Chapter One: Arrival at Paradis

The ocean stretched out infinitely before them, a churning expanse of blue-gray waters

that seemed to ripple with the secrets of the world. An Androsian scout ship cut through

the waves, a sleek vessel built for speed and stealth, its sails catching the wind as it

made its way toward the hidden island of Paradis. Dr. Tiana Belrose stood at the bow,

her eyes fixed on the horizon, where the jagged peaks of Paradis Island began to

emerge through the mist.

The ship's deck was bustling with activity. Androsian soldiers, clad in their distinctive

green and silver uniforms, moved with practiced precision, securing equipment and

preparing for the unknown. Tiana's passion twists fluttered in the salty breeze, drawing

curious glances from the crew. Her presence was a beacon of calm amidst the

controlled chaos, her deep brown skin glowing in the morning light, her figure

accentuated by a form-fitting dress that clung to her curves. She had painted her nails a

deep crimson to match her lips—a small act of defiance and self-expression in a world

torn by war.

Onyakapon, who had been leaning against the ship's railing, approached her.

"Nervous?" he asked, his tone light, but his eyes serious.

Tiana turned her gaze to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "A little," she admitted.

"It's not every day you arrive in a foreign land that has been isolated for a hundred

years." Her voice, melodic and clear, cut through the ambient noise like bell chimes,

causing a few heads to turn.

Yelena, standing nearby, watched Tiana with her usual inscrutable expression. "They

are not expecting someone like you," she said. "The Scouts are... not accustomed to

surprises. Especially not ones as striking as yourself."

Tiana chuckled softly, the sound warm and comforting. "Then we'll just have to make a

good first impression, won't we?"

As the ship drew closer to Paradis, the sprawling walls of the island's cities came into

view, towering barriers of stone that stretched high into the sky. The sight was both

awe-inspiring and intimidating, a stark reminder of the island's history of isolation and

fear. The ship navigated carefully through the narrow waters, finally coming to rest at a

hidden dock, where a small contingent of Scouts was waiting.

Tiana's heart quickened as she descended the gangplank, her heels clicking softly

against the wood. She was flanked by Onyakapon and Yelena, with the Androsian

soldiers close behind. Ahead, a group of three figures stood in sharp contrast to the sea

and sky—Commander Erwin Smith, Hange Zoë, and Captain Levi Ackerman.

Erwin stepped forward first, his gaze steady and calculating. "Welcome to Paradis," he

said, his deep voice carrying over the sound of the waves. "We've been expecting you,

Dr. Belrose, and your escorts."

Tiana offered a polite nod. "Thank you, Commander Erwin. I appreciate your hospitality."

She noticed the way his eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and surprise, his brow

furrowing slightly. He clearly hadn't expected someone so young, so... vibrant.

Hange, ever the curious one, was already leaning forward, eyes wide with intrigue.

"Wow, you're... not at all what we expected. I thought you'd be an old scientist with a

scruffy beard!" She laughed, her grin wide and infectious. "Your hair, it's so...

fascinating! Can I touch it?"

Tiana smiled warmly, her dimples deepening. "Maybe later," she said, her tone playful.

"Once we've settled in a bit."

Levi stood slightly apart, his expression unreadable, his eyes narrowing as he assessed

the new arrivals. His gaze lingered on Tiana for a moment longer than necessary, taking

in every detail—the curve of her waist, the confidence in her stance, the way her eyes

seemed to sparkle with intelligence. She wasn't at all what he had expected. He had

imagined another mad scientist, like Hange, perhaps older and more eccentric. But this

woman... she was something entirely different.

"Doctor," Levi said, his voice low and direct, "you look quite young to be so

accomplished."

Tiana felt a faint flush rise to her cheeks but maintained her composure. "Appearances

can be deceiving, Captain," she replied, meeting his gaze with equal intensity. His eyes

were sharp, almost piercing, and she couldn't quite read what lay behind them. "And I

could say the same about you. I've heard stories about 'Humanity's Strongest Soldier,'

and I must say, you're... more compact than I imagined."

A faint smirk tugged at Levi's lips, a rare expression for him. "Compact," he repeated,

his tone neutral but tinged with amusement. "I suppose that's one way to put it."

Erwin interjected, breaking the tension with a measured tone. "Captain Levi will be your

personal guard while you are here, Dr. Belrose. We anticipate Marley will not take kindly

to you allying with us, and they may make attempts on your life."

Tiana nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "I understand. I appreciate the

precaution, Commander." She stole a glance at Levi, who was still watching her with

that same inscrutable look. There was something about him—something intense and

unyielding, yet strangely compelling. She felt a flutter of unease in her stomach but

pushed it aside.

Hange clapped her hands together, clearly eager to move things along. "Well, let's not

stand around gawking! We have so much to discuss—technology, strategies, and oh,

the stories you must have about the outside world! Come, come, we'll head to HQ and

get settled."

As they began to move, Tiana could feel Levi's presence beside her, silent but

imposing. She tried to focus on the path ahead, on the towering walls and the curious

glances from other scouts, but her mind kept drifting back to the man at her side. His

movements were precise, almost feline in their grace, and his proximity made her

acutely aware of every step she took.

"So, Captain," she began, attempting to break the silence, "how long have you been

with the scouts?"

"Long enough," Levi replied curtly, his eyes forward. "And you? How does one so young

accumulate so many accolades?"

Tiana chuckled softly, a musical sound that seemed to catch even Levi off guard. "By

being stubborn, I suppose. And having a lot to prove."

Levi glanced at her then, a brief, searching look. "Stubborn can be good," he said

quietly. "As long as it doesn't get you killed."

The words hung in the air between them, a subtle warning wrapped in an observation.

Tiana nodded, understanding the weight behind them. "I'll keep that in mind, Captain."

They continued walking, their conversation brief but layered, each word carrying a

weight of its own. As they approached the Scouts'

headquarters, Tiana could feel a new

chapter unfolding before her—a chapter filled with unknowns, with danger and

opportunity alike. She was a stranger in a strange land, yet somehow, amidst the

towering walls and wary glances, she felt a spark of something she hadn't felt in a long

time: hope.

And as Captain Levi Ackerman continued to watch her with those piercing eyes, she

couldn't help but wonder what stories he held behind that stoic exterior, and what fate

had in store for them both in this war-torn world.

As they approached the headquarters, the Androsian soldiers formed a disciplined line

behind Dr. Tiana Belrose, their boots crunching against the gravel path in unison. Each

of them bore the marks of battle—scars, weary eyes, and a resolute expression that

spoke of their dedication to the mission. Among them, Isaac stood out, his posture

relaxed yet alert, his eyes frequently drifting toward Tiana. He was tall, with broad

shoulders and a confident, almost cocky swagger. His short, tightly coiled hair was

cropped close to his head, and his sharp jawline was set with determination.

Isaac took a step forward, his gaze locked on Erwin with a challenge in his eyes.

"Commander Erwin," he began, his voice strong and clear, "I am Isaac Alphonse, a

leading soldier from Androsia. We're here to assist in your fight against Marley. And if I

may, I believe Dr. Belrose would be best guarded by those who know her—by her own

people." His gaze shifted momentarily to Tiana, a flicker of possessiveness in his eyes.

"I've been her protector for years; I know her needs better than anyone."

Tiana shot Isaac a quick, disapproving glance, her lips tightening into a thin line. She

appreciated his skills and loyalty, but his insistence on hovering over her, especially

when it wasn't warranted, was beginning to wear thin. And then there was the matter of

his constant flirting, which she had learned to politely deflect over the years.

Erwin listened calmly, his expression unreadable. "I understand your concern, Isaac," he

replied evenly, his hands clasped behind his back. "But the situation here in Paradis is

unlike anything you've encountered. Captain Levi has a unique understanding of our

enemies and the terrain. His experience in the field is unmatched. Dr. Belrose's safety is

paramount, and she will be safest under Captain Levi's protection."

Isaac's jaw tightened. He opened his mouth to argue further, but Tiana intervened, her

voice calm yet firm. "Isaac," she said, turning to face him, "I appreciate your concern,

truly. But Commander Erwin knows what's best for the situation here. We're in a new

land, facing new threats. I trust his judgment."

Levi, who had been standing silently to the side, shifted his gaze to Isaac. His eyes

were cold, almost indifferent, but there was a flicker of annoyance at the suggestion that

his ability to protect someone could be questioned. "If you're worried about your

engineer's safety," Levi said, his tone flat but carrying a razor's edge, "you're welcome

to watch from a distance. Just don't get in my way."

Isaac's eyes flashed with defiance. "I don't intend to be a passive observer, Captain

Levi. I'm more than capable of—"

"Enough," Erwin interrupted, his voice carrying authority. "This isn't a discussion.

Captain Levi will ensure Dr. Belrose's safety. You and your men will coordinate with our

forces and assist in other operations as needed."

Isaac clenched his fists, clearly unhappy with the decision, but he knew better than to

press further in front of the Commander. He nodded curtly. "Understood, Commander,"

he said, though his voice was tight with barely restrained frustration. He shot a lingering

look at Tiana, as if silently pleading for her to reconsider, but she held her ground, her

expression resolute.

Hange, sensing the tension, stepped in with her usual enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling

with curiosity. "So, Isaac, tell us more about Androsia! Your ships, your technology—it's

all so fascinating! I'd love to hear more about what you can do. Maybe even exchange

some ideas?"

Isaac's demeanor softened slightly under Hange's infectious energy. "Our ships are

designed for stealth and speed," he explained, though his tone still held a trace of his

earlier irritation. "We've had to adapt quickly to survive Marley's onslaught."

As Hange continued to engage Isaac in conversation, Tiana found herself walking

beside Levi again. She could feel his presence beside her, an invisible but palpable

force that seemed to radiate an unyielding strength. She stole a glance at him, trying to

gauge his thoughts, but his expression remained impassive.

"You've got a lot of loyal people with you," Levi remarked quietly, his eyes forward.

Tiana nodded. "They've been through a lot. We all have. Androsia isn't the same place it

once was." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "I hope we can be of real help

here."

Levi's lips twitched, almost imperceptibly. "We'll see," he said. "Just don't let personal

attachments cloud your judgment. This isn't a place where you can afford to be

distracted."

Tiana felt a slight sting at his words, recognizing the truth in them. She had seen

enough of war to know how costly distractions could be. But there was something in

Levi's tone, a hint of something unspoken, that made her wonder if he was speaking

from experience. "I understand," she replied softly. "And I won't."

Levi gave a slight nod, as if acknowledging her words, but said nothing further. The

silence between them was thick, charged with unspoken thoughts and a strange,

tentative understanding. Tiana felt her heart beat a little faster, her mind racing with

thoughts she didn't dare entertain. She had just met this man, and yet there was

something about him—something compelling and dangerous all at once.

As they reached the main doors of the headquarters, Erwin gestured for them to enter.

"We have much to discuss," he said, leading them inside. "And we need to move

quickly. Marley will not sit idle now that we've shown our hand."

Isaac, falling back slightly to walk beside Tiana, leaned in close. "You know I could

protect you better," he whispered, his tone earnest. "I've always looked out for you,

Tiana."

Tiana sighed softly, giving him a gentle but firm look. "Isaac, this isn't about you or me,"

she said quietly. "This is about the bigger picture. We're here to help Paradis, and right

now, that means trusting their judgment. Please, don't make this harder than it needs to

be."

Isaac frowned but nodded, clearly still not entirely convinced. "Just… be careful," he

muttered. "I don't trust these people yet."

Tiana gave him a reassuring smile. "I will," she promised. "But try to keep an open mind.

We're all on the same side here."

As they entered the dimly lit hallway of the headquarters, Tiana could feel the weight of

the journey ahead settling on her shoulders. The Scouts were wary, the Androsians

were restless, and the enemy was closing in. But amidst the uncertainty and the danger,

she felt a strange sense of anticipation, a pull toward the unknown that made her heart

race with a mix of fear and excitement.

And as Levi's quiet footsteps echoed beside her, she couldn't help but wonder what lay

beneath that stoic exterior—and whether she might one day find out.