All the soldiers had found themselves gathered, staring up at Commander Pixis on the wall. Eren was positioned behind him, saluting his fellow soldiers. They were just told the Commander's plan. Basically, the soldiers were going to be used as bait, though he phrased in a more politically correct manner. Soldiers had started screaming that they were going to die. One near Rowan took it upon himself to raise tension even further.
"We are being marched to an early grave! I didn't sign up for this!" Well, he wasn't entirely wrong. Others around tried to calm him as he flailed. Marco tried to step in, but the soldier ignored him, continuing to scream. Rowan sighed, turning away to glance at Jean. He was busy staring in shock as some of the higher ups told soldiers to make a scene and scream.
"The primary objective of this mission is to reseal the hole in the gate manually. As for how the task will be done, that's where this fellow comes in. Allow me to introduce cadet Eren Yeager. He possesses the ability to fabricate and control a Titan body at will. He will hoist a boulder on his back and drop it into the hole. It will be your job to defend him!" Silence settled over the soldiers at the end of the Commander's speech. Wait, they want to use Eren to close the hole? That's a suicide mission. There's no guarantee he can even lift the boulder or control his Titan form. Rowan wasn't even sure Eren had confidence in himself. The kid was sweating and fidgeting next to the Commander. Everyone started shouting that they were being lied to. They were panicking because they thought the Commander was lying. Rowan was panicking because she knew he wasn't.
"We are just disposable tools for you people!" One cadet shouted from the group.
"Rowan, do you think he can actually do it?" Jean pulled her attention from everyone else. Rowan frowned, thinking over the logistics of it.
"I honestly don't know Jean. It's Eren though. That punk is the most stubborn kid I've ever met and because of that, I'm staying. No one will judge you if you leave though. I know I certainly won't." She smiled slightly, not even fully believing her words. He nodded, lost in thought.
"Anyone who wishes to leave will not be punished under my direct order! Those who have seen the horror of Titans up close will not be asked to do so again and we will continue to honor your service!" Commander Pixis shouted, interrupting the groups' panic.
"I don't think I can stay…" Jean clenched his fists, turning away from Rowan and Marco who had pushed through the crowd.
"Jean? We need you. You're one of the strongest." Marco's eyes were wide as his hand grasped Jean's wrist.
"I am?" The man didn't even believe his best friend. Rowan hoped he wasn't that naive though. The kid's strength was obvious to everyone but himself. Marco didn't have time to respond before he was shoved back into line by one of the commanding officers.
"Trust me, I wasn't your biggest fan when we first met. I'm also not a total fool though. I can acknowledge your weaknesses and also appreciate them. It's what makes you a good leader. You're relatable to others." Rowan filled in for Marco, certain he would say something along those lines. If Jean needed to be reminded of his strength, she would remind him.
"That's similar to what Marco said back at HQ." He turned to find him in the crowd, smiling softly at his closest friend.
"Marco is a smart kid and he's honest. If he said it, I'd believe him."
"You're a good leader too though." Jean mumbled.
"Ha. Sure. I'm just afraid of heights. I don't fear Titans in the same manner that you all do. I'm like Mikasa in that way. We don't make good leaders because we can't understand the fear or the risk. We are reckless and trust our skills too much. Our leadership leads to more casualties. You make the tough calls that others can relate to. You take their fear into account. That's the difference." Rowan smiled encouragingly before she was grouped back into the decoy squad.
"Rowan! Do you actually mean that?" Jean shouted, awe on his features.
"That's for you to interpret Jean! Stay alive and you just might find out for yourself!" She winked before hurrying to the wall, following the momentum of the crowd. "Armin!" Rowan grabbed the blonde's wrist. "How are you? Where's Mikasa?"
"A little shaken up, but I'm okay. Mikasa joined the squad that will serve as bodyguards for Eren." He frowned slightly, rubbing his hand down his face. The boy seemed like he aged ten years over the last few days.
"Oh, I'm sure Eren is thrilled about that." She remembered how he acted when Mikasa refused to join the elite squad earlier just to watch over Eren. He wasn't a fan.
"You know how he is. He doesn't appreciate being treated as a child by anyone, let alone Mikasa. Come on, we have to hurry." They ended up scaling the wall, hanging down just out of the Titan's reach. Armin was a bit further from her, but Connie was in range. She wouldn't have to strain her vocal chords to talk to him.
"This isn't terrifying or anything. Hey Connie! Think you can tell me if I get too close to the Titans?" Rowan shouted, shutting her eyes. Her pulse was ringing in her ears, her body coated in a thin layer of sweat. Why'd she agree to Armin's idea of hanging from the wall? Someone else could've taken her place and she would have gathered up top with everyone else. Then she wouldn't be forced to stare down at the ground for her survival.
"Are you crazy? Keep your eyes open!" Connie was appalled and she couldn't blame him. She had hoped he would at least entertain the idea a little though.
"Rowan! Move a foot to your left. One Titan's hand is a little too close for comfort." Rowan turned her head to the left and opened her eyes. Jean. She smiled before swinging herself closer to him.
"Thank-you Jean." She shouted back, grateful for him and for the fact that he stayed.
"We need to have each others' backs. Hang on a minute..." His eyes widened. Rowan followed his stare, noting the red smoke in the air. Shit.
"The mission failed!" She spotted Armin pulling up the wall before sprinting down. "Armin! Wait!" She yanked herself up and took off after him. "Armin!" She shouted. She ignored the soldiers calling after her as she sprinted after him. She sucked in air, refusing to look down. She focused on Armin and Armin alone. As Armin took off through the buildings, she followed. She was too focused on him though, and not her surroundings. A hand shot out and smacked her down from the sky. "Shit!" She shouted, crossing her arms to brace her body as it smacked into the roof tiles. Her ears were ringing, her vision blurred as she struggled to refocus.
"Rowan?" Armin's voice was panicked, but she needed him to keep going.
"Go! I got this! Get to Eren and Mikasa! They need you more! Go now!" Rowan screamed, spitting out blood as she shoved herself to her knees. She must have bit her cheek or tongue when her body hit the roof. The sun was suddenly blocked, a shadow covering her body. Rowan was just able to throw herself out of the way, the impact from the Titan's hand hitting the roof sending her flying. "Go Armin!" She yelled, seeing him hesitate a moment before sprinting away. Rowan shoved herself to her feet, her legs shaking as she clenched her jaw. She was tired of being thrown around like a doll. "Not again, Ugly!" She growled, throwing her hands up. She forced all of the energy she had from her palms, the Titan hand pausing in the air. She screamed as she shoved it back before throwing her arms in front of her. The Titan flew backwards from the force, stumbling over its own feet. It collapsed into a house, the building shattering under its weight. "Well shit." Rowan huffed, her hands vibrating as her vision blurred once again. She shook her head, focusing on regrouping. She needed to get her shit together. Her head snapped up to see a Titan creeping around the corner. It grinned at her, eyes trained on her aching body.
"Ah, hell." She huffed, replacing the blades that had shattered from the impact of hitting the roof earlier. She really hoped her gear would still cooperate with her. She sprinted down the roof, heading straight towards the Titan hunting her. It watched her every move, keeping its movements quiet. She only caught sight of him out of pure luck. She sent her grappling hook flying, watching as it hooked into the wall. It held and she used the gas to send her body flying. Her ODM gear seemed to still work properly and she was grateful for that. She flew by, using the force of her energy to knock out the Titan's legs. As it was falling, she swung her body back up, spinning and slicing right through the nape of its neck. "Bet you weren't expecting that Bud." She smiled before her body hit right into the extended hand of the Titan she had sent flying into the house just before. Not again. She stabbed her blades into its palm, using the force to keep the hand loose enough. She released the blades and let her body slip through the hand. Her leg and arm scraped against the sharp wall of the building beside her. It tore through her clothes, her blood staining the wall as she slid. It was that, or splatter on the ground. Her knees bent to take the brunt of the impact before she rolled forward. They cracked in protest, sharp pain radiating from her knees. She replaced her blades and didn't hesitate, throwing herself back onto the roof. She followed the momentum, swinging upward until she reached the back of the monster's neck. She cut clean through it. Falling to her knees and rolling. Her body sprawled out on the ground, the wounds in her arm and leg burning. Her body was screaming, her nerves on fire. She was alive though. She had survived.
A smile touched her face, relief washing over her. She was a fighter and she would keep fighting until her last breath. She shoved herself to her feet, ignoring the pain in her knees and wounds. Yellow caught her eye and she turned towards the wall. There was yellow smoke. Eren did it? He closed the hole in the wall! She took off towards the smoke, tears in her eyes. They actually did it. Armin's plan worked. She was going to give him and Eren the biggest hug when she saw them. As the boulder came into view, she noticed Eren's Titan form slouched against it. Armin was by the nape, struggling to pull Eren from the carcass. Mikasa was shouting up at him from the leg of the carcass.
"Armin! Mikasa! Is Eren okay?" She used her ODM gear to move faster through the buildings before landing right beside Mikasa.
"Rowan! I'm so glad you're okay! Can you help?" Armin was struggling to hold Eren up and Rowan made a quick decision.
"We don't have time for this. We just need to cut." She sliced her blades right through the muscle attaching Eren to the Titan carcass.
"Rowan!" Mikasa shouted and Armin yelled as he fell backwards with Eren in his arms. They landed down next to Mikasa and Rowan dropped down with them, her legs giving out as she hit the ground.
"Damn it." She huffed, stabbing one of her blades in the ground to hold herself up. She was on her knees, body hunched. Her muscles were sore and exhausted, nerves lit aflame, her body running on fumes from her overuse of magic and pure adrenaline. She screwed herself over fighting those last two Titans on her own.
"We have trouble! Guys!" Rowan looked up at the sound of Armin's panic. Two fifteen meter Titans were heading right for them. Mikasa was strong, but she couldn't take them down from the ground and Rowan was useless at that moment. They all watched as someone spun out, cutting both Titans down, one after the other. They both fell, the figure dropping down onto the back of the second Titan. His back was to them, but Rowan would know that figure anywhere. The dark green cloak swung in the breeze as the man looked over his shoulder.
"Mind telling me what the hell is going on?" He spoke firmly, his eyes on Armin, Eren, and Mikasa. He hadn't looked in Rowan's direction yet. She debated for a moment if she should bring his attention to her. After a moment, she decided that she just wanted to see him alive and be near him, even if he rejected her feelings.
"Levi." She whispered his name, hardly able to keep herself upright. Levi's eyes fell on Rowan and he immediately dropped down beside her. He knelt in front of her, looking over her wounds. She released her grip on her blade, falling forward. Levi was there to catch her, her body leaning on his chest.
"You overdid it again, didn't you?" He lifted her to look into her eyes. She nodded, glancing away from his gaze. "You idiot."
"I took down multiple Titans today. I wanted to prove myself and I wanted to save my comrades." She admitted, her eyes shutting as she relaxed in his arms. They were safe. Eren closed the hole in the wall and the Scouts had returned. They would take care of the rest of the Titans.
"Let's get you to medical." He whispered, helping her to her feet. "The rest of you. Regroup with Commander Pixis. I'm sure he expects a full report." They all saluted him. Levi hauled her over his shoulders, wrapping her legs around his waist. He supported her legs, her arms wrapped tightly around him. She shut her eyes, head falling over his shoulder. She trusted him with her life, letting her defenses drop slightly so she could rest. They continued in silence and Rowan thought of all her friends. Jean, Marco, Sasha, Connie. She hoped they were all safe. "Damn it." Levi huffed, pausing for a moment. Rowan opened her eyes and she instantly regretted it.
"Marco…" Her heart clenched. Marco's body was sprawled on the ground, half his face and upper torso missing, blood pooling below him. "Could you put me down for a moment, please?" He set her down gently this time and she was able to crawl a bit closer to her fallen friend. "Oh Marco. What happened to you?" Tears slipped down her cheeks and her fists clenched. "Levi?"
"Hm?" He had turned away to give her privacy and to keep watch in case there were any stragglers remaining.
"If I lose consciousness, can you keep me from being poked and prodded? My wounds need attention and my legs need braces, but that's it." She did a quick reflection on her injuries and knew those were the worst of them.
"If you lose consciousness?" He stepped closer and she sighed. She freed a small object from her pocket, one of the alexandrite crystals that Hange had given her.
"His spirit. It's still nearby. I think I can connect it to this crystal. My cousin, Emery, is much more skilled with contacting the afterlife than I am, but I owe it to Marco to try. I owe it to Jean too." Her fist clenched around the crystal as she shook her tears away. Levi's hand gripped her shoulder, his warm touch calming her.
"I will support you and keep you safe. You don't owe anyone, but do what you feel is right." With his blessing, she warmed the crystal between her palms, whispering foreign words she had learned from Emery long ago.
"Marco. This is Rowan Mixerton. Captain Levi is here as well. Are you still here with us?" She whispered gently, eyes focused on his bloody, ripped face. Screams tore through her consciousness and she cringed, her mind aching from the sound. It broke her heart, the screaming continuing. Levi stepped closer to her, hand squeezing her shoulder. "Marco? Is that you?" She flinched as the scream got even louder. "Shhhhh. It's alright Marco. I'm here with you now. You aren't alone." As she said that, Marco, fully intact, took shape before them. If Levi was surprised, he didn't show it this time.
"Where am I? What happened? Why does everything hurt?" Marco was panicked, his form stepping away from them.
"Marco. We are over here. Come chat with us. I will explain everything." Her voice was gentle, soothing his broken spirit.
"Rowan? Why do you look so hazy? Where are we?" His eyes scanned around them, falling on his own body, before flicking back to her. So he couldn't see it. It was better this way.
"Marco...I'm so sorry, but you passed on. You are in the spirit plane, but I pulled your consciousness to our plane instead. I know it's scary, but I'm right here with you. I won't let you disappear." She promised him, her finger rubbing gentle circles on the crystal.
"I know I died. I remember all that. It's just...I was in a field with Jean. We were joking around about mummies because Armin had shown us that book from the library…" His brow was furrowed.
"That wasn't the real Jean. Marco, he is still alive."
"He is? Really? Can I see him?" His eyes brightened. The poor kid didn't even care that he was dead. He just cared about his closest friend.
"Yes, you absolutely can. I'm here because I can connect your spirit to this crystal. Once I give Jean the crystal, he can talk with you whenever he'd like to. Does that sound okay?"
"Yes! I don't understand how you're doing this, but I am grateful. Thank-you Rowan. Thank-you for not leaving me behind." Marco knelt before her, his hands slipping through her hands. She could just feel the ghostly touch, like a light breeze.
"I would never leave you behind Marco." She smiled before speaking the last few words of the sealing spell. The crystal warmed in her hands before Marco vanished. "Marco? Please return." He appeared again before them.
"I was back at the field for a moment, but I was alone. I think I saw some others in the distance, but I didn't have time to see who they were." He spoke softly and Rowan smiled gently.
"You'll return there in a moment and you can reunite with our other fallen comrades. Unfortunately, I couldn't save anyone else. They will all be there with you though, so you'll never be alone. Us being soldiers and falling together, our souls are connected. Even if we die alone, we won't be alone in the afterlife. You can return there now if you'd like. I'll make sure you get to Jean safely."
"I'm not ready yet. I have to tell you something, but only you. My apologies Captain Levi." He saluted Levi.
"Tch. You don't need to show respect from the afterlife. You deserve the respect. You gave your life for the cause." Levi bowed his head and Marco's cheeks flushed. Rowan could just make out the light pink through the haze.
"Marco, you can control who sees you. Think about connecting with me, rather than your surroundings." She instructed and Marco shut his eyes. "Can you still see him?" She glanced at Levi.
"No." He shook his head.
"You're a quick learner Marco. I knew there was a reason you were a squad leader." She winked and he chuckled before his expression went dark.
"I need you to know how I died." He stated flatly and her eyes widened. "Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie. They're dangerous. I think they're just like Eren. I don't know for sure though, that's why I didn't want the Captain to find out just yet. You have to look into it. Don't trust them."
"What are you talking about? There's no way." She refused to believe it. Reiner? He looked out for his comrades and helped Eren train. Bertolt was quiet, but he was always there if you needed him. While Annie kept to herself, she was strong and a fighter. The trio trained to be Titan killers. Why would they do that if they were also Titans?
"I overheard them talking about it and that's how I ended up here. They took my ODM gear from me and left me with a Titan. They watched as I died. You have to look into it and warn the others! Don't let anyone else be alone with them!" He shouted, tears streaming down his face.
"Maybe...maybe your memory is a bit foggy. Maybe they tried to save you. What you went through...it's the worst trauma a human can experience." She tried to reason with him, but he was adamant.
"I know what I saw Rowan. I'm trusting you to do the right thing and make sense of it. I would tell Jean, but I don't think he can handle it yet. He'd probably try to take on all three of them at once. Please promise me."
"I promise you, Marco. I'll look into it." She bit her lip, worried that he actually might remember the events clearly.
"I'm ready to go back now and see the others. I look forward to seeing Jean again. Thank-you Rowan." He brushed her cheek gently with his hand before vanishing. Rowan hadn't even realized she was crying, but she felt the tears on her cheeks. She glanced up at Levi and smiled before the lights went out for her.
When she woke, she could hear Eren in a cell not too far from her own. The commander was explaining that Eren was in the custody of the military police and that he was in a dungeon. A dungeon? Rowan glanced around, noting the chains hanging from the walls. She was definitely in a dungeon. She was on a bed, but the rest of the room was empty and dark. It was cold and she wrapped herself in the blanket that was laid out for her, to the best of her ability. It didn't help that her hands were chained together and that the cuffs were cutting into her flesh. Her blood was already oozing around the cuffs and she frowned, trying to not move her wrists as much. The commander continued on, saying the Scouts only received permission to see him now. He asked Eren about his abilities and if they ran in the family, but Eren had no idea. He couldn't remember any of his family members besides his parents anyway.
"Must suck to have your memory fail you, unless of course that's just a cover story. What's your angle? Did you gain our trust and join the military to learn our secrets and use them against us? Should I just end your life now?" Levi. Why was he acting like that? Eren was a punk. They all knew that, but he wouldn't lie about this. He is clearly just as confused and scared as everyone else. He's just a kid for crying out loud.
"We've been over this. He doesn't have any reason to lie. There's nothing he could gain from lying. How about you tell me your intentions?" The Commander spoke firmly. "It's been decided that the Armor and Colossal Titans are most likely the same as you. This is why I ask for your intentions. Will you betray us in the same manner as these other beasts?" The Commander kept it simple, but Rowan was thrown off. The Armor and Colossal were like Eren? Could that have to do with what Marco told her? Were Reiner, Annie, and Bertolt somehow involved with those Titans? The whole thing made her sick to her stomach and she curled her body in closer, ignoring the pain radiating up her leg and arm.
"Look, it's a simple question. What do you plan to do?" Levi was aggravated. Rowan could hear it in his voice. She didn't understand why though. Was he scared? Confused? Betrayed? She didn't think so. Afterall, he wasn't the one thrown into a dungeon.
"I want to become a member of the Scouts and slaughter every Titan that crosses my path. I want to avenge everyone who has ever been eaten or killed by a Titan. I want to avenge my parents. I want to make the Titans fear me." Eren growled and his voice startled Rowan. She knew that was always his intention, but his tone of voice sent a shiver through her.
"Alright then, I'll take responsibility for him. Let the higher-ups know what's going on. Not that I trust him of course. If I need to deal with him in the future, I trust myself to end his life efficiently. The bigwigs aren't likely to disagree. My record more than speaks for itself. Good news Yeager, you'll officially be a member of the Scouts soon. Excuse me for a moment." Rowan could see why the others were so frightened of Levi. His tone was serious and flat, unwavering. He meant every word he said. "I'll see you upstairs Erwin. I can handle this one on my own." He bid the Commander a farewell before he stepped into Rowan's view. He was in his Scouts uniform, his expression dark. He leaned his body against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. Rowan couldn't help, but show the betrayal she felt on her features. She scowled, turning her face away from him.
"Was the spirit binding too much for you? Was that the final straw? Or maybe it was my feelings. I admitted how I felt and it was too much so you're ridding yourself of me." She spat and his head tilted in confusion. She let all her internalized fear and fury warp her words and tone. "Don't play dumb. You betrayed me! You turned me in and now I'm being treated like a monster! I've done nothing, but fight for humanity and this is how you treat me? I'm not a monster! I'm not a threat!" Tears escaped her eyes and she cursed herself. She didn't want to show weakness. She only wanted to show him the fury that made a home deep in her core.
"I apologize, Rowan. Here, Sasha stole this for you." He placed a muffin wrapped in paper on the ground of her cell.
"Oh wow, how kind of you. A muffin? That's one hell of an apology for betraying my trust." She growled through her tears. "You know what's freakin' ironic? You told me to be careful with who I trust! You didn't even want me telling my friends, but they seem to be the only ones who actually care! I've told you more than I've told anyone else and YOU are the one who betrayed me in the end." She tried to stand, but her legs gave out. She hit the ground and sobbed. Her wounds, though neatly bandaged, burned.
"Are you finished?" He stepped forward, crouching down in front of the cell. His eyes were twisted with worry and pity. She didn't want any of it.
"Yeah, I'm done." Rowan tried to blink the tears away, smacking her fist against the ground. She struggled to sit up, resting her back against the bed.
"I didn't tell anyone about you or your magic. I don't fully trust Eren. He's a Titan. Something...that has destroyed humanity over and over again. My trust for you though? It has never waivered. Not once." He stated calmly, eyes trained on her puffy and sore eyes.
"Then why am I here? Why are you here?" She still didn't fully believe him and he frowned.
"Annie Leonhart."
"What?" Annie? What did she have to do with this? Rowan's breathing faltered and her eyes widened.
"Cadet Leonhart told Commander Erwin about your magic. I had no knowledge of the communication until after I bandaged all your wounds while you were unconscious. The military police came for you. We tried to get permission to see you and Eren for days, but they claimed you both were unconscious. I came down here with Commander Erwin to make sure you were okay." Rowan paused, her eyes wide. Levi didn't betray her? How'd Annie know about her?
"But...how does Annie even know? I've been really careful and I never told her."
"She said that she saw you take down two Titans on your own. With your power, you threw one into a building and made another Titan trip on its own feet. She was worried that you could turn against humanity or even join the Titans now that Eren's secret has been revealed." He sighed, placing his forehead against the metal bars.
"I mean...that's true." She hung her head, cursing her nativity. Of course someone could have been nearby when she took down those Titans. It's not like she checked her surroundings before fighting for her life. Levi waited for her to continue. "That's how I took down the two Titans when Armin and I left the decoy squad to find Eren and Mikasa. I told Armin to keep going and find Eren after I was swatted from the sky. If I didn't use my powers...I probably wouldn't have survived. But… how could I be so stupid?" The tears returned and Levi stood.
"Save your tears. It's not your fault. Kill or be killed. Keep fighting or end up Titan food. Aren't those the words you and your friends live by? Leonhart doesn't have any proof. Everyone is just on edge from Eren's big reveal."
"So it's just a witch hunt then? If found guilty, will I be stoned or burned to death?" Rowan coughed, pushing herself up to sit on the bed.
"You won't be found guilty. Just like with Eren, you will be in the custody of the Scouts. I will take responsibility for you."
"Yeah, that's great and all, but how can one man be responsible for a kid who turns into a berserker Titan and a supposed witch who can throw Titans?" She had every faith in Levi's skill. Despite that, the whole plan seemed far-fetched.
"The bigwigs don't know of our relationship and my record speaks for itself. I can handle a punk and a mouthy witch." A slight smirk touched the corner of his lips.
"You talk big for someone so short." Rowan mused, a slight smirk on her own lips. Her tears had dried and she felt a bit lighter, knowing the truth. She truly missed interacting with Levi. "I'm sorry I thought you betrayed me. I just...I was scared. I still am. Hearing you talk that way to Eren really got to me and I just thought…."
"That I would treat you in the same manner?" She nodded, glancing away. "Rowan, I hardly know Jaeger or his intentions. You may trust him, but that doesn't mean I do. I've seen the kid in action a few times and I've seen him bark bigger than his bite. He's all over the place. I have to look at this strategically. He's a weapon. If I don't maintain that mindset, we won't be able to keep him alive."
"I guess…"
"You have my trust. I told you, that would only change if you became a threat to humanity. Knowing you better now, I don't think you'll ever become that threat. It's why I told Commander Erwin I would handle it. He doesn't know you like I do."
"Thank-you Levi. I suppose you can't stay down here with me? I know it's selfish to ask and I know I said I didn't want to be around you anymore...but I really missed you." She spoke softly.
"No. There are guards stationed outside Jaeger's cell. My time is just about up."
"Of course it is." She sighed, putting her head in her hands.
"Check under the first layer of your bandage." He gestured quickly, turning his head to scan the hallway. Rowan frowned, pulling up the edge of her exposed bandage. After she unwound the first layer, a crystal fell out. "I know you dislike being alone at night and Jaeger won't be much company with his guards, so I figured Marco could keep you company."
"Thank-you Levi. Thank-you for keeping him safe. It would be detrimental if this crystal fell into the wrong hands." She held the crystal tightly, eyes watery once again.
"Why is that?"
"They could summon him. That would prove that magic like this exists and could prevent Jean from ever seeing Marco again. I just...thank-you Levi. I'm sorry that I doubted you."
"Yeah, well don't make that mistake again. Next time, I won't be forgiving." He turned to walk away.
"Next time?" She held the crystal to her chest. "You forgive me this time?" After everything? After she ruined their friendship by admitting her feelings? After she accused him of betraying her?
"You've been through a lot and you weren't thinking rationally. I forgive you...this time. Get some rest. These next few days will be rough. Once it's over though, I'd like to discuss what happened the night before the Scouts left. I'd like to clarify some things." With that, Levi vanished from sight.
"Goodnight Levi." She whispered softly, grateful for the friendship she found in him, though she was worried about what he had to say about the last time she saw him.
"Do you have feelings for Captain Levi?" A voice startled her and she turned to see Marco standing beside her. He dropped onto the bed next to her, tucking his legs under him.
"No, not anymore. Why would you ask that? We're friends." Rowan twirled a strand of hair around her finger, tucking her face from the spirit.
"Well I was listening the whole time and it seemed like you were a little more than friends to me." He smirked and she huffed.
"No. He doesn't want that. Why do you say that?"
"Captain Levi doesn't act that way with anyone else, not even his squad members. Trust me, I'm good at reading these things." He smiled. "Plus, you were heartbroken when you thought he betrayed you. That's why you reacted that way."
"Heartbroken? I wasn't…." She couldn't lie to herself or Marco though. She was heartbroken. She couldn't imagine losing what she had with Levi. "Maybe a little…"
"Don't be ashamed. I think it's cute. You both deserve to be happy." Marco beamed, nudging her shoulder and falling through her. She shivered, giggling from the sensation of his spirit passing through her physical form. "Sorry. I forgot that I wasn't physically here." He glanced away nervously.
"You're such a pure soul Marco. Don't worry about it. It's an adjustment, but you'll get used to it." She assured him with a smile. "Thank-you for supporting it. I feel like most won't."
"Why not? You're both strong soldiers and you found happiness in each other. Others might be jealous, but that's their problem." He shrugged, laying his body on the bed.
"I suppose so. I guess I just never pictured myself in a relationship. I came to fight Titans for humanity." She mused. Plus, Levi had already denied her once. Even with Marco's inquiry, she didn't want to get her hopes up again.
"The heart wants what the heart wants. You can only deny it for so long." Marco spoke nonchalantly.
"Were you always this wise?"
"So I've been told. Jean seemed to always appreciate my perspective."
"What you said...about him being a leader. It meant a lot to him." She admitted and Marco sat up.
"Really?"
"Yeah, he told me about it." Marco smiled widely, his cheeks flushing. "Hey Marco?" He turned his face back towards her. "Do you have feelings for Jean?"
"Yes." He spoke quietly, being open and honest with her.
"Does he know?" She leaned in and he shook his head. "I think you should tell him sometime after you guys reunite."
"It's not like it matters though. I can't be with him." Marco hung his head, turning away from her.
"You don't know that. We've all been through so much and you deserve that closure of telling him."
"I guess so. Are you going to tell the Captain?" It was Rowan's turn to blush and she shrunk away from him.
"I don't think he'd respond well. He didn't respond well when Hange assumed we were together."
"You don't know unless you try. He also doesn't seem like the type to end a friendship over it either. Life is short, I would know." He poked her in the ribs and she giggled at the feather light touch.
"Way to make your passing young a joke and a point in your argument."
"I'm the one who died. I'm allowed to." He chuckled. "Plus, being dead isn't so bad. Dying was terrifying and unpleasant and still haunts me, but being dead is peaceful. Nothing really matters anymore and I can just exist with friends. I ran into Mina earlier and we got to talk for a while. It was nice." He shrugged.
"Hey Marco, can I ask you to do something for me? It's a bit selfish, so you can say no."
"It doesn't matter if it's selfish, because I already know it's important to you. You're not the type to ask for help unless it's important." He waited for her to continue after that.
"My mom died. I'm sure you heard the whole fiasco when my brother tried to drag me off the green when I was supposed to spar with Jean." He nodded, but waited patiently. "Her name is Lilian Mixerton. I look a lot like her. If you see her, could you tell her that I love her and that I'm sorry? If Thomas was telling the truth, she passed away near the wall. Her spirit shouldn't be too far away."
"You got it! I'll keep an eye out and I can ask around. There's a lot of spirits in this area. I'm sure someone has seen her."
"Thank-you Marco." She smiled sweetly, wishing she could hug the boy. They both paused as the door to the dungeon flew open. Guards stomped down the hallway and stopped in front of her cell. Marco had slipped into the darkest corner of the cell, hardly visible to Rowan.
"Rowan Mixerton. You are under arrest for conspiracy against humanity and harboring uncontrolled and dangerous power. You will face deliberation with Eren Jaeger tomorrow morning." The one man shouted and Rowan flinched. Uncontrolled? Her power wasn't uncontrolled.
"Sir? I was told I'd be under the guard of the Scouts. Captain Levi Ackerman was taking responsibility for Eren and I." She trusted what Levi told her. The guard scowled.
"You monsters will face judgement from Premier Zachary. He will decide if you go with the Scouts or if you face execution by the military police." With that, they wandered down to Eren's cell.
"Marco...I can't be executed. I thought I'd die by falling off a building or being eaten by a Titan...not executed by the very people I'm fighting to protect. Am I that much of a monster?" She curled in on herself, her body shaking. Marco returned to her side and did his best to comfort her,
"You're not a monster. You're one of the best people I know. It'll all be okay, I know it will. Captain Levi would never let either of you be executed." He assured her and while she knew he was right, deep down she also knew that there were things even Levi couldn't control.