Titan Tamer [Attack on Titan]

Chapter Five - Don't look back

"I am really sorry you can't come." I told Eren again, pulling on the collar of his shirt. "Captain Erwin says it's boring anyways." He said, but his eyes told me he wants to go. I smiled at him and pecked him on the cheek, being decent since we are in the he middle of the street. Eren decided he would walk with us half way there, then return to the inn we are staying at. Petra came last minute for us so that she could 'watch over' Eren, in case he is to go all titan. "I'll make it up to you though I promise." I told him, pulling back slightly. "Yeah? I look forwards to that then." He said with his signature smile, before pulling away and walking back the way he came. I watched him only for a moment before turning and heading towards where Erwin and Levi are standing. They went a bit ahead to give us some space. "You look like you're about to fall over." Levi told me, taking my arm in his hand. I am still shorter than Levi, even in heels. It's sad really. . . "I don't wear heels on a regular basis like they do here," I pouted, giving him the saddest look I could conjure. "You do look very pretty Aoi." Erwin complemented, taking my other arm so that I was balanced out on both sides. I bowed my head in thanks but not for long as I knew I would fall on my face. "Yes, very nice." Levi echoed distantly, he must be thinking about something again. He has been very out of it since this afternoon, I hope he is alright. "Ah, they've really outdone themselves." Erwin commented as we walked into the castle. Lanterns lit our pathway, beautiful women dressed in gowns made of the finest silk and bundles upon bundles of roses laced the ball. It is too bad that life can't be as beautiful as this. The people within wall rose can't even imagine something as extravagant as a gala like this, it is just a dream for them. "Ah, Aoi dear you look beautiful." Darius said, finding us immediately. He must have been waiting for us. I hope he doesn't whisk me away like he did last time. I was terribly bored speaking to all of the nobles. "Darius." I greeted, bowing politely. "I have heard that you and Nile will be dueling this evening." "Yes. However, it will end the same way as it did last." I sighed, remembering the last time we fought. It was during my training to become a soldier. I was pretty new and the Military Police came in, wanting to check out the miracle of a girl who could take down men twice her size. Nile was cocky and challenged me. He lost in front of all his colleagues and was humiliated for quite awhile. Erwin chuckled "It will be quite an interesting match." I turned my head as the calming music began to play. "Do you want to dance?" Levi asked, swiveling around so that he is in front of me. I shrugged and followed him onto the dance floor, being careful to not fall on my face. "I'll lead." He said, gently placing a hand on my hip and another in my hand. I nodded and stepped into a very slow waltz. Zoe is the one who actually taught me how to dance. It was a very weird experience. I looked at Levi then let out a small sigh before asking the question I was dying to ask. "Why did you try and kiss me in the office the other day?" He didn't say anything for a moment and it seemed that he had to think carefully about what he was going to reply. "Isn't it obvious Azure?" He said after a few minutes. "No. . . I don't understand." He gave me this serious look that I didn't at all like. "I know that you like Jeager but give me a chance. I've had my eye on you for quite sometime now." He spun me around then caught me as I had stumbled forwards. "I've never seen you be so soft Captain." I told him with a smile. He frowned at this then looked away from me, I've obviously embarrassed him. He was lucky that Nile came over to interrupt, I was about to make him squirm more. "We're ready." Nile announced to us. I released Levi and nodded, following the man out of the main hall. Everyone else seems to be heading to the larger room connected to this one. It is a special room, designed for duels and other large events. King Fritz, the pawn to the real King Reiss should be spectating tonight. I believe that King Reiss himself will be here to witness this fight. He always has had an interest in my fighting skills. "Hello Azure, it is a pleasure." The referee greeted. "Hello. Thank you for holding this match." I thanked, bowing my head slightly. I slid off my heels and handed them to Levi who is holding his hand out for them. He really is pushing himself. "You cannot wield that sword this time Azure. I do not wish for my new gear to be broken." Nile said, positioning himself in the middle of the onlookers. I rolled my eyes, he's worried about his little sword being broken? "Sure thing sweet heart. I'll pour you some tea while I'm at it." The crowd laughed at this as I unbuckled my sword and handed it off to Erwin. He held the hilt of it with the point firmly in the ground. This is one of the only ways Erwin can handle my weapon, he will not be able to lift it even if he so tried. I turned to the upper balcony and bowed at the kings that were both watching then I walked into the centre and took the sword that the referee gave to me. "You better not lose Azure." Pyxis warned me from the crowd. I smiled and brought my weapon in a diagonal pattern before bowing and turning to take a few paces. "I will not lose Sir." I replied with a grin on my face. "En guarde." The referee said, motioning for us to begin. I turned swiftly and parried swords with Nile. He has gotten better than last time. His movements are more refined due to more practice, however, he has not had any outside experience. I lunged forwards in a regular attack, to which he was easily able to stop. Ah, so he knows normal attacks. Let's try this then. I moved my feet quickly, shifting my weight from one foot to the other before turning in a spiral before slashing downwards. The way to win is by knocking his sword out of his hands, easy. He barely managed to block it, but it didn't matter, I have already won. I felt the metal break under my pressure and his sword snapped like a toothpick. The crowd erupted into applause and laughter, loving the little show we had put on. I took a bow and waved triumphantly to them all. "Well done." Levi praised, handing me back my shoes. I grinned and used his shoulder as a balance. "Dammit." Nile cursed as he got sympathetic pats on the back from his colleagues. "Better luck next time. Challenge me when you've had more experience." Erwin chuckled and dragged over my sword. I haltered it and held my hand out to my fallen opponent. "Nice attempt." I said as he took my hand and shook it firmly. We may not get along but we do know how to be nice. "It's a pleasure." He said a bit bitterly before turning and leaving. "Let's go celebrate." Pyxis said, luring the three of us back into the dining hall. I sighed and shrugged, seeing as I don't have many opportunities to relax, might as well.