Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexual content

Enjoy

The Underground City, 844...

Raisa was leaning against the side of the building. As she turned her head, she adjusted her stance. She brushed her bangs off her face. Her black hair was short in a pixie style, and her hairline was perfect. Her violet eyes peered through the dark alley, seeing clearly. Erwin and Miche exited the building through the side door and approached Raisa. Both men were significantly taller her than her by over a foot. Erwin spoke first, "Have you located them?"

"Yes, sir." Raisa stood up straight, stood respectfully. "They're passing through the next street over. Should we follow?"

"Yes. We don't want them getting spooked," Erwin said. "Lead the way."

Raisa walked out of the alley way. Two more Scouts were waiting outside of the alley. Raisa led them all through the streets, weaving through the crowds at an intersection. Her statement was proven correct. The criminals they searched for were walking up the street as if they owned it. Two young men and a teenage girl. One man was short with black hair and the other with blond hair. The Scouts maintained a safe distance as they followed. Another trio of thugs were walking by. One of them bumped shoulders with the black-haired one. The thug started shouting and the black-haired man fired his grappling hook from beneath his cloak. Raisa and Erwin hurried through the crowd. The black-haired man flew through the air like he had been using the ODM gear all his life. He landed on the thug, knocking him to the ground.

While he was making a show of the fight, his companions had taken out the other thugs. They all took off, using their ODM gear to fly above the buildings. The black-haired man glanced back, and made eye contact with Erwin. Raisa walked up beside him. "Continue, sir?"

"Yes." Erwin pulled out his hand grips. "Let's go."

They all took off into the air. They maintained a fifty-meter distance, soaring through the air above the city. The criminals definitely noticed the Scouts following them because they suddenly changed course and flew under a bridge. Raisa took the lead and the others followed her under the bridge after the criminals. The criminals took a sharp turn around a pillar. The Scouts did the same. Erwin caught up with Raisa. "Be prepared. They're going to split up. Stay with me."

"Yes, sir," she said.

The criminals split off just as he said. Raisa and Erwin continued after the black-haired one. They followed him through the buildings. Raisa rose up over the buildings. She realized the criminal's intent to lose them through the maze of the city. She signaled to Erwin who nodded in response. She then took off towards the left. In her head, she kept the same pace she figured the criminal did. She turned a sharp corner and followed the momentum. She fired an anchor, and soared up and over the building. The black-haired criminal flipped over a gate, his eyes focused on the path behind him. He landed gracefully on the ground, then suddenly turned just as Raisa's feet connected with his chest. The criminal grabbed Raisa behind her knee and threw her off him. She rolled over her shoulder to her feet. As the criminal got up, Raisa swung her leg at his head. He raised his arms in time to block her kick. The criminal jabbed his fist at her inner thigh. "Gah!"

Raisa gritted her teeth from the pain. She dropped down and moved to sweep his legs from under him, but the criminal fired his anchor and lifted into the air. He aimed to escape up and over the building to the east. Erwin appeared and swung down, cutting the wire with his swords. The criminal slammed into the side of the building hard and fell to the ground. Erwin landed next to Raisa who got up. Miche flew down in a huff. "Did you get him?!"

Erwin watched as the criminal rolled onto all fours. "No."

The criminal charged. His fist aimed at Erwin's head. Raisa dove in-between them. She grabbed onto the man's arm and threw him to the side. He landed on his back and grunted in pain. Raisa placed her knee against his face, and kept his arm in a tight lock. The man began to wiggle despite her pushing his elbow against her thigh, threatening to break it. "Stop!" she said. "Take a good look around you!"

The man paused and noticed the other Scouts bringing his companions. Anna had the female handcuffed. The female criminal kicked about like an animal. "Lemme go!"

"Don't bother, Isabel," the other male criminal said, complying with the Scout handcuffing him.

"Section Commander, are you alright?" Anna asked.

"I'm fine. Good work capturing those two," Erwin said. "Raisa, handcuff that one."

"Yes, sir." Raisa pushed the man onto his chest, curling his arm behind his back. She grabbed his other arm. While she kept his arms pinned, she undid his ODM belts. Miche took the equipment and set it down beside the others. Raisa got to her feet and pulled the man up as well. "Come on, big guy. Get up."

The man grumbled as he stood up. Her hands were firmly around his wrists. She walked him over to his companions so that they all lined up. Isabel and the other were already on their knees. Anna handed Raisa the irons, and she cuffed the man. "Kneel."

The man remained still. Raisa peered at him over his shoulder. He was only a few inches taller than her. "We can do this the easy way, big guy, or I can break your legs. Which do you prefer?"

The man inhaled sharply and knelt. He glared at her over his shoulder. "What's your name?"

"Raisa," she answered. "What's yours?"

"Levi," he said. "Levi Ackerman. I want you to remember that...because I will kill you."

Raisa saw the sincerity in his dark blue eyes. She harrumphed and smacked his cheek as she walked around him. She pointed to Isabel as she turned to Anna. "Her name?"

"Isabel."

She pointed to the other man, and Anna shrugged. Raisa bent over to meet the man's eye-level. "What's your name?"

The man raised an eyebrow. Her purple eyes seemed to shine despite the darkness of the city. Without thinking, he answered her. "Furlan Church."

Raisa got up and went to Erwin. Levi and Isabel frowned concernedly at Furlan as he shook his head, blinking away the strange feeling that had come over him. Raisa told Erwin their names, and he thanked her. He approached the three. "I have several questions for you. First, where did you steal the ODM gear?"

The three of them remained silent. "Your skills are remarkable, I must admit," he continued, "Who taught you?"

Still, they didn't speak. Erwin walked over to Levi. "You're the leader, correct? Were you in the military?" Levi glared up at him. "That look on your face...you're already thinking of ways to kills us and escape. I'd rather not resort to medieval methods, but I'll settle for some rough interrogation."

Miche stepped forward, understanding Erwin's hidden meaning. He grabbed Levi by his hair and shoved him into the puddle of water on the ground. Levi's glare intensified. "I'll ask you one more time," Erwin said, his tone fierce and steady. "Who taught you to use the ODM gear?"

"Nobody taught us!" Isabel shouted. "Get that stick out of your ass!"

"We taught ourselves," Furlan elaborated. "We had to...to survive. Someone like you, who's never had to live in the sewers, would understand."

Erwin ignored them. Miche shoved Levi's head into the water for a few seconds then lifted his head up. Erwin took a step forward. "I admire your spirit...but if you keep this up, I can't guarantee the safety of your companions."

Anna and Forester drew their blades and held them to Isabel and Furlan's throats. Isabel growled as the cold steel pressed against her neck. "If you're gonna kill us, just do it!"

"You son of a bitch," Levi grumbled as Miche pulled Levi back to sit on his knees.

"Levi Ackerman." Erwin knelt down in the dirty water in front of him. "I want to offer you a deal."

"What?"

"Your crimes will be pardoned, but only if you join the Scouts Regiment," he explained.

Levi's face softened as he thought. He glanced at the other Scouts and then at his friends. "And if I refuse?"

"You'll be handed over to the Military Police. Considering your extensive record, it's a correct assumption that a life sentence is what you'll receive. Your companions most likely will receive the same sentence." Erwin stood up. Water ran down his boots from his knees. "It's your choice. Prison or the Scouts?"

Levi gritted his teeth in anger. His glare fell on the confiscated ODM gear piled against the wall. He took a breath to calm himself. "Fine," he said. "We'll join the Scouts."

Smith Residence, Trost District, a few months ago...

Erwin entered the quiet house. He crossed the foyer into the main sitting room. The house wasn't large, and by no means lavish. But his family home was comfortable. In the sitting room, a young woman sat on the couch. There were papers spread out on a coffee table. She wore a nice, button-down shirt tucked into a gray skirt. Sunlight shone through the window, making her purple eyes appear more violet, and her copper skin glimmered. Her dark brown hair done-up in the latest fashion. She noticed Erwin and set down the paper she was reading. "Hey. Are you already done for the day?"

"No," he answered as he sat down beside her. "I stepped away to speak with you."

"Oh?" she smiled softly at him. "To what do I owe this special visit?"

Before he could answer, a toddler came running into the room. A boy with copper skin like the woman, but with bright blond hair. He stopped in front of Erwin. "Papa!"

Erwin picked her up the boy up. He smiled down at his son's cute face. His icy blue eyes were kind and full of love. He was silently relieved neither of his children had inherited his thick eyebrows. The boy smiled with glee, hugging Erwin. The woman pressed her index finger against her lips. "Quiet, Viktor. You'll wake your sister."

Viktor covered her mouth, and mimicked his mother's shushing. Erwin turned his gaze to the woman. She was truly beautiful to him, almost inhumanly. "Katya," he said. "I need to you do something for me."

Katya met his gaze, seeing the seriousness. "Viktor, why don't you go find a snack in the kitchen?"

"No," he whined. "Papa's here!"

Erwin set him down. "I'm pretty sure there are sweets hidden somewhere in there. Why don't you go and find them?"

Viktor gasped with delight and ran off towards the kitchen. Katya waited until the door swung closed. "What is it you need me to do?"

"Commander Keith presented my proposal to Premier Zachary earlier today," Erwin explained. "However, he could not approve it."

Katya crossed her legs as she thought. "Makes sense. I've heard parliament is very much against the Scouts Regiment expeditions."

Erwin didn't hide his disappointment. "More precisely a politician named Lobov. He's put in motion a decision to abolish the Scouts Regiment."

Katya blinked in surprise. Erwin placed his hand on hers, gently rubbing his thumb against her soft skin. "The final decision will be made in five days. I need you to change his mind."

She inhaled sharply, trying to keep herself calm. Her eyes lit up with excitement, but she kept her voice calm and steady. "Does it need to be clean? Or, do I have full freedom?"

Erwin squeezed her hand. He could see the ideas turning in her head. "Whatever is necessary. Change his mind. My proposal needs to be approved."

Her eyes became dark despite the smile on her face. "Don't worry. I won't fail."

5 days later...

Erwin entered the small living room and his gaze quickly fell upon Katya sitting on the loveseat by the window, reading a book. He closed the door, and she raised her head. "Erwin? What're you doing home so soon?"

"Where are the children?" he asked.

"Upstairs asleep."

Erwin crossed the room, taking each step with purpose. As he approached, Katya set her book down on the window sill. Before she could say anything, Erwin reached down and pulled her skirts up. He grabbed her thighs and pulled her to him. Katya slid down on the couch; her head now resting between the back cushion and the armrest. Her cheeks flushed as she maintained a steady gaze with Erwin, not blinking, not turning away. He unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. He knelt down on the couch and entered her suddenly. Katya gasped, and gripped the cushions tightly. "Lobov changed his mind."

Katya smiled slightly. "The decision to abolish the Scouts...was denied," Erwin continued. His thrusts were fluid and passionate. "Premier Zachary...approved my proposal...with full funding."

Erwin leaned down further, penetrating deeper as his pace quickened. "You've always done everything I asked."

Katya slid her hands up his arms to his face. "Have I ever failed?"

"Never," he said. He kissed her, breathing her in. Katya wrapped her arms around him.

"Lobov already suspects-" she paused to moan "-your involvement."

"I'd be surprised if he didn't." Erwin's voice was heavy from panting and grunting.

Katya pressed her cheek against his, and nibbled his ear. "Spies have been watching the house. Watching me. The children."

"I'll take care of it. Trust me."

Katya let out a soft cry as she came, throwing her head back against the armrest. Erwin's thrusts slowed as he finished. He relaxed his body, and he finally felt the sweat soaking into his shirt. The room seemed loud with their heavy breathing. Katya sighed, satisfied, and wiped her forehead. Erwin pulled out and plopped down on the couch beside her. Katya brushed her hair off her face. "I do trust you," she breathed. "But, I would hate to draw more attention."

Erwin turned to look at her. He placed his hand on her face and used his thumb to caress her cheek. "Don't worry. I have a plan."

Command Staff Room, Scout Regiments Headquarters, present...

"This is humiliating!" Captain Flagon slammed his fist on the table. "Assignment comes after training. You want to add these criminals to the ranks? Just piss on the rules?"

Keith crossed his arms over his chest. He sat at the head of the table. "I hear your concerns, but they fully agreed to join the Scouts."

"Only because we left them no other choice." Flagon shook his head. "How will I explain this to the men?"

"Captain Flagon," Erwin began, "I understand your hesitation since they've been placed under your command. Currently, they have no military training, but their ODM skills are impressive. I've already chosen three perfect trainers for each of them."

Flagon furred his eyebrows. "Trainers?"

"Yes," Erwin answered. "Christina, Albert, and Raisa."

Flagon's eyes flicked to where Raisa stood against the wall like a perfect sentry. He deepened his frown. "Why Raisa? She's your Lieutenant."

"Yes, but she has the necessary skills to properly train Levi Ackerman."

"Which one is he?" Keith asked.

"The short one," Erwin answered. "Regardless, I truly believe they play a key part in the new formation proposal that was approved."

"A key part?" Flagon snorted. "For your sake, I hope you're right."

Main Courtyard...

Levi readjusted his ODM belt on his thigh. He waited impatiently at the entrance to the training forest. Isabel was down at the stables while Furlan socialized with their new comrades. He turned his attention to the forest as Raisa stepped out. He hadn't realized her skin was dark, like copper. "I've been waiting out here for twenty minutes," he said. "Is this how you plan to train me? To waste my time?"

Raisa blinked, a little surprised by his tone. "Well, good morning to you, too, sunshine."

"Don't call me that."

She ignored him. Raisa placed her hands on her hips. "Prepping the training course took a little longer than normal. Especially since it was just me."

"What? You usually have help training recruits?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I actually don't train recruits," she confessed with a shrug. "I'm a Lieutenant. My duties are to serve my Section Commander, leading my squad...and killing Titans, of course."

"You've killed Titans?" Levi's tone was dripping with disbelief.

Raisa crossed her arms under her chest. "Forty-nine solo and ten assists. Which, I might I add, is particularly impressive seeing as I've only been in the Scouts for four years."

This peeked Levi's interest. "Four years? How old are you?"

"That's not a polite thing to ask. A woman's age," she scolded playfully.

"I'm not a polite person."

"No shit." She sighed, mildly disappointed. "I'm nineteen. You?"

"How is any of this part of my training?" he asked, growing irritated. "Do we really need to know about each other to fight Titans?"

Raisa pinched her chin in thought. "You have a youthful face. You could definitely pass for someone my age, but I'm thinking you're older. Much older."

"Barely," he assured her.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "I'll figure it out. To answer your earlier questions, getting to know each other is part of team-building. Trust and familiarity is essential for group formations. For instance, if we're faced against an abnormal Titan, it's best to know which comrade is better at low dives. Or, which one is best at evasion and diversion. Plus, there's a lot of on the fly improvisations. I can go into detail about the physics behind-"

"Alright, I get it." He waved her off. "What are we actually going to do?"

"Basic evaluation."

Levi frowned and shook his head in confusion. "What's the point? I've been using the ODM gear for years."

"For criminal activity, not combat," she argued.

"My combat skills are fine-"

"Exactly!" She pointed her finger at him. "Your skills are 'fine', but not to the standards of the Scouts Regiment. You have absolutely no military training, and your combat skills for Titans is non-existent. Hence, the basic evaluation to determine how I'll properly train you. Also, that ascot needs to go."

"No."

She snorted. "Insubordination on the first day? I've got my work cut out for me. The ascot is a liability."

"I'm not taking it off."

"Tell you what: if this happens-" she flicked his ascot up so it covered his face "-you take it off. Now, let's go. We're wasting daylight."

Levi smoothed his ascot back down. His face darkened in silent anger. He reluctantly followed her into the forest. She flew up high into the trees and Levi followed after her. They stopped on a thick tree branch. Several meters away, a large cardboard Titan dummy stood with a cushioned neck. Levi noticed that they weren't alone as he had hoped. A few Scouts were perched on small platforms built onto the trees, manning the ropes to move the dummy Titans. "Alright," Raisa began, "this evaluation is pretty simple. You're going to practice taking down Titans. No need to do anything fancy. I just need a clear observation of your skills and techniques."

"Fine."

"Hold your horses, big guy," she said as she stopped him from taking off. "Do you know the proper way to effectively kill a Titan?" Levi blinked stoically. "You need to cut a one-meter chuck out of the back of the neck. Anywhere between the hairline and the bottom of the neck will do, so long as the cut is deep enough."

"Why the back of the neck?"

She shrugged. "No one knows. Only that it's the one true weak spot that will kill them. Their bodies are still susceptible to other injuries same as humans. Cut the Achilles tendons and they'll fall, destroy their eyes and they can't grab you, blow their heads off and they can't eat you, but...they'll heal."

"Hm." Levi attached blades to his handles.

Raisa stopped him again before he took off. "Whoa. You're holding them wrong. The swords need to face forward for a proper slice."

"This feels natural," he said bluntly. He squeezed the handles, tensing for an argument.

Raisa simply shrugged and stepped aside. "Okay. Proceed."

Levi narrowed his eyes at her, suspicious. "Really?"

"Yes," she answered honestly. "This is an evaluation. Do whatever you feel is most comfortable. But, if it's ineffective, you learn the typical way. Deal?"

Levi said nothing. She slapped his shoulder and gave him a bright smile. "Now, let's see what you got, big guy."

He took off towards the Titan. He figured it was a safer option than cutting her down in plain view of the other Scouts. He soared through the trees, easily adjusting to the different terrain. He was used to buildings and rocks, but it was almost exhilarating to fly through fresh air. He approached the dummy and sliced through the cushion perfectly. He swooped down, and spun up into the air, slicing another dummy Titan. Well, whattya know, Raisa thought. He's a natural.

Erwin's Office, two days ago...

"Raisa, I'm lending you to Captain Flagon. You'll be training Levi Ackerman personally," Erwin informed. He sat at his desk, pen in hand and several papers stacked to his left.

Raisa stood in front of the desk, and she did her best to hide her frustration. "Permission to speak freely, sir."

"Granted."

Raisa leaned forward and placed her hands on the desk. "Sir, I am a Lieutenant, and currently with the second-highest solo kill count-for now. I carry out every order you give perfectly as per your expectations of me. Why am I being punished?"

Erwin set his pen down. "You're not being punished. You are certainly the most talented Scout we have. These new recruits need a different approach to our typical training methods. Especially, Ackerman. You are the logical choice to train him. The others will do fine under Captain Flagon."

"With all due respect, Section Commander," she said with a flattering tone, "I've worked under you long enough to know you always have an ulterior motive. Why am I really being assigned as Ackerman's trainer?"

Erwin leaned back in his chair with a sigh. He flicked his gaze to the closed door then back to Raisa. Her purple eyes seemed lighter in the sunlight, almost lilac in color. "You're aware of the decision about abolishing the Scouts a few months ago?" She nodded. "Lobov didn't suddenly change his mind on his own."

Raisa stood up straight. Her frown had relaxed as she read Erwin's expression. She inhaled as realization hit her. "Katya."

"She was careful. However, Lobov still suspects my involvement." Erwin tapped his finger on the desk. "And, I think our new recruits are working for him."

"What makes you so sure?"

"It may have seemed like they had no choice but to accept my offer, but I believe they could've escaped us at any point." Raisa made a face in response. "Lobov must've heard we were looking for the three of them, and found them first. Offered them some reward."

"And what's their objective?" she asked as she crossed her arms under her chest. "Certainly not to kill you."

Erwin shook his head. "They're here for something else. Which is why I urged Commander Keith to assign them to Captain Flagon."

"Because he reports to Section Commander Vaughn, right? And I'm assuming my role is to...?" her voice trailed off, waiting for Erwin.

"Keep them separated," he answered. "Christina and Albert are perfect for keeping Magnolia and Church preoccupied. Ackerman is the only...problematic variable. You already made an impression when you took him down in the Underground City."

"He threatened to kill me," she reminded.

"You can handle him. I know it, and more importantly, he knows it." Erwin got up and walked around the desk to face Raisa. "I trust you to do what you need to do to keep him under control. He's no match for your abilities." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "However, I have faith that you can train him to become one of the Scouts' best assets. You can make him as great as you. As brilliant as you."

Raisa's eyes glimmered as she processed his praise. Then she frowned. "I hate when you use flattery against me, sir."

"I'm aware of that." Erwin removed his hands and walked back to his chair. "I know you won't fail me. Train him well."

Raisa saluted him. "Yes, sir!"

Training Forest, present...

Levi kicked off a tree and soared high into the air. He spun over his shoulder and sliced deep into the dummy Titan. Raisa watched him like a hawk. Every movement, every technique. She observed and analyzed. She waited at the end of the training course with a clear view of everything. Levi truly was overflowing with talent. She was mildly surprised he picked everything up so quickly. He finished the final dummy, and swung up to land on the branch next to her. "How was that?" he asked, obviously annoyed. "If I run another course, I won't have any more targets to practice on."

He gestured to the cushioned necks of the Titan dummies. The cushions were essentially gone, cut to ribbons over Levi's numerous course runs. Raisa clapped her hands. "Amazing. You've exceeded my expectations with each run."

Levi waited for her to say more, but frowned when she didn't. "That's it?"

She blinked in surprise. "Oh, you want more praise? I forgot you possessed an over-inflated ego."

"Wha-"

"Look, you did great," she assured him. "You've adapted to each run accordingly which tells me you do well under pressure. Plus, attacking the same dummies and still taking the kill shot tells me you'll tackle any challenge. You're a quick-thinker, and confident in your abilities. Rare traits for Scouts soldiers. I'm very impressed."

Levi softened his frown slightly. He couldn't remember the last time someone had given him honest praise. "Thank you," he said. "But don't forget...I'm still going to kill you."

Raisa smirked in response then kicked him square in the chest. Levi fell off the tree branch. It took him a second to process what had happened. He fired an anchor and caught himself. He glared up at Raisa who was smiling down at him. Her smile was bright and friendly, but her eyes held a different emotion. "Your evaluation isn't over, rookie. Perhaps I'm not challenging you enough."

She fired her anchor at another tree, and swooped down. She flew right in front of Levi and stopped atop the dummy Titan's head. "Catch me before I make it out of the forest. If you win, we call it a day. You lose? Well...let's just say you won't sleep for a week."

Raisa laughed maniacally as she took off. Levi blinked in shock as her laughter echoed through the trees. He growled and flew after her. It took him a while to find her. She was fast and small. She flew through the air like a dancer. Levi pushed ahead. "Come on!" she taunted. "You can do better than that!"

He closed in as she took sharp corners, flying through thick leaves. He pictured her route, how she planned to escape the forest. He swung farther around, herding her, keeping her inside. Raisa suddenly dropped close to the ground and swung under him. She gritted her teeth as her shoulder rubbed against the grass. Levi suddenly appeared in front of her. He reached out a hand, aiming to latch onto her arm. Raisa smirked, and she fired her anchor against a tree to her right. She slid out from right under him, and soared up and around the tree. She sped up, bursting through the tree line and into open air. The view of the training grounds came into view. "Ha!"

She smiled at her success. Then, Levi swung out of a thicket of branches and tackled her hard. His arm wrapped around her middle, and he landed on the ground smoothly. He dropped her like a sack of flour, suppressing a triumphant smile. Raisa grunted as she landed. "Caught you."

"Yeah," she groaned as she pushed herself up. "You did. That was a good...a good tackle. Ow."

Levi smirked, feeling very pleased with himself. "See you later."

"What?" Raisa huffed. "Where do you think you're going?"

"You said if I caught you, I have the rest of the day," he reminded.

Raisa chuckled and got up, groaning slightly. "I said you had to catch me before I made it out of the forest. You grabbed me when I was already at least ten-feet past the tree line. Sorry, big guy. You just failed."

Levi's smirk fell. Raisa shrugged innocently. "Guess you're not so good at listening to directions and following orders. Get ready for some serious pain, big guy. Forget not sleeping for a week. You won't be able to sleep for-ah!"

Raisa had tilted her head in a sassy manner, but winced. She touched her head, and pulled out a hair pin. "God damn it." She grabbed her hair and readjusted the whole thing. "Ugh. You messed up my hair."

"Why are you wearing a wig?" he asked.

"Ugh. Because I-fuck this." She bent over and pulled the whole thing off. She squinted her eyes as the pins in the wig pulled at her real hair. Levi blinked in surprise. He wasn't sure what he was expecting once she took off the wig. Her hair was a sultry dark brown. It felt loose around her face in unruly waves, reaching the base of her neck. It wasn't an unusual color, but seeing her in her natural state. There was something...inhuman about her. Raisa fiddled with the inside of her wig. "I bet you're wondering why I'm wearing a wig. 'What's she got to hide? She ain't bald'."

"Something like that." He turned his gaze away from her. She was too...distracting. "I'll admit you're unusual on your eye color alone."

"Yeah." She twirled the wig in her hand. "The wig helps distract from my unusual features. Pulls the attention anyway, you know? And it helps ease other people who are...unnerved by me."

Levi frowned at her words. "You don't strike me as the type of person who cares what others think of her."

"That's a slightly incorrect assumption as I do care what my superiors think of me," she said with a halfhearted smile. "But, I don't like being a distraction. So, wearing a wig is a small price to pay."

"Did blondie tell you that?"

"Who?"

"Your boss."

"Oh, you mean Section Commander Erwin." She thought back to her conversations with Erwin, and shrugged. "He told me I should do whatever I feel is necessary, and he supported my decision to wear it. He also said it compliments my skin color, makes me look less...unusual."

"He's wrong. You look stupid. Don't wear it."

Raisa scoffed, unable to think of a response. Levi grabbed the wig out of her hand and tossed it over his shoulder. She watched it fly off into the dirt. "I spent a lot of money on that."

"Good. I feel better about throwing it." He gripped his handles. "Now, let's go."

"Excuse me?"

"Catching you before you make it out of the forest." He gestured to the trees. "Let's go again. This time, I'll catch you before you escape."

"You just threw my expensive wig, and you expect me to let you have another chance at catching me?" She faked laughed. "No. Come on! We're getting fresh necks for the dummies."

"If I lose, I'll buy you another wig," he offered.

Raisa opened her mouth to argue, but then closed it. She paced for a moment in thought. She stopped then marched towards the trees. "Fine. One more shot. And I'm warning you now, another wig is not all you're going to have to buy."

"I'm trembling in fear," Levi said as he followed her. It wasn't until she turned around that he released a small smile.

End of Chapter 1