Flashback

I was sitting alone in my room one night, jotting down notes for an upcoming supply order list.  All of our materials for the ODM gear come from the other side of Wall Rose so we always have to order things early since it can take quite a bit to get them.

While I was scribbling down amounts, I heard a loud crash come from downstairs.  I flinched and set my pad of paper and pencil aside to go and investigate.  I whistled for (dog's name) and he came trotting over to my side from the kitchen.

If it wasn't the dog, then what the hell was that noise?

I quietly went down the steps and peeked around the entryway.  No signs of anything falling or breaking in here.  (Dog's name) followed right behind me as I scoped around the back room but there was still nothing.  Everything was where it's supposed to be.

This is strange...

Did I mention I was home alone and it was inching midnight?  Yeah, freaky.

I looked down at (dog's name) who was sniffing around the room.

"What is it boy?  Is something here?"

Or someone?

He must have caught a scent because he went towards the shop door and started scratching, trying to get in.  I walked over and slowly opened it for him.

(Dog's name) didn't waste any time running into the shop and bark at something.  I quickly grabbed a hammer from off a counter in the back room and snuck inside the shop.

I dove behind the counter and peeked around the corner to see what (dog's name) was barking at.  I didn't see anything at first.  Until I turned around.

There was a black, slender shadow standing over me.  It wasn't long before a shriek left my mouth and I started scooting away but just hit my back on the counter.

The shadow didn't have any features. No face, hair, anything.  All I could see was the outline of a person and it was terrifying.

I quickly managed to get up on my feet and leap over the counter to run to (dog's name).  He turned around and growled at the shadow that was slowly lurking towards us.

Reaching down to grab the hammer I brought, I was left patting the bare, wooden floor.

Where the shit did it go???

I looked around the floor and realized I had left it behind the counter.

For fuck's sake!

"W-Who are you?!"

I finally got my words out.

Of course no answer.

"Answer me!  Who are you and why are you here?!"

Nothing.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw more shadows.  They kept pouring into the room, almost like a black smoke.  My throat was tightening and it felt hard to breathe.

"(Dog's name), run! Go outside and find Quincy and dad!  H-Hurry!"

I coughed, reaching up to open the front store door.  Then I remembered that it was locked and the keys were upstairs in the kitchen.

Now I was screwed.

My vision was blurred and I could no longer see my dog or anything at that matter.  Everything was black and foggy.

"(F/n)? Hey wake up!"

I heard a faint voice in my ear.

"Wake up!  What the hell happened?!"

The voice got louder until it was clear enough to wake me up.

"...Huh?"

I mumbled, eyes fluttering open.  Looking around my surroundings, I was still in the shop.  Laying on the floor by the front door, specifically.

"Did I fall asleep?"

I asked, sitting up and rubbing my strained neck.

"You made a huge mess that's what you did!"

My dad snapped, pointing to the shelves.

What-?

Then I saw the mess he was talking about.  How did this happen? The store looked perfectly clean last night when I came down here with the dog?

"I didn't make this mess?"

I looked at my dad confused.

"Then who would have?  Did you invite a bunch of people over while Quincy and I were out?  I knew I shouldn't have left you here alone... You're always causing trouble."

He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

Well he definitely is disappointed in me... But I didn't do this!

"Dad you know I-"

"Hush, (f/n)."

He interrupted me from finishing my sentence.

"I'm just trying to-"

"Just clean this up.  Now.  Before we open.  We have customers waiting."

He walked away frustrated.

Guess I'm on cleaning duty today.

Flashback End

Today's the day. The long awaited day.

We, the Scouts, finally got a day off.

Everyone was looking forward to this day. We rarely get these. Heck, this is my first one since I've joined and I've been here for almost six months now!

I'm really looking forward to seeing my family. Mostly (dog's name). Quincy's a little bitch.

I was currently in my room, packing a small bag of things to take with me on my journey home.

While I was stuffing some money in the bag, a knock was heard on my door.

"Come in!"

I shouted, my back to the door.

The large oak door opened and closed quietly.

"Yes...?"

Looking over my shoulder, no one was there.

Who...?

I scanned across my dorm and nothing was there-

"HEY!"

A voice boomed from behind me.

"JESUS-"

I screamed, looking over.

"Good morning princess!"

Jean beamed which was kind of unusual.

"What do you want..."

I sighed, heart slowly going back to it's normal beating pattern.

"Just wanted to say bye- hEY wait, does your brother have the day off too?"

"I don't know, maybe?"

"Can I join you then and finally meet him???"

He gave my puppy eyes.

"What about your mom? I'm sure she misses you."

"I'll see her later."

He shrugs.

"...All right you can come with me."

"Yay! Thank you, (f/n)!"

He cheered, running out of my room.

"Meet me outside in ten minutes!"

I called before he got too far.

Time Skip

Close to two hours later, Jean and I finally made it to my old house. We left our horses at a local stable where someone would take care of them for the day while we were away.

We went up to the shop and entered. A small grin graced my lips at the ring of the old bell above the door. Quincy nor my father were anywhere to been seen inside.

"Hello? Dad? Quince?"

I hollered, closing the shop door.

"Guess they don't want to see you."

Jean shrugs which he got a small punch to the shoulder for.

"Meanie..."

He mumbles, rubbing his arm.

I shook my head and looked around, whistling for (dog's name).

Three seconds later, a (size) (breed) came plowing through the door and tackled me to the ground.

"Hi buddy!"

I chuckled, petting him.

"Did you miss me?! I missed you!"

Jean gasps and crouches down to pet the dog.

"Wow he's adorable!"

(Dog's name) yipped and smelled his hand before licking it.

"I know. He's a good boy."

I smiled, sitting up to shove him off of my lap.

Jean pet the dog while I looked in the back room for Quincy and/or my dad.

To my surprise, neither were there either.

Where could they be? They wouldn't leave the shop open and not leave it unattended?

"Hey Jean, I'll be right back."

He nodded, too busy cooing over his new best friend while I went up the stairs to check the house.

When I got to the top and into the living room, there was my dad. And surprise surprise, Tamara.

I cleared my throat and they both jumped back.

"O-Oh! Welcome home, (nickname)!"

My dad nervously laughed, waving.

Tamara just rolled her eyes and turned her head.

I pursued my lips and nodded.

"Hey. Is Quincy around?"

"Yeah. He should be out back bringing orders in. If not, he's fired for slacking on the job."

I lightly chuckled and nodded.

"Okay, I'll check when I go back down there. I brought a friend too. He's in the shop with (dog's name)."

"Hold on, did you say he?"

My dad stopped.

"Yes?"

I gave him a look.

He sighed and just let it go.

"As long as he's a friend."

Tamara snickered and swayed her hips to the kitchen which made me want to gag more than walking in on them making out. Yuck.

My dad and I then went downstairs to find Quincy. Jean was sitting on the floor, literally in love with the dog.

"Planning a wedding I see?"

I joked, causing him to narrow his eyes on me.

"I'm not gay, (f/n)."

"That's what you're more worried about?"

I laughed, going into the back room and out the door to see where my brother was.

Quincy was unloading a wagon of crates full of new materials.

"Hey dumb dumb."

I leaned against the door.

"Oh, well look who decided to show up."

He glanced over his shoulder, picking up a crate.

"Yep. And I brought a dude."

"You-... what now?"

He froze, staring at me now.

"Yeah, his name is Jean."

"Oh no... not a French guy."

He sighs, setting the crate down next to the others.

"I don't think he's- that's not the point. Why did you even say it like that? Never mind. He's my friend. And he's pretty cool, I think you'd get along. He came to meet T if he's around."

"Oh. Yeah I'm not sure. Haven't heard from him in awhile."

Quincy pulled out the last crate and closed the little wagon door then waved to the man who brought it before leaving.

"What do you mean? Hasn't he been writing letters?"

I questioned.

Surely Tristan has wrote them letters recently?

Quincy just shook his head.

"I don't know. Might be busy. But yeah, it's been a few weeks since we've gotten any letters."

He shrugged, starting to bring crates in so I decided to help to get the job done quicker.

"Maybe they just didn't get sent out? Mailed to the wrong address?"

"Who knows."

Quince sighed, setting it down in the storage room. I followed and set mine down.

"Okay... well hopefully one of us gets a letter soon. Or maybe he's planning a surprise visit?"

He nodded slightly.

"That'd be nice."

Time Skip

Later that evening we all had dinner in the kitchen.

Jean and I spent the day around town after he met my dad, brother and the slut I mean, Tamara.

Sadly, she's a real sweetheart to him and he even said she's a great motherly figure. I beg to differ.

Dinner was quiet besides Tamara acting like a total whore and being handsy with my dad under the table, pretending like nothing was going on.

Quincy knew what was up and just gave me looks from across the table since he was seated next to my dad.

Jean was completely oblivious, too indulged in the food on the plate in front of him. Apparently he's never had potato soup before. Saddest thing I've heard all day besides Tristan's lack of communication with us.

After we ate our meal, it was time to start heading back to HQ before it got any later. All cadets were to report back before midnight at the latest. Right now it was only 19:42 so we have plenty of time to get to HQ.

Jean gave a long hug goodbye to (dog's name) and shook hands with the others. I hugged them, all except Tamara. She just gave me a nasty look which I shrugged off.

Then we went off to the stables to retrieve our horses to go back. I sadly didn't get to see Katsumi or her sister Miyuki today since they're currently in another district in Wall Maria.

After we got our horses and paid the man who kept watch of them, we got on and rode back.

Along the way, I got a bit distracted and slowed down, trailing behind Jean now.  Neither of us seemed to notice because by the time I came back to reality, he was no longer in sight.

The sun had set long ago and we were still quite a ways from Headquarters.  I glanced around the area, trying to recognize where I was.  I couldn't remember any of the landscape here.  I don't remember passing any of this on the way earlier today?

"Jean? Are you still there?"

I called, waiting for a response.

The only sound in this dark night was the chirping of crickets and the hoot of owls.  I couldn't see anything too far in the distance besides trees and... well more trees.

Guess I'm lost. Greeeeeat.

Getting off of (horse's name), I looked around for any sources of light that could be from nearby buildings but still nothing.  All woods.

I sighed and got back on my horse to walk around and see if we stumble upon anything.

I don't know how long it's been but I swear I'm just going in a circle by now.  I'm guessing it's getting close to 20:30.  Probably not even close or it's been longer but who knows.

Deciding to stop and take a break, I grabbed an apple from my bag and broke half of it to give to (horse's name) and the other half for me.  I don't know how long we'll be out here but it could be awhile.

Would your mind work?

Probably not.  I see dead folks not the route home, idiot.

I rolled my eyes and sat down on a log.  I was completely off trail and had no sense of direction.  If only I hadn't been a dumbass and get distracted by whatever it was on my mind.

What was I even thinking about again?  I can't remember at all.

I kicked at the dirt by my feet, just thinking about nothing in particular.  Until I felt a subtle tap on my shoulder.

"Jean?"

I quickly looked up but as always, saw nothing.

"God damn..."

I muttered, leaning my cheeks into the palms of my hands.

The tap happened again on the same shoulder.

"Who keeps touching me?"

I glanced again and this time I saw an almost familiar face.

"...Isabel?"

"Hiya!"

The redhead smiled big, sat beside me.

"What are you doing here?"

I asked, sitting up.

"I saw you were lost!  And my big bro is looking for you!"

"Huh?"

I tilted my head in confusion.

"Yeah he's not happy!"

She giggles, covering her mouth.

"I don't really understand..."

I mumbled, just looking at her.

"He's in the Scouts with you, silly!  Duh!"

"I don't know who your brother is, Isabel?"

I sighed, then saw a picture of blue eyes in my head.

They looked so familiar but I couldn't quite put my finger on it...

"I can help you find your way back!"

"You...?"

"Trust me!"

She kept that smile on her face.

"If you say so..."

I got up and back on my horse.

Time Skip

After what seemed like forever, I finally managed to find my way back to HQ.  With the help of Isabel of course.

I put (horse's name) back in his stall then went inside where Captain Levi stood waiting.  He clearly looked pissed and I was not ready for the scolding.

"Where have you been, cadet (l/n)?"

"I got lost on my way back, sorry corporal."

I saluted but he waved it off.

"Get to your dorm and go to bed.  We'll discuss your punishment after breakfast."

He turned on his heel and walked away.

I sighed and did as I was told.  I'm surprised he didn't scream my ear off.

When I got back to my room, I threw my bag on the dresser and grabbed some night clothes to go bathe after being lost in the woods.

I caught a glance at a clock at it was already pushing ten.

I was gone that long???

Heading to the baths, I washed up, dried off then returned to my room to lay down and hopefully get some rest before whatever tomorrow brings.

Hopefully I just get assigned some cleaning and not anything too intense like babysitting Hanji's Titans.  No thank you.

Laying under the cheap, off white covers, I rested my head on the stiff feather filled pillow and stared at the ceiling forever.

My eyes seemed to be glued opened.  I hate these nights where I can't even fall asleep even for a few minutes.

Come on I'm exhausted...

The room felt to grow darker and darker and finally, my eyes shut.

Or so I thought.

"Let me help you up so we can get to a medic!"

"Don't touch me!  P-Please!  It hurts s-so much!"

"Listen to me!  If I don't get you up, you won't get better!  Deal with the pain for just a few minutes okay?!"

"N-No please!  I c-can barely m-moooove!"

"Just let-"

"I cAN'T!!!"

"GOD DAMN IT JUST LISTEN TO ME!"

"D-Do you not see the blood on me?!"

"Wake up."

"No."

"Wake up."

"I said no."

"AND I SAID WAKE UP!"

"What the hell?!"

I quickly sat up in my bed, covered in sweat.

I looked left then right then left again and saw Jean and Conny next to my bed.

"What... happened?"

I asked softly, panting slightly.

"It's almost ten in the morning and we heard you yelling! You tell us what happened!"

Jean snapped, anger on his face?

"Wait did you say ten?!"

My eyes went wide.

"Yeah! And the corporal has been waiting for you!"

"SHOOT! Why didn't anyone get me up sooner?!"

I sprung up from my bed but I didn't give myself time to adjust and I straight up fell down immediately and slammed into a wall.

"(F/n)!"

Jean came over to help me up.

"D-Don't touch me!"

I seethed in pain. My head was of course the first to strike the wall so all my body weight came after and made the hit even harder.

"(F/n) I'll take you to the infirmary..."

"Don't touch me!"

I woke up again with a jolt.

But this time I was outside.

Why am I out here? Wasn't I just in my dorm?

I looked around and it was fairly dark out. The sun looked to be barely rising.

What on Earth?

I sat up and stretched my back out. I had fallen asleep on a log. I didn't see (horse's name) anywhere... just lovely.

I whistled for him a few times and he eventually showed up. Thank god.

"Was I really just dreaming? Did I seriously never return home last night- oh no... ohhhhh no..."

The corporal is going to kill me.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

『Word Count:』3,129

WOW WHAT IS UP BREADSTICKS IT'S BEEN A HOT ASS MINUTE SINCE I'VE WRITTEN A CHAPTER OF... anything HELSIWPJW

Um... yeah I am VERY VERY SHIT HELLA SORRY I JUST DISAPPEARED AND STOPPED WRITING IT'S BEEN OVER A WHOLE ASS YEAR SINCE I UPDATED THIS IM SORRRRYYYYYY HHH

I just lost inspiration and motivation to keep going and I got busy and shit and shitballs I'm sorry...

Also sorry about this not being that good of a chapter. I really just had no ideas and stuff and wrote as I went lol so it's kind of all over the place.

Today I just really felt like writing and updating this book because I forgot how much I loved the storyline I had for this and i wanted to continue before I completely forgot.

Um yeah anyway I hope people still read this... :')

Ily guys and I have no idea when chapter 6 will be out HAJWOSJWL

~AlpineBreadStick