Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

TWENTY-SIX

'A land of fools will know only peace.'

-An extract from a newspaper article written by scholar and journalist Aksel Briggs.

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TWENTY-SIX

Wall Maria, South Region, Port Noaks, Noaks Survey Corps Base of Operations

"Lorelai said what?" asked Levi incredulously.

He and Erwin were standing in front of the base the following morning. Currently, Erwin was about to embark further south to find Lorelai's people; he'd only just explained what was happening.

"I know. I couldn't quite believe it either; that woman is infuriatingly cunning," Erwin replied, checking his pocket watch and signalling to the carriage driver to wait. "I'm not very pleased about it, either. But our best move, for now, is to play her game."

Levi watched him climb into the carriage.

"In my absence, continue preparations for the expedition," Erwin concluded.

"Commander-"

"And Levi? Keep an eye on her for me. Can you do that?"

Levi straightened into a salute. "...Yes, sir."

Erwin smiled, and the carriage took off down the road, soon disappearing into the morning mist. Levi sighed, alone, once again, with the twittering birds and his heavy thoughts.

Apparently, Lorelai was also leaving. She had vaguely mentioned to Erwin that she wouldn't be around for a while, so clearly, she had some sort of plan.

And she hadn't thought it necessary to share it with him.

Levi's Squad emerged from the manor, watching him as he stared down the forest road. Unreasonably, he felt his temper rise a little, but Levi's expression stayed neutral.

"Captain?" prompted Petra. The bravest, as always, she walked to his side.

He cleared his throat. "Dr Bervik will not be joining us until the Commander returns with her missing people; continue with regular activity."

"Yes, sir," they echoed.

Levi walked away quickly, meaning to procure his ODM gear and start training early. He tried to put thoughts of Lorelai and Havas out of his mind— it wasn't his problem anymore.

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SLASH

Levi ripped through the dummy titan's nape with unusual intensity. He landed on a platform amidst the snow-covered canopy and wiped the sweat from his brow.

Backing up against the tree trunk, his mind went straight back to what he had been trying to ignore.

Just in time to see Petra execute his same manoeuvre flawlessly, he snapped out of his thoughts. Daintily, she landed on the platform opposite, tilting her head at him quizzically.

"I have to say, Captain," she began, sheathing her blades. "I've missed having you for training."

Levi dismissed the sentiment. "Tch. Well, it may until further notice be permanent."

"But... you don't want it to be, do you, Captain?"

"I'm indifferent." He averted his eyes, staring instead into the woods.