Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

SEVENTY-ONE

'Some people have a right to evil.'

-An unseen extract written by journalist Aksel Briggs.

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SEVENTY-ONE

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

SLASH

Levi ripped through the dummy titan's nape. He landed on the adjacent platform, panting as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He had been training with a startling ferocity today; cadet and officer alike were staying well clear.

He gave a rough sigh, zipping down to the forest floor to refill his gas tanks. A gaggle of fresh recruits having a leisurely chat there all scattered at once.

"Tch." Levi didn't have it in him to be disciplining cadets. Not today. He began unscrewing the canisters.

"That's the third set this morning, Captain."

He didn't bother to spare a look behind him. "Your observational skills are quite something, Petra." He finished reattaching the canisters.

"...Where is she?" she asked pointedly.

Levi spun on his heel and marched into the forest. "She?" He knew who she meant.

Petra followed right after. "Lorelai, sir."

Her name burnt like acid to his ears. "No doubt planning her wedding reception. Get back to work."

Petra gave up with an exasperated sigh. She knew no one could reason with the captain or even hope to understand whatever emotions churned beneath his frosty veneer. No one but Lorelai. She spared a concerned look for her captain, who, with a fresh set of blades, had already ploughed his way through two more dummy titans.

Levi was always like this when something was bothering him. After a poor mission, when bodies piled high, and everyone else turned to each other, he turned to combat. She supposed it was easier for him. Everyone had heard the rumours of Levi's rough beginnings; she supposed the blade and the fight came easier to him than human connection.

Which was why this upset surprised her.

Thick raindrops began falling on Petra's forehead, and she looked up to find great heavy clouds building over the treetops. A summer storm. It was oddly fitting for the mood of today.

"Captain-" she called into the forest, stopping short. Levi had already pulled his green hood up against the rain. He spared a look backwards, and she knew he would not follow.

Petra began hurrying into the base with the others and didn't linger any longer on Levi. It had been like this since he'd first taken off with Lorelai, nigh on a year ago now. There had been a... distance between him and the rest of the regiment. They all knew, however much Levi masqueraded, that Humanity's Strongest Soldier's allyship had long rested elsewhere.

He was no Havasian; no cross covered his nape... but it wasn't Havas he cared for.

Before long, the training site had emptied, and the rain had settled into a steady downpour. The water was already soaking through his cloak, but Levi pressed on. It always rained on days like these... when he was losing someone. Truthfully, he hadn't expected his next loss to come this way— but the world was creative.

Some went willingly; some did not. Some left sleeping, some just walked away, some were taken, and some had to go, but wished they could stay. In the end, they were all gone, and in one way or another, Levi always remained.