Death: For a while I've been discouraged to continue this story. But then I realized that I put too much into this. And I'm still having a hard time to reconnect with my other story, Everything But Mine, and until I can get back into that one I might as well continue this and another project I just started.
Chapter Nine A Long Rope with a Thin Line
=3=
The travel was long and hard, as everyone was anxious about the fact titans have breached Wall Rose. Numerous times the group had to stop to fix carriages carrying cargo they couldn't afford to lose.
Levi let Hange handle keeping everyone busy and their spirits up. He wasn't the best in cheering anyone up, and so he kept careful eye on Kenny. Strangely enough, Kenny kept to himself. He inquired Glasses a couple of times if they needed his help. Unsure how to accept his help, or to keep him away from new results of experiments most of everyone else haven't seen yet, Hange had him play look out.
Which of course, Kenny took to stand next to Levi, making several people nervous at the sight. The two were perfect statues as they watched for any signs of titans heading their way. Until now, no one could see how perfectly well Levi was an assassin, now they had a comparison and it was quite nerve wracking.
You little shit, you're the enemy now.
What Kenny said once before rang through Levi's head constantly. Whatever slight movements the older man made, his body tensed. And it took several moments for him to relax just enough after realizing Kenny wasn't making any moves.
At this rate, I'm going to develop paranoia.
It didn't help matters when not only was he standing next to Kenny. Mikasa stood on the other side of the older assassin. She gave off waves of disdain that further made everyone even more uncomfortable. Levi caught sight of Jean fidgeting next to her, and it took a lot out of him not to snap at Horse Face for showing his nervousness.
"Can't we all just calm down already? You lot are starting to give me the jitters. You little shits can't do anything to me, the only person who could possibly kill me is the runt over here." Kenny sighed, rubbing his neck.
The tension increased tenfold. Jean ran a hand through his hair. Mikasa turned her dark gaze at Kenny, as if challenging him to say something more.
Here we go.
"You know, even if you're an Ackerman, you got an attitude of a brat. The least you can do is calm your shit." Kenny chided, not one to ever pass up a challenge.
In a flash she swung at him. But her punch never hit, for in a split second Levi intervened. He was in between them and pulled her arm up and twisted. She glared down at him, this time not wavering under his intense eyes that held a storm in them.
"You would protect scum like him? What about Eren? Or the Survey Corp? Where exactly does your loyalties lie, captain!?" Mikasa snarled at him.
A few people crowded around ready to fight. But no one was expecting this display, and so fists weren't raised just yet. Their eyes went back and forth between the short captain to Mikasa.
"At this moment I'm protecting you from him. I know what you're both capable of, and he has a point, I'm the only person capable to kill him. And don't you ever question where my loyalties lie, because I'm loyal to Erwin. Whatever he decides I carry out without a second thought. Even if it means my death, I don't give two shits about my life. The least you can do is relearn your priorities." Levi hissed so darkly anyone nearby froze.
"I know exactly what my priorities are, captain. But I don't believe you know where yours lie!" Mikasa unwound her arm and aimed another punch with her other arm.
Levi ducked and charged full force, sending and undercut to her ribs. With her breath knocked out of her he flipped her over his shoulder like he did with Jean once and allowed her to fall. He stood over her as she coughed, struggling to breathe as she laid there on her back.
"Stop pulling a Yeager and keep your head in any situation you endure. It's an Ackerman trait, but it seems like you lost it at some point in your short life. Now go and play guard at Eren's carriage. I will not allow any disruptive behavior when we're supposed to keep an eye out for titans. Such displays will only serve to get us all killed."
"How did you…" Mikasa coughed as Jean helped her sit up.
"I just showed you the difference between our training. And that's only a portion of it. Don't ever cross me again. I won't hold back next time." Levi warned, catching the uncertain expressions on everyone's faces.
Great, now they're going to question my motives again.
He turned to his uncle, eyes so intense that Kenny flinched. He flinched in a way it wasn't obvious to anyone but those with a trained eye. Levi felt a swell of pride to have succeeded to make his mentor flinch. It was a first in all the years he was taken under his uncle's wing.
"If you ever antagonize anyone again, you're out. I'm not going to stand by and allow you to make this more uncomfortable than it already is. And I won't be Erwin and let you go unscathed." Levi smirked for an added effect.
The result was satisfactory to say the least. Kenny cleared his throat as he shifted his weight, hands at his hips while regaining his composure.
"Will keep that in mind from now on, then." Was all Kenny would respond with.
"We should be ready to leave within the next ten minutes! Everyone get ready to continue moving." Hange informed, breaking the tension.
With that the group dispersed, going back to their respective jobs at hand. Levi stared into the distance, feeling uneasy at how dark the night was tonight, as it was a new moon this night. He felt eyes on him, and he turned to see Kenny staring at him.
"You changed a lot since you've been with them. Tell me, what gave you your confidence? You're not the boy that was kidnapped a few months back. You've grown into something else entirely." Kenny inquired, genuinely curious. "I'm not saying it's a bad change. I'm inclined to say I'm proud of you."
Levi couldn't help but stare. It was the first time he heard those words spoken from his uncle.
"Well? You gonna tell me or not?"
"I would say the Survey Corp is what changed me. But it is more than just them. But if you want to be technical, it would be Erwin. Erwin is responsible for this change."
Levi wasn't aware of his expression, but Kenny was watching carefully. He saw how his nephew's face softened, almost dreamlike. His eyes lit up with such fondness that Kenny knew what it was. He studied that face and saw for the first time he was seeing his nephew as he was, not a stranger that tried to fit in anymore.
He knew his nephew hated the job as an assassin, but he stuck around because that was all he knew. Now he saw Levi truly as himself and suddenly he knew that he couldn't find it within himself to carry out the job he was set to do.
A few months ago I would have taken him and Erwin out together if the order was given then. But now, I can't do it. I hate to admit it, but he has been my soft spot from day one when I took him in.
And Kenny could tell what it was the boy had found while being a part of the Survey Corp. And he envied Levi for finding something precious. Something some people can't find within their own lifetime.
"You know, now that I think about it, this was a terrible idea from the start. I figured out why you stayed here, even at the cost of Farlan. I'll take my leave. That should help ease the tensions here." Kenny stretched, eager to leave and go at his own pace now.
"Let me be the one to hand you your weapons before you leave." Levi said, making his way to where he ad stored the knives beforehand.
"You're letting him go?" Jean glared.
"If he leaves on his own accord I'm not stopping him. And wouldn't you rather want him to leave?" The short captain countered.
By his silence Levi knew he had a point. He held the knives and made his way to Kenny. He stared up at his uncle, not quite handing them over.
"I suppose you know already what would happen should you pull anything stupid, right?" He warned.
"Yeah, yeah. I know, you'll cut me to pieces." Kenny rolled his eyes.
"Good. I don't have to say it then." Levi handed over the bundle of knives.
"Before I leave, I just wanted to say one more thing."
"Make it quick. We have little time to be messing around."
"I'm glad you found something precious. I hope that when the time comes, you can protect it and come out unscathed. Good luck, until next time."
And before Levi could inquire what he meant, Kenny took his weapons and left. He watched as the man walked away and disappeared among the shadows of the trees, wondering what he meant.
Something precious, huh?
=3=
It was quickly learned that Wall Rose was not breached. Erwin and his small group had traveled all around to find no signs of holes of titans broken through. With the titans contained between two solid walls it wasn't too long before they were taken care of.
While some villages were saved and escorted to the Wall Sina safely, a good few didn't make it. Some members of Survey Corp and Wall Garrison went missing. Among them were a few veterans of Survey Corp.
Erwin wasn't taking the loss of Mike very well. There were nights Levi spent holding the commander in the tiny bed until the man fell asleep. Levi didn't mind being a pillow to say the least. He was starting to feel comfortable being held as they slept.
They haven't done anything sexual yet, and Levi didn't care. The tension was higher than ever before as they racked their brains to figure out how titans invaded without breaking through Wall Rose. At the meantime he was silently supporting Erwin every way possible.
I wonder if this is what Kenny meant as precious.
This left him pondering how Kenny figured it out in the first place. But he had to keep it to himself, as he took it upon himself to keep the Survey Corp from falling to pieces. The majority of them were just as stressed as their commander, as the threat of disbandment loomed over their heads.
"Captain, have you had any sleep at all these past few days?" Eren poked his head out of the kitchen to watch as Levi sweeped with much less vigor than usual.
"I'm fine, brat. You look like you haven't had much sleep, yourself." Levi glanced at him, noticing how there were dark circles under the boy's eyes.
"It's the nightmares. I don't remember what they're about, but I know I have them." Eren responded with such exhaustion Levi looked at him again, seeing him with new eyes.
"Why don't you take a break, Eren?" He suggested, sincerely honest.
"But...are you sure, captain? The dishes…" He stared wide eyed as if Levi had grown an extra head.
"The dishes can wait. Actually, I won't mind a break myself. This place is too depressing." He put the broom back in its place, removing his gloves and apron.
"Okay, who are you and what have you done with Captain Levi?" Eren grinned, as he cheered up a bit.
"There's the cheeky brat I know and love. Now come on, do you want to destress with the gear or not?" Levi made his way out the door, only to stop when the Titan shifter wasn't following.
Eren was standing there blushing furiously. It took him a moment to realize what he had said and sighed. He made his way back to the teen and stood before him, looking up at his bright red face.
Damn, he's gotten a little taller. At this rate he'll reach Erwin's height in a few years.
"Eren, I know you've had a crush on me for a while. And I'm trying not to encourage it, but when I see you as my little brother? Things tend to slip without meaning to. I don't mean to sound harsh, but I have to address this issue. Forget and forgive me."
Those bright eyes stared at him, too shocked for words. Levi could almost get lost in those teal green eyes if he hadn't already been captivated by deep blues that held an endless sky in them.
"Forget about me. It will hurt you less, and it would save you and whoever your future partner unnecessary pain. Forgive me, for I cannot return these feelings. And forgive me for whatever I have done that made you believe you stood a chance, even when presented with your own eyes that I'm taken." Levi reminded him of the day it was made known he had a hickey on his neck.
"I'm... I'm sorry captain." Eren bit his lip nervously.
"Don't apologize for something that's not your fault. That's the last thing I want, is for you to believe it's your fault for this situation but it's not. Just leave it to rotten timing and my stupid heart for latching onto Erwin so fast." Levi took a deep breath, realizing he had let his secret out, but he didn't mind it too much.
What really had his mind reeling was the fact, if Erwin hadn't shown him kindness from the start, then Eren stood a good chance with him. Levi couldn't deny it when they were both locked up in the dungeon for a while, their futures bleak and uncertain. Levi always admired strength in a person, whether it be physical or mental, or both. But both was rare, and the scary thing was Eren and Erwin possessed both qualities.
However it took the boy a while to grow into his strength. The Survey Corp did wonders to improve his temper and rash thinking, despite a few slip ups here and there. But that's what humans did best, make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes.
And thinking about it now, he could see that even if they had qualities he admired the most in a person, the two were in different levels. Eren had never carried the weight on his shoulders of ordering the Survey Corp into their possible deaths. What deaths he witnessed or of those he knew took to heart, Erwin took every death to heart, mind, and soul.
Because Erwin was their commander. And it was under his own orders that brought these deaths. The weight of that alone after years of being in charge could topple a Titan Eren's size.
"Okay...I'll remember that from now on." Eren sniffed, wiping his face. It was then Levi realized the teen was crying.
"Oi, if you're going to be a crybaby, then you're not coming with me to the forest." Levi deadpanned, not one to ever watch anyone cry in front of him.
"I'm fine, captain! There's just something in my eye." Eren tried to smile, which was obvious it was a struggle.
"Now you turned into a crying brat. Well shit, you on your period or something? You're all happy and blushing one minute, the next you're balling your eyes out."
At that the teen busted out laughing. Even though he was blushing mad, he was doubled over with his laugh. Levi allowed himself a smirk at the reaction.
"That's better. Now do you want to have a go with the gear or not?" Levi was eager to be in the air, it has been too long.
"Okay, okay we'll go. But, captain? You said it was rotten timing. What did you mean? Do you mean we could have worked out?" Eren followed the short captain outside.
"It means what it means. And don't you dare latch onto that hope you have. I'm not leaving Erwin." Levi warned, noting the rising hope in the boy's voice.
Unless the day comes he tells me to leave, which I doubt.
"You know, come to think of it, I think you two make a good couple." Eren was more chipper now as he skipped alongside the captain.
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, he's tall, and you're short…"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence if you value your life." Levi growled, not quite over the fact the boy had a recent growth spurt while he was still rather short.
"I'm joking! Jeez, captain, lighten up a bit. Anyways, besides that, you're calm and collected. You're built for speed and accuracy. In the field, everyone knows you can save us in a pinch."
"Okay, and why do you believe Erwin and I are good together again?
"Well, the commander is strong and agile. He plans everything and carries it out accordingly. If anything goes wrong he has a backup plan set. Should the two of you ever work together taking down titans, I believe the pair of you would be a terrifying force to be reckoned with."
He has a point, there.
"I will admit, that's a good evaluation." Levi had to hand it to the kid.
"But that's not all, captain! I also think that the two of you together can heal both of you. You're not the easiest person to be around, captain, no offense. And from what I've heard, the commander has always kept everyone at arm's length until you came along. I think you're exactly what he needed, and he's what you needed."
"And you have figured this out all on your own within a few minutes? I am impressed, brat."
"Well, I've had a long time to think about how someone could have you after I saw that hickey on your neck. I didn't know it was Erwin, but I had a feeling it had to be someone you needed and they needed you in return." Eren explained, as they got their horses ready.
Just as they brought their horses out all saddled, a group returned from scouting one of the villages. Hange had a worried expression on their face, while Connie seemed horrified about something.
"I would ask if it was a good scouting, but judging by your expressions you lot saw some shit." Levi commented.
"Levi, I'm sorry to cut your outing short, but I need to speak with you. In Erwin's office. Connie, I need you to come with us." Hange was straightforward and to the point.
This is going to be bad news, isn't it?
With a sigh he handed the reins to Eren. The teen blinked as he held the reins of both horses. He stared at Levi, the captain had a masked expression once more.
"Take care of her for me, please. And I'm sorry we have to postpone our outing with the gear." Levi followed Hange and the young man in his squad.
He noted Connie was carrying a picture of some sort, but it was difficult to see what the picture was. Sensing it was part of the discussion, he didn't inquire about it. The three entered the commander's office. Two of them blinked to see signs of the commander not shaving for several days.
He's working himself to the point he can't even function. One of these days I'm going to have to intervene and make him remember what it's like to be human again.
"Commander. We have some startling news. Well, more like speculation about where the titans came from." Hange was the first to recover.
"What have you discovered?" Erwin looked up from the papers, the squad leader had his full attention now.
"It can't be fully confirmed yet, but I suspect that these titans...are the missing villagers." Hange presented the theory. "We have found a few villages that were completely abandoned, and no signs of titans killing them off. And yet they're not registered as among the refugees we escorted to safety. What's more, Connie may have recognized his mother at his village as a deformed Titan."
"It...it spoke to me, sir. When I went there to rescue my family, my hometown...it was lying on its back on top of my house. It said 'Welcome home'. And we compared its face to a picture I had that I took with me when I went into training." Connie presented the picture he had been carrying.
Levi and Erwin leaned over to study it. The woman in the frame held a remarkable resemblance to Connie. About the only difference was her long hair and her body frame a little broader from the joys of raising a family and loving it.
"The resemblance was...shocking. Between his mother and the Titan we saw. It was still alive, but it won't speak to us. I'm having my squad ready to transport that Titan back the next outing, if that's alright with you, sir." Hange was eager to have another Titan to study from other than just Eren's form.
"We can start tomorrow or the day after. But this is strange news to me, that a good portion of the population is turned into titans. Are you positive that this is the only answer?" Erwin stared hard at the squad leader.
"I did a headcount, just to double check. The same amount of people in villages that have disappeared without explanation was the same amount as the headcount of titans we eliminated. The only extensive damage was at the abandoned fortress, but you already know that." Hange handed over papers that they had calculated the numbers on.
The commander took it and skimmed through carefully. By his expression Levi didn't have to read the paper. Instead he stared at Glasses with a blank expression, but they noticed the storm going on inside his head behind those eyes.
"So...what you're saying is that I have been killing humans. Humans that couldn't transform back." Levi felt disturbed at the revelation.
"Essentially, yes. But we don't have any full way to confirm this. This is all speculations." Hange had to find something to assure the short man, but by his expression it wasn't working.
I have done nothing but the same job as before, only these targets have no names and no assigned death by a king.
"Thank you for your efforts, both of you. Connie, you are dismissed. Hange, would you mind staying a little longer? I have a small request I've been meaning to ask of you for a while." Erwin knew it wasn't the best timing to ask, but he felt that he had to do this now.
If I didn't before they make their move, then who knows if I'll ever get an answer.
Connie nodded and saluted before he left. Hange stared between the commander and the short captain with interest. They noticed that Levi wasn't requested to leave.
"So what do want me to do? I get the feeling this is some secret assignment." Hange was the first to break the silence.
"You're familiar with Eren's blood properties, right? I mean having an understanding of the titan genes in him." Erwin wasn't sure how to word this.
"Yes...why do you ask? I can identify the strands without any help, after comparing Eren's blood to my own under a microscope."
"When Levi was born, he couldn't see. He couldn't see for the first ten years of his life. Suddenly his uncle pinches his arm and he can see. Actually, he can see much better than any normal human. And what I find strange is that it took one injection, if it was an injection, which I find most puzzling. No known medicines can make a blind person to see after one treatment."
Hange stared at Levi, who was still recovering about the new possibility of titans actually being humans. There had been no reason for them to suspect Levi to have the same ability as Eren. Sure, he had speed that was unmatched, and strength that could rival Eren in a fight, but he didn't share the healing qualities as Eren.
Eren could replace bones and limbs. Levi had lost feeling in his leg after it broke and waited too long until it was fixed. Even after some weeks since the injury it would still act up. As time passed the leg has lessoned in stiffening up for a few minutes. Instead of every day it was every four days.
"Well, I guess I can take a look at his blood. It might take some time to have the time, but if he's alright with taking a blood sample now then I can squeeze in time to study it at some point." It didn't hurt to try, Hange figured.
"Just make it quick, I'm not very fond of needles, shitty glasses." Levi remarked without meeting their eye.
"Great! I'll be back with a case. You're so tiny, you just might need all the blood you need so I'll only take one vial." Hange was eager to study someone's blood sample again, it had been a while since they have done anything in the sort.
When they left Levi caught Erwin's eye for the first time in a few minutes. The commander stared at him with growing concern over the recent theories.
"Are you alright? You have been depressed for a while. And I kind of requested that favor without consulting you first." Erwin was suddenly feeling guilty for doing this.
"I'm fine, I'm not upset about that. It's just hard to wrap my head around all of this. That I left one profession only to find that my new one isn't much different. Why do I feel like I've said this all before?"
"I believe you did, but this conversation was with Hange. I was informed of what had happened." Erwin tilted his head with more concern.
His memory has always been sharp. Why is it failing him now?
"If you want after this, you can take a nap." Erwin offered him a chance for a break. The short captain looked worse than usual with so little sleep.
"Only if you join me, commander. After all, sir, you're the only one who can keep the nightmares at bay." Levi countered with a sly smirk.
That smirk quickly went away the moment the door opened with Hange. They were grinning as they quickly shut the door behind them, carrying a case.
"I hope you don't do any experiments with my blood as a result of this." Levi warned with a deadly glare.
"I promise I won't do anything that would break your trust in me, Levi." Hange smiled as they pulled out a needle.
During the process Levi had to look away as Hange drew blood. Erwin rubbed the short captain's back in means of comfort, feeling how tense it was. Before he knew it, the process was done and over with.
Just as Hange had put everything away when the door opened. Erwin stood, staring hard at the Military Police that intruded without warning.
"Would you care to inform me what's going on?" Erwin was stern at the rude intrusion.
"Commander Erwin, you are under arrest for conspiracy against the king, and turning quite a number of people into titans to create havoc between Walls Rose and Sina."
"Before I go, can I at least name someone else to be in charge until I return?" Erwin reasoned, not moving towards them.
"I find no reason to stop you. But make it quick. We are ordered to bring you to the dungeon in the inner city until your trial."
For once the Military Police are being reasonable.
Without another word the commander looked at Hange. His smile was strained as their eyes met.
"Hange, it would be an honor if you take my place until my return. You have the experience and the knowledge of leading people, you're the only person I can think of who can take my place."
"...It would be my honor to accept your decision. Hope to see you soon, Commander Erwin."
"Take care of everyone for me, Commander Hange." Erwin turned to Levi, their eyes met possibly for the last time for a long while.
"Stay free, little bird. You're free to do as you wish from now on." Erwin said with sincerity in his voice. Before he was taken away he mouthed something only Levi and Hange saw.
Levi felt his heart break at those words.
I love you.
=3=
Death: This chapter was hard to put together. I know, you all probably wanted to see some action between Levi and Kenny. But. That comes later. Like, lining up with the original story later, which is kinda soon anyway.
Another reason is remembering exactly the events of chronological order here. Once again there will be elements of the manga in here, but at the same time there will be some of my flair in there to make it more interesting.
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