CHAPTER XI

Did I hit myself in the head last night? the redhead scratched her neck, confused. But then she recalled him greeting her there, inside Elia's house.

Out of a million different possible situations, she never considered the idea of running into Captain Levi there, especially not this early. Did he spend the night here? Petra foresaw the motive behind it but only Elia could confirm it. Unfortunately, she was dealing with that huge dude right now. A man she knew nothing about except for what was evident in his uniform.

The instant she saw her boss leaving was the one she finally let out the breath she'd been holding ever since the door opened. This wasn't a battlefield, but she knew the Captain would kick the stranger hard if he continued to look at him like that. Insolence was one of the things the man did not stand, and the consequences would have terrified this subject. But she was certain he got the warning in Captain Levi's eyes, that's why he moved so quickly.

"What's he doing here?!" Petra heard and wondered who this might be. At least her friend knew him, but why was he so upset? "What's going on, Elia?"

"You better control your voice, or I'll leave you here on your own" she couldn't see her friend's face, but she sounded deadly serious. The woman may be patient and peaceful but when mad, despite not scaring the way her boss did, she somehow made you feel either ashamed or stupid.

"Can I come in at least?" the tall dude asked, and the frown showed he was still angry.

The soldier observed the way her friend shook her head in silence, which angered him even more but still didn't move an inch. Not even now that Elia turned and walked in her direction, half exasperated, half embarrassed.

"Petra, could you please go to Ilva's side and wait for me there?" the healer asked and glanced at the man waiting outside, who was watching their conversation "I'll be with you in a few minutes".

Petra nodded without saying a word and, after leaving in the kitchen the food to make sure her friend ate something, she headed to the bedroom where the girl was. She made sure her vitals were similar to the record Elia always kept inside the drawer, and only then sat on the bedhead; the farthest place away from the door but she still got to hear everything quite easily.

"First of all, you have no right to come to my house and speak to me like this" her friend warned with no need to raise her voice; she made clear who was in charge here "Secondly, I don't have to explain anything about the Captain" she said calmly yet it sounded as if she was protecting him "And finally, what are you doing here?"

"Elia, you should know this person is not just anyone" he insisted, unaware of the mistake he was making. Elia might be kind, but she was very cutting in relation to what she considered her own business "Rumor has it that he was a criminal in the Underground City. One of the most dangerous".

"You just said so yourself… a rumor. Besides his past is not my concern" she said, emotionless and tired. It seemed like he was going to say something, but her friend cut him off "If you continue to try convincing me, you waste your time".

Right then, there was a silence that was quite uncomfortable. She thought so, and she wasn't even participating of their conversation. However, Petra was proud of her friend who, as usual, didn't disappoint. Prejudice was among the many things Elia hated.

"Are you going to explain why you are here?" the healer pressed "I need to go back inside".

"There was a time when I was welcome in your house, remember?" the guy's anger finally faded away. Now, he just sounded dejected and quite sad.

"Of course, I remember. You were the one who decided to walk away from my sister and us" she defended herself, indignation marked her tone "That's why you have no right to show up after years and especially not the way you just did" yep. She was mad.

"The fact that I distanced myself doesn't mean I no longer care" he declared, somewhat offended.

"Actions speak louder than the words, Garrett" her friend stated "The fact is, if you didn't want to pursue the same path my sister did, you were free to say so. But I remember well enough all those times you got her hopes up about fighting together, but then you abandoned her with not even a goodbye" Elia's voice showed how disappointed and hurt she was "You Garrett, who were almost a brother to us".

Apparently, what her friend just said had silenced him. It wasn't easy to figure it out when she couldn't see his face. But she knew they were still there, or she'd have heard the door closing.

"That's exactly why I walked away from her!" the subject blurted out, angry and hurt too "When I realized that her affection towards me changed into something different, I ran away. During the last years together, Ilva loved me in a way I couldn't reciprocate. And leaving was the only way to avoid hurting her more".

"Awful decision. You were friends ever since she was a toddler and you were like six, and out of respect to that bond the least you could do was being honest to her. I'm sure Ilva would have understood".

"No" he stated, his voice sounded is if he was in pain "Have I told her the truth, she might have taken it the wrong way. I'd rather be the one who abandoned her than cause a rupture between you two".

"What are you talking about now?" Elia asked, absolutely confused "What do I have to do with this?"

Petra knew the answer. Anyone could have known the answer. It all made sense now; his recent words, the reaction he had after seeing her boss there, and his desperation to make her friend understand.

She imagined well enough how astonished her Elia was right now, sincerely perplexed at this. But of course, if he never told her or gave her a hint... it made sense she didn't have the faintest idea about it.

"I couldn't tell her that I loved someone else" he confessed, and his face was most likely burning red. The speed in his talking showed how nervous he was "I'd never tell her that person was you".

Whoa, he just said it! Again, it seemed that her friend had been quite stunned by this turn of events for she didn't say a word trying to assimilate that piece of information. And he was probably staring at her, anxious and embarrassed. Petra could sense the nervousness building up inside the guy, which urged him to keep talking but she didn't know if it was for the best. Poor Elia, the redhead thought; the way she accused him earlier showed how much this person also meant to her. She had loved him. Maybe not as a man, but as an important part of her clan.

"When I was little, it's true that I loved you like an older sister, but as I grew and understood we weren't blood related, well… everything changed" Garrett tried to explain with certain helplessness "I got to see the woman you were becoming, and within time I just liked you more. And by the time I realized it, it was too late to change it.

"But I never gave you reasons" Petra heard her say. She noticed how she refused to believe him "I never treated you differently. You were like my brother, Garrett".

"There's no need for someone to give you reasons, you know?" his tone was ironic but not disrespectful "I didn't do anything special to get your sister's affection".

"I suppose you're right" she admitted, somewhat devastated "But I think you could have told her you didn't love her that way. It was unnecessary to say there was someone else, even less that it was me".

"Do you really think I didn't consider it?" once again, he got angry "I loved Ilva like a sister, so much that I knew her way too well. If I stayed close, she'd have seen it herself and that's why I chose to leave. Better that than undermining the bond you shared".

"You have no way to know it'd have go that way" Elia replied, firmly "If I didn't realize about your feelings, then it could have been the same with her".

"You're wrong" he contradicted almost immediately "You know how good Ilva is reading people. When you're as observant as she is, the gestures, the stares... hell! That's why I was so angry when I saw him here, again" he said in a haste, then abruptly stopped "There are tons of things that could have gave me away and I wouldn't have been able to deny it. I even dare to think she suspected it, but I left before she could confirm anything".

Elia was speechless again. Apparently, lost. And the same thing had happened to Petra. Again? The question echoed in her mind, evidently much more impressed. So, this morning wasn't his first visit here? Wow! This just gets better and better. She'd say funny, but it was Captain Levi the one this guy was talking about.

"According to that face, I suppose that if you didn't notice me, you might have overlooked him as well" sarcasm all over his words "On Friday evening at the hospital, I overheard Ilva's full name from a doctor, talking to a nurse. I decided to personally come and see what's going on, and so I came yesterday, but when I was close, I saw him leaving your house early in the morning. It looked weird for him to be the one they'd send but since he's from the same division, it didn't matter. However, today I confirmed I'm not being paranoid".

"Honestly, Garrett, just get to the point" Elia said her friend, exhausted.

"I have no idea what intentions he may have, but if I am sure of something, it's that you're not indifferent to him. But he's no ordinary citizen, Elia".

"If that were true, it's my business" Petra heard how mad she was right now "You say you came here because of my sister's condition, but all I'm hearing is a childish fit of jealousy" now she just sounded plainly disappointed "I never believed how much the Military Police Brigade could change someone you thought you knew. I guess I was wrong".

"I'm not saying only because I'm jealous" surprisingly, he was honestly offended "He scares me, Elia. The whole militia knows who he was before he got to where he is. The man's dangerous, that's the reason it bothers me to see him so close to you".

"My sister is dying, you know?" Elia cut him off once again "That's all I currently care about. I appreciate your concern but I'm capable of taking care of myself" she blurted out, tired "And if you love me so much, you should remember I don't listen to anyone's opinion on someone else. I hate when people judge someone without knowing what's behind. Besides, I have no right to judge him or any other person. And just one last thing about him…" she emphasized the last word "Remember what you just said a minute ago about my sister and how well she reads people. Because she admires and respects him deeply, and not only as a soldier. That's why I'm sure the one who's wrong here is you".

Apparently, he had no time to reply because Petra heard the undeniable sound of a door being closed right then. Seconds later, her friend entered the room and joined them, quite upset. She silently checked on Ilva and then plopped herself down on the same bed she was sitting.

I really doubt the Captain imagines what had just happened here, the redhead thought, surprised, nervous and amused. She was also glad to see that Elia fully trusted her younger sister's judgment about the goodness inside that ill-tongued, bad tempered, and scary man. Things nobody could argue nor contradict, or how dangerous he was... just not in the way that guy was implying.

Petra looked at her friend, who was lying on the bed with her arms on her chest and her eyes on the ceiling, still processing everything.

"Did I do wrong?" she heard her ask quite suddenly "Snapping like that, I mean".

"Don't worry. The only thing you hurt now was his pride" the freckled woman assured "Because the Captain represents a threat to his love interests, not to your life or Ilva's".

"It's ridiculous, but I know" she was sitting up with a sad smile on her face, crossed her legs and looked at her sister "He's the friend who had been coming to help me with Ilva. I didn't want to reveal it out of respect; he seems very discreet. But I think he's been doing it because he feels somewhat responsible for what happened to my sister" Elia wasn't going to say anything related to their conversations, but she just didn't want for Petra to think there was something else.

Petra couldn't disguise her own surprised expression, but considering how reserved Elia was, she understood her wish to not fail to the Captain's trust. Because it was him they were talking about! She hardly believed seeing him a while ago in the living room.

"Did he say that to you?" she asked, incredulously. The man would never confess such thing.

"Of course, not" Elia shook her head, still looking at Ilva "All I know is that he was the one who gave the order to dismiss her concerning the last expedition, because of her health condition".

"How do you know then?" Petra asked. She'd been the only one in the squad who suspected the reasons, because she was the one who delivered the message to the registration officer at the barracks.

"He kind of let it out the first night he came here, soon after the massive funeral came to an end.

"I knew it vaguely" Petra admitted, apologetically "This is not confirmed but I believe Ilva and those boys were going to be transferred to our troop after our return".

Having said this, she noticed Elia's eyes open wide for a couple seconds, which meant she had no idea about that but then she smiled sadly, as if confirming her own suspicion. There was no need to say Trost happened and changed everything.

"I'm glad to know at least part of my sister's dream was fulfilled" the healer said with a sad yet satisfied little smile "She didn't go unnoticed by the one she admired the most".

"Now, what did that guy mean when he said he'd seen him before?" the redhead asked, just trying to lighten the mood and, and to be honest, also find out more; these events were unusual. But Elia gave away a little snort and repeated he'd come to help her with the sleeping hours while he looks after her sister. Nothing else. Bummer!

Both remained silent for a while, lost in their own thoughts. Perhaps that guy isn't wrong about the Captain… Petra secretly glanced at her friend, knowing well she wasn't the smartest person when it came to love affairs; the situation before made it clear. She probably didn't lack of one or two admirers in the past years, just like her. But knowing Elia, she'd most likely been focus in the store and her work, leaving no time for anything else and so they didn't even try.

OK. Maybe it was too soon to consider the deadliest man alive in love, but she knew Captain Levi wouldn't do this just for anyone. Sure, he wished to help, but he probably enjoyed Elia's company; the little bag he carried in his hand was from her; she'd seen that knot several times before. And despite her friend wasn't saying a thing, her cautious words demonstrated her own admiration towards him.

Petra sighed and slightly leaned back on the bed. Just when you think you know almost everything about someone, life happens and proves you wrong… And looking now at the ceiling, a tiny smile appeared on her face after stealing a glance at her friend, hopeful at the unexpected situation, realizing how great it'd be for her boss to be no exception on finding something special.


Quite spiritless, she remembered the awkward moments from the previous day feeling somewhat guilty as well. She never imagined that situation with Garrett, even less a confession. And although it initially angered her, now she was able to empathize with his predicament and the reasons behind his disappearance. Sure, a part of him was a coward, but she believed him when he said he'd have hated himself to cause create discord between her and Ilva. She doubted their bond would be affected, but on the other hand, nothing was certain when it came to a broken heart, regardless of not corresponding to his affection that way.

That man is dangerous, Elia! Garrett's voice echoed in her mind as she looked right in front of her, to the seat where around twenty-four hours ago, the alluded had been eating in her company.

To make it worse, the night before had been bad. Ilva had started to decline more often than and got a bit restless every few hours.

The healer sighed and grabbed her cup of tea after having finished some scrambled eggs, but she got interrupted by someone knocking at her door and she immediately thought about the morning before. Please, not again, she begged in her mind as she wiped her mouth with the napkin before attending.

A sudden nervousness, similar to fear, got the better of her as soon as she saw the person behind it. She remembered just fine that professional smile in the face of a stout, older woman, with short blond hair, and dark bulging eyes. The same that witnessed her own performance at the hospital, alongside the doctor.

"Good morning, Miss Stoltz" the nurse greeted her.

"Good day" Elia managed to articulate those words. Is she here to get my sister back to the hospital? she feared, and it seemed her eyes showed exactly that, because the woman stood exactly where she was "How can I help you?"

The woman's smile turned kind and her eyes softened, empathetic.

"I've come on behalf of Trost Hospital" the nurse explained calmly "Don't worry, I'm not here to take your sister or anything like that. This is just a routine examination, to keep track her case and the days she's spent outside the hospital".

Elia instantly relaxed when she heard that. Otherwise, she'd have been forced to fight any way she could to stay beside her, even more so now that the end was near.

"You're Mrs. Green, right?" She was an eighty percent sure about it but it was always better to ask.

"Yes, that's me" the older woman replied, bowing a little.

Elia got surprised at her gesture, considering she should be more polite towards the lady. Especially now that she didn't represent a threat.

"Please, do come inside" she said respectfully "Would you like to have some tea, lemonade or a glass of water?" Being polite was a natural part of her.

"Water is fine, Miss" the woman said meanwhile leaving her coat on the clothes rack near the entrance.

By the time she came back from the kitchen, she noticed that the woman had been looking around at her place, just like the Captain did the first time, though not to the point of touching the furnishings. Fortunately, it seems she met her standards too.

"I'm sorry if this is too personal, but these are necessary questions" she began to say, "The only people currently living inside this house it's your sister and yourself, is it correct?" she asked at the same time she received the glass from her hands and had a drink.

"That's right" she replied, firm and honest "Our parents died during the attack on the city, and we have no other relatives. Mom was an orphan, and dad had no siblings, and my grandparents passed away when I was little.

"I understand" she nodded, but the woman seemed to think about something for a moment "That being the case, has your sister been constantly under attentive care?"

Oh, I know exactly where this is going… And still, Elia somehow knew she didn't really want to cause her trouble or use the information against her. Maybe the doctor demanded to know.

"Absolutely" she assured her, no trace of doubt in her eyes because it was no lie "We have two good friends who have supported us these days. And, despite not having a huge medical knowledge, they've learnt a little. They've been helping me to get a couple hours of sleep. Of course, fully aware to come wake me in case of any change".

Well, actually one was her friend. She couldn't afford to say that Captain Levi was her friend, but she considered him as such at least. Elia had no idea if he thought so about her, but he seemed at ease whenever they had some talking. Nonetheless, she had no right to call herself a friend but for practical purposes, like the immediate one, it was the best way to put it.

"I'm glad to hear that" the nurse confessed with certain relief "Now, I'd appreciate you taking me to her, please" she left the empty glass on the table. Elia nodded.

When they entered the room, Elia was glad to see her kept stable after the meticulous care she provided that morning. However, that change in the rhythm of her breathing continued. The nurse stopped beside her bed and commenced the examination, which Elia observed attentively without saying a word in the process, except to answer an occasional question.

"Alright, Miss. Let's go back to the room, please" the woman said after writing some last comments in the notebook she carried.

Both women took a seat at the dining table and Elia stared at the nurse, who was rearranging her notes and saving them inside her bag. Then she stared at her, and those big eyes of her seemed troubled but the healer knew what she was going to say. That's why she made the first move.

"I know she's entering the final stage" Elia accepted while placing both hands on the table, calm but very serious "Ilva's apnea wasn't frequent two days ago, but ever since yesterday afternoon it comes back regularly, no matter what I do. Her pulse is also changing, and it must be a consequence for how hard her lungs are trying to oxygenate the organism. At last but not least, the need for proper hydration and nutrition".

"Is good to know you're able to manage your own suffering to continue this complicated task" the older woman muttered, with a sad smile "It's not easy letting go your loved ones".

"In a way, it feels like she's been gone since the day she went comatose" Elia explained, looking downwards, contemplating her own hands for a few seconds "Because this is no living anyways" she met the woman's gaze now.

"I'm really sorry about your situation" she said, and Elia knew she meant it; she probably lost someone this important and close in a similar way "Would you mind hearing a piece of advice?"

"I'd appreciate some, to be honest" the healer sensed she truly wanted to help.

"I know this isn't the best moment to say it but I'm not sure if we'll meet again in the future, so..." the lady did a tiny pause and breathed in "I believe it'd be good for you to get your certification as a nurse. I'm certain it'd take you a lot less of time because you already have the knowledge and the practice. And from my personal experience, I guarantee that helping others has been a way to heal my own sorrows".

"Thank you, for your thoughtfulness and solidarity in all this" they may not had known each other but there was something about that lady she really liked. Perhaps how warm and reliable she seemed "Actually, I have considered it since the day I was denied staying at the hospital beside her. And I want to be able to help people, especially the ones who fight like her".

"Good. You won't regret it, Miss" the nurse said with conviction as she placed one of her hands on Elia's right "In that case, we'll probably meet again".

Elia smiled at her, grateful for the push and silent promise of her support in the future.

The lady gathered her things and walked towards the door, followed by the grey-eyed woman, who opened the door to bid her farewell.

"It'll be difficult, Miss" the lady stopped for a few seconds before finally leaving "It'll take time but eventually, you'll learn how to live without her. To honor their memory, we must do so. And I assure you that having a goal and surround yourself with the affection and support of your friends is the wisest thing to do".

"I won't forget it, Mrs. Green. And you can call me Elia" this time, she was the one who bowed at her, trying to show a sincere gratitude and respect to this kind person.

The nurse said goodbye and left. The healer kept staring at her until she lost her when she reached the main avenue. Who knows when they'd meet again and under what circumstances. The only thing Elia knew for sure was that, sometimes you get to meet these kinds of people who inexplicably and unexpectedly brought a bit of hope to your life, even in the worst of times. People who remind you about your inner strength, about who you are, and that you need to keep moving forward despite how discouraging reality was sometimes.

It's what she'd experienced after reencountering Petra's friendship, and it was exactly how she felt every time the Captain was around. His presence comforted her. Not only for taking care of Ilva, though she was immensely grateful for it. No, this was about herself and the way he eased her spirit and scared away the overwhelming loneliness, and she knew he did it unconsciously. Which was quite interesting given the irony in the whole situation, because Captain Levi represented isolation and reticence like his own propaganda.


As illogical and ridiculous as it was, she'd been on edge since she woke up. Like every Mondays, they'd have breakfast, then the weekly instruction given by one of the Squad Leaders and then… then she'll face a crucial moment and she wasn't ready.

"What's the matter, Petra?" Oluo had to nudge her several times to pay attention "You look anxious, and you haven't stopped looking at the door. Are you expecting anyone to come in?"

She laughed nervously. She looked at her comrade, sitting right next to her, while everyone listened to Mike Zacharias' instructions; he'd be the designated officer during the week, since the trial was near.

Unfortunately for her, it was unthinkable to share a word about her fear to the others, because it wasn't her business. But obviously, they noticed she was acting weird.

"It's nothing" she assured him "My stomach hurts a little, that's all" to be honest it did bother her, though this was nothing food related.

"Oh, I see. Try to resist. He's about to finish" the man said, more relaxed and fooled by her poor excuse.

Oluo was always aware of whatever happened to her, and Petra knew the reason perfectly, but the coward still hadn't said a word to her. Therefore, she wasn't going to give in so easily. She liked him, but her career goals were before any scenario like getting engaged or married but that didn't mean they couldn't spend some time together, right?

"Alright, people. That's all for today" they heard Mike's voice, quite clear "You'll find you individual assignments for this week on the information board" he indicated "All dismissed!"

¡Oh no! the redhead squeaked internally, knowing that the first thing she had to do after retrieving her orders, was to report to the Captain's office for regular mail and his agenda.

"Petra, you should go now if you don't want to be late" the curly-haired man said, raising an eyebrow at her sudden startled "Remember the boss doesn't take very well when we're late".

Once again, she smiled apologetically while nodding way too quickly. The woman stood up and sped up towards the restrooms, arriving there in a jiffy. She decided to freshen up her face, tapping her cheeks to reduce tension and encourage herself.

As soon as she arrived outside his office, her left hand stopped the right one before it could knock on the door as she screamed internally, somewhat frightened. OK. You can do this. No big deal… she started repeating to herself while breathing in and out in deep, at least thrice before trying again. Two minutes later, she cleared her throat and held her right hand in the air, determined to make it this time, for which she closed her eyes to just get on with it.

Strangely enough, her knuckles didn't hit on anything solid and because of that, she automatically opened them and saw she was hitting a shoulder.

"Kyaaaaaaaahhh!" the soldier let out a shriek at the same time she moved at full speed towards the opposite wall. Her hand stayed on her chest, as if trying to hold inside her own heart due to the impression of seeing that man right there.

Captain Levi was observing her with his usual seriousness, but there was also one raised eyebrow. Is she mental? That's what his expression said, not understanding her reaction.

"Is there a reason for being late, soldier?" the man asked and turned around to walk back inside his office, behind his modest desk.

"It won't happen again, Captain. I had a problem with my stomach earlier but I'm fine now" the freckled woman stood firmly and followed him while taking her notebook to write down his indications.

"Good" was all he said and didn't even question her excuse. He just sat on his chair and opened a folder "There's correspondence I need to dispatch and reports to sign. There's one from Hange I urgently need to run through before my signature, so I'd advice to go get that before the rest. And I need to meet with her and the Commander before the end of the day" he looked up at her, completely normal.

"Copied, sir!" she said and nodded, and so he went back to the document he was holding.

During the time she kept writing, she didn't dare glancing at him but that didn't mean she wasn't suspicious of his behavior. Either he was too distracted or deliberately avoided the subject, because Captain Levi wouldn't have accepted so easily the poor lie she offered. So, he'll pretend that nothing happened yesterday, she said, shrugging on the inside and feeling relieved.

"If anyone sends or requests any other report, they must do so before 4PM. If not, they'll have to wait until tomorrow to get it back" he specified as he signed what he'd just read and left it onto the other folders placed on the corner of his desk and pointed at them. That was her call to retrieve them, which she did almost immediately.

"Aye, Captain" the redhead dedicated the protocolary salutation and waited.

"At ease, soldier" the man stated and took another file.

Petra turned to walk out, and within every step she remained alert. But her boss said nothing else and so, silence was the only company she had until closing that door behind her.

Now that she was far from there and she survived the morning, the woman breathed out notoriously better. In fact, she sorts of felt somewhat foolish for her stupid fear; the Captain had no idea what had happened after he left, and he surely had no interest to know either way. Evidently, he also did not care she had seen him there and she was glad about it.

"Hey! You feel better? You look healthier now" Oluo showed his concern. Petra knew he'd stayed near the information board to make sure she has fine. And so were her other comrades.

"Everything in order" she assured him, winking at him happily and noticing his cheeks turned a bit red but he tried to hide it. She acted like nothing happened and just looked at the board to get her assignments.

Her little joy vanished as soon as she read because she wouldn't have time to go see Elia until next day at night.

"What's with that face now?" Eld inquired, worried.

"Ilva Stoltz, Elia's sister has weakened considerably in the past two days" she explained, a bit distraught "She may die anytime now. It's what I understood from what Elia said yesterday".

All men looked at each other, crestfallen. They never got to share directly with her, but they all knew who she was. A young, spirited girl, who happened to be a great soldier and a reliable comrade when in battle. They'd known her military evolution. Besides, none of them forgot how kind and efficient her sister had been to them the day they met her, despite the mess around.

"I was planning to go there tonight but it's impossible given this" the woman said, looking angrily and the tiny spot where her name and orders were.

"Same situation here" Gunther pointed out "I'll have time off tomorrow around 5pm".

"No other way. I'll go tomorrow night then" Petra considered the idea of telling the Captain but discarded it as soon as she imagined it. She could only hope he'd go that night.

"If you have no inconvenient, I could join you" Gunther offered.

"That'd be great, man" Petra smiled at him in gratitude.

"Damn. Me and Eld have no time off until two days from now" Oluo complied, looking at her.

"I'd be nice to help her somehow" this time, Eld spoke.

"Don't be discouraged, guys. And Eld, let me assure you she really enjoyed the food you and your family have shared with her" Petra placed her hand on his unharmed shoulder and then turned to the rest "It'll be just the two of us then, Gunther".

Petra saw their faces suddenly turning quite serious. An expression she was used to for whenever their boss would talk to them. The redhead turned and saw Captain Levi approaching.

"Eld, to my office" the man demanded, then turned to Gunther and Oluo "Nanaba was looking for you two, soldiers" he declared. And finally stared at her "Hange" was all he said, and she nodded right away.

The group dispersed and did as told.

What none of them imagined was that their leader had listened to most of their conversation. None of them knew he'd already planned on going there that night. And none of them, not even Levi himself, suspected there was a part of him that feared so, because it meant he'd have to face something as foreign as the nonsensical thoughts.


I'll try posting soon. I'm eager to share what's coming.

Namárië