Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

ONE-HUNDRED-AND-SEVEN

'More often than not, we choose our own downfall.'

-An unseen extract written by the late scholar and journalist Aksel Briggs.

<><><>

ONE-HUNDRED-AND-SEVEN

Wall Maria, East Region, Falkirk

The days bled into each other.

Lorelai and Levi idled the rest of their honeymoon away in their new house. It was a quiet, well-deserved type of peace, but it was short-lived.

As their last week drew to its close, the reality once again set in to them.

The mission to Havas was upon them.

Two long years of preparation had passed— two years in which Havas had laid undisturbed, two years since the disaster that had brought Lorelai here.

Levi couldn't fathom where the time had gone. But, nevertheless, he found himself bound for Falkirk, where they would set off on the mission that could change everything.

<>

Falkirk was just dirty and full of smog as Lorelai had described.

Industry towns like this one were always a real blight on the landscape. As their carriage rolled down the grimy streets, Levi couldn't help but feel he'd arrived in hell's belly.

It was a hell of a place to begin a mission, let alone the one that had been praised as 'the mission to save all humanity.'

It was an optimistic notion at the very least, thought Levi. Only time would tell if all Erwin's hopes and dreams would be realised.

They'd come this far. Perhaps anything was possible.

The Survey Corps facility was on the edge of town, right by Wall Maria. It was an old, dingy building that only just housed the regiment. But Levi supposed it'd do.

He and Lorelai exited the carriage, hand in hand, wedding rings on full display.

She sighed, wrinkling her nose at the foul air. "It feels like an age since we've been on a mission."

"I know what you mean," he nodded, his eyes staying on her.

Levi still couldn't quite believe it all. So much had changed so quickly. Here he was, a married man with a wife on his arm. How bizarre, he never thought he'd get here.

At that moment, his squad emerged from the base. Petra ran up to hug Lorelai as Levi greeted the rest.

"Hey, that was a short honeymoon," Petra commented.

Lorelai chuckled. "Yes, well, we'll honeymoon in Havas. Now— how have things been?"

"Same old, same old— everyone's scared out of their minds. But, the Commander feels we're prepared."

"I wish I could say the feeling is mutual. I better see him."

She was walking into the base when Levi caught her arm.

Lorelai smiled softly. "I'll see you later, love. We have work to do."

With a nod, he released her.

The Falkirk base was even mustier inside than out. Lorelai went straight to Erwin's office. She'd look for her squad later; she was sure they were making the necessary preparations.