Planning in Motion
Corpses littered the place, as the anti-personnel unit walked through from the entrance and the halls, what remains of the shadow unit was dead, throats slit, arms, legs dismembered, one lowered to inspect one kill, as if admiring it.
"Dreiken" a blonde woman called out, drawing the man's attention, its long black hair wrapped in a ponytail, clean shaven stood up and followed, only three walked in as the rest stand watch outside.
The leading man, walked past ignoring the bodies, the man wore a black waist coat, sporting a black fedora, its features old, but neatly slicked back hair, it's stubble brittle and hard, yet it's eyes black and piercing, opening the room that lead to the commanders office.
The leader whistled at the sight before him.
What use to be the Shadow unit commander is now a mangled corpse, missing fingers, two gaping holes in both legs, face cut from different angles as if someone was carving into the poor bastard, if those injuries didn't kill him the clean cut across the throat did, the way it was done, it was meant to have the prisoner die slowly and excruciatingly painful as they choke on their own blood.
Kenny Ackerman eyes glanced to the window, forced open but appears to look from the outside that whoever was inside was getting some fresh air. Whoever did this is clever, too clever to not only avoid detection but to kill everyone inside the building and brutally interrogate the commander without alerting anyone until its too late. They only came due to someone reporting of intensified screaming.
"Caven" Kenny spoke, alerting the woman nearby "Have the squad scour the area, the one responsible wouldn't have gone far"
"Yes sir" Caven saluted before heading out, leaving Christian Dreiken alone with Kenny Ackerman.
Kenny stood up as he walked around, noting of worth, twenty soldiers laid inside this building, all snuffed out by a single man. The reports were there, a single observer watched and prowled, soon showing its hand and snuffing them all out.
Sitting on the now dead Commander's chair, the most cleanest part of the room, Kenny found it entirely amusing, he can see it all play before him as he sat there, two guards by the door, the commander in the chair, the other four was standing in the middle, one idly looking at books, the other pouring a glass, seeing the dead body and the whisky bottle sprayed over the floor, such a waste of good whisky, the other two in front of the commander, either receiving or giving reports on their findings.
Kenny smiled, seeing the guards to fall, the whisky holder to fall next in quick succession, two jumped into action, one tried to run, Kenny respected killing the coward first, for he has no time or use for cowards, looking at the clean cuts of the fighters, the guy was strong, not a woman, he could tell for sure, call it instinct.
But looking to the commander, it appears the commander didn't break despite the injuries given, only a strong minded person would be able to put up with that, looking to the floor safe, the guy must have found it and slit his throat right then and there.
"Dreiken" Kenny spoke looking to the hole on the ground "Check if that's empty" looking at the documents on splayed over the table, he had a lot of time reading through all of this, cocky in his abilities, must have been three hours since he was sitting there, going through the place like he owns it.
"Empty sir" Christian said "looks like he is thorough in what he's doing" adding that part, Kenny laughed, thorough would be too strong a word, this is an experienced raid and the guy left no stone unturned.
"Tell me, who do you think would do this?" Kenny asked, wanting to the kids mind, Kenny hated the father, using his money as a key to power, fat little coward that's for sure, but his eldest son has guts to look at him in the eye tell him to fuck off and slit a merchant around the throat for betraying the crown, oh what fun it was to witness such display, reminds him of himself of his hundred military personnel killing spree.
Christian glanced around, looking at the dead, remembering the fourteen other dead soldiers they walked past, it looks like a group of people have done this, finding it hard to be just one man to cause this much damage and the information lost. It must be a long plan in the making.
"Judge of it, it looks like it was planned for a long while" Christian started only to be stopped by the laugh emitting from Kenny.
"oh this isn't a plan in the making, it is just caused by one man that watched this building for an hour and just went in" Kenny laughed, kid is not thinking outside the box "This…" Kenny waving his hand to the corpses "Is not planned, but improvised, and skilfully done as well"
Christian scoffed at the theory "Really? One man did all this? How can he have the strength to overpower twenty-one soldiers in this building, I mean how would he have known this building is where our intelligence lies in?"
"Maybe he came in here for a shit and just stumbled across a gold mine" Kenny joked as his eyes rested on the deceased commander "Or maybe he only needed one crack to slip and he's in" Kenny is not going to divulge his knowledge on how he done it, the guy has skill and strength like an Ackerman and only an Ackerman would be able to cause this much carnage in small spaces. But this is no Levi, Kenny taught him better not to be stupid, besides last he heard he went into hiding protecting the runt that Rodd needs along with his daughter, how ironic that he would have killed her along with her mother, no matter he will get the power he desires.
A moment passed as Kenny admired in silence before nodding to Dreiken "Head to Caven, follow her orders" before standing up straitening his fedora.
"Where would you be going?" Christian asked, knowing Caven would ask him as well.
"Business, Caven would know what I mean" Kenny simply said, reports needs to be made, plans also, no doubt Rodd will order them to capture and kill the killer, Kenny highly doubts he's going to be in the city after this much mess, Kenny knows he wouldn't, walking away laughing at the thought of meeting the guy face to face.
Back in the house residing in the woods as the group starting to gather, night is falling, the rest of the day was eventful, with Eren frantically cleaning and become mortified that Jean and the others walk through the front with mud on their shoes.
"Do you guys know what you are doing?" Eren eyes widening in fear "You kill us all"
"Stop overreacting Yeager" Jean chastise "He isn't that bad as you say, right Section Commander Frey?"
Frey placing down a box, avoiding their gaze, sighing, he really, really do not want to deal with this squabble, on the positive side, he get to see Levi get angry again, it tends to be the seniors favourite past time to watch the new recruits get under the ire of Captain Levi.
"Section Commander?" Jean asked again, worried about the fact Frey is ignoring them.
A sudden chill came down their necks as the atmosphere dropped, Levi walked in.
"Captain!" Eren saluted, broom still in hand a hint of fear.
Levi just simply walked past them to the table, and simply put his hand underneath, a sickening crunch as dust and dirt appeared on his fingers.
Levi stared down at the disgusting sight.
"I gave you guys plenty of time" hearing the voice coming from the man standing still as his head did not move.
"Eren" Levi spoke, Mikasa seeing Eren standing to attention, as stiff as anyone she have seen doing, she sat there, eyes now returning to Levi, her muscles stiffened, her body ready to leap into action if he tries anything.
"Get cleaning this thing immediately" Mikasa blinked, perhaps she read the situation wrong, seeing Eren rushing to the table as he scrubbed underneath, Levi supervising the whole spectacle, before turning to Jean and the others, his eyes looking to the floor, taking a whiff, satisfied it was not shit his eyes darted to them, as they stood to attention.
"Your brats made a mess" Levi spoke, in an instant they grabbed tools and started sweeping and scrubbing the floor where they trodden.
Frey watched in amusement, the guy didn't even need to tell them and they jump into action, Levi casually walked and leaning on the wall next to Frey as he watched everyone clean.
"I half expected you to start giving out punishments for tardiness" Frey mused, as Levi kept his eyes on everyone.
"Brats need to learn that even a speck of dirt or dust can interfere a good night's rest" Levi simply stated.
"Doubt a speck of dust would do so much harm" Frey pointed out, Levi grunted in disagreement "No?"
"I once said to Yeager, would you let a single titan stand around you or just go job done let's fuck off home?" Levi spoke "The answer is no you wouldn't let them stand, because one can cause enough damage to anyone, same with dust"
Frey blinked, the captain has a serious case of OCD when it concerns cleaning, thankfully Frey doesn't have to do it, seeing he's a section commander, couldn't help but be tense when Levi's expression is stoic as his eye's slightly moved as he stared down the cleaning, as if counting.
"Wait a minute" Levi piped up, the whole crew froze in spot except for Mikasa, she sat in the chair reading a book, not too interested in what he had to say.
"Where is the mouthy brat with the shitty face?" Levi demanded, everyone knowing full well its Garrus he is referring to.
"He have gone out instead of doing I quote 'Stroking the midgets OCD'" Mikasa spoke, taking the opportunity to not only relay what was said but insult the man without repercussions.
"Did he now?" Levi growled, a hint of anger and amusement flashed in his eyes, already planning on what to do to him when he gets back, seeing that Mikasa has no reason to lie.
Frey seeing this, already worried for the mouthy brat's life "Now Levi, let me sort him out as agreed right?" trying to grab the man's attention.
Levi stood still his eyes now transfixed on the door "No, I handle the little shit this time", Frey gulped at the aura given out, even though Levi sound calm, he's going to make the guy chuck up the remaining contents of Garrus's guts.
Night came as Hange walked through, greeting the group, seeing Levi leaning against the wall next to the door, as if waiting, walking over to Frey sitting at the table.
"How long have he been standing there?" Hange inquired, curious that Levi would be there of all places, she would expect to see him drinking his tea at the table as well, speaking of which seeing Eren already starting to make.
Frey sighed, his eyes sullen, knowing what would come next, hearing the door open again, here it comes.
"What's up BIT…." The call out being stopped by a sickening crunch as Levi swung his leg into Garrus stomach, the kick was even more forceful then was given before, flipping the man over, landing on the floor with a deafening thud, Garrus laid unconscious the second time that day, Sasha waited for Levi to move before rushing to his side, heaving him up and laying his head on her lap.
This was not the first time Sasha have to do something like this around the Captain, when will Garrus learn not to cross him.
Hange stunned at the display for a brief second, shrugged before seating herself at the table the letter in hand, resting it on the table, Armin seeing this, glanced to the letter, this must be from Commander Erwin judging by Hange's serious face it must be extremely important, since Hange was always in good mood.
Levi sat down with Eren pouring his tea, picking it up the unusual way as he always done, Levi enjoyed Eren's tea, making it strong enough to enjoy the flavour, the brat despite his flaws and temper, is his number one cleaner and tea maker.
Seeing the letter, placed down in front, Levi have a sinking feeling what Erwin would be saying in the letter "Eren read it out"
In a swift moment Eren picked up the letter, and proceed to open it up, the sound of the others minus Sasha crowded behind him as Eren began to read.
"Levi, if you have received this letter then my trust in Rickard is well placed, you may soon be aware that I have come to find that the noble and the crown is not what it seems to be, corruption spreads in stomping out to those seeking the truth, I have gathered support and in this very moment planning to stage a coup, the sole reason this must be done is that forsake humanity, they demand the entirety of the survey corps to return to the capital with Eren Yeager in chains.
I would refuse to do so, which will lead to my own imprisonment, if all goes to plan, what you know as Christa Lenz is actually Historia Reiss, a royal family member, she must take the throne and take her place as Queen of the walls for the coup to be finalized"
Eren stopped as eyes moved to Historia, her eyes avoiding everyone as she was placed on the spot, feeling the narrowed gaze of Levi dawning on her, the day seem to be very eventful, what other news or incidents that would come along.
"Is there anymore?" Levi asked, as Eren looked down to the page, and began to read again.
"There are also plan, that came to me anonymously, a plan to capture both Eren Yeager and Historia Reiss, for what reason I would not know, the hidden location would not be safe since the shadow unit that would hold such information have been stolen and all members killed, I advise you move them both inward.
Give out your hearts
Commander Erwin"
Eren finished the letter as the silence loomed over, the information they have to process is astounding.
Mikasa sat in thought as her focus was on the fact that Eren is in danger again, whoever was the person who gave Erwin the information, must really don't want Eren captured.
"What are the shadow unit?" Connie asked, curious on what it is, some people even Frey shrugged.
"If I can guess, they are like information collectors, plans you name it" Hange summarised "I can bet they hold secrets that the crown holds but whoever killed them all off, made sure that the unit is obsolete"
"Huh?" Connie murmured, confused as Hange rolled her eyes.
"Extinct, unusable, killed off" Hange spoke "meaning that whoever gotten their hands on the secrets killed the rest, so the secrets remained with the person themselves"
"So, we got a psychopathic murderer, with a selfish OCD for secret information" Garrus groaned waking up from his stupor, feeling the pain in his stomach where the kick left its mark.
"Is the perpetrator on our side or theirs?" Armin asked, a good question.
"What does it matter, we know the next move" Levi spoke standing up turning to Historia "Whether you be willing is the next question"
"I refuse" Historia quivered, but standing her ground, before they know it Levi smacked her across the face. Historia gasped at the sudden swipe, everyone stood in shock unable to move.
"Wrong answer" Levi spoke.
"What the fuck Levi?!" Frey exclaimed "I get her importance but is there any need to do that"
"Far as I see it, she needs to do this and backing away or being defiant won't do us any good" Levi shrugged "She will have to do it whether she likes it or not, am I right?"
Historia whimpered but silently nodded, Levi relaxed and nodded.
"Good" Levi said turning to Hange "I may need to borrow a few of your soldiers, if we were to move them inwards, we need protection detail, hidden and keeping watch as we move them through."
"You have what you need Levi" Hange chimed "just look after them" amused as Levi rolled his eyes.
"listen up Brats, this is the plan" Levi said, as the group gathered around, as they listened and give in their own input.
Within the palace of the capital, the fire burning in the engrossed marble place, where the flames flickered against the darkness, a chubby man, his hair mildly parting, his brown stubble neatly kept, his plain noble clothes signified a higher stature sat at the desk, undisturbed, paper within his hands.
Rodd Reiss read reports of recent events, the collapse of the shadow squad hit a crumbled his intelligence network, all the stored secrets lost, there is not enough time to start from scratch again as Rodd mulled over, his thoughts drifting towards the Yeager boy and his daughter, the latest he have received is that they are hiding in the woods outside wall Sina, where exactly was unknown, the shadow would have pin point exactly but someone gotten to them before they could say otherwise.
A creak from the door drawn his attention as the tall intimidating aura of Kenny Ackerman strolled in, a professional in his own right, his brother Uri held the man's respect in high regard as the dog followed and protect the man with his life, but since his brothers passing, Kenny was more untamed, yet the leash is their and through Kenny's influence created the anti-personnel squad which Kenny personally led.
Kenny, wearing his long trench coat, pulled out an envelope, tossing it down in front of Rodd, his eyes drifted cautiously to the letter in front.
"What is this?" Rodd questioned, picking up the envelope, no official seal, or the shadow seal.
"Read for yourself" Kenny shrugged, noting it suspicious, but rather have the slimy coward find out first… for a change.
Opening the contents, a single letter, how amusing, seeing Rodd's frown form then to surprise as he read the letter carefully. Before setting it down, gazing upon Kenny once again.
"How did you come across with this?" Rodd asked, this letter holding valuable information "Did any of the shadow unit survive?"
Kenny shrugged again "All are members are accounted for dead" speaking professionally, even he have manners when it comes down to business "someone gave it to one of my trusted soldiers, just as the letter was given that someone disappeared before they could question anything about it"
"Whoever it was, gave us the insight of the enemies plans, where they will be within the next day" Rodd was very pleased, the details was all there, what they be doing and how they will play out. He will finally get his hands on both Yeager and Historia and wipe the scouts in a full swoop, how marvellous.
Looking to see Kenny's expression not changed, Rodd would assume Kenny would be pleased to have a target to go for, yet there is something not feeling in place.
"Is there something you're seeing that I do not?" Rodd asked, it be wise to see the insight from his top enforcer.
"It's too convenient, the shadow unit being eradicated, then all of a sudden we have information to the scout's movements" Kenny spoke calmly, inwards he is amused "Could be a trap"
Rodd lowered down to the paper in front of him, it could be "Do you think the scouts are trying to deceive us?" a sensible question.
Kenny scoffed at the idea "How can they? They are too busy shitting themselves because we are after them"
Not too long ago they became fully aware that Erwin sent a message along to them using the middle Dreiken child, Kenny may have to see to him for treason, but capturing Yeager would be a priority since Rodd is too focused on them.
Plus Kenny knew Levi well enough he wouldn't let something like this slip, no there's another party at play, manipulating both sides from the shadows, if he put any money on it, it be the one who killed the shadow unit, Kenny couldn't help but admire the play he is seeing, yet why is he giving them the massive advantage unless…
Oh how clever, he expects them to get rid of the guard detail and do his dirty work, Kenny couldn't help but laugh at the genius at work here, causing Rodd's to be more curious in his sudden change of mood.
"Something entertaining?" Rodd asked, another question, Kenny decided not to humour him.
"I find it amusing how it all falls into our favour" In a way yes, but if they don't play it right they be falling into the guy's favour.
Rodd smiled, nodding at the humour "Yes, yes it is" before returning to his thoughts "Oh one more thing, I have been meaning to ask, speak with Matheus Dreiken, tell him about our unfortunate situation about Rickard Dreiken, the man will have to see reason about going against the crown and conspiring with our enemies"
Kenny smiled and nodded, before leaving, thinking how fun this would be, he never liked the fat slob, he found amusement that the youngest smacked him a shiner, it is a shame the middle child does not have the guts, he might have considered not making an example out of him. Another thought came to mind as he exited through the oak doors, let us see if Christian have any guts in him.
The moon shone brightly in the night sky, a lone rider along the path, making his way far from the capital, the pieces are set all he has to do is wait, with luck he be in and out before they knew what happens, if he is lucky enough, he wouldn't even need to see her.
Alan calmly writ in his diary, thoughts that need spilling, it is his only escape when alone to his thoughts, keeping steady pace on his horse, during his little retreat out the capital, fortune graced him a little storage unit with ODM gear, full blades and a full gas canisters, he give the Military police credit, they maybe atrocious in security but at least they are prepared, it is a shame he couldn't get his hands on the gadgets the anti-personnel squad are using, the use of hand cannons is quite advance at the stage they are in.
Alan sighed still behind in the world, but it is for the better, as he start to draw, outlining her face, her eyes glistening, her raven hair steady, yet what Alan couldn't perfect is her smile, stopping his movements, he stared at the picture, regret filled his heart at the crimes he have committed, how he wish he could see that smile once more, but the plan he set in motion, he must carry it through.
If they were to meet, he hopes that it would not come with blades, his mind thinking on the others, he has three objectives in mind.
Main target is capturing Eren, he could knock him out, drag his body away and transform, biting his limbs off again, preventing him from transforming, getting him to wall rose is easy, cut his limbs and ride like the wind, but getting him to wall maria would be tricky, being in titans form and keeping Eren in check would be irritating at least and making sure the pure titans doesn't eat either of them, he would have to make stops to ensure Eren is not conscious, maybe be brutal but it is the safest option for both of them.
The other two optional objectives is killing both Levi and Armin Artlert. Levi is obvious, he is a threat, the strongest of all he fought against, killing him will not be easy, even surprise attacks wouldn't work, the man is on high alert even when he doesn't look to be, but he is an Ackerman, the only ones that can go against what he is, but thanks to Alan's father, the old man made sure that a one on one with an experienced Ackerman would be a walk in the park.
Armin, the mere mention of him made his blood boil, the one to figure it all out, halting his own plans, making him break his promise to Annie, sadness filled his heart at the thought of Annie, once he returns to Reiner with Eren in tow, they would have to amount a rescue operation to retrieve her.
Glancing down to his knife as he drew a non-perfect smile, his father words still reside in his head.
The Perfect Warrior
Is he really perfect?
He just planned to kill those he considered friends, Reiner is right, they are half ass pieces of shit. Reiner's breakdown was too much to bear at that point, but yet they pushed through, they keep moving forward, despite the faces of the dead they see in their waking eyes.
Accept the consequences and fulfil his duty to the bitter end.
Duty, how he hates the word, desiring the freedom he had when they were soldiers, before then he felt chained, but he couldn't abandon them, the plan laid before as Zeke required of him, try and do it solo if you all get revealed.
Assassinations, infiltration, and information gathering is Alan's expertise, even at a young age.
Zeke entrusted him to do his part, if he could not get Eren, he would at least bring information they could use to plan on doing it together.
His eyes forward as he rode, the next day would be unexpecting for all parties as the plans set in motion.
A/N: another chapter, getting excited for the next to be fair, I focused on three parties this chapter, different perspectives in a way, plus I like writing Warrior Alan, we get to see his thoughts a bit more clearer. Anyways thanks for the reviews, enjoy the chapter.
Mcbastable: I am developing him into a certain character slowly, I planned Bruno to develop into it which is fun to do, how it pans out, it depends on how the story goes.
Myzor: Yes Alan is getting the brutal side out and for the next part, you find out next chapter definite. :)
D0vakiin28: Correct, I have referenced many things in my story, but the quote is commonly used in many other media adaptations, but I did recently played mortal kombat, so the idea came from that lol :)
EBREUSAUSAR: NANI?! a Non Eldian? how could he transform into a titan then? xD Quite glad someone picked up on that, in future chapters I would explore a lot more with that title I created, which adds a great new mystery to Alan's character, Enjoy and thank you for reviewing :)