Chapter Text
The memories of the future pave the way of the past and present. That's the only thing she remembers from her father
It all started ten years ago, On a cloudy gray day, the survey corps were returning to the walls after an absolute failure of a mission, As if mirroring their despondency, raindrops cascaded from the heavens, veiling the air with an added layer of melancholy. The very firmament above seemed to mourn, an embodiment of the collective sorrow for the lives lost to the merciless jaws of Titans. Yet, within this veil of sorrow and amid the ranks of the survivors, a poignant truth took root. Each one among them, marked by the day's harrowing trial, carried an unspoken understanding. Their footsteps bore the weight of inevitability, the grim realization that the path they treaded might once again lead them into the heart of such agonizing adversity. The sky's tears, a poignant symbol of grief, were not only shed for the fallen but also for those who emerged from the crucible of that day, for they were destined to confront that very hell repeatedly, until fate deemed their struggle to be at an end.
In solemn unity, the group pressed forward, enveloped by a profound silence broken only by the rhythmic percussion of hooves meeting rain-soaked earth. Amidst them, Erwin rode abreast his commander, his senses heightened, vigilantly scanning for potential dangers. The canvas of his awareness remained unmarred, until a distant, faint sound tiptoed into his perception. Capturing his attention, Erwin strained to capture that ephemeral note once more, yet it eluded him, melting into the damp air. With a resigned shake of his head, he let the notion slip away, a fleeting enigma dissolved by the practical demands of their march.
"I smell titans, and it's a strong scent" Miche informed from beside Levi, As they drew nearer to the Walls, their suspicions were confirmed – a titan came into view, its colossal form reclining against a grand oak tree. The details of the titan remained concealed until their proximity revealed them; notably, the titan's truncated arms rendered it a rather clumsy contender when it came to snatching small objects. However, before they could delve further into their observation, a scarlet flare ascended into the sky, a stark signal that their attention was urgently required elsewhere – new titans approached.
"Abnormals!" someone shouted, the titans started running fast toward the soldiers making the majority panic
"Lead them away from the Walls!" Shadis' command rang out, his voice carrying the urgency that echoed through the ranks. Unbeknownst to him, the soldiers weren't the only ones who heard. Within the shelter of a hollow in an ancient oak tree, a six-year-old girl emerged, her eyes wide with terror. She fled from the encroaching titan, her voice a desperate plea for her father's protection.
Within this chaotic tableau, Erwin's ears caught the sound once more, clearer this time, an eerie echo accompanying the girl's desperate cries. He turned his gaze, his eyes locking onto a peculiar titan, its motions strangely directed towards them—or so it seemed. As he approached, intent on eradicating the threat, the surreal scene unfurled before him. A young girl, her countenance etched with fear, raced through the mud and muck, her feet moving of their own volition
Erwin lunged, his grip snatching her garments with precision honed through battles untold. Swiftly, the girl was hoisted onto his steed, the horse now carrying a precious cargo amidst the chaos. A resounding thud reverberated, and as Erwin's gaze veered, Levi stood triumphant, his blade quenching the titan's threat. With the threat eradicated, Levi strode toward Erwin, a silent understanding passing between them—a camaraderie forged by shared perils. Yet, it was the girl who captured Erwin's gaze, her quivering form a testament to the near-tragedy averted. In that fleeting moment, her once-blonde hair was now a muddied tapestry, bearing testament to her fierce struggle and ultimate salvation.
"Are you okay?" he asked stopping the horse, the little girl looked up at his ocean eyes sniffing but nodded nonetheless
"what's a little brat doing outside of the wall?" Levi asked confused, Erwin shrugged
Amidst the weighty silence, the girl's voice quivered, revealing a tale of vulnerability. "M-my daddy... he... he told me to follow him," she stammered, her emotions barely held in check, "but he said he forgot something, a-and he went back to get it, b-but he never returned." Her voice wavered weakly, bearing the imprint of exhaustion that clung to her like a shroud. Erwin's gaze flickered towards Levi, a tacit understanding bridging the gap between them, this was no accidental separation, but a deliberate abandonment.
after the abnormals have been taken care of the soldiers regrouped again, Erwin refrained from telling Shadis about the girl once he saw her in order to avoid any more delays, he covered her shivering body with his jacket to warm her and they advanced forward until they finally reached their base; the wounded were being taken cared of and the others rested, while Erwin, Levi went to the commander's office
"Why complicate things? Just take the kid to an orphanage," Levi suggested, his gaze fixed on the little girl who sought refuge behind Erwin, her tiny frame clutching his leg as she timidly observed Levi from the periphery.
Erwin's response was measured, a calm rebuttal to Levi's suggestion. "There's a purpose behind bringing her here, Levi."
"And what's that?" Shadis inquired, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.
"The answer might not be immediately obvious, but if you examine her attire and that necklace she's wearing," Erwin explained. Indeed, the girl's garments bore the hallmark of fine quality, yet it wasn't the fabric that drove Erwin's decision.
"Considering her attire, it's clear she doesn't belong to the middle class," Erwin continued, his words laden with significance, "but it's not just about her social status. If she truly hails from within the walls, then her presence beyond them hints at an orchestrated effort to keep her secret—potentially an assassination attempt."
His revelation hung heavy in the room, a discordant note that stirred unease in both Levi and Shadis, unraveling the situation's simplicity into something far more sinister.
The little girl, grappling with a foreign word, clutched at Erwin's pant leg, a touch seeking understanding. "What's an assas—assanation?" she ventured, a valiant attempt at pronunciation. Erwin shifted his focus, his voice gentling as he knelt to meet her gaze, a subtle segue into a different line of conversation. "What's your name, little one?" he inquired, crouching down to her eye level.
- - -
"Victoria?" A voice punctured the depths of Victoria's journey through her memories. Instantly recognizing the timbre, she glanced upwards, her gaze finding Erwin standing in the doorway, a welcoming smile curving his lips.
"Erwin!" Her face lit up with delight, the past momentarily fading into the background. Swiftly, she rose from the circular table, her steps carrying her swiftly toward the man who personified home. her arms enveloping him as tightly as her heart had clung to his memory.
"I've missed you so much," she confessed, her voice imbued with genuine affection. His response was as warm as his smile.
"I've missed you too, little one." He held her close, lifting her off the ground in a bear hug that elicited pure laughter, a crystalline expression of joy.
"Oi keep it down you two, it's eight in the morning" Levi suddenly appeared from behind Erwin
"V," Victoria's gaze shifted to Levi, a fond narrowing of her eyes betraying her affection for him. A genuine smile graced her lips, carrying the weight of how much she had yearned for their presence. The fall of Wall Maria had thrust them all into a whirlwind of activity, their lives swept into a tumultuous current of duty and struggle. Amidst the chaos, reunions had become rarities, and she couldn't hide the traces of longing that painted her expression as she met Levi's gaze. Hange and Miche seemed like distant echoes, their presence a cherished memory of days that felt both near and yet impossibly far.
Following the heartwarming reunion, Victoria set about preparing a comforting brew for the trio. As the kettle simmered, Erwin and Levi reclined, weariness from their journey etched into their features. As steam curled from the cups, Erwin spoke, gratitude lacing his words as he accepted the tea Victoria offered him.
"Your letter reached me," he acknowledged, the resonance of their correspondence palpable. Victoria's response bore a playful yet earnest undertone.
"Took you long enough. I've been counting the days," she retorted, handing a steaming cup to Levi, her gesture one of familiarity.
Levi, his skepticism woven into a characteristic click of his tongue, questioned her fervor "I still don't understand why you're so keen on doing this"
"I don't understand why you are so surprised about this, I've always wanted to join you two and fight by your side" Victoria replied sitting in front of them, Levi was against that idea for so long, how could he tell her that being a soldier is not an easy thing and wipe that beautiful smile off her face? he can't... he could never, he couldn't stop the feeling of dreadfulness as he saw the look of excitement and admiration in her eyes, he wants her to live a normal life, away from all that's bad in this world, and even Erwin sometimes still found it amusing at how Levi's and Victoria's relationship had evolved from disliking the six years old they found on that dreadful day, to the loving bond they both share now; but they also knew that there is no holding her back, so the least they could do is make sure she's safe, especially after the fall of Wall Maria.
Time had a way of slipping away unnoticed, and Victoria's preparations were already complete. Erwin seized her suitcase and carried it out to the waiting carriage, where Levi stood. Observing her in pants brought forth a hint of nostalgia; a fond smile crept across his face as he recalled the days when she'd don his attire, a testament to the bond they had formed since discovering her. That very first smile she directed at him remained etched in his memory, a warmth that seemed to defy time.
Levi's commitment remained unswerving. He had sworn to safeguard his beloved charge, unwavering in his resolve, regardless of the sacrifices that might entail.