A spoiler warning for this chapter as well. You have been warned.
Once again there are hints of same sex attraction in this chapter. If you don't like, don't read. You have been warned.
"I'm definitely thinking we should work with the Recon Corps," Lilith's muffled voice was barely heard through the stack of papers she had buried her head in.
"As much as I agree, the Military Police is considered the most prestigious," Jane stated softly, "They do only allow the top ten of each year into their ranks."
"There is a difference between rank and combat skill," The boy sitting between them yawned, "If we look at kills alone, even the Garrison has the Military Police beat, and that's saying something."
"And let's not forget the amount of corruption we have seen this far," Lilith said, slightly annoyed, "I mean, what have we seen already? They sell government property for personal profit, most of the higher ups are so drunk it's a miracle they can walk straight."
"So the Military Police are out," Jane let out a frustrated sigh, "What makes you think the Survey Corps is a better idea? They loss a third of their forces on average each time they step out of the walls!"
"You mean besides the fact they actually have the guts to outside?" Lilith's annoyance was already borderlining anger, "If you look back at five years ago, it was far worse,and not only that, you may want to take a look at this file." She reached for the file her face was buried in moments before, handing it to Jane for the head of a very tired Ian.
"Look, can I take a nap now?" Ian asked, another yawn on his voice. The two girls stared down at him, before snarling "No!"
"I've been invited as a formality, I'm probably just going to be asked a question or two about Alexander, that's all," Ian almost whined, extremely tired from staying up late trying to figure out how the 3D Maneuvering Gear worked.
"What about the treaty afterwards?" Jane asked, astonished that Ian had seemed to forget all about it.
"I have everything under control, relax," Ian said, turning his head sideways with a grin, before flopping down onto his pillow of papers. Jane shook her head, her head, before turning back the the file that Lilith had handed to her, taking a sip of water, almost spitting it out as she read the kill count listed on the file.
"What the fuck!?" Jane shouted, "This kill count is insane!" Lilith grinned, despite the looks they received from the outburst.
"Told you that the Recon Corps where good," Lilith smirked, as Ian rubbed his ears.
"Let me see that," he said sleeply, as Jane passed him the papers.
"So, one Levi Ackerman," Ian's eyes seemed to grow in size as his eyes went over the kill count. "Damn. And he's a guy to." Lilith grinned.
"So you already have your eyes on somebody?" she teased, expecting the boy to fall apart into a blushing mess.
"I know I like older men, but there's a point of diminishing returns. He's over thirty, and doubt it is appropriate for one to fall in love with one of their superiors," Ian yawned, passing the file back to Jane. "Besides, you're the one getting nice and cosy with someone from around here." Lilith blushed, in a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance.
"I feel that she is my anima," Lilith said with a slight blush, causing Ian to raise an eyebrow.
"Interesting," Ian yawned, before the boy received a jolt of static electricity.
"OW!" he hissed in annoyance.
"Focus!" Jane snapped. "You have a lot to do and a lot to prepare for. It's not our fault you stayed up to late."
Luke was a far away from the other's. The other side of the room to be exact, looking through a stack of much different files. While the others simply were trying to understand the other's reasoning for behind why they wanted to join the Recon Corps, he was the one trying to figure out which of the human's would join the group. The 104th squad had suffered heavy casualties in the battle for Trost, and he feared that many that might have joined the Survey Corps would not. Sense the Survey Corps usually got very few fresh troops from trainee squad, there would be even less this year from what they had witnessed first hand. So he was separating the files into groups. One's that he felt would join the Recon Corps regardless, ones that were up in the air, and ones wouldn't. So far the only people he felt certain of where two. Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, two close friends to Eren Jeager, who even stated that he wanted to become a member of the Survey Corps. Mikasa, someone who was very willing to kill to keep Eren safe, was a shoe in. Armin, on the other hand, wasn't so much so. The kid is smart, there was no denying it, but he also wasn't in the top ten, so he likely wasn't the best combatant. But then again, who needs strength when you come up with a plan in a race against time to clear seven Titan's out of an armory with little room to maneuver. Their friendship with Eren was the greatest factor though. Even though he wasn't looking forward to answering the question of how exactly Lilith and him knew about Eren, but that was a bridge to cross when they came to it.
The group that might join the Recon Corps was larger, if not by much, consisting of Caira Baker, Jean Kirstein, Ymir (No last name, should look into it later if allowed), Krista Lenz, Reiner Braun, Bertolt Hoover, Connie Springer, Annie Leonhart, (a strange take on the name "Lionheart", from what he could tell), Sasha Blouse, and a handful of others, but he expected five percent, likely even less, of the survivors to join the Survey Corps. However, many of them where some of the best of their group, which would hopefully count toward something on the battlefield. But that's if they joined. If they didn't, well, the Recon Corps was going to be in need of a lot more help. The strategy the Recon Corps used was nothing short of brilliant, focusing on a massive formation that would simply sidestep any titan that came close, avoiding battles when it could. Against an enemy that was multiple times your height and had you outnumbered over fifty to one (a fact that wasn't known to the human forces yet), avoiding a fight is exactly what you wanted to do. Luke thought back over the past few days, when he paid a visit to the bonfire that was used to burn the bodies.
The smell of burning flesh hit Luke's nostrils hard, causing him to crinkle his nose. The smell was not one he was accustomed to. His flames usually left no smell behind, due to the near instant incineration and his body having a build in filter to the stuff. However, his human form did not have that adaption. Only a few soldier were in the area, most of them cadets from the battle, likely paying their respects. He hung back a little ways, not exactly hiding, and he didn't want to interrupt. He did, however, feel a minor pang in his body. His father died before he was born, something he considered a blessing, and a curse. On one hand, he had no memories of his father, so he didn't have much to mourn. However, that itself was the curse. He had nothing to mourn, not really. No memories, no emotions, no connections. Just a name, a face, and a tombstone. And this? This was the same damn thing. He didn't know any of those that died. He didn't know their faces, their hopes, their dreams, their goals. He didn't know why they were soldiers, who they were fighting for, what they were fighting for. He had didn't know a single one of them, and that itself was something worth mourning. Just a little. It was only a matter of time before he became noticed. Not like he was trying to hide, but he did want to stay out of the way of those who were truly suffering. Of course, a person at more or less a military funeral who wasn't in military uniform was going to stick out. The boy had some interesting hair, to say the least. The top was a light ash-brown, while the sides where much darker. And he wasn't exactly happy either.
"What are you doing here?!" The boy half questioned, half yelled. Luke stared straight ahead, clearly not amused or worried.
"The same reason you are, to mourn," Luke calmly said.
"You didn't know a single one of them," the male snapped, before Luke interrupted him.
"And that is why I'm mourning," he said, and boy blinked, "It's like with my father. He died before I was born, and I will never know him. That is what I mourn. What I'll never get to know." Luke turned around, preparing to leave.
"Where are you going?" the boy snapped, the hostility his voice once held had slightly faded.
"I'll mourn at a later time. It was rude of me to intrude while your scars are still fresh," Luke sighed, leaving the group behind.
Luke let out a huff, shaking himself out of his thoughts. Under normal circumstances he probably would have beaten the child, but he had just survived a very bloody battle. And considering what was happening here, doing such would be a terrible idea. He had seen many members of the Military Police and a handful of Garrison soldiers sending them dirty looks, with members of the Survey Corps usually staying away from them. Well except for one Hanje Zoe, who had taken an interest in Ren. Normally, he would be worried about the small girl, but she treated the chase like a game, and it kept her out of trouble, something he was thankful for. Now it was up to Ian. While Luke doubted he would have any influence over the judge, he knew enough about Titan's and Evolved that he could hopefully say something to get a few people to think about it. But that would require the judge to even ask for his testimony on the matter, and let alone listen to it. Losing Eren or Alexander would be a disaster. Both had great potential, and would ideally be important member's of Recon Corps, or the human forces in general. But if they were to be executed, it would be like shooting themselves in the foot. Something pointless and harmful. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that.
At least, the day of the trail had arrived. Ian had actually rested well that night, organizing papers that he felt would be necessary for the trail, alongside the projector and communications device. However, he was confined to a small area in the back of the room, with barely enough room for his paper's and the projector. The area was clearly built with great haste, and appeared to be easily removable. Only a handful of people where in the courtroom at the moment, but it was already beginning to fill rapidly. One side was Military Police, arguing for Eren and Alexander's execution. The other side of the room had less people, and appeared to be the Recon Corps. It didn't take long for the two to be brought in, however. Alexander on one hand, simply stared down at his feet as he walked. Eren, one the other hand, had his eyes wide, panic visible, almost coming off him in waves. Ian felt sorry for the two as their chains were pinned into the ground. He didn't have much time for pity as the Judge, otherwise known as Daruis Zackly, entered the courtroom.
"Now then, let us begin," He said in a flat tone, almost sounding bored.
"You are Eren Jeager and Alexander, correct?" he asked, looking at one of the papers on his desk "You're soldiers that vowed to devote your lives to the king. Is that correct?"
"Yes sir," they both nearly whispered at the same time, clearly in some form of shock.
"This is an exceptional case," He went on, giving no sign of hearing the two, "it is outside the bounds of common law, therefore we must convene a special court-martial. The final decision will be handed down be me. I will deliberate upon whether you live or die as well." Ian kept calm. So far, this was straight to the point. No complications. Present the evidence that he had called upon and hope that the judge was rational.
"Do you two have any objections?" He asked.
"No, sir," Alexander said, eyes not lifting from one spot on the floor.
"None, sir," Eren said at the exact same time, eyes almost wide with with panic and fear.
"I'm glad you're both being cooperative," Zackly said, eyes not lifting from his paper. He wasn't the only one. Both the Survey Corps and Ian knew that getting these two out would require as little resistance as possible. "Let me say this straightforwardly. Concealing both of your existences has proven impossible." He took a look at Ian. "The same goes for the 'species' that calls themselves the Evolved. Unless we publicize the existence of these new parties in some way, we may have to face another threat besides the Titan's." Ian heard multiple mumblings and noticed a few dirty glances coming from both civilians and Military Police alike. Where they referring to him and the others as the threat? A look from Zackly calmed things down quickly enough.
"This court is tasked with deciding which force will have custody over you, the Military Police or the Recon Corps. First let us hear the proposition from the Police," Zackly concluded, turning over the stand to the leader of the Military Police, Nile Dawk.
"I am Nile Dawk, Chief of the Military Police. Our proposition is as follows: We will examine Eren and Alexander's bodies thoroughly, then dispose of them as soon as possible." Ian almost froze. They wanted to dissect them? Out of all the stupid idea's imaginable, they wanted to put a Gorgon and a Titan Shifter under the knife? Nile shoot Eren and Alexander one of the dirtiest of looks before continuing. "It's a fact that their power played a role in repealing the last attack. However, their character induces disturbances that may even lead to rebellion. Therefore, they shall provide us with as much intelligence as possible, then they will become a martyr for mankind." Ian resisted the urge to sigh. This was one of the crazier things he had heard. He could provide plenty of intelligence, the odds of a rebellion were slim to none, and why have the two as a martyr when you can have them as cannons?
"That isn't necessary," A voice came Nile's right, "He's a vermin that breached and infiltrated the sacred Walls of God. They all are!" He pointed his finger at Eren, Alexander, then all the way across the room to Ian, who was trying his hardest to keep his facial expression from changing. Ian resisted the urge to roll his eyes. It appeared to be the same group that had attempted to harass Lilith back in Trost. He was really happy that Luke wasn't here, or he would have snapped already.
"They all should be killed here and now!" He bellowed. Ian almost wanted to just simply tell the man to shut up, but he really couldn't.
"Priest Nick, quiet, please." Zackly's voice came from the front of the room, before turning to Ian.
"Is there something you'd like to say," he asked looking at Ian head on.
"There would be, your honor, but it is not something appropriate for a courtroom and it has already been dealt with," Ian said, rimrod straight. Zackly smirked slightly.
"'Your honor', I like that," he said, "next, let us hear the proposition of the Recon Corps."
"Yes, sir," A voice came from Ian's left, as a blonde haired, blue eyed man with massive eyebrows began to talk, "I am Colonel Erwin Smith, head of the Thirteenth Battleon of the Recon Corps. Our proposition is as follows: We will accept Eren and Alexander as formal members of the Recon Corps, and with the help of the Evolved, reclaim Wall Maria. That is all." Ian wanted to blink. That was it? Not really too surprising, but still, he was hoping for a little bit more.
"Is that all?" Zackly asked, almost surprised.
"Yes. Using their combined abilities, we can retake Wall Maria. I believe the priorities are clearly apparent," Erwin calmly said.
"I see," Zackly said, "And from where do you intend to launch this operation? Pixis, I believe the gate in Trost is sealed for good." He turned to the older commander.
"Yeah. It'll probably never be opened again," the aging man said. Ian's mouth wanted to drop. Despite the fact that Pixis was in the military, he was beginning to think the old man just gives no shits about much anything.
"We would likely start from Calanes from the east," Erwin said, drawing attention back to himself, "We will approach Shiganshina on a new route." And that was about when shit started hitting the fan.
"Wait! Shouldn't we just seal the gates now?" someone shouted.
"You mean increase the time it takes for your military forces or goods to get from place to place? Because that is such a good idea," Ian said, in an attempt to try and shine reason into the situation. However, what he said wasn't heard over the shouting match that erupted. However, the match was cut short by the person standing next to Erwin speaking up.
"You sure talk a lot you pig," The man said, commanding respect and attention. The room quieted down and the man continued to speak. "Who says the Titans will wait until you can lock up the gates? When you say 'we', are you referring your friends you plan to get fat with? Can't you even see the people who are starving because we don't have enough land?"
"We're only suggesting that if we seal the gates, we'd be safer," The man was stuttering like mad, almost like he expected to get interrupted by the short man again. However, it was the priest this time, who clearly didn't get the memo of shut up.
"Enough of you insolence!" the man bellowed, "How dare you even suggest doing such a thing to the sacred Wall Rose, given to us by God!" The man proceeded to go into another tirade, causing Ian's face to want to go to it's 'what the fuck' setting. Zackly quickly got everything under control, tapping his hand.
"Silence," he ordered, "argue about your beliefs and opinions elsewhere. Jeager and Alexander, let me ask the two of you this: Can you keep fighting for the sake of mankind as a soldier, and use your respective powers for the same goal?
"Yes, I can," The two answered at the same time, beginning to sound creepy.
"Oh? But in the report from Trost is says: Eren attempted to swing his fist at Mikasa Ackerman right after becoming a Titan, only to be prevented by Alexander." Eren's head suddenly whipped towards Mikasa, shock written on his face.
"Alexander, I want to hear you on this before I ask Mikasa. Why did you attack Eren Jeager this time, but not during the fight at the supply depot?" He asked, almost glaring down on them.
"I don't know sir," Alexander said, looking up for the first time, "I don't really remember my first transformation. I think just, sensed that he wasn't going to attack what I wanted to protect, so I didn't attack him. During the operation, he at first felt wrong, like he wasn't himself." Inside Ian's brain, gears began to turn.
"Your honor, if I may, I think I might be able to explain what happened," Ian said, loud enough to hopefully get everyone's attention.
"Oh, very well then," Zackly said, eyebrow raised, "please continue." Ian quickly flipped through some files.
"Is Armin Arlert present?" Ian asked, scanning the room.
"Yes, I am," a small boy said, His blonde hair was long, with blue eyes and body frame that made Ian mistake him for a girl.
"You and Eren are the only survivors of your squad, yes?" Ian quickly flipped through some of his paper, hoping that he remembered it right.
"Yes we are. Why?" Armin was slightly confused about exactly what the stranger was trying to prove.
"Was Eren by chance eaten by a Titan, and by chance suffered the removal of any limbs?" Ian asked.
"Yes, he was," Armin was still lost. What was the man planning?
"Thank you for your help Armin," he said with a smile, "I think we all know by this point that both Titan's and by extension, Titan Shifters, have great regenerative abilities, and when blood is drawn, one can create their Titan form. Now, if Eren was eaten by a Titan, like Armin said he was, how is he in front of us today? The only way that could have happened was if he was bleeding inside of the Titan's stomach, and transformed to save himself." He heard muttering around the room.
"The unconscious transformation likely had an effect that we saw after the second, with his behavior matching what most shifters go through with their first transformation. It's like your brain locking you in and depriving you of all your sense. You literally cannot control anything until you've been removed from that particular body or in Eren's case, being beaten into unconsciousness, while you unconscious." He finished, slightly out of breath towards the end.
"Interesting," Zackly said, "I'll take that into consideration. Mikasa Ackerman. Is it true after transforming, Jeager tried to attack you?" Mikasa almost seemed to pass. On one hand, she clearly wanted to protect Eren at any and all costs, but if she lied, it would be clear as day.
"Yes, it is true," she said finally. Muttering flew up around the room, with pretty much no regard to Ian's prior explanation. "But before that, he also saved my life twice in Titan form." Ian blinked, and resisted the urge to grit his teeth. If he was asked, he wasn't going to lie. That perceived protection was nothing but bloodlust on Eren's part. However, the second case was not so clear cut and dry. It was clear that Eren did want to protect his friends, but at the same time, it could have been messy if he transformed fully.
"Wait a moment," Niles said from across the room, almost interrupting Mikasa. "I believe this testimony is too emotionally-biased to be accepted in court." Ian blinked. This wasn't the route he thought them to take. It was also strange the the Military Police simply were referring to Eren now, like they sensed a lost cause with trying to get Alexander.
"Mikasa Ackerman lost her parents at a young age, and was taken in by Jeager's family," he continued, "However, we discovered some surprising details regarding those events. Eren Jeager and Mikasa Ackerman were nine years old at the time. They murdered all three robber-kidnappers." Multiple gasps went up around the room.
"You might call this justifiable self-defense," Niles went on, "but I can't help but feel disturbed by the fundamental lack of humanity in their actions. How can we trust him or any of them, with the fate, funds, and manpower of mankind?"
Once again, people began to mutter, bouncing ideas off one another. It didn't take long for fingers to start pointing at Mikasa herself. Eren jumped to her defense in a heartbeat.
"Wiat!" the boy yelled back, "Maybe I am a monster, but she has nothing to do with it!"
"As if we believe you!" Someone shouted back, as Ian pressed a button on the projector, causing a light blue beam of light to scan the room.
"The occupants of this room room consist of 50 humans, one Titan Shifter, and one Gorgon," The machine rang out loud, however, nobody heard it.
"No!" Eren suddenly shouted, yanking at the chains, causing a massive clang. Members of Military Police stepped back, and the room became dead silent. Alexander shoot Eren a look to stay quiet, but Eren didn't notice it. "You're wrong," he said softly, "You keep using speculation to make the water flow your way." Despite someone muttering "what" the room stayed silent.
"First off, you've never seen a Titan! So why are you so afraid?" Eren's face was dark with a mixture of determination and desperation, something that is a very dangerous mix. "If those with strength don't fight, who will? If you're too scared to fight for you own lives, then at least don't hinder me! You cowards." Eren's body was beginning to let off steam. Ian almost snarled. This was bad. Really bad. If Eren lost control here, it was done. He definetly fit into the Berserker Class of Titan Shifter, without a doubt, and that wasn't good. One of the Military Police soldiers pointed their rifle straight at Eren, just as a kick landed squarely across his face. The short man with black hair from before. Just kicked a Titan Shifter. And he didn't stop there. A kick to the gut. A knee to the face. The man unleashed a torrent of abuse onto Eren, making Ian cringe. Most, however, were shocked. The man finished with a stomp on the back of Eren's skull, causing a loud crack.
"It's just my opinion, but pain is the best tool for discipline. You don't need to be educated with words." The man said heartlessly, "you need training. You've fallen low enough that you're easy to kick around anyway." The short, anger, and clearly one not to be crossed, man began another round of kicks and stomps.
"Hold on, Levi," Niles muttered. Ian's eyebrows raised. Holy fuck. 'That's Levi?' he thought. "That's dangerous. What if he starts raging and turns into a titan like he says."
"Yes, because starting rumors and wanting to do dissections is going to end so much better. You're the ones arguing to keep two knifes pointed at your own heart. Besides, he looks pretty docile right now," Ian said, playing along as best as he could, focusing on keeping a serous and non startled face by the turn of events. Eren began to raise his head again, simple to get another kick to his face. Didn't pay him any mind, showing Eren's battered and bruised face to the Wall Cult and the Military Police.
"As I heard it, when he turned into a Titan, he killed 20 other Titan's before running out of strength, and for other, at least 10," Levi said, "if they were enemies, they would cause more trouble than the intel is worth. Nether of them could stand against me though." Ian again had to force his jaw stay in place. This man was intimidating as hell. Heck, he very well could be the human equivalent to Mary. Ian's thought process almost paused. That was a scary thought.
"What about you on the other hand? All of you that prosecuted him, think it over. Can you really kill him?" Levi asked, despite the fact everyone in the room knew the answer.
"Supreme Commander, I have a proposal," Erwin suddenly said, raising his hand.
"What is it?" Zackly said, almost like he hadn't even seen the event in front of him.
"Eren and Alexander's powers have a multitude of uncertainties and unknown elements. Their power is exceedingly why don't we place Eren under Captian Levi's command, along with putting Alexander under Captian Hanji's, and then send them on a mission outside the walls?"
"Eren and Alexander as well?" Zackly asked.
"Yes," Erwin said, "Whether or not they can control their respective powers, and be beneficial to mankind, should be based on the results of that mission."
"Watch over them? Can you two do that?" Zackly asked
"Yes Sir!" A voice said from one of the higher up podiums, most likely, Hanji.
"I can certainly kill them. The problem will be if it's all or nothing," Levi said, finally turning around to face Zackly. Ian took a quick look around the room. Too his right, the Military Police and their supporters simply had a look of shock on their faces. On the left, everyone's face was blank, except for one Mikasa Ackerman, giving Levi a look that would have killed him if looks could kill.
"I've made my decision," Zackly said after a pause, "Eren and Alexander will go to the Survey Corps."
Ian merely had thirty minutes to prepare himself for the formal military agreement, quickly heading off to his room to gather more supplies if needed. However, he didn't expect everyone else to have congregated in his room during the trial.
"So how'd it go?" Jane asked the moment he opened the door.
"Holy shit!" Ian shouted, jumping back in surprise, "What are you all doing in my room?!"
"Just answer the question," Luke said, clearly bored and not wanting to deal with any extra bullshit.
"Everythings fine. The Recon Corps got Eren and Alexander," Ian said. Lilith clenched her fist in fist, grin splitting her face. "Now can you please get out of my room, I have about fifteen minutes to prepare."
Ian left the room in just enough time to get to the small meeting room where the agreement was to be signed. The three Commanders, Dot Pixis, Erwin Smith, and Niles Dawk, along with Daruis Zackly were already present. Ian quickly took his seat directly across from Zackly. The four others were already sitting, Zackly looking over a piece of paper.
"So, what this is saying is that you will inform us of any further reinforcements, augment some of our existing weaponry, inform us of how you found our Walls and the origins of the Titan's, in exchange, you will work alongside the Recon Corps," Zackly said, "It's strange how one sided this treaty is. How do we know there is no fine print?"
"There isn't any sir. We consider the people within the Walls their own government, nor do you have anything we want or need. And right now, we share a common threat," Ian said, face flat and serous.
"And what exactly is that?" Niles snapped.
"Our people found the Walls after we sent one of our best on the trail of a Titan Shifter that was conducting inhumane and illegal experimentation. This Titan Shifter was hiding here when the Armored and Colossal Titan's first struck. He fled for afterwards and our forces recently attempted an engagement. He escaped, and the last our forces saw of him, he was heading this way," Ian stated, staring straight at the commander of the Military Police.
"What type of experiments?" Erwin asked, now curious.
"He was conducting experiments on how to turn humans into Titans," Ian said.
"So like Eren," Zackly said.
"Not really. But Eren is what I was going to bring up involving the origin of Titan's," Ian said, all eyes turning to him, "You know how Eren comes out of the nape of a Titan? How he comes out of the one weak point?"
"Yes, what about it? We all know a Titan's nape is it's only weak point," Niles snarled.
"You don't find it weird that a Titan Shifter's body is stored in a Titan's weak point?" Ian got multiple looks of confusion, or at least dawning comprehension. "Titan's are manufactured, and they need one key component to make. Human's."
And that's a wrap. College bites, I don't get to write as much as I want. Sorry for an Ian centric chapter. He will be taking a bit more of a backseat role in the next couple chapters, I assure you. Well, hopefully you all enjoyed and have a happy single's awareness day.