Attack on Titan: Bloodline -- Version 2

• Chapter 22 •

As the sun rose over the horizon, the light casting long shadows over the ground, Lorraine and Fiona crested the last hill before reaching the outpost. She furrowed her brows and gripped the reins as they rode straight towards the large, brick building where, no doubt, Reiner was just waking up to see the morning sun. Lorraine felt the wind blowing through the shirt she was wearing, causing pockets of cool, morning air to form around her. She was glad that she'd made the choice to change out of her sweaty and dirty button-down at this point. She felt a few beads of sweat dripping down her back and forming on her forehead, but paid them no mind.

When she reached the outpost, she entered the stable, where she swiftly dismounted and tied up her beautiful palomino. She gave Fiona a loving stroke over her soft mane, taking a short moment to catch her breath, then turned and ran into the courtyard. She looked around until she finally spotted Commander Miche Zacharius. The tall, blonde man was walking briskly away from her, so she ran to catch up to him.

"Commander Miche!"

He stopped at the unfamiliar voice, turning his head to her inquisitively. He sniffed, leaning a little closer, a habit that Eren had mentioned after the trial. She gave a salute and said, "Commander. I'm Lorraine Ackerman. I was sent here by Captain Levi to inform you of a situation in Stohess." He nodded and said, "You smell familiar." She made a slightly confused sound, but he continued, "Levi. You're his daughter, aren't you?" She hesitated, then nodded.

"Yes, Sir."

He smirked and said, "Very well. What is the situation?" She cleared her throat and explained, "Well, Sir, we, the Scout Regiment, with the help of Eren Jaeger, were able to successfully take down the Female Titan, Annie Leonhardt." She clenched her fists subconsciously. "She was successfully taken into custody," with only a moment of hesitation, she continued, "b-but we soon discovered the presence of another Titan. One nearly as big as the Colossal Titan, embedded within Wall Sina." His eyes widened in surprise. She said finally, "I was sent here to tell you this and then to follow your orders from then on." He asked, "Is that everything?" She nodded and said, "That's what I know." He nodded and said, "Alright. I will pass on the news. You go inside and reunite with your comrades. Wait for further instructions. Do not disarm yourself. Just a precaution."

"Yes, Sir!"

She walked slowly through the halls, finally able to rest. The sun was higher in the sky now, the shadows on the world shortening. She finally reached the mess hall and pushed open the door. The soldiers inside all fell silent, looking her direction. Reiner stood up from his table across from Bertholdt. The two had been playing chess. Reiner walked over to her and asked, "Hey. What are you doing here, Lo?" Lorraine smiled and said, "I was given orders from Captain Levi to pass some information on to Commander Miche. I'll explain later." He smiled sweetly and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and kissing her on the lips. She giggled into his kiss and closed her eyes.

"How does he manage to do this? Even in the most unfavourable times, he can still make me smile."

As the kiss gently separated, they heard a scoff just a few tables away. The two looked over at Ymir, who rolled her eyes and continued to mess around with Krista. Lorraine bit her lip and looked sharply over at Ymir, but Reiner grabbed her hand and tugged.

"Don't worry about her. Come on, Lorraine."

She sighed and followed Reiner to the table. She sat on the bench between Reiner and Sasha. Connie and Bertholdt sat across from them. The recruits waited for hours and it wasn't too long before the boredom set in. Reiner and Bertholdt continued their chess game and Sasha and Connie began staring out the window absentmindedly. Lorraine leaned her head on Reiner's arm and closed her eyes. She heard Sasha and Connie talking about their hometowns being nearby.