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(5 hours before) UTGARD CASTLE - Akira's pov:

The castle was quiet, and so still, that not a soul was in sight.

Given the chance to get the kids to rest up, and take a break after an enduring day of warning and travelling, I couldn't sit down. My body wouldn't let me, and that's because I could feel my stomach churning. Something wasn't right, feeling a chill run up my spine.

With one of the recruits and skilled soldier prepares water, and food for the horses, Gelgar and Lynne guide the rest inside to scout the place. However when walking in, I noticed an old small campfire. Bending down placing my weight on one knee, my thumb and index finger pinch a small piece of coal, staining my skin.

"Hmm.......fresh," murmuring to myself, I could only assume bandits were here. 

Smearing the coal against my jacket, I follow suit inside hearing everyone chatting echoing up the castle. The place was enormous inside, but it didn't seem that way on the outside. No matter, it's sustainable for us. Making my way upstairs, I follow the sounds before reaching the next level where everyone was nestled down. The smell inside was musky, and I bet even moss has grown within these ruins. 

The stench burns my nose for a moment, before it settles down in the next room.

"Corporal, everything okay?" Lynne asks softly, before giving her a warm smile.

"Yeah, just scouting around," I assure her, placing another torch on the side for some light. The rooms was hollow and cold, but we only needed a few hours of rest before we could head back.

"Hey, take a look at what I just stumbled on," Gelgar walks from a room, with a bottle of some kind of alcohol. 

"You're kidding? Is that what I think it is?" Lynne questions.

"Uh-huh, can't really read the label, though," He admits, while twisting and turning for any sign of what kind of beverage it was.

"Don't drink on the job now, Gelgar," I lightly scold, leaning against the wall behind Nanaba and Henning. "Seriously, you need to be cautious. Who knows what we might have to do deal with, if you're drunk on the job....hmm?"

He pouts, "Oh come on, I'm gonna save it for later,"

Henning chuckles, "You know, there are worse ways to spend a night, than having access to a top-shelf contraband,"

"Careful, you're starting to sound like an outlaw," Nanaba warns him playfully, while my eyes harden. I couldn't shake the feeling about Miche, as he should be here by now. Or at least sent a message through another soldier nearby, but then again, no one knows where we even are. This castle was long forgotten, an old ruin of some sought.

Miche was a long time comrade of mine, and he became someone I've trusted and grown close too.

Knowing how hard it must be for the kids, I knew their rest would help them ease their minds abit at least. With everything that's going on, and they're defenceless, they're doing rather well than panicking. Composed and neutral they were, but I could tell by their eyes they were afraid and confused as to why titans were hunting us.

Opening my eyes slowly, "You kids need to get some rest, we've been rather pushed around all day," I spoke up, feeling their eyes drift to me. Gelgar nods in agreement, holding the liquor bottle in hand.

"There should be any titans crawling around at this time of night," He ensures their safety. "But we'll take turns keeping watch.....so be ready to leave four hours shy of daybreak."

"'Scuse me, what if it turns out that Wall Rose isn't actually compromised?" Christa asks softly, making me shift my eyes upon her tiny form. "Where do uh--? Where else could they be coming from?"

Gelgar turns to me, before I sigh deeply nudging him to go up for first watch.

Gladly doing so, I turn back to Christa, "We'll get to the bottom of it, once we regroup with the Scouts," I assure her softly, feeling my voice grow a little deeper. "Less worrying about that, and focus on surviving at least. Let us handle it, alright?"

She whimpers quietly, "I'm just saying," she states softly. "The situation isn't good, sure...but is it as bad as we think? Y'never know, right? That's all."

Sighing deeply with agreement, all I could do was defend these kids and try to prevent anything to harm them.

"She's right," Hennings concurs. "We haven't really seen that many titans....I mean, for them to have busted through the wall, anyway."

"Only with the initial sighting, a relatively modest handful," Nanaba adds.

Without another word Nanaba passes me an old mug, quietly giving me some warm drink. Thanking her I take a slowly sip, allowing the bitterness to settle on my taste buds. It wasn't nice, but enough to keep me going for a while. The warmth coats my palms comfortably, taking another sip.

"Connie? What about your village?" Ymir asks him, with concern.

He held a dull expression, "Totally destroyed, it was crushed to tinder and bits of rubble,"

Ymir regrets her words, "I'm, uh--I'm sorry--"

"Nobody got devoured, though," he firmly states, believing they were still alive and well. "Looked like they all got out, so there's a silver lining at least."

Ymir glances up with confusion, "I thought that you said it was destroyed?"

He shifts his legs to get comfortable, "Well, the houses and stuff were, but the people themselves must've all escaped," He assumes, trying to not think of the worst case scenario. "I mean, they had to've......the thing is, we didn't see any blood anywhere....not so much as one drop. That's the only possible explanation."

My jaw clenches for a moment, frustrated not knowing all the answers and the right path to go. Tch, some soldier I am.

"Still though.....something I can't get out of my head," Connie seems rather troubled, judging by his tone. I've observed and took notice since we left Ragako, which made me interested in what he has to say. "There was a titan on top of our house......Just lying there, staring at me. It couldn't move on it's own, thank god. But, I just-- I have no idea why, but it reminded me of my mom......Am I crazy?"

My eyes slowly widen in response.

"Connie," Reiner sternly spoke, his eyes narrow in irritation. "What did I tell you? It was your imagination--"

"Are you for real?!" Ymir bursts out laughing. "You actually think your mom might be a titan? Oh, honey! As itty-bitty as you are? Please! We all know you were dumb as a bag of rocks, but this? Whoa, man! This takes it to a whole other level!"

Connie grew sheepish, "Ha-ha, yeah, have your fun," brushing it off, looking rather embarrassed. "Guess I was kinda asking for it."

"Don't stop there," Ymir presses further, teasing the hell out of the poor soldier. "If mother-darling's a titan, it's only logical to assume dear ol' daddy is, too. Basic biology. Think about it. How else--"

"Okay, I get it!" Connie snaps, angrily. "Shut up and go to sleep!"

Lifting my mug to my lips I try my best not to scold them, knowing they're old enough to figure it out for themselves. However it was uncalled for, or a good thing to distract him from dwelling on the impossible. Slowly the recruits all began to fall asleep, one by one gaining what little rest they can.

"When was the last time you've slept?" Nanaba asks, in a hush tone.

Pursing my lips together, I shrug my shoulders.

"Last night," I lie, even though that night was when I was travelling to Miche's squad in one go. Actually, ever since so much has been going on, my body has been running on and on. 

"You sure?" She tilts her head, leaning against the wall. Her blue eyes lit up under the torch, that flickers with the only ambience. "'Cus I know you tend to skip sleep sometimes, and I want to know you'll have enough strength for our journey back."

Nodding I trail to the stairs, my fingertips brushing against the stone wall beside her.

Sleep was important and I knew that, but my body wasn't allowing me to rest. Knowing traitors were still amongst us, I must be awake and alert. It may seem selfish, but right now Miche isn't here to guide us. So I am their only weapon to keep them secure, til Miche comes back. My hand soon balls into a fist, knuckles grazing against the stone.

Yet, why do I feel so constrained and unsettled just by thinking of him?

"Please Akira, I know you haven't rested for a while," Nanaba breaks me out of my thoughts, but I shook my head.

"No, my body just won't rest til we're safe," I decline her concern, even though I appreciated that she cares. 

She chuckles softly, making me glance down to see her closing her eyes with a warm smile.

"What? Did I say something?" I question, leaning against the wall on my right shoulder.

Her laughter dies down quietly, before clearing her throat.

"No, it's just........how do I put it?" staring in the warm light, that lit her eyes up. "You're always altruistic, so devoted and placing yourself after others......in fact, you're the most considerate person I know."

Surprised I was by her honesty and unique words, my cheeks burn in response averting my gaze from her hers.

"Really? Sometimes I feel selfish at times," scratching my cheek gently, but she places a hand on my shoulder glancing up to meet my eyes. A small gasp leaves my lips, seeing a warm gleam of happiness settle in her eyes.

"You're so far from that, and with that you make great decisions," She softly ensures me. "To be honest, you've climbed the ranks faster than me........but I respect you....as a comrade and friend."

"Nanaba," audibly whisper, my eyes were wide but subtly.

"Anyway, I'll let you do what you see fit," she brushes my shoulder, ushering me to go. "With you, we're all at ease.........your strength alone gives hope. The same for Captain Levi and Miche."

Humming softly taking in her words of consolation, and assurance I turn on my heel and slowly made my way up the stairs leading to the top. Every step I took, left me dwelling on the many mistakes I made. Mistakes that left me regretting them, but without them, I wouldn't be able to become stronger to fix what I'm torn.

The tiny echoes of my boots bounce around, but only quietly towards the top of the tower.

Finally reaching the top, everything was dead silent, but only the fire burning brightly in the centre of the stone floor. Glancing around there stood Lynne and Gelgar, on watch. They both soon notice my presence, turning to me slightly.

"Corporal, you should rest....." Lynne protests rather quickly, but I shook my head.

"No, I'll be fine," I assure her. "Besides, I'm too awake to even close my eyes. We're fighting blind right now, so I must be cautious."

She hums in agreement, before sighing with defeat.

Finally comfortable silence rests upon the tower, knowing the kids were finally resting and no quarrels were made. Everyone wasn't letting their emotions cloud their own actions, allowing them to just sit in peace. Some were still on edge, not knowing if titans would wander through the night or if they preferred hunting at night. Despite all that, my main concern was how the wall was breached.

How was the spy able to appear South West of Wall Rose,  if I had everyone under my supervision? 

The thought felt unsettling, that t makes my stomach churn. It just doesn't add up, and I feel like the spy is still amongst the group. No doubt about it, but then I can't understand how the titans suddenly appeared. Just having little knowledge made me helpless to prevent anything, and even in open spread plains.

"How is that scar?"

Furrowing my eyebrows I turn to Lynne, who seemed to not take her eyes off my wound. Lightly touching the rough scar from the top, gently over my eye and beneath ending at my cheek. To be honest, I've forgotten about it. It doesn't hurt as much, being only a month since it was engraved to me.

"Alright, I guess...." I trail off, folding my arms resting up against the stone wall. "......why do you ask?"

She scratches her cheek nervously, "You look badass,"

Chuckling softly I nod in agreement, "I think so too, it gives me that bone-chilling feel," lightly joking about it, when in reality I despised my scar. The man who sexually assaulted me, and manipulated me for years was finally out of my life. However, the scar reminded me everyday that he attempted to take my life.

Like my life wasn't allowed to live, but to face hell.......

She laughs in response, "It sure gives me that, I bet you even intimidate your cadets," nudging me lightly, while I shook my head.

"No, they were already intimidated the moment I became their teacher," clearing my throat, recalling my first day of training with those kiddos. It's hard to believe the spies within the 104th, were trained and supervised by me and the Commandant. 

"I remember you trained me when I first joined the Scouts, you seriously brought everyone down first day after training for three years," She recalls. "Yet, we all needed to be awaken to reality of the Scouts. I appreciated that, thank you."

Softly smiling, I nod.

"That's fine, you're making me sound like I'm an old woman already," I retort, causing both of us to chuckle together. Throwing my head back slightly, my eyes rest upon the star lit night sky. "Seriously, I'm not even married.........let alone old."

"True, but you are like a mother to some," She teases.

The Scouts became a second home to me, when I lost all those I've loved. My mother, my brother, my sister and father. One by one, comrades come and go, but the ones that remained for years became family. Such as....Nanaba, Miche, Petra, Oluo, Gunther, Eld, Hanji, Flagon, Jonas, Lena, Gelgar, Hennings, Lynne, Tomas......and Levi.

I wonder what he's up to now? Would Erwin be behind bars already? Did anything occur, whilst we're gone?

"Anyway.......we're just glad to have you accompany us," She leans against the brick wall, glancing over the vast land. "You know these kids better than any of us, so you know what you're dealing with."

That's the thing, I don't know everything about them. They tend to keep to themselves, but I only knew from the surface.

Slowly after a matter of moments we fall silent, only hearing crackling of the embers. The warmth radiates against my back, while the night grew colder. My shoulders were tense, my eyes cautiously looking around sharply. Soon moments turned to about four hours, talking or staring off in silence. No matter how everyone seemed bored, I was alert, my heart increasing every agonising minute.

~Thump~ ~Thump~

My head turns sharply for a moment allowing myself to stand in silence, before rushing to one side searching on the opposite side. The heavy footsteps were gathering together slowly, as my heart sank. 

"Shit......." 

"What is it, Corporal?" Lynne questions, clearly not hearing the heavy stomps from a distance. 

"No, no no......why now?" I whisper, slamming my fist against the wall with force. Grinding my teeth, my eyes kept eyeing the direction the heavy stomps were being made. 

"Corporal?" Gelgar spoke up, in confusion.

My eyes never left, "Warn everyone, warn everyone to climb up here," I say sternly.

"What do you mean? Not--" Gelgar began, when I my eyes met his sternly.

"goddammit! Lynne, warn everyone now!" I snap, before the titans were finally in view. Closing in on us slowly, my heart began to beat heavily. She soon snaps out of her sudden fear, and races down the stairs before the titans were almost at the foot of the tower. 

"Hey, hey hey!" Gelgar growls in frustration. "What's the big deal, huh?!"

My anger was slowly growing more furious, as my fear diminishes the more my eyes rest on the beasts. Were our bodies enough to locate our whereabouts? Finally everyone reaches the top while Lynne chokes on her air, "I couldn't see them in the dark, but......Akira was able to hear them from a distance," She shudders, while I clench my jaw tightly. "......but with the moonlight...."

"How can they move? This shouldn't be happening!" Gelgar trembles in fear. "The sun went down hours ago."

My eyes scan across trying to count the numbers that bounded their way towards us, when my eyes land on something I never could imagine. One of the recruits, Connie, managed to spot the beast. Hairy like features, it's body is uneven like any titan would be, ears pointy, and a dark brown while the moon casts upon it.

"It's........it's heading for the wall!" 

In that moment the tower was slammed by one of the titans, causing our feet to stumble back and forth. Gaining some balance, only to realise we were cornered with nothing but our ODM to keep ourselves safe. 

"Shit! Bother someone else, I should be drinking right now, dammit! You're standing between me and a tankard of ale!" Gelgar draws his blades out, aggressively. "I've earned the right to get trashed!"

That's it, this is the final straw and I'm not allowing these children to die today.

"Rookies, you will stay where you are!" I order sternly, stepping upon the stone wall. "We will handle these sons of bitches, we will put ourselves to use!....Nanaba!"

She turns to me with a firm node, before drawing her blades out sharply.

"Right!"

Unsheathing my blades with a metallic chim together, my eyes fall upon the beasts that refuse to turn around. Together we yell out with a roaring sound, activating our ODM gear flying down towards the enemy. Conserving my tank, I lean my body further forward angling my blades.

In one swift motion, the blades cleanly run through the thick flesh down the arm, and around taking the nape with no mishaps. However, each titan that stalked us made realise there's more than before. Without thinking too much, all I could do now was defend the tower with my life. 

Blood sprays from each attack I thrust and aim, smelling the rotten flesh in my wake.

Yet, when I see Gelgar taking a titan down, he uses too much force that he would soon waste his damn blades. Clicking my teeth together, I allowed Nanaba to scold him while I did my job. Taking another down, my fingers glide around firmly before slicing through another nape.

One by one, titans were steaming at the opened ghastly wounds.

Too many were coming towards us, leaving no for a quick escape. My hand gripped my blades more tightly, before giving myself some time to rest against the side of the tower. Glancing down I notice Lynne on the ground, taking a tiny one nearby the tower doors. However her expression was in shock, and fear, before snapping her head in my direction.

She activates her ODM, reaching up to me.

"The door's been kicked down!" She warns me, and the other two that rested nearby. Soon she flies straight to the top to warn the children, as I smear warm blood across my left cheek. Eyes capturing every titan in view, I tried to count how many we have to take down. 

I hope the message to Erwin has gotten across, but judging by how far we were, the word would've taken at least half a day or more.

Resuming back to taking the titans down, I conserve my gas enough to be quick through the air. Blades running through thick flesh, blood showering down into thin air. Not once I have faltered, and I won't ever right now. We're all hanging on a loose thread right now, and if that snaps, we're all going to perish for nothing. 

"Arghhhhhhhh!" I roar, my blades run up sharply through the spine. My strength grips onto the blades for dear life before raising my body just above the head,