CHAPTER III

Life always had strange ways to work, and this was surely one of them. With everything that was happening, she never imagined she'd find her childhood best friend on top of that Wall; the one she met in primary school and hadn't seen ever since graduating, about fifteen years ago. Chosing different paths meant never getting the chance to spend time the way they used to so, as expected, they drifted apart; Petra enlisted in the militia, and she on the other hand, decided to continue in the healing arts, something she had loved and learnt since very little. Ilva was too young to remember that this cheerful, short, and freckled woman had been at her home once or twice, otherwise, she'd have told her that Petra was one of her greatest hero's direct subordinates.

After briefly catching up, discuss Petra's comrade's injury and beginning to treat him, she told her about her sister, of whom she'd known nothing about for several hours, all while narrating how things started there. Elia doubted these group of people knew who she was, given Ilva was a younger private still, but there was no harm in trying if they somehow did.

Discreetly sighing to keep herself calm as she worked, the healer began to instruct Mr. Gin on the movements he needed to avoid for a couple weeks. By the time she had the area completely cleaned, she handed him a tiny flask of a liquid that'd help disinfecting, and also prevent from any future infection there, knowing that if he followed her advice, he'd recover in no time. It was then that Elia noticed someone approaching from behind them, and when she looked up, her eyes caught sight of a black-haired man with a quite intimidating appearance despite not being too tall. When he got a bit closer, she realized who he was; a man she saw only once, among the many waiting in the same caravan where her sister would go outside of the walls for the first time.

The man stared in their direction, clearly looking for them.

"Petra, I believe your boss is behind you" she told her friend while she applied the antiseptic provided in the emergency kit after Commander Pixis kindly accepted her help.

Petra startled a little, turned, and immediately walked in his direction.

"From the way she jumped, I daresay she's a bit afraid of him" she told Eld, who was currently staring at his arm. His concentration told he was thinking of something to say.

"It's not fear" he assured her, then lightly rolled his eyes "Well, yes, and at the same time no".

"How is that?" Elia asked, curious to know something real about that person her sister idolized and certainly was quite the character. Ilva's judgement didn't seem the most neutral to know if the man was really who she said, but who better than his own squad to find out?

"The Captain is not a man to beat around the bush. Leaving aside his impressive abilities, he's a person who always speaks his mind, just as he thinks, whether he's addressing a cadet or the highest-ranked Commander, rich or poor, it doesn't matter. Captain Levi doesn't take crap from anybody, that's why most people considers him the scariest man, who in fact he is, but never for selfish or stupid reasons" The soldier explained as he closed his eyes, trying to relax so she could continue to put the bandages on his recently stitched skin "He's not someone who can be corrupted or bought, much less frightened, and that makes him dangerous, but not for us. I guess our fear is more of a reverent kind, because even with his strength he trusts us but at the same time, he cares for each one and respects us. Of course, always in his own coarse way, but he does it with sincerity, which sometimes is rough, but still fair".

Elia remained silent, concentrated on finishing the bandaging correctly, very firm in case her patient was forced into action; the whole movement around indicated that something was about to happen soon.

"Then I'm glad to see that my sister was right about him" she muttered just as she finished her work with him, not noticing that the other two men, Oluo and Gunther, had silently sneaked up on them.

"Yeah, she is" said the dark-haired man, with pride. If she remembered well, that was Mr. Schultz "Captain Levi is a great leader".

"By the way you speak, all of you could perfectly form a cult to him" she joked, with a melancholic smile. Ilva would join as an honorary member if that ever happened.

Oluo was going to answer, but just then, her freckled friend was coming back. Their Captain had stayed behind, exactly where she saw him before. He was concentrated on cleaning something by the moment Petra reached out to them.

"We must stay alert guys. Commander Erwin is sending us to the line of fire as soon as we get the sign" she explained, noticing how the two unharmed agreed to his instructions, however, Mr. Gin looked upset as he drank some water "I'm sorry Eld, but the Captain reiterated you're forbidden to participate".

While the four started commenting on the orders received, the ones Petra's was sharing, Elia stopped paying attention. Without realizing it, her gaze moved on that man who, at that very moment, was watching his squad with seriousness. And though she hadn't planned for her eyes and to meet his, so it happened.

This was probably due to the order given to his wounded subordinate, about staying, and that kept running through her head. Mr. Gin was clearly unhappy to do so, but he was going to obey because, according to his own words before, nothing would change the Captain's mind. Though you seem fierce, now I know that these people's opinion is the one that actually matter, sir, Elia thought, glad to see that he also wasn't the kind of person who looked away when being observed. Curiously, and for unknown reasons, he was apparently trying to see something in her. Who knows, she told herself, thinking he might find unusual to see such familiarity with Petra and his other soldiers.

She'd have liked to get closer and ask him directly if he knew her sister, but she didn't consider appropriate to do so knowing Ilva wasn't the only one out there still fighting and risking her life. For now, all she needed to focus on was to assist anyone who needed it.

"Well guys, I'd better go" she cut off the contact with him and addressed his team after hearing a murmur from behind and getting nearer; the clear indication of a new group of wounded soldiers arriving and in search for attendance.

"Thank you, Miss" Eld said, to which the others also joined with a respectful smile, Petra's being the kindest, most effusive one.

"Elia, we can't do much right now, but if I get to know something about your sister, I'll let you know" the redhead promised "If all this operation works out, we'll try to clear the area of Titans as soon as possible so the rescue teams start looking around" she was as thoughtful as ever by not saying start to look for injured ones and corpses, something Elia knew but still appreciated it "I'll look for you at the shelters, okey?"

"Please, don't go there" she said, shaking her head slowly "There are many who need that more than me, and actually, I'm going to join the search parties once the zone's decreed safe" she explained "As soon as the operation ends, and no more soldiers arrive here, I'll go to the hospital and make sure she's not there before though" her eyes showed some hope when she said that "I'll also try to get some clothes and stuff from home. If it still there".

"Tell me, is that the same place I remember?" asked the soldier. Thinking about leaving there a note in case she couldn't find her.

"We live in the same place of always, Petra"

"OK. It worries me you doing all that, but I understand" said Petra to her childhood friend "We'll meet again, OK" she promised, winking at her.

"Thank you, guys. It has been a real honor to be able to help you" she told them while bowing to them as a sign of deference "Please, take care".

Without further delay, she headed for this new group to help the doctor, who was in the middle of a crisis while trying to help a newly arrived patient, who was having a panic attack. She walked towards him and did what her father taught her to do. With a great amount of patience and reassuring steady eyes, she placed her hands gently by his sides and asked him to imitate her deep breathes. He did and so that helped to calm the soldier down.

He had a head wound that left his face almost entirely covered in blood so, in order to treat it, the first thing she needed to do was clean it.

She was close to finish attending the second patient in that group when a pair of inscrutable eyes crossed her mind. Elia had never even seen him in action, and yet she could feel an indescribable force emanating from the soldier. An aura and security so powerful that he seemed to share with those who admired him, and even esteemed him; so much, that she dared claiming they'd follow him even to death. The loyalty and honest devotion she heard from the group reminded her of the same commitment Ilva had towards her hero and the cause they were fighting for. And although it was clear that his undaunted and relentless countenance demanded absolute obedience, caution and respect, she saw something else but didn't know how to put it into words.

Finally, now that she had a tiny break because the doctor was helping the last patient, Elia looked up and watched them all, hoping that they really made it safely, especially Petra, who despite the time, was still the same girl, warm and kindhearted. Elia remembered how much she used to complain that all her father wanted, was to see her married with many children, which her friend never wanted because she had different goals. At least, she seems to be happy with her team and under his command, Elia thought with some optimism.

The other thing that caught her attention was the absence of fear in all those eyes, reason why now more than ever, it was clear that those in the Survey Corps are forged by a very different fire compared to what she'd been seeing since the beginning of this nightmare. Elia didn't want to belittle any other soldier's effort, but these people were the first ones whom she'd qualify as real warriors. They truly fight sacrificing their hearts, just like she does, once again, her sister was in her thoughts. Just like hours ago, when she was among the many civilians trying to pass the gates, but Mr. Reeves was blocking it. For a moment, she imagined the cadet that saved them was her. But even when she wasn't, somehow it felt like seeing her, especially when she performed the military salutation to that little girl and her mother's gratitude.

"Something happens" a non-familiar voice distracted her. It was one of the last she helped not long ago, and he was pointing to a green smoke flare that kept ascending.

Elia followed the direction everyone was looking at, and unwittingly witnessed the brief exchange between that man and Commander Erwin. She watched them in silence, knowing it was time and feeling hopeful that their comrades and more importantly, his entrance, could mean the end of the battle; there was a reason why people said he was "Humanity's Strongest Soldier", Ilva's voice echoed in her mind, strong and certain.

"I hope the Commander is telling the Captain to eliminate that phenomenon before it causes trouble" declared one soldier to a nervous-looking guy from the Garrison right next to him.

And I hope it's the opposite, she begged on the inside, a bit distressed by the dark fate that'd fall on Doctor Yeager's son.

She sighed, quite tired and saddened by these kinds of people who were too obstinate to see beyond. Seconds later, she looked back at Petra and the others, who were now running and following the same route the Yeager boy did, hours before. And once again, without planning it, her eyes searched for him as soon as she realized he wasn't with them.

But there he was, exactly at the same place where she had seen him before with Commander Smith. She saw him making sure the triggers worked well and checking his blades. But, from one moment to the next, the man ran with an impressive speed towards the edge of the wall, taking a great impulse jump to throw himself into the horror that had fallen upon her home District.

Good luck, everyone, said Elia, this time including him in her silent prayer. Even if he didn't really need it, and this was probably the last time she'd see him.

Once the extermination of the Titans threatening Trost was completed, the army allowed in a small number of civilian volunteers to help with the search for survivors and the lifting of many bodies. Petra and the rest of the militia knew that the Government needed this done as soon as possible for two reasons: to declare it a clean and safe area, in fear of a possible epidemic; and, to authorize the return of the district inhabitants to their homes to avoid situations from the past. But obviously, this applied to anyone who still had a home.

The process had taken several hours, but she and her squad had been given that time to recover their energy and help with minor things. In her case as his assistant, the Captain had instructed her to check on Eld's condition at the hospital and, the unexpected mission to find out about the whereabouts of some privates whom were on leave by the time it all began. Her surprise was no less when she realized that one of these three was Elia's younger sister.

"Ilva enlisted in the Corps around four years ago" her friend had told them up at the Wall "She was temporarily dismissed and it's why she wasn't out there with you. We were at home when it all started" Elia said, clearly worried but composed "The last time I saw her, she was using all the gear and moving towards the breach with her mates".

Petra had noticed she didn't even mention her parents, and she could sense why. On the contrary, Elia kept talking about her sister in present tense, clearly showing she hadn't given up on finding her, but she saw in those eyes an anticipated pain concerning the girl's fate.

The redhead only wished her hopes weren't in vain and the girl was well. Those were her thoughts right after making sure Eld was with his family and recovering from his injury. Now, for her second mission, there was only one place to gather more information, so she quickly headed to the Temporary Military Office, where they had all the lists of seriously injured patients admitted recently, the register of deceased and also those who were missing and/or unrecognized.

Once inside the compound, she waited in line for fifteen minutes before speaking to one of the recruits left in charge, who referred her to talk to an old lady at the end of the corridor. The lack of enthusiasm in her tone warned her she wasn't very friendly, plus, she didn't rise her face to her because she was writing something and only when she finished, the woman stared at Petra without saying anything, so she decided to take the initiative.

"Good evening. I'm here on behalf of my leader, from the Special Operations Squad" she explained to the woman, without the need to specify her division since the Wings of Freedom were quite clear in her uniform "I need information on three soldiers of ours, please" requested, giving her their names, detachment, and some physical characteristics.

The woman began to look through her papers, letting out a small sound that showed recognition, but her expression darkened. She started writing with speed on a sheet and then handed it over to her.

"Since the morgue is full at the moment, the complex at the end of Crest Avenue is working as a support" Petra's stomach contracted when she heard her say that "Now, concerning the patient, you can find her at the ICU building, run by Dr. Prince, inside the same complex. It's the tallest building in there" the woman said.

"Thank you for the information, officer" she replied in a respectful tone just before leaving. It couldn't be easy to be there, keeping the record of the many victims, and having to transmit the data to whoever asked; that was probably the reason behind such expression.

Petra struggled between going directly to her friend to take her to the hospital, but then she feared the possibility that the person who had been registered as Ilva might not be her; that would be devastating. So, the best option was to go on her own and see with her own eyes, praying that this was indeed the girl or that would mean Elia lost her entire family that day. She was probably still working as a volunteer inside Trost by now.

On the other side, she was processing the bad news for the Captain about the Möser brothers, who were confirmed deceased, but she'd most likely get more information when getting there. Ilva's state might be connected to theirs since they always worked as a team.

By the time she arrived there, the night was about to fall on everyone, and she estimated that the Captain was starting the final meeting with the Commander, Squad Leaders and other officers. The news of the Titan boy was quite the event, which in her opinion, didn't know if it was good or bad, but at least it was a change, and perhaps a way out of the endless despair. The redhead sighed, walked in with determination, and spoke to a guy who looked like a nurse. He was just passing by in front of her.

"I'd like to see to Dr. Prince, please" she said, standing firmly to give a good impression.

"Second floor, main corridor, turn to the right. The door at the end is the doctor's office" he said almost mechanically and left her alone. Weirdly enough, for being and ICU kind of building, the evident lack of personnel was worrisome.

Following his instructions, she set off and was so absentminded that she collided with a bald man in a white coat. He had come out from one of the rooms ahead of her, carrying a book in his hand on which he was writing. However, now both his book and himself were laying on the floor.

"I'm sorry, Doctor" she apologized, leaning towards him, and offering her hand "I didn't see you".

"No problem, Miss" the man replied, while accepting her help "I too was distracted" and so he grabbed his notes from the floor.

The instant he got up, the soldier took a glimpse in his clothes and the name embroidered at the upper front pocket.

"Are you Doctor Prince?" the girl asked, relieved on finding him so quickly "My name is Petra Ral, Special Operations Squad of the Survey Corps. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a few questions".

The man looked at her intrigued; everyone in the city knew who the people in that squad were. And it was a bit surprising to imagine that this short, thin, frail, pretty looking woman was quite a soldier. Then he remembered the Captain who she followed orders from and decided it was better to cooperate, no matter how tired he felt.

"Follow me, please" he indicated as he started walking in the same direction she was told before.

Petra watched him take out his keys to unlock in no haste, probably wondering what they needed to know. He moved to the side and gestured for her to enter in his office first, and as soon as she did, he followed and then closed the door. The soldier saw him walking towards his desk, and again, silently made a gesture for her to take a sit.

"How can I help you, Ms. Ral?" she heard him say, arms crossed and without preambles.

"I'm looking for a patient" the soldier explained "She belongs to our ranks. According to Main office, it's where she had been taken after being found".

"I need the name and physical description, please" said the man as he opened the drawer on the left side of the desk. One that contained numerous files, ordered under alphabetical criteria.

"Ilva Stoltz. She's twenty-one years. Tall, approximately 1.70 cm, dark hair and up to the shoulders. Dark brown eyes, heart-shaped face, small nose"

It was a vague description, but she was unaware of other details, such as some sort of scar; she knew the girl probably had many from past battles, but not where. It was still hard to believe that she slightly knew who the soldier was but at the same time, had no clue who she was related to.

The doctor stared at her and judging by his expression, he seemed to know who she was referring to. The man searched through a pile of folders inside section S, took out one, got up from his seat and asked her to walk with him. She did as requested and, although this kind of uncertainty wasn't encouraging at all, she had to continue. They both walked back to the stairs of the building and went up to the third floor. The Doctor took the long hallway on the right, and before the first turn, he stopped when he reached a light brown door with a thirty-four engraved at the top.

"Please continue to the last bed at the end of the room, Ms. Ral" the doctor said while holding the door for her. He followed her closely.

Petra walked there slowly but never doubting. She took a look at the other patients in beds 1 and 2, noticing their state was far from good.

The redhead wasn't prepared for the scene in front of her because the moment she saw her, she got petrified for a couple seconds. It was quite chocking to see her body mostly covered in bandages, some already stained with blood, and the spaces that weren't covered were severely mistreated, all bruised and swollen. Specially on her left side. And there was no doubt it was the person she was looking for.

The doctor noticed she recognized the young woman laying there, reason why he decided to provide the information to the officer.

"The patient arrived about two hours ago, alive, but it has been impossible to make her react" he indicated, getting closer to his patient and checking her vitals as he left her file on the bedside table "She was brought here together with another soldier, twenty-three-year-old male, who had severe injuries and he died shortly after their admission".

"Just one, doctor?" she asked, guessing the two options about his identity.

"Indeed" he confirmed. But the way he was looking at her also expressed he knew she was aware of a particular thing about that person, and so he added "However, soon after, we learnt that he had an identical twin brother, who was found on a roof, at the same area where these two soldiers were. But he had died hours before".

The redhead didn't want to hear further details until having Elia there. She was probably looking out for her sister inside the district, or she'd have seen her there already. Petra knew she had an order to carry out, but she also was well aware that the Captain was busy for now. Therefore, she still had time to get her friend first.

"Would you mind if I leave and come back in a couple more minutes?" she suggested and then pointed at the third bed in that room "She's in fact the one I was looking for. Nevertheless, the soldier's family is searching for her as we speak. I'm going to go and get her here, so you can explain everything to us, sir".

"I understand" the man said, a serious expression on his face while giving a quick look at the patient "I'll be here for the next three hours. If you manage to locate her before that, I have no objection".

"Thank you, sir" thanked Petra, knowing she was doing the right thing "We will return as soon as possible" she assured him.

And, taking one last look at Ilva, who at least seemed to be breathing normal, the redhead soldier hurried away towards Trost District.

I'll try to post the next one in a couple of days.

Namárië