Chapter 7

Levi Ackermann was many things. A former thug, Captain or „Humanities Strongest Soldier". But despite that, he had his shortcomings. And it wasn't due to his height. Levi wasn't a very patient man, at least when someone was taking his time to rest away from him. Right now He, Erwin Smith, and Hange Zoe were walking through the forest at night to attend a meeting. As to why this meeting was taking place, was because a Cadet had some urgent information about Titans. For some reason, the Commandant of Training Corps, Keith Shadis, believed that information enough to arrange that meeting.

Being the honest man he was, Levi didn't believe that some Cadet had such information. But for whatever reason, Erwin and Hange decided to believe it. Mostly Hange, but that was due to her questionable interest in Titans.

„Hey, Erwin…" -Levi called. Erwin, who was ahead of him, slightly turned his head.

„What is it, Levi?" -He asked calmly.

„Are you seriously believing that some Brat has valuable information?" -Levi asked tiredly. He was tired from a recent mission outside of the Walls. Despite his stoic expression, you could tell that he was tired.

„I want to, but it is questionable." -Erwin admitted."But then again, Shadis wouldn't summon us if it wasn't serious."

„I, on the other hand, am curious." -Hange said with a big grin."I wonder what the kid has to say. Though, I wish it was during the day time."

„I still don't understand why am I here." -Levi said with annoyance."It's not like there will be any Titans at the meeting."

„True, but Shadis letter said that I should bring anyone I trust." -Erwin explained."I trust you two the most."

„Well, I'm flattered." -Levi retorted. Though he wouldn't admit it, the feeling was mutual.

„Anyway, I think I see them now." -Erwin said, pointing at the dim light ahead of them.

Walking out of the bushes, They saw Keith Shadis and young Cadet sitting next to each other. While Levi knew Shadis, he had no clue who the kid was. To him, the kid didn't look like much. Though, Levi quickly noticed the scar on his face.

„Commandant Shadis, it's been a while." -Erwin greeted with a smile. The last time they met was when the mantle of the Commander was passed down to him.

„Indeed, it has." -Keith replied with a small smile. He then looked at the Cadet."Go on, introduce yourself."

„Finn Broed, Cadet of the Training Corps." -Finn introduced himself with a salute."It's an honor to meet you, Commander Erwin."

„Likewise, Cadet." -Erwin said, eyeing the Cadet in front of him."I heard that you have important information. Is that true?"

„Yes, I am, Sir." -Finn said seriously."I'm pretty sure I can answer any question you may have about Titans. As well as about the attack that happened a few years ago."

„Sorry, but I don't really believe that." -Levi said, crossing his arms."Why a Cadet would have such information, to begin with?"

„Seems like Captain Levi isn't taking this seriously." -Keith commented, earning a snort from Levi."Do the same thing you showed me. I'm sure you'll get their attention."

Nodding, Finn took a small pocket knife. Unsure what he was going to do, everyone was observing the boy. Out of the blue, he slashed the palm of his hand."

„Are you insane?" -Levi asked, bewildered at what just happened."What is wrong with you?!"

Before he could get his answer, Finn showed his palm to them. It was entirely covered in blood, but there was more. Steam was escaping from his wound. Hange was the first to check it out. She rushed to the boy and gasped.

„Your wound…it's gone." -She said with shock. Taking her handkerchief out, she cleaned Finn's palm and then show it to everyone present."Look! It's really gone! How?! It's kinda like with-"

„With Titans?" -Finn finished with a smile. Hange stared at him in disbelief.

„Explain yourself, Brat." -Levi ordered dangerously. Although he couldn't believe it, he knew something was off with this kid.

„Easy Levi…" -Erwin said calmly."I want to hear what you to say…"

„You can asking me anything." -Finn said, while Hange was examining his hand.

„Oh! I have a question then!" -Hange said with a big grin."What can you tell us about TItans?! Do you know where they come from?!"

„That one would take a long time to explain." -Finn said with a weak chuckle. Hange was way too excited for this."But…I can tell you one thing about them. Titans…were formerly humans, like us."

„What?" -They all asked Titans were humans?

„Yeah, it's true." -Finn said with a sad tone." The people inside the Walls are taught that they first appeared 100 years ago and rapidly exterminated humanity to the point of near-extinction." He paused, taking a deep breath." In reality, they have transformed humans known as Subjects of Ymir and had existed for nearly 2,000 years."

„Wait, where are you going with this?" -Levi asked."So the fact that We're the last of humanity is a lie? And what are Subject of Ymir?"

„We're not the last. People are living outside of the Wall." -Finn explained, and Erwin's eyes widened."According to my Grandfather, we are the "Subjects of Ymir," a special race from the nation known as Eldia who are capable of becoming Titans."

„So, the rest of the world isn't overrun by Titans?" -Hange asked, and Finn nodded.

„The only Titans are here, on Paradis Island." -Finn replied, confusing everybody."There's a reason why Titans keep us within the Walls. The rest of the world wants us to remain here so that We won't take over the world. Again…"

„Hold on just a second." -Levi interjected."Paradis Island? Taking over the world? I'm sorry, but how are We supposed to believe that? How come We don't know this?"

„Because of the Founding Titan." -Finn replied, but obviously it didn't answer Levi's question.

„The Founding Titan?" -It was Erwin who asked that question.

„The First Titan." -Finn explained."The one who started this all. Her name was Ymir Fritz. Around 2,000 years ago, she gained the power to transform into a Titan. With that power, she was forced to take over the world by King Fritz. Among her power was the ability to affect every Eldian, that means us." -He paused and looked at everyone. Their eyes were focused on him."Eventually, she passed away. But after that, her daughter inherited her powers. Eventually, that power split into Nine Titans."

„Nine Titans? What was so special about them?" -Hange asked, still holding Finn's hand.

„Well, unlike Pure Titans, their intelligence remains. That way, they can control their Titan and use their abilities to their fullest." -He started."Each of them has different abilities. Among those Titans are Colossal Titan and Armoured Titan."

„But, why would they attack their own people?" -Erwin asked.

„During the civil war within Eldian Empire, the oppressed country of Marley used that situation to subjugate all of Eldia's territory except for Paradis Island." -He paused, thinking what his Grandfather had told him."They also managed to enslave a small portion of people from the Eldian Empire. This allowed them to steal the power of Titans, thus making the most powerful force in the entire world."

„How did come to it?" -Erwin asked.

„Due to the constant conflicts between families who owned Eight Titans." -Finn replied with a sigh."When the Founding Titan was inherited by Karl Fritz, the 145th King of the Fritz monarchy, he chose to abandon the conflict of Eldia and relocate the capital to Paradis Island. He believed that Eldia deserved retribution for their crimes against the world throughout the centuries. In the King's absence, the people of Marley, descendants of an ancient nation defeated by Eldia, seized the opportunity to take control of the war and won."

„This is a lot to take in." -Levi said tiredly.

„I can't blame you." -Finn said with a small smile."I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it myself."

„Jeez, I feel like my head is going to explode." -Hange said, taking her hands away from Finn's."But, there is more coming, right?"

„Yeah…I believe the reason why Marley decided to attack us was to steal the Founding Titan." -Finn said and they nodded."After all, it's the most powerful Titan. They probably want to use the 'Rumbling' to destroy us."

„What's the 'Rumbling'?" -Hange asked curiously.

„During the final days of the Great Titan War between Marley and the Eldian Empire, King Karl Fritz used the power of the Founding Titan to raise three Walls on Paradis Island: Maria, Rose, and Sina, each named for the three daughters of Ymir Fritz." -He paused, looking at the Wall Rose." These Walls were constructed from the hardened flesh of countless Colossus Titans created with the Founding Titan's power."

„So…You're saying…" -Hange pointed at the wall behind.

„Yes, there are Titans in the Walls." -He nodded."You can say that they're our shield and spear. Making sure that no one would dare to disrupt the peace within the Walls."

„If that's the case…Then why won't the King do anything?" -Levi asked."He knows the truth. So why not stop them?"

„Because of the 'Vow to Renounce War'." -Finn explained."With this vow, no one who inherits the Founding Titan can use its full power. So, if Marley attacks us, there is nothing that would protect us. King Fritz believed that our sins are too great to be forgiven. He would gladly accept Eldians destruction."

„This is insane…" -Levi said, trying his best to piece everything together."We're suffering because of what our ancestors did. How is that fair?"

„It's not…But that's the reality." -Finn said sadly."But that doesn't mean We're going to let them destroy us. All We have to do is to locate and secure the Founder."

„Wait, how's that suppose to help us?" -Hange asked, not understanding."If going by logic, only someone of Royal bloodline can use the Founding Titan. How is Marley going to use it then?"

„Maybe they have someone with Royal Bloodline." -Finn said with a shrug."The point is, We need to get to the Founder before Marley can."

„Do you have any idea how do We do it?" -Erwin asked, curious of what Finn thought."There is also the case of the Colossal and Armored Titans."

„I planned to get to the MP since they're close to the King." -Finn explained and everyone nodded. It made sense."But that might take too long. As for them, I think that they might be part of the 104 squads. Marley tends to use young children for the Warrior Unit." -He paused for a moment."This is the reason why I wanted to have this meeting. Because I won't be able to do this on my own."

„So We have some rats in our ranks…" -Keith mused."This isn't good."

„I understand. It's too much pressure on one person" -Erwin agreed with Finn."But I do have some questions for you."

„What is it?" -Finn asked.

„Obviously, what you just said is hard to believe." -Erwin said."So, naturally, We'll have to check if what you're telling is true. As you said, there are Titans in the Walls. We'll check it out later."

„Of course, but please don't do it during the daytime." -Finn advised.

„Will do. But here are my questions." -Erwin said."How come you know of this? I heard that you said something about your Grandfather, but that doesn't explain what you said. If the Founding Titan erased our memories, then how come your Grandfather had that knowledge?"

„That's a good question." -Finn said with a smile."Though it's gonna take time to explain the history of my family, I can tell you that one of my ancestors managed to retain his memories. It was thanks to the power he possessed."

„Does that mean You're one of the Nines?" -Erwin asked, causing Finn to chuckle.

„Yes and No." -He replied."It's not one of the Nines, but it's connected to them."

„WHAT?! YOU CAN ACTUALLY TURN INTO A TITAN?!" -Hange exclaimed, and grabbed Finn by his shoulders."PLEASE! SHOW US! PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE!"

„Eh…?! What? Now?!" -Finn was sort of scared of how close Hange was to his face.

„Better show us, otherwise you won't be able to leave." -Levi said with a sigh."This is too much for one night."

„Agreed…" -Keith said tiredly.

„Alright! Just, please, give me some space." -Finn let out a sigh of relief as soon as Hange backed off.

Taking a deep breath, Finn took out his knife again. With a quick motion, he slashed his palm again and blue lighting cracked around his hand. Suddenly, lightning came down from the sky and hit Finn. Everyone had to cover their eyes from the wind as well as the light. They gasped when they saw what stood in Finn's place.

What they saw was a 15-meter class Titan. But it wasn't Titan, they'd encounter before. It appeared to have the second layer of pure, porcelain-like skin with armor plates around its body. Though, it wasn't as extensive as a description of the Armor Titan. The Titan had long neck-length black hair that was partially covering the right side of its face. It also had something that resembled a ball mask, which gave the Titan some sort of mysterious look. The only exposed part of the Titan body was its mouth and jaw.

The way that the Titan looked at them, with its emerald and sapphire eyes, made them feel somewhat inferior. The Titan exhaled, letting the steam escape from its mouth. The first to recover from shock was Hange.

„FIIIIIIINNNN!" -She exclaimed and dashed toward him."Look at yourself! You're beautiful!"

„Hey, shitty four-eyes, keep it down!" -Levi snarled. He subconsciously drew out his knife, because he didn't bring his ODM gear."This is really getting out of hands…"

„Unbelievable…" -Keith said whispered.

„Indeed, but this proofs that he wasn't lying." -Erwin said, regaining his composure.

„Please, could you kneel?!" -Hange pleaded with big eyes."I wanna see you up close! Please! I wanna touch your hand!"

Finn, in his Titan form, blinked at first, but then he did as she requested. As he kneeled, everyone was washed by a small gust of wind. Hange's legs were practically shaking, being so close to a Titan that didn't want to eat her. Giving Hange his hand, Finn could see that Hange was drooling when touching it.

„So smooth! Like porcelain!" -She said with a huge smile.

„Why thank you…" -The Titan spoke in a deep tone. Everyone froze, staring at Finn's Titan in disbelief."Oh, that's right. You've never heard a Titan speak, correct?"

„This is a fucking joke." -Levi said, putting down his knife.

„YES! I was right!" -Hange shouted."Titans can speak! By the Walls!"

„Um, could you please keep it down?" -Titan asked politely."I'm pretty sure that anyone would be able to hear you…"

„Ah, sorry…" -Hange said with a sheepish smile."I just couldn't help myself. Man, I can believe I'm speaking with Titan right now. This feels like a dream…"

'More like a nightmare." -Levi thought with a mental sigh.'Still…This does feel like a dream. Bein dumped so much information feels like a fever dream. I'm surprised that Erwin is acting so calmly. It's kinda irritating.'

„This is amazing…I can't wait to experiment on you!" -She said, and Finn quickly took his hand away."Ah! Wait! I wasn't finished!"

„I would recommend you to turn back." -Erwin said with a small smile."That's the only way for Hange to calm down."

„Not fair, Erwin! I want to see more!" -Hange pouted, but nodded."But you're right. We don't have the entire night for this…But maybe later~!"

„It's not like I can undo it. Just give me a moment…" -Finn said while pointing at himself. The Titan leaned forward and dropped his head. Then, suddenly, an explosion of steam came from its nape. They saw how Finn's human body rose, ripping the flesh that was attached to his body. As soon as he was out, Finn jumped down and saw how everyone was staring at him."Hm, is there something on my face?"

„Well, yes, the markings." -Erwin pointed out.

„Oh, these? Don't worry, they disappear after a while." -Finn explained, and Erwin nodded."So, where do We go from here?"

„Well, for starters, I have some loyal friends within the MP." -Erwin said seriously."They can keep an eye out for anything suspicious, as well as poke around. Perhaps they will find anything that can be of use for us."

„What about me? Is there any way I can help?" -Finn asked, earning a smile from Erwin.

„You've done plenty already." -Erwin said and walked up to Finn. Placing his hand on Finn's shoulder, he added."You don't even know how much this means for humanity. Your confession brought us a step closer to our freedom." -He paused and glanced at the vanishing form of Finn's Titan."There many things you still have to say, but it can wait for now. What you should do is to focus on becoming a soldier."

„Commander Erwin is right." -Keith agreed."But at the same time, We must try and find the traitors among the Cadets. It's a good thing that only the top 10 have the privilege of joining the MP. This will make things easier for us."

„Not really." -Finn said and Keith looked at him."Even if they don't get into the top 10, they can still go the Garrison. Even within Wall Sina, there is a Garrison Regiment. That way, they can still be close to the King."

„Good thinking." -Erwin said with approval."I'll also have to make a contact with the Commander of the Garrison. What was said today must be kept a secret. Only a few selected people will be allowed with this knowledge."

„Indeed. This is a very delicate situation." -Keith said, and everyone agreed."I think this is where our meeting ends. Tomorrow is an important Field training exercise, so Cadet Broed must rest up."

„I'm alright, Sir." -Finn said seriously."If there's anything else you want to ask me, please go ahead."

„Too much won't do us any good, Brat." -Levi said."You've already overloaded us with information. We need some time to process it all, right Four-eyes?"

„Ah! Sorry, my bad." -Hange said laughing."I was observing Finn's Titan."

„Tch, whatever." -Levi said annoyed."The point is, We have to go through everything you told us. Then, We can make a solid plan on how to go forward."

„I see…I'm sorry." -Finn said, looking down.

„It's alright, Finn." -Erwin said with a reassuring smile."I can see that you're eager to help. But you shouldn't overdo it. You can take some rest now." -He paused, and his eyes turned towards the sky."You've put a lot of trust in us. It's our turn now…For humanity's sake, We'll succeed."

„Yes, Sir!" -Finn gave Erwin a firm salute."Humanity will preveil!"

'Brat's got guts…' -Levi thought with a smirk.

'I can't wait to experiment on him!' -Hange thought with glee.

„Good, keep this up." -Erwin said with a nod."This is it for today. We'll get in contact later."

„Indeed." -Keith agreed.

'I did it…I actually did it…' -Finn thought.'I feel as if someone took a massive pressure off my shoulders…This feels nice. I just hope this wasn't a mistake.'

Annie laid in her bed, feeling weak and pathetic. It's been two days since the last time she saw Finn. She faked feeling sick to avoid him. She couldn't face him during the training, not after all the things he did for her. She wanted to go back to Marley, to her Father. Annie knew that she grew attached to this place. This made things even worse for her. She was tired of everything.

'Why me? Of all people in the world…Why me?' -She thought, trying to block the sunlight coming from the window.'Why do I think about Finn? Why did I keep this hairpin? Those things shouldn't matter to me…Yet, they do.'

„Hey, Annie….?" -She heard a familiar voice. It was Mina, her roommate."How are you feeling today?"

„Same as before…" -She replied with a tired sigh.

„I wanted to ask you something…" -Mina said, but Annie didn't say anything."Do you know why Finn's been down lately?"

„Why would I know?" -She said, hoping that Mina would simply drop the subject.

„I mean, you two been hanging out and all…" -Mina said carefully. She knew that Annie wasn't good when it came to relationships, so she didn't want to upset her.

„So what?" -Annie was getting tired of this."Just drop it, Mina. For your own good."

„Okay, I'm sorry if I upset you." -Mina said sadly and left the room.'I wonder what happened…'

Ever since his meeting with the Survey Corp, Finn felt at ease. But despite that, his thoughts were still on Annie. He felt terrible about what happened and wanted to talk with her. Deep down, he knew that he shouldn't. Not right now. She needed time for herself and that was understandable. Though, he was still sad whenever he remembered seeing her run off into the forest.

„Are you good, Finn?" -Eren asked while poking him with his elbow."You seem awfully gloomy lately."

„Oh…It's alright, don't worry about it." -Finn replied, giving his friend a sheepish smile.

„Seriously, just talk to us." -Connie said with a sigh."I'm sure We can help…"

„It's fine, really." -Finn insisted. He was happy that his friends were worried about him, but they wouldn't be able to do anything about his situation.

„They're right. It's weird seeing you like this." -Reiner agreed.'Weird…Why do I feel about him? All of them are enemies, so I shouldn't feel like this.'

„Hey, I think We should leave him be." -Armin said, earning a thankful smile from Finn."If he doesn't want to talk about whatever troubles him, it's his choice then."

„I guess, sorry…" -Eren apologized.

„It's alright. Thanks." -He said with a small smile. Suddenly, Mina walked up to them."Hi, Mina. How's it going?"

„Hi, guys." -She greeted with a smile."Um, Finn? Could We talk for a moment, please?"

„Oh, alright…" -Finn replied with a shrug. After making sure that they were alone, Finn asked."So, is everything okay?"

„You tell me." -Mina said, confusing Finn."It's about Annie…"

„Huh? What about her?" -Finn asked, not looking Mina in the eyes.

„Don't lie. You know that she hasn't shown up for the training." -Mina stated, while Finn avoided eye contact."You know something, don't you? Please, tell me…"

„Maybe she just doesn't feel well?" -Finn said with sad eyes.

„Bullshit. Please, I want to help…" -She insisted, making Finn sigh."Did something happened between you two?"

„…" -Finn found it hard to say anything. He then felt Mina's hand on his shoulder.

„Other than you, I'm the only other person she speaks to." -Mina said with a kind smile."So, naturally, I'm worried about her. We both know that she's not good with her feelings. What happened?" -It was hopeless. Mina wouldn't leave him alone.

„I'll tell you if you promise not to tell her." -He said seriously.

„I will not tell her." -Mina said without hesitation. With a heavy sigh, Finn told her what happened on Annie's birthday."Aw, that was so sweet of you…I actually didn't know she had a birthday that day."

„Yeah, but I still screwed up." -Finn said sadly.

„Don't even think like that." -Mina said seriously."What you did was wonderful. I'm sure that Annie liked it too. I guess she's just got overwhelmed by emotions. That's all. Don't give up…"

„I think that Reiner was right. I overdid it." -Finn said, making Mina sigh in annoyance.

„Don't listen to that jerk." -She scolded."He doesn't know any better. I'm sure that Annie needs some time. You two will be together again." -She added teasingly.

„Wha? We're not a couple…" -Finn said, trying to hide his blush."We're just friends!"

„For now maybe." -She said with a big smile."You two would make a cute couple, you know?"

„Cut it out!" -Finn pleaded, causing Mina to laugh."That's not funny!"

„I'm sorry!" -She apologized with a wink."Don't worry, I'm sure everything will return to normal. Just be patient."

„I hope so…" -Finn said with little to no conviction.

„It'll trust me." -She said with a reassuring smile."Everything will be fine…"