Hello again, and Happy New Year!
I appreciate the support this story is getting and hope to keep it going as we are just getting started.
I know some have brought concerns with how I putting this in my schedule, and how it would have been easier to get my other stories finished before this. If I had gone with that it would have been a long time before I could ever the chance to start this. And I know I had get started with this story that I had thought up and knew that I wanted to do.
For a long while, I have wanted to do an adventure with Attack on Titan which would have been with a different cross. And also, had considered doing a different Code Geass x-over besides that of Code Jedi (just know I still plan on continuing that alongside this), but this time focusing on a different character (you probably know who ;) besides Lelouch and those in Japan. It was until finally, I decided to combine both which led to the start of this fic, which acts as a sequel to the canon events of the first 3 seasons of Attack on Titan (2013) and the first season of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.
This cross will deal so much more with the gray color of war and conflict, much more than the standard good vs bad trope. And new dynamic that I am all excited to explore.
I do not own Attack on Titan or Code Geass.
#61
First Meeting
General HQ
Paris, France (Europia United)
Late September, a.t.b. 2017; r.y. 228;
"Congratulations, Leila. Former Major…" Gene smiled towards his prodigy, now standing with a second gold star on her vest. "…now a Lieutenant Colonel. And no less before the age of 18."
"General…" Leila sighed. "Please…"
"I'm sincere, Leila," Gene closed the folder before going over to return to his seat. "It's very rare to meet such accomplishments at a tender age. It is something that nation needs more than ever." He returned to his seat. "I expect great things from you. The W-0 unit was based on your proposal, after all. So, it is fitting that you would be its commander."
…
"What's wrong, Leila?" Smilas took note of her frown, and how it hadn't shifted at least once. "You don't seem too happy about it."
"Forgive me, General," she began. "I am grateful… but… I feel…" She looked down. "…underserving of this."
There it was again. Though, he was glad to know that her humility still stood far above…
"And how it came with the cost of lives never to be returned."
So, that was it.
Gene sighed. "Leila…"
"General Smilas," Leila looked back up and began. "Since its formation, the W-0 unit was to conduct missions that the mainline military would not accomplish. The attack plan I had arranged was to launch sneak attacks on enemy positions, utilizing squads and Alexander Knightmares. The rumors are not false that the return rate from these missions is very low, but they are better than none. At least when we do our best to conduct plans to ensure the well-being of both the mission and our soldiers.
"That's why… it goes too far of treating the soldiers like swine prepared for the slaughter! Not to treat soldiers as living bombs strap their Alexanders and…"
"Leila," Gene raised his voice while keeping his fingers linked. With that, it seemed Leila stopped for good measure. But even so…
The general inhaled before exhaling.
"You're not wrong, Leila," Gene looked at his desk, feeling uncomfortable by the look Leila was giving, but she had every reason to. "While it is true that missions that the ones W-0 take are as dangerous if not even more than what is going on the front, they were made for the best intentions. And… I can agree with what happened during the Narva mission… had gone too far…"
…
"And because of the results of this recent mission, your Wyvern Squadron has been virtually wiped out…"
"Then why is it that they decline my petition to allow European soldiers to join Wyvern Squadron?" Leila questioned, her gaze narrowing to that fitting to a scowl. "The W-0 unit was meant to require a great number of troops in order to give it the best odds to complete our missions. I know there are many soldiers in the army who can contribute."
"I'm afraid it is not as simple as it would seem…"
"Is it that they would only rather use the lives of Japanese men because they see them as expendable?"
…
Gene closed his eyes.
"I truly wish I could say it's otherwise, Leila, but unfortunately…" He turned to glance at the sandy beach displayed around his wall. "With each day, or for weeks on end… European soldiers spill their blood for this Union. Always while trying to push forward or hold the line from Britannia's persistent advance.
"As the war keeps on, the people grow more and more infuriated. It becomes so much that the public's tantrums are enough to breath down on necks of our local politicians," He almost let himself sneer at that. "But what's even more frustrating, is that most in our system are not listening for the sake of how many families have lost many to battle, but how their backlash is painting an embarrassment on their image."
Leila gave a silent groan at that.
"That is most unfortunately the reason why they insist that missions the likes W-0 Unit endeavors be handed to Japanese men instead. They view it as a way to make endeavors without the cost of anymore of our European brethren on the battlefield. So, when after the success of our undercover mission using only those of foreign race… they print in their dirty papers and news outlets…" Gene almost rolled his eyes. "That no more European blood was needed to be spilt in the war against Britannia."
Leila almost looked ready to fume even more.
"That by far… does not still justify the actions of those who will sacrifice the lives of soldiers so needlessly on the battlefield. As if they were only grenades to be tossed out."
…
"I can see now you have no intention of showing regret for your actions during the incident with Pierre Anou…" Leila said nothing at that. "Well… not that I would blame you."
That was when Gene gave a brief smile and wink.
…
"While unfortunately... the courts won't arrest Anou for his behavior and actions, they have thought of something else," Gene gave a sigh. "He has been transferred to the Warsaw Supply Unit, somewhere I and many others think he would do quite better than making orders on the battlefield. Apparently, we are not the only ones aware of his… aptitudes."
"Regardless, General," Leila barely looked relieved. "My only regret was that he wasn't transferred out of the equation sooner." She looked down. "And because of that… the result was that almost… my whole of unit of Wyvern Squadron… was wiped out."
"But they didn't die in vain, Leila," Gene stated. "It was because of their efforts and your plan… that you were all able to save the lives of over 15,000 European soldiers. And that it is because of that you…"
"It wasn't."
…
"What?" Gene stopped.
"General Smilas, as much I appreciate your praise and your efforts to lift my spirits… I do not believe the success of the Narva Evacuation falls upon me." Before the general could question more, he looked to see Leila's purple eyes looking straight at him. "It was what happened at Narva that did it."
…
"What happened in Narva?"
"Yes," Leila began. "Even after we had issued the ordered the disengagement of all self-destruct devices, the remaining members of Wyvern Squadron were overpowered by the Britannian forces. One by one I could only stare helpless as their Alexander signals went off." Her eyes almost shook at that, as if she was reliving that moment. "The feeling of despair was coming upon me that mission had ultimately failed and that all the lives we had practically sent to their death would be vain… then something happened."
…
Gene realized. "You mean… what the others recorded in their report?"
"Yes," Leila nodded without hesitation. "It happened suddenly. Somehow, something so strong, that from the lightning bolt of the storm caused a great interference with the drone's communications over the battlefield. And a great screeching interference that was strong enough for the whole team in Weisswolf Castle to hear it.
"For several minutes, we barely could get anything of what happening on the battlefield. And by the time our drone's signal was stabilized… we could only look in shock and disbelief: all opposing Britannian units had been cleared."
"It still doesn't explain what happened," Gene said. "And I doubt that if there was… some sort of storm coming towards Narva… I doubt there was any sort that could wipe away a whole garrison of Britannian Knightmares… although the thought of one does bring merit."
"I didn't so, either…" Leila continued. "And when the 132nd regiment were making their route back home, they encountered a pair of characters strange to them. One of them… the was stated in the report… was a young man… without I.D. and wearing… wearing a sort of uniform and equipment around him. But what's more… was the man he was carrying…" the girl's eyes brightened. "…was Futoshi Samura. A member of Wyvern Squadron… who had survived."
And now… Leila was started to get Gene's full attention.
"Go on."
"This stranger… who was stated to have had no I.D. and… only had to give one thing only… his name… he had been there to save Private Samura. Even when most soldiers in the regiment tried to turn away from his request to give medical aid to Samura after the moment they examined his I.D. as an Eleven, the stranger still persisted to get him the help he needed. That, and it was stated that he watched over Samura the whole way back to Paris."
"And upon arriving, he was taken in to be held up for questioning," Gene finished. "I read the report, Leila. No official interrogation or trial has been held, but for the moment, Private Futoshi's savior is being kept at the Paris Bureau. Captain Alfredo has mentioned that he has barely spoken or interacted at all. Nor when in question of the equipment he had… which has been kept in storage until further notice. The only question would answer was his name." He glanced again at his protégé. "Leila, let me ask… what is it that you are getting at? How does this… young man… involve with your doubts over the recent mission?"
"Hear the rest of what I have to say, General," Leila said. "And furthermore, I would like to ask a favor. A large one, I'm afraid."
"Oh? And what is it that you are afraid of asking of me?"
"I think it is proper that we should introduce ourselves. I am Lieutenant Colonel Leila Malcal, at your service."
…
The young man sitting across from her glanced at her when she made her introduction, and his reply… was silence.
Leila half expected this kind of reply. She had been told that this man barely to none spoke or reply to any of the officers trying to question him regarding his identity or the circumstances regarding his place at Narva. She hoped that they hadn't gone too far to rashly interrogate or threaten him in any way. At least not before she had arrived.
It was at this time that finally Leila could see this person face-to-face.
The young man before her… at least looked to be at the same time of youth as her, if she didn't count the possibility that he could be older. His hair was dark and was growing to a length that would soon go past his neck. He had a pair of eyes that were of the color of forest green. Eyes that set their gaze on her.
Not replying, but still observing her.
"Your name…" Leila said. If there is something to talk about.
"What about it?"
…
He spoke. He finally spoke.
Alright then…
"In the report I read… stated your name is Kruger. Eren Kruger, is it?"
…
"That's what I told them when they asked for it."
…
"Is there something wrong with it?" He questioned.
"No, of course not," Leila said.
Her mind went to when she had been given the file displaying the initial information regarding him. Unknown on many areas regarding his origin, age (which he had not even disclosed), or family. Only a small picture of his face, and the name written under and displayed as:
Kruger, Eren.
"I don't think anything wrong with it," she gave a small smile. "I think Eren… if you don't mind… is a very nice name."
…
He glanced dryly back. "It's not anything special. And if so, what is it to you?"
…
Leila's smile faded, and her gaze met with that of the inquisitive gaze Eren Kruger gave her.
"If you have come here to deliver another square meal… which I doubt…" He glanced at the tray of food on his left… which looked practically untouched. "Or if you are here to question me… then you can save the courtesy. If that is why you are only here for."
"I am not here to interrogate you or any of the sort," Leila said.
"And what is it that would garner any interest in me? What is it that you have to gain?"
"There is nothing that I want to…"
"Yes, there is," he interjected.
She felt the need to call out on him interrupting her, but then there was that look in his eyes. She knew that look. She knew he had no reason to trust her words, as she was practically a stranger to him just as he was to her.
Leila composed herself.
"I wished to meet you… so I could thank you in person."
…
"Thanks for what?"
"For the good deed you did in Narva."
"Perhaps you should be more specific…" He narrowed his eyes. "On which it was in that place…"
Leila sighed.
"On account of multiple reports and witnesses… during the retreat of the 132nd Regiment, a stranger called out while carrying an injured soldier. That same stranger was described to have protest and persisted in giving aid to the injured man in his care, even many of the other soldiers didn't care to comply to the latter's identification as an Eleven.
"That stranger was you, Eren Kruger" she gestured to the one sitting across from her. "And the injured soldier… was one of many who gave their lives in the operation to clear out the Britannian garrison blocking the regiment's escape route.
"The injured soldier's name is Futoshi Samura. He is part of the Wyvern Squadron under W-0 unit." She put a hand to her chest. "I am the commanding officer."
…
She went to notice any of the slight changes in his expression.
"So, that is it?" Eren Kruger said. "You came all this way… just to express your gratitude… for the sake of one man…?"
Leila, by instinct, backed a step when the young man across from her fully stood up from his spot.
All right… he was far taller than she had expected. Not that she wasn't used to it.
…
"That is one of the reasons…" she composed herself. "But also…"
She saw how Eren brought about a confused look when she typed the buttons on the pad on the wall…
…and then the glass door shifted between them…
Leaving Kruger open from his confined space.
…
"What's going on?" He questioned.
Leila turned to face the exit, not caring that she left her back vulnerable to him.
"Come with me."
…
"What? What are you doing?"
She paused.
"Please…" She turned to glance at him. "I will explain on the way."
Information Available for Public Disclosure
W-0/wZERO
A secret special unit within the Europia United Military that was made to undertake missions that were considered with the most dangerous with little rate of return. Since the war began, the Council of Forty had began recruiting for the unit to comprised of non-EU citizens to prevent more casualties among their own troops. Most of the pilots of wZERO are known as 'Elevens' (former Japanese).
"Alright then," Officer Alfredo signed the last of the papers as he sat on his desk in front of Leila and Eren, who had another officer guarding him. "It's settled… until further notice… he is under your supervision, Lieutenant Colonel."
"Many thanks, Officer," Leila thanked.
"No, many thanks to the General," the officer gave her a look. "Under other circumstances, I would go with regulation and not go with this. And I still don't, even with you calling on General Smilas to pull some strings in high places. That is why…"
The other officer next to Eren opened a case and pulled out a device.
"Officer, this isn't necessary," Leila protested.
"Apologies, Lieutenant Colonel, but this is protocol," Alfredo said as his subordinate clapped the device around Eren's extended wrist. "He may be transferred under your supervision… but he is still a suspect to the state."
The device was clipped on like a simple watch around Kruger's wrist.
"Until further notice and investigation, this will keep track of you within a hundred meters of the Lieutenant Colonel," the officer stood up to warn Eren. "If you give reason to remove it or escape the boundaries… we will have no choice but to detain and put back in that cell."
…
Eren gave a nod.
Leila could only sigh.
"Just one last thing," the officer pulled another case to take out a syringe. "We require a blood test."
…
"Officer," Leila said. "This isn't…"
"Go ahead," Leila turned to how Kruger accepted without hesitation.
The officer gave Kruger a look before having him pull up his other sleeve.
"Hold still…"
Kruger remained stoic.
"So, tell me, if I might ask?" Eren spoke. "Was this what you proposed? We introduce ourselves, give your thanks… before you ask them nicely to give me over to you? Am I supposed to be your prisoner, now?"
"No, of course not!" Leila shook her head instantly.
"And what about my equipment and clothes from before? Am I not getting those back or not?"
"Well… I…"
"And just because I'm no longer in a cell… and chained with this…" He lifted his wrist where the tracker was in place. "It's no different than a dog being carried on a leash."
"But you're not," Leila said. "It's only temporary. After a time, I'm make sure they'll have reason to not be wary about you and remove that."
"You sound so sure about that," Eren quipped dryly.
"Why should I not?"
…
They walked several more steps in silence, with Leila starting to feel this awkward tension forming between her and Kruger. She felt as though his eyes were staring through the back of her head. She made ready to say something else…
"Are you sure you're military?"
…
"Huh?" Leila turned at that. "What do you mean by that?"
"Well… you may be wearing a uniform… but you don't dress like it."
"What?!" Lelila turned at that. "How is that so?"
"Well," the man glanced away a bit, as if he was distracted by something. Was there something wrong with her uniform? "Your hair."
What?
"My hair?" Leila almost made action touch her long locks. "What about it?"
The man still glanced away, before looking at her again. "It's too long."
…
That's it?
"Long? What's wrong with the length of my hair?!"
"What's wrong?" He shifted his brows. "Do they really allow that in the military? That kind of length looks like it could get in the way."
…
"No," Leila allowed herself to smooth out her locks. "My hair is perfectly fine, and it bothers me very little. I'm sorry if…"
She noticed that the young man stopped.
He had stopped near a 10-meter window. A window overlooking the city.
She glanced at the expression on his face.
"I take it… they didn't let you outside when they took you in?" Leila grimaced.
The man shook his head.
She stood next to him to observe the same view he had. The day was still bright, and a blue sky was over the spacious capital of the Union.
"Is this… your first time in Paris?" Leila asked, with a bit of a curious smile.
The man glanced back at her. "Paree?"
"Um, no…" Leila almost giggled. "Sorry, for my accent. I mean Paris."
"Paris," The man repeated, before looking back to contemplate the view of the city. "So, this is what it looks like."
Leila looked at the way the young man kept staring at the window's view of the city. She would understand that with the bright blue sky that it made the capital city all the more pristine. Yet, with the way Kruger's eyes observed, it was different than how she noted most people who take in the sight of Paris.
Perhaps most citizens who would take in the sight of their city for granted… than those who have never set foot in it.
She thought she was seeing some sort of awe in Eren's expression as he drank in the sight of the city.
It was when finally, Leila and her new acquaintance exited the building, now descending white stairs, where they looked to see a car waiting for them, and a certain officer waving at them with a cheery smile.
"Took you a while, Major… oh, I'm sorry, I mean Lieutenant Colonel. Going to take some time adjusting, but I'm not complaining at all," Claus Warwick teased, before his eyes set on the one standing next to her. "Ah, so this is our mystery boy of the week. Nice to meet him in the flesh at last."
"Please, Claus," Leila said, before turning to her companion. "Apologies. Monsieur Kruger, this is Claus Warwick, my Deputy Commander of W-0." She turned to the older man. "Claus, this is Eren Kruger. I've been granted custody of him."
…
"Well, now…" Claus said cheerfully as he made his way towards Eren. "The name's Claus Warwick, Deputy Commander. A pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Kruger."
"Likewise," Eren spoke, though not in the same tone, but took Claus' eager hand.
"Still can't believe the good, old General was able to get the brass to let you go so smoothly. A bit surprised how easy it was," Claus chuckled. "Especially with someone who may or not be a potential spy…"
…
"Deputy Commander!" Leila chided. Of all the things to make a joke and in front of…
"Relax, Lieutenant Colonel," Claus waved his hands innocently. "Don't believe he is. If he was one, then he would have done a better job at that."
Leila looked at Eren's expression, which remained neutral.
"I'm charmed by that, sir."
Warwick laughed. "Well, now that's settled, I guess this calls for a celebration." The older man took from his pocket…
"Deputy Commander…" Leila sighed. "Did you have to…"
"Oh, there's no harm done with bringing a handful of the old chum," Claus unscrewed the top of the flask… before offering it to Eren. "Want to share a toast my good man…?"
Leila shook her head as she should have expected that this is what her Deputy Commander would do. At least for the time she has been acquainted with him since the start of wZERO. But did he really have to have offer a sip of his spirits with Kruger, who had just been released?
She noticed Kruger staring at the flask offered to him, as though he was deep in thought…
"Care for a swig?"
…
"Yes, sir!" The young cadet accepted the older man's offer of his flask.
He took a sip…
…before long, his eyes bulged out at the sudden taste he was feeling in his mouth…
…he quickly went and spit out a great deal of brown alcohol in the air.
"No, thanks."
Leila was befuddled when she detected Kruger almost gulping in his throat as if he was making the taste of the drink Claus was offering him.
By that look he was no stranger to it. And he knows full well how it tastes like…
Leila almost felt the need to suppress her giggle.
"Oh, well…" Claus shrugged. "All for me, then."
It was a rather short drive, but Leila could observe how Kruger kept looking out the window as they passed through Paris' streets. It told her very well that this may be indeed the young man's first stay in Paris.
They drove until they came upon the building where Leila's apartment complex was stationed at. The place where she would stay when she was in Paris and not when staying with… her family. She and Anna would sometimes live in the same complex. The complex was in some way luxurious by some standards. It had fine service and care. It was large to house many people. There were plenty of rooms to house different guests, one of which will be vacant for Kruger.
Even not far from the complex was a café she and Anna loved to attend.
Unfortunately, Anna had to stay behind at Castle Weisswolf. That didn't mean she didn't give an earful of concern regarding Leila's decision with Kruger. She would have to talk with her again regarding her new guest. Hopefully, Anna could meet him herself and get her impression of him.
Her Deputy Commander had come along to ensure her company and watch for her new guest. Warwick also said he had to take leave to take care of some 'business' during his time in Paris…
Leila shook her head playfully. Couldn't the man make a more sincere excuse to make an errand for his family?
Leila later found Eren outside the living room… at the balcony.
His back was to her, and he was facing the open city of Paris, the sun about ready to set upon the horizon.
"Are you feeling famished?" Leila asked. "You know there is a café down the street. We could go down there and order some…"
"Why?"
…
"What?" Leila said, now taken aback.
Kruger glanced at her. "What is the point to all of this? You take me under this sort of wing you have, welcome me into your home and treat me like a royal guest… and you only have known for less than a day."
…
She suppressed a sigh. She should have understood where he was coming from.
"Maybe. But…"
"Aren't concerned about letting a stranger into your home?" He interjected, while giving her a look. "You think this is wise?"
…
"That would depend."
"Depend on what?" He asked. "That if I am dangerous?"
"Depends in what you are." Leila said. "Are you trying to say you may be a robber? A spy?"
"I could be." He shrugged.
"Are you?" She gave him a look.
…
There was silence after that reply, and Kruger shifted to look back at the sunset.
"I know it may be hard to understand, General..."
"That is because I don't understand what you are proposing, Leila," Smilas said. "Why? Why are you insistent on this?"
…
"We know little to nothing about this young man besides his name. You haven't even met him, yet."
"That's why I intend to meet him myself, after you ask HQ to settle custody of Kruger, Eren."
"And why is it that you want to take in this stranger? All because of your theory regarding Narva?"
"What happened in Narva… whatever happened in Narva…" Leila started to explain. "It wasn't natural. I know it was something else. A third variable that is unknown to us."
"And you believe this… man… is connected to it?" Smilas gave her a concerned look.
…
"Yes… I think it would be foolish not to consider it."
"How could you be so sure? Just because he saved your last remaining soldier on the battlefield… cannot immediately assume…"
"It was because of that soldier," Leila interjected. "Because of what I learned from Private Sumura's account when I met him in the hospital… on what he had witnessed… and remembered… that I believe there is more to this man than meets the eye."
…
"And that is why… you wish to investigate him… under your watch?" the general across from her surmised.
…
"I don't wish to investigate or interrogate him of the sort, General. It is because…"
"It's because I wish to understand you, Monsieur Kruger," Leila said, causing the man to glance at her.
"If I thought you were dangerous of if I wasn't sure of asking for custody of you… I wouldn't have come to meet you in that cell."
…
"Then how can you be so sure?" Kruger asked.
"Because Futoshi Sumura not only had gratitude for you… but faith as well."
That caused the young man to raise an eyebrow.
"When all of his comrades in squad were lying dead or being killed in the chaos… he told me… of how you opened his Alexander and pulled him to safety. And that's added to how you carried out of the battlefield to where the regiment were retreating."
"What does that tell you?" Kruger questioned.
"I think… it tells me you have a good heart."
…
That last part caused Kruger to pause before looking back at her. It looked as though he was caught off guard with that last part, before he lowered his eyes and looked away.
"I have no intention of treating you as a suspect or prisoner, Eren Kruger, and that is only if you give me reason not to," Leila said. "You are here to stay as a guest, if that is not so uncomfortable to you."
"You really have every intention with that?" Kruger inquired. "You seem to have put a lot of faith in this 'good heart' you are speaking to. Are you sure you don't have anymore questions…?"
…
"I do actually… but I will not force any answers from you…" Leila said. "I am choosing… to put my trust in you."
There.
A lot to go through. A reminder that just because the EU is an enemy of Britannia, don't forget it doesn't mean they are automatically better...
This chapter brings on the first meeting between the idealistic Lieutenant Colonel and the mysterious stranger who some of us may know full well who he is. I made sure what I could to develop their first interaction and the reasons why Leila asked General Smilas a favor in asking for custody of Eren. Practically, the W-0 were kept in the dark over what was REALLY happening in Narva thanks to interference causing their drone overlooking the area to malfunction. What Leila has to go on is what the last survivor of the unit, Futoshi Sumura, over what he had witnessed: Eren opening his cockpit and saving him, after that it was a blur, but right after the Order of Raphael's garrison had been decimated (mysteriously) and Eren was the one to bring him to safety, till they reached where the 132nd Regiment were driving by.
This gives Leila reason that Eren had some part to play in the success in the Narva Evacuation. But rather than interrogating him from a cell, she would rather know him as an individual and under her care.
Some may get hints regarding on why the guards wanted to take Eren's blood test... hint, hint. Good news, Eren is in the clear... for now. But how?
Next up, a celebration party... with certain figures from Leila's past coming...
But before we go...
The next day.
"So, how is your first night staying under the Lieutenant Colonel's hospitality?" Claus Warwick asked Kruger as they stood at the balcony window, leaning against the stone railing that overlooked the city. "Beats waking up on simple cot in the cell with only the simple square trays of sustenance, am I right?"
…
"So, not much a chatter, are you?" Claus said, causing Kruger to glance at him briefly. The Deputy Commander shrugged as he pulled out something from his pocket. "You know there is something to note about the quiet ones…"
"Do you really have to take that?" Eren Kruger said at the sight of the flask. "I thought you were supposed to be a commander?"
Claus paused, while raising an eyebrow. "It's... Deputy Commander. And this old chum of mine helps keep calm my bones." He uncorked his flask. "The small privileges of being Deputy Commander, thank you."
"The perks of the Garrison Regiment, right?" an older blonde man chuckled as he uncorked his latest bottle of wine while sitting on a box.
"You idiot!" A young boy growled. "Do you always have to be drinking on the job?! You're supposed to be a soldier! You're a disgrace!"
"Oh, let loose for a while, kiddo," the blonde grinned.
"I'll take you on with my own hands, you drunkard!"
The young boy made ready to throw his fists towards the sitting guard, who only needed to push his free hand on the boy's head to prevent his smaller arms from reaching him. The boy still persisted as his forehead pushed against the guard's hand and kept throwing his punches.
"Something the matter?" Claus noticed the look Kruger was giving him. That caused the younger man to fall out of what may have been his stupor.
The young glanced again at Claus before looking away.
"It's nothing," he said. "I just… I was just reminded… of someone…"
Rest in Peace, Keiji Fujiwara (1964-2020)
The original voice of Claus Warwick and Mr. Hannes…