Wait... What are you in such a hurry for? We haven't even had a chance to talk this through...
...
"Talk what through?"
Victoria jolted at the unexpected voice so close to her ear, nearly toppling from the chair where she had dozed off. The remnants of her unsettling, dark dream slipped away like sand through her fingers as her eyes fluttered open, struggling to adjust to the soft, sterile lamplight of the infirmary.
The tranquil space, with its muted colors and the faint scent of antiseptic, had provided the perfect sanctuary for her to catch a few moments of rest after her final check-up. Given her restless night, filled with tossing, turning, and nightmares of her dead friends, any chance to steal a bit of sleep was a precious gift.
She had hoped to find solace in the quiet, but she hadn't meant to fall asleep, and now, with her heart racing and her senses heightened, that peace felt like a distant memory.
Victoria jumped again as she turned to locate the source of the voice that had roused her, only to be met with a pair of large, inquisitive brown eyes peering at her through wire-rimmed glasses.
The glasses, slightly askew, magnified the woman's eyes, making them appear even more expressive. Victoria blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep and focus on the figure before her. The woman's face was framed by a wild mane of brown hair, with bangs sticking out chaotically from underneath a set of goggles on her head. The hair was hastily gathered into a ponytail that bobbed slightly as she leaned closer.
There was an air of enthusiasm about her, a spark of curiosity that seemed to radiate from her very being, contrasting sharply with the sterile environment of the infirmary.
"W-what?" Victoria managed to stammer, still disoriented, her voice barely above a whisper. She rubbed her eyes, attempting to clear the fog that clung to her mind like a heavy blanket. "Who're you?"
The words felt foreign on her tongue, and she struggled to piece together the fragments of her dream, the images slipping away like wisps of smoke.Talk what through?The woman's presence was both startling and oddly familiar.
Victoria felt like she had met them before.
"You were talking in your sleep," the woman remarked quickly with a hint of curiosity, her tone light and teasing, as if she were sharing a delightful secret. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and Victoria couldn't help but feel a flicker of embarrassment at the thought of having spoken aloud.
The woman's chaotic hairstyle seemed to mirror her vibrant personality, and Victoria found herself drawn in by the warmth of her smile. "I couldn't catch everything," The woman continued, "But "We haven't talked this through yet." was loud and clear. Soooo, talk what through? OH! Were you having a vision?"
Clarity began to dawn on Victoria as the woman continued to ramble.
This was the Research Section Commander of Survey Corps, Hange Zoe.
"You.. know about my visions?" Victoria asked hesitantly, glancing around the room for listeners. They were alone.
"Commander Erwin told me!" Hange smiled at her, standing up straight and placing her hands on her hips. "Annnd since I'm here to escort you to the trial, anyway, I had some questions I wanted to ask you. How long have you and Eren known each other?"
"You're escorting me to the trial?" Victoria frowned in confusion, glancing down at herself. She wasn't exactly dressed right for a military tribunal. She thought she'd have more time to get into uniform after her check-up, but then again, she didn't think she'd fall asleep either.
A blue button-up and a tan skirt would have to do, she supposed. Ugh, she didn't even have a hair tie.Whatever.
"I am!" Hange grinned again, oblivious to Victoria's mental predicament. Her eyes suddenly grew wider, somehow, as she suddenly scrambled to pull a watch out of her pocket. "It was Levi's idea. Speaking of which, wearerunning late. We need to hurry if we want to get you there in time. Come on!"
And with that, Hange Zoe was off, strutting out into the hallway before Victoria even had time to say 'Section Commander'.
"Oh!" Hange stuck her head back in the door with a wide grin and threw a package at Victoria. She barely caught it in time. Inside, V found her uniform. With the inclusion of her father's medal and drawing of her family, neatly tucked in the breast pocket of her jacket.
"Quick, get dressed. You can leave your other clothes here, we'll grab them when we're done." Hange smiled again, this time it stretched across her face; an almost macabre smile.
"Time to see if Eren is executed today."
~o~
The courthouse stood just a short distance from headquarters, approximately a block away.
Its dark brown brick facade had remained untouched by the Titan assaults that had ravaged so many other structures. The bricks, weathered yet proud, bore witness to countless trials and tribulations, while the white marble details—intricate carvings and elegant moldings—stood out sharply against the darker tones, gleaming in the sunlight.
Every stained glass window was somehow intact, casting vibrant patterns of light onto the polished stone floor inside. There were no signs of fire or damage, a rare sanctuary in a world marred by destruction. The air was thick with a sense of solemnity, as if the very walls of the courthouse were imbued with the weight of history and the promise of justice.
At the entrance, two imposing white columns flanked the door. Adorned with marble statues of women, they stood as guardians of the law; one wielded a sword, symbolizing the strength and authority of justice, while the other balanced a scale, representing the delicate equilibrium of truth and fairness. Together, they embodied the principles that the courthouse was built to uphold.
The entrance itself resembled a dark cavern, incredibly foreboding, as shadows almost swallowed the light further into the building. Flanking the door were the Military Police, their uniforms crisp and their demeanor unyielding.
With stern gazes fixed on the Section Commander and Victoria, they stood perfectly still. The tension in the air was palpable, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, as the two women passed them, their footsteps echoing against the stone.
One man in particular seemed extremely displeased by the Section Commander's presence. He was lean, with dark brown, almost black, hair that was a bit choppy. It traveled down to his narrow face into a well-maintained goatee. But his thin eyebrows and nose had scrunched up like he smelled something foul.
"That's Nile Dok," Hange whispered in Victoria's ear as they passed him. "Commander of the Military Police Brigade."
"What are they all doing?" Victoria asked, daring to take a glance back at the man, Commander Nile; his glare burned a hole through her.
"They're waiting for the Premiere," Hange answered, but her voice was drowned out by the awe Victoria was suddenly struck by.
The inside of the courthouse was even more grand than the outside.
The marble outside extended inward onto the floor, polished so brightly it reflected images of the soldiers that had gathered for the tribunal on it. The stained glass windows were somehow even more vivid inside, their colored lights dancing about and creating an entirely different atmosphere than the one Victoria had been expecting.
It was almost magical.
"Hey there," Hange gently tapped Victoria on the shoulder. "Focus up, will you?"
"What?" Victoria blinked, snapping back to attention. "Sorry, what were you saying again?"
"Premiere Dhalis Zachary," Hange resumed as they strolled through the main hall. "He's the one in charge of overseeing Eren's trial."
"He's the head of all three regiments, right?" Victoria asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Exactly!" Hange beamed, clapping her hands together with enthusiasm. "The Military Police, the Garrison Regiment, and the Scouts; all three fall under his jurisdiction. I'm thrilled to see Shadis thriving in the Training Corps and sharing his expertise. I was a bit concerned when I noticed your grades during the last few months of boot camp."
Victoria felt a slight frown tug at her lips; she didn't believe the Section Commander intended to sound condescending, so she decided to let it slide as she followed Hange toward a side door where a man stood waiting for them.
Standing tall and robust, he donned a classic military uniform with the wings of freedom emblazoned on his sleeve. His blond hair was styled casually with a center part, framing his face, while a dark mustache and sideburns complemented his neatly trimmed beard. As Hange and Victoria drew near, he remained silent, observing them intently with his piercing gaze.
"Miche!" Hange exclaimed with joy, flashing a sheepish smile at him. "Sorry, we're late, this is cadet Victoria Friedrich! She's Eren's friend. Victoria, this is Miche Zacharius. Say hi!"
"Hi." Victoria smiled awkwardly, offering a salute to her superior.
Miche chose not to return the greeting or utter a single word; instead, he stepped closer to Victoria and leaned in. V had to summon every ounce of strength to resist the urge to retreat from the courthouse as he pressed his nose toward the curve of her shoulder, inhaling deeply and lingering there for a moment.
Then, as if nothing ever happened, with a simple, "Hmph", Miche stepped back, looking satisfied with whatever he had just done.
"Yeaaaaah," Hange stood beside them, a hand on her hip. She was smiling cheerfully as she checked her pocket watch again. "Don't mind him, he does that. Makes a habit of giving new people a thorough sniff. Anyway, come on! We're late!"
What the fuck?
~o~
Hange and Miche guided Victoria into the lower levels of the courthouse, where the cells designed for pre-trial detention of criminals awaited. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding as they descended the narrow staircase, the dim light flickering overhead casting long shadows on the cold, concrete walls. Victoria's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety; she had heard stories about this place, tales of the desperate and the dangerous who had once filled these cells.
To her surprise, the area was eerily vacant.
The heavy iron doors of the cells stood ajar, creaking softly as they swayed slightly in the draft. The silence was almost deafening, broken only by the distant echo of their footsteps on the hard floor. Victoria peered into one of the cells they passed. Its interior was stark and uninviting, with a single metal cot bolted to the wall and a small, barred window that offered a glimpse of the outside world—a world that felt so far removed from this grim reality.
Hange stepped forward confidently, her eyes scanning the empty space with intrigue brewing in her brown eyes. "It's strange, isn't it? You'd expect this place to be bustling with activity, but it's like a ghost town down here," she remarked cheerfully, continuing down the dark hallway. "It's heartwarming to see how much our government cares about even its lowest of citizens."
The last comment had a touch of venom in Hange's tone.
"Where is everyone?" Victoria asked cautiously.
"Moved," Hange simply replied. "Transferred off to different holding facilities until Eren's trial is over. They didn't want anyone in contact with him."
"Eren's here?" Victoria frowned, glancing into another cell and seeing a rat run by.
"You betcha!" Hange replied, turning the corner to enter another cell block. This one was lit with lamplight, with two Military Police standing guard outside a staircase near the end. The Section Commander stopped, turning back to Victoria.
"I need you to do me a favor," Hange smiled, but there was a chill in the depths of her eyes as she pushed Victoria back around the corner. "Stay here, do not speak to any Military Police you might see. Miche and I will be right back, okay?"
"Stay here?"Victoria was confused, "But the trial-."
"That's an order, cadet." Hange snapped, still cheerful in her tone but her words had a bite. Her smile almost looked unnatural. "Understood?"
Victoria flinched slightly. The Section Commander had been so casual up to this point. Almost tripping over her words, V lifted her fist to her chest in defeat. "Yes, ma'am."
"Good!" Hange visibly relaxed. "Come on, Miche!"
Victoria did as ordered, but dared to peak around the corner after them, her gaze fixed on Hange and Miche as they walked side by side.
Hange animatedly gestured as she spoke to her comrade, her wild hair bouncing with each movement. Miche listened intently, a slight smile playing on his lips as he occasionally interjected with a witty remark that Victoria could not hear.
As they approached the guards stationed at the entrance to the staircase, Victoria could see the guards straighten up, their expressions shifting from casual indifference to alert professionalism. Hange, always one to break the ice, exchanged a few light-hearted words with them, causing the guards to chuckle and momentarily relax their postures.
Miche stood slightly back, his eyes scanning the surroundings, ever vigilant.
After a brief but lively exchange, Hange and Miche waved goodbye to the guards, their laughter lingering in the air for a moment longer. With a shared glance, they turned and descended the staircase, their figures gradually disappearing from view. Victoria felt a pang of envy as she watched them go, wishing she could join.
The corridor was enveloped in silence, with only the distant sound of their footsteps gradually disappearing, leaving Victoria to confront her own thoughts. She let out a soft sigh and pressed her back against the wall, feeling the cold seep into her skin upon contact. The chill was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her.
How long had Eren been confined in this place? she pondered, shivering as she peered into another cell.
Inside, a metal toilet sat alongside a small sink and mirror, all crammed into the corner next to a cot. The unpleasant odor reached her even from her position, a nauseating mix of despair and neglect that made her stomach churn.
Why are they treating him like a criminal? The thought gnawed at her, a bitter taste of injustice that lingered in her mouth.
A sudden wave of unease washed over her, not merely from the chill in the air. It was a deeper, more unsettling feeling that coiled around her heart.
Was this the reason Pyxis dismissed my visions as mere figments of cranial damage? Victoria thought, instinctively clutching the medal in her breast pocket.Was he trying to protect me from... this?
The questions spiraled in her mind, each one more troubling than the last.How is this connected to my mother?The memories of her mother's words echoed in her ears, no more clear than when she had first them.
"Too early."
Was it as simple as it was meant to be taken, or was she not thinking hard enough about it? Victoria wondered if, somehow, her mother had visions too. The day Shiganshina fell, Emma had seemed to know something was wrong. She would not tell her children, but did she tell anyone else?
She needed to talk to Commander Pyxis.
"V-Victoria?"
V was startled, her thoughts interrupted by a quivering voice. She turned to face them.
It was Eren, standing before her in chains and a tattered, white button-up shirt. Flanked by a smiling Miche and Hange, a pair of bewildered Military Police stood behind them. Eren appeared exhausted, his face drawn and weary.
The moment their eyes met, a spark of recognition ignited between them, and a smile began to grow on his face. It widened as he looked up at Hange, who responded with a playful wink, her eyes glinting with mischief. The atmosphere was thick with tension, yet there was an undeniable warmth in the air, a fragile thread of hope woven through the cold surrounding them.
"Oh my god," Victoria began to tremble, her heart racing as she instinctively stepped forward, her arms reaching out to wrap Eren in a hug. The world around her faded into a blur; all that mattered was the warmth of his presence, the familiar scent of him that brought back a flood of memories.
He was okay.
The Military Police immediately began shouting, their voices harsh and demanding, but Miche and Hange had positioned themselves in such a way that it took a moment for them to pry Eren and Victoria apart.
Once they were separated, Hange's face was initially one of disappointment, shoving a notepad back in her pocket. But quickly it transformed into an adorable expression, reminiscent of someone gazing at a kitten, her eyes sparkling with a mix of affection and amusement as she watched the two of them.
"Awww, come on, guys," Hange playfully pouted at the officers, her voice dripping with mock indignation, "You can't honestly say your heart doesn't melt at such a touching reunion." She gestured dramatically, her hands flailing in the air as if to emphasize the absurdity of the situation.
The Military Police exchanged glances, their stern expressions wavering for just a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected display of emotion. Hange's infectious enthusiasm was hard to resist, and even the most stoic among them felt a flicker of warmth in their chests. "Look at them! They're practically glowing! This is a moment worth celebrating, not scolding!"
"What are they doing down here?" One of the officers snapped, glaring at Victoria.
"Oh, good point," Hange lifted her finger to her chin, speaking loudly and quickly. "Did you get lost trying to find the restroom, cadet Friedrich? I understand, first time here at this magnificent,enormous courthouse, and it's soooo easy to get lost. I got lost my first time here, too! Why, I remember it like it was only yesterday!"
Hange continued talking, regaling the officers with the story of her first time at the courthouse. Victoria and Eren exchanged glances, confused by this interaction.
Are you okay? Victoria mouthed at him with Hange distracted the officers.
Eren shook his head frantically, They think I'm a monster.
"Ma'am," the officer spoke hesitantly, trying to get a word in but not wanting to open another can of worms. "She can't be down here, and we need to get this freak moving."
Eren's eyes darkened as he glanced at Victoria again.
See?
"Oh, poo," Hange blew the air out of her cheeks, winking as she turned to Victoria. "Alright, go on Friedrich. I assume you can find your way back and find your seat, right?"
The officers' glares burned through her. Miche and Hange both wore happy, smug grins.
"Uh," Victoria stuttered, before snapping into a salute. "Yes ma'am. I'll get going, apologies."
Quickly, V turned on her heel and hustled back down the hall.
~o~
The courtroom was alive with animated discussions, the sounds echoing against the lofty ceilings, creating a symphony of voices that reverberated through the air.
This expansive space was segmented into four separate areas, each designated for different groups of attendees, yet all contributing to the collective buzz of excitement. The walls, covered in a strikingly garish green wallpaper adorned with intricate designs, added a vibrant touch to the room, enhancing the intensity of the ambiance.
Wooden benches lined the perimeter, filled with military personnel from all different regiments, their uniforms sharp and expressions solemn. The officers and soldiers sat upright, their posture reflecting the weight of their responsibilities, eyes scanning the room with a mix of vigilance in the presence of their superiors. Commander Erwin Smith and Captain Levi sat on one side of the room, expressions impossible to read, and Dot Pyxis was even present.
Civilians congregated near the entrance, treating the tribunal as a form of entertainment, their soft conversations and laughter breaking the tension that hung in the air. They exchanged theories and gossip about the upcoming proceedings, their voices a stark contrast to the disciplined quiet of the military personnel. Some leaned against the walls, while others stood in small clusters, animatedly gesturing as they speculated on the outcomes, their excitement palpable.
For them, this was not just a trial; it was a spectacle, a chance to witness history in the making.
At the front, a majestic podium crafted from polished wood awaited the Premiere's arrival, its surface shining under the gentle illumination of the ornate chandeliers hanging above. The chandeliers, with their crystal droplets catching the light, cast a warm glow over the room, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
Victoria would be impressed; if her friend's life wasn't on the line.
Identifying Armin and Mikasa was easy.
Armin's blond hair stood out prominently among the other soldiers. His bright locks contrasted sharply with the dark uniforms of the other soldiers around him, making him instantly recognizable even from a distance. Mikasa, with her striking dark, stood beside him, her fierce gaze scanning the surroundings with a protective intensity that was both reassuring and intimidating.
The sight of them brought a smile to Victoria's face, a warmth spreading through her chest that chased away the lingering shadows of doubt and fear.
Memories of their shared laughter and camaraderie flooded her mind, reminding her of the bonds they had forged in the face of adversity. The thought of reuniting with her friends filled her with happiness, urging her to hurry over to greet them. She quickened her pace, her heart racing with anticipation, eager to close the distance that separated them.
As she approached, she could see the way Armin's face lit up at the sight of her, his usual timid demeanor giving way to a broad grin that made her heart swell. Mikasa, ever the steadfast guardian, softened her expression just a fraction, a subtle acknowledgment of their friendship that spoke volumes. Victoria felt a surge of gratitude for these two, who had stood by her side through thick and thin, and she couldn't help but feel that, together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Hey, V!" Armin waved, his grin unfortunately slipping from his face as reality settled back in. "Where've you been? Mikasa and I have been trying to come up with a plan for today."
"I'm sorry, body recovery ran really late. Jean and I-." Victoria tried to answer, but Rico quickly hushed her, a finger pressed to her lips beside them as the main door swung open with a heavy creak, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
All conversation came to an abrupt halt and a palpable tension filled the air as Eren Jaeger was escorted into the center of the courtroom.
Victoria watched closely as the same guards she had noticed earlier guided Eren to the center of the room. The air was thick with anticipation, each breath feeling like a weight pressing down on her chest. The murmurs that had filled the space moments before had faded into an eerie silence, as if the very walls were holding their breath.
The guards, clad in their stern uniforms, moved with a practiced precision, their expressions betraying no emotion as they escorted him forward. Eren's face once filled with determination, now bore the marks of uncertainty and fear, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior she had known.
Upon his arrival, the audience's gaze fixated on Eren, their expressions a complex blend of curiosity, disdain, and admiration.
But Eren didn't notice them. He was too in awe of the room he had entered.
"Move it!" One of the officers shoved his gun into Eren's back, causing him to move forward again. "Kneel down here."
As he was shackled and tethered to a metal pole anchored into the ground, Eren appeared visibly anxious, his body tense and rigid as he scanned the room. The weight of countless eyes upon him was visible in his shoulders and she could see the flicker of vulnerability in his gaze. Spotting Mikasa, Armin, and Victoria among the crowd, his eyes widened, a mixture of relief and desperation flashing across his features. It was a fleeting moment of connection, a silent plea for understanding.
Just as the tension reached its peak, the creaking of another door shattered the stillness, drawing everyone's attention. The sound reverberated through the courtroom, and Victoria's breath caught in her throat as she turned to see who would enter next.
Premiere Dhalis Zachary embodied the quintessential image of an elderly gentleman.
His eyes, deep-set and weary, peered through a pair of glasses, while the creases on his face told stories of time. His hair, thinning and gray, framed a visage that was further accentuated by a scruffy beard and mustache, both of which matched his hair in color. Standing at a modest height, he possessed a presence that was somewhat unexpected for someone of his stature. Draped in a brown trench coat adorned with a black shield emblem bordered in white and featuring a cross, he methodically removed the coat and laid it on the desk in front of him before rolling up his sleeves and taking a seat.
He shuffled some papers around for a moment, before looking up. "Alright. Shall we begin?"
Clearing his throat and adjusting his glasses, he looked down at his notes. "Your name is... Eren Jaeger. And as a soldier, you have sworn to give up your life when called to, for the good of the people. Is that correct?"
Eren stared at him anxiously. "Yes." He replied softly.
"As an enlisted soldier during a time of war," Zachary continued calmly, "Military doctrine demands your tribunal be held as a court-martial. As Commander of our armed forces, this matter is left to my discretion. Thus, I will decide whether you live or die."
Victoria flinched slightly at his wording.
"Any objections?" The Premiere glanced up.
Eren paused for a moment, but then lowered his head. "No, sir."
"Your astuteness is appreciated," Zachary mused quietly. "Let us proceed. As expected, covering up your existence has proven quite fruitless. And unless we publicly disclose your existence one way or another, we risk the outbreak of widespread civil unrest."
He rearranged his papers again, "A choice must be made. And the regiment that takes custody of you will determine your fate. Military Police... or the Scout Regiment? To begin, the Military Police will now present their case."
With a wave of his hand, it began.
"Thank you!" A voice rang out across the courtroom. A man stood, one that Victoria recognized. "My name is Nile Dok, I am the Commander of the Military Police."
The Premiere waved his hand again. Rank acknowledged, Nile continued, "Our recommendation, following a thorough examination of his physiology, is that subject Eren Jaeger should be disposed of immediately."
Murmurs rippled through the civilians.
"We acknowledge that Yeager's ability played a part in turning back the latest Titan incursion," Nile confirmed, looking down at his own notes. "However, as has been stated, his mere existence is creating a swell in rebellious sentiment. For the greater good, after we have gathered all the information that we can from him, we would see him made a fallen warrior of humanity."
"Unacceptable!" A priest abruptly shrieked from the crowd, "This verminous fiend has defiled the mighty Wall, that heaven has sent and-!"
Victoria couldn't help but roll her eyes at this man. Another deranged Wall cultist. For some reason, they believe the Walls to be living, sentient gods that need to be protected from outside influence. Five years ago, everyone ignored them. Somehow, they actually have some clout now. The pastor rambled for a moment before being calmed by Nile, and even though he clearly wasn't happy, he bit his tongue.
"And now," Zachary continued once command of the court had been regained, "I'd like to hear the Scout Regiment's proposed plan."
"Yes, sir," Commander Erwin stepped up to the edge of the stands, his blond hair slicked down perfectly as always. His voice was steady as he proclaimed, "As the Commander of the Survey Corp, I, Erwin Smith, propose the following: Let Eren join our ranks. Reinstate him as a full member of the Scouts, and we will utilize his Titan ability to retake Wall Maria."
Everyone stared at Erwin.
"That is all."
Murmurs erupted again.
"Hm?" Zachary leaned forward slightly, confused, "Is that it?"
"Yes," Erwin affirmed with a nod. "With his assistance, sir, I'm certain we can reclaim Wall Maria. Ergo, I believe our top priority is perfectly clear."
"Quite bold," Zachary laced his fingers together, "Assuming you were given clearance, where do you plan to launch this operation from? Commander Pyxis, the Wall in Trost District has been completely sealed, is that correct?"
Dot Pyxis nodded, straightening his back, "Yes. I doubt its gate will ever open again."
"We'll depart from Calaneth District, to the east," Erwin replied with ease. "From there we will make for Shiganshina. A new route can be established as we proceed."
A hand slammed down, startling the court.
"But that's ridiculous!" A fat, plump man in an expensive coat screamed, "Our time and money would be better spent sealing up ALL the gates. They're the only parts of the Wall that the Colossal Titan can break,right? Let's reinform the blasted things and wash our hands of the entire affair!"
"Shut your mouth, you spineless merchant dog!" A scout yelled from the other side of the courtroom. "With a Titan on our side, we can finally return to Wall Maria!"
"We can't afford any more of your childish antics, or your delusions of grandeur!" The merchant shouted back, cheeks flushed red in anger.
"Squealing louder won't help your case, pig," Levi's calm voice was as cold as ice as it cut through the men. They all fell silent, turning their gaze to humanity's strongest soldier.
"While we're bolstering our defenses," Levi continued with a hard stare. "Do you think the Titans are going to stand idly by? And when you say, "We can't afford," do you speak for anyone other than your fat merchant friends?"
No one tried to silence Levi.
"Do you pigs even realize that most of our people are struggling just to survive off what little land we have left?" he snapped at them, and though his face remained the same stoic coldness, his words were sharp as a sword.
"I-I'm simply saying that sealing the gates is the only guaranteed protection we've got!" the merchant stumbled, but the pastor beside him was turning red.
"Hold your tongue, you vile belligerent heretic!" The pastor had snapped. His eyes were wide with rage. "Are you really suggesting that we lowly humans meddle with Wall Rose, a gift to us from on high?"
The merchant stared at him, unsure how to respond.
"The Wall is a miracle!" The pastor continued, "And its divinity transcends human comprehension! Don't you understand?"
"It's that cult's fault," Armin whispered beside Victoria suddenly as the pastor droned on, realization crossing his face. "They're the ones who delayed the Garrison's arming of the Walls."
"That shows you the sick amount of support and power they've got," Rico murmured back, her eyes narrowing on the man across the courtroom. "I don't trust them at all."
The two men argued until Zachary had to smack his hand onto his desk repeatedly. "Order," he demanded repeatedly until the room fell silent. "Order! I ask that you save your personal sentiments for a more appropriate venue."
With a stern sigh, he turned his gaze back to Eren. "Now then, Mr. Jaeger, I have a question for you."
Eren looked up at him with large eyes.
"As a soldier, you have made a solemn pledge to answer humanity's call. Can you still serve by controlling your ability?"
"Yes!" Eren answered quickly, shifting slightly off his knees. "I will, sir!"
"Oh?" Zachary sounded disappointed as he lifted another page of his report. "Is that so? But this report from the Battle for Trost contradicts that statement. Just after transforming, it seems you made an attempt to crush Mikasa Ackerman and attack Victoria Friedrich."
Eren gasped, his gaze snapping towards his friends in the stands. Victoria clenched her jaw; Eren's face said it all.
He doesn't even remember that.
Mikasa shot a glare at Rico who scowled.
"What did you expect?" she muttered in response, putting her glasses up the bridge of her nose, "You want me to lie in my report? Glossing over that important fact could potentially spell disaster for us all."
"And who is this...Mikasa Ackerman and Victoria Friedrich?" Zachary called to the court; he squinted through his glasses, trying to spot them.
"That would be me, sir," Mikasa didn't remove her gaze from Rico as she stepped forward.
"And me, sir," Victoria raised a hand.
"Alright then," Zachary nodded, pleased, "Is it true that Eren Jaeger assaulted you both while he was in Titan form?"
"Answer the Premiere honestly," Rico whispered in a hiss behind them. "Eren's future depends on it."
Victoria gritted her teeth, her words slipping through them, "Yes, sir."
Mikasa nodded, eyes turning sad as they found Eren. "All of it is true."
The courtroom erupted in murmurs and whispers again. Eren looked like the girls had just stabbed him.
"However," Mikasa continued, raising her voice above the whispers. "He also saved our lives twice before. And in each circumstance, he was using his Titan ability. The first: Shortly after Trost fell. I was nearly killed by a Titan. But then Eren came. He stepped in and protected me."
Pressure built in Victoria's head for a moment, vibrations murmuring behind her eyes. She groaned, lifting her hand to her face. The sensation passed quickly, but not before Armin noticed.
"The second time." Mikasa continued loudly, successfully commanding the attention she wanted. "He transformed to shield Armin, Victoria, and myself from cannon fire. I implore you to take these facts into consideration."
"Objection!" Nile's voice rang sharply through the room. "I have reason to believe that personal feelings play a large part in her testimony. Let the record show that Mikasa Ackerman was orphaned at a young age and was subsequently taken in by the Jaeger family."
"What's more," Nile continued, an almost smug grin teasing at the corner of his lips. "Our own investigation into this matter... led to a most shocking discovery."
Victoria frowned, glancing at Mikasa.
"Mikasa Ackerman and Eren Jaeger," Nile announced loudly, "at the tender age of nine, dealt with three adult kidnappers by stabbing all of them. To death!"
The courtroom erupted with whispers once more.
"Granted this was done in self-defense," Niles continued, playing to the courts' reaction, "All the same, one cannot help but question the violent nature of the act. Knowing all of this, should we really invest in him? Money, manpower. Perhaps the very fate of us all?"
Victoria grabbed Armin's sleeve, trying to keep her face as composed as possible. He was right, they did try to use it against them. He grabbed her hand in response, interlacing his fingers with hers and giving it a tight squeeze. His meaning was clear.
Told you so.
The courtroom continued to whisper. "Maybe he's a Titan that's snuck in here after taking the form of some little child he ate?"
"Maybe she's one!" A Garrison officer pointed at Mikasa. "I bet she's not human either!"
"Y-yeah!" Merchants and other men around him started to become panicked. "Y-you're right! Dissect her too just to be safe!"
"Be lucky she's not a Titan!" Victoria snapped at them, her venomous tongue lashing out before anyone, including V herself, could stop her. "Or myself for that matter! I hear pig is quite tasty!" Armin pulled her back, cheeks flushing and eyes wide at her outburst.
"Now hold on a second!" Eren screamed, twisting around to look at them. "Maybe I'm a monster that you want dead, but you leave my friends out of this! They're innocent!"
"Like we'd trust you!"
"It's the truth!" Eren screamed again, voice cracking.
"She must be one if you'd protect her! Maybe all three of them are!"
"Stop it!" Eren yanked on his chain, the metal clashing metal echoing loudly through the room. Fear followed, as grown men froze to see what he would do next.
"You're wrong," Eren muttered softly, "About it all.But you're so intent on pushing selfish agendas, that you're blind to what's in front of you!"
"Wait," Niles frowned, leaning forward. "What do you mean?"
"What does it even matter?" Eren lamented, leaning back against the pole, his gaze hardening. "None of you have even seen a Titan, so why are you so afraid, huh? There's no sense in having power if you're not going to use it to fight! If you're too scared to fight for your lives, fine. Let me do it!"
"You-You're all cowards!" Eren cried, straining against his chains again. "Just shut up, and pull all your faith in me!"
The courtroom was entirely silent for a moment, eyes wide with fear as they watched Eren struggle until Nile finally came to his senses.
"Take aim, damnit!" Nile cried to his men, pointing at the poor boy.
"Right!" The soldier on his left lifted his rifle, leveling it at Eren. "Yes, sir!"
Eren's eyes widened, focusing on the gun. So focused, that he didn't see the quick flash of movement that darted from the stands toward him until it was too late.
Levi's foot slammed across Eren's cheek.
Blood splattered from his mouth, a tooth popping out and flying across the stone ground. Eren turned back to look at Captain Levi in shock, which Levi answered with another swift kick to Eren's abdomen.
Eren could do nothing but grunt and groan as Levi's kick continued again and again. Without missing a beat, Levi continued the onslaught, lifting Eren up by his hair to slam his knee into Eren's nose. Over and over again as the men in the courtroom watched in horror.
Mikasa looked like she was about to leap over the railing and slam her own fist into Levi's face as she watched, jaw agape.
Oh, wait, no she was.
Victoria and Armin managed to wrangle her at the last second, pulling her back into the stand.
"Stop!" Victoria hissed as Mikasa struggled against her. She turned her gaze back to the floor, not before noticing Commander Erwin's intense blue stare upon them.
Upon her.
Why wasn't the Commander stopping Levi? she suddenly wondered.
"You know," Captain Levi spoke evenly, breathing barely changed with his foot on Eren's head, narrowing his eyes as he looked down at him. "I think nothing instills discipline quite like pain. You don't need a good 'talking-to'. What you're in need of,boy, is to be taught a lesson. And you happen to be in the perfect kicking position."
Levi continued again. One, two, three, four rapid stomps on Eren's head. Five, six.
...
Seven.
"N-now, hold on Levi..." Nile tried to speak, but his words came out in a stutter. Eight, nine, ten.
"What is it?" Levi turned his cold stare to the MP Commander, pressing Eren's head back into the pole with his foot. He sounded thoroughly annoyed about being interrupted.
"It's dangerous," Niles hissed, his voice trembling only slightly. "What if he gets angry? Turns into a Titan..."
Eren was shaking as he looked up at the Captain. His face was a painting of blue, purple, and red. One eye had completely swollen shut. Levi smirked and replied to Eren's stare with another kick to the face.
"Don't be silly," Levi reassured, lifting Eren by his hair to show him to the courtroom. "After all, you guys just want to dissect him, don't you?"
Niles nodded once, confused.
"During the time he was transformed, they say that Jaeger was able to kill twenty Titans before he finally ran out of strength," Levi stared at Eren's battered face with almost a look of pride. "As an enemy, his intelligence makes him all the more dangerous. But I can still take him down without a problem."
Captain Levi turned his glare back to the court. "How many of you can say the same?"
No response.
Levi smirked, satisfied. "Before you torment the beast, you'd better think: Can you actually kill him?"
A chilled silence followed.
"Sir," Commander Erwin stepped forward again, his voice loud as he raised a hand. "I have a proposition."
"Proceed," Zachary waved his hand again.
"There's still too much we don't know," Erwin squared his shoulders. "And no doubt, his danger will be ever-present. As such, I suggest this: Eren Jaeger will be placed under Captain Levi's supervision. And we'll conduct a recon mission outside of the Wall."
"Jaeger will join you on this excursion?" Zachary's eyebrow cocked curiously.
"Yes, sir," Erwin nodded in confirmation. "Then you can look upon the mission's results yourself. And if he successfully controls his ability, Eren will have proven himself to mankind."
"Eren Jaeger will be closely supervised?" The Premiere laced his fingers together again, frowning as he considered Erwin's words. "And if he should... lose control?"
"I can definitely kill him," Levi replied confidently, turning to face the Premiere, "If it comes to that. The only downside is, there's absolutely no middle ground."
"Hmmm." Z pondered for a moment, stroking his white beard.
"Then I've made my choice."