Because Of You

Chapter 8

Paperwork. Captain Levi had always hated it, but it was always better than sacrificing lives, so this was adequate. The current paperwork he was filling in was about his new squad.

He'd selected them after three expeditions, though he already knew after the first.

Eld Jinn

Gunther Schultz

Petra Ral

Oruo Bozard

Carmen

He found it strange the girl didn't have a last name, but neither did he, so he didn't question her. To Levi, Carmen was a mystery that wasn't worth solving. Because whatever had happened to her was in the past, what good would resurfacing it do? Besides, after he'd spoke to her on the battlefield, she'd somewhat changed, been more cautious. Maybe it was the thought of her friends, that was a bonus of having them in the squad too, they'd be able to control her if needs be.

However, first, he had to break the news. So upon finding one of the squad members, he ordered Eld Jinn to locate the rest.

"Petra, Carmen. The captain wants to see you in his office." Eld revealed after knocking on their door.

"Did you fight with him again?" Petra whispered to Carmen.

"No." She answered.

"Then why does he want us in his office?"

The two then opened their door, wondering if Eld had any more insight than them. Unfortunately, he didn't. The only information he could provide were the names of the other people he wanted in his office. This gave Carmen an idea.

"He wants us in his squad." She revealed. "It's the only explanation."

"You think so?" Eld wondered. If Carmen was right, then this was a wonderful revelation.

"I do."

Soon later, they found the other members of the group, and each made their way to Levi's office. After nervously knocking, Levi confirmed they could enter and they followed Carmen, the least anxious, into the office.

"I bet your all wondering why I gathered you here." Levi initiated, everyone nodded. "Well, in that case, I'll enlighten you. You've each been handpicked to join my squad, which means you'll take orders directly from me. Other than that, your duties will continue, but you'll receive a new position in the formation. Are there any objections?"

Nobody spoke, this was their opportunity for greatness, so no one wanted to give it up.

"Good, I want you to train together. Starting tomorrow after breakfast."

"Yes, sir." The group said in unison, saluting while doing so.

"For now, you're all dismissed." He said, looking back down at his paperwork. "Eld, Carmen. Stay here, we need to talk."

Carmen found out the pairing strange, but then again, maybe it was for separate reasons. Either way, Petra made sure to shoot Carmen a glare before leaving, she still didn't trust Carmen enough not to fight with her superiors. It had happened before.

"Eld, I'm going to make you second in command. That means if for any reason I'm absent, you're in control of the squad."

"I'm honoured, but, why me? Carmen is stronger." Eld protested, clearly being responsible for such a group came with a huge amount of pressure.

"She might be stronger, but can you see her leading a squad?" He looked over to the blonde, she'd taken some offence but she had to agree. "She's zoned out as we speak."

"Actually, I'm just listening." Carmen assured.

"Good, then you'll agree? Won't you?" Levi asked.

Would Carmen agree? Yes, she'd already mentally established that, there was too much pressure, and yes, she was strong, but she was better at following orders. Like she was used to.

"Carmen." Levi repeated, more irritated than previously.

"I'm aware I zone out, but I'm still a capable scout." She defended. "However, a leading position is not in my interests. I'm better at following orders, not making them."

"Then it's settled, Eld, you're second in command. And don't try to push that burden onto someone else next time."

"Sorry sir." Eld apologised, leaving when Levi motioned his hand towards the door.

But Carmen stayed, he hadn't officially dismissed her and hadn't explained why she was called to stay in his office with Eld. Of course, there was always the chance he was trying to humiliate her inform of her comrades, but maybe that was below his pay grade. Even so, he ignored her presence and continued filling in paperwork.

"Captain?" She asked, still stood awaiting orders.

"What?" He spat back. Carmen couldn't understand why he was angry, he was the one keeping her there.

"You told me to stay back. Am I right in understanding it was just to humiliate me in front of Eld?" She tilted her head.

"What if I said yes? What would you do?" Levi questioned, resting his head in his hands and giving the assassin all his attention.

So that was his plan, to get a rise out of the emotionless weapon. What would she even do to that? Well, she could kill him, it was her mission after all. But that would mean going back to her cage and hurting her friends, Carmen wasn't ready for that. Instead, she'd have to stay calm, which was easy for her. This situation had been practiced a lot.

"You zoned out again, maybe you shouldn't be in my squad. You're too unpredictable, who knows when you're going to zone out?" The captain persisted.

"You're trying to get me to react." She gathered. "Why?"

Levi was slightly shocked, but Petra had stated before that Carmen was smart, she just needed time to think. "Because, I know everything about my squad. But you, I think I only know your name. So here's your chance to tell me about yourself."

"And if I refuse?"

"Get familiar with Hange, the maniac did say if I didn't chose you, they would." He threatened, blackmail that he knew Carmen would understand.

"I see." Carmen nodded her head. "If you wish to know, then ask." It was clear Carmen would lie or avoid some questions, but still, it was a good start.

"Full name."

"Carmen."

Reluctantly, Levi moved on. "Home town?"

Another answer that Carmen couldn't give because the government never told her who she really was, she wasn't even sure that Carmen was her birth name, let alone where she was born. Then again, maybe she could just lie about it again, the only problem was, she didn't know the names of any villages. Thus her interrogation with Levi wasn't going to end well.

"It shouldn't require this much thought. Where were you before this?" He repeated.

"I-" Carmen didn't know what to say, she couldn't form a response. "I don't want to talk about it. It's not a memory I like to recall." That was partially the truth. "Why do you even need to know? I understand that you need to trust your squad, but what does my upbringing have to do with it?"

"Nothing, I just find it reassuring to know who I'm being forced to risk my life for."

"Not me, I won't need saving."

"That's what they all say." Levi scoffed. "You can leave now."

But did that mean she was cut off? Or was she in the squad? Nothing was clear to the assassin.

"Petra was right, you do have a thinking face." Levi snapped her out of thought. "You're in the squad, don't screw it up."

"Okay." Carmen sighed in relief, but her gratitude didn't come across entirely to Levi. "Thank you, Captain." She nodded her head, it wasn't often she said words like 'sorry' and 'thanks' but when she did, Carmen meant them.