Chapter Text
The deal is about to take place in this damn damp place and Erwin can feel a drop of sweat going down his neck; it tickles. He can hear his own breathing along with the drippage of sewers nearby; there's always something dripping down here and it's always waste. Even the air is dank. He doesn't think the internment zone is any cleaner but it is at least less eerie.
Erwin’s got a bag of money inside his one-size-too-small uniform. He would’ve imagined the soldiers here were adults but they are teens just like him, only smaller. His pants don’t cover his ankles and the shirt doesn't reach his wrists. The jacket is also quite short, though he figures that is related to how much space the gear occupies around his waist. And it’s an unnecessarily bulky, heavy gear considering he’s supposedly just buying information.
It wasn’t hard to understand the power that feudal families held around the Karanes District and the desire many had to break their security. The dealer doesn’t need to know why the Survey Corps are interested in it.
Ackerman's surely lurking in the darkness with his friend, the blond one. That's their modus operandi. They sneak up on other people’s deals and steal their money and documents or goods; sometimes they kill them, and sometimes they run away. The talker takes care of everything and works as a distraction while the swift one comes out of nowhere from the darkness and rams into anyone that gets in their way. The little girl only joins them when she needs to put on a show; she takes the goods with her while they keep fighting; if they lose, the loot is already secured.
Erwin and his squad have been spying on them for weeks, they haven’t lost once. And unless they have been running on a streak, then they surely are suspicious of what is taking place right now. Erwin's a new face and this is not his territory. His clothes are clearly not made for his build and this hoax of a deal goes nowhere.
If Erwin has not misread this entire situation then this man is a better fighter than all of his squad put together because of his Ackerman blood. Regardless, instincts alone wouldn't be enough even for professional criminals; it's possible Ackerman doesn’t have enough leads to know about Erwin's deal or where it’s going, especially not where he comes from. That’s why Erwin made sure that the money in the bag is real and too tempting to turn a blind eye to.
They've been in Paradis for too long. Getting restless now is out of the question; Erwin needs to get out of this alive and return to his country. He's counting on getting back to the shore in at least half the time it took them to get here so he needs to make sure this is sorted out quickly.
He can only do that by taking this man with him, and can only do that by trusting his guts alone.
The Underground does not work like any other place Erwin has read about. Every corner seems like a good spot to engage in delinquent behaviour. Brothels are inns where the ones offering services live in and have no rest. The markets sell rotten food, flies and maggots seem to be part of these people’s meals. Wearing a uniform doesn’t spare you from the hated looks but walking the narrow streets in civilian clothes does not save you from an imminent attack either. Nights and days are no different, there’s only darkness and filth.
Criminals work just as regular criminals except for those three; with the exception of that one in particular. They are merciless with anyone that’s not them, but they never steal from the markets, only from other criminals; and they don’t kill innocent civilians, only those who pose a threat to them. Erwin has seen them saving people several times from being beaten to death before making a run for it without getting anything in exchange.
There’s also a little school someone put up down here with only two teachers and kids of all ages assist. Erwin knows Ackerman and his friends are frequently spotted in the area; those three have been giving away bread to the kids before they get to class. And it’s most likely they bake the bread themselves, considering they never buy those in the market.
They are criminals with moral and ethical grounds, or they are criminals who don’t want others to grow up just like them. Either way, Ackerman is too swift, stealthy and robust to hold a humanitarian side. Anyone with his skills would be using them to get out of here, to hold a position of power, to break into rich people’s homes. He’s either not interested or lacks the proper opportunity.
So now, Erwin is waiting for everything to blow up. The rumbling in his stomach is palpable. He’s about to face the kindest, most deadly criminals down here. He can hear the men in front of him mumbling, sharing his intel, asking for the money, but Erwin doesn’t pay attention to the words. He doesn’t care about the best access to a manor in Rose, he’s instead alert to his surroundings and ready to make a run for it.
The sound of rubble falling and collapsing against the ground makes his breath hitch and he quickly shoots his grapple to get out of there. Mike must be in pursuit of Ackerman and if Erwin doesn’t move fast they might lose their only chance. Creating another situation to encounter them will be impossible after being spotted like this.
Behind him, Ackerman's friend is in pursuit too; Erwin can see the grapples dig against the walls near him and listens to his movements breaking the air. They are quick and skilled, different from Erwin and his squad. The tridimensional gear feels like prehistoric technology; Erwin can think of how much easier this encounter would be using his marksmanship and the strength of his legs to run through the streets. There’s no good use for this gear that might explain why their military keeps using it other than the desire not to progress and keeping everyone inside these walls as ignorant and unable to fight their threats as possible.
Erwin surges forward, walking over the roof of a small house and grappling again to turn around a corner. His body hits the wall with all his weight and he has to shoot another grapple to move away quickly. His chaser laughs at him while he finds his balance, moving ahead despite the stinging pain on his shoulder. He can see Mike up ahead and how he dives right into a window.
They might be fighting on enemy ground, but this is an enemy country, they are prepared. They need to get this done and go back home. Just a little farther now. Just a little…
Five months ago
Titans regurgitate everything they eat, and these devils are lunatics that go outside the walls to face them, so gear and uniform weren’t hard to get—what was hard was cleaning the blood, spit and bile out of them. But if they are not afraid of death to try and scout the lands outside of their walls, then Erwin is sure they are smarter and braver than he was led to believe.
They had to linger outside the walls, watching soldiers attack beasts three to five times their size only to ride back into the walls with nothing but fear and tears on their faces. But even after seeing them in action, using the gear is not intuitive.
The way this city works is not so different to Marley, there are those who live with privilege and those who don't. The latter are the ones closer to the outer walls and the dangers of titans, even if they could never break through the concrete.
After sneaking in among other soldiers, Erwin learned two things: it's only normal for the winged men to suffer several casualties, and the townsfolk hate their guts. Their risky way of living doesn't earn them any respect, only pity and anger. The Survey Corps are in charge of scouting the wall premises, and it seems that their primary objective is to find what's beyond them even though they have no idea what titans are to begin with.
Erwin and his squad spent weeks travelling from Marley to make it here so their first objective was to blend in. They offered help to some citizens to work their fields in exchange for food and a place to sleep, making a living inside the walls quite easy and peaceful. So much so that Erwin started walking the streets and visiting libraries, something he’d never imagined he’d do alone in his life.
Regardless, Erwin couldn't help but notice that these devils have access to very particular parts of history. In fact, he wasn't familiar with anything he read at all. None of the books mentions Ymir or her pact with the Earth devil. There is no information about the nation of Eldia, nothing about the nine titans or the dark ages. Neither, the motherland of Marley nor their great achievement during the Great Titan War are not mentioned.
Erwin sits at night and talks to Mike and Wald about this, feeling free for the first time in his life of any fear of being heard by authorities that follow their every step. It's so much easier to sit on a log in the middle of a farm to discuss private matters, and even if Wald doesn't care or believe in anything he hears, Mike pays attention.
“If they never heard about Ymir’s titans, then what do they think those things out there are?” he asks from the other side of the campfire.
“They don't know anything,” Erwin says. “According to their history books, humanity has fallen and the titans have obliterated everything in existence. They believe they are safer here within these walls.”
“They are,” Wald points out, clenching his fist.
“How is this possible? They moved a whole civilization here, are there no records of that?”
“Surely they are not acting as if their King has proclaimed a war,” Erwin explains. “They live in peace; they don't have an army to defend themselves against people; they can barely fight the titans.”
“So what the fuck are we doing here?” Wald exclaims.
“Learning.”
“But they lied to us! They forced us to fight their wars under false pretences!”
“Is the fact that Marley despises Eldians and lies to them news to you?” Erwin asks.
“But this means we will die here!” Wald stands up, shaking. “This means they will not take us back!”
“We still have a mission to follow through.”
“What the fuck for!” Wald exclaims, walking around them. “They sent us as scapegoats for their shitty little war.”
“Yes.”
“Is everything about the founding titan a lie too? Did you read anything about that in these shitty books?” he asks, flipping through them and throwing them to the floor.
Erwin doubts he knows how to read; it was hard enough for him to cross the written language barrier. “There's nothing about the founding titan. But if any of Marley’s scientific studies about titans are correct, then it's possible they were influenced on a molecular level,” he explains. “If the founding titan has control over Eldian’s eugenics, they might as well have no memory of what their ancestors did or who they are. This is the only way to explain the contents of their history books.”
“We really are despicable devils,” Wald says, dropping to his knees, holding his face. “We never learn. We will never atone for our sins.”
“If they know nothing about the titans, about war, about us,” Mike says, "Then will they know anything about this Ackerman clan we're here for.”
“Most likely not.”
They remain in silence as the information sinks in and the logs shoot sparks in front of them. The night is humid but not cold, Erwin doesn't think he's ever felt this sticky in Marley; he craves a shower and a meal that's not hard rock bread and cheese, which is the only payment they get from milking cows and moving manure around.
“Considering their defensive fighting position, it's possible the Ackermans don't exist as such,” Erwin says, thinking out loud.
“What's that supposed to mean?”
“They are hiding,” Mike provides.
“Precisely. King Fritz was in fact ready for an infiltration. The man sitting on the throne might not even be a real Fritz at all. He got rid of their history and anything that could leave them in a compromising position. He would never let the world find its way to the founding so easily.”
“Fuck your stupid theories, Erwin!” Wald exclaims. “What are we doing now? We can't find the Ackerman clan, and we won't be able to find the founding either. This mission has failed miserably! Our ancestors have sentenced us to die since the age of Ymir and we're still paying for it, even in this hell!”
“They are several steps ahead of us, that is all.”
“That is all? That is all? Are you fucking stupid? How do you suppose we find any valuable intel like this?”
“We've only been here for a month and have already learned enough about these people and their lives, their motivations.”
“And what would those be? ”
“None.”
Wald frowns quizzically.
“They are blind to the world, they live in the past,” Erwin tells him. “They don't carry guns or use electricity. There are no cars and the boats run on coal. They do not live in the same world we do and that gives us a strategic advantage. They possess books that can only theorise about the shape of the earth and the expanse of the ocean but they could never understand what it means to be engulfed by a wave and swallow salt water or what colour the sky turns when the sun sets in the horizon.”
“We're smarter?” Wald wonders.
Mike gives him a knowing look.
“We possess knowledge, even in our ignorance,” Erwin answers. “We know the powers and skills of Ackermans; they should stick out around normal people because they are not normal. And such a powerful, important clan can only be working for the most powerful, important people.”
“Getting into Mitras might be as hard as leaving the internment zone without a permit,” Mike says and Erwin is so glad they allowed him to come because Wald alone has done nothing for them thus far.
“I could get a copy, I believe or… steal, if necessary, a city map,” Erwin says. “There are sewers and rivers that connect the wall's gates. There was also information on a subterranean city beneath the capital of Mitras.”
“Subterranean?” Mike asks. “Is it populated?”
“Apparently so. There used to be several cities spread around the districts, one right under our feet too, but they were abandoned. The Underground was the only place left, and the people that live there hold even fewer privileges than those closer to the outer walls.”
Wald isn't talking anymore which is a relief. But he looks in despair which could make it harder to work with him, even more so.
“How long do you need, Erwin?” Mike asks.
“The three of us need time to explore this gear and make the most of it. It could come in handy as a quick escape. I will dig into the Underground's structure and how getting in there would help us resurface in Mitras without being spotted.”
“We need real food,” Mike says and Erwin nods.
“Wald,” he calls. “If our observations are correct, the winged soldiers are not the only military around here. We need to learn more about that. You're a stealth, reliable soldier,” he praises. “I will need you to walk rounds and learn more about their paramilitary forces.”
“Yeah, ok.”
“As for jobs, Mike, we could spread out and avoid calling attention to ourselves. I assume city dwellers would forget our faces easily but we can't move around in uniforms. Especially not these that are so clearly not ours,” he explains. Mike's uniform is the one that fits the worst.
“Fine.”
Erwin sighs, getting up. “We know what to do. Mitras is our next target and we'll get there through the subterranean city. But before that, we need to infiltrate the city and be part of the population, get acquainted. Avoid making friends and getting intimate. Avoid brothels and criminal behaviour. The last thing we need is to get each other out of jail.”
“Last thing I want is to engage with these filthy demons,” Wald sneers.
“See you here in two weeks' time for a debrief,” Erwin orders. “Dismissed.”
Now
“The girl is here too!” Wald shouts.
Erwin was hoping she would; three versus two wouldn’t be fair and would also leave him without leverage. He needs all of Ackerman’s friends to get to him. He can't play fair if he expects this to work.
The streets are narrow but the pillars around them make it easy to move above the houses even if it’s not as easy as doing it around trees. Erwin tries to grapple a wall down below to get momentum but misses the spot and has to throw another hook above to avoid crashing to the ground. This sparks more laughs from the man behind him but he doesn’t care, he just needs to keep moving forward. Losing him would be ideal but the difference in expertise with this technology is evident
If Erwin had his gun he would shoot him in the chest, right under his lungs.It would hurt, it would bleed but he would survive; he’d get scared, he'd scream and that’s exactly what would help to set panic among his friends. Erwin’s a good shot but he’s not in his element; not down here, not even above. He can’t take more unnecessary risks.
Sewage water runs in rivers up ahead and he spots Mike finally catching up to Ackerman and throwing him to the ground. He’s a fast learner and got the hang of this gear very quickly, besides that he’s three times bigger than Ackerman too, and should be able to lock him with ease.
Wald is nowhere to be seen yet; there’s no reason for a kid to make so much trouble for him. She doesn't look older than fourteen. Hopefully, he’s managed to subdue the girl; hopefully, knowing how important she is for this deal, he will behave.
Erwin makes a turn by the next pillar in an attempt to distract his pursuer first; it pays off. Mike might need help but seeing Ackerman struggling on the floor works as bait. As soon as he sees his friend in distress he flies his way.
He lands right on top of Mike and pulls a knife out. From far away, both of their enemies look like cats next to Mike, and they are just as swift and quick, managing to make him lose his footing. Erwin looks around for Wald and finds nothing so he jumps back into the scene and shoots a grapple right against the floor, approaching at full speed, copying what he’s seen Ackerman do; he grapples from a nearby wall with his other grip and manages to avoid a heavy fall, sliding through the floor and knocking everyone’s legs on his way.
They are an entwinement of bodies, like strings that only get tighter as you try to pull them apart. He’s kicked in the ear and gets his arm cut. His knee hits someone and he only hopes it’s not Mike’s stomach but he just can’t find his footing.
When he finally makes sense of things, he notices that if he tries to choke Ackerman with his legs he will only end up stabbed so he lets go and rolls out of the pile. Mike and Erwin not only have size on their side but their military training is evident now that they are this close; they are bigger and just as resilient.
There’s a moment of silence when everyone stands up; they look at each other, balancing their possibilities. Running away is not an option, turning around means getting trampled over and using their blades could turn out badly. Marleyans are trained in firearms and artillery, not sword fighting. And as much as he practised fencing with his father, this will not even be close to having his chest poked.
He sees an advantage to leverage over Ackerman’s body; he’s too small to be a menace but if Mike was struggling to get a hold of him, it means he must be stronger than he looks. He’s not even agitated after all this chasing, different from the rest of them, and he looks like he’s ready to risk it all.
Erwin’s stomach feels light with excitement.
A shriek cuts the air between them and finally, having Wald chase the kid might just pay off. There's a window to attack as they get distracted by her yelling. The girl is too important for them and it's made evident by their panicked looks. Mike surges forward and knocks the blond down, leaving Erwin just a second to follow.
But Ackerman is indeed strong and Erwin has to hold both of his wrists to save his stomach from being turned into a colander. He uses his feet to make Erwin lose balance but it doesn’t work and he lifts a knee that hits Erwin right on the chin. His teeth clash together and his brain rumbles inside his skull. They groan and struggle to get a hold of each other until the girl shrieks again, giving Erwin enough advantage to knock Ackerman to the ground.
“Stop fighting, runt!” Mike grunts. He’s holding the blond under his knee, wrists cuffed.
“I got the bitch!” Wald exclaims from afar. He’s dragging her body by the hair and throws her around to the floor. There's blood dripping down her face as she struggles to move.
“What did you do to her!” Ackerman snarls, trying to set free from Erwin’s grip as he cuffs him too.
“Nothing yet,” Wald sneers, grabbing her hair and placing a blade under her neck. “Don’t worry, I’ll let you look.”
“I’ll fucking kill you!”
“Stop!” Erwin exclaims, pushing Ackerman’s face right into the ground.
“If you so much as lay a finger on her,” the blond threatens.
“I said, silence!” Erwin exclaims before Wald uses those words to his advantage. “You are in no position to make threats. You either stay still or watch my friend slit her throat.”
“Spit it out then!” Ackerman seethes. “Who the fuck are you!”
Erwin moves away and forces him to kneel, Mike follows. The girl is not talking and that might just work against them; if she dies, they lose leverage. It's not a matter of making peace but he won't win Ackerman's trust without giving him some reassurance.
“My name is Erwin Smith. What's yours?”
“Skip the polite introductions,” he says, voice hoarse. “What do you want from us, rich boy?”
“Yeah,” the blond says. “Did you escape your mama's house and went out to play soldiers?”
“You carry the wings of freedom but you're no scout,” Ackerman spits out. “You suck at using your gear.”
Mike kicks his back, pushing him to the floor. He looks smaller and smaller the more Erwin looks at him.
“Your name. Now.”
Three months ago
“It's just those three unless there is more spread inside the rich city. Wings, horses and roses,” Wald says, counting his fingers. “Survey Corps, Military Police and Garrison.”
“But only the Survey Corps wander outside,” Mike points out.
“Yeah, and the military only wanders inside and the inner walls.”
“The garrison cares for the gates,” Erwin assumes.
“Yeah.”
“We could get better uniforms. The Survey Corps seem like any soldier. They sleep in bunk beds, plough their lands, wash their clothes and hang them outside. But I don't think they have big guys like Mike.”
“People don't like the winged guys,” Mike says.
“Half of them die every time they go outside. Nobody cares about them.”
“That could come in handy,” Erwin decides. “People might not pay special attention to us in those uniforms then. But I haven't seen them around the streets.” He’s afraid that moving around with winged uniforms might bring too much attention to them.
“They don't do rounds, they don't work for the people. Just their own interests.”
“Which are?” Erwin asks.
“Scout, I don't know. They go out there and fight titans first-hand.”
“Scout lands? Are they trying to build up new walls? How far have they gotten?”
“I don't know. Not far I bet, they always retreat with carriages filled with dead men from what I've heard. Just like the time we got in.”
Wald's findings are useless. Erwin used to be fond of him but he has changed since they arrived in this country. Mike is quick-witted, sharp and understands Erwin; he can follow and he can lead. Wald was Marley's way of letting them know they don't trust this suicide mission and that they will not lose anyone of high calibre.
If Erwin wanted clear information he should've gone and got it himself but he was too distracted visiting libraries. He had to move around different places in the cities to avoid calling unwanted attention. He retrieved all types of books and hid maps within them.
The countryside spreads in front of them; people are cultivating food, herding the cattle, repairing their roofs. This is the second time they gather around a fire to debrief their observations and find a way in, but Erwin can't bear to waste more time. If the common people have no knowledge about the Ackerman clan and the titans it will be dangerous to talk about them around town. The last thing they need is to raise suspicion.
Erwin is starting to consider this clan as either being protected or feared, but not perished. Infiltrating the military as simple soldiers is not going to cut it; it would take too long and they don’t have the time. They need to get back to Marley before a full year has passed or their plan of sneaking young warriors into the walls to retrieve the Founder will not prevail.
“I met a young artist who sells her pieces and books and moves them through the cities in boats,” Erwin says, getting his squad’s attention. “I mentioned I was in need of a job and she offered to pay a small amount for me to deal with that.”
“Erwin, if you have a plan just spit it out,” Wald urges.
“In a big enough crate, I could smuggle you into Rose.”
“You've got to be kidding me.”
“I can barely fit in their uniform and you want me to fit into a crate?” Mike queries.
Erwin nods. “It will be cargo. It's either that or travel with pigs' filth.”
“And what about you? You travel on board breathing fresh air? Bullshit!” Wald snaps.
“It shouldn't take longer than ten hours. The ports are close to each other, and once we arrive, you will be freed inside a deposit warehouse, I suppose. You should be able to escape while I deliver the goods.”
“At least we'll have ourselves a proper meal,” Mike concedes.
“Hopefully so.”
“How can you be so smug about this shit?” Wald wonders. “We're going to get killed if we're found.”
“You will have to be quiet.”
Erwin's been looking into this for a few weeks now. It's not normal for cargo to be thoroughly checked, especially not the ones that contain cultural goods. The only shipments that need to follow specific labelling and ruling are the ones that contain food on their way to Mitras. You need a pass to cross the major walls and not many Maria civilians are allowed through unless they have business there.
They wouldn't be able to pull off something like this in Marley but they are barely able to leave the city there unless it's for military purposes. Sneaking people under someone else's noses would mean the death of anyone involved. A trip to heaven, and you would never hear of them again. After arriving at Paradis port, Erwin could only imagine the number of prisoners that were turned into pure titans right over that wall and how many of them are wandering the lands.
He doesn't want to think about those he's heard being taken during the night. The cars shrieking on the streets to drive them away; the silence on the block the next morning when everyone acknowledges those that are no longer around without being able to say a word. If someone is taken, it's only because they are traitors, and talking about them would make them traitors as well.
“Wald, we don't need uniforms if they will fit just as badly. Instead, we'll need blades, cuffs, bandages. Could you get those?”
“The corps live in filth, I'd be surprised if they have any but I'll look.”
“We have three weeks until the next shipment leaves for Karanes. I will handle the arrangements to let you know how to proceed.”
“See you in another two weeks?” Wald asks.
“Yes. “
Mike stares at him. He hasn't received an order but he knows what to do. Wald has not been following suit. He's been risking his face to be known, he's already a regular in the brothels where he thinks he's getting away with it. Mike has been spying on him, babysitting.
“Make sure to feed yourselves, lay low,” Erwin orders regardless. “Dismissed.”
Now
The sewer drippage is suddenly muted by Erwin’s own thoughts.
There’s no last name. He doesn’t know his last name. He’s just Levi.
Erwin could be totally wrong; his whole plan has just been turned upside down and torn to pieces. But even if the possibilities are slim, he's been following his guts for too long; he's read too much about this clan to be so off the mark.
It's more likely Levi is hiding his identity. Maybe the Ackermans have been hiding for so long that they hide from themselves too. Either that or every Marleyan theory on titan biology is mistaken.
“I have an offer for you, Levi,” Erwin says.
He won't give up now. He didn't spend half a year in a foreign country to give up so easily. This man fits every tale perfectly and Erwin will continue his path with the confidence that brought him here in the first place.
Levi moves faster than anyone and is strong as a bull. Ivory skin and dark hair. Upturned silver eyes. Characteristics so precise and eccentric that are seemingly unlikely yet they sit right in front of Erwin. Undeniable.
If the Founder’s powers affect the Ackerman clan as much as the rest of the Eldians, it's possible Levi doesn't know who he is. Living down here could also mean Levi is the son of an Ackerman because his father lay with a whore and now he's just an orphan.
The fact that Levi claims to not have a last name fires something in Erwin’s curiosity. If this clan was denied its identity, then it should have at least been replaced.
Levi's eyes are cold but they are not hard to read. He's not lying, he doesn't know who he is, he's not aware of the power he holds and Erwin wants to wring it out of him.
“In exchange for your skills and strength, I will take you and your friends out of here alive,” he offers.
Erwin kneels right in front of him to look straight into his deadly eyes and even with their distance shortened, Erwin still needs to look down at the small and compact dangerous man in front of him. Mike has unarmed them but it's possible they are still hiding more knives within their clothes, just like the ones they were hiding inside their boots and inside their heels. Erwin's also certain that any part of Ackerman's body is just as deadly as a blade.
“Just take me, then,” Levi says, lips twitching.
“Please don't underestimate me, Levi.”
“What do you need them for?” he asks.
“Leverage.”
Three weeks ago
“These devils live in filth,” Wald says.
“No different from home.” Erwin’s patience is running thin. He shouldn't speak ill of his motherland so openly, especially not in front of someone like Wald.
The Underground is nothing like they would’ve imagined. Right under the richest city in this country live the ones that never held a chance; the ones that seek dignity and shelter; the ones that need to dig for hope in someone else's dumpster.
They’ve put the stolen uniforms and gear on; if they are quick enough, they might manage to get out of this hellhole on the same night and no one should look at them weirdly if they are flying above their heads, considering it’s expected of soldiers to do that.
It reeks, it's hot and it's damp. People do not seem scared of them at all. If anything, they seem mad. Erwin thinks back to his homeland, to his little caged town and how he used to stare outside the window, hoping soldiers wouldn't pick their house that day to be turned upside down and destroyed in case they were hiding something that might prove they are disloyal to the Marley government. The Underground doesn't seem to work the same way.
He realises soldiers do not visit this place enough because they are in as much danger here as outside the walls. The market streets are silent and people murmur things under their breath as they walk past them. Above, there’s only darkness but he wonders what it's like to live without knowing what the stars are, or even when the sun sets and the moon comes out. There’s no day and light and there’s probably no right or wrong under here either. Only survival.
Moving into an alley could prove dangerous. Erwin and his team are armed but it would not be a good idea to fight in a closed area. The markets are swarming with people so they are susceptible to pickpocketing at the most.
“This makes me grateful for the dry bread and cheese,” Mike mutters, looking at the moulded food on the shelves.
“I can't see shit,” Wald says. “Can we climb up the other end?”
Erwin is sure that if there's a way up to the richest city in Paradis then it will not be for simple citizens to use. But then again, it's possible these people go there to steal; that is probably where all this food comes from. The wealthy eat and discard quickly, the poor fight for the crumbs.
“Once we are far from the markets, we will try to climb the pillars,” Erwin says. “We might get a better view of our surroundings.”
The narrow streets extend to no end and there is no respect for other people's spaces. Some trot by with their horses, leaving manure behind and people step on it without any care in the world. There are no carriages here and it's either because no one ever put them together or because there is no use. Everyone is carrying their goods on their backs or their heads. Their clothes are ragged and only a few of them wear any footwear.
When the food markets end, other businesses begin. There's ruckus coming from run-down houses that could be working as gambling hideouts and bars; they cross paths with men talking to what are only kids and walking with them into places that Erwin can only hope are not brothels.
“Are there places like this in Marley?” Mike asks.
Erwin doesn't know but he is sure their motherland isn't free of any sins so he spares no answer.
“Please, let's get out of here,” Wald says dejectedly.
“We hold no power in uniforms down here, don't let down your guard.”
“How are we expecting to fit in the richest town after smelling like shit?”
“We first need to get out of here,” Mike offers.
“Fuck this place, Erwin! We're going to get stabbed for our blades. Even for our fucking boots!”
“Shut it,” Mike tells him.
“Are you so excited to die down here under another one of his suicidal plans?”
“If you keep talking, you're going to make us easy bait,” Erwin reprimands.
“We're already bait for being down here!”
There's a sudden scream ahead that manages to shut Wald up. A man starts running in their direction but Erwin dodges him easily, only to notice he's actually fleeing the scene.
Now it's a groan that calls their attention and they can see two people brawling. One is breaking the other's arm in an easy move. Erwin thinks he's a kid, too skinny and small to be causing such harm to someone twice his size. He's also carrying military gear around his waist, and after his opponent is on the floor, crying, he shoots his grapple and flies away.
“What the fuck is that!” Wald exclaims, calling the stranger's attention and so Erwin sees him.
He's scrawny and pale, just like a creature that dwells inside a cave. He finds Erwin's eyes and stares, frowning, as he slides away. Black hair and a deathly look are the only things Erwin can point out in the next second before he's gone; disappearing into the darkness alongside two other shadows.
“That didn't look like military,” Mike points out.
“It appears we're not the only ones with our hands in stolen equipment.”
Erwin stares into the darkness and wonders if the creature is still lurking around, waiting for his time to attack like a predator that can stand still to identify its prey and catch it when the time is right.
“This place is flooded with weirdos,” Wald mutters.
“It takes months of military training to master this shit,” Mike points out.
Erwin nods. “These are not normal criminals.”
“Deserters?”
“Too young.”
“What are you two going on about? Let's move out,” Wald hurries, trying to step forward but Erwin places a hand on his chest.
“Three criminals with manoeuvring gear might just be what we're looking for.”
“What?”
“They are a threat now but could become allies.”
“No, no, no. Erwin. Stop being so fucking greedy. We're on another mission.”
“This might prove useful. People that know how to move down here like them surely know how to move above as well.”
“You want us to side with criminals?”
“We are criminals in this country, in case you haven't noticed.”
“No, we're not. We're above these devils, we're worthy warriors from our motherland of Marley!”
“Keep it down, dipshit,” Mike mutters.
“That's who we are within, but not to them,” he says in automatic. “And we're expecting to blend in, we might as well learn from what are clearly professionals.”
“We can't pay them,” Mike says. “I doubt people like that work for free.”
“We will have to bribe them, then.”
Now
Levi's eyes won't leave Erwin's. And as hard as it is to stare back, this is a battle Erwin can't lose. He's here for Levi and he won't let him slip through his fingers.
“I suggest you accept this offer and come with us the easy way,” Erwin offers.
Levi doesn't answer. He doesn't look like the type to talk as much as he's the type to act.
“I could also leave her in the hands of my friend,” Erwin threatens, looking at the girl. “and take you with me the same. The police will be happy to have their equipment back. Nobody will miss you.”
“You don't play fair,” Levi says under his breath. He's visibly disgusted by Erwin's threat but he doesn't look at his friend, even if it made sense that he would want to check on the girl.
“True, I do not.”
Leaving Levi's friends behind would be just as dangerous as taking the three of them altogether. But if he wants Levi's trust, he will keep his friends safe. He believes that to people like them, the prospect of being above is enticing enough.
Besides, Erwin plans to give them much more than that; he will take them outside the walls to see what's beyond them.
“I do not want to underestimate you either, Levi.”
Erwin knows this is not the best way to start off a good relationship but there's no other way to engage with people like them. He will have to find ways to show he doesn't have bad intentions but once again, that's a matter of patience.
“You've seen right through us,” Erwin says. “Though considering how bad these uniforms fit, it might just prove everyone else in this country lives under a veil of lies.”
Levi squints, but he's not gritting his teeth anymore. Just at that moment, the girl starts moving and it's only then that Levi averts his eyes.
“Shit,” she spits out and Erwin makes a gesture to leave her be. She's too beaten up to escape like this and he's not sure how hard Wald could hit a little girl.
“Iz, are you ok?” The blond asks.
“Fuck,” she groans.
“Stay put, kid,” Mike says.
“Tell her not to move,” Erwin orders. “My friend here is not particularly delicate with children as you might've noticed.”
“I'm not a child, asshole,” she croaks.
“Iz, stay put,” Ackerman says. His tone is delicate when he refers to her.
“No, we're not soldiers,” Erwin explains, following up on his words, focusing on the matter at hand. “We don't need your strength for the Corps. We need your strength outside of the Walls.”
Levi’s lips twitch.
“Isn't that what the Corps do?” The blond asks.
“Beyond the walls and the lands of this country,” Erwin explains, only getting more weird looks.
“You're an idiot,” Levi says. “Even more suicidal that the Corps.”
“I want to take you out of this country.”
“What even is there outside this country?” The blond asks.
“I can tell you all about it. But first, we need to get out of this place.”
“Yeah, and Erwin is too soft to kill you all so stop refusing or we'll leave your dead bodies down here and impale you until you calm the fuck down,” Wald threatens almost ruining this whole plan.
Erwin would like to avoid violence since this is not what he's here to offer. He wants to offer hope and opportunities. They already have enough violence where they come from.
“You will walk to the surface uncuffed,” Erwin offers, standing up. “As a peace offering. We mean no harm if you want to leave this place as much as we do.”
He looks at Mike and nods so he proceeds to take cuffs out of them. Wald is clearly unhappy with it.
“Then why attack us?” Levi asks, getting up, looking at his friend, Iz.
She's very tough and stubborn, probably as much as her friends. Even after such a beating, she stands up straight and spits blood on the floor, scowling at everyone.
“Should I have approached you at the bars you don't visit and invited a drink you wouldn't have accepted?” Erwin asks.
“Get him away from her,” the blond demands, staring at Wald.
“I've already offered you free movement, you can't expect us to give you your weapons back and not escort you.” Erwin would very much like to keep Wald out of this but if he makes these criminals feel on edge, then he will use it in his favour. “I can promise you we will keep her innocence intact.”
The group squints, looking at each other. “What innocence are you fucking talking about?” Ackerman spits out.
“Her... Wald will keep his hands away from her. She's... A virgin, I presume,” he explains but the group still looks at him quizzically. “Untouched?” He tries.
“This dude thinks I don't fuck?” the girl exclaims, inviting her friends to grow smug smiles on their faces. “I'm not innocent, asshole.”
“You're so... young,” Erwin mumbles, taken aback.
“I've fucked and killed more people than you, blondie,” she snaps. “I almost slit this asshole’s throat if he didn't hit my head with a fucking rock!”
Erwin believes her. Wald is not that strong but something makes him feel sorry for her and he only hopes she didn't have to sell her body for food.
He can't stand the idea, despite having been raised for war in Marley from such a young age. He and his friends had to start training at eleven years old and sex was the last thing on his mind. Older soldiers only took them into bars to meet women when he turned fifteen two years ago; to have some fun before they died, or so they said.
He's cared for many younger warriors too and they were like little brothers and sisters to him. He hated seeing them going the same path as him. Knowing that down here they don't have a choice either breaks his heart.
“We need to get moving and go above,” Erwin says sternly. “We will keep our eyes on you at all times, that's not negotiable. We can offer you freedom only if you leave this place with us.”
He could stay here and bargain with this little man for hours but he would like to get it over with. He has nothing else to offer, not down here nor between these walls. Once they are outside, his strategic view will change. There will be no reason to tussle, there will be no other way to go. But most importantly, if the Founder's powers don’t affect this little man, then he’s the most valuable finding for Marley in ages. So Erwin will need to lure him and keep him interested as they move forward if he wants his trust.
“Fine,” Levi finally says, flicking his hair back. Dark short hair falls over his eyelashes, it's damped and filled with dirt from fighting and struggling on the floor but there's only one tiny scratch on his face, right on the crease of his lips.
He looks nowhere else but into Erwin’s eyes, his frown impossibly deeper. There’s fire and hate; he’s like a caged animal who has always known his faith will bring him no pleasure but has no way around it.
He wants Erwin dead.