A/N: Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday, but I managed to pull myself together to write up this one. Thank you for all the reviews by the way! I hope you enjoy this chapter as well :)
Chapter 4: Where It Began
She was just another recruit. From a quick glance, the only thing that was unique about her standing alongside the rest of the freshly groomed soldiers was the fiery passion that burned in her eyes as she swore her heart and soul to humanity. There was no hesitance, no sign of fear in those deep amber orbs, and Levi could immediately tell that she was genuine.
There had been no reason for him to memorize her name. She was just a number among the rest of recruits that bravely chose to enlist in the Scouting Regiment, one that would most likely be included on the long list of casualties resulting from their first expedition. It was something that Levi had learned long ago: it didn't matter how great of a fighting spirit and determination had, for one could still easily fall after simply seeing the face of death. He had known many soldiers who were strong and able in their skills and capability, but quickly perished after seeing a comrade perish right before their eyes. Witnessing something like that changed people, and often for the worse. Vengeance solved nothing, another lesson that Levi had learned early on. So when Erwin told him to begin considering people for his own squad, he wanted only the best soldiers.
As much as he considered combat skill and dedication before official selection, what he really looked for was strong discipline. Soldiers that took orders without question and would follow him into a suicide mission were soldiers that could survive. He needed soldiers who did not fear death.
He first noticed her after three expeditions during battle. There were three titans surrounding her squad, cornering them. Only four of her comrades were still able to fight and two of them fell relatively quickly. The third was grabbed by one of the titans and the other stood stock-still in a nearby tree, completely petrified. Just as he was about to sweep in and annihilate all three titans, she leaped forward, diving headfirst into the fray, her twin blades gleaming with vicious intent. She swiftly took out two of the monsters, employing her three-dimensional gear with practiced ease. She swung around the third titan, but the beast turned just as she raised her blade, snatching her out of the air. It was the first time Levi saw her fierce exterior falter, the brief flicker of absolute terror in her eyes. But then the mask slipped back and her expression hardened as she began to fight against the titan's choking grasp. Levi made his move, swinging in as fast as his gear allowed, slicing away the titan's fingers to free her. She immediately shot off, only giving him a second's glance in gratitude before disappearing among the trees. Despite the fleeting encounter, Levi could distinctly remember the flash of her golden hair and the stoked fire in her eyes.
The next time he saw her was back at headquarters the following night. The mess hall was deserted and the sun had slipped below the horizon many hours before. Levi walked in, intending on getting another cup of coffee to sustain him enough to finish the large stack of paperwork that Erwin had supplied him with. He was surprised to find her sitting there, alone at one of the long tables, nursing a cup of coffee between her hands. Her eyes rose at his entrance, widening when she realized who he was. She hastily stood, giving him a quick salute.
"No need to be formal, soldier. It's only the two of us here," he sighed, waving her off.
She slowly lowered her arm, still staring at him. "Y-yes, sir. Might I ask why you are up so late?"
Levi took a seat across from her, massaging his temple. "I have a stack of papers from the expedition I have to complete for Erwin as soon as possible, so I came down for a cup of coffee."
A smile slipped across her lips, and she moved towards the kitchen, grabbing a cup for him. "I can make you my special coffee," she said, her weariness immediately fading away. "I always used to make if for my father before I joined the military."
Levi didn't argue with her, oddly amused at how friendly she was considering they had never spoken before. "What's your name?"
Her smile grew as she walked towards him, setting a steaming cup before him. "My name's Petra, Petra Ral," she said, returning to her previous spot opposite of him.
"Petra," he repeated to familiarize himself with the name. He leaned forward, examining the cup's contents. A sweet smell wafted up at him, making his skeptical.
"What's in this?"
Petra shrugged. "It's my own concoction."
Levi didn't respond, hesitantly raising the cup to his lips. His eyebrows show up in surprise, finding the flavor to be rather pleasing. The coffee was bittersweet, retaining its robust flavor while being laced with something like honey.
"It's good," he said, glancing up at her.
Petra's cheeks tinged pink and she averted her gaze, finding the captain's eyes rather intense. "I never got to thank you for saving me yesterday. So, thank you," she said, running her hands over her thighs.
Levi grunted, draining the last of his coffee. "You're an able soldier. It would be a shame for you to die so soon after joining the corps." He normally wouldn't say something so sentimental, but something about her presence made him feel oddly comforted.
Petra blushed again, muttering something indiscernible under her breath. Then she lifted her gaze, staring at him with her honey-colored eyes.
"My comrades died because I didn't act fast enough. I wasn't capable enough to take out the third titan," she said softly. "I'm sorry I performed so inadequately on an expedition."
Levi shook his head, cursing under his breath. "You are a strong soldier. It is not worth beating yourself up over trivial mistakes."
Petra sighed, running a finger around the rim of her cup. "I just…feel like I have so much more to prove, being one of the only females in the corps. I don't want to be viewed as a burden. I don't want to be a disappointment." He caught the faintest trace of tears hiding among her eyelashes, but she refused to seem weak in front of him. He admired her for that.
Levi didn't respond, only giving a slight nod. He abruptly stood, making her look up suddenly.
"You fought well yesterday. I want to see you fighting with at least that same amount of determination on the next expedition. Do not disappoint me." He gave her a stern look, startling her into willful salute.
"Yes, sir. I will not disappoint you," she pledged.
The corner of his lips twitched upward at her resolve. "Good."
The next morning when Erwin came to question him again about his selection for his squad, he promptly handed him a list with Petra Ral the first one.
