Chapter
The next few days Levi followed Erwin's orders with little argument. Levi considered it payment for Isabel's possessions. He felt whole, because now he could prove that both his friends existed in this world. It didn't matter that Erwin knew how important the dirty bundle was to him. As soon as he returned to the barracks he carefully placed it beside Farlan's bathing set. Everything has its place, he thought. He didn't return to Erwin's office those days. He decided, at least for the time being, he would play the part of good soldier. He probably would have continued playing that part if not the games.
"A royal carriage will come for us tomorrow morning," Captain Erwin said after evening practice. "Rest up tonight. Dismissed." As they started putting away their gear Erwin said, "Levi, I need to speak with you." Levi sighed. I'm behaving; isn't that enough, he thought. He set down his gear and crossed his arms over his chest. Levi was sure that Erwin was going to say something stupid like 'you're finally acting like a soldier' or 'thank you for not breaking into my room'.
"Do you know if Farlan or Isabel had any family?" Erwin asked. Levi took a step back.
"Why do you care?" Levi asked. He balled his fists between his crossed arms.
"Since we are going into Sina I wanted to express my condolences on behalf of the Survey Corps," said Erwin. He watched the smaller man's reaction. Levi kept his arms tight, protective, against his body. The dark gray eyes darted away from Erwin. He could tell his words processed behind Levi's eyes. Erwin could assume that there were people in the underground who they left behind or Levi would have flat out told him no. He was probably trying to figure out if he was going to trust Erwin with the whereabouts of his friends' families.
"No, there is no one," said Levi finally. He looked up at Erwin full of defiance.
"I don't want to cause anyone any trouble," Erwin continued. He could understand Levi's distrust but he would get through to the smaller man. "The only information I have about the underground is what we discovered from before." Erwin paused for a moment. He looked at down at the defiant young man. "Every family deserves closure. I only want to make sure that the people who loved them are granted that same respect we would give the other Survey Corpsman." The defiant eyes faltered. Levi looked away.
"There may be someone who would want to know," Levi said softly. Erwin nodded. It was just as he thought. Levi's loyalty extended past death.
"I will bring the letters with me," said Erwin. "We can deliver them between games." Erwin decided to take a chance. He placed a hand on Levi's shoulder. "Thank you Levi." The shorter man looked up at him before shaking off the hand.
"What are you talking about? Is that all?" said Levi. Erwin nodded. Levi picked up his gear and walked away.
000
Just after breakfast, the following morning, the four loaded into the government carriage sent for them because they were a part of the event. The 3D races were only a part of the festivities though it was the most popular. It was also the king's favorite event so those who competed were treated kindly. Erwin told them that once they won they would be paraded before the nobles as champions. If they won the commander would have better leverage to gain funds for the next expedition.
Levi didn't care about any of that. His stomach was in knots as he looked out the carriage window. He rubbed his hands over his belly. This was stupid. Why do I feel this way? If he had more than tea that morning he would have thrown up. It didn't take critical thinking to know that something was bothering Levi. He snapped more at the others in Erwin's squad.
"Are you alright Levi?" asked Hange. His response was a scowl. Hange leaned back against the leather cushion in thought. "I guess it is hard going home. I freaked out a bit too the first time I went back."
"Don't be stupid," said Levi. "As if I would ever say something so idiotic." Levi unconsciously rubbed his hand over his stomach. He was cramping by the time the carriage made it through wall Sina. He didn't even feel Erwin's gaze on him.
Across from them sat Clare and Captain Erwin. Clare idly stared out the window. This was her third time competing in the games. It was the second time for Hange. Captain Erwin sat across from Levi. Another point of pride for Captain Erwin was that members of his squad were selected year after year to represent the Survey Corps.
Erwin also had a bit of an edge when they reached the inner walls this year. Other soldiers traveling to the games were to be lodged in the Garrison base just outside wall Sina, but if they stayed there no one would see the Survey Corps. In order to re-establish their place as a respected branch of the military, people had to see them, not just what they read in the paper. So Erwin asked a favor of an old friend.
The Military Police lived in what looked small castle within the city. Levi knew this place better than he would like. Thugs like him and his old boss weren't put in regular cells. They were drug down into the lowest levels of that castle. Levi shivered. The movement was so slight that only Erwin noticed it. The carriage rode through the gate. A soldier opened the carriage door for them. Levi let Hange and Clare go first. A few steps away a scruffy looking man walked toward them. If not for the uniform he could have come from the underground. Down to the disenchanted expression on his face.
"Erwin, welcome," said the man.
"Nile," said Captain Erwin. "It's been too long." The two men exchanged a firm handshake. "
"I'm always surprised that you haven't been eaten," said Nile.
Erwin laughed.
"I don't see what's so funny," muttered Clare. She, Hange, and Levi retrieved their bags and 3D gear from the back of the carriage. Levi looked toward Erwin and the Military Policeman. Levi recognized the man's face, but no more than any other crooked MP. The man didn't look like he recognized Levi; which was good. Still, Levi stayed out of his direct line of sight. He tsked when Captain Erwin brought him over to introduce them.
"This is Captain Nile Dok," said Erwin. "He is putting us up for a couple of days." Clare and Hange saluted. "Nile, this is Clare, Hange, and Levi." Nile nodded to the first two. When his gaze turned to Levi he paused. A frown of recognition formed on his already sour face. Levi turned his head. I don't want to be here. The only reason I stayed was because…Levi tsked. His stomach cramped again.
"Bruce will take you to your rooms," said Nile.
"Get settled into your rooms and we will meet up for dinner in the mess hall," said Erwin.
"Yes sir," Clare and Hange said. The three gathered their gear and followed the soldier.
"Is he competing in the games?" asked Nile as he watched the three walk away. His eyes burned a hole into the thug before him. Levi walked past ignoring the dagger gaze.
"Of course," said Erwin innocently. "We want to keep up our winning streak."
"Even if it means using garbage?" said Nile. "The games are tradition. What do you think the nobles will say when they find out that underground trash is competing in the royal games?" The two old friends paused and looked at each other. Even after all these years Nile was still the same scared trainee who couldn't see beyond what was in front of him. He was willing to take whatever was left for him. That was why he married Maria. That was why he changed his mind at the last minute to join the military police instead of coming with Erwin to the Survey Corps.
"You have seen the papers," said Erwin. "Levi gave up that life when he joined."
"You don't have to lie to me Erwin," said Nile. "All you did was clean up that animal and let him loose on the titans. But believe me there is no fixing that underground scum. Do you know how much of a pain in the ass he was when he was underground? The only blessing was that he stayed there.
"Then you him brought up him here," Nile sighed. "You'll see before the week is out he'll be back underground with all the other rats."
"Nile, how long have we been friends?" Erwin asked, keeping his tone pleasant.
"Since we were trainees," Nile shrugged.
"You knew who I going after," said Erwin. "Why didn't you say this back then?" Erwin's tone took on a serious note. Was Nile the reason why Levi acted this way?Nile looked away from Erwin.
"When you took him and the others away I thought they would just die outside the walls." Nile spoke as if he told Erwin he hoped it didn't rain later. No, Nile may be a captain in the Military Police but he was no threat to Levi. Erwin tossed Nile his bag then picked up his own 3D gear.
"Show me how a captain in the Military Police lives," said Erwin. Nile scoffed.
"I'm sure no matter what I showed you, you would still choose the titans."
Inside the dormitory Bruce walked the three to the dorm rooms they would use until the end of the games. "This must be a real treat for you Survey Corps folks huh?" said Bruce. "I hear in the Survey Corps you don't get your own room until you are an officer." The three looked at the upstart blankly.
"Aren't you a rookie?" said Clare looking at the young buck with obvious distain.
"Hey, I was just trying to be nice, "scoffed Bruce. "I may be a rookie but you should be nice to me. How do you think you guys get to stay here while everyone else has to make do with the Garrison's barracks? It's because your captain knows-."
"Shut up already," Levi said. The rookie turned to glare at Levi. He flinched when Levi looked back at him. "Follow your orders." Bruce stiffened. The rookie politely showed Hange and Clare their rooms. All the while looking over his shoulder at Levi.
"You will stay here." Bruce opened the door to a small dorm room. It was a box only big enough for a bed and a small dresser but the room was a lot nicer than the shabby barracks where he stayed with 20 other men.
"Is this officer housing or something?" Levi asked.
"No," said Bruce taken back. "This is actually the dorm room for sub-squad leaders. Officers have a suite."
"I see," said Levi. He walked into the room then tossed his bag onto the bed. "Do you need something?" Levi turned to Bruce who stood in the doorway watching him.
"Do I know you?" said Bruce. Levi carefully set down his 3D equipment.
"No." Levi said closing the door in Bruce's face. Levi walked over to the bed, opened his bag, and pulled out a handful of cloths. It was time to put things in order.
000
Erwin dropped off his gear in the officer's suite. He brought his own gear just in case. The royal games was could get vicious. There was a code of honor among the soldiers but it wasn't unheard of for little accidents to happen. Erwin made note that he would make sure they triple checked their equipment before they launched. Nile didn't stay very long after showing Erwin the room he would use. They promised to get a drink later after dinner. Nile's words played in Erwin's head.
He knew when he chose Levi to compete in the games there was a chance that he would go back underground but Erwin had to risk it. The payoff was more than worth it. Levi had the skill to win the races by himself. It would also show the nobles what kind of man power the Survey Corp had which would make it easier for the commander to get sponsors.Still, Erwin couldn't help but wonder if Levi planned on running underground during the games? Sure, the little man threatened to leave on a daily basis, but he never appeared as anxious as he was in the carriage. It wouldn't be so problematic to the games; Clare and Hange were two of the best and Erwin could step in if needed. The commander trusted Erwin's judgment in this case and would assume that the little thug leaving would be for the best. Goodness knows that Mike would worry less if Levi left. It would be a problem to Erwin.
He decided he would have to find a way to show Levi that there was more to the capital than what was underground. Even if Levi didn't trust him perhaps Erwin could persuade him to stay on the surface for a little longer.
He walked to the rooms assigned his subordinates. He kenw Hange and Clare were already out at the bazaar. This the only time of year that members of the Survey Corp ever made it within wall Sina. Their focus was outside not in. Erwin was thankful for the rooms but he wanted them for more than just comfort. The people that lived within Sina barely knew about the Survey Corps let alone saw the people who risked their lives for knowledge. This was an opportunity for the Survey Corps to make their presence known to the people who would fund them in the future even if it was in a small way. That was also why they had to win the 3d races. They had to prove they were worth every tax dollar spent. He knocked on the door he assumed was Levi's. The smaller man jerked open the door. Erwin was taken aback by the cloth tied around Levi's hair and mouth. Levi reminded him of a very clean thief.
"I am going to the bazaar for a while," said captain Erwin. "Would you join me?" Levi looked down at the rag in his hand. The tall man smiled down at him. I guess I can finish this later, Levi thought. The distraction may help his twisting stomach.
"Alright," said Levi. He set the rag to the side. Levi untied the cloths and slipped on his uniform jacket. They walked out of the dormitory.
"Did you get to enjoy the festivities when you lived in the underground?" Captain Erwin tried to force conversation.
"No, all of this is for the greedy pigs and their brats," said Levi. Erwin frowned then it hit him. This was the first time Levi had been behind wall Sina since he joined the Survey Corps. Even Levi's speech was rougher than it had been in months. It finally made sense why the smaller man didn't want to participate in the games. After the incident in the alley, Levi rarely left the base even on his off days. Could it be that he was trying to avoid those men from the underground? Erwin should have considered that.
Deep frown lines marred Levi's face. He looked more like the guy they pulled out of the gutter close to a year ago. Erwin decided he would take away those lines today if only for a few hours. Erwin looked around the bustling market place until he found what he was looking for.
"Oh, let me show you something," said Erwin. He walked over to one of the food vendors. Levi followed a few steps behind. There were so many people Levi couldn't look around to see what the vendor sold but whatever it was it smelled sweet.
"Two please," Erwin told the vendor. He turned around with two sticks with what looked like a sticky pastry skewed on it. Erwin presented Levi with one of the sticks. Levi looked at it in surprise. His stomach rumbled.
"I thought you might be hungry. We're been going since this morning," said Captain Erwin. Levi hesitantly took the sweet. He watched Erwin bite into it. This was something only rich brats got to enjoy. Erwin gestured for Levi to eat. Levi brought it to his lips and touched it with his tongue.
"What's on this?" Levi asked.
"Honey," said Erwin.
"Honey…" Levi repeated the word before biting into it. When Levi was a brat he remembered seeing the other kids eating such things. He could have just stolen one but Kenny taught him that if you are going to steal don't steal bullshit. The little treat was as good as he imagined.
"Do you want another?" asked Erwin. Levi looked down at this hand. It was already gone. Levi handed the stick back to him.
"No," Levi said softly. Another thing that his boss taught him was that everything had a price. "How much was it? I'll pay you back."
"Don't worry about it," said Captain Erwin. He passed the sticks back to the vendor. "If you see something else that looks good let me know." Levi shrugged.
They continued walking around the bazaar looking at different booths. Levi almost forgot about the people that lived below his feet. It was almost like he was one of the surface pigs enjoying an easy day in the sunlight. They stopped by a tea merchant. Levi was entranced by all the different kinds of tea. So much so that he almost missed it. A shiver went up his spine. Someone was watching them.
"Levi, what's wrong?" asked Erwin. The look of mild amusement that touched Levi's face only moments ago disappeared.
"Nothing; let's keep walking," Levi said putting down the tin he held in his hands. He walked away from the table and into the throng of people. Levi scanned the crowd for something out of the ordinary. With so many people out on the streets there were the usual pick pockets and petty thieves He was looking for someone more dangerous. Levi felt someone to his left. Levi snatched back behind him. He turned to see a brat looking up at him.
"Mister, you're hurting me," said the boy. The smell of the underground gave him away. It was one of those scents that melted into your skin no matter how much you washed. The clothes he wore were old but could pass for high quality if you didn't look too long. The boy couldn't be older than seven or eight. Levi was getting soft if this kid could shake him.
"Hey brat," Levi tugged the boy in front of him. "Save yourself the beating. Either learn how to do it right or stick with old women's' purses." The boy looked up at him surprised. "Get away from me." Levi pushed the boy roughly. He used to be that boy. If the brat was going to survive in the underground he had to be tough. There was no other way.
"Everything alright Levi?" asked Erwin. He walked up beside Levi.
"It's too crowded here," Levi said. Erwin looked around. It didn't feel any busier since when they left the base but at least he had gotten Levi out of his head for a few hours.
"Perhaps," said Erwin. "It will be time for dinner soon. Shall we return to the dormitory?"
"Yeah."
Levi followed Erwin back his temporary quarters. Even compared to Erwin's rooms on the Survey Corps base this was gross. How much money did the pigs have? Levi thought as he walked around the rooms. This was on the list of why he hated the pigs in Sina. Levi walked back to the room that would be Erwin's office for the next few days. Erwin was going to through pack on the desk. Levi took a seat on one of the plush chairs beside the desk. Erwin pulled out two envelops.
"Levi," Erwin said. "When would be a good time to visit the underground?"
"What?" Levi asked. "Oh." Erwin presented them to Levi. He looked at envelops confused for a moment; until he read his friends' names. When he reached for them Erwin pulled them away. "Stop fucking with me." Levi growled.
"When is a good time to go," asked Erwin. He watched Levi's eyes. "I was thinking after the first round of games tomorrow." Levi rose to his feet.
"I'll take care if it!" He reached for the letters. Erwin drew them away.
"You can't go down there by yourself," said Erwin. "It's too dangerous."
Levi tsked.
"I spent my life down there," said Levi. "A polished surface pig like you would get in trouble."
"Out of the question Levi," said Erwin. Levi crossed his arms. Erwin set the letters on the polished desk. Gray eyes became granite and Erwin could see that he was going to lose all of the progress he made that day if he kept pushing.
"Thank you for coming with me today," Erwin said softly. He rose to his feet to place his hand on Levi's shoulder. Erwin's voice was smooth and rich like thick black tea. Levi looked away but didn't pull back.
"I wasn't doing anything else," Levi mumbled. A knock on the door disturbed their moment.
"Come in," said Erwin. He removed his hand from Levi's shoulder.
"Erwin." Nile opened the door. He looked past his friend to see the little thug. "I want you to meet some of the guys. We're going to dinner tonight if you want to come along. They can't believe I'm friends with someone in the Survey Corps."
Erwin laughed. "Sounds good."
"Alright," said Nile, "I'll come by to get you around dinner."
"I'm going back," said Levi. He brushed past the Military Police captain as he left the room.