Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

THIRTY-NINE

'The balance of wealth in our small world is one of the most crucial issues. The rich seem to get richer, and the poor seem to get poorer. There can be no peace, no equity amongst humanity until we are blessed in equal amounts.'

-An extract from the book 'Royal Questions' written by scholar and journalist Aksel Briggs.

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THIRTY-NINE

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

"Oww," Lorelai groaned, rubbing her arm as she landed yet again on the ground.

     She and Levi had been sparring. She'd walked into it feeling all confident, fists up, grinning widely, but it had barely been a minute before Levi had sent her tumbling to the ground. Again, and again, and again.

     "Quit whining," he smirked, appearing above her.

     The first thaw had happened a week ago; strands of grass now peaked through the dusting of snow. Winter was finally on its way out. Many soldiers were taking advantage of the warmer weather, out enjoying the early-spring sunlight.

     Of course, Lorelai wasn't really enjoying herself.

     "You know," Lorelai began, dusting herself off. "You'd think you were enjoying this. A bit of a sadist, eh, Levi?"

     He chuckled, adjusting his hand braces. "You'd think you'd know when to give up. What is it now, five-nil?"

     Lorelai blew a strand of hair from her face. "Shut up. We go again."

     "Fine. Get off your ass."

     She struggled to her feet. Lorelai had been sparring Levi often, so, in theory, she would be able to predict his movements. But the trick was Levi knew she'd try to do so and always did his best to be unpredictable. It was irritating, to say the least.

     She took a jab at him, and he dodged with seconds to spare. "This is massively unfair."

     That smug expression returned to his face. "Come on; you've been bossing me around because of those titan bullets all week. Seems pretty fair to me."

     "I still remember you making my life a living hell with ODM training. What can I say? Karma's a bitch." She tried to rush him, moving forward to catch him in an arm hold.

     "Karma's a bitch indeed." He effortlessly swept his leg under Lorelai's feet, making her topple over once more.

     She grunted as she hit the ground; that would surely leave a bruise. Lorelai collapsed onto her back, staring up at the clouds. "You're not a very nice man, Captain Levi."

     He might be somewhat bitter at being bossed around, but Levi still didn't relish hurting Lorelai. Beating her wasn't like beating the bothersome cadets; irritably, hitting Lorelai tugged at his heartstrings. "You okay?"

     "Never better." Lorelai got a mischievous glint in her eye and leaned up to try and topple him over with her. She tried, but Levi stood like a rock, unmovable. "You're no fun," she sighed, sitting up.

     "Tch. Silly rich girl, can't even land one shot in. Someone's been pampering you too much."

     Levi went to land another blow, going for the obvious kick to the stomach. Rookie mistake. Lorelai grabbed his leg and manoeuvred her weight against him, forcing him to the ground.