A/N: For those who don't know, this is the edited and rewritten version of Wings of Freedom.

Wings of Freedom Part 1

Squad Levi

[Year 847- Two years after the fall of wall Maria.}

I fidgeted nervously, my fingers twisting together, sweat forming between them. Tonight, was the night. The night I chose the division I go into. I was conflicted for obvious reasons. I could restart my life and ignore the rage inside me that has plagued me for years. It sounded tempting and peaceful, but cowardly. Or, I could get the revenge I craved. To kill the very source of my torment, to be a part of freeing this world, to fulfill the dream she couldn't…

My heart raced and my breath was shallow against the air as Commander Erwin came out onto the stage. The firelight that danced against his dark stern eyes made me shiver. What horror has he seen out in the field? Probably more than what could deprive me of sanity. My stomach began to turn once more. As if my nightmares of those monsters hadn't tortured me enough already.

"Trainees!" the Commander's voice boomed.

There was a collective jump in the crowd, and I sucked in a breath.

"Tonight, is the night you will choose a division! Either to the Garrison, to man the walls and protect the peace of civilian life," He paced the stage as he spoke, examining every one of the fresh recruits as if deciding who will choose what path, "or the Military Police, to serve King and Country and serve with honor!"

My hands clenched at my sides. That was my option for a long and profitable life… that was my option to run.

Commander Erwin stopped his stride mid-stage and faced us. "Or the Survey Corps, to risk your lives for the glory of humanity and fight back the titans who trap us here. It's your decision. You can run if you must. But if you stay, trust me, you will not fight in vain! Only together can we beat this threat back, and make sure the titans never again gain the edge against us!"

I suddenly began to shake at the word. Titans. This was real, and the threat was real. If I chose the Survey Corps… I would have to face them again. Was it worth my life? Was it worth dying? There were so many things I haven't done yet, things I could make sure are fulfilled in a peaceful life with the Military Police…

My head ached, struggling to try and listen to the Commander of the Survey Corps through the heartbeat that pounded behind my ears. The heart that could stop too soon if I made the wrong choice…

Why had she become a trainee? Mostly it was for the rations it provided, and to escape our father. She made the most of it with what she could and told me it was a way we could both make a new start. New lives away from our abusive father and our hungry bodies. I made it farther then she had, hadn't I? Top of my class, and now with the chance to live in Sina, and never be hungry again. Commander Erwin had wrapped up his speech while my decisions raced through my mind.

"Now! If you wish to choose a division other than the Survey Corps, you may leave!"

Trainees left and right turned and walked away, leaving me and few others to face our death. Tears of fear slid down my cheeks and I clenched my teeth so hard they could break, my foot inching behind me to follow. Just go. Just go. She wouldn't want me to die… No... it was because she was gone that I had to stay. It's because they were all gone and I was alone, that I had to stay. What do I have left to lose? How would hiding behind walls the rest of my life use the skills I honed for all these years? To fight was all that was left of me. My fists clenched tightly, and I planted my feet, holding my head high.

"Salute your hearts!" The commander yelled and the few of us remaining yelled out in response. My fist slammed over my heart in a salute as I stood strong. Commander Erwin gave a nod, although he was disappointed at how few of us remained. "You are brave soldiers, and you have my utmost respect for facing your fears. You're dismissed!"

I eased out of my stance, feeling numb now it was all over. It seemed as if the ceremony lasted seconds, and now… I was in the Survey Corps. I walked away from the platform, the torches' light in the darkness fading behind me. I could hear the crunch of the graveled dirt under my shoes, feeling distant from my body. As I reached the trainee housing, my legs felt numb. It was laughable thinking I could get a good night's sleep.

"Elle!"

I heard the shout from the trainee cabin, a voice I recognized. Paul, my close friend from the trainee ranks was rushing forward. He had that same wild look in his eyes he always had when he was upset, a look that bothered everyone else but me. It was probably the reason why I was one of his only friends here.

He almost didn't stop his hurried pace as he clutched my shoulders tightly, rocking me back with fierce desperation. "What the hell are you thinking?"

His abruptness snapped me out of my daze. I blinked, steadying myself from his shaking. "What?"

"Why the hell did you join the Survey Corps?! You're the top of our class! You could have gone to the center!" Panic was in his eyes, and I knew what he was thinking. The only friend that showed him compassion for the last three years was now going to be killed.

"I had to, Paul-"

His fingers clenched in my shirt, looking furious. "Are you insane?! You're going to die!"

"You don't know that...! Stop! That hurts!" His grip was tightening my shirt and starting to wring my neck.

"Change your decision!"

"I can't- I won't!"

"Elle! Please!" He was desperate, and that wild look that I always brushed off was now starting to scare me.

"Let go of me!" I reached for his wrist to twist it and free myself. Someone else beat me to it, however, forcing Paul's grip to loosen and throwing his ass in the dirt. I looked at the man who I hadn't noticed approaching during the struggle. His cold gray eyes glared in a way that made Paul's wild look seem trivial. It made my insides freeze in fear.

"Stop panicking. You're not the one risking your life." The man said in a threatening tone, his voice deep and cold. "You should be reassured that a strong soldier on the front lines is protecting your fat ass."

Staring up in shock, Paul seemed to regain his senses. He scrambled to his feet in a panic and saluted. "Y-yes, sir...!"

I looked at the crest on the man's uniform and realized he was a member of the Survey Corps, the Wings of Freedom waving on the tan fabric in the night's breeze.

"I apologize, Captain!" Paul continued and I jumped to the title. Captain? This guy? Who was he? My mind was at a blank.

"I'm not the one you should apologize to, bastard." The so-called Captain growled.

"Y-yes, sir!" Paul turned to me and gave a deep bow, sweat dripping off his nose. "I deeply apologize, Elle, for acting in such a rash manner, will you forgive me?!"

I hesitated, looking at the captain. His cold eyes stared me down, making me avert my eyes with a start. I would have been shaking in my boots if he were towering over me, but he wasn't very tall compared to Paul now that they were both standing. He was shorter.

I cleared my throat awkwardly. "It's okay Paul…"

"Thank you!" Paul stood again with a salute.

The Captain waved his hand. "You're dismissed."

"Yes, sir!"

Paul scurried off like a scared mouse, making me pity him almost. It wasn't easy being ridiculed by someone of higher rank. There was a silence between me and the Captain, and I shifted nervously, unsure how to address the situation. I faced him and saluted, figuring it was the easiest thing to do. "Thank you for interfering, sir… our argument just got out of hand is all…"

He faced me, and it was a struggle to continue to look at his eyes, his scowl intimidating. His hair was pitch black, with an undercut, and his arms were crossed lazily, as if not caring for my gratitude.

"Levi!" a voice loudly called out.

I jumped at the disruption of silence and looked behind me. It was another Survey Corps soldier, a woman with tied back messy brown hair and glasses. She approached with an excited smile. "I see you've already scouted the new female recruits!" She laughed at the tease, making the Captain's scowl deepen.

Wait... Captain Levi! The name shocked me, familiar from hearing it over the years of being a trainee. I tensed and started to become as nervous as Paul. No wonder he was so terrified, this man had a reputation of being as deadly as the titans themselves. "I'm sorry!" I sputtered, and they both looked at me curiously. "I didn't realize who you were…"

"Am I really that frightening?" He mumbled in irritation.

The glasses woman laughed and slapping me on the back, making me jump to the sting. "You do it to yourself, Levi! I saw you throw that trainee." She turned to me with a grin. "I'm squad leader Hanji. It's nice to meet the valedictorian of the new recruits."

Oh… Hanji, another high-ranking officer. I started to get flustered, worried about what to say. I just settled with returning the introduction. "I'm Elle Rothai. It's an honor to meet you both." We shook hands, but as I held mine out to Levi he hesitated, staring before finally returning the favor. His handshake was hard, and his skin callused from years of grasping blade handles.

"Well we'll let you get some rest, it's been a big day," Hanji cut in, pulling Levi by the arm back to the ceremony platform. "Glad to have you in the ranks!"

I watched them go before turning toward the cabins. What a great first impression to my ranking officers…


The morning sun shined brightly through the thin white curtains that hung over the dusty window, waking me from a rather troubled sleep. This was the last time I would stay in a trainee cabin.

I dressed for the morning in my uniform, a white button shirt and pants, accompanied by the 3D maneuver gear straps and boots. As I rolled up my shirt sleeves to my elbows, a knock to the door made me straighten.

"Yes?" I called, throwing my old trainee jacket over my arm and opening it. Behind the door was a soldier, his hair short and curled where it parted in the middle of his forehead, with a scowled expression and squinted eyes. On his jacket was the Survey Corps crest.

"Are you Elle?" He asked, almost with an annoyed sigh.

"Yes sir, Elle Rothai." I held out my hand, but he ignored it and began walking back down the hall.

"Follow me to your new quarters." He called over his shoulder.

I jumped in surprise, and shut my room door before throwing on my jacket to follow.

He led me outside, mumbling complaints about "babysitting the newbies" as we hopped off the porch steps, our boots scuffing the dirt road as we walked to the stable. "You've been assigned to a squad." He told me.

My head perked up in excitement. "Really? Which one?"

"I ask the questions around here, green horn." He hissed and I fell silent.

Green horn? What the hell was his problem? "Um, sorry…" I mumbled through my teeth, saying nothing else. I shouldn't talk back to a higher-ranking officer, even though he was a piece of work…

He untied the reins of his horse from a post and I went to saddle my own, a rust-colored mare assigned to me after graduation. I met him at the stable doors after mounting and he scoffed in annoyance. "Took you long enough." With a scowl he turned the horse and trotted off with me in tow, riding past the fields, and to the edge of the forest.

As we rode, the guy just wouldn't shut up. He kept on complaining and badgering about having to bring me to my new squad, and luckily, I had the wind in my ears to cancel him out. We rode through the forest to a structure that looked like an inn just outside of Trost, with two stories and a stable. A fresh spring bubbled into a creek running at its side, with military horses tied to the posts nearby for a drink.

"This is the squad's base." The soldier muttered lazily, dismounting his horse and tying it at the creek. I followed him across the yard and up the porch, our shoes echoing through the wooden planks as he opened the door. The lobby had a small bar and tables, with a brick fireplace that looked old and weathered. A man with blonde hair tied back was sitting at a table, drinking coffee from a mug. He looked up to our arrival and gave a small smile, standing and towering over me. He held out his hand and I took it, giving it a shake.

"So, you're the new recruit. Impressive you're here just after graduation."

"Thank you, sir," I said, although I didn't know what here was. My escort wasn't very informative.

The blonde man turned back to the bar. "Petra, come meet the new girl."

A woman with short ginger hair peaked out of the kitchen door behind the bar curiously and smiled. "Thank god she's a girl, I could never handle another one of you guys." She walked over, looking me up and down with a surprised expression. "Wow! You're so small, how old are you?"

I blushed in embarrassment no matter how many times I heard that comment. The men observed me curiously, noticing my height now that there was another woman to compare it with.

My gaze shifted to the floor. "I turn twenty this year-"

"Really! I would have thought you were fourteen!" she laughed.

I sighed with a weak smile. "I get that a lot."

Petra smiled sweetly. "Anyway, the rest of the team is outback. Come meet them." She led us out the back attached to the kitchen and opened the screen door. A grassy field with wildflowers spread through the back yard to the edge of the woods, accented by a few tables and benches. At one of these tables were two other survey corps soldiers. One had short black hair and dark skin, the other was squad leader Hanji. She looked up and smiled in surprise. "Oh, hey it's you! So, you're the new recruit,"

I smiled, glad to see a familiar face.

"Where's Levi?" Petra asked.

Hanji waved her hand in the air, rolling her eyes behind her glasses. "He rushed off somewhere, he'll wander back eventually."

Petra sighed, resting her hands on her hips. "Honestly, the second I turn my back…"

The dark-haired man sitting across from Hanji stood and made his way towards me, holding out his hand. His demeanor was a bit quiet and serious, but kind all the same. "I'm Gunther, it's nice to meet you."

I gave a smile. "Elle. It's nice to meet you too."

Petra decided to introduce those here. "I assume you know Hanji, but she's not a part of our team. This loudmouth bastard is Oruo," Petra gestured to the man that escorted me here, and he scowled, "and this is Eld," the blonde-haired man I met in the lobby gave a small smile again. "Levi is our Captain and Squad leader."

"She already met Levi at the graduation ceremony." Hanji laughed and I smiled nervously.

"What happened?" Petra asked, picking up the teasing tone.

Hanji snickered. "Well basically Elle here was being attacked by some creep, and Levi swooped in and saved the day; knocked the guy on his ass."

I hurried to correct the story. "I wasn't being attacked, Paul was just trying to convince me to get out of the Survey Corps, but he went a bit overboard…"

Hanji snapped her fingers and pointed at me. "Then Levi saved the day!"

I sighed, blushing a bit as I turned my head. "It wasn't that big of an issue." I don't want them to think I'm so weak I couldn't push away a panicked soldier.

Petra changed the subject, probably sensing my discomfort. "But Hanji, don't you think Elle's adorable? She's so small!" Great, now I'm adorable. It didn't help my discomfort to be around seasoned soldiers and be called cute.

"I agree! She's even shorter than Levi!" Hanji laughed.

"Is that possible?" Eld muttered and the team laughed.

I stayed quiet, smiling politely through the uncomfortable conversation.

"What's wrong with being short?" Captain Levi rode forward from the side of the inn and dismounted his horse. His glare was even more penetrating in the daytime.

"Nothing at all! It's very useful in battle because you can easily escape your enemies!" Eld fibbed.

"T-That's right!" Petra added.

They rambled nervously and I held back a laugh.

Levi's cold gaze slipped to me, catching the mirth in my throat as I fell silent. "Good morning, Captain…"

He gave a curt nod in response. He turned and untied something from his saddle as I let out a breath. Geez, that guy was intimidating. Like he could snap your neck with one move.

"Rothai."

I jumped. "Yes sir?"

He held out the reigns of his horse. "Put my horse in the stable, then meet me in the lobby." Right… as the lowest ranking here, I'll probably be the team's errand girl till I gain my place. I hurried forward and took the reins. The black horse following obediently in my wake as I lead him to the stables. I looked behind me as Levi joined the team, his demeanor so cold among the animated bunch. Did he ever show any expression besides that quizzical glare? When my step slowed to watch, his horse nudged my back with his nose. "Okay, okay, you must be thirsty. Come on."

Once the horse's saddle was taken off and he was properly fed and watered, I returned to the inn lobby. Levi was there with Hanji, both sitting at one of the tables with mugs in front of them. Levi took a sip of his drink as he noticed me, sliding a brown paper wrapped package across the table as I walked up. This was probably what he was getting out of his saddle.

"Your new uniform." He told me.

I smiled in excitement, ripping open the package and holding up the uniform jacket. The pristine blue and white Wings of Freedom shown proudly on the back.

"I don't think I've seen anyone so excited to get a survey corps uniform before." Levi mumbled.

I looked at him curiously. "You haven't?"

"Well, of course, You barely show any emotions yourself!" Hanji interjected at him. She turned to me, a kind smile on her face. "It's just because not everyone is so thrilled about facing and killing titans."

I looked down at the jacket, fingers brushing over the embroidery of silver and blue threads that made up the wings. I was the same way before graduation…

"Have you ever seen a Titan, Rothai?"

My head snapped up to the Captain who ushered the question, his gray eyes still glaring. I looked away, clenching the jacket in my fists. "Yes... I have, sir." A foul taste arose in the back of my throat as my rage seethed.

The two squad leaders looked surprised, probably not used to recruits who have seen the horror of titans before the line of duty. Levi tilted his head curiously. "Do you think you will survive fighting them?"

I looked at him in surprise. It wasn't obvious? "I don't want to just survive… I want to live. That's why I'm here."

His expression changed for the slightest second, and I could have sworn I saw him smile in amusement. "Then it's a promise." He stood, taking his mug with him as he walked upstairs, leaving me hoping I said the right words.


I woke early the next morning in my new room. It was modest with uniform linens and furniture, but comfortable all the same. I yawned as the sun barely brightened the sky outside my window, just a soft haze of orange on the horizon through the shadows of trees. I stretched as I stood and laid out my uniform on the bed before switching out of my nightgown for the crisp tan jacket and green cape. Wearing it filled me with pride, and I wish I could have shown it off to her too…

As I left my room, I noticed that the hall was too quiet, and not a sound came from the kitchen. Did I wake up too early? It was usually a habit of mine. Well, best to use this time to train. It was unnerving being the greenest soldier here, and if I wanted to keep up once our first mission arrived, I had to be vigilant.

I headed downstairs and dug some bread out of the kitchen, eating a bit to tide myself over till everyone woke. I headed out to the stables, deciding the spot was as good as any. My work out was simple enough, mostly focusing on strength and agility. My legs, arms, and core all needed work. I thought of situations I might run into outside the walls. My worst handicap was to be without maneuver gear. How could I combat that? I took a small break in between sets, catching my breath. I glanced up at the rafters of the stables, getting an idea. The best way to avoid a titan was to be high up… I climbed up a pillar that held the structure, the roof just tall enough for me to stand on the rafters. They were about eight feet apart, simple enough. I jumped from one to the other like a frog on lily pads, doing squats each time I landed and focusing on my balance. I would have to work on climbing trees as well…

It's had been a couple of hours by the time I was through. There was a satisfying exhaustion in my limbs, making me feel accomplished. I went ahead and took care of the horses while I was there, feeding and watering them. It was probably nine in the morning once I finished, so I headed back inside, grabbing my jacket and cloak that I hung on a post.

As I entered the inn, drying my freshly washed hands with a rag, I noticed everyone was sitting in the lobby with the fresh smell of coffee hanging in the air. "There you are Elle; I was wondering where you went. " Petra called from the kitchen doorway, two plates of breakfast in her hands.

"Y-yeah, I woke early, so I took a walk. Here, let me help," I took a plate from her hands and held the swinging door for her so she could get by.

"Thanks! Just give that to Gunther." She told me, giving Eld his plate. I placed the plate in front of Gunther, and he managed a small smile as he quietly thanked me. I headed back into the kitchen to make some tea for myself, tying my hair back from my face.

"Stop complaining, you're the one who offered to help." Petra was arguing with Oruo as they worked in the kitchen, making breakfast for the squad.

"You're burning the ham!" Oruo scoffed. "We barely have enough of it as it is, don't waste it."

"It's not burnt, it's charred. It tastes good."

I smiled as Petra tried to get Oruo to eat a burnt piece. The kettle whistled and I took it off the stove-top, pouring hot water into the mug of tea leaves, sugar, and milk.

"Can you make one for Levi? He doesn't like coffee either." Petra called to me.

"Oh, sure." I grabbed another mug. "How does he like-?"

"Black tea, white with no sugar," a deep voice informed behind me.

I turned with a start, spilling the hot water on my fingers. "Ow!"

Levi looked at me with a quizzical expression, and I was sure he was questioning my stupidity. "Watch where you fling that thing." He took the mug from my hand and made the tea himself.

"R-right, sorry sir."

"Did you burn yourself?" Eld asked as he brought in his plate to wash. He took my hand to check, but instead of burns, there were scratches and blisters on my palms from climbing around the stables. "What happened to your hands?" he asked in concern.

I tried to brush it off. "It's alright, just a few scratches-"

"But it's looks bad, what happened?" Petra looked over; eyes worried.

I hesitated on my answer, everyone looking at me. I didn't want to tell them I cut them while training, that's careless. What about saying I tripped? No, that's careless too, plus they wouldn't like a clumsy soldier watching their back during missions. I was so far behind them in rank and skill already, I didn't want to make my image worse.

"It… was the reins of my horse, I forgot to wear gloves yesterday. Sorry, I'll go bandage them. Excuse me." I started to look through the cabinets, but Oruo had already pulled down a first aid kit.

"Think fast." He tossed a roll of bandages at me and I snatched it from the air before it hit my face.

"Um, thanks-"

He scowled. "Don't think you're so special, newbie. If you get hurt even here, how do you think you'll survive against titans?"

I turned my head and worked on the bandages, irritated he was mentioning exactly what I was insecure about…

"Just because you got a few high marks as a trainee doesn't mean you'll be ready for the real thing." His tone was cocky, and I was starting to get sick of this guy.

"You don't think I know that?" I demanded before I could stop myself.

"What did you say, trainee?"

I turned to face him with a glare. "How'd you get the illusion I was cocky? Seems like you're just picking on me because I'm the only one below you."

His expression turned angry and a vein pulsed on his forehead. "Who do you think you are- "

"I'm just a soldier working my ass off to match up with you guys. I know it won't matter about rank out there, so I'm trying my hardest to make sure I can be a valuable asset to this squad." My voice had risen enough to catch attention, and I saw the conversation had died in response. Embarrassment flushed my cheeks. "Excuse me." I stormed out of the kitchen with a plate of breakfast, leaving him silent. I was unaware Captain Levi's eyes were tracking my movements.


"47,48,49… 50!" I gasped and hopped to my feet from my sit-up position, taking a deep breath before I went to the post to do jumps. The night was dark with crickets echoing from the shadows. The lantern's small flame reflecting off the flowing creek where frogs croaked and groaned. I walked out by the creek and faced a post, its height reaching my chest. My legs bent and I held my breath, letting out a grunt as I jumped up and landed on the post, then straightened. "One!" I hopped back down, preparing for another leap.

"Rothai," A voice echoed from the shadows.

I gasped, almost falling back on the post but I squatted to regain my balance, my heart racing. "C-Captain…"

I caught my breath as Levi stepped into the lantern's light that hung by the stables, his arms crossed over his chest. He wore neither his jacket nor cloak, only a buttoned shirt, and his uniform pants and straps. "What are you doing?" He asked, his voice hard as always.

"...Training." I mumbled, hopping down. "Two."

"You do this every night?"

"Three." I hopped back up on the post, straightening, then hopped back down. "And morning, sir."

He looked surprised for a second, his eyes following me as I continued. He stayed silent, watching the odd exercise till I finally reached thirty-five. Panting, I leaned against the post to catch my breath for a second till I headed back to the stables.

"So those scratches, you got them by training?"

I nodded, pointing a thumb at the stables. "It was the ceiling arbor, I climbed up them."

"So, you're a spring and a monkey."

My eyes rolled, heading towards the stables and not answering. Levi followed me inside, crossing his arms. "You shouldn't wear yourself out."

"I'm not," I assured with a grunt, climbing up from a horse stall gate to the rafters. "I'm building endurance, this place is more of a challenge than the trainee camp, I'll get used to it"

He watched me as I jumped from beam to beam, landing with more squats. "Don't your hands hurt?" He called from the ground.

"No, sir." I huffed, but while distracted with my answer, my weight with a squat leaned too far back and I let out a yelp as I fell to the ground. My arm immediately protected my side as I landed hard, air whistling out of my lungs. I gasped at the air that I struggled to breathe in, and Captain Levi walked over coolly. He knelt by me and felt my side.

"No broken ribs, but your arm is going to be bruised." He muttered.

I caught my breath with a cough and sat up. "Yes, sir…"

He sighed. "It only takes one small mistake to die. Know your limits, Elle." His eyes were cold but held a certain admiration as if he was impressed.

I smiled a little, nodding. I felt giddy that he called me by my first name. It was nice not to hear the surname of my father. "Yes, sir." I got to my feet as Levi stood, following him back out of the stables and into the cool night.