It was a rather beautiful summer day on Paradis, one full of bountiful sunshine, clear blue skies, and a subtle wind that enjoyed playing with one's hair. Yes, it truly was a perfect day for the Survey Corps to have a rare day off, something Commander Erwin Smith didn't anticipate when he'd chosen this day almost a month prior. But he was still quite happy that it was a pleasant one nonetheless. And it was on this day in particular that Petra Ral decided to return to Trost for some shopping and to send off a letter to her father.

Petra Ral was all smiles as she saddled up her horse for the upcoming ride, excited to have a day off for the first time in weeks. Not too far away, her commanding officer/secret boyfriend, Captain Levi Ackerman, watched with a pleased countenance at his girlfriend's ecstatic behavior. The two had been in a discreet relationship for the past year, so sneaking little moments like this could only happen every once in a while. Well, "discreet" is the word they'd like to use, had the rest of Squad Levi not figured out the ruse thanks to Petra getting into a training accident about six months prior.

"I told you they were a thing," Eld Jinn had seen upon Levi's very rare display of affection towards his love.

"Damn. That means I owe you my dinner," Gunther Shultz chuckled in response.

"But why the Captain?" Oluo Bozado had inquired, "What does she see in him? Not that I'm saying he isn't worthy of a relationship or anything."

"Apparently more than what you have," Eld jested.

Levi had also been given a stern talking to from Erwin about the relationship, but once Levi explained they had gotten together hours before his promotion to captain, Erwin relented. But Erwin warned Levi against preferential treatment because Petra was his significant other.

"It could lead to chaos within your team," Erwin had said, "Be sure to treat Petra like you do the others."

"You act as if Petra and I don't understand boundaries," Levi bit back, "We understand what our jobs are and that we have to respect that first before our relationship. Also, we save being a couple for after hours. There's nothing to worry about."

"As long as it stays like this, we won't have any problems."

Levi smirked a little and glanced around in all directions to make sure the coast was clear before walking over to Petra. She was giving her horse one final check when she felt his arms wrap around her and smiled. Petra leaned back into him and brought her right hand up to rub the back of his neck affectionately.

"You're being quite bold today, Captain," Petra teased.

"No one's around," Levi reassured before nuzzling her neck, "Besides, you'll be gone all day. I'm going to miss you."

Petra giggled lightly before replying, "Did you put sugar in your tea this morning? You're being way too sweet right now."

Seconds later, Petra squeaked in shock as Levi squeezed her sides as mild retaliation for her comment before answering, "No, I didn't. I don't need sugar in my tea."

"Good. I'm still not used to your soft side."

"Even though we've been together for a year? Figured you would be by now."

"No, not yet." Petra turned to face Levi and continued, "And I won't be gone all day. Just a few hours."

"When you have the entire day off and your whole squad is going to be gone, can you blame me for wanting some alone time with you?"

"Can you blame me for needing to restock my personal stash of cleaning supplies so I can keep being a step ahead of the boys on cleaning days?"

Levi chuckled and acquiesced, "Fine, you win this time. Try not to stay in Trost too long."

Taking the reins of her horse, Petra walked with Levi out of the stable and said, "You know how I am with getting back on time. Gunther's the one you have to worry about."

Petra looked around to make sure they were alone before giving Levi a quick kiss, which he returned briefly before they parted. She then mounted her horse and gave Levi one last loving stare before snapping the reins and setting off for Trost. Levi remained there for a few moments, watching as Petra disappeared from view, a smile still prevalent on his face. Once he was certain she was out of sight, he began the trek back towards his office, his stoic persona once again in play.

Little did either of them know, someone was hiding in the woods leading towards the old headquarters, waiting until Petra passed on by to finally step out of the shadows. His cloak hid his face, but his expression was one full of concern and worry. Mounting his own horse, he snapped the reins and followed the path that Petra had just come from. He had to deliver some very important news to Captain Levi and wouldn't be delayed! After all, this news was about to change their lives forever.

In his office, Levi was working on his paperwork for the upcoming expedition in three weeks' time when a knock suddenly sounded at the door. Levi was annoyed to have been interrupted from his task, but set his pen down nonetheless and called, "Come in and make it quick."

The door opened to reveal a scout and the hooded man, the former saluting and answered, "Captain, this man said he needed to see you immediately. Said it was an urgent matter."

Levi glared at the hooded man before replying, "Everyone knows that the Survey Corps doesn't have the time for civilian issues. They'll have to take it up with the Garrison or Military Police."

"Captain Levi, this matter was revealed to me by the Military Police," the hooded man retorted, Levi's eyes widening in shock.

He knew that voice…all too well. Watching as the man dropped his hood, Levi's suspicions were correct as it revealed none other than Mr. Ral. From the concerned expression on his face, Levi knew he had made the trip all the way from Karanes to tell him something very vital. Levi turned towards the scout and acknowledged him.

"Thank you, cadet. I'll take it from here," he said, surprising the cadet.

"You…You're letting him stay, Captain?" the cadet inquired.

"I am. He's the father of Petra Ral. You're dismissed."

Saluting once again, the cadet left the office, shutting the door behind him. Levi and Mr. Ral were now alone and Levi had to admit he was the slightest bit nervous. Sure, Mr. Ral knew about his relationship with Petra and had approved of it, but there was something about talking to his girlfriend's father that always made his stomach do a small flip. Despite that, Levi put up a calm front and motioned to the seat in front of his desk.

"Please, have a seat, Mr. Ral," Levi said, hoping to sound as welcoming as possible.

"Thank you, Captain," Mr. Ral thanked before sitting down in front of the captain's desk.

"So, what can I help you with? You wouldn't have travelled all the way from Karanes if it wasn't important."

Mr. Ral said nothing, but did pull out a folded piece of paper from his pocket, further perplexing Levi. The latter watched as the former unfolded it and reached his arm out so Levi could take the paper from his hand. Levi hesitantly took the paper and began reading it, Mr. Ral not saying a word as he did so. However, once Levi's eyes widened in shock and horror and he glanced back at Mr. Ral, the latter's expression changed to a knowing one.

All Mr. Ral said was, "Now you know why I had to come here, Captain."

In Trost, Petra had just finished up her shopping and was currently getting all of her purchases settled onto her horse. Her shopping trip had gone much quicker than she had expected it to, having found everything from her cleaning supplies to some tea for Levi in record time. And she had plenty of time to spare to send off the letter to her father. Now, she was ready to head home and get everything put away so she could prepare for training the following day. The day after a day off was always grueling in the training department, but Petra knew Levi just wanted to make sure that the Special Ops Squad was up to the challenges that constantly lay ahead of them.

Before she could mount her horse, however, someone got her attention by shouting, "Hey, Petra!"

Turning around, Petra immediately became confused at the sight of Marlo and Hitch approaching her. Why were they in Trost? They were part of the Military Police.

"Marlo, Hitch," Petra greeted, "What are you two doing here? Aren't the MP's usually stationed in the Capital?"

"Normally, we are," Marlo confirmed, "But…"

"We've been tasked to hand out all these flyers to everyone in every village and district," Hitch finished, sighing dramatically, "This is so bothersome."

Petra tilted her head in confusion, "What flyers?"

Marlo handed one of the flyers in his hands to Petra, who began reading it right there. Seconds later, her eyes almost bulged out of their sockets in shock, Marlo and Hitch's expressions unchanged. They then started walking past Petra, Hitch patting her shoulder in a rare comforting motion.
"Things are about to get a whole lot worse for us," Hitch commented, "You might as well be prepared to retire from the Survey Corps."

All Petra could do was stand deathly still, not able to believe what she'd just read. It took someone bumping into her for her to snap out of her reverie and mount her horse as quickly as she could. Without a moment's delay, Petra snapped the reins, urging her horse back towards headquarters as quickly as it could. There was no way this was real, right? It couldn't be! She had to get back and tell Levi. Maybe he could confirm or deny this news for her. If anyone could tell her upfront if this was the truth, it was him.

Erwin sighed in exasperation after reading the flyer Mr. Ral had brought with him, a hand pinching the bridge of his nose. He couldn't believe what he had just read. How could the government do this to everyone? It was far too baffling to comprehend, and yet it was now their reality. Glancing back up at Levi and Mr. Ral, he addressed the men in front of him the best he could.

"And this was given to you in Karanes, Mr. Ral?" he asked just to make sure he had all the facts right.

"Yes, Commander," Mr. Ral confirmed, "I received this from a member of the Garrison stationed in our district who got it from the Military Police. He didn't seem that pleased about this situation, either."

"How long ago?"

"First thing this morning. I didn't waste any time and rode here as quickly as I could to alert Captain Levi."

"And for that, you have my eternal gratitude. This information probably wouldn't have reached us for another day had you not takes such swift action, Mr. Ral."

"Thank you, sir."

"Can those pigs in the Capital really do this?" Levi demanded, "This isn't right and I'm sure they know it."

"Unfortunately, Levi, they already have," Erwin responded, his tone solemn, "I hate that so many of us are going to be affected by this new law, but we must alert all of the Survey Corps as soon as possible."

Not even two seconds later, the doors to Erwin's office burst open, Petra rushing inside before realizing just who was present in the room.

"Captain," she greeted hastily before turning to her father, "Dad? Why are you here?"

"Your father has just informed me of the new law that went into effect," Erwin clarified, "Please shut the door, Ms. Ral, so we can discuss this further."

Petra did as instructed and walked over to Erwin's desk, taking her place beside Levi, who put a comforting hand on the small of her back. Erwin briefly smiled at this gesture, but soon git right back to business.

"I'm assuming you know of the new law that went into effect, Ms. Ral?" Erwin asked in order to confirm his suspicions.

"Yes, sir," Petra confirmed, pulling out the flyer that Marlo and Hitch had given her in Trost, "Marlo and Hitch were passing them out in Trost and gave me one. It was shocking to read it, sir."

Handing the flyer to Erwin, the latter agreed, "I'm sure it must've been. After all, this was announced so suddenly and no gossip surrounded this new law. And now, half of the Survey Corps is about to be forced to make a life-altering decision, yourself included."

"They can't make us do this, can they?! It's not fair to us!"

"I know it's not, Ms. Ral, but we don't have a choice. And I don't say that lightly. I'll make the announcement tonight at dinner when everyone's present. For now, I suggest that you and Levi go ahead and inform the rest of Squad Levi of this development. Mr. Ral, thank you once again for bringing this to my attention and Levi's. I'm sure this is very difficult for you, considering your own daughter's directly affected."

"Yes, it is, sir," Mr. Ral confirmed, "But I know she's got Captain Levi and her squad by her side. She'll find a way to adapt to this, I'm sure."

Erwin smiled warmly and said, "Well, I have some preparations to make. You're all dismissed."

Levi and Petra saluted while Mr. Ral gave a nod, the three then turning to exit the office. Petra only took a couple of steps before stopping to look out a window, confusing Levi and her father. They got an answer moments later when Petra started sobbing and collapsed onto the floor, her tears never-ending. Levi wasted no time kneeling next to her and pulling her into his arms, allowing her to cry into his chest as much as she wanted.

Mr. Ral could only watch them with sadness in his eyes. It truly wasn't fair that his only child was about to be subjected to a new law which there was no way to get out of. Still, he hoped that if anyone could find a solution to his unexpected dilemma, it would be Levi Ackerman, her captain.

Footsteps rushing down the hall alerted Mr. Ral and Levi to the arrival of Eld, Gunther, and Oluo, who had heard Petra's crying from down the hall. Eld was about to ask what had happened, but Levi and Mr. Ral's solemn expressions silenced him in a matter of milliseconds.

"Eld, take the men and head to the common room," Levi ordered, "There's something I need to tell you all."

That night, as dinner was progressing, Erwin was stressing over how to relay the news to his soldiers. Many of them were going to have their lives changed forever and there was nothing he could do to stop this from happening. Still, it needed to be said and done, so there was no time to waste.

Standing up, Erwin then shouted to gain the attention of his soldiers, "Everyone, I need your attention please!"

All the Survey Corps members promptly stopped eating (Sasha had to be forced to) and gave Erwin their undivided attention. Glancing around at all the faces in the dining hall, Erwin exhaled to calm his nerves and resumed.

"Now, I know this isn't the best time to be announcing something like this, but I wanted everyone to be in one place when I made this announcement. Thanks to Squad Levi member Petra Ral and her father, we received some very startling news that is going to change the lives of every woman and young woman in this room."

Everyone began whispering amongst themselves, so Erwin pressed on as they did.

"They brought in a flyer from the Capital that is being distributed to every village and district within Wall Rose and Wall Sina," Erwin explained, holding up the flyer in question, "A new law has been secretly passed by the government that not even the Military Police were aware of until they were ordered to pass out these flyers."

All eyes widened in surprise, not expecting that information to be revealed. Erwin took another breath and revealed what he had been dreading to reveal all day.

"Under this new law, every unmarried female who is able to bear children…is ordered to be married within the next ninety days."