Chapter Text
"Ha! Have you heard about Trost!" The man barks, slamming the empty mug onto the wooden table.
A collective laughter rings out from his companions throughout the rundown tavern, clanking their beers together in celebration. "Serves those bastards right! They abandon this city and its people without a second thought! So while those bitches on the surface continue to be eaten by Titans, we live safely down here! HAHAHA!!"
"HAHA!"
The Underground was a sad place, always dark and foul smelling, crime ridden and gang ruled. The average life expectancy was only 45 down here, disease, starvation or murder being the common reasons of death. But it was safe from Titans at least, these people of the Underground would never have to worry about being eaten alive.
Samael pitied them.
Himself being from the surface, he saw the luxury of living somewhere where the looming threat of Titans was nonexistent but at the same time, he wouldn't be able to handle obnoxious pricks like those men on a daily basis.
"Is it funny that innocent people died?" Sam calls out, sitting alone across the bar from the group of men with a cup of water in his hand. 'From what I observed over the last few weeks, these guys are too arrogant to let anyone go after getting confronted.' He thinks as he notes the group already rising to their feet with animalistic grins. 'Gotcha.'
Sam sits patiently as the men surround him, taking sips from his cup with his light hazel eyes, more greenish brown like a muddy swamp, trained on the wood in front of him. He was anticipating a sneak attack from the man behind his chair, he observed them fight beforehand and knows that they rely on sneaks and numbers. 'But in the end, none of them can fight on their own.'
"Ehhh? Did I hear something coming from this pipsqueak?" A short man with a beer gut says, slamming his hand on the table opposite to Sam.
"I thought I heard something too! What did you say again?" Another man with blonde hair backs as he moves to Sam's right, grabbing the back of his chair. The one behind Sam was tall and bulky, and the last of the group was a bald man with a scar on his lip that stood to his left.
"I said 'do you find the death of others funny?'" Sam reinstates, leaning back in his chair and dropping the cup back onto the table. He hears the men snort and cackle.
"He's got guts!"
"Who does he think he is!?"
"Who are you to tell us anything bastard?"
"I mean it's pretty insensitive on your part. If humanity on the surface dies, how will the people down here survive? Don't you rely on supply from the surface?" He taunts, a smirk stretching across his lips.
"This bitch—!" The blonde snarls but is stopped by the short man, who Sam deems to be the leader of the group. "Wait... You know... Now that I look at you, you're not from around here are you, boy?" The short man asks, his eyes alight as he takes in Sam's creme-colored button up, dark brown slacks and un-scuffed loafers that looked too pristine for someone native to the Underground, as well as his unblemished pale skin and silky black curls. 'That didn't take long.' Sam frowns, standing to his full 5'9 height.
"Caught me." Sam responds as he puts his hands up in mock surrender.
The bald man laughs in glee, eyeing the teen. "So what are you, huhhh? The Military Police? Maybe the Garrison?? HAHA! We've dealt with all you bastards before, had you bitches running all the way back to the surface like dogs with their tail between their legs!"
"Ah, that's why I was sent." Sam says with a hand scratching his curls, his light eyes looking up to match the gaze of the stubby man. "YOU? HAHAHA! Don't make me laugh boy." He mocks with a scowl.
"Enough with the chit chat, why don't you tell us who really sent you?" The blonde states, leaning in close to Sam's face where he could smell the stench of the alcohol on his breath.
"Come on, we won't beat you up too bad! We'll even be courteous enough to drop your body off with the guards, HAHA!" Chuckles the bald man. Sam's eyes narrow a little at the short man, not at all fazed by the taunts and threats.
"You had so much to say just moments ago. Being told that you were sent to deal with us, it's only natural that we're intrigued by who it is." The short man shrugs and gives a rotten smile, getting agreements from his subordinates. "So what's it gonna be? Get your ass kicked first then ask questions later, or get your ass kicked?"
"Ah, I guess get my ass kicked." Was all Sam replies with, eyes boring into the shorter man's, watching as his face morphed into anger.
At the jerk of short man's head to his companions, Sam knew it had begun. Before they could grab him, he's grabbing his half empty cup and smashes it into the face of the bald man, then elbowing the blonde to his right in the nose. From behind, the tall man wraps his arms around Sam tightly to contain him as the short man rounds the table, flicking out a blade. "You're dead kid!"
Swinging his arm down onto Sam, the teen narrowly manages to avoid the blade as he presses his body into the man behind him to dodge. Using the support from the arms holding him, he jumps and kicks the short man square in the chest, then throwing his head back to connect to the other man's skull.
Once Sam's released, he doesn't waste time to use his abandoned chair as a weapon. He picks it up and swirls around just as the tall man tries to grab him and smashes the wood on his head, breaking the chair into pieces. "YOU!!" Sam dodges another swing of the short man's knife and steps around him, spinning to create momentum to back kick him. His long legs powerful enough to send the man flying into the wall.
The bald man gets to his feet with a hand gripping his face, eyes wide and blood flowing down his jaw. "I'll repay you for this." He growls, dropping his hand to reveal the chuck of flesh hanging from his face, sliced clean from the glass cup. Sam grimaces as he says, "No need really."
"Grab him!" The bald man suddenly yells, catching Sam off guard a little. He ducks under the blonde's fist that tried to hit his jaw and grabs his arm, twisting it painfully before driving his knee into the other's exposed ribs.
A crack echoes through the bar.
Stepping back, he quickly observed his surroundings, noting the other occupants of the bar were sitting and watching. There was a table of two with a man and woman, a table full with cheering drunks and a table with 3 observing men. 'No other threats besides these four... okay, let's finish this.'
Sam's eyes shift to the bald man, who hasn't made a move yet.
"You're good, I'll give you that." The bald man says as his other companions slowly get to their feet, their eyes trained on the teen. 'I need to get that knife.' Sam thinks, watching the short man grip the handle a little bit tighter.
Just as Sam was going to launch himself towards the weakest link, the crippled blonde, he's grabbed by the tall man who sported a bloody nose. He's thrown across the room and into the table occupied by drunken men. He grits his teeth as his back makes contact with the wooden table.
Sam's face twists in pain as he moves his gaze up to the men across the room, moving to prop one of his knees up. The men that occupied the now broken table, cheer and shout in Sam's ears.
He takes a breath, watching carefully as the men move towards him with smirks on their bruised faces. 'Arrogant even while getting their asses kicked.' Sam thinks before his eyes sees a spilt metal pitcher at his foot. He grabs it and flings it at the tall man, who was nearest to him, watching it knock the lights out the guy on impact. He gets to his feet and darts towards the bald man, twisting around, he brings his foot up and strikes the man in the jaw, causing him to go crashing to the floor.
Sam turns and grabs the collar of the bald man as he attempts to get up, and throws him over his shoulder with all his might before bringing his fist down onto the man's temple; knocking him out.
Glancing over his shoulder at the sound of crunching glass, seeing the short man running to him. He rolls away from the short man as the other tries to stab him in the back and gets to his feet quickly, the short man continues to slash at Sam causing the teen to repetitively dodge and duck. When Sam's back hits the edge of the bar, he ducks under the swinging arm and brings his own up into the other's gut before using his palm to strike the man's chin. "ACK!!" The short man cries, the sound of metal dropping onto wood reaching Sam's ears.
'He dropped it.' Sam interlaces his fingers behind the short man's neck and brings his knee up, earning him a pained shout. From behind the short man, Sam can see the blonde advancing towards them but before the blonde could reach them, Sam kicks the shorter man into him. He doesn't waste a second to launches himself at the duo and tackling them to the ground, repeatedly punching them in the faces.
"UGH! STOP! STOP! PLEASE!" The short man cries out, missing a few teeth and sporting a swollen eye. Sam let's up and sits back on his heels, letting out a sigh. "Man! If you didn't say something soon, I was going to start questioning my morals." Sam says as he wipes the sweat from his face with his forearm.
Sam separates the two beaten men and flips the shorter onto his stomach, before pulling a thin rope rolled into a circle from his back pocket and tying the short man's hands together. "Earl Fischer, you're under arrest."
"What?! Who sent you! Who are you!" He screams, thrashing around.
"The First Interior Squad." Sam finally giving the man salvation, noticing Earl has gone still. "The Interior Squad? Ha! I thought you bastards were some type of rumor made up to scare criminals! Now, the real question is why would you bitches be down here? It's said that they never leave the capital!"
"Like I said, I was sent to deal with you." Sam sighs before pull the man to his feet. The tavern emptying out at the 'revelation' of him being an officer. "FUCK!" Earl curses.
Sam presses his lips together as he dreads what's to come next.
He ushers him out the door, leaving behind his unconscious companions. They walk for awhile to a more remote and secluded area of the Underground, a shady place with people who were up to no good.
They eventually turn into a dim lit alleyway that smelled more horrid then the Underground itself, the narrow passage muddy and filled with rat infested garbage. Earl walked ahead of Sam silently, however the teen can tell he was nervous by his shaking hands. "Alright, stop." Sam orders when they come to a dead-end, using his hand to push the man to his knees, much to the other's resistance.
"W-What's going on? Aren't you turning me in?" Earl asks as he strains his neck to get a look at Sam, who was looking away.
"No, I'm not." Was all Sam offered, reaching behind him and lifting his shirt to reveal a leather scabbard strapped around his midriff. A 'SHINNNNG!' noise pierces the air as Sam unsheathes the blade, alerting Earl and causing him to struggle to his feet. "HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" Sam's hand clutches Earl's shoulder and shoves him back to his knees, holding him in place regardless of how much the other fought. "IF THIS IS PAYBACK FOR EARLIER, I'M SORRY!"
"Earl Fischer, on behalf of King Fritz, the King of the Walls and the Eldian people, you are sentenced to death for the crimes of treason and conspiracy to entice an insurrection." Sam intonates, eyes dull and pit-less like a black hole sucking in all light as he shifts his gaze to the back of the man's head.
"WAIT! W-WAIT! DON'T DO THIS!" Earl screams. It was like nails on a chalk board for the teen, he despised this, wishes it was different but he endured it. "Any last words?" Sam says as he pulls the man's head back by his hair and rests the curve of his knife on the man's jugular, lips pressed tight and eyes staring ahead. "PLEASE! I WANT TO LIVE! WHATEVER YOU WANT, I CAN GIVE YOU IT! MONEY, WOMEN, DRUGS?! I GOT IT ALL! WHATEVER THEY'RE PLAYING YOU, I'LL PAY DOUBLE! PLEASE I DON'T WANT TO— ARGHHH—!!!" Earl's pleads are choked to a gurgle.
Sam's stare is empty as he watches the lifeless body drown in its own pool of blood.
"Forgive me." Sam whispers, feeling as cold as the corpse.
MITRAS
When Sam rode to Mitras 2 days later, the capital was in a uproar. The people were out in large groups, yelling at soldiers stationed to keep the peace. The streets were littered with papers of what Sam can only guess was public announcements. Civil unrest wasn't what Sam expected to see when he first entered the capital.
The news of Trost District spread fast, much like Shiganshina District in the years previous, word of the attack reached every part of the walled kingdom within days. Beginning a plague of fear and paranoia that gripped humanity, both on the surface and the Underground.
By the time the news reached Sam, he was already stationed in the Underground for the last week and an half, tasked with Earl Fischer - a small time criminal and government rat who turned whistleblower. He first overheard the women of the market talking about it, how Trost fell to the Colossal Titan and a boy with Titan abilities emerged from the wreckage. It all made him immediately feel queasy.
When Sam arrives at the Military Police HQ, he doesn't waste anytime to round the building to where the horse stables were. He hops off his black mare, Maple, and ushers her into a stall, where he removes his baggage and saddle from her, setting it outside the fence before going back in to brush and feed her. Maple was a long time companion of Sam's, having received her when he was first recruited to the Interior Squad a year ago. She's a gentle and careful horse, not easily riled and incredibly patient. But Sam has seen first hand a pissed off Maple, having seen the large creature trample animals and humans alike multiple times to save her master from a sticky situation.
The sound of approaching feet rips Sam from his subconscious daze, of which he's been in and out of for the last couple days. When the footsteps stop at Maple's pen's door, he chooses to stay silent and allow whoever it was to speak first.
"You've returned." The voice was familiar to Sam, making him realize how isolated he had been the last 2 weeks.
He turns around to meet the eyes of his childhood friend, Nathan Millers. Another teen with dark brown hair cut into a bob and calm brown eyes, he stood a little bit shorter than Sam's 5'9 frame and slender compared to an average solider of the Military Police. Even though he was small, it was well known amongst their MP colleagues that Nathan could still throw down with even the strongest of combatants. Sam was a witness of that, having seen the younger teen take down three drunks outside a tavern once on their midnight patrol.
The two of them grew up in the District of Ehrmich together. Nathan was 6 when he first met 7 year old Sam, having attended a dinner Sam's grandfather hosted with his parents. It was a immediate friendship, with both boys bonding over their shared interests and talents. And over time, their friendship blossomed into a strong brother-like bond.
"Were you waiting for me to return?" Sam smirks, knowing his young friend was probably anxiously waiting for him to return. Nathan rolls his eyes. "No, I wasn't. I was too busy with patrols and overtime to remember you existed."
"Ouch lil bro! Since when did you have such cruel jokes? Hanging out with those other MPs are bound to be bad influences." Giving a chuckle at the end, Sam leaves the stall and locks it behind him, ready to go give in his report. "But I hope you didn't overworking yourself while I was gone. You could work yourself into a early grave."
Nathan tilts his head down, looking at the ground ahead of him. "It's ok. Nothing that I can't handle. Was traveling good?" Nathan asks, receiving a "mhm" from the older teen. He knew that the older teen couldn't disclose what he does during his travels, a rule to being a member of the Interior Squad. But he still asked.
"Anything from your end?" Sam suddenly whispers, starting to walk towards the exit. Nathan immediately catching onto what Sam meant. Dipping his head a little, he responds in a soft voice, "Nothing yet, they are doing their routines as usual."
"Ok, good. That means—"
Suddenly the doors to the stable swing open with a loud bang of wood against stone, interrupting Sam's sentence.
"SAMAEL!"
The sudden shout alarms the teen, his eyes snapping to the doors. Recognizing the voice and tone of his superior, he was now preparing for the worst. 'What could've I done, I only returned an hour ago!'
The duo, along with the few soldiers in the stables, turn in unison at the disturbance. Their gazes falling upon their Commander, Nile Dok, storming in and they immediately salute.
"As you were!" Nile orders as he makes a beeline down the hall, making his way to the two young officers. "You as well, Nathan. I'm here for Samael only." At those words, Nathan relaxes and moves slightly away to give privacy to the older men. He was far too used to Nile stalking them down and screaming at them because Sam got them both caught up in some type of mess.
"Commander, long time no see! I wasn't expecting you...?" Sam greets his superior as he reaches him, giving a nonchalant wave of his hand. The teen eyes the paper that was held in the older man's hand, obviously intrigued of what it was but doesn't voice his curiosity.
Nile ignores the informality, knowing the kid wouldn't perform proper etiquette even if he beat it into him. "I was alerted of your return. You seem to always have the best arrival times, an exact hour before the trial."
"Trial?" Sam echoes, eyebrows pinching together.
"Yes. My appearance has been requested by the High Court, along with the other Commanders and everyone who was present at the Battle of Trost." Nile says as he lifts his hand to show the paper Sam was eyeing earlier.
"I'm afraid to point out this out to you, Commander, but I'm not a commander nor was I at Trost when the attack happened. Is it the rumored boy who can transform into a Titan that's on trial?" Sam frowns a little as he steps forward to analyze the paper, squinting his hazel eyes and rubbing his chin in thought. "My name isn't present on the document so I don't see why this is— ACK!" Dropping into a squat, Sam rubs his head tenderly where Nile had struck him, only finding comfort in Nathan when the younger comes to pat his shoulder.
"You idiot, show some restraint and listen! Ahem, yes, the trial is for the boy, and no, your appearance is not requested but I personally want you to attend. A secondary advisor is needed, it's always best to have a second and third opinion." Nile finishes, folding the paper in half and tucking it into his uniform jacket. He gives no room for argument and rejection as he steps out the way and gestures Sam to walk first, fully aware that Sam would disappear if he blinked a second too long. "Let's go, we're expected to arrive first."
Sam stands to full height and turns to Nathan, the other could see the unspoken want to resist in his eyes. "Well duty calls, see you later?"
"Yeah." Was all the young teen said with a nod of his head. Nathan was always a quiet kid, never having much to say outside of themselves and would much rather observe than contribute.
Without another word, the pair takes their leave.
The ride to the courthouse was silent, the atmosphere was almost suffocating to Sam as the other officers that accompanied them were tense and clearly disturbed. Sam didn't know what happened and what these people went through in Trost but he didn't blame them. Most MPs never seen Titans for themselves before, including Sam. He pitied them... He knew how hard it is to lose the ones you cared about, he knew death was death — regardless of how it came. So he rode in silence as the soldiers around him suffered.
Once the Brigade reached the courthouse and everyone has got off their horses, Nile began to yell orders and commands to the officers. Not having been given orders himself, Sam trails after Nile as he directs and talks to the captains.
"Whatever the era, people are so irresponsible." Nile comments, overlooking the stationed officers.
"Commander Nile. Sam, good to see you again." A blonde man says, coming to stand besides Sam and Nile. The teen recognizes him as Nile's right hand, Waltz. "Waltz, same as well." He nods in mutual respect. 'I guess he's Nile's secondary advisor.'
"If left alive, I believe Eren Jeager will probably be a pawn in a revolt against the Center." Waltz states as he turns to Nile with a barely noticeable frown. This peaks Sam's immediate interest, as he heard whispers of revolts from within the military ranks.
"Before that happens, we of the Military Police must eliminate Eren Jeager. We can't let those Survey Corps weirdos have him." Nile purses his lips as he looks down the road, hearing the sound of marching horses. "Samael, be on your best behavior from this moment on. Premier Zackly is arriving." Nile says in a low voice next to Sam's ear, before moving to stand in the middle of the pathway as a carriage comes into sight. "Attention!"
Nile was one of the very select few who knew the relationship held between the teen and his superior, Darius Zackly. He knew the relationship was an almost nonexistent one, based only on respect and honor; and where position of power and of duty came first before anything. The topic itself is confidential and kept among the highest ranks of the government.
Sam falls into line with the other soldiers, waiting in silence as the horses pull the carriage to the front of the Courthouse. The door to the carriage opens and Sam obediently listens to Nile when he calls for salute, he keeps his eyes glued forward as the superiors begin to walk down the pathway, not ever breaking his gaze even as Darius Zackly passes by.
Sam never wants to meet eyes with him.
COURTROOM
Now that Sam saw the famed Eren Jeager, locked into place in the center of the room for all military personnel to see, he wasn't quite what he had expected. The rumors and gossip made the boy seem humanoid, like some disgusting and menacing monster — but in reality, Eren was just a young kid, who looked to be a little bit younger than himself, and clueless.
The proceedings were only an hour in when Sam starts to feel the effects of sleepiness and hunger creep up on him, having been deprived of both while away. The constant arguing and discussions were beginning to sound like white noise to him. "This is so boring, are we almost done?" Sam whispers to Nile, who stood tall besides him.
"No, and pay attention." Nile elbows him, causing Sam to mumble a complaint under his breath but nevertheless adverts his attention back to the older men speaking.
"And where do you plan to begin this mission? Pixis, the Trost wall has been completely sealed, correct?" Zackly questions, turning from one commander to another. Sam's eyebrows twitch up in surprise, 'Sealed? Since when? Was anyone going to tell me? I'm so far behind...'
"Yes, it can never be opened again." Dot Pixis, who Sam recognizes as the Commander of the Garrison, confirms.
"We would like to set out from Karanes, in the East. From there, we will proceed to Shiganshina. We will determine the route as we go." Commander Erwin Smith of the Survey Corps states, looking around the room before turning back to Zackly.
"Wait a minute! Shouldn't we seal all the wall gates once and for all? The Colossal Titan can only destroy the gates. If we can strengthen them, we needn't endure further attacks!" One of the men further down from Sam calls out, but he is only countered by someone telling him to shut up — which Sam chuckles at.
"Samael, you shut up too." Nile mutters, causing Sam to breakdown into a sulk. 'He can never let me have some fun...' Sam internally whines.
"With that Titan's power, we can return to Wall Maria!"
"We can no longer indulge your delusions of grandeur!" The man from before barks out.
"You talk a lot, pig. Where is your proof that Titan's will wait while we seal the gates?" A short man with black hair questions, Sam instantly knows him as Levi Ackerman from the Survey Corps. "The 'we' you speak of are only those you wish to protect, your 'friends' who help line your pockets. The people who starve because there isn't enough land to sow don't even figure into the thoughts of you pigs." Levi finishes.
Sam stares at Levi, still not comprehending that he stood in the same room as someone like him. He's never seen the man in person until now, only hearing of his triumphs and bravery through the stories of others; like his father and other officers, even the trainees at Corps with him gushed. He's said to be the strongest soldier alive — to ever live. Humanity's greatest.....
Yes, Sam has his own fair share of notoriety, but it didn't compare to someone like Levi Ackerman. Sam's abilities made him a very capable soldier in his own right, allowing him to graduate first of his class at the Training Corps, rise through the ranks of the Military Police to Officer, and join the First Interior Squad by the age of 17 — the youngest to do so. But he likes to act like he knows nothing of his reputation. He's too humble to flaunt and air himself, his easygoing and cordial attitude usually downplaying his true prowess; making him all the more dangerous...
Levi's gaze turns to meet Sam's, noticing the teen staring for too long. The sudden eye contact startles Sam and he's quick to look away, feeling a sweat break out onto his forehead. 'Jeez nice going Sam, he's gonna think you're a creep...'
"Silence." Zackly slaps his hand on the wooden table he's seated at, calling for attention. "Jeager, I wish to confirm something. Can you continue to serve as a soldier, using your Titan powers to benefit humanity?"
"Yes, I can!" Eren responses immediately.
"But the report on Trost's defense says this... 'Immediately after turning into a Titan, he swung his fist at Mikasa Ackerman.'" Zackly states. "Is Mikasa Ackerman present?"
"Yes, that's me." The elderly man looks up from his papers to a black haired girl, who Sam assumes is Mikasa. His eyebrows scrunch slightly when hearing the surname 'Ackerman'.
'Are Mikasa and Levi related? They do look similar...' Sam notes, though he quickly disregards the thought when Mikasa begins to speak.
"On two previous occasions, Eren saved my life in his Titan form. The first time, mere seconds before a Titan would have had me in his grasp, he stood between us, protecting me. The second time, he saved Armin and me from an HE shell. I would like these facts to be considered, as well." Mikasa ends.
Just as fast as Mikasa ends her defense, Nile is just as fast to say his.
"I object. I believe these comments are greatly colored by her personal feelings. At an early age, Mikasa Ackerman lost her parents, and was taken in by the Jeager household. Our investigation has also revealed a surprising fact about the underlying events. At age 9, Eren Jeager and Mikasa Ackerman killed three robbers who tried to kidnap her. Even if it was self-defense, I must question their fundamental humanity. Is it right to ensure humanity's fate, resources, and lives to him?" Gasps fill the room at the information exposed, people begin to break out into whispers which were loud and clear this time to Sam's ears. He could feel the atmosphere beginning to get tense as members of the jury begin to call out accusations.
"So is she! Do we know that she's human?"
"That's right! Just to be safe, we should dissect her!"
"Wait! I may be a monster, but she has nothing to do with it! Nothing at all!!" Eren immediately intervenes, shouting at the men who called out.
"We can't trust that!"
"It's true!"
"If you're covering for her, it means she's one of you!"
"NO! I mean... you are wrong. But you're simply coming up with theories that fit whatever it suits you to think." Besides Sam, Nile whispers something he couldn't quite catch, Eren's voice being the only thing heard as it echoed the room. "Besides, all of you people... You've never ever seen a Titan! What are you so afraid of? What is the point if those with the means and power do not fight? If you're afraid to fight for survival, then help me! You... cowards! Just shut up! And bet everything you have on me!" Sam's lips tilt up a little bit, not expecting the kid to have that much courage to insult and silence the noblemen in the court.
"Weapons ready!" Nile yells, jolting the armed soldier besides Sam.
"Commander Nile, wait—" Sam starts, his hand trying to redirect the rifle held by Waltz away from Eren. But he stops when he hears a loud gasp coming from the teen, whipping his head back to Eren and witnessing Levi kneeing the boy in his face before proceeding to kick his stomach.
"This is a personal opinion. But I believe pain to be the best way to train someone. What you need is to be trained like a dog, not a man. It's easier to kick you while you're kneeling, too." Levi says, continuing to assault Eren, beating him into the floor beneath them.
"Wait Levi... What if he gets angry and turns into a Titan?" Nile interrupts with a look of uncertainty. This time, Sam is quick to speak up, loud and clear to everyone's ears. "Eren won't do that, if he knows what's good for him. His defensive behavior is only a response to all of the insults and slander thrown at his friend, if he's showing this much care towards her; would he risk transforming with his friend present? I don't think so. So shouldn't that be enough to ease all of you?" He questions, finally able to lower the rifle.
Nile gives it thought for a moment before nodding, "I suppose you're right... Stand down." He signals, not noticing the sigh of relief that was released from Sam's mouth. The teen was always grateful for these moments when Nile would put faith into Sam and put aside his own judgement in exchange for the younger's, it was rare moments but it was a testament to the respect and trust the pair shared.
"I didn't even notice you there... nor have I ever seen you before. Who are you?" A heavy set noble points, his eyebrow pinched and a deep frown resting on his face. Sam bends a little to peak around his commander to meet eyes with the other man, "Officer Samael of the Military Police Brigade." He responses.
"Officer, huh...? You look awfully young for someone of such high rank. Nile, do you know this boy?" He raises an eyebrow. Sam, not too sure if the man was being insulting or complimentary, gives an awkward smile as he stands back up straight with a glance to Nile.
"Yes, I do." Nile confirms, turning to the nobleman. "Samael may be young but he is a remarkable soldier, so please restrain yourself from insulting my men."
"Is that so?" The noble mocks, turning back to Sam. "You never stated your last name, what is it? What family do you—"
"Enough, this is not a topic relevant to the trial. Let us get back on track." Zackly orders, silencing the nobleman's voice before gesturing to the man in the center of the room. "The floor is yours, Levi."
"As I was saying, when he turned into a Titan last time, he killed twenty other Titan's before collapsing. If he is an enemy, his intelligence makes him a more formidable foe. Still no match for me, of course." The attention is recaptured by Levi as he kicks Eren again for good measure before standing tall above him. "But what will you do? Anyone persecuting him should also consider that fact. Do you really think you can kill him?" He turns to the men that stand besides Sam.
"Sir, I have a proposal." Erwin interjects, hand raised high to gain everyone's attention.
"What is it?" Zackly says.
"The details of Eren's Titan power remains uncertain. Making it dangerous. Thus, I propose to have Squad Leader Levi take responsibility for Eren's control, and embark on an expedition outside walls." He offers, to which Zackly responses, "With Eren in tow?"
"Yes, sir. Based on the expedition's results, I'd like you to judge whether Eren can control his Titan power and whether he is a boon or bane to humanity." Erwin concludes, looking off to where an injured Eren sat.
"Control Eren Jeager..." Zackly ponders, a hand coming to hold his chin. The look on his face was easy to read for Sam. He knew the elderly man was second guessing the proposal. So he raises his hand, slow to meet the eyes of the man he hated with all his being and ignoring Nile's low grumble of disapproval, "Sir, I know it is not my place to give a personal opinion or thought but after carefully listening to the proposal given by the Survey Corps, I do believe using Eren for his ability can be a large step forward in reclaiming Wall Maria, as well as for science based reasonings and needs. He's a question mark to us, maybe answers to all of our questions about Titans, we shouldn't throw that away."
"Hm... I've heard what you said. You do make fair points that I can't simply ignore... But the real question is, can you do it, Levi?" Zackly nods, clasping his fingers together.
"I'm certain I can kill him. The only problem is I doubt I can do any less." Levi replies, confidence strong in his statement.
Zackly picks up his papers and organizes them, "Then my decision is made. The custody of Eren Jeager will be turned over to the Survey Corps, with the condition that Levi Ackerman will be held responsible for him and all actions he shall take. Court adjourn!"
OUTSIDE COURTROOM
Sam leans against the wall outside the courtroom, arms crossed and head bowed as he listens to Nile lecture him.
"Don't speak out so freely in court! I could get my ass chewed out if you said anything stupid! I respect your standing, even if it's the opposite of mine, but discuss with me your next move before you do it! That's how you get into all the trouble you do now, idiot! Impulsive as always! Now the Titan shifter is in the hands of those weirdos... Who knows what they'll do with him... I don't trust them." Nile sighs as he rubs his forehead.
"All we can do now is hope that the Titan shifter can reclaim the walls." Sam responses, looking off to the side when the Corps began to file out; catching the eye of Eren Jeager and the others with him. Most likely draw to him because of Nile's loud mouth rant next to him.
"My report is being expected, may I be excused?" Sam breaks eye contact with the Titan shifter and whispers to Nile, pushing off the wall and standing straight. The older man rolls his eyes, knowing his subordinate wasn't listening, before nodding. He watches the teen disappears into the crowd before turning his head to catch the eyes of the Survey Corps.
"Weirdos." Was all Nile says before walking away.