RonaldWeasleyTheHero Here with another chapter for you guys, and i got to say just WOW the feedback has been amazing, im a little overwhelmed right now, you guys are awesome!
Aishichan11= thanks for the compliment, but have more confidence, sometimes our stories are never as bad as we think they are.
dacymarie= Im glad you are liking it, you fangirls scare me lol (ive seen things on tumblr that give me nightmares) Mikasa being badass?yeah thats like an everyday thing for her, she probably does it in her sleep.
kage kitsune no yami= Your review was short but it gave me so much feels, like one of those Tumblr gifs!
Goldflame= It was really cool when i realized who you were, i was all like, its that author of that really good AnnieArmin fic i like! it means alot to me that you reviewed, thank you =), and to answer your question, yes this will go into the Canon storyline it wont be an academy only fic, but i wont follow the events of the anime/manga exactly, i dont how to explain it right but just wait and see, i think you will be pleasantly suprised.
Mizuki00= here is an update for you!=) its kind of weird thinking that people out there are looking forward to my fanfic updates the same way i look forward to certain fics.
Enjoy.
Chapter 3: Manipulation
The soft footsteps of Commander Erwin and Instructor Keith Shadis echoed through the dungeon halls as they walked side by side, their faces illuminated by the gradually dimming candles on the walls. Commander Erwin with his neatly combed blonde hair and handsome features nodded his head at what the instructor responsible for the academy had to say.
"Trainee Leondhart's Maneuver gear was apparently defective, this is the second time, the first one being Eren Jaeger's. The defective gear had almost resulted in his expulsion."
"That is a problem, this pattern of defective gear can prove fatal to soldiers out beyond the walls, this is a matter that should be talked over with maintenance."
Erwin gestured for Shadis to continue, "We examined Leondhart's gear and the grappling hook was dull. It was a wonder how she managed to use it as much as she did before the incident occurred. Unfortunately though, Leondhart had not been monitoring her use of gas efficiently and as you may have guessed that is what bought about the accident earlier today."
The two turned a corner and Commander Erwin opened the door to his office. The room was decorated sparingly, consisting of a desk, a bookshelf and not much else. Erwin took a seat behind his desk as Shadis stood in front of him to continue his report.
"Annie Leondhart escaped with minimal injury however, due to the quick actions of Armin Arlert, a trainee nearby that noticed her falling and rushed in to save her. From examination of the incident we concluded that Armin Arlert had been too far away to save her without using the 3d maneuver gear at its near maximum capacity. The speed at which he captured her left no opportunity to decelerate resulting in the two crashing into a nearby home.
Commander Erwin folded his hands together, "Armin Arlert? Isn't that one of the new recruits that you told me was eager to join the Survey corps?"
Shadis nodded "Yes, him, along with his Acquaintances Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman.
"What of Arlert, how is his condition?"
"Arlert took the majority of the damage Commander, resulting in several injuries, his right leg being the worst. I was informed by the nurses that it was broken in several places and his recovery would require a few months at best."
A pained look crossed Commander Erwin's eyes, "I see, how unfortunate, so then he will be...?"
"Yes, The Academy currently does not have the resources or tools to treat him. I am in the process of scheduling a caravan to take him to the Inner-wall where he will be taken to the hospital."
"And after-wards?" Erwin didn't even know why he asked, he knew what happened to recruits who were orphans and did not have parents who could pay their medical bills, especially with a major injury like this.
"After his recovery he will be discharged from the military and be put under the king's rule, where he will remain until his debt is paid off, The king might reinstate him into the military to pay off his debt but we both know the king's obsession with new servants."
Erwin sighed "It's times like this that I pray for more doctors who had the selflessness of Dr. Jaeger."
There was silence after that, each men taking a moment to remember the good doctor that had saved so many.
"Commander," Shadis said suddenly, "I have a proposition, The Arlert boy has a good head on his shoulders, I would find it a sin that humanity lose out on a mind like his."
"What are you suggesting then?" Erwin asked, officially intrigued by this, Shadis never came to him with requests.
"I have no doubt in my mind that once recovered and the debt repaid, The Arlert boy will reapply to be a soldier, but for all his intelligence, a soldier's life does not suit him well. The year of training he already has under his belt should suffice to allow him to be instated in the researching department at the Survey cor-"
Shadis suddenly stopped as he noticed Commander Erwin, the blonde man was staring straight through him. In that moment he was well aware that Erwin's mind was working a mile a minute, his brain concocting a plan or some sort that he would probably not even be able to comprehend.
"Shadis, how long do you estimate it will take Arlert to pay off his debt?"
"Judging by his injury, approximately two years."
"And if he had not suffered this injury, when would he have graduated?"
"In two years time with the 104th trainee squad."
Erwin began to smile, a smile that Shadis had not seen since on him since he had first met Corporal Levi.
Commander suddenly stood, his chair making a loud scraping noise. The leader of the Survey Corps walked out of the door with purpose, Shadis following close behind.
"Schedule that caravan, and make sure he is under the king's rule working in the castle."
Instructor gave him a military salute "Yes sir! Anything else sir?"
"Yes, find Corporal Levi and tell him to report to me immediately, I want to talk to Armin Arlert personally as soon as possible."
"So who is this little shit we're supposed to meet?" Corporal Levi of the Survey Corps asked, his naturally tired looking eyes focused on the passing scenery, the carriage bouncing slightly due to the terrain.
"He is a trainee that was recently injured, I just need to have a few words with him," Commander Erwin answered simply, the majority of his attention on the documents in front of him.
"So why am I going? You want me to give him a pep talk or something?" Levi asked.
"No...that would be a disaster."
Levi nodded "Agreed."
"Armin Arlert's tests scores are outstanding, though it is clear he lacks any sort of ability in most other subject areas."
"So what? If he is as smart as you say he is, then just get him in the research department, no need to send him out there fighting when he is just going to get his ass killed, and it might give Hanji someone else to bother."
"..."
Levi paused when he heard no response from his superior.
"Whats wrong with you?"
"Levi, do you know the most important trait a leader must possess?"
"Intelligence?" Levi answered, not thinking about his response too much, knowing full well that Commander Erwin had something in mind.
"No, a leader above all else must have the ability to manipulate. First, his comrades, then his enemy and finally, himself."
Levi blinked and raked his hand through his hair, "You're planning something aren't you." it was a statement not a question.
"Yes" Erwin replied simply, not bothering to elaborate.
"You going to tell me what it is this time?"
"No...will that be a problem?"
Levi felt his hand automatically move to the Wings of Freedom insignia on his his jacket pocket, a single finger scratching the small piece of fabric.
"No, I trust you"
Levi turned his attention back to the scenery passing by, no more words were spoken between the two.
Why was she here? She had asked herself that question at least five times now, but even then she couldn't find an answer. She had made it pretty clear about how she felt in regards to the entire situation, and she was positive that she had convinced him otherwise that she was secretly this good person hiding under her venomous personality.
Yet here she was, visiting him early in the morning like some kind of concerned friend.
"You could say something if you want, you don't have to be so quiet..." Armin said sitting up, his injured leg in full view.
"..."
"Okay...I'll talk then, you've been staring at my bed-sheets for awhile, do you like the fabric? It is rather comfortable and soft to the touch, I could ask the nurses what sort of materials they use, but they probably wouldn't know, and it would be sort of an awkward question, are you into sewing by any chance?"
The last part of his statement had earned him a fierce glare causing Armin to shrivel into himself.
"G-guess not."
Annie brushed some of her stray blonde hair out of her face and crossed her arms, she placed her petite form on a nearby wall and continued to glare at the little man.
"You should try to smile more, I read that frowning like that gives you wrinkles."
"Do you want me to murder you?"
Armin laughed at the question but stopped abruptly when he took in her completely serious face.
"N-no I'm good."
Armin looked around the room struggling to find anything to talk about, He knew that Annie was no ordinary girl. From what Eren had told him, she was very intelligent and had very mature insights when it came to the military system. Eren had also told him she knew a form of hand to hand combat that she clearly knew before she had entered the academy...
"Where did you learn to fight like you did?" Armin asked, his eyes brimming with genuine curiosity "I've seen it at work, its beautiful."
Annie was surprised by how sincere he sounded. "My father...he taught it to me at a young age."
"Do you know what it's called?"
"I'm not sure, I don't even think he knew himself."
"I'm sure I could find something out for you if you want, the academy has a library and with a little research maybe we cou-"
"No thanks, seems like a pointless endeavor if you ask me."
Armin frowned, "But isn't your hand to hand combat an essential part of who you are?"
Annie looked away as his eyes showed a strange emotion that she wasn't familiar with, "I guess you could say that."
Armin stared at her, his eyes becoming downcast. "I think that's sad Annie, rejecting learning something about yourself and calling it pointless...that sounds so sad."
Annie stayed silent, not knowing how to respond. She watched as he stared at a nearby window his right arm, now bandage-less, rubbing his cast absentmindedly, his thoughts taking him to places where she could not follow.
Getting a feeling that all conversations between them was dead for now, Annie lifted herself from the wall and made her way to the door.
"if you ever change your mind..." he trailed off.
"I wont."
He smiled at her, a small one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I know."
She opened the door, hoping that the morning exercises today would take her mind off things.
Unfortunately the morning exercises had done nothing to calm her down, Mikasa's glare on her all the time, and recruits taking every opportunity to ask her about the accident, had resulted in a very unhappy Annie.
Despite herself after lunch she found herself in front of the door to his room. She was starting to wonder if her legs had a mind of its own, since when did they start taking her to places she didn't want to be?
She turned the knob and stepped inside.
He was sleeping.
She squashed the feeling of disappointment that rose in her. This was a good thing, now she didn't have to make an excuse to leave. Instead of her legs taking her out the door and back to the training area. They dragged her to a chair near his bedside.
She closed her eyes and let herself indulge in the relaxed atmosphere.
"...At first Armin was all like She's probably fine, but then he realized that Annie hadn't grappled the wall properly, and then he was off like WOOSH! Annie was falling and she was all scared and stuff, but that's when she saw Armin rushing in to save her. In that moment Annie's cold ruthless heart melted, tears fell down her eyes and then she screamed, Armin! Then hearing her voice spurred him on and he screamed too, Annie! Even though he was going so fast he caught her softly, they looked into each others eyes
"Annie" he said.
"Armin" she whispered, then slowly their faces started getting closer and finally they k-
"Stop! Just...stop" Ymir gave Krista a flat stare "Has Armin been telling you about his fairy tales again?"
Krista avoided her eyes "A little, but you can't tell me that doesn't sound romantic!"
"Sounds painful more like it, you sort of forgot the part where they crashed and got injured."
"That part didn't matter, it's what came before!" Krista insisted.
Ymir sweat-dropped, "I'm pretty sure the crashing is the most important part."
"Do you know what fairy dust is?" Krista said suddenly changing the subject.
Ymir's eyes began to twitch "Okay, I'm going to tell that little shit Armin to back off. And you!" she pointed a stern finger to the smaller trainee, "No more listening to him."
"Ehh! But Armin knows all the best stories!" she started to cry softly.
Most of the trainees ignored the back and forth between Ymir and Krista, the spectacle being an almost daily occurrence.
"Hey do you think we should go visit?" Krista asked, her tears mysteriously disappearing.
"No..."
"Why not?" Krista pouted.
"Because Annie has it covered."
"She does..." Krista lowered her voice into a whisper and leaned over the table to get closer to Ymir's face "Do you think she's there right now?"
Ymir sighed, a bit irritated that this is the conversation that she insisted on having "Probably, where do you think she has been running off to at every opp-hey wait!"
Before she realized it Ymir was chasing Krista as she headed in the direction of the medical area.
Ymir had found the small blonde crouching behind the door where Armin was in, her ear pressed against the door. Ymir kneeled beside her "Don't go around bothering people like this, what Annie is doing is none of our business." she warned, her voice low in order to avoiding attracting the attention of whoever was inside.
Krista put her index finger on her mouth telling her to shush. Ymir rolled her eyes but stayed quiet as she listened to the occupants inside.
"I just got here my..."
"self, I haven't been here long at all," Annie lied, she had been here for sometime, hell judging from the soreness of her eyes she had been asleep for awhile.
Armin sat up and rubbed his eyes, "Well thanks for coming. Its been really boring in here with no one to talk to."
"Don't expect me to be much better conversation than no one."
"Don't worry Annie, you're great conversation."
"You give me far too many unnecessary compliments."
"Maybe that's why you keep coming back, Reiner did once tell me girls love compliments."
"What kind of conversation were you two having for him to tell you that?"
"Its...private" Armin scratched the back of his head in a nervous gesture.
"I'm not interested anyways."
There was a pause as she looked away.
Armin frowned "Are you sulking?"
"No."
"You're sulking."
she rolled her eyes "Yes, I'm sulking."
"Was that sarcasm?"
"Yes!"
"Are you mad?"
"No!" She snapped.
Her head whipped around as her keen senses picked up what sounded like laughing.
Her eyes suddenly narrowed as she turned back to Armin.
"W-what is it?" Armin stammered, still finding it impossible to stay calm when her eyes became like that.
"Krista doesn't wear a Bra on Wednesdays," she deadpanned.
Annie Smirked as she heard the scandalized gasp behind the door confirming her suspicions on who it was. It was quickly followed by the sound of retreating footsteps.
Armin was completely caught off guard by the statement, his face lighting up in a fierce blush "What!?"
Annie, was really glad that she had turned this in her favor. "That sure got your attention quick."
"No, I mean i-its just t-that I...who says something like that out of the blue!?" he shouted, his face still beet red.
Annie shrugged in response.
"W-what was that anyways?"
"Somebody was listening in on us, so I decided to conduct a little experiment."
Armin stared at her for a good long moment, making her uncomfortable.
He began laughing softly, his eyes holding a fondness that she never thought would be aimed at her.
"Out of all the ways you could have solved the situation, you chose something like that," he shook his head in a sort of amused disbelief.
She wondered if this is the kinds of things friends did when they were together.
She didn't have long to ponder her sudden thought as the door opened. Two people strode in and she felt her heart drop into her stomach though her face showed no visible reaction.
Commander Erwin Smith of the Survey Corps walked in followed closely by Corporal Levi, the person known as Humanities strongest soldier.
When the tall blonde man noticed her presence her hand went to her heart giving both of them a salute.
"Who are you suppose to be, the shitty brats girlfriend?" The shorter one asked.
Unable to meet eyes that seemed far too similar to her's Annie looked down. "No sir, just a concerned friend."
she ignored they way Armin looked at her when she said friend.
"You wouldn't happen to be Annie Leondhart?" Erwin asked.
"Yes I am sir."
Erwin nodded, "I am glad that you avoided any major Injury Trainee Leondhart."
"So am I," Annie really wanted this to be over as soon as possible, she felt as if her head was exploding, it was too soon, they were too close, and she was losing it.
"We have business with Armin Arlert, so I would to ask you to leave us for a brief moment, you may visit him later today." Erwin opened the door for her, she nodded and stepped out sharing one last look with Armin, as soon as she did she knew that Armin was aware of what this was about.
But why did he look like that?
Erwin closed the door.
Annie gritted her teeth, and grabbed her hand, wondering why the damn thing wouldn't stop trembling.
Krista sat down on one of the tables in the dining area, her face concealed in both her hands, but they were doing little to hide her deep red blush.
Ymir stared at her.
"Wh-why would she tell him that?" Krista sniffled.
"Soo..." The question was at the tip of Ymir's tongue.
More sniffling.
"..."
"..."
"Is it tru-"
"No!"
I tend to leave out words even if i proofread them like 10 times, let me know if you guys find anything so i can fix it. oh and guys...episode 21...there are no words! well read and review if it please you!