Levi's POV

She hasn't been sneaking out again. She continued to lock herself in her room like a princess waiting to be rescued. I've been around the house, picking up rumors about her boyfriend constantly calling her. Then, it was something so unexpected. Henry walked up to me with fear in his eyes. I'm happy I don't know what anxiety feels like.

"Levi," he says, "Erwin messaged me-."

"Who?"

"Hanji's boyfriend," he replies with a scoff, "he said that he spotted some strange people near his house lately. I told him to stay away from my daughter..." Henry was slowly spiraling into this pit of despair, and I didn't want him to be there. If I want to have Hanji, I have to have his approval. He won't allow me near her without that. "Levi, can you at least attempt to extend your protection to him?"

"We discussed this before, Henry-."

"I know-."

"I won't protect him." As I turned around, I began to think about what could happen with Erwin. He's gotten too close to her, and I didn't want her near him. I want to be sure of it. I could not protect him and leave him in their care. However, they won't kill him because he's a high school student. He's still young, they can still use him. But if he dies in the crossfire... "If he dies, it's not my fault."

"You'll protect him?"

"If I can." If anything, I have to kill those people there too. Even if there is one eyewitness, there will be doubt in my testimony on what happened. I have to be careful and execute everyone... all to get rid of one annoyance. "Where does he live?"

*   *   *

It was nearly midnight by the time I came to Erwin's house. His parents were out of town, as they usually were. As expected, I saw a black car with tinted windows in front of their house. A standard car for people who do not want to be spotted. It's funny how they try to blend in by becoming more apparent. I have to make it seem that Erwin died by them first.

I approached the car, clearing my throat to meet them. As expected, 4 men came out of the black car with their guns pointing at me. "Who the hell are you?" One of the men shouts as I hear the sounds of their guns slotting their bullets into place.

"You also have an eye on the Smith boy, am I right?" I point toward the house, "I think I can help you get inside."

"Inside? What kind of guy are you?"

One of the men from behind them slowly lowers his gun, almost recognizing me. "Wait, hold on." He holds his hands up to everyone, giving orders through his gritted teeth. "Stand down- don't hurt the guy."

"Why not?"

"That's an Ackerman."

"Ackerman?"

Everyone began to lower their guns, and their eyes slowly turned to fear when they soaked up my presence. If I could feel feelings like any ordinary man, I think I would relish this power. That spark in their eyes was not of love, but fear. Our family is powerful... and I know I can protect Hanji with all my might. Hanji...

"I want that boy dead."

"We don't kill, Ackerman, we terrify-."

"If you don't kill him, I'll kill one of your men instead. How would you like that? An innocent man according to your terms would be executed because you wouldn't kill. Do you want that on your heads?"

They glanced at each other, wondering who would die by my hands. They gulped and reluctantly walked into the house. I followed after them with my knife in hand. I don't like the use of guns. I have more control with a knife than a weapon like that. I didn't hear anything, but only a flash of bright light filled the room for a second.

I walked into the room, seeing the job was done. "Good work," I say, standing next to one of the men with my fingers fiddling with my knife. "Here's your reward." The man grabbed his throat and he fell to the ground with blood spurting out. I felt the blood splattering on my hand, and I hated that feeling. 

The rest of the men began to aim their guns at me, and I was too quick. Their deaths were quick and painless. Well, I think they are painless. They stopped their twitching after a few seconds. I left their car in the front, not wanting to touch it. Sure, it will be suspicious with grown men in a high school student's house. But what can I do? It'll take too long to hide the evidence. All I can do is to ensure my presence is non-existent. 

Goodbye... Erwin Smith...