symbiosis » levi ackerman

chapter eighteen ; despondence.

Fallan

Of course, I hadn't slept after Levi had ordered me to bed. I'd written up a report on the expedition, and attempted to come up with a reason for the happenings of the day, but my mind was blank.

As I walked to the mess hall for dinner, I noticed my bad leg was causing a slight limp. Great.
I took my usual seat and waited for my squad mates to arrive.
"Lieutenant!" Konomi beamed at me as she took the seat opposite. Tobias waved slightly, and Benjin awkwardly shuffled next to me. I noticed Hanji was nowhere to be seen, but decided to ignore it.
"How are you all?" I asked.
"Fine," Tobias began, stuffing his mouth full of potato, "We didn't even see one Titan. Strange."
"How was it on the front lines? We heard about the ambush, but couldn't get there quick enough. By the time we arrived, the Titans were dead." Benjin asked. He sounded almost nervous.
"I wouldn't know," I mumbled.
"What happened?!" Konomi asked worriedly, her eyes wide.
"I was knocked unconscious by the first Titan I encountered. There were 16 of them - I didn't even take down one." I sighed, stretching back in my chair. I winced slightly as I felt a pang of pain in my chest. "Managed to fall on my own blade, and fracture a rib."
Tobias laughed, while Benjin shot him a glare.
"What? She's still alive, isn't she?" Tobias taunted.
"Fallan, I told you! You're not ready for the Vanguard, it was a stupid idea-" Benjin started, but I rolled my eyes and waved him off.
"Tobias is right. I'm still alive, and my injuries are minor. Anyways, I'm planning on travelling to Mitras in a few days and I-"
Benjin looked to me with a panicked expression.
"Why so soon?" He interrupted. Confusion began to shroud my mind - why was he so concerned about a simple family visit?
"Because I need to see my family?" I laughed awkwardly, shooting him a weird look, "I haven't seen them since the news. It's the polite thing to do."
"What time? Are you travelling on horse? I'll accompany you." He said firmly.
"By the Walls Benjin, what's gotten into you? Are you high? It's a family visit. Please calm yourself, you're causing a scene." I chided. I hated snapping at him, but recently he was becoming a complete pain in the arse. It's like he'd completely changed - the loving boy I trained with had turned into a control freak.
"Please Fallan," he pleaded, looking to me, "Go another day, or let me accompany you?"
I let out a disbelieving laugh and shook my head. I was beginning to get increasingly annoyed by him, so I took it as my cue to leave.
"If you'll excuse me," I muttered quietly, and left without another word. I could feel Benjin's eyes on my as I left. I really had to bring up his strange behaviour at a later date.

I decided to visit the Commander and request my visit to Mitras. I hadn't seen my parents for months, and it gave me an excuse to bring up the possibility of another expedition. I knocked on the door and waited patiently.
"Name and business." Erwin boomed.
"Lieutenant Fallan Reid. Here to request a family visit." I replied, clasping my hands behind my back.
"Come in."
I stepped inside and made my way over to the Commander, who was sat at his desk looking rather stressed. I saluted out of habit, which he waved off.
"When?" He asked, exhaustion seeping into his tone.
"In two days time Sir."
He raised his eyebrow dubiously and looked me up and down.
"Are you sure you're in a fit enough state? I heard about your injuries. Nice touch, by the way. I've never heard of a soldier falling on their own blade."
"I always aim to surprise." I grinned, "And I believe in a few days I will be fit enough to make the journey."
"Are you planning to travel on horseback?" He asked.
"Yes Sir."
"Nonsense. Levi and I are planning to visit Zackley in the Capital tomorrow. I'll have someone collect you tomorrow at noon, and you shall ride in the carriage with us."
I began to protest, but he held his hand up to silence me.
"I'm afraid I must insist." the Commander smiled warmly, "Was there anything else, Lieutenant?"
"I was wondering about the possibility of another expedition, to capture a Titan for examination." I stated confidently.
"On what grounds?" He asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
"I need to see if the biology of the Titans has evolved. Due to today's events, I have reason to believe their brains or vocal cords have developed. If they can evolve, it needs to be investigated."
"Very well. I'll discuss this matters with the Squad Leaders. Is that all?"
I nodded, feeling pride swell in my chest. I was half expecting Erwin to shoot down my theories much like Levi had, but the Commander had always put his faith into mine and Hanji's experiments.
"Thank you Sir!" I saluted, and turned towards the door.
"Are you sure there wasn't anything else Lieutenant?" Erwin asked again. He was an intelligent man, he knew I was keeping something from him. I debated mentioning the Titans ignoring me, but decided it was too far-fetched a theory to bring up with him. I needed proof, and I aimed to get that from the Titans we'd bring in if the Squad Leaders agreed to another expedition.
"Certain. Have a good evening Commander."
"You too Lieutenant."

A/N
This was such a filler chapter lmao I'm sorry I'll stop being so lazy :)