Part 38
Preparations

(Sorry in advance for not sticking strictly to the manga/anime, guys. I just want to change things up a bit, so that I can integrate Fury. I assure you, within these Season 2 events, the last episode will be similar for this Fanfiction.
Then, finally, we'll be up to date with Season 3. However, I won't be making any rushes to get there in the meantime.

I hope you're all still enjoying this!)

"I'm beginning to hold speculations that Annie Leonhart was not working alone…" Erwin revealed as he placed himself behind his desk, pouring himself a small glass of his favourite Whiskey. Though instead of actually drinking it, the tall blonde spun the glass in his hand, watching as the liquid swirled within.

Both Fury and Levi stood beside each other, though opposite of the Commander. "You mean… Working with someone?" Fury asked, returning to folded arms. Her conversation with Levi moments ago becoming a distant memory so soon.

"Other Titan Shifters." Levi corrected, sighing as he took himself over to Erwin's office window to gaze out into the darkened night. Compared to the screams of earlier that day, it had become eerily quiet among the streets. "And they're most likely to be among the 104th Cadets as well. Perhaps close to Annie herself."

"Yes." Erwin agreed, finally taking a mouthful of his Whiskey and clearing his throat straight after. "Which brings us to the more obvious question; who are they?" Erwin's eyes then landed on Fury for a length of time as she stood in her own thoughts. The man wanted to say much to her, but those words needed to wait until Levi wasn't in earshot. "It was reported you did not use your ability on either Eren Jaeger or Annie, Fury."

The female moved her narrowed eyes onto the Commander, though only after she gazed over at Levi, who still seemed as uninterested in this when it came to what Fury could do. "I, uh… It wasn't doable." She admitted. "In their human forms, perhaps, though I don't wish to find that one out… However, whilst in their Titan Forms, it was like there was a barrier there of some form. Will, perhaps? They're not the mindless Titans we kill like some sick hobby. Easily manipulated. If I was betting woman, I'm thinking whilst they have full control in their Titan Forms, Bloodborn's can't get close…"

"How far are you willing to go to protect others around you?" Erwin sharply asked, clasping his hands together. "You came back, after all. Do you care for humanity now?"

At this point, even Levi looked over at Fury, intrigued by her answer. It was difficult for him to see Fury changing her opinion so easily. However, unlike Erwin, Levi has not read the content of her tattered notebook to understand that she was among people beyond the walls.

Fury lowered her head to look at her hands as she clenched them into fists as the two men awaited upon her reply. "Care still might be a stretch, however, I told Hexis I'd try…"

"Hexis?" Levi asked as Erwin raised his hand towards the Captain.

"I… I don't care for people enough to try and control these potential allies of Annie's whilst they're human. I… Don't want to see that pain again..."

"You don't want to see that type of pain in which you yourself inflict because a part of you cares, Fury." Erwin counselled, tempted to pour himself another glass of Whiskey.

Honestly, the only two people Fury could somewhat admit she cared for were just Levi and Erwin himself. Once, this would've included Hexis, but she wasn't stupid enough to understand that he was no longer made to live among a harsh existence. "There needs to be another way in determining current situations, Commander. You've experienced the pain yourself… Don't… make me do that again."

"Well then…" Levi interrupted. "We better think of something. Preparations are most definitely called for here. I suggest we bring in the likes of Armin for speculations. He himself has had first hand experience with Annie whilst she was a Titan. Perhaps there's more insight to be found as he wasn't on his own that day."

"Right now, members of the 104th squad have been placed into the old Scout HQ for safe keeping whilst we get to the bottom of this mess." Erwin enlightened, frowning.

"What if… the culprits are with them now?" Fury suggested, causing both men to listen. "Like you said, people Annie may have known and trusted. Was there any name's mentioned within her performance report that may have indicated a connection?"

"I'll have Hange check up on that, Fury. That's a good place for us to start." Erwin commended, standing from his seat. "Until then, we have the likes of Miche, Nanaba and Gelgar keeping watch over the cadets. And we still have Eren close by. In the meantime, we'll question both Armin and his friend Mikasa for details on Annie and potential allies of hers."

Fury solemnly nodded as both she and Erwin looked over at Levi as the Commander had orders. "I'm going to need you to be sharp on your feet again soon, Captain. Please rest that ankle of yours."

"Tch… Suppose I have no other choice but to do that anyway." Levi muttered, making his way to the door as Fury's eyes remained on him. Too much guilt surrounded her when it came to Levi. Keeping secrets, being the reason why he hurt his ankle in the first place. How much more could she hurt him before the guilt dissipates? Hurting him… That thought hurt her but there was nothing she could do. Erwin was not blind, for he could see the troubles surrounding this woman he had grown to care for deeply. Yet with the matters at hand, the time to be close to anyone was almost impossible.

Fury's subconscious screamed an apology towards her oldest friend. The little girl that was still trapped in a cage within her wept endlessly, begging for forgiveness. But like always, Fury kept her true self behind a barrage of defences where no one could see, or harm, her insecurities. All she did was simply watch on as Levi left the office with a small, but noticeable limp.

"To care for someone the way you care for Levi…" Erwin muttered, causing Fury to spin her head into the direction of Erwin with widened, worried eyes.

"It's not like that." She corrected, her eyes moving back to be narrowed once more. "Please understand that Levi has been in my life a long time, Sir. He… If I'm to be plain about it, saved me from myself above all else and not once did he ever judge me or question me." If only she'd realised this a long time ago. "Both he and Farlan sheltered me, fed me… Made me clean. I doubt I'd be with you, here in this office, if I had not met the both of them."

Erwin simply nodded himself as he walked over to her, placing his hands atop her delicate shoulders. "See. You do care for people."