Finally I've uploaded Chapter 2. It certainly wasn't easy. I've had great difficulty trying to form a decent plot on paper. But now I finally have it. I was also tempted not to write at all… but I pushed myself. I wrote much more then I originally thought I would. The plot begins! Oh yes… I forgot to mention I do not own the characters from Shingeki no Kyojin which surprisingly is a great relief because I feel this fan fiction is going to turn into quite a novel…

No this is not a Levi x Petra fiction. Oh no. I hope you enjoy!

Captain Levi was not satisfied with his accomplishments. No. It was more than just ill satisfaction. Days like this he would sit cross-legged within his private cabin, occasionally taking a mouthful from a bottle of whisky. A sullen scowl was etched on his face as he thought long and hard about the feeling of emptiness within him. His crew had no desire to disturb him. They knew better. If one interrupted the Captain in his ill-tempered state, he would be lucky to get away with a gunshot wound in his shoulder.

The Captain took another swig of the strong tasting liquor then ran a calloused hand through his dark hair.

'What was it that irritated him?'

He was Captain Levi Rivalle, the most feared man of the South. He had cut off all important and direct trades routes that lead to the Southern border of Hermiha and Karanese, two of the greatest ports and trading districts in the world. Levi had obtained fortune, goods, women, everything. He had killed thousands. As a pirate, he should feel greater, more powerful than any other man in this world of chaos should. He was king of the south.

'But that was just it'.

Realisation struck him, harder than he had anticipated. He had conquered the southern region and its seas and only that. It wasn't enough for him. Captain Levi had yet to discover the riches and vanquish the ports and riches of the northern seas and its Citadel, Utopia. Like its name, Utopia was rumoured to have streets paved in gold. Trading routes ran smoothly, delivering all sorts of tropical spices and goods that were unheard of in the South. Its port, Trost was prosperous, work and food was plentiful as if it had been blessed.

For a man like him, Utopia was a gold mine. It would he his and his alone. His name would be known as the most feared pirate in the world.

He downed the remaining liquid within the bottle, wiping his lips with the back of his sleeve.

"Utopia. Trost. Yes. My final trophy. I'll have money, power. Everything will be at my fingertips".

Levi roughly grabbed his coat, slipping his arms through the sleeves. He walked into the open air and watched his men at their duties, smiling slightly.

"Men! We sail for port Trost! Lads soon we'll be richer than any other man alive! Victory and Glory will be ours!"

Deafening cheers for victory and the glory for their captain interrupted the quietude of the lonely life at sea. Levi watched his men briefly then walked to the helm.

"Miss Petra! A word"

The Captain, beckoned a young and attractive woman to him. Pale in complexion and golden brown eyes filled with high regard for her Captain. Her hair light brown hair was cut unusually short for a girl. Although petite in stature, the girl had a strong and determined mind Levi both respected and secretly admired. Petra Ral was her name. It was true Petra was the only woman within his crew but she was one of the few members he could trust.

Eight years ago, she was considered an infamous thief at the age of eleven, well known in the Southern Port of Devon, her home. During a business trade, Levi witnessed a scrawny looking creature, dressed in dirty rags with straw for hair steal two loaves of bread from a nearby stall. To his astonishment, the child easily slipped from the merchant's and onlookers grasp and escaped unharmed. He was impressed with her speed and agility, qualities that were most useful to him. A few hours later, he saw the girl again by chance. Only this time he impulsively saved her from three grown men, beating her for the stolen bread. Despite the vague and blurry events, he distinctly remembered gently rocking the crying child to sleep in his arms. It surprised him even to this day.

However, he never expected her to follow him, nor did he think her hiding inside one of the Maria's long boats. Levi was unsure why the girl followed him and why he didn't return the girl to her home.

Nevertheless, there she was, cowering in the far side of the boat like a caged animal, dirtier and wilder then a lion. The Captain had coaxed her with fresh bread, which she gladly took. He asked her name only to discover she did not have one. She was an orphan. Despite his young age back then he raised her as his own from that moment onwards. He gave her the name Petra Ral. He had given her an identity. He taught her how to read and write, to fight and put her thievery skills to good use. As time wore on, she became independent, level headed, calm and fearsome in battle. He did not expect how beautiful and alluring she would become. Many members of his crew desired her but she was not interested. Petra could never forget Levi's deed. She would stay by his side and only heed to his command. As a result, Petra became his second in command. Petra was Levi's conscience. She would always be there to comfort and advise him wisely.

"Yes Captain?" she said saluting him.

"Pray tell me. Am I foolish to do this? There are so many things I desire, so many things I have yet to encounter… and… I want them all

Petra stood silently observing her Captain. The look of ambition within his black obsidian like eyes was not unknown to her yet his gaze was more steely then before. Conquering the northern borders seemed a great deal to him. His desire nevertheless was outrageous. The northern border was the realm where order, decorum and rules governed the land and seas. The kingdom was known for its powerful navy. There was a myth of a commodore who was as ruthless and power hungry as any pirate that roamed and pillaged the seas. It was said his fleet could crush and destroy wanted men without difficulty or bloodshed.

"Well Miss Petra? What do you say?"

Petra cleared her throat.

"I cannot say Captain. I only follow your orders sir, even the most ludicrous and life threatening"

"Is that all Miss Petra?" Levi said his gaze boring into her.

"Although I like the idea of your crew becoming known world wide and having riches beyond comprehension, I admit sir it is dangerous. The North is more rigid and strict with security. The navy is unstoppable and they patrol the main trading routes constantly. We are only one crew. The kingdom of Utopia has the largest fleet in the world. Our chances of winning are slim sir"

"You doubt me Miss Petra? Well how unfortunate"

Captain Levi drew one of his rapiers and with the end of the blade, slowly tracing the cold smooth edge underneath her neck. Petra did not flinch, used to this tactic. Levi had trained her well. He replaced the blade within its scabbard.

"Not at all sir. I am worried for your safety. There is a high risk for your safety Captain"

"My sweet Petra you forget your Captain? You should know how many fleets I've destroyed on my own"

"I am well aware of that sir. Nevertheless, this is the North. They do not relent as easily as the Southerners back home"

"I'm afraid I do not understand Petra. I have fought and killed many naval officers since I was a boy. Where they come from, be it the North or South, makes no difference to me".

Petra was silent for a brief period. Then she spoke softly.

"Captain Levi. You are like my family. If you were to die then what would happen to me?"

Captain Levi was stunned at her question. He did not expect this from Petra. He turned his attention back to his men.

"Don't say such trivial things Miss Petra. If I were to die, you know what you must do. I have told you. You continue where I left off. You will be Captain of the Maria, survive and move on. Is that understood?"

Petra sighed. She knew this already and she had accepted her fate. It was the least she could do to repay her debt and she saw Captain Levi was resolved with his decision to sail to the North. Nothing would stop him even if it meant sacrificing the lives of others and his own.

"I understand Captain Levi. However, I will say this. No matter what path you choose, I will follow you without question as your comrade. That I promise you".

Levi nodded to her.

"You can go"

"Sir"

Petra saluted once more and returned to her duties.

Captain Levi was mystified with her words but brushed them off with annoyance. There was no time to be sentimental. There was much work to be done. If he was to take over a prosperous but well protected region he would have to be clever and think strategically. He would have to use more with and manipulative power, bribes in order to control and monopolize the supposedly unstoppable navy. How he would do it, he was unsure. Once he had captured and seized a few merchant ships, maybe then could he use the captives to his advantage? Getting to the Northern seas was all that mattered that moment.

Captain Levi fished for his compass and looked at the black swaying needle. He watched the thin black rod revolve unsteadily as if it too was unsure and skeptical of his fate. Still it stayed true to his desires, pointing towards the North. With a look of gratification across his face, he verged the Maria to the right, into the steadily sinking sun and to fortune.

That's all for now folks! Love Evening Falls.