Eva was less than impressed with such an early wake-up call. Isabel's energy was usually tolerable, but this early it was picking at Eva's last strand of sanity. She couldn't understand how the other soldiers looked so lively. She stretched, yawning as she tightened her hair tie before pushing her hair behind her shoulder. She flinched when a hand smacked the back of her head.
"Wake up," Levi muttered. Eva frowned, rubbing the spot he had hit.
"The liquor up here is stronger," She replied.
"I told you to get info, not to drink," He snapped quietly.
"I pride myself on being a multitasker," Levi rolled his eyes, sending a look to Furlan when he snickered.
"Attention all!" Commander Shadis booming voice made Eva flinch. Her slight hangover became more evident. She needed breakfast, which she had slept through. She followed behind Levi, stepping onto a platform before looking out over the regiment. They stood in perfect lines, perfectly straight and focused. It was a little unsettling, the order and organization of them all. She noticed Erwin upfront and smiled slightly when he met her gaze. His face remained firm, but he gave her a small nod. Levi elbowed her side, regaining her attention.
"Do you really want to pick a fight right now?" She whispered, but before Levi could answer Shadis voice boomed over them.
"Introduce yourselves!" Eva glanced at Levi, who had crossed his arms and seemed disinterested in anything that was happening.
"Yes sir," Eva finally replied, stepping forward and forming the salute she had seen the military do hundreds of times.
"Good morning, my name is Eva Ackerman."
"Good, next!" Shadis ordered. Eva stepped back, earning an annoyed side-eye from Levi. She rolled her eyes and motioned to the crowd.
"Levi" He muttered, earning a ripple of whispers.
"Levi, the first thing you'll need is some goddamn discipline, next!" Shadis shouted.
"I'm Isabel Magnolia, nice to meetcha!" Isabel announced enthusiastically. Eva eyed Furlan, noticing his fist faced the incorrect direction and made a mental note to mention it to him after.
"My name is Furlan Church," He introduced.
"Flagon, these three will be assigned to your squad. Look after them."
"M-My squad sir?" Eva could tell he was unhappy. It was written all over his face.
"Are you dissatisfied?" Shadis demanded.
"No-No sir, but shouldn't Erwin-"
"Erwin is tasked with the soldier's formation. The new recruits will be your responsibility, is that understood?"
"Yes sir!" Flagon replied, standing straighter as he saluted.
"Um, Commander?" Eva finally spoke up, raising her hand slightly unsure how else to get his attention.
"Go ahead," He allowed.
"You said three, but there are four of us."
"Right, I had nearly forgotten. You will be an addition to Erwin's squad"
"Excuse me?" Eva caught the back of Levi's coat when he moved to face the Commander. She pulled him hard enough that he nearly fell backwards, but he turned to catch her wrist. They stood like that, holding the others' gaze.
"This is why. Family members working together can become problematic. It's best you're separated," Shadis snapped.
"Enough you two," Furlan muttered, forcing his way between them. They let go of each other at the same time, crossing their arms as they faced away.
YOU ARE READING
The Heart of Humanity
FanfictionUnexpected. Unpredictable. A breath of fresh air. Erwin Smith was a man of routine. He had gotten used to his life, so much so that even the danger felt mundane. He was a soldier, one step away from becoming Commander, and had dedicated his heart t...
