The Slayer of Shiganshina

Chapter 7: Outskirts of Infinity

 The Year 845 | Garrison Regiment Headquarters

Octavia had once again faced certain death and survived. After the trial, she was given a room within the main military headquarters. She wasn't particularly thrilled about being a soldier but she was granted to live another day. The younger female cadet accompanying Pyxis brought her food and clothes that evening. Her name was Emilia. She was slightly taller than Octavia, with silky blonde hair cut just below the ears and chestnut colored eyes. Her chatty nature was a nice change from the earlier chaotic trial.

"I mean, it was just so crazy, ya know? We honestly thought you were a soldier. Klaus was so confident you were with the Scouts with the way you were flying around, cutting through those titans. Thank goodness we were able to come through for you. I can't imagine why anyone would wanna kill someone so brave. Seriously girl, you've got some balls."

Octavia listened through the cracked door as she changed in the bathroom, Emilia's giggles swimming in the air around her. Throwing on a black nightgown, she stole a glance in the mirror. The gash on her face was deep, running down her right cheek and stopping just past her ear lobe. There were several new bruises along her chest and arms. The damage taken yesterday was worse than she thought. Her knee was still pretty busted up from that dead soldier catching her off guard. She delicately brushed her fingers over the jagged cut on her face. Detached eyes reflected back into her own, taking in the sight of herself.

I've definitely looked better.

She sighed, resting her hands on the counter and staring into the sink. The hellish images from Shiganshina still scorched into her mind. Her cadet counterpart's voice slowly escalated as she walked back into the main area. Taking a seat at the small table near the window, her eyes wandered out over the city as Emilia rambled on.

"And the way Erwin's subordinate shut Nile up? I've never seen him so red in my life. But, of course, he deserved every bit of it." She scoffed. "That guy's a hardass. No wonder he's the head of the MPs."

Octavia tilted her head, meeting Emilia's gaze. "Yeah, who was that?"

Her new comrade shrugged. "No idea. He seems new, though. From the way Erwin let him criticize Nile that way, he must be high up in the ranks. He's kind of hot too but in a scary way. Ya know?" The young soldier shook her head. "Anyway, you must be exhausted. You should try to get some sleep."

Octavia sighed, her gaze returning to the sky above. The glimmering dots scattered across a sea of black brought her comfort. "Honestly, after everything that's happened, sleep is the last thing on my mind. Hey, Emilia?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I see my family? I need to tell them I'm okay. They're probably worried out of their minds."

Emilia came over and sat on the table adjacent to Octavia, crossing her right leg over her left. She gave a sincere smile. "I'll talk to Pyxis. Usually, new recruits don't get to go home to visit. Not at first, at least. I'm sure the higher-ups will let you write them a letter if they haven't notified them already." She paused, giving Octavia a curious look. "Oh yeah, you never gave your last name."

"Braus," she replied, her eyes locked on the scene of the celestial dome above. An old memory slowly crept from the depths of her mind. A memory of the night that fate held her hand and brought her home. "It's Braus."

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The Year 840 | Somewhere in the Outskirts of Wall Rose

Bare feet pounding against the grass, Octavia kept sprinting. Male voices were trailing after her, but still at a safe distance. Her legs had yet to give out, and she wouldn't stop until they did. The jet-black sky above, decorated with a silvery full moon, illuminated the world around her.