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Chapter Text

“Levi.”

“Erwin.” Levi stood before the blond, eyes flicking to the small boy standing beside where the man sat, hands and feet chained together with thick heavy manacles. It looked as though the boy could barely lift his arms from the weight, wrists red from the rough metal. Though, despite his current situation, he seemed calm enough, staring at the ground with a small frown. Levi returned his gaze to the man before him.

“Take a seat. We need to wait for Hange.”

At that moment, the door burst open and, with a flurry of panicked limbs and flying hair, Hange stood at the doorway panting for breath. She swallowed harshly, “Erwin, sorry I’m late.”

Erwin simply waved a dismissive hand, “Shut the door behind you.” As Hange closed the door with a click, Erwin stood, gently nudging the boy forwards to stand in front of him. “It seems we have a new problem on our hands. This is Eren. A suspected titan-shifter.”

Silence fell on the trio, the boy shuffling awkwardly between them, chains clinking.

“What?” Hange asked.

Erwin sighed, “He can turn into a titan.”

“That’s impossible.”

“So we thought.”

Hange gaped for a moment, opening her mouth before closing it again.

“What evidence is there?” Levi asked.

“His orphanage. The carers had accidentally left him outside in the rain. He panicked. Next thing we know is the carers are screaming at there having been a titan and that this boy had come out of it.”

“Does he remember it? Was it intentional?” Hange asked in quick succession.

Erwin looked down at the boy before them, “Eren?”

The boy flinched. Then, shaking slightly he looked up at Hange, “Sorry, c-could you repeat that, Miss?”

Levi blinked. His voice was young. Very young. He could only be about seven years old.

Hange smiled gently, kneeling before the boy and repeating her questions.

Eren shuffled, “I don’t remember anything.”

“Did you do it on purpose?” Hange asked.

Eren shook his head. “I-I didn’t know I could do… it.”

Hange stood with a small frown. “So, why is he here Erwin?”

“If it’s true, he could be a valuable asset for the Survey Corps, of course only when he’s old enough.”

“In the meantime?”

“In the meantime, if he can transform, he’s a risk to humanity and the Corps are the best equipped to stop him. He’ll stay here and be looked after by the Survey Corps.”

“No.”

“Levi.”

“Erwin, we can’t have a fucking kid wondering around. We’re not prepared to look after a damn brat.”

“Levi, you’ve heard my reasoning. If we hand him over to the Military Police, he’ll be executed.”

Levi looked over the kid again, Maybe that’d be a mercy to him.

“Anyway, this is highly confidential. Only us three know the whole situation about Eren. He’ll be staying with us, the Corps will know about him but not his circumstances. Hange will be in charge of investigating his abilities. He’ll also have to be cared for by one of us.”

Silence settled again.

“I’m sorry Erwin, I don’t have the time or the environment to care for him, I spend the majority of my time in the lab. It’s no safe place for him.”

Erwin nodded before turning his gaze on Levi.

“No.”

“Levi.”

“No, Erwin.”

The blond sighed. “Since you won’t comply willingly, I’m going to have to make it an order. Levi Ackerman, you have been ordered to care for the titan-shifter Eren Jaeger until he is of appropriate age to work in the Survey Corps.”

Levi glared. He did not just…

Erwin and Levi stood facing each other for a moment before Levi suddenly grabbed the chain of Eren’s hands and yanked him over to stand beside him. Turning on his heel, Levi pulled Eren after him, ignoring how the boy stumbled with his cuffed feet and the speed of his walk.

That was until the brat fell and got dragged along the ground a metre or so before Levi stopped. The man looked down at him, watching as the boy shakily got to his feet, panting hard, his knees and elbows bleeding slightly beneath the fabric of his clothes.

Levi glared, “How old are you?”

Eren flinched before lifting his head to look up at Levi. It was the first time the kid had actually looked at him. His short brown hair framed his unblemished skin. The emerald green of his eyes stunning in their colour. “Six.”

“Tch.” He stared at him, the boy cowering under his gaze before Levi knelt and roughly grabbed his chin so that Eren was forced to look at his face. “Look, brat. I’ve been ordered to look after to you. It’s a job. Whatever I tell you to do, you fucking do. Any weird-fuck titan-shifting without my permission will result in you pissing your pants for the next few days whenever you lay your fucking eyes upon me. Got it?”

“Y-yes, Sir.”

“Drop the Sir.”

“O-Ok.”

“And stop the stuttering, it’s fucking annoying.”

Instead of replying Eren nodded, eyes widened with fear.

“Tch. Come on.” Levi pulled on the chain, walking slightly slower; he didn’t want to carry the fucking brat if he could damn well walk himself.

As they arrived at the stable, Levi dropped the chain and strode over to his horse. He patted its flank. “Come on.” Walking it out, Levi noticed Eren hadn’t moved an inch from where he left him. Not that he’d expected him to but still meant the brat would listen. Levi beckoned the kid over and lifted him onto the saddle before mounting himself and holding the boy against his chest. Due to the boy’s chained feet, he was forced to ride side saddle, uncomfortable for Levi but he’d dealt with worse.

Nudging his horse into motion, Levi made his way back to base, Eren gripping the edge of the saddle, knuckles white the whole way.

***

Levi led Eren down to the basement. The kid had been silent the whole journey back and despite the fear in his eyes the boy had started to smile half way no doubt enjoying being on a horse for the first time. Stupid brat. Eren was, however, a surprisingly docile kid. Probably more so now with recent events.

Arriving at the last cell at the end of the basement, Levi unlocked the door and shoved the boy in. Eren stumbled before gaining his feet and turning around.

“You’ll be staying here.” Levi stated.

Eren nodded silently, looking around the small place.

Levi strode forwards, pulling the boy up onto the bed and locking the kid’s chain onto the wall “There’ll be a guard at the top of the stairs at all times. If you need to take a piss in the night ask them to unchain you.”

“Ok.”

Levi stared at Eren’s small body. His ribs could be seen through the fabric of his top and dried blood rimmed his ankles and wrists. I’ll clean those tomorrow. “Go to sleep.” Striding out the cell and locking the door behind him, Levi heard the chinking of chains behind him as he ascended the stairs nodding at Oluo as he past to go to his room.

***

Levi stared at the paper before him. It was late. His tea had gone cold. Erwin had given him a copy of Eren’s information. The brat had been staying in an orphanage, well under funded so the kids were malnourished and underfed but alive at least. Kid’s mother had died causing his father to leave him at the orphanage. Stayed there for a year before he apparently shifted into a titan, come out of its nape which resulted in the kid being in the basement he was in now.

Quite the fucking sob story.

Levi returned the paper to the file and placed it in his draw before downing the cold tea. He got up and got ready for bed. He’ll need clothes. He’ll be disgusting otherwise. If I do anything, I’ll teach him how to be fucking clean.

Chapter Text

Levi descended the stairs to the basement meeting Petra on the way. “Anything?”

“Quiet through the night for all of us, Captain.”

Nodding, Levi dismissed her and walked to Eren’s cell. The boy was sat cross legged, his forehead resting against the wall. His blazing green eyes were staring absently at the chain the held him. “Oi.” Levi called. The brat flinched, rushing to stand on his bed as Levi entered. Levi made quick work of the chain and then continued to remove the manacles from both his wrists and ankles.

Eren frowned confusedly at his free limbs watching as Levi unpocketed a clean set of bandages and water.

Levi pulled the boy onto the ground, sitting him on the bed before roughly wiping away the dried blood on the boys wrist. The boy didn’t even wince and upon further inspection, Levi noted that the kid had no cuts on him, skin smooth under the dried blood. Weird fucking titan. Better tell Four-eyes about that.

Once he’d cleaned the boy’s wrists and ankles, Levi stood and gestured for the boy to follow him. “We’re going into town to get you some clothes. If you’re living here you’ll learn to be the cleanest fucking brat there is. Understood?”

“Yes, C-“

Levi paused as the kid cut himself off. “What were you about to say?”

Eren shakily glanced up at him, looking away quickly to stare at his wringing hands. “C-Captain.”

Back to the stuttering. “Call me Levi.” He said turning on his heel to continue walking, “You’re not my soldier and you don’t work under me. People can think what they fucking want.”

“Yes, Levi.”

Levi forced himself to remain unreactive at the use of his name. It was rare to hear another use it, especially someone so unfamiliar and young.

***

Arriving in town, Levi was wearing casual clothes, a long cape over his shoulders covering his ODM gear. Eren sat calmly in front of him, waiting as Levi dismounted and secured his horse before reaching over to allow Levi to lower him to the ground.

It was only then that Levi noted that Eren wasn’t wearing shoes. “Tch.” He looked out at the bustling crowd in the streets, then down at the small boy by his feet. He’ll get lost in that. “Come here.” Eren took a small step closer to Levi. The man rolled his eyes and pulled the boy closer and lifted him so he sat on his arm against his chest. He felt Eren sit up straighter to look around, head swivelling from his position.

Levi walked into the crowd. In his casual clothing, no one gave him a second glance. Humanity’s strongest. Tch. He hated that name. Making his way to the side of the street he slipped into a shop and lowered Eren to the ground. On the far right on a shelf, sets of children’s shoes presented themselves. Levi nudged Eren in their direction, “Choose one.”

Eren blinked up at him before walking forward to stand in front of the shoes. He stood for about five minutes with no reaction.

“Oi,” Levi called.

Eren flinched, glancing back at him before his eyes dropped to Levi’s feet. Levi raised his eyebrows as Eren hesitantly pointed at a pair. They were small black leather boots, vaguely resembling his own. Levi made quick business of getting the brat to try them on and then buying them before crossing the street to another store for clothes. Eren was just as indecisive and hesitant so Levi just picked out whatever he found looked like it’d fit him and left. He had no patience for this type of shopping, he barely did it for himself.

Carrying Eren, despite him now wearing shoes - the crowded streets were still quite packed, Levi felt the boy momentarily sag against him before perking up again. After a few moments, Eren did it again before his small body settled limply on Levi. Tch, brat’s asleep. The man didn’t bother waking him, he was easier to handle. Returning to his horse, Levi stored the day’s shop in his saddle bags before mounting his horse, Eren still in his arms and rode back to base.

***

“Oi, brat.” Levi shook Eren’s shoulder. The boy stirred slowly before suddenly jerking awake and almost falling from atop the horse. Levi caught him and stood him on the ground. “Come on.”

Eren nodded, though looking slightly disorientated, and followed the man.

Levi couldn’t wait to return to his office. He just wanted tea and a bit of peace.

“Levi?”

Stopping, Levi pulled off his cloak and walked over to the kitchen sink. He looked down at the boy. “What?”

Eren nervously bit his lip, wringing his hands, “Can I have some water?”

Levi quickly filled a cup and gave it to him before filling his own. He didn’t notice how fast Eren downed the drink.

Taking the cup back, Levi led Eren up to his office, the sun only just hitting midday.

Entering his office, he directed Eren to sit quietly on a chair in the corner of the room before sitting at his desk and filling out paperwork or whatever shit he had to do.

***

Levi lit a candle, the room darkening as the sun set. He briefly glanced up at Eren. Kid was still sat in the same position, emerald eyes gleaming in the low lighting as he stared out the window. Levi stood causing the boy to rush to stand.

“Come here.”

Eren hurried over, nervously looking up at Levi. Just as Levi was about to talk, the kid suddenly stumbled and knocked into his leg. Levi frowned down at him watching as the boy struggled to keep his feet before grabbing Levi’s leg to steady himself. Eren froze. He slowly looked up at Levi, eyes wide in fear, he let his hands drop and backed away, “Sorry. I’m sorry. I-“

“When was the last time you ate?”

He looked away, “I don’t know.”

Levi grimaced, kid was skinny enough as it was. He, again, looked over Eren’s small frame, before reaching out to him.

Eren flinched. Hard.

Levi froze.

Eren’s breathing was heavy and panicked, he looked on the verge of tears.

“Oi, I’m not gonna hurt you. You’re hungry that’s my fault for not feeding you.” Levi gently ruffled the kids hair before walking over to the doorway. He looked back as Eren remained where he stood. “Brat, you coming?”

Eren blinked, before rushing over to his side. Levi continued on his way, going down the stairs to the kitchen. Pulling out his rations, he split it into two and gave one half to Eren. “Here. Eat.”

Eren stared at the food, “I can eat all of this?”

Levi paused, his own bread halfway to his lips, “Yeah.” He continued eating.

Levi watched as Eren ate his food. He was slow and by the end he couldn’t even finish it. I’ll give him less next time. “Finished?”

Eren nodded, “Thank you Levi.” His smile filled his face. It was the first time Levi had seen the kid look remotely happy.

“Tch.” Levi took his plate and stored away the unfinished food for the kid’s next meal. Clearing up, he felt Eren’s eyes on his back as he moved around. A strange spark of a feeling welled in his chest, he shoved it down quickly as though it was never there. Putting his plate away, he finally turned to look at Eren, the boys green eyes widening when he got caught staring. “Come on.”

Levi turned as Eren slid off his chair and descended the stairs to the basement. Unlocking the cell door, he watched as Eren went to stand by the thick metal manacles, wrists out in front of him looking up at Levi. Pausing for a moment, Levi quickly knelt and cuffed the kid’s wrists and ankles before locking the chain on his wrists against the wall as he’d done previously.

Chapter Text

Fucking Four-eyes. Levi sighed. As per order, Levi had rode out with Eren to visit Hange’s lab. Now he was standing before her as she grinned down at Eren, her usual glint in her eye as though she was studying something she’d never seen before. Which is exactly what Eren was.

“Oi, Four-eyes. What do you want?”

Hange shifted her gaze up to meet his. “I need samples. Skin and blood.”

Levi blinked before nudging Eren forwards. The brat looked uncomfortable but not scared. Yet. “Take them then.”

Hange nodded enthusiastically leading them into her lab.

It was a mess.

“Tch, fucking clean will you?”

“Hmm?” She didn’t look away from where she was sitting Eren down before her.

“Tch.” Levi wondered over to the two and stood behind the boy.

“How are you feeling, Eren?” Hange asked gently.

Eren nodded, “I’m ok.”

“That’s good.” She said absently. “Ok, Eren.” She smiled, “This is going to be a bit painful but I’m going to take a small skin sample from your back. Is that ok?”

Eren hesitated before nodding. “I’ve had it done before.” He said quietly.

Levi raised an eyebrow, surprised. He watched as Hange frowned at Eren, “You have?”

Eren nodded.

“Why?”

Eren shuffled, “My Dad took some from me.”

Hange frowned, turning Eren around in the chair so his back faced her. “Why did he do that?”

Eren stared down at his hands. A small noise of discomfort sounded from his throat, “He took a skin sample a few days before he injected me with something. He disappeared after that. That’s why I went to the orphanage.” Eren swung his legs back and forth, “I don’t know why he took it.”

Levi looked at Hange. She was holding a scalpel in her hand looking at Eren’s back. She glanced up at him beckoning him over. Silently, she pointed at the small square scar at the nape of his neck. Hange gave him a look before pushing him away, “Well that’s good for me then. You know how it feels.”

Eren nodded silently.

“Ok. I’ll take it from your back.” Hange then got to work cutting a small square of skin on his back and peeling it gently off from the rest. She then dabbed away at the wound with alcohol and covered it with a small patch. “There, all done.”

Levi watched the boy. Eren had been silent throughout a procedure, jaw clenched shut, tears beading at the corners of his eyes. Now, he let out a stuttering breath, a sob catching in his throat.

Hange quickly stepped around the kid, “Hey it’s ok. It’s all done now. I won’t be doing that again. I promise. Ok?”

Eren nodded, biting his lip as Hange gently held his shoulder. Levi stepped forwards, ruffling Eren’s hair. The brat surprisingly calmed quickly at the contact and Hange gave Levi a small smile. He ignored her.

“Ok. Now for the blood sample.” Hange said turning around to find a syringe. She didn’t notice how Eren flinched. Levi frowned at the action.

As Hange turned back around, Levi saw when Eren lay his eyes upon the needle.

He screamed.

Eren jumped off the chair and ran behind Levi, grabbing the man’s legs as though they were his lifeline. Tears were cascading down his cheeks, his whole body trembling.

Levi didn’t know what made him do it. He quickly picked Eren up, letting the boy hide his face in his neck, tears dropping onto his top.

Eren’s cries filled the air.

Levi didn’t know what to do. He looked at Hange who looked as confused as he did. Tch, fucking brat. “Oi, Eren.”

Eren quieted at that. It was the first time Levi had used his name.

“The needles over there. No where near you. Stop crying, you’re fine.”

Eren sniffled before nodding. He dropped his head back onto Levi’s neck.

The man sighed. “Look. You have to let Hange take the sample. It’s part of the agreement of you staying with the Corps and staying fucking alive.”

Again, Eren nodded. His body was still trembling in Levi’s arms.

Levi hesitated, Fuck this. “You want me to sit with you while she takes it?”

Eren sat up in his arms, green eyes bright with tears before nodding.

The man sighed. Sitting down with Eren against his chest. He pushed Eren’s head back down into his neck, facing away from Hange, and then gave the woman the boy’s arm. “Four-eyes.”

Hange, who had been frozen to the spot, jolted into action. She made quick work of taking the blood. Eren shuddered at the needle entering his skin, his breath picking up.

Levi patted his back, “Nearly done, kid.”

Then Hange removed the needle and put a small patch over it. “Done.” She said moving away to store the vial of red liquid.

Levi glanced at Eren. The boy was half sleep in his arms. “I’ll be leaving, Four-eyes.”

Hange looked over at him, a smile gracing her lips, “Sure.”

Levi left, Eren safe in his arms.

***

Back in his basement, manacles on his wrists and ankles, Levi looked up at Eren. “What made you panic?”

Eren’s eyes whipped up to his before looking away quickly. “D-Dad injected me with something. I didn’t want it. He forced me to take it. He didn’t tell me what it was. I was scared. It hurt.” Tears were spilling down his cheeks again.

Levi stared for a moment, thinking. “What was your father’s name?”

Eren sniffled, “G-Grisha. Dr Grisha Jaeger.”

Levi frowned, ruffling his hair and pointing to the bed. “Go to sleep.”

Eren nodded. Levi could feel the brat’s eyes on his back as he left, returning to his own room.

Chapter Text

A month past. Levi and Eren had got into the routine of having breakfast, Eren still eating less than Levi, going up to Levi’s office and then as Levi worked, Eren would occupy himself with some book or other Levi had left on the table, before having dinner and returning Eren to the basement. At some point Levi had left the ankle chains and only cuffed the boys wrists. Eren himself was also looking healthier, a little more filled out with the food he’d been given, though his ribs were still visible.

And of course, Erwin wanted to meet for a meeting again.

Levi grumbled, downing his tea in one. Fuck Erwin. Placing the cup down firmly, he got up as Eren looked up at him from his book. “Brat.”

Eren got up coming to stand beside him. He was use to the short commands from the man.

Levi stared at the kid. Fucking Titan. Fucking orphanage. Fucking underfed kid. Fucking kid. Fucking Erwin. Fuck this shit. “Come on.”

Levi heard as Eren followed him to the stables and the brat waited patiently as Levi lifted him onto the saddle and mounted behind him.

As they travelled, Levi thought back to the conversation he’d had with Erwin a few days ago. The blond man had asked about Eren. Levi was still salty about the whole situation but it wasn’t as bad as he thought it was gonna be. Eren listened, was clean and kept out of his way. Brat didn’t bother him or talk to him at all unless spoken to. He got the feeling Eren knew Levi didn’t like him being there. Levi guessed Eren was just happy to have food and a roof over his head. The only bad times were when they had a mission. Then the kid would be left with his ankles chained in his cell with just enough movement to allow him to take a piss or shit. His food was a piece of bread and two jugs of water. Each time Levi returned the kid was tired. And lonely. The first time it happened, Eren had given Levi such a big smile that Levi had been frozen to the spot for a moment to process. He indulged the kid each time with some crappy small talk.

Levi recalled one time when he’d asked Eren if he was scared of him. Eren had given him a hesitant look before giving an uncertain shrug and saying, “You scare me because you could hurt me. But you don’t and you’re nice to me so you aren’t.” He’d been surprised by his answer and no matter how hard he’d tried, a disgusting warm feeling had remained in his chest at his words. And no he still didn’t like the brat. At least that what he told himself to remain sane.

Levi rode his horse through the streets, people absently moving out of his way as they went. He stopped at the side next to a shop. His tea shop. Fuck Erwin.

Dismounting, he lifted Eren off the horse before  going to enter the shop. He paused looking back. Eren had stopped and was frowning, looking over to his left.

“Oi.”

Eren looked at him, his face strangely blank before his eyes widened and he sprinted off in the direction he had been looking.

“Oi!” Levi ran after him, quickly losing the small kid in the crowd. Kid finally making an escape? Making sure to make me lower my fucking guard before he did too. Tch. He grimaced, using his ODM gear to launch himself to the rooftops. He didn’t take notice of people pointing up at him as he spotted familiar brown hair standing in an alley across from him. Levi frowned. The boy was standing before two men, pointing up at the limp body of a small girl they carried. The men laughed before one slammed a fist into the side of his head causing Eren to drop bonelessly to the ground.

Levi moved to grab him, only to freeze as the man picked up Eren, the boy hanging limply over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

Levi decided to follow.

***

It was starting to get dark. The men had lead him to a cabin far into the woods away from people. A single lamp was lit inside and as Levi lowered himself to the ground, the two men entered. He crept up to the window listening.

“Got two of ‘em.”

“We were only after the Asian.”

“So? Two means more money and from what I saw this boy has pretty green eyes that will get the attention of a certain woman we all know is into younger kids.”

Levi fumed. No one messes with my kid.

Peeking over the window ledge, Levi looked into the room.

Eren and the girl were left in the far corner of the room the two men watching them, backs towards him.

As Levi drew his swords, Eren shuffled around, regaining consciousness. The boy’s eyes jerked open, darting all over the place as he gained his bearings. He sat up slowly. “Who are you?”

“None of your business kid.”

Eren frowned, “What do you want with me?”

A new man entered the room from a door across from Levi. There’s three. The man growled, “For you to shut up.”

Suddenly Eren stood, grabbing the knife on the man’s leg. The man froze in surprise before grabbing Eren’s neck. Too late. Eren had driven the knife upwards where it embedded itself in the soft flesh of the man’s neck.

A wet gurgling sounded as the man choked around the blood and knife in his throat before collapsing to the ground and falling still. A red puddle grew around him.

The other two men yelled, surging forwards. Levi could hear the thumps and cries of pain as they beat Eren. Eren just killed someone. He’s six.

When the men moved away, Eren was unconscious on the ground, purple bruises already forming on his arms and face. His lip was bleeding along with a gash on his eyebrow. Flames of anger welled in Levi’s chest, he stood making his way to the doorway.

“Fuck!” One of them shouted.

The girl jerked awake.

“Fuck!”

“He just- he fucking killed him.” The other man muttered voice quiet.

“And I’m going to kill you.” Levi stood in the doorway, blades drawn. Both men jumped at his voice before drawing knives of their own.

“Who the fuck are you?” One shouted.

“Your executioner.” Levi sprinted forwards, slicing off the hand with the knife before using his other to impale the man through his chest. He spun around, letting the body flop to the ground behind him and paused.

“I’ll kill her.”

The second man had pulled the girl up in front of him, his knife against her throat.

Levi glared.

“I’ll tell you what,” the man continued, smirking, “If you let me go, I’ll give you half the share. For both. The boy there’s a bit messed up but he’ll sell, maybe a lower price but still.”

The blades in Levi’s hands shook as his grip tightened. “Fool. I’m not here for that. Let them go.”

The man smirked, “I’ll kill her. Let me go.”

“I’m not here for her.” Levi said lowly.

The man’s eyes widened flicking down at the girl before settling on the boy. Eren was rousing, bleary eyes blinking at his surroundings as he went to stand.

Levi stepped towards the other, causing the man to push the girl away from him, simultaneously throwing his knife.

Levi moved the girl out of his way tackling the man and drawing his blade across the man’s throat. The man choked for a moment before falling still.

Levi stood, wiping his blades on the man’s shirt before sheathing them and turning around.

His breath stuttered.

Eren was standing shakily, hand against the wall. His wide green eyes were staring down at the red liquid that leaked from around the knife in his chest. Eren gasped in a breath, his lungs seeming to reject the air, before his eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed bonelessly to the ground.

“Eren!” Levi shouted. Running forwards he tore open Eren’s top. The knife had impaled his left lung, fortunately stopping too much bleeding.

Levi picked him up, holding him against his chest. Hange. We need Hange. Levi glanced down at his ODM gear before quickly removing his cloak and tying Eren to him instead, the boys head resting against his neck. Levi could feel the kid’s shallow breathing on his skin.

Levi strode to the door before suddenly remembering the girl. He looked over his shoulder. “Oi,” the girl jumped, “If you want to come, hold onto me. And hold on fucking tight. I won’t stop if you fall.”

The girl nodded, hurrying over and holding the straps on his back, legs around his waist.

***

Levi hurtled through the air, arms straining as he pulled himself forwards, moving faster than he had in years. He could still feel the girl on his back. He couldn’t feel Eren’s breathing.

Levi jerked on the cable, rounding the final corner and forcing himself to lower to the ground rather than roll like he usually did. As soon as his feet hit the ground, the girl dropped off him.

Levi sprinted to the door, the Corps soldiers guarding it quickly recognising him and moving aside.

“Oi,” Levi panted , he jerked his head towards the girl, “Take her to her orphanage. Direct to her carer.” He then hurried inside. “HANGE!”

He rushed into her lab, lowering Eren’s small, bloodied body onto the bed. “HANGE!”

There was a sound of running footsteps, before a door slammed open. “Levi!” She gasped sprinting over. “What-“ She gasped at the sight of Eren. Rushing over, she pushed the man away, probing the wound. “Pass me my scalpel.”

For the next half hour, Levi went around the lab grabbing everything Hange ordered him to get.

“Bandage.”

Levi handed the clean cloths over, watching as she wrapped them around Eren’s small chest.

“Done.” She panted. She flopped down onto a chair behind her. “His breathing is stable. You told me of his Titan regeneration abilities, it’s much slower than normal titans. But that maybe because he’s so weak.”

Levi looked down at Eren’s pale face. The boy was breathing shallowly, brows frowning in pain and, with his top off, Levi could see the kid’s ribs, the white bandages across his chest stark against his skin.

“What happened?”

Levi sat down in the bed still looking at Eren’s face. “He saw these men kidnap a girl. I don’t know if he knew her. He ran off. I followed but the men took him too.” Levi paused. “He killed one, Hange.”

He heard her gasp.

“They beat him for it. Then I went in, took one out. I was careless. The fucker took the girl hostage. He just wanted to get away. Then as I go to get him he threw his knife. I didn’t realise until after he was dead but-“

Levi felt Hange place a hand on his shoulder. She was quiet for a moment. “You should change, you’ve got blood all over you.”

He hummed. Finally shifting his gaze from Eren, Levi looked at the woman, “Can I take him back?”

Hange looked over at Eren before sighing, “You can. He’s stable now. Be gentle. I’ll lend you a horse.”

Levi stood, carefully picking Eren up, holding the boy against his chest. The feel of the boy’s breath settled the anxiety in his chest. He turned to Hange who was stood holding the door open for him. “Could you send a letter to Erwin to fill him in? I was meant to meet him today.”

“Of course.”

Chapter Text

Levi rode back slowly. The cloak Hange had given him blocked out most of the night’s chill. He made sure to hold Eren close, the boy not even stirring the whole ride back.

By the time they’d returned to base, Levi didn’t know what time it was. He walked inside, the warm air of the place settling around him. Eld nodded at him from the kitchen table. “Captain.” Levi glanced at him in acknowledgement, and went up to his room. No way was he leaving Eren in the basement.

Shouldering his door open, Levi walked over to his bed, laying Eren’s limp body onto it. He was so small. Eren’s breathing was steady but pained. His hands were up beside his head, brows furrowed.

Levi quickly changed before gently moving Eren to the side of the bed and laying beside him. Pulling up the thin blanket, he fell asleep listening to Eren’s breathing.

***

Levi woke suddenly. He slipped out of the bed, searching the room in a defensive stance. At first he couldn’t pinpoint what had woken him before a quiet noise sounded from behind him. Then he remembered. Eren. He spun back around, hurrying over to the bed.

Eren breathing had picked up, a sign that he was waking up, and after a moment his emerald irises appeared.

“Eren?” Levi asked gently.

The boy’s eyes flicked over to him before filling with tears. His sobs filled the air.

Levi hesitated, “You’re safe. It’s ok.” Shit.

Eren bit his lip trying to control his tears, “I’m s-sorry. I’m sorry. I-“ he coughed, crying harder when the action jarred his injury.

“Oi, brat. Eren. Calm the fuck down.” Levi held the kid’s hand. The boy held it tight.

“Levi.” He sobbed. “It hurts.”

At that moment it hit Levi how Eren was only six. A small, scared boy forced into a situation all because of some freak Titan abilities. “It’s ok. It’ll heal. It’ll stop hurting, I promise. Go to sleep, Eren.”

The boy sniffled, his breath stuttering. Eren ended up crying himself to sleep.

Levi stared at the tear tracks on his cheeks before kneeling up and checking the bandages on the boy’s chest. Small specks of dried blood from the previous day dotted the cloth. They need changing. Levi sighed brushing Eren’s fringe from his face. I’ll let him sleep for now.

***

For the next few days, Levi tended to Eren. At first the kid was always waking up crying, the pain of the wound evident in his voice, until he started not to. Levi had asked if it still hurt and Eren had nodded before saying, “I’m use to it now.”

The wound itself was still raw but healing. Slowly. Slower than what Levi expected. With Eren’s regeneration, he thought it’d be almost fully healed by now. But it wasn’t. Four-eyes was right. He’s too weak for his regeneration to work with such a traumatic wound. Despite that, it seemed to have been healed with some factor of regeneration, healing slightly faster than average. But Eren was weaker. He refused to eat and barely drank enough water. And he always made sure Levi ate with him even if he didn’t himself. Levi struggled to get any food down the brat. Every time Eren swallowed a bite, he’d gag and turn away, though keeping the food down nonetheless.

As of now, Levi was sat at his desk in his room, working on some shitty paperwork for an expedition in a month. He sighed. He needed tea.

Levi stood, glancing over at Eren’s sleeping form. His breathing was steady and deeper than it had been. He should be asleep for a while.

Leaving the room, he went down to the kitchen, Gunther already there preparing their food for dinner.

“Captain.”

“Schultz.” Levi silently went about his business putting his tea together.

“Captain?”

He glanced at the soldier.

“Why is Eren here?”

Levi turned to him, “He’s under the care of the Survey Corps. That’s all you need to know.”

“Yes, Captain.”

The kettle whistled. Removing it from the heat, he poured the water into a pot.

A quiet thump sounded above him.

Levi paused. My room is above the kitchen. His eyes widened, Eren.

He sprinted out the room and up the stairs, vaguely noticing Gunther following him behind. He slammed his door open.

Eren was on the floor, on all fours. The floor beneath him was speckled with blood as the boy coughed, mixing with his tears. Eren looked up at the sound of the door opening and reached out a hand.

Levi rushed over holding it just as Eren’s other arm gave out. He flopped onto Levi’s lap.

“Gunther, get Hange. Now.”

Gunther nodded before rushing out the house.

Eren stared up at him, eyes bleary. He felt too warm in his lap, face blushed a feverish red. “Le… vi.” He closed his eyes.

“Eren. Kid, come on. Stay with me.”

Eren remained limp on his lap.

An empty feeling welled in Levi’s chest. He didn’t know how long he was sat there for but the next thing he knew was Hange was beside him, checking over Eren.

“Levi,” she said, “He’s fine. Just weak. His lungs were just ridding of the blood that was still in them from the wound. Give him time.”

Levi felt he could finally breathe. Lifting the boy, he crossed the room and put him in his bed again. He turned to Hange. “He struggles to eat or drink.”

Hange frowned, “How much does he eat usually?”

Levi shook his head, “Not much.”

She hummed, “Being unwell normally takes away your appetite.” Hange looked up at him, “You have to make sure he eats. Or at least drinks. Now with the fever? It’s almost as though because his regenerative ability isn’t controlled by him and it’s using up energy he doesn’t have. It caused his fever. He can’t risk getting any weaker.”

Levi looked down at Eren’s feverish face. You better fucking eat brat.

***

If Levi hated it before, he despised it now. If he were honest he preferred it when Eren was crying. It least then there was some life in him.

The fever had taken its toll on the boy. He was no longer crying or even making any noise at all. Just quiet and still. If he did wake, even for a moment, Eren would stare around the room, bleary eyed and not really seeing. It pained Levi way more than he cared to admit to see Eren like that.

At least the kid drank water. Even if he was forced so he wouldn’t choke on the liquid. He ate little to nothing a day but it was more than before. Thanks to Levi. He didn’t explain to Hange how he managed, even if the kid gagged and spat the spoonfuls of food out a few times before finally managing to swallow one. He could tell Eren hated it. Suck it up, kid. You need to get better somehow.

Levi placed a cool cloth on Eren’s forehead and returned to his desk. Come on, Eren.

He sighed. Barely focusing on his work, he eventually got ready for bed and lay down next to the boy. He pulled Eren close, the wound on his chest almost fully healed now despite his current state. Eren slightly turned into Levi’s body. The man gave him a small smile and fell asleep holding Eren to him.

***

Eren woke up. He felt warm and blinking his eyes open he realised he was lying next to a sleeping Levi. The man looked tired. Eren was too but he was more thirsty.

Slowly shuffling away he crept out of the bed and, after taking a moment to stabilise himself, quietly made his way to the cup of water he’d spotted on the desk. He reached up, breath puffing from his lips before finally grabbing the glass and taking a sip. He didn’t realise how weak he felt. Way more than usual. He sat down on the floor taking another sip of water and looked over at the bed. He froze.

Levi was sat up watching him. They stared at each other in silence.

Eren eventually grinned at the man and took another sip of water only to choke.

That galvanised Levi into action. The man rushed over and pulled Eren into his arms. Coughing subsided, Eren froze for a moment wide eyed before realising… Levi was hugging him.

Tears sprung to his eyes. It’d been so long since anyone had shown him such affection. Since his mum died. Eren wrapped his arms around Levi’s neck and tucked his head into the man’s shoulder.

“You’re awake.” The mans voice rumbled lowly.

Eren nodded, “Thank you, Levi.”

“For what?”

“For coming to save me and look after me.”

“Tch.”

Eren hesitated for a moment. Hugging the man tighter, he mumbled, “Love you.”

He felt Levi tense slightly under his arms before the man relaxed and lifted him to settle in his arms. “Damn brat.”

Chapter Text

Over the next few weeks, Levi’s goal was to feed Eren as much food as he could take. The kid always complained but he did as he was asked. Ungrateful brat.

As a result, Eren gained his energy back rather quickly and Levi had left the manacles off with Eren now staying with Levi in his room. It was rare to see the two apart. Levi had also allowed Eren to watch him and his squad train, rather than always sit indoors and read some shitty book.

Eren had smiled more than Levi had ever seen. As had Levi. Whenever the brat gave him a wide smile, Levi found his own lips twitching upwards.

And there was also the upcoming expedition.

Levi didn’t want to leave Eren behind.

The man looked up from his thoughts at where the kid was crouched, drawing on the dry ground with a stick. Another thought interrupted his mind. “Oi, Eren.” The brat looked up before wiping his foot over the dust to rid of his drawing and running over to him.

“Yeah?”

Levi considered him for a moment, before gesturing for him to follow him inside. They stood around the kitchen table. The house was empty with everyone training outside. The man paused, unsure how to approach the topic on his mind. “Where did you live before the orphanage?”

Eren looked surprised for a moment before answering, “Shiganshina. At the edge of Wall Maria.”

Levi nodded, “What did your dad do before he disappeared?”

“He was a doctor.”

“Was that all?”

Eren thought for a moment before nodding. “He was always down in the basement. I wasn’t allowed down there.” He shrugged.

Levi stood for a moment before nodding, “Come with me.”

“Where we going?”

“Your old home.”

***

They arrived at the small house, Levi kicking the door open. The man watched as Eren entered the building looking around with a blank look on his face. The boy stared at the table for a moment before walking over to another door. “The basements down there.”

Levi nodded walking over to the door. It was simple and had no lock. He opened it. The corridor on the other side descended a few metres before there was another door. They walked down and tried it. Locked. “Tch.” Levi backed away and slammed his heel into the lock causing the door to swing open and slam the wall behind it.

Eren looked up at him in shock.

Levi ignored him and entered the room. It was relatively small and filled with books. There was a desk before them and, lighting the candle on it, the surface was cleared but dusty. Levi stalked over to the shelves looking at the books. Majority were on medicinal and surgical procedures. There was a small shelf designated to fiction. Nothing here then.

Walking back to the desk he opened the draws searching them thoroughly. There was nothing of any use, just a few official documents and scribbled notes on some patients he’d attended to. He opened the last draw and sifted through the papers. Tch. Nothing. As Levi went to close it, he noticed the depth of the draw. It was slightly shallower than the others and heavier. He ran his fingers around the edge finding a small key hole. “Eren?”

The boy came over from where he was looking at the books on the shelves.

“Did your father have a key he kept safe or a place he kept his keys safe?”

Eren thought for a moment before his eyes widened, “When I woke up the time my dad disappeared, I had a key on a necklace. The orphanage took it away to look after it for me. I didn’t get it back when I left.”

“Tch.” Levi pulled the draw out. Shaking it gently there was no rattle or chink expected from anything fragile. Moving to the centre of the room he pushed Eren behind him before throwing the draw to the ground.

Eren jumped, a small yell of surprise sounding from him. “L-Levi?”

Levi knelt down, lifting up the wood planks. Beneath it, three simple leather bound books met him. He picked one up and skimmed through the pages. What the fuck is Marley? Ymir? Attack Titan? The fuck? He picked up the next two and flicked through the pages finding similar wording and content.

A thump sounded.

Looking up, Levi frowned at Eren. The boys eyes were wide but face pale. A smaller and older leather bound book was by his feet. Levi picked it up. Journal, huh?

He opened to the last page. Brat’s probably wondering what happened to his father.

Today I’ll give Eren the Titan serum. As mentioned in the books and most likely previously in this journal, it is made of the spinal fluid of titans. It turns the injected persons into titans. After testing his skin to my own it looks like Eren’s Attack Titan will be much stronger than mine. Maybe the strongest. I’ll pass the titan to him. This is my last entry.

Levi stared at the page before looking up at Eren. His father gave him the ability to titan shift. With titan spinal fluid? What kinda psycho would do that to his own six no five year old son?

The kid was still gazing at the ground, now trembling slightly. “He- He did this to me.” He whispered. “He- I hate him.”

Levi put the journal with the other books and stood up. “Er-“

Suddenly there was a flash of yellow light and a crash of thunder. The light was blinding and Levi had to blink a few times to clear his sight. He felt wood clatter and fall around him. The material splintering and cracking in his ears. “Eren! Oi, Eren! Er-!”

A guttural growl filled his ears. Levi blinked a couple of times before finally looking up. A five metre class titan stood before him. The body was muscular and lean. The jaw had two layers of teeth, long brown hair hung around it’s shoulders. It’s ears were long and pointed. Bright green eyes stared at him. Fuck.

Levi gritted his teeth, grabbing his swords and launching himself onto the ceiling on the floor above. Luckily they had been in the basement, he could handle this quietly. Came out the nape. Hanging from the ceiling he pushed himself off the wall, swords out either side of him and sliced his blades deep within the nape of the titan. He strained to keep his blades down, cutting across the neck before clinging onto the wall opposite.

The titan body fell, the lump of flesh he’d sliced off sliding from the neck. Steam filled the air as the titan started to disintegrate. Levi jumped to the edge of the broken floor before jumping back down to the basement. “Eren!” He clambered over the titan body making his way to the nape. “Eren!” Almost all the skin of the titan had gone now and as Levi searched the flesh, a small hand revealed itself. Quickly grasping onto it, Levi pulled. Eren’s small body came out easily, the small strings of muscle fibres still clinging to his arms quickly falling off and dissolving. Levi held Eren close tapping his cheek to rouse him. “Eren, come on.” The boy had lines of pink dents running down from beneath his eyes. He was warm to touch like the titan body.

Eren opened his eyes. “Levi?”

“Damn kid,” Levi sighed. He looked around himself at the damage Eren had caused. Pieces of wood were scattered across the ground, the floor above them caved in with the furniture of the floor above wrecked beyond recognition. The books that had been on the shelves were scattered around, ripped or broken. Levi searched the ground for the books and journal. They were tucked just under the rib cage of the titan. Swiping them from the floor, he picked up Eren and, using his ODM gear, pulled them out the wreckage.

Somehow the front door and shell of the house had remained intact. Although a rather suspicious burnt hole went through the centre of the building. Levi left the building, ignoring the few people who stood around the place with confusion and wariness.

He had a lot to tell Erwin.

***

Erwin put the book down.

A thick silence hung in the air.

“Erwin.” Levi said, prompting the blond to raise his head. There was an unreadable look in his eyes.

Finally he spoke. “Paladis is a prison of our own making. The royal family took our memories of the outside world. Marleys want Eldians, us, dead and use our own kind against us. All because Eldians have the ability to become titans that caused a war two thousand years ago.”

Levi raised an eyebrow, “A fucking shitshow.” Levi dropped his gaze to his hands, “But it also means the titans we’ve been killing, were humans. We’ve killed people.”

Erwin gave a tired nod.

Levi looked a him for a moment before turning his gaze onto Eren. The kid had been quiet ever since they went into the basement. He had this blank look on his face, normally bright eyes dulled and absent. After finding out about his father giving him his abilities and then also, after a few comments from Erwin about ‘passing the titan on’, Eren had finally figured that he’d had to… eat his father to inherit the Attack Titan. Levi put a hand on the boy shoulder causing him to look up at the man.

Eren blinked up at him. “Am I a monster?”

Levi was silent for a moment having not expected the question before he knelt down to be eye level with the boy. He waited as the boy seemed to process his thoughts.

“Titans are monsters. They kill and eat people. I-I ate- I- He-“ Eren swallowed harshly, “I’m a monster.” He stated it firmly and with finality.

Levi sighed, “Eren, being a titan shifter is weird as fuck but it doesn’t make you a monster. Titans use to be human.” That makes me the monster. “Do you want to help humanity?”

Eren’s eyes widened and he nodded quickly. “I want us to be free.”

Levi raised an eyebrow at that before nodding, “So would you do anything to destroy humanity?”

“No.”

“So you’re not a fucking monster are you. A strange as fuck brat but not a monster.”

“But I’m a titan. And my dad-“

“You had no idea about what your father did and it was without your involvement. Hell you only found out about your titan shifting when we did. And being a titan doesn’t make you a monster. You can use it for good.”

Eren was quiet.

“Tch.” Levi stood ruffling his hair. “Enough of that cringey shit, Erwin what should we do?”

Erwin shook his head. “Nothing. Either way the first step to do no matter what this information will change, will be to rid of the titans on Paladis. We keep this between us. We don’t need panic or chaos in this time.”

Levi dipped his head in acknowledgment, “Erwin.” Turning on his heel his left the room, gently nudging Eren in front of him as he went.

Chapter Text

Levi sat staring at the papers on his desk. They were unfinished or half-read-through. He stared at the words, the shapes morphing to those he read from the journals. Why pass the titan to Eren? Levi glanced up at where the boy slept on his bed, his breathing too shallow for him to be asleep. "What happened to your mother?" Levi asked quietly.

Eren flinched before sitting up and looking over at him. His green eyes glinted in the low light. "She died."

"Do you know how?"

The boy shook his head. "Dad said it was an accident."

Levi nodded, glancing at the journal beside him. Erwin had left it to him if Eren ever wanted to look at it. The boy never went near it. Picking it up, he flicked through the pages. Eren's mother died before he went to the orphanage. He stopped when he got to the year Eren was left by his father, the same entry he'd read previously meeting him. So before this. Flicking backwards, Levi paused as one of the pages looked more clinked than the others. Ink was splotched on the page, circles of water seeming to have soaked into the paper years ago. He frowned, skimming the words.

I had to kill her. She found out about the titans. She went into the basement; I told her not to. Levi paused, running his gaze back over the words. He killed his own wife? He clenched his jaw, glancing over at where Eren was now sat gazing out the window. Eren doesn't need to know this. Returning to the last entry, Levi stared at the words before closing the book and leaving the journal on his desk. I'll return it to Erwin tomorrow.

***

3 years later

Levi deflected a kick to his abdomen before driving his fist forwards. He pulled his punch before he made contact with Gunther’s jaw. The man fell to the hard ground. “Tch. Still leaving yourself open after attack.”

Gunther groaned.

“Continue training amongst yourselves.”

“Captain.” His squad chorused before pairing up and trading blows.

Levi cast his gaze over to where Eren was dozing beneath a tree. The boy’s hair ruffled with the slight wind, the leaves of the tree falling around him. Levi walked over and nudged his shoulder with the toe of his boot. “Oi, brat.”

Eren’s eyes flew open as he sat up. His breathing was slightly heavy and breathes short. Only then did Levi notice the faint tear track down his cheek.

Levi paused at that. “You have a nightmare?” He vaguely gestured to the wet streak.

Eren glanced up at him, wiping a hand across his cheek. “I-I don’t know.” His eyes were still blank with a shock he didn’t remember.

“Tch.” Weird fucking Titan. “Go-“

A loud crash of thunder rumbled around them.

Levi and Eren looked up at the clear blue sky. Levi glanced down at Eren. This is familiar… A strange silence settled around them. Levi felt a pool of anticipation welling in his stomach.

“Go inside. We’re gonna eat soon.”

Eren was frowning at the ground before he shook his head. “Ok, Levi.”

The man watched the boy walk to the door, the rest of his squad sparring to his left. A clatter of hooves sounded.

“Captain Levi!”

Levi looked up to the Survey Corps soldier who sat atop the saddle. “What? You look like you just shit your pants.”

The man leaned down, “Shiganshina District has been breached! And Wall Maria! People are still evacuating! Orders to deploy your squad!”

Levi frowned and nodded, the messenger saluting quickly before riding away.

“Oi, get your gear together!”

“Yes, Captain!”

Levi turned to enter the building, stopping when he saw Eren standing looking in the direction the messenger went. “Shiganshina… Armin! Mikasa!” Levi caught him as the boy began to run.

“Oi, the fuck you gonna be able to do? Stay here. They’ll evacuate.” Eren looked mid-way between panicking and crying. Levi didn’t have time for this. “Listen. You stay here. Eren.”

The boy flinched at his name. He nodded.

Petra rushed out the building, swiftly followed by the others. “Ral, deal with Eren.” Levi rushed inside, buckling his ODM gear on before donning his cape. He vaguely heard the basement door open and close as Eren was kept down there as he usually was on each mission. One thing that hadn’t changed since he got there.  The walls been breached. Tch. Fucking shit.

Levi hurried outside directly to his horse which waited for him. He mounted it, flicking the reigns. They sped through the streets to Wall Maria.

***

It was a blood bath. Two abnormal titans had appeared. The Colossal and Armour Titans they were called, blasting the holes through the walls to allow titans to flood in.

Levi stood on Wall Rose, looking out at the land before him. Titans littered the place, a few of their large bodies littering the ground dissolving slowly. Other much smaller bodies scattered the ground too. Chunks of flesh missing with limbs left over from others. And the whole place was red. Petra stood beside him, her face filled with shock. Eld, Gunther, Oluo; all dead.

The people were all safely evacuated, save a few who had the shitty luck of getting caught by a Titan. The survey corps took the biggest loss as usual. Many new recruits dead, other older veterans too. The military also took a loss, though many were due to under training. Bastards.

Levi, wiped at the blood on his cheek bone which quickly dissipated. He turned away and jumped from the wall, lowering himself with his ODM gear. The whizzing of wires behind him told of Petra following behind. They’d all left their horses within Wall Rose, which is where he returned to now. He took hold of the three horse of his dead squad members and rode out to return to base. The journey was shrouded with a heavy silence.

***

Levi went straight to his room when he returned. He didn’t know what Petra did, probably returned to her own too. Seeing your friends die was never easy, you just saw it happen way too fucking often that you became numb to it. The dust and dirt of the day felt heavy on his limbs. Removing his cloak and clothes, he showered, letting the water run over his body. He didn’t notice the slight metallic taste to the water, or the rare salty tang.

Using a towel to dry his hair he sat on his bed. Petra’s still alive. Erwin will probably order me to select other members to fill the squad again. Fuck. He put his face in his hands.

A knock sounded.

Levi looked up, removing the towel from his neck, “Come in.”

Petra entered, hair also damp from a shower but eyes red-rimmed. A tray was in her hands. “Your tea, Captain.”

He nodded. Watching as she placed the tray on his desk, he stood walking over when she stayed there staring at the papers. Reports of his squad members deaths covered the surface. Three sheets, three soldiers, three friends.

“They’re gone.” Petra stated, lip quivering.

“Yes.”

She quickly straightened, subtly wiping her cheek, “Sorry, I’ll be leaving now Captain.”

“Of course.” As she went to leave, Levi stared at the papers, calling out her name. She paused in the doorway. “I’m sorry.”

“Me, too.” She closed the door behind her.

Humanity’s strongest. Tch. Fuck that. Couldn’t even save my own men. Levi poured himself a cup of tea. Fuck Titans. He took a sip, placing the cup down again when a thought occurred to him. Leaving his room, he made his way to the basement, to the cell Eren stayed in. The nine year old was sat on his bed, ankles and wrists bound in chains like they usually were when they went on missions. He was sipping a small cup of water. He looked up at the sound of his steps. A smile started to grace Eren’s face before freezing when he saw Levi’s own. Eren dropped the cup, water spilling over the floor as he stood. “Who?”

“Gunther, Oluo, Eld.”

Eren stared at him for a moment before dropping his gaze, hair shadowing his face. His teeth were gritted, fists clenched. Over the past few years the whole squad had warmed up to Eren and him to them in return. They had come to teasing each other and messing with Eren whenever they found the opportunity to. Having a brat amongst the squad had brought them all closer.

“I’m going to kill them all.”

Levi stared at Eren. His voice was low, thick with intention. Small sparks of yellow flitted over his arms before disappearing. The boy didn’t look to have noticed. We have a Titan on our side too. The man unlocked the door and entered removing Eren’s chains. “You, me both brat.”

Eren startled, looking up at him, before biting his lip as tears collected in his eyes.

“Come on,” Levi held out a hand. Eren grasped it tightly and followed Levi up the stairs. The boy had his own room next to his, and as Levi opened the door to it, Eren held his hand tighter. Levi carefully shook off his grip, “Go to sleep, Eren.”

Eren nodded silently and moved to his bed. As Levi left, his quiet voice sounded behind him, “Don’t die.” It was barely audible and said in a way as though Eren didn’t intend for anyone but himself to hear.

Levi smiled humourlessly and closed the door behind him. None of us intend to, brat.

Chapter Text

7 years later

“Fuck you, Jean.”

“The fuck to say to me Jaeger?”

Eren glared at the other boy, “I said, fuck you. Or is your brain too shitty and piss-filled you can’t understand? Maybe I’ll say it again to help you. Fuck.” He nodded as though making sure Jean was following. Eren pointed at the other boy, “You.”

Jean rose to his feet, “You-!”

“Oi, brats. Shut the fuck up and get cleaning.”

“Yes, Captain!” Jean called giving Eren a glare before returning to dusting the shelf before him.

“You too, Eren.”

Eren grumbled, “It’s not my fault this dickhead here can’t tell piss for shit.”

“I told you I cleaned there!” Jean yelled.

“And I told your dumbass that it was still dusty!”

“Oi!” Levi yelled. “Get your asses cleaning or you’ll be pissing blood for the next week.” The boys silenced at that and returned to cleaning. “Tch.” Levi continued through the corridor, lifting his cloth over his mouth again as he cleaned. Fucking brats and five of them too. Once Eren was old enough he was immediately put into the training system for recruits. Under Erwin’s order, he joined Levi’s squad once he’d graduated. The members of Levi squad for the last three years were also replaced by the new recruits: Jean Kirstein, a bratty horse-faced kid who was always out for Eren; Sasha Blouse, potato girl; Armin Arlert, Eren’s friend from the orphanage with brains; Mikasa Ackerman, Eren’s other friend from the orphanage with a gloomy face and finally Connie Springer, potato girl’s right hand man. Petra and him were the only Veterans. Eren had once joked they were the mum and dad of the squad. Levi had slapped him so hard up side the head a small cut started to steam. A cut which Eren had quickly had to cover up because of said steam and reason for, was still a secret. Levi had slapped him again. Brat pissed me off.

Levi finished dusting the corridor, walking around to check each room. Any room Eren or Petra did he new would be spotless. The brat lived with him for long enough to know how to clean. Petra worked with him for longer. He taught them well. The other rooms were the ones he inspected. Majority were properly cleaned except a few that had a corner or two missed with dust collecting. It’d take too long to ask the others to clean again, so he just did it himself. They had a mission on Wall Rose, Trost District. Had to patrol it from the Titans in Wall Maria. Stupid job of military police. Bastards too lazy to do it. Undermanned. Tch.

Levi went to his room, freshening up before putting his ODM gear and cloak on. “Oi! We’ve got a mission! Get your shit together!” He heard the chorused “Yes, Captain!” before a rush of running footsteps as he went to wait in the kitchen.

Levi waited five minutes before everyone was assembled. Connie joined them last, panting lightly. “The fuck were you doing Springer?”

“Sorry Captain, I lost my cloak.” He swallowed nervously.

“Tch.” Levi got to his feet, “Let’s go then.”

***

Levi and his squad strolled along the wall of Trost. The titans were always far away none straying too close.

Petra was surveying the area to his right the brats to his left, save Sasha, Eren and Connie who were stacking new canon balls beside each of the weapons. As Levi watched, the trio seems to pause and look at something in Sasha’s hands.

Levi drifted slightly closer to hear them.

“The fuck you get that from?” Eren asked.

Sasha shrugged a grin clear in her voice, “Nicked it from the military rations they keep down there.”

“What the hell, Sasha? Can’t you not eat for a moment?” Connie commented, though he was clearly wanting to eat whatever Sasha had.

“Well, you can’t let this much meat go left unattended.”

“Tch.” Eren had clearly taken after Levi. Levi refused to admit the boy’s colourful language was also because of him.

Levi quietly walked to stand behind Sasha. The girl didn’t seem to notice the sudden nervous look on Connie’s face or the amused one on Eren’s. “We can share it with everyone so long as Captiain doesn’t find out. We can leave a piece for him too.” Sasha continued.

“Find out about what?” Levi asked.

Sasha jumped up hands behind her back no doubt hiding her treasure. “N-Nothing.”

“Tch.” Levi held out a hand.

Sasha looked at him, biting her lip. “Wait-“

A crash of thunder echoed around them, the yellow lighting forking to the ground to their right. The wall shook beneath their feet, a sudden force of a shockwave pushing them off the wall.

Levi fell. Quickly adjusting his body he anchored his wires into the wall, seeing the others do the same and looked up. The colossal titan stared down at them.

Levi reeled in his wires, launching himself into the air, the rest of his squad copying his actions. He fired one of his anchors into the neck only for a blast of hot steam and air to push him away. Shit.

Levi adjusted himself to attack again. Both of his anchors imbedded into the nape of the titan. As he reeled closer movement below him caught his attention. The titan was reeling his leg back. To kick the Wall. Quickly pulling out his anchors he fired them towards the ground, launching himself to the tendons on the titans knees. His blades sliced through the flesh, successfully slowing the limb only the momentum of the leg was enough. The wall shuddered and cracked, a large hole opening up at the base. That’s when he noticed the Armoured titan. It ran through the opening clearing the way of any debris. Then suddenly both titans disappeared. A loud roar echoed through the air, Levi looked up. Another abnormal. A female titan. Titans gathered around her before streaming towards the opening. The titan turned and left.

Levi gritted his teeth. Firing himself back over the wall, he fell towards the hoards of titans. His squad followed behind. “Arlert, Blouse, Eren, with me. We’ll take the ones to the right. Kirstein, Ackerman, Ral and Springer, take the ones to the left. Evacuation is priority.”

“Yes, Captain!”

The two groups split. Levi could barely hear the zipping of wires over the screams of the civilians below. He slashed across the neck of a titan, it’s body flopping to the ground, before spinning around and launching himself up to a ten metre class. It didn’t have time to react before Levi cut out a wedge of its nape.

He landed on a rooftop surveying the area. They’d taken out many of the ones around them, the civilians taking the opportunity to run to the gate of Wall Rose. Levi quickly launched across the street taking out three titans as he went. His squad along with the military police and other survey corps were succeeding in slowing the spread of the titans. For now. It was only a matter of time before their numbers were too low to be as efficient. This is just like Wall Maria. Levi landed on another higher rooftop, turning around to his team. Sasha, Armin and Eren landed behind him all panting hard, clothes splatters with steaming titan blood.

Eren straightened up, “There’s still more titans.”

Levi nodded, “The titans will keep coming we just need to make sure that Wall Rose isn’t breached too when all the civilians are evacuated.”

“The only way to do that is if the hole in the wall is closed.” Armin commented.

Eren shook his head. “That colossal came out of nowhere so did the armoured. They can still breach the Wall.”

“No. What I mean is that even if they breach Wall Maria, if the hole into Trost is closed, no titans can get through.”

“Unless they reopen that hole.” Sasha added.

Armin sighed, “Guys come on, give me something here.”

“We’re fucking doomed.” Eren stated flatly, rubbing at his neck.

“Tch. We’ve been doomed since those abnormals appeared. Why the fuck we still fighting? Because our sorry asses are still in here. Focus on getting people into Rose. If the armoured or colossal appear, our only choice is to attack them.”

“Yes Captain.” They chorused.

Levi turned around only to come face to face with a five metre class. “Fuck! Move!”

Levi flew to the building across the street turning to watch the others. Sasha was close behind him, but Armin was still on the rooftop. Eren had paused on the adjacent one and was shouting at the blond. As Levi watched Armin frantically try to press the trigger but none of his anchors moved. Jammed. Levi swore, turning in the air to return to the others. He didn’t expect the titan to suddenly jump forwards, crushing the building walls and grab Armin’s body between its teeth. He heard Eren’s shout. The boy launching across to the beast and stabbing it in the eye, yanking it’s jaw open and pulling his friend out. Then the titan jerked forwards again. It’s jaws closed around Eren’s body, teeth snapping shut. An arm and leg the only things left behind.

“Eren!” Levi shouted. He could hear Armin’s scream. The man pulled in his wires, propelling himself through the air only for bright flash of light to blind him followed by a crackle of thunder.

Levi landed on the building, having to steady himself on the roof tiles as his sight returned. He looked at where the titan had been. In its place a familiar fifteen metre class stood before him. The long brown hair, lean muscled body and emerald green eyes. The attack titan. Eren.

Levi waited as the green eyes turned on him before he launched himself up onto its shoulder. He steadied himself against its ear, “Eren. Can you hear me?”

The titan growled lowly.

“Shit, kid.”

It rumbled again.

Before Levi could say anything, Eren ran forwards with a roar, titans running towards him as he took them out. Levi could only just hold on, his anchors in the titans shoulders. A ten metre class approached from behind, jaw open wide as it bit into Eren’s side. Eren roared, stumbling with the attack.

Levi quickly swung off Eren’s shoulders and sliced through the jaw and then nape of the titan. It fell to the ground. Levi rolled onto a roof and looked behind him. Eren was still fighting off titans, the many bodies crowding around his feet. They swarmed to him, two latching on to one of his arms another one around his abdomen. Every time Eren freed himself, one of the others captured him again.

Eren’s titan toppled to the ground, the buildings around him crumbling and shaking with the force. Then the titans started to tear at the flesh, steam erupting in the air.

Levi saw red. Launching himself into the air, he let himself fall blades cutting into the neck of a titan before spinning through the air, blades whipping around him to take out another. The final titan could barely react before it found a wedge of its flesh slipping out of its neck.

Levi rolled along the ground, red blood steaming off his body. He stood and turned to where Eren’s titan lay.

It’s arms were bitten off at the elbows, abdomen ridden with multiple bleeding wounds.

There was a puff of steam from the nape and Levi  ran forwards as Eren pulled himself out, panting heavily on the ground.

“Eren!” Levi dropped to his knees beside him, helping him sit upright. The lines down his cheeks were present again just as they had been seven years ago.

Eren’s warm hand patted his shoulder, “I’m ok.”

Levi looked around them spotting the rest of his squad, all of them, looking down at them from the rooftops. “Shit.” Their faces were filled with fear and confusion alongside disbelief.

Mikasa was the first to join him. “Eren!”

Eren sat up, “I’m ok, Mikasa.”

Mikasa sighed in relief before glancing at his dissolving titan, “Eren… what-?”

The boy sighed. “Titan shifter.”

“What?”

“Me. I’m a titan shifter. And I think all the colossal, armoured and female are too. They all transform the same way I do.”

Levi frowned at that, “That means they’re living among us.”

Eren nodded.

After a moment, the rest of his squad joined them on the ground.

“Captain,” Petra called, “Why was Eren staying with us? What is he?”

Levi turned to her, the questions exactly what he expected. “I’ll explain later. How’s the evacuation coming along?”

“Almost complete.”

“Good, head to Wall Rose.”

His squad nodded in agreement, all giving Eren glances of wariness before heading off.

Levi stood, pulling Eren up beside him and allowing the boy to lean against him. “Ok?”

Eren straightened up, “Yeah.”

Together, they made their way to Wall Rose. The bodies of many soldiers scattered in the streets below. Titans strolled around every once in a while making an attempt to take another life and either succeeding or ending up dead.

As soon as they got to Wall Rose, guns and canons were pointed at them.

“Eren Jaeger! You are under arrest! Please come quietly!” A voice called out.

Levi looked around as the guns were loaded. “Eren is under the custody of the Survey Corps.” He called out.

“Captain Levi Ackerman. Move away from the boy!”

Levi frowned, Mikasa and Armin coming to stand with them. “As I said Eren Jaeger is in custody of the Survey Corps and will be handled by us.”

“Eren Jaeger! State what you are!”

Eren flinched, eyes wide at the scene around him, “I’m human!”

“What is your purpose for humanity?!”

“For-To save us from the Titans!”

“Many soldiers witnessed you come out of a Titan! I ask again! What are you?!”

“I-“ Eren looked to Levi, “I’m human!”

“Enough!” A new voice boomed. Erwin strolled forwards standing before the military police. “Eren Jaeger’s situation is known by a few in the Survey Corps. I will talk with you privately.” He eyed the commander. “Captain Levi, take Eren back with your squad.”

Levi nodded and turned to the boy. “Let’s get out of this shit.”

“No! I will not allow-“ the commander panicked waving at the men next to him, “Fire!”

Levi felt himself get pulled backwards crowded with Mikasa and Armin. Then there was the now familiar crash of thunder, the ground shaking with the force.

And then quiet.

Levi opened his eyes, not having noticed closing them. A dandelion waved around at his feet. A large rib cage surrounded him. Mikasa and Armin lay on the ground in shock.

“Levi!”

Levi looked around at his name before looking up.

Eren was yanking his arm out of a chunk of muscle fibres, jaw clenched. He eventually sighed and sat on the rib bone below him. “I’m stuck.”

Levi raised an eyebrow, “No shit.” Climbing up beside him, his cut his arm out watching as the remaining fibres fell away from his arm. “Tch. Disgusting.”

“Oi I just saved your life.” Eren replied allowing Levi to help him down and support him as he stood.

“Tch.”

Erwin suddenly appeared out of the steam. “Levi, go now. I’ll deal with this.”

Levi nodded and, nudging the two by his feet, they walked out of the steam, using it as cover and, as Erwin drew attention to himself, skirted around the soldiers towards where they’d left their horses.

“Shit.” Eren huffed beside him.

“Shit indeed.”

Chapter Text

Levi sat at the kitchen table, his squad sat around it with him except for Eren for stood by his side with his arms crossed. Levi received a message from Hange telling him that Erwin planned to tell the military everything. Hange didn’t know about the Marley or the outside world so Levi didn’t know if everything was everything. He assumed so. Erwin knew when information needed to be shared and this was one such moment. As was it for Levi who sat at the kitchen table with his whole fucking squad staring at him and Eren.

“You need help to ask your questions?” He drawled monotonously.

They shuffled nervously.

“Why was Eren taken into our custody?” Petra asked.

“I’d think that was obvious. Brats a fucking titan shifter.”

“But that’s impossible.” Connie exclaimed.

“Clearly not.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Eren,” Armin started, “When- I mean how? Did you know?”

Eren sighed beside him. “Before I went to the orphanage, my dad injected me with some titan serum. He passed down the attack titan to me.” Levi didn’t bother explaining that any further either. “And no. I didn’t know till the day they took me from the orphanage. Remember I was left outside in the rain?”

Armin and Mikasa nodded.

“Yeah, I panicked. Made me transform. Only two of the caretakers saw but it was enough for them to contact the survey corps and get me taken here.”

“How didn’t anyone else see though? Your titans at least ten metres.” Sasha commented.

Levi nodded, “Brat was six then. Titan was much smaller, only a five metre class.”

“Wait,” Jean interrupted, “Attack titan?”

“There are many different types of titans, the colossal, armoured, female and attack are some.” Eren explained. “Only us Eldians can shift.”

“Eldians?”

“Wait,” Petra held up a hand to pause the conversation, she turned to Levi, “Why weren’t we told about Eren from the beginning? Who else knew?”

Levi took a sip of his tea. “Erwin, Four-eyes and me.” Levi swirled the tea in his cup before placing it down. “You guys didn’t need to know. What’s happening now, would have happened then. You’d have to ask Erwin if you want the full reason.”

“He was given to you to look after?”

Levi looked at her, “And?”

“Captain, with all due respect, I would not give you a child to look after.”

Levi grumbled, “Neither would I.”

“Neither would I.” Eren added.

Levi glared up at him, “The fuck you say?”

Eren gave him a blank look. “Remember what happened?”

Levi narrowed his eyes, “Tch. That was your own fucking fault. You ran off.”

“I was six.”

“Woulda thought you had a brain in there.”

“Hey!”

“Was that-?” Mikasa asked quietly.

Eren turned to her, his eyes darkening. “Yeah.”

There was a curious silence around the table, but everyone knew not to ask.

“You said Eldians?” Armin asked.

Levi sighed, This is gonna be long.

For the next few hours Eren and Levi alternated in explaining about the reality of Paladis, Marley, the titans and everything they had found out from Eren’s father’s journal and books.

“Damn.” Petra said into the quiet after.

“The fuck?” Jean had his hands out in front of him as though trying to understand reality. Which he was.

“Anyway,” Eren continued, “Now the military police know about me. We think there are other shifters among us. And my life is now in the hands of Erwin and the commanders.”

“You’ll be fine, Eren. They saw you help us.” Armin reasoned.

Eren sighed, “We’ll see.”

***

The next few days were quiet. Levi heard nothing from either Hange or Erwin. It’s did nothing to placate him. Eren acted as though it didn’t bother him, despite how everyone acted more wary around him. Levi saw Eren remove himself from a room more often than not if there was only one other person there with him. Otherwise the brat made sure to always have two others there. Levi could tell the squad were trying to accept Eren wasn’t a threat but they’ve been fighting and learning titans are the enemy for their whole lives, it’s understandable it’d be difficult. Levi knew first hand.

As of now, Levi was watching the others train with the ODM gear. Mikasa was perfect to a fault and every cut she made was deep and precise. Petra was the same but her movements had a familiarity and confidence born from experience. Armin was next, his movements weren’t so fluid but well coordinated and the depth of his cut was also fairly decent. Sasha and Connie were similar to Armin but both their cuts were deeper. Next was Jean with his powerful movements. He used a lot of power though his cut wasn’t as deep as it could have been, his movements were fluid though. He needed to refine his technique. Last was Eren. He flew through the air with confidence and fluidity, he had his balance perfect. Levi had heard how he managed to remain upright with faulty gear in training. Eren launched himself forwards, blades slicing downward to take a chunk out of the training titan. The cut was fairly deep, not like Petra’s or Mikasa’s more like Sasha and Connie’s. It was more precise however, ten centimetres wide and a metre long. Good if he was consistent.

Levi dropped to the ground joining his squad. He was about to give feedback when a rumble of hooves sounded behind him.

Turning around, Levi shifted so Eren was behind him.

Ten members of the military sat upon their horses, a carriage was in the centre of the group, windows barred, door locked.

“Eren Jaeger, by order of the court you are under arrest as a threat to humanity.”

Levi frowned, “Commander Erwin-“

“Commander Erwin agreed to this condition.”

Levi’s gaze darkened, Damn it Erwin.

“If you resist, there have been orders to kill you.”

Eren sighed behind him and slowly walked forwards, “It’s ok, Captain.” Eren said.

Captain. it was the first time the brat had called him that. Fucking formalities. Tch. Distancing himself to protect me.

Eren had his hands raised. Guns were loaded and pointed at him as he moved. The boy paused before the carriage. One of the militants dismounted and, unlocking the carriage, brought out a set of thick heavy manacles. They were the same as the ones Eren had when he first came, but larger. They were for a sixteen year old rather than a six year old. There was also an additional chain connecting his wrists to his ankles with a weight hanging off it. Eren was directed into the carriage, and after a bit of struggle from his restricted movement, Eren was sat inside. The door was slammed shut behind him, lock clicked firmly. The escort swiftly departed.

I’ll come for you, Eren.

Chapter Text

For the next week, Levi demanded to meet Eren and was denied every time. It was known about Eren staying with Levi for ten years, there was no more harm to be done with the matter.

The day before the court day he was finally allowed to visit him, along with a military officer.

“Tch,” Levi glanced at the officer following him, who watched him nervously. They descended the stairs to the basement. A pungent smell hit him. It was like mold mixed with blood and sickness. From what Levi could tell there was no other prisoner down here than Eren. Levi clenched his fists and continued walking to Eren’s cell.

Levi stood before the door.

Eren was chained securely to the walls, movement completely restricted to having to sit on his bed, maybe with enough room to stand beside it.

The boy looked fine, just tired. But as Levi’s eyes roamed the room, there was a suspicious red stain on the floor beside the bed along with another fresher one. The distinct smell of bile was in the air, though Levi couldn’t see any sick. They haven’t given him any food. “Eren.”

Bright emerald eyes lifted to meet his dark brown. “Levi.” His voice was husky from disuse but full of relief.

“The fuck they do to you?”

Eren shrugged, “Nothing more than a beating or two. Initially that was. Until I told them I could use the injuries to titan shift.” He smiled humourlessly. “Then it was the petty things. A bit of spit in my water, eating my food.” Eren shrugged again. “Taking the piss basically. And literally actually. I wouldn’t step any closer to that corner there.”

Levi looked at the corner beside him where Eren gestured with his head. He felt his frown deepen with disgust. “Tch.” He glared at the military soldier beside him. The man gulped and avoided eye contact. “Was he one of them?”

Eren was quiet for a moment as he looked at the guy. “No. He’s new.”

“Tch.”

“Trials tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

“Shit.”

Levi nodded. “Prepare yourself Eren.”

Eren frowned.

“There’s no way the fuckers are gonna let you off easy.”

***

Levi stood in the stands. A thick wooden pole was in the centre of the space before him in front of the court. The higher members of the Survey Corps stood with him along with his own squad. Hange and Erwin stood to his left. Across from him, the military police and some crazy Wallists stood.

An anticipated silence filled the room.

“Please bring Eren Jaeger to the court.”

The crowd murmured as the door across from Levi was opened. Eren was lead into the court, a black mask was strapped around his face. Levi recognised it. They were made to keep psycho people from biting their tongue off in court. A spike was position in the mouth, both keeping the mouth open and tongue down. It was blunt enough to not be harmful, but it didn’t stop them from trying. In Eren’s case though it was probably to keep him from shifting. The same heavy manacles were locked on his wrists and ankles. As they led him in the crowd shuffled. This is the first time seeing him for a lot of people. Like a fucking circus act.

Eren was made to kneel with his back to the wooden pole and wrists chained around it. The chain from his ankles was removed.

“Eren Jaeger. You will be asked yes or no questions specifically. This trial is to determine your intentions and what will be done to you in the close future.”

Eren nodded in understanding.

“Military police please proceed.”

A senior commander whose name Levi didn’t bother learning strode forwards. “You are a titan shifter?”

Eren nodded.

“You can shift into a titan, correct?”

Eren nodded again.

The man turned to the judge, “Then why should he remain among us? The boy can shift into a titan which is a species we know have killed many of our men. How do we know this boy won’t turn on us and kill us?”

The judge dipped his head in acknowledgment and turned to the side of the survey corps. “Survey corps?”

Erwin stepped forwards, “How many of you here witnessed Eren in his titan form?”

Levi’s squad and a few others on the survey corps side raised their hands. A few raised their hands on the military side.

“Did any of you witness Eren harm any one of our soldiers?”

No one raised their hand in protest.

“Then, can it be seen that Eren was working with us, even in his titan form and will help humanity.”

The military commander frowned, “But how do we know he won’t turn against us in the future?”

Levi spoke up next, “Eren is always conscious and of his own mind when he shifts.”

“Captain Levi Ackerman. You have been raising this boy with knowledge of his circumstances for the past ten years. I’m afraid that your words will be biased.” The commander stated.

“Captain Levi Ackerman, along with Doctor Hange Zoe and myself, were all aware of Eren’s circumstances. It was by my order Eren was put in Levi’s custody. This was taking into consideration the fact the Eren could shift into a titan and could possibly be a risk. Levi is our best soldier. If he found no reason to kill Eren, then this in itself should be proof of Eren’s intentions for humanity.”

The other man grimaced, “Eren Jaeger, would you do anything to harm humanity?”

Eren shook his head.

“How can we trust you?”

A silence fell as Eren frowned up at the man.

“Commander, the boy can only answer yes or no.” The judge reminded.

“Right.” There was a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

“Judge.” Erwin called, “I would like to propose that Eren remain in the custody of the survey corps. Under Captain Levi Ackerman. He would be essential to us and will be a valuable asset in both attacking titans and protecting my men. He would be vital for humanity. Our hope if you will.”

The judge nodded, holding up a hand to silence the military commander, “As of the facts of this moment, it is clear that despite Eren Jaeger’s titan shifting ability, he still fights for humanity. Therefore, Eren Jaeger will remain under Captain Levi Ackerman. As our strongest soldier, he is the best to handle any situation involving Eren Jaeger’s shifting.”

However… Levi thought.

“However, both Eren Jaeger and Levi Ackerman acted as they did under the knowledge that Eren Jaeger could be a risk to humanity and kept this secret. It was under Commander Erwin’s order alongside Doctor Hange Zoe, yet it was Levi Ackerman who acted upon this order and kept the truth of the boy secret.”

“Sir-“ Erwin started.

The judge held up a hand, “A man can act on his own will, Commander. Levi Ackerman is no different.”

Erwin backed down with a nod. Levi looked at the blond who shook his head in apology. Levi raised an eyebrow. He’d expected this much.

“Therefore,” the judge continued, “Both Levi Ackerman and Eren Jaeger will receive a branding for punishment.”

The crowd murmured and shuffled. Levi ignored them vaulting the wood before him and going to stand with Eren in the centre of the court. He looked down at Eren who had been watching the proceedings silently.

Levi swiftly removed his cape. “Judge.” The other man nodded his head, “I offer to take Eren’s brand as well. He was six when he was put into my care. This was not his doing.”

Eren flinched beside him before jerking in his chains, a garbled noise sounding as he tried to speak. He started to breath hard through the mask, his movements becoming more desperate.

“Remove his mask.” Levi demanded.

They continued to watch as Eren struggled.

“Oi! Remove his mask or he’ll pass out.”

The judge quickly gestured for the removal of the mask.

Once the spike left Eren’s mouth the boy panted and spat the blood from his mouth. His tongue was ridden with cuts from the spike. Luckily it was in his mouth so the regeneration steam couldn’t be seen. Levi knelt before him.

“Levi, you can’t take mine. If anything I’ll take yours I can heal.”

“That’s exactly why.” Levi said before standing. “A brand is meant to brand.”

The judge had been watching them curiously, though their conversation was quiet enough that it was only heard by them two. “I’m afraid, Captain Levi, that Eren is now old enough to understand and still followed along. He is no longer six. The punishment will be given to both of you.”

Levi’s gaze darkened as another man strode for with a glowing red length of metal. Swiftly removing his top to expose his back, Levi knelt and braced himself. The metal pressed into his skin, on his upper right shoulder. There was a distinct hiss and burn of flesh, the smell filling his nose. He gritted his teeth against the burn, clenching his fists. He vaguely recognised Eren’s shock-filled eyes staring at him.

Then it was gone. Levi got to his feet, replacing his top and cloak. He turned to look at the judge. The other man looked over him, a new light of respect in his eyes. He nodded, “Now for Eren Jaeger.”

Levi looked down at the boy. As he watched a sudden understanding filled his eyes. He can’t control his regeneration. Eren looked up at him in mild panic before a steeliness settled in his eyes.

The man returned with the glowing metal.

Levi watched as Eren closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. The metal was pressed onto Eren’s back, the smelling of burning flesh filling the air again. Eren grunted with the pain, before biting his lip to refrain from further sound. Finally the metal was removed. Eren still had his eyes closed, brow furrowed. Levi could only watch as steam started to appear, the wound healing over until only smooth skin remained.

Eren opened his eyes, breathing hard. He looked up at Levi, a look of helplessness on his face.

“What is this?!” The military commander yelled “What’s the point of the punishment if the punishment doesn’t work on this- this titan!”

The judge raised a hand for order. Once the gathered had settled he spoke. “That was unexpected. Commander is right. The brand is meant to be a permanent mark to remind the offender of his crime.”

Levi frowned, “Eren’s body regenerates without his control. The action of giving him a brand is punishment enough.”

“With respect, Captain Levi, there are many here that do not think that it was punishment enough.”The judge looked to his right, “Doctor Hange, what have you found about Titan regeneration?”

Hange stood up straighter, “Titans can regenerate any wound on their body, they can even regenerate full limbs if given time. The only part they cannot regenerate is the nape which is where we kill them.”

The judge nodded, “A limb you say? How long does it take for that to regenerate?”

Levi clenched his fists, trembling. They better fucking not.

Hange hesitated, glancing at Eren and Levi an unreadable look on her face, “About a day or so most.”

“No!” The military commander yelled, “That’s not even close to what he should get. We’re allowing him to live, at least give the boy his due punishment.”

The judge frowned, “What would you like to do then Commander?”

The commander gritted his teeth, “What takes the longest to regenerate?”

Hange thought for a moment before answering, “We found the more complex the part that was injured, the longer it takes to regenerate.”

“What’s the most complex system?”

Hange frowned, “Apart from the brain-” she froze looking at Eren.

“Hange.” The judge prompted.

“I-“ she swallowed harshly, lowering her gaze to her feet, “The eyes.”

The military commander smirked.

“No,” Levi said. “How could-“

Levi paused as Eren nudged his leg. The man had almost forgotten about the boy.

“It’s fine. They’ll regenerate anyway.” He said quietly.

Erwin spoke up, “We have no objection to this.” He gave Levi a look. “Captain Levi.”

“Erwin.” Levi replied darkly.

“Captain Levi, please return to the stands.” The judge ordered.

Levi stood for a moment before going to stand beside Erwin.

“It’s the only way.” The blond muttered.

“Shit way.”

“If you would.” The judge gestured to the man beside him. “As punishment, Eren Jaeger will have his eyes removed. They will regenerate in a few days and the experience will be sufficient enough punishment.”

Levi watched as the man unsheathed his knife. It glinted in the light. Even from this distance, Levi could see the how Eren tensed at his approach, trembling slightly when the man held his chin. The man seemed to say something that caused Eren to flinch before he drove his blade into the boy’s eye.

The scream that filled the air, echoed in his ears. Levi had to force himself to remain in the stands, he felt the hairs on his neck rise at the sound.

In quick succession the man removed his blade, the eye he’d stabbed falling to the floor before doing the same to the other eye.

The man backed away, blood dripping from his knife.

Eren’s cheeks were streaming with blood like a crude copy of tears. His eyelids were half closed, strangely flat with nothing to cover.

The only sound that remained was Eren’s shuddering breaths.

“People of the court may depart.” The judge said before getting up and leaving with the rest of the military police. Levi ignored them vaulting over the stands and hurrying to Eren.

“Eren?” He asked placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder.

The other flinched at the contact before relaxing when recognising his voice. “L-Levi.”

A strange feeling rose in his stomach as he looked over Eren. He watched as the jailer unlocked his chains and carefully stood him up.

Levi could feel his squad standing behind him. Erwin and Hange were also there, everyone else had departed.

“Levi,” Erwin said. “Return with your squad. Hange and I will come too.”

Levi nodded, “Eren, I’ll lead you.”

Eren nodded, he was strangely calm.

Frowning, Levi held onto Eren’s arm and walked towards the doorway. He paused when Eren stopped suddenly.

Levi looked to the others. “Erwin, take my squad back to base. Four eyes go with them, you can prepare your shit. I’ll come with Eren.”

They nodded and as soon as they left the room.

Levi turned to Eren.

“I-I can’t see.” The boy started shaking, breath quickening. “Levi, I can’t see. I-I can’t-“ his voice cracked and suddenly Levi found his arms full with Eren grabbing onto them.

“Eren. Listen to me. Trust me. Your eyes will return. Give them time.” Levi, with his free arm, removed his cravat, and tied it around Eren’s head. It immediately became stained with his blood.

Eren shuddered, gripping his arm tight.

“I won’t let you go.”

Eren nodded.

Levi lead him to where he kept his horse, ignoring the looks people sent their way. It felt strangely nostalgic from when Eren was six and he had to lift him onto his horse. As of now, Levi placed Eren’s foot into the stirrup and helped him up into his horse, he then mounted behind the boy. “Hold on.”

With that they travelled back, Eren holding the saddle with a white-knuckled grip the whole way.

***

“This is my fault.”

“No it’s not.”

“Levi,” Eren said, he remained sat, looking down at his feet, not that he could see. “If I hadn’t come into your life. This wouldn’t have happened.”

“Tch.” Levi rolled his shoulder where a bandage covered the raw skin where Hange had removed his brand. “Probably would have happened for some other shitty reason.”

They sat quietly for a moment. They were in Eren’s room, the rest of the squad already in bed, Hange and Erwin had left a while ago.

“What did he say to you? The man, before he took your eyes?” Levi didn’t bother being gentle with his words. Eren didn’t care for niceties either.

“Said they were pretty.”

Levi narrowed his eyes before looking out the window into the night. “Fucking weirdo.” He stood, walking over to the boy and pushing him down onto the bed. “Go to sleep.”

“I’m sorry, Levi.” Eren mumbled.

“Fucking hell. You have nothing to apologise for. You’ve made me happier with you being here. You’re my kid. Now shut the fuck up and go to sleep. Tch.”

Eren rolled onto his side as Levi left the room. “Night.” He called.

“Tch.”

Chapter Text

“Fucking- Fuck this shit!”

Levi heard what sounded like a chair being shoved out the way before he opened the door to an angry Eren.

“Fucking chair! Fucking- fucking toe! What the fuck?! Fuck this shit!” The boy went to step forward only to, again, stub his toe on the chair he’d knocked over and deck forwards onto the ground. “FUCK!” Eren shouted.

“Tch.” Levi walked over and pulled Eren to his feet, firmly placing the boy’s hand on the wall before picking up the chair. “How the fuck do you manage to do this? It’s the first fucking day, first thing in the fucking morning. Tch. Fucking brat.”

“Fuck this.”

“Oi. Shut the fuck up.”

Eren grumbled lowly.

Levi held onto Eren’s arm and lead him carefully down the stairs and sat him at the table where everyone was having breakfast.

They went silent at his presence. Levi ignored them, serving himself and Eren a plate before shoving a fork in the kid’s hand and sitting with his own food. He look a sip of tea. “You guys need help eating or some shit?”

His squad quickly got back to eating, some casting glances at Eren as they did.

Eren stabbed his fork down on his plate, and picked up nothing. He, of course didn’t notice until he put the fork to his mouth. “Fucking-!” He took a forcefully calming breath then with a white knuckled grip around his fork, he used his other hand to probe where the food was and began eating.

“Tch.” Levi finished his plate and tea placing his dishes by the sink. He sat back down watching as Eren ate. “Could you be any slower?”

“Fuck off. You try eating fucking blind.”

“Tch. Unless you want me to fucking feed you, shut the fuck up and eat.”

“Tch.” Eren eventually finished his food. Even though everyone had also finished earlier they remained at the table with them.

“I knew someone who was blind.” Jean said absently.

“Yeah? Well, good for you Jean.” Eren grumbled.

“The fuck you say Jaeger?!”

“Enough!” Levi pinched the bridge of his nose. He almost wished for an upset Eren than an angry one. They were easier to deal with than this. “Go practice your sparring. All of you. Including you Eren.”

“How?!”

“Eren.” Levi said with a note of warning.

Eren went silent at that and slowly got to his feet. Armin and Mikasa hurried around to help him.

Levi must have done something to deserve this but despite their help Eren still managed to stub his toe against the table leg.

“FUCKING-!”

This is going to be a long few days.

***

The next few days consisted of Eren swearing, stubbing his toe, tripping and even one time falling down the stairs. Eren was silently resigned at this point, walking around following a wall with his hand, if he stubbed his toe he’d just continue walking as though nothing happened. Levi watched as Eren slowly ascended the stairs in front of him and followed him up, hand out in case he fell.

Eren, surprisingly, made it to the top without incident and, even more surprising, got to his bed the same way. Hange was already in his room waiting for him.

“Eren, how you feeling?”

“Fine.” He grumbled.

“Great. It’s been a couple of days now, it should be way more time than your eyes need to regenerate but better safe than sorry.” She stepped forwards going to take off the bandage only for Eren to flinch at the contact. “Oh! Sorry, I’m just going to remove this.” She went to remove it a second time, successfully untying the cloth and letting it drop beside them on the floor. “Keep your eyes closed for me.” Hange then went about gently touching around Eren’s closed eyes. “They seem fine. She looked up at Levi. “Close the door and the curtains.”

Levi did as she asked and returned to stand before Eren. In the dim room he could see as Hange got a chair and sat in front of Eren. She covered his left eye. “Open your right eye for me.”

Eren was still for a moment before he opened it. “I-I erm… I can’t see.”

“Give it a minute.”

As they waited, Eren suddenly frowned. “Is it dark in here?”

“Dim.” Hange looked over at Levi, “Light a candle.”

Quickly lighting one he placed it in her outstretched hand. She lifted it to Eren’s eye.

He heard Eren gasp.

“I guess your eyes have returned.” Hange grinned. She quickly repeated the process with his other eye before sitting back. “You’re going to have to remain in here for the rest of today. Let your eyes readjust themselves with light.” She smiled as Eren nodded.

Finally Levi allowed himself to walk over to the boy. “Brat.”

Eren looked at him, even in the dim lighting his eyes were that brilliant emerald. “Levi.” A grin filled his face. “I can see.”

“Tch.” Levi felt his lips quirk upwards and ruffled his hair. “I’ll bring your food up.”

***

The next day. Eren was allowed out around the house. As soon as he exited his room, he squinted at the light. “Shit.”

“Give it a moment.” Levi said.

Eventually Eren blinked a few times and could looked around normally. “Armin, Mikasa! I can see!” He ran past Levi to the two who smiled and stared up at the boys eyes.

Tch, brat. “Oi, you three, training in five minutes.”

“Yes, Captain!”

Eren jogged back over to him, the same wide grin on his face, “Thank you, Levi.”

“For what?”

“For looking after me.”

“Tch.”

Eren quickly looked around him before giving Levi a brief hug. “Thank you.” He mumbled before running to his room to get ready for training.

Levi stood frozen for a moment before rolling his eyes. “Damn brat.”

Chapter Text

3 years later

Levi launched himself towards the titan, slicing through its fingers before running up its arm to its nape. He jumped off, cutting deep into the flesh as he past the neck before firing his wires up to the titan behind him. A fifteen metre, green eyed titan to be specific.

He looked around at his surroundings. The bodies of dead titans disintegrating in puffs of steam around them.

“You can come out now Eren,” Levi jumped from the titan’s shoulder to the ground, looking up as Eren’s Titan fell to its knees. A cloud of steam erupted from its nape and a tall figure jumped down beside him. “Tch.”

“What?”

“How dare you idiots get so tall like that.”

“What?”

“Tch.” Levi looked up at Eren, he’d grown his hair long, just above his shoulders, he had it tied half up, some shorter locks hanging around his face. He was tall and broad, none of the skinny six year old Levi had first met. He still had his emerald green eyes, as bright as ever though a darker maturity was held within. There were lines running down his cheeks from where his titan had been connected.

“Where’re the others?”

“Heading our way from what I saw.”

At that moment the rest of his squad came into view.

Mikasa arrived before them first. She had cut her hair. As has Armin. Both growing way taller than Levi. Damn them. Jean and Connie also chose to grow their hair, not too long but a bit longer.

They too had grown too tall for Levi’s liking. Sasha was also tall but at least she kept her hair the same. Levi took comfort in that small constant. Petra was also the same as ever.

“Where do they keep coming from?” Connie asked, dismounting his horse.

“What? The titans?” Sasha frowned when the other nodded. “No idea. They’re endless though.”

Levi sighed. In another world maybe they’d all be gone from Paladis by now. If that happened we’d probably be doing something about the fucking Marleys. Probably because of Eren. Brat. “Let’s go back.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Ugh, I just got off.” Connie moaned as he got back on his horse.

Petra pulled forwards two free horses and handed Eren and Levi a reign each. “Captain.” She said.

“Petra.” Levi gave her a nod. He’d given up on using second names. Too polite.

Eren glanced at the two of them, an unreadable expression on his face. Levi lined his horse up with his. He adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves, noticing Eren watching him curiously. Levi paused, looking at Eren. The other frowned at him. Levi drew his arm back and slapped Eren upside the head. “Get your head out your ass, brat.”

“Ow!” Eren rubbed at his head. He was now well practiced in controlling his healing and he used it now to show Levi the blood from a cut he’d caused.

“Tch.” Levi nudged his horse, leaning forwards as it picked up pace. This was a small mission, very close to the walls. A group of titans straying a bit too close for comfort. It seemed the Marleys still planned on destroying the people of Paladis and kept sending more titans. Nothing was changing. Even though they found out the truth. They had newer more refined ODM gear even thunder spears. But nothing was changing. They even discovered that the king on the throne right now wasn’t even royal and that the actual family had gone into hiding. The true king Rod Reiss was ruling the kingdom from some house. Apparently the decision was made by the first king who wanted to protect his family. Unfortunately Rod Reiss had other ideas. He wanted to claim the throne again and return something called the founding titan to the royal name. Though he didn’t say who possessed it.

Levi returned to base, spotting another horse in his stable. He narrowed his eyes, quickly leaving his own mount there and hurrying inside.

A familiar blond sat at the table. “Erwin.” Levi greeted.

“Levi.” Erwin waited as the rest of Levi’s squad entered before speaking. “You have a new member coming to your squad. Krista Lenz or her real name Historia Reiss. The illegitimate daughter of Rod Reiss. Lord Reiss wants her to inherit the founding titan. We still don’t know who possesses it.”

Levi frowned, “We’re protecting a civilian by putting her in the survey corps.”

Erwin shook his head, “No, she already went through training she’s in the survey corps but a different squad. As she’s a royal, Lord Reiss asked for her to be protected.”

Levi took off his cloak, hanging it on the chair in front of him. “Why don’t you protect her with him?”

“She changed her name because Rod Reiss killed her mother and abandoned her because she’s proof of his affair. Lord Reiss needs her now, but she might not want to go to him. We’ll let her decide.”

“Tch. Just ask her. Let them meet.”

At that moment the sound of horses filled the air and Hange entered with a petite blond girl following behind.

Erwin gestured to the girl, “This is Historia Reiss. You will call her Krista Lenz to keep her true identity secret when out in public.”

Levi looked over her, “Welcome to hell.”

“Yes, Captain!” Historia saluted.

Erwin continued, “In two days time, Historia will meet with Rod Reiss. That will be your next mission.” He paused before standing, “I’ll be taking my leave.” The blond man left, Hange grinning at them before following behind.

They stood in silence for a moment before Petra stepped forwards and greeted the newcomer. This prompted everyone in action. Levi noticed the new light in which they treated the girl. She’d been a part of the 104th cadets like them, but they treated her like someone they’d never met before. “Tch, alright, listen here your highness, you’re still in the survey corps and now work under me. You will be treated no different and you will pull your own fucking weight am I understood?”

“Yes, Captain!” She replied.

“Good. You better be able to fucking cook. You and Petra get to work. The rest of you clean the kitchen.”

“Yes, Captain!” They chorused before hurriedly moving to do as he asked.

Chapter Text

The two days passed quickly and after a short journey, Historia was left with Rod Reiss, to stay with him. Clearly something the man said was convincing enough for her to stay.

“Tch. Fucking waste of time.” Levi grumbled as they journeyed back. The streets were relatively busy being the early afternoon.

“I’m surprised she stayed though.” Sasha commented, “I mean, he killed her mother and abandoned her.”

“H-Krista is nice, doesn’t hold a grudge.” Connie added.

“Still a waste of my fucking time.” Levi repeated.

Levi absently watched as a carriage trundled past them. He frowned at the masked men accompanying it.

Suddenly a bang rang through the air. The smell of gunpowder hit him and he spun around, swords drawn, to the sound.

“Eren!” Mikasa shouted.

The young man was on the ground, grimacing at the bullet wound through his left chest. “Fuck.” He got up, quickly using his ODM gear to launch himself to the rooftops. Levi followed behind with the rest of his squad. Bullets were being fired their way from all directions and it was just enough for them to remain out of reach. Levi glanced up at one of the men, a familiar leather hat on his head. Levi’s frown deepened, “Kenny!”

Kenny fired his gun, the bullets flying towards Eren’s back.

Levi could only watch as Eren stumbled at the impact tripping over the edge of the roof. Levi launched himself forwards to grab him only for another masked person to get there before him.

“Yo, Levi. You grown any yet?” Kenny grinned.

Levi gritted his teeth. “Find Eren! Don’t let him get away!” He shouted to his squad who swiftly departed.

Levi stood before Kenny.

Kenny raised his gun again and Levi threw his blade forcing the man to deflect the attack. Ripping his cloak off his body, he threw it in the air to avoid the bullets fired at him. Levi ran down the rooftop jumping from the building. Shit. I need to find Eren. He swung through the street, only to come face to face with three other masked members. Levi acted fast. He fired his anchors to the ground, launching himself towards the cobbles before quickly adjusting his course. He spun out the way of the gunfire, wires spinning ahead of him. He vaulted a set of boxes, the bullets destroying them as he went, before sliding across some wooden scaffolding. Splinters of wood flew up into his face as bullets rained down from above. He felt blood drip into his eye and quickly closed it as he fired his anchors into a pub across from him. He reeled himself in, landing on the bar.

Wiping the blood form his eye he looked out at the street, ignoring how the people in the building ran out the doors. Kenny landed a few metres away. If this continues, I’m going to lose both Eren and my squad. The fuck is Kenny doing in the military police?

Levi jumped down behind the bar eyeing the shot gun the barman kept. He picked it up and waited.

“I smell a rat in here. Didn’t I tell you what happens to a cornered rat? No matter which way you try to run, you’ll get blasted from above. You know, surviving is just a part of it. You use your hobbies to survive.” Kenny’s gravelly voice filled the air.

“Tch, hobbies? So is blowing heads off my team another hobby of yours?” Levi lent forwards, turning a wine bottle around to see Kenny’s reflection.

“Yeah. I’ll kill as much as I need to, to get my grand goal. I raised you so you know. You’re no different to me.”

Levi levelled the gun with the reflection, “Yeah.” Whipping it up, he slammed it onto the bar and fired. The splintering of wood sounded. Levi lept up onto the bar, looking at where Kenny lay. “Tch. From above huh?” Quickly, he threw a chair out the window, watching as bullets rained down on it. On the roof then. Levi launched himself out the window, twisting his body around to fire one of his anchors at the person above. He yanked their body towards him, simultaneously using his other wire to lift him to the roof. He used the body as a shield from the bullets, shoving it away to slice at the two others in front of him. He swung away, spotting a wagon in the distance. The familiar locks of brown hair waved in the air. Eren.

Levi pulled in his wires, swinging through the air, the rest of his squad were already on the tail of the wagon, the bullets of the enemy keeping them at bay. Four men.

“Jean, Armin! Take the wagon! We’ll cover you!”

“Yes, Captain!”

The two launched themselves onto the wagon, Levi quickly swinging across to take out one of the gunman, Mikasa behind him to take out another.

He turned around as Jean and Armin landed, the wagon driver turned around, drawing a gun on them, Armin dived forwards tackling her and snatched the gun from her hand. She struggled away from him as the final man fought Jean.

Then Eren started to rouse. There were holes in his suit where the bullets had hit him, but the skin underneath was smooth.

“Give it to him!” The woman shouted.

The man pushed Jean away, forcing him to use his ODM gear to clear the ground. Armin had pinned the woman down, but was stuck with her holding a gun. He could only watch as the man stood and lunged at Eren with a needle.

Luckily Eren was awake by then and rolled to the side avoiding the needle. Unluckily, he rolled right into the line of fire of the woman’s gun. She pulled the trigger. The bullet lodged itself into Eren shoulder, stalling him long enough that the man could jab the needle into his neck, the liquid within filling his system.

“Eren!” Armin shouted, stomping on the woman’s arm, the crack of the bone loud in the air.

Eren grimaced, tackling the man to the ground, “Armin the gun!”

The blond quickly loaded, aimed and fired. The man’s head imploded in a bloody mess.

“Ugh.” Eren wiped the blood from his face. “Ni-nice one.” He blinked quickly, the effects of the drug they’d given him making itself known.

“Eren, come on, we gotta go!” Armin shouted pulling his friend to his feet.

Levi spun around at the sound of zipping wires. He spun out the way as guns went off behind him, the movement allowing more of Kenny’s men to land on the wagon.

Eren fell to his knees.

Levi gritted his teeth, Whatever they need Eren for, they need him alive. “Armin, get out of there!” He yelled.

He saw Eren look up at the blond and shove him roughly off the cart right into Petra, who was waiting to catch him.

The wagon disappeared under a tunnel.

“No! Eren!” Mikasa landed on the ground, preparing to go after Eren. Levi quickly caught her arm, holding her back. “Enough! Stand down!”

“Bu-“

“Stand down, Mikasa!”

Mikasa looked at him, eyes wet. She nodded silently and backed away.

Chapter Text

They were back at base. The air was filled with a cold silence.

“Fuck.” Jean rubbed at his face. “Where’ll they take him?”

Levi thought for a moment. A thought hit him. “Rod Reiss never told us who possessed the founding titan. That fucker Kenny worked for the military police. If Reiss ordered Kenny to take Eren-“

“They’re gonna kill Eren.” Armin finished eyes wide.

Levi stood, “Where’ll they take him?”

Sasha quickly rolled out a map she somehow had at hand. Petra pointed to a small cluster of trees. “He lives here.”

Levi nodded, “But he won’t take him there.”

“Why not?”

“Too risky for him. He’ll take Eren somewhere special to him.”

Armin frowned, “Remember Commander Erwin said Reiss needed Historia so he could get the founding titan? What happened to his family?”

Petra straighten up, “Died in a church fire. Their deaths were covered up so the public wouldn’t panic about the royal family. They don’t know they’re in hiding.”

Levi nodded, “Where’s the church?”

Petra pointed at another larger cluster of trees. “Here.”

“Prepare the horses and bring some extra blades and thunder spears. Kenny’s men will be there for sure.”

***

They arrived at the church. It was quiet and lit with candles on the inside. A small group of military police stood within guarding a trap door.

Levi ducked below the window, “Petra, Jean and Sasha go in through the front. The rest of us will use the windows. We attack them from all directions. Take them all at once. Understood?”

“Yes, Captain.” They mumbled quietly.

“Good. You three go. When you knock on the door, we attack.”

They nodded leaving the others. The remaining lined up with the windows, standing back and preparing to enter.

Levi strained his ears, listening for the knock.

The sound echoed in his ears.

Launching himself up and forwards he used his legs to smash the glass window drawing his blade as soon as he landed. He swiped upwards, the resulting scream and spray of blood indicating someone’s death. Before he knew it, the military police were around his feet, their blood puddling on the ground. Levi kicked an arm out his way, walking to the trap door at the back of the church behind the alter.

He yanked it open, looking down at the cavern below. Blue-purple crystals shone with a surreal glow, structured yet jagged. The telltale signs of ODM anchors being used was clear in the shattered holes.

Levi looked back at his squad. “Let’s go.”

***

Eren blinked his eyes open, wincing slightly at the light of the room.

The first thing he noticed was the thin rod of metal kept between his teeth. The next thing he noticed was that he was shirtless and that there were chains holding his arms up. Moving his ankles, he felt the chain around his neck shift at the movement.

His mind felt foggy, vaguely remembering they’d injected him with some kind of drug.

Eren looked around, he was knelt at the edge of a cliff? The whole of his surroundings were made of a blue-purple crystal that seemed to produce its own light. From what he could see, the cavern was huge. Pillars of the crystal travelling out before him till he couldn’t distinguish a pillar from the cavern of crystal. This looks… familiar.

A quiet mumble of voices reached his ears and Eren looked down. Historia and Rod Reiss? Why-? A sudden realisation hit him. Oh, fuck you Dad. He closed his eyes. The founding titan. I have the founding titan. I can’t use it because I’m not royal.

“Oh, you’re awake.”

Eren opened his eyes at the voice, staring down at the round man.

“Eren Jaeger, am I right?”

He nodded.

Reiss promptly ignored him and turned to his daughter, “Historia, it’s up to you now. Only you can take back the founding titan. Only you can take back the power taken from us and our name so we can rule freely as the Royals we deserve to be.”

Historia stared at the injection in her hands. “I-I-“

“Please, Historia. I need you. You’re my- our only hope. The rest of my family are dead.” The man point up at Eren, “By his father’s hands.” He grabbed Historia’s hands with both of his own, “Please. I need you.”

Historia looked up at Eren then back down at the needle. She shook her head, “No. My sister had this power and it stole her humanity. No. I won’t.” She tried to give it back only for it be forced back into her hands.

“Historia. You have to!” Reiss insisted desperately.

Eren frowned, Why not just do it yourself? Coward. Shaking his hair out of his face, noticing for the first time it was out of its usual bun, Eren glanced at his chained hands. If I could just… He pulled on his arm, feeling the metal press against the knuckle of his thumb. Using his other arm to pull himself further, Eren yanked on his hand, a sharp pain shooting through the limb. He ignored it, gritting his teeth and pulling harder, Just break or something damn it!

A sudden explosion lashed against Eren’s eardrums. He flinched looking up. Levi suddenly came swinging around the corner, the thunder spear on his arm rocketing back towards something behind him.

Levi launched himself towards the edge Eren was knelt on. He looked over the chains securing him in place. “What the fuck is this?”

Eren shook the hair from his face and shrugged.

“Tch.” Levi made quick work of picking the locks on his cuffs and ankles, pulling Eren to his feet.

“You ok?”

Eren pulled the mouth piece off chucking it to the ground below. “Yeah.”

“Good. We gotta get out of here. The others are heading this way. Kenny and his men were waiting for us.”

“Kenny?”

Levi glanced at him, “A fucking moron.”

“No!”

Eren looked over the edge of the crystal, watching as Historia threw down the titan serum and run up to the top where they were standing.

Tears were collecting in her eyes as she watched her father fall to his knees mourning the loss of his plan.

“Well that’s that then.” Eren commented flatly.

“Tch.”

At that moment, the rest of Levi’s squad swung into view, quickly joining them on the perch.

“There’s a few of his men left,” Petra panted, “Including Kenny himself.”

“Tch. Of course.”

“No!” Rod Reiss cried, “This can’t- this isn’t-“

Then, suddenly, Kenny was beside him a disgusted look on his face “You failed?”

“No- no I-“

“Fucking idiot! Should have known.” Kenny lashed out at the other man, his leg striking his spine. The sound of a bone breaking filled the air along with Reiss’s scream.

Levi grimaced, “We need to get out of here.”

Before they could move, a crash of thunder erupted and steam filled the air. Eren rushed over to the edge, hurriedly backing away to the wall when he saw the titan that was forming. “He took the serum.”

“What?” Historia gasped.

“The serum. The titan serum.” Eren gestured at the titan that was forming, growing larger by the second.

“Why’s he so fucking big?!” Jean yelled.

“This place is gonna collapse.” Sasha shouted as a pillar shattered.

Eren breathed heavily glancing at the faces of the people around him. We won’t all make it out like this. He stumbled slightly as the cavern shook, frowning when his foot knocked into something on the ground. The small vial rolled over its writing clear for him to see. Hardening. What’s that supposed to mean? He shivered as another what felt like a memory flashed through his mind. A woman with a titan with a hardening ability. Warhammer. He frowned stooping to pick up the vial. He barely noticed the others talking around him.

“Eren!” Levi shouted shaking him. “What the fucks wrong with you?! We have to go!”

Eren blinked at him then at the vial. He grinned humorlessly. Snatching a knife from Levi’s hip he simultaneously sliced his hand and bit into the vial, glass and fluid filling his mouth.

With a crack of thunder, he transformed. He roared, his titan hardening almost immediately. Shards of crystal shot out of his titan, connecting with the walls and ceiling of the cavern around him. He suddenly lost connection with his senses and movement of his titan. The last thing he felt was the crystals climbing up his arms before he passed out.

Chapter Text

Levi watched as Mikasa slashed at the nape of Eren’s hardened titan. The titan was the same material as the cavern and multiple lengths of crystal fanned out around it like a web. The sound of shattering reached his ears and Levi hurried forwards as they pulled Eren out the titan. It always unnerved him to see Eren so limp and lifeless looking. Mikasa and Armin carefully lowered him to the ground. The rest of his squad crowded around as Levi pulled Eren up into a sitting position, back against his titan. Levi shook him gently. “Eren?”

After a moment his green irises appeared and he jumped up, wavering unsteadily for a moment with his hand out on the hardened Titan.

“It’s ok.” Levi said placatingly.

Eren’s eyes focused on him, “Everyone’s safe?”

“Yup,” Sasha said, “I thought we were all gonna die when you ran off like that.”

“Tch.” Eren rolled his eyes. He looked around suddenly. “Where’s Reiss?”

“She’s there.” Connie pointed to the blond girl.

Levi shook his head, “Rod Reiss. Fucker turned titan he’s making his way to the Walls.”

“What?!” Eren vaulted over the foot of his titan running around to see the massive hole left by Reiss. “We have to stop him.”

“No shit.” Levi replied dryly. “Let’s go.”

***

They travelled by horse, using a wagon for Eren and Historia to use. Before them a large cloud of steam hung in the air above a massive, grotesque titan. It’s limbs were thin and spindly contrasting with the huge shapeless torso. It couldn’t even lift its head off the ground which grated along the hard earth. It looked like an oversized termite. Levi grimaced, “That’s fucking disgusting.”

“It really is hideous.” Historia agreed.

“How’re we gonna stop it?” Jean asked, riding alongside the wagon.

“Like we usually do. Take out it’s nape.” Historia replied, “It’s the only weakness titans have that we know of.”

“But it’s huge.”

Armin shrugged, “Doesn’t matter, the weak point is still the same. One metre long, ten centimetres wide.”

Jean frowned, “What are we waiting for then?”

“Nothing.” Levi nudged his horse faster, towards the towering titan. He could hear the hooves of the others’ horses behind him and steadily stood on his saddle. Levi looked up. Now closer, the titan was far larger than he had thought. Dismissing the fact, he fired his anchors up into the back of the titan. He reeled his wires in, passing through the steam and landing on its back.

“You could ride a horse up here.” Connie commented.

Sasha rolled her eyes at him.

Levi looked down at where the wagon rode alongside them. The titan was slow and they easily kept up. Eren and Historia watched, Armin having taken the wagon reigns.

Levi glanced at his squad behind him before running up to the nape of the titan. By the end of it he’d ended up using his ODM gear. This titan is fucking fat and ugly. He landed on the nape. The titan seemed too big to notice their presence. “Mikasa, come with me. Petra and Jean cut the tendons on its arms. Connie and Sasha, the legs.”

“Yes, Captain!”

Levi gestured for Mikasa to follow him. They walked over the nape of the titan for a while before pausing in the centre. “Together.”

Mikasa nodded.

“Now.”

With quick, swift movements, they both sliced down into the flesh of the titan. They cut deep. The chunks of flesh disintegrating. A loud rumbling sounded from beneath them and suddenly a shadow cast over them. A large hand started to descend and Levi fired his anchors along the titans torso, the hand falling too fast for his liking.

“STOP!”

Levi rolled to break his fall, Mikasa getting to her feet beside him. Eren’s shout had reached his ears even from this distance. Yet it sounded strange, like it hung in the air, the intention clear. He frowned, now clear of the area, standing on its spine, the titan’s arm had frozen a few metres above its nape, before Jean managed to cut the tendons holding it there. It flopped heavily to the ground. Levi stored the information away to think about later. Levi turned to Mikasa, “Again.”

She nodded.

With his squad immobilising the titan, Levi and Mikasa were free to slice at its nape as many times as they needed. They worked quickly, moving in opposite directions until finally the titan gave out a guttural scream. Billows of steam wafted through the air as the huge body started to disintegrate. Levi and Mikasa ran off the titan, anchors embedded in some trees across from them. Levi perched on a branch looking back at the titan.

He heard Mikasa gasp beside him.

The titan had turned its head in their direction though looking at it Levi didn’t know why. The whole of its face was grated off by the ground, it’s eyes bloody holes, tongue a chunk of flesh. It was like a knife had sliced its head in half. It was disgusting.

They watched as the skin and muscle dissolved, leaving the skeleton behind which also began to degrade.

“Captain!”

Levi looked down at Armin and lowered himself onto the wagon. The rest of his squad had also returned.

A huff of breath reached his ears. Turning, he saw Eren sitting heavily against the side of the wagon, elbows braces on his knees. “The fuck happened to you?”

“No idea.” Was the reply.

“Tch.” Levi turned to Armin, “Let’s go back. We have a lot to tell Erwin.”

***

With Rod Reiss now dead, Historia was his last heir. After a bit of convincing she realised that she had no choice but to accept, humanity needed the control and order.

A luxury ceremony took place, followed by another formal event where Historia thanked the survey corps for their work.

Levi hated formalities so he was glad that was over. They literally stood there in salute as Historia pinned a medal to their lapels.

“That was nice.” Connie commented sitting down. “Finally get appreciation for what we do.”

“With a disk of metal.” Eren added dryly.

Petra rolled her eyes, “Hey we got something for it and they even sent our squad some extra rations.”

Sasha grinned, “Can I cook today?”

“No.” Everyone chorused.

Connie and her started bickering as Petra called over to Jean to help her out, the rest of them got to work cleaning the kitchen and setting the table.

Levi stood, “Eren.”

The squad went quiet at his voice watching as Eren frowned and stood to follow him.

“Someone’s in trouble.” Connie laughed.

“Shut the fuck up, Jean.”

“What?! That wasn’t even me!”

Levi closed the door behind them, shutting out the noise of the others.

“Levi?”

The man looked at the younger one for a moment before speaking, “When you shouted stop, the titan froze.”

Eren frowned, “I though that was Jean cutting its arms.”

Levi shook his head, “Before that.”

The young man thought for a moment before shrugging, “What of it? It probably just stopped itself. I mean the others were cutting its legs and arms.”

Thinking back to how his scream had sounded, Levi shook his head, “Why were you so tired?”

“The hardening? That took a lot out of me. I guess it just hit late.”

“Tch.” Levi didn’t really know what to think. All he saw was that Eren shouted, it sounded weird and the titan froze. He must be tired. “Let’s eat.”

Eren frowned at him before shrugging and walking out the room.

Weird fucking titan brat.

Chapter Text

Levi swept the dust out the room, looking up at the sound of a knock. Eren, Mikasa and Jean hurried to open it having been cleaning the kitchen.

Whoever was at the door was silent when it opened. Probably wondering why three of some of the strongest scout members were covered with masks and gloves for cleaning. Levi leant his broom against the wall, pushing through the three and lowering his mask. “What the fuck do you want?”

“Captain Levi Ackerman. Queen Historia is here to visit you.” The young man said.

Levi looked past him spotting the girl atop a horse. She was wearing a casual cloak and didn’t look any different to a civilian. “Tch. Let her in then.”

Levi shoved the others out the way of the doorway, allowing the girl to enter, she turned to the men outside, “Please wait here, I’ll be quick.”

The young man bowed slightly and shut the door behind her.

“Jean get the others.” Levi ordered leaning against the kitchen table.

After a few minutes the whole of his squad had gathered.

There was a moment of silence.

“I just wanted to come here and thank you all personally for what you did.” Historia finally said.

The squad stood quietly not sure how to respond.

“Tch. Fucking idiots.” Levi muttered before turning to the girl, “It’s our job, no need to thank us.”

“But still, I’m glad everyone was ok and it was my father who-“

“What your father did wasn’t on your account. You had no involvement so don’t go feeling guilty about something you didn’t do.” Eren interrupted.

Sounds familiar. Levi thought.

Historia looked up at Eren and held out her hand. “I’m sorry for what he put you through.”

“Tch.” Eren smiled taking her hand, “Don’t w-“ he jerked away, stumbling into the table behind him.

Levi stood. Eren was trembling slightly, staring wide-eyed at the floor.

Petra quickly stepped forwards, “You don’t need to thank us, Historia, it’s our job and as our queen we now serve under you.”

Historia frowned, “Is he-?”

Petra waved off her concern. “He’s fine. It happens.”

Historia looked at the other woman taking the hint to leave, she smiled. “I’ll take my leave. Thank you all again.”

They chorused a goodbye as she left the building. Then they all turned to look at Eren.

He was gripping the edge of the table, knuckles white. He stood, “Levi.” His emerald eyes pinned onto him, an unfamiliar emotion in them. He then turned and went upstairs.

Levi frowned and followed him up being lead to the other’s room.

Levi closed the door behind him, “Eren?”

“Fuck. Fuck me. I’m a monster. I’m a fucking monster. How could I-?” He started pacing across the room.

“Eren? What’s going on?” Levi asked.

“Me! I fucking kill everyone! Start the rumbling and- Shit!”

“What?”

“This- this fucking-“ Eren gritted his teeth. “The attack titan allows its user to see the future. It’s happened before but I didn’t know what it was till today. Things have been happening in a different order to what it does. But it all happens. And I- I kill everyone.”

Levi really didn’t know what to say. “That’s fucking stupid.”

Eren huffed humourlessly, sitting on his bed. “Destroy humanity to save it, huh?” He was tense, muscles taught. He looked up at Levi. “You were right as well.”

“About what?”

“I can control titans. Something about being the coordinate or some shit.”

“Control them.” Levi repeated blankly.

“Yeah. I can stop them, make them attack all I need to do is tell them to.”

Levi stood silently for a moment. “Then we can destroy the titans.”

Eren frowned, “What?”

“If you can make them all freeze like you did with Reiss. Then the Corps and military can kill them all in one go.”

“That’s assuming I can control them all.”

Levi looked at him. “You controlled Reiss. I don’t doubt you can control the smaller ones. Abnormals might be different though.”

“We’d have to test it.”

Levi moved to the door, “No time like the present.”

“Wait!” Eren stood, “What about- about the future and-?”

“We’ll face that when the future comes.” Levi left the room, returning downstairs to where the rest of his squad waited.

“What happened to him?” Armin asked.

“Titan shit.”

“What?”

Levi washed his hands from the cleaning, “He can control titans.” He ignored the silence in the room, hurrying up the stairs to his room, “Get your shit together, we have some testing to do. And Sasha send a message to Four-eyes. She’ll be needed for this.” He quickly entered his room, buckling on his ODM gear. Control them. Might finally have a shot at ending this. He checked his canisters before going back down where Eren was already ready.

“Where are we going?”

“Out.” Levi walked past him to the stables, before long the rest of his squad had joined him and they waited for Sasha to return with Hange.

“Captain, where’re we going?” Petra asked.

Levi side-eyed her, “I want to test Eren’s ability. If he can control the titans. This is our chance to end this once and for all.” Until we face the Marleys.

Before long Sasha returned, Hange riding close beside her.

“Ereeennn!” Hange yelled, she pulled up her horse before the young man a wide grin on her face. “You can control the titans?!”

Eren rubbed nervously at his neck, “Well that’s what we’re going to test.”

Chapter Text

Levi rode through the the gate out into wall Maria. There were no titans in their immediate surroundings and Levi lead them towards a cluster of trees where their ODM gear would be more effective.

Hange lined up beside him. “Let’s stop here.”

Levi slowed his horse, trotting the remaining distance. Levi dismounted his horse giving the reigns to Connie. As one his squad also dismounted, securing their horses on some of the low branches.

Hange skipped over to Eren and grinned. “Call them here.”

Eren jumped at her sudden presence, “What?”

“If you can control them, you don’t need to go to them, bring them here.”

Levi watched as Eren flexed his hands frowning. He looked up at Hange. “How?”

Hange’s glasses glinted, “Have you done it before?”

“Erm, yeah. Might-“

“Then do the same here!”

“R-Right.” Eren closed his eyes.

Levi glanced at his surroundings. The breeze rippling across the grass, the trees rustling lightly.

Eren took a small breath, he opened his emerald eyes, the colour glinting in the light, “Come, titans.”

His voice was just like it had been with Reiss, hanging in the air as it echoed in his ears.

The sounds around them seemed quieter as they waited.

Suddenly the sound of heavy footsteps approached them. Levi spun towards the sound. A hoard of titans, all different sizes, approached. They were slow and docile. Levi launched himself up to the trees, slicing through some of the titans napes. His squad joined him, it was the easiest fight they’d had, none of the titans even reacting to them.

Levi made sure to leave the last one for Hange.

The four-eyed scientist grinned up at the five metre class titan, lifting herself up onto its shoulder. It’s eyes followed her up. “Eren! Make it hold me!”

Levi turned to Eren, noticing how hard the other was breathing.

Eren didn’t bother speaking this time just narrowed his eyes in the direction of the titan.

The titan lifted its hand flat so Hange could step on it. The scientist squealed in excitement. “Levi! Look!”

“Tch.” Levi shook his head.

“Eren!” Mikasa yelled.

Levi turned to the others, seeing Eren suddenly on his knees a hand to his nose, which bled endlessly.

“Hange move!” Eren shouted.

Hange didn’t even blink as the titan wrapped it’s fingers around her. The grin was still on her face as she sliced through its hand, running up its arm and flying across its nape. Her blades cut deep. She landed smoothly, running over to the squad, Levi right behind her.

“Eren, that’s incredible! This could really be the step towards ending the titans!”

Levi handed Eren a handkerchief.

“I’m not strong enough to control a lot of them.”

“Then you’re just going to have to practice.” She replied with a smile.

“Tch.” Eren stood. “Hardening and this.” He grumbled.

***

Over the next month, they all went out in to Wall Maria testing Eren’s limits and pushing past them. Eren was always exhausted by the end and could barely stay upright in his saddle. Levi rode beside him to make sure he remained on his horse. Each time, Eren managed to call more and more titans and hold them for longer. They never tested how many he could reach. They’d told Erwin about the excursions and he’d planned a large scale expedition to take back Trost. They’d block the hole in the wall with Eren’s hardening.

The whole of the Survey Corps were ordered to travel to Trost district where they’d all line up on the walls, ready to take the titans.

Levi and his squad were to enter Trost and protect Eren.

Levi glanced behind him at his squad. They were geared with thunder spears along with extra blades. Eren was positioned in the centre of the group. As of yet, they were standing by the gate from Wall Rose.

“Let’s get the over with.” Eren stalked forwards ignoring the formation they had around him. Using his ODM gear, he launched himself over the Wall forcing the rest of them to follow behind him.

Reckless brat. Levi followed, letting gravity take hold as they fell into Trost. Planting his anchors in the Wall, Levi slowed his descent, coming to stand beside Eren who had his eyes closed.

“Move.”

Levi watched as the titans within walked to the surrounding Wall, before standing docilely. The corps got to work, flying down, slicing through the napes of the creatures. Before long all their bodies were disintegrating on the ground. There were no losses.

Eren opened his eyes, stalking forwards to the hole in the wall. “Stay.” He said. The titans that had been approaching the hole froze, and Eren used his ODM gear to travel the last of it. With a crash of thunder Eren transformed and crouched in the hole, then with his hardening, crystallised his body filling the gap around him.

The sound of shattering pierced the air and Eren jumped down beside him.

“Nicely done.” Levi commented.

“Tch.” Eren panted, stumbling slightly. He leant on Levi’s shoulder. “Harder than it looks.”

Levi glanced at him before inspecting the hardened Titan. “Fucking ugly.”

“Oi, that’s me.”

“Exactly.”

Levi turned around at the sound of zipping wires. Erwin landed before them. “Well done, Eren.”

“Thank you, Commander.”

Levi took Eren’s arm around his shoulder, supporting part of his weight.

“That’s the first time any mission has gone without any losses.” Erwin continued. “Thank you, Eren.”

The young man dipped his head, “I’m glad.” Was all he said.

Erwin glanced at Levi who shook his head a little. Future titan shit.

“Better take him back, Levi. You and your squad, too.”

Levi nodded, “Erwin.”

They walked at an easy pace through the empty streets. The buildings were mostly fine. A few damaged beyond repair. But it’d return to be a place where people could live safely.

“Woo!” Sasha cheered. “Trost. We took back Trost!” Connie gladly joined her in her celebrations, Petra laughing at them. Levi smiled, it’d been a while since he’d seen her smile like that.

The smile quickly slipped from his face when he heard a suspicious cough from Eren. Levi dropped his shoulder, causing Eren to stumble a few steps. “Damn brat. Tch.” Levi nodded his head in the direction of Mikasa. “I’d be careful if I were you. Jean seems keen on your girl too.”

“She’s not my-!” Eeen cut himself off with a blush, “Tch.”

Levi smirked.

Armin wondered close to them, “Captain, I was wondering why the armoured or colossal titan didn’t breach Wall Rose too, three years ago. Do you think it’s because of Eren?”

Levi considered him, “Could be, who fucking knows.”

“That means that-“

A loud crackle of thunder interrupted him. The yellow flash striking the ground behind them. There was a massive shockwave, blowing dust up in to the air. Levi turned around. Eyes wide.

All three abnormals stood. The armoured. Female. Colossal. There was a massive crater around the Colossal, the ground around it was smoking and glowing slightly from the heat. The soldiers that had been standing on the wall were gone.

Oh, shit.

Levi felt Eren straightened beside him. “They’re after me.”

“Eren.” Levi said a note of warning in his voice.

Eren chuckled darkly, “They’ll pay for what they did.” Levi saw Petra put a hand to her mouth out the corner of his eye. Eren moved away from Levi, running towards the three titans.

Levi ran after him, using his ODM gear to get ahead.

“STOP!” Eren shouted.

The titans shuddered, their limbs were still jerking as they tried to move.

Levi launched himself up to the nape of the armoured titan. The thunder spears on his arms making themselves known. He fired his anchors into the wall behind him, lifting himself into the air. In quick succession, he aimed and fired the spears. A couple of others followed his own, up to six embedding themselves into the block on its nape.

The explosion that ensued buffeted against Levi. He lifted his arms to protect his face from the heat. He squinted through his arms.

The block had splintered, the bare muscle of the titans nape visible.

Levi launched himself down, drawing his blades as he went.

A cloud of steam suddenly filled his vision, burning his skin and eyes. He frowned, This is my chance. he reeled in his wires faster, lifting his blades and sliced down when he feet made contact with the titan’s body. He’d had a lot of experience taking Eren out of his titan over the past few years. Levi took care to not cut off his limbs. He really didn’t care right now, his blades sliced deep into the nape, and he tore off the layer of flesh that kept the holder in place. A flash of blond hair caught his eye, thrusting his arm in, he pulled them out, arms and legs missing. The man was young and familiar also wearing the same gear as he was. He’s in the survey corps.

“Tch.” Levi dropped to the ground, the armoured titan falling heavily and disintegrating. He looked around, seeing the female titan had also been taken down by Petra and Mikasa. The woman they were holding was also young but bore the sign of the military police. Levi dragged the titan shifter to them. “Restrain them.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Where’s Eren? Levi glanced around spotting Eren perched against the Wall.

His nose was bloodied from overusing his ability, the deep frown on his face telling of his weakening hold on the colossal.

Levi landed beside him. “How long can you hold him?”

Eren gritted his teeth, “Not long. Five minutes maximum. The fucking thing keeps burning us with clouds of steam. We can’t get close enough to attack.” He turned to Levi, “I can take him out because of my regeneration but I won’t be able to hold him.”

Levi nodded, “We’ll distract him. Think of something.”

Eren nodded.

Levi fired his anchors into the colossal, Jean and Armin were busy slashing at the titans knees, Connie and Sasha taking its ankles.

Levi looked up at the neck of the colossal. It was thinner than it had been when it first transformed. The steam takes a toll on the body. Launching himself up, Levi slashed its eyes.

It roared, arms finally free to move as it swiped at where it predicted Levi to be. Clouds of steam struck his skin, burning him till blisters formed on his arms, he shielded his face, one of his anchors flying off.

Come on, Eren.

Then suddenly the steam stopped. The colossal collapsed forwards, flattening the houses beneath it.

Levi quickly shot his anchors into the wall, the other four jointing him. He looked to the ground. Eren was holding another young man, this one brown haired and tall. Both his arms were missing, unfortunately, he couldn’t defend himself from the blade Eren stuck through him.

Levi dropped to the ground, “That’s enough, Eren.” He put a hand on his arm.

Eren’s fierce gaze pinned onto him and Levi was reminded of the six year old he’d seen taking the life of a grown man to save his friend.

“That’s enough.” Levi repeated.

Eren grimaced, removing his blade and dropping the other man to the ground.

“Bertholdt?” Armin gasped.

“And Reiner and Annie.” Eren scowled. His skin was healing having been burnt red from the steam. His hands were purple and blistered no doubt from touching the titan’s body.

“Jean, Connie restrain him. Take him to Petra and Mikasa. Sasha tell Erwin about everything.” Levi turned to Eren. The young man didn’t seem to notice his condition. “You’ve done enough now Eren.”

Eren glanced down at him, frown dissipating. His nose had stopped bleeding but he was pale and sweaty. “Oh.” He shakily sheathed his swords before taking a step forwards. He promptly passed out and would have fallen to the hard ground if Levi had not been there to catch him.

Levi grunted under his weight, “Tch. Not the six year old you use to be.” He grumbled before shouldering his body and taking him to the wagon Petra had found with the three titan shifter’s restrained.

Levi carefully sat Eren at the front and sat beside him taking the reigns. At that moment Sasha returned with Erwin.

“Levi, you dealt with them quickly.”

“We had Eren.” He looked at the crater and destroyed buildings of Trost.

Erwin looked over their prisoners, “Take them to the main prison. We’ll question them there.”

Chapter Text

Erwin, Hange, Eren and Levi stood in the Commander’s office. Levi didn’t know why Eren was with them but it was probably something along the lines of him also being a titan shifter.

“They work for the Marleys.” Erwin stated, “Grisha Jaeger’s books told us the Marleys were using our own kind against us. Eren was given both the founding and attack titans. We don’t know how many others there are but the three of them we have are titan shifters. They can only be working for Marley.”

Eren shifted, “You’re right.”

They looked at him waiting for an explanation.

When none seemed forthcoming, Eren gave Levi a look. Oh. Future shit. “We should interrogate them. See what they know and what their next plans are.” Levi commented.

Erwin nodded, “If we do one each, then compare stories.”

Levi dipped his head in agreement, “I take Reiner. Eren joins me.”

The blond man raised an eyebrow, noting the demand wasn’t a question. “Ok.”

Levi nodded, turning on his heel and heading down to the prison cells. They were no where near as clean as the one’s in his basement, then again those were never used and only had a six year old in there for a short time.

They entered a cell. The young man called Reiner knelt on the floor, chains holding his arms away from his body, ankles chained behind him. Like how Eren was in the cave with Reiss. A similar metal piece was put in his mouth.

Levi walked forwards, removing it from between his teeth.

“Eren.” The blond greeted. Levi raised an eyebrow.

“Reiner.” Eren looked over him with a blank expression, his eyes dark.

Levi stepped back, watching the two. They seemed to have ignored the fact he was there.

“How did you get the attack titan?” Reiner asked.

Eren remained silent.

Reiner considered him, “What are you going to do with me?”

Eren stared at him for a moment longer before answering, “Depends on what you do.” Levi raised an eyebrow at that.

Reiner frowned, “So?”

“You work for the Marleys.”

The blond hesitated for a moment, “I do. We were sent here to kill the devils of Paladis.”

“But?”

“But, living here I came to realise you aren’t the island devils they taught us about. You’re just trying to survive like the rest of us. In fact the Marleys are the ones killing you with titans.”

“So?”

Reiner shrugged, “Marleys believe the Eldians still have to pay for the deaths and war caused by the titans two thousand years ago. On Marley, the Eldians are kept in housing and given food. We have armbands to identify that we are Eldian. They respect us.”

“But you’re not free.”

Reiner shook his head. “No, we’re not. I’m just trying to get home.”

“You were trying to kill us all.”

“Yes.” Reiner replied. “We were to reduce your numbers, break the Walls. Then Zeke would come with more titans and with Pieck to finish you off.”

“Who are they?”

“Pieck Finger, she holds the cart titan, and Zeke Jaeger, holder of the beast titan.”

“Jaeger?”

“Yeah, same surname as you. Could be a relative.”

Eren was quiet for a moment before speaking. “You’ll help us.” Eren stated. It wasn’t a question.

The blond frowned, “Why would I help you?”

“Because you want this to end just as much as we do.”

Reiner considered him for a moment before speaking again. “Help you with what?”

“Freeing the Eldians. Stop the Marleys attacking us so we can live in peace. The enemy is across the water.” Eren’s voice became harder as he spoke. “They won’t stop until we’re all dead or under their control. They’ll kept sending titans to our island. The only people who can turn titan, as you know, are Eldians. They’re using you to destroy your own people.” Eren knelt so he was eye level with Reiner, “I want us to be free of this. I didn’t ask for this fucking power. The Eldians didn’t ask for the ability to fucking shift. We all want this to end. So, Reiner, you will help us. For yourself and your family back in Marley.”

“How did you-?”

“Reiner.” Eren interrupted, standing so he looked down at the other, “Your choice.”

Levi watched as the blond seemed to struggle with himself. “It’s an honour to be a warrior. We’re treated well on Marley, we’re safe. I can’t fail… But Paladis is an island of people trying to survive. Like me. And the Marleys are the people killing you.”

Eren waited silently.

“Could I speak with Annie and Bertholdt?”

“No.”

Reiner sighed, “Annie just wants to get home as soon as possible. Bertholdt is just trying to survive. I guess, overall, it’s in everyone’s best interest to team up with you. It’ll give us peace if it works and sooner hopefully. But how are you going to get peace with the Marleys?”

Eren considered him. “Your decision?”

“I’ll help you.” Reiner replied firmly. “But, how are you going to get peace-?”

“That’s for me to know and for you to find out.” Eren said before walking out the cell. “Levi?” He paused at the door.

The older man glanced at Reiner before following the brunette and locking the cell door behind him. He followed Eren back up to Erwin’s office. He got him onto our side. To fight for us. “What are you planning, Eren?”

The boy was silent before he paused on the staircase to look at him. His face was pained and there was fear in his eyes. “I don’t want to lose anyone anymore. I want this to end. To be free. I want to do it alone so everyone is safe. But I’ve told you how that goes and you don’t even know the worst of it.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Eren,” Levi waited till Eren looked at him, “I’ve told you this before; you’re my kid. I’ll never let you do anything alone. Trust me.”

“I do, I trust you more than I do myself. I’m just… scared. I don’t want to lose anyone.”

Levi sighed, “You, me both, brat.”

They returned to the office, apparently the first to have finished and waited for Hange and Erwin to return. When they did, it seemed the only one who was still reluctant to give information on the  Marleys was Bertholdt. Annie and Reiners stories matched along with reasoning. Bertholdt gave the minimum and, although much of what he said was true, some was a little grey.

“He said the titans already exist on Paladis and said nothing about any other holders.” Hange finished.

“Let Annie and Reiner meet. Let Eren speak with them. I’ll speak with Bertholdt.”

Levi returned to the cells, entering the one holding the tall brunette.

“I’ve already told you everything.” Bertholdt said.

“Not compared to your friends.”

“Wha-?”

Levi leant against the cell door behind him. “Tell me, are there any other holders other than yourself in Marley?”

“No.” He said. Slightly too quickly. He glanced at the floor before returning his gaze to fix steadily on Levi.

“Really?”

“I-I mean other than me, Reiner and Annie there was one other-“

“Two.”

“What?”

“Two others.” Levi held up one finger, “The cart titan,” he held up a second, “the beast titan.”

Bertholdt’s eyes widened, “Who-?”

“Reiner.”

“Reiner.” Bertholdt repeated quietly. He gritted his teeth ducking his head. “Is he going to help you?”

Levi didn’t reply.

“If- If Reiner is going to help you, I will too.”

“Great.” Levi left the room, passing Eren on the way. He put a hand in his shoulder, “Bertholdt said he’ll help.” He looked up to meet his green eyes, “Don’t trust any of them. Especially Bertholdt. Keep an eye on him.”

“I know.”

Chapter Text

Wall Maria. They’re gonna test their loyalty by taking back Wall Maria. Fucking idiots. Reckless fucking brat. Tch. “Oi, Eren.” Levi called, standing beside the other. “Wall Maria will have shit ton of titans in there. You’ll have to block the hole in the wall too.”

Eren nodded. “We’ll travel to the wall first to block the hole. Then we’ll focus on the titans.”

Levi pinched the bridge of his nose. Of all the brats, mine had to be a reckless suicidal maniac. “I know.” He sighed, “We’ll have a large number of the survey corps with us. Don’t expect there not to be losses.”

Eren frowned. “I can protect them. I’ll stop all the titans that come close.”

Levi looked up at him, the determination in his eyes fierce. “Tch. Fine.” It’ll be the most he’s used his ability.

“Tch.” Levi looked up at Eren, “I have a plan, it’s not what you’re thinking.”

Levi gave him a blank look.

Eren rolled his eyes, “Open the gate.”

They were standing at the gate from Trost, the district still uninhabited because of the destroyed houses. A whistle sounded and the gate opened.

Erwin led them out to the open in an arrow formation, but close packed rather than the usual.

Levi paused as Eren, instead of riding forwards, rode to the side and put a hand on the Wall. “Oi.” He called.

Eren raised his eyebrows at him before closing his eyes.

Suddenly the Wall around Trost began to shake, the ground trembling at the motion. Levi quickly calmed his horse as it began to shift uneasily. Then, chunks of the wall began to crumble and fall to the ground. Levi nudged his horse into motion towards Eren. The young man was still calmly holding a hand to the wall, but opened his eyes at his approach.

“Eren! Move!”

Only then did Eren seem to notice the chunks of stone that fell around them. He yanked on his reigns riding his horse away from the Wall, Levi following close behind.

When they’d joined the rest of the Survey Corps, Eren dismounted turning back to the walls arms out. “Surround us.”

Levi looked into the clouds of dust, large figures moved within and by large he meant huge, almost colossal. Oh shit. He heard people around him start to gasp in realisation. The Walls were made from colossal titans.

As they watched, the colossals moved so that they surrounded their group. The wall around Trost was now nonexistent.

Calmly, Eren mounted his horse and looked to Erwin. “We should get going.”

Erwin stared for a moment before nodding, “Forward!” He yelled.

As one they rode through Wall Maria, every time a titan was sighted, one of the colossals would promptly crush its nape under its foot. By the time they got to Shiganshina, everyone was slightly shocked at the fact they’d all survived again in a mission.

Levi looked at the hole in Wall Maria and straight through to the one in Shiganshina’s wall to the outside. A place they hadn’t been in a while.

Eren dismounted to his left, stumbling slightly, covering it up quickly when he walked over to Levi. Eren looked up, “Shut up.”

Levi raised an eyebrow before another movement caught his attention.

“You’re going to fill that hole right?” Annie asked walked over.

Eren nodded, straightening up. “Yeah, then-“

Annie held up a hand. “Allow me. You’ve done a lot already.”

Eren hesitated for a moment before giving her a nod.

Levi drew his blades as Annie approached the hole. As she walked a crack of thunder sounded and her titan form appeared where she knelt in the gap. For a moment nothing happened then a shimmering appeared on her arms quickly growing over her body. Her titan hardened, filling the space. As with Eren, she broke through the nape jumping to the ground. She was breathing heavily, accidentally stumbling into Armin’s horse as she walked back. Annie looked up at Eren. “Titans.”

Eren nodded.

Once again Annie transformed, her titan towering over them. She screamed. The roar echoed in Levi’s ears.

Suddenly titans rushed towards them, the colossals moved in coordination wiping some out. Levi leapt into the action. Using the colossals as anchors for his ODM gear, he sliced through numbers of titans. The survey corps around him joining. The colossals did most of the work and provided a way for them to get out the reach of titans if they had to. At some point the armoured titan appeared followed by Bertholdt’s colossal which had to transform a distance away to avoid killing their own.

Levi landed on one of the titans feeling it jerk suddenly under him. He glanced back at Eren. The young man took out the nape of a three metre class, rolling to break his landing. He stood up slowly and wiped his bleeding nose. Levi looked around. Only a few small titans left.

Levi frowned, “Oi!” He yelled as he travelled to Eren’s side. He landed beside him. “Take out the colossals.”

Panting hard, Eren nodded. He gritted his teeth, “Tear out your napes.”

As one the colossals froze, arms lifting to their necks. The corps who were on them noticed the movement and quickly hurried to the ground returning to the centre of the group. There was a simultaneous tearing sound as the titans dug into their necks, clouds of steam filling the air. They collapsed to the ground, disintegrating slowly.

Annie, Reiner and Bertholdt made quick work of the remaining titans. And suddenly they were the only titans left.

Levi looked around. Hundreds of titans bodies lay around them, the ground steaming with their red blood. He spotted one or two smaller bodies laying among them and glanced back at Eren.

The young man was staring at his surroundings, eyes focusing on the smaller bodies. “I couldn’t protect everyone.” There was no feeling in his voice, his eyes void of emotion.

Levi put a hand on his shoulder. He had nothing to say. It’s a dream to hope everyone lived. Levi glanced up at the sound of heavy footsteps.

Bertholdt’s colossal turned towards them.

It’s pounding feet hit the ground. It didn’t stop.

People ran out the way, staring up in fear. A burst of hot steam billowed out and screams filled the air.

“NO! STOP!” Eren screamed.

Levi’s surroundings flashed, becoming an empty landscape of sand before returning to the grassy fields of Wall Maria. He stumbled slightly suddenly disorientated. What the fuck? He blinked quickly to clear his head.

A roaring sounded as Bertholdt grabbed at his nape, fingers tearing through the muscle. The chunk of flesh came free, the titan, no longer with control, crashed to the ground. The chunk of muscle in its hand tumbling out at the impact.

Eren fell to his knees beside him. Blood dripped from his face, from his mouth, nose, eyes, ears. Levi’s eyes widened at the sight and he grabbed him as he tipped forwards.

“Ugh, fuck.” Eren moaned.

“Shit, Eren.” The man looked up and stood as people approached them. Bertholdt was held between Mikasa and Connie. Reiner and Annie were also held by the rest of his squad.

“Bertholdt, what the fuck are you doing?” Annie glared.

The brown-haired man chuckled darkly, “No, what are you doing? We’re Warriors of Marley. You’re betraying our mission.”

“Bertholdt…” Reiner said quietly.

“We have everything in Marley. We’re here to destroy them. Why are you helping them?” Bertholdt argued.

“Because they’re not bad people. They’re like us.” Reiner reasoned.

“No they’re not. They’re the devils of Paladis. What made you think any different?!”

“The fact they’re fighting to survive because of what Marley are doing to them!”

Annie spoke up, “What do you think will happen once the people on Paladis are wiped out? Marley will have no use for us. We’re still titan-shifters. They could use us. But what’s to stop us from turning against them. We’re a liability. They’ll kill us too. And our families.”

“No. No they won’t, they can’t, they gave us their word. They live with us in peace, feeding us and housing us in the zones.” Bertholdt denied.

“Bertholdt-“

“No! You’re just falling for his manipulation!” Bertholdt jerked his head towards Eren. “He’ll pay for this!” He suddenly lifted his legs forcing Mikasa and Connie to unexpectedly carry his weight. They stumbled, unintentionally releasing their grips as Bertholdt ran forwards a knife in his hand taken from Connie’s leg.

Levi’s gaze darkened. He intercepted the other, quickly flicking the knife out of his hand with his own. Levi held him close by the collar. “Give me one fucking reason why I shouldn’t kill you.”

“Captain Levi!”

Shoving Bertholdt back into Mikasa and Connie’s arms, he turned towards his name.

The survey corps soldier was hurrying towards them. A young blond leant against her. Armin. Levi glanced at his squad only just noticing the missing member and ran to take him off her. He lay him in the ground. Armin’s arm was missing, his shuddering breath and bloodied lips telling of a punctured lung.

“Armin?” Levi turned as Eren shakily walked over to them. “N-“ his voice caught. His breath gasped between his lips as he stared at his friends broken body. “I-No. Armin- he didn’t- I wanted to-“ The blood was now dried on his face and Eren fisted his hands in his hair. “No. This is my fault. He- Levi I-“ Levi could only watch as grief filled his face. It quickly turned into anger. “The titans. The Marleys. I’ll ki-“ his face suddenly blanked as he cut himself off. He stared at his hands silently, avoiding looking at Armin’s body.

Hange suddenly ran over, a vial in her hand. “Ereeen!”

Levi stood as she got closer, Eren still sitting silently. Levi didn’t like it, it wasn’t him. “Hange.”

She held out her hand, puffing lightly, “Titan serum.”

Levi frowned, “Where the fuck did you get that from?”

“Rod Reiss. When we searched his house this was found.”

“Why are you carrying it around?”

Hange looked down at Armin. “In case it was needed.”

“Give it to him.” Eren said behind him.

Levi turned around.

The young man stood slowly, “Give it to me. He’ll inherit the colossal titan.”

“No!” Bertholdt screamed. “You can’t do this! Reiner! Annie!”

Eren looked at him. “You don’t get a say in this.” He turned to Reiner and Annie, “A life of a friend for the many that you’ve taken. He’ll save Armin. You’ll be free to choose what you do after. You get no say in this either.” He finally let his gaze return to Armin. “Consider your choices. You know what I’m capable of. I doubt you’d like what could happen.” There was an edge in his voice, one that Levi recognised. It was when he spoke about the future that he’d first heard it. He hadn’t noticed at the time. It was heavy and sharp.

Eren knelt beside his friend and swiftly tipped the vial into his mouth. There was a crack of thunder and an ugly, blond five metre titan appeared. Eren pointed at Bertholdt, “Eat him.”

The titan stumbled forwards, taking Bertholdt into  its mouth.

“Help! Reiner! Annie! Help me!”

Reiner and Annie could only stare, shock in their eyes. Then suddenly, there was a flash of light and Armin returned, his face peaceful, body healed.

Levi turned to Reiner and Annie, “What do you choose to do?”

Reiner glanced at Annie.

The woman glared at the ground before meeting Levi’s eyes. “We’ll join you, but you have to promise us protection. You’ll find a way for peace. Not killing.”

Eren chuckled humourlessly, “At least we agree on that.”

Chapter Text

It was almost half a year later before they found Paladis free of titans. With Eren’s ability, ridding of the creatures was easy and the survey corps had enough surviving members after each mission that they had the advantage of numbers too.

Levi and his squad rode out of the Walls, the green fields before them vast. They passed one titan on their journey but it was barely able to move so they left it. Annie and Reiner had also joined the squad but were restricted to stay within the Walls.

Then finally a tangy smell filled the air. Almost salty. They reached the top of a small hill and paused. The great blue expanse of the ocean spread before them.

Armin gasped beside him before being the first to hurry down and splash into the water. “It’s salty!”

The rest joined him splashing each other with the waves.

Levi stood back with Petra watching them.

“I wonder what’ll happen now.” Petra commented.

Levi side-eyed her, “We have to make peace with the Marleys. Otherwise this fight will never end.”

Levi returned his gaze to the water at the sound of a loud splash.

“Fuck you, Connie!” Jean yelled, standing up. His clothes were dripping wet and Sasha and Connie were stumbling around in laughter.

Jean growled before tackling Connie into the water.

Levi let his gaze wonder to where the other three were. Armin was busy studying… something. He once overheard Armin showing Eren and Mikasa a picture of one in an old book. A shell.

Mikasa was busy trying to keep her balance and simultaneously keeping her boots dry. Quite unexpected given the ease in how she used ODM gear. She laughed lightly as Armin grinned at her.

Then Levi turned to Eren. He was the furthest out in the ocean, water up to his knees. He was silently playing with the water with his hands. With his back turned towards him, Levi couldn’t see his face. Eren turned suddenly as though sensing his gaze. His emerald eyes met his. A small smile graced his face but his eyes told a different story. Their usual spark was duller than usual a sadness and loneliness held within.

Levi held his gaze before Eren looked away frowning.

The young man straightened before he ran back to shore. “Look!” He pointed up at the sky.

What the fuck?

Everyone turned to Eren before looking up. In the distance, a dark dot hovered above the horizon. It had a strange shape with a long body and two lengths spread either side of it. A low hum reached his ears. Levi had never seen anything like it. It was clearly a vehicle of some kind for air travel.

The others hurried back to shore standing with Petra and Levi. Connie, Sasha and Jean were dripping wet but still looked ready for orders.

“Marleys.” Armin said quietly.

Levi glanced at Eren.

Eren shook his head slightly. He doesn’t know anything about it.

Returning his gaze to the… thing, Levi turned, returning to his horse. “Follow it.” He called.

Levi waited for the air…ship to reach the land and slowly cantered forwards as it pulled ahead. He frowned as it started to lower and head in the direction of the Walls. Levi’s gaze darkened.

After about a half hour of following it, a clang sounded above them followed by many things falling from it. It wasn’t until Levi heard the screaming that he realised they were people and they were riding right under them.

Levi pulled on his reigns, hearing the panicked whinnies of the horses behind him.

They watched as the people fell before a final man jumped from the airship.

The man screamed, yellow sparks fluttering over his skin before all of the people who were falling transformed into titans. Their large bodies blocked the sun, the impact breaking their bodies. They merely stood and lumbered around wounds regenerating. The titans turned towards them.

Before any of them could act, there was crash of thunder and the final man to jump transformed into a large titan. It’s disproportionate body was covered in hair save for its face and stomach. Black beady eyes stared down at them as it landed watching as the other titans approached them. Beast Titan. Zeke Jaeger.

Levi drew his swords. “Eren.” He called urgently.

The other nodded and drew his own blades. He took a breath, “Stop!”

The titans froze and they launched themselves towards them. Levi sliced at their necks left and right. There were up to a hundred of them, all different sizes. Levi had to stop himself from thinking about the people who fell from the sky. They’re titans now. He gritted his teeth as he cut across the neck of a ten metre class, the red blood splattering his clothes.

Before long there were only a few titans left. The beast titan had merely been watching with shocked curiosity.

Levi snarled, he fired his anchor into its body. The hair was corse as he brushed against it, swinging up to the titans nape. It turned its head towards him, hand covering the area. Levi didn’t waste a second to redirect his blades. He slashed its eyes causing to stumble at its loss of sight. It blindly swiped at him with his other hand and Levi cut through the fingers, flying around its arm, blades slicing it the whole way. He fired his anchors down. The ground approached quickly and Levi twisted his body to slash out at the heels of the titan making his way up to the knees and then back to the nape. By that time, the titan was toppling forwards and was forced by reaction to move its arm. Levi planted his feet beneath him, drove his blades into the flesh and pulled out the body within.

The man was, unfortunately, missing his arms and legs. Levi climbed off the fallen beast titan shoving the man to the ground. He was blond and had a beard.

The man used the stubs of his arms which were slowly regenerating to sit up. He glared up at them before the expression froze on his face. He stared at Eren. “You…”

Eren frowned, “Who are you?”

“You must be Eren Jaeger.”

“Who the fuck are you?” He stepped forward with his sword touching the man’s neck.

His eyes widened, “So you’re my half brother. I’ll prove it to you father. I’ll save us.”

“What?”

“Zeke Jaeger.” He finally stated clearly, “Your half brother.”

“What the fuck?!” Connie yelled.

Levi agreed wholeheartedly with him because what the actual fuck?

Suddenly a crash sounded from behind them and another titan appeared. It was deformed and seemed to only be able to move using all four of its limbs. Cart Titan. Pieck Finger. Levi recalled as it raced towards them.

Eren stepped forwards taking a breath only for Zeke to swipe his legs from under him and wind him.

The titan knocked them away, Levi only just avoiding it’s arm, before it grabbed Zeke between its teeth and rushed away.

Eren gasped and coughed sitting up. He winced as his breathing refused to cooperate. They watched as the cart titan ran across the fields.

Levi walked over and knelt beside him, the rest of his squad standing around. Eren rested his elbows on his knees. “What the fuck?” He muttered. “Half brother. I have a fucking half brother. My Dad was a fucking bastard what the fuck?”

“What didn’t you know?” Jean asked.

“Tch.” Eren scoffed, “No shit.”

A low rumbled sounded above them and they looked up to see the air… whatever the fuck it was, leave the island. “Tch.” Levi stood. “If we’re going to act against Marley we’re going to have to do so soon. They know what Eren can do now. They don’t know about Reiner and Annie. They’ll be on their guard.” He whistled and his horse trotted over to him. “Let’s go back. Erwin and Historia need to know.”

Chapter Text

Levi got off the boat. He pushed his hat slightly further down his face avoiding people’s gazes. They were finally on Marley.

The port was crowded with people bustling to and fro. Colourful stalls and stands stood to the sides of the roads where a horse-less contraptions trundled past. As the strongest members of the survey corps, Levi’s squad along with Hange and Erwin travelled there. Annie and Reiner also came along and seemed to be enjoying their company.

Unfortunately, even if they were the strongest it didn’t stop them from having the mindset of five year olds. Levi watched as Sasha ran over to a particularly colourful stand.

The man serving her laughed a little and gave her a cone made from something with a ball of something creamy on top.

Sasha’s face glowed when she tried it quickly waving them over, “You have to try this stuff, it’s called ice cream.”

And that’s how they spent the whole day following them around to different shops and stalls. There was one particularly memorable point when a fat man whispered into Levi’s ear and called him a kid. Sometimes Levi really hated being small. It didn’t help that all the brats around him were fucking giants.

Levi followed Eren into another shop as the others drifted over to yet another food stall with Sasha leading the way. Levi preferred to keep the food in his stomach thanks.

Eren had wondered into a clothing shop. Strangely. He wondered around for a moment before picking up a familiar looking red scarf. Oh. “Tch.” Levi smirked as Eren blushed.

“I promised I’d get her a new one. The one she has is falling apart.” His blush deepened. Levi rolled his eyes and went to take a look around himself. I could get something for Petra.There was nothing really new to him. The clothing was basically the same as it was on Paladis except where people usually wore cloaks, here they wore neat formal jackets. He left it and returned to Eren’s side.

“Family outing is it?” The man at the counter asked, a large smile on his face.

Eren smiled nervously, “Erm-“

“Yeah.” Levi filled in quickly. He slapped Eren hard on the back causing the young man to wince slightly. It went unnoticed by their server. “Taking my son to buy his girl a present.”

“She’s not my-“ Eren started on reflex before clamping his mouth shut and looking away with a heavy blush, “Tch.”

The man behind the counter chuckled, “Well, good luck to you my boy. Good day sirs.” He handed Eren the bag and change.

Levi nodded and pulled Eren out the shop behind him. “Tch. At least try to be normal will you? Fucking idiot.”

“Since when do shopkeepers ask you questions like that?”

Levi gave him a pained look, “You need to go out into society more.”

“Tch.” Eren pulled out a small package from within his bag. “Here.”

Levi looked at him before taking it, “What’s this?”

“Open it.”

Levi narrowed his eyes at him suspiciously before opening it. A neat white cravat was folded neatly inside.

“I know you don’t need it but I wanted to get you something so-“

“Thank you, Eren.”

Eren paused before a wide grin graced his face. It was the happiest Levi had seen him in so long. He looked younger the lines of stress disappearing from his face. “Your welcome.” He said.

Levi slapped him again.

This time Eren yelped having not seen it coming. “Ow!”

“Tch.”

“Hey!” Levi looked around at the shout spotted Sasha holding the arm of a small boy. “I think that’s mine.” She said, there was a note of understanding in her voice as she took back her purse.

“Tried to steal from you did he?” An old man grumbled.

Sasha looked up in surprise, “Oh, yes sir it’s ok though I got it back.”

“He should be punished for that.”

“N-“

“Yeah he’s right.” Another woman commented, she was wearing a long embroidered dress and clearly hadn’t experienced difficulty before.

Sasha backed away returning to Connie and Jean. The boy had somehow made an escape in the chaos.

Levi hurried over with Eren. “Let’s get out of here.” He mumbled.

“Wait.” Sasha called searching herself, “he took my purse.”

“Tch.” Levi scanned the crowd before Sasha suddenly hurried away. They followed closely behind collecting the rest of their group as they went.

Sasha lead them through the streets, meeting fewer and fewer people as they went.

Levi stopped as Sasha stopped running. “Can I have my purse back?” She panted.

The boy looked at her before chucking her purse over and jumping down from the wall he’d been standing on.

Levi frowned and walked over. Past the wall, hundreds of tents covered the land, small lamps lit the area just enough to see.

Levi glanced over his shoulder at the others, “This’d be a good place to stay for now.”

Erwin nodded in agreement, “Let’s go.”

The sun was setting and it didn’t take them long to find an empty tent. One that was on a rise of land over the others. They could see anyone approaching from there.

Levi got changed, the tent was split with a piece of tarp, women one side, men the other.

“Why are the tents here? Where’re the refugees from?” Armin asked, directing his question at Reiner.

“There are other wars. People are just victims.” There was a glint in his eyes as he looked at them.

Eren sighed, “Let’s get some sleep, we’ll take you and Annie to your zones tomorrow.”

***

Levi woke up. Something was niggling at the back of his mind, he couldn’t put a finger on it. Opening his eyes he sat up.

Then jumped to his feet.

The brats are gone. Why are the brats gone? Levi turned to kick Erwin awake then ran over to the tarp curtain and pulled it open. The girls were gone too, only Hange and Petra remained sleeping soundly on the ground.

“Oi!” Levi kicked Hange’s leg causing her jolt awake alongside Petra.

Four-eyes looked around before hurriedly standing, “Where is everyone?”

“Tch. Gone, come on.”

The four of them rushed out the tent, Levi snatching the light from their tent as he went. The cool night air brushed his face and they glanced around the area.

“Where could they’ve gone?” Hange asked.

“They took Annie and Reiner with them.” Erwin looked at Levi.

He shook his head, “Those brats may be suicidal but they aren’t stupid.” Levi frowned as movement caught his eye. The tent just before them was dimly lit, the tent flap left open to allow the cool breeze to enter. A familiar red scarf met him. Levi rushed down to it, Hange and Erwin quick to follow, and pulled open the tarp.

There, all of them lay around, cheeks lightly blushed with a light scent of alcohol in the air. The little boy who’d brought them there and what Levi supposed was either his father or grandfather or some kind of relative, who gave a fuck, was sleeping soundly with them. In the centre, Eren lay with Armin on one side and Mikasa on the other. He looked peaceful.

Levi narrowed his eyes at the mess of food and drink on the floor, “Tch.”

“Leave them, we’ll let them come back in their own time.” Erwin said quietly.

Levi stared for a moment at the scene before returning to their tent.

***

“Ugh.” Sasha grumbled, “Why are hangovers a thing?”

“It’s your fault for drinking so much.” Connie commented. Sasha just groaned louder.

“Tch.” Levi handed her a cup of water, before turning to them all, “Get your shit together, we’re going to the zone today.”

Erwin stood, “Reiner, Annie, the condition of your return was that you’d finished Paladis correct?”

“Yeah,” Reiner replied.

“So what will happen now?”

Annie shrugged, “We just have to convince them that whatever situation we left on Paladis was leading to your deaths.”

They sat silently for a moment before Eren spoke up, “Say you killed me. I-“

“No,” Reiner shook his head. “They wanted you alive. Then they’d get both the Attack Titan and the Founding Titan. We’d have failed part of the mission.”

Eren shrugged, “Say it was the only way to destroy Paladis.”

Annie nodded, “That was our main mission. Could work but then we’d need to prove it.”

“Zeke knows what you look like.” Reiner reminded them.

“Tch.” Eren scratched at his eyebrow in thought, “My head would be the best but that’d kill me and I’d rather live. Fuck it. Take my eye.”

Levi glared at him. He’s a fucking masochist.

“Eren!” Multiple voice protested at once.

He frowned at them, “What?”

Jean gaped for a moment trying to find his words,  “You can’t just- You know-”

“I can and I will. My eyes are one of the most identifiable parts about me.”

“Eren.” Armin reasoned, “They know you’re a titan shifter. Even if we give them proof we’re relying on them still trusting Annie and Reiner. We just need to get Annie and Reiner into their zone without suspicion. Then we’ll see about peace.”

“They’ll trust us.” Reiner commented darkly, “They have our families under their care.”

The quiet that came after that was heavy.

“Who has a knife?” Eren asked.

“Oh fuck this I’m out I don’t wanna see this again.” Connie quickly escaped the tent followed by an apologetic Sasha.

“Again?” Reiner asked.

Petra waved a dismissive hand, “Years ago, court wanted to punish Eren but he could regenerate so they took his eyes as punishment because they’d take the longest to return.”

The blond looked mildly disgusted and disturbed at the thought.

“All of you out.” Levi commanded. “Except Hange.”

No one argued with him and promptly left him and Hange with Eren.

Levi knelt in front of Eren, “Brat.”

Eren shrugged suddenly looking tired, “It’s the only way.”

“Tch.” Levi looked up at Hange. “Got what you need?”

Hange, who had been busy searching her bags, nodded, “I brought something to make him sleep. He shouldn’t feel a thing.” She took out a small vial along with a needle.

Eren chuckled, “Remember when you first took a needle out on me?”

Hange grinned, “Let’s just say I’m glad you’re older.” She rolled up the sleeve on his arm, “Lie down.”

Eren stared at the needle for a moment before doing as she asked. He turned his head away as she put it into his arm, staring up at Levi.

“It’ll be done when you wake up.” Hange said.

Levi held Eren’s gaze watching as it glazed over with sleep before his eyes shut.

Hange made quick work of taking his eye. It was as gruesome as expected and by the end of it Levi wondered why doctors became doctors if they hadn’t previously been a solider.

Hange put the eye in a small container and then in to a bag. She then cleaned away the blood that leaked from beneath Eren’s eyelid and covered that side of his head with a bandage. “Done. It’s probably best if you’re with him when he wakes up.”

Levi nodded.

“I’ll let the others know, they can stay on the other side of the tent.”

And then it was just Levi and Eren. As Levi waited for him to wake, a dull ache rose in his chest. Six year old now nineteen. Had to deal with the world’s shit alone. Levi knew Eren still felt like he was fighting the war by himself sometimes. He also knew that Eren would always come to him when he needed it, a fact he was proud of. But Levi didn’t know what it was like to have a titan nor what it was like to see a future you never want to happen and that it was all because of you. Still he tried.

To say the least Levi was glad when Eren started to wake. He didn’t like being alone with his thoughts too long.

Eren opened his eye, blinking up at the tent before frowning and blinking some more. He sat up shaking his head and put a hand to his face only to touch the bandages.

“Oi.” Levi called

Eren turned to him, “Levi.”

“Yeah.”

“What-?” His voice was still drowsy from the drug.

“Hange had to take your eye remember?”

Eren paused for a moment before he relaxed, “Oh yeah.”

They were interrupted when Erwin poked his head around the tarp divide. “Levi, Eren.” He greeted. “It’s still early. We have time to get Reiner and Annie to their zone. We can see if they’ll allow us in too.”

“Yes, Commander.” Eren replied.

Levi nodded and Erwin left them. There was a mumbled conversation on the other side but Levi ignored it. “How’re you feeling?”

“Like I’m missing an eye.” Eren commented dryly.

Levi slapped him upside the head. “Tch. Idiot.”

Eren smiled.

Helping him up, Levi steadied Eren as he stood. The younger man held onto his shoulder as Levi lead him to the other side of the tent. No doubt losing half your eyesight was still disconcerting.

Everyone looked at them as they entered. Both decided to ignore them.

Erwin nodded, “Let’s get going then.”

Chapter Text

Levi had given Eren Jean’s hat to help hide the bandages. He might be his kid but his hat was his, Eren could have Jean’s.

They also walked at the back of the group. Levi made sure Eren always had his hand on either Armin or Jean’s shoulder. That way Levi was free to cover their backs.

As they approached the zone, the number of Marley soldiers increased until they reached a large metal gate. Groups of Marley soldiers monitored who went in and out, though the people seemed happy enough. The majority of them wore coloured armbands with a symbol on it. Eldians.

Reiner and Annie went on ahead, the rest of them dropping back slightly as they watched. They slipped into a side alley. Reiner confidently approached the soldiers a smile on his face. “Commander Magath.”

The solder looked up at him and his eyes widened, “Reiner?”

The blond smiled, “Long time waiting.”

Magath turned to Annie, “You’re back? Where are the others.”

Reiner’s smile slipped off his face, “Only me and Annie returned.”

Magath’s expression went hard, “Those Paladis devils.” He growled. “I suspect you returned because you finished your job?”

Reiner and Annie nodded firmly, “Yes Sir.”

Magath’s expression turned grimly happy, “I’ll take you up.”

Reiner and Annie were led away into the zone.

“If you want to try getting in, now is our chance.” Armin mumbled.

Erwin nodded walking over casually, at first he was paid no mind and almost made it through only for a soldier to call out to him, “Hey! We need your permits if you want to enter.”

Erwin faked a look of surprise. “Oh, sorry sir.” He quickly made a show of searching his pockets before frowning, “I seemed to have left it at home.”

The soldier tutted, “Alright. I’m afraid regulations have strengthened. News from Paladis. Devils might fight back. Permits are now compulsory. I’m sorry Sir but you won’t be allowed in.”

Erwin nodded in understanding, “Understandable Sir. I’ll remember that for next time.”

The soldier nodded and returned to his post as Erwin walked back to them a subtle wave of his hand indicating to back away.

They shuffled back into the alley making room for Erwin.

The blond sighed, “We knew we might not get in. Reiner and Annie are now with the Marleys we just need to trust they’ll keep their word.”

There was a tense silence.

“Let’s go back.” Hange suggested, “We’ll plan when we get back.”

“Wait.” Petra said, “We should find somewhere else to stay just in case Reiner and Annie do end up…”

Levi nodded in agreement. “We can leave a message with that boy to tell them where we moved if only Reiner and Annie return.” He didn’t think about how the refugees at the camp were now at risk because of them.

“So where to now?” Connie asked.

“Let’s head out.” Eren said, “I think I know a place we might be able to stay.”

They looked at him.

“How would you know?” Jean asked

Eren’s gaze dulled and he dropped it to the ground, “Let’s just say I’ve been here before.”

***

They wordlessly followed Eren out of the busy streets and further out. The sun was setting, clouds drifting slowly in the sky. The landscape became more like the that on Paladis with large open fields sometimes interrupted by clusters of trees. They headed to the left where a denser forest grew.

Eren, with half his eyesight, was slow to navigate his way through the forest and often tripped on things on his blind side even with Levi ahead of him and with his hand on the man’s shoulder. Levi was patient enough to tell him if there was anything else in his way.

“We’re here.” Eren said gesturing to the small overgrown hut in the centre of the forest.

Levi raised an eyebrow.

“You’re fucking weird Jaeger.” Jean called as he went ahead.

Eren just sighed and followed Levi into the hut.

It was dusty and smelt earthy. Despite the worn exterior, it was in relatively good condition. It was small but had two floors. Connie and Sasha ran upstairs and claimed whatever room they wanted. Levi went in and let Eren guide himself around with a hand out on his blind side.

Levi looked around spotting a low bench and put his hat and jacket on it.

A loud bang sounded behind him.

He spun around.

Eren’s fist rested against the wooden wall. Small splinters falling to the floor. He had his head down, the few locks of hair that had escaped his bun shadowed his eye. His muscles were taught and trembling. He slowly withdrew his hand and placed it flat on the wall, knuckles bleeding slightly and steaming with his regeneration.

It was the first time in a while Levi had seen Eren lose his temper for real. Other times it was jokingly with Jean or Connie.

There was a hurried sound of feet coming down the stairs before silence reigned.

“Eren.” Mikasa called quietly.

Eren shook his head, “Don’t. Mikasa just-“

Levi saw him bite his lip and walked over. “Eren.”

The younger man subtly wiped his eye, successfully hiding the action from everyone but Levi.

“They’ll never accept us. The Marleys. Eldians are too powerful in their eyes, too much of a risk. They’ll always fight us. Contain us. We’re the enemy to them. They’re scared. We’ll never be free.” He ended quietly. Eren tore off the bandage around his head, blinking his eye open, it had already regenerated. “Fuck this.” He muttered, chucking it to the floor to relieve some of his anger.

Levi couldn’t help but agree. After what they saw today there was no denying the fact. Eldians were too much of a threat to the Marleys. They saw no other option but to contain them and fight the so-called devils on Paladis. If Eldians didn’t have the ability transform into titans it’d be a different story.

“What if titans never existed? If Eldians never had the ability to transform we’d live in peace. There’d be no threat or discrimination against us.”

Levi looked up at Eren when he echoed his thoughts.

Armin walked over to his friend, “Eren, we can’t think about what ifs, we have to think about what to do now. With what we have.”

Eren frowned suddenly before the expression cleared, “Wait, I have the founding titan, maybe I could-“

“You can’t attack Marley.” Armin interrupted.

“No! I’d never do that. I know how that goes. Plus it’s wrong, I don’t want that many lives on my hands.” Eren retorted, “No what if I use it to get rid-“

Levi’s eyes widened as Eren seemed to choke on his voice and pitch forwards. Armin grabbed Eren around the waist, gently lowering him to the floor. “Eren!” He called, panicked. “Captain! What’s wrong with him?!”

Levi rushed over shaking Eren’s shoulder, “Eren?” The younger remained unconscious. “Oi, Eren!” When he stubbornly stayed unresponsive, Levi checked his pulse and breathing. Hange was also there checking over his body.

“There’s no sign of anything wrong with him.” Hange stated, a worried look in her eyes. “I don’t know what could have caused him to pass out like that.”

A worried quiet settled.

“Take him upstairs.” Erwin ordered, “Monitor him. We’ll see if he wakes up. If not… Hange we’re at your service.”

***

One moment, Eren was standing with Levi and Armin the others watching them, the next he was alone standing in a vast empty space, sand beneath his feet. He looked around, a massive glowing what looked like a tree stood before him. It’s eerie green light settled around him. It’s branches reached to the sky and spread out endlessly.

A muffled sound reached his ears and Eren looked around for its source.

A tall blond man stood a small distance away from him. His back was turned but when he shifted slightly, Eren recognised him immediately.

“Zeke.”

The blond glanced up before his eyes settled on him, “Eren.” He sounded mildly surprised.

“Where are we?”

Zeke shrugged, “The paths.” He started walking past him.

Eren frowned stepping in front of him. “What are you doing?”

Zeke stepped back considering him, “Saving the world. You see that’s the founder Ymir. You may have the founding titan but I am one of royal blood. She obeys me, you are powerless here.” Zeke smiled, “I’ll look after you little brother.” He looked past his shoulder at the girl who was walking towards them. “Founder Ymir, I order you to take the ability to reproduce from all Subjects of Ymir!”

Eren spun around watching as the girl paused before turning back around and walking towards the light.

Eren went to go after her only to stumble to his knees. He yanked on his arms, looking at them. Metal cuffs surrounded his wrists, the chains disappeared into the ground. He looked over at Zeke then in the direction the girl was heading. A memory flashed through his head. Ymir, the founder, the first titan.

“Stop!” He yelled, “What are you doing?”

Zeke spoke from behind him, “Granting peace to the world.”

Eren continued to struggle against his chains.

“Sterilise Eldians. With no Eldians there’s peace and we’d have paid for the deaths we caused in the titan war two thousand years ago.”

“What?” Eren yanked on his chains, “Are you fucking crazy?!” Hes doing the opposite of what I could have done. Instead of the Marleys, he’s taking the Eldians.

Zeke growled, “There’s no stopping this, Eren.”

Eren gritted his teeth pulling on the chains, “Fucking come off!” He screamed. He felt the distinct popping as his thumbs dislocated and were pushed into his hands yet they still refused to come off.

The metal was cutting into his skin. He gritted his teeth. With a scream he wrenched his hands free. The skin tore off his hands, thumbs breaking. He fell on his front before quickly stumbling to his feet. Eren ignored the pain, sprinting to the the young girl. “Ymir!”

“You’re too late Eren!” Zeke shouted.

Eren pushed his legs to go faster, feet sinking into the sand. He felt as though he wasn’t getting any closer but he pushed on, legs burning. Suddenly she was within reach. He lunged, pulling the girl into his arms. “Stop.” He gasped.

He vaguely heard Zeke shouting at him but he ignored him holding the girl close in his arms. “You don’t need to serve him you’re free. You’re not a slave, you’re not a monster, you’re human. You don’t need to serve anyone.” If I rid of titans, we’ll be free of this. “You can be free. Free of everyone. If you take away the ability to become titans from all subjects of Ymir.”

The girl trembled in his arms, and a voice echoed in his head. “I will have nothing.”

Eren hugged her tighter, “You’ll have everything you dreamed of without the pain of serving others and watching your family suffer. You’ll be free. Your children will be free. We will be free.” Eren went quiet for a moment, “You brought me here, didn’t you? You waited two thousand years for someone to come to you. I’m sorry for making you wait so long but I’m here now. Please free us.”

Eren felt the girls tears hit the sleeves of his top and held the girl as she trembled in his arms.

“EREN!” Zeke’s arm clamped onto his shoulder and Eren gasped turning around. There was a sudden push and for a moment he felt like he was falling. Then, it was dark.

***

Levi had to admit, he was getting tired of waiting around for Eren to wake up but also worried. He hadn’t even made any reaction to anything that went on around him. The others were downstairs entertaining themselves with whatever they found to do.

Levi sighed leaning forwards to check Eren’s breathing as Hange instructed him, only to jump back when Eren gasped and sat up.

Eren’s eyes darted around the room before they settled on him. “What the fuck?”

Levi stared at him. Why’s he asking that? “You passed out.”

“I did?”

“Yeah. Scared the shit out of everyone too.”

“Oh, shit.”

Levi waited as Eren ran a hand through his hair and tied it up again.

“I did it.” He said absently. He frowned suddenly looking at his hands, “I don’t feel any diff- Gah!” Eren grasped at his chest, breath stuttering.

“Eren?” Levi sat forwards, putting a hand on his shoulder.

The other shuddered, hissing between his teeth. His hand shook as he gripped onto Levi’s arm. He pulled in a breath, face contorting with pain. His whole body was trembling now, teeth gritted.

“Eren? What’s wrong?” Levi put his other hand on Eren’s other shoulder, Eren gripping his arms tightly.

He gasped in another breath, shuddering. Eren groaned lowly, a sound almost like a sob catching in his throat. He lifted his gaze to meet Levi’s, eyes filled with pain, he pulled in another shallow breath. “I-“ He froze, looking at his hands. Yellow sparks jumped over his skin. Eren yanked on Levi’s elbows causing the man to lose his balance and shoved him away.

Levi landed on his shoulder. A crash of thunder echoed, the smell of brunt wood filling the air. Levi waited for the roar of a titan, the splintering and crashing of wood. But it never came. He rolled over looking around the room.

“Captain! Armin is-“

The voice went silent in his ears when Levi spotted Eren’s limp and colourless body flopped on its side. He stood slowly, each step he took forwards loud in his ears. He’d seen Eren unconscious before but this was different. He was so still.

Levi reached down, putting a finger in front of Eren’s mouth and nose. Nothing. He’s not breathing. Levi pushed Eren onto his back, pressing his fingers into the side of his neck. There was no beat of a pulse against his finger.

“Captain!” He absently turned to the voice. Petra stood before him, face pale, “Armin, he’s not- he- Eren-”

An empty white feeling filled his chest as Levi looked at Eren’s body. “Eren? Oi, Eren. Wake up, this isn’t a fucking joke.”

Levi shook his shoulder and waited. He felt a tear run down his cheek, stomach dropping just as Eren yet again gasped and sat up.

Levi flinched, falling to his butt.

Eren blinked bleary-eyed for a moment, wavering slightly before dropping his bright emerald eyes into Levi.

They stared at each other for a moment.

“You fucking idiot.” Levi rose to his knees, ignoring how his voice shook and pulled Eren into his arms.

He felt Eren tiredly wrap his own arms around him returning the cuddle. “Sorry.”

“Shut the fuck up.” Levi let his arms drop as Eren’s leant tiredly against him. “What the fuck happened?”

Just as Eren went to reply, Mikasa rushed upstairs. “Armin’s awake! Armin’s up! He’s ok!” The relief in her smile was almost palpable.

Levi watched as Petra nodded. “Eren is too. Give us a moment we’ll come down soon.” Did he ever say how much he appreciated that woman?

Petra looked over at Levi with a tearful smile as Mikasa left. She rushed over and pulled him and Eren into her arms. “Don’t do that again, Eren.”

Eren chuckled, “I don’t think I will.”

She pulled away, wiping her eyes, “You too, Levi.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Yeah I know just- don’t die. Either of you.” Her eyes suddenly widened and she blushed. “C-Captain. I’ll go tell the others Eren’s up.”

Levi watched her go, “Tch.”

Eren still seemed too tired to clock what happened much to Levi’s relief, brat could be fucking annoying when he chose to be. A thought occurred to him. “What did you mean when you said that to Petra?”

Eren blinked up at him for a moment before replying, “Oh. No more titans. Eldians can’t transform anymore. Look.” Eren bit into his hand, the skin breaking yet there was no flash of lightning nor clap of thunder. No steam came from the bite only beads of blood that ran down his hand. It suddenly hit Levi how mortal Eren was now. Normal like him.

“Oi. Don’t do that. Fucking disgusting.” Levi picked up the bandages from the side of the bed where Hange had left them along with any other emergency supplies, and wrapped his hand. He pulled Eren to his feet, “Come on, you have a lot of shit to explain.”

Chapter Text

After Eren explained everything about the paths and Ymir and shit, they immediately went back out. If Armin experienced that then so would all other shifters, that meant they had to act fast.

They returned to the gates to the zone, the soldiers quick to point their lights and weapons at their approach.

“It’s after visiting hours. We can’t allow you in.” One of the soldiers called though their was a wariness in his voice.

Eren strode forwards and held up his bandaged hand. “Take us to Commander Magath.”

There was a series of clicks from the guns. “Who are you?” Someone called.

“Eren Jaeger.”

The silence that followed was deafening before a loud alarm sounded and more solider started surrounding them.

“Fucking well done Eren.” Jean snarked.

“Fuck you, what else was I supposed to do?”

“Shut the fuck up both of you.” Levi muttered.

They raised their hands.

Commander Magath stepped forwards from between the soldiers. “Eren Jaeger?”

Eren nodded.

“You are an enemy of Marley. As are all people from Paladis. Are you declaring war on us?”

“No.” Eren shook his hand, “We just want to talk.”

Magath scoffed, “We know about you holding the attack titan. You could come to talk and then kill us all.”

Eren spread his hands placatingly, “If I wanted to do that, I would have done so by now. Even if I wanted to transform when I meet with your people, my own are there. I would never risk their lives.”

Magath considered him, “Fine. But you come with cuffs and heal that wound.”

Eren nodded pretending to focus on his hand. “The fuck am I supposed to make this heal? Tch. Fucking idiot.”

“You look like an idiot.” Connie added.

“Fuck off.”

Several soldiers came forwards, roughly chaining their hands behind their backs before leading them into the zone. The housing was quite close together, streets relatively narrow. There was no one out in the streets despite the noises but a few peeked through their windows before shutting their curtains and hiding away.

They eventually arrived at a large building, the elaborate pillars in front of the mansion leading up to a set of doors.

Magath knocked.

After a moment the doors opened and they entered the household.

“Please get Lord Tybur.” Magath ordered a man dressed in neat clothing.

Levi looked around at the clean carpets and surfaces. Crystal lights dotted the walls regularly, lighting the halls in a warm ambient light.

They were lead into a large room with books along the walls and a fireplace in the centre. Neat chairs surrounded it.

The soldiers cocked their guns and stepped back, keeping their weapons aimed at their heads.

They waited in silence. After about a minute a tall man with long light blond hair entered. “Commander Magath.”

“Lord Tybur.”

“I am a little busy, Lara seemed to experience some severe pain all of a sudden. Let’s make this quick. Who do we have here?”

“Devils of Paladis.”

Tybur froze for a moment before narrowing his eyes and shaking Magath’s hand. “Who?”

Magath looked over at them. “Introduce yourselves. All of you.”

Erwin straightened slightly, “Commander Erwin Smith.”

“Dr Hange Zoe.” Four-eyes stated, her face contrasting to her usual joyful countenance.

“Tch. Captain Levi Ackerman.” Levi met Tybur’s eyes.

“Levi Ackerman?”

He dipped his head in acknowledgment.

“Zeke has told us many things about you.”

Levi stared, not bothering to reply.

Tybur nodded, “The rest of you?”

“Petra Ral, member of the Survey Corps.”

“Jean Kirstein, member of the Survey Corps.”

“Connie Springer, member of the Survey Corps.”

“Armin Arlert, member of the Survey Corps.”

“Sasha Blouse, member of the Survey Corps.”

“Mikasa Ackerman, member of the Survey Corps.”

Tybur hummed at that, “Another Ackerman.”

Mikasa shifted slightly at the attention.

“And you?” He asked the final person.

“Eren Jaeger, member of the Survey Corps.”

Tybur paled, “Eren Jaeger? You’re the holder of both the Attack Titan and Founding Titan.”

Before Eren could respond, there was a knock at the door.

Tybur stared at Eren for a moment before looking at the door, “Come in.”

Six people entered. Among them were Reiner Annie and Zeke.

The shorter black haired woman’s eyes widened at their presence. “How are you-? Magath, Lord Tybur do you know who these people are?”

Hm, Pieck Finger, she saw us in Paladis. Levi watched as Tybur nodded and waved a calming hand. “It’s ok Pieck, we have it under control.”

There was another unfamiliar man among them and another woman who looked vaguely similar to Tybur.

“Eren.” Zeke scowled darkly.

“Zeke.” Eren greeted, expression blank.

Tybur gathered them closer, “Allow me to introduce-“

“No need.” Eren cut in. “Porco Gilliard, Jaw titan. Lara Tybur, War hammer. Pieck Finger, Cart titan. Reiner Braun, Armoured titan. Annie Leonhart, Female titan. Zeke Jaeger, Beast titan. Your final was Bertholdt Hoover, previous owner of the Colossal titan. It was inherited by Armin.”

“How do you-“

Eren turned his gaze onto Tybur. “Attack titan. You don’t seem to be familiar with all of its abilities. It doesn’t matter anyway. They are all previous owners, as am I. The titans are gone.”

A silence fell.

“That’s impossible.” Tybur scoffed.

Eren pinned Zeke with his gaze, “Tell them.”

Zeke scowled, “He’s not lying. The founder Ymir took the ability of from Subjects of Ymir to transform into titans.”

Tybur shook his head in denial. “I don’t believe it.” He narrowed his eyes at Eren, “You must have done something. You must have taken them-“

Eren frowned, “No, I assure you-“

“Prove it.”

Eren glared finally having lost his patience. He took a breath. “Considering the many Eldians you sent to Paladis as titans, you must have some Titan Serum around. Try it on me.”

Tybur nodded, “Magath.”

“Yes Sir.”

The Commander left the room, returning shortly with a box under his arm.

Tybur took it, pulling out a glass vial and needle. He filled the syringe with the liquid and strode of to Eren. “If you transform, I’ll be injured, get one of your men to do it.”

Eren raised an eyebrow, “Hange?”

She shook her chained hands.

One of the soldiers in the room made quick work of removing her cuffs. She took the injection form Tybur, eyes cold. “Sorry, Eren.” She said quietly.

Eren shook his head, “It’s fine.”

Eren lifted his gaze and held Tybur’s.

Hange moved so that it was in clear view when she injected the serum into him.

She removed the needle and stepped away.

After about ten minutes of nothing happening, Tybur looked over at Zeke. The man nodded and turned to Eren, “Transform.” He said.

Levi glanced up at Eren who now looked bored, absolutely nothing happened.

“This is impossible.” Tybur said breathlessly.

“Clearly not.” Eren retorted, a bit too casually before he paused and cleared his throat, “You have no use for titans anymore, nor do you have anything to hold against us in Paladis. Titans are gone. You have nothing against us. Make peace, accept the Eldians and Marleys as equal.”

Tybur gaped for a moment before he stood thinking for a moment, “You’re right. But you missed one thing. You took our weapons of the titans from us. How are you going to make up for that?”

Erwin stepped forwards. “If you agree, an alliance can be made between Marley and Paladis. You’d have to meet with our Queen.”

Tybur nodded in acknowledgement, “I agree. There is no point in this war anymore. You have peace. Marley will no longer attack Paladis. We shall meet at a later date to discuss this. You are free to go, we have nothing to hold against you.”

The soldiers hesitated for a moment before removing all their cuffs.

Levi rubbed his wrists and looked over the faces of the people around him. He smiled. Peace at last.

Chapter Text

1 year later, on Paladis

“Mikasa!” Eren called, “How do you always manage to beat me in a race?”

“Tch. You’re just shit at using ODM gear.” Levi commented.

“You taught me. That means you’re a shit teacher.”

“What did you fucking say?”

Eren tried to backtrack, “Not that it was you, it was me-“

Levi used his gear, launching forwards to pin Eren on the ground. “Tch, fucking brat.” He let Eren get up before slapping him upside the head.

“Ow!”

“Levi.” Petra called, “Stop bullying Eren.”

“Yeah, listen to your wife.”

Petra blushed, “I take that back, go ahead Levi.”

“What?!”

They turned at the zipping of wires as Armin landed with Annie close behind him. “Jean and Connie finished the food. They’re keeping Sasha at bay for now but…”

“Tch.” Levi fired his wires into the building opposite.

“Race, Eren?” Mikasa asked.

Eren grinned, “Sure.”

“Tch.” Levi watched them go before glancing at Petra with a smirk.

“Let’s show them how it’s done, Captain.”

Levi reeled in his wires, launching himself into the air, Petra close behind. He was still faster and he pulled ahead, catching up with Eren. “Oi brat.”

Eren glanced at him, “What?”

“Fuck you!” Levi launched himself ahead as Eren shouted behind him. Finally found a time to tell him after the many occasions he caused me stress.