*

A heavy sigh draws from my lips, feeling the warm rushing water shower down, running my fingers through my hair. Tensed muscles begin to loosen a little, while feeling my body melt beneath the refreshing warm water. My bare chest heaves slowly, the pain still throbbing, hating to see the ghastly bruise, that swells about the size of my palm. 

Today has been rather overwhelming, but even so the building was rather lonely. Quiet even.

Grimacing my left palm presses against the tiled wall, while my other tenderly grips my rib. My shoulders were shaking, from the heavy emotions that flooded inside me. Even though we finally placed an identity to the female titan, I felt more betrayed that I taught her. That I've given my all, with these new recruits. She played me like a fool, not knowing of shifters. Being her own mentor for three years, she refused to learn from me. 

Still, she was my cadet, I want to refuse that she was the one who murdered my own comrades.....

My drenched hair drifts past my face, as the droplets leave the ends of my hair. Things weren't fully processing, and sleep was the only thing that could make me fully forget about it, until the next day. Suddenly a rush of rage leaves my lungs, punching the wall with my bare knuckles repeatedly. Teeth baring, while allowing the water to swallow up my anger.

"Shit......shit....shit...." I repeat, while feeling my body sink in despair. The pain soon drifts to my fist than my rib, but I couldn't care less. 

My eyes fall to the tiles beneath me, blood running down before drifting down the drain slowly, mixing into the water. I couldn't tell if I was crying, but the stinging sensation was mixing with my new found anger. I'm supposed to be strong, capable in leading and protecting. 

Closing my eyes for a moment, I take a few deep breaths in taking my time to cool down. With barely any soldiers within the castle, it made me realise how quiet it will be. 

Standing up I run my fingers through my raven locks, rinsing it again beneath the warm water. Cleaning the blood from my right hand, my eyes linger one one spot for a moment. Soon I begin to think about the spies, and why I felt this uneasy feeling. Erwin and I's predictions were true, that there were enemies beyond than what we could handle right now. 

But, if Annie was the female titan.......who are the Armoured and Colossal?

After taking a long warm shower, I dried myself and threw on an oversized shirt while messily drying my hair. Somehow I don't feel as upset, but more pissed off than I ever could be. No words could comprehend how I feel, but I want that bitch to pay.

*

~Knock~Knock~

"Come in,"

That's right, he has no reason to question who's at the door. There was nothing but silence, before I open the door, creaking slowly. Walking I close it behind me, and made my way towards Levi. He sat tiredly at his table, elbow propped up while staring blankly out the window behind him.

The dim lights flicker, as shadows dance against the walls slowly.

Making my way over to him, he seems to take my presence lifting his head. The silence was enough to know what we were thinking, but his hands lift up, gesturing for me to come over. Taking the silent and warm invitation, I carefully slide onto his lap and wrapped my arms around him. Settling comfortably into his chest, fingers rake through my damp hair calmly and smoothly.

"Feel better?" He asks gently, while I nod. Nose pressed against my hair, he hums softly. "Your hair smells nice, being clean is important you know."

Chuckling softly into his chest, my hands clung onto the back of his shirt, not wanting to leave him alone. He's battling something within himself, and I want to be there for him. He deeply exhales, pulling me closer allowing me to snuggle further into him.

"It must be hard," he spoke up, causing me to furrow my eyebrows in confusion. "Finding out a cadet of yours, was a spy........but there seems to be more....."

His sympathy laces with concern, knowing it's deeper.

To be honest I've given up on betrayal, instead I would rather defend my own home. To depend on my soldiers, to depend those who haven't betrayed us. It was hard to process that there is a world out there, that we might not know about. 

"I'm fine," I muffle against his chest, fluttering my eyes half way. "All that matters, is trapping the bitch and find out more than what we know."

He lets out a quiet laugh, before clicking his teeth together.

"Yeah, I guess......."

Grimacing in pain from my rib, I pull away to meet eye to eye, seeing the dim lights cast a warm glow upon his pale complexion. Piercing eyes gaze into mine, with such a look that made my heart flutter, no matter how he looks at me. His hands slowly drag down my forearms, before interlacing my fingers with his with a firm, but tender grip.

He soon falters, when he glances down to see my right hand.

Soon he glances up, "What the hell happened?" he lifts his hand, interlaced with the hand that was gauzed up. "How did yo--?"

I pull my hand down still in his grip, "Quick worrying about me, please?" I murmur softly, but he brought my hand back up and presses his lips against it for a few seconds.

"Seriously, you're such a dumbass," he utters, under his breath.

Finally we both just sat there embraced, while I curled into his chest trying to be careful with his wound. Knowing there wasn't much to say, all I wanted was his quiet warmth. He was rather in deep thought, but just sitting and taking our time to just relax was enough. Dwelling on the events were overwhelming, that our minds slowly turned off.

After a matter of minutes I hear him grimace slightly, so I lift my head up about to stand back up. However a hand firmly grips my plush waist, causing me to see him looking at me with a concerned gaze.

"What? Thought I was hurting your leg?" assuming that's why, but he shook his head.

"It's fine," pulling me back down, my hands press against his chest for support. He soon adjusts his position, feeling his calloused fingertips drift across my cheek. His eyes linger upon my eyes, before he trails from the top of my scar to the bottom, slowly and tenderly. It was like regret was soon visible, not knowing what was going through his head.

"Just.......stay with me," He whispers, almost hearing a crack in his tone.

Pressing a kiss to his palm softly, I hum softly.

"I'm here,"

*

TWO DAYS LATER - STOHESS DISTRICT 

It was no later than morning, as our plan was set into motion. My ribs were still swollen, but it has settled down for some weird reason. My healing could be rather inhumanly quick, but I remain still scathed. With carriages lining up, Levi and I gathered inside with the Commander. 

Levi wore his casual attire, whilst I wore my usual uniform. After Erwin's request last night, it changed my plans completely. Even Levi was not impressed with the idea, but he shielded his concern being stoic. 

We were heading towards the interior, with the MP guards outside the carriages keeping a sharp eye on us. Finally within Stohess District, Nile Dawk's men kept their watchful eyes on our movements. However if our plan does succeed, my plans would be shifted elsewhere. There was more to this, than any ordinary plan of attack.....or more.....a capture.

"How is your wound?" Erwin questions, eyes focused on me for a moment.

Rolling my eyes, "Fit enough to assist you in anyway," ensuring him, as he half expected an answer like that. "Anyway, are you sure.......that I'm able to do this?"

He nods with a steel gaze, "You're far capable in doing side missions for me, you're quicker and easier to digest information,"

"Tch," Levi clenches his jaw, his protective side stirring within him. "Seriously, you know she isn't fit enough to protect those brats, in her condition?"

Placing a hand on his shoulder I give him a warm smile, "It's fine, I'll come back safe and sound," 

He tries to understand that it wasn't a big job, that not much fighting was required for my next side mission. With my meeting, discussing my new mission with Erwin, I knew there was more to it.

//

*Last Night*

"Sir, you wish to see me?" I questioned, noticing Miche was inside the room. What's going on? Isn't he supposed to place the 104th regiment, into a secluded area. 

Erwin turns to me, "Glad you could make it," he stated, folding his arms. His tall figure seemed to intimidated my smaller physique. "Plans have changed with you."

"Excuse me?" I stepped forward, glancing Miche's way before falling back to the Commander. "What do you mean, by that exactly?"

The map was spread across the table, as he walked over before re-informing his main plan. Our way to corner the female titan, processing the plan we already concluded a few nights ago. 

"With your condition, I understand you probably don't want to follow," He continued, shifting to face me. "You will be assigned to aid Miche's squad, as I've decided."

I was definitely confused, as to why he would change these plans. Why would I aid Miche's squad? What's his reasoning?

"Aren't I supposed to face the officials?" I ask him, when he shook his head. "Then why? I'm fully responsibl--"

"I will take the responsibility," he interjects, sharply claiming his statement. "You are my subordinate, it was my idea, the suggestion having Eren under our custody. Right now, I want you to follow my orders and support Miche's squad."

Turning to Miche, I was conflicted with Erwin's order. Not understanding what he was trying to exploit with my new mission, or why the sudden change?  However Erwin turns to me, eyes turned down to face me.

"Discovering that shifters now exist, there are more," He spoke up, but more quietly in a hush tone. "Assuming that's the case, I want you to watch over the 104th. It's an order they are to lose their ODM gear, and wear casual attire for the time being. You'll be sent to the Southern outpost with Wall Rose, and I trust you to contain those suspected traitors......."

Things were slowly piecing together again, finally understanding this approach. 

"......but given with your wound, are you able to fulfill this mission?" He asked of me, while my eyes widen. Knowing this is a matter of truth, life and death situation, I couldn't turn this opportunity down. There were a few suspicious soldiers, which I wasn't even positive they were the spies.

Slamming my right fist against my heart, I gave him firm salute.

"Yes, sir," I assured him. "Your hunch maybe correct, and my wound.......it's healed almost despite only a few days. So I'm fit for any order, you give me."

Why am I so reluctant of his word? Why do I give in? 

Was I naive, or was I supporting his hunch? 

He nodded, "Easier said than done, Miche.....you may leave let you know when she follows up by tomorrow," Erwin ordered, earning a nod from the quiet giant before leaving the room, to only me and the Commander.

Silence falls, while my fingers fidget at the hems of my shirt.

".......it's like another hunch," he spoke up, breaking out of my thoughts. Turning to him, his back faced me while glancing out the window. "I don't know why, but I trust you're able to supervise them......and to keep a sharp on anymore suspicious acts."

He must've wanted to keep this information low, understanding how comfortable he's able to discuss my premonition as his. His guess were absolutely on the money, but at what cost will his presentiments have? How many lives is he betting on?

"So......you think......there's more?" I asked him, more cautiously while toning my voice down to a volume only he could hear. He gives me a look, unsure whether it was accurate or he's conflicted with his assumption.

"I don't really know," he admits deeply, making me grunt in annoyance. "But.....all I know, is that assuming there is more than one, we must be wary and cautious of information and actions. They are amongst the 104th, don't know who.....but they are watching everything we do. So I trust you will fulfill my request, and company Miche's squad?"

Scoffing softly, I shifted my weight to my right side, looking away.

"What kind of question is that? You've given more no choice now," shifting my eyes back to him, cursing at myself. "Telling me there's more, how am I supposed to turn my back now? Hmm?"

He closed his eyes, with a gentle hum of agreement.

"You're right," walking over, he towered over me. "You will head out, when we capture the female. We need you for that too, if you're up for the task?"

//

*Present*

An explosion was erupted, causing the earth to tremble beneath the carriages. We all came to a halt, hearing a commotion occuring outside our main carriage. With my ODM gear in a case, I prepared for the worst possible outcomes on Erwins hasty actions.

"Escort squad!" Nile's voice was clear above all others. "Have a look! I'll hold this position!"

"Sir, yes sir!"

Sharing a glance to meet Erwin's stern ones, he acted calmly setting out of the carriage with ease. Soon Levi steps out before me, offering a hand when it was my turn to step out. Thanking him quietly, my feet meet the ground firmly before seeing many MP's around us.

"Nile!" Erwin calls to the Mp's Commander. "Deploy all troops immediately! We should assume that a titan has already appeared!"

Nile was flabbergasted by Erwin calm instruction, however he was appalled and confused simultaneously. Stressing about what could be the disturbance, I guess he was rather weak when it came to real threats.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Nile rhetorically snaps. "This is Wall Sina! There's no way a titan would just suddenly show up here!"

Clicking my teeth, I roll my eyes placing my hands on my hips.

"He is crazy, but not stupid," I mutter, when soon I hear another carriage being opened. Turning around sharply, I notice our fake decoy rushes out with irritation and haste.

"Who told you to move, Yeager?" one of the Mps snaps harshly, while trying to shove Jean, who was disguised as Eren, back to the carriage. 

"How 'bout this damn wig said I could, Moron?" Jean retorts, throwing his wig off aggressively. The Mp was stunned with shock, "Call me Yeager again and it's your ass, you got that?!"

The young soldier soon runs towards us, facing the Commander sternly.

"Commander! What's the plan?" He questions, hastily.

My eyes drift back to Erwin, feeling the intensity of our rushed plan of capture was poorly concluded. However this better work, or we will be facing harsher punishments than what we were originally were facing.

"Ask Squad Four for equipment," Erwin instructs, as Jean nods.

"Sir!"

Jean quickly throws over his dark green, scouts cloak, "Like the brass balls, but try not to swing 'em so hard they get you killed," Levi warns the young boy

"Sir,"

Nile watches as our soldier runs down the street, to collect his gear to join the capture of the female. The Mp Commander confused, and then soon conflicted with many rushing emotions. However I took a deep breath, trusting Erwin's word that this plan will hopefully be successful in the long run.

"Hold on, what the hell?!" Nile questions, when one of our Scouts approaches us.

"Commander! Here!" rushing with two cases of ODM gear, prepared for both of us. He knelt down opening all parts, to combine for actions. Erwin nods with approval, facing the soldier.

"Well done,"

"Thank you," I politely smile.

The scout's eyes widen, "Thank you Ma'am.....Sir!"

Levi was rather hesitant to even allow me to get back to action, but I gave him a short, but a warmth covered smile. Taking the gear, I begin to clip everything and slid the two large canisters upon my hips, with fresh gas tanks. While doing this, Nile was cut off looking rather more confused and then angry.

"Wait just a damn minute!" Nile interjects, but was ignored when Erwin begins to go further to his plan.

"Alright! All able-bodied soldiers, follow me!" He instructs, while I stood beside Levi. "We're rendezvousing with the Capture Squad! Akira you stay here, until I shoot a signa--"

Before the Commander could step further, Nile pulls out his rifle and aims it sharply towards Erwin in rage, "No! The hell you will!" he commands, hands gripping the rifle with confliction. Soon the sounds of rifles cocking all around echoes, before realising they were aimed directly at us. "You're committing a clear act of treason against the royal government! So I am well within my rights to shoot you where you stand!"

Lifting my head, my eyes narrow towards Nile's enraged ones, "Think Nile, it seems you're quite short-sighted as you appear to be," My voice clearly steps over his, clearly trying to make this plan fortunate to our benefit. "Clearly, you don't understand the current situation which is transpiring now."

He clenches his teeth, not moving a muscle.

"Tch, take off the gear before I shoot you!" Nile orders angrily, eyes narrowing more. Erwin doesn't budge, nor waver before his comrade. I already knew about their past together, but right now it seems fate would give them a cold turn, if he pulled the trigger.

Suddenly a bright light short from the sky, the lightning trail encases all around.

Eren..........hope you're alright? Stay safe, please? 

However Nile was in shock turning around, "What now?!

The light soon disappears back to the clear sky, but the distant rumbling from afar made me realise he's made his move. The shrieking sound of Eren's roar, sent chills up my spine. My hands tighten, while my stomach churns as usual before I take action.

My feet plant into the ground, still remembering rifles were still aiming at us.

Assuming the trap didn't even work out, the sound of buildings collapsing and being destroyed echoes around the walls. Smoke thickens, trailing to the sky after previous fighting counters. 

"What?! We've got two of 'em hashing it out on the streets?!" Nile questions, in utter disbelief. Two of his soldiers just informed him, while a shadow casts over my eyes.

"Yes sir, the city's collapsing like a house of cards," the military soldier explains, fear flickering behind his eyes. "It's just.....it's horrifying...we can only guess how many casualties....."

Nile grinds his teeth together in frustration, straightening his rifle back to Erwin who stood rather calmly.  Levi's eyes were on the Commander, keeping our guard up to ensure our safety and time we have left.

"Erwin! Your arrogance has brought Hell to our door!" Niles eyes were filled with rage, I couldn't blame him for his accusations. 

"I know," Erwin admits. "I acted entirely on my own authority....and I offer no excuses."

Nile grew more infuriated lowering his rifle storming toward our Commander, gripping his collar with aggressive force.

"You knew what this would do to us, you son of a bitch!" he seethes through his teeth, eyes wide and filled with nothing but anger and betrayal. "You knew and our lives be damned! Why? Damn you, why?!"

Silence fills the air for a moment, while I deeply exhaling grimacing slightly.

"For humanity," Erwin simply answers. "For victory."

A vein almost appears on Nile's