Porco's pupils shrink as he falls back with you. Electricity sparks between your touch and the other shifters pause. Everyone silently watches as the pair of you lay in the field.

Porco lies propping himself up on his elbows while you cling to his stomach. He stares down at you wide-eyed, now finally able to understand what Reiner was talking about.

Slowly raising your head, you meet his stare. For some reason, unfamiliar tightness wells up in your chest. The close proximity allows you to analyse every detail. His beautiful shiny hair, glistening eyes, sharp jawline; never had you appreciated them so much before.

While you peer up at his face, he notices your cheeks turning pink. As if confirming the feeling is mutual, he suddenly flushes red before moving to his feet.

Snapping back to reality, he grabs you and hoists you over his shoulder. While he runs to Colt, you see Reiner and Marcel's Titans looking back at you. However, it is then you notice Eren's titan has healed and risen to its feet.

Yuna: P-Porco...

Unsure, you call Porco. As he looks back, his expression turns into a concerned frown.

Colt: Princess!

Reaching Colt and the other soldiers, Porco helps you climb up onto his horse before sitting behind you.

Colt: What are they doing?

Porco: Tsk.

Everyone watches as Eren remains in place. Reiner and Marcel wait until you and Porco are on the horse before they take a step back to retreat.

Seeing Eren unresponsive, Reiner watches Marcel's back while he lopes off. Quickly reaching the rest of you, he waits for Reiner. However, it appears that Reiner and Eren are having a moment.

Reiner's titan lets out a menacing scream, almost like a warning. Eren's titan, along with his comrades simply watch as Reiner then returns to you.

Colt: Let's go. 

Although you're concerned for Armin, you know the best thing you can do for him is go back with Marley. Finally safe, it doesn't take you long before you unconsciously rest in your new titan's arms.

~

Porco: E-Eh?

As her head begins to sway, Porco peers down at her face. Riding beside him, Marcel and Reiner who are back in their human forms also notice. Eventually, her head falls back and leans against his chest. Intrigued, he can't take his eyes off her as she sleeps ever so soundly. 

His heartbeat pounds against her ear so loud he worries it will wake her. He can't help but possess a strange fluttering in the pit of his stomach. 

Seeing his brother so carefully supporting her, Marcel smiles at his gentle side. Meanwhile, Reiner silently looks back ahead.

Marcel: She must be exhausted.

At Marcel's words, Colt, who is in front glances back. Forgetting everyone else was around, Porco realises he's been caught. 

~

You wake to the voices of the others discussing where to camp for the night. With dusk settling in, everyone ties up their horses and rushes around to set up. Colt, Marcel and Reiner automatically start helping the other soldiers while Porco and the medics slide you off the animal. 

Sensing you're hurt, the chestnut lays his ears back and knocks one of the medics as they escort you to a tent. 

Porco: Oi...! They're trying to help her. 

Reassuring his horse, he ties him up. 

Marcel: Porco, are you staying with her? 

Porco: Yeah. 

Smirking, Marcel walks off satisfied. 

Following the medics to the tent, he anxiously waits outside as they tend to your wounds. 

However, it doesn't take long before one flies out in a panic. 

Porco: What?! What is it?! 

With him too startled to make any sense, Porco walks inside to find you trying to cover up as much as possible. 

Seeing you clearly embarrassed, he confusedly turns to the other medic standing near you. 

Porco: What's going on?

Medic: H-Her arm...

Following their frightened eyes, he finds you refusing to look at them as you hide it. 

With their reactions only making you feel worse, he furiously kicks them out. 

Once they're gone, he quietly comes over to inspect your arm. 

Porco: Show me it. 

Although your injuries from the experiment are throbbing, you're too self-conscious to let Porco see.

Yuna: I-It's fine...

Porco: Don't be stupid. Just show me. 

With the pain only getting worse, you give in and hold out your forearm. As he pulls up your sleeve, his body stiffens.

With his reaction the same as the medics, you try to retract your arm. Instead, he holds it still and flashes you a threatening glare. He then leans down to examine it closer.

Porco: This...

Confused, he stares at a part of titan flesh attached to yours.

Porco: Where did this come from? 

Yuna: Eren... 

Porco: Has the rest decomposed?

Yuna: I don't know. They cut me out of his titan...

Disgusted by it, you avoid his eyes as he looks at you. 

Porco: I'll get rid of it. Just don't move.

Taking over from the medics, he gathers everything he needs and sits opposite you. You watch in surprise at his almost sympathetic attitude.

Yuna: Porco...

He stops and looks at you.

Yuna: Thank you. For everything.

He returns your gaze for a little while before breaking away and placing your hand on his knee.

Porco: I need both hands. Squeeze if it hurts but don't move.

Once he's finished removing all the titan flesh, he calls the medics back in to attend to the rest of you. 

Porco: Call me if you need. 

Appreciatively nodding, you're moved by his considerate manner. He then walks past the medics and viciously snarls. 

Porco: I'll be standing RIGHT outside. You'd better do an immaculate job if you wanna wake up tomorrow. 

Pleased with their terrified states, he then takes his leave. Removing your torn and bloodied clothes, they treat the rest of your injuries that Porco was unable to get to. 

~

Marcel: What the hell is that?

The others gather around Porco and inspect the piece of flesh he's removed.

Reiner: Eren?

Porco: Yeah.

Marcel: Why is it not decomposing?

Porco stands and throws it in the fire as it burns like normal flesh.

Porco: I'm guessing it had something to do with her. 

Perplexed, they turn to look at you in sync. Picking up on your discomfort, Porco tries to casually explain for you. 

Porco: Apparently she was cut from Eren's titan. But they clearly missed some and it's stayed alive since. 

Colt: E-Eh?! 

Marcel: You were in Eren's titan, Yuna? 

Yuna: Yeah... 

Marcel: How?? 

Yuna: Um... 

But right as you think of how to explain, you're saved by a soldier announcing dinner. 

Hoping they forget about the conversation, you stand up. 

With Reiner sensing you don't want to speak about it, he follows your lead. 

Reiner: I'm starving.

Walking with you, the other three curiously stare after you. 

After receiving your rations, you all sit together separate from the Marley soldiers.

Marcel: They're saying that Magath has almost fully recovered.

Colt: Huh? Already?

Yuna: Wait, he's alive?

Marcel: Yeah. Somehow he survived the attack and was brought back.

Colt: I wonder what will happen now.

Reiner: We'll go home.

Reiner's defeated tone grabs everyone's attention. He stares down at his cup as he speaks.

Reiner: We've failed again. Our titans will more than likely be given to the next inheritors and Colts will be returned to the Tybur family.

The atmosphere becomes gloomy as they come to terms with the truth. It's as if you can see their hope turn to dust the moment they're reminded of their shortened lives.

In turn, you look at each of them. Although they've become such strong young men, to you they still look like frightened innocent children.

The ones who look the most afraid are Marcel and Reiner, the two who carry the heaviest burdens. You begin to wonder what it was like living amongst Eren and the other inhabitants of Paradis. 

You remembered hearing about how they were forced to abandon their comrades in order to return home and betray those who treated them as their own.

Piecing together that while everyone was still playing with toys, these boys were learning how to pull a trigger, your tolerance snaps. 

You're so deep in thought you absentmindedly crush the cup in your hand.

Colt: Eh?

Marcel: Yuna, are you ok—

Yuna: It's not going to happen...!

They're surprised by your enraged growl.

Yuna: Reiner, Marcel, you only have a few more years left on your contract, correct?

Marcel: Y-Yeah...

Yuna: I'll break them before then. All of them.

Dumbfounded, their eyes widen.

Reiner: Heyy now Yuna, what're you saying? It's impossible to—

Yuna: It's not. I'll find a way of making it happen. I promise.

Reiner stops as you burn earnestly.

Yuna: Trust me.

~

The gory scene of dead bodies spreads out before you. Children's bodies. As you frightfully glance around, you suddenly see a tall boy with dark hair and bloodied clothes standing off in the distance.

Although you cannot see his face, you watch as he turns his back and walks away.

Yuna: W-Wait...!

Despite calling him, he ignores you and continues on.

Left with no other choice, you make your way after him. But while you're desperately trying not to step on the bodies beneath you, you trip over a limb and fall amongst them.

You scream in horror at the mortifying expressions on their lifeless faces. However, just when you think it couldn't get any worse, you begin to recognise their younger forms.

Yuna: E-Eren...? Armin!?

You then see their comrades scattered around them.

Yuna: Kh...!

Pushing yourself back up, you hurry across the corpses to reach the boy with his back turned to you. You reach out and grab his shoulder. But the moment you stare into his empty eye sockets, your brain reaches its limit and returns your consciousness.

You wake with a start, gasping for air. Sitting up, you catch your breath as you try to shake the nightmare.

Feeling the adrenaline wear off, your attention shifts to the radiating heat from your forearm and the blood seeping through its bandage. You leave your tent to search for more dressings, only to be met with Marcel and another guard outside.

Yuna: Marcel?

Marcel: Oh? What're you doing up, Yuna?

Yuna: Ah, I couldn't sleep.

While you lightheartedly smile at him, his eyes wander down to where you're holding your arm.

Marcel: Is it hurting?

Yuna: A bit.

He then smiles and stands up.

Marcel: Come on, I'll help you change it.

The two of you go and sit around the fire. You flinch as some of your skin peels off with the bandage.

Marcel: It's flared up... I'm guessing it's hurting more than just 'a bit'?

You nod.

Marcel: It's ok you know, you don't have to act tough.

You always managed to feel at ease with Marcel, no matter the situation. He naturally encouraged people to be honest since his sharp wit saw through it anyway.

Yuna: Thank you.

Marcel: No, thank you...

Yuna: What for?

Marcel: For saying what you did earlier. It's not often we hear kind words, and it gave us hope. So thank you.

You both watch as he flushes out your wound with a solution that slightly stings. Although he's being very careful, he's still nowhere near as gentle as Porco.

As he's bandaging it back up, he curiously speaks about something that's been lingering in his mind.

Marcel: Hey Yuna, can I ask something?

Yuna: Sure.

Marcel: What made you suddenly affiniate with Porco?

You know to Marcel anything but the truth will be obvious, but genuinely struggle to word a reason. 

Marcel: Before you were taken, you guys left things on a bad note. He told me everything after he knew he was the last to see you that night. He couldn't stop beating himself up over it. The last time you spoke he threatened to kill you, right?

Yuna: To be honest, I don't really know how to explain it. But... I do know that your brother is the kindest out of all of us.

Marcel smiles in agreement. A wave of relief washes over him when he hears you learning his brother like him.

Yuna: His foul temper hides it well, but he's very intelligent and perceptive.

Marcel: Teh.

Marcel can't help but snicker as you both think about his anger issues. You seem to bond a little over the topic of Porco.

Marcel: You should've seen him as a kid. Him and Reiner would've all but killed each other had we not been there to break them up.

You're calmed by Marcel's stories about his brother. It was nice to have a normal conversation for once.

Marcel: If anyone deserves to be saved, it's him.

Marcel looks overcome with misery as he continues.

Marcel: He hasn't yet inflicted irreversible damage like us. The one thing I wanted to do was protect him from it. So I became the worst person and made sure Reiner would be the one to do it.

Yuna: W-What?

Marcel: Porco was the original candidate for inheriting the Armoured titan. So I sabotaged his chances by talking Reiner up and criticising Porco. I influenced them to believe Reiner was better suited. 

You're glad Marcel opens up to you. You listen intently as he lets out his pent-up remorse.

Marcel: We know we'll never be able to atone for the things we've done. But, to live knowing we at least spared someone from our own fate is enough. 

It is then you realise how special of a connection Reiner and Marcel have. The weight they carry on their shoulders must be crippling, yet they only continue on stronger for everyone around them.

Marcel: I can't let Porco follow in my footsteps. That's why Reiner and I have to finish this; so the others can have a normal life, even just for a bit.

Yuna: Marcel, I hope one day I'll be able to have a connection like yours and Reiner's.

Marcel peers at you with a pitiful expression.

Yuna: I don't even have the right to talk like this because I don't fit in, nor could I begin to imagine what you and Reiner went through. But even so, please don't forget that you have each other to share the struggle with. 

Marcel: Yuna...

Yuna: I've watched everyone's relationships and influences since being here, and for you, people naturally idolise you like an older brother. You always put others first, but you need to let yourself rely on others too. You don't always have to be the strong one. 

Porco: Hmm, I wouldn't call it strong.

Yuna: EEK!?

Marcel: HUH!?

Out of the shadow comes Porco to join you.

Marcel: What the hell?! How long have you been there!?

Yuna: What's with you and listening in on people!?

Both you and Marcel squeak out in fright as Porco sneaks up on you yet again. He sits down with you, a little offended about being excluded. 

Porco: I wasn't. I just happened to be here.

Marcel: 'Happened to be here' my arse! Why are you even awake?

Porco: I had a bad dream.

For some reason, he looks at you when he says this. 

Porco: So who am I then?

Yuna: Eh?

Porco: You said you've been watching our influences. So what's mine? 

While you're thinking of a way to describe him, Marcel quickly butts in.

Marcel: Hah. The stereotypical brat brother that picks on everyone.

Porco: At least I'm not the useless one always getting into trouble.

They then look at you and Marcel laughs.

Yuna: I-Is that me?

Porco: Jeez...

Marcel: Hahaha. Are princesses usually this slow?

Yuna: I'm not sure.

Marcel: We're just teasing you, Yuna. Although, you are particularly hard to keep a hold of.

You start to feel like you're being treated like one of them and the thought delights you. Never had you had friends and you already admired these people a great deal.

Marcel: And anyway...

Suddenly, Marcel hangs an arm around you and Porco and pulls both of you in.

Marcel: Who says you don't fit in? You're one of us now, right Porco?

Porco: Ugh, whatever. Just let go.

Satisfied, Marcel releases his tight grip.

Porco: Anyway, isn't it time you went to bed? I saw the guards had already replaced you.

Marcel: Aww they did?

Porco: Tah, that's what happens when you slack off.

Marcel: Hmm. Only if you're sure you won't lose her this time. 

You try to hold back a giggle at their brotherly banter. Porco is unable to say anything back and rolls his eyes. In return, Marcel grins victoriously.

Marcel: Night Yuna! No running away this time! Sleep well.

Yuna: Ahah, you too. Goodnight.

Porco remains silent until he's sure Marcel is gone. For some reason, you don't feel afraid to be left alone with him.

Porco: You're not as dumb as I thought, you know.

His blunt words make you toss between an insult or a compliment.

Porco: You figure people out too quickly. Back then, I didn't want to know you. I thought you were the same as that noble.

You can tell what he's trying to say is hard for him, but he's doing it regardless.

Porco: But when you were gone, I realised you weren't the enemy. Yuna...

You become a little flustered as he says your name out of nowhere and looks you in the eye.

Porco: I'm sorry. I was wrong about you.

Your heart thumps and your chest tightens at his foreign words. You weren't used to him being so amiable and found yourself captivated by it. 

Porco: Marcel was right; you didn't have to say what you did the other night, but you still chose to. For that brief moment, we felt like normal humans instead of bargaining chips to our parents and weapons to Marley. 

There's a sad glint in Porco's eyes as he confesses.

Porco: Marcel leads on he doesn't care, but really he's the one who wishes to be normal most of all.

Yuna: You're the biggest thing that makes him feel normal, Porco.

Porco's shocked at your words and snaps his head up.

Yuna: By focusing on protecting you, it takes his mind off everything else. I'm guessing that's why he likes to be a big brother to everyone; it's his only way of escaping.

Porco stares at you out of the corner of his eye, deep in thought. He then begins prodding at the fire and changes the subject to something he's been waiting to discuss.

Porco: By the way, I saw it.

Yuna: Saw what...?

Porco: What woke you up. I don't know how but I did. Is this what Reiner was talking about?

You hesitantly nod as he looks a little freaked out.

Porco: Why are you seeing that?

Yuna: I-I don't know... Lately, it's been the same thing.

Porco: Are you sure they're coming from you?

Confused, you see Porco wearing a grim expression.

Yuna: What do you mean?

Porco: We can share each other's dreams right? But I don't think we're seeing yours. 

Yuna: So then, they're Reiner's?

Porco: The boy in that dream... He was the predecessor of the Colossal titan. His name was Bertolt Hoover.