Chapter Text
The world continued to turn despite all that occurred. The Scouts arrived back from Wall Maria to Wall Sina afterward, bloodied and broken but wiser. They stayed with the Military Police while the higher-ups figured out what to do next, which meant dealing with those evacuated to Wall Sina. After it was announced the Wall had been breached, everyone was evacuated into the Underground, a vast and neglected city beneath Wall Sina. Unfortunately, despite preparations, there was only enough supplies to feed everyone for a week. To avoid an uprising, Wall Maria was declared inhabitable, and everyone was moved back.
The threat, however, is only now being understood. Thanks to Hanji and Connie, there is now a working hypothesis as to how the invasion happened, not that it was expressly reassuring. Based on their findings in the village, Hanji believes the people were turned into Titans. She is not sure how or why, but she, Erwin, and the others are determined to discover any and all secrets that might reveal. The first step towards finding answers is to return to where it all began . . .
Levi stares at the map laid out in front of him, where one spot is circled several times in red pencil. Their next target, deep in Titan territory and their best shot at coming up with a plan to counter not only the Titans but these invaders from another land, is Eren Jaeger’s old house. For a while now he’s mentioned that his father left him the key to the basement and that inside, he would likely discover essential secrets regarding the Titans. It’s not much more than a hunch but they’ve walked blindly into situations before with far less intel. This is the closest they’ve had to a proper target in months.
While no one is looking forward to returning to Wall Maria so soon after all this, it is the next logical step; they’ve already learned so much about their enemy from this last encounter, that now they need more and the only viable lead they have is Eren’s house. They aren’t sure what they might find, not even Eren has any speculation, but it can’t be any worse than finding out Titans started life as humans.
A shudder crawls across Levi’s shoulders and down his spine. Just thinking that all this time he’s been killing people instead of monsters unsettles him greatly. He’s been trying to push it from his mind for days now.
“What do you think, Captain?” asks Erwin from his bed. Their fearless commander, while still recovering from a major injury – namely the amputation of his right arm – still insists on working. Even now, he’s pulled more late nights than even Levi, all in the name of uncovering the truth. Levi suspects his long hours are to show everyone that he’s still capable of leading the Survey Corps despite his injury. “Is that an acceptable target?”
“We don’t have much of a choice,” he says flatly, betraying nothing of his conflicted thoughts. “We’ve been building to this mission for a while now, it was more just a matter of when. It would probably also be best not to involve too many people in this operation, just those who need to know. We’re now three for three of having our mission compromised. We can’t risk a fourth, or we might as well just announce our plans to the world.”
Erwin nods, expression grim. “I agree. While not inherently difficult, the mission does require us going straight to the source of our first invasion and from recent reports, there are dozens of Titans prowling around at any given time. Do you think you could accomplish this with just yourself and a squad? They’ll be your choice of course, but I don’t think we can risk more than maybe a dozen Scouts at most.”
Levi again looks at the map and imagines facing dozens of Titans in such an enclosed area. It’s a suicide mission no matter how you look at it. Even with more Scouts, it would be damn near impossible to come out of it without heavy casualties, a smaller group offers an increased chance of survival with speed but handicaps how many Titans they can take on. Neither situation is ideal, although Levi would prefer to have safety in numbers, he understands Erwin’s reservations. They’ve lost too many too soon to risk more.
“What’s the timetable?” Levi asks, calculating how long he thinks it could take to train the right squad for this mission. He already has some people in mind but there’s still too many unknowns.
“I was hoping to have this executed by the end of the month,” replies Erwin.
Levi doesn’t even try to hide his surprise. “That’s barely three weeks.”
Erwin looks at him curiously. “I’m surprised, Captain, normally you’d say that it’s too much time.”
“We’ve just suffered heavy losses,” explains Levi as he points at the map. “Not to mention, devising a strategy takes time and this is barely any compared to some of our previous expeditions.”
“Which is partially why I think a smaller group is better suited to this mission,” explains Erwin. “They’ll be easier to train and coordinate, you’ll be able to adapt your strategy as necessary which would be difficult to achieve with a larger group. If it’ll make you feel better, I can pledge an escort of a few dozen. That way all you have to worry about is getting in and getting out; getting there safely won’t be much of a concern then.”
“Yes, but we lost most of our numbers in that last attack,” Levi counters, running a hand through his inky hair. He can feel the fatigue starting to set in and it’s barely been a week. “And we just got back from that spectacular failure of a mission. I don’t think many are going to sign up for this one. And I don’t think the Garrison or the MPs are going to give us any on loan, they’ve suffered worse casualties than us, and they’re both larger forces. We need to think of something else, unless you can think of some means of convincing more people to throw away their lives.”
“I’m a little surprised you’re so pessimistic, Levi,” says Erwin thoughtfully, rubbing a hand over his week-old beard. “Having second thoughts about the Scouts?”
“You wish,” says Levi lightly but part of him isn’t so sure anymore. Things aren’t as clear as they used to be, the line between friend and foe is slowly erasing and the bloodshed is starting to feel endless. They can’t go an expedition without at least a few deaths and more injuries. “I’m just concerned about our current state. Morale is low and without a major win, that likely won’t change. I heard Shadis mention that enlistment is at an all-time low right now too, so it’s not like we have reserves to fill the empty holes.”
Erwin sighs heavily. “I know. We’re putting everything we have on this excursion, and we don’t have the numbers or support to back it up. I don’t think even Eren is as invested in this as he used to be, Hanji said he’s barely been out of his room since he recovered.”
“Don’t count him out yet, Erwin,” argues Levi. “He did this right after our first encounter with the Female Titan, and he bounced back. I’m sure he’ll be screaming about killing Titans soon enough.”
“I wish I had half of his enthusiasm,” chuckles Erwin before stifling a yawn. “How’s your leg?”
“Recovered,” replies Levi, not like he would give a different answer. He has three weeks to train a brand-new squad and he can’t let something like a twisted ankle get in his way. “How’s the arm?”
“Missing,” Erwin replies with a wry grin. “Although I’m glad I was the one to cut it off rather than having it chewed off.”
Levi makes a face. “Terrible chew toy.”
Erwin throws his head back and laughs loudly. It takes him a moment to compose himself, and even when he does, he’s still chuckling a little. “Only you, Levi.” He clears his throat and schools his face to a more serious expression. “I want your honest opinion about this mission. Do you think you can do it within these parameters?”
“It’s a slim chance but it’s still a chance,” replies Levi honestly. “We won’t know until we get there, which is fairly standard for us.”
Erwin nods, then glances out the window, clearly deep in thought and giving Levi’s words consideration. Levi can’t help but notice how changed his commander is after this last mission; whereas before his presence could fill a room, he seems like a shadow, merely existing now. His proud and well-kept appearance just a figment of memory now in the wake of shaggy blond hair and scraggly whiskers that want to be a beard. Even Erwin’s pale blue eyes seem to have lost their usual luster and shine with life. Levi can’t blame him for losing hope, even he’s starting to wonder if the cause is worth it anymore.
“Have you given any thought to who you’ll pick for your new squad?” asks Erwin, drawing Levi out of his thoughts. “I’d find it hard to believe you hadn’t already given some consideration to our remaining Scouts.”
Levi nods. Of course, he knows who he’ll pick, he’s known since before Erwin called this meeting. “They’re probably the best veterans we have.”
Erwin smiles knowingly. “I see. Well, make sure to submit their transfer papers and once you’ve developed your strategy, please give me a copy as well. I might not be fit for battle yet, but I still need to know what’s going on with my Scouts.”
“Of course Erwin,” says Levi with a nod. “I’ll get it to you by tomorrow afternoon.”
“Don’t push yourself too hard, Captain, you’re still needed,” warns Erwin fondly, knowing the man in front of him won’t listen but he feels compelled to try anyway.
“I know,” says Levi dismissively before he excuses himself, in search of his new squad of seasoned veterans.
“Sasha! Give me back my bread!” shouts Jean as he dives over the table at the red-haired girl with half a roll sticking out of her mouth. She cleverly slides out of the way just in time, and Jean falls ass over head onto the floor in a jumbled heap. Their companions snicker at his predicament.
Connie laughs as Sasha does a victory lap around the table, grabbing a small wheel of cheese and a cup of water in the process.
“Why would you even try, Jean?” asks Connie, tears in his eyes as he watches Jean recover himself enough to stand. “It was as good as hers the moment you turned your back.”
“All I did was look at Armin for less than a second!” argues Jean as he sits back down beside the blond male in question. “If only she moved that fast when dealing with Titans.”
Sasha rolls her eyes as she swallows the roll in almost one bite. Her friends cringe in sympathy of her throat and how painful that had to have been, despite her nonchalance.
“If Titans were made of bread, I’m sure she’d be faster than Captain Levi,” chuckles Armin as he takes a bite of his own roll, careful not to let Sasha get the drop on him like she did poor Jean. He smiles to himself when he sees her pout.
“Now there’s something to consider,” says Levi startling the Scouts.
The mess hall is empty save for their group, so his voice carries far and they’re quick to give him their attention. He and Hanji are standing in the doorway, both looking worse for wear than the last time they spoke; the dark circles under Hanji’s eyes tell them she’s been burning the candle at both ends and the tension around Levi’s tells them he probably hasn’t slept at all. The Scouts race to stand and salute their superior officers; most have the decency to drop their utensils and meal, Sasha is still chewing.
Levi waves dismissively as they approach their table. “At ease Scouts, we don’t have time for that crap.” He looks around at those present: Jean, Armin, Historia, Sasha, and Connie. “Where’re Ackerman and Eren?”
“They were right here,” says Armin innocently as he covers for his two closest friends. Mikasa was here that much is true, but Eren on the other hand hasn’t been to a meal since they got back, and Armin can hypothesize with some certainty that Mikasa went looking for him. “Maybe they went for a walk?”
Levi shakes his head in dismay. He wanted to get this announcement out of the way and training started. Still, he’s hardly surprised. “Of all the times . . . Alright, I’ll get them. You five stay here and don’t leave. That’s an order.”
The five Scouts merely stare at him as he rushes out of the dining hall. Hanji shakes her head.
“I hope Eren isn’t doing anything stupid,” sighs Jean as he snatches a cracker from Sasha’s plate, narrowly missing the teeth that went for his fingers. He smirks.
“How is he doing?” Hanji asks no one in particular, expecting Armin to answer but it’s Jean who speaks,
“Not sure, he’s been avoiding pretty much everyone and eating very little from what Mikasa said. She’ll bring him a plate and maybe one thing on it will be touched. She’s been running after him like a mother hen for days.”
Hanji sighs heavily. She blames herself. She hasn’t been there for Eren like she wants, like he needs, and now he’s suffering for it. She meant to see him and check on him more than she has, to make sure he’s eating and recovering but with everything going on, she’s barely had time to eat herself. Not that she does or has.
“She’s going to drive herself to an early grave chasing after him,” says Connie thoughtfully. “And it’s going to be worse if they get married.”
Jean makes a face and Armin seems confused.
“I don’t think they’re going to get married,” says Sasha knowingly. “They want different things in life. Mikasa runs after him and he runs away from her, that’s not exactly the best start to a lasting relationship.”
Historia nods. “They’re good as friends but not more. There must be balance between a couple and that doesn’t exist with them. They don’t really understand each other. Mikasa only does something because Eren said he wanted to do it, not because she wants to or because he wants her to, not exactly a healthy dynamic.”
“Haven’t you ever heard that opposites attract?” asks Connie as he hands Sasha his pudding without even glancing in her direction. “Mikasa and Eren are definitely in that category. You and Ymir were that way.”
She shakes her head, not only to show her disagreement but to keep herself from tearing up at the mention of Ymir. “Actually, we were more alike than you’d think. Selfless people trying to live a little selfishly. We weren’t very successful at that selfish part though, we kept doing things for others and not enough for ourselves. Maybe if . . . if we had, then . . .”
Armin puts a hand on her shoulder, and she anchors herself again.
“By that logic, then who would be better for them?” asks Connie curiously, looking at his companions. His gaze settles on Jean.
“No comment,” he says nonchalantly.
“Actually, if we’re looking at motivation and personality, then you’re perfect for Mikasa, Jean,” says Armin thoughtfully and Jean stares at him, eyes wide and mouth slightly hung open. “I know Mikasa comes across as only caring about Eren and his needs, but without him around, she’s a completely different person.”
“That’s hard to believe when they’re hardly ever separated,” says Jean dismissively. “Okay Armin, if you think I’m “perfect” for Mikasa, who’s perfect for Eren?”
Armin opens his mouth to speak but just as quickly closes it and looks at his plate. This only serves to fuel their speculation and curiosity.
Sasha kicks him gently under the table. “Is it you?”
“I have some standards, Sasha,” replies Armin, shaking his head and smiling. “First, they need to be female and second, they aren’t Eren.”
Connie snickers. “So any woman then, got it.”
“Is it Historia?” asks Jean and Historia smacks him.
“I agree with Armin’s second standard,” she says as Jean rubs the spot she hit. “Anyone but Eren. Female optional.”
Hanji giggles. “You’re all too cute.”
“Who do you think it is, Hanji?” asks Connie and Hanji smirks.
“Not telling,” she says, winking at Armin.
Levi is practically grinding his teeth as he searches for Mikasa and Eren. The one time he needs them, of course, they’re not there. That would be too damn convenient. He just hopes neither of them is doing something that might get them killed or injured, the last thing he needs to deal with is paperwork and any possible setbacks for this new assignment.
“Leave me alone!” he hears Eren shout from somewhere close, and he breathes a small sigh.
At least he isn’t kidnapped again.
“You need to eat, Eren!” He hears Mikasa argue, and he tracks the sound to a nearby hallway. He takes his time, listening to the sounds of quick footsteps followed by someone sprinting. If he must guess, Eren’s running away from Mikasa – again – and she’s not getting the hint – again. He takes the next corner and spies the two about halfway down the hall, Eren standing with his fists clenched and Mikasa with her arms crossed tight against her middle.
“I’m fine,” he argues, trying to turn tail but Mikasa’s hand shoots out and grabs his fist.
“No, you’re not,” she says, trying to sound calm but even Levi can hear the frustration in her voice. “If you were, you’d be up to eating with everyone.”
Levi considers butting in and getting the two of them back to the dining hall, but he’s mildly interested to see where this will go, so he leans against the wall and observes.
“Why does it matter, Mikasa?” asks Eren, sounding dejected and irritated. “I ate earlier; I just want to be left alone. Can you understand that?”
Mikasa lets out a small sigh, and Levi notices the tension around her grey eyes. “You tend to do something irrational when you’re like this.”
Eren opens his mouth to argue when Levi steps out of his hiding place and clears his throat audibly.
“Ackerman, I need you to report to the dining hall,” says Levi calmly, his expression neutral as he begins walking towards them. “I’ll keep an eye on Eren for you.”
Mikasa eyes him suspiciously. She’s never trusted him alone with Eren after his display at the tribunal, but she is hardly in a position to disagree. Levi outranks her, and if he wanted, he could quickly order her away from Eren. Not that she would obey without a fight. She knows this is just Levi’s version of a friendly suggestion.
“I’ll be back,” she says to Eren and then heads for Levi. The two share a firm look before she turns to the dining hall and he comes to a halt beside Eren.
“You don’t have to watch me,” says Eren sternly as he walks to the closest set of pillars and leans on the railing between them. He faces the open courtyard and breathes in the scent of summer. “I’m not going to Shift over something as stupid as an argument with my sister.”
“I know,” says Levi as joins him, leaning against the pillar closest to him. He calmly looks out at the green grass and pink flowers in the courtyard. “You’re far more responsible than that.”
Eren’s bottle green eyes widen. Did Levi just compliment me? “Thank you, sir,” he says with as much dignity as he can muster.
“Now why are you behaving like a crabby child?” asks Levi, knocking the wind right out of Eren’s sails. When he notices the lack of response or retort, he prods his calf with the tip of his boot. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll just ask your sister, and I’m sure she’ll give me some very informative answers.”
Eren pales at the thought and decides that telling Levi is better than him listening to Mikasa’s speculations.
“I can’t stand it,” he whispers as he watches the birds soaring above them. “I can’t stand the way everyone looks at me.” He waits for Levi to say something, but he says nothing, so he continues, “I don’t mean like a monster. I wish it were just that. Everyone looks at me now as if they’re appraising me, trying to see if I’m worth the cost of dozens of Scouts.” He shuts his eyes and clenches his fists. “I want to show them that I am worth it, that those people didn’t die in vain . . . But I’m useless! I’ve been kidnapped three times and haven’t been unable to save myself. I can’t even win in a fight against a Shifter when I am one!”
Silence follows his words and for a moment he is worried that Levi is preparing to strike him down or already left, but when he looks over to his left, he sees Levi staring pensively. The sight unsettles him a little.
“Then you’ll need to prove it,” says Levi after a few moments, “and not necessarily as a Titan either. You’re most vulnerable to attack when you’re human, so if you’re going to prevent another kidnapping, you’re going to need to learn to fight back.” He looks down at Eren. “Your record says you were ranked second in hand-to-hand combat, which is nothing short of amazing considering how little you actually care to use it.”
Eren’s cheeks turn pink. How can he praise and insult me in the same breath?
“Your problem is you hesitate,” continues Levi. “Every time you’ve come up against an enemy, you lack the conviction to follow through with your attack, unless it’s a Titan you know nothing about. When you fought Leonhardt, Braun, and Hoover you hesitated until the last second and then acted. You can’t continue that pattern. You need to strike when you can and not a second later. Those people forfeited your friendship and loyalty the second you found out about their betrayal, speculated or not.”
“Are you saying you’d have been able to kill Annie or the others without remembering who they were to you?” asks Eren curiously.
Levi nods without hesitation. “If anything, those memories would’ve served to fuel my resolve to wipe them out. They seem to have only served as a source of conflict for you.”
“I know,” sighs Eren, rubbing the back of his neck. He’s already been through this discussion time and time again with himself and his friends. “It was only when I thought about their actions as Titans that I could fight them. If they stayed human, I would’ve found it nearly impossible.”
“I’m pleased to see you’re aware of your faults,” says Levi, at least sounding satisfied. “I’m going to have you start training to hone both your human and Titan fighting skills. You lack both, which makes you an unbalanced fighter. Does that sound reasonable?”
“Yes, sir,” says Eren immediately. He would be a fool to disagree.
“Good,” says Levi, putting a hand on Eren’s shoulder and squeezing for a fraction of a second before letting go. “Now hurry up, I’ve got an announcement to make, and it’s because of you going AWOL that I haven’t.”
When they arrive, they find two tables flipped over on either side of the room with three people behind each one and Hanji in the middle, looking harried and concerned. Eren and Levi watch as Jean stands up and throws a handful of shelled walnuts at the other table, Mikasa leaps out from behind and knocks the nuts down with a sweep of a broom and Connie stands up to throw his ammunition—grapes—at the others. Sasha jumps up from behind the table and promptly catches each one in her mouth before Historia comes up and throws pieces of bread and Armin throws peaches in return.
“What the hell is going on here?!” rages Levi, his grey eyes snap with a fire so intense that even Eren backs away from him, despite not being the one at fault.
Everyone in the room stops where they are, even Sasha stops chewing the grapes. All eyes are on the Captain, and all feel a sense of dread creep into their hearts.
“Hanji, answer me,” says Levi, looking directly at the other officer.
Hanji pales as she tries to collect herself and her thoughts. “You see, Captain, the Scouts, were just—”
“Slacking off,” finishes Levi sternly as his eyes drift to each cadet in turn. “I’m not even gone twenty minutes, and you dissolve into madness.” He takes a deep breath and uses that moment to steady himself. “This behavior is very unbecoming for members of Squad Levi, and I don’t want to walk in on a scene like this in the future.”
In the quiet that follows, a pin could have been heard dropping on the other side of the room.
Eren’s eyes shine with excitement as the words find purchase in his mind. “You mean . . . we’re now members of Squad Levi?!”
Levi tries not to smirk or even crack a faint smile, a task he finds almost impossible in the wake of Eren’s delight. “Yes, you are. I’ve chosen the seven of you to become members of my squad. This means you are the best of the best, veteran Titan killers, and experienced soldiers. There aren’t any soldiers half as skilled as the seven of you.”
“B-But,” says Armin as he stands up, sounding a little afraid to be speaking directly to Levi. Most of their interactions have been indirect or with Erwin present. “What makes you so sure of that? There have to be better soldiers than us.” His eyes dart to Mikasa and Jean.
Levi’s do the same before he points at Armin. “No one in the last five years has demonstrated your tactical brilliance.” He points at Sasha, who gulps down her mouthful. “Your speed and intuition are second to none.” He looks at Connie. “No one can move on the ODM as fast as you.” He looks at Jean. “And no one can maneuver on the ODM gear like you, nor do they have your level-headedness.” He looks at Historia, who shrinks back slightly. “You are a poet with a set of blades, clean and deep cuts every time and you’ve never failed to strike.”
His eyes go to Mikasa who glares back at him. “I don’t even have to tell you why I picked you, Ackerman, considering your kill count could rival even Erwin’s.” He then looks at Eren who calmly meets his gaze, something he finds strangely reassuring. “And you, despite the halting progress of your training, I’ve never met a person so determined before and who can rally people behind a cause like you.”
Eren’s chest puffs out slightly with pride at the unabashed praise. It’s incredibly rare for Levi to say anything positive to another individual and he’s said something to Eren twice already. Twice!
Levi then looks back at the room. “Those are just a few of the reasons why I selected you for my squad. Disappoint me, and I won’t hesitate to remove you, exceed my expectations, and I won’t hesitate to promote you. Together, we will be the force that stops the Titans in their tracks. The Walls will not fall again, and we will be the ones guarding them. Nothing will get in our way, and no one can stop us!”
Slowly his words make their way through the room, and in moments, the Scouts are cheering, clapping and crying as the reality of their situation hits them. Being picked to Squad Levi is a tremendous honor, but it also means they are the ones who will always carry the weight of humanity’s survival on their soldiers.
Levi looks out at his new squad with refrained fondness, he can’t get too carried away with his compliments, but he needed to bolster their flailing morale and instill some confidence in them. His gaze slides to Eren, who is beaming at Armin and Mikasa. Eren, more than anyone else, needs to know that someone believes in him and by the power of the gods, Levi will do his best to do at least that much.