~ Legend ~ The Score

*

YEAR 844 - WITHIN WALL ROSE

******************

Four long years have gone by serving the survey corps, and rarely spent time with my family. Things have been growing more busy and hectic, time wasn't on my plate. Many expeditions and we've found nothing, but I kept remembering the names of my comrades and the newcomers.

"Captain Akira, when do you wanna train?!"

Turning around I gave him a stern look, "Listen little brother, just call me big sister......no need to be formal around me," I assure him, as he walks up to me towering over more like.

"Sorry, habit......."

He finally graduated a year ago, and was able to join my squad.

"Anyway, notify your teammates to do training on your own today," I answer his question, lifting my head up to meet his eyes. "I've been called in by squad leader Erwin Smith for a small meeting, so I'm not sure how long I'll be......I apologise."

He shook his head, "It's fine, I will let Lena and Jonas know," He assures me, making me smile towards the seventeen year old. He has grown rather tall for his age, and has gained muscle and confidence over the few years. People would say we even look like twins, just opposite gender and height difference.

I guess letting him join helped him mature a lot, and it also had given him a fresh start too. I promised mother I would protect him with my life, now he's come this far I hope he lives past this nightmare.

"Alright I better get going, take care," I walk out from my room, clicking the door open I head down rather quickly knowing the message was quite urgent in the matter.

Erwin has been always having these ideas, that seem a bit too grande......but then again some of his ideas were pure genius. Sometimes I wondered why Commander Shadis would reject some of his ideals, but then again Erwin's choices and ideas were beyond all measure. Even Hanji Zoe, one of the current squad leaders enjoyed his ideals.

I mean they were a genius themselves, I couldn't fathom how amazing they are.

Just when I turn the corner I make my way down to a room that was secretly made, after having eavesdroppers in the past overhearing in the current main office. So Commander Shadis organised a place, so apparently this seems to be rather secret.

A few soldier's walk by me, with their group of friends when they noticed me. They bow in respect acknowledging my presence, not understanding why everyone has been doing this for the past two years. It didn't feel right at the time, as I haven't done much to get to where I am now.

Shaking my head, the sound of my boots clamping down the stone staircase, with a short and slight ringing echo, the room begins to grow darker the longer I walk down. Fire torches were further down crackling in the silence of isolation, spiralling down before reaching a wooden door presented before me.

Angling my eyes to the doorknob, possible thoughts drift through my mind.

Finally snapping back into my own thoughts I resume opening the door, to be greeted by Commander Shadis, Erwin Smith and Miche Zacharius. Slightly taken back to see Miche around, my eyes fall upon my Commander.

"Finally you've arrived Captain Akira," He greets me gently, standing up from the desk in front. He walks over before I stood before the three men, questioning what the meeting would be about. Especially if it was me alone, and I mean I was confused.

"You may be confused as to why you are here," Erwin began, his face was casted a shadow against the light emitting from the small candles propped around. "We have a mission for you, but it's......more of a...disguise....charade if you will...."

"Excuse me......what for may I ask?" I question, glancing to all the males I saw Miche purse his lips tightly.

"We need someone sharp and skilled like you to scout the underground for us," Erwin replies, as my eyes widen. "There have been thugs stealing our ODM gear down below, but we haven't caught sight of them. They've been at it for a while, but we need to confirm where their whereabouts are and how many...."

Stunned a little by them asking me for help, Commander Shadis places a hand on my shoulder.

"You've become such a strong soldier, even at Miche's matching strength," he began. "But you've shown a lot of promise, and we wouldn't ask anyone but you for this.......we wish for you to fulfill this mission.

This mission seems rather risky, especially coming from the underground.

"So......what do I disguise myself as?"

Erwin turns to Miche signalling him, before clothes were placed in my hands.

"This is just underground clothes, not too ragged but a little ragged to show your status," He informs me. "We will place ODM gear in the tallest tower down below, so if anything happens.....you will know..."

Pursing my lips tightly, I made up my mind.

"Alright.......when do I begin?"

"Today, we will give you time to dress up and we will send you there by carriage," He informs me, nodding I stare at the clothing in hand while chewing on the inside of my cheek nervously.

Why am I so nervous? I shouldn't be.....

***

My long locks were brushed down  past down my shoulders, while wearing a plain blouse and simple jeans with different boots on. Taking my survey corp emblem off, my body slightly sways while the carriage slowly makes a halt. My eyes remain across my lap, when a hand rests upon my shoulder making me blink a few times.

"Miche.......?"

He gave me an encouraging soft smile, which was very rare coming from him.

"You've got this, what Erwin did was a little too direct, but......" he began, turning in the direction I will heading to. "......I trust you will be alright, seeing you become strong throughout the years......there's no doubt you will not mess up."

"But..."

"You're a squad leader, a role model......and a faithful comrade of mine," He adds. "All you have to do is scope them out, find anything about them and come back to report tomorrow."

That's right, you can't really tell if it's night or not down there....

"You ready?" He asks me, snapping me out of my lonesome thoughts.

Nodding I stood up and stepped off the carriage before stepping onto the stones beneath me, as the carriage rolls on by. Standing before the entrance of Wall Rose's underground system, I took a big deep breath in before stepping forward making my way down the stairs. Holding my emblem in my pocket, I come by the military police officers.

"Hold it!" One of them commands sharply, making me walk over to them.

Another military soldier turns to me, eyes angling towards me.

"You there, you don't belong down here," He narrows his eyes, making me sigh deeply.

Digging into my pocket I reveal my survey corp emblem, making their eyes widen in response. "My name is Akira Yamasaki, I'm here on a scouting mission underground here,"  replying to their accusations.

"Y-You, your--"

Rolling my eyes, I sigh deeply.

"Look I'm here to fix up a problem that none of you have finished in accomplishing," I bluntly interject, shoving my emblem back into my pocket. "If you have a problem, you may talk with Commander Shadis about this.....if not, we're all good here....right?"

They fall silent, before clearing their throats.

"R-Right......."

Finally getting across with them I begin to walk down the stairs when, "Hey miss!!!"

Turning around my eyes narrowing up to them, seeing their cheek profusely reddening.

"May we take you for a drink some night?" One of them offers, making my eyes widen.

Turning sharply on my heel, "I'm sorry, but......I don't go out drinking,"

"Why not? A drink won't hurt!"

Ignoring them I continue heading down the stairs before finally arriving to the underground, being greeted by very dim lights all around. It was rather musty and difficult to breath, finding the sound soon turn more eery than before.

My eyes gaze around being that it's my first time underground, I knew I must follow my orders. Especially with these thugs hanging around, I knew we must make a stop to this. I don't know what will happen when we capture them, but Erwin seems to know himself.

The sounds of children coughing, the ill looking elderly on the side of the streets were enough to make my heart ache. Why can't they meet the surface? This is so painful to see.....my eyes narrow for a moment while my hands fist tightly. Soon my eyes lift up to see stalls up in the centre, wanting to see what they have available here. Being in this condition, curiosity got the best of me making my way towards a stall.

My eyes upon some fruit that looked somewhat decent, but some slightly bruised.

"Hello Miss, may I help you?" the elderly man asks, his voice raspy and ragged.

My eyes drift up sending him a smile, "Um......may I have two apples?" I ask him softly, hoping to give him at least some money to help him.

He smiles his toothless smile, before nodding.

Sinking my hand into my pocket I grab some earnings of my own and passed him the amount and a little extra, seeing his eyes widen. "M-Miss that's--"

I take his hand placing the money in his palm, before rolling his fingers over them softly.

"Take it, you need it more than I do," I smile warmly, little did I know someone was watching my every move. Things were going smoothly for now, but this feeling of being watched didn't help with my part in this mission.

Remaining calm and composed, I remain normal and leaned against a while a little ahead from the stalls in the centre of town. Biting into my apple in hand, my eyes glance around seeing children struggling to stand on the side. My mission wasn't specifically noted to not give people food, so walking over to the child struggling to stand I bend down.

"Hey, I have some food for you," I offer softly, hating the fact children are treated poorly down here.

Her eyes lift up wide eyed meeting my tender gaze, weakly sitting up with the help of my hand resting against her back. Her matted blonde hair messily hung over her face, only getting a glimpse of gentle forest green eyes.

"What's your name dear?" I question gently.

"N-no name....."

My eyes slightly widen before passing her my spare apple in hand, seeing her hesitate to take it.

"It's fine.....take it," I offer warmly, making her take it in hand. "Where is your parents? Or any family?"

She bites into the apple with a ravenous appetite, making my heart ache.

Her cheeks bulged with apple in them, before swallowing thickly before her gaze meets mine once again. "No one......."

Taken back with little history of this girl, I knew I must do something about it.

"May I give you a name?" I offer her, seeing her pupils dilate in response. Fresh tears begin to roll down her chubby dirt stained cheeks, while still munching the apple.

"Name?"

Nodding i smile, "Yeah, so I so call you by name...." I reply.

Deep in thought for a moment she nods, making me hum softly.

"How about......Leah?" I suggest, while she shook her head. Tapping my chin I hum softly, "How about......Klara?"

Her eyes brighten in that very moment, making me smile.

"Klara, huh? Sounds very beautiful for you," I chuckle gently, while I rest down beside her.

She munches into her apple for a bit, watching out for her while still remaining in the centre of town. Things have been occurring here, so it's slightly easier too.

"Miss......?"

Lowering my eyes down upon the cute blonde, her tiny hand tugs on my sleeve.

"What is it?"

Her large forest green eyes begin to swim with tears, "Why have you hwelped me?" She questions, making my chest clench in response.

Patting her hair gently I give her a warm smile, "Because you don't deserve to be mistreated," I reply gently, and with that response she suddenly wraps her arms around my waist instantly. My eyes widen slightly taken back by the actions of the young child, but soon my body relaxes holding her close.

Yet many children are suffering like her, so......what can I do?

Soon after a while I stood up turning to her, "Please have this other half of my apple," I offer her gently, realising I didn't eat much. "I must keep going, okay?"

She weakly kneels up grabbing onto my sleeve, pleading and teary eyes looking into mine.

"Pwease don't weave?"

My heart clenched so tightly with overwhelming thoughts rushing through my head, I bend down once more taking her tiny hands into my large ones delicately.

"I'm sorry Klara," I whisper gently, before leaning forward pressing a kiss to her temple running my fingers through her blonde tangled locks.

Standing up slowly her eyes watch me walk away from her while sinking into the shadows discreetly, trying to find groups or cults at least to gather intel.

***

I couldn't tell how long it's been underneath here, but my eyes were getting rather tired. Usually when that happens it's about eight 'o'clock at night, which I'm guessing it is. Walking down the street yet again after hearing many rumours, and stories that I've gathered, I wasn't sure whether to leave and report or remain here til morning.

"Oi girlie!"

Pausing in my steps I turn around to see two large men towering over me, not batting an eyelash in fear. Scars marred across their exposed arms and neck and face, along with stubbled chins and ragged clothing. Yet these two seemed to have other thoughts in mind, by the way their eyes were undressing me before them.

"May I help you?" I question, not wanting to deal with trouble now.

One of them grins looking like the leader, as he had a large scar running from his collar bone to past his hairline across his left eye. Despite his overly large body, my movements and size were sharp.

"Yes........why don't you come with us, girlie?" he chuckles, while his hands look ready to grasp me. "It looks like you're exhausted, come stay at our place....?"

The suggestion felt appalling, judging by the lustful and hungry expressions they wore.

"No thank you, I'm fine," I mutter, my eyes darkly glare up towards them.

One of them scoffs.

"Can we just grab her, and make the most of her body," His partner sighs. "We should just take her, no questions asked!"

Suddenly hands latch around both my arms from behind, not noticing another man from their group was behind. My eyes widen cursing beneath my breath, but before I could swing my leg to defend myself, I felt sharp pain shoot through my stomach making me hunch over. The trembling pain writhers through my body, I could clutch my stomach to ease the pain.

"Grab her, she will fetch a hefty price," one of them comments.

"No, we're gonna play with her,"

"Come on make up your mind, money or take what's worth of her body!"

All of the suggestions sounded awful, disgusting and revolting that I could throw up. Sudden flashes of Peter haunted my mind, four years of my life being used and a victim of sexual assault I still felt disgusted.

"L-Let....ngh.....g-go of me..." groaning in pain, while being thrown over the shoulder of the man.

They all scoff in response.

"Like hell we are, you're the healthiest woman we've seen so far down here," One of them replies, his eyes boring into my eyes. "So we're gonna have some fun...."

Hating the victim role between all this, anger was all I felt.....yet I couldn't blow my cover.

Without hesitation I swing my leg so far back I kick the man holding me, right in the back of his head knocking him out in an instant. Releasing me I jump down before the two men's eyes widen, seeing one of their own men out like a light because of me.

Soon the two charge towards me but I dodge their attacks, swiftly kicking their feet down. The other behind me went to grab me, but I bend down striking his jaw sharply as blood sprays from the boot. Finally landing down the ground swiftly, I push off trying to make an escape for it.

"Dammit,"

"Get that damn bitch!"

I begin to run down the streets fast trying to lose them, the wind carrying along with me and through my hair.

Running between the crevices of the tight buildings together, my heart begins to carry on with heavy labored breaths. Squeezing through i make an opening for a moment, when large capture me with one fell swoop, causing me to whip out my blade which I never wanted to come by.

"Please let go of me?!" I plead, when he scoffs dragging me back.

"No way, you're a rare catch this year," He replies, making me swing my blade twisting my body. I slam him against the edge of the building, making a run for it. Soon bursting out of the dark alleyway, a few men were waiting for me out there. My eyes widen before sharply turning around the corner, my body almost losing balance.

Dammit, why did this have to happen?

Something flies right past my cheek causing a small jolt run by me, blood spraying from the attack realising a small blade sliced my cheek.

Suddenly I hear something being thrown towards me, making me turn my head just for a moment seeing a large knife being thrown towards me. About to dodge the attack I soon felt arms scoop me up feeling my body lifting in the air, causing myself to gasp in response just missing the attack.

My eyes darting around, they soon meet with piercing steel grey eyes.

"W-What?"

"Just hold on tight," he mutters, very rudely and abruptly feeling the gentle wind rush past us.

Escaping the men from down below, I held on tightly with my arms subconsciously holding around his neck loosely.  The moment my skin skims his own something sharp or like a warm spark ignites inside my heart, like wildfire wanting to burst out.

My heart beats in sync with the intensity throbbing of the spark, I clench my jaw tightly burying my face into the crook of the mysterious man's neck. His arms held me bridal style, tightly pressed to his chest.

After a few minutes of silence we both land on the roof of a building, quietly and discreetly.

From the sudden saving of this man I just realised what he wore around his waist, but before I could say anything he turns to me sharply. "What the hell? Why were they after you, idiot?"

Furrowing my eyebrows, I rest my hands on my hips shifting my weight to one leg. "Um......where did you come from in the first plac--"

He cuts me off, by sending me a heavy intense glare my way.

"Don't dodge the question," he spat, causing my eyes to widen. He realises his rude confrontation, before stepping away slightly folding his arms resting his weight on one leg as well.

He closes his eyes for a moment before fluttering his eyes to see hi gaze soften, recollecting his own thoughts calmly, being nonchalant about it.

"Sorry......but there must be a reason...."

Soon remembering the very reason why I'm here now, I felt disgusted grimacing lightly.

"My body's worth......."

He turns around slight appalled, "What? All of that commotion.......for..." he was unable to fathom the words, while I turn around. A hint of disgust flickers in his cold steel eyes, making a shiver run down my spine.

Clicking my tongue softly, I recollect my own thoughts remembering my mission.

"Anyway I better get going, thank you......." I say, when suddenly his hand latches around my wrist tugging me slightly back.

Halting in my steps, I crane my neck to face him.

"What is it?"

Judging by now he was one of the thugs recognising the ODM gear