Titans Rule, Levi Ackerman UNDER EDITING

(34) Secrets.

~3rd Person POV~

~A few days prior~

Having discovered the truth about Grisha Yeager from Keith Shadis, Hange and Levi were reporting their findings to Erwin.

"So from this..." Erwin slammed the papers down from his remaining hand onto the table. "You're telling me that Grisha Yeager is likely a human who came from outside of the Walls."

"That's correct," Hange confirmed. "Just like Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt, he possessed the Power of the Titans. But similarly to Amelia and different to them, he was in support of humanity inside of the Walls."

"Who's Amelia?" One of the squad leaders present inquired. 

"She's part of my squad," Levi interjected from his spot perched against the wall.

"Amelia is someone we picked up outside of the Walls a few months ago. She also claims to be from outside the Walls like Grisha," Hange explained.

"I see. But I don't understand why we're only just finding out about Grisha. If he was so interested in the Scouts and such, why didn't he seek us out? We could have really used his support," the squad leader asked the question on everyone's lips. 

"I wonder..." Hange pondered. "From the moment he entered the Walls, I'm sure he was searching for the royal family alone. And that... is not something you do without incredible resolve. This is the same man who wanted to show his ten-year-old son, eager to join the Scouts, the basement of their house. On death's door, he said the truth of it all was... in the basement. What in the world do you think is down there?" 

Erwin with a contemplative look replied. "Things that mustn't be said. No... the things that Grisha Yeager couldn't say, even if he wanted to. That which the First Reiss king erased from our memories. Memories of our world... I hope." 

"Perhaps the things that Amelia concealed from us too," Hange proposed. 

Erwin hummed in agreement. "Pondering about it here won't accomplish much. The preparations finished today. The operation to retake Wall Maria starts in two days. Want to know what's in the basement? Let's go see for ourselves. Isn't that what the Scouts do? Let all of your squads know," Erwin smiled and the atmosphere of the room lightened. Commander Erwin Smith always had a way with words that could convince even the most stubborn soldier to obey. 

"Right. Keeping it a secret of course, yeah? On a day like this, we deserve some meat, no?" 

"Good idea. Gotta show these kids we adults can be counted on." 

Then, all the soldiers left the room to celebrate, leaving Levi and Erwin alone. 

"Levi? What is it that you want?" Erwin asked. 

Levi leaned on the double doors behind him. Little did he know, someone was listening in from the other side. 

"It's a bit hasty, but... What will you do after retaking Wall Maria?" Levi crossed his arms across his chest, his eyes fixated on the ground. 

Erwin considered his question. "I'd guess a defence plan comes first, but... After that? Eliminating threats. Outside the walls, there seems to be someone hoping the Titans will eat us all. Of course, the answer to who is in the basement, I imagine. It's as I said earlier. We'll plan that after the basement." 

A grave expression took over Levi's features. "I'm asking you this as you might not live that long. You can't exactly move like you used to." Erwin clutched his missing arm. 

"Let Hange call the shots. You'll just be deadweight. Let the good news come to you. We'll tell the others that I argued until you gave in. No... that's actually what I intend. Is that fine with you?" Levi stated emotionlessly on the outside but you could feel the concern for his friend in his words. 

Erwin melancholy, averted his eyes from him. Eyebrows furrowed, he had made up his mind. "I'm not. I'm fine being food. Use me as bait. The chain of command still remains. If I've gone, then Hange. If Hange's gone, the next. This operation is indeed dangerous. But to humanity, it's more important than anything else. That's why I've gone to such lengths. This is all my plan. If I don't do it, the success rate will plummet." 

Levi let a long breath out. "That's true. The operation might fail, but... If you bite the dust in the process, we're all doomed. So just sit at your desk and keep using your head. That's the last thing that the Titans would want." 

"No, you're wrong. Our best option is for me to gamble it all-" 

"Hey, hey, hey! Hold up... Keep using that bluff around me and I'll break both of your damn legs. But the operation to retake Wall Maria will take place with you weeping here. It'll be a bitch to get to the toilet though," Levi barked at him, not taking no for an answer. 

Eren sniggered at him. "I'd like to avoid that. What you're saying is right. A wounded soldier should stay off the battlefield. However... There will come a moment when we learn the truth of our world and I must be there for it." Erwin's resolve was stern, unmoving. There truly was nothing Levi could do to stop him. 

"Is it really that important to you? More than your legs?" 

"Yes," Erwin responded. Levi scowled at him. 

"More than humanity's victory?" 

"Yes." 

"I see..." Levi turned his back to him, gripping the handle of the door. "I'll trust your judgement."

Levi exited the room, storming off into the distance. His ire left him unable to spot the soldier waiting outside Erwin's office, ready to be beckoned in. 

"Amelia," Erwin's voice sounded and she entered. 

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Hi guys, hope you enjoyed the chapter and sorry for the late upload. I moved back to uni and went on a little trip with my friends so I've been busy. Uploads from here on out might be more sparse as I'll be busy studying.

Thanks for reading. I really appreciate it!

~tigglet10