Six
Days turned into weeks and weeks into months. Ingel still waited. He waited for Eren to take him away from this foreign place and back into his comforting arms. He would sit near the entryway of the door anxiously hoping for Eren to peek through the thick carved door with his bright smile. His adoptive parents were not at all bad people but the father, Mr. Fernando was a business farmer and usually came home late in the day. His mother, Mrs. Fernando, was a bright, cheery woman that tries to spend much time with Ingel and teach him things like speaking and noticing shapes and colors. But usually, he is left in the care of the nanny when she is off with her companions our working outside of the home.
When left alone, ingel would meditate to remember Eren's voice, his smile, his scent, his touch, his warmth. His everything. The child started to wonder if he had done anything wrong to sent away. Did Eren not love him back? Silent tears fell from the child's eyes. He felt so alone.
One morning, Mrs. Fernando was in a hurry to get out the house. She had bags with her and her overcoat as she was leaving for a long time. He heard Mr. Fernando calling after her but she doesn't stop. She ran out of the house leaving the door wide open. The frantic man raced after her, passing Ingel without notice. This was Ingel's chance. Making sure no one was around to stop him Ingel crawled out of the house and outside. He sees the dirt road that the bushy-browed man used to bring him here. Without a moment to lose Ingel began his long journey back home.
Hq
"What do you mean he's missing!" Roared Eren in outrage.
Commander Smith arrived at HQ late in the evening announcing that Ingel was missing for a few days now. The Fernando couple were now separated due to the husband being caught cheating with the nanny. No one noticed the child's disappearance until two days later. Eren was beyond furious. Those around him took a few cautious steps back, unsure if the boy would shift right then and there. I knew he should've stayed!
Grabbing his cloak, Eren ran out of the castle and to the stables to ready his horse. Levi follows soon after. He was given the address of where the Fernando lived so they had a chance of finding Ingel in the area, or at least he hoped so.
"It'll be best if there another set of eyes." He said.
Eren nodded as he settled into the saddle. With the whip of the reins, the two set out towards the Fernando farm.
In the forest
The spring air chilled Ingel tiny body but he still pushed forward. He did not know that it would take this long to get to Eren or if he'd ever find him. He was losing his energy, the forest was dark with only the moonlight guiding him and every strange sound startled him. Even so, he didn't give up. He needed to be with Eren.
"...gel!" A voice echoed through the trees.
He knew that deep voice anywhere. It was Levi.
Another voice follows. "Ingel where are you!" Eren!
Both had come for him. They didn't abandon him! Ingel was about to respond when he heard a deep growl from behind him. Hidden in the shadow of the trees were two pairs of yellow eyes and sharp razor teeth illuminating in the moonlight. The creatures crept from out of the trees, they were big and furry, their paws had sharp claws ready to shred. They were scary -no- they were downright terrifying.
"Ingel!" Eren continued to call out.
The creatures began to circle around the child, preparing to strike. His body shook. Tears poured down his dirt-caked face. He wanted Eren to save him. Save him from these monsters. He wanted..he needed...
"MAMA!" His voice echoed through the forest.
The beasts leaped forward, teeth and claws at the ready. When suddenly a cold steel cuts through them in blinding speed. The creatures whimpered as their blood painted the earth and limped away in retreat.
"Ingel!" The child was quickly picked up off the ground and into the familiar warm arms.
Ingel saw the teary teal eyes that belonged to no other than Eren who cried in relief that they had made it just in the nick of time. "Never again!" He whispered, "never again!"
"Aye," Ingel hiccuped while patting his wet cheeks to comfort him.
"Hey brat, you've caused a bit of trouble for us today," Levi said approaching behind Eren with one of the rare smiles. He wrapped his arms around Eren's waist while resting his chin on his shoulders. "Seems like we'll be keeping a close eye on you from here on out."
Ingel smiled brightly up at the two most important people of his life, "Aye!"
