*

A WEEK LATER

Grabbing a small bag I fold a few clothes and things for her, while kneeling down beside my bed. Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I finally grab everything. The week went by smoothly, allowing me not to worry about anything or anyone preventing me to go on short errands.

"Akira...?"

Lifting my head recognising his voice, Levi stood before me at the door.

"Hmm, what is it?" I ask, while standing up tucking the bag under my arm.

"Do you want me to come?"

Shaking my head, "You don't have too, I mean...I won't even be long," assuring him. "Lena will be coming with me, and you're already busy with your new squad."

He sharply clicks his tongue, lightly scoffing.

Slipping my boots on at the door, I could feel hesitation with his actions. Making my way through I head down to find Lena and Klara, not really wanting to trouble Levi. Overtime since he was given a squad, while I have to wait until fresh new soldiers' enlist. Not many set foot in this regiment, which shows how cowardly they are. Having Klara around dstracted me for a while, but I knew after giving her a new home, I had to get back to my usual routine.

"Akiwa!!!" Klara calls out cutely, rushing towards me. She embrace my legs, while I gasp in surprise with her happy greeting. My eyes meet Lena's who was ready to go, as I pat the child's blonde hair tenderly.

"Hey cutie, you ready to meet your new mother?"

Her big forest green eyes gaze into my own, with pure excitement. Yet, her smile falters making her cheeks look more puffed out and chubbier. Knotting my eyebrows in confusion, I bend down to her level and patted her head.

"What's the matter, sweetie?"

Her eyes soon grow glassy with tears, "I'm gonna miss you,"

Chuckling softly I embrace her close to me, feeling her tiny arms latch around holding onto me for dear life. She sniffles in response, "I will too, hopefully I can come by and see ya,"

Her eyes widen, before a smile stretches across her tiny face.

"Really?"

Nodding with a soft smile, she holds me closer making me breath in slowly and exhaling deeply knowing my job was to make the lives like hers easier. To live without worry, and to reclaim Wall Maria to victory.

*

KARANES DISTRICT - WALL ROSE

"It's so good to see you, my dear Akira," the woman greets, as her name is Ingrid. She wasn't much older than me, with light blonde hair and light blue eyes. Herself and her husband chose to live normal lives, after losing family that were from Shiganshina. They ran a popular bakery store, which is where my mother and I would use to come over, and support her. She looks at me from head to toe, bewildered.

"My goodness, you've grown into a fine woman!" She exclaims. "How old are you now? Twenty?"

Chuckling in response, "No, I'm twenty-two....close but will be twenty-three this year,"

She smiles softly, before clearing her throat.

"So......did you bring her?" She asks softly, seeing excitement behind her eyes. To be honest I'm grateful she's excited, knowing many children would want a place to belong. To have a place of comfort, knowing Karanes District is a little safer than some districts.

Nodding with a smile I couldn't contain, I head to the horse and saw her looking rather shy. Lena sat on another horse beside mine, trying to encourage Klara to see her new home.

I stretch my arms out signalling for the young child to reach out, as she embraces me lifting her up before placing her down on the ground. "There you go, now come on...."

Placing a soft hand against the small of her back, we walk around to see Ingrid's eyes slowly widen. She slowly bends down to Klara's height, while gazing at the child like she was already her own. Klara shy's away behind me, while I bend down along with Ingrid to meet her soft eyes.

"Come on, she's very sweet," I assure her, tenderly. "She's a baker, she makes sweets.....you like sweets?"

Her eyes meet my own before flickering across to Ingrid, as I saw her husband busy serving some customers. The bustling of crowds not far starts to disperse, decreasing in numbers while klara cautiously studies the unfamiliar face before her. I rub her back softly, while she grew hesitant at first.

"What do you like to eat?" Ingrid questions softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "We make a few sweets, breads, you name it....."

Not long after that Klara soon began to warm up to the woman, while I watched with relief washing over me. Not long it was time for me to head back, knowing I had important matters to attend too. Heading towards my horse I grip the reigns about to haul myself, when a small tug causes me to pause.

"Hmm......?" glancing down, I saw Klara tearing up. With a light chuckle I turn to her and embraced her, while kneeling down. "You're gonna be alright, next you will find friends and play around......you're gonna have a better life here. I promise you."

"Thank you, Akiwa," her voice muffles in the crook of my neck, feeling warm tears tickling my skin.

"Anything,"

With that Ingrid took Klara's hand tenderly, giving her new daughter a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

Turning back to my horse I shove my foot in the stirrup, and hoisted myself up swinging my leg over. Adjusting my seating I look upon them, "Take care of her, will you?"

Ingrid nods, "I will, don't you worry," She assures me, giving me a serious expression that allowed me to relax and feel relieved that Klara was safe. Knowing many orphans in the underground, I knew we needed to fix and help children who are in need and that are helpless. It was a cruel world beneath the surface, and it pains me that I knew someone who suffered beneath the surface. It made me feel so frustrated, that I wanted to yell at the government and King for poorly mistreating their people.

This world has gone to hell from the beginning, so all I'm doing is living by my own rules.

I kick the side of my horse softly with a grunt, before flicking the reigns as Lena and I began heading back to the gates.

*

COMMANDER'S OFFICE

"Excuse me? What are you trying to say?" I question him, while not comprehending his very words that stood out to me. His eyes never shook, his voice never wavered. He was dead serious. Yet, why? Why has been a jerk to me?

He faces me after staring at his back for a while, as he turns to me.

"You're back to being corporal, or captain.....however you would put it," he repeats himself, while giving me a serious look. Taking a slight step forward, I furrow my eyebrows with confusion.

Letting out a dry chuckle of disbelief, I fold my arms.

"H-How am I back to being corporal? What's the reason, because--" about to lay everything out, straightforwardly to him.

"Because we need you, Akira,"

His voice was so stern but so mellow at the same time, feeling my heart stop. My hands slightly shook, not understanding by his statement. Yes, it was something I've always wanted to hear it from him. Yes, I wanted him to succumb to understanding that my help extends the means of many lives that are at stake currently now.

Blinking a few times feeling anger slowly surfacing, I close my eyes while inhaling slowly.

"Why didn't you realise this any sooner?" I question, eyeing him with my normal stoic gaze. He shifts his eyes away from my own, and sighs deeply like he's given up holding grudges or something entirely different. "I've risked so much for your public ego, had to lie to Levi and his friends.......I've risked everything, only for them to hate me......that took time for their trust to not waver with me."

He sighs deeply, before pushing himself up from his desk.

"I've had my own reasons, but can we discuss this matter later," he shifts the conversation, while glancing away from me. "You will be training the 104th cadet corps, along with former Commander Shadis."

"Why me? You just gave my title back, wh--"

"We need a sharp eye among the cadets, we need to find strong soldier's and with you there will give them reassurance,"

What does he mean by that? Give them reassurance?

"Right, so when do I begin?" I question, unfolding my arms I place one hand upon my hip.

"In three days, in January......you will begin training these soldiers," He informs me. "Your vice captain, Lena Hoffman is will remain here as she's not fully qualified--"

"But, she's always been by my side," I interject, causing him to be slightly taken back. "She's important to me, she--"

"You're not dealing with titans at the moment, you're just training these soldiers," He cuts me off, while my jaw tightens. My hand slowly ball into fists, trying to remain calm and composed.

*

A DAY LATER - AKIRA'S OFFICE

Flipping through the pile of papers, I sigh heavily through my nose not understanding the conflicting emotions. I just got my okay to continue serving the survey corps, especially after the downfall of my squad. Soldier's were getting tight on limitations, due to how many years you have train rookies.

Resting my palms against the desk, I lean forward hanging my head over.

A small headache seems to creep back, closing my eyes to at least help ease the throbbing pain in my head. Today has been very full on, preparing myself to move out in two days. Running my fingers through my hair, I untie my hair allowing it to flow out. Raking my fingers through I push myself up, and began grabbing a few things.

Placing a few books into my bag, my clothes were already packed.

~Knock~Knock~

Without breaking eye contact with a book in hand, "State name and business--"

The door opens freely recognising who it was, I gave up on even scolding him at this point. Turning around I saw him walking up to me, as I place my things down. Tapping my papers upon the desk, I placed them down quickly writing down the ones I've already signed and completed.

"You ready?" Levi asks bluntly, making me lift my head facing him.

"Hmm?"

"We're doing a day worth of training today, with my squad," he informs me, making me nod. Forgetting we were doing that after having so much on my mind, I stood up straight with a deep exhale.

"Right, you wanted me to see your squad's skills," I recall, remembering about last night.

Most night's I would spend time with Levi in his office, with tea and the comfortable silence between us. We preferred doing so just both of us, which allowed me to spend time with him. Regretting everything since we both met, I still held a grudge against myself. Hating to deceive people, especially when there was more to it than how we viewed our point of perspective.

"Yes, I wanted to get......your approval before you leave," he explains, making me furrow my eyebrows.

"Approval?" a small smile curls upon my lips. "Why me, why couldn't you ask at least Miche or Hanji?"

He scoffs while clicking his tongue, folding his arms.

"........."

"Levi........?"

He sighs, "Come let's go, we don't have all day," he ushers me, without even explaining his reasoning. Knowing he's avoiding the reasons, I just bypassed it allowing him to keep it to himself.

Signing my name on the tiny note, I place it upon the pile and followed behind Levi to the training grounds.

*

TRAINING GROUNDS

With myself propped upon the branch, I could hear the ODM gears sounding in the distance. The breeze was cooler up here, feeling myself grow more relaxed. Once my eyes snap back to the upcoming soldier's, I hollow my hands together and whistled to signal for the wooden titans.

The soldier responded and pulled a titan out, surprising Oluo.

He falters for a moment, but recollects himself and takes his time to strike. He manages to dig deep into the nape, while I study his physique.

Oluo Bozado......

A soldier who has a high titan kill record, and has a very self-confident and obnoxious demeanor. Although he may be highly skilled, and hand picked by Levi he's still a cocky bastard. Seriously, I understand Levi's judgement but I will trust Levi with this one....

I soon hear another soldier coming by, as I signal the titan soldier to surprise attack this one. Signaling a high bird like whistle, I hear the wooden titan fall out. Petra reacts sharply due to her smaller figure, as she flies high and twists her body one-eighty degrees before slicing through the nape.

Petra Ral........

A younger soldier than me, but she's quite a fighter. She still lacks strength, but her speed is sharp and quick. She's a very kind woman, and places her trust in others for their team to work. She has full admiration for Levi, as her Captain. She's a soldier worth fighting alongside, and if I ever need her well I know who to go too.

Next comes in two more, as the two boys nod to each other. Smirking I signal again, as the wooden dummy pops out alarming the two. Yet, they both part ways. One went down to the ankles, and the other went for the nape. They seem to understand teamwork, especially with communication skills.

Gunther Schultz........

He's a very strong soldier not only because of his strength alone, but he holds a reasonable kind of personality. He's survived multiple encounters to death with titans, but he's a very kind man. I've met him face to face before, and he respect's his superiors which makes our relationship easier.

and Eld Jinn.........

He's a very kind man but also a responsible and firm leader, also holding a sense of duty. Very straightforward sometimes and his skills are very high, but he's a quiet guy. If speaking sometimes he comes out as blunt and straightforward, which would help with many things in the future.

*

"So how did they go?" Levi questions bluntly, while I land on the ground firmly.

I share him a nod, with a warm smile.

"You've picked fine soldiers, I hope the special operations squad becomes successful," I encourage, seeing his eyes slightly widen. "Each person maybe different with personalities, but they all wield trust......and that's all we need to form a teamwork relationship."

"Captain Akira!" I hear someone exclaim, turning my head to the side there stood the four that I've analysed just now. "Wow, it's such an honour to see you!"

"Petra, it's nice to see you," I muse softly, before turning to the men and herself. "You all did great today, I know I've seen you out on our expeditions....but I want to confirm everything."

"Thank you," Eld smiles gently. "And I've heard about your departure in two days, you're.....gonna train the 104th.....good luck."

CHuckling softly, I sigh deeply.

"If I can handle titans, then I can handle rookies easily," I assure them, giving myself some confidence after having some kind of doubt.

Soon Levi's gives me a firm look, before turning to his squad.

"You four go train, no slacking off," he nonchalantly orders, as they nod heading off. Once they were out of earshot, I kick the dirt beneath me wondering what he needed to talk about. My eyes drift to see Oluo tapping his chest proudly, with a wide grin towards Gunther.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I turn back to Levi.

"So......what will you do once you're done training them?" He breaks the silence, while hearing the distance yelling and laughter in the background.

"Now thinking about it I haven't thought about it, but there is no more soldiers that will be joining my squad," I spoke up, in deep thought. "So I will be aiding anyone, Lena will be still by my side as my vice captain........so, it seems I'm continuing my job as a lone wolf I guess."

"Tch, you join my squad......I can make you Captain inst--"

"No," I interject, as his breath hitches in his throat. "You gained a honorary title, you've worked hard for that title and position.........besides, I'm happy to aid when I can. It's more logical if you think about it, we're humanity's strongest soldier's......so I must do my part at least."

"I see," he voice softly falters, like he was disappointed with my response.

With my boot digging into the dirt, I click my tongue softly.

"Anyway, I'm gonna go check--"

"Hey, Captain Akira!!!!!" Someone calls out, turning to see Petra calling out. Humming in confusion, I make my way over to see Oluo confidently smirking while I approach them. Levi soon follows behind, interested about what's next.

"What is it, Petra?"

Her eyes flicker to the self-confident soldier, the back to me, "Oluo wanted to see if you're really strong, in hand to hand combat,"

Scoffing drly I raise my chin, "Is that so, what makes him think he can defeat me?"

Oluo turns around, folding his arms while imitating Levi's small behaviour expressions.

"You and I spar,"

Raising a curious eyebrow, I share a glance towards Levi then back to Oluo.

"Like a challenge?" I imply, as he nods.

"Yes,"

Sighing with a small smirk I roll my jacket off, while taking off my ODM gear off. Feeling the sun finally kissing my exposed skin, I felt a little confident. Watching the young soldier stretching, while preparing himself I gesture to everyone to step back. Doing so, I crack my knuckles signaling to prepare himself.

"Alright, challenge accepted," I give in, knowing this is for Levi's benefit to see where his soldiers are at.

He smugly glances my way, while I adjust my ponytail.

"Alright, you two ready?" Levi spoke up, as Oluo smirks.

"Oh yeah, let's see if she's really strong,"

Rolling my eyes, Levi signals for the sparring to begin. Oluo jumps side to side, before charging head on. My eyes quickly and sharply analyse his movements, before ducking down just before he could raise his fist that soon follows. I kick his foot from beneath him, causing his body to fall onto his ass.

"Gah, dammit!" he curses, while glaring heavily up. "Some dirty move, what the hell....how did yo--"

"Fight, if you can still move," I cut him off, not wanting a full explanation on his sloppy movements.

He growls with frustration before standing up, before charging my way. This time i allow our fists to meet, blocking with my forearm. He went to send an uppercut, but I move sideways while my feet move swiftly around him. I wrap my arms around his neck and kicked his knees in to the dirt, before keeping my hold tight and firm, but not fatal.

"Shit, I can't even see you!" he exclaims, while I hear Petra breath out in awe.

"Wow, Captain she's quick........didn't she beat you one time?" Eld questions, while I raise an eyebrow while still having a locked grip around Oluo's neck.

Levi clears his throat while averting his eyes, "No, I did,"

"Now that's not how I remember it, we both tied that day," I retort, while Oluo taps my shoulder meaning he's done. Releasing him I stood up, walking towards Levi and Eld.

"Well that's how I see it," Levi concludes, giving me his usual stoic expression.

I shook my head, "It was a tie,"

He rolls his eyes, not wanting to continue the small argument before I turn to Oluo.

"I've trained most rookies since I've joined the Survey Corps, but you three except for Petra I haven't trained," I point out, which was true. "Seeing you today, I'm proud to say that Levi has great taste with elite soldier's like you four."

Smiling softly, while side glancing Levi they all stood in shock.

"Thank you, we're grateful for Levi," Eld smiles.

"Please take care of him, while I'm