He knelt before him, before that scout.

Before his bonded.

He scowled at the thought, even as they handcuffed him and forced him to his knees before Erwin.

His blood bond.

Levi gritted his teeth, rage filling him. How could he have been so blind? He never thought such a bond would activate! He didn't even think it was possible.

But blood had mixed with blood; his and Erwin's.

He fixed his dark glare on the tall, blonde Scout who stood before him. He listened to everything that man said, took it all in and filed it away for further use. But he said nothing. Even though Erwin did not glance at him, Levi could tell that he was aware of his every movements. He had a feeling that Erwin was just as aware of him as Levi was of him.

"You are the leader, right?" Erwin asked, fixing his blue-eyed gaze on Levi.

Ah, finally, he was being addressed.

"Have you ever received any military training?" Erwin asked.

Levi remained silent, not moving an inch. Though his gaze visibly darkened.

Erwin sighed. It was such a small sound, that Levi barely heard it. But it was there, and it was a sound that showed that someone was thinking deeply, someone who was heavy with regret.

"That is the face of a man who wants to kill me and escape," Erwin commented.

The comment was so sudden and unexpected, that Levi blinked in surprise. Kill him? Did Levi want to kill him? Did he look like he wanted to kill him? Sure, escape was his top priority, but to kill him?

But yes, even as Erwin spoke, Levi realized that he did want to kill him. He wanted to kill the very man who caught him and bound him in chains.

Plus, he even had the nerve to make him kneel in the dirt! Yes, killing him would be quite invigorating.

As those dark thoughts circled around him, something inside of Levi twitched and recoiled in shock. The very thought of kill Erwin, of spilling his blood, filled Levi with a purpose, but it also...it sickened him.

Why would killing this man, killing anyone, sicken him?

He clenched his bound fists, his wounded palm suddenly itching. It was an effect of the blood bond, just an effect, he reminded himself. He would kill Erwin, regardless of what this new, accidental bond was. Thank God it was only accidental, and Levi had no intention of willingly completing it.

So consumed with his thoughts, Levi missed Erwin's next words and the meaning behind them until he was roughly grabbed by the hair. His face was slammed down and into the murky ground, the mud and who knows what else smearing his face. He struggled to move, but his captor remained firm. Levi grunted, wrenching part of his face out of the muck and fixing his sharp gaze on Erwin's indifferent one. No matter what, kneeling or not, he wanted to look this man in the eye.

"I'll ask you again." This time, Erwin's voice was chilling, a cold edge in his words as he looked down at Levi. "Where did you learn vertical maneuvering?"

Levi said nothing, his glare intensifying. Neither man broke away from their staredown. Levi could make out Isabel and Furlan's cries as they rapidly explained themselves for his sake, but Levi still said nothing. Even as Erwin was given the answer he sought, the man did not look away from Levi.

The desire to kill him was even stronger now.

Levi barely had time to gasp before his face was forced even further into the muck. Even as his nose and mouth filled with the disgusting fluids, he still heard Erwin's voice clearly.

"What are your names? My name is Erwin Smith."

Erwin Smith. Yes, he would kill him.

The stabbing pain of horror was still there, and dang it, his palm was itching.

He was lifted up from the wet murk, facing Erwin once more.

"What is your name?" Erwin repeated.

He spat, more to get the revolting taste of the dirty water out of his mouth than as a sign of rebellion. "It's Levi," he all but growled.

Erwin's mouth twitched slightly. If it was in amusement or disapproval, he could not tell. "Levi," he repeated.

Levi bristled at the sound of his name coming from that man. It set him on edge, and he did not like it.

"Would you make a deal with me?" Erwin asked, kneeling down in front of him. At this moment, they were eye to eye, almost equals. Both were kneeling before each other, both were touching the same filth of the Underground.

But...a deal?

Levi went still. Did he know about the Ackerman Bond? Was that his intent?

"...Deal?" Levi asked, almost hoarsely. His heart began to beat at a rapid pace, panic setting in. The wound on his hand, still bleeding from Erwin's sword, still itched.

"Lend me your strength," Erwin started. "And join the Survey Corps."

Levi's eyes widened in slight shock. Join the Survey Corps? He barely heard what Erwin was saying from then on. Yes, he understood that Erwin would turn them over to the Military Police. If he did, there was no hope for him and his companions. But still, he had to ask.

"And if I refuse?" he asked in an almost breathless whisper.

Erwin seemed to be expecting that. "I turn you over to the Military Police."

No surprise there.

Levi glanced over where Furlan and Isabel were being contained. He locked eyes with Farlen, a silent agreement passing between them.

He gritted his teeth. He was up against the wall, with no choice left but the one presented before him. He hated the odds that were stacked against him, he hated being forced to make such a choice. In fact, it wasn't a choice at all.

He fixed his stare on Erwin, straightening up in that moment. "Very well," he growled. "I'll join your Survey Corps."

But even as he said it, even as Erwin smiled triumphantly, Levi could not help but feel that he had just sealed his fate in an unimaginable event.

Erwin nodded. "Good." His voice became lower, his hand resting on his knee. Levi's eyes flickered over to see the red blood from where he had cut him trickling down.

Drip, drip…

Levi inwardly winced at the sight of the red blood falling to the ground.

"Show me your wings, Levi," Erwin said, standing up. "Show me that I was right." With that, he turned and walked away.


The carriage ride was both long and uncomfortable. Levi looked out the window, staring at nothing as the many buildings passed by. Beside him, Isabel was letting out surprised gasps of delight as she looked at everything. Furlan was more reserved, although, there was an interest in his eyes.

Levi's eyes flickered over to his two companions before he went back to staring out the window. Everything was in a different color. It was noisier than what he had initially expected.

He curled and uncurled his fingers, rubbing at the bandage that concealed his wound. The cut he had received from his first fight with Erwin still hadn't healed properly.

He continued rubbing at the bandage, his thoughts muddled with confusion. Did he, or did he not create a bond with that blonde scout? He wasn't too sure. Kenny had been pretty vague when he had explained the Ackerman Bond. Levi was sure that both he and Erwin had injured each other, and they had both mixed their blood, albeit unknowingly.

"You actually have to form an Ackerman Bond with someone. Blood needs to touch blood." Kenny's words came back to him, still jeering and taunting him.

Scowling, Levi unraveled the bandage, glaring at the red mark on his palm. He hadn't willingly created the bond. Was it even a bond? So far, he hadn't felt anything unusual. But Kenny had told him that both he and the other participant had to acknowledge the bond to make it permanent. To form a connection, they had to be made aware of the bond.

Levi's glare intensified. Well, he refused to acknowledge the bond, he refused to acknowledge whatever hold Erwin had on him. He refused to fall under his Ackerman family curse.

He hissed in mild annoyance, scratching at the wound. He ceased his movements, tucking his hand away and going back to staring out the window. But no matter how hard he tried to ignore it, the itching would not go away.

Whatever the case, he was out of the Underground. He was being delivered to the Survey Corps, where he would be sent out to fight and kill Titans. No matter what situation, he was being forced to do something against his will, bond or no.

He leaned his forehead against the cold glass, even as the carriage came to a halt. Maybe the only way to free himself from this bond was to kill Erwin. It wasn't that bad of an idea. He had already made the decision that Erwin was going to die anyway. He had a bone to pick with him, and he wanted a rematch of their fight.

"Hey!" their escort shouted. "The carriage stopped, you need to move." Isabel's gasps of awe and Furlan's comment about the sun became background noise to Levi. All he was aware of was that annoying itch on his hand.

Levi sucked in a breath through clenched teeth as he stood up and exited the carriage. Acknowledged bond or not, Erwin was already dictating his life.


Complicated. It was all so complicated.

They had faced off their fist Titan outside of the walls. They had witnessed just what a Titan was capable of. Levi hadn't had time to take in everything; it had been a fight or flight moment. Many fought, and many fled. Levi wasn't presented with the option of fleeing.

He still recalled how the Titan's blood burned at him when he sliced through the neck. He could still recall the exact moment he feared for Isabel and Furlan's life. He had told them he would wake care of the Titan's, and that was what he intended to do. He would do anything to keep them out of danger.

They had worked together as one, him and his comrades. They had brought the one Titan down and survived. After the initial adrenaline rush had worn off, he had been able to take in Isabel's excitement and Furlan's relief.

They did good.

But that initial thought became muddled in confusion when they had all regrouped at the initial hideout: an old abandoned castle. As Levi had been preparing to unsaddle his horse, Erwin had brushed past him, his comment so subtle that Levi had almost missed it. He wasn't even sure if Erwin had spoken.

"So your wings are the real thing after all, Levi."

Levi scowled as he gripped the saddle, pulling it off of the horse. He didn't know what game Erwin was playing at, but he didn't intend to make things easier for the other man. He still had Isabel and Furlan to take care of, and he still had to make it back to the walls alive with them.

And on top of that, they still had a job to do: retrieve the documents for Lovof.

This was why Levi left most of the planning to Furlan, even though he would sometimes voice his own opinion. Furlan seemed to be certainly capable of coming up with the complicated details around this messed up situation they had landed themselves in.

But he still didn't know why he had been sent to guard the passage to the barracks. Here they were, taking shelter with the Scouts in a ruined castle for the night. The floors were dirty, and they were supposed to sleep on those dirty floors!

At least his bedroll was clean.

He let out a small sigh as he listened to Furlan explain the plan. They were to get the documents they were sent to steal for Lovof. Apparently, Erwin Smith had brought the documents with him. In a way, Levi had to give him credit. Bringing something important along with you was the easiest way to keep an eye on it.

"You think he would have the documents on him?" Levi questioned, finally breaking his silence.

Furlan shrugged. "He would have to have brought them with him." He pointed to the large overhanging passage. "Isabel and I will search his bags while you keep a lookout for Erwin. If he comes back before the signal, stop him."

Now Levi was aroused. "Stop him? You mean start a fight?" Hm, yes, that would be one easy way to snap the tall, blonde guys neck.

Something inside of him recoiled once more, his palm burning. He hissed, rubbing his palm against his pant leg. It had already been several weeks since they had been dragged into the Scouts by Erwin, which meant it had been several weeks since Levi had been injured with that small cut on his hand from Erwin's sword. So why was it still bothering him? It should have been healed by now!

Could it have something to do with the bond?

He closed his eyes briefly. He had also injured Erwin as well, thier bleeding hands had touched. Was this affecting him in some way? He glared at the long red mark stretching across his palm. It still looked fresh, barely a day old, and now it was itching like crazy.

He did not see Furlan's disapproving frown. "Don't draw attention," he warned.

Right, he was assigned to guard the passage for the unwanted blondie. Maybe he could kill him quietly…

As if reading his mind, Furlan spoke up once more. "And don't kill him, even by accident. After all, if we lose an officer outside the walls, we'll be in big trouble."

Levi hissed, more out of discomfort than annoyance. "Right," he muttered, still rubbing his itching palm. Now the discomfort was traveling from his palm to his entire hand. He hid his hand behind his back, clenching his fist as he followed them down the halls. He needed to work past the discomfort, but he hoped this wasn't something he would have to live with for the rest of his life.

Isabel glanced at him as they walked down the halls, a small frown on her face. "You alright, bro?" she asked.

Levi didn't even look her way. "Yeah," he said curtly. Then, before he could stop himself, he asked, "Why?"

She narrowed her eyes, tilting her head. "You look a little...weird." She smirked. "Are you getting homesick?"

Levi huffed. "As if." He curled his fingers, relaxing slightly as he realized that the itching had mercifully stopped. He brought his hand up to his chest, surveying the red scratch marks. Red welts were starting to form on his hand from the scratching, and he winced at the hideous sight.

Isabel made a small sound. "Wow bro! What'd you do to your hand?"

Furlan glanced over just as Levi folded his hands behind his back. The other man frowned, observing Levi with a careless air. "He might have fallen into some poison ivy," he commented.

Isabel's eyes widened. "Levi's been poisoned?" Her voice rose to near hysterics. She gaped, staring at Levi with panic.

"Keep your voice down!" Levi hissed, smacking his hand over Isabel's mouth. "I am not poisoned." He glared at Furlan. "Just search through the blondie's bags so we can get out of here."

Furlan nodded, grabbing Isabel's arm and dragging her to the barracks. Isabel's protests about Levi being 'poisoned' were cut off by Furlan's exasperated explanations.

Levi was left alone, finally, in the dim halls. The firelight flickered against the walls as he leaned on the cold stone. This place was almost eerie, but just as cold and damp as the Underground. He shook his head of the thought, staying focused, yet failing at keeping boredom away.

He looked at his hand once more, not feeling any sort of pain for the moment. He frowned though when his wound began to throb, a warm, pleasant feeling traveling through him. He was, in that instant, relaxed, almost lulled into a sense of peace.

Someone was approaching him. He didn't know how he knew, but someone was approaching him. They were not a threat to him; they never were.

How did he know that?

Levi's eyelids began to close, and he leaned his head back. He was relaxed, yet he was on the alert at the same time. Everything came into focus, from the crackle of the flames to the soft footsteps approaching him.

His eyes flew wide open. Footsteps? Was someone coming already? Even as he prepared himself for a confrontation, something inside of him told him that he had nothing to fear. His hand still felt warm, beginning from that small wound he had received from Erwin in the Underground.

His eyes narrowed when he recognized the figure coming forward. Even before the figure emerged from the dark, he recognized that calm, confident gait. The chilling blue eyes that seemed to calculate everything stared back at Levi.

He glared at Erwin before quickly looking away with a huff. He didn't need to look to see the brief flicker of surprise cross Erwin's face.

"Don't draw attention," Furlan's voice warned.

Levi scoffed. "Yeah right," he muttered. So lost was he in arguing with his inner Furlan, that he had missed what Erwin was saying. He hadn't even been aware that the blonde man had spoken.

He looked up. "What?" he asked.

Erwin cleared his throat. "Aren't your subordinates with you?"

Levi frowned. Subordinates? Oh! He was be talking about Isabel and Furlan. He was instantly offended. To think that they were any lesser than his companions... "They're not my subordinates," he stated.

"...I see," Erwin commented. Silence reigned between them for several minutes, and Levi could not decide if it was awkward or not. Dang it, why couldn't he just ignore what Furlan had said and pick a fight with this guy? He was curious to see just what skills the blonde guy had, and how strong he was.

His palm itched again, the warm, pleasant feeling long gone. Levi twitched, resisting the urge to scratch at it again.

"So...how are you adjusting to military life-?" Erwin started.

"What's up with your hand?" Levi interrupted suddenly.

Erwin blinked, taken aback before glancing at his bandaged hand. "A small cut," he commented. "Nothing unusual."

Levi tilted his head. "Same hand that I cut." He smirked. "Was the wound deeper than I thought?" Even as he took pleasure in the fact that he might have injured this man, his entire hand exploded in pain. This time, he winced, curling his hand into a fist.

Erwin studied him. "It looks like you are in the same condition as me."

"Poison ivy," Levi answered swiftly, scratching at his palm.

Erwin raised an eyebrow. "That so? Then you'll want to get some treatment for that."

Levi caused him a furtive glance. Did this man really not know about the Ackerman Bond? From the way Kenny had talked about it, Levi had always assumed that the Ackerman Bond was not a well kept secret. Was there a way he could break the bond? Of all the things Kenny failed to mention, it had to be this.

"Your fight today was brilliant," Erwin commented suddenly. "You defeated an Abnormal so easily on your first expedition. I'm sure having a natural like you around will make the others feel safer."

Levi stared at him, at a loss for words momentarily. He sagged against the wall, arms folded as he looked down. "Back then," he started. "There was a soldier who fought it first and got eaten. I figured out how to fight that Titan because I watched how it moved while it was eating him." Why was he speaking about this now, and with Erwin of all people?

Because he was distracting him, that's why. Anything to keep him talking and out of the rooms where Furlan and Isabel were searching. It wasn't as easy as starting a fight, but it was what Furlan wanted.

And it had nothing to do with the sudden reason as to why Levi felt so relaxed and calm all of a sudden.

"I see," Erwin commented, almost quietly. "As you've realized, the Survey Corps was built upon countless such sacrifices." His eyes narrowed. "There are still too many things we don't know about the outside world, but if it means taking back the world for humanity, I'm sure none of them regret dedicating their hearts to the cause. Not one."

They both stared at each other, neither one breaking their stare.

"And what of you, Erwin Smith?" Levi asked. "Will you offer your heart to the cause, to the Titans?"

"My heart, mind, body and spirit," Erwin said. "I will give everything. Even my own life."

Levi's heart lurched in a panicked frenzy, but he ignored the sudden discomfort. "Even if your death means nothing? Even if it was a waste?"

"That is why we are here, fighting to make sure that the countless deaths and sacrifices are not a waste. Every life we lose means we must keep fighting. To give up means that they died in vain, that they offered up their hearts for nothing," came the swift answer.

Levi narrowed his eyes. "Even the lives of my companions, and my own?"

Erwin's bandaged hand twitched, and Levi barely noticed the small movement. "I would expect nothing less of a Scout," he said.

Levi scoffed. "You want me to offer my heart to your noble cause, to the Titans?"

"I want you, Levi Ackerman, to offer everything to humanity," Erwin said. "Just as we all are."

"Just as I am."

The words were not spoken out loud, but they were there and they rang inside Levi's head.

Levi felt compelled to freeze, to not move. He was almost transfixed, his palm now searingly hot. The implied wish from Erwin, it was being repeated in his head.

"I want you, Levi Ackerman, to offer everything to humanity,"

Levi swallowed, unable to move. He clenched his teeth, locking his knees as his body trembled.

"I want you, Levi Ackerman, to offer everything to humanity,"

What was wrong with him? His body was almost acting against his own will! He felt himself sliding down, his head bowed in...submission?

He bit his lip. Was he submitting to this man?

He narrowed his eyes. No! He would not! He had to stay where he was, to stay still and stay silent.

His palm was on fire now, but he paid it no attention as he willed himself to straighten up, to stare Erwin in the eye. He panted, feeling triumphant for a brief moment. Whatever the situation, he would not show this man any weakness.

But Erwin's attention was brought downward, eyes slightly wide. "You're bleeding," he stated.

Levi frowned, glancing at his hand. He stared in shock as he took in his bloodied hand. The same wound he had been scratching at was now split open, red droplets of blood splattering on the stone flooring.

Something else was brought to his attention. Something else was off. He directed his gaze to Erwin. "So are you," he commented.

Erwin glanced at his own hand, the white bandaged now soaked with blood. Erwin frowned. "Huh, odd," he muttered. "Must have reopened the wound."

Levi let out a choked sound, more like a scoff than a sigh. "Yeah, most likely."

He had to get out of here. He had to leave this man's presence before something else happened.

Blissful, blessed escape came in the form of a little red-head angel.

"Levi!" Isabel called out suddenly. "Sorry I'm so late! I finished changing, so you can come on back!"

Levi quickly pushed himself off from up against the wall, trying to look like he was not hurrying. He did not give Erwin a backward glance as he joined Isabel. "What kind of a reason is that, idiot?" he whispered.

Isabel let out a nervous chuckle. "Sorry about that. I saw you staring each other down and I panicked."

Levi huffed. "Never mind about that," he stated, grabbing her shoulder and hurrying forward. It was then he noticed that his hand was still bleeding. He removed his hand from her shoulder, tucking his hand into his pockets.

He had been close to kneeling...kneeling! Kneeling before Erwin Smith! His body had acted on its own accord, ready to bow his head before him.

"I want you, Levi Ackerman, to offer everything to humanity,"

He winced, chasing that small voice out of his head. Erwin may not have been aware of what he had done, but he had almost given Levi a direct order, an order Levi would have wanted to follow.

It was another form of slavery, imprisonment. Once again, his own blood had betrayed him.

He needed to get this Ackerman Bond thing sorted out. And if it ended with Erwin's death, then so be it.


How could everything get so messed up in a matter of seconds?

The morning they headed out once more had brought on clear skies. But the afternoon had brought on rain and thunder.

They had lost contact with the other Scouts, the rain and fog keeping them from seeing anything. Levi showed no outward signs of panic, but on the inside, he knew their situation was bad. They could be ambushed by Titans and they wouldn't even know it.

The rain pelted down on them even harder. He was left nearly blinded. At this rate, he could see no more than a few inches in front of him. They were off course, but they didn't even know where the course was. The fog began to play tricks on them; even Isabel had commented on how she could hear the Titans breathing all around them.

Levi pushed past those disturbing thoughts, just as the sound grenade went off. They all looked up in the direction the sound grenade had come from. Through the rain, Levi could make out the identical looks of relief on Furlan's and Isabel's faces.

"If Erwin gets eaten," Furlan commented. "Then we won't be able to get those documents for Lovof."

Right. They still needed to get those documents. But Erwin was separated from them, and if all three of them disappeared in an effort to locate him, than suspicions would be aroused. Not to mention, if they all regrouped with the others, their chances of survival would increase.

But, if Levi went off alone…

"I'm going alone," Levi said firmly. "You two join up with the others. I'll get the documents, and then…" he trailed off, unsure in that moment. His heart rate picked up speed, his palm burning. He was concerned. Concerned for what? Erwin would be fine! He had no reason to fear for that man's life!

"I'll be the one to kill him," Levi swore, using the pain he felt from his palm to lace his words with venom. "I won't let him get eaten by a Titan." Even as he said it, he was surprised at the surety of his words. No Titan would lay a hand on Erwin. He would see to that.

"Isabel, Furlan," Levi said, pushing past their arguments. "If you regroup with the others, everyone's chances of survival increases." He narrowed his eyes, cutting off Furlan's further protests. "The Titans will not wait around for the fog to clear up. We'll be easy pickings if we aren't with the others."

"We don't know where the Titans will appear in a situation like this!" Furlan protested. "Acting alone is dangerous!"

Levi's palm continued to burn, fueling his desire to perform his duty. A duty to what...he was not sure.

"I heard you already!" Levi shouted. "I can do this myself! Just trust me!" He needed to move, he needed to act now!

Furlan's eyes narrowed as he glared at Levi. The rain came down harder, yet neither man relented.

"Is that an order, Levi?" Furlan asked.

Levi blinked, the rain water dripping down his face. "An order? Why does it have to come to that?" He closed his eyes for a split second. "You guys, I can't lose you…" Why did he find himself saying this? Why was he so out of sorts? But when he opened his eyes, he saw understanding reflected on both Isabel and Furlan's faces.

Furlan grinned. "Heh, fine, I'll trust you." He looked at Levi with a smile. "Just don't die."

"Make sure you come back, Levi!" Isabel ordered.

Levi stared at them before nodding. He urged his horse on, increasing his speed. He glanced backward, watching as his companions faded into the fog.

He looked straight ahead, gripping the horses reins. He had one mission, one goal. He had to get the documents, he had to secure Erwin.

It had...nothing to do with the bond, nothing with this compelling urge to be by Erwin's side and protect him.


Red. Everything was red.

Red with rage. Red with blood. Red with horror.

The Titans fell, suffering because of their deeds. He showed no mercy. Toying with them, his rage filling him, fueling him.

Except it was not his swords that cut through the Titan's flesh. It was not his own rage, his own despair.

These were not his feelings, these tormented feelings that flooded over him. He was seeing through someone else's eyes, he was experiencing their pain, thier burden.

A scream rang out through the air, a scream so filled with rage and hurt that it took him by surprise.

Then, everything was dark, and he was seeing through his own eyes.

His bandaged palm was burning, reacting to that person's anguish. He clenched his fists, hands tightening around the horse's reins. He looked upward in the direction he felt without a doubt that he needed to be.

"Mike, we're heading out," Erwin said firmly, tugging on his horse before galloping in the direction he knew Levi to be in.


The Titans steam surrounded him, but Levi only had eyes for the figure before him.

He had left them. He had left them to fulfill his mission, their mission, and he had failed.

He was alone. Alone in this cruel world once more. All that was beautiful in his life was shattered.

Levi fell to his knees, his cheeks wet. From the rain or the tears, he could not tell. His hand strayed over Isabel's face, her dead eyes staring back at him.

His name. She had shouted his name. Even as she was being crushed by the Titans, she had called out for him. Even from far away, he had heard it. He had responded.

He had just been too late.

His hand touched her face, gently closing her eyes. Finally, if he just focused on her face, he could fool himself into thinking that she was just sleeping, and that she would wake up if he just called out her name.

His gaze flickered over to where Furlan's body laid. He had him, he had Furlan's hand in his own. If he had been faster in pulling him away from the Titan, faster in arriving, he might have saved him.

They had placed their trust in him, and he had failed them.

His palm itched once more, but he ignored it.

"Levi! Are you the only one left?"

His eyes narrowed, his cold hand still covering Isabel's dead eyes. He was the only one left. He alone had survived. He didn't even acknowledge the new arrival, didn't even wonder if that was relief or an unnamed emotion he heard in Erwin's voice.

"The corpses of these Titans…" Erwin started. "Did you do this alone?"

Levi was not aware that he was moving. He was up from the ground and racing forward. Leaping into the air, his body collided with Erwin's, knocking the blonde man from his horse. Both of them collided to the ground, but Levi absorbed the impact as he landed on top of Erwin.

He was on his feet in an instant, sword out and pointed. "Stay back," he warned as the other Scouts advanced forward. In that moment, he fixed his dark glare on them all, sword poised and ready. They all knew he was unpredictable in this moment; none of them knew how to approach him.

But here, right now with Erwin kneeling before him, Levi was presented with the opportunity to kill him, to spill his precious blood onto this filthy earth.

Something inside of him recioled, but he pushed it away.

"Erwin," Levi growled, pointing his sword at him. Erwin glanced up at him, his blue-eyed gaze unreadable.

"I am going to kill you," Levi promised. "That is why I am here." His palm itched before flaring up into a burning pain, but he ignored it. His sword hoverd near Erwin's neck, the pain traveling from his palm all the way to his hand.

It felt like he was on fire.

Erwin bowed his head, eyes clouded. "So...they all died? I see."

Levi pressed the sword closer as Erwin cautiously moved his hand into the folds of his jacket, removing a sealed envelope. In that moment, Levi knew what it was. He knew what Erwin was holding.

The documents Lovof was after.

"The real documents are long out of Lovof's hands now," Erwin explained.

It was a fake.

"Lovof's fate is sealed," he continued, dropping the documents; the fake documents. Levi watched the letters fall, drenched on the damp earth.

Isabel and Furlan; they had died for nothing.

"It wasn't worth throwing away their lives," Levi whispered, his voice slowly raising in volume. "They were nothing but pawns in your worthless game!" He raised the sword, regardless of the lone Scout rushing toward him.

"Well," Levi growled, his tone dark. "You lose." The sword fell, slicing through the air…

...only to stop as Erwin grabbed the sharp weapon, his palm slicing open once more, his blood dripping onto the earth.

Drip, drip...

Blue eyes met grey, one kneeling, the other standing. The Ackerman, and the Scout.

Blood Bond.

"Worthless game?" Erwin demanded, regardless of the blood soaking his hands.

Drip, drip...

Levi shuddered, unable to tear his gaze away from that blood.

"Who's the one that killed my subordinates, your friends?" Erwin continued. "Was it me? Was it you? Do you think that if you had attacked me with them together that the two of them would have made it out alive?"

Each word was a stab to Levi. His every being has recoiling as he held the sword firmly. He was seeing red at that moment, yet everything was so sharp, so vibrant.

He had been the one to leave them. He had left them to face their deaths.

"It was my conceit," Levi answered. "My pride...is to blame."

"No!" Erwin shouted, lunging forward. Levi stumbled back as Erwin grabbed him, his bloody hand touching Levi's cloak.

Drip, drip...

Levi blinked, shaking his head. "Stop it," he whispered hoarsely. His head exploded with pain, his entire body trembling.

Drip, drip...

He did that, he had led his friends to their death.

Drip, drip...

He had...dared to attack Erwin.

He was trembling now.

"It was the Titans," Erwin said fiercely. "Don't blame yourself, never blame yourself. It was the Titans."

Drip, drip...

Levi's knees gave out, and he fell to the ground. Both men were kneeling before each other, one trembling, the other bleeding.

Levi squeezed his eyes shut. Everything was too sharp. It was too sharp for him. Why was he suddenly affected like that?

"Have your eyes remained clouded?" Erwin demanded. "Will you kill me, and return to the dark Underground?"

They were both staring at each other now.

"Humanity needs you, Levi," Erwin said. "We need your skills. We need you to fight for us, fight for the cause."

"Give up your hearts for the cause...for my cause."

The sword slipped from his grasp. No, he thought silently. He could not kill him now. He could never...kill him now.

That was his Ackerman curse, his Ackerman blood.

He released Erwin, stepping back. Levi stood up, no longer trembling. His gaze was hard, but resigned.

"From here on out," Levi said. "There is no deal. No deal between us." No, this was of his will alone. As he stood before Erwin Smith, he stood on his own accord.


A/N: Yes, Levi gets two chapters, and one more after this, just like Mikasa will. The reason for this is because I am more familiar with exploring their relationships with Erwin and Eren than I am with Kenny's and Uri's.