Twisting the Knife Chp 47: The Siege, Part One

“I’m more than happy to pay our Commander-in-Chief a visit, Ms. Volkova.  But if I can’t find any proof to back up your claims I hope you’re ready to take responsibility for what comes next.” 

“I am.  This isn’t for me though.  This is for them.  If it helps at all...Zackley worked directly under me.  He was good at keeping up the façade, but he sucked as an underling.  Dunno if that can provide you with anything but, well, it’s still something.  Thank you.” 

“Don’t mistake my intentions.  I’m not doing this for you.  I told the Survey Corps I would help.  That’s exactly what I’m doing.” 

“With all due respect sir, I am a member of the Survey Corps now.” 

“Is that so?  You’re ready to ‘give your beating heart to humanity’?” 

“And then some.  It’s in my blood.  There is one more detail which might help, regarding the timing of one of their most recent assaults.” 

“What would that be, Ms. Volkova?” 

Wall Sina, Mitras, August 13th, 3:09 PM 

“Armin, stand down.  We’re not here with any hostile intentions-” 

“I’m sorry Saskia, but I can’t take orders from you.  Not anymore.” 

“A direct command from Levi, I assume?” Hanji said rhetorically.  “We need to get down there and speak to him right away.  You might not be able to listen to General Saskia, but there’s nothing stopping you from doing as I say.  Now stand down.” 

The blond cadet hesitated and began taking mental notes.  Their body language, the way they avoided eye contact and nervously rubbed their arms or moved closer to Saskia, the one providing them with protection.  The fact that they were all wearing Survey Corps uniforms. 

“Annie.  Because you are still our witness you are technically Survey Corps property.”  Armin tossed the empty flare aside.  “I have no choice but to escort you down myself.” 

She nodded slowly and followed him down onto the lift. 

“I’ll take you three.”  Hanji motioned to Reiner, Ymir, and Bertholdt.  “Moblit, please escort General Saskia and Kseniya.” 

On the lift Annie folded her arms over her chest and kept her distance while Armin gripped the bars.  “I’m sorry it came to this,” she said quietly.  “That you were put in this position because of me.” 

“Don’t apologize.  Not because I forgive you...but an apology won’t change anything,” he replied, hoping his words would soften the blow reality was throwing at them. 

Once everyone was on the ground Armin led the group towards Levi, who met them halfway.  Hanji and Moblit stepped aside.  This was between the Acting Commanders and bitter (former?) lovers. 

“You actually had the gall to come back.  To come back...with them.”  Levi pointed at the four shifters as he advanced slowly. 

“Yes.  Yes, I did come back.  As promised.”  She matched his pace, moving forward towards him until they were face-to-face, creating an invisible line between them.  She didn’t want him getting any closer to the shifters than he already had.  “You of all people should know that I keep my word.” 

He suppressed a bitter laugh.  “For once I wish you hadn’t.  By technical definition you defected.  Are you aware of that?  You truly do think yourself immune to the rules, don’t you?  Unfortunately for you I don’t.  I took an oath and I have an obligation to uphold it.”  Levi grabbed Saskia by the collar and threw her up against the wall, almost knocking the wind out of her.  Reiner had murder in his eyes but Bertholdt held him back. 

“What the fuck were you thinking Saskia?” Levi hissed.  “No, don’t even bother answering that question.  I don’t want to hear your excuses.” 

“But Levi-” she managed before he cut her off. 

“Save it.  Do you have any idea what the consequences of your fucking brilliant plan are?  Obviously not, otherwise you wouldn’t have done it.” 

“Just give me a chance to-” 

“Like hell I will.”  He exhaled sharply.  “What happened to always having the Survey Corps’ best interest in mind?  What happened to protecting what’s left of it?  What about your brother?  Don’t you care about what happens to him anymore?” 

“How does-?” 

“Are you fucking serious?!  Are you seriously going to ask me that?!” he yelled in her face. 

She narrowed her eyes at him.  “If you would let me get a word out then yes, I will ask!” 

“Seeing as you’re even more simple minded than I initially took you to be, I’ll keep it as simple as possible to accommodate for your fucking stupidity.  You’re a traitor, Messmann.” 

Saskia had been called many things, from idealist to psychopath, and she had been able to take each comment in stride.  ‘Traitor’ wasn’t one she could brush off so easily. 

“A traitor?  How does this make me a traitor?!” she practically screamed. 

“Friend of my enemy is an enemy by association.”  It wasn’t always that way...but I’ll make an exception for you, Messmann.  “And I don’t sleep with the enemy.” 

She fell silent, eyes glossing over as she recalled bits and pieces of Kseniya’s comments on their way back from Maria. 

“It is finally sinking in?  I can’t trust you.  And if I can’t trust you then how in the hell can you expect me to love you?  Again, the answer is simple.  You can’t.” 

Suddenly she broke into a grin, surprising them both.  “Do you remember how you once told me that you could never be angry with me if I didn’t matter to you?” she said loud enough so only he could hear her.  He hated to admit she cornered him with his own words and had no retort prepared.  Luckily for him an interruption kept him from having to come up with one. 

“Get your hands off of my Squad Leader.”  Annie’s fists balled at her side.  It was painful to physically restrain herself.  Light pink streaks were forming along the creases of her narrowed eyes. 

Levi had to hold back another laugh.  This was beyond absurd.  “Squad Leader?  That’s your brilliant plan?  That’s how you’re going to protect them?  Do you really think Zackley would sign off on that? 

Saskia smirked.  “Considering to whom he answers, I’m sure he would be perfectly okay with Isamu’s daughter putting the dissenters on a leash.  They told me.  They told me everything.  And you knew.  All along, you knew, didn’t you?!”  She pried his hands off of her.  “No more secrets about my parents, my origins.  We agreed to that.  And yet you hide THAT from me!  From everyone!  Who have you been answering to?  Did you also infiltrate the Survey Corps to earn my trust, among other things, as part of their convoluted scheme?  And you dare question MY loyalty?!  You have the gall to call me a traitor.  I never kept my intentions nor my actions a secret.  I never kept any information to myself.  And on my way back from one of the most dangerous places in the known world, I come to find I am the offspring of one of THE MOST DANGEROUS MEN IN THE KNOWN WORLD!  Which YOU ‘conveniently’ already KNEW!”  Out of the corner of her eye she saw Annie clutching her forehead.  “Annie, take a deep breath.  I’m alright as are you.  You control the Female Titan.  It does not control you.  Not anymore.” 

Not wanting to be left in the dark more than he already was, Levi cast Saskia curious yet demanding glare.  “If she shifts, if any of them shift, I won’t hesitate to kill them.”  Why am I hesitating right now?  What she did to my squad is unforgivable. 

“I expect no less from you.”  She tersely brushed past him and return to her unofficial squad, hands on Annie’s cheeks to force eye contact.  “Annie, you are in no immediate danger,” she assured.  “Remember, you are more than capable of protecting yourself without resorting to hiding within your Titan should the situation become hostile.  This is something I, as your Squad Leader, expect you to both accept and act upon from now on.  I can help you, but I cannot and will not coddle you.  That hinders, halts the healing process, and I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone save for monsters in human guise.  Is that what you are?”  Annie quickly shook her head and let the words sink in, the streaks dissipating.  Saskia looked at the others, non-verbally commanding that they keep an eye on Annie; she wasn’t done with Levi yet. 

“Had you paid enough attention to Eren, then you would know exactly what happened,” the General spat, storming back to him.  “Spontaneous shifting.  We saw it before, you and I.  The spoon, remember?  What prompted it was Eren’s frustration with his inability to shift, and what triggered the fist itself were the injuries on his hands.  The ones which hadn’t healed.  It serves as a defense mechanism.  The body experiences injury or finds a way to injure itself.  The human is able to retreat and their Titan puppet emerges to protect them from whatever said human identifies as eminent danger.” 

“And you expected me to know that even though you yourself didn’t until recently?” he countered. 

“Did that event ever concern you?  Or did you simply harken it up to lack of training and thus control over the Rogue Titan?  Is that what shifting is to you, Levi?  Is that what Eren is to you?  A convenient weapon, a trump card never to be discussed or used save for the most dire of circumstances?  I’ve never seen it that way.  I’ve always seen it as a struggle for the shifter themselves.  And now I know why.  Because it would appear, out of the two of us, I’m the only one who still recognized them as a human.  A human with an ability they never asked for.  A life they never asked for.” 

“Just because they never asked for it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be held accountable for what they do with it!”  He pointed at Ymir, Annie, Reiner, and Bertholdt. 

“Even if it’s at the behest of another?!  Then why doesn’t that apply to the rest of us?!  Why are exceptions being made?!  Why are you ‘giving me the privilege’ of knowing what my heinous crimes and sins are...telling me I have committed treason...reminding me of the penalty...and yet here I am, still breathing?!  Could I not just as easily call you a traitor for failing to kill me?  You’re right.  You did take an oath.  It’s your duty.  So do it,” she challenged.  “I won’t even fight you.”  She loosened her belt and let her 3DMG drop to the ground, hands held up in surrender.  “Cut me down with your blades.  Strangle me with your bare hands.  We both know you’re capable.  Or will you too commit treason and let me live?”  She leaned forward and whispered, “Either I’m yours, or I’m nothing.  What am I to you now?  While you wrestle with having to make your decision, now would be the opportune time to ensure you are fully informed.  That you know all you must in order to make the right choice.  While I know not if this holds any bearing I think it only fair I tell you- I don’t care what you say, because I still love you.”  She leaned back.  “Finish what you started six years ago.  You’re within your right.” 

Levi had dreamt of this many a times.  But in his dreams he was in control of the situation.  And now, here in reality, she was giving him the opportunity.  Why didn’t take her up on the offer?  Because he wanted to be the one in charge?  To see the look of desperation, the silent pleas coming out in the form of trickling tears?  Was that what he wanted?  To take sick satisfaction in ridding the world, his world, of one more nuisance, one more foe? 

Was...she...a foe? 

Did he...still...love her? 

Had he tried to convince himself he didn’t for when this moment came? 

These questions ran through his mind so quickly he could hardly keep up with his own train of thought.  She expected no answer, only action from him.  But what could he do?  What did he want?  What would he regret? 

No answers came, not because he didn’t meditate on it but because both his time and attention were stolen by a warning shot fired high into the air.  A shot fired from an all too familiar gun, in the hands of an too familiar man-turned-devil. 

“And what in the hell do you think you’re doing Levi?” Kenny called as he casually descended the steps to the royal palace.  Everyone had been so caught up in watching the argument unfold they hadn’t noticed the enormous doors open.  Not even Saskia caught the sound, as she was too absorbed in the spat.  “Didn’t I warn you about getting close to her?” 

Historia visibly shrank back upon seeing the man who killed her mother, the man who would’ve killed her had her father not intervened (which she now knew was for his own benefit).  Both Acting Commanders spun around to face him.  He still had his finger on the trigger but now aimed his rifle at Levi.  “You’ll have to forgive my terrible manners,” he said apologetically to Saskia while still keeping an eye on Levi.  “But it is my sworn duty to ensure this maggot knows his place.  Far away from you.” 

A small part of Levi wanted to take Saskia in his arms and kiss her just to piss off Kenny, though he couldn’t deny he was irate Kenny dared coming this close to her.  Perhaps he did still care for her...or perhaps it was because of how much he hated his former guardian. 

Kenny kept a healthy distance, knowing the rest of the Survey Corps could launch an attack on him at any given moment.  He set the rifle down and got on one knee, placing his worn out hat over his heart and bowing his head.  “It is an honor to finally to meet you, Maki-ojou-sama.” 

Saskia need not know the translation of ‘ojou’ to know what the honorific meant.  Teeth clenched, eyes narrowed, nails digging into her palm as she balled her fists, it took every ounce of restraint and self-control she had to keep her from tearing him in half with her bare hands.  “What did you call me?” she hissed in a low tone, taking one step forward.  “An honorific implying venerability, and one whose surname is Maki?”  Saying the name made her slightly nauseous. 

“I realize it will take some getting used to, after having been lied to and referred to by a false name for so long.  One which should have died with your mother.” 

The threads of patience have gone from slowly unraveling to snapping one-by-one.  “If the joy of killing you wasn’t already in Levi’s hands I would tear your throat out, right here, right now.” 

“Your anger is understandable, but I assure you no good would come from killing me.  I and I alone can give you what you want.” 

“And what is it that I want?” 

“You wish to see Erwin again, don’t you?”  He rose slowly, needing to be careful with his pace and his timing.  He could only push her so far before they were close enough to the castle.  “And you are entitled to answers from your father.”  He started walking backwards towards the palace. 

“I have no father.” 

“Another lie you’ve unfortunately grown up believing.  But you also thought you had no mother, not until you found traces of her existence.  What makes him any different?  He didn’t help raise you.  He wasn’t there to see you grow up.  Why vilify only him?” 

“There is no point in explaining.  My words would be lost on you.” 

“Then let’s go inside and have a civil conversation about it, shall we?”  His voice was smooth, soothing almost, as if trying to placate a temperamental toddler with the promise of candy and new toys.  “And of course, you will see Erwin again.  The two of you have so much to discuss.”  The palace doors opened behind him, held by two guards after they heard his voice from within.  “Assuming he’s still able to speak after all the torture we subjected him too, of course.  He brought it upon himself though.”  Kenny’s paced started to quicken once he was inside.  Any second now, any second now she would snap...and disappear. 

No sooner had he finished his sentence Saskia’s mind went blank and she bolted inside, chasing after him.  Once inside the doors slammed shut. 

Levi looked at the rifle.  He knew there had only been one bullet inside; Kenny only wanted to create the illusion of danger.  He was the only one in danger now.  They wanted to lure in Saskia, but instead they lured in a beast.  Whether or not that was deliberate he didn’t know but it didn’t matter.  Once again he failed to act.  Why didn’t I stop her?  I had plenty of time before she...changed... 

They lost. 

“I can’t believe that just happened,” Moblit breathed.  “That...that happened.  They actually took her.” 

“Why are we still standing here?!” Sasha yelled.  “I don’t care what their plans are and I don’t care what the rest of you think of her.  Their victory hinges on whether or not they can use General Saskia, not if they have her.  And Commander Erwin too!” 

“I take it you have a plan then?” Mikasa asked sarcastically.  “We can’t rush in recklessly.” 

“Hold on,” Kseniya said loudly before another argument, this time with more people, could break out.  “You...you don’t know about that either, do you?  Damn it!  I should’ve said something...She sounded like she knew but...Shit.”  The brunette dropped her forehead to her palm and inhaled slowly before locking eyes with Levi.  “Erwin is one of them.  His incarceration has been a trap this whole time.  He’s in on this.” 

Levi didn’t know what to say to the accusation.  He respected Erwin more than words could say.  It wasn’t possible for him to be one them, working alongside the bastard who ‘raised’ him.  “You better be fucking with me, Volkova.” 

“Do I look like I’m fucking with you?!” she shrieked.  “He is!  He’s been spying on Saskia for years and telling them all about her!  You never noticed how things were a little too convenient?  How he always seemed to be one step ahead?  He coordinated the fight in Stohess to kill Annie, whom Kenny decided was no longer needed, while having a way to draw Saskia in to find her mom’s dead body.  Kenny’s the reason Nicholas Lobov found you and your friends.  All the money he was embezzling, when those rumors began to spread -the ones Erwin and Saskia spread- he ran crying to Kenny.  Erwin knew that his former protege was joining the Survey Corps.  Why, even Kenny himself didn’t know.  He thought it would be fun, he made that pretty clear.  But Erwin knew you before he actually knew you.  He also tangled her gear.  I know the blame was pinned on that asshole Flagan, but Erwin was the one who messed with Isabel’s gear.” 

Before Levi could threaten her life, Bertholdt spoke up.  “When Trost happened…”  No, I need to say it.  I need to hold myself accountable.  “When I broke the Trost gate he told me to do it after you left for that expedition.  He told you it was going to be brief, right?  And because of that he wanted Saskia to stay behind so not all of your manpower would be exhausted, in case something were to happen.  He wanted to keep the two of you as far away from each other as possible to make time for the Titans came in.” 

“He wanted me to try and get close to her so it would hurt her even more when we revealed who we really were.  The arm wrestling she and I always did...that was part of it.  But the kidnapping of her, as well as Ymir and you Eren, that was something we did on our own.”  Reiner paused and glanced at Bertholdt.  “No, not us.  That was my decision.  My poor decision.” 

Annie hesitated, looking away from those standing on the other side of the invisible line between the two groups.  “He helped me break in to kill your test subjects.  And he placed you and Saskia far apart on your most recent expedition…”  Why did she help me?  She felt a pressure building up behind her eyes.  “...to give me time…”  Tears began rolling down her cheeks.  Why does she care about what happens to me?  “...to kill your squad…”  She dropped to her knees, sobbing into her palms. 

Levi was stunned into silence.  Everything they had just confessed to made sense, and he wanted to shoot himself for thinking that. 

Marco crossed the invisible line. 

“Oi, Marco, where are you going?!” Eren shouted as the other shifter walked past Levi, who didn’t seem to notice. 

Jean put a hand on Eren’s shoulder and pulled him back.  “Shut up, Jaeger,” he said quietly.  “This is...something he’s gotta do.”  He couldn’t really forgive Annie.  Hear what she has to say, sure, but forgive her?  Sympathize, no, empathize with her?  He...he’s not on their side. 

Marco knelt down in front of Annie.  “Annie?” he murmured only loud enough so she could hear him over her loud crying.  “I always had a feeling that when we all hit our breaking points you would be the one who struggled the most with controlling your emotions.  Not letting your Titan interfere to protect you.  You always tried so hard to seem unfazed, as if nothing could hurt you when you suffered most of all.  Saskia seemed to help with that.  Did she?”  Annie nodded slowly.  “Good.  I’m glad…”  His fists tightened in his lap.  “It’s my fault you’re struggling like this.” 

She glanced up, vision too blurry to make out his face.  “What are you talking about?” she managed.  “How is this your fault?  I tried to kill you!  You didn’t do anything!  You aren’t a monster like the rest of us!” 

“You’re right.  I didn’t do anything.  If I had then you wouldn’t be monsters.  I knew they would have me killed after I refused to eat Eren.  I came up with a plan to try and get away before they could.  But when the Trost gate broke, I knew it was a cover.  When you said you were ordered to kill me -and I did notice your hesitation- I should’ve told you.  I should’ve told you I had a plan and tried to take you, all you three of you, away from there.  It wasn’t a very good plan, but if we were caught we would’ve looked like regular defectors and killed on sight.  No one would know about the things we had done.  No one would have to worry about the gates or walls ever again.  Everything would be better.  Sure, we’d probably be burning in Hell…but I would take Hell over them.”  He pointed at the royal palace.  “There’s so much I could’ve prevented if I had said something.  I don’t even know why I didn’t.  But I didn’t, I left the three of you to suffer, I didn’t try to help you...and that makes me a monster too.”   

“Shut up, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!”  Her voice grew louder and louder and she put her hands over her ears, shaking her head back and forth.  She tasted a faint hint of bile on the back of her tongue.  If this continued she would shift. 

He swallowed heavily.  “I’m sorry Annie.  I’m sorry this happened to you.  I’m sorry to all three of you.”  He glanced up at Reiner and Bertholdt.  “And I’m not angry at you.  You were following orders.  Had I obeyed they wouldnt’ve made you do it.  That’s just how it is.  If you want to live, comply.”  He held out his hand in front of her.  “Come on.  Stand up.” 

Annie wiped her wet palms on her pants before slowly accepting his unexpected gesture.  Her legs trembled as he helped her to her feet.  “Apologize all you want, but I still feel horrible.”  His eyes were warm, face friendly, and it sickened her.  Was he taunting her? 

“You probably will for awhile.  That’s how healing works.  And it’s good that you’ve started.  I hope my presence doesn’t make you so anxious you spontaneously shift.” 

“Me too.  I don’t want to violate her orders.” 

“I am truly sorry to the three of you.  I abandoned you.  Left you for dead.  But I’m here now and if you’re willing to give me a chance then we can stop them together.  We can get back at them for everything they did to us.  You too Kseniya.  I can temporarily join your squad and we can give them what’s coming.” 

“Marco, enough with apologies, we get it,” Reiner said sternly.  “You messed up too.”  With a small grin he added, “No wonder they decided to call you the Warrior Titan.  You, the amicable and soft-spoken one, going on about revenge.” 

Bertholdt nodded.  “Let’s get our Squad Leader back.  She was going to ask if you wanted to join since Squad Levi is...pretty full.  Ymir, you’re still with us?” 

“Of course!”  She gave Marco a playful clap on the shoulder.  “Us freckled fags gotta stick together, right?” she asked with a cheesy grin. 

“Sure, you could say it like that…” 

“Guys, I hate to be that person as this is a heartwarming moment, but we aren’t the only wounded parties here.”  Kseniya nodded to Levi and his squad.  “They weren’t screwed over the same ways that we were, but there’s no denying that everyone here has suffered at their hands.  And, if Squad Levi is willing to hear me out, I have a plan.” 

Levi was still struggling to process everything they had said about Erwin.  He needed to hear it for himself before he could believe it, no matter how convincing their claims were.  “I’m listening.  Reluctantly.” 

“They drew Saskia in using Erwin as bait, right?  As far as she knows he’s in their dungeons, so that’s where they’re luring her to.  She’s literally out of her mind right now she won’t question it, and seeing him is all she wants.  Once they show her an empty cell they’re gonna shove her in and keep her there until she comes to.  Probably won’t happen until Erwin shows he’s alive, unharmed, and a backstabbing son of a bitch.  And when this berserk thing happens she gets fixated on the source, right?  That means she’ll be following Kenny the whole time; it makes sense anyway as he’s the most physically capable out of them.  Find one, we find the other.” 

“Who are you talking about when you say ‘them’?” 

“Kenny, the false king, Isamu, Rod, and Grisha.  Of course Grisha is no threat.  He’s on our side.  Well, not necessarily our side, but definitely not on theirs.  He’ll probably still be ‘locked up’ in their laboratory library study thing.  He’s basically a hostage there.  We need to get him out or find a way to protect him during the onslaught.  Not only is he innocent, he also has invaluable information that will surely complement the things we learned while in Maria.  Like how my ancestor Katya was the first shifter!  But we can get into that later.”  Kseniya casually waved off the comment.  “The false king will be where he’s always been, the throne room.  Isamu has his private quarters that he barely left last I saw.  He really liked to sit around on his ass and drink gross Oriental tea.”  She noticed Mikasa hold back a gag and assumed she had tried it.  “Rod does too.  He’s completely oblivious to the fact that they’re using him so he’s ‘living the good life’ totally ignorant of the fact that they have him trapped in there until he’s served his purpose.” 

“You suggest we divide up and take out every single one, then?” Hanji asked, feeling as though everyone else forgot she and Moblit were there.  She wouldn’t be terribly surprised as they were both quiet the entire time.  She wasn’t on either side of the invisible line; it was drawn by Levi and Saskia. 

“Yeah.  I know splitting up into groups having one of us alone with you sounds like an opportunity for us to attack you.”  Kseniya motioned towards the rest of Squad Saskia, then to Squad Levi, Hanji, and Moblit.  “But better we remain under your watchful eyes then run off on our own, right?” 

“I hate to admit it, but yeah, that does sound safer.  I trust my squad to eliminate you should the need arise.  Which I’m sure it will,” Levi added coldly.  “How do you suggest we divide this up?” 

“A group for each one of them.  I can lead one, Hanji and Moblit can each lead one, and you and one of your squad members will take the other two.  From there we figure who goes where and who goes with them, from a tactical standpoint.” 

“Just how many men will each group be fighting?” Moblit asked.  “It will be overflowing with soldiers in there.” 

“Some more than others.  The prison is hardly guarded since they’re pretty keen on breaking bones and amputating limbs so there’s no hope of escape, whereas Rod and the false king both have tons of bodyguards.”  She began to sense the collective reluctance, even from her formerly fired up squad members.  “This is really intimidating since the fate of the world is on us, ‘cause these guys run the world.  The Wall Cult inspires, the monarchy keeps order, the military police protects.  It’s a smart formula.  What are the two things people cling most to in times of crisis?  Guns and gods.” 

“With all the chaos going on, do you think it’s possible that the false king’s body guards will abandon him?” Moblit asked.  “Rod has been tricked into thinking that he’ll be king with Historia acting as his proxy.  But if he isn’t necessary, if Saskia is there now so they can try to put her on the throne iinstead…” 

“In other words we can more accurately guess where the guards won’t be, not where they will be,” Armin piped up.  “Another thing we’ll need to take into consideration.” 

“Mikasa.”  Levi turned to his cadet.  “You graduated top of your class.  I’m picking you to lead a group.”  She nodded.  “Why are you agreeing?  That wasn’t a request.” 

“If my father sees me perhaps it will bring his guard down, tricking him into thinking I’ve ready to be his proxy.  I want to take full advantage of that.” 

“I know my way around the palace, so I can help you,” Marco offered. 

“I’ll lead the two of you in case Rod Reiss is heavily guarded.”  Historia and Marco nodded at Hanji. 

“My team will find Grisha.  I’m a familiar face, he knows he can trust me.  We’ll find a way to sneak him out.  And as the current generation of Volkova I have an obligation to collaborate with him.” 

“I’m going with you!” 

“The hell you are, Eren,” Levi replied harshly.  “You’re too pissed off at your dad for a rescue to run smoothly.  You’re with me.  Even if the orders were given under false pretenses I’m still obligated to keep an eye on you.  Speaking of keeping an eye on someone.”  He looked at Annie.  “Friends close, enemies closer.  You’re coming with me too.  We’ll head to the dungeons, eliminate Kenny, free Saskia, and get some answers from Erwin.  She trusts you for reasons I’ll never understand, so your presence might help her calm down.” 

“He might be Saskia’s father, but he’s also the reason my parents are dead.”  Mikasa readjusted her scarf.  “If we need to keep him alive for interrogation then so be it, but I also have a score to settle with Isamu Maki.  Sasha, Connie, you two have a camaraderie that works to your advantage both on and off the battlefield.  You two are with me.” 

Moblit had been anxiously awaiting the chance to flex his leadership muscles.  “I’ll lead the team to go after the false king then.  There’s one problem though.”  He did a headcount of those remaining.  “There are five left.” 

“I’ll be the first to admit that I would only get in the way.  The sounds from the cannons will no doubt attract the attention of the Military Police.  I’ll join the Garrison.  They don’t know as much as I do and will have a hard time keeping Nile Dawk from interfering.  I won’t have that problem.  I will handle the Military Police and prevent them from getting over the wall for as long as I possibly can.”  Armin made a dash for the lift before anyone could comment but there was no need, as they had a silent consensus. 

“You two being anywhere else would cause too much infighting, and I don’t despise you like the others do.”  Kseniya turned to Bertholdt and Reiner.  “You’re with me.” 

“Fine by me.”  Ymir rolled her shoulders.  “I’d be more than happy to kill the man keeping my queen’s seat warm.” 

“Process of elimination leaves me with killing the false king, but I was hoping for that.  The thought of almost having served him makes me sick.”  Jean shuddered as he recalled his former daydreams of a comfortable life in the interior. 

“OK.  Everyone knows their teams and their objectives then?” Hanji asked.  “We only have one shot at this.  We need to make it count.”

Brother.  Find.  Safe?  No.  Save.  Enemy.  Find.  Kill. 

Saskia was capable of thought but only simple sentences and fragments, one word each.  Her mind wasn’t able to process her surroundings, though she did feel warm liquid coating her hands and splattering across her cheeks.  Her body moved, it kept moving, pursuing a target her eyes couldn’t see but her rage grasped at with invisible fingers.  Corners were turned, stairs were descended, walls were slammed into as she continued her furious chase of an invisible enemy. 

Cold.  Dark.  Down.  Forward.  Follow.  Maim.  Destroy.  Maul.  Torture.  Mercy?  Never.  No.  No!  Kill.  Find, break, rip, destroy, shred, blood, everywhere, mess, revel, smile, satisfied, revenge, take, mine, KILL. 

“Saskia?” 

Her senses returned her with such force she thought she ran into another wall.  Her deep green eyes adjusted to the low lighting.  She could make out Kenny’s form not far before her, hands on his knees and panting heavily.  She heard him muttering curses and relief that he ‘hadn’t been caught’, and she could only assume she was the one pursuing.  Something warm and sticky was dripping from her chin and fingers; she looked down and saw blood smeared across her hands.  She brought her sleeve up to her cheek and dabbed lightly; color spread through the fabric, dyeing it crimson. 

What have I done?  Whose blood am I wearing like a barbarian warmonger?...That voice!  She whipped her head in the direction it came from.  It was pathetic, raspy, grating even, but most welcome.  “Erwin?” she whispered loudly, approaching the cell she heard the sound come from.  “You’re...you’re alive.”  The tears began to build up behind her eyes.  She squeezed an arm between the bars, the blood acting as a lubricant.  He weakly reached out, his fingers barely brushing against hers when the stone wall turned behind them just like the hidden entry to the sub-basement. 

“A touching reunion.  One I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.” 

She lifted her head slowly and looked over her shoulders. 

“Twenty-eight years I’ve been looking forward to this day.” 

She reluctantly pulled her arm out and turned around.  Though the lighting was limited to one small torch it was perfectly placed behind the man speaking to her, giving him the sinister glow of a specter.  If only he were just that.  Dead.  Imaginary.  His only remnants in nightmares and fading memories.  But he was very much alive, facing her with a smile as to be expected from a father who was overjoyed -more than words could express- to finally meet his dearly beloved child. 

Isamu nodded to Kenny, thanking him for risking his life to lure Saskia in.  Kenny gave a faux dismissive wave, as if to say it wasn’t a big deal, all in a day’s work, when it was quite clear the man had been terrified in her hunt for him.  He glanced at the halfway open panel Isamu used to enter the dungeon and his comrade nodded.  Kenny made his way out, muttering some sort of congratulations to his friend for finally being able to meet his child before turning the large stone behind him.  It slammed shut and locked in place, blending in with the rest of the wall. 

Saskia didn’t want to show any fear but she knew nothing about this man other than that he was dangerous.  There were no weaknesses to speak of other than delusions and his ‘love’ for his child, something she dare not explore to try and exploit.  His strengths were numerous, amplified by the advantage gained in being within his domain. 

“Welcome home.” 

She gulped and pressed her back to the bars of Erwin’s cell.  “This is not my home.”  She tried to maintain composure but her legs trembled, struggling her keep her upright.  The cell bars were supporting the majority of her weight.  “My home was burned down because of you.” 

“It will take some time, this adjustment, I know.  But soon you will come to find that you were always meant to be here...with me.” 

There was no reasoning with him.  As far as she could tell he was a madman.  She didn’t know what to do or say for fear of triggering whatever temper had given Erwin the countless bruises and breaks she couldn’t see but knew he must’ve had.  So great was her struggle to stay standing that she didn’t move when Isamu came closer to her, eventually embracing her.  Her breathing quickened and she griped the cell bars, but the blood made her hands slide down with a loud screech.  He took a step back, hands on her shoulders. 

“Even in this dim light I can see it.  You have the cheekbones of an Oriental.”  He put a hand on her cheek to get a better feel of the bone structure.  “You look so very much like my mother.  There isn’t a father dead or alive, past or present or future, who could be prouder of his child than I am right now.  You’ve finally come home and are ready to embrace what you are.  Everything you were bred to be, meant to accomplish.  But enough of that.  There’s plenty of time to discuss it later.  First, I...”  Isamu paused.  His lips slowly parted as he searched for the right words.  The perfect words.  What does one say to a child they’ve known of but never met before?  Especially after twenty-eight years? 

As he took a step back Saskia felt an inner strength she wasn’t even aware she possessed stir inside her.  No, she wasn’t going to fear him.  She wasn’t going to break under the weight of the shadow and mystery surrounding him.  And she definitely wasn’t going to let him dominate the conversation.  “What is it you want?”  She wanted to keep her questions as simple and straightforward so he couldn’t start building labyrinths out of her words when offering answers. 

“The same as you.  The same as most everyone else, I would imagine.  A world free of fear-” 

“Don’t try making yourself out to sound so noble.”  No.  Maintain control of yourself, and you can control the conversation.  “What is it that the ‘Living Weapon’ is supposed to do?  Destroy all the Titans, correct?” 

“Yes, you will.” 

She squeezed her fists tightly and let out a slow exhale.  He knows too much about me.  He’s more than capable of trying to push me too far…  “And it needed to be someone of warrior blood, correct?”  It might be in my best interest to play along.  Show no resistance.  Compliance will benefit me more right now.  If I can trick him into thinking there is concordance he may be more willing to share, exchange information. 

“Yes.  Truth be told I hoped that, when I found myself in the position to be a part of this mission, the Living Weapon would be completely Oriental like myself.  You’re well read when it comes to the world before the Titans.  I’m guessing you must know why there are so few of us.” 

“Our-”  She felt physically ill implying any sort of connection between them.  “Our ancestors came from the far east.  They had a longer distance to travel.  A grand majority were taken out by the Titans, either eaten or transformed.  By the time the first had arrived here the walls were almost complete and many were denied entry.  They were persecuted as most people assumed they had led the Titans to the walls.”  

“And they had no choice but to resort to what would become the underground." 

“You want avenge then.  To show a mistake was made in denying entry to...such a powerful people, who could’ve helped dispatched the Titan threat much sooner.  Why ally yourself with the Wall Cult if you actively break the walls down?” 

“The Wall Cult created the concept of the Living Weapon.”  He smiled, revelling in the shocked expression on her face.  “It was not always the ‘cult’ we know today.  It was a ruse at first.  The Reiss family was able to use the coordinate ability to force those Titans you found inside the walls to harden like that.  The founders of the Wall Cult were not pleased with the idea of turning to Titans for protection; pretending to worship them allowed them access to information about the pre-Titan world and the Reiss family.  They were the first to try and break them down...though there was little their primitive technology could do.  But their ruse had turned on them.  Many began to worship those walls and the cult flourished.  They were left with no choice but to continue the farce, and should they share the truth about their ‘Goddesses’ the Reiss family would kill them and their congregations.  This is how their shaky alliance began.  They weren’t going to let innocents die for a mistake they made so they did all they could to preserve information on the pre-Titan world before the crown forbade it.  But that was stolen from them.  At first they suspected the crown but they denied involvement, claiming not to have even known such things existed.  Do you know who took it?  Who would want to save information like that?  Who would have just as much disgust for relying on Titans for protection, and for the crown?” 

“The ones who carried on what the rebels started.  The early Survey Corps...when it was still the Scouting Legion.  If you hate reliance on Titans for protection, why use shifters?” 

“An enemy we could control.  Create something to be feared, prove we can stop it, and then what reason would the people have to doubt we can stop the Titans altogether?” 

“If you don’t know what Katya was studying, why are you looking so hard for her research?  You’ve already accomplished a great deal without it.” 

“We knew that the Jaeger family had involvement.  But we also knew of shifters long before we found Grisha.  Why do you think that is?” 

“It’s where her inspiration came from, and she perfected it in becoming the first shifter.  Sadly we had no one who could recreate it within our ranks.  A brilliant mind like Grisha’s is hard to come by.” 

“Why wasn’t Katya killed after her breakthrough?” 

“A rival she may have been, but in the end we could reap the benefits of her research so long as she was able to continue on.  Though the Reiss family hated the Survey Corps they saw its value as humanity’s ‘first line of defense’.” 

Her enemies were not in the Survey Corps then.  They were elsewhere.  How did she come to know of what they were doing?  “But she was killed anyway.  She uncovered something, something worth taking, and they decided it was time to strike.  Gloria beat them to it though.  Katya knew she had enemies.” 

“Anyone who makes a name for themselves will have enemies.  Certainly you yourself must know this.” 

How could Katya have perfected the shifter gene?  We’ll never know until we find that research!  Once we free Erwin I know we’ll be able to find the path to it.  He’ll get us on the right course.  He always does.  Give me a little more time onii-chama, and I’ll get you out of there.  I’ll do whatever I must to keep you safe. 

“You’re quiet all of a sudden.  Is everything alright?” 

Saskia narrowed her eyes.  A little aggression won’t hurt anyone more than it already has.  “I was tricked into unleashing that beast inside of me.”  This must be how the shifters feel.  “I learned that the father I had someday hoped to free from my enemies is in fact one of them...A leader, at that.  I doubt I have the time to explain in full everything that irks me at the current.”  She did her best to ignore Erwin’s beaten, bloody form a few cells over.  “Why did Reiner, Annie, and Bertholdt need to capture the Beast Titan in order to go home?” 

“You know what that thing does.  If you are to eliminate the Titans then you must eliminate that which creates them.” 

I’ll keep that in mind for future Survey Corps endeavors.  “And how did you plan on killing it?  What would’ve stopped it from changing you, or I for that matter?” 

“I hoped to extract information from it first.  How is possible to change normal humans in regular Titans?  Why is it that consuming a shifter will turn a normal Titan into a shifter themselves, taking on the power of the shifter they consumed?  Is this Titan a shifter?  If so, who did it consume?  One of our own, centuries ago?  I doubt it as the ability to shift had not been perfected...except by Katya.” 

Evading my question?  I assume you had no plan then.  “The history books are wrong in saying Katya Volkova was killed by ‘friendly fire’.” 

“Volkova-sama was a shifter but she was not eaten.  Again, as one well-versed in the pre-Titan world you have read about the beliefs and practices of ancient cultures.  Many of those myths included something akin to a Titan, except they are nothing like the Titans as we know them.  Do you know why the Titans suddenly appeared when they did?  Of course not.  Neither do we.  But that thing does, as it is responsible for making them.  Why?  Why do it, and why at that time?  Either shifters existed before our research began, meaning regular Titans did as well, or those ‘Old World Titans’ were in fact real.  And one still roams.” 

Their ‘Gods’, the glorified humans, were real too...and those abilities were passed down.  Historia, Mike, myself, we carry remnants of those powers.  That must be where the stereotypes of the different races stem from.  It would be hard to conceal such a thing.  Perhaps the reason why the Saxons were defeated, wiped out.  They were seen as dangerous, or a relic of an age long gone with no place in a new world.  The Living Weapon had to come from a warrior peoples because of that.  That’s the very reason they remained a warrior race.  “Did the Beast Titan target the Orientals?” 

“Come again?” 

“Orientals carry the stereotypes of strength and beauty.  That would make for an excellent Titan in the eyes of this so-called ‘Old World Titan’.  Just like the shifters you control, it too is making Titans to control.  It knows of these stereotypes, stereotypes stemming from inherent abilities certain humans possess.  Mikasa is a shining example of how dangerous our people can be.  And the Reiss family possessing the ability to influence memory.  That’s a very specific ability much like what shifters possess.  You see where I’m going, don’t you?  The Old World Titans gave birth to those who would be called Gods who gave birth to the average human.  Some races maintained the abilities of their ancestral race, like you and Mikasa.  The Reiss family kept the ability from its Old World Titan ancestor.  Yes, it’s true.” 

I doubt an Old World Titan would be pleased with the mediocrity of its descendents.  It’s...trying to reclaim the planet from the human race!  It’s making an ARMY of Titans by exploiting dormant ancestral abilities!  That’s why the human race is so homogeneous.  It was carefully selecting.  But...how did it survive in secret?  Why did it decide to strike when it did?  “While we may share a common enemy, know that there is nothing you can do or say to convince me to join in ending the Beast Titan’s reign of terror.”  Enough interrogation.  Surely Katya’s research can confirm this newly acquired knowledge, and offer more.  Right now my priority must be Erwin!  “I have no allegiance beyond the Survey Corps.” 

“Commendable, but the Survey Corps ends here.  Tonight.  Where will you go then?  Who will you have to turn to?” 

“Should you manage to do the impossible, certainly not the ones who murdered them,” she spat. 

“I see you haven’t outgrown your phase of teenage rebellion just yet.  I look forward to driving that out of you, as any good parent would.”  He unlocked Erwin’s cell and shoved her inside, causing her to fall face forward on the dirty cement floor.  “Until then, the two of you have much to discuss.  Never forget, even when he breaks your heart, breaks your spirit…”  He locked the cell again.  “I will always be here for you.  As any good parent would.”