Chapter 5: What About the Avengers?
Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin
Previously: Hange and Erwin learn Eren's heart failed. Eren meets the other Eren and they talk. He wakes up when Armin and Mikasa come to visit him.
When Eren opened his eyes, sunlight was pouring from the windows, blinding him.
Hissing like a vampire, he pulled up the sheets and turned on his side. He opened his eyes again. Is that pudding? His stomach growled loudly. Grabbing the cup, he ate a spoonful. "So fucking good," he moaned happily.
Eren observed around the empty room. Where was he? A hospital? He remembered blacking out as they half dragged half carried his body out of the courtroom. Was that when he met up with his other self? How long had it been since then? He flexed his fingers. His body was responding properly. It didn't feel rusty from lack of use. But he didn't know if his regeneration abilities could prevent that. His tooth was back, too.
It couldn't have been that long, though. Eren really hoped not, for his friends' sake. Putting the cup aside, he pulled off the bandages wrapped around his wrist, arm, and forehead. They were constricting his movements. Before he could pick up the cup and tame the monster in his belly, he heard voices.
Jumping off the bed, he went to the door and listened closely. Sounds like Erwin, Mikasa, and Armin. He couldn't be sure but he swore he heard something about what had happened after the trial. Rushing back to the bed, he quickly tried to get rid of the bandages around his ribs. If they already knew what happened after he was taken away from the courtroom, then nothing could be done about it. But if they didn't, he'd rather not give it away looking like he was patched up. At very least, it would reduce their worry to see him looking well.
Eren heard Armin call after Mikasa and there were footsteps running in his room's direction. Out of time, he shoved the bandages under the blanket and didn't bother putting his shirt back on, grabbing the pudding seconds before the door flew open.
He very much enjoyed the shocked look on Erwin's face, doing a double-take. Eren's heart was racing as he talked casually.
"Are you okay?" Armin asked, standing next to Mikasa, who was simply eyeing every bit of his body, looking for any signs of injury.
And admiring the view, Eren hoped. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"You took a nasty beating during the trial yesterday. They wouldn't tell us anything after they took you away. So when they brought us to a hospital we assumed the worst."
"I have regeneration abilities. I don't even think decapitation could kill me," he boasted. Then he paused and said, "Hey, do you think—"
"Don't even think about it!" Mikasa scolded, realizing where he was headed.
"You were really worried, huh?" His eyes softened. Eren opened his arms. "Look. I'm totally—" She threw herself in his arms without hesitation, holding him tight. Eren froze. He smiled, hugging her back, resting his cheek against her head. "I'm okay, really." She squeezed him tighter. "Mikasa, stop!"
"Did I hurt your ribs?" Her eyes widened in alarm.
"Who cares about my stupid ribs? I almost dropped my pudding!"
Looking relieved and relaxed, Armin chuckled and sat in the chair by the bed. "Why are you in a hospital if you're not hurt? And why aren't you wearing a shirt?"
"The shirt was itchy." Eren's eyes shifted briefly to the commander, watching the scene unfold in silence. "And I'm here because they wanted to do some boring medical tests."
"What kinds of tests?" Mikasa asked suspiciously.
"Not whatever human experiments you're thinking. They were just checking my weight, blood pressure, reflexes, asking about allergies, that kind of normal checkup stuff. But more detailed. It was pretty dull. Glad they accepted my request to let me see you guys so you won't worry too much."
"I see. Thank you for that, Commander Erwin," Armin said to him.
"It was nothing," Erwin replied without hesitation. "Unfortunately, this visit will have to be a short one. We need to move Eren to a secret location outside the capital."
Mikasa looked disappointed. "This is all we get?"
"You know I'm okay. That was the point of this quick visit," Eren said. Ah, so fucking cute my heart's melting! He thought, seeing Mikasa stared at his face as if trying to memorize every last detail. Finally, she stood. "I'll see you guys soon, I hope."
"Take care of yourself." Mikasa squeezed his hands once. "Promise me."
"I will."
"And don't cause trouble," Armin said.
"Yeah, that'll happen. Now get going. It's not like we're never seeing each other again." They gave him one last glance at the door and waved. Eren waited patiently for the commander to escort them out. He finished his pudding and licked the spoon clean before putting it away.
"Why did you do that?" Erwin asked, closing the door behind him.
"Cause the pudding's awesome." Eren reached for his shirt. "You got any more?"
"I meant why did you not tell them about..."
"Getting beaten to death?" Eren provided helpfully.
Erwin watched him cautiously.
"I didn't want them to freak out over something they had no control over and had already happened. 'Sides, Mikasa would've killed your psycho hobbit." A silly smile made its way over Eren's face. "I'm not going to turn my love into a murderer." The dopey expression disappeared, replaced by a grim look. "Especially since I'm the one idiot who gave up."
Erwin occupied Armin's recently vacated spot. "Do you remember the decision Chief Zackly made?"
"No, I was a little distracted wondering if I was having a heart attack. Couldn't really hear what he was saying. But, since you're here, I can make a guess."
"It was decided that you would be placed in Levi's custody. I don't know how the chief feels about that now. The doctors told us you weren't likely to make it. We were more occupied with how to handle the situation if you hadn't survived. Before I go deliver the news, I would like to hear your opinion."
"Really? Didn't think my opinion was worth shit to you people."
"The decision rests in the chief's hands," Erwin explained calmly. "But if you have anything to say I could relay the message for you."
Eren's expression was carefully neutral. "It's fine. I'll stay with his squad. I've something important I need to say to Captain Levi."
Erwin was surprised by his words. "I must admit, I wasn't expecting this. I thought you'd either agree out of fear or, more likely, throw a hissy-fit about wanting to choose a different squad leader to stay under. I already even approached Mike just now after I saw your friends off."
"The dude who goes around sniffing people?" Eren couldn't help but chuckle.
"Yes. He likes you. I thought you'd have liked to join his squad. That was if you didn't demand a transfer to the Garrison all together. Not that that was an option."
Eren grinned, remembering how Hannes and his buddies used to lounge around, playing cards and guzzling booze. "Sitting around getting drunk all day, huh?" His grin faltered. "Sounds kinda sad and pathetic, actually."
"Very well." Erwin stood. "I'll let the chief know."
"Actually, I have two conditions." His words stopped the commander at the door. "If you want my full cooperation and silence..."
"He said that?" Zackly raised an eyebrow. "Well, considering his actions in court I shouldn't be too shocked, I suppose."
"Sir, what is your decision then?"
"You're lucky, Erwin." Zackly took off his glasses and cleaned them. "The best possible scenario came true. What are the odds?"
"Impossible," Erwin agreed, sitting across from him.
"The boy not only managed to survive but he's willing to keep quiet and achieve your ambitious goal of retaking Wall Maria. All for the price of having the freedom to keep in touch with his friends. And pudding." He shook his head incredulously.
"Four hundred sixty-three cups exactly. His lucky number, he said."
"You can do that much at least. Very well, the Survey Corps may retain custody of Eren Yeager and continue with their plans."
"Thank you, Chief."
"Thank me by not screwing up again."
"You called for us, Erwin?"
The commander turned around. "Yes." He moved from the window to sit at his desk. Hange looked curious. It appeared she hadn't heard the news yet. Mike already knew since Erwin had approached him and asked if he would accept Eren into his squad if Zackly allowed it.
Levi looked more tired than usual, carrying a heavy air around him. He had pretty much locked himself in his room. It was the first time he had come out. Erwin felt sympathy for him, he really did. As hard a man as he was, Levi greatly valued human life and didn't have it in him to even accidentally kill a kid without falling into despair. "I brought Arlert and Ackerman to see Eren earlier this afternoon."
Hange's face became grimmer while Levi's expression remained unchanged.
"I didn't get a chance to explain what had happened before they ran off to see him."
"Oh no," Hange said sadly. "What happened?"
"When we got to his room, Eren was sitting up in his bed, perfectly fine, dumping pudding in his mouth by the spoonful." The air shifted in the room. He almost felt their relief. There was finally a glimmer of emotion in Levi's eyes, shock and hope.
Hange shrieked happily, looking giddy. "I'm so glad he's okay! How are his injuries? There's no permanent damage, is there? Can I go see him?"
"Dr. Kissinger checked and cleared him. She was amazed that he's in perfect condition. Healthy as a horse, she said."
"I have to go see him!"
"Has he said anything?" Mike asked. "About what happened at the courtroom?"
Erwin sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Yes. He wants restitution for that."
"What do you mean?" Hange tilted her head. "He wants money?"
The commander rubbed his forehead. "No, he wants pudding. He said he's going to pick a couple of his favorite flavors and let me know exactly how many cups of each he wants." Hange's mouth fell open, as did Mike's. "The boy's going to eat up a small portion of our funds for the upcoming expedition in pudding." Erwin suppressed a groan.
Mike snickered and Hange laughed loudly.
"Aside from that, he asked to be allowed to keep in touch with his friends. I told him we had to screen his letters. He wasn't thrilled about it but agreed."
"When are we moving him? The plan's still to take him to the old, abandoned HQ, right?"
"That's correct, Hange. You can go see him now if you want." She didn't need to be told twice and practically skipped out of the room. Erwin nodded at Mike, who took the hint and dismissed himself. Levi turned to go but the commander stopped him. "No, you stay, Levi. I need to talk to you."
Levi crossed his arms over his chest. "You can just tell me he demanded I'm not allowed near him, it won't hurt my feelings."
"That will be impossible."
"You can't be serious." Understanding washed over his face. "Mike is the best soldier, second only to me. Why didn't you place the boy with his squad?" Levi asked, dismayed. "I'm sure he could handle Eren if he went out of control."
"It wasn't my decision."
"Zackly?" Levi frowned. "You—"
"The chief accepted what Eren said. Which was to go with the original plan."
"But—"
"If Eren agreed to this, then what right do you have refusing?" Erwin asked bluntly, making him flinch. Not something he saw every day. "You can leave Mitras now and go back to HQ. Let your squad know that Hange and Mike will be escorting Eren there. When they get there, you're all to leave for the old castle immediately. That is all. You're dismissed."
"Where're the guards?" Hange studied the hallway nervously. Inside the room, the bed was empty. "Where's Eren?!"
Did he give us a false sense of security so he could escape? Mike thought in worry. Why hadn't they thought of that? They left the deserted wing and ran into a familiar face.
"Oh, I wasn't expecting to see you yet."
"Doctor, have you seen Eren?" Hange asked, almost frantic.
"Yes. I believe he's causing serious damage to the hospital's pudding storage right now. And he's corrupted his guards so they're helping him," she told them, thoroughly amused.
Mike's shoulders slumped in relief.
"Don't be too harsh with his guards. Eren asked me where we kept the pudding and if he could get some. I offered to retrieve a cup for him but he insisted I should focus on patients who actually needed me. Then he threatened to jump out the window when his guards refused to let him go to the storage room, saying he'd heal and run off before they could get down there in time."
"That sneaky little shit," Mike muttered and the doctor chuckled.
"I can't believe he's raiding your pudding supply of all things right now," Hange said in fond exasperation. After getting directions and thanking the doctor, they made their way to the cellar.
Eren and his two guards were too absorbed to notice them.
Hange crossed her arms and cleared her throat. "Ahem."
"Huh?" Eren turned. "Oh. It's the crazy lady and the human sniffer."
The guards hastily saluted them, making the teen snicker as they also casually hid the pudding cups behind their backs with the move, but had the spoon above their heart. Once Mike had scolded them for neglecting their duty, he turned to Eren.
Hange was standing in front of him, peering into his mouth. "Wow, your tooth grew back!"
Eren closed his mouth. "Yup."
"Oooh, this is going to be great! I can't wait to do my experiments on you!" Hange began babbling in excitement. "Not anything lethal, of course." She started babbling about the ideas she had in mind, getting more and more worked up.
Eren made a show of slowly inching away from her with an expression on his face screaming get a load of this oddball.
There's almost something innocent about him. Mike thought. He didn't think Eren's reaction during the trial counted. The boy had practically had a meltdown then. He's so carefree. Mike had interviewed some of Eren's fellow trainees and was struck by how different he was compared to the image he had in his head.
While Eren was still passionate, reckless, and opinionated, he also appeared to be pretty happy-go-lucky and uncaring about the Titans. Mike hadn't once heard him curse the giants he apparently harbored an intense desire to slaughter. Or seen him lose his temper. With the trial, obviously, being the only exception. What a curious boy.
Eren felt butterflies in his stomach. Why am I so nervous? He wiped his clammy palms on his pants. With a sigh, he inspected himself. Dressed in the military uniform, he felt ridiculous. He wished he could have a word or two with the genius that designed it. Who thinks white pants for soldiers are a good idea?
There was a knock at the door. "Come in."
Mike entered and said, "Are you ready?"
To throw up, yeah. Eren nodded. "Let's go."
They left the hospital in a carriage. The ride had temporarily distracted him. It's slower and there's no music or a heater or an AC. But he still enjoyed his first time in a carriage. There weren't any traffic lights or jaywalkers, two of his least favorite things about driving. His two companions were visibly amused by his delight at something that was fairly average to them.
Eren's smile vanished once they reached their destination. He wasn't shy around people and never had trouble making friends. But something about going to a new place and meeting new people still held a small degree of anxiety.
Petra wondered what kind of person Eren was. Her captain had mentioned before the trial that if everything went well, he would be joining them in an undisclosed location. She sipped her tea, trying to imagine a human turning into a Titan. She was rather curious to see it happen and hoped the chief would place Eren in their custody.
Levi materialized in the doorway, pulling her from her thoughts. "Captain Levi." She made to salute him but he waved her down before she could stand. "What happened? Will Eren be joining us?"
"Yes."
"That's great! When will he be here?"
"In an hour. Go get ready. We'll leave for the old castle, the former HQ, once he arrives. Let the others know."
"Yes, sir."
Levi paused in the doorway. "And tell me when they get here. Hange and Mike will be escorting him. She and her squad will join us at the old HQ in a few days."
Petra watched him leave, brow slightly furrowed. What's wrong with Captain Levi? She had always thought he carried an air of perpetual weariness around him. Not physical but emotional, even when he was in the middle of battle. He seemed shaken. She couldn't imagine what could have caused that. Had something happened? With that curious thought in mind, she gathered the others and shared the news.
"I heard he killed twenty Titans when he was rampaging," Eld said, looking impressed.
"He's going to be a great asset," Gunther agreed, nodding.
Oluo scoffed arrogantly. "He's still a stupid rookie. He'd better not let that shit get to his head."
They sat under a tree outside, talking until Eld spotted the carriage. "Look, that must be them." He pointed at the approaching carriage in the distance.
Petra stood, dusting her pants. "I'll get Captain Levi." She knocked on his office door and entered. "Captain, they'll be here any minute now."
The squad had already packed ahead of time in preparation to leave right away. They had loaded their horses with a few days' worth of clothes and provisions. The rest of their belongings and supplies were coming with Hange's squad in wagons.
"Go on, I'll be right there," Levi dismissed her.
What's with him? Petra thought as she left. Outside, the trio stepped out of the carriage. She knew Eren was fifteen but it still took her back. Especially since new blood was rare in the Survey Corps and she didn't spend as much time around the rookies. He looks like such a kid. There was an air of shy nervousness around him that really drove it in.
Eren was standing tall, shoulders back, but he was positioned slightly behind the two squad leaders. His expression was relaxed but his eyes darted from face to face. When his gaze landed on her, she smiled. His shoulders dropped a little. She knew her teammates were sizing him up. Eld and Gunther both had a good poker face and Oluo was likely sneering. She figured they had done a good job intimidating him and there was no need for her to scare him, too.
"Hey, guys!" Hange greeted them cheerfully.
"Squad Leader Hange," Eld replied respectfully.
Mike glanced around. "Where's Levi?"
Petra checked behind her. "I thought he'd be here by now."
"No worries. We don't need introducing since we're already acquainted," Eren said coolly.
"Right." Hange's smile became strained.
What was that about? Petra wondered.
"Well, he really should be the one doing this but it's fine. Squad Levi, this is Eren Yeager," Mike said, gesturing to the boy. "Your new teammate."
Eren held up a hand. "Uh, hey." Then he put his hand down, trying not to show how awkward he felt. His arms hung uselessly by his sides, twitching, likely wishing for pockets.
Aww. Petra found his attempt to mask his shyness very cute. She could relate, remembering joining the Survey Corps and feeling out of place. At least when their squad had formed they'd all been new and nervous together.
Hange pointed them out as she introduced them. "He's Eld Gin, the second-in-command. That's Gunther Schultz and Oluo Bozado. And that's Petra Ral."
"They're your new team," Mike told him. "The Special Ops Squad. Or more commonly referred to as Squad Levi."
Eren tilted his head curiously. "Why the Special Ops Squad?"
Eld smiled as he explained. "We're the top-tier soldiers handpicked by Captain Levi. That makes us the most elite squad of our division. So we get the toughest missions in any operation."
Eren seemed to sense the friendly vibe and relaxed. "Cool." He nodded. "Have you guys ever thought about changing the name, though?"
Petra wasn't expecting that and neither were her teammates.
Gunther quirked his eyebrows in surprise. "Change our name?"
"Yeah. Oh! I know!" Eren's eyes lit up in excitement. "What about the Avengers?"
Petra exchanged a puzzled look with the other men.
At that moment began Eren's one-man mission to get everyone to start calling them the Avengers.
Nobody did.
References
The Avengers — Team of superheroes
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