章 972: 48
Annie's peaceful slumber was abruptly shattered as she jolted awake, a sudden jarring sensation coursing through her body when she felt an unexpected tap on the side of her head. Letting out a deep, exasperated groan that echoed through the room's stillness, she yearned desperately to retreat back into the comforting embrace of sleep, where she could escape the harsh reality and immerse herself in the solace of a more promising daydream. However, as her heavy eyelids reluctantly lifted, revealing the world beyond her dreamscape, she found herself immersed in a dimly lit cell, the feeble rays of light gradually penetrating her vision as her eyes gradually adjusted, offering a glimpse of the confining space that held her captive.
As Annie's eyes fluttered open, she was immediately struck by the sight that greeted her: her left hand, adorned with a silver ring, was firmly bound to the rough stone wall by an intricately crafted chain, its links glinting in the dim light that filtered from the small candle outside of the cell.
A sense of vulnerability washed over her, intertwining with a flicker of determination as her gaze shifted to her right hand, liberated and ready for action. Despite the weariness etched on her weathered face, Annie recognized the necessity of her predicament, understanding that this unconventional arrangement was essential for her safety. She gazed up at the figures standing before her with piercing blue eyes.
Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of Captain Levi, his short figure casually leaning against the cold stone wall, exuding an air of nonchalance. To the untrained eye, he appeared disinterested, lost in a world of boredom. However, Annie, with her keen intuition and astute observation skills, sensed the truth. She knew that every fiber of Captain Levi's being was attuned to her presence, his piercing gaze fixated on her every move, silently acknowledging her as a force to be reckoned with.
As Annie's gaze wandered across the dimly lit prison cell, her eyes were irresistibly drawn to the commanding presence of Commander Erwin Smith. He sat, regally perched upon a plush, comfortable chair strategically positioned mere inches away from the confines of her open cell door. The atmosphere was thick with tension, palpable even in the stillness of their surroundings. As her eyes locked with his, she couldn't help but notice the enigmatic facade that dominated his countenance, devoid of any discernible emotion. It was as if his gaze held the weight of a thousand secrets, refusing to divulge even the faintest hint of what lay beneath.
Annie's gaze was drawn to the figure standing before her. The woman, clad in a pair of stylish eyeglasses, possessed a wild, untamed aura that seemed to radiate from her very core. There was an undeniable madness in the depths of her eyes. Annie couldn't fathom why, but a sudden surge of trepidation coursed through her veins as the woman's gaze locked onto her own, accompanied by a smile that twisted and contorted, evoking an uncomfortable sensation deep within her soul.
As the cold silence enveloped the dimly lit cell, Commander Erwin's authoritative voice pierced through the air, addressing Annie Leonhart with a gravity that seemed to echo through the confines of her very existence. His piercing blue eyes bore into her, seemingly dissecting her thoughts and emotions with uncanny precision, as if he held the key to unlocking the secrets hidden within her soul.
"This, Cadet Annie Leonhart," he began, his voice carrying a weight that matched the importance, "this is the most important moment of your life." With each word, he seemed to draw her deeper into his unwavering gaze as if daring her to look away, to deny the significance of the choices that lay before her. His penetrating gaze seemingly unraveled the fabric of her thoughts, uncovering the secrets she dared not speak.
"Now," he implored, his voice tinged with a mix of both urgency and determination, "will you tell us what we want to know?"
Annie was silent, her gaze fixed upon the unfamiliar faces before her. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as she grappled with the moment's weight, acutely aware that these were no ordinary individuals but rather the esteemed members of the renowned Survey Corps. The gravity of the situation hit her like a thunderbolt, and Eren had entrusted her fate to their hands.
Annie still wasn't sure where she stood with Eren; she knew she had feelings for the moron, but she didn't know how it happened and why she had allowed herself to fall for someone as stupid as he is, but it had happened, and now, she couldn't think of a life without him, where she couldn't have him by her side, and where she couldn't have him on her bed.
When she had decided to betray Marley, all she had thought of was Eren, while Annie thought of Marco as a friend; she would be a liar if she said that she betrayed Marley because of him; she had done so to protect Eren she knew sooner or later she would have to fight Eren, and she couldn't think of herself doing so, to see his smile shatter, and all because of her, to fight against him, and killing people that Eren considered friends, she didn't wanted to do that.
She didn't want to be the source of suffering for Eren; she couldn't think of herself killing him; she had already killed many people who had never done anything to her, but killing him... No, whether Annie liked it or not, she couldn't ever think of herself killing Eren, his lifeless body lying on a field somewhere, all because of her.
Startled by the sudden intrusion, Annie's tranquil thoughts shattered as a piercing exclamation reverberated through the cramped cell. "Oiii!" The sound seemed to bounce off the cold, stone walls, filling the air with an irritating resonance that seeped into every crevice. Annie's head instinctively jerked upward, her eyes widening in surprise, only to be met with the intimidating sight of Captain Levi advancing towards her with an unsettling aura. The way he approached sent a shiver down her spine, urging her to retreat further against the wall. However, the heavy iron chain that bound one of her hands restricted her movements, leaving her feeling vulnerable and trapped.
As Annie lay there, her heart pounding in her chest, she couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious man before her. It was peculiar how she felt a profound fear despite her lack of knowledge about him. Whispers of his title as the World's Strongest Soldier reached her ears, yet Annie found herself skeptical, considering it an exaggeration. Nonetheless, an eerie aura emanated from him, causing an unsettling sensation to creep up her spine, and she felt as if he would suddenly cut her into pieces.
Fear was no foreign concept to Annie; it had woven its tendrils into the fabric of her existence. From her tumultuous past, fear had manifested itself primarily through her father, whose punishments could escalate to alarming severity. The mere thought of his stern retribution sent shivers down her spine, causing her to tremble involuntarily. However, as Captain Levi's unwavering gaze pierced through the air, the intensity of his glare dwarfed even her father's most malevolent stare, reducing it to the feeble tantrums of a petulant child. With an imposing presence, he halted abruptly before her, casting his eyes downward upon her figure as if she were nothing more than a wretched creature deserving of scorn.
"He asked you a question, brat, if I were you. I would answer him," Levi's voice cut through the tense air, laced with an icy chill, as he addressed Annie, referring to the question that had been posed to her. The young girl locked eyes with him, her gaze fierce and unyielding, recognizing the validity of his words. Deep down, she understood that concealing vital information from their group would serve no purpose. Annie had already made her resolute decision to align herself with them, fully aware that she could establish her trustworthiness by unveiling the hidden truths of their world, among other revelations. However, a flicker of caution danced in her mind, prompting her to safeguard certain secrets, just in case they had a change of heart and decided she wasn't trustworthy.
Annie's blue eyes, the color of a tranquil ocean, momentarily shifted their gaze away from the stern countenance of Captain Levi. They fixated on Erwin Smith, the esteemed Commander whose reputation preceded him like the whisper of a legend. As Annie's eyes locked with his, she couldn't help but notice an uncanny resemblance to Commander Magath, a man known for his icy, strategic demeanor. Erwin, too, possessed a calculating look that sent shivers down her spine, yet within the depths of his penetrating gaze, she detected a subtle glimmer of intrigue, a flicker of curiosity.
"What do you want to know?" Annie inquired, her expression devoid of any emotion, causing Hange to momentarily register surprise before a subtle yet genuine smile graced her features, delighted by the indication that Annie appeared willing to share information. Meanwhile, Erwin's piercing blue eyes held a fleeting glimmer, hinting at a hidden excitement, albeit fleetingly, before reverting back to their usual impassive state.
"Levi," As Erwin's voice resonated through the air, ringing with authority, he called out Levi's name without hesitation. Levi knew exactly what was expected of him without a single word needing to be exchanged. He stepped out of the dimly lit cell with a calm yet purposeful stride. The cold, stone walls of the prison seemed to whisper secrets as he made his way towards the towering structure known as the fucking wall. Leaning against its weathered surface, Levi positioned himself strategically behind Erwin, his piercing eyes fixated on Annie. He remained vigilant, ready to respond swiftly should she dare to make any unexpected or unnecessary moves.
With a voice laced with curiosity and a piercing gaze that held a small hint of intrigue, Erwin leaned forward in his wooden chair, his hands clutched together, forming a bridge for his chin to rest upon. As the words escaped his lips, the room seemed to hold its breath, eagerly awaiting Annie's response to his first question: "Why did you decide to betray your friends?"
Erwin and the others already knew the truth; they had already questioned every cadet left from the Training Corps, and the majority of them gave similar answers, except when they questioned cadets like Marco Bott, Jean Kristein, and Floch. The three of them were the amongst vocal ones when it came to questioning, so much so that Erwin wondered who was getting questioned.
Annie was a little surprised; she had expected him to ask where she came from, how she was able to use Titan's powers, or if she had some kind of connection with Eren, but nonetheless, she decided to answer.
"My fellow warriors, Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover. I wasn't there when it happened, but when I arrived at the scene, my fellow warriors had pinned down Marco Bott against a rooftop. They told me that Marco had heard them talk. I don't know what Marco has heard, but it was enough for my fellow warriors to think it was enough to kill him. A titan was approaching us; Reiner told me to remove Marco's gear to prove that I was loyal to them. Instead I kicked Reiner in the face, and told Marco to run. We both turned into Titans, and I'm sure you know the rest," Annie answered slightly reluctantly. Despite not having the best friendship possible with her fellow warriors, she still didn't want them dead; she understood why they did the things they did, and she knew if she had someone she loved waiting for her back at home, she would have probably chosen that one person instead of Eren.
In the dimly lit open cell, the sound of Erwin's voice, barely above a whisper, reverberated like a ghostly echo. "Warrior," he repeated, his eyes locked with Hange's for a fleeting moment before he subtly gestured for her to pass him the stack of papers. Without hesitation or inquiry, Hange complied, the rustle of the pages punctuating the surrounding silence. Erwin's fingers delicately flipped through the documents, his gaze focused and determined until he finally discovered the elusive sheet he had been seeking all along.
"You mentioned the word more than once. Is 'Warrior' perhaps a military rank from where you came from?" As Erwin posed the question, his tone carried a hint of curiosity, yet there was an air of certainty underlying his words. His sharp gaze fixed upon Annie, unwavering and intense as if searching for any trace of surprise. The mention of the word "Warrior" had piqued his interest, leaving him intrigued by its significance. On the other hand, Annie couldn't help but be taken aback by the lack of astonishment displayed by Commander Erwin. She had anticipated a barrage of inquiries about the enigmatic rank, expecting him to ask more questions. But instead, he looked as if he already knew what Annie was talking about.
"Yes." Annie answered, holding her tongue for now, not revealing everything yet; she knew the danger she was in; if they thought she was a liability, they wouldn't hesitate to execute her.
Amidst the desolate confines of her cell, Annie found herself caught off guard by the unexpected query that pierced through the silence: "Are there any other Warriors out there besides the three of you?" As the words hung in the air, a flicker of recognition danced in Annie's eyes, dawning upon her that it was not the authoritative voice of Erwin Smith who had posed this question but the figure of Captain Levi himself. She observed with a subtle crease of confusion etched upon her brow as he gracefully relinquished his position against the cold, unforgiving wall, taking measured steps toward her. Each footfall echoed with a sense of purpose.
"What?" Annie's voice quivered with confusion and curiosity as she looked up at Levi, her eyes widening in surprise.
Levi's gaze bore into Annie's soul, his voice cutting through the stillness with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine. "You heard me," he repeated, his words dripping with urgency. "You heard me. Are there any other Warriors out there?"
"Levi, we can ask that question later, right now-" "Don't bullshit me, Hange," Levi's piercing gaze locked onto Hange, interrupting her mid-sentence. Levi's eyes momentarily shifted from Hange to Annie.
"We need to know if more of her friends will show up on our doorstep. The last thing we need is a surprise attack," Levi continued, with a rough yet firm approach; he knelt down to Annie's eye level, his presence towering over her like a protective shield. Annie could feel the intensity of his gaze, piercing through her like a bolt of lightning, causing a shiver to run down her spine. She instinctively averted her gaze, her eyes wandering aimlessly as if a mere shift of focus could make Levi vanish into thin air.
"No," Annie replied with sincerity, her eyes reflecting the weight of her words. "We were four of us. But Marcel was eaten by a Titan, we three are the only ones here." As her voice trailed off, Levi's piercing gaze fixated upon her, his eyes probing for any hint of deception. Yet, the truth resonated through Annie's unwavering sincerity, dispelling any doubts that lingered in the air. Gradually, Levi's stern expression softened, a flicker of understanding illuminating his features. He turned away, retracing his steps until he stood firmly behind Erwin, the Commander who silently communicated his disapproval of Levi's skeptical response through a single, piercing glance.
Anticipation filled Annie's mind as she prepared herself for the inevitable barrage of inquiries about the Titans, her extraordinary abilities, and the mysterious origins that set her apart from the denizens of the Walls. However, to her astonishment, it was Erwin who deviated from the expected script, steering their conversation down an unexpected path. Instead of the interrogations, she had braced herself for, he posed a single, piercing question that instantly immobilized her in a state of shock.
"What was your role in bringing down Wall Maria?" Those words hung in the air, causing Annie's lips to involuntarily seal shut, betraying her reluctance to divulge the truth that lay dormant within her.
What she had contributed was something she had tried to forget for a very long time; while she didn't bring down the Walls like Bertholdt and Reiner did, she had turned into the Female Titan and used her scream to attract the pure Titans towards Shiganshina before she had used her scream, they were only four Titans in front of the Wall, after her scream, they were perhaps over thirty of them.
While Annie wished to believe that she hadn't hurt Eren, she knew one of the Titans that was attracted because of her scream; one of them was the Titan that ate Eren's mom.
Annie closed her eyes tightly, the pressure causing a slight ache that resonated deep within her as if trying to suppress the weight of a sin she had long buried in the darkest corners of her soul. In moments like these, she could almost forget its existence entirely, but the memories resurfaced now, swirling around her consciousness with a haunting persistence. The truth, once buried, had clawed its way back to the surface.
With a heavy heart, Annie knew that when Eren inevitably discovered the truth, his reaction would be nothing short of vehement hatred. He would despise her, his eyes burning with a fury that could rival the flames of hell itself. In the depths of her being, Annie understood that this revelation might even drive him to seek her demise, to bring justice upon her for the role she unknowingly played. How could she blame him when the consequences of her actions had been so catastrophic? A shiver ran down her spine as she contemplated the image of the faceless Titan responsible for Eren's mother's death. The details eluded her, but the certainty of her involvement lingered like a specter, haunting her every step. Annie's heart sank, burdened by the regret and guilt that tugged at her very core. She yearned for forgiveness, for redemption, but knew deep down that such absolution might forever remain beyond her reach.
"With one condition," Annie's words spilled out of her mouth, interrupting the tense silence that enveloped the room. The unexpected condition she presented caused Levi to scoff disapprovingly, his glare directed sharply at her. Hange raised one eyebrow in surprise, not anticipating Annie's bold statement.
Meanwhile, Erwin found himself intrigued by the sudden turn of events. Breaking the silence, Erwin's voice cut through the tension, seeking clarification. "What condition would that be?" Levi's skepticism, evident in his piercing gaze, shot Erwin a look that questioned the reason for entertaining Annie's proposition.
"Don't tell Eren." Swiftly and decisively, Annie's response escaped her lips, piercing the air as her gaze lifted towards Commander Erwin, bearing an almost desperate plea in her eyes. The weight of her words struck Levi and Hange, catching them off guard in the midst of their anticipation. They had anticipated her condition to hinge upon securing a reassurance from Erwin that she would be spared from execution, but to their astonishment, her only plea was to keep Eren blissfully unaware of the truth.
"Lady Leonhart, Eren Yeager is an important figure to all of us, from the reports I have read, what he did in Trost has already caused for a group of followers to be created on his name, some saying that he's the future of the people of the walls." Erwin explained carefully, remembering the reports he read about one cadet, Floch, and many others who had asked questions about Eren and his whereabouts, saying they wanted to show gratitude, many of them saying that Eren was the Future.
As the weight of the request settled upon him, Erwin's voice trembled with a mix of intrigue and defiance. "You're asking us to keep something important from him." he uttered, his words hanging in the air like a potent secret. Erwin rose from his chair, his movements deliberate and resolute. As he advanced towards Annie's confined form, each step resonating with determination, his towering presence cast a long, imposing shadow that engulfed her entire figure.
"What is that you want to keep secret?"
"My role in bringing down the Wall Maria. I-I turned into the female Titan and carried Reiner and Bertholdt towards the Wall, while letting out a scream that attracted more Titans towards me." Annie answered, somehow feeling smaller.
As Erwin prepared to part his lips and inquire about something intriguing, Hange's insatiable curiosity surged forth, compelling her to interject and engage in conversation. "You can attract titans with your scream! How Does that Work? How Far-" Hange's exuberant rambling, brimming with genuine excitement, was abruptly halted by the swift intervention of Levi, who instinctively pressed his hand against her mouth, effectively stifling her words and preventing her from delving further into such matters.
Levi's demand pierced the air, accompanied by a slight glare that reflected his annoyance. The words "Not now, Four Eyes" escaped his lips, carrying a hint of impatience as they resonated in the corridor. Meanwhile, Hange's pout erupted with a loud and melodramatic sigh, her frustration evident in the way she clenched her teeth. Levi's grip loosened reluctantly, freeing Hange's mouth from his firm grasp. To his dismay, a wave of disgust washed over him as he realized that her saliva had now dampened his hand. Reacting swiftly, he retrieved a wet napkin from his pocket, eager to cleanse his hand of the unwelcome moisture.
"What else?" Erwin asked, turning his attention back to Annie.
"After I got exhausted, we have reached the outer wall. Bertholdt turned into the Colossal Titan. I passed out, but I'm sure you know the rest." Annie continued, feeling her heart twist, feeling as if her stomach was falling into the deepest pit of hell. It was as if her heart twisted painfully, her guilt and remorse intertwining, as her stomach plunged into the abyss of despair. In that vulnerable moment, the weight of her hidden sins became unbearable. With each word she uttered, she couldn't help but relive the magnitude of her transgressions, a relentless reminder of the darkness lurking within her.
As Erwin's piercing gaze fell upon Annie, his voice carried a mixture of curiosity and accusation. "Since Reiner and Bertholdt were your 'fellow warriors' I take it you knew that Bertholdt Hoover would turn into the Colossal Titan and destroy the gate of the City of Trost, and because of that more than 200 people have died?" While Erwin's words were framed as a question, they held an air of certainty, leaving little room for doubt. Annie's response was devoid of protest, her silence serving as a tacit admission of guilt. There was no use in attempting to hide the truth; she carried the weight of responsibility for the lives lost in Trost, a burden that she could not escape.
"Well, you still decided to help us, you decided to force them into revealing their true identity, you still decided to side with us and help humanity to defeat the Armour and Colossal Titan, that will help you in Court."
Erwin paused for a moment, his gaze turning towards Hange and Levi, two of his most trusted comrades. With a subtle yet purposeful gesture, he pointed at himself and then at them, emphasizing the solidarity and unity that lay between them. "And now," Erwin continued, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation, "Survey Corps will be in your side, as will the Garrison, as for your involvement in Wall Maria, it will stay between us."
Erwin earned a look from Hange, a subtle yet discernible expression of disapproval. Meanwhile, Levi, though seething with an intensity that could melt steel, managed to restrain his emotions, directing a piercing glare towards Erwin yet refraining from uttering a single word of his discontent. Deep down, he harbored an unwavering trust in Erwin's unwavering judgment. Amidst the tension, Annie, burdened by the weight of uncertainty, released a sigh of relief, believing that the ordeal had finally come to an end. Little did she know, Erwin had more in store.
Erwin's piercing gaze fixed on Annie Leonhart posed a demand that resonated through the dimly lit room, each word encapsulating the weight of their impending fate. "But," he began, his voice carrying an air of authority, "in return, you will tell us everything you know, you will help the Survey Corps, and you won't hesitate to fight for us, even against Marley." As his words hung in the frigid air, Erwin's voice, commanding and as cold as ice, left no room for ambiguity as he sought an unwavering affirmation from Annie: "Is that clear, Annie Leonhart?"
Annie lay frozen, her eyes widening in shock as the weight of his words settled upon her. How could he possibly know about Marley? The thought swirled in her mind, churning with disbelief. As far as she knew, their secret was locked away. Unless the King himself had divulged their truth, an event that seemed as improbable as a shooting star streaking across the night sky.
A name slipped from Annie's lips, barely louder than a whispered breath. "Ymir," she murmured, her voice tinged with both realization and trepidation. At that moment, it dawned upon her that she might be the sole custodian of the Truth, the only one who held the key to the Eldians' plight within the towering walls. She was the Titan, the one who devoured Marcel and then told the Survey Corps the truth about the outside world.
Annie realized that they also most likely knew how to give Titan powers to someone else, which would explain the lack of questions about the outside world and how Titan's powers worked. They already knew quite a lot. Annie, at that moment, understood that she was walking on very thin ice; if she didn't show her loyalty and didn't provide them with useful information, then she knew they wouldn't hesitate to give her Titan to someone else or even punish her for keeping quiet about Bertholdt's attack on the Gate of the City of Trost.
"I will join the Survey Corps."
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