The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

Our Last Chance...

OOC POV:

After eliminating the two titans in their path, the Scouts regroup at the wagons. Most celebrated Levi's, Isabel's, and Furlan's victory, while a few stared at the trio in disbelief; Flagon and Sairam were among the numbers. As for the blonde Section Commander with the ice-blue eyes, he smiles at the trio's leader since his leadership skills with his comrades were superb in the moment of chaos. Erwin already knows how gifted Levi is with the ODM gear because he has noticed how he's grown over the past several months. Levi is what Humanity needs, what the people need to help regain their faith in the Scout Regiment. However, there was a problem before Erwin's plan could work since the other half of Humanity's salvation is in Shiganshina, awaiting their return, or if they need her if things go awry, Tessa because she is the other piece of Erwin's puzzle. Yet doubts plague his mind about when the time comes for Tessa to know the truth about everything.

Levi's POV:

While cheering echoes around us, I notice a pair of ice-blue eyes staring at me, but what's more suspicious is the smile that's on Erwin's face. 'Why in the fuck is he smiling at us, most importantly, me like that?' I thought as I glared at the blonde Section Commander. Ever since, before we left Shiganshina, no, it has been like this since before we left Headquarters because I found him staring at me, but why? Could it be possible that Erwin has caught onto us and our intentions, or does it have to do with the plan he has for Tessa and me? I watched Erwin bow his head with that smug expression still on his face, only for me to click my tongue and look away, "Tch. Smug bastard." I grumble while trying to calm my temper. While everyone begins to clean up the mess left by the two Titans, I start thinking about the importance of this mission since I couldn't get the lingering stares by Erwin out of my head. I know we had made an impression with our skillset with the rest of the Scouts, but will it be enough for us to proceed with our secret mission without anyone catching onto us, especially Erwin? As I think more about the questions, I turn my attention to Erwin to find him still staring at me while conversing with Shadis, making me narrow my eyes while trying to figure out what they could be discussing. However, I feel Shadow nudging my side, causing me to break my glare on Erwin and turn to my horse, "Good job out there, Shadow," I whisper while scratching his head, "Tess would be proud of you." I admit before eyeing Erwin again.

My glare breaks again when Shadis orders us to line back up to proceed with the expedition, though my mind is concerned about Erwin's lingering stare at me. Realizing that I won't find answers until it's time, I shake my head as I climb onto Shadow and follow Shadis' orders, rejoining Furlan and Isabel now that we have regained focus. While we continued our expedition, we were still fighting Titans, though they were few in numbers as the sun slowly descended, meaning it was coercing them to sleep and remain hidden from us. It was almost sundown when we reached a castle on the outskirts, overlooking the mountainous view. Before hopping off Shadow, I look out at the terrain below. Even though I know Titans don't attack at night, I always keep my guard up, especially since we're outside the walls. So, I make a plan in case of an assault should they come here while we are still asleep. If the first one falls through, I plan another, then so on. I may be overthinking things, but it's better to be expected than surprised by the enemy. I snap out of my thoughts when I hear Furlan behind me, "Levi, you coming?" He asks, and I nod, "Yeah, just taking in the view." I respond before hopping Shadow to tie his reins to the post beside Furlan's and Isabel's. I look out the balcony again before grabbing my bag off the saddle to head inside the desiccated castle.

While heading inside, everyone goes their separate ways, passing out rations along the way, while I find a quaint spot away from the others so Furlan, Isabel, and I can rest in peace and go over our plan. After finding a corner on the lower floor, I grab my things out of my bag while Furlan and Isabel throw theirs down to stretch out their exhausted muscles, "Man," Furlan groans while leaning back, "I never imagined we could take down a Titan that easy!" He chuckles, but I don't turn away from my current task as I huff, "Well, it was unexpectedly fast, but if it's just one, then that's no problem." I reply when I finally find the blanket in my bag and proceed to fan out the wrinkles. While I unfold it, there is an aroma of fresh linen and lemon. However, I smell another scent, which causes me to stop as I try to figure out what it is. When I bring the fabric closer to my face, I realize the third scent is lavender, which makes me raise my brow because how did it get mixed into this? The only person that I know with that calming scent is Tessa. I remember when she told me that it helps with sleep. After all, she uses it on her bedspread. I chuckle silently at how Tessa worried about my insomnia, so she probably did this to help me.