*

'Dammit Miche, why do you have to be the bait?'

When Miche headed off down back towards the Scout Facility, where we just came from. So many things were happening again, I myself was questioning how we managed to let these titans breach the walls. It just didn't add up, when the stone of the wall compared to the gates we built, are different materials.

Shaking my head, all I could think of right now is finding anyone to warn to save more lives.

Not long I hear a gasp in surprise, when my eyes fall upon a ruins and debris of cottages. Roofs and walls were caved in, class shattered all around, the earth trampled. My eyes slowly widen in horror, as Connie flicks his reigns heading further up.

"Wait, Connie!" I call, but he ignores me with desperation.

He calls out for anyone, while my eyes take in all of Ragako. Despite my second time being here, all I felt was remorse for the place. However, why isn't there a drop of blood around. Usually on missions, or back when Trost was breached, the streets were painted red.

My eyes suspiciously glance around, cautiously searching for anyone. Or a body at least.

"Corporal?" Lynne asks, when I point around in different directions for more instruction.

"Scout around, search for anyone or bodies," I order softly, but firmly. My stomach was churning, feeling unsettled how this was looking. It was rather odd, but then again we little know nothing.

"Yes, Ma'am!" Both Gelgar and Lynne nod, before searching around.

Guiding my horse around searching for anything, all I could see was debris and dishevelled earth. Houses torn from rooftops, to walls that was left abandoned. My eyes trail around quickly, desperate to find at least one survivor or more.

Yet, my eyes fall upon a large titan that was unusual to me.

What was more strange, was it was on it's back on a house like it fell over. My eyes widen before seeing Connie and Reiner in front of it, causing me to charge over with instinct.

Raising my hand, "Cadets, stand back!" I warn them, before taking the sight of the titan. To be honest, it hasn't moved an inch, despite seeing all of us at once. My heart was beating heavily, while I stare at it disbelief.

"Corporal, what the hell is it doing?!" Gelgar questions, realising he was just approaching us.

Shaking my head, "I.....I don't know, it's seems to be immobile," assuming that's the case, seeing how skinny and frail the arms and legs were. It clearly would be impossible, especially supporting such weight on tiny legs.

Gelgar was utterly confused, "But.....then.....I don't understand," he stammers, trying to gather the right words. "How did it even get here?!"

If it can't move, then Gelgars question was my own......

Swinging my leg over my horse my feet land firmly on the ground, while my eyes trace back to see Connie's eyes widening. His breath grew shaky, his body shaking a little while he cold sweats with fear.

"Everyone, search for any survivors or supplies," I order, trying to shift the focus on our main survival. Everyone nods in agreement, but Connie doesn't move an inch. His eyes were fixated on the titan, as I walk up to him with concern.

"Connie, what is it?" placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "The titan isn't going to move, so you're safe to search."

He shook his head, "N-No.......everything, is in ruins," he tears up, welling at the corner of his eyes. Voice straining, "M-My hometown has been completely wiped out!"

Reiner suddenly approaches him out of nowhere and places a firm grip, on the boys shoulder, without uttering a word of comfort.

"Hey, Corporal!" Gelgar calls, hearing them run up to me. Turning around, I face both Lynne and Gelgar's concerned and cautious expressions. "Something's wrong.........You find any bodies?"

Shaking my head, "While entering here, no carnage was left behind," I spoke up, as they all caught on the strange situation.

"But then....how is that possible?" The soldier questions, knowing more questions were running through everyone's minds. "Titans ransack this place and not a drop of blood?--"

"They must've fled!" Lynne cuts him off, knowing Connie's family and people were here. Covering up the worst outcome of this assumed story, my heart clenched. "The villagers, I mean, they all must've escaped.....uh, and your family too."

My eyes sternly meet Lynnes, but she quietly hushes me with a soften glance.

Connie's eyes lighten a little, "You think so? You think they're alive?!"

My jaw clenched while glancing back to the titan, hoping the villagers have fled. What strikes me odd though, how would they know titans would be here so quickly?

"Um....y-yeah, sure!" Lynne agrees, trying to remain positive for the young soldier. We all weren't entirely sure if all of them survived, but it would be a bitter tragedy of Ragako if so. "It's the only logical explanation, for why there'd be no trace of well.......carnage."

Yet, the devastation was questionable.

Why would titans randomly attack buildings, when they only notice only people? Gelgar sent me a questioning glance, but my eyes revert back to the stables. They all were full with horses, which means they either hastily left, only their survival would be slim to none.

Why risk running on foot? Horses would be the best option, when being hunted......

"Corporal?" Gelgar turns to me, while my eyes still focus on the stables. "Shall we keep moving?"

Pursing my lips in a tight thin line, I grunt with frustration before trailing back to the few before me, "Gather torches, anything that's suited for survival!" I order sharply, trying to not allow my questions and little knowledge fear the recruits.

"Yes Ma'am!"

"Right now, we must evaluate the breach!" I continue on, but for some reason when my eyes fall upon both Reiner and Bertholdt, their eyes were filled with suspicion. It was like they were more surprised, than afraid of the whole situation entirely.

Could they......no, don't think like that!

They both were my cadets, and I trained and even bonded with most of them. However just thinking about Annie's betrayal made me come to realisation of reality, how certain people cannot be trusted.

Stepping forward I took my horses reigns and took a torch for myself, ushering everyone else to follow along.

Hoisting myself upon the horse, I pull the reigns, before gently nudging the side. We began heading off leaving the village, not wanting to waste another second and minute. It pains me to see a village already in devastation, with no clue as to the whereabouts of the villagers.

Yet, Miche comes back to mind, hoping he's somewhere safe or with Nanaba's group at least......

*

11 eleven hours after sighting

Darkness surrounds us, while our torches only gave us the source of light to press forward. I could sense everyone was on high alert, as their shaky breathes was all I could hear. Gelgar on the other looked petrified, hand slightly shaking and bathed in cold sweat.

However I tried to remain calm and composed, even though my gut churns the more we step further.

No breach sighted yet, and most of the recruits were growing tired and exhausted after an eventful day. Time went by, my palms growing sweating from holding both torch and reigns.

The suspense and dead silence was too much for everyone, awaiting for anything to jump out from the dark shadows.

Swallowing thickly I remain ahead of everyone, so I would be the first to protect everyone. I knew everyone was scared, and the dwelling thought on who would be dinner first.

What if titans waited at the breach?

My hand was steadily gripping the fiery torch, straining my aching bicep while trying to stay complacent. After a few minutes of painful suspense and silence, a flame soon flickers before me. A breath of relief leaves my lips, as a few more start to fill my vision.

Nanaba appears from the darkness, with the rest flanking behind.

Our expression were wide, fear coursing through us to realisation that we could be slaughtered at any time. Swallowing thickly my lips finally part, "So, I assume you followed along the wall?"

She nods subtly, "That's right, I assume you found the breach then?"

Gelgar gasps quietly in shock, "Huh?"

"We didn't see any irregularities along the western route," She continues to report, while my stomach sank. "Surely, you must've seen something in the east?"

The desperation writhing in her voice, made me realise there was nothing we could comprehend.

"No......there was no sign of demolition," I reply, firmly. Even though my hand was slightly shaking, "The walls perfectly intact.....so......"

Trailing off I tried to think of any possibilities that this was a mistake, and we just missed the cavity of the wall. On the other hand, I could feel everyone else becoming uneasy and unsettled by our report. Eyes wide, mouth gaped, cold sweat and that awaiting feeling that a titan will attack us without even predicting it.

"M-Maybe, we just overlooked it," Lynne assumes, grasping for something.

"Not likely," Henning dejects her assumption, his tone shakes subtly. "Hoping enough for titans to get through? No way."

Gelgar grunts, "Maybe I suggest we have another pass then?" he implies, while my eyebrows knit together feeling a little on edge.

"That goes without saying," Nanaba spoke up. "The trouble is, the horses are on the verge of collapse....and so are we. If only we had more light."

The moment she wishes for something that could come later, the clouds were slowly parting away. A silver ray showers upon us, brightening the area around us all. The moon slowly was on full display, allowing my eyes to adjust to the new found brightness.

However my eyes fall upon tower of some sought, that rested in the distance. A forest trail lead towards it, like it was welcoming us.

"What's that?" Gelgar questions, while I raise my torch a little. "It's like an old castle."

Gripping the reigns I nudge my head, "Let's scope the place out, and see if it's sustainable for us," I suggest, steering my horse around to make my way over towards the castle.

"Yes, Corporal,"

*

Arriving shortly the castle was a little bigger than I presumed, but either way it seemed it will make do for us. "Not an ideal place to sleep, but I guess we can make do for one night," Gelgar spoke up, as I swung my leg over landing on the ground leading them in.

"Yeah, it will be just fine," I ensure everyone, as Nanabe hums with agreement.

She nods, "Hmm, and the moon is finally out at least," before jumping down from her horse.

Lifting my gaze I take in all of the castle, before I remember where we were. In the darkness it was a little hard to scrape, but now remembering the place, it was name Utgard Castle. It was abandoned though, but maybe thieves and such hide out here.

"Tie your horses up, give 'em some water," I instruct. "We'll camp up there, make sure to get some rest."

They all nod in response, before following my instruction.

*

12 Hours Since Sighting - STOHESS MILITARY BRANCH (3rd POV)

Erwin sat at the far opposite end of the table, to the Stohess Districts Head who held a distasteful expression, and Hanji standing behind the Commander with their support. Questions overwhelming all of the Military Police, and guards that surrounded the two. Erwin on the other, remained composed, and acknowledged what he's done.

"Are you might imagine, we have many questions," The Districts head spoke up, beginning the small assembly. "If the target's identity was beyond all doubt, why would you neglect to request aid from the Military Police?"

"Discretion," Erwin simply replies, not wavering from his actions. "We had reason to believe she was operating in conjunction with other insiders....I felt it was necessary to involve only those well above suspicion, sir."

"Yes.....and the price of your 'Discretion' was the near obliteration of Stohess....Well done," The districts head points out, with sarcasm dripping from his tone.

Erwin's eyes shift to meet the man, "I didn't foresee the damage's scale, sir," he honestly admits, again. "Blame my incompetence."

"Blame isn't going to rebuild my roof--" a normal citizen retorts, bitterly.

"If the female titan were left to roam free...."Erwin cuts the man off. "...the wall was subject to breach...and the damage to Stohess would've been beyond devastating."

The head leans forward, elbows propped up upon the table.

"Perhaps," the head suggest. "Erwin......you have me grasping at straws to exonerate you.....What I need is proof that your tactics yielded some manner of benefit. Granted, Annie Leonhart is rendered innocuous, but also essentially useless."

Erwin nods, "Yes, sir....that she is,"

The soldiers around from the Military gasp simultaneously, from his honest and genuine answer.

The Head narrows his eyes, "Are you saying, it was all for nothing?"

Erwin lifts his head knowing the answer, not caring about himself but only want they have concurred.

"'For nothing?'" Erwin repeats, rhetorically. "I believe this latest tragedy has moved us forward by leaps and bounds, sir......."

Everyone that was witnessing and listening to the Scout Commander, were in confusion by his hasty and risky actions. Not one of them could understand him, nor anybody else could. Erwin's mind was like a puzzle, that you can't solve unless you try to understand his logic behind the puzzle.

Nor could anyone apprehend his idealisations, or logic for that matter.

"....Not long ago, we hadn't even imagined the possibility of humans transforming into titans," He continues forth. "Now, we're not only aware of the enemy in our midst..... we've managed to capture one of them. Make no mistake, there are more out there.....and we will hunt down every last one....the initiative is ours. Starting now.....we launch an attack on the titans within our walls!"

Suddenly the door bursts wide open, as Tomas stood there panting and sweating profusely.

"Commander Erwin!!!!!!" He shouts in a warning tone, almost ripping the door from its hinges. "It's Terrible!"

"Tomas?" Hanji questions, surprised to see one of Miche's soldiers in Stohess so soon.

"WALL ROSE HAS BEEN BREACHED!!!!!!!!"

*

16 Hours after Sighting - STOHESS DISTRICT

Word got out, before the warning that Wall Rose was breached. The moment the word got to Captain Levi, his stomach sank for a only a moment. The concern for him grew, not being able to see how terrible the situation was.

A part of him believed Akira would make it out alive, but then worried that her wound might worsen if she slips up.

All he could was quietly endure his concern for his girlfriend so much so, remembering himself already asking for her safety and return after the mission. He knew she was strong, he knew that she's capable in fighting the titans beside Miche and his squad.

However he felt unsettled, as his jaw clenched at the thought.

Silently drawing a heavy sigh, he clicks open the door with a lingering creak pushing through the office. There Erwin stood at the window, watching the Scout Soldiers preparing for departure. Levi's eyes close with irritation, closing the door behind him.

Erwin's head turns in response, calmly acknowledging Levi's presence.

"Ugh.....Why can't the sons of bitches give us a moment's peace?" Levi bitterly spoke up, his eyes met Erwin's nonchalantly, standing at the door for a moment.

"Can you go?"

"Tch, like there's a choice," Levi pushes from the door lightly, walking closer. There stood on the side of a scout soldier, already with the full report.

He clears his throat, "If I may say so, sir," the scout began, with a hopeful and relieved smile. "Very wise leaving Miche and Akira in charge of the 104th. If anyone can handle the situation, they can."

Levi's eyebrows knit together as the Commander slowly looks back to the window, "Yes.....let's hope so,"

His jaw clenched with frustration with how pathetic he felt, spraining his ankle. Painful as it was, he wished for Akira to stay safe til help got there in the end. After a matter of minutes, Levi excuses himself to get the crazy Scientist, after hearing complaints that they weren't hurrying it up.

However Hanji was busily studying something beneath an old microscope, analysing deeply into their work. Moblit was busily running in different directions, gathering a of their belongings to Ehrmich district hastily.

Moblit pauses while holding large documents, "Section Commander! Why are you taking so long?!"Moblit exclaims, before jumping up and down. "Please, we are leaving even with or without us! You've gotta wrap it up!"

He then rushes out the door, while Hanji intensely analysed the skin fragment beneath the scope.

"Hold your horses, I just need another moment," They brush him off, even though he's left the room. With the light dimming the room, it wasn't helping her see clearly. Yet, their eyes widen, with a troubling gasp leaving their lips in realisation.

Before they could further confirm, she was cut off abruptly.

"Hanji! Get moving," Levi ushers them, while leaning against the frame of the door. Coat resting on his shoulders, his arms freely folding together beneath.

"Oh, u-uh...r-right!" Hanji exclaims, shifting their glasses. "Sorry, and our guest?"

He closes his eyes with animosity, "He's been ready to go, for a while."

Hanji quickly took the fragment stuffing it into their pocket, and rushes out the door to gather with the rest of the Scouts, and grab their Priest in questioning. Not much was said, knowing they need to be quick about the situation at hand. Soon all Scouts were at the gates, wagons ready, and torches ablaze.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!!!!" Hanji waves, with Levi and the Priest following along. "Took longer to prepare than I thought!"

A small gasp, subtly leaves Armin's mouth.

Climbing aboard the wagon, Armin was more taken back to see the Priest with them. In confusion, he wanted to know he was here and why would Hanji have him under their supervision.

His blue eyes steadily follows their movements, til they sat down, "He's a.....he's....a Priest from the Order of the Walls!"

Hanji smiles, "I know!" they exclaim, throwing their arm around the Priests shoulder heartedly. "Old Nick and me are thick as thieves!......."

Chuckling with a hint of sarcasm, the two young boys stare at him in surprise.

A sigh follows after a chuckle, "......It's fine, makes much about sense for him to be here, as the rest of us....dontcha think? We're.....random....." Hanji sends a keen eye towards Levi, who sat on the other side of Pastor Nick nonchalantly.

"No, on the Contrary....." Levi spoke up, bluntly. "Erwin has thrown us together, for a reason."

"Open the gates!!!!!!"

The heavy gates begin rolling above the exit, where the darkness awaits them all.

"The status of Wall Rose is