XIX. Beneath The Winter Moon

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As several months passed by, Roku's bond with the other members of the squad grew stronger. Commander Shadis increasingly relied on Roku for his tactical insight and unparalleled combat skills.

Winter descended, blanketing the land in a serene cover of snow. While the cold breeze was refreshing, it also served as a stark reminder of the chilling darkness of the underground alleys Roku once knew.

An expedition loomed ahead, and the recruits readied themselves for another hopeful venture. As they journeyed on horseback, Gerrard engaged in lively conversation with Roku.

In an unexpected turn, several Titans approached their unit.

Without hesitation, Roku prepared to launch into action, but to his surprise, Gerrard reacted swiftly, dashing toward the Titan with astounding skill and swiftly dispatching it.

Roku found himself slightly impressed, as did the other recruits.

"Wooah Amazing Gerrard, you beat Roku this time," Marcel said praising Gerrard

"There is still a long way to go Marcel-san" Gerrad replied

Marcel leaned toward Roku and teased him by saying "I think you may have a competitive here Roku"

Commander Shadis decided to camp in an area where there was a nearby house. All the units will camp over a small hill that was behind the house; Roku's unit was assigned to stay in the house for the night, responsible for monitoring any Titan activity.

As night enveloped the surroundings and the group gathered around the fire, Dirk indulged in his usual drinking habits while Marcel conversed with Gerrard, showering him with compliments.

Anna sat beside Roku, both quietly observing their comrades.

Unexpectedly, Anna tapped Roku's shoulder and silently beckoned him inside the house. Sensing she wanted to talk, Roku followed suit, holding a cup of tea.

In the room, silence hung in the air, and Roku felt a hint of anxiety creeping in. Attempting to break the silence, "So you wanted something?" he asked.

Her response caught him off guard, "What do you think of me Roku?".

After a brief pause, Roku gathered his thoughts and responded with honesty, expressing that Anna was his comrade.

Anna rose from her seat, gazing out the window at the full moon, "Isn't the moon beautiful tonight?", Standing beside her, Roku agreed with her sentiment about the moon's allure.

"Roku I hold so much respect for you, you are a formidable warrior, I know that you are good-hearted although you may seem always cold but you care about the people around you" Anna's words caught him off guard.

Placing her hand over Roku's heart, Anna spoke of a possible future moment when they could share a drink together.

Roku felt a wave of confusion wash over him, tinged with a surprising warmth in his chest that made him blush faintly.

Excusing himself, he ascended the stairs, requesting Anna to inform the others that he was retiring for the night due to fatigue. With a mix of emotions swirling within him.

Roku settled on the bed and peered around the darkened cellar. His thoughts were a whirlwind, tossed by the unexpected emotions stirred up by his conversation with Anna.

He felt a knot forming in his stomach, a mixture of confusion and realization that he might have feelings for her. "What an idiot I am," he muttered to himself, contemplating the strange turn his emotions had taken.

"I never thought I would catch such feelings, damn it," he said with an embarrassed tone

Lost in his thoughts, Roku lay down and attempted to sleep.

The moonlight filtered through a small window, casting eerie shadows in the cellar. As the night grew deeper, his eyelids grew heavier, and he slipped into a fitful slumber.

In the dead of night, Roku was jolted awake by peculiar sounds echoing through the silent darkness. They were like colossal footsteps, a resonant thud that sent shivers down his spine. At first, he was disoriented, sluggish from his interrupted rest.

But then, an agonizing scream pierced the silence, piercing Roku's consciousness with a chilling urgency.

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End of the Chapter