Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

SEVENTY-FIVE

'It is with a heavy heart that I become aware of Commander Erwin's absolute refusal to see reason. Thus, I am left with no choice. Lorelai Bervik must be stopped; she has infected the very fabric of our nation. I now speak directly to those dreamers who share my visions... bring her to justice.'

-An extract from a recent publishing by Aksel Briggs.

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SEVENTY-FIVE

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

Erwin's speech seemed to drag on and on.

Levi watched from the shadows of the wings of the stage. Erwin was a very impressive public speaker. He wouldn't doubt it if the cadets bought into his bullshit. Honour. Glory. Freedom. All things Levi sorely lacked any regard for.

Still, he had to admit, the situation was far less bleak this year than in the past.

Despite the horror of the knowledge that there was something out there that could break a wall, hope seemed almost attainable. With Havasian technology, Levi couldn't imagine what wonders they would achieve. Erwin's promises had begun to hold some credibility.

There was still a whole lot of blood to be shed before that goal became graspable, however.

"-The Havasian Ambassador shall lead our brave Scouts to victory, to grasping true freedom through the marvels of technology," Erwin was saying.

As with most things, it all hinged on Lorelai. It must be exhausting to have people looking to you all the time, thought Levi.

Speaking of Lorelai... where was she?

Levi looked to his left, startled. She'd been there just a minute ago, but her absence was stark and cold. He recalled Erwin's cryptic warning, and his stomach twisted into knots. Perhaps he had meant to inform them of some new danger; he'd better find Lorelai.

"Lorelai?" Levi called, slipping behind the stage and walking towards the main Cadet Corps building.

The sun had just set, and the rickety old construction was dark, not a light on—empty. The sounds of Erwin's grandiose exclamations, "Duty. Freedom. Honour!" were muffled in the distance. The wind picked up, making the old wood groan with its weight.

Fuck, Levi thought to himself, looking left and right down the rickety porch. Where was she?

Only when he heard a cry from inside the building did panic truly seize him. Lorelai. He flung open the doors heedlessly.

It was dark inside, but through the moonlight, Levi could make out Lorelai mid-brawl. A massive brute, standing at least a foot taller than her, had her by the throat. She was spluttering and pawing at his arms, her face turning ashen as she was choked.

"Let her go."

The menace in Levi's voice made the brute start, and Lorelai fell to the ground with a thud. She coughed fiercely. But too quickly, he had scrabbled to his senses and seized her again, pressing a kitchen knife to her throat. "Stay back. Alright?" The brute's voice trembled as Levi's hands clenched into fists. He was a child. A cadet. "Stay back, or I'll..."

They stared at each other through the near blackness.

Lorelai could feel the cold of the blade against her throat. One move. One little slip of the hand. And-