CHAPTER 8

My eyes opened, and I bolted up from my pillow. My heart was racing, and I could feel sweat on my forehead. I wiped it away, and felt a crisp new bandage tied just under my bangs.

I glanced around my room, wondering why I wasn't back home. Instead I was in a lavishly decorated room, painted a light purple. I was sitting in a canopy bed, the top resting lazily above me. In the middle of the room was a large plush green carpet, ornately decorated with fine golden lines. A mahogany bedside table had a small lamp on it, and the french windows had their red velvet drapes pulled away from the glass. Where was I?

I threw the sheets off of me, and walked over to the window on the other side of the room.

It was morning outside, and people were already flooding the streets. But I was no longer in Zhiganshina. I was definitely inside Wall Sina. But why am I so deep in the interior? I should be back in Karanes, saying hello to my mother and father, just as I had promised. Something must be wrong.

I walked back over to my bed, and noticed a new set of clothing sitting atop the chest at the foot of my bed.

I changed into them, and left my old clothing on the floor next to my bed. There was nothing in the rest of my room hinting at what I should do once I had woken up.

I mouth was dry, so I walked over to my desk, grabbing the silver pitcher of water. I poured myself a glass, then quickly drained it, relieving myself of the awful taste in my mouth.

I slammed the glass back down on the wooden table. Where was everyone else? Didn't I get to see them? Where was Levi? I needed to see him. He saved me. He…he…

The door was kicked open, and in the doorway was Hanji Zoe and Mike.

"Ah, Petra, you're awake." she smiled, then walked in confidently, swinging herself onto my bed.

"I'm so glad that you're feeling better, and I can't believe you were stranded outside of the walls." her expression became a little darker, and she pressed her hands together, resting her chin atop them in deep contemplation.

"I can't imagine what you had to go through, and it's incredibly remarkable how you made it back."

I bit my lip, unsure of what to tell her.

"But," she smiled once more, standing up next to Mike. "We can't be sad about you surviving, can we?" she laughed.

"Come on, let's go." she walked back out of the doorway, Mike following her.

I was slightly surprised about her sudden visit, but not knowing what else to do, I followed her.

We walked down a small but beautiful hallway, the floor covered in a rich red carpet, the walls lined with paintings.

"We're in the house of a very kind noble man who sponsors us." Hanji explained as we walked.

Mike turned around, glancing at me, smiling. A greeting. I smiled back.

"We thought that you were dead, you and Levi, actually. We didn't realize that the two of you were together, which might've changed our initial thoughts, but still, we figured that you two were eaten by titans. Unbelievable that two great soldiers could go like that, but the sad truth." Hanji led me to an unmarked door, similar to all the other ones we had seen.

"You have ten minutes, then we'll come back to get you and have some breakfast, alright?" Mike opened up the door, and Hanji pushed me in, slamming the door shut after me.

Again, Hanji's short visits were always surprising, and I didn't think I'd ever get used to them.

I looked around the room, noting that it had practically nothing in common with mine. White drapes were keeping sunlight from flooding the room, and the walls were painted a baby blue. A large mirror hung across from the canopy bed, and in the reflection was me. But I couldn't recognize myself. The girl was slimmer, but stronger. She had more defined lines on her face, and her eyes bore no fear. Her expression was tired out, and her hair was cut short. I pulled at the tips, and gazed at the girl in front of me. Who was this girl? Who was she?

I pulled myself away reluctantly, gazing down at the floor, stuck in this perpetual state of shock.

I walked across the rug, and over to the head of the bed. There, was Levi.

He was sleeping peacefully, looking undisturbed. His arm was wrapped in a white bandage, but other than that, he looked just the way he did before we left on that expedition.

I brought the desk chair over to his bedside, and sat beside him, not changing anything, not wanting to disturb him.

I watched him sleep, his chest rising up and down. It's funny how he'd seen me sleep so many times, but I'd never seen him. He seemed so much more at peace.

Without realizing it, I took his hand in mine, holding onto it softly.

His eyes opened, and he looked up at me, his expression almost unchanged.

"You look so much more peaceful when you're asleep." I said, mockingly.

He propped himself up, and squeezed my hand. "That's because when I'm not sleeping, I'm usually killing titans."

I smiled, and he grabbed my other hand, brushing his thumb over my fingers.

I sat there, gazing at him, feeling ridiculously pleased. My cheeks were hot, and even though it was so dark, I kind of hoped that Levi could see me blushing.

We sat there like that for a few minutes, Levi with his eyes closed, his chest once again rising up and down, hardly making a noise. I figured that he'd fallen back asleep, and got up, slipping my hands out of his.

Then, he tugged on my wrists, definitely not asleep. I fell down with a yelp.

I landed on the soft sheets next to Levi, and he pulled me close to him, wrapping his arms around me. Never letting go, he rested his hands on my stomach, still gripping tightly to mine.

I curled up beside him, and my cheeks were burning. My heart was pounding, and I caught my breath unknowingly.

I was completely engulfed in the warmth of his body, and his arms were strong against my body. I felt like I could stay there forever. He breathed gently on my neck, which was so comforting. I didn't remember being this close to him in a while, even though we had been together for a few days.

I tucked my head into his neck, his chin sitting on top of my head.

Everything was so perfect, but I couldn't help but feel guilt when I saw the bandage wrapped around his arm. It was because of me that he got hurt.

I lifted his hand up, resting the injured part of his arm on my cheek.

"You protected me." I whispered, closing my eyes. "But you hurt yourself when you did so."

Levi said nothing at first, but he left his arm at my side.

"I told you that I wouldn't let anything hurt you, as long as I'm by your side." his other arm pulled me closer to him. "So I'll never let anything hurt you." his voice dropped to a whisper, and his hand slid down to my cheek, gently cupping it.

"Thank you." tears came to my eyes when I realized what would've happened if he hadn't saved me. But he did. He did save me.

Levi kissed my neck, and left his head on my shoulder. "You don't have to thank me."

Our faces were so close together, our noses were touching lightly.

Then, the door slammed open. Levi slipped his arms off of me, and I stood up, quickly recomposing myself.

Oh, God. We were so close together. I touched my cheeks and they were burning. Levi sat up as Hanji and Mike stormed inside.

"Oh, Petra. I thought you would open the curtains." Hanji complained, tearing the curtains apart.

The room was flooded with sunlight, and I covered my eyes with my arm.

"Oi, Four Eyes. What's the deal with all of this?" Levi demanded, scowling.

"Oh, Levi!" Hanji cried out, pleasantly surprised. She strode over to his bed, and swung herself onto the chair beside his bed. "I figured Petra would've told you. Plus, this chair is right next to your bed. Didn't you two chat?"

Levi's eyes flicked over to me, then back at Hanji. If I hadn't been looking at them, I wouldn't have noticed that slight movement.

"I just woke up. Of course we didn't talk." Levi retorted. Hanji smiled.

"Ah, well. I'll tell you on the way there."

Levi protested as Hanji hauled him out of bed, and pushed him out of the room.

"It doesn't matter if you look like crap, Levi. I don't think anyone will mind."

"Shut up, Hanji."

Mike trailed behind them, waiting for me to go up and join the three of them.

I walked beside Mike, Hanji leading the way, pushing Levi along.

"Petra," Mike said, never removing his eyes off of the two in front of us. "You seem awfully quiet."

"I'm tired." I replied quickly. I fingered the tips of my hair.

"Your cheeks are pink."

"What?" I exclaimed. My cheeks became even hotter, despite it having cooled down from at first.

"It was just an aimless comment." Mike noted.

God, of course Mike would notice. He never misses anything. I smiled, and looked up at Mike.

"Of course. So why are we here in Wall Sina anyways?"

"Well, it seems that we're here because we have some matters to discuss with Zackly. Apparently when you two came back, they found Levi with—"

"Mike," Hanji said, turning around. "If you tell Petra everything there'll be nothing to talk about over breakfast."

Mike sighed, then glanced at me. "I suppose you'll have to wait a bit longer. It's really no big deal, it shouldn't affect you."

I nodded solemnly, not sure what emotion I was supposed to be feeling.

Hanji pushed open a set of doors, opening the way to a large courtyard.

It had a dazzling fountain in the middle, and the entire area was filled with greenery.

In front of the fountain was a table for five. Two on each side, and one at the head of the table, presumably for Zackly.

We walked over, and took our seats. I sat next to Levi, and Hanji with Mike. The table was already set, but was lacking food. A great disappointment, actually.

I realized how hungry I was, and pondered when the promised food was going to come.

Hanji talked away, but I was utterly distracted. First by my surroundings, then by hunger, and finally by my memories. I thought back to my time outside the walls. The first day of the expedition, I had been filled with fear. Fear of titans. Fear of the outside. Fear of not having the walls to protect me.

But being outside, I learned to conquer those fears. True, I didn't adore titans as Hanji did, hoping to spot an aberrant. I also didn't become some amazing fighter like Levi, nor did I become as observant as Mike. Still, I felt more confident. Like I knew that I could go outside the walls, and come back in with no problem. Even now, I'm actually starting to long to smell the fresh air, and see the vast expanse of land, free to explore.

A young man came to us, and served us tea. The girl who came with him, set down a plate of scones, with some cups of jams and creams.

"Lord Eberhardt insists that you all enjoy your time here, but unfortunately, will not be able to join you this morning." the girl informed us.

"That's quite fine. Send him our thanks." Hanji told her.

"Of course." she replied, bowing.

I looked up, catching sight of the young girl. I stared in shock. She had long brown hair, swept up into a bun, and was fairly short. Her skin was very fair, and in short, she was adorable. She could be no younger than eighteen, and when I looked at her, she reminded of myself before I joined the Survey Corps.

I was startled, and couldn't help but stare at her. That's what I looked like before. My furtive glances were finally noticed by her, and I looked away, slightly embarrassed. Still, I couldn't help but feel shock, and I found myself caught up in the moment. I tried desperately to calm myself, but nothing worked. I lifted my teacup with little grace, shaking, spilling droplets of tea on myself. Levi looked over at me, and placed his hand on my wrist, lowering the cup back down to the saucer.

"We wouldn't want any accidents." he said, lifting his hand off, just as fast as he had put it on.

I nodded, lacing my hands together, and placing them on my lap. No accidents today. I took a deep breath, recomposing myself, then grabbed a scone. I cut it in half, and glazed a white creamy spread onto the inside of my scone.

I bit into it. Once I did, the taste of blueberries and a certain indescribable richness bloomed in my mouth. I tried not to scarf it down, but still, being as hungry as I was, I finished it quickly.

I started to feel a bit calmer, and I took a sip of my tea.

I set my cup back down, and when I looked up, I saw Darius Zackly coming towards us. Immediately, we all stood up, and saluted him.

He walked up behind his chair, and I noticed something under his arm. A box. Wait…not just a box…the box.

"At ease." he ordered gruffly. We all sat back down. He placed the box on the table, then removed his jacket, hanging on the back of his chair.

He sat himself down, and began drinking his tea. More servants came to us, and brought items such as roasted potatoes, smoked meats, fruits, and eggs. I gazed in wonder, as if I'd never seen food before.

After eating nothing but stale bread and such, this was definitely a good change. We all served ourselves, and even though I was actually thoroughly enjoying myself, I couldn't help but keep glancing at the box resting next to Zackly's right hand.

The air about the entire table was a bit tenser. Hanji still talked away, and we all ate…but something was different. Even Levi seemed different. He was unusually apathetic—for Levi that is—and didn't comment on anything. In reality, Hanji was the only one talking.

Zackly attempted to add to the conversation, and make it more lively, however, the rest of us didn't dare speak.

We finished our meal in haste, as if our subconscious knew that we were here to discuss important matters.

I picked my napkin off of my lap, placing it on my plate. The table was cleared by the same boy and girl, leaving the rest of us no distractions or scapegoats.

I sat a bit taller. Hanji stopped talking. For a few moments the table was silent.

Zackly removed the glasses from his face, and rubbed his temple, setting his glasses down on the table with his other hand.

"Squad leaders Hanji Zoë, and Mike Zacharius, you two are dismissed. I will call you back in shortly." they both stood up, salutely Zackly, then leaving the area.

I found myself becoming a bit more nervous, seeing the two of them leave. Mike had told me earlier that this would probably not concern me. Seeing them go only proved that I was indeed an important component in this case. And when Mike had told me that, that was before I was aware of the presence of the box.

"Levi Ackerman." Zackly drawled.

"Sir."

"It's said in this report that both you and Petra Ral were stranded outside the walls for some time."

"Yes, sir."

"In another report, it says that you two escaped the troop. Desertion."

I stiffened. Desertion? Where would they get that idea?

"Desertion?" Levi smirked. "I doubt that anyone would desert their only hope of living outside the walls, sir."

Zackly nodded. "I thought the same. I just had to confirm my suspicions." he refiled through his stack of papers until he came to yet another report.

"Petra Ral." I jumped a bit once I heard my name.

"Sir?"

"It says here that when you were both in an abandoned village. While you were there, you investigated the area, and recovered this box. Is this statement legitimate?"

"Of course." I told him. "It was a child's. I found it inside what used to be their bedroom. It was a girl."

"I see. Unfortunately, I won't be able to return the box to you as a spoil. Instead it will be investigated by a group of MPs, led by Squad Leader Hanji Zoë of the Survey Corps."

"MPs?" Levi sneered. "I don't see what their business is, butting in like this."

"They requested seeing it. They need to confirm that it isn't something insulting our king, or any revolutionary matter."

"Revolutionary matter?" I demanded. "What would a young girl have to say about our king? This was before humanity retreated into the walls, before any of—"

Zackly held up his hand, and I stopped. I bowed my head down.

"Pardon my subordinates actions. She's simply worked up over that. I believe she's also—"

"Ackerman. Don't worry. I believe this girl can speak for herself. I've heard very good things about you, Miss Ral."

I kept my head low. "Thank you sir." I said quietly.

"Thank you for your time, both of you. I'll see you in a bit. You're dismissed."

We stood up, saluted him, then walked up, Levi practically dragging me by the arm.

"And, Levi?"

He stopped in his tracks, but didn't turn around.

"Sir?"

"Keep an eye on her. She's very special. You wouldn't want her to get away." at this, Levi's grip tensed on my arm, but I didn't say anything. My eyes widened, and my mouth was slightly open at what Zackly had said. But I didn't dare say anything.

We walked out of the garden, Levi kicking the door open, narrowly missing Hanji's face.

"Levi?" she asked curiously. I glanced over at both Hanji and Mike, Mike's expression asking me what happened in there. I gave a slight shake of my head. It was nothing, I told him.

But Mike, didn't seem convinced.

Levi dragged me down several corridors, and at first, I was sure we were lost. He opened up a room, checked it was empty, then pulled me in, and shut the door.

He locked the door, letting go of my arm, then storming to the open window, leaving me at the door.

He was definitely pissed off. I took tentative steps towards him, unsure of what to do.

"Levi?"

"Listen, Petra." Levi said. He turned around, the light leaving a halo around his body. I clenched my hands together, unsure of what he was going to say.

He spun around on his heels, moving back towards the window. "Petra…I don't know if we can keep going on like this."

I walked up to him, keeping myself a fair distance from him.

"We're both in the Survey Corps. We know the worst is bound to happen eventually. I won't always be with you."

"Levi, I—"

"Wait, Petra. Just let me finish first. I don't want to lose anyone else in my life. I think I've lost enough people." My eyes widened in shock, and tears started to come. I blinked them away, and balled my hands into fists.

I turned away from him, and hardened my expression.

"Don't worry. I understand Heichou. I won't disturb you anymore. I'll see you in a bit." I walked towards the door, and didn't dare look back at Captain Levi. He stood there in silence, not making a movement towards me.

I opened the door, slamming it shut after me, then began running down the hallway, not having a particular destination, just trying to run away.