Father and Son
The Head Quarters near wall Sina seems more, top of the range compared to the one they stayed in close to Wall Rose. The Building seem to appear as smooth stone bricks were used to build the main building; the walls are as tall, maybe 20 metres high.
Apparently, the nobles required this to be the last defence of the scouts if the titans were to breach wall Rose, since they walls were fur metre's thick, making it impervious to crumble under titan weight, but if the armoured titan were to come, the walls would crumble easily. Something Hange was considering as she stared at the structure.
It is quite not to her taste, it is more as a candy to the eye, maybe because it is close to wall Sina, where the buildings are extravagant, the rich and powerful dwell. Not many people that do not live withing wall Sina hold them in high regard, pompous assholes, enough to make Levi consider in beating them to a pulp, still he appreciates the cleanliness they keep.
But per as usual and in total agreement with Frey, they have their own squads do a deep clean, to everyone's dismay, Frey proclaim that all jobs that were finished must be inspected by Captain Levi.
Commander Erwin remained in his quarters/office to read upon reports made by the section commanders, theories, plans to be made, some are requesting for him to step down due to the mortal injury Erwin have received, but the Commander refused, seeing it as a hinderance that be overcome, a knock on the door, drawn his attention.
Erwin halted his progress on the reports, curious on who would come to meet him at this time of the day, since the scouts are too busy with their duties.
"Come in" Erwin ordered, seeing who walked through the door, he regretted it in an instant.
A tall balding man, a beard in a form of a goatee, slightly big around the waist, the clothes worn is of noble sense, the aura of a powerful individual the sneer on his face smells or arrogance.
"Matheus Dreiken" Erwin calmly spoke his name, not too keen in meeting the man, a powerful merchant non the less "What pleasure do I owe in meeting an esteemed businessman such as yourself"
"Erwin Smith, no longer a businessman" The sneer turning into a grin "Your seeing one of the esteemed council members and a noble of the crown, given by the king himself"
"How much did the title cost you?" Erwin spoke, keeping his composure "Not so much seeing how finely dressed you are"
"I would shake your dominant hand, yet it seemed lacking" Matheus quipped back "My service to the crown and upholding the values of mankind is what earned my reward"
"Hmm, how are Christian and Rickard?" Erwin asked changing the subject.
A smug formed on the head Dreiken's face "Christian is climbing the ranks of the MP splendidly well; Rickard is expecting his first child by fall"
"Pass on my congratulations to him" Erwin civilly congratulate, the children should not be ill viewed because of the actions of the fathers.
Matheus grunted, seeing the change of subject "Perhaps your wondering on why I am here now?"
Erwin eyed the noble in front of him, analysing the situation, "Can be many reasons why you are here, perhaps the ill goods lost at Utgard Castle, funding, favours to be bought, or possibly your youngest son Garrus" listing off the reasons, hitting the mark as Garrus's name was mentioned.
So it is because of the son, that means the oldest is no longer fit to be his successor, seeing how he climbing the ranks quickly, but not unexpected, placing him in a valuable position of influence that would extend the Dreiken name, the middle child is expecting child soon, and since Rickard is in the MP, another valuable tool, but overhearing from what Garrus have said, not the most suitable since the child would overcome his sense of duty, that would leave the youngest Garrus to take over the business while the father plays noble.
The scowl paints many pictures, Erwin takes this as a small victory, noting the corrupt has its reach.
"I have no idea about Utgard Castle" Matheus feigning ignorance, not too pleased of the ill-gotten goods being destroyed, but the upside the titans have saw to the evidence being destroyed "But yes I have come to collect Garrus seeing that his future is wasted here"
"Wasted?" Erwin questioned, interesting choice of words "I believe your son chose to be here, already ready to give his heart for humanity"
"He was supposed to be in the Military Police" Matheus interrupted, realising his slip, regained his composure "I will not play around Erwin, the scouts are not what it used to be, even if you do have Eren Yeager, it will be short lived"
Again, more interesting choice of words, worry have overcoming Erwin, a feeling that there is more to his words than he would let on.
"Perhaps you should allow him to decide, since I have heard you have disregarded him through childhood" Erwin stating another fact, seeing if he can gauge a reaction, sadly Matheus did not take the bait.
"It builds character, only the strong survive, the weak perishes under the powerful" Matheus spoke "The boy would know his place in the Dreiken family, seeing I offer him now great wealth and power"
"Build character yes, but even the weakest of people have a strength, non-have ever seen" Erwin countered.
"Yet you allowed traitors to walk in your ranks, three as far as I hear?" Matheus gritted back, Erwin was caught off guard, that information was supposed to be secret, how he obtain this knowledge, he must find out the source, then again there were military police amongst the mission.
"Your losing your grip Erwin, I suggest you tread carefully, now bring Garrus here immediately" Matheus demanded, now not having the patience to play Erwin's mind games.
"No doubt, your arrival may have alerted him" Erwin calmly stated, having no intention on doing so, the boy would come or not, it matters no little difference.
The door swung open and speaking of the devil, Garrus stood there, eyeing the atmosphere in the room, Matheus was about to become smugger, yet held his tongue as Levi was right behind Garrus his gaze fixed on him, the guy had an aura of murderous intent.
"Oi, Brat" Levi casually spoke "It's rude to barge in without knocking" seeing upon the fat noble in the room across Erwin, perhaps he would let this one slide. Deciding to move himself inside as the brat stood at the door, leaning against the wall, amused at the sight laying before him.
The tension grew as the silence between father and son, it is suffocating to say for the least.
"Ah Garrus, glad you're here, we were just talking about you" Erwin casually spoke, as if the tense atmosphere were not there at all.
"Why the fat bastard here?" Garrus blurted out, his eyes never leaving the man in front of him. Levi grunted in amusement, an exceptionally good question indeed.
"Is that any way to speak to your father?" Matheus face grew in anger.
"Father?" Garrus asked incredulously "Don't know him, just a fat slob that paid more attention to the eldest child and discard his youngest"
"I did that in the best of intentions" Matheus retorted, not too pleased with the tone.
"Best intentions?" Garrus grew in anger "Was it the best intentions to slash your sone with a knife for stepping out of line?" pointing to the scar on his face.
"Best intentions in saying I will live up to nothing with my behaviour, saying I should have died with my mother?" Garrus anger grew with each word uttered out of his mouth.
"Hold your tongue boy, before I rectify that" Matheus barked "I am here to take you away, you will take hold of the merchant business, you will obey every order I give and you will do so as a Dreiken"
"Fuck your business" Garrus raged "I rather shit and piss on it and serve it to the titans, I rather see you try and control me"
Levi could swear he saw a vein pop as the elder mans face turned to a shade of purple, amusing indeed.
"How dare you speak to me like that, I came to bring you away so you can live as a king" Matheus bellowed, ignoring the stares of Erwin and Levi, apparently enjoying the spectacle they are viewing.
"A king?" Garrus laughed "Nah, your good, I'm already got a woman, I enjoy the brush of death"
"The whore from that pungent village" Matheus spat, until suddenly Garrus launched himself planting a fist into his jaw kncking the man down, shock overwhelmed him as the insolence of the boy, starting to get up to kill the child he should have done long ago.
"That woman name is Sasha and she is far better than you, better than Christian have ever treated me" Garrus stormed forward only to have Levi grabbing hold of him, preventing him from continuing the beating.
"As much as I would enjoy you beating the shit out of the poor slob" Levi grunted on the resistance "It would be difficult to explain his sudden death"
Erwin observed as the head Dreiken stood on his feet, murderous glare pointed to the young man, but withheld within fear with the man holding him.
"I believe you have your answer Matheus" Erwin spoke casually, amused at the scene but keeping his face neutral.
Matheus spat at the floor near Erwin, Levi having a mind to let go of the brat to let him finish the job but withheld because of Erwin.
"This is not the end Erwin" Matheus seethed before barging his way through the duo in the way, storming out the room.
Erwin watched the man storm out, he needs to be careful of him, his position of power have made things complicated for him and the scouts, the words that was spoken was a warning, something Erwin need to get to the bottom of.
Turning to Garrus who Levi casually let go, the boy breathing hard but the smile was pleasant to see, apparently the built up aggression was thrown into that punch, the boy had good amount of restraint until the insult to his partner, neither Levi or Erwin could fault him for losing it.
"Well Garrus" Erwin spoke drawing the boy's attention "I am please to see that you are fully committed to the scouts, the promise of wealth and power is surely tempting" choosing his words to see Garrus's response.
"Wealth and power means nothing if those titan bastards win, not even throwing away what I have, that makes me, me" Garrus harshly spoke through gritted teeth, still angry at the man that stormed out.
"wise words" Erwin smiled "You are correct, if the titans gain victory, it will be the end of all of humanity"
Garrus nodded "You may leave, I believe your friends and comrades are concern for your sudden rush to my office" with that Garrus left, eager to get out of the room.
"Kid got a lot of guts" Levi commented, before humouring himself some more "Still a disgusting animal that needs to keep it in his pants"
"Thank you, Levi, your presence here may have prevented further misconceptions from happening here" Erwin thanking Levi, Matheus is an angry man, but he is not stupid.
"No problem" Levi shrugged "While it was fun seeing that fat slob getting punched, mind telling me why he is here?"
"As you are already aware he wished to bring Garrus into the fold, but that is not all, his choice of words have brought some alarm concerning Eren Yeager" Erwin stated, Levi remained focus as he now leant against the wall.
"What about Eren?" Levi asked, already telling that Erwin is quite concern.
"I am unsure yet" Erwin stated again "Apparently Eren's power have drawn the attention of the crown, that what I can deduct from Matheus words"
Matheus knew more yet the man is brutal within his operations and he does not make threats lightly.
"So, what's the plan then?" Levi asked.
Erwin sat back a thought, his hand resting on his chin "We do nothing for now, proceed as normal until I say otherwise"
Levi stood in thought, before standing himself up right "Fair enough Erwin, I trust your judgement"
"You did what?" Izzy exclaimed, Garrus have came in a bit of a mood and when they ask him what happened he told the whole story.
"I punched the old fart" Garrus shrugged, feeling good that he did.
"But why?" Izzy asked, Bruno observing the reaction, amused that Izzy tend to forget the reason why he did so.
"The elder Dreiken have insulted his woman, a natural response for any man" Bruno calmly stated, as a few was confused with Bruno's way of speaking.
"Bruno, why are you speaking like that?" Izzy asked, as Garrus chuckled.
"That's how he normally talks, he had to adapt in training around Dorian and Marcus to avoid the piss getting taken out of him" Garrus chuckled, becoming solemn, now that they are dead Bruno no longer see need to keep up the pretence anymore.
"Indeed" Bruno agreed "I feel more comfortable speaking like this, I believe everyone should choose their way about themselves" nodding to Sasha aware of her accent, she still hides.
Speaking of the woman, Sasha seem distant as Garrus told her story, Garrus picked up on it, concern spread over his face.
"Shitbreath, what's up?" Garrus called out, Sasha still dwelling in her thoughts "Sasha?" now that pulled her out, since Garrus only calls her that if he is genuinely concerned for her.
"Why didn't you take the deal?" Sasha asked, Garrus taken aback, shocked and a bit of anger "You have been given the opportunity to have a better life, why didn't you take it?"
"Would you rather I did?" Garrus turning the question onto her, the gasp from her answered enough before the words spewed out of her mouth.
"No!" waving her hands in defence "It means you could have lived comfortably and have someone better"
Garrus features softened a bit "I'm happy now, yeah we live life on the edge, but none of that would be appealing without you in it"
"Aw" Izzy spoke as her eyes fluttered at the blush forming on Sasha's face, the guy have a way with words if he put his mind to it.
"Then again, I don't think I would have another woman that would be able to put up with me anyways" Garrus shrugged, now the moment is gone as Sasha smiled genuinely, happy that Garrus have gone back to Garrus she fallen for, pulling him into an embrace and into a deep kiss.
"Alright enough soppy shit" Garrus pulling away "Let us get some training in" before heading to the storage unit where the ODM are kept, rather not having people speak about his kinder side, he has a reputation to keep.
Jean and Connie walked to Bruno; smiles plastered on their face at the scene they have witnessed and heard.
"We are so not going to live this down" Jean grinned as Connie snickered, Bruno looked to the two, a small smile crept on his face.
"Indeed" agreeing that now they saw a side to Garrus in public, they will never relent on the teasing they will bring, it would be worth it in the end.
Near the walls as Hange and Frey oversaw the experiments, to further understand the powers of the titan. To begin with Hange asked Eren if the others mentioned anything to him during his capture.
Eren sat back, fighting the urge of the traitors, needing to focus on anything they may have mentioned.
"As far as I can remember, if our limbs were severely loss, our bodies focus on healing" Eren recalled "Apparently according to them we won't be able to transform during that process"
Hange stood in thought, they saw Mikasa slicing Reiner's arm off, possibly it has to be an immediate transformation during any harm done to the user, if the body left to it's own devices and began the healing process they won't be able to transform.
"Anything else?" Hange asked, the more information the better, it would conduct the tests a much more controlled matter instead of going blind.
Eren sat back a bit more, trying to remember the best he could "They need rest after transformation, which must be the reason why they tried to wait till nightfall and not straight away"
"Humm" Hange thought, deciphering the mystery of the power of the titans is pure excitement, the thought of it sends tingling sensations through her body, getting to excited.
Slamming her fist down onto her palm "I have an idea, if your willing Eren, we can see how many times you can transform before your body would be unable to do so"
"Really Hange?" Frey questioned "I would try and see how he could control titans" a fair astute assumption.
Eren seem puzzled "I don't quite know how I did that" apologising that he does not know how.
"It's quite alright Eren" Hange patting his back "It would involve titans for that experiment to have merit and I doubt the commander is willing to have us go out in titan territory to test how you can"
Frey thought a moment, that's why Hange did not suggest that experiment, it would mean risking soldiers and Eren to see if he can control them and if he couldn't then it be futile and the risks to high to attempt it.
Hange called out to Eren to begin the test, seeing that Levi has yet to return, Frey conveyed orders to Mikasa and Armin to stay on the wall.
Mikasa and Armin watched as Eren transformed, the flash of yellow light originated where Eren stood, his titan roaring after the transformation.
They are lucky to not be near wall Sina, but the HQ seem to be isolated well enough for the experiments to commence in private, Yet Mikasa have a feeling they are being watched.
"You feel it to?" Armin inquired, his eyes observing beyond Eren, trying to find where the feeling is coming from.
Mikasa scanned the tree's nearby, something hiding within, must be an animal spooked but the moment she saw something it has disappeared as soon as soon as she saw it, it is definitely someone watching them, focusing on Eren again.
Eren transformed the second time, the titan appears thinner and smaller, as Eren emerged from the name, his cheeks gaunt as the markings appear deeper and more burnt, steam emitting furiously off the body.
"Hange I think he has enough" Frey warned, seeing the state Eren is in, the titan does not look strong the second time round, barely able to stand on its legs.
"One more, I think he has one more push to give" Hange exclaimed in excitement without Levi around to stop her she has full control.
Eren looking up horrified, but growing determined to do it one more time, biting down on his hand, transforming again.
This time no roar came as the titan looked like a husk, the arms and chest as thin as the blades they wield, its lower body grey and tiny.
Hange widened in shock maybe they should not have pushed him that far "Ok Eren, you can rest now"
Eren is not emerging from the titan, hearing Levi coming along on the wall.
"What the fuck is that?" Hange can hear Levi, his gaze focused on the titan below.
Mikasa watched intently, worry washed over her as Eren is unmoving, still remained inside the nape of his titan.
Levi zipped down onto the nape, the steam intense as the body, slicing the nape open carefully, to avoid injuring Eren inside.
The steam rushed out of the nape as it was forcibly opened as Levi gagged on the intensity, he leaves Hange alone for short while since he has to handle a situation with Dreiken, and he comes back to Eren unconscious.
"Oi Eren, you can stop sleeping around" Grabbing hold the scuff of his shirt, pulling up, the next moment Mikasa screamed in horror as the skin was pulled from Eren's face leaving nothing but bone, as the third transformation burnt away his flesh steam, steam frothing as it tried to heal Eren desperately.
Levi instantly pulled Eren out as his limbs were burnt thin as if it is a corpse, pressing his head against the shallow chest, a weak beat shows Eren is barely alive.
Hange mortified at the sight "Oh god, I'm sorry Eren, I'm so sorry"
"Quit apologising and get him inside to see if he's alive" Frey panicked, not too keen at seeing Yeager in this sorry state.
Mikasa instantly rushing to Eren's side as he was placed on the stretcher, Moblit and Frey carrying him inside the headquarters as quickly and steadily as possible.
Levi about to follow, turned around to the tree's seeing a cloaked figure disappearing from view, Levi narrowed his eyes, turning to Hange who is whimpering in despair of her actions.
"Oi, shitty four eyes" Levi said, causing the woman to look to him "You do realise we were being watched"
Blinking Hange looked to the tree's unable to see anything, this is not good "We have to inform Erwin" Hange croaked.
Levi nodding "Yeah tell him how you nearly killed Yeager with your experiments and how you guys are not aware of your surroundings and doing nothing about it"
Hange paled, well this will be an awkward report and Erwin will not be too happy about it.
"Are you going to get the spy?" Hange inquired, maybe Levi can rectify this.
"Tch, the bastard might have gotten away, even if I did go after it, it disappeared as soon as I noticed whatever it is" Levi chastised, he left them alone for a short while, does he have to baby sit everyone.
Returning into the Headquarters, the figure watched within the bushes, amused at the sight, observing the infrastructure they are dwelling in.
With both two people clocking on him, it will be difficult to infiltrate, his eyes focused on the titan holder as it was carried in, deciding to head to the city in wall Sina, deciding to see what information he could get out of the Military Police stationed there, knowing how incompetent they are in their information handling. Adapting to the situation, the mission coming first, everything depends on what the scouts do that would decide the man's choices.
His goal clear, find the few scouts marked for death and silence them, whatever information they hold regarding the titans, destroy and disrupt their advancement, capture Eren Yeager if possible, for the good of humanity.
Mikasa waited outside the room as Eren healed, Hange apologising for her pushing the understanding of Eren's powers, Mikasa can not blame her, Eren wished to do this despite her protests, despite the fact they do not know the limitations.
Armin is on board as they discuss of the hidden spy, watching them, Levi agrees, apparently the information of this spy would confirm Erwin's suspicions how Matheus knew about the top secret information the scouts holds to their chests, the three titan spies that stayed hidden underneath their noses, Eren's power of controlling the titans.
Mikasa thoughts returned to Alan, a inkling reside in her stomach that Alan may not be dead as she felt his eyes set on her, Armin have always said that Alan is very hard to kill due to his strength, as always he has a trick to get out the toughest situation, but that is the part of her that hopes that he is alive, Eren and the others believes him to be dead, except for Armin, who always tries to get inside Alan's head, why did he do what he did, Mikasa grew tired of the matter, another feeling that the few days as the enigma of doom coming again, the same feeling she had before Stohess with Alan concerned.
True to his word Matheus have requested to have all scouts to hand themselves along with Eren Yeager to the crown custody.
Forcing Erwin's hand in the matter giving orders to both Frey and Levi to have their squads go into hiding, the sole purpose is to protect Eren Yeager, while Erwin handles the matters concerning Matheus.
Frey and Levi stood aside to each other as Frey gave out the orders that they will go to a house in the woods, much to their dismay, which means they all have to do another deep clean, to which Garrus threatens to wipe his ass on the walls and have them lick it.
Not that Levi would have any say.
The coming week would bring great stress to both Squad Levi and squad Frey.
A/N: It was fun setting the stage for Garrus for me, since Alan is not in the picture for now. Season 3 will be take a while to write out, as I want it to feel not rushed. any suggestions or criticism is appreciated. Enjoy. :)
Myzor: Eren could be gentle, but he is hot headed, especially what he has to go through, seeing Mikasa being hurt after trusting someone to protect her, Alan is in Eren's shitlist that's for sure.
EBREUSAUSAR: Good question indeed, who is in power? But to say that doesn't spoil the story Zeke is the leader of the Warrior's Alan is simply second in charge. Levi, is a struggle to keep true to who he is, a lot of fictions I read, feels like they strayed on how he really is, it is my mission to make sure that Erwin and Levi is as badass as they are in both the anime and manga, I can not settle for less with them. I appreciate peoples opiniions when it concerns them because I hate to ruin the two favourite characters.
Cecilia: Not really relevant to the story, but it made me chuckle because of how random it is, but yes I love history as well lmao xD