Pairings: Levi/Eren
Warnings: AU Universe. OOC. Gender swap. Character deaths.
Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin and any of the characters, but the OC characters belongs to me
Chapter Four: The Underground City
Levi's mood steadily got darker as time went on, and he still received no news of Eren, Mikasa and Armin.
When six months came and went, and there is still no news of them—whether they're dead or alive, everyone in the Survey Corps knew better than to get in Levi's way, and it isn't too uncommon to see soldiers scuttling out of the way of the scowling, bad-tempered Lance Corporal as he walked down the hallway. Even the other ranked officers were wary of setting him off.
Last that Levi had heard from Hanji, Hannes of the Garrison had basically drunk himself into a stupor when he couldn't find the three children anywhere, and had believed that they were eaten by one of the Titans that had invaded Shiganshina.
Petra Ral and Oluo Bozado have also graduated from the latest batch of Academy recruits by this time, and were placed in Levi's squad. Unlike the last time however when they were all starry-eyed at their first meeting with Levi, Gunther and Eld, this time around, Petra and Oluo seemed utterly petrified of him. And honestly, with that dark scowl on Levi's face along with that dark aura emanating his body, who could blame them?
Eld had to be the one to initiate the two into the squad and basically take over in introducing their duties along with the various duties assigned to each squad in the Survey Corps—like cleaning, laundry and even feeding and cleaning the horses. Due to Levi's cleaning habits and his obsession over cleanliness however, Squad Levi tends to take on some cleaning duties every week even if it wasn't their turn to clean.
From Levi's time spent in the underground city during the time when he was still a thug, he knew that people from the underground city generally isn't very fond of members of the military and even the nobility. Hell, Levi himself still isn't too fond of them himself. Thus, even the ones whom he still stayed in contact with from time to time weren't very willing to divulge information to Levi, considering that he had been a highly ranked soldier in the Survey Corps, and one of the most well known furthermore.
And with how there had been zero news of the three children for months, Levi had been in a particularly bad mood, and this usually means double the pain for the one unfortunate enough to wind up being his sparring partner during training sessions.
At least until Gunther had approached him one day with Yuri Michaelis by his side nearly eight months since the Fall of Shiganshina, both sprouting particularly serious expressions on their faces.
It had been just after squad training had ended for the day. In the Survey Corps, from time to time, two squads tend to train together. By the time that Eren had entered the Survey Corps, the Levi Squad had gained enough of a reputation and had enough skill to be known as the Special Operations Unit, and thus, often conducted their own training only within members of their own squad.
Right now however, despite their squad commander's reputation and skill, the rest of the squad members haven't had that experience and skill that they have in the future that Levi could trust them to protect Eren and make their own decisions even when he wasn't there.
Usually, the squads training with Levi's squad have been either Hanji or Mike's squads, and Levi almost always wants to groan whenever it is Lt. Mike's squad turn to train with his. If only because his squad happens to contain one Yuri Michaelis.
Levi himself has no problem whatsoever with the girl, and he knew that all the soldiers in both his and Mike's squads are professionals, and they knew better than to bring in their own personal problems during training. It is the looks that he kept seeing Gunther and Yuri give each other whenever they both thought that no one was watching that got on his nerves.
Hence, after squad training that day in which Gunther and Yuri happened to be partnered up with each other in hand-to-hand combat training, the two approached Levi who is currently collecting the training gear scattered around the training ground that they've been using.
"Uh, Levi-heichou?" Gunther asked tentatively with Yuri close behind him, both with wary looks on their faces as Levi seemed to make it a point to kick at everyone these days, whether they've stepped on his toes or not. The only ones who simply let Levi's sharp tongue and sarcastic insults roll off their backs were just Hanji, Mike and Erwin.
Hence why nearly all the soldiers in the Survey Corps these days made it a point to get out of Levi's way as much as they could.
Levi turned around and fixed them both with a stern look. "Yes? Why are you both standing around like lost sheep?" he snapped. "Do you both have something that you need to ask me?"
Out of the corner of his eye, Levi saw Mike sigh from where he had been explaining something to the two male members of his squad, whilst Petra and Nanaba who were huddled together gathering the 3DMG gear made for training purposes were eyeing Yuri and Gunther with worried looks on their faces. Eld who had been explaining something to Oluo was even looking over at Levi with a wide-eyed expression. The moment that everyone saw Levi's glare on them, they quickly looked away and pretended to busy themselves with something.
Yuri looked at Gunther who nodded encouragingly to her. Taking a deep breath, Yuri stepped forward, with Levi eyeing her impatiently. "I heard about your…situation from Gunther and Lt. Mike, Levi-heichou." Yuri began, her silver eyes flickering between her boyfriend and her commanding officer before turning her attention back towards Levi. "If it isn't too presumptuous of me, I think I might be able to give you a hand here—" Levi's eyes widened a slight fraction. "I think that I might just be able to help you find the three children whom you'd been looking for."
Levi decided to ask Hanji that day at dinnertime when the rest of the Survey Corps were being their usual rowdy selves, and thus, no one was paying the slightest bit of attention to the table where Levi, Hanji and Erwin were occupying.
Not many new recruits chose to join the Survey Corps – the one military branch nicknamed by the vast populace as the 'loony bin' of the military, and where joining it is an immediate death sentence.
The 104th Trainee Squad where Eren had come from had been the largest turnout of new recruits that the Survey Corps ever had in their entire history. They have also been the most boisterous and the most eccentric however. Though with how they are, they have also been a popular bunch with the other soldiers, even Eren.
Henceforth, Levi glanced over at the table four tables away from where he'd been sitting where Gunther had been sitting with Eld, Yuri, Nanaba, Petra and Oluo, along with a few of their other classmates that Levi doesn't remember the names of, as they have been killed early on in their military career.
That had been one of the reasons why Gunther, Eld, Petra, Oluo, Nanaba and Yuri have been so close the last time—they were all that are left of their friends who have risen up in military rank ever since their days in the Academy. Yuri had been the last of them to leave the world, and even before that, even Levi could tell that she had just been this close to losing her mind, especially when Nanaba had died during the Castle Utgard incident to defend the members of the new Levi Squad from the rampaging Titans, and then Mike had perished at the hands of that Ape Titan not long after that.
Nanaba and Petra were both laughing at something that Oluo was saying. Nanaba, Petra and Yuri have been good friends the last time all the way until Petra had died during the 57th Expedition, before Nanaba had followed her during the Castle Utgard incident months later. Having lost nearly all her friends and even the man whom she'd loved, Yuri had almost lost her mind at that time, and it is only her hatred for the Titans that had spurred her on, and had made her continue on with her life.
Having been a year below them, Petra had been close to both Nanaba and Yuri, having known them through Gunther and Eld. As female soldiers aren't really common in the military, especially in the Survey Corps, the three females have just clicked together, especially with how often both their squads have trained together during the early days of Squad Levi.
Petra had also learned all the 'female stuff' that she needs to learn from Nanaba and Yuri, and when Eren had joined the squad, Petra had been the one to explain everything to the green-eyed teen, giving her a crash course on all the 'female stuff' that she needs to know, with Nanaba and a few of the other female soldiers explaining to Eren's other female classmates.
"Hey Hanji?" Levi enquired, gray eyes flickering between Hanji and the table where the new recruits were seated, with Gunther grinning at one of Eld's jokes, placing his arm around Yuri's shoulders.
Levi felt a pang of sadness at that sight before looking away. When Eren had died, he had regretted so many things that he wished he had the chance to tell or even do with Eren. While relationships between a superior and their subordinate aren't exactly forbidden in the military, it isn't exactly done often either. Hence why Levi had chosen to keep his relationship with Eren secret, as there is more at stake here than just Eren being moved out of his squad. The reactions of the Military Police came to mind.
Furthermore, by the time that the new Levi Squad had been formed, Levi had known by then that a few of the other boys from the 104th Trainee Squad have harboured crushes on Eren. Jean Kirstein and Reiner Braun came to mind instantly.
Even after the rest of the new Levi Squad have found out about Levi and Eren's relationship, Jean had still harboured affection for Eren, and even Levi himself had seen how Jean had always been there to support and help Eren. He had been there to lend her a shoulder to cry on after Petra and the others have died protecting her, and had also sat with her in the infirmary after her battle with the Female Titan.
It is almost a wonder in itself how Eren had never fallen for the short-tempered teen who had always been there for her, instead falling for the foul mouthed Corporal that had basically beaten her up at the public trial.
Levi had seen the anger and jealousy in Jean's eyes whenever he saw them together, and he had seen the accusing look visible in his eyes when he had turned up at the safe house with Eren's dead body, and Mikasa had then pummelled the shit out of him for failing to bring her sister back alive.
"Hmm?" Hanji looked at Levi over inhaling her soup. Upon seeing the disgusted expression on Levi's face, she swallowed her mouthful of soup before looking at the raven-haired male sitting across her. "What is it?"
"Do you know of Yuri Michaelis?" Levi asked, knowing that Hanji is always the person to go to should he require information. She isn't only knowledgeable when it comes to Titans after all. Hanji had also been the one to inform Levi of some of the more 'interesting' traditions that the Training Corps at the Academy have, especially after Eren and the 104th Trainee Squad have entered the picture.
"Yuri Michaelis?" Erwin questioned, looking interested as he looked over at the recruits' table where the mentioned person is laughing at something that Gunther is telling her. "Mike had recommended both her and Nanaba for a possible promotion to Squad Leader status in a few years."
"I know of her." Hanji exchanged looks with Erwin before turning back towards Levi. "She graduated as the second top graduate of her batch, being the best in her class at Strategy Planning and 3DMG Manoeuvring. I initially wanted her for my squad actually, but Mike got to her first."
"What's this about, Levi?" Erwin asked curiously. "It isn't like you to ask about someone else. She's the girlfriend of one of your squad members, isn't he? I think it had been the topic of gossip all over the Survey Corps for months after Gunther Schultz's rather…interesting declaration of love nearly a year ago."
Hanji cackled at that, having been there to talk about something with Mike when Mike and Levi's squads have been training when Gunther had declared his love to Yuri in front of two entire squads, much to Mike's disbelief.
Levi said nothing as he spooned a spoonful of rice before placing it into his mouth. He then swallowed his food before looking at the two of them. "Michaelis came to me after squad training earlier today," he said at last. "She said she might be able to help me find Eren, Mikasa and Armin in the underground city—assuming that they're really there. What does she mean? Apart from myself, I really don't remember any of the other soldiers hailing from there."
Levi should know, seeing how bad the reception that had been when he, Farlan and Isabel have first been introduced to the rest of the Survey Corps. Their attitudes sure took a turn after they have seen the three of them in battle.
Hanji and Erwin exchanged looks. "Well, I don't suppose you'll know about it, as it had happened way before you'd joined the Survey Corps." Hanji said at last, turning serious. "The moment that Yuri Michaelis' name had appeared on the list of Academy applicants, and even on the graduates' ledger, everyone knew who she is." She added, glancing at the mentioned girl. "All the higher ups and even the government officials have their eye on her the moment that she'd appeared in the Academy." Hanji looked at Levi calmly. "Back when the walls were first built, and the three military branches were first established, the ones that had been one of the pillars of humanity had been the Michaelis clan. They were the ones to establish the Military Police, and were fiercely loyal people with some incredible fighting skills—despite being part of the nobility."
"I've never heard of them before." Levi frowned.
"No, you wouldn't." Erwin sighed. "Several years ago, even before you'd joined the Survey Corps, there had been an incident that led to the fall and then later, the disgrace of the entire clan." He looked sad at this. "They have been vastly different from the rest of the nobility. They don't care in the least if their actions benefit them or not—unlike so many members of the nobility. Their actions have always been to protect the civilians. The Michaelis clan have also been the founding members of the Military Police."
"I don't fully know all the details that had led to their fall." Hanji sighed, playing about with her food. "But I heard that several years ago, there had been an incident in the slums area of Wall Maria before the wall itself had been breached nearly a year ago. The mysterious death of a prostitute that used to be the handmaid of a noble house made them suspicious." It took all of Levi's self control to control his facial expressions—as he is fairly sure at this point in time that Hanji had been talking about Historia Reiss' mother. "Even before that, several unexplained and unsolved deaths throughout the years have led to them opening an investigation into those mysterious deaths that were never solved, and were instead, shoved under the rug by the royal family when it was brought to the attention of the king. The death of a doctor. Then before that, a teacher. But it had been the prostitute's murder that led to them leading an open investigation that had been their downfall."
"What do you mean?" Levi frowned.
"The Military Police have always been loyal to the royal family first and foremost, isn't it?" Erwin questioned Levi who nodded slowly.
That had been common knowledge for as long as he had been in the Survey Corps, and he still remembered Nile Dok's screams at Erwin during the Sina Operation, and how the Commander of the Military Police had basically accused Erwin of treason against the Crown, and had gone as far as to point his weapon at Erwin.
"It wasn't always like that." Hanji said, exchanging looks with Erwin. "The Military Police were there for the civilians, not the royal family. The death of the prostitute led to the Michaelis clan launching their own investigations. One of their clan members stumbled upon some sensitive information apparently. The Commander of the Military Police at that time had been the Michaelis clan head. He doubted the royal family's legitimacy."
Levi fought to control his facial expressions by this point in time. So there had been people who have doubted the legitimacy of the 'royal family' currently in power, and had suspected that they are mere figureheads? Why had he never heard of that clan before? Why didn't Yuri Michaelis come to him with what she know when the civil war had broken out the last time? If what those bastards have done to Pastor Nick at that time is of any indication, then Levi is fairly certain that the fate of the Michaelis clan isn't pretty either.
"The former Survey Corps' Commander, Keith Shadis mentioned that the former Commander of the Military Police went to him with this bit of information." Erwin added. "Neither one of us knew what it is about, but the MP Commander mentioned that that piece of delicate information would most certainly jeopardise him should it reach certain ears. Not long after that, he turned up dead in the slums—apparently murdered. And then, less than a week after his death, the high ranking government officials and even the king claimed that they'd uncovered an unbelievable conspiracy planned by the former MP Commander and the Michaelis clan head. A conspiracy to overthrow the royal family and to rebel against the government."
"That's ridiculous." Levi scowled. Honestly, how many times had he heard theories that are so farfetched from the mouths of those pathetic losers?
Hanji shrugged. "Maybe so. But both of us knew that those nobility never used their brains anyway—assuming that they even had one," she scowled. "And so, the Michaelis clan was sentenced to exile away from Wall Sina. They were still allowed to remain within the walls, just not Wall Sina, and henceforth, banned from returning to the imperial city."
"There had been no explanation given for their exile at that time." Erwin added. "And trust me on this, Levi, we did ask questions. More specifically, the Survey Corps and even the Garrison. But when the king insisted on the entire matter being kept strictly confidential, everyone simply…dropped the matter. It doesn't seem to matter to anyone—the soldiers, the nobility and even the civilians that the Michaelis clan have protected the three walls for generations ever since the walls were first constructed, and that they have always been fiercely loyal and righteous people who would never even dream of committing treason. Rumours spread—insane and false rumours based on assumptions formed by the nobility that the Michaelis clan have done something truly unforgivable to earn the royal family's ire."
"The Military Police suffered as well when the Michaelis clan fell from grace." Hanji sighed. "After the accusation and their exile, no one offered to help them. It is almost like everyone had forgotten just what the clan had done for humanity for generations. They are different from most noble clans. The Michaelis clan have always been raised amongst the common people—raising them as commoners, and also to remind them that it is the common people that they are pledged to protect. As far as I know, most of their clan members always end up joining the Military Police or even the Garrison. But with their unjust exile, and later on, their unjust treatment by the rest of the population led to anger, hatred, and then later, resentment against the royal family, and even the military." Hanji sighed. "As far as I know, the clan members all went down into the underground city after their exile, all of them swearing never to return to the surface again."
Levi's eyes widened at that. He had never heard any rumours of any members of the clan living down in the underground city when he was there. And if the clan was as great as Hanji and Erwin have described, then shouldn't there be rumours flying around?
"The entire clan was angrier more at the fact that their former clan head's reputation and good name was smeared by the king's claims despite there being no concrete evidence that they had been planning a conspiracy." Erwin admitted. "When the entire clan went to live in the underground city, all of them swore as a clan to cut ties with the vast populace within the three walls, and also to never lend aid to a member of the nobility and even the military ever again." A wry smile crossed Erwin's face. "They are the ones running the vast network of connections down within the underground city and even the ones still present within the walls, and even the black market." He explained to Levi. "That's how I knew where to find you and your two friends all those years back. It had been a member of the Michaelis clan that had told me—though it isn't without a price. Their clan members knew how to hide themselves after all. When they've taken up residence in the underground city, they started protecting the people residing there from the people of the surface. They've always been protectors, Levi. It's in their blood."
"That's not all however." Hanji had a grim smile on her face. "The Military Police and even the military as a whole suffered greatly with the departure and the exile of the Michaelis clan. Members of their clan have made up half of the elite members of the Military Police and even the Garrison. When the clan collapsed and disappeared into the underground city, swearing never to return or to lend aid to the military ever again, two out of the three military branches almost collapsed. The clan have mostly consisted of highly skilled fighters and talented strategists. When they were forced into exile, even the few clan members that have chosen to stay as civilians closed up their businesses within the three walls, and took their trades with them into the underground city instead. When the entire clan up and left, it caused a great panic, especially within Wall Sina, as their economy had plummeted severely with the Michaelis clan's departure. It also created the chance to allow so many corrupted officials within the ranks of the Military Police and even the government officials. All along, it had been the Michaelis clan who had kept a strict eye and control on the ruling government body. When they were exiled, it created tremendous problems for the military."
Levi's mind was in a whirl. So that really explains the black market and the numerous products that should be impossible to get even within Wall Maria and Wall Rose floating about the underground city. So it had been the Michaelis clan behind it? They are the ones running the black market network down in the underground city?
"Hence, when we saw Yuri Michaelis' name on the list of the Academy applicants, and then later, on the graduates' ledger, all of us were surprised." Erwin added, glancing at the girl herself. "Given that there hasn't been a member from that clan seen in years, we were surprised that she had chosen to return to the surface, and joining the Survey Corps furthermore. And judging by her features, she had been a member from the main family." He told Levi. "If Eren, Mikasa and Armin are indeed still alive, and it is as you've said, they're in the underground city, then Yuri Michaelis can find them for you."
XXXXXX
It was nearly two weeks later when both Squad Levi and Squad Zacharius were scheduled for the same day-off. Even as much as this annoyed Levi, he knew better than to go AWOL with Hanji and two younger soldiers—one of which is under Mike's direct command, and not his.
All four soldiers have met in the Karanese District in civilian clothing as requested by Yuri Michaelis the previous day when she had reminded Levi and Hanji of their 'trip' down to the underground city. Levi knew why even without Yuri having to explain, having lived down there for most of his childhood until Erwin had basically kidnapped him, Isabel and Farlan, forcing them to join the Survey Corps.
People of the underground city were never all that fond of members of the militia, and if any of them have shown up down there in their military uniforms… Well, they won't be leaving alive, if at all.
"Do you honestly know where they are?" Levi asked Yuri quietly as he and Hanji followed Yuri and Gunther down one of the entrances that led to the underground city. It sure brings back memories for Levi as he walked down into the labyrinth that he had called home for most of his life.
They had called it the underground city for a reason. It spanned miles beyond miles underneath the various cities and towns of the three walls, with various entrances leading down into it from the surface.
"I've asked my brother to look into it for me when Gunther told me about it nearly three weeks ago." Yuri said quietly, holding Gunther's hand even as they walked through the dimly lit areas where several vagabonds eyed them with interest. "He runs the information network down here. If they are indeed here, and still alive, then my brother can find them."
"So this is the underground city." Stars were almost shining in Hanji's eyes. "It's wonderful!"
Levi groaned beneath his breath. "Come on, Shitty Glasses. Don't go wandering off." He grabbed Hanji by the back of her neck roughly. "If you get lost or something, I'm not about to go and search for you."
Yuri smiled to herself before she approached two men sitting at a worn table playing cards. They both looked up as Yuri approached, and Levi frowned as he saw the same dark hair that they have that is similar to Yuri's. Erwin had told him that dark hair and silver eyes have been a hereditary trait amongst the members of the main family of the Michaelis clan. The other clan members however always have dark hair. It seemed like it is the silver eyes that are unique only to members of the main family.
Levi wondered to himself now if he, Isabel and Farlan have ever been under their protection even without knowing it the last time. After all, their mastery and skill over the 3DMG gear have been legendary amongst the people of the underground city, and there is no way that the Michaelis clan wouldn't know of it if the clan runs the black market and the underground network. How long have they been protected by the members of the exiled clan, until Erwin and the Survey Corps have come into the picture?
Yuri came back to them just then, a particularly grim expression on her face.
"How is it?" Levi asked quickly.
"We know where they are." Yuri said, looking at Levi carefully. "It's just…"
"What?" Gunther was concerned. "What did you find out, Yuri?"
Yuri sighed. "My brother found the three children nearly a week ago when they came banging on our door," she said hesitantly. "According to our agents, the three children said that that the person that had been caring and training them for nearly an entire year since the Fall of Shiganshina told them to go to my brother for some reason. And that someone will come for them soon."
"Just who had been caring for them?" Hanji was honestly confused even as they followed Yuri towards a part of the underground city that seemed to be the residence area. From what Levi had told her of his time spent in the underground city, it is a struggle just to survive in here. It is why so many people in the underground city have dreamt of heading up to the surface.
Yuri didn't say anything even as she pushed the red curtain covering the entrance of the 'house' aside, and stepping in. Hanji and Gunther followed her in. Levi eyed the dirty red curtain with distaste before pushing it away from him with one finger and entering the house.
"Yuri, welcome home." A tall man that is so similar to Yuri, and Levi felt certain that he must be Yuri's brother, greeted her. For some reason however, he reminds Levi of Erwin, particularly in the way that he carries himself, and there is even a commanding air about him. Levi is fairly sure that this man must be the current Michaelis clan head. "Are they…?" He trailed off, eyeing Hanji, Gunther and Levi with suspicion in his eyes.
"Where are the children?" Levi asked politely, knowing from experience that you treat people politely in the underground city or risk getting the shit knocked out of you, or even killed. They don't really need a reason to kill someone in these parts.
"Levi…?" A small hopeful voice spoke up just then, and Levi froze almost as if he'd just been shot.
Slowly, he turned towards the direction where the voice had been coming from, and saw a ten-year-old brunette with green eyes eyeing him hopefully. A black haired girl with a red scarf and a blonde boy with blue eyes stood on either side of her, watching him carefully. There was a smile on the blonde's face whilst the black haired girl was impassive.
Eren Jaeger was slightly taller compared to when Levi had last seen her nearly a year ago, though still short. And Levi is honestly starting to wonder if it is some sort of side effect in this paradox—where by him being taller than he had been the last time, Eren is going to be tiny? Maybe it is some side effect by her being kidnapped when she was five? Or maybe even due to the fact that Carla didn't even allow her out of the house until she was about nine when Mikasa had started living with the Jaeger family?
Eren's dark brown hair was still in a messy style, though slightly longer, reaching just a little below her earlobes and reaching to her nape. Almost automatically, Levi's eyes went towards the key that Eren wore around her neck, knowing that it had been the last thing that Grisha Jaeger had given to his daughter just before he had gone missing a few months before Shiganshina had fallen.
"Eren…" Levi smiled at her even as the brunette ran towards him, and he bent down before enveloping her in a hug. "You're all right…" He patted the back of her head, ignoring Hanji's snickers, and even Yuri and Gunther's dumbfounded expressions.
"I knew that you'd come for us." Eren's voice was muffled in Levi's shirt. And for once, he didn't care in the least that Eren is dirtying his shirt. "You promised. Though you kept us waiting for nearly a year."
"Why do I feel like I'm watching a reunion of two long lost lovers?" Yuri's brother deadpanned, watching this scene with a twitch of his eye. Next to him, Yuri laughed, and Hanji snickered. "She's freakin' ten, you pedophile!"
Levi turned and glared at the tall man. "Who are you calling a fucking pedophile?" he growled.
"You obviously," was the statement of the century answer, and Levi's eye twitched. "And don't curse in front of children." The tall man then sighed. "So these kids are indeed whom you've been searching for nearly a year?" He enquired and Levi nodded. He then frowned. "And before you go about removing them from my care, can you swear to me that you can protect them?"
"I can protect Eren!" Mikasa declared hotly before Levi could answer. "I don't need anyone else!"
The tall man smiled at Mikasa. "That's nice, Mikasa. But the situation within Wall Rose isn't exactly pleasant right now, with Wall Maria having fallen nearly a year ago," he explained to the young girl in a way that he would explain things to an adult, much to Levi's surprise. "At the very least, I want to make sure that you three survive should I let you go back up to the surface." He had an angry scowl on his face. "Besides, you're a soldier in the Survey Corps, aren't you?" He directed this question at Levi. "Lance Corporal Levi, second-in-command of the Survey Corps. You're pretty famous down here." He smirked. "The infamous thug in the underground city who went back up to the surface to become a soldier for the Survey Corps. I know of you and what you've done."
His tone was almost accusing, but Levi didn't flinch. After all, he didn't say anything that isn't true. "After all, who do you think have been keeping information about you and your two friends, and your mastery over the 3DMG gear from the military and the people of the surface world ever since you've gotten them when you were still living down here?" The man's eyes were enough to tear a hole into Levi's soul; his silver eyes were that intense.
Levi didn't flinch; so he, Isabel and Farlan have indeed been protected by the Michaelis clan even without them knowing it.
"Sigurd." Yuri interrupted her brother, looking at him with a warning look. "We've been through this."
Sigurd ignored his sister. "Can you protect them? And do you even have time to raise a kid, let alone three?" he demanded.
"No." Levi admitted, and Eren looked hurt. "But I know someone who can." He looked at Eren, Mikasa and Armin. "Hannes had been looking for the three of you as well. When I told him that I'm coming to get the three of you—and that there is a chance that you're still alive, he immediately stated that he would take the three of you in, as it is what your mother would have wanted."
"Hannes-san?" Armin spoke for the first time that day, his eyes brightening. "He's all right?"
"That he is." Hanji nodded, speaking for the first time in the children's presence. "He's been worried about the three of you."
"It is your choice." Sigurd Michaelis turned towards the three children. "Whether you want to stay down here with us, or head back up to the surface with…Levi." He looked at Levi with distrust visible in his eyes.
"I'll go where Eren goes." Mikasa said at once. Armin said nothing, but with the determination visible in his blue eyes, it is fairly obvious that he is of the same opinion as Mikasa.
"I…" Eren bit on her lower lip before looking from Levi to Sigurd. "I still want to join the Survey Corps!" She blurted out. "I want to kill the Titans! Especially the Titan that had killed my mother!" Levi flinched at that. "I want to see the outside world—the world outside the walls! I want to do all that! That's why…" She bowed to Sigurd. "I'm sorry, Sigurd. But I'm going back up to the surface with Levi!"
Sigurd sighed. He then looked at his sister and Gunther who both have a 'what can you do?' look on their faces. "They're eligible for the Academy in two years, aren't they?" he asked at last. "Yuri joined the Academy for the Training Corps when she was twelve."
"That's the minimum requirement, yes." Hanji nodded.
"Fine." Sigurd sighed. He then knelt down before the three children. "But know this, the three of you. Don't trust easily. And remember what I've told you? Don't wear your emotions on the sleeve, and always think before you rush into danger. If you can promise that you'll remember all that, and that you'll come back alive, then go. But know this, the three of you will always be welcomed back here, and you'll always have a home with us." Sigurd then got to his feet, looking at Levi in the eye, though he is at least a head taller. "Keep them safe."
Levi nodded without hesitance. "I will," he promised. "Just out of curiosity though. Who had helped to care for them, and to train them for nearly a year down here?"
Sigurd gave his sister a glance before she nodded. "Come on, let's go back up." Yuri told the three children. "Levi-heichou will be back out with us soon."
The group of three children with the three soldiers then left the house, thus leaving only Levi and Sigurd Michaelis behind. The silver eyed man then sighed and turned to face Levi. "Like I said, I know of your past, and I know who had raised you and had trained you to be the man that you are now," he said hotly. "Kenny Ackerman. Also known as Kenny the Ripper." Sigurd looked at Levi. "I heard from the three children when they came to me that it had been someone named 'Ken' that had raised them and taught them how to fight. Even street survival skills. They fought rather similar to how you did when you still lived down here. And they had that air about them—of someone who had seen hell, and had been through it. They feel like you do after you'd been through the Ripper's tutelage when you were young." Levi frowned. "And judging by the kids' description of the man that had cared for them, it is without a doubt Kenny Ackerman who had raised them for a year."
Levi's eyes widened. What in the world is going on here?
"One more thing." Sigurd's eyes bore straight into Levi. "Make sure that this doesn't reach the ears of anyone but only those whom you trust with your life." He warned, lowering his voice. "Beware of the Military Police, particularly the Inner Brigade." Levi's eyes widened. What did Sigurd know? "Also, be careful of the royal family. They are not who they seem to be."
Levi's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Why are you telling me this?" he demanded. "What do you know?"
Sigurd shook his head. "You'll know when the time comes," he said mysteriously. "And then, once it does, Levi, come here once more. This place will always be open to those who call it home. You. Yuri. Eren. Mikasa. Armin. Just remember my words, Levi Ackerman. Be careful of the Military Police. You may not believe me just yet, but the Michaelis clan will always be your ally and your kin should you have need of us."
Levi stared at Sigurd for a long time without speaking. Does the Michaelis clan know something about the royal family and the Military Police that he don't? Could it be the reason why Yuri had said nothing the last time? Could it be…that Kenny had slaughtered them all as well?
Sigurd sighed before shoving Levi on the shoulder. "Go," he said. "And protect Eren. Protect her with your life." He said, looking deep into Levi's eyes.
"I will." Levi responded immediately. "I will protect her. I won't fail her." He promised.
Not again.
A/N: Attack on Trost will be next chapter, or maybe I'll jump straight to the trial. Honestly, I wasn't expecting for my OC's clan to take such a major role in the story. But my mind is saying one thing, and my fingers another. Anyway, I hope that you like this chapter, and please read and review! Reviews give me inspiration to update!
Upcoming Stories:
Lilium (Shingeki no Kyojin)
After the incident in Trost, Corporal Levi was impressed with the standing that Eren Jaeger had shown, and had her enlisted under his squad. Little did he realise that his newest recruit is more important than he thinks, especially when Dr. Grisha Jaeger had entrusted the secret of ending the Titans to his only daughter. Non!Shifter. Levi/Fem!Eren
Once Again (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Titans are now a thing of the past, believed to be a mere myth, and Levi Ackerman is now having a second chance at life, remembering all the events of his past life. Now in his junior year of high school, he despaired of ever finding his long lost love when nearly all his friends have turned up with their past memories intact. At least until a freshman had applied to be the manager of the basketball team that he is part of, and he then feared that she might not remember him anymore. Reincarnation. Levi/Fem!Eren