Love in a Time of War

Chapter Thirteen

Emiko sits in the window of Levi's office reading her book "Who was the boy you were stood with, when Hange and I saw you before we left?" Levi suddenly asks. "Hm? You mean Jean?" she asks. Levi nods in response "Yeah, him." he tells her. "He's part of the 104th like me, we got put in charge of a squad as we work well together." Emiko explains. There's a knock on the door before it opens to reveal Erwin "You both ready for the inquisition?" he asks them. "Wait, you want me there?" Emiko asks. "Yes, the higher ups need to get used to seeing you around. You are going to be around a lot, being Levi's sister." Erwin tells her. Levi stands and pulls on his jacket "We'll catch you up, I want to talk to Emiko about what we discussed." he tells Erwin. "Make sure to not be late." Erwin nods before leaving. "What you want to talk to me about?" Emiko asks, getting up and pulling on her own jacket "Erwin and I discussed you being second in command of my squad, once you've had some in the field training." Levi tells her. "Me?" Emiko asks in surprise. "Don't look so surprised, you've been around the Scouts for over half your life now. You already have most the knowledge and skills needed to be a Captain of your own squad, you proved that when you took charge in the attack a few days ago." Levi responds. "I guess you're right." Emiko tells him. "No guessing about it. Now come on, we don't want to be late." Levi tells her, leading her out.

Following her brother, Emiko straightens her uniform "Is the only reason Erwin wants me at the inquisition because of wanting to put me as you Second?" she asks. "What else would it be?" Levi asks. "I don't know, maybe the fact you haven't wanted me out of your sight since you got back? The only time I have been was when I went to tell Mikasa and Armin about Eren." Emiko points out. Levi stops and gives her look making her roll her eyes slightly "You know exactly why I don't want you out of my sight." he tells her. "Mhm." Emiko hums. Levi rolls his eyes at her, playfully shoving her in the direction their heading "Ah, hey! That wasn't nice!" Emiko complains. "Since when have either of us played nice?" Levi points out. "Rude." Emiko pouts, Levi hiding a smile as they pass by fellow Scouts.

The siblings walk into the Court Room and stand with Erwin "Did Levi discuss the proposition with you?" he asks her. Emiko nods "Yes. Honestly, I'm surprised." Emiko responds. "You shouldn't be, you've proved to be the top cadet we've recruited in years." Erwin tells her, making her smile slightly. The doors open, Eren walking in and standing at the entrance of the court. A soldier puts a gun against Eren's back "Step forward." he tells him, escorting Eren to his designated position in the room. "Kneel here." he tells him. Eren kneels, another soldier using a steel rod to contain his position. Eren looks round nervously, Dhalis walking in and taking his seat "Well then, let us begin. Eren Jaeger, yes? You are a soldier, sworn to sacrifice your life for the public good. Is that correct?" he asks. "Yes, sir." Eren responds. "This is an exceptional situation. This tribunal will be held under military, not civilian, law. The final decision rests entirely in my hands. Your fate will be decided here. Do you have any objections?" Dhalis asks him. "No, sir." Eren tells him. "I appreciate your perception. I will be direct. As anticipated, concealing your existence has proved impossible. We must make your existence public in some form, or a threat to humanity other than the Titans may arise. What I will decide today is which force will have custody of you. The Military Police? Or the Survey Corps? Then, I ask the Military Police for their proposal." Dhalis addresses the crowd.

"Yes, sir. I, Commander of the Military Police, Nile Dawk, will present my proposal. After a thorough investigation of Eren's body, we believe he should be eliminated immediately. It's certainly true that his Titan power overcame our previous peril. However, now his existence threatens to spark a civil war. So we ask him to die for humanity's sake, leaving behind all the information he can." Commander Nile says. "There's no need for that! He's an invasive pest! He has deceived the walls that embody God's wisdom! He must be killed at once!" Pastor Nick exclaims, Emiko subtlety rolling her eyes. "Priest Nick. Order, please. We'll hear the Survey Corps's proposal next." Dhalis tells them. "Yes, sir. I, 13th Commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin Smith, will present my proposal. We would welcome Eren as an official member of our forces, and use his powers to retake Wall Maria. That is all." Erwin tells him. "Hmm? That's all?" Dhalis asks. "Yes, sir. With his power, we can retake Wall Maria. We believe it is clear what our priorities should be." Erwin responds. "I see. And where do you plan to start this mission? Pixis, the Trost wall has been completely sealed, correct?" Dhalis asks. "Yes, it can never be opened again." Pixis responds. "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." Erwin explains.

"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 strengthen them, we needn't endure further attacks!" a man, a merchant, from the crowd pipes up. "Shut up, merchant dog! With that Titan's power, we can return to Wall Maria!" another man tells him. "We can no longer indulge your delusions of grandeur!" the merchant exclaims. "You talk a lot, pig." Levi pipes up. "Where is your proof that the Titans will wait while we seal the gates?" Emiko asks. "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 continues. "We just thought that we could survive by sealing the wall gates-" the merchant starts. "Silence! Impious traitor! Mere humans altering Wall Rose, walls that were a gift from God? Can you truly see those walls, God's work far beyond human capabilities, and not understand?!" Pastor Nick exclaims. "I'll have you be quiet, priest!" the merchant tells him. "What?!" Nick exclaims, Emiko sighing and rolling her eyes at them.