Titans Rule, Levi Ackerman UNDER EDITING

(44) Alliances?

~Amelia's POV~ 

"Huh?" Hange's jaw was slack and threatening to hit the floor at Yelena's words. 

Quickly, I scanned the minds of the pair in front of us, checking whether this was some new Marleyan strategy. Luckily, their minds were blank, signifying that neither was a Titan-shifter. I nudged Hange, signalling that it was safe, simultaneously snapping them out of their stupor. "Of course, our camp is just over these rocks," Hange called down to them, attempting to regain some of their professionalism. 

Instead of offering to meet them down there, we stood our ground and let them come to us. Marleyan soldiers couldn't be trusted that easily. I held my breath as their group finally reached us, bracing myself for something to occur. Surprisingly, they were quite civil, a change from the rest of the Marleyans we had encountered so far.  

"It is my pleasure to finally meet you Commander Hange," Yelena greeted, the rest of her traitorous group trailing behind her. I noticed immediately that her face was unnervingly stoic, nothing I wasn't used to. However, the combination of her staggering height and the splattered blood of her former comrades staining her pristine uniform made for quite the first impression.  

Yelena confidently held out her hand for Hange to take. Hange neared her cautiously, taking her hand with a weak shake. "Evidently, you know who I am, Yelena. I think we'd like to get to know you a little first before we sit down for tea." 

"Of course, Commander Hange. First, I'll start by saying that we mean no harm. We truly only mean to talk. Second, and all I think that I need to say for now, is that Zeke Jeager was the one who sent me here," Yelena elucidated, earning a collective gasp from everyone present- especially from Eren who had just returned after exiting the back of his discarded Titan. His expression grew heavier at the mention of Zeke. 

At my side, I felt Levi tense up. Zeke had been a sore subject since their last fight over a year ago when he had promised to bring his head to Erwin. I knew that fire from before hadn't dwindled and wondered what would happen if the two of them ever were to meet again. 

Without thinking, my hand met his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Levi visibly relaxed a little and I let my hand return to my side. 

However, despite comforting Levi about Zeke, I myself had some unresolved issues involving him. When I had read his mind during that same fight, all of his memories had come to me at once- just as they had with Eren and Annie. But unfortunately with Zeke, I had retained very little. I hypothesised that it was a combination of Zeke having royal blood which had somehow dampened my powers and, that I hadn't let myself pass out to process the information. We were in a life-or-death situation, surrounded by Titans, and I had felt the tiredness come over me and pushed it away. A part of me still regrets letting that happen, but if I hadn't who knows what would have happened to me. 

It seemed like Yelena noticed my change in mood as when I focused back on the conversation, I met her cold eyes. 

"Intriguing," Hange started, "I think it would be wise for us to speak somewhere more private and warmer." Hange was right. This information wasn't something that every scout needed to hear and coupled with the frigid wind, it wasn't exactly the ideal place for conversation. 

"Yes, let's," Yelena agreed, climbing up the rocks below us and joining Hange at their side as we guided them back to our humble camp. But I didn't fail to notice the frigid stare that Yelena gave me as she glided past me. 

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"What do you think they're talking about in there?" Connie asked, his question pointed at me. 

Us lesser ranking soldiers were told to remain outside whilst Commander Hange and their second in command Levi talked with the newcomers. Despite it being in the dead of night, after all of the excitement, there was no way that we would be able to sleep now. So, we decided to station ourselves outside, just out of listening distance from the tent where Hange, Levi and Yelena were and keep watch.