"Now introducing the grand revolution in software, the AI analysis tool, A-DATA !"

Levi and (Y/n) have made it in time to attend the showcase. Thank god they managed to leave the Paradis beach on a perfect timing so that they weren't stuck in the traffic.

On the stage, there's a humongous screen along with several golden lights here and there to make the celebration plushier.

Applause echoed inside the room as the guests and board members gave their positive feedback. There are various guests inside the showcase room, including famous or important people such as Dot Pixis, Director Magath, Keith Shadis, Uri Reiss, and even Ymir Fritz.

On the other side of the room, a secretary makes herself busy by picking out some sweet treats, kikufuku, that are served on the table.

"What are you eating ?"

(Y/n) nearly jumped on her feet at the sudden voice behind her, she quickly places her plate down, facing her boss, "sorry, I was a bit hungry," the woman smiles sheepishly, "are you done with all the photos ?"

"Mhm. Only just now."

He lovingly stares at her, "it's too crowded here. I just want to go home and rest."

"We have just the performances left, and you still need to sign the trophy, so hang in there a bit more, Mr. Ackerman."

"There's nothing after this, right ?"

(Y/n) shook her head, "no. I purposely left it blank because I knew you'd be tired. Don't worry."

"I knew I could count on you sweetheart."

The tips of her ears turn red upon Levi's words, her face also becomes flushed all of the sudden. After making sure no one is looking at them, Levi steps forward and cups her cheeks. He then presses his forehead against hers, "don't show this cute side of yours to anyone else but me, okay ?"

"O-okay.."

"Good girl, now take a seat over there and enjoy the performance. I don't want your feet to get hurt from standing for too long."

(Y/n) obeys and soon finds a seat for herself among other guests and some directors.

"Ladies and gentlemen, up next is a special performance for our Ackerman Software Showcase ! Bertholdt Hoover's magic show ! Please give him a warm welcome !"

A hoard of applause once again fills the room, enliven the atmosphere of this luxurious showcase event. (Y/n) keeps her eyes focused on the stage, eager to watch the magic show since she rarely sees it. The last time she had the opportunity to watch something like this was when she was 6, and it was not that great. Now that she has another chance to watch it, (Y/n) feels grateful.

Unknown to her, a man with blonde hair and beard enters the room, scanning the whole area to find someone.

And that's when he spotted the secretary.

He makes himself towards her like a zombie. His back is hunched down a little and dark eyebags are visible on his eyes. Zeke drags his feet towards the empty chair beside (Y/n) and plops down beside her. He's still wearing the same clothes that he wore when Grisha reveals a secret to him.

"O-oh.." (Y/n) noticed his presence beside her and eyed him up and down, "how did you.. You're not invited-"

"He told me my memories aren't real.." He cuts her off.

Zeke slowly turns his head towards her with an enervated face, "My dad just told me that.. Is that what you think too ?"

"..."

"You can't even give me a straight answer to my question, can you ?"

The aura within (Y/n) changes. She has a bad feeling about this, judging by Zeke's sudden words and appearance, something must've happened. While they're still stuck inside the thick and tense atmosphere, the master of the ceremony that handles the show begins to speak up again.

"Alright then ! Introducing our special guest for this evening, Ms. Lara Tybur, who is also a professional model, here we go !"

Those golden lights on the stage suddenly turn into a shade of blood red.

"Does that mean my memories are all wrong ?" Zeke attempts to get an answer from (Y/n) again.

Yet, she ignores him, her eyes are somewhat focused on the model who's performing on the stage.

"Sometimes.." He proceeds, "I dream about my childhood.."

The more she watches the model on the stage along with those bright red lights, the more her head feels like spinning.

"..which I can't quite understand. Did I really go through it..? That night..?" Zeke asks again.

However Zeke's words never reach her ears. One by one, flashes of her mom's death begin to appear inside her mind. As a part of the show, Lara Tybur holds a fake gun, she then twirls on the stage, swaying her body left and right as the music goes on.

----

'BANG !'

Blood splattered from her head as (Y/n)'s mother fell limp on the streets, just a few meters from her home. At the same time, the booming sound of the thunder fell from the sky as if laughing at the little girl.

"M-mom..? Mom ! MOMMM !!!!"

----

(Y/n)'s eyelids begin to feel heavy.

"If my dreams are true..."

The sound of the thunder echoed inside her head, (Y/n) suddenly winces in pain upon the sudden rush of memories that go through her head all of the sudden.

'Shut up... shut up... shut up !!'

---

*BOOM !*

Thunderclap echoed in the air, sending a shock through (Y/n)'s veins. Bad memories began to rush inside her head as a whimper escaped her mouth. Was her brave actions earlier just for a show ? No. (Y/n)'s not like that. It's just.. Thunder, lightning.. are something that she had difficulty to overcome.

A pair of steel blue eyes stole glances at the quivering girl.

The fearless looking little girl had turned into a vulnerable one just in one strike of thunder in the middle of the thunderstorm.

-----

With a sharp gasp, (Y/n) stands from her seat abruptly with both hands planted to the table to support and balance her body. With all the things going on inside her head, the secretary has no strength to steady her trembling body.

Zeke notices her sudden movement, he questioningly looks at her.

Her chest heaves up and down in a rapid motion, (Y/n)'s eyes are still glued to the model up on the stage, which reminds her a lot of a dark part of her past that became her source of fear. Her skin went paler as each second passed. After mustering all the strength she had left, the woman manages to croak out her last words.

"I remember now.."

And then everything turns black for (Y/n).

Zeke's eyes widened as he witnessed (Y/n) fainted to the floor, unmoving. He quickly crouches down, shaking her shoulders in an attempt to wake her up, "(Y/n) ? Wake up ! (Y/n) ! (Y/n) (L/n) !!"

A sudden force on Zeke's ribcage sends him flying a few inches away from the woman.

Another man has kneeled on the floor, not caring about the dirt or dust that may dirty his trousers. The steel blue eyed man cradles the love of his life in his arms as his hands find their way around (Y/n)'s limp body, examining her unconscious state, "Ms. (L/n), can you hear me ? Ms. (L/n) ? Oi brat !" Worry surges through Levi's veins. He carefully cups her cheek, it feels.. cold. Levi turns a blind eye to his surroundings, not even aware that Hanji and Moblit have rushed to their aid with some medical help.

The vice president wouldn't stop calling out for her name, hoping that she would open her eyes and ensure him everything's okay.

"(Y/n) (L/n) !!"