The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

"Never Underestimate Me."

After returning from the forest, Shadis had already put the Cadets into pairs for hand-to-hand combat. Tessa still had yet to tell Levi her little scheme, but he knew she would dedicate to her word of showing off. The three superiors observed the groups closely and called out any mistakes as they'd done for the past few days. Of course, it wasn't long until Shadis grabbed Connie by his head and ordered him to quit acting silly. Tessa noticed Shadis had purposely put Eren and Jean close together as they fought their partners. She narrows her eyes, waiting to see how long it will be before they bump into each other. It wouldn't be long now by the amount times in how close they got to it. However, Tessa was proud of how Eren and Jean handled their duels, yet she was still shocked that they couldn't work together because they would be a great team against opponents. It reminds her of whenever she and Levi had to deal with the thugs in the Underground, despite being just kids.

Even though they were kids, Levi and Tessa never went looking for trouble. It would always find them. Any time they would leave for the cavern, there would be thugs or just annoying teenagers messing with them. The duo thought these people were bored in their miserable lives to mess with two kids, yet it was a mistake. For one, they must've forgotten that Kenny was the one who was teaching Levi how to fight, and for two, they underestimated Tessa and Levi just because they were smaller than their enemies. The pair always manages to get out of their fights unscathed and not filthy. However, it didn't save them from the lecture from Vanessa, with Kenny laughing in the corner. After the final speech, Kenny agreed to train Levi and Tessa and be with them at all times if they left the house. Trouble did stop coming toward the two, yet their tempers never stopped boiling by how much everyone stared at Tessa. Tessa remembers that Levi would grab Tessa's hand because he wanted to protect her. Just like all the times whenever people would corner them. Levi would always pull Tessa behind him and be ready to defend her.

Tessa softly smiles because that one thing she loves about Levi hasn't changed since they have gotten older, and Tessa can protect herself better. Levi will always be there to be her shield as long as she will always be the light guiding him. It's been like this since they met, which Tessa hopes remains for the rest of their lives. While reminiscing and hoping for the future, Tessa feels a pair of eyes on her and looks to see that it's Levi. Even after all these years, he can still make her lose her train of thought and blush like crazy. Though Levi was showing his stoic face to everyone around him, Tessa knew he was smiling at her because his storm-colored eyes softened when her sky-blue eyes looked at him. Tessa winks at him before returning her attention to their students. When she does, she sees Eren and Jean bump into each other, which is what they have been waiting on, "Dammit, Yeager!" Jean shouts, which catches everyone's attention.

When Jean grabs Eren's shirt, Tessa sees Mikasa step forward to intervene, but Tessa stops her, "Remember what I told you. It is part of the plan." She whispers, and Mikasa nods, "I know. It's just going to be odd that I don't do something." Mikasa admits, and Tessa pats her back, "I know, but trust me, okay?" She asks, to which Mikasa nods again, then looks at the arguing duo. Eren and Jean butt heads as their fists remain at their sides, "It's not my fault that your horse-face doesn't know when to look over your shoulder or at your feet, Jean!" Eren snaps, and Jean shakes his head, "That's it, you suicidal maniac! Now, I'm going to kick your ass!" Jean growls as he draws back his fist in time for Shadis to stop it, "I have about had it with you two today," He snaps, then shifts his gaze between Eren and Jean, "Did you two already forget what Captain Tessa said about you being comrades?" He asks, but the boys say nothing as they continue to glare at each other.

As expected, Shadis already knew what would happen, thus why he put their groups beside each other. Part of him had hoped they would remember Tessa's words or even keep their distance, but that was asking too much. Shadis looks at Tessa, who nods that it's time for the demonstration, which he returns while letting them go but remaining between them, and sighs, "Since you two have forgotten, get in the sparring ring. Now." He orders, and Eren and Jean salute, "Yes, sir." They answer and then begin walking to the ring, shoving each other along the way. When they step inside, everyone gathers around the ring. Levi joins Tessa's side, "I'm surprised Ackerman stayed out of the fight." He whispers, and Tessa looks at him and smirks, "Well, Mikasa knows what to do." She answers before turning her attention to the two teenagers in the sparring ring.