What If: Petra Had Lived

Shattered Illusions

Petra maintained a stoic face during the funeral services.

She had not spoken a word to her superior officer since they had left the Bozard House two days ago.

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Petra sat silently as Levi had handed his mother and father his belongings. He didn't know about the jacket that Petra had kept, nor his love letters.

But as Levi gave the same speech he gave the Shultz and Eld's fiancé, Petra could help but look at his brothers. She had heard so much about them from Oluo.

She couldn't tell if they were angry at her for surviving or felt sad for her because they knew how much Oluo loved her.

As Levi finished up, "he gave his heart for humanity" Oluo's mother began to sob. No longer being able to hold it in.

Petra had been ordered to give her condolences and nothing more. But she could help it.

"He died saving me!" Petra didn't even realize what she had said to her she stood up.

"Ms. Ral..." Levi said sternly.

"She was coming for me, he pushed me out of the way....I...Mr. & Mrs. Bozard, your son and I...we....we were in love, and I think because of that..."

"He gave his life up for yours" Mr. Bozard said quietly.

"And I for one, find that very....courageous"

Soon after Petra and Levi were leaving the house, as Levi turned to scold her, Mrs. Bozard came outside.

"Petra dear...."

She turned to see Oluo's mother running towards her.

"I'm so glad you told me about Oluo and you. It makes my heart feel a bit better knowing that he was so loved and was able to experience the joy of love for himself. He died very honorably."

Before Petra could react she hugged her tight. "I consider you a part of the family"

She handed Petra a small box.

"This was my mothers engagement ring, and mine, and I was going to give it to Oluo when...well I think you would be the person he would give it to"

When Petra returned to her room that night, she opened the box, slipping the ring onto her left hand.

"Oh...Oluo...." She whispered holding her hand to her heart.

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The funerals were pretty standard, and it wasn't the first for her. Levi and Hange stood silently along with the other officers. Eren cried as he laid flowers on the graves.

Nifa stood next to Petra, placing her hand on her shoulder. Nifa had been close to Gunther as the two shared a passion for art. But she also knew Petra was hurting.

Levi gave a curt nod to Petra as he left the cemetery with Hange, as she gave her a sympathetic smile.

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As the sun began to set, Petra was still in the cemetery, leaning against his head stone.

She kept looking at the ring, thinking back to all their conversations of the future. They had wanted lots of kids, to have a farm, a house cat.

"None of that matters now" she muttered sadly.

Not only was her other half gone, her image of her Captain had shattered.

The man she had once admired, looked up to, wanted to dedicate her military service too...was nothing more than an ordinary man. One who couldn't protect those who swore to keep safe.