Dominic Ross.
I've been observing him from the moment I knew he was related to Zack, and that has been quite a while. Unlike his older brother who seems foolish and the type of person to misuse his position, Dominic is calm and thinks before he acts.
I haven't seen him on the expedition, only during training and dinner. He is still young, 24 right now; the same age as me. He's tall, not that muscular and has chocolate brown hair. He doesn't appear cocky either but seems rather kind.
I've also noticed that while I would stare at him sometimes, our gazes meet and he would offer me a smile that I so far never returned. Every time it happened his lips would turn upwards and he even greeted me once.
I finally finished the tedious cleaning tasks Levi ordered me to do and now here I am, sitting in the cool shade that the tree creates, observing Dominic. Bored, I pluck grass and the flowers around me.
"Do you like him?" Jonah asks who sits with his back against the other side of the tree, facing the sun.
I huff. "What makes you think that?"
"I've noticed him looking at you, shortly after I saw you were returning his gaze." Jonah says and I sigh.
"Honestly, I'm spending too much time with you."
"Yes you are Jaclyn, why is he always around?" April whines who sits next to him on the other side.
"Stop sounding like a five year old." I retort and hear Jonah chuckle as April probably punched him because his laughter suddenly died off.
The three of us have been training and spending our spare time together. Besides them and the squad there is no one else I communicate with, even though there are so many people around. It's like I see new faces walk by every day. Sometimes people will start a conversation but it turns out boring and it's always about small talk which I cannot stand.
"But he's cute Jaclyn, go talk to him." April says to my surprise seriously. I wait a moment for her to burst out laughing but it remains silent. "Or is he not your type?"
"You're serious?" Jonah asks dubious and I can hear April's slap from the other side.
"What, jealous that Jaclyn doesn't look at you that way?"
"That's not what I meant!"
"Guys, I'm not looking at anyone in any particular way." I smile as I shake my head. It's been even more fun since April has joined. I silently enjoy their idiotic conversations and stop them when it gets too heated. "However, it won't hurt to go talk to him."
"You're going to do it?" Jonah asks confused.
I look up to Dominic sitting there, surrounded by four other boys of approximately the same age. When our eyes meet and he smiles I decide to walk up to him.
"She's going to do it!" April cheers excited, full of expectation.
When I'm close to them, Dominic looks up and smiles again. "Hey." He says as all the others turn their heads to me.
"Mind if I join?" I ask as they shake their heads immediately, Dominic motioning for me to sit down.
"I'm Jaclyn." I introduce myself when I take place next to him.
"We know." One of them replies.
"You do? Why, have I met you before?" I ask confused and dig deep into my memory but I don't recognize any of their faces and nobody seems familiar to me.
"You're the one that defeated Levi's squad all by yourself - I heard you surprised everyone during dinner with a speech for love of titans - didn't you fight with Levi last week and pulled a knife on him? - you were the one that wore the red dress and punched a guy." They ask and tell one by one and I'm confused, and maybe a little amused, to why they know all of this.
"Yes, that's all me. I see that I'm well known for my stupid actions." I shrug.
"You sound like a frightening lady." Dominic jokes.
"I'm actually very gentle." I say, which is true. When I try my best I can be. However, it doesn't come natural as you all must know by now.
"You always walk with this Jonah kid, right?" I nod as another boy continues. "Why? He is weak and you are so strong."
From the moment I heard him say weak I already reached out and threw my knife into the soil between his fingers. "Ha? Who are you calling weak?" I ask and he shrieks away, letting out a yell as he observes his unharmed hand closer. "Don't talk about 'Jonah kid' if you don't him." I say slightly annoyed.
The rest of the boys laugh as his face flashes hot red with embarrassment. "No wonder guys are afraid to approach you, let alone ask you out." He says rubbing his hand as I laugh. So there are boys that want to ask me out? How ridiculous.
"Anyway." I interrupt their laughter. "Reason I came here was to talk to Dominic." I hint for privacy as they all luckily take it.
"I haven't even told my name yet." Dominic says when the rest is out of earshot while they walk away.
"You knew my name before I mentioned it too, didn't you?" I say and he shrugs, followed by a nod.
"You wanted to talk?"
"Nothing much. Just get to know you better." I say as I lie down in the grass. He remains seated next to me and glances down.
"You're honestly mysterious. Nobody around here knows you. You only talk to your squad and Jonah who is walking with you at all times. Yet, everybody knows you even though they never met you before. You don't even throw the people around you a single glance, you look right through them." A bit taken aback and confused as to why he is saying this I keep on listening, letting him talk further.
"You're exceptionally strong but are never present at group training's. Within two weeks you are assigned to Levi's squad and allowed to join the first expedition as a newly recruit. You seem kind of antisocial yet you can be very charming because a lot of people are interested in you. It's like you don't care about anything and yet-"
"Hold up." I cover my hand over his mouth, interrupting him. "It sounds like you know me better than I do myself." I let out a chuckle. "I guess I do stand out after all…"
Somehow, even with the intention of not attracting attention I still succeed in doing so. I really need to stay on the background more, but even by missing group training's and talking to nobody but ten people around me, I'm still being noticed, and I guess from what he said it's not particularly positive.
He scratches the back of his head. "I'm sorry." He laughs. "I also wanted to get to know you better so I´m surprised you came talk to me first."
"So then tell me about yourself, and not your name, age or whatever. What are you ambitions, why did you join the Survey Corps? Tell me what your family is like." I ask the first two randomly but hope to get a clear answer from the last question. I want to know where his and Zack's relationship is. Are they close, how does he think of his brother with murderous intentions... But, who am I to talk, right?
He lies next to me as he starts talking. "Asking complicated questions, I like that. Let's see, I joined the Survey Corps because I admire them and their bravery, in short. I have an older brother who has a fair position within the Military Police and since he is doing well there, I decided to join here three years ago." He explains and I listen closely, focused on any information about Zack.
"I have a small family, a mother, father and like I mentioned before a 2 year older brother. We are like any other ordinary flawed family I would say but the public sees us differently."
"The public?" I ask as if I don't know his surname and importance.
"It's nothing." He quickly brushes it off as something irrelevant. "And my ambitions... one thing I want to achieve is equality within the walls."
"And exactly what do you mean by that?" I ask as he caught my attention but I'm disappointed that he never let out much about Zack just now.
"I just hate how everyone lives next to each other based on the money they make." He answers.
"That's just how it is." I sigh.
"That's another reason I wanted to get to know you, you've lived in the underground before right?" He asks carefully.
I push myself up and lean on my elbows, puzzled looking at him. "What about it?"
He thinks a moment before he speaks. "I wish for all the people down there to live above and make it a place for emergencies only like it was supposed to be." He explains as his eyes lit up with determination. "Because I know those problems exist in these small walls that are currently our whole world. If I have the ability to do something about it, I'll be happy."
I chuckle at his thoughts. "You're naive, but that's kinda sweet."
"So please tell me what it is like. Do you have any thoughts on how to change the situation?" He asks and sounds desperate for the answer that will solve everything in a heartbeat.
"Living there is a life draining battle to survive that won't end until the day you die, to put it shortly." I say. "Changing the situation is out of question. You should realize that."
"But-"
"The Military Police that can change things won't do it. If it was a problem for them then it won't exist in the first place, don't you think?" I ask as he has trouble finding the right words. "All their personnel live a carefree life within wall Sina, away from Titans and the dark reality that lies beneath. Nobody cares because they'll never come in contact with that reality of ours. Trust me; I've lived there long enough to realize that much."
"Together with my brother I'll figure something out!" He remains resolute and I think he didn't process what I just said. Well it doesn't matter either way, I'll just let him be.
"So your brother is a good man." I say as he continuously nods.
"Yeah. We are brothers and best friends." He lets out the slightest bit of information. Best friends… That means Zack won't take my threat lightly. Now I'm sure I have something I can use against him. If he harms my friends, I'll take it out on Dominic, but I rather not do that in the first place since Dominic seems so pure and oblivious. Not what I expect from someone who has been within the Survey Corps for over three years.
Unexpectedly something is thrown to my face, darkening my vision. "What the hell?" I say annoyed as I pull a piece of clothing from my face.
"Who said you could take time off?" Levi stands in front of me with his arms crossed as he pulls his brow up.
"Captain Levi." Dominic stands up and salutes for him.
Levi keeps looking at me while he talks to Dominic. "Team leader Ness is looking for you."
"Right, I'll report to him immediately!" He says and runs off, then swiftly turns around. "We'll continue our conversation later Jaclyn!"
I smile and wave him off. "Did you have to interrupt us?" I ask irritated as I stand up and dust my pants clean.
"Come with me." He says, ignoring me as I without protest follow him inside the building.
On automatic pilot I stare at the ground and follow Levi's footsteps through the building, my mind wandering to Dominic. He seems like an honest person. I'm positive he has nothing to do with Zack's schemes but I can't be too sure. Is there a chance he might know what his brother is planning, that he's up to no good?
When Levi stops in his tracks, I notice a second to late and bump to his back. "Still thinking about that boy?" He asks as he unlocks the door of his office.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing in particular. I just haven't seen you talking to anybody but Jonah unless you had to." He had noticed.
"You seem awfully aware of who I talk to." I say. A hint of concern in the back of my mind. I wonder, does Levi even know who Zack is? Are Levi and Zack knowingly enemies of each other? If so, does he know Dominic is his brother? I sigh loudly at my thoughts, so many question barge into my head all at once I can't think clearly. I'm almost sure Levi and Dominic don't know but just thinking about the possibility makes me uncomfortable and self-conscious.
I then realize I've been holding onto the blouse he threw at my face. I hold it in front of me as I recognize it's mine, the one Levi had cut during our fight.
"I fixed and washed it." He says. I lower it again to see that he already took place at his desk.
"Thanks." I mutter. "You shouldn't have."
He motions for me to take place beside him, I grab a chair and drag it over. I sit down as my eyes fall on a familiar sheet.
"You remember this?" He asks as I nod. "This was based upon your final trainee exam where you ended top of class."
Stats: Jaclyn Rosenthal 49/60 - 81%
Battle skill: 11/10
Teamwork: 2/10
Initiative: 10/10
Mobility: 10/10
Strategy: 6/10
Leadership: 10/10
"This is your score." He point to the 81% on the top right of the paper. "One of the highest among us, if you don't count the two for teamwork that is. The scores are highly accurate and also decide the chance of survival for the expeditions." I nod through all he explains me and I wonder where he is going with this.
"Take a look at April's." He grabs another sheet from his desk and lays it parallel next to mine.
Stats: April Lyn Smith 40/60 - 66%
Battle skill: 8/10
Teamwork: 5/10
Initiative: 9/10
Mobility: 8/10
Strategy: 5/10
Leadership: 5/10
I observe her statistics closely and compare them to mine. "Should I be worried?" I ask fretful.
"The most important things are battle skill and mobility which are above average, but the fact that both leadership and teamwork are a low grade could be a problem."
"But I also have a two with teamwork." I point out.
"And a ten for leadership. Either you should make a decision or cooperate with someone else's, if you can't do both that will be an issue." He reasons.
He is right about that.
"How was April able to join the Survey Corps in such a short time?" I realize now that I still have no clue. Perhaps Levi has an idea.
"You have the first and second selection; because she was an outstanding trainee she joined the second instead of her first one and got here in no time, that's what the report says."
So she joined the people that were in my year and immediately went for the graduation test. Exactly what I expect from her. I smile at the thought that she was able to make it, but fades immediately when I think of the fact that she will be coming along, and undoubtedly will be in danger.
"Anyway." Levi drags me out of my thoughts again. "I wanted to give this to you, hand it over to April for me and talk it through with her." He hands me the paper and tucks mine away again.
"Thank you, Levi." I say and look up to him. I fold the paper, tucking it away safely. Quickly I lean over and peck a kiss on his cheek. He didn't expect my sudden move and glances up to me. "You'll really help me with this." I smile at him and quickly turn around, within a second I make my way out of his office, leaving no time for him to comment.
I close the door behind me I rest against it, swallowing hard. I dry wipe my face as a faint smile creeps upon my lips. I'm not sure why I did that, but I wanted him to know how much I appreciate it.
Here he is, doing me a favor again. Until now he has been offering me a hand, helping me, saving me. It annoys me, because right now I'm in his dept. I can't stand it that Levi acts nice to me, he only complicates things and doesn't even realize it. But then again, I'm not making things easier for myself by giving him a friendly kiss on his cheek.
I owe him big time and yet... I will be the one to... I shake my head, and with that all thoughts away.
Dinner has passed and most people went back to their rooms as April came along with me. I had talked the points with her through and she understands the importance of the situation. She will have to train harder and obey whoever will give her orders during the expedition. There's no space for hesitation or pride.
"I can do it." She says as confident as possible in order to make me more at ease, but I can't help but worry. The fact that Levi on his own initiative reached out to me so he could talk it through is on one hand is reassuring, but at the same time it does bother me.
"Jaclyn?" She says when I didn't respond.
"I know you can. He said your battle skill is already above average." I reassure her.
I glance over to the clock that hangs above my door. It's already past ten and I caught myself yawning. "I'll bring you to your room." I say as I get up from the desk chair.
"Jaclyn." April starts and I stop tying my shoes. When I look at her she continues. "Would you mind if I sleep here tonight?"
"Why all of a sudden?" I ask concerned.
"It's just that... the expedition is in two days and..."
"Of course you can." I interrupt her, it's not like I need an explanation. I already sensed her nervousness as the days pass by, the expedition date nearing.
I untie my shoes again and throw her a pair of pajamas as I change into my own. When I switched the lights off she crawls next to me in bed and I rest my arm around her waist. "Are you afraid?" I ask, my voice soft as I bury my face in her hair.
"I'm afraid to die." She whispers, her voice mingling with the whistle like sound from the gushing wind outside. I stare at the window as the moonlight creates shadows of the trees that decorate my walls. Autumn is nearing as leaves fall from their branches, leaving the landscape looking gloomy.
I sigh as I plant a kiss on her head. "You're strong aren't you? I believe in you April."
"Really?" She turns around and faces me. "If you believe in me I can do anything." She snuggles under the blankets against my chest. I stroke her head as I embrace her. "The wind is soothing, makes me sleep better." She mumbles.
"As long as the weather will be calm in two days." I respond but she's already on the brink of drifting away. Her breathing becomes soft and slower as she almost within an instant falls asleep in my arms. I smile at the sight of her amusing, hideous face where drool drips from the corner of her mouth.
"Brat." I smirk and wipe her mouth clean.
I hold her tightly as I have trouble falling asleep. Two days from now the expedition starts. It has only been a month since the last hellish expedition. I try to act fearless and brave for her sake, but I myself am probably more anxious than she is. The thought of losing her on the battle field is something I can't bear. Just thinking about it makes my heart ache. I am not afraid to die, but I am petrified of the idea of her losing her.
But she's here, safe and sound, alive and well in my arms.
It will be over in forty eight hours, and from there on Zack will give me the order to finish things, and that will be it. I'm trying to think cool and lightly about Levi's death but my heart tells me it is wrong, my brain rejects the idea of being the one to end his life.
'If you disobey my orders I'll kill them both.' I hate to admit it but Zack's words do have some impact on me. If I simply could stop everything right here and now I'm sure I would. Unfortunately it's not that simple. If I do disobey his orders Kay and April will be in danger along with my own life, and I value theirs more than anything I could ever imagine.
I sigh as I reach for the pill that lies on my nightstand. I pop it and soon after I'll also drift into a good night sleep I so desperately need.
Every day I train with them. Or actually they train with each other. Jonah is clearly improving with his hand to hand combat as April continues to work hard on bettering her maneuver gear skills. I got a key from Levi and permission to enter the stock room so we could use the gear even after training hours. I push April to her limits but she never complains. On my request Levi trained twice with April, teaching her the fine art of moving effortlessly in the air.
It has been days since my encounter with Zack and I explained in detail what happened to Kay.
"You told him what?!" Kay shouts.
We sit in the woods, behind the fence of the Survey Corps terrain.
"I meant it though." I shrug.
"I don't care Jaclyn, kill him if you want but you don't go around telling people like him you'll murder them, and his brother!"
"I bet he will think twice before stepping foot to you now." I lay down with my hands behind my head.
I see Kay rubbing his face and looking to me. "You need to be more careful."
"So do you. April is with me but I can't watch your back. Just promise me you-"
"I know." He interrupts.
"I'm serious, if you notice anything or he dares to come up to you, I need to know. Immediately." I say stern.
"I can handle it on my own. Besides, it will be too late for you to do anything about it." He retorts.
"I'll do what I promised him. Killing him and his brother." I say lightly but leaves a heavy feeling.
If Zack feels the need to try me he should go ahead, I won't hesitate. "I think he or someone sent by him will come to you and threaten you. Obviously it didn't work on me so they might turn to you or April."
"Where is she anyways?" Kay asks, dodging the issue.
"She spent the night in my room since she's fearful of the expedition." I explain. "She overslept this morning so I let her get some more rest."
"Yeah don't worry about it, I'll see you two after the expedition." He says confident. The smile fades from my face as I'm reminded that this is the last time I'll see Kay before the expedition. It's two days from now and having April there with me makes me a hundred times more anxious.
"She will survive." Kay says and leans over, I let him pull me into his lap as I lay on the ground, my head resting on his thighs.
"She has to." I breathe out and I look up to Kay's reassuring smile as he plays with my hair that relaxes my mind. I look up to the light clouded blue sky. The sun wrapping its heat around my skin and I hum in pleasure. They said after this week the real autumn weather will start so I take every chance to take in the last rays of sunlight.
Kay leans down and presses his lips to my forehead, planting a soft kiss. "Don't do anything reckless."
I can't imagine how hard it must be for him, being the only one left behind, waiting for our return. I wouldn't, no I couldn't sit here and wait for them within the walls while they're facing the danger out there. Even though I know it's hard for him, he tries his best to hide it, but I've known him for a long time. The way he looks at me, the kiss on my forehead, it's like he's preparing for the worst case; both of us not returning.
"I'll try." I reply at last. "I'll try."
Ugh I know this chapter is messy as hell but I wanted to highlight some things before the next chapter. I know this wasn't the most interesting chapter either, also, I realize Levi's presence lacking this chapter... Hehe please have patience with me! (^з^)
The sheet with the stats was to give a more clear idea of how strong April and Jaclyn are. (In Military eyes that is.)
Please leave a review if you'd like, I want to know what you guys think so far! (⌒-⌒; )