How Could I Ever Know (Levi x Reader)

Chapter 3

"(Y/N)," Petra whispered. "It's time to get up."

"Five minutes," (Y/N) mumbled.

"I'm sorry, but we're needed immediately," Petra said. "Important business in the capitol. The captain's already left."

(Y/N) cracked one eye open to look around. Petra was standing next to her, a hand on her shoulder. The curtains were drawn, and the sky outside was still dark.

"It's not even sunrise yet," (Y/N) groaned. "What's happening?"

"I don't know. Auruo just came by and said we're leaving."

"Crap." (Y/N) sat up and took Petra's hand. "So...the entire Corps is going to the capitol? Seems like a death sentence."

"No," Petra said, hauling (Y/N) up. "Just the commander, the squad leaders, a few messengers, and the Special Ops Squad."

"I suddenly feel important," (Y/N) remarked sleepily, pulling on her white polo. "Do I have time to shower?"

"I haven't had one, myself," Petra said, grimacing. "Breakfast will be in the capitol too, apparently. I guess whatever's happening doesn't call for pleasantries."

The two dressed in silence, and left the room.

In the courtyard, Gunther and Eld were on their horses, talking to each other. Auruo was dozing peacefully, leaning on his horse.

"Oh, Petra, (Y/N)," Gunther said as the two girls approached. "We got your horses. We're leaving now."

"Roger," Petra said, and she walked off to her horse.

(Y/N) whistled, and her horse came trotting over, nuzzling her hand.

"Good morning, Chestnut," (Y/N) whispered, stroking her horse's head. Her horse whinnied in reply.

When everyone had mounted their horses, they took off, heading to the interior of Wall Sina.

»»-------------¤-------------««

They arrived at the capitol just as the sun began to rise, and the bakeries had only recently baked their bread. (Y/N)'s stomach began to grumble as she passed by a bakery putting out fresh loaves of bread.

"Oi, Jaeger." Auruo had turned to (Y/N), sneering. "You better hold in that appetite of yours. Tch, you brats and your gluttony, you should be able to learn some self control—"

(Y/N) jerked her horse's reins and slammed into Auruo's horse, causing Auruo to snap to the side and bite his tongue.

As Auruo wailed in pain, Petra turned her head to look at him. "Jeez, that's what you get for talking like that. (Y/N)'s not a cadet anymore."

They reached the city's government hall, where Hanji and Mike were waiting for them. The squad saluted the two leaders, which Hanji waved away happily.

"You guys got here okay? No injuries?" Hanji asked.

"All but one," mumbled Auruo. Petra glared at him.

"We're sorry to have pulled you out of duties so early, but Levi insisted. You're to go down to the court and take the top box. We'll join you shortly."

"Where's the captain?" asked Eld.

"Some business matters with Erwin, apparently," Hanji said. "They're fine. They should be in the courtroom by now."

"Wait!" (Y/N) interrupted. "Court? Did the Survey Corps do anything wrong?"

"No, no, it's not like that," soothed Hanji. "Erwin said you would know during the session this afternoon."

"What is going on?" muttered Gunther.

"Well, we'd better be off," Hanji said. "Courtroom. Top box. Got it?"

"Yes, Squad Leader."

Petra nodded to (Y/N) just before they started moving.

That's right, (Y/N) thought. We follow orders no matter what. Even if we don't know what's happening. But...

(Y/N) turned to look at her fellow squad members. Eld was fidgeting behind his back. Gunther had clenched his jaw, a habit of his whenever he was nervous or in doubt. Auruo had tried to put on a cocky smirk, but even that was halfhearted. Petra kept looking around nervously.

We have no idea what's happening, (Y/N) thought. I suppose we have to trust the captain. After all...that's the point. We don't know. How could we know? Better to place the blame on someone who has an idea of what's happening than make foolish assumptions.

Gunther put his hands on the doors, looking back at everyone.

"Trust the commander and the captain," he instructed.

They all nodded.