"It's their first time on the battlefield," Zeke said, raising his hands helplessly to the surrounding soldiers.
"So they're a little… uncomfortable with corpses. You know how it is—first time always hits hardest."
Erwin's gaze cut across him, steady and piercing.
"…And you?" he asked. "First time for you as well?"
Zeke's smile froze
"…"
Every eye turned to him.
"…Oh, right," he stammered. "I guess I'm not used to it either."
Then, as though on cue, "Actor Zeke" took the stage: he leaned over the edge of the wagon and made exaggerated retching sounds. "Ugh! Hnngh—!"
But after a few dry heaves, nothing came out. Silence pressed in. Soldiers watched him, unimpressed.
Zeke slapped the carriage with a thud, forced a sheepish grin, and said, "Why am I vomiting, anyway? I didn't even hit anyone!"
The recruits behind him just stared.
(…Captain, how do you sell it so shamelessly…?)
Levi's voice cut through, quiet and cold.
"Good marksmanship."
Zeke's head snapped up. Levi's pale eyes met his, unreadable.
"I was fast," Levi said flatly, "yet you still didn't hit me."
Zeke's expression twisted. "I tried my best!"
—Tried not to snipe you, you little demon!
Hatred, fear, regret churned in his gut.
Then Erwin extended a hand. "May I see your weapon?"
Zeke stiffened instantly. "…No."
The Survey Corps didn't know the truth of the world outside the Walls. They didn't recognize Marley's crest stamped on the grip. But if they discovered weapons capable of killing Titans, they would confiscate them without hesitation.
And if word ever reached those in power—the ones holding the Founder—
…Marley, the outside world, the Warrior mission—
None of them would leave here alive.
"We need these," Erwin pressed. His tone was calm, but firm. "These guns can kill Titans. They're the weapons we've always dreamed of."
Zeke shook his head. "No."
Hand it over, and it's the gallows.
"Come on, little brother," Hanji chimed in, sidling up with a grin, knife in hand. "Trade you? My blade for your rifle? Pretty please?"
Zeke jerked backward, knocking Hanji away with a loud thump. "Still no!"
Shhhk!
The metallic whisper of steel unsheathing cut the air.
Zeke froze. Levi's blade kissed the side of his neck.
He swallowed hard. "When we get back to the city," he said quickly, "I'll tell you everything you want to know."
"Including the Titans?" Hanji's voice spiked with glee. She leaned forward, eyes sparkling.
But Erwin caught her shoulder. His voice was even. "Not here. Not now. But I'm glad you're willing to be honest."
"Of course," Zeke replied smoothly, though sweat dampened his brow. "On the condition that you guarantee our safety."
Smart men didn't need flowery words. Straight lines connected faster.
Erwin nodded. "Very well. I'll look forward to our private discussion back in the city."
"Eh? Private? Without me?" Hanji pouted, looking betrayed.
Erwin sighed. "You'll have your chance, Hanji. Later. For now—control yourself. Don't blurt anything before we know the full truth. Their safety must come first."
"Ohhh~" Hanji deflated, but only for a second. She spun around, seized Zeke's hand in both of hers, eyes shining like stars.
"Then it's a deal! After your date with Erwin, you have to make one with me! No matter how late it is—I'll be waiting!"
"Uh…" Zeke blinked, completely thrown off. "…Sure?"
"Perfect!" Hanji twirled away, calling to the soldiers. "Hurry it up! I can't wait to get back to the city!"
Zeke stared after her, dumbfounded. "…That person is really like this?"
He had expected a stubborn old scholar. Instead, he got a hyperactive lunatic with the energy of a thousand Titans.
A chill brushed his ear.
"Hey. Kid."
Zeke nearly jumped out of his skin.
Levi stood behind him, blade already sheathed, face carved from ice. His lip curled faintly. "Being noticed by the most deranged one of us? Not a good sign. For your own safety, don't go on any dates with Hanji."
"…Uh. Okay," Zeke agreed immediately.
Erwin, as if none of that had happened, asked casually, "By the way,—what's your name? Where do you live?"
"Zeke. From Shiganshina District… No." He caught himself. "…I live in the mountains. I'm only going to Shiganshina to visit relatives."
"Relatives? Who?"
"Grisha Yeager."
"Oh!" Erwin's eyes lit with recognition. "Dr. Yeager? Remarkable man!"
Levi frowned. "…Doctor?"
"Yes." Erwin turned, smiling faintly. "A physician with unmatched skill. Five years ago, he stopped the plague in Shiganshina. Nobles from the mainland even sought him out for treatment."
Zeke's chest swelled with something dangerously close to pride. Hearing his father praised inside the Walls—it was strange.
Unexpected.
But then Erwin asked, "And you are to Dr. Yeager…?"
"…A distant relative." Zeke forced the words out. Inside the Walls, everyone knew Grisha had a wife and son. To suddenly introduce an older boy as his child would unravel too many threads.
Dangerous ones.
Still—he had overlooked something.
"Good," Erwin said smoothly. Then he turned to the men. "Spread the word. Change of route—we'll re-enter through the south gate. Shiganshina District."
"Eh—?!" Zeke's jaw nearly hit the ground.
He had twisted their path away once already, dragged them far from danger. And now—one conversation, and Erwin had spun them back toward the very heart of it!
Behind him, Annie, Reiner, and Bertolt exchanged wary looks.
Their commander sat cheerfully chatting with the Survey Corps, while the word Shiganshina hung heavy in the air.
And every one of them knew what that meant.