Preparations

When Levi mentioned earlier that they should always be prepared when he only allowed them a few hours of down time, cleaning was the last thing Oluo thought they would be doing. Him being the late one, and ultimately making Levi come looking for him landed him with the worst chore, bathroom duty. Outside sweeping, Gunther and Eld heard him cursing. They weren't too pleased either. It was extremely late and the men were tired and sore. Gunther, unable to to remain composed after going so long without a good night sleep, snaps. "It's your fault! You just had to stay out late, didn't ya?"

Oluo peaked his head from the doorway. "Oh? You wanna go?" Sauntering up to his comrade, he jerked his chin up.

An angry grin befell Gunther's face. It was no secret Oluo was imitating the Captain, and it also annoyed the hell out of Gunther. How he hated the ashen haired man acting like he was a cut above the rest. "You better believe I do."

"You and I both know that wouldn't be smart," Oluo went on while advancing on his friend. "I hold the highest… 'mission success' rate, if you know what I mean. I would go easy on you of course, but you would probably be off-duty for quite some time."

Gunther looked down on him. "Success rate, huh? Tell me, were you successful with that girl?" He very well knew the answer. The air of disappointment was all over him when he returned with the Captain.

Embarrassment almost overtook the anger inside Oluo, almost. In fact it seemed to rile up the man more. "If I had more time…" At this point the two of practically nose to nose, Oluo having to stretch slightly. Without context, one might mistaken their proximity to the beginning of a lovers' kiss. Eld failed to stifle a chuckle. The pair's gaze move onto him.

"Don't mind me. I wouldn't want to interrupt your moment." His smile was sincere. These two were like brothers to him. Even when they had their spats there was never true malice behind their words. Once they got all they needed off their chests, he knew things would cool down. That didn't stop him from walking back into a wall as Oluo began approaching him.

"Don't think I'll let you off easy." Why was he even angry at Gunther? "You asked me where I was taking her, and if I would recommend it for a date with your own woman. Then you go right ahead and tell the Captain. Why is that, huh?"

Before the blonde was able to respond, he noticed how Gunther posture stiffened. "He did it on my order," came a familiar voice. Oluo's rage simmered down and he turned around slowly.

There stood Levi. The same look of boredom on his face as always. Actually, no. After spending as much time with the Captain as they had, they could pick up on the subtleties of his facial expressions. Right now he was cross with something, someone perhaps. Oluo silently prayed it wasn't because of him. "Sir! I wasn't implying that your judgement was wrong." His words were ignored as the older man stepped into the men's restroom facilities. A lump formed in Oluo's throat.

"Disgusting. I know this is the place where you all take shits, but that isn't an excuse for it looking like and smelling like it." Gunther shot daggers and Oluo, who in turn, glared back. That is, until Levi fully emerged. "Tch, whatever. It's late. Get to bed. Tomorrow we clean this whole place again."

As he rounded the corner and back to his own room he heard their squabble continue when they thought he could no longer hear. For Levi, it was nice to have a team so carefree. Every day outside the Walls was another chance at death and for those men to smile, despite the horrors they had all seen meant they could not be broken so easily. It was why he chose them. They could keep a level head, be willing walk over the fallen bodies of their comrades, even when it was difficult. Eld, Gunther, and Oluo have proved to him time and time again that they were among the few he could constantly depend on. Which makes his earlier conversation with Erwin that much harder to grasp.

He closed the door of his temporary captain's quarters. On the desk lay the documents. Recommendations for new members of his squad. At least Erwin called them recommendations. Levi knew well enough the Commander would order him to take on these rookies if he refused. He got comfortable in the chair and looked over them. They were young, just out of the Training Regiment.. The oldest was only seventeen. Some were stationed within Wall Maria and a handful in Rose They apparently all passed with honors, even the one who didn't have the best physical capabilities Erwin said that brat's intelligence rivaled his own.

Levi was no baby-sitter. These kids were going to be sent to their death. In war, kids younger than this had met their gruesome demise, but it was never him who directly caused it. Not yet. Still he would trust Erwin's judgement, even when he did not understand.

With a low exhale, he looked over their papers once more. Some of them stood out more than the others. Reiner Braun, Bertolt Hoover, and Annie Leonhart, these three were apparently found orphaned, the only thing they could remember about themselves were their own names. No one ever came to claim them, and so when they came of age they were forced, like all other orphans, to join the military. A way to compensate for the the taxes wasted on them. Despite having the fate of others like them, they rose above that difficult start and became three of the strongest, sparing them a fate of an early demise. He hopes anyway.

Next was Armin Arlet. He was a below average build and looking at the scores, was not physically developed as the rest. Until Levi's eyes dropped to the academics and situational scenario results. This must be the one Erwin mentioned.

The rest did not catch his attention in any way. He flipped through them after a quick skim each. Then he got to the last page. His eyes seemed to widen, if only for a second. Mikasa Ackerman. The girl was only fifteen but was said to be more skilled than some veterans, if a little irrational at times. That wasn't what made her stand out to Levi though. As if things weren't complicated enough… Erwin, what are you thinking?

There was no point on dwelling on this now. If these brats were willing, he would take them. The Training Regiment was known to break down the cadets and rebuild and mold the trainees to their liking. It was effective, it made people like Erwin and Hange, even though the latter was on the borderline of insanity. Levi had his way of training too. It would be awhile till the next time the Special Ops Squad was to be deployed; plenty of time to raise their chances of survival.

He gathered up the loose papers and was about to try to sleep for the remainder of what little night was left when he noticed something. On the desk was an enveloped with a seal he did not recognize. He opened it and read over the contents. Eld's wedding was coming up. It seemed Levi has been invited. Aside from meetings about the war and upcoming battles, Levi avoided social gatherings like a rat would a feline. In the morning he will decline. That's what his brain tells him. His thoughts wander back to walking in on them arguing. His men were carefree and the friendship they shared was clear as day. Did they see him in that same way? A friend? Weddings were for those close to the bride and groom. He doubted his invitation was out of formality. Very well. He would show his subordinate the same respect.

He blew the out the lantern. The smoke still lingered in the air for awhile. Now the only light was the pale moon and the stars. He crossed his arms and leaned back. It was only the first day of being back and yet things kept popping up. Sleep would not come easy tonight, then again, when had it?


Hugo's Books was a relatively poor shop in the business section on Shiganshina. People were poor here and reading was a luxury not many could afford. The only real time of business was when school was about to be in session for children. Hugo would have sold the store and all the dusty pages that live within, but his daughter loved the old building. To make up for it, she would do odd jobs around the town to earn extra cash to support them. Today, however, she was free to explore the bookshelves.

Since she was invited to the wedding, she found herself growing more anxious. It was for one of Oluo's fellow soldiers so there would be many people from the military, not just the ones from her best friend sector either. They probably all had heroic stories to tell and of places they have seen. She would be careful, of course. War wasn't all about glory and honor. There have been many times she had found Oluo lost deep in the darkest corners of his thoughts. It was heart wrenching seeing him in that state. It was agonizing knowing she couldn't help carry that burden alongside him. If the soldiers were willing to share their tales she listen wholeheartedly and if they didn't, she wouldn't pry.

What was she getting in a fuss about that type of stuff anyway? It will be a day for love and a new life for the happy couple. Of course war will probably be far from their minds. She will try her best not to get in the way. She would only know Oluo anyway. Which led her to her current goal. She never attended such a formal event before. Oluo assured her she would be fine, but that didn't stop her from fretting. How many chances does one get to go to a wedding? She still wasn't sure if she would one day accept her friend's feelings and be willing to one day walk down the aisle with him or anyone for that matter. So she would make the most of this one. She was exploring book after book for information on etiquette and the fundamentals of how a typical ceremony would operate.

Oluo often teased her about her love of books, but there was very little else she could do her free time. It also provided her from escape from her mundane life. He would never understand. There was only so much one could learn from pages though.

Sadness and longing began to creep into her soul. Childhood dreams that once seemed so tantalizing close could now never be hope to become reality. Petra could now only hope the war would end in her own lifetime.

The bell of above the entrance rang out. Hugo had errands to run that day, so Petra was alone managing the shop. "Welcome," she called from behind the front desk. Three individuals entered. A tall boy, with dark hair and eyes. He seemed a little uneasy, like he was scared of being caught doing something he shouldn't. He held the door open allowing a petite blonde girl in. Her hair was in a loose bun and she seemed distant and disinterested in everything around her. The third was another boy, blonde and shorter than the brunette, but still towered over her and was well built. He seemed confident with a clear purpose in his eyes.

The trio branched off from each other. They were skimming each section of the store rapidly, searching for something specific. A good amount of time passed before Petra decided to offer assistance. They were having trouble finding whatever they came in for. She approached the shorter of the males. "Do you need any help?"

He slightly jumped, shocked by her sudden presence. He probably didn't even notice anyone was here. They did appear to be each in their own world when they first arrived. "Yes, actually. We are looking for books about tactics used by the military."

There was a loud crash. She looked behind him to see that the dark haired boy had knocked over a whole section of books. "S-sorry," he said meekly.

"It's no problem, don't worry about it. I can clean it up later," she returned to the blonde. "We don't get a lot of customers, and even then that is an unusual request. Mind if I ask why?"

His face lit up and he proudly declared, "We are graduates from the 104th Training Corps. Well, soon to be graduated. We still need to do one last test."

"Hmmm?" Petra grew suspicious. "Shouldn't you already be familiar with that type of thing?"

"You're right, but we've been recommended for the Special Tactics Division." His fist pounded on his chest. "That's right. I, Reiner Braun, am bound to join Levi Squad. Well, I'm just a candidate now. There are others as well. We want to make a good impression, study on formations and techniques that we might not have been taught."

That did makes sense, however… "A good friend of mine serves under Captain Levi. He was handpicked. There was no test. At least, not from what I heard."

"Well maybe that's how it used to be. The War may appear to be going smoothly, but we are more or less at a stalemate with Marley. It's time to act fast, before the enemy gets an advantage. And so all those who have shown exceptional skilled are being offered positions that one would normally wait years for. Though it will be dangerous." The words he spoke seemed genuine. The people were becoming more and more complacent with the way things are. It was sickening, especially for those with loved ones who had fought and lost their lives for the safety of those inside the Walls.

"Well, then allow me to to be the first to congratulate you. If you have already been consider for an opportunity, I'm sure you are more than qualified. I hope my friend brings back stories of your adventures together." Back behind the desk, she reaches in her satchel and takes out a few well-used books. "These aren't in the best condition, nor are do they contain anything from recent years, as most of that is classified to public, but I can vouch that they have maneuvers that will sure to impress."

Reiner reached for them. "How much do we owe you?"

"These are actually mine, but consider it a gift. I used to… well dreams didn't work out for me. I can at least help you achieve yours." When she knew she would be alone and away from her father, she would sneak these old books out and secretly try to perfect what was taught within. She would lie to herself and say it was in self defense in case she were one day mugged, but she never truly believed that statement. Somewhere in her heart, she wanted to still go out and contribute her worth and to be able to experience a world outside this birdcage. Like she told this customer, however like she said, things don't always turn out like one hopes.

As for Reiner he inwardly cursed. This woman. By the look of this dilapidated shack, she wasn't well off. Just giving away something that could have potential like this, she must stupid. Or kind. He hated it. "Thank you. We'll be sure to be successful."

She watched them leave. While it was painful giving away her treasures, it also was a way she knew could contribute, no matter how small. She was about to clean the mess,when door chimed once again. It was her father, holding a package. He looked pleased with himself as he explained what was in it. He opened up it and Petra's eyes grew wide.


Back in the training camp and after checking for eavesdroppers, Bertolt confronted his friend. "You didn't have to give so much away. What if it gets back to us?" They have been raised for this very moment. If things go awry because Reiner is getting too reckless than all these years would be for naught. The first step was right in front them. Soon they could return home.

"It's fine. If I hadn't, she probably wouldn't have given us this," he clenched his hands around the materials. "Fuck… it's like she said though. This is old. They probably don't use this crap anymore. So much to having the advantage." He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm just concerned. This hasn't been easy on any us. I feel it's affecting you the most."

He grinned. "Keep saying things like that and you'll give a man the wrong idea." Bertolt stammered behind him, failing to articulate proper words. Reiner continued, "Relax. I'm just joking. It's obvious how you feel about Annie." The way he looks at her reminded Reiner of a simpler time. He wanted to go back to those days. They will never be able to though. Bertolt was trying to defend himself, but Reiner drowned him out. He could deny all he wants. "And it's her we should be more concerned about anyway. She's too unsociable, we can't even tell what's going on in that head of hers."

"She's always been like that. Even before…" Bertolt brought his hand to his nape. It still tingled at times. Reiner anchored him back into reality, sensing his distress as painful memories tried to drown them both.

"We should head back inside. Don't want the others to start getting suspicious."

From inside the male sleeping quarters, a certain loud mouth's voice could still be heard loud and clear. "Mikasa, why are you still even in here? It's after hours. If Sargent Shadis catches you, you'll have hell to pay."

"I'm here to convince you not skip out on the wedding your dad's been invited to." Mikasa was Eren's adopted sibling. She was taken in after her own parents were murdered under mysterious circumstances. As such, she vowed to repay that kindness and that included keeping Eren in check.

"Why? It's just was out of obligation that our family was even invited," he flopped back into his matress, arms behind his head. "I could just stay here and get some last minute training in. You can go if you want though." The mattress dipped from the weight of a third person.

"But Eren, don't you see this could be a good opportunity?" Despite his encouraging words to his stubborn best friend, Armin felt saddened. He was also given the same opportunity as his bunk mates, but he knew he was lacking compared to them. He wasn't strong, nor did he have good endurance. In fact, he often felt others tried to take his load onto themselves. He really was dead weight. It wasn't out of jealousy that made him feel this way however; it was the thought of being left behind. "Do you even know whose wedding it is? Did you read the invitation?" And despite that overbearing feeling, he would still encourage Eren. He knew it was his dream to be like his hero and to fight on his side.

"Of course he didn't. If he did he wouldn't be so stubborn." Mikasa was about to lecture him more when the door swung open. "Reiner, I thought you guys were going to be spending the…," she cut herself off. Of course they wouldn't spend the weekend with their parents. They didn't have any either. Unlike her, they never found a true home again. As she looked at them, they didn't appear visibly hurt by her carelessness.

"What about you guys? The Sarge said we can take it easy till the test," Reiner sat in his own bed removing his boots, Bertolt climbing in the bunk above him. "Guess Eren is trying to get more training in."

"Reiner, help me convince these guys the wedding is just a waste." Eren hopped out of bed and pleaded to his friend. "It's just something my father was invited to as thanks for curing the bride's family of sickness a couple months back." He was sick of trying to explain it. It was just a waste of time. If Mikasa wanted to go, fine but she didn't need to drag him as well.

Reiner turned to the other two. "He's right. It does sound like it would just take away your time from training." Before Eren could gloat he found himself caught up in a headlock. "Now that I think about it, you should go ahead and go. Can't have showing us up at the finals. Me and Bertolt can train twice as much while your gone."

"But Eren!" Armin interjected. "It's not just your dad's client; the groom is Eld Jinn. He's practically Captain Levi's right hand. That means he might even be there. Even if he's not, you can at least impress Eld, maybe he'll put a good word in."

Eren wrestled away from Reiner. "Why didn't you say so?!"

"We tried but you can be really thick headed sometimes." Mikasa was grateful their blonde friend had a knack for getting Eren to listen. She would have to ask him for pointers later.

The group shared a few more laughs, majority of it at Eren's expense, before Mikasa decided to make her way to the girls' bunkards. At this point Armin and Bertolt were fast asleep. Eren was about to settle in as well when Reiner spoke up, "You don't have to go the wedding. You can train here."

"Oh? Scared of me of getting upper hand?" He blew out the candles. "Sorry, but I'm not as strong as you. I got to take every chance I get. No hard feelings?"

A knot formed in the older boy's stomach. If only he could tell Eren. Maybe there would be a chance he would understand. He might even agree under the circumstances, or at least forgive him. Reiner couldn't though. The risks of coming clean were too heavy to outweigh the guilt consuming his very being. "Yeah. No hard feelings…"


A/N: So this chapter is probably really boring, but I promise it leads to major plot points later. At the core, this story will focus on Pertra and Levi's relationship but I also want to include some elements that make SNK so good in the first place. So bare with me please. They will be having interaction in the next chapter (hopefully) so please look forward to that. As always reviews, criticism, and advice is most welcome! I want to improve and dedicate a more compelling story to the fandom. Thank you all for even reading and giving me a chance!

To Guest Who Said "Can't wait for more!":Thank you so much! I hope you weren't too disappointed with such a bland chapter. I promise to try to make the next one better!

To Petraaaral: You are super, amazingly great for leaving me a review! Thank you. It really warmed me up inside!

To Linneanna: I can't express how much your words mean to me. I was really scared readers might find Petra too meek in the beginning, but hearing that I able to still shine her true self despite the situation means so much. My biggest fear is not doing the characters justice or letting my own biases slip in. I really hope you continue to support me! You've truly encouraged me to continue. About her not being a soldier yet... ;).