.˜"*°• L I T T L E M O N S T E R •°*"˜.

"Wipe that off," Missy whispered, handing Apollo a cloth from within her bag.

He took it without a word, wiping the remnants of their father's anger from his face.

The sun had risen and streaks of light flitted through the clouds in the sky, highlighting the damage. They had been riding silently for the past four hours, neither one of them daring to say a word. Missy patted her horse's mane as they continued, taking sideways glances at her brother every once in a while.

"Why did we even bother going back?" She asked, more to herself than to Apollo.

He didn't answer anyway, keeping his eyes on the road before them as they put more distance between themselves and the little town that had never felt like home.

The sun had broken through the cloudy sky just as they reached the base where they would be staying with the other Scouts until their mission had been completed. Missy didn't even know if anyone was there yet, as the Scouts weren't scheduled to arrive until later that evening. If no one was there, would they be able to get in, or would they be stuck outside until someone turned up?

That thought was answered once they spotted a handful of horses in the stables beside the big, castle-like building. Missy led her horse, Comanche, into one of the free stables and made sure he had water and food before walking towards the doors of the building. She felt Apollo's presence beside her, casting him a quick look.

He looked awful. His blood had stained his face, his nose swollen and the gash on his cheek still wide open. He would probably need stitches before it got infected. She lifted her hand to rap three times against the big wooden door, praying that whoever was inside was awake, or would at least hear them. A minute passed and she heard Apollo let out a sigh, followed by a wince. After another minute she heard movement behind the door, causing her ears to perk up. She watched as it opened slowly to reveal a very annoyed looking Captain Levi.

"What the hell are you brats doing here?" Levi asked, a scowl on his lips as he scanned Artemis over, then Apollo, his brows furrowing at the state of the boy. "Get in here".

A few minutes later, they were sat in a stone-walled room, at a wooden dining table, waiting for Levi to return from wherever he had gone off too.

"What are you going to tell him if he asks what happened?" Missy asked in a quiet tone, keeping her eyes on the flickering candle burning in front of her.

"The truth," Apollo replied bluntly.

Missy's eyebrow rose slightly. "Is that a good idea?".

"Why not?" He replied. "It's not as if everyone's oblivious to the fact he's a sadistic, abusive monster".

"Yes, but what if word gets back to him that we-".

"Don't be daft, Artemis," Apollo chuckled darkly. "Everyone knows how our upbringing went, they just choose to ignore it because he's crazy. No one want's to be on his bad side. Our village knows, the government knows, the King knows, Captain Levi knows, your friends know- "

"Don't bring my friends into this, they didn't know anything until I told them," Missy spat.

Apollo let out a hollow laugh, which ricochet off the grey stone walls. "And what did they do then? Offer you support? How touching. Acrisius is still being beat every day, forced to mold himself into one of dad's perfect little soldiers yet no one does anything to try and stop it, why is that?"

Apollo took Missy's silence as a means to carry on. "Because it's always been easier for everybody to look the other way, and let the crazy Rhydduchs carry on with their crazy lifestyle. It's funny how mothers tell their kids stories about our ancestors as a damn bedtime story every night and those same kids have no idea about the reality of those stories. The reality that we're still stuck living a damn nightmare whilst they glamorize it as some sort of hero fantasy story. No one gives a shit Artemis, we're completely on our own, we always have been. So whether I tell the truth or not won't matter because no one will give a fuck. Alec Rhydduch beat the fuck out of his kid because he let an Ackerman get a better final score than him in the cadet corps, what a shocker".

"Enough, Apollo," Missy hissed, balling her hands into fists to try stop them from shaking. "Just stop talking".

"And why is it that we do nothing to stop it?" He spoke through gritted teeth as he slammed his fist onto the wooden table, making it splinter beneath his touch. "Because this stupid blood curse stops us from disobeying orders. We're robots, hard-wired to take orders and stay loyal to those superior to us, protecting who we've been ordered to protect. Its funny, really, how we are able to protect everyone else, except ourselves-".

Missy almost jumped when the door to the room opened, revealing Captain Levi once again, followed by Henry Yates and Zero Gillard. Both siblings immediately stood to throw their fist over their chest in respect for the higher soldiers.

"I brought your squad leaders; they'll explain to you the plan to take back the east side of wall Maria. There's a big meeting scheduled later for when the other Scouts get here, but it seems you two have had a rough night so I want you to sleep it off instead of attending that meeting," Levi explained, pulling the first aid kit out of Zero's hands before opening it on the table. "Go ahead, whilst I fix the hole in this brats face".

Henry turned and smiled at her softly, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hello, Artemis, It's been a while since we've spoken. I was pleasantly surprised when Captain Levi placed you in my squad out of everyone else's".

He was a kind-looking man in his early forties, his light brown hair flecked with wisps of grey and his dark eyes framed by crows feet. She offered him a half-hearted smile and a nod. "Indeed it has been a while, sir".

She and Henry had exchanged a few words here and there around the training grounds. Missy was relieved to be working under someone she was at least acquainted with. She turned her head towards the man next to him. His messy black hair fell loosely over his forehead and his hazel eyes were busy pinning Apollo with a distasteful stare.

"This is Zero Gillard," Henry introduced, motioning an open palm towards the younger man. "He'll be Apollo's Squad leader".

Missy's tense shoulders relaxed a little at the knowledge that she and Apollo wouldn't be joining the same squad. Her eyes flickered to Levi who was busy stitching her brothers cheek up, and wondered whether he had been the one to organize their separation. Her heart skipped with a rare showing of joy at the thought.

As if feeling her gaze on him, Levi looked up and shot her a glare, causing her to roll her eyes and turn her attention back to her squad leader as he began to relay the mission plans to the both of them.

"So, our squads are to protect the group of mechanics who will be fixing the gate?" She repeated, looking up at her Squad leader after he had finished speaking.

"Correct. It's a group of ten men who will be escorted on a horse drawn cart right in the centre of the middle-guard, but the area is teeming with Titans. Captain Levi informs us that there are a few Abnormal's out there too, so our job is very important," Henry replied, lacing his fingers together in front of him.

"So basically, make sure you get those ten men to the outer gate, alive," Levi summarized, inspecting Apollo's cheek before giving him a half-hearted slap up the head.

"Ow! What was that for?" Apollo winced, rubbing the back of his head.

"For waking me up so goddamn early," Levi replied coldly, turning to glare at Missy again. "Do you happen to have any gaping wounds that need tending to, or am I free to enjoy the rest of my morning?".

"No, Captain, I'm unharmed," Missy replied, watching as Levi nodded and placed the things back in the first aid kit.

"So, who beat the shit out of you?" Zero asked, speaking up for the first time the entire meeting. "Don't tell me it was your sister?".

Apollo's fists clenched in his lap, something that didn't go amiss to the black-haired squad leader. Zero didn't look too much older than the twins, maybe twenty-four at most. His hazel eyes had been narrowed towards Apollo the entire meeting, but now a hint of mischievousness could be found twinkling within his iris's.

"Yeah, it was me," Missy replied. "Please can we leave it at that".

She watched from the corner of her eye as Apollo's jaw tightened.

"Cursed twins," Zero grinned thoughtfully as he pushed himself from the wall and sauntered forward to place a finger under Missy's chin, tilting her head up. "You're going to be trouble, little monster".

▪──────────── ⚔ ────────────▪

Missy had followed Henry up the age-old staircase and into a room less than a few minutes later, finding chaos ensuing within.

"Get down here!".

"Arro, if you break the ceiling i'm not helping you fix it this time".

Missy stopped in the doorway, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her. A boy was hanging from the centre of the room, his ODM gear shot securely into the stone ceiling as he dangled upside down, a wicked grin on his face.

Below him, a short girl was stood with her hands over her eyes, begging the boy to get down. Her hair was dark and wavy, curling inwards just above her shoulders. The boy dangling from the ceiling also had dark hair, but it was hard for Missy to make out much else with the way he was hung from the ceiling like a chandelier.

The only other person in the room was someone she recognized. A boy with long, blonde hair that was tied into a knot on the top of his head, his eyes the most beautiful shade of green that she had ever seen. Julius Batternby, a rich kid from within the walls of Sina. Missy had heard rumors that he had left his home within the centre wall to join the Scouts, leaving behind a fortune and a stuck up, pompous family. Missy didn't like to dwell on rumors, however. She had endured her fair share of those.

"Arro," Henry sighed, his shoulders sagging at the sight before him. "It's 7:30 in the morning".

"That's prime time, old man," The boy hanging from the ceiling cackled. "What better way to start the morning than feeling your blood rushing to your brain. It's why I'm so smart, you should take notes, Blondie".

Julius scoffed from his place on the couch, his head leaning on his arm which he draped along the back of the seat. "Don't talk down to me you feral little animal".

"Speaking of blood," Henry grumbled, running a hand through his hair. "I can feel mine rising in pressure. Just get down and behave yourself".

Arro's eyes flickered to Missy who was still stood in the doorway. "You brought us fresh meat, old man," He smirked, lowering himself from the ceiling and releasing his wires with a sharp crack.

Missy watched as a few shards of stone crumbled from the gouge he left behind, her eyebrows furrowing.

"This is Artemis Rhydduch," Henry introduced before turning to her with a sympathetic smile. "These are my feral squad children. Arro, Amara, and Julius".

Missy scanned the people in the room, her hands clutching the strap of the bag that hung from her shoulder. "Nice to meet you".

"Ooh, she's serious," Arro grinned, taking a step forward to inspect her with sparkling eyes. "So you're one of those cursed twins, huh?".

Missy fought the urge to step back as he invaded her space, frowning at the boy in front of her. "I guess so".

"Let's hope you live up to your name," He said, lifting a hand out to tuck a finger under her chin, tilting her head up. "I've heard all about you. You're going to be the real monster out there, aren't you? Those Titans won't know what hit 'em".

Missy pushed his hand from her chin, drowning in a sense of deja vu. She ignored his words, sizing him up with her narrow eyes. "You're related to Zero".

Arro let out a chuckle. "My older brother, how'd you guess?".

"You are alike," Missy replied simply. "In both looks and personality".

It was true. Arro had the same face as his brother, yet his black hair was spiked upwards away from his forehead. Although, his bright, sparkling hazel eyes were identical to Zero's.

"He's worse than Zero," Julius replied, pushing himself from the couch and walking towards the group that had now formed by the door. "It's good to finally meet you, Artemis. I've seen you around the training grounds on training days, but you are usually swarmed by a flock of noisy animals so I've not had the chance to formally introduce myself before".

Missy held back a snort as he addressed her friends. Usually she would get defensive, but nothing he had said had been untruthful.

"I'm Amara," The short girl smiled, holding a hand out to Missy.

Missy felt her guarded, iron-built walls tremor threateningly around her heart as she observed Amara's warm, kind eyes. She gulped at the feeling, but took the girl's hand nonetheless.

"Welcome to Squad Henry!" Amara beamed. "We're so happy to have you!".

Missy swallowed down the strange feeling in the pit of her stomach as she let Amara drag her further into the room. She watched silently as Arro and Julius bickered between each other. They reminded her of Jean and Eren, she realized. In the three years that Missy had been away from the confinements of Turk village, she had made just one group of friends. She hadn't opened her heart to anyone else, because no one else in the training corps had tried to befriend her.

These people, Missy thought to herself as she sucked in a breath, dodging some debris that fell from the ceiling as Arro attached himself back onto the ceiling with a mischievous cackle, these people are happy that i'm here. They aren't afraid of me, or the curse in my blood. They accepted me into their group immediately, without question.

It wasn't the type of behavior Missy was used too, but she couldn't deny the small spark of warmth that ignited within her chest.

▪────────────  ⚔  ────────────▪

After an entertaining morning with her new squad, scouts started arriving from their weekend of leave, piling into the HQ like ants to a nest.

"Sasha, it's been one night," Missy mumbled, her head close to being squeezed off as Sasha cradled it in her arms.

"One night is too long to be without you, my dearly beloved," She whined dramatically, before Eren stepped forward and peeled them apart with his hands.

"Sasha, remember what we said about space," Eren scolded, pinning her with a glare.

His glare was interrupted however, as Ymir and Historia raced up the stone hallway, squealing as they threw themselves at Missy and Sasha. Missy just let out a chuckle, patting Historia on the back as Eren shook his head.

"Women," He mumbled, turning away with his arms crossed.

"What did you say?" Mikasa asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

Eren's eyes widened and he held his hands out as if to shield himself. "Women. I love them!".

"Sure," She replied, rolling her eyes.

"We've got a meeting to get too," Jean sighed, stretching his arms above his head. "Let's go".

Missy waved her hand in the air as she watched her friends depart from the corridor and down to the meeting room. She bit the inside of her cheek, looking around at the grey walls. Levi had told her to rest during this hour, but Missy wasn't feeling the slightest bit tired. She made her way towards the stone staircase as the last few scouts departed for the meeting. She caught sight of Hera and Achilles stood outside the meeting room, watching everybody intently as they stepped inside. Missy snorted quietly at the sight of her brother and sister. They looked like a pair of guard dogs stationed outside that great door. Achilles caught her eye and raised an eyebrow at her from afar, causing Missy's features to harden.

"Are you coming inside, Missy?" Hera called, tilting her head towards the meeting room door.

Missy shook her head, surprised that her sister had even acknowledged her. "No, I've already had a briefing".

Hera and Achilles mirrored each others faces with a confused expression, but didn't push further on the matter.

"Don't wander around on your own," Achilles spoke, his deep voice echoing in the corridor.

Missy nodded, turning around without another word and walking up the stone staircase, taking two at a time. She didn't see her siblings often. She guessed she might be seeing them a little more now that she was out of training and in the same regiment as most of them. The thought made her chest constrict.

She wasn't going to listen to her brother, however, as her feet took her to the highest point of HQ. Arro had mentioned earlier how he had found a staircase leading to the rooftop. The narrow staircase hadn't been hard to find, as Missy climbed to the top, pushing the flimsy wooden door open to reveal exactly what Arro had described. It was a small rooftop area which overlooked miles and miles of fields. She stepped up on to the roof, walking over to the edge and peering over. Her eyes widened as she realized how high up she was. She hadn't realized she had taken so many stairs to get to this point. She took a step back, before lifting her gaze to scan the horizon. Green rolling fields and a dark, clouded sky filled her vision, the orange hues of the impending sunset streaking through the gaps in the thick, rain-filled clouds. It was beautiful.

"I thought I told you to rest".

She turned her head, seeing her Captain stood behind her just in front of the door. She turned her whole body and held her fist over her heart, but he waved his hand at her to be at ease.

"I don't feel tired," She responded, turning back to the edge of the roof. "I'll be fine, it's Apollo that needs the rest".

"You keep finding little ways to be disobedient," Levi sighed, walking up to stand beside her with his arms crossed. "It's infuriating. I'm starting to think you aren't affected by the same curse the rest of us are".

She rolled her eyes. "Maybe my body just doesn't recognize you as superior, so you're commands don't register".

"Is that so?" Levi answered, narrowing his eyes. "Attack me, right now".

Missy's eyes widened as she felt a warmth ignite within her veins. She clenched her jaw, trying to ignore the feeling but it seared hotter with every second she tried to disobey it. She let out a grunt as her body started moving on it's own, lunging towards Levi as a smirk decorated his usually hard features. He met her movements with his own, flipping her onto her back within seconds.

"Was there a need for that?" Missy groaned from her place on the ground.

"Just had to check," Levi shrugged, holding an arm out to pull her back to her feet. "Can't have you believing i'm not superior to you now, can we?".

"Point proven," Missy muttered.

They stood in silence for a few seconds, just observing the pretty sky and rolling hills, before Levi spoke up again.

"You wanna tell me who actually did that to Apollo's face?".

Missy stiffened, crossing her arms over her chest to try and hide the fact her body language had just given away her composure. "What do you mean?".

"I know you and Apollo don't get along, but in all three year's that I've been training you both, you've never laid a hand on each other. So why is it as soon as you go home he comes back with a gash across his cheek and a broken nose?" Levi replied, his eyes not once leaving the scenery before them.

Missy was silent, trying to formulate the right words to say. She had tried preventing Apollo from speaking the truth, even though he said it wouldn't matter, and now here she was having to fix her lie.

"I know it was your father, Artemis," He muttered. "It's no secret that he's an asshole".

"Yeah, well, it's not exactly something people are comfortable talking about".

"I've never liked your father," Levi stated, a hint of irritation behind his usually composed demeanor. "The man needs throwing in a cell for the rest of eternity".

"You've met him?" Missy responded, raising a brow.

"You could say that," He replied, clearly fighting back the urge to say more. "Did he hurt you?".

"Not this time," She whispered, holding her hands out in front of her as she felt the first drops of rain land on her upright palms. "I was asleep. Apollo woke me up looking like that. I didn't ask questions, I just left with him. It was probably a bad idea though, he won't like that we both ran away".

"If he brings it up, just tell him I sent a messenger asking for you both to arrive early," Levi ordered, turning to her finally. "Perhaps don't take any trips home if they aren't absolutely necessary".

She nodded, pushing a strand of her hair from her forehead as the rain got increasingly heavier. "Yes, sir".

He kept his eyes on her for a moment, before turning back to the door. "Come on, you'll catch a cold out here in this rain".

Missy stayed put, her hands still outstretched in front of her as she faced the rolling hills in the distance.

He tilted his head at her, before walking back to her side and drawing his hand up to tug on the ends of her hair. "That was an order, by the way".

She pursed her lips, turning her head to pin him with a glare. "Don't baby me".

"Trust me, babying you is the last thing I care about doing," He scoffed, jerking his head towards the roof door. "You have a big mission tomorrow. If you get sick, I'm sending you out there as a tasty little Titan snack regardless".