Birdie (Levi x OC)

nineteen

"Birdie...before we go in, I need to warn you..." Hange trailed off, giving a hesitant glance to Moblit.

Moblit swallowed, his eyes wide with residual horror. "We learned something from our trip to Ragako Village, it pertains to where the titans come from... and it's not easy to hear."

I glanced between the two of them, nervousness creeping in.

"We'll explain inside," Hange finished.

I nodded, wanting to inquire further but deciding to remain patient.

Hange knocked on the door.

"Come in," I heard the familiar voice of Captain Levi.

Hange opened the door and I was greeted by the Commander sitting up in his bed, what was left of his one arm was wrapped in a bandage. On either side of the Commander sat Captain Levi and my Grandfather.

Moblit and Hange saluted the men, distracted by the sight of my Grandfather, I quickly followed suit.

My Grandfather, at the sight of my burned and bandaged body, winced,

"At ease, my girl," he spoke softly.

I released my salute and walked to the sofa he was seated at, planting myself right next to him. I didn't care about our audience as he took my hand in his and gave a reassuring squeeze, his familiar, steady warmth the only stable thing in the room. He looked to me as if to ask 'are you okay?'

I nodded.

I am okay.

"Pardon the intrusion, Sir. I'm here to report on the incident. This is-"

"Connie! Connie Springer of the 104th, Sir!" He interrupted Hange.

Hange casted a sideways glance at Connie, "He's from the Village I mentioned, Ragako." She continued, "since he was there to witness the situation, I had him accompany my squad to investigate."

My brows furrowed...an uneasy feeling settling in my stomach.

"Allow me to explain," Hange scratched the back of her head. "The town was full of evidence that supports the theory we have been entertaining...in regard to where the titans may originate from."

She explained that the buildings had looked as if they had imploded on themselves. Almost as if they had blown apart...from the inside. "There were no signs of entry, only exit," Moblit added, his voice strained. "In addition to this strange phenomenon, not a single drop of blood was found at the scene despite all the villagers being missing."

"And finally," the tone in her voice softened. "The amount of titans we defeated at the village was the same as the number of villagers that resided there.

A wave of nausea churned in my stomach, and I reflexively squeezed my grandfather's hand. Lifting my gaze, I met Captain Levi's eyes, noticing a subtle widening in his expression at what Hange was indicating. I winced, looking back down towards my lap.

"We believe that it is highly likely that the villagers that resided in Ragako became the titans that appeared inside the wall."

The silence hung heavy in the air. You could have heard a pin drop.

Erwin broke the silence, "So you're saying the titans are actually humans?"

"I may not have any solid proof...but think about it. Titans weak spots, no matter their size, is always at the base of their neck."

"Right where a human's spinal column leads out of the brain," I breathed, everyone turning their attention to me. I stared hard at my hand intertwined with my Grandfathers.