Eren sat on his bed, completely bored and yet buzzing with anxiousness. His wrists were a bit sore from the metal cuffs as they shifted on his skin again. Suddenly he heard the door at the top of the stairs open, and then close a moment later. Footsteps down the hallways and then silence.
A face pushed against the bars.
Eren jumped back startled. Section Commander Hanji stared at him through the metal bars of his cell, a crazed look in her eyes, and her bangs slightly disheveled.
"So you're Eren, huh?" Hanji smiled as she blushed in excitement. "Are you okay? Anything new? Sorry to keep you waiting. But it seems you're finally getting out." A pair of hands pulled Hanji away from the cell and towards Section Commander Mike.
"Hanji, please don't scare my nephew." Lieutenant Angharad Jaeger laughed gently as she pulled the scientist away from Eren.
"You'll have to wear these." Hanji pushed the handcuffs through the bars while Ang sighed from Mike's side. The navigator reached for the keys she was given and stepped forward to unlock the door to the cell. When it was finally open she rushed to unlock the cuffs from around Eren's wrists. The teenager stood up as soon as he was able and launched himself at his aunt, his arms going around her shoulders while hers went around his waist.
"When did you get so tall?" Her voice shook slightly as she squeezed him tighter. The Military Police that were previously guarding him had already headed upstairs to the courtroom. She inhaled sharply as she forced herself to let go. She turned to Hanji and held her hands out for the handcuffs before turning back to Eren. She sighed and stared up at him, his teal eyes looking back down at her in silent understanding.
"It's okay Auntie." He whispered it low enough for only her to hear, slowly turning around with his hands behind his back. She reached for his wrists, being careful not to touch the sore spots on his skin. Before she cuffed him she put a hand on his shoulder, turning him just enough so he could look at her again.
"Do you trust me?" She asked.
"Of course." He laughed breathily. How could she think I don't trust her?
"Completely? Not just as your aunt, but as a soldier?" She asked again. "Do you trust that whatever happens in that courtroom happens because I'm trying to keep you safe?"
Eren nodded after a few moments, wondering why she had phrased her question that way. "I trust you."
Angharad nodded and clasped the cuffs around his wrists and allowed him to walk without her leading him until they reached the top of the stairs. As they walked through the hallways, Ang at the back of the group, she smiled at the way Eren tensed between the two Section Commanders.
"I'm Hanji Zoe, a Survey Corps squad leader." The scientist introduced herself before gesturing to Mike who had his nose in Eren's hair. "That's Mike Zacharias, another squad leader." Ang finally laughed out loud at the scene before her. She stepped between Eren and Mike, her hands coming up to push at Mike's chest as she playfully glared at the tall blond man.
"He likes to sniff people." Mike smirked at the familiar line, silently remembering how Nanaba had said the same thing to Ang when they were introduced.
"Ahh, too much chit chat." Hanji remarked as they came to a stop outside a large set of double doors. Ang looked to Eren again, the silent exchange passing between them. They nodded simultaneously, and as Hanji spoke again, Ang reached to open the doors. "It's probably better not to have an explanation in advance." Two guards grasped Eren's shoulder harshly and pushed him through the doorway and into he courtroom.
It felt like all of Sina was here, the courtroom was packed to the brim, every seat was occupied, and everybody was looking at him. The mural on the ceiling depicting parts of the Great Titan War sent shivers down his spine. Angharad walked past her nephew towards the Scouts' section of the courtroom, taking her place between Erwin and Levi. Eren was pushed to kneel on the ground as they slid the large metal poll through his cuffed hands.
The courtroom was silent, and as Eren looked around, he realized that the highest positions from every regiment was in attendance. Commander Pyxis and Rico, whom he had met briefly before he plugged the hole in the gate of Trost. Commander Nile Dok of the Military Police, next to him a priest of the Church of the Walls. And finally, Commander Erwin Smith, Lieutenant Jaeger, and Captain Levi. He could also see Armin and Mikasa standing at the end of the Scouts' section.
A squeak of a door, footsteps, and a commanding presence. Eren could feel the way the room shifted, suddenly every soldier stood straighter, hands positioned behind their back in respect of the man in question. Premier Zackly shrugged off his military trench coat, rolled up his sleeves, and leaned forwards in the judge's seat, staring down at the teenager kneeled in the middle of the courtroom.
"Well then. Let's begin." Zackly looked over the stack of papers in front of him. "Eren Jaeger, yes? You're a soldier, sworn to sacrifice your life for the public good. Is the correct?"
"Yes sir." Eren responded back, somewhat hesitant. This man was the head of all three branches of the military, anyone with a brain would be intimidated by him in rank alone. But Zackly, with his white hair and matching beard, not to mention the lifetime of military experience, could send shivers down any soldier's spine.
"This is an exceptional situation." Zackly continued. "This tribunal will be held under military, not civilian, law. The final decision rests entirely in my hands. Your fate will be decided here."
Angharad did her best not to show any outward emotion, keeping her expression as neutral as possible.
"Do you have any objections?"
"No sir." Eren ducked his head, trying not to think about the fact that this would probably be his last day alive. There's no way he's going to let me live, not when I can turn into the very think humanity hates.
"I appreciate your perception. I will be direct. As anticipated, concealing your existence has been proven impossible. We must make your existence public in some form, or a threat to humanity other than the titans may arise. What I will decide today is which branch will have custody of you. The Military Police? Or the Survey Corps?" Zackly turned to the left side of the room. "I ask for the Military Police for their proposal."
A taller male with messy, dark hair rose from his seat, speaking loudly for the whole room to hear.
"Yes sir! I, Commander of the Military Police, Nile Dok, will present my proposal. After a thorough inspection of Eren's body, we propose that he be eliminated immediately." Ang grit her teeth as Nile turned to look at her nephew. "It is certainly true that his Titan power overcame our previous peril. However, now his existence threatens to spark a civil war. We ask him to die for humanity's sake, leaving behind all the information he can."
Ang heard Levi scoff under his breath from her right. She nudged at his wrist from behind the banister in front of them. Not yet.
"There is no need for that!" The priest of Wall Sina's Church of the Walls spoke up, angrily yelling and pointing his finger at the 15-year old boy. "He is an invasive pest. He has deceived the walls that embody God's wisdom! He must be killed at once!"
"Pastor Nick." Zackly interrupted. "Order please. We'll hear the Survey Corps proposal next."
"Yes sir." Erwin straightened his shoulders. "I, 13th Commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin Smith, will present my proposal. We would welcome Eren as an official member of our forces and use his power to retake Wall Maria. That is all." A murmur spread throughout the room.
"Hmm? That is all?" Zackly asked.
"Yes sir. With his power, we can retake Wall Maria. We believe it is clear what our priority should be."
"I see. And where do you plan to begin this mission? Pixis, the Trost wall as been completely sealed, correct?"
"Yes," The bald man sighed. "It can never be opened again."
"Sir," Angharad spoke up this time. "We would set out from Karanes District, to the East, from there we would proceed South around the curve of the Walls towards Shiganshina. Upon closer inspection of the southeast areas I will further determine our path."
"Lieutenant Jaeger, correct?" Zackly asked.
"Yes sir. I'm the official Navigator of the Survey Corps."
"Any relation to Eren Jaeger?" Angharad sighed, hoping that this wouldn't affect his decision.
"He's my nephew, sir."
"Shouldn't we seal the gates once and for all? The Colossal Titan can only destroy the gates! If we can strengthen them, we shouldn't have to worry about further attacks." Another civilian cried out.
"Shut up, merchant dog! With that titan's power, we can return to Wall Maria."
"We can no longer endure your delusions of grandeur!"
"Easy for you to say when you never lost anything in the attack on Maria." Angharad did her best not to spit insults at the ignorant people in the room. "But those who came from the outermost wall lost everything."
"You talk a lot, pig." Levi backed her up, tired of hearing the outcries of those who have always had it easy. "Where is your proof that the titans will wait while we seal the gates? The 'we' you speak of are only those you wish to protect, the "friends" who help line your pockets. The people who starve because there isn't enough land to sow, don't even figure into the thoughts of you pigs."
"We just thought that we could survive by sealing the Wall gates-"
"Silence!" Pastor Nick screamed. "You traitor! Mere humans altering Wall Rose, altering the Walls that were a gift from God? Can you truly see those Walls, God's work far beyond human capabilities and not understand?" The arguing continued until Zackly smacked his hand atop his desk, silencing the room yet again.
"Enough! You may discuss your personal philosophies and opinions elsewhere!" He cleared his throat. "Jaeger, I wish to confirm something."
"Yes sir?" Angharad answered. Zackly looked between her and Eren before pointing to the one on trial. "Sorry, the other Jaeger." He turned to the boy. "Can you continue to serve as a soldier using your titan powers to benefit humanity?"
"Yes, I can." Eren spoke clearly, his voiced filled with sudden determination.
"Oh? But the report on Trost's defense says this; 'Immediately after turning into a titan, he swung his fist as Mikasa Ackerman.'"
Eren gasped and whipped around to look at Mikasa, who covered up the scar on her cheek just as quickly. Angharad noticed that he looked just as shocked to hear this as the rest of the courtroom. He doesn't remember.
"Is Mikasa Ackerman present?"
"Yes sir. That's me." Mikasa spoke up from the end of their section, Armin on her other side also looking to the Premier.
"Is it true that as a titan, Jaeger attacked you?"
Mikasa paused, looking to Eren and then to Angharad, as Rico whispered beside her.
"Lying isn't going to help Eren one bit."
The younger Ackerman looked to the Lieutenant, her platinum braids neatly tied back, and standing with her arms braced on the banister in front of her. Angharad only nodded once, the movement almost unnoticeable if you weren't paying attention.
"Yes, sir. It's true."
More whispers sounded through the room, shocked and angry.
"I knew it, he's just another titan."
"But on two previous occasions," Mikasa continued. "Eren saved my life in his Titan form. The first time, mere seconds before a titan would have me in his grasp. He stood between us, protecting me. The second time, he saved Armin and me from and HE shell. I would like you to take these facts into consideration as well."
Angharad did her best not to smile proudly. Good girl.
"I object!" The room turned to Nile Dok again. "I believe these statements are greatly colored by personal feelings. At a young age, Mikasa Ackerman lost her parents and was taken in by the Jaeger household. Our investigation also revealed a surprising fact about such events. At age nine, Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman killed three robbers who tried to kidnap her."
"Objection!" Ang called out. She would not stand for such slander at the traumatic events that happened that night. Mikasa and Eren looked to the blonde woman, her hands still braced on the banister in front of her, only now her grip was turning her knuckles white. "I don't see how this event 8 years ago affects today's trial. The kids acted in self-defense, and had they not, both might have been captured, or even killed!"
"Even if it was self-defense, I must question their fundamental humanity. Is it right to trust humanity's fate, resources, and lives to him?"
More scared muttering filled the room.
"He's just a titan that invaded us by pretending to be a child."
"So is she." The first civilian that spoke up pointed to Mikasa. "How do we know that she's human?"
"That's right! We should dissect her too, just to be safe."
Anyone in the room could feel the growing tension. Eren grew angry now, leaning forward, the chains around his wrist rattling together.
"Wait! I may be a monster but she has nothing to do with it. Nothing at all!"
"We cant trust that!"
"Its true!" Eren cried.
"If you're covering for her it means she's one of you."
"No!" Eren yanked on his chains, the metal pole clanging throughout he whole room, silencing the civilians. "You're only coming up with theories that fit your agenda. Besides, all of you people have never even seen a Titan. What are you so afraid of?" What is the point if those with the means and power do not fight? If you're afraid to fight for survival, then help me!" Eren seethed. "You...You cowards!"
"What did you just say?" Nile whispered, outraged. How dare this child call him a coward?!
"He speaks the truth, the truth about all of you who hide within the inner cities." Angharad spat across the courtroom. "You all sit here eating your five course meals and enjoying your riches while there are still those who are struggling and starving from the attack 5 years ago. All while you condemn and spit on those who continuously fight for your freedom and safety. The Survey Corps have lost too many brave and willing soldiers for you to disregard their sacrifices!"
"Don't even get me started on you, Lieutenant Jaeger!" Nile pointed in her direction.
"Say what you will about me, Nile. I'm not the one afraid of a 15-year old boy." Erwin had to cross his arms and brace his chin on his fist to avoid smirking. Meanwhile Hanji and Mike snickered quietly from the balcony.
"I have it on personal account that Lieutenant Angharad Jaeger is not from within the Walls. That she too is an invader of our lands."
He wouldn't...
"Care to elaborate, Commander?" Zackly asked from his desk.
"Back when we were still in training, Angharad Jaeger admitted to me and 3 other soldiers that she was not from within the Walls."
The room erupted in whispers again, and she could see fingers pointing in her direction. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin were all looking at her shocked and confused. She felt Erwin stiffen from beside her, while Levi clenched his fists at the new information.
"Don't twist my words to fit your narrative, Nile. You know very well that's not what I said."
"And what did you admit to, Lieutenant?" Zackly questioned.
"I have very little memory before the age of 19, sir." Ang's voice was sharper than steel. "I admitted to Nile and a few other comrades that I was found outside Wall Maria by former Commander Keith Shadis. He discovered me, heat stricken and dehydrated, and rescued me."
"And what we're you doing outside the Walls? How did you get there?"
Fuck, I can't believe Nile would out me like that.
"I don't remember, sir. I don't remember much about that day." Ang clenched her jaw, while Zackly rubbed at his beard.
"How can we believe you?" Pastor Nick screamed. "You, the boy, and the Ackerman girl...Your whole family is corrupt! You're all traitors of God's great Walls. You should all be punished for defiling their continued protection and safety!"
"Shut up! Leave them alone! They've done nothing wrong!" Eren pulled at his chains again. "All they've ever done is protect me! Let me prove I can be useful to humanity and bet everything you have on me!" Eren's voice echoed through the courtroom.
There was a brief moment of silence, yet Angharad watched Nile's face grow angrier and more outraged.
"Weapons ready!" He ordered. "Take aim!"
"Now, Levi." Ang whispered, and at the same moment the barrel of a rifle was pointed at her nephew, Levi launched himself over the banister and delivered one kick swift at her nephew's jaw. And then to his ribs. And then, as Levi pulled Eren up by the grip on his hair, he delivered a knee directly into Eren's nose. Angharad rolled her eyes and ducked her head to cover her forehead in a facepalm.
You dumbass, I told you to try and avoid his face.
Mikasa gasped and made to move forward to stop the Captain, but Armin wrapped his arms around hers and held her back. She turned to the blonde boy, but he was looking behind her, and she too looked to see that Angharad didn't seem phased at all by Levi's continued blows to Eren's person. Armin's brows furrowed.
"She almost looks like she knew this would happen." He whispered to Mikasa.
Levi finally let Eren take a full breath as he pressed the heel of his boot into the boy's head, pressing it into the ground below him.
"This is just my personal opinion. But I believe pain to be the best way to train someone." Levi glared at the boy beneath his shoe. "What you need is to be trained like a dog, not a man. It's easier to kick you while you're kneeling too." And with no other comment, the short Captain continued to pound his boots into Eren's body.