Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

NINETY-FIVE

'We are not born with fear inside of us. To fear is something taught, cut into us by the world and the realities it teaches.'

-An extract from the book 'Evolutions' written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

<><><>

NINETY-FIVE

Wall Maria, North Region, Islet

A summons had come this morning.

It was barely dawn; the northern sun had just begun to cast its red glow over the slumbering town. Everything was silent one minute; then, at the arrival of a footman who bore just one single letter, everything awoke at once.

Lorelai's inferno rose from its hibernation. Twenty-four years of slumber dissipated; that morning, it was as if nothing had changed.

The biting fear returned, the memories of every haunted day in that manor. Lorelai would reunite with her father today.

After twenty-four years apart, she would have to gather the courage to look her greatest fear in the eye.

<>

"I'd rather you not come, darling," Lorelai said, fiddling with her earrings in the mirror.

"What?" Levi demanded, striding over to look her in the eye. "Of course I'm coming. I won't let you face him alone."

She sighed softly. He had a point, even now, still far away from the manor, Lorelai's hands were shaking and her stomach in knots. She was terrified. But, Lorelai wasn't only scared for herself.

She who had known her father's mind games intimately knew what an ordeal it was to be subjected to them. Her father could lie and manipulate like no one on Earth.

Levi's presence would only give Briggs fuel. Love was an emotion easily exploited.

She couldn't expect him to subject himself to that. No matter how much Levi's presence might comfort her.

"I don't want him to hurt you," Lorelai said breathily.

Levi softened, kneeling before her. He turned her hand over in his. "He won't. And I won't let him hurt you either."

He understood so little. She looked down.

"What are you expecting? Once we get there?"

"I don't know, I've never been able to read him," Lorelai admitted. "But, my father does everything for a reason. Believe me, by accepting his invitation; we're playing right into his hands."

Levi nodded, standing up. He raked a hand through his hair with a sigh. "We need to be dispassionate about this. We have to focus on getting some sort of deal for your people. We cut the pretences, and get straight to negotiating."

"I know, love. But it's never that simple." Levi watched as she slipped numerous daggers and a few handguns into her pockets.

He leant on the wall. "You think you have enough weapons for this peace meeting?"

Lorelai smiled a little. "Just a precaution." She sighed, turning to him gravely.

Levi was taken aback a little. He'd never seen Lorelai look so terrified; she was shaking, head to toe, her eyes wide, almost child-like.

"Promise me, Levi, you have to let me handle this. No matter what he does, or what he says."

"I can't-"