Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

NINETY-SIX

'Scars are not reminders of battles won. They are neither trophy nor a mark of bravery. Survival is no such achievement. Every scar marks a battle lost, a day that we can never get back.'

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

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NINETY-SIX

Wall Maria, North Region, Islet, Briggs Manor

The wind howled through the building as Lorelai and Aksel stared each other down.

The corners of his lips tugged upwards in amusement. "Oh, he's with you, now is he?"

"...Yes."

"I see." Briggs walked past them back into the foyer, his cane striking the marble in rhythmic thumps. "I thought you were smarter than that, Annalise-dear."

"What do you mean?"

Briggs only smiled coyly. Whatever this game was, he was enjoying it. Sick man, Levi thought.

"Come, we'll talk in the drawing-room." He turned to raise an eyebrow at her. "And stop shaking, dear. It makes you look pathetic."

Lorelai straightened, nodding warily to Levi as they followed him. The drawing-room was just as grand as the rest of the house, plush furniture and expensive accents displayed in masses. But it was eerily empty. The whole manor was.

Aksel stood in the grand room like a king might his throneroom. Though his every inch was regal and impressive, he looked inexplicably alone for a man who had everything.

"Sit," he beckoned.

"We'd rather stand."

The silence was heavy.

"Where's Mom?" queried Lorelai after a while.

"Your mother is ill." The same old lie.

"Where is she?"

"That is of no consequence." Briggs walked forward. "I need to talk to your plaything, Annalise— man to man. Be a good girl and sit quietly."

Levi was about to interject, tired of his down talking, but Lorelai rolled her eyes, plopping down into an armchair with a huff. At this point, she'd realised defying Aksel was a futile endeavour.

"You need to withdraw your threat against the Havasians-" Levi began.

Briggs stopped him with a raised hand. He turned to Lorelai. "Eager, isn't he? How adorable."

"The hell-"

"The famous Captain Levi of the Scouts," Briggs taunted, walking circles around him. "Slayer of man and beast alike. Though, these days you're Erwin Smith's loyal dog, huh?"

"Tch. You know me?"

He smirked, placing a hand on Levi's shoulder. "Son, I know everyone."

Levi shrugged off his grip. This man was all smoothly chosen words and meaning between lines. His gaze was invasive; Levi felt as if his brain was being picked apart.

"No doubt my daughter has seduced you, hm?"

"You could say that," said Levi blankly.

Briggs huffed out a laugh. "I like your honesty. A bit of advice, son: I know Briggs-blood is hard to resist, but go find a nice lady who won't get you killed, hm?"