Estella's POV :
It had been four days since the expedition, and I had already sent a Patronus to Harry and Snape to explain the situation. I chose to omit my injuries, not wanting to worry them any further. Draco was now officially a part of the Survey Corps after some tough negotiations between Premier Zackly and the Commander, who found Draco's skills with an ODM Gear valuable. However, Draco's aversion to direct combat was a concern.
Tonight, we all gathered inside the HQ, waiting for Commander Erwin to arrive and share some important news. The room had been quite crowded in the past, but since the Squad's tragic end, it was now only occupied by Oluo, Eren, Levi, Draco, and I. The absence of our fallen comrades weighed heavily on my mind.
" They're late. Erwin and his men are keeping me waiting. The MP escorts will come before they do. He's probably constipated and having a rough day". Levi suddenly stated, breaking the silence.
Draco gave me a puzzled look, unsure whether to laugh or not. I just shrugged, and Eren and Oluo nervously chuckled.
" You're talking a lot today, Lance Corporal". Eren said.
" Don't be stupid. I always talk a lot". Levi retorted.
" I'm not really sure about that". Draco added, sipping his tea.
Oluo nodded in agreement," Yeah, Lance Corporal always speaks a lot".
Eren cleared his throat nervously," I'm sorry. Back then, if I hadn't made the wrong choice... this never would've happened".
" I told you... No one ever knows how things will turn out". Levi stated, his voice filled with wisdom.
" Why are you mopping, kid ? You'd follow the decision we made. You shouldn't sweat it too much". Oluo chimed in.
" Yeah, but...". Eren's voice trailed off, burdened by guilt.
" They're right, you know. Every decision has its consequences. Don't be too hard on yourself, Jay". I reassured him.
Before Eren could respond, Commander Erwin walked into the room, surprisingly accompanied by Armin, Mikasa, Jean, and other soldiers.
" Sorry to keep you waiting". the Commander said.
" Not at all, sir... You guys...". Eren stammered, surprised to see everyone with the Commander.
" We have identified a person of interest who may be the Female Titan". Commander Erwin revealed.
Oluo's face tightened, and he clenched his cup tightly in his hand.
" This time, we won't let her escape. The operation will be in two days, taking place in Stohess District on our way to the capital. This is our first and last chance. Once we pass that point, Eren will be remanded to the capital, probably followed by Estella.
And Draco, being on probation with the Premier, will likely be under close surveillance as well". The Commander explained, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming mission.
" Our pursuit of those who seek to destroy the walls will become fraught with difficulty. Ultimately, humanity stands to go extinct. We will stake everything on this plan". He declared resolutely.
" Right...". Eren murmured, feeling the immense weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
" And now I'm involved. Wonderful". Draco muttered through gritted teeth, his frustration evident.
Commander Erwin continued," The plan will be as follows. When we pass through Stohess, Eren and Estella will act as decoys and lead the target into an underground tunnel. If we can get her to the lowest level, given the tunnel's size and structural integrity, even if the target transforms, we can immobilize her. But if she transforms before then, Eren, we'll need your help".
Levi interjected, expressing concern," Wait a minute. I doubt that Estella is in the right shape to do anything".
" That's why, I only need her to lure the target. She will not engage in combat. Besides, after the mission, Mike will take you with the other recruits who left this morning so that she can recover properly. Do you think you can do that ?". The Commander clarified, looking toward me.
Eren's eyes widened with worry," But... Traveling could be riskier for her".
" I'm okay with that". I reassured them, determined to fulfill my duty despite my injuries.
Seeing that I had agreed, no one dared to argue further. Eren looked at me with concern.
It was Oluo who broke the silence," Are we sure that target is in Stohess ?". He asked, breaking the tension in the room.
" Yes, our target is a member of the Military Police". Commander Erwin replied, his eyes focused on a map spread out before him.
" The Military Police ?". Eren repeated in disbelief, leaning forward.
" It was Armin who arrived at that conclusion. He believes the target also killed the two captured Titans. She may be a former trainee from the 104th, the same as you". The Commander explained, his voice steady.
I frowned, my mind trying to process the information," Really ?".
" W-Wait a second... The 104th ?". Eren inquired, his eyes narrowing.
" The name of the girl we believe to be the person of interest is Annie Leonhart". Commander Erwin told us.
My eyes widened, and I stood up abruptly, unable to contain my surprise," That can't be possible".
Jean placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, urging me to sit back down, and I complied.
" Annie's the Female Titan ? Why ? Why do you think that, Armin ?". Eren asked, leaning in closer.
" From the start, the Female Titan knew what you looked like. And she reacted to your nickname, 'suicidal bastard,' which only the 104th trainees would know. And the biggest reason is that I believe Annie killed the test subjects, Sawney, and Bean". Armin replied, his voice tinged with sadness.
" How can you tell ?". Eren wondered, trying to make sense of the situation.
" Only someone very skilled could have done it, and they'd have used their own 3D Maneuver Gear, which they're accustomed to". Armin responded with certainty.
" Yeah, wasn't that why they inspected our 3D Maneuver Gear ? But they didn't find anything on Annie...". Eren's voice trailed off, contemplating the implications.
" Annie brought Marco's 3D Maneuver Gear to the inspection. That's why she managed to avoid getting caught". Armin retorted, adding another piece to the puzzle.
I looked at Armin in disbelief when I heard that. Marco ? Why would she have Marco's 3D Maneuver Gear ? I'm not really sure I want the answer to that question.
" Huh ? What are you talking about ? What does Marco have to do with this ?". Eren asked, puzzled.
Armin shook his head, looking troubled," I don't know".
" Are you sure it was his ?". Eren inquired, trying to find any gaps in the theory.
" Yes, I know what I...". Armin tried to say before Levi interrupted him.
" Hey, brat. We get it. Do you have any other evidence ?". Levi's voice was stern and assertive.
" Yeah, because don't expect us holding back when we now know that". Oluo chimed in, his anger evident.
" No, I don't". Armin replied honestly, not shying away from the truth.
" I think Annie's face resembles the Female Titan's". Mikasa chimed in, adding her own observations to the mix.
" Huh ? What are you talking about ? That isn't evidence...". Eren said, not convinced.
Levi huffed, crossing his arms," So, you have no proof, but you'll do it anyway".
" You have no proof ? What ? Then why do it ? What if it isn't her ?". Eren asked with a frown.
" Then we'll know she's innocent. That's all". Mikasa retorted with unwavering determination.
" And then I'll feel bad for Annie. However, if we don't do something, you and Stella'll end up being sacrificed to the people in the capital !". Armin exclaimed, voicing his fear for us.
Eren scoffed, trying to cling to any hope that this accusation wasn't true," You're crazy to think Annie's a Titan. What about Stella ? She's always been close to her; there's no way she could have hurt her. Right, Stella ?".
I'd been wrestling with this possibility for a few minutes now, and something Annie said to me popped into my head.
" Oh my God...". I muttered, feeling a chill run down my spine.
" What ? What is it ?". Draco asked, concerned.
" The day before the expedition... When I went to see her...". I started, struggling to find the words to explain.
Jean's eyes widened, clearly surprised," You've been alone to see her ?".
" No, I wasn't. But that's not important... Annie has always been someone quiet, always listening to my ranting, but she suddenly asked me something weird that day... 'Why would you do if someone did something really horrible ?'.
She then asked me if I would have the courage to forgive. I must say that I didn't understand why she asked me that suddenly. And I'm sure that she muttered 'I hope you would.' When I asked her if everything was okay, she told me that she was asking all this because of the girl she shared a room with... I... I don't want to believe it". I explained.
An unsettling silence filled the room as everyone processed what I just shared.
" Annie had been one of my first friends within the 104th... But what if she was talking about what happened during the expedition ?". I added.
" That... that's not possible". Eren muttered, grappling with the implications.
" It's obvious she was talking about that. Let me tell you, she'd hurt you; she's not a friend but an enemy". Draco stated firmly, his voice resolute.
Mikasa nodded in agreement, and I felt a mix of emotions inside me. Confusion, betrayal, and sadness all swirled together.
I clenched my fists, glaring at the floor," I'm sorry. If I hadn't let myself be blinded by my trust in her, maybe this massacre would never have happened. Perhaps I should have looked a little further...".
" It's not your fault, Stella". Armin reassured me gently, his eyes full of empathy.
" The brat is right. She just broke your trust, that's all". Levi stated, his voice surprisingly soft.
Oluo nodded in agreement, adding," Nobody blames you. It's normal to believe in your comrades after all".
" In any case, the operation will still take place in two days. In the meantime, all of you, try to take it easy to be in top shape. That's all". The Commander said before leaving the room
It wasn't long until everyone left the room too, but before I left, I turned to see that Levi was grabbing his leg with a painful expression.
" Are you coming, Stella ?". Armin asked me.
" I'll be there in a minute". I replied.
Armin nodded before leaving, and I walked toward the Captain, who still had his cup in his hands.
" Um, Levi ? Did you hurt your leg ?". I wondered.
" What makes you say that ?". Levi retorted nonchalantly.
" I've seen you grabbing it with a pained expression. If I knew what you have, I could try a spell to heal you". I suggested.
Levi seemed to hesitate for a few minutes before responding," I've sprained my ankle, big deal".
" Would you let me try something to help you ?". I asked.
" If you're sure of yourself, then do it". Levi simply replied.
I nodded, my determination growing as I took my wand out of my uniform jacket and pointed it at his leg.
" Episkey". I said with a steady voice.
Levi's eyes widened as he seemed to feel the hotness, then the comforting coldness of the spell. He placed his hand on his leg, testing the result.
" Well, did it work ?". I wondered anxiously.
Levi nodded, a hint of surprise in his eyes," Yeah, I don't feel the pain anymore...As much as before anyway. Thank you, brat".
He then placed his hand on my head gently, and I grinned at him, happy to see him in good shape like before. His touch felt warm and reassuring, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment at being able to help him.
" Why don't you do it on yourself ?". Levi wondered aloud.
" I don't think that I could do it on myself. And I couldn't ask Draco; he hasn't mastered it either. I don't really want to risk my life or something worse. I only learned it because I asked Madam Pomfrey to teach me". I explained.
Levi nodded in understanding," That's a shame. Well, be careful with the Female Titan and your injuries. That's an order. He replied sternly.
I managed to smile despite my concerns," Will do".
Leaving the room, I headed to meet Armin, with whom I had made plans to read some books that night to distract our minds. I wanted something more relaxing than dwelling on the challenges we faced, especially those related to Annie.
When I entered the room where Armin was waiting, I noticed that he had already prepared a selection of books.
" I'm here. What did you choose for us to read ?". I asked, curious about his selection.
" I picked some books about science, and there are also a few stories to help distract our minds". Armin replied with a warm smile.
" Let's go with the stories. I could use a bit of an escape". I suggested, looking forward to getting lost in a captivating tale.
Armin nodded and began reading from the first book. I hardly said anything and just listened to Armin reading the book in his hands. He seemed so passionate when he read the book that I found it sweet.
But our reading was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door. Jean walked in with a tray in his hands, a bit flustered.
" Oh hey, what are you doing ?". I asked with a friendly tone.
" Oluo told me you were here. Squad Leader Hange emphasized that you needed to eat well to recover quickly. So, well...". Jean mumbled, a bit embarrassed as he presented the tray.
I chuckled, appreciating the gesture," Take a deep breath, Jeany. What did you bring ?".
" I tried to cook you an omelette. I can't promise it's good, but...". Jean said, trailing off.
" Thank you ! That's really thoughtful of you". I exclaimed, feeling grateful for Jean's effort.
Jean let out a relieved sigh and handed me the tray. I quickly examined the omelette, and it did indeed look appetizing. I began eating it with gusto, delighted by its taste.
" This is really good ! Where did you learn to cook like this ?". I asked, impressed by Jean's culinary skills.
" My mom taught me". Jean replied, sounding proud.
" I'd love to meet your mom someday. She must be an amazing cook". I said with a smile as I finished my meal.
" Really ? Sure, I'm sure she'd love to meet you too". Jean replied happily.
" You want to stay with us to read ? Arty is the one who is reading tonight". I said as I handed him the tray back.
Jean shook his head," No. But read well you two".
" Thanks, Jean". Armin told him.
After Jean left the room, Armin and I resumed our reading. It turned out to be a surprisingly peaceful and pleasant evening, free from the usual tensions and worries of our dangerous world.
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A/N : For those of you who are fans of Tokyo Revengers and The Originals, I've just published a story linked to these two universes. I'd love you to read it. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read it 😄.
Don't forget to comment and vote, it always makes me happy !
- Sanseviera Kana.