The Heart of Humanity

Chapter 1: Surrounded

The forest green cloaks stood out behind the usual guard. The military police were nothing for them, but Levi had been doubtful the Survey Corps would even show. This sealed their fate; they would have to move forward with the job. Levi drew back sharply, the survey members flying past his sudden maneuver.

"Those movements, they can't be the Military Police."

"Yeah, no mistake. It's them," Levi confirmed, guiding Furlan and Isabel through the streets.

"As people who battle the Titans, they're as different as expected," Furlan replied.

"Do you think Eva-"

"Eva already knew they were here, we were just waiting for them to come out," Levi interrupted. Isabel nodded, the worry fading as she focused.

"You guys know right?"

"Of course," Isabel assured him.

"It's the job, right?" Furlan replied. Levi nodded, watching them break off as he decided to see just how good the survey corps really was. He flew through buildings; through small spaces most wouldn't dare and was surprised to see a soldier waiting on the other end. He barely dodged the blades, swinging low to get away. His path was clear until a body crashed from above, taking him to the ground. Levi drew his blade, disarming one of his opponents before going in for a killing blow. The man jumped back, as a second dropped from the sky. Levi was forced to retreat, barely dodging his swing as he advanced quicker than any Military Police he had faced. Levi caught his wrist, but the stranger also caught his putting them in a lock.

"Let me go, you bastard!" Isabel's voice rang through the alley. Levi was momentarily distracted, as Isabel and Furlan were marched around the corner. So, they were faster, maneuvered better, and even outmaneuvered him. They had caught Furlan and Isabel but even they knew to wait for their shadow.

"Stop it, look around. You're surrounded" The stranger warned. Levi released his blade, letting it clatter to the ground.

"So are you."

Erwin turned a moment too slow, Miche's body slamming into his and sending them both to the ground. Erwin scrambled to his feet as his new opponent pulled a blade from their boot, he jerked to the side but felt a sting on his cheek when they threw it. They were fast, moving forward and ducking under Erwin's swing. They caught his wrist and turned into him. He heard a familiar click as they turned sharply and blocked his blade with the one they managed to steal off him. Erwin was surprised when he met a pair of stunning grey eyes that held a fire in them that had long gone out in himself.

"Who are you?" He breathed. The order had warned for three, not four and she merely smirked parrying his movement as he tried to gain ground. She went for it, swinging wide and forcing him to duck. He realized that was her intention a moment too late as she slammed down her heal to pin down his blade and blocked his second with her own. Erwin let go of his first blade, trying to move back but her knee hit his face sending him to the ground. Her weight was on top of him seconds later, her knees pinning down his arms as she raised her stolen blade level with his neck, and he stared up into those stunning grey eyes.

"Eva," She finally said.

"Eva?" He repeated, the name rolling off his tongue.

"Ackerman."

"Well Eva Ackerman, you forgot to guard your back," Eva ducked. Miche's reach went over her but gave Erwin the opening he needed to slam his forehead into hers. He caught her wrist, turning the tables as he now towered over her forcing the stolen blade against her own throat. Erwin was even more surprised if possible. Eva's arm shook slightly, but her strength was seemingly equal to his own as she pressed back holding a glare. Her nose was bleeding now but he knew that his was too.