Part 32
A Way Forward

One Week Later…

"So why were you seen attacking the Commander?" Hange questioned the jailed Fury, who stood with folded arms. Hange pushed up her glasses, willing to sit there all day if need be.

"I wasn't..." Fury responded, eyes hidden. As easy as it would be to pin the blame on Erwin for antagonising her, Fury just couldn't do it. For what she did, only she could be responsible for.

"Yeah, that's not what this report states." Hange muttered as she gave a sigh. "Look, whatever you did there was obviously a reason. Right now, things are hectic because of new prospects that have arose." The four-eyes then sniggered intently. "To think we had somebody capable of shifting into a Titan this entire time! Oh, just think of the knowledge we can extract from him!"

Fury rolled her eyes. After all she's seen, she still somewhat struggles to believe that fact. "Though Eren isn't the only special individual around here, is he?"

"Section Commander."

Hange stood to her feet, saluting the voice of Erwin. "Commander." She then looked over at the still sulking Fury and pressed her face against the cell bars; grinning with intent. "Such a rare individual." She hummed. "I can't wait to see what you're capable of doing!"

"Hange." Erwin called out in annoyance, causing Hange to raise her hands in an act of surrender and she departed from the two, leaving Erwin to somewhat nervously gaze over at Fury. "My apologies for this…"

"How could you…" Fury hissed, raising her gaze at the man that she was surely falling for. "You read my notebook, Erwin. So you were evidently aware of all that happened."

"Please understand that… I needed to see it for myself." Erwin emitted a hefty sigh as he took a seat upon the stool Hange previously sat upon. "I needed to see for myself that the stories my father used to tell to me were true. And I'm glad to say they are. Although… No, I do not wish to experience pain like that again."

Fury's eyes softened slightly. She could somewhat understand his logic. For she too refused to believe she was this Bloodborn. She too refused to believe such power existed within humans. And now to also see for herself that humans can also become Titans… There had to be more to it. Bloodborn's were born with their abilities, but to be born a Titan shifter? That didn't sit right with her.

"Levi has informed me of what you did on our way back from attempting to capture the Female Titan." Erwin then went on, causing interest to peak within Fury. "Which left him stunned. For all the time I've known you both, I've never seen him appear conflicted." Erwin then directed his gaze towards Fury, to help show her he held no hesitation in looking at her again after what she did. "If what he described is correct… Then there is something I… No, humanity, needs your help on. It'll get you out of here, I can give you my word on that."

Fury raised an eyebrow. "Really? So this is the only way forward? To get out, I must help. I'm guessing if I refuse, I stay in here?" She looked down at one of her hands, noticing that it was shaking ever so slightly. "I don't… think I'm ready for the world to see me as a monster…"

"Monster?" Erwin repeated, though soon shaking his head and he stood from the stool. He reached out his hand through the gap of the cell bars, giving Fury reason to touch him once again. "You are no monster. You and Eren are beacons of hope now for humanity. I know this displeases you, for I'm aware you do not hold humanity in such high regards as I. But I'm in need of you now to hear me out on this plan which will consist now of both you and Eren working in unison for us to bring down the Female Titan."

Fury listened intently as she held Erwin's hand. The Commander had his way with words but could she now herself believe them? Her eyes soon narrowed. "You know her identity, don't you?" Fury asked, her eyes darting to the exit of the cell area in case there were listening ears. "Why are you putting your hopes into a steady plan? I witnessed with my own eyes what that bitch did to Levi's entire squad. If you know of her identity, take her down now!"

"You never were patient…" Erwin replied, though uncertain whether it was an insult or a compliment. "Do you truly believe arresting her in plain sight of the populace is for the best? To be in an open space, enough space for her to shift and lay waste to all that we have left?"

Point made, Fury thought, as she let go of Erwin's hand so that she could rub her temple. "What of the Underground?" That wretched place. To even mention it again churned Fury's stomach. Though her suggestion had Erwin smiling.

"You and Levi still think alike." Again, was that a compliment or an insult? "He too suggested the same thing and frankly it's the best we have in terms of cornering her. Now getting her down there is the true problem."

"You're going to need to use individuals which she trusts." Fury suggested. "People she's most likely closest to. What about this Eren himself? Although that in itself is risky."

"All of this is risky." Erwin corrected, though he respected the suggestion. "Fact of the matter is, Eren is due back in court for the failure of the recent expedition."

"Who is it, Erwin?" Fury simply asked, as she held onto the cell bars with both hands. "Who holds the identity of the Female Titan? If you require my help, I'm going to need to know either way."

"Annie Leonhardt." The Commander muttered in response, though that name was unfamiliar with Fury herself. "We have Armin to thank for this revelation. I feel that boy will be my successor one of these days…"

"So… why is it you need me, Erwin?" Fury's eyes then narrowed further as Erwin peered into her orbs for a moment. "No… No, after all of this, no! I'm not putting anyone through that pain again!"

"This is our only war forward, Fury." Erwin stepped back, the echoing sound ringing through the cell block as the man had unlocked Fury's cell. "If those we entrust to bring Annie below ground fails, I'm going to need you to do what you did to me." Erwin opened the cell, simply offering Fury her release. "You've seen the deaths she's brought. The grief she's given to Levi himself…"

Fury, at this point, left her cell behind. Her glare piercing as she looked up at Erwin. He'd noticed the mention of Levi had sparked… something. "There needs to be another way. All possibilities need to be looked at here, Erwin."

"…This is the only plausible possibility we have left to work with." Erwin admitted to himself as he watched Fury climb the stairs that lead into the cell block.