The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

One Year Later

One Year Later

Levi's POV:

After I met Furlan, we became famous in the Underground. Merchants and MPs called us thugs, while the people called us their hope. While I was in charge of the group I had bested, Furlan had taken over the payroll. Everyone looked up to me and my ability to lead and wanted to learn what I could do, but I refused. I understood why they wanted it because I managed to get the job done without getting hurt. However, after Tessa disappeared, I decided not to share the lessons Kenny had taught me with anyone else. Tessa was still on my mind, but it wasn't as often. The cavern is where I would go to clear my head or to think about her. Somehow amid my thoughts, I believed that Tessa was still alive, "Maybe it's foolish to think you're alive, Tess," I whispered as I looked at the night sky, "Still, I can't let that thought go. I miss you." I admitted as I looked at the knife in my hand. Before every heist, this is where I would go to think about her alone, but for now, I need to leave and meet with Furlan. I sigh as I stand up and put my knife in my back pocket, leaving the cavern until returning when I get done with this job.

After I left the cavern, I met with Furlan and the others to prepare for the next heist. We had trouble at first until we got the Omni-directional mobility gear, courtesy of the Military Police. Since we acquired the ODM gear, the jobs have been more manageable for us to handle, and the pay is better. Now, it was time for our next assignment. When we accomplished the job, we went to our hideout, my home. While I clean my knife with my handkerchief, Furlan distributes the payment to our comrades. I notice that Furlan has been giving an extra bit to Yan, one of the young men in our group. I decide to wait to ask Furlan why until the others leave. After everyone left, I put my blade down and looked at Furlan, "Why have you been slipping extra money into Yan's hand, Furlan?" I ask, and Furlan sighs as he looks at the door instead of me, "Yan's been complaining about the pain in his leg, and the price of medicine has gone up," Furlan replied, "Since Dr. Lind passed, there's no one else to help us." He admits, and I nod in silence because I know Furlan is right.

With the Linds gone, no one cared about us in the Underground. Due to the lack of sun, we didn't get the proper nutrients from the sunlight. Our bones were brittle, and we were a risk of illness quicker. We were on a timer until our bodies gave up on us. I remember how it happened to my mom. As each day passed, her body began to lose color then she was gone. I stayed by her side even after she was dead, ready to succumb to the same thing until Kenny walked through our door. When Kenny took me in, I made a promise to Mom's memory that I'll continue to live for her. I continue to keep that promise to Mom and Tessa. After a moment, lost in my thoughts, I hear Furlan speak again, "How much more until we can live on the surface, Levi?" Furlan asked me, but before I could answer Furlan's question, we heard a slam against our door. We share a look and grab our knives before we go to safe positions.

When Furlan swings the door open, a girl falls on the floor with her hands cradled around her stomach, "Oh, it's just a kid," Furlan sighed as he put his knife away, "Don't scare us like that." Suddenly the girl makes a noise, and Furlan and I share another look, "Oi, I'm not a kid!" The girl growled, "I'm not... a kid!" She repeated as she glared at me, and I raised a brow at the girl, "Yeah? Well, then I won't feel bad for chasing you out," I answered, "I'll ignore the fact you got the floor dirty, so get lost." I snapped, but the girl didn't move. Furlan scoffed while crossing his arms, "What can't move?" Furlan asked as he stepped to the side. The girl switches her glare from me to Furlan, "I can move, so just chill out!" She hisses as she removes her arms from her chest. She uses her free hand to push herself off the ground while the other holds onto a small item. I watch the girl lift herself off the ground until she stops when we hear voices. The girl freezes as the men's voices get louder. She tries to muster the strength to stand but falls against the door, "Ow." She groans as she holds onto the item in her hand.