Best Laid Plans
"Has everyone read it?" Levi asked.
"Captain Levi, this is…" Armin said.
"I'm not surprised one bit," Rain said. "It's just like him to pull something like this. Though I can't believe he wants me to remain hidden." She growled, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm not a child."
"It's for your protection, Rain," Levi said. "There are people who are actively hunting down Eren and Historia. We have no idea if they're going to keep coming for you as well. And until you get complete control over your titan form we don't need to risk your safety."
"You two are just being paranoid," Rain said.
"That's it then. You all believe in him, right? Then let's go. We're leaving right now," Levi said.
The squad fanned out in their now former hiding place. Gathering up what little supplies they had, they pulled on their cloaks, grabbed their guns, and left the cabin. The full moon beamed down on them as they made their way through the forest and upon a hill that over looked the cabin. They could see them. Other soldiers had come to their cabin in an attempt to find them not long after they had left.
"That was a close one," Connie said. "If we had slept there tonight as well what would have happened to us?"
"Most of us would have been killed," Rain said. "They might be lazy at times but the military still has some skills."
"That was a rhetorical question," Conner said.
"Sorry," Rain replied with a shrug. "I'm aggravated. So I'm blowing off some steam."
"Captain Levi, are those guys really central military police?" Armin asked.
"Who knows for sure? To think they'd come here directly. I've been underestimated apparently," Levi said. "Let's hurry to the meeting place. Good thing the moon's out tonight."
For hours they walked and walked with only the moon guiding them through the night. All kept quiet so they could hear if anyone was trying to sneak upon them. Then finally they came upon the house where they were going to hide Rain, Eren, and Historia. Rain sighed as she stared at her new prison. "Just great."
"It won't be for long," Levi said.
"I know," Rain said. "It's annoying that I have to hide like this."
"You'll live," Levi said.
"I haven't seen Flame for several days," Rain said.
"She's fine. She's back at the headquarters missing you like crazy," Levi said. "Ross is keeping a good eye on her. You know he is."
"He knows better. I'd kick his butt if he didn't," Rain said.
Levi glanced over at the group. Some were lingering outside while others had already gone inside. Grabbing Rain's wrist, he pulled her around to the back of the house.
"What are you doing?" Rain asked.
Levi pushed her against the wall, pressing his body against hers.
Rain flushed when she felt his arousal grinding into her. Biting her lip she bit back a groan.
Levi placed his lips on her neck. His hands trailed down her body until he got to the zipper of her pants.
"L-Levi, we can't," Rain said. "Not here."
"Yes. We can. They won't come," Levi said stripping her of her bottoms and boots. Then he freed himself, pulled her up, and found her.
Rain held onto him, hoping she could keep her voice under control until it was over.
With a satisfying sigh, Levi lowered her back to the ground. Both cleaned up and dressed. She leaned into his embrace, her heart racing. "Be careful, Levi."
"I will." Levi tilted her chin up and kissed her.
Breaking the kiss Rain nuzzled his nose before reluctantly releasing him. Holding hands they walked to the front of the building.
"Get inside," Levi said.
Rain forced herself to enter into the building where Armin and Jean were getting into their disguises. Armin made a rather convincing Historia but Jean wasn't so luck being Eren. She walked up stairs and into a small room where Eren and Historia already were. Historia was sitting at a small table near the window. Eren was sitting on the edge of the bed. She sat down beside him then fell back. "So the waiting begins. I'm already bored out of my mine."
"I don't think this is going to work. That jerk doesn't look anything like me," Eren said. "His horse face and all. If they get found out too quickly something terrible will happen to them."
"Jean doesn't look anything like a horse," Rain said punching him on the arm. "Don't insult such beautiful creatures."
"Sorry," Eren said. "But it's true. And Armin doesn't make a convincing girl."
"That's only because we know them. To other's who don't they'll work just fine," Rain said.
"Rain, I'm sorry," Historia said.
Rain sat up and looked at her. "What for?"
"I didn't trust you after finding out who you really are," Historia said.
"Don't worry about it. There's a lot of that going around lately. I don't exactly trust myself," Rain said.
"No." Historia shook her head. "I was wrong. You did nothing wrong. You were only confused."
"So everyone says," Rain said looking down at the floor.
"How are you feeling about it all now?" Historia asked.
"Still a bit confused, but I know where my loyalties lie," Rain said. "I won't turn my back on my family and friends."
"Of course you won't." Eren ruffled her hair then looked at her horns. "So you're not going to hide them anymore?"
"There's no point," Rain said. "I already know several of the Survey Corps soldiers told other people. And now that I'm going to be transforming more everyone will know about it."
"Good. You looked silly in those buns anyway," Eren said with a flick of her hair.
"Hey!" Rain protested with a glare.
"Just begin truthful." Eren winked.
"Well, since we're not going to be doing anything for a while, I'm going to take a nap," Historia said. "It's been a long night."
"That might be a good idea," Eren said. "We'll need our strength to fight."
"You two sleep. I'll stand guard for a while," Rain said.
"You need to sleep as well," Eren said.
"I can sleep later," Rain said. "In a couple hours I'll wake you up and you can keep watch for a while."
"Deal." Eren nodded before lying down on the bed.
Rain watched them sleep with the intention of not waking Eren up. They need more rest than she did. Eren had been transforming and preforming more tests than she was. So she just sat there on the bed filtering through her memories, trying to figure out if she remembered anything that would have been useful to the Survey Corps. But the only thing that came to mind was something she knew they wouldn't really want to hear, especially Levi. And that was the life span of a person in control of a titan's body. They only had thirteen years to live.
And if she really was only five when Erwin found her, then her life was almost up. However, the thought didn't frighten her. There was something tingling in the back of her mind that said that rule didn't apply to her. Closing her eyes, Rain relaxed her brain. She knew trying to force her memories to clear up wouldn't do her any good. She had to let them come back to her on their own. Sure she was only a child back then but she knew the answer was inside of her. It was coming. Something they did to her changed that part of her body. But a startled gasp interrupted the memory. Opening her eyes, she turned to Historia.
"What's wrong, Historia?" Eren asked.
"Nothing. I was just having a dream," Historia said. "But I can't remember anything about it."
"Yeah. That happens to me too," Eren said. Standing up he walked over to the window and looked out. "It's getting late. The sun is starting to set. I'd like to think that everything is okay as long as the captain is involved but are they really from the Reeves company?" He sat down at the table. "Hey, I'm sorry that I was unable to harden my skin Because of that we have to go the long way."
"Huh?" Historia looked at Eren.
"Don't you want to save Ymir?" Eren asked.
"Save…I think that it's not a matter of saving her anymore. As you said, Ymir chose her own way of living. I have no right to do anything about it. She doesn't need me. The only thing left to me are the mysterious circumstances of my birth and a role too big that I don't think I can accomplish."
"Everything feels like it's a jumbled mess, doesn't it?" Rain asked.
"It does." Historia nodded.
"I can relate," Rain said.
"Well, what do you want to do, then?" Eren asked.
"I don't know," Historia said. Silence fell between the three for a few minutes. "I'm envious of you, Eren. It must be hard, but at least you always know what you want to do. Not only you, but all the others too. All of you have something you're ready to risk your lives for. Even you, Rain. You want to keep those you love save. Ymir looked after me. But now that Ymir isn't here anymore I don't know who I am or what I want to do. You probably don't understand someone like me."
"Yeah. I don't understand. We're living in this world, you know? If you don't do anything everyone will be eaten. Everything will disappear. There's no time to feel lost. Armin has gone on a tough mission dressed up as you. There's no time to worry, now that they're in danger," Eren said.
"Sorry. Actually, I don't really understand. Krista would probably be worried about everyone. Christa Lenz is a kind girl. But Historia Reis has never been loved by her parents or anyone else. She wasn't even meant to be born into this world. That's not even uncommon in this world. It often happens in the unground city. Do you think everyone is disappointed? That I'm such an empty person? And the kind Christa Lenz actually doesn't exist?"
"No, I don't think so. I don't know about the others but I didn't really like how you used to be. I always felt that you were just trying to act that way. You were unnatural and kind of creepy," Eren said.
"I see," Historia said.
"But the way you're now is not bad," Eren said.
"Huh?" Historia blinked.
"You're just normal. You're just a sincere, completely normal person," Eren said.
"I actually kind of envy you," Rain said.
"What do you mean?" Historia asked looking over at her.
"Even though you were pretending to be someone else, you still had friends. And you still knew where you came from," Rain said. "Even though I'm getting my memories back, I still have no idea where I really came from. I mean, I know I came from outside of the walls, but I don't know who my parents were or are. I probably never will know them."
"I'm sorry," Historia said.
Rain shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I'm still feeling sorry for myself. I'll eventually kick myself in the butt and get back to normal. Maybe all I need is my dad for that. After all, he's been the one who's supported me the most while growing up."
"We can support each other," Historia said.
"Huh?" Rain looked at her.
"All three of us have similarities here," Historia said. "I don't think anyone else could come close to understanding how we feel. So let's support each other."
"Maybe you're right," Rain said. It was a couple hours later when their group had finally returned to them. Being night, Rain ran outside to greet them. She threw her arms around Levi, relieved that he was back by her side. "Levi!"
"We weren't gone that long," Levi said returning her embrace.
"You were too." Rain glared at him. "And I expect you to make it up to me later."
"Fine." Levi pecked her lips.
"Huh? Who's that?" Rain asked noticing the new guy tied up in ropes.
"Someone who's going to give us answers whether he likes it or not," Levi said. He guided Rain back inside. "I want you to stay up here. It's going to get messy."
"You really like being away from me, don't you?" Rain asked.
"Shut up," Levi said. "You know that's not true."
"Just hurry up," Rain said. She watched as Levi, Hange, and their captive disappeared downstairs before joining the others in the dinning room. It wasn't much longer until painful cries float up to them.
"So it's started. Jeez…I thought I was fighting against titans but now I don't know how the enemy is. Why do we have to keep getting involved in this stuff?" Jean said.
"There's no other choice. If we fail here humanity will be exterminated by titans," Eren said. "We're doing a coup d'état as in the plan devised by the commander that time. It's not yet finished maybe."
"We're already considered rebels. What will happen if we fail?" Sasha asked.
"We're going to be hanged in front of everyone," Jean said.
"It's because we're trying to change a system that's been like this for over a century," Armin said. "There are no precedents. But how about trying to get the people on our side? We could take advantage of the confusion caused by the repeated attacks of titans. If we manage to rouse the public by shifting the responsibility on the monarchy it might go well. The problem is that in that case the public will be put in danger too and lives might be lost. I guess it can't be helped, since it's for the sake of humanity. We should cause a significant accident and make it sound as if it was caused by the monarchy or the brigade. The public will then consider the survey corps their saviors. I'm sure it won't be hard to fool the public." Everyone looked at him in disbelieve. "Just joking."
"You know, you were shaking after that pervert mocked you," Jean said.
"I was not!" Armin protested.
"I'm not sure I want to know what you're talking about," Rain said.
"No, Armin has always been good at coming up with gloomy makeshift measures," Eren said.
"I don't remember raising him like that," Mikasa said.
"But we're criminals. Our current opponent is not someone that we must kill in order to avoid being eaten. They're enemies because they have different ideas or even just because they belong to different Corps. From now on we might have to kill someone just because of that. We're not good people anymore," Armin said.
"Things really are messed up right now," Rain said.
…
"Hey, where did Hange go?" Rain asked stepping down into the area where the group had gathered. A few extra people had joined them. One of Hange's subordinates, the merchant Reeves and his son.
"She said she had something urgent to discuss with Commander Erwin and left in a big hurry," Eren said.
"That four-eyes," Levi said. "Nifa, thanks for working with the transmissions throughout the night."
Rain walked over and stood beside Levi.
"Thanks," Nifa said.
"Let's cut to the chase and tell everyone what Erwin said," Levi said.
"But…what about them?" Nifa looked at the merchant and his son.
"They're from the Reeves Corporation. It's find to speak in front of them," Levi said.
"Ah, yes," Nifa said.
"It's no problem leaving for a moment," Reeves said. "If you want us to."
"No, stay and listen. That's what we agreed, right? Not to hide anything," Levi said. "I'm trusting in you."
"Huh? You're even trusting in my brat here, who I just introduced today?" Reeves said.
"If it's someone of the Reeves Corporation then of course," Levi said. "Flegel, was it? I welcome you."
"You're Levi, was it? If you'd really like to make a welcome shouldn't you be putting out some tea?" Flegel said.
Reeves planted his hand on his son's head and pushed him down. "I'm sorry. I've been taking him around to functions with the intent of having him take over for me someday. He's been spoiled so he acts like a child. We'll leave and you can just tell us what we need to do afterwards."
"No. We'll listen together here. This concerns not just the Reeves Corporation, but the fate of this world," Levi said. "Which is why your power, and your trust, is important."
"Understood. We'll stay. So please continue," Reeves said.
"Well then in regards to Historia ascending the throne as queen," Nifa started.
"Huh?"
"Queen?"
"Captain Levi?" Nifa asked.
"I've been neglecting to tell my squad but it appears that the current Fritz Royal House is just standing in for the real royal family. The true royal family is the Reiss Family," Levi said.
"We heard something about allowing Historia to ascend as queen but is that the main objective of this mission?" Armin asked.
"Exactly. Historia, your thoughts?" Levi asked.
"I…it's impossible. I can't," Historia said.
"Right. Being told all of a sudden to become the most authoritative figure amongst the people of this world. After all, there aren't very many people who would possibly answer right away, yes, that's fine," Levi said. "But none of that is important. Do it."
"I couldn't' possibly," Historia said.
"You don't want to?" Levi asked.
"I couldn't possibly…"
"Understood." Levi grabbed Historia and lifts her off her feet. "Then run away."
"Geez, Levi," Rain said. "Don't have to be that harsh."
"That's all you have to say?!" Jean said. "Do something! He's being beyond rude!"
Rain shrugged. "I can't stop him."
"You can too!" Jean snapped.
"Run away from us with all your power. And we'll also use all our power to capture you, and use whatever means necessary to make you obey," Levi said. "It seems this is your fate."
"Captain, what are you doing?!"
"If you dislike that, then fight," Levi said.
"Please, let go," Historia said grabbing his wrists.
"Try to defeat me then," Levi said. He drops her.
"Historia!" Sasha kneels beside her.
"You didn't have to do that," Jean said.
"What do you guys think you're doing tomorrow? That you're going to eat your meals tomorrow? That you'll be able to get enough sleep again tomorrow? Is that what you're thinking?" Levi asked. "That the person next to you will still be here tomorrow? You don't think that. And normal people don't think about that every day either. Which is to say, I'm not normal, I'm an aberrant person. I think it because I've seen too many abnormal things. But if tomorrow Wall Rose were to be broken. In such abnormal circumstances I can respond faster than anyone. And fight. Even if that hell were to begin again tomorrow. You've seen it with your own eyes. Who can say that it wouldn't be tomorrow? However, as much as we want to prevent this from happening these are people that was to get in our way. I'm fine playing the role of the aberrant who would murder all those people. And this may very well require beating people until they are unrecognizable because I would choose the hell of people killing one another rather the hell of being devoured by the titans. Because at the very least all of humanity won't need to take part in it. However, if we were able to hold true authority in this world then perhaps those who would have died can instead survive. That's pretty good, right? It's all up to you, Historia. Will you follow? Will you fight? They're both fine. So pick one. However, there is no time, so decide now!"
"I'll do it!" Historia said. Determination was both in her tone and her eyes. '"My…my next role is to be queen, right? I'll do it. Please leave it to me."
"All right." Levi took her hand. "Stand. I'm counting on you, Historia."
"Yes." Historia nodded and stood up.
"Nifa, continue," Levi said leaning against the wall.
"You're such a jerk," Rain whispered to him.
"It work," Levi said.
"Yes, I will now communication the commander's orders. The plan begins today, when Eren and Historia are to be handed over from the Reeves Corporation to the first military police brigade. The first military police has left everything, from the route to the rest stops, up to the Reeves Corporation. We will take advantage of that. We will thus hand Eren and Historia over to the first military police. And then through the Reeves Corporation we will track them to their final destination. The final destination refers to him." She shows a picture of Rod Riess. "Historia's biological father. And the actual highest authority within the walls. According to the first M.P.'s we've captured, everyone form the upper-level officials to the Fritz Royal House are under his command. As for he himself, we the Survey Corps, will secure his person…."
Rain tried her best to follow alone with what Nifa was saying but she doses off. She knew her dad too well. She didn't have to listen to the entire plan. Before long the final plan had been laid out in front of them. Eren and Historia left with the Reeves. The remaining groups that stayed behind quickly gathered up their gear and put the plan into action. She was thrilled to be staying with Levi. Though she wasn't sure if it was because of their history together or because he wanted to keep a close eye on her while people were still after her. Most likely it was both. They tracked Eren and Historia from the rooftops as they were transported to their destination.
"Eren and Historia must be within the coffins. We almost lost track of them before. It's a good think you were a step ahead in finding this spot, Captain," Nifa said. "But it's somewhat strange. This seems very different from what the brigade usually does."
"They knew immediately that Reeves would conspire with us. This enemy's train of thought is very similar to mine. You could say it's identical. Could it be him?" Levi said.
"You don't mean…" Rain trailed off. "It couldn't be him!"
"Him?" Nifa asked. "Him who?"
"Do you know of Throat-Slasher Kenny?" Levi asked.
"The serial killer within the capital? I heard that at least a hundred members of the M.P. had their throats slashed trying to capture him. But that was only a legend passed around for a few decades," Nifa said.
Rain shivered. Her brain automatically recalling everything about the man that Levi told her about. If he was around then they were in some serious trouble.
"There is such a person," Levi said. "I lived with him when I was younger."
"Captain, you're really something, joking around at a time like this," Nifa said.
A gun went off. Blood spurted into the air from Nifa's head. Her body fell backwards then rolled off the roof.
"Levi!" Rain said ducking down.
"Rain, don't fight him!" Levi said dodging another bullet.
"What?!" Rain gasped.
"He's too strong for you! Just get out of here and take on those you know you can beat! Go! Now! I won't let him kill you!" Levi said.
Gritting her teeth Rain took off. She hated doing that but knew Levi was right about Kenny. There was no way she could stop him. She had to leave him up to Levi. Levi would be better suited to fighting him. Turning her focus she tried to locate Eren and Historia. But when she couldn't she turned and followed after Levi and killing those who were ambushing him. She took down about nine guys before finding more surrounding a bar. After a momentary pause, she swung towards them, killing as many as she could while only damaging a couple others. A gun shot sounds off before Levi busted out of the building. More of the enemy flew in through the air. "Levi!"
"We have to run! There's far too many and Kenny's still around!" Levi said.
Taking down a few more of the enemy, the two turned and flew away from the area. The others were in a wagon. The wheels rumbled loudly as they raced through the streets.
"Squad Leader?" Armin said.
"Stop following after the casket wagon," Levi said.
"What?" Amin asked.
"Our moves have been seen through," Levi said "I'm sure the enemies are lying in wait ahead, as well. The other three have already been killed. Armin, aim for the closest level ground from the left. Sasha and Connie, lead the horses. Jean, return gunfire from the roof racks."
"Understood," Jean said.
"Mikasa, Rain, and I will support the escape with our ODM gear," Levi said.
"What do you plan to do about Eren and Historia?" Mikasa asked.
"We'll have to find them by other means," Levi said. "Of course, that's if we're able to leave this place alive. When you can kill the enemy, kill. Understood?"
"Understood," Mikasa said.
"Captain Levi, they're coming! Several from the right side!" Armin said.
The three fighting on their ODM gear launch into the air and fought. Rain glanced over her shoulder to check on the others. Her breath hitched in her lungs when an enemy had her gun aimed at Jean. She turned to help out but stopped when Armin pulled his gun and fired. The enemy fell, dead. Racing from the town, they ran until they came to an abandon barn. Rain noticed blood dampened Levi's right shoulder. "Levi, you're hurt."
"It'll be fine," Levi said.
"Don't be stupid. You need to be stitched up," Rain said.
"I can do that," Sasha said.
"Let's get inside first," Levi said.
Everyone moved inside with their horses, but for Armin who rushed over to a tree and started heaving. Rain wanted to go to him knowing he just took someone's life for the first time ever. But Mikasa was already walking over to him. Besides, she wanted to make sure Levi was fine before attending to anyone else.
Inside Levi sat upon a barrel while Sasha pulled out her first aid kit. Levi removed his shirt and sat quietly as Sasha started disinfecting and sewing up his skin.
Fire crackled to life, lighting the darn barn up with its flame. Rain glanced over to find Jean had lit the fire before turning to watch Levi, trying not to get too distracted by his bare chest. Before long Armin and Mikasa came into the barn. "How are you doing, Armin?"
"I'll be fine," Armin said.
Soon they all had gathered around the fire for their meal. Armin was the only one who didn't touch his rations.
"You can't eating anything in this tiny, dirt fill barn, can you?" Levi asked.
Rain leaned into him. She didn't want to eat either but forced herself to so Levi wouldn't get onto her.
"No," Armin said. "Jean?"
"What is it?" Jean asked.
"There's something I don't understand," Armin said. "When I was preparing to remove my gun…to be honest I thought I was already too late…sorry…but she was already aimed hers at your head. But why was I the first to pull the trigger?"
"That's because…" Jean said.
"Jean?" Armin asked.
"Before she opened fire, she hesitated. Right?" Levi said.
"Oh," Armin said.
"Armin," Jean said "Sorry. I should have been the first under those circumstances."
"You're right," Armin said. "The one who perished under my actions must have been a kind person. She must have had more morality than me. Where as I pulled the trigger..."
"Armin, your hands have already been dirtied. There's no going back now," Levi said.
"Why do you have to say it like that?!" Mikasa asked.
"Try to just accept your new self," Levi said. "If your hands had stayed clean, Jean wouldn't be sitting here with us right now. The reason you pulled the trigger is because you were witnessing your friend's imminent death. You were smart, you knew at that moment that a half assed decision or action wouldn't save anyone. And you were also very clear that if we lost either supplies, horses or companions, our future would become even darker. Armin, because you dirtied your hand, we were able to escape. Thank you."
"Captain Levi," Jean said. "I always thought your ways were wrong. No, I should say that I had always selfishly hoped that your ways were wrong because I was seriously afraid of using my own two hands to kill other people. But I was the one wrong. Next time, I will shoot."
"Yes, our safety was jeopardized by how lax you were," Levi said.
"I'm truly sorry," Jean said.
"But you were put under very specific circumstances," Levi said. "Even I cannot say which decision would have been correct. We can never predict the results of this kind of situation. Was your choice really wrong?"
A heavy silence fell over the group. No one had an answer or if they did they didn't want to voice it. One by one they started falling asleep. Soon only Levi and Rain were up. Rain stared into the flames of their fire. Her mind going over the events of the day.
"How are you doing?" Levi said. "You're not used to killing either."
"It's hard," Rain said. "But it was to protect you. I know we are at war. We can't be weak right now."
Levi slipped his arm around her, kissed her temple, and pulled her closer to his side. "If I could keep everything bad away from you I would."
"I know you would." Rain turned towards him, taking in a deep breath of his now smoky scent. Her body trembled in his hold. Her heart took several painful breaths. No matter how she tried to justify it, no matter the fact she knew she had to do it, she couldn't deny she took someone's life, multiple people's lives. Tears poured over her cheeks. She grasped his shirt in her hand. "Levi…"
"I know." Levi tightened his hold on her. "I know. It's okay. I'm right here. I'm not leaving you."
…
Author's Notes: Okay, I'm going to try and work on this story again. But there're still some difficulties in trying to get Rain in places during the story. So if I get them done I'll only be doing one chapter a week.