In Another Life | Levi x Reader/OC

The Festival

A/N - nearly 14k words of action, angst, and drama. Strap in, folks.

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"This is so interesting. Isn't your sister speaking today, Paulina?" Colt asked.

"Yeah, she is." Paulina shook her leg anxiously, fiddling with her fingers on her lap. One month passed way too quickly. She could hardly believe that today was the day you'd be speaking on stage in front of thousands of people.

Paulina patiently waited for Willy's speech to begin so she could make a subtle exit and meet you behind the stage. If she was feeling anxious, she couldn't even begin to imagine the nerves you must have been experiencing backstage.

"The Tybur family's influence is incredible," Colt stated.

"Although they're Eldians just like us," Porco added with an eye roll. "Must feel amazing to live in luxury, huh Paulina?"

"Mhm," Paulina mumbled, completely blocking out his words. Unblinking, her eyes were glued to the stage as she bit down on her nails. Her body jolted when Colt placed a hand on her shoulder to halt her jitters.

"Are you alright? You seem more angsty than usual."

"Probably just nervous to see her sister," Zeke responded for her, glancing in her direction. Paulina was glad she was sitting between Colt and Porco, or else Zeke's close proximity would have likely caused her to have a panic attack.

She swallowed nervously, forcing a grin on her face. "Yeah. It's her first time speaking in front of so many people. I just hope it goes well. That's all."

The rich, harsh timbre of the brass instruments boomed into the air. Zofia yelped and covered her ears at the loud volume.

"It's starting," Gabi said.

"But, Falco and Mr. Braun haven't come back yet," Udo stated.

Alright, time to make my exit.

"Uh, I have to go use the bathroom. I'll be right-"

"Marleyan warriors," a smooth voice interrupted. "Commander Magath needs you."

Paulina turned her attention to the voice, knitting her eyebrows.

Who is this person?

"What for?" Porco questioned.

"There should be no need to question it, Porco. If the commander needs us, we go," Zeke said curtly, rising from his chair. Something about the way he responded to that didn't sit well with Paulina.

"It's just a question. He's making us miss this speech, so it's only fair that we know."

"Let's just go, Porco." Pieck placed a gentle hand on his shoulder to calm him. He groaned, yet still obliged to Pieck's demands.

"The commander requests you as well, Paulina," the officer said, noticing the way Paulina didn't stand from her seat like the others.

Alright, now she was really suspicious.

"But I'm not a warrior."

"It does not matter. It's urgent."

She sighed, taking one last glimpse at the stage before following behind the others. The anxiety built up in her chest the farther she walked away from the stands.

The officer took them all out to the streets of Liberio. They sent Zeke to the gates, but requested that Paulina, Porco, and Pieck remained following them.

"I feel like I've seen you before, but I can't quite place you," Pieck said observantly, narrowing her eyes at the officer. "Where are you stationed?"

"My unit's out west, near Lakua. They sent me to help bolster security," they answered. "I'm not interested in chatting with an Eldian, even if you are a warrior."