest of his squad as he watches her "The former Survey Corps HQ. As an old castle that was renovated to be our base, it definitely looks extravagant. But since it's this far away from the walls and the river, it really wasn't something we needed. It was used back when we were first formed and our spirits were still high. I never imagined we'd be keeping you in that old decoration." Oruo tells Eren. "Ah..." Eren says, looking round before seeing Levi staring blankly at him. Eren turns back round making Oruo lean close to him "Don't get ahead of yourself, recruit." he tells him. "Excuse me?" Eren asks in confusion. "You may be a Titan or whatever, but a pissy brat like you bing under Lance Corporal Levi's watch- Urk! Ahh!" Oruo cuts off, biting his tongue as his horse miss steps. Emiko tries to hide a giggle as she watches on "Idiot." she mutters, gently running a hand through her horse's mane.

They soon arrive at the castle, Emiko jumping down from her horse and stroking it so she can hide her face from the others "This is what you get for yapping away on horseback." Petra tells Oruo. "First impressions are crucial. That recruit was scared stiff." Oruo retorts. "I think he was just surprised by how stupid you were. Besides, why didn't you try it with Emiko?" Petra asks. "Because we all know the only one here who she can't beat is Captain Levi." Oruo tells her, making her nod "At any rate, everything went as planned." he continues. "Say, that's now how you usually talk, is it? If... If that's your idea of imitating Lance Corporal Levi, could you seriously stop it?Then again, it's not like it was similar in any way." Petra tells him. "Hah... Are you trying to keep me down, Petra?You haven't gone through the proper steps to act as my wife." Oruo responds "If only you had bit off your tongue and died... You're always bragging about your Titan kills, too." Petra tells him. "Relax. I bragged for you guys too while I was at it." Oruo tells her. "Sheesh, you're insufferable." she retorts.

Emiko smiles weakly as she continues stroking her horse "There are weeds everywhere. This place is a mess." Gunther remarks. "It's been a while, after all. The inside is probably covered in dust." Eld adds. "Now that's a problem we can't overlook. We'll get to work immediately." Levi tells his squad, setting them off to work. Everyone leaves except Levi and Emiko "Go for a ride to clear your head, just be back by sundown." Levi tells Emiko. "You sure? I can stay and help." Emiko tells him. "Go for a ride, that's your task. I'll put your stuff in the room next to mine." Levi responds. Emiko nods and gives him a quick hug before climbing back on her horse, riding off. Levi picks up her stuff and carries it inside "Where's Emiko?" Petra asks. "Gone to survey the area for me, she'll be back by sundown." Levi responds, everyone nodding in response.

Riding into a field filled with flowers with a large tree to the side, Emiko climbs off her horse and walks over to the tree. Sitting down at the base, she smiles sadly at the letters 'I' and 'F' scratched into the bark. She puts her hand on the markings and brushes the moss off from round them "I miss you, brother, sister." she mumbles as a couple of tears fall. Her horse gently nudges her, making her turn and sit with her back against the tree. Seeing this, her horse lies down and puts his head on her lap "Comfy Bud?" she smiles, stroking his head. Emiko puts her head back against the tree, watching the birds fly above her "I did it Isa, Farl. I convinced Levi to let me train and become a scout, it took a while to wear him down but I did. I hope I'm making you both proud, where ever you are." she says, more tears falling as she looks at the marks in the wood. Emiko stays there til the sun begins to set, standing she puts her head against the bark of the tree "I'll try and see you again soon, maybe try and bring Levi with me." she says. Turning away, she climbs onto the back of her horse and makes her way back to the castle.

Arriving back at the castle, Emiko jumps off her horse and takes him to the stable before unpacking him "I'll see you in the morning Bud." she tells him, kissing his head before walking inside. "There you are." Petra smiles as she walks into the Mess Hall. "Hey." Emiko responds, sitting next to Levi. Under the table, Levi take her hand and gently squeezes it. Emiko gently squeezes it back, letting him know that she's alright "I expect we'll be on standby for a few more days, but I heard there are plans for a large-scale expedition in thirty days. And we'll be joined by the new recruits who graduated recently." Eld tells them. "Are you serious, Eld? That's rather sudden, especially since the latest Titan attack has undoubtedly taken its toll on them." Gunther pipes up. "The brats must've all lost their backbone." Oruo adds. Emiko clenches her jaw and glares at Oruo, making him gulp slightly as he shuts his mouth "Is that true, Lance Corporal?" Petra asks. "I'm not in charge of drafting plans. But remember, this is Erwin. I'm sure he's thinking much further ahead than us." Levi tells them, passing Emiko a cup of tea he made her. Emiko smiles slightly as she drinks some, letting the familiar taste wash over her "Thanks." she tells him, earning a nod in response.

Eren tilts his head slightly as he watches the siblings hold their cups, and drink their tea, in the exact same way "Well, the situation itself is unusual. The route we advanced at the cost of countless sacrifices to recapture Maria was erased in an instant. Then suddenly, a completely different hope appeared. I still find it hard to believe, but what exactly does it mean to transform into a Titan, Eren?" Eld asks Eren. "My memories from that time aren't clear, but I felt like I had lost myself. I do know it's triggered by self-injury, though. If I take my hand and..." Eren trails off. "You guys are aware, aren't you? The reports cover everything we know now. Well, I doubt they'll stay put either way. But they might go too far and end up killing you. Eren." Levi says. "Huh? Who's 'they'?" Eren asks. Just then there's a crash from the door, Emiko smiling slightly "Ah!" Hange exclaims from outside the room.