Chapter eleven
We did not count on that
It was evening when Hanji, Erwin, Levi and some others from the Survey arrived at their compound. Levi expected Mikasa and Eren to await them, if only to see how their friend was doing. Much to his suprise, they weren't, but Connie was. Whilst Erwin headed back to his office, and Hanji ran away, for who knows what reason, Connie walked up to Levi.
''Sir, where are the others?'' he asked. Levi frowned, before replying, ''There was a problem back at the court, and the other Cadets are..., I guess I'm not allowed to tell what happened yet.'' Connie deadpanned, ''Basically, they are kidnapped again, aren't they?'' Levi sighed and replied, ''What are you doing here, anyway?'' as he put his horse's sadle away.
''I was waiting for Armin and Jean.'' Connie said. ''Why?'' Levi asked, almost glaring in suspicion at Connie, who stared back, saying, ''They are my friends, Sir, it's what friends do.'' Connie said, as if it should make common sense. Levi sighed, before saying, ''You aren't supposed to be here, even if they are your friends, cadet Springer.'' Connie smirked, before asking, ''Sir, with all due respect, wouldn't you have done the same thing for your friends?'' Levi shook his head, before he said, ''I don't have many friends, and I always assumed I would see the fellow cadets in the sleeping room, and if not, it's safe to say they probably have been consumed. That's how the world works, and it always has worked that way, even when the Titan's weren't around.''
Connie was taken aback, muttering a dumbfounded ''Oh...'' But then he found his voice and continued, ''It's different now, isn't it, Sir?'' Levi frowned, ''What do you mean?'' he asked. ''I know you're dating Arlert, Sir. So, even if you haven't had many friends, you're clearly capable of loving someone. What if I would have gone on a expedition with him, and we would have returned tonight? Wouldn't you have awaited him, to at least confirm he's alive? I'm pretty sure Armin would do it for you. So, is it really that strange that I want to make sure that my friends are alive and well?'' Connie asked.
Levi tsk'ed, before he said, ''Arlert would have made sure for anyone, even if it were those betrayers Braun or Hoover. I would assume he would be alive and well, and if not..'' Levi didn't know what he would do, so he decided that he shouldn't continue that sentence. ''It's painful to even think about it, isn't it, Sir?'' Connie asked.
''Get lost. You're supposed to be in bed.'' Levi snapped. ''Oh, I see. I'm an idiot, so I don't know what Armin even sees in you. You are rather uncaring.'' Connie said, before he turned to head back to bed. ''What are you implying by that?'' Levi asked, as he grabbed the boys arm, preventing him from leaving the stable. ''Huh? I'm not plying any imps, I was just saying something.'' he said, making Levi groan.
''I'm saying that Armin is very insecure, even more so than usual, about dating you. He told me he wants to make sure he doesn't do anything wrong, and here you are, saying you wouldn't even check if he's alright if he were to return from a fight. If I were dating him, I'd not only make sure he's alright, I would confirm that everything was going well. It could be anything, from holding him or kissing him senseless, or at least until he can't think straight anymore. But I'm not in love with him, and we're not dating. You're with him, though, but I'm willing to bet that these thoughts never once crossed your mind. Now if you'll excuse me, I have been told to go to my bed.'' Connie said, before yanking his arm back, leaving a confused Levi standing there as he returned to his room, mumbling about the lack of passion these days.
When Connie arrived at the boy's dorm, he was greeted by Eren. ''Where are Armin and Jean? I thought you were waiting for them.'' Eren asked. ''They haven't returned yet, neither have Ymir or Krista. I don't know what's happened, Levi-Heichou refused to tell me.'' Connie replied. ''Maybe I should have a talk with him.'' Eren said. Connie shook his head, after noticing that Eren's face turned a rather interesting shade of red ''It's no good, you'll just fight with him again. I just gave him a piece of my mind, and to be quite frank, the Heichou has some serious thinking to do. I think commander Erwin will give an explaination of what happened at the court early in the morning.''
Eren sighed, walked to his bed and let himself fall on the matrass. ''When we were in the trainee squad, we had such a large and close group. I enjoyed our evenings together. I was so eager back then to join the Survey corps, to slay the titans and save humanity, but when I think about it, I really want to go back to those days.'' he said. Connie nodded, as he fell on his own bed as well. ''Maybe we'll be able to enjoy it again one day.'' Connie replied.
As they continued talking for a bit, Levi was wandering outside, hoping a nice evening walk would help him sleep. When he passed the spot where they had buried Sonny and Bean, he spotted someone sitting next to it. As he approached, he noticed that the person was talking to the graves. ''Hanji?'' he asked, and she looked up. ''Ah, Levi. Are you here to pay your respect to them as well?'' she asked, patting the spot next to her, inviting Levi to sit there. Levi sighed, before taking off his cloak, so he could sit on that instead of the dirty ground.
He spread it on the ground, before sitting down, but shook his head to Hanji's question. ''I was walking, thinking about what happened at the trial.'' he answered. ''I see. They gave Bertholdt and Reiner too much credit for everything. Sonny and Bean have been way more useful to mankind than those two Titan-shifters. Hell, even Eren is more useful.'' she joked, making Levi chuckle.
''I wasn't talking about them. I don't understand why Krista revealed her real name to be Historia. Who is she anyway, and why does that priest have the right to take the cadets, when he's supposed to babysit Historia?'' Levi wondered, more to himself then to Hanji. ''Historia is the king's daughter, she disappeared a few years ago, without a trace.'' Hanji explained. ''I assumed as much, but why did she reveal herself? What could she possibly hope to achieve with that, other than the bullshit that happened?'' he answered.
''Levi, is this really about what Historia did back there? Aren't you just worried about Armin?'' Hanji asked. Levi said nothing, burying his chin in his crossed arms, and pulled his knees up to his chest. ''Do you really like him that much?'' Hanji asked. Levi nodded ever so slowly making Hanji burst into a loud laughing fit. It took a while before she said, ''Sorry, it's funny to see you like this. You've never been this passionate about someone else, or at least, not that I've ever seen it.''
Levi rolled his eyes, but before he could make a remark, Hanji continued, ''It's a good thing. I never expected for you to find love. And even though I noticed your weird behaviour around Armin, I never expected you to fall for him, but he's got you wrapped around his little finger.'' she told him. ''Some people seem to disagree with that.'' Levi replied. Hanji frowned, before saying, ''So? If you really like Armin, you should ignore whatever negative things others say. And even though you aren't very social, you'll learn to adapt, and I'm sure Armin will help you with that. You remember that dinnertime, when he asked me if he could talk to me privately?''
Levi nodded, that dinner had been one of the most dreadful moments of his life, as the Cadets had continued their mission to keep Armin's innocence intact, which had resolved into fighting Eren Fucking Yeager, and afterwards, explaining to Erwin that he was dating Armin, and why it was a good idea, even though it was Armin that had been doing the explaining.
''Good. He came to me, wondering if he could make his friends' behaviour up to you, and asked if I had any ideas on how to do so. I asked him why, and all he muttered was that he loved you, and that he wanted to reassure you of that.'' she said. Levi grinned a little, before saying, ''I can see Armin asking that.'' Hanji continued, ''So, you really mean a lot to that kid.'' ''Thank you, Hanji. If you don't mind, I'd like to go to bed. Are you going to be alright?'' Levi asked.
She nodded, before petting Sonny's grave. ''I'll talk to them a bit more, thanking them for being the sweeties they were, and apologizing that we never found out who were responsible for their deaths, before I go to bed as well.'' she said. Levi rose, patting the dust of his cloak, and bade Hanji good night.
At the time Levi headed back to his room, Historia had locked herself in her room in the palace, and the imprisoned cadets had been brought to the castle's underground cells. Ymir lay on the ground, Armin sat with his back to the wall and Jean stood next tot him. ''I don't get it. God, I feel like such a Connie, but why does Krista says her name is Histria, or something like that?'' Jean mumbled. ''Her name is Historia. She was the daughter of the king, before she ran away.'' Ymir answered. ''How do you know that? And for that matter, how long have you known this?'' Jean asked.
''She confided in me the first night. I just never bothered to tell anyone. She wants to be free, to escape the palace, so why would I take that from her?'' Ymir replied. ''That's very kind of you, Ymir. It must be nice for Krista, or rather, Historia, to have a friend like that.'' Armin said. ''Anyhow, she's back here now, so, I guess I couldn't protect her in the end.'' Ymir said.
''Don't feel bad about it. You've always been there for Krista.'' Jean told her. ''Maybe you're right. I still don't understand what she was thinking, revealing herself like that.'' Ymir wondered. Armin replied ''I don't know. Maybe she thought it would help Bertholdt and Reiner. After all, if they die, because they are Titans, she may have been worried that you would be judged like that as well.''
''Does it really matter at this point? What do you think will happen to us?'' Jean asked. ''Maybe the Survey will prove our innocence, after all, they did imprison us for no good reason. Not that I'll leave if that means I have to leave Krista behind.'' Ymir answered. ''Even so, that'll take time, so my guess is that we'll be stuck here for quite a while.'' Armin sighed. He then lay on the ground as well, yawning a little.
''Tired?'' Jean asked, caressing the boy's head. ''A little.'' Armin mumbled. ''Can I ask you guys something weird?'' he added. ''Sure, it's not like we've got anything better to do at the moment.'' Jean joked, and Ymir shrugged, her way of saying it was ok to ask something. ''If your last day would be tomorrow, then how would you like to spend it?'' he asked. Silence fell as the other teens pondered the question.
Jean broke the silence, by laughing a little nervously. ''Jeez Armin, I thought you stopped thinking negative thoughts. I ought to talk to your boyfriend when we get back. But, if it would be the last day, I would want to spend it with my friends. Just hanging around a little, maybe go out and drink a bit. I would ask Mikasa to go out with me, but my guess is that she would tell me she knows Sasha likes her, and that it would make her day if she could date Mikasa. At the end, we'd all see the last sunset.'' Jean said.
''...Jean.'' Armin said, but Ymir smirked. ''Only you would be sentimental like that, dork. It surprises me that you won't be hanging out with the horses.'' Ymir said. ''Well, you are no better. You would spend it with Krista, god knows what you'll do with her the entire day.'' Jean shot back, shutting up Ymir. ''I think it's sweet she likes Krista that much. Love is a wonderful thing, isn't it?'' Armin asked, and Ymir nodded vehemently.
''So, you'd spend the last day with the shortest man on earth?'' Jean asked. Armin pondered for a bit, before nodding a little. ''I would hate to spend it without him. If I had the chance, I would like to talk with him, to tell him I really care a lot. Then, if I'd be able to do whatever I want, I'd take everyone to the ocean.'' Armin said, before he stood up. Ymir quirked her eyebrow, before asking, ''What are you doing?'' Jean gave Armin a look as well, wondering what the blond was trying to do.
''Tomorrow isn't going to be our last day. We may have lost Bertholdt and Reiner, but the Survey isn't going to stop fighting, because once we win, we'll gain freedom.'' Armin said, grabbing the cellbars. ''Armin, I don't understand what you're trying to say.'' Jean said, at the same time Ymir said, ''Armin, are you implying we should escape?''
''I'm saying that we carry the wings of freedom on our backs, and that we didn't do anything wrong. I don't think it's wise to escape now, because then we won't be able to free Krista. But I think I understand why she revealed herself, and what commander Erwin is planning. I just hope it will work out, but I've got a feeling in my gut that something is off. So, I'm saying that we should make an escape plan just in case.'' he told the others and they began to plot their escape.
As dawn broke over the palace, the king summoned his most trusted advisors. ''You've requested our presence, your highness?'' the wall-priest asked, and the king nodded gravely. ''It has come to my attention that more members of the Survey have turned out to be Titan shifters. I fear Commander Smith is hiding more cases than we have seen. I propose we execute al known Titan shifters apprehend the officers for interrogation and disband the Survey, before they contaminate more people. We might still be able to put an end to this predicament.'' the king told his advisors.
''That sounds like a excellent idea, my lord.'' the priest said as the others nodded assent. The king then ordered, ''Pastor, I want you to take a guard detachment and secure Eren Yeager, tell them it's for further questioning. Marshall Fubar, you will summon commander Smith, inform him that the Survey Corps is no longer considered of value to humanity, he is to disband the Survey, inform his men that no-one is allowed to go outside the walls any longer, and that any such acts will be punished with certain death upon return. Then tell him he and his officers are to report at the royal palace.'' Marshall Fubar saluted. ''Yes, my lord!''
The king gave sealed orders to both of the men and then said, ''Gentlemen, I believe this concludes our business here, godspeed, and let us pray we're not too late.'' After the advisors had filed out of the room, the king sighed, before heading to his daughters room. When he arrived there, he knocked on the door rather gently. ''Sweetie, it's your father.'' he called out. Krista obviously threw something at the door, before shouting, ''Go away! I don't want to talk to you, you monster!''
''You've got to come out and have breakfast soon, my angel.'' her father said, before adding, ''Historia, I missed you.'' Krista sniffed, before replying, ''No, you're lying. You've always lied to me, and I will not fall for it again. People deserve to know the truth, father, and I know they'll get it some day. Many people died for no purpose, just because you told them lies. I'm not going to stand for it anymore, and I'll not allow you to use me.'' The king snorted, before saying, ''Fine. You can stay here and starve for all I care. Maybe one of your friends can be 'persuaded', if you insist on being stubborn.'' then he snapped his fingers. Two guards presented themselves. ''Guard the door. I'm going to talk with the prisoners.'' he said, leaving Krista behind to cry some more.
When the king arrived at the cells, he found the three cadets thinking. ''A good day.'' he said, making Jean and Armin look up. Ymir glared at him, before barking, ''What do you want, you slimy git. Where's Krista?'' The king smiled slyly, before replying, ''Somewhere you can't go to, unless you work on your manners. I was hoping we would be able to have a civil conversation.''
While the three listened to the king, Levi was back at the compound, cleaning as he was thinking about what Connie said last night. 'Armin would be devastated to find out I wouldn't await his return. Why did I say that anyway?'' he thought as he scrubbed a stain away. He heard footsteps enter the bathroom, before the door shut, then a femine voice called out, ''Levi?'' He looked up to see Mikasa, staring at him. He narrowed his eyes, before turning back to the stain. ''What are you doing here? This is the men's room.'' he told her.
''Funny, I never see any man go in here. I was looking for you. Hanji told me I could find you here.'' she said. ''Well, you found me. What do you want?'' he said. ''You've returned with neither Armin, nor the others. I want to know where they are, and more specifically, I want to know whether Armin is safe.'' she said. Levi sighed, before throwing the sponge he was using in the bucket filled with soap, and said, ''Armin has been taken captive. I don't understand why, or what the king's plans are.''
He looked Mikasa in the eyes, and she shot him a glare. He understood why, she figured that he'd stand up, and assure her that her best friend would be safe and sound, but he didn't. He couldn't, not with his position. Then her glare turned sympathetic, as she said, ''I've been meaning to ask this for a while, but do you really care about Armin?'' Levi sighed, before remembering the shy smile Armin gave him. ''I do. I really do.'' he whispered.
Mikasa smiled slightly. ''I know you don't give a shit about much, Levi. I don't either. But like me, you do fight for the things you care about. If you really love Armin, and if Armin has been arrested for no good reason, then you'd go and save him. I know Eren and I are going to save him. You can try and stop us, or you can join us. The choice is up to you.'' she told him, turning away to head towards the horses. But before she could open the door, Levi grabbed her hand and said, ''Not without me.''
In the palace cells there was an awkward silence as Jean, Armin and Ymir stared at the king. ''Let me get this straight. You need one of us to speak to the people, to declare what you do is right, even though you just disbanded the Survey corps?'' Jean asked in disbelieve. ''I believe that is what I requested, though I did put it less blunt than you did.'' the king said, sipping from his tea. ''You keep horrible secrets from your people, and ordered someone to imprison your very own daughter. Why on earth would we help you?'' Ymir told him.
''If it's a reward you want, that can be arranged.'' the king simply said. ''Why won't you tell people the truth. Why won't you allow them to fight, and to escape?'' Armin asked. ''You remind me of a certain someone. You're the Arlert boy, right?'' the king asked. ''Yes, your highness. How do you know?'' Armin asked. ''Oh, your parents were just as noisy as you are. Your grandfather had told them a lot, information they weren't supposed to share. So, I sent everybody who knew on a suicide misson. Unfortunately, your grandfather couldn't go, as he had broken his leg, but he shut up readily enough when he realised what would happen to you should he ever spread that information again.'' the king smugly told, making Armin's eyes widen.
Commander Erwin barred the priest from entering compound and thundered, ''What do you mean you're here to take Eren Yeager with you!'' All the while signing at Hanji behind his back to gather the rest of the Survey. The priest replied, ''Like I said, I'm here under order from the king to secure Eren Yeager and bring him to the court for further questioning.'' Erwin said, ''The clergy has no authority over the Survey, we are part of the military, if the King truly ordered this, he would have sent someone significant, someone from the army." The priest yelled back angrily, ''Oh, he'll be along shortly, you and your whole infernal Survey are to be disbanded!''
''You bastard.'' Jean scowled, as Ymir balled her fist, ready to hit the older man. ''You what?'' Armin asked. The king replied by saying '''He didn't tell you? Well, I can imagine he never told you as you grew up, being the coward he was.'' Armin moved forward with trembling legs, making the king step back a little. Armin grabbed the bars as he said, ''My grandfather was a fantastic man. He taught me everything I needed, and sacrificed his life to save me. He was a good father, unlike you. So don't you dare call him a coward.''
Erwin Smith grinned a little, ''Oh, is that so? Interesting. So, just to verify, we're disbanded, and discharged of our military duties? Free men, so to say?'' he asked, making the wall-priest sweatdrop. ''Wait, I wasn't supposed to say that! Oh crap.'' he said, as he saw Hanji grin like a mad-woman. ''Say, Erwin, does this mean we can leave the walls and explore the world, instead of going on useless missions?'' she asked rather loudly, causing the entire corps to start muttering.
''Wait, I..'' The priest was lost for words. Erwin patted him on the shoulder, before saying, ''Thank you, sincerely.'' and then turned to the compound. ''Wait, what are you doing?'' the wall-priest called out. ''We're gathering our stuff, before we head out, to explore the world.'' Erwin simply said, causing the Survey members to run to the compound, ready to do what Erwin just told them. ''As for you taking Eren Yeager from us, no way in hell.'' Erwin said, before he motioned his subordinates to close the gates, leaving the baffled wall-priest outside, wondering what the hell just happened.
''How dare you?'' the king said to Armin, who was glaring at the king, and replied, ''I'm not your common peasant. I don't care what you say, I've got a mind of my own. And if the villagers knew what you were doing, they'd say the same thing.'' ''You do know I can have you beheaded?'' the king threathened, narrowing his eyes. ''I'm positive you can, after all, it appears anyone who criticised you in court has already been executed.'' Armin said. Ymir smirked, as Jean stared in shock at his friend. He had never once seen Armin like this. It reminded him of Eren, when he was angry, and Jean coulnd't help but wonder if Armin had some hidden anger issues as well.
''Actually, Armin, we ought to help this poor man, shouldn't we?'' Ymir suddenly suggested, making Armin and the king stare at her in suprise. ''Why?'' Armin exclaimed, and Ymir sighed, before saying, ''Come here for a bit.'' Armin drew near and she told him, ''He just needs someone to explain to the crowds what a good king he is. If we do it properly, they might see.'' she told him, and Armin suddenly realised what Ymir wanted.
''Ah, I see. Sir, I'm terribly sorry for what I just said. I guess the sudden revelation concerning the events of the death of my parents got me. I'd like to make up for my impertinence, if you'd still allow me to speak for you.'' Armin said, bowing to the king. ''That's better. In case the two of you are plotting any mischief, I'll have you know that you'll be under constant guard on the day itself. One wrong word, and I'll have your heads.'' he said. ''Certainly, Sire. If you so desire, I'll inform your Highness of the exact wording I'll use.'' Armin said.
''I'll take you up on that offer in a few days.'' the king told him, before adding, ''Now if you'll excuse me, I've other duties to attend to.'' As he left the room, Armin turned to Ymir, and said, ''I hope you thought this through.'' Ymir just grinned as she said, ''No worries, I'll explain it to you.'' and Armin smiled confidently.
''Where's Levi?'' Erwin asked Hanji as they were gathered in the mess hall. ''His stuff disappeared, sir. As did Mikasa's and Eren's.'' Hanji explained. ''For the love of god, they decided to leave on this moment.'' Erwin said in desperation. ''So, what should we do, sir?'' Sasha asked. ''I had been planning to go through the gates, but seeing as our most important assets left, I think we ought to go to the innermost wall, Sina. My guess is that we'll shall meet them there, and then we'll leave. Prepare for battle, as we shall encounter the military.'' Erwin told them. The Corps members saluted as they said, ''Yes, Sir!.''