*

Standing at the end of my bed, straps were sprawled across the dishevelled sheets, that I haven't been bothered to make.

The room was quiet, only shallow grunts leaving my lips in discomfort, while placing on my belt around my waist and legs. Lifting up the remaining straps, I slide my arms through and adjusted the buckles to clip them on. However my head began to be overwhelmed with questions, ones that could never be answered until I got there.

Distressed by it all, I shook my head to shake the dreaded feeling.

"What are you doing up?" his voice calls, knocking me out of my thoughts. "You're meant to be recuperating, not going on a search. It's night, and it takes hours to get there."

Keeping quiet, I purse my lips together while trying to adjust a buckle behind me.

He sighs with frustration when hands met my own from behind, taking over and began to buckle behind for me. Fitting and nestling against my hips, his chin settles upon my shoulder as his arms settles around my stomach. The silence was enough to know that I would be stubborn, not trying to be thick-headed about it.

"I'll be fine,"

He scoffs, "Like I believe that, last you said that, was when titans ran amuck and you ended up fighting all night long," he retorts, as he had a fair point. I will admit everything is unpredictable, not sure whether the beast titan was around. My skin soon crawls, feeling my gut churning just thinking about that mysterious titan.

Leaning against him I smile softly, "I'm feeling better enough to go searching with Hanji, besides......" my eyes wander across the wall, that displayed a few old books and a vase with withered flowers hung over. "......I can't rest til I know Miche is found, he's one of our best soldiers.....and comrade.....a brother....."

My voice grew softer, and less firm, finding myself growing more worried.

His form slightly towers over me even though we were the same height, when he took my chin and brought me to meet his eyes. Turning me around, he was hesitant to let me go. I knew he didn't want me to leave his sight, I couldn't blame him. With everything that occurred about almost a week ago, he's still on edge. He may not show it, but underneath he was curious, and cautious.

His index rests beneath my chin, tilting my head up, his thumb gingerly rests upon my bottom lip.

"Just.......please, don't do anything reckless?" he pleads quietly, but in all seriousness he naturally cared. His piercing silver blue eyes gaze into my own through his raven locks, while my heart sped up in response to his tender touch. "Akira."

The way my name rolled off his tongue, left a warmth in my stomach.

Smiling softly, "I'll be okay, you just rest that leg of yours," shifting the focus on him, knowing my body was almost healed. My fractured rib didn't shift thankfully, allowing just sleep to recover my body.

He scoffs dryly, pressing his thumb firmly upon my bottom lip.

"Dumbass," before teasingly ghosting over my lips, as my hands subconsciously found their way up against his firm chest. His hair tickles above my brows, as a smile drifts upon my lips. My cheeks warmed up at the slightest touch, making me feel weak in the knees.

"Such a teasing bastar--"

He soon closes the distance between us, feeling his warm lips gently soothe my own with a smirk. Moving so softly and delicately, my hands slowly clench his shirt for support, not having this attention in a while.

Tenderly I felt his tongue part my lips, as I willingly gave into him while tasting me. He heavily hums into the kiss, as if he needed me more than before. Briefly pulling away, he tilts his head and inhales deeply and takes my lips again, but more feverishly and dominating.

A soft squeak leaves my lips, that was soon swallowed by his kiss.

My hands clench more tightly against his shirt, while feeling my mind grow dizzier than before, wanting him. His touch was far more intoxicating, as I realised how much I've missed him. We seperate for a moment catching our breaths, as our foreheads touch softly.

"L-Levi......." my breath grew heavy, but his taste lingers upon my lips.

He pulls away and lowers his head and presses fluttering kisses, against my bruises that discoloured around my throat. Each one was warm, soft and healing. His hands rest against my plushy waist, and gives them a gentle squeeze feeling me softly whine. Slowly they slid beneath my shirt, cold calloused fingers ghost my skin while feeling myself sink into his touch. His hair brushes against my skin, tickling me so gently the way his lips gave more attention to my neck with kisses.

"Do you have to leave?" his warm breath coax against my throat, before pressing a soft kiss. He pulls me in closer, before burying his face into the crook of my neck.

"Mmhmm," I hum softly, when he nips my subtle skin.

His hands drag back down to my hips, giving them a gentle squeeze as a shiver ran down my spine. My breath grew shallow, feeling my head spin with how he can easily distract me. I knew what he was doing, but I lift his chin staring into his icy blue eyes. So clear, so beautiful that I could see the emotion he was feeling. Pressing my lips against his slight swollen ones, he exhales deeply like all his pent up emotions just strayed from him.

Pulling away my eyes flicker from his lips to his eyes, "I will be back........don't know how long it will take, but I assure you.....nothing will happen,"

Reluctantly he places a chaste kiss against my cheek, and adjusted the strap over my chest.

"I know you can't promise that, but if that four eyes doesn't bring you back--" he warns me, but I poke his cheek playfully.

"I am my own person, I have the responsibility of myself and myself alone," I cut him off, with a light chuckle. However he grabs my waist and pulls me abruptly with force, as I yelp stumbling against him in surprise.

"Your body is mine, and mine alone," He huskily swore, causing my face to instantly grow red. "No one can have this, but me."

Feeling like my heart was just about to burst, a knock was heard at the door.

~Knock~Knock~

Hastily I adjust my shirt and hair, while Levi groans in annoyance heading towards the door, while the person knocks again. Thankful and not thankful at the same time, I knew I must continue to fulfill my own request. A mission. An investigation. Finally having myself ready to go out, I hear a familiar voice greet Levi before calling me over.

"Akira, you ready?" Hanji asks, as I adjust my straps against my thigh. Throwing a thumbs up, I swiftly took my new clean jacket and made my way towards them. "Sorry we have to leave, this mission might take up at least about a day or so."

Levi shifts his eyes upon me, raising an eyebrow.

Today I was hoping to at least spend some time alone with Levi, until Hanji informed me of the early mission. Despite our moment Levi and i shared just now, alot was weighing upon me. With everything that happened, my heart was heavy, questions left unanswered, this unshakable feeling about the person who wanted me. It left chills to run down, the hairs to stand up on my neck and arms, and the anxiety.

"I'll see you when I can, besides......I know more than these guys," I getsure to Hanji, witnessing everything before. "One of the recruits home is in Ragako, so I need to get as much info on the place as possible."

Connie was concerned too, being that his family was in Ragako.

"Alright, please just........be safe?" He repeats himself, but Hanji stood there looking like she was gonna burst excitedly between us. "Hanji, she'll be there......just need to say something to her."

Hanji hums turning on their heel, "Alright, take your time,"

Our eyes follow Hanji's movements, when suddenly Levi sneaks a kiss against my plush lips once more.

"Be back soon," he sternly orders, but not unkindly.

Rolling my eyes I smile, "Yes.....dad," I retort softly with a teasing smile, giving me a firm glare like a parent would. Turning on my heel, I began to catch up with Hanji as she began to discuss her hypothesis about the unexpected turn of events with no breach.

*

EIGHT HOURS LATER - RAGAKO VILLAGE

On horseback we reach the ruined village, seeing the horses still remaining within the stables untouched. Water was still available for them, but the houses all around were just debris and caved in. What bothers me more, that there is no trace or even a hint of blood. It gnawed me to the bone, as we neared further into the village.

My eyes take in everything, using my observation to find a clue or any hints of a body part at least some lead.

Directing my horse around retracing steps, or even a foot print of something, my eyes fall upon the titan that still rests on it's back. Creepily it eyes all soldiers, that stood either side of the beast, as the house caved in. My hands slightly tremble, before clenching my jaw to prevent myself to falter.

"Is this how it was when you departed?" Hanji questions me, joining beside me on her horse with Lena and Connie flanking behind slowly.

Nodding with a firm hum, my eyes angle towards the titan that was stuck in the house of Connie's home. He addressed it was his house on the day we assumed the breach, and I was still surprised it was there. However observing the buildings more, I swing off my horse and rushed to a normal caved in house.

"Akira, what is it?!" Lena calls, following behind on foot.

Slowly coming to a halt I lean closer inside the window, that was blasted. My fingers gingerly graze over the cracked stone, as if it exploded from the inside out. Furrowing my eyebrows, with a troubling feeling stirs within me. My eyes trails up the cracks, and debris, while Hanji and Lena stood there puzzled with my silence.

"Akira..........is there something you found?"

Stepping into the building I noticed torn clothing, shredded at the splintered timber flooring beneath when I stood. My breath grew shaky while focusing solely on what I'm assuming, trying to see how not a drop of blood was shed.

"It's like.......an explosion occurred within the house," I spoke up, hearing hanji's breath hitch in their throat. The timber has caved in here........" trailing my hand to the walls around us. "......see here, the way the stone was blasted in one direction."

"What are you trying to say, Akira?" Hanji questions, while trying to place herself in my shoes. It took her sometime, before it clicks in that smart brain of hers. Snapping her fingers, her eyes widen, "Wait, so could they---"

She pauses for a moment, while I'm still thinking on how many residents that lived here.

"Connie!!!" I call, seeing him appear from behind the stone wall.

"Y-yes ma'am!"

My eyes narrow, "How many residents lived here, without counting yourself?"

His eyes lit up thinking I might have an answer, before stumbling over the mass of stone and splintered wood beneath him.

"Um about nine, why?" He questions, while my breath hitches in my throat, only subtly to not alert the young soldier.

This can't be merely a coincidence, right? It adds up to the titan sighti--......no! I can't think like this......

"Corporal, do you have some important info to share?" Moblit asks, standing beside Lena who was noting things down. "Right now, it's the only thing to find the people who we assumed fled Ragako."

My breath grew far more heavier while stepping out of the building, trying to gain some air to clear my mind and think it over again. Hanji seemed to notice my odd behaviour, while Connie waits for something to be said or answered. The kid must be terrified, worried to know his family is missing with the rest of his people.

Regarding Reiner and Bertholdt's behaviour, when we visited here, I've noticed Reiner cutting Connie off, when he was about to assume his mother was the titan. It was as if Reiner knew all along, but now seeing his true colours now? It all made sense.

How naive we were, to fall for their innocent pretending soldiers. It was all a facade, and I even praised those three traitors.

"Akira......?" Hanji settles beside me, while I take a deep breath.

"Let's find more clues, before we can conclude anything," I suggest softly, trying to think about this carefully. All this is riding on the fact, that there was no breach, so what could possibly be the case to having titans freely roaming our lands with no exit or entrance.

She hums with agreement, as the sun shifts to noon.

We only came here about early morning, so we had all day to investigate the whole village til we find some lead. Tired and still exhausted I was, my head and body was riled up to finding answers. Seeing a few of our soldiers slam pegs and string into the palms and feet of the titan, I noticed Connie head towards the house carefully.

"Corporal!"

Turning to him I walk on over, seeing him lift up something the debris left by the titan.My eyes cautiously eyes the titan, that seemed to keep it's eyes upon me for only a moment. He soon begins walking towards Hanji and I, with a frame in hand. Standing beside him, he passes me the picture.

"This is a portrait of my parents," He shares softly, while Hanji hums in deep thought.

"I see........" my eyes trail from his father, to his mother. ".....so this is your mother, Connie?"

Keeping my voice soft and calm to allow Connie to not be distressed, I myself was feeling rather unsettled.

Walking over to the head of the titan, I couldn't help but turn it upside down and placed it side by side of the titan, at a safe distance. Drifting from his mother's face, and back to the titans my blood ran colder the more I kept comparing the two. Lowering my hand, Hanji takes it and analyses the scene.

"Incredible," Hanji whispers, astonished by the resemblance.

Connie swallows thickly, "This titan......it spoke to me," He spoke up, his breath grew shaky. "It said 'welcome home'....."

Turning to him my eyes widen, "I remember you tried telling me, but Ymir and Reiner....they...."

Connie nods, when Hanji turns to both of us in confusion.

"What?"

"When I told everyone what I'd heard, Reiner desperately tried to convince me that I was crazy," He explains, seeing anger slowly seep in, with frustration. ".....Actually, Ymir did too, so that's.......that's what it was.....both of them knew......"

Placing my hand upon his shoulder, I gave it a gentle squeeze of assurance.

".....they knew all along, we both were fooled Connie," I ensure, he wasn't alone in this. "You found something that could be the start of the sudden attack, but they both prevented it from going any further."

He nods in agreement, clenching his jaw tightly out of anger.

"Dammit, I was so blind!" he curses to himself, while my hand squeezes his shoulder again.

Hanji passes me the frame as I pass it to Connie myself, while he stood there trying to process what we might've concluded of the outbreak. A mixture of emotions weren't doing enough for him, and coming back here was a big step to his fear. Facing his dreading fears, I respected him to return to his village without word where his village went. It was like a ghost story, if we looked back on this a few years later.

Glancing at the picture for a little longer, I noticed it was too similar.

"Take this Connie, you're gonna need this more than we do," as he took the frame carefully, not wanting it to break. It was all he had left of them, so he deserves to keep whatever is left til we find the real truth.

Hanji grits their teeth together turning to the soldiers, "Remove all the stakes you put in it's body," She orders.

"Isn't it best to be sure, though?" Moblit questions, but they shook their head.

"It's fine......all you need is to tie it down with rope," Hanji ensures the men, while I saw Connie staring at the face of the titan. It's eyes were the same shade of Connie's, eyeing him while ignoring both Hanji and I that stood beside the young recruit. Connie's shoulders shook, while trying to hold back his tears not wanting to show weakness.

Giving him some time to let this sink in, I turn to Hanji with a firm glance.

"I've got more investigating not far from here," I spoke up, quiet enough for her to hear. Turning to my assistant, she gives me a nod of approval to move out as soon as possible. "Lena you're with me, we're not sure how long but if I don't retur--"

"Bring at least another soldier, to send a message," Hanji suggests, but I shook my head.

"I'll be alright with just Lena, it's only south west from here," heading towards my horse, with Lena swiftly marching towards hers. Stepping my foot into the stirrup, I mount myself up and swung my leg over with a soft 'oof'. Taking the reigns I ease my horse, and glance down while steadying myself.

"Don't know when we'll be back, hopefully not too long," I say unsurely, before flicking my reigns as both Lena and galloped through the village. Houses crushed to ruin, and the painful things was.....this place will be forgotten because of this incident.

Losing an important village, was like losing a home.

"I hope the poor kiddo will be alright," Lena calls, riding in sync with me, on my right flank. "I feel so bad about his home, and his family."

Inhaling and exhaling rather deeply, I close my eyes for a moment.

"I will just try and get to the bottom of this, just so he feels at ease to know the truth," I spoke up, hating how I placed my words. It was hopeless to sugarcoat it all, when the truth will come around eventually.

It's just a bunch of bullshit all this was.....

*

Reaching the cluster of the small Scouts facility, where we kept all the 104th regiment; we both slow down to a trot through. My eyes scan and trace along any length of the area, noticing some destruction was done. Eyes scaling up the buildings, the roof plates were knocked, and shattered against the earth.

"I'll go check inside the buildings," Lena suggests, before directing her horse. Waiting for a reply, all I could do was hum and allow her to resume her investigation. She flicks her reigns, and left me alone to scout about.

The place was rather still and dead quiet, I couldn't even hear a bird sing a small tune.

Tightly my hands grip the reigns, while searching around for anything. Slowly coming to the corner, a putrid smell burns my nose suddenly. Grimacing in disgust, my hand automatically covers my nose, while searching for what could be causing the smell.

Tilting my head up, "Shit, what could have do--" cutting myself off, my eyes slowly widen finding where the ghastly smell was coming from. Drawing a shaky breath, chills ran down my body. Not thinking it was real, I swung my leg over my horse, uncovering my nose to inspect it.

However my horses rears up in fright, neighs of protest before I grasp the reigns and began cooing softly.

"Easy girl......" I soothe her gently, while caressing her neck.

Finding a post nearby I quickly tie my horse securely, and decided to scout the place on foot. Activating my ODM I fly high up onto the roof, only to have my assumption correct. A horse laid dead with it's head hanging over the edge, blood still fresh, as the flesh was cut right to the bone from the impact. Intestines, sprawled out catching a strong whiff of the carcass.

Flies were gnawing at the flesh, causing to