The Garrison soldiers walked in on a heated poker game that morning. Hange and Clare left the poker players soon after eating breakfast. The MPs and John hovered around Mike's shoulders. They caught their breathes when Levi placed three more walnuts into the pile. Mike and Levi stared at each other with blank faces.
"Excuse me," asked one of the Garrison soldiers. He was almost afraid to break up the game. "We're going to be late." The players looked up from their cards.
"We can finish this later," said Mike.
"Are you giving up?" asked Levi. Amusement tickled his tone. A smile formed beneath Mike's mustache.
"No," said Mike. "We'll finish this later…at the tavern." Levi's eyes widened.
"Loser pays the first round?" Levi said. Mike nodded. Both combatants set down their cards. Mike pulled a set of keys from his pocket to unlock the cell. One of the MPs stepped in to lock the chains around Levi's wrists and ankles. Another chain was wrapped around his waist to connect the two thus hindering his movements. The guards weren't as easy going as they were the day before but Levi was okay with that. He was used to soldiers being on guard around him.
"We'll see you at the courthouse," said John. He picked up the cards and walnuts. Levi nodded. He felt a lot calmer than he did yesterday. He just had to believe in Erwin. That was easy enough.
000
Erwin yawned as he walked up the tall staircase to the courthouse. The poker game lasted longer than he anticipated but it was worth it. He nodded respectfully to one of the wall priests as he made his way upstairs. The little cult preyed on the fears of people and what better place to find frightened people than at the court house. The men handed out fliers, yelled at people to repent, anything to get their point across. Erwin didn't believe in such things. It was men like them who made people afraid to go outside the walls. Instead, Erwin wanted to think about something positive. A smile touched his lips as he thought about his exit last night.
Hange and Clare waved as they made their way upstairs. Erwin and Levi would only have a few moments alone before the guards came down the steps. Erwin reached into his inside jacket pocket retrieving one of Levi's knifes.
"I need to get out of this cell," said Erwin. Levi took the knife without a word. He walked over to the cell door. Erwin counted five seconds before door swung open. Erwin rose to his feet and stood beside the smaller man. Levi looked up at him while his fingers caressed the knife handle. Erwin placed his hand on top of Levi's. "I trust you," Erwin said softly. Levi released what Erwin assumed was a grateful sigh.
"They're coming," Levi said. Erwin nodded. He walked out of the cell, closing the cell door behind him. The Military Policemen, John, and Mike came down the stairs. Erwin smiled at the visitors. The knife had disappeared and Leevi was already moving his tablecloth to the back of the cell. Erwin gave Levi one more look before he reached into his pants pocket and handed Mike a set of keys.
000
Marshall stood at the top of the staircase waiting for Erwin Smith. He knew he would probably never get another opportunity to see Erwin squirm. Marshall also knew the man well enough that he would be flawless by the time he entered the courtroom. That was why he gave up precious time with the commander to get to the courthouse early. It was well worth the wait.
Erwin Smith brought his hand up to his face to cover up a tired yawn. Marshall took pleasure that Erwin had probably been up all night worried about this case. While Marshall walked a drunk Keith Shardis to his suite in the Royal Palace his commander let it slip that Erwin's career was at stake. This was a better present than joining him at the Supreme Commander's house. Erwin didn't see Marshal immediately. His fellow squad leader was rubbing sleep out of his eyes when he saw Marshall standing by the courthouse doors.
"Oh, good morning Marshall," Erwin said in that annoyingly calm voice of his. Marshall forced a smile on his face. This was the beginning of his time. He didn't have to force it in Erwin's face.
"Good morning Erwin," said Marshall. "Commander told me you were going through a rough patch. Is there anything I can do to help?" The blond haired captain looked at him surprised.
"Thank you for your concern," Erwin said finally. "I believe I have it under control." Marshall followed Erwin into the courthouse. They took a few more steps before Marshall spoke again.
"I guess you can't stop a criminal from following their nature," Marshall said. Erwin stopped walking and turned to face his peer.
"Levi didn't commit this crime." Erwin's voice was cold. He narrowed his blue eyes like icicles ready to drop and kill anyone beneath them. "I will prove his innocence today." Marshall took a step back, raised his hands defensively, and fought to keep the smile from his face. So there were cracks in the golden boy's armor. If Marshall knew that, he would have done something sooner.
"I didn't mean anything," said Marshall. "I'm sure he's innocent. I'll see you inside." Erwin turned around and continued into the courtroom.
"Excuse me sir." Marshall turned around to see a small boy dressed in fine clothes. There was something off about the little boy that Marshall couldn't quite place. "My big brother needs to talk to you." The little boy took Marshall by the hand and started walking. The boy pulled him toward the balcony steps.
Sitting on the stairs was a white blonde haired man in a black trench coat. He rose to his feet as they approached. The smile on his face was too perfect to be kind. The little boy released Marshall's hand.
"Are you Marshall?" said the man. He nodded.
"Where is the other guy?" Marshall asked.
"He no longer works with our organization," said the blonde haired man. "Do you have the rest of our payment?" Marshall looked around to make sure there were no witnesses. The little boy who brought him over stood lookout at the end of the hallway. Marshall pulled the pouch from his inside jacket pocket. Sure this wasn't technically what he paid for, but it actually turned out better than Erwin's team losing in the Royal Games. Erwin and his pet rat were put on display before they even had a chance to complete. If his team lost that would just be icing on the karmic cake. He handed the money over to the smiling man. The man opened the bag then weighed it in his hand.
"It's been a pleasure doing business with you," said the smiling man. "Johnny will take you back."
"No, I know my way." Marshall walked back toward the courtroom to see one of Erwin's squad escorting two people who obviously came from the underground. This was Erwin's grand plan? Who would believe that filth? Everyone who lived underground was a criminal right? Why else would they stay in that cesspool.
000
The gallery was full of bored and hungover nobles and off duty military waiting in anticipation to see how Levi would behave. They were sorely disappointed as a meek, almost demure, young man entered. He kept his head down and made no complaint when the military police pushed him faster than the chains allowed him to walk. His only reaction was a scowl when they forced him to his knees. They clipped the end of his shackles to a metal ring on the floor.
"Are we going to have another incident like yesterday, Mister Levi?" asked Commander Pixus.
"No sir," said Levi. His face said that he was already annoyed. At least his tone is respectful, thought Erwin.
Siting among her peers Jenna frowned. Where were the fireworks? Where was the anger from yesterday? Levi didn't even fidget as he knelt on the floor. All of my planning simply dashed aside. Perhaps I underestimated Captain Smith? Jenna hated being disappointed. She huffed and crossed her arms.
"Is everything alright Jenna?" asked Keith. The Survey Corps commander watched her like a hawk. She gave him her sweetest smile.
"Oh yes, I'm just a little tired from yesterday." Dot Pixus waited for his peers to settle before continuing.
"We will start with the defense," said Commander Pixus.
"Captain Erwin Smith speaking for the defense," the blonde captain raised his hand. "Commander Pixus, today we intend to prove that Levi could not alter the Military Police's equipment but that this is a part of a larger conspiracy that started once Levi joined the Survey Corps."
Commander Pixus nodded.
"The Military Police only trailed Levi to the staircase under the assumption that he went underground to gain information about the Royal Games.
"That information is false," Erwin continued. "We have witnesses that can prove that Levi was underground on official Survey Corp business. It was while he conducted this business that he was framed."
Nile raised his hand. Commander Pixus nodded in his direction.
"And who do you propose this mysterious person is who committed the crimes?"
"A rival gang member by the name of Jessie."
"And where is this man now?" asked Nile. Erwin displayed a file.
"His body was retrieved and cremated by the policemen on duty yesterday morning. In the report the policemen state that he died from multiple stab wounds."
"Very convenient," said Nile.
"Our witnesses will attest to Jessie's involvement as well as his long standing grudge with Levi that pre-dates his enlistment in the military.
"With your permission I would like to call our first witness," said Captain Smith.
"Granted."
A wooden chair was brought up beside the platform where Levi knelt. He turned his head confused. An older man slowly walked to the chair with the assistance of a cane. He was dressed in clothes better suited for the stage than the courtroom. The faded shiny material gave its best performance as the man flopped onto the chair. His tired face was clean shaven for the first time in decades. Levi didn't recognize the old man at first. It wasn't until he settled into the chair and gave him a tired smile that Levi recognized the witness.
"Bert…" Levi whispered. He reached out to see if he was dreaming but the chains pulled him back. Bert never left his corner. "You'll lose your space." Levi whispered. "What…"
Bert nodded in Erwin's direction. Levi looked at Erwin. His stern face was intact as he patiently waited for Bert to get comfortable. Just who was this guy, Levi thought. Levi looked down at his bound hands. I just have to believe in him.
"State your name," asked Commander Pixus. His tone was kind and respectful as he speaking to someone who lived in the sunshine not some old drunk who took his first decent shower that morning in almost a decade.
"I am Roberto Canatoli," said Bert. The old man leaned on his cane. "I was once the primary tenor in the King's Royal opera.
"Thank you," said the commander. "How do you know the accused?"
"From living underground."
"Please, tell us about the night in question."
Bert took a deep breath. "I was resting on the street when Levi approached. He told me Isabel was killed while fighting titans. And then he gave me this." Bert said almost as an afterthought. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a dirty envelope. "It's a letter from the Survey Corps."
Erwin raised his hand. "Commander Pixus, that letter is given to family members in thanks for a soldier's valiant sacrifice.
"Sir," said Bert. "Levi is a good kid. He practically raised Isabel. If not for Levi, she would have died down there."
"Instead, she died outside the wall," said Nile. "I don't see how Levi being a 'good kid' has anything to do with this case."
Erwin countered. "It gives reason why Levi was in the underground."
000
Kenny the ripper stood on the balcony overlooking the courtroom. Sure, he could have let Stephan report back. That would have been the safest option but when had safety ever been one of Kenny's concerns? What the hell had the brat gotten himself into? Maybe he really was moron. If the hardheaded little son of a bitch made a run for it he might help him. A smile touched Kenny's lips. It'd been a while since Kenny had any real action. Hell, it might be damn near nostalgic to kill a few policemen with the brat. Kenny stroked his beard in thought. Yea, if the runt broke out of his chains Kenny would help him.
The gang leader turned his attention to the blonde Survey Corpsman. Erwin Smith. The name rolled around in his thoughts. This man appeared to be able to do the impossible. Or be full of fucking wishes. That old bum hadn't left that spot in almost 30 years. Yet here he was, in his best moldy costume walking around in the sunshine.
Show me your power mister Survey Corpsman. Show me the kind of man who is strong enough to tear Levi away from everything that he knows, kill his comrades, and still stay by your side. Kenny fingered there knife beneath his jacket. If you aren't strong enough you won't leave this court room alive.
"You look like a father watching his only child get married to someone he hates," teased Stephan. Kenny glared at him. "Sorry boss. I'll go get some air." The young man walked out of the balcony. Kenny turned his attention back to the old bum stopped speaking. The next witness was a fidgety young girl. Her fingers tugged at the skirt of her dress as if they couldn't sit still. The dress was old and almost too childish for her growing form.
"It's very convenient that you were present when this man went after Levi," interrogated Nile.
"I live there," said the girl innocently. "Jessie was one of Momma's regulars."
"Regulars?" asked Nile.
"Yes, Momma's a working girl." The girl spoke as if her mother worked as a maid instead of being a lady of the night. Nile snorted and looked away. Just like the fucking Military Police. Kenny was bored. He would have Stephan listen to this boring shit and let him know if he got to kill the blonde or not. The wall priests were still preaching when Kenny stepped down from the balcony.
"You sir," one of the wall priests called out to him. "Have you devoted your life to the goddesses?"
"You have the wrong sinner, father," said Kenny. He brought up his arm to move the man out of his way.
"No, we have the right one," another priest walked up behind him. Kenny could feel a pistol at his back. Instinctively he reached for the knife at his hip. "We aren't here to capture you," said the wall priest behind him.
"Please read some literature about our church," said the priest in front of him. He handed Kenny an envelop. The moment he opened the envelop Kenny knew who wrote it. The paper smelled like her.
'It is always a pity when children don't grow up to their parents' expectations. It appears our boy has grown up. Times have changed since our day of cat and mouse. It seems we no longer punish those who have highly prized skills simply because of a few tarnishes on their record. With this changing world I want to offer you a unique opportunity. Won't you join me in this new frontier?'
The first thing Kenny thought was that Levi was not 'their' boy.
"Is she fucking serious?" asked Kenny.
"I don't understand why, but yes," said the wall priest.
"What about my men?"
"You can bring whoever you like. As long as they understand that any crimes they commit are to be for the crown."
Kenny looked at the swirling letters. Well brat, he thought, it looks like we're both fucked.
"Tell Jeanna I'll play her game," said Kenny.