Chapter 3: Buildup

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Thanks everyone for the reviews! The more I get, the more motivated I get to continue on!
And also, sorry if anyone wants Levi to be shorter. But I've read that he's about 5'2 and on the more official Inuyasha websites (not fanon sites), Kagome is listed as being around 5-5'1 ft so she would be shorter than him regardless, even at his original height. Sorry! Kagome's a shorty, too.

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Part of me is contemplating whether or not to lengthen this fic and make it more than just a fluff based romance. Maybe give Kagome more control over the plot?

(And for the person who asked about Kagome's powers, I briefly addressed how she hasn't been able to use them so far, though it would be something I might get back to if I decide to make this a longer fic.)

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Guess we'll see ;)

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"So, you're telling me this Jaeger kid can turn into a Titan?" Levi gruffed, shaking his head, "And he plugged the hole back at Trost..."

"Yes." Besides him was a blonde man, one who stood tall with a stern disposition, "That is what Commander Pyxis has told me. According to him, the cadet struggled at first, but eventually complied with orders and, with full sentience, picked up a boulder and carried it to the hole."

"That must've been one of the kids with that Higurashi girl..." Levi maintained, thinking back to the cadet who managed to beat him to a Titan and sliced it like a pro. He remembered her smart remark, even after knowing who he was and facing him upfront. Most people cower at his sight, but she managed to keep her cool just fine. It both aggravated and amused him, but mostly the former. He didn't like being tested, especially by a subordinate or didn't know her own place. Even if the skill she displayed was elite leveled.

"Kagome Higurashi? There was talk of her killing at least ten Titans in Trost." The blonde man asserted, "And I heard she was faster than you in a Titan kill." The man could practically feel Levi's frown deepen at the comment, gray eyes now piercing into him.

"Commander Erwin, from where did you hear such crap?" The black-haired man imagined kicking the creator of that rumor straight in the face. "As if some damn cadet could even match me." Tsk. It was probably that damned four-eyes... He surmised internally.

"It doesn't matter." Erwin smirked, "She ranked second in the 104th Cadet Corps, but no doubt has killed the most out of anyone in her class. Though the top ranked, Mikasa Ackerman, was a bit preoccupied with Jaeger." He looked at Levi, "After meeting with Jaeger, I would like to look more into her. She is interested in joining the scouts. We need to be on the look out for that kind of talent, especially for anymore missions into Titan territory." The commander sighed when he thought about the high rate of mortality in his military division.

"Whatever." Levi kept his gaze ahead, "But don't expect me to play nice if the brat has an attitude."

They both continued on their way down into the dungeons to meet Eren. And everyone made way as they did. They were, after all, Commander Erwin Smith of the Scout Regiment and Captain Levi Ackerman of the Special Operations Squad. No one wanted to mess with them.

Kagome took a stroll, unsure of what to do. It had been days since Eren was handed over to the Military Police, a turn that did not sit well with her. I mean, he was practically a hero. He plugged up the walls so everyone from Wall Rose wouldn't have to retreat to the inner most wall, Wall Sina. She shook her head, Eren averted a food crisis and potential civil war if you ask me. Kagome thought about how despondent Mikasa had become since he was taken. Everyone assumed that he had done enough to prove his allegiance by completing the mission. But apparently, the Military Police had other things in mind. I hope they let him out soon... Poor Eren.

As Kagome walked, she could sense the sorrow that filled the air, like it had become intertwined with the atmosphere. Mikasa isn't the only one who's depressed. Everyone who had to face the Titans and watch their comrades die... They're all so drained, like zombies walking around. Unable to feel anything else after crying the first night through.

She stopped and leaned against the wall, Maybe I'm like that too. Maybe...

It was then that she saw a flash of red, before suddenly, a vision of Inuyasha was standing before her, golden eyes staring deep. "Keh, it ain't like you to be so damn sad all the time." Inuyasha's rough voice rang in her ears. She blinked in response, feeling her heart rate increase as she reached out to touch the illusion of a man before her.

But he disappeared.

"I must really be going crazy..." But she still managed to smile. "Maybe one day, I'll get back to that well in Shiganshina... Maybe I'll see him again. And he'll help me to stop being so damn sad." Kagome stayed like that, her back against the wall. Her lips remained turned up, if only a little, and her hands wrapped around the opposing arms, as if the feeling of being held was a comfort. Even if she was holding herself. Even if there was no one else to hold her.

"Oi! You're that damned Higurashi." Kagome recognized the cold tone of voice calling out to her, and it snapped her out of her thoughts.

"O-Oh... Captain Levi..." She muttered almost too quietly for him to hear, "Came here to punish me or something for my attitude?"

"Don't be so damn ignorant. Why would I waste my time punishing you for killing a Titan?" He huffed, drawing closer to the girl, "Tsk, you'll learn some manners for those above you soon enough. Hopefully before you really get the shit kicked out of you."

"Well, I've always had a big mouth." Kagome replied, wondering if this was his default state, being all crude and cranky, "But you're right. I'd hate to meet someone who could kick the shit outta me." Maybe it was her experience with the temperamental hanyou, but she couldn't help but tease the Captain a little. Especially since he made it so easy for her. It was second nature at this point.

His brows lifted at that comment, though his expression didn't change, "Maybe you should try being a little more observant then. You'll never know when that person may sneak up on you." He drew closer, his gaze somehow managing to become all the more cold and intimidating.

But all Kagome did was smirk, "Well Captain, if you haven't come to teach me a lesson, may I ask to what do I owe the pleasure? Not everyone gets to chat with humanity's strongest soldier."

"Commander Erwin is interested in your record." Levi stated plainly, "There have been several cadets who claim to have seen you kill a Titan on ten different occasions. Is that true?"

"Of course not." Kagome chuckled as she looked up at him.

Levi paused for a moment. So maybe this runt isn't as special as everyone had us believing. Figures. She's just filled with that damn ego where some skill should be. He thought to himself, though he began feeling more irritated with her than he had been. It was one thing to be so cocky when she could back it up, it was another to talk so much without walking the walk. That's what really bugged him about people. But before he could say anything, she continued on.

"Try thirteen." She couldn't contain the pride she had for herself. And she loved the look on his face as his eyes widened ever so slightly. It's the most expressive I've seen him. She snickered to herself.

"Hn. Whatever." He replied after a moment, "The Commander wants you to consider meeting with him to set up a training session. If you do well, he'd like to offer you a spot with one of the more skilled squads in the scout regiment."

"Would I, by any chance, be in your squad?" Kagome asked, wondering how she felt about that one. She seemed alright making her jokes now, but under his command, she wondered if he'd treat her roughly. Though, she couldn't deny to herself that there was an appeal to being on the most elite squad in the whole regiment, and she imagined it give her an opportunity to put her skills to the greatest use.

"Don't flatter yourself. You need to do a lot more to be considered for that." He asserted, "Including adjusting your attitude. I won't have such a bratty little girl under my care. Especially one with such crappy manners and her head up her ass." He looked sternly at her, not even stopping to blink as far as she could see. She began wondering if he, in fact, really despised her because of what she's said.

I've lived my whole life being polite... That is until I met Inuyasha. Ever since then, I guess maybe I've forgotten how to hold my tongue since the Feudal Era was such a rough world. It doesn't help that smart remarks come to me so naturally when up against someone so grumpy. I'm just being playful. She shook her head, But he is a Captain... And the best one at that. I should have a bit more respect. I don't know him well enough to tease him like this.

"I'll let the Commander know you're interested, then." The captain turned around suddenly and began making his way out of sight, one hand shoved in his pocket.

"Hey, wait!" Kagome managed to call out before he disappeared. He turned his head to look at her as she spoke, though he seemed uninterested, "I'm sorry, ya know, if I come off as disrespectful." She smiled shyly and twiddled her thumbs, her hands resting around her midsection. "I really do have respect for you, Captain Levi. I guess I should learn when to shut my mouth. But I swear, when it comes to battle, I just wanna be the best soldier I can be... For humanity."

He didn't say anything for a moment, but he turned his head away from her once more, and she wondered if he was just going to leave her like that. But instead, he sighed, "Thirteen Titan kills, is that right?"

That question took her by surprise. She stumbled a bit to process it before letting out a "Yes, sir."

"I'll talk to Commander Erwin. He'll probably want to do your session as soon as we're finished with the Jaeger kid." Levi declared, his tone remaining just as stoic and monotone as before, making Kagome wonder if he even cared about what she said about respecting him. However, there was something else that intrigued her, something she wondered if the captain had even realized he said.

Kagome moved off of the wall and took a step closer to him, though he didn't bother looking back at her as she did, "Captain Levi... What's happening to Eren?"

Once again, there was silence before he answered, as though he was deciding how much information to give her, if any at all. I don't have to give this snotty brat any damn info. Tch, damn her and her shitty apology. She has a lot to learn. And yet, he hadn't made any moves to walk away. Going against his petty desires to leave her there wondering, he snorted and opened his mouth, "Jaeger is in the dungeons awaiting tomorrow's trial. You'll get notified about it soon and are expected to show up. Commander Erwin plans on getting permission to use the runt for the scouts. That's best case scenario for him."

"Best case scenario?" She blinked, wondering what were the other suggestions for him. She contemplated death or torture, but immediately pushed it out of her mind, knowing that she couldn't handle anymore of that pain at the moment.

"You'll see at the trial. Now, are you done wasting my damn time or should I expect some more lip from you?" He questioned bluntly, still refusing to face her.

Swallowing harshly, Kagome shook her head, "Don't worry. I don't plan on harassing you any further." She bit her lip as he took a step to walk away from the scene, but she couldn't help but call out once more, "Tell the commander that I said thank you for the opportunity. And thank you, too, Levi." She had a feeling he was also working to get Eren into the Scout Regiment. Even if it was to use him, she was still grateful that he had people on his side.

"I said get your head out of your ass, not shove it up mine." He bit at her, still walking away.

"I don't think I know an in-between." She joked compulsively. What can I say? It's in my nature. She laughed inwardly.

"Tch." Right before Levi turned the corner to head back to the commander, he took one last glance at her, "You really are gonna be a pain in my ass." With that, he left before she could respond. Shaking his head and rolling his eyes.

Though, if he was being honest, he thought he would have minded her a lot more than he did. Not that he would admit that at loud.

Kagome watched him leave, amused by what he said. Pain in the ass, huh? Sounds about right. I should try to be more serious, though I guess it's not easy when Levi's still making his own smart comments. Guess I'm too competitive that way. She started making her way to the mess hall to get some dinner, But it is exciting that Commander Erwin is interested in doing a special training session with me. I'll have to put all my focus into it so he'll put me in a good squad. That's what the well brought me here for, right?

Just as she made her way inside, the place being overcrowded though much quieter than it had been before the attack a few days ago, she spotted Mikasa sitting with Armin, both still on edge. She couldn't blame them, though. It had been a rough few days and no one was telling anyone what was going on. All she knew was that the regiments were trying to get all the cadets back on track to picking their regiments after finishing up the death toll. It was like trying to force normalcy onto trauma, as if everyone was supposed to brush it off like a sprained ankle. Of course, that wasn't how it was with everyone. And the quiet conversation and look of lifelessness in everyone's eyes made that quite clear.

I should tell Mikasa and Armin about what Levi said. They deserve an update more than I did... She started walking over to them, But they should keep it on the down-low. I don't know if we're supposed to know about this, yet. And I don't want Levi to get in trouble if people start gossiping and some superior hears.

"Kagome..." Armin looked up at her as she arrived next to where they sat at the cafeteria table, his blue eyes filled with concern, "How have you been? I haven't seen you much..."

"I've been... hanging in there." She responded, trying to remain as collected as she could, "But I found some information that I think you two should know. But no one else can know that I told you, alright?"

Armin and Mikasa nodded, both making room for her to sit between them on the bench seat. They all looked around to make sure no one was listening in. Lucky for them, everyone seemed to be so lost in their own sorrows, they didn't seem to be paying attention to anything around them really. It was like they were just trying to figure out how to feel again.

"It's about Eren." The former priestess whispered, still on alert for anyone lurking around nosily.

"What do you know...?" Mikasa asked quickly, leaning in close to the girl as her eyes narrowed impatiently.

Kagome cleared her throat and answered her quietly, "Captain Levi told me that there's gonna be a trial tomorrow to determine his fate. He said that Commander Erwin wants Eren in the scouts. He didn't say what anyone else wanted to do with him."

"A trial?" Armin's eyes widened in shock, "That means all three regiments are probably going to appeal to Premier Zachary since he leads the entire military... And I'm guessing they aren't fighting over who gets to keep him..." He said the last part in a worried tone, "The scouts might be the only regiment who wants him alive."

Mikasa's brow twitched, and Kagome heard her take in a raggedy breath, "I will not let them hurt Eren."

"But Mikasa... what can we do about it?" He asked desperately, "Any execution will probably be done without our knowledge. And even if we could interfere, I doubt it would work."

Kagome just shook her head, "Well, Levi told me I'd be expected to show up at the trial. And if they're expecting me, that means they're probably inviting everyone who was present at Trost, or at least the people saw Eren's Titan plug up the wall. That includes you both. He said they'd be notifying people soon." She put a hand on Mikasa's shoulder, just as she did after Eren knocked himself out at Trost, "If we go, we have a chance to represent his side. All we can hope is that Premier Zachary lets one of us give a testimony."

"That's true. But there's a chance an opposing regiment might interrogate Mikasa about when Eren tried to kill her..." Armin looked down, "I know he wasn't aware of himself at that point, but it would look really bad."

"Then, I'll deny it, or downplay it." The short-haired woman asserted.

"No, you can't. You'll have to answer honestly. Rico or another witness may have already been interviewed about it. It would just make Eren look bad to lie." Kagome thought hard about what to do in a situation like this, thinking back to those legal dramas she had watched back in her time, "If you can, answer honestly but fit in all the times Eren saved you in his Titan form. Spin it to make him look good and let the Premier know it was a fluke."

Then, Kagome turned to Armin, "They might also ask you questions since you were the one who talked Eren into consciousness again. Be prepared to talk him up, but remember, you have to sound as objective as possible. If not, any testimony from any of us will just be looked at as bias since its well known that he's our friend." She took another peek to see if anyone was looking at them. When she concluded that there was no one of suspicion around them, she continued.

"I'm not saying that this all rests on us. We need Commander Erwin to make a compelling argument. I'm just saying the only thing we can do is compliment his appeal with our own experiences. At the end of the day, the story is that, when Eren first turned into a Titan, he didn't attack a single human. He cleared the way for us to make it to the headquarters before completely ran out of fuel, saving many soldiers." Kagome kept her serious and low tone, her breathing steady and calm, "However, Eren is inexperienced with this ability. So, when he turned into one during the mission to plug the wall, he lost control and attacked you, Mikasa. But, after Armin talked to him, he regained control and completed the mission without attacking anyone else. He averted a potential crisis by making Wall Rose inhabitable again. And he's capable of doing much more for humanity."

"Wow... Kagome you really got this all figured out." Armin noted in awe.

"Yeah, well..." She smiled at him, "Your analytic skills probably just rubbed off on me." He smiled back. And for the first time in a long time, all three of them felt somewhat relaxed. It wasn't the best situation in the world, but they now felt like they had a semblance of hope. Now, all there was left to do was wait for the trial and plead to the gods that Premier Zachary jumped on their side.

Besides, it wasn't like they were just defending Eren because they cared about him. They all really did believe in his abilities. Right now, Eren had become a beacon of hope.

Humanity needs him so... Bring on that trial.

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Alright. I know this is not super eventful (it's basically all dialogue), but there's a reason I called this chapter Buildup.

But, we did get a lil Kag/Levi action. And we haven't even scratched the surface of what they could be. I really like them together. Though, I'd love to hear about people's opinions on Kag/Levi vs the OG InuKag. (I have no idea which pairing I prefer haha). Though I feel InuKag is more sellable just because we get to actually see them together canonically whereas Levi isn't even from the same manga/anime. Obviously, though, that doesn't stop me from liking Kag/Levi so much!

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I think I did decide to make this more than a quick fluff fic. But, I still don't fully know. I have an idea on how to end it within 3 more chapters, but I'd love some feedback!

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And thanks to everyone who has reviewed. You guys rock!