Chapter 1: The Industrial City

Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin

Summary: On his first trip to the Industrial City, Levi accidentally ends up going on a date with an MP.

It was early in the morning. Dawn had just approached. The Survey Corps HQ was silent as most of the soldiers were still sleeping soundly in their beds. Levi finished preparing for the day. Rather than dressing in his uniform, he dressed in civilian clothes, a simple dark suit. They were only going to the Industrial City for two days and they wanted to make the most of it, which meant leaving at early light. No problem for Levi, but Mike wasn't an early riser like him.

"You look positively perky," Mike grumbled, covering his mouth and yawning. "I hate it."

"Let's go get the horses."

"You've never been to the Industrial City, right? This is your first time."

"You know it is."

"A very minuscule percentage of the soldiers have been there so it's a great opportunity. The entire place used to be a government secret, actually. Long ago its very existence was kept hidden from the public."

"How do you hide an entire city?" Levi asked skeptically.

"It was easier back then. Now there's a lot more factory cities, but the Industrial City still remains at the top even after 70 years."

"They also have humanity's greatest minds for crafts and inventions," Levi repeated what he had heard Erwin and Hange say the previous night.

Mike nodded. "It was the place where the 3D maneuver gear first came to be. And the Mint is there, too. So you can imagine how heavily fortified and protected it is."

They mounted their horses and left. Most of the ride was spent in companionable silence, occasionally talking about something irrelevant. Mike was too tired to bother speaking, claiming talking made him sleepy. That was fine by Levi. He was happy enough with the idle ride and enjoying the crisp morning.

A wall ran around the Industrial City, considerably smaller than Rose or Sina, but it would still be difficult to scale. There were watchtowers behind it, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity along the wall. To Levi's surprise, the MPs at the checkpoint studied their passes intently, instead of a brief glance like he had expected. Perhaps Mike hadn't been exaggerating about the security.

"Hey, Corinne," Mike greeted the blonde-haired soldier.

"You're good," she said, handing his pass back to him.

"So are you," Corrine's partner declared, returning Levi his pass.

"Here on official business?"

"That's right," Mike replied, patting the plans tied to his horse. "Got an appointment at Warren's shop."

"How long will you be staying?"

"We're staying the night. Heading back tomorrow evening."

"Where will you be staying?"

"Warren's brother owns an inn a couple of blocks away from the shop. Seemed like a good place."

"Are you carrying any weapons or illegal substances?" Corrine directed this question at Levi.

"Just my switchblade," he responded.

"Alright, you can pass," the other soldier said.

"Thanks," Mike said, leading them through the checkpoint.

Even from this distance, Levi could make a massive building of some sort at what appeared to be the heart of the city. "It's huge," he said, staring at the dark cylindrical building in the distance.

"It's like the heart of the city," Mike told him.

They crossed a short barren land before arriving at one of the bridges that ran over the large moat surrounding the city. Past the moat was another wall surrounding the city. Again they were thoroughly questioned and their passes scrutinized.

Once more Levi was surprised by their diligence. "They seemed competent," he said after they cleared the second checkpoint and began to enter the city.

"I told you, the Royal Mint is here. Along with a lot of other precious resources and some of the smartest engineers and scientists in the Walls. Naturally, the Military Police is actually damn good at their job here. They're not your run of the mill MPs."

"I'll say." Levi observed the uniformed men and women he spotted in the streets. Sharp-eyed and looking to be in good shape, they put their brothers- and sisters-in-arms in Sina to shame.

The closer they got to the city, the more amazed Levi became at the sights. The enormous steel mill blast furnace became clearer. Dozens of twisting black pipes, long tubes, and scaffolding surrounded the cylindrical furnace. Around this big, steaming heart of the city were tall towers. And circling the towers were countless shops and homes. A rushed babble that was common in markets surrounded him. The whole city seemed more advanced and alive they Levi had imagined a factory city to be.

Mike grinned at his awe. "Impressive, isn't it?"

"It certainly is a sight to behold."

"The forest where the iron bamboo trees grow is here, too. It's what they used to make the swords from before switching over to ultrahard steel. But the iron bamboo is vital to us since it's still used for the production of other parts of the maneuver gear. So access to that grove is restricted and highly regulated."

Admittedly it was pretty fascinating. Levi had expected the trip to be fairly boring. His presence didn't seem like it would be all that necessary. In fact, it would have made more sense to send in Hange instead. But he had a feeling Erwin was trying to get him to join Mike's squad since Levi steadfastly refused to get a squad of his own and moved from squad to squad in expeditions. Erwin was probably hoping Mike would coach him into becoming a squad leader.

Warren's shop was a big, two-story building in the bustling market. The craftsman himself was a giant of a man with a thick blond beard and deep blue eyes. "Welcome, Mike! It's been too long, friend." He pulled Mike into a hug before turning to Levi. "And you must be Levi!"

Levi was a strong man. It took a lot to make him flinch. But Warren's friendly slap on the back made Levi's teeth rattle and nearly sent him face-first into the ground.

"My, what a hard look for such a young one!" Warren let out a booming laugh and, much to Levi's indignation, ruffled his hair. "And so small! But you've got time to grow. Make sure to drink your milk."

Mike choked back a snort, barely.

Levi fumed. Then he cringed. There was no way he was going to be able to stop Mike from spreading this story around when they returned to the Corps. "I'm a grown man," he ground out. Yet he felt like a child compared to the giant before him. The man could probably wrestle with the smaller Titans.

Warren either didn't hear him or thought he was making a joke and turned to Mike. "How's that nose of yours?"

Mike sniffed the air experimentally. "Are those blueberry muffins I smell?"

"Still got the sniffer of a bloodhound, I see. Let's sit and talk while we eat. Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Only a snack. We left pretty early so we could make the most of the trip here."

"There's always time for breakfast. Come, we'll eat first."

"But the plans—" Levi began and was interrupted by the craftsman.

"We'll get to them in time."

"Relax," Mike said as they followed the big man. "There's plenty of time for business."

Levi had to admit, Warren's mind was as sharp as his body was huge—which was why it was almost comical seeing him hold a delicate little teacup in his bear paw of a hand. Quickly he picked up the adjustments they wanted to make to the 3D gear and pointed out the flaws. A lot of his talk was math and science that Levi didn't understand but the apprentices, two girls and a boy who had wandered over to see the plans, were thoroughly intrigued with and impressed by.

Levi found himself getting bored very quickly. At least Mike had visited the place before and knew some of the other craftsmen working in the shop so he could chat with them when Warren got lost in the specifics with his apprentices. Levi didn't know anyone. Nor did he care to convene with them. Still, it did make the time feel like it was crawling by.

Fortunately, Mike noticed and seemed to take pity on him. "Why don't you go explore the city, Levi? Maybe someone here can show you around—"

"No, that's fine," Levi rejected the escort offer. He wanted to be alone and walk and explore in peace. "I'll find my own way around."

"Are you sure? This place is actually pretty big and the layout can be complex."

Levi rolled his eyes. "I'm not a child." And he'd grown up in the labyrinth known as the Underground.

"Alright, suit yourself."

"If you get lost, just ask one of the shop owners directions to the Trinity Fountain," Warren advised. "If you stand outside the front door of the shop and look to the right, you'll be able to see it. So you can find your way back using that fountain."

"Thanks." Levi nodded and left.

It was easy to get lost in the crowd and follow the flow of people. Levi liked the anonymity. His feet led him to whatever shop caught his eye. There was a shop where odd statues made of metal seemed to be the main products on sale. Another place sold little knick-knacks. Many were the usual shops he found in any other town's market selling food, clothes, shoes, toys, tools, textiles, jewelry, and more. Except there was an abnormally large amount of craft shops, which was to be expected from a place called the Industrial City.

Some of the eateries grabbed his attention. But he just ate at Warren's shop and wasn't feeling hungry. Maybe he'd try one later. He passed over a small bridge with grayish-blue water. Levi stopped to enjoy the peace. The bridge was surrounded mostly by buildings and there was not a lot of foot traffic there.

Eventually, he found a shop that demanded his immediate attention and a visit. It sold various types of cleaning supplies. He spent quite a bit of time there, inspecting the products and grilling the shopkeeper about them. Levi made a note to return to it later before they left so he could buy a couple of items that had grabbed his attention.

It was getting close to lunchtime and he wondered if he should head back and see how things were progressing. Retracing his steps, he made his way to the bridge. Unfortunately, it was closed. Are you kidding me? Would it have killed them to put up a notice forewarning them that the bridge would be closed for maintenance?

Forced to take a detour, he ended up becoming lost. If only he had his 3D gear. Not that the use of the gear was authorized in cities without permission from the government. But he was small, quick, and sneaky. He could have pulled it off without anyone noticing. Then again, considering where he was he might have gotten in deep shit if he was spotted by an MP. Levi scanned the crowd and his eyes were at once drawn to a small woman. Specifically, it was her hair that grabbed his attention. She seemed to know where she was going.

"Hey," he stopped her. "Can you tell me how to get to the Trinity Fountain? They closed the bridge without warning," he said in annoyance.

With a curious gleam in her eye, she studied him and smiled. "I can take you there. I'm heading in that direction myself."

He sighed mentally. Couldn't she just give him directions and be done with it? "Sure," he accepted. Better than insisting on getting directions and coming off as rude. She might make a scene.

"It's a ten-minute detour to get to that other side. Once we get to Union Plaza, I can point you where to go from there."

"Thanks."

"What's your name?"

He had a feeling she was going to chat the entire way. He resolved himself to being talked at for the next ten minutes. "I'm Levi," he introduced himself.

"I'm Petra. So, what's a soldier of the Survey Corps doing visiting the Industrial City?"

Levi glanced at her inquisitively. "How do you know I'm visiting?"

"Everyone here knows the bridge is closed for a few hours on the third Tuesday of every month for cleaning and inspection. And so the water can be cleaned, too."

"But how'd you know I was a soldier? Of the Survey Corps at that."

"The callouses on your hands. Only weapons civilians have access to are guns. But only the soldiers use swords since they're made from the highly precious and regulated ultrahard steel." Petra glanced at his hands. "Among the military, it's the Survey Corps soldiers that have hands like that from constantly using the swords."

"You have a pretty sharp eye for details."

"So I have been told."

"We're just having some craftsmen see if they can make the adjustments we're looking for in the 3D gear."

"Sounds fascinating. May I ask what your goal is with these adjustments?"

Levi was surprised at her rapt attention. She was genuinely curious and also asked about their expeditions and how things worked in the Corps, listening closely. The fact she didn't seem to look down on their cause also improved his opinion of her—it didn't last long, though. "Since you're a native, any good shops you can recommend?" Levi asked, deciding to put her knowledge to good use. "I was thinking about getting some tea leaves."

Petra wrinkled her nose. "Sorry, not really a fan of tea." She paused and grinned. "Have I offended you, Levi?"

"No. Your loss."

"I mean, it's just hot leave juice."

Now he was maybe a little offended. Even though technically she wasn't wrong. "You don't have to like it, but don't insult it."

"I'm just saying," she said, seemingly amused by his reaction.

"Have you ever even tried it?" Levi grumbled.

"Not really, no."

He shot her a look of incredulity. "Then how can you decide it's bad?"

Petra shrugged. "I do know some places that have great food and also serve tea. Maybe you can introduce me to some good flavors. I've heard they've got a unique collection. How does tonight sound?" She smiled expectantly at him. "We can meet at the Trinity Fountain around seven."

Too distracted by the thought of rare tea leaves, he missed the meaning behind her words. "I'll be there."

Petra was sitting on one of the benches when Levi found her. Three beautiful figures of marble were holding tools of craft behind her, the Trinity Fountain. In hindsight, it should have been more than a stray observation that she was wearing a pretty dress and had makeup on when earlier she had been in boots, pants, and a jacket. The enticing thought of finding unique flavors of tea had him skip over it, though, and focus more on where they were going.

"It's close by," Petra told him, taking the lead.

"Glad I brought some personal spending money now." Levi wasn't about to waste the funds provided by the Corps on personal expenditures, even if it was tea.

"By the way, nice cravat, Grandpa," she teased.

"What're you talking about? It's still in style," he argued, straightening the cravat.

"Yeah, sure."

"It's a classic, Petra."

"You know what's another word for classic? Old," she giggled and he rolled his eyes. "But you do look nice."

"Thanks."

The restaurant was small and cozy. It smelled amazing and they took a table outside, enjoying the pleasant breeze. Conversation came easy with her. She talked a lot but was also a great listener. She liked hearing more about what he saw of the world outside before Wall Maria fell three years ago and she told him about the city in turn.

"How is it?" Levi asked when she took a sip of sweet rose tea.

"It's okay. Now if it were sweet tea with vodka..."

"I think you just have bad taste."

Petra laughed. "You're a blunt one, aren't you, Levi? But I do like my men honest."

"Then you're gonna love me." Again, in hindsight, he should not have said that.

As they talked, she was as scandalized to learn he couldn't remember the last time he read a book as he had been that she didn't care for tea. Possibly more.

After dinner, she invited him to a sweets shop that was a favorite of hers. Initially, he was going to refuse until she mentioned she would pay. Well, who am I to turn down free dessert?

The sun was setting over the horizon and she led him through a shortcut. Two suspicious figures were walking from the other end of the alley. Petra stepped closer and held his arm. It was somewhat uncomfortable having her hold him, but he figured she was probably nervous about the two strangers. He'd rather pull her to his other side and place himself between her and them but they were almost parallel now and the duo ignored them, whispering among themselves.

Levi relaxed when they exited the alley without incident. Of course it wasn't the Underground, but still, never hurt to be cautious. Yet Petra still held on to his arm, talking obliviously.

She'd kept strangely calm in the alley otherwise, he thought. Not showing any hint of fear aside from getting close to him. Before he could remove her from his person, she hurried ahead, pulling him to move faster.

"Let's hurry! They'll be closing soon."

She must make a lot of money. Levi thought when she bought them both something called a marzipan and some other sweets for herself, loading them up in her arms. "This is good," he said, enjoying the white snack.

"There's also this one place down the street that makes the best spiced pumpkin bread with a delicious dipping sauce." At his look, she smiled sheepishly. "I know, I'm such a cow. I can always eat."

"You certainly don't look it."

"It wouldn't be good for my job if I got fat, but oh well. My friends say it all goes to my boobs anyway," she joked.

"What do you do?" Levi inquired, realizing she never mentioned what exactly she did for a living. He assumed she worked a trade like many of the occupants of the city.

"I'm an officer in the Military Police."

"You are?" Levi said, startled, not expecting that.

"Yup. I transferred here, let's see, about seven years ago? Wow, it feels like I've been here all my life. I grew up in Karanes, though." Petra went on about her childhood while Levi wondered why she had clung to him in the alley if she was an MP. "What about you? Where did you grow up?"

"So you weren't holding me in the alley because you were scared?" Levi turned it on her as they arrived at the inn he was staying at.

Petra quirked her eyebrows. "Huh? No. I figured you might be nervous. Plus I thought it was pretty smooth of me," she added with a chuckle. "Well, this was fun, Levi. I have a couple of hours free tomorrow if you wanna go grab lunch."

"Okay," he replied as something tugged at the back of his mind. And then it hit him.

"Great!" Petra kissed his cheek. "Then I'll see you at the Trinity Fountain tomorrow around 11:30!"

Levi stood frozen, watching her leave. Should he call her back? No, it would be too awkward. And he felt unprepared.

Inside their room, Mike lay on the left bed, reading a book by the light of the candle. Due to limited funds, two separate rooms were outside their budget so they had to share one room with two beds.

"Levi, there you are." He sat up. "You were gone longer than I expected."

"I think I was on a date."

Mike gaped at him.

"With an MP."

"What?!"

"And we have another one tomorrow."

Please Review~