Chương 3: Chapter III: Colors

It's dark outside as Eren sips on his warm tea, attentively watching the captain as he drank his own. They've been sitting like this for a few hours since Eren broke out of the hardened crystal. He's not quite sure if Levi believes him yet but he can accept the amount of time it will take.

Levi drinks his tea quietly, pondering what the hell just happened mere minutes ago. Meeting an older version of a boy he fell hard for, already noticing the hardship in his eyes. This Eren was different in many ways, he was quiet, the determined shimmer in his eyes was dimmed, and he looked tired. This Eren looks like he went through hell and back, and has regrets about it. Gone was the innocence, gone was the stubbornness and anger, it was all gone.

"Tch, to think I would ever see a face like that on yours. I've seen those looks in the Underground when there isn't any hope left."

A swift kick is what Eren gets, surprising him enough to tumble backward, his tea barely saved in the process. He groans through his teeth, deciding to stare up at the ceiling instead. "Get up, Jaeger," Levi stands over him, a permanent scowl showing on his face. "Have you witnessed so much that you can even get the fuck up?"

Levi doesn't expect to get kneed in the groin, causing him to double over. He hisses before he gets flipped, their positions reversed now. A blade gets pressed to his throat, causing Levi to narrow his eyes at the boy above him. Eren struggles, hands trembling almost violently while he grits his teeth, eyes starting to water already. But there it was, that stubbornness that Levi has learned to love so much, it was like something in Eren snapped.

Eren stops, sitting up which evidently leaves him straddling the captain as he moves. Eren is in his own little world as Levi tries not to think too hard about the fact that there is so much muscle on those legs. His Eren was still scrawny but had little amounts of muscles growing as training went by. This Eren above Levi also makes his heart stop momentarily, his long hair emphasizing cheekbones perfectly. "Eren," the boy looks down at him and Levi might have to accept the fact that this is no mere boy but a man above him.

"I-I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean---"

"Good instincts, that's good, you need that in the Survey Corps. Now help me up, brat." Eren tries for a smile as he offers his hand to Levi, helping the older man get up. A speck of light pink dust spreads over Eren's cheeks, looking away immediately. So there was hope for him after all, Levi hums, what Eren needs was to go back to his roots. To where it all started…

To go back to Shiganshina.

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Things don't smooth over that well since the military has suddenly decided that they want Eren back. Knowing Erwin, he won't let them touch a hair on Eren anytime soon. And eventually, Hange is able to connect all the dots because they're too smart for their own good. They hug Eren tightly, annoyed that he's so tall now, taller than 'shorty over there,' which earns them a whack on the head. No one else knows anything or suspects Eren of something yet. Between the three of them, Hange and Levi take up protecting Eren from any questioning, answering them if there are any.

A nightly ritual starts up between Eren and Levi since Eren broke out of his crystallized shell. They go into the district during the day, where Levi ends up buying a scarf for Eren. At night, they have tea together, silently appreciating the words that don't need to be said out loud.

Eren wears the scarf Levi gives him everywhere, even when he's training by himself in the forest. It calms him in a way when he feels the need to panic or stress over something that overwhelms him at times.

Today is no different, except for the fact that Eren is being called for by the commander. Hange pats him on the back with a reassuring smile, hopping away with glee. For a moment, Eren wonders if he should be worrying over this but lets it slide instead. On the way, he passes other scouts, hearing them murmur things as he passes, eyes watching. He pulls the scarf more securely around his neck, burying his nose into the soft knitted fabric.

Erwin smiles politely as Eren walks in, just finishing some paperwork. It's an awkward silence that follows because Eren can't help but watch the man, watch how he was alive and breathing before him. "So, it has come to my attention that you are in need of a promotion. Captain Levi has shared with me how great a soldier you are to this regiment and insisted I promote you. I would like to say that you are probably one of the youngest besides Levi to be promoted to a higher position. But congratulations are in order, Eren."

Erwin offers a hand to a stunned Eren, who shakes it profusely with wide eyes. He wonders if Levi wanted to get Eren more involved, and with a higher position that works well. "T-thank you, Commander, that means a lot to me."

"Good, though be warned, there may be more paperwork than you anticipated. This position comes with a squad that you're in charge of. I will have Hange give you a list of potential team members later on. But go to Captain Levi too, he may have some suggestions as well. Now, if you excuse me, I must get back to these papers."

"Yes sir," trying not to stumble, Eren walks out as quickly as his long legs can move. He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry because he knows exactly who he wants on his squad. He would do anything to experience those moments with all his friends that were alive.

This feels like such a long day already.

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"Erennnnn, my baby titan, where are you!"

Eren groans, shifting under his pillow to block out Hange's loud yelling down the hallway. He loves them to death but it's too early in the morning for them to have so much energy. Suddenly the door is opening and he pulls the sheets over his head, burrowing further into the cotton.

"Eren, oi---"

"Tell Hange to shut up, it's too early in the morning for them to be yelling." Eren peeks through a blanket, seeing Levi sitting on his right where Eren can see him better. A cool hand pulls on the blanket hiding the man, gently prying away the warmth from Eren. He pouts, hiding his face in his pillow while hearing Levi tsk again. A hand splays on his back, tracing the dips and curves of the skin under Eren's sleep shirt. He shivers, feeling goosebumps forming from Levi's cold hand, trying to inch away from the contact, "Levi--"

"Eren! There you are! Get up, I want to try some tests with you!"

"Four eyes, let the boy wake up first."

"I'm up now, can you two at least leave the room for me to change?" A light cuff to the head leaves Eren grumbling as Levi and Hange leave him be. Finding his washed uniform, Eren puts them on, tightening the silver and black harnesses and straps. He wraps his cloak around him tightly, securing at the same time as Levi coming in, a teacup in his hand. "Hange thought you went back to sleep but I see you're ready now. Let's go," the young man follows the captain out the door, wondering what they could possibly be doing this morning.

The sun is just rising as the three of them make it out to the field for 'experiment purposes' as Hange put it. Eren decides not to question it as long as he can get some rest afterward. It's quiet out except for some birds nearby, chirping away happily in the morning dew. The moment let's Eren be aware of his surroundings, a wave of peace washing over him. "We're gonna try something! And don't worry, Erwin approved this already so go ahead, Eren!"

It hasn't been very long since Eren was in titan form, directing the rumbling before he died for good. He almost forgets what he's doing until he pulls out a knife, slicing it into his hand roughly. There's a loud crackle and bolts of yellow light before everything still except for a thud against the earth. Eren can hear Hange squealing in excitement while the captain's eyes are wide, staring up at Eren's fifteen meters of titan.

There have been a few changes in his appearance since the last time he used it. Using the crystal to hide from the Survey Corps was different but this was different. The powers he had inherited were showing on his titan form, one side of his teeth covered with parts of the Warhammer Titan. While some of his ribs now poking out, his left eye was covered by the material of the Warhammer and founder. "Fascinating!"

Eren crooned, moving around a little as Levi used his ODM gear to get to the titan fast. "Leviiiii!! Are you seeing this? He looks so cool! Better than any titan I've seen!"

The titan feels a light tap on his head, signaling that Levi is on top of his head, watching him with narrow eyes. "Eren---"

"Levi look!"

A sword forms in the titan's hands, long and sharp, <em>dangerous</em> in some ways. The titan kneels in front of Hange, head bowing in respect as Levi raises a brow. "Hange Zoë, your death was remembered greatly as a sacrifice for Eldians alike. Thank you, my child." The scientist in question blinks a few times, trying to process what they just witnessed before their eyes.

"Levi Ackerman of the Ackerman clan, protector devoted to protecting others, I thank you for what you had done. This is your chance to change the past as you once said you wished you had more time with Eren Jaeger before he died. Do not waste this opportunity, Ackerman."

Levi freezes, his eyes narrowing at the words as the titan speaks. Eren died? What the hell?

There isn't much else he can say or do because suddenly Eren is coming out of his nape, holding something small to his chest. Levi hops down, gaping at what the soldier was holding in his arms.

"Eren--"

"I---I heard her use my voice to speak to you all but I didn't think she would appear."

"Who is she?"

"She's the founding titan, the one who started the line of the nine titans. Ymir Fritz, a slave since she was a child, was then eaten as an adult by her own daughters, Maria, Sina, and Rose. I didn't expect to see her again, not for a long time at least."

Eren shivers as a breeze passes, causing Levi to snap out of his shock, grabbing the young man by the waist, zipping down to the ground immediately. Hange approaches them, eyes wide as they see the child in Eren's arms, sleeping peacefully. "We need to get her some clothes then, and explain this to Erwin before the government finds out."

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Baby Ymir stares at Eren intelligently, like she's watching him from the Paths this way. Does she not trust him enough to change the timeline? Or perhaps she was feeling lonely, a silly thought in Eren's opinion but he can't blame her. She's chewing on a loose thread from Eren's scarf as Levi brings in clean clothes and a diaper. "I doubt she'll need the diaper, sir---"

"Eren, founder or not, she's a fucking baby, she's wearing the diaper." Eren covers Ymir's ears, scowling at Levi, which is astonishing since no one had the guts to even look at Levi head-on without fear. When they get back to HQ, some of the scouts question the baby in Eren's arms, only receiving glares from the captain as an answer. Hange is buzzing the entire time, wondering who this little baby was and if it could control titans. Of course, that's all cut short the minute hears them say those words, snapping at them to go find Moblit instead.

"You didn't need to be rude to them, sir, she's just curious."

"That may be, but shitty glasses can forget this brat is human until someone reminds her."

"Sir, with all due respect---"

"Keep your mouth shut if you wanna live, brat number one."

"Yes sir."

____________

It must be an unlucky week for Eren when he finds out he has to go on a mission outside the wall. But he is prepared, with new team members on his squad, Eren believes he can handle it. The only problem is, who's gonna take care of Ymir?

The whole Survey Corps was going and Eren didn't trust anyone outside of Hange and Levi at the moment. So instead, he ends up bringing Ymir with him, which may be the worst decision ever but it's better than nothing. Goddess above, help keep your mother alive.

He can't help but try to think over the events that happen during this time. Reiner and Bertolt will reveal themselves soon as the Colossal and Armoured titan. It's hard to remember the timeline though as an infant is wiggling against one's chest on a horse. Levi sends him an unreadable look many times during the day, keeping a close distance to the two in the formation they follow. Eren orders Jean and Armin to get ahead to watch for any incoming titans, keeping Mikasa, Connie, and Sasha with him. Ymir and Historia were towards the back, watching the rear for titans like the others.

They soon enter a titan forest, seeing a green flare in the sky as a signal to stop. Eren sighs in relief, the straps digging into his thighs uncomfortably, twisting around to ease the ache. Ymir wiggles against him, pulling on the scarf wrapped around Eren's neck, whining quietly. For a baby, she is pretty quiet unless she wants something from Eren which is usually attention surprisingly. He can't blame her though, since she lost her family at a young age and never got the love and respect she actually deserved.

He uses his gear to fly to a nearby tree, cradling Ymir as he waits for the others. They'll stay here tonight and then head towards Utgard castle. News had spread a few hours ago that something happened near Wall Rose which is why the Survey Corps was called in.

Levi lands next to Eren, draping his own cloak over the two while setting up some netting to rest on. "Give me the brat and get some rest, you've been holding her all day now, Eren." The captain hooks the netting to two branches, making sure it was sturdy enough before turning to Eren expectantly. Some part of him hesitates though, like giving Ymir away might be a terrible thing to do. Shaking his head, Eren slides over to Levi, slowly giving the infant to the captain before he lies down on a small pillow.

Secretly, Eren couldn't help but notice how cute the captain was with Ymir, in another life he would be a good father. If only this world wasn't so terrible that Eren had to come back to fix the mistakes he made. Levi wouldn't have been injured, losing two fingers, losing his comrades because of Zeke, losing Hange and Erwin. Eren doubts that the captain was alone though after his timely death, hoping that his friends didn't abandon the captain in any way.

But tomorrow is another day, and Eren can sleep with that in mind.