Chapter 5: Big brother Reiner and big sister Mikasa.
Once Armin left the infirmary, his stomach started to rumble. The apple had been nice, but it didn't fill his stomach. ''Where's the mess hall again?'' Armin wondered out loud. He had only been here for a short while, and they never finished the tour when he got here the first time. ''You want to join me? I was going to grab a bite as well.'' he heard a voice say, before spotting Bertholdt.
''That would be nice, thank you very much.'' Armin said, before Bertholdt led them to the mess hall. ''Not to be rude, but where's Reiner?'' Armin asked as they walked down the hall. ''He's flirting with Krista, and probably getting his ass kicked by Ymir.'' Bertholdt answered, making both of them laugh at the virtual image. ''Why do you ask though?'' Bertholdt asked. ''I just wanted to talk to him, he is kinda like a big brother to me, and there's a lot going on in my life right now. But I can always talk to him later.'' Armin answered. They entered the empty mess hall. ''Looks like we can eat in peace.'' Bertholdt said, and Armin nodded. They each grabbed a plate and some bread before sitting down and eating.
''Are you going to the oath today?'' Bertholdt asked, Armin nodded. ''I am looking forward to it, I just never expected it to happen this fast.'' he said. Bertholdt smiled, and Armin decided to ask wether he was going as well. ''I am going, but I am not going to take the oath. I am planning on joining the Military Police, just like Annie.'' Bertholdt said. ''Well, I wish you the best in the Military Police, I think you'll be a great officer.'' Armin said, just as Reiner came in. ''What's up.'' he said to Bertholdt, who just laughed and told him everything was fine. ''Hey Armin, feeling better?'' Reiner asked, and Armin nodded. Bertholdt stood up as he announced ''I'm going to check on Annie, Hanji told me she was found this morning, but she was in shock. Maybe she'd like to see familiar face by now.'' and he left.
''I was actually looking for you, Reiner'' Armin said, surprising the taller boy. ''What for?'' Reiner asked as he settled down. ''I was just wondering about something. Before Marco died, something was on his mind, and he told Jean and me that he would talk with you. That night both of you were gone, so I assume he did talk to you. So, I wondered, what did he want to tell you?'' Armin asked. Reiner's expression changed into something Armin couldn't quite place, before he answered, ''He did talk to me. We didn't talk about anything in particulair though, at least nothing that seemed to bother him. Just like we usually talk.'' Armin smiled, his talks with Reiner were always nice. He was much like that big brother you trust, and tell all that is going on, or that you ask for help when you are doing something wrong, or can't reach something. ''I see.'' Armin answered.
''Was that all? Because I wanted to go and see Annie as well.'' Reiner said, starting to rise. ''Well, nothing special I wanted to talk about, so I think that's about it.'' Armin said. Reiner nodded, before he went to see Annie, leaving Armin alone with his food and thoughts. 'That is strange, I really wonder what had been bothering Marco. He talked about something horrible, something that would be a threath. He wanted to discuss it with Reiner, so why didn't he?'
Before Armin had any time to wonder more about it, Krista and Ymir came in and sat next to him. ''Ugh, I really hate that bastard!'' Ymir said, with a rather angry expression. Krista tried to calm the taller teen, with the keyword being tried. ''I suppose you're talking about Reiner?'' Armin asked Ymir, who turned an interesting shade of red. ''Don't even mention that goddamn prick. He and his oh so big ego should just scram, before I kick his fucking arse.'' she ranted, making Krista blush because of her friend's behaviour. Armin turned to Krista, asking ''What happened this time?''
''Ymir and I were chatting, before Reiner joined in and started to flirt with me, and completely ignored Ymir. So, after a while, when Reiner touched my shoulder and leaned in to whisper something, Ymir snapped. The two of them fought, which commander Erwin saw, and he punished Ymir, who had just thrown a punch in Reiner's face. She has to do all the dishes tonight.'' Krista explained. ''It's not fair!'' the taller teen said before hitting her forehead on the table, Armin and Krista sweatdropped, before Krista patted Ymir's back. ''And how are you doing? I heard you fainted last night, is everything alright.'' Krista asked Armin. ''Yeah, I was just kinda tired. A lot has happened over the last days, and now we are about to join the Survey, time just goes by way too fast, or so it seems.'' Armin said. Krista nodded, understanding what Armin meant.
They finished their meals, and Armin went his own way when Ymir claimed she was going to take a piss. Krista was following her, to ensure her tall friend would stay out of trouble. Armin decided he should explore the building a little. They were going to be here for a while anyway, so better get used to it. He walked around for a bit, before he met up with Hanji. ''Ah Armin, how are you feeling?'' she asked. ''Good. I'm exploring the building for a bit.'' he answered. The already excited woman gave a big grin, before grabbing his arm and saying ''Good! So you're doing nothing special. Then follow me.'' she dragged him into her office. Armin gulped as the Titan-crazed woman almost slammed the door shut, with sheer enthousiasm.
''Can I.., help with anything?'' Armin asked her, with uncertainty present in his voice. Hanji plunked down in her seat, before looking at Armin. ''Just sit down, Armin.'' she told him, and Armin sat across from her. ''Levi has been a longtime friend of mine. He never cared about anything other then killing Titans, and, of course, cleaning. So, how did you do it?'' she asked him, making Armin look at her confused. ''What do you mean?'' he asked. ''Haven't you seen the signs? They way he talks to you, the things he does, just because you ask it. The lustful glint he's got in his eyes when he looks at you?'' she asked, taking her glasses off, wiping them, then putting them back on. She pointed to Armin, ''Levi's fond of you, in a good way. And from what I see, you feel the same.'' she told him. ''Ehrr...'', Armin blushed.
''Take care of him, Armin. He needs it after the loss of Petra. He used to be sort of close to her, before she, well, you know what happened.'' she rambled. ''I- ehr..., sure?'' he answered, not sure why he was commiting to that, while Levi could take care of himself pretty well. ''Well, that is all I wanted to say. The confession itself is between the two of you. But know I'm rooting for you guys.'' she told him cheerfully. Then she looked at the clock, before saying ''Oh, the oath is within half an hour, I've got to prepare a lot of things, so if you would excuse me?'' Armin nodded, and left the office, rather confused.
Half an hour passed faster then Armin had expected, and soon enough they were gathered outside. Commander Erwin stood on a stage, facing each and every trainee there was, while the rest of the Corps was lined up next to the stage. Armin took a look around, the mood was a very serious one, and almost everyone was there, even Reiner! Armin smiled a little as he spotted Jean, standing between Connie and Sasha.
Erwin coughed before he spoke up, with a clear voice ''For those that don't know me, I'm commander Survey Corps is always looking for talented recruits. I will be honest with each and every one of you, the odds of survival will be rather small for most of you. But do not forget, that when you die out there, you die with dignity. Ask yourselves if you really have it in you to sacrifice your life for humanity. That's all, for those of you who wish to join another division, you are dismissed.'' Armin heard someone leave the room, when he turned around, he spotted Bertholdt leaving.
The rest of them had a terrified demeanor, both Sasha and Krista slowly started crying a little. Mikasa's and Ymir's expressions were rather unreadable, but it seemed they were ready for everything that was bound to come. The message Erwin had given them was a clear one. Armin had figured out earlier that it was common sense that few would survive, but it was for a greater cause. It was a frightening thought, but it was the truth as well. Once Erwin saw that none of the trainees were going to leave, he spoke again: ''Very well! I welcome the newest members of the Survey Corps. This is my real salute, devote your hearts to the cause.'' He pressed his right fist against his chest, and the ex-trainees followed suit. ''Yes, Sir'' they replied. ''You have withstood your fear well... you're all brave soldiers. You have my heartfelt respect.'' Erwin finished his speech and left the stage.
The crowd dispersed. ''That was intense.'' Jean told Armin, as they headed to the office that belonged to the Commander. Once they got there, they found Erwin talking to Mikasa, who nodded fiercely during the conversation. Erwin suddenly stopped talking, a sign that the conversation was over. Before he entered his office, he spotted Armin and Jean. ''You had something to ask?'' he said. It was Jean who nodded, making Erwin slightly suprised. ''I have a request, Sir. I'd rather speak with you in private, Sir.'' Jean said. Erwin nodded, allowing Jean to enter his office, before he closed the door behind them. ''Mikasa...'' Armin started, making the girl look at him. ''Yes Armin?'' she asked, wondering what the blond wanted to share.
''I wanted to talk with you, that is, if you have the time for a short conversation.'' Armin said. ''Anytime for you, Armin.'' Mikasa answered, and they walked outside the compound again, to the bridge. ''Remember what you told me last time?'' Armin asked, while they were on their way. Mikasa nodded, remembering the conversation they had before, ''Armin, I'm concerned about Heichou's recent actions.'' Armin's eyes had widened a little, ''How come? Do you think he is up to something that could be a threath to Eren?'' He asked her. Mikasa had replied ''I think he is up to something, and I believe it has something to do with you. He is constantly around, and acting nice only to you. Haven't you noticed?'
Mikasa wondered why he brought that up just now? Had she scared him too much, being honest? She had noticed Armin hadn't been himself lately. It seemed he was preoccupied, something was bothering him, but she never managed to put her finger on it. Was Levi scaring him that much, due to the fact she had brought it up?''I wanted to talk you about that-'' Armin broke her chain of thought. ''I understand, I never intended to make the Heichou scary for you, Armin. I don't trust too many people, and he does give of a weird vibe sometimes'' she told him. ''Huh,-'' Confusion grew in Armin's eyes, and Mikasa wondered if she had said something wrong.
''-that's not what I wanted to say. I talked with Jean a few days ago, about what happened. He figured that Levi was kinda fond of me. I laughed at it that time, but the more I see him, and think of it, the more I'm starting to like the thought. Hanji told me the same thing today, and wished us the best.'' Armin said. ''What do you mean, Armin?'' Mikasa asked, confused about what the boy was telling her. ''I think I like Levi, Mikasa. I think I'm starting to like him a lot, and I don't know what I am going to do about it. Eren didn't like it, or so it seemed this morning, so maybe I should ignore it.''
Mikasa had heard about what happened in the morning. Eren was pissed off indeed, but Mikasa didn't see any problem. So what, if Armin liked Levi, it was his life, and his choice. And as friends, you can only support your friend's happiness. So she said, ''That's bullshit, and you know it, Armin. You are smart enough to know that feelings shouldn't be denied, especially regarding feelings such as happiness, and love. I don't care who you date, hell, I even would support you if you would be dating a fucking Titan.'' she told him, making Armin giggle. ''What I'm saying is it doesn't matter what Eren, or I, think. As long as you're happy, we support the choices you make, Armin. And if it so happens that being with Levi makes you happy, than that's alright. Let me deal with Eren, okay?''
Armin tugged a strand of hair behind his left ear, before replying, ''Thanks Mikasa, you're a great friend.'' Mikasa smiled before pulling Armin in a hug. ''My babies are growing up so fast...'' she said teasingly, as she let go of him. ''Mikasa...'' Armin grumbled. ''What's your next step, are you going to confess?'' Mikasa asked. ''I don't know, I'm not sure about what to do next. I mean, I'm not sure about whether he feels the same.'' Armin responded, whilst they headed back to the compound. ''I think you should talk with him about it. Who knows, he may be nice every once in a while, and possibly become a human being while dating you.'' Mikasa joked. ''Mikasa, that is not a very nice thing to say. Besides, Levi's really nice once you get to know him a little. Anyway, I'm too nervous to tell him yet.'' Armin said blushing. As they approached the gates, Levi, Erwin and Jean came out, Jean was leading a horse. ''Tell who what?'' Jean asked, eyeing Mikasa and Armin suspiciously. ''No-one in particular about nothing in particular.'' Mikasa told him flippantly, she felt Jean had nothing to do with it.
''Where are you going, Jean?'' Armin asked. ''I'm heading to the Bott residence, to tell them their son has passed away.'' Jean said. Armin didn't know what to say, but knew he was proud of how Jean was dealing with Marco's death. ''You better be back within the three day limit.'' Erwin said, and Jean nodded, then mounted the horse. ''See you soon!'' Armin said, before Jean left. ''I'm going to see how Eren's doing'' Mikasa said, and she left as well. Erwin shrugged before saying ''Arlert, we're going to formulate new plans, for the next attack on the Titans. From what I've heard, you've got quite a strategic mind as well, so I'd like you to join in.''
''You mean, right now?'' Armin asked, Erwin nodded. ''Please follow me.'' he said, as motioned them to follow him to his office. They followed him, but Armin was not sure what he should be thinking. Erwin and Levi were both great strategists, so what did they need a rookie like him for? Soon he entered the office and as looked around, he was impressed by what he saw there, the office was bigger than he expected. There was a big wooden desk, papers and maps were spread all over it. There were four chairs surrounding the desk, on one of them sat Hanji, waving to them before they settled down. The window behind the desk provided just enough light to make the room cozy.
''Levi and I have been discussing one of these plans for a long time. Usually we agree pretty fast, but somehow we just can't seem to agree on this particular plan we need for the next week. Therefore I called Hanji and you in, we need you to give your opinion on this plan.'' Erwin explained, while he sat down and grabbed one of the maps. Levi followed his example, and Armin hesitated before sitting next to Hanji. ''The town called Trost has been attacked many times. This is because it's located on the south side of Wall Maria. The wall that recieves a lot of attacks, and therefore Trost is a town that gets evacuated and destroyed a lot.'' Levi explained.
Armin understood this much, Jean had told him many times about Trost, as it was his home town. The numerous attacks were a huge problem, and Armin wondered what Erwin and Levi came up with, for the town of Trost to be, or at least, to feel safe. Erwin continued, ''One of our scouts is standing guard. He'll contact us when there are signs of an imminent Titan attack. When he does, we are going to battle, for the sake of Trost, in hope no Titan will ever return. That is, if every Titan, especially the intellegent ones, comes to the battle.'' Hanji replied, ''But that would require us to field most of the Survey Corps, not to mention how unrealistic it is. We don't know what the titans are up to, or when they are planning an attack.''
''That may be true, but I've come up with a plan to make the titans attack. If you guys agree, we'll prepare, and execute the plan next week.'' Erwin said. Both Armin and Hanji grew curious about what the older man had come up with. ''During our last battle with the female titan, she let out a cry causing all the titans in the neighbourhood to converge upon her position.'' Erwin explained. Hanji and Armin remembered this clearly, suddenly Hanji's eyes widened: ''You mean that you intend to use Eren, as Titan shifter, to do the same thing?'' she asked. Erwin nodded, while Levi said: ''This is where I strongly disagree. I think we should lure the female Titan, and use her cries instead. There's no guarantee that it will work with Yeager as well.''
Armin grew uncomfortable at the mention of Eren, did they forget Eren was not just a Titan, but a human as well? ''Cadet Arlert, what do you think?'' Erwin asked. ''With all due respect, Sir, but I'd agree with the Heichou. His plan seems more realistic, provided that we can locate the female titan. If we don't, we've Eren as a eventual back-up. Eren is a great fighter, and I believe he'd much prefer to fight against the titans, rather than being a lure.'' Armin said. Erwin nodded, understanding what the smaller boy was saying, and Hanji sincerely seemed to agree.
Hanji said, ''Problem is that the female Titan has been devoured. But we could try to reproduce the sound of her cry. When I heard it, it sounded a bit like the cry of a dying horse. If we manufacture some apparatus, maybe a kind of horn, that modulates and amplifies the horses cries, we might be able to reproduce the Titan cry.'' ''That's a decent suggestion, but we're not sure the sound of a dying horse is the exact same sound as the cry of the female titan.'' Erwin said. ''Ah, Sir, I think I've got an idea,'' Armin interrupted, ''A friend of mine, named Sasha, grew up in a village near a forest. She was there when the female Titan cried out. Sasha has sharp hearing, and a great knowledge of animals. Perhaps she might be able to tell us what creature's cry is the closest match to the Titan's cry.''
''That might actually work,'' Erwin said, making Levi nod in agreement. ''I think we should summon Sasha. After she identifies a likely animal, we can come up with a device.'' Erwin continued, then eyed the clock. ''Seeing it's almost six o' clock and therefore time for supper, I propose we'll continue this meeting tomorrow'' he said.
''Thank you for inviting me to this meeting.'' Armin said, as they stood up. ''You're welcome to join in anytime, Cadet. In fact, we would be honored if you would join the next meeting as well.'' Erwin said, and Hanji coulnd't agree more. As Erwin left the room, Levi said, ''I told you he would be a valuable asset.'' Armin stared at Levi in amazement. ''You arranged this for me?'' he asked, and Levi stared back, while nodding yes. For the third time in the short while since he met Levi, Armin couldn't bring himself to break eye-contact. Hanji sensed the mood, and smiled a little before she quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. ''That was very nice of you, I do enjoy strategizing.'' Armin said blushing. Levi smiled before telling Armin, ''It would too bad if we would be wasting your talent by not using it.''
He walked to the door, passing the blushing boy. ''Levi,'' they boy started, making the Heichou look at him. ''Yes, Armin?'' he asked, wondering what Armin was about to say. The thing was, Armin wasn't sure himself how he should say what he wanted to say, or he didn't find the courage ''I- ehr, I look forward to the next meeting.'' he said, in a defeated tone. Levi smiled, ''I'm glad you're saying that. Come, let's go to the mess hall. You need to eat something, my treat.'' Levi grinned, opening the door.
Armin followed him, they walked in a comfortable silence. ''Levi?'' Armin tried again, making Levi look at him. Once again, Armin found himself nervous, and asked something other than his intention had been ''What is the first thing you would do once the Titans are defeated?'' Armin asked. Levi's expression changed to a slightly suprised one, he had never really thought about it. ''I never gave it much thought, to be honest. I think I would help to rebuild the damage that is done, assuming the last battle will leave quite a mess. I always figured I would be forced to marry Petra, her father used to be quite persistent about me entering into a relationship with her. But that's out of the picture. Maybe I'll travel the world, and fight other dangers.'' Levi told him, before asking ''Why do you want to know?''
They entered the mess hall, and each grabbed a plate, as Armin answered: ''I'm curious, it seems surreal that everything will be over one day. It's good to strive for something, to have a goal.'' Armin answered, eyeing askance some substance he was unfamiliar with being put on his plate. ''Sit with me, and talk to me more about what your goal is.'' Levi requested, and Armin glanced towards the table where his friends were sitting. Eren saw him, and waved, Armin waved back, before turning back to Levi and nodding. He followed Levi to the table and sat down. Eren frowned, as he saw Armin follow Levi.
''What's with that?'' he said to Mikasa, who just shrugged. She tried to eat her dinner properly, but it was hard to do, since Sasha hung on her arm, telling some silly story. ''What do you mean, Yeager?'' Ymir said, tearing her eyes away from Krista, who was sitting next to her, chatting with Reiner. ''Eren is whining about the fact that Armin is talking with Levi.'' Mikasa said, motioning to where Armin was sitting. He was talking rather enthousiastically, while Levi nodded. ''He's probably talking about the ocean again, you know how he gets when he talks about that. Just let him be.'' Reiner said, joining the conversation as well. ''I think it's cute Armin found someone to talk with.'' Krista said, and Sasha nodded. Eren grumbled something, and it was Ymir who said: ''I'd agree with Yeager. That midget is talking a lot to Armin lately, and he's still someone we don't know. Not to mention he kicked the hell out of Eren during the trial.''
''You guys are insane. Armin seems to trust him, and isn't that all that matters?'' Connie said, and Mikasa for once, agreed with him. They looked over again, to see how Levi said something to Armin, before pointing to them, especially to Eren. Armin frowned a little, before smiling, nodding to Levi. Then Armin said something before he stood up and walked to them. Mikasa elbowed Eren's side harshly, before muttering ''Idiot''. Armin joined them, and Connie asked what he had been talking about. ''I was telling him about my life goal, to see the ocean. There was some information he could share about it, it was interesting.'' Armin said, before sitting between Mikasa and Eren, who rubbed his side a little. ''Told you so.'' Reiner said, and Bertholdt smiled. ''Any news about Annie?'' Krista suddenly asked Bertholdt, who nodded. ''She's stable now, and thinking of joining the MP, or Scouting legion, soon.'' he said. ''That's good to hear'' Sasha said.
While they continued chatting, Levi had joined Erwin. ''Were you discussing the strategy?'' Erwin asked, Levi shook his head. ''We were just talking about the ocean.'' he answered, and Erwin stared at him. ''Arlert is a likeable fellow, isn't he?'' Erwin asked, Levi just stared at him. ''He's smart, and neat. So.., I suppose he's a likeable fellow.'' Levi said, making Erwin smile proudly.
Soon evening fell, and everyone headed for their beds. With the exception of Ymir, who was cursing, doing the dishes. It didn't help that Levi was watching her, and told her to redo it, everytime he didn't think it was clean enough. Armin, however, was worn out, and climbed into his bed, falling into a deep and nice slumber pretty fast. That was, until he started dreaming again.