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A few more days of solitude pass me by without issue. Without change. Without life.

I lie there for a long time, staring at the ceiling and listening to the echoing noises of the HQ above me. I wonder how many of them even know I'm down here. Am I some big secret? Or a big deal that everyone is whispering about? I smirk, it didn't really matter did it? It only mattered if someone found out, and felt like freeing the poor creature brought in from outside the walls. Until then, it mattered very little. Until then I could imagine bursting through this ceiling, and mauling all of them. Of looming over them, and watching them scramble, pissing themselves as they scream for their mothers. Bastards. I wasn't a malicious person; but they had officially poked the proverbial bear. And she wasn't happy about it. A weird smile is on my face as I recall the sensation of power, the pure heat of unbridled rage. What a feeling. What freedom.

Once I can move an inch without being engulfed by pain, I get up, and start rebuilding myself. I pace as far as I can with my chains, I get down and do push-ups, I run on the spot. I may be left to linger here for months, even years, but I wasn't going to let myself dwindle down to nothing. The first real chance I got, I was going to take it if I could. I would get out, and I would take that short bastard down. I get up from my latest push-up session, and sit on the bed.

Would I rather kill him, or have freedom?

It may well be that I have to make that choice.

I imagine my hands wrapped round that neck, snapping it clean in two. Or pulling that damned cravat tighter and tighter, till there's a satisfying pop. My whole body shivers in anticipation. What if I got to the surface? Then I could transform, I could squish him beneath my foot. I could literally crush his life out of him. I could rip him apart, bone by bone. I think I need revenge, more than I need my home. I need his blood, more than I need freedom. Is that right? I scrape my hair back, and breathe the stale air in deeply. My heart pounds. My mind is scattered. Yet even now, as I imagine my home, and its simplistic existence, my mind immediately snaps back to those grey eyes, and the way that raven hair falls in front of them. Those thin pale lips, with pearly teeth bared behind. I am immediately angry, and immediately ravenous for violence.

Someone is barking orders in the distance. This is not a new occurrence, but the closeness is. I wonder if I'm about to have a fresh visit with my little tormentor, and I feel a thrill as I look at my clawing hands that wrap round the bars eagerly. The second he was in reach I'd claw those pale eyes out. I'd smash those teeth down into his gullet, and watch him choke on them. I'd— I hear rushing footsteps, and the familiar twittering's of Hanji.

What the hell…

I look at my hands, and back away from the bars.

My breathing is a little shaky, and I stumble back to sit on my bed. My mind cools, and my hands begin to quiver as I shake my head, dispelling the last of the hatred. I'd never known this kind of loathing. It was this kind of poisoned thinking that had sent me over the walls in the first place. It was this side of humanity I'd wanted to escape. I grit my teeth. No, he wasn't getting to me, he wasn't going to break me. I would not let him turn me into the beast he probably thought I was. Little did he know, I was much worse in some ways. I put my hand over my mouth, and fight the nausea. Memories wouldn't help me here. Not now.

When the familiar flash of glasses catches my eye I turn, and smile weakly at my one 'friend'. I can't bring myself to actually like her yet, after all she hasn't given me a key, or ticket out of here. But she did at least act humane towards me, and also treat me as a human. It was a big step up from him. Then again he was my only other point of reference. The rest of this damned regiment had steered well clear.

I recall Hanji's words from when I was drugged up. The Commander had a choice to give me. And what a choice it was. I lie back as Hanji enters the cell, that weird little grin in place all the while. When would the Commander come? And what the hell was I going to say? The word freedom didn't really apply to the choice. I was either in this cell, or in their uniform. I didn't really know which was worse. I internally scoff, yes I did. The cell was much worse, the uniform would simply be annoying. But also liberating. If I played along perhaps I could eventually return home, slip away on a mission. Then again, would I even need to? All the Scouting Legion was for, was exploring the outside terrain and then returning home with as many people in tact as possible. The only difference between here, and home would be the lack of thieving. And following orders. I smirk, Commander Erwin would surely be aware of the unlikeliness of that going well. My mind fizzes, perhaps this was a choice I could make. But I still needed time to think it through, the Commander would have something else up his sleeve, surely?

I'm relieved Hanji has come alone today, I didn't have the mind power to deal with the Commander's grand entrance. Of course I also needed to find out if she'd compared the blood yet. Was I found out already? Or was she still ignorant?

I sit up when Hanji is by my side. I then notice something.

She's left the door ajar.

I look at the slightly open threshold, and feel myself sigh. I was chained, and couldn't run off, but even the slightest ray of hope lightened my spirits a little. This wasn't a real chance, it was simply a glance at one.

Hanji taps my shoulder, and I give a small shrug to her sorry smile.

"Sorry, a girl can dream." Not that I sound like a girl, I sound like a 60 year old man. She passes me a glass of water, and I take careful sips. It tastes awful in my stale mouth, but on I sip. "Thanks… So where am I now? And what was with the sleeping draft? This is all very cloak and daggers…"

"Sorry, kiddo. But I didn't think you'd be co-operative, and I didn't fancy letting shorty have another go at making you compliant."

"Thanks I guess… not that it stopped him paying me a visit anyway…"

"This is HQ, until we know for sure what or who you are, you'll be staying down here. Sorry, not my ruling I'm afraid."

"I like that you put what, before who." I grin into the glass. Her glasses flash again but I just roll my eyes. "Haven't checked the blood yet have you?"

That was vague enough right?

"So Hanji… tell me about this Titan shifter?"

She tells me about a young boy called Eren Jeager, and then proceeds to gush about his abilities. This only makes my hopes grow; perhaps she would give me a chance. On she goes, blabbering about his victory for Humanity in Trost, and all the hope he had brought. I found it odd that this kid was being heralded a hero for actually being a Titan-shifter, and yet I was being beaten to a pulp, despite them not knowing for sure I was one. But then she confesses the fact he was also beaten to a pulp. I drain my glass and give a snort, a bitter smile warping my chapped lips.

"By twinkle toes, I assume?"

"Yeah…"

"Is that all he does?"

"No… and it did save the kids life."

"Uhuh… right. Hey Hanji?" She looks back at me as she locks the door to my cell. "Do you know when the Commander is planning on coming down here?"

"Huh?"

"I'd rather know when to get myself psyched up for his lamenting speech that he has undoubtedly prepared, in order to convince me."

"So you could hear me." She beams, and I give a nod, "I think he's coming down in the morning. You know what you'll chose?"

"Potentially… but I need to mull it over some more. Thanks for the heads up."

I had until morning to prepare.

I had until morning to think.

I was still unable to remain standing for longer than ten minutes, my back ached and my wrists had only just begun to heal. Right now was not when I wanted a pep-talk from the poster boy for the Gestapo bastards holding me hostage. But right enough, that was what I was going to get.

In the morning – or what I assume to be the morning from the six or so hours that trudge by – Commander Erwin Smith appears. Standing tall, outside my cell in all his golden eyebrow glory. He steps out in front, all imposing, and straight faced; whilst I sit and ignore him. With a dramatic sigh he bangs on the bar. I look up, and stare him down coldly. He may be a big shot here, but outside these walls he was nothing more than a blonde bug waiting to be squished.

Behind him stands Little Levi, leaning against the wall looking bored as ever.

Another little bug, waiting to be stomped into oblivion.

"My name is Commander, Erwin Smith. I've come to give you a choice—"

"Join your regiment or stay in jail? Hardly a choice."

"Luckily that's not what I'm offering." He says, a slight smile tugging at his thin mouth. I wait patiently, taking note of Levi looking away, a wrinkle to his nose. Whatever the Commander was about to offer, clearly didn't please the midget.

This may well prove a decent proposition.

"You can return to your home outside the walls, however you will serve a sentence to repay the supplies you have stolen over the years. Or, join our regiment permanently, and begin training soon. You clearly have talent, I hope you can see the profit in using that talent to benefit manki—"

"That's still jail or regiment you prick." I hiss, straightening up, and sighing as my back pops and crunches loudly. These old bones needed a proper work-out.

"But not indefinite jail."

"Yeah, yeah… Why exactly would I want to benefit mankind? When it's mankind I've been avoiding for the past ten years?"

"So that's how long you were out there…" he muses, arrogance heightening. I internally curse, hating my big mouth, but externally I just shrug and put hands to my hips. "By helping us free mankind, you can help shape its future, perhaps even change what it is you hate about it. Doesn't that seem like a golden opportunity?"

"No, it seems more like a shit leaden opportunity, weighed down by your bullshit, and everyone else's, but given a nice bit of gold paint for the sell."

"One person's gold is another's—"

"Cut the shit. I'll join."

"Why?" asks Levi with an almost grimace, I meet his eye and smirk, enjoying his discomfort and distaste. It was a simple thing, but I had a fairly simple mind. Both men seemed surprised, but I wasn't one to drag this kind of crap out. Especially when it meant having to listen to some contrived rubbish from the golden browlord. I also guessed this was all theoretical for now, they had presumably not heard from Hanji yet. They wouldn't be offering this to a confirmed shifter. Not when they still suspected her of being the Titan that brought on this new age of war.

"For one thing, you seem very keen not to have me around short-arse, so why not rub it in your pointed little face?"

"Rat."

"Secondly, you lot spend most of your time in the outskirts of the territory anyway, and thirdly you regularly leave the walls."

"So you can scurry back to your warren?" he snaps and receives a look from his superior. I don't see the look, but I feel the disapproval. Careful shorty, blondie here seems to like me. I keep staring down my little adversary, and roll my eyes dramatically at him.

"I lived in the trees you dumbass, warrens are underground? But no, I won't run."

"Sure you will."

"Look, by going out with you lot on expeditions, I'll pretty much heading home, but without having to nick supplies and with regular hot showers and meals. Win, win, really."

"A logical decision." Rumbles golden boy with a smile. I nod at him, and wink.

"Plus, I can always head off in a few years once the glory's novelty has worn off."

"That so?"

"Yep, either then, or once you're all dead in the ground, rotting away like the pieces of shit you are. Then I can just step over you, and head home. Either way, it's all good."

I enjoy the surprise that passes Erwin's face, and he glances at his subordinate who just kicks off the wall and walks away. He was throwing a tantrum. How adorable. Erwin turns back to me, taking a couple more seconds to overcome my blunt speech, and finally gives a reserved smile.

"You'll be kept contained till we know we can trust you, but you will begin training soon." He speaks so weirdly, concealing as much tone as possible whilst portraying sincerity. It was plain unnerving. I tilt my head, and chance it. No harm in asking.

"Decided I'm not the Colossal then, genius?"

"Thanks to Hanji's research you're cleared of those charges."

"Gee, thanks for letting me know."

"Though you remain under scrutiny."

"Oh I hadn't guessed by the fact I'm still in a fucking cell. What am I suspected of now? Being too good at surviving, such a travesty…" I laugh, internally running round in circles demanding answers. What had Hanji found out? Had the test simply failed? Did she know I was a shifter? Was she actually on my side, or planning on blackmailing me with this? Would I be experimented on? I shudder a little.

"Not many would survive as long as you did beyond the safety of the walls, we have to be sure you're not a threat. But still, welcome to the fight."

"Such an honour." I scoff, feeling the walls close in a little. He gives a salute, and I feel myself cringe. Then he lowers his arm, and frowns.

"Although… can you now at least tell me your name? It won't work very well not being able to refer to you by name."

"Don't see why not. Alexia Senefold." I give a small bow, and sit down on my bed, chains jangling as I watch him closely. He shakes his head.

"Why didn't you tell us before?"

"Because it was pissing off shorty." I laugh, wincing a little against my bruising. He nods slowly, looking off in the direction his subordinate stormed off in. A strange look passes over that chiselled face. There's a few moments of silence before he turns to me again, blue eyes tightening in a weird way. What was he planning?

"You're not afraid of him then?"

"What a stupid question."

"Is that a no?" he tilts his head, and I snort. My heart picked up at the idea of him bringing the little dog back here to check on my answer. Of that man getting anywhere near me. I lean back and put my hands out of sight, they're bloody trembling all over again.

"He's just a little dog biting at my ankles, I can handle him."

"I see…"

"Oh and in case you're wondering? Nothing will come up with that name. Just a couple parents… although they may be dead, not sure in all honesty."

"Surely they'll want to know you're safe." He frowns, his eyes clearing to only concern. I wonder what kind of man this is. He willingly lets his subordinate torture me for days on end, never comes to see me, probably hasn't even considered the fact I could be injured beyond repair. And yet he now wonders if my parents want to know I'm safe? He was either completely psychotic, or extremely clever. Perhaps he was both?

I can appreciate the concern, but the whispers drenched in pity just get my back up.

"Seriously, Erwin. Check the lists, you won't find a missing person report."

"And why not?"

"That really isn't something you need to know right now."

"You know, you really should refer to me as Commander, and respect the fact I am now your superior. Comes with the fact you're now a Scout."

"And how much did you really think that was ever going to happen? I'll follow your rules, do as bid, but don't expect me to use all the airs, and graces of these other puppets of yours."

"Very well, simply Erwin will suffice. However, I then order you to tell me why there's no missing report."

"Come on Erwin, let me keep some mystery? It's all a gal like me has." I wink, and waggle my eyebrows, well aware of the pit I had dug myself. But when faced with training, or these four cold mossy walls, I was willing to play dress-up in their silly uniform. I'd be paid to kill Titans, which I had been doing for free. The beasts were the least of my worries right now, but heck, I knew I could do it. So why not cash in before flying the coop?

I glance up, and see the golden-boy remains unsure, I groan and wave a hand impatiently at him.

"Consider me as you find me… a little runaway woman with a chip on her shoulder. Hey… Any chance of me getting a proper shower?" I ask sitting up, he seems to finally get the message that I wasn't going to budge on the subject. He sighs heavily, and oh-so-dramatically, before turning to Hanji, who had appeared at some point. The woman was like a ghost at times. I needed to talk to her.

"Hanji, be so kind as to escort Alexia and get her cleaned up. And give her a uniform, if you can find one small enough…"

The Commander walks off, not seeing me stick my tongue out at him.

My shackles are released, and Hanji chuckles a little as she walks next to me. I'm barely shuffling due to my aches, and pains, but she knows better than to reach out. Silently I thank the woman, my pride could only take so much. And now that I wasn't bound in chains, I wanted to scrape back as much of it as I could. There were three guards with us, I was still under 'scrutiny' as Erwin put, so I had to be well behaved. I also couldn't ask Hanji what the hell had happened with the blood. But then again, did I want to? I try and look around without drawing attention to it, but I think we're still underground. I still can't change. I yawn, and consider the fact I probably shouldn't even if had the option. I wouldn't get very far.

I noticed Hanji glancing my way repeatedly, so I met her eye with question. She looks me up and down, and frowns.

"Y'now kiddo, you're really not that tall."

Internally I'm bawling, nah, I wasn't in this form. You just wait, love, you just fucking wait.

"You expected me to be?"

"Well you're always calling Levi small…"

"My height has nothing to do with his lack of it." I smirk, and let my head hang a little as my neck fights against this new, strange idea, of holding my head upright. I groan and rub it, damn it, I better not have a permanent hunch. That wasn't intimidating at all.

It takes about an hour for me to shower, and be set up with a uniform, which is pretty baggy over my slight frame. I'm a strong little bugger though, I'd show them that. Though soon enough I'm chucked back in my cell, but at least spared the shackles.

One step closer to freedom I guess.

Before Hanji leaves me to my lantern friends, she whispers over to me that I'll soon have a companion. The Jeager kid was arriving soon. I find myself a little excited; this kid sounded fascinating. I'd never met another shifter. I wondered if he'd be a messed up little squirt, or a damaged and abrasive dick. It was usually one or the other. In all honesty though, I wasn't sure which I was any more… maybe I had become a mush-up of both? I then sink into my bed a little more; I won't actually be able to discuss anything with him. I'm still pretending not to be one. Damn it. I didn't get to have any fun these days…

It's a couple hours later when I hear a commotion coming towards my cell. A couple voices, and several sets of feet. I approach the bars but remain in my safe little pool of shadow. There's a rumbling, and a single set of feet approach. The little Captain walks over to the door of my cell, I'm gripping the bars to mask the trembling. He gestures me back with a flick of his head. I do so slowly, hands behind me, eyeing him as he unlocks the door, and steps inside.

What the hell was he up to now?

I keep stepping back as he turns, and relocks the door. My heart begins to race, and I hate the fact I feel fear consciously. It's broken into my head now. Shit. I remember Erwin's disbelief when I claimed to not fear his subordinate. But it was only now I felt I'd been lying. Right now I'm not bound, I could kill him. And right now I'm afraid that I could actually do it, I could snap that neck, I could rip those eyes out, and I could claw right through that chest. I could be a monster.

I hate that he makes me feel this.

I hate that he turns me into a monster.

But I can't give in, not when I'm so close to being allowed outside this cell. I have no idea how far away I am from the surface, or how many guards are between me, and the door. I wouldn't let him break me, not when I've made a deal for a portion of Freedom. And when sealed in an underground cell for as long as I had been, even a portion was something to salivate at.

I'm desperate to kill him, but I'm not so stupid as to risk everything for it. I recall my previous madness, considering forgoing freedom for the sake of this man's blood. I shudder. How could he make me so blinded by rage? Even now I feel my hands twitch, itching for something to claw at. No. I won't let him win. And his pathetic little life isn't worth it. I wasn't about to prove my parents right now. Not when I'd proved them wrong for so long.

"Not a sound, rat." He mutters, closing in, and taking hold of my throat. I don't fight it, I just hold onto his arm to relieve a little pressure as he lifts me off the ground. If I even think about making a move against him, the beast he's made me into will take over. I know this as I feel the burn in my muscles. "Erwin might be stupid enough to think you can be trusted, but I'm not. You aren't fooling me. Got it?"

I just gasp a little.

"You step even a toe out of line? I'll kill you before you even blink."

Again, I just stare down at him.

He clenches his jaw, and seems confused for a moment before dropping me, and shoving me with his boot. I roll, and cough harshly. My head is screaming at me. Why wasn't I pouncing on him? But I just stare at the ground, hoping he's said his piece, and will leave again. I won't let you win, bastard, I won't.

"No fight left, rat?" I look up, and see his disappointed frown, did he want a fight? Was he seriously a masochist, along with relentlessly aggressive, psychotically emotionless and unyieldingly hateful? It was a tall order for such a short bastard. "Have you actually become as pathetic as I believed you to be?"

"I won't let you break me." I hiss through clenched teeth, his eyes tighten and a smirk spreads over his mouth. He was enjoying this as much as the beatings wasn't he? My nails scraped against the stone floor. My resolve shakes.

"You really think you could do it." he kneels down, and grips my chin tightly, running his thumb where no tears fall. "That stupid little brain actually believes you'd win that fight. I can kill you in a second, flat. Keep that in mind, brat."

"Pride comes before a fall." I growl as he gets up to leave.

"Indeed it does." He heads for the door, and gives a small chuckle. "Pity Erwin had to go through the dramatics of pretending to give you freedom, in order to learn your name."

"Excuse me?" I get up in a flash, and rattle the door as he clicks the lock into place. He sneers for a split second before returning to his hateful mask of nothing.

He was lying.

He had to be.

Erwin had been so sincere, so easily read. My blood boils, and I shake the bars till dust falls from the ceiling. They hadn't fooled me, not this easily. I'd tear this entire building down if he spoke the truth. I was no fool, they can't have played me.

"You really are an idiot." Levi says, shaking his head in pity.

"Stop speaking in fucking riddles, what are you talking about?"

"Why the hell would he trust you? The second he lets you out of here, you'd run back to your treehouse. Like a wild animal." He looks me up and down. "Pathetic. Titan's probably left you alone because they thought you were just another beast in the forest."

"I'll show you how much of a beast I am." I hiss, clawing at him, feeling a ghost of his flesh as I skim past without making contact. He doesn't even flinch. Arrogant fucker. "You can't keep me here. This isn't right!"

"Am I supposed to care?" he narrows his eyes, and shrugs. "You're stuck with us for now, Alexia, you might as well get comfy. Once we're done with a full check on your name, the decision will be made."

"What decision?" he just stares at me before turning and walking away, steady pace and not a glance backwards. This was all lies. He was just trying to rile me up. I growl, unfortunately if that was what he wanted, I was giving him exactly that. I shove my face as far through the bars as I can, and shriek after him. My pride is gone, my dignity shredded. My desperation has taken over.

"You can't keep me here! I have don't nothing wrong! I only want my freedom, isn't that what you fuckers are meant to stand for! Can't you understand wanting freedom you heartless bastard!"

I don't even see him come back. Suddenly he's gripping my throat again. I fight against it, but he tugs me closer to the cold metal, and hisses in my ear.

"You lived out there for ten years. You've been free a lot longer than most. Be grateful for that, you piece of shit." And he throws me back, looking me up and down yet again, as though trying to figure something out.

And then it dawns on me.

I'd said it myself; he wanted someone to blame…

So much hatred had to come from somewhere. It didn't matter who you were, or how hateful a soul you had. There had to be some kind of reason, behind this much malice. I hadn't hurt anyone from the regiment, I knew that for sure, I had never seen reason to cause issue with them. So if I hadn't hurt anyone, perhaps I represented something he had lost? Had I managed to survive when someone he loved hadn't? He's still staring, little mind whirring away as I rub my throat, and smooth down my hair.

"So who was it that didn't make the cut?"

He widens his eyes for a split second, if that. But I saw it. I hit a nerve, his eyes flashed with fury for that mere moment, and I can tell I hit the nail on its pretty little head. I grit my teeth, and march back over to the bars, seething as I hold his cold gaze.

"Who was it that you took outside the walls into that big bad world? Who was it you failed to protect? Who was it you lead out there when they weren't ready? Who was it you let die?"

"Stop speaking shit."

"Shit is it? So that isn't why you hate me so much despite the fact you don't even know me?" he begins to walk away, hands in fists by his side. I drape my arm over the middle bar of the cell, and laugh darkly. "And that's why you enjoy kicking the shit out of me so much isn't it short-stack? You just love imagining your past self under that boot, demanding to know why you weren't good enough to help them? Who were they Captain Levi? Who did you lead to their deaths? Who is it I have managed to outlive somehow and—"

But this time when he makes a move to grab my arm, I'm ready for him. I grab his throat, and squeeze tight enough to almost break that little neck. But I want him to hear this, I want him to feel every damned word that slithers past my lips. I pull him up to the bars, and spit in his face. I won't be able to hold long, I can already feel him breaking my grip with his immense strength. But if this is to be my only chance at punishing him, I was going to milk it for all its worth. His eyes bore into mine, but I know the heat of my gaze is winning.

"If you are telling the truth? And this was all just to get my name? Then you'll find it pointless. I told you the truth you sack of shit, I am no one. I mean little, and you can't use me against any of your enemies."

"You would say that, rat."

"I lived out there, and I survived out there. I didn't kill whoever the fuck died out there under your watch. So don't pretend that I did. This world is cruel, and you're right, I had ten years of freedom." I throw him back, and he falls against the wall with a grunt. Fury burning in his silver eyes as he straightens up.

"How did you do it?" he demands, but I just ignore his question.

"I will have my freedom Levi. Trust that, even if you don't trust me."

"Like hell you will." He says through clenched teeth. "I'll kill you myself before you get anywhere near that stinking home of yours."

I stare at him for a long, silent moment. He's panting, he's about as much of a mess as I've ever seen him. Even after hours of pummelling me into the ground, now, he was dishevelled. His heart was practically toppling off his sleeve and plapping into the stone floor. Pathetic, loathsome man. So much determination was something I respected; but it was also dangerous.

I smirk at him. He doesn't look like he can believe it.

"I would've served alongside you. I would have helped you kill those meat-bags. I may be a no one, and I may be nothing but a rat in your eyes. But when I agree to something? I actually do it. I have morals, I have rules. And I hold to them. Something humanity forgot how to do a long time ago. So stand there and gloat, come in here, and kick the shit out of me. But I have already won."

"And how the fuck do you figure that?"

"Because at least I lived without regret for ten years." He cringes a little, but I don't understand why. I keep going, holding his gaze, and relentlessly keeping my cool. "At least I can die knowing I have done no one any wrong. And I left this world, no worse than when I found it. Humanity is a scumming parasite on this world, and until we realise that, and decide to do something about it? We deserve to be extinct. We deserve to be consumed by those mindless monsters."

"So why would you want to help fight them?"

"Because I thought the Wings of Freedom stood for something once."

"What?"

"But it seems that those pretty little wings have gotten smothered in shit. Weighed down by lies, and bullshit. Just like everything else. So congrats Captain." I make a low bow, and look at him from my lowered position, letting a cold sneer spread across my lips. "You fooled me, you got my name, but at least I don't lie."

"Moral high ground. How noble." He huffs, straightening his stupid little cravat. I straighten up and nod, blinkly slowly and giving a small chuckle.

"In this world where we're penned in from all sides? Moral high ground feels pretty fucking good."

He stares at me, hatred in his eyes as the silence drags on. I just wait, I know he has nothing to say. There's nothing really to say. He can't justify it, any more than Erwin can. If they had lied to me? And dangled freedom in front of my face for simply my name? They were no better than the bastards in the inner-city, they were no better than the 'monsters' they lived to kill. Heartless, bastards, they were all the same.

But if he had said that lie in order to break me? It hadn't worked.

Either way he had lost, and either way I had won.

What a view.

He finally breaks away from my stare, and storms out. The far off door slams loudly, and I listen as the echoes gradually die away. In the quiet I hold onto the bars, and breathe deeply. The walls loom over me, and I try to steady myself.

It had to be a lie.

He was just trying to break me down.

He was a psychotic bastard who couldn't accept that I had lived, whilst someone he knew had died. I didn't know who, but someone he cared for had gone out into that world, and died to the hands of a Titan. I wonder if they'd been on the run like me, or borne the Wings of Freedom as they drew their last breath. I kneel down, and put my head to the cold metal; I wasn't sure if knowing why he loathed me so much helped, or hindered. It gave him a reason, but did it make me hate him more, or less? But I smile a little, I hadn't killed him, I hadn't let him force me into throwing away my freedom. Unless I didn't have it to throw away anyway.

Shit.

A few rumbles sound above me, and finally the door opens again, footsteps approach.

The group arrives, and marches past, three men who I don't recognise holding onto a younger boy, with shorty making up the rear. He holds his stoic mask firmly in place, not even glancing my way. Piece of shit coward. He pulls out a set of keys, and the door next to mine opens before there's a tired grunt as the kid is pushed inside. Well they hadn't knocked him out whilst moving him; so he was presumably less volatile than me.

I only got a small glance, but clearly saw that the kid was bruised up. Though not to the extent I thought he would be. Then again, he probably still had his healing on the go. I still didn't understand why mine was on holiday, but at least this kid was on point. But this kid… he was clearly an innocent fool. In the small moment his bright green eyes had looked to me, I felt like I could see right into his naïve little heart. Damn that kid just left everything on show didn't he? Nerves open and bare. Either very brave, or very foolish. He was scared, but curious, determined and lost. All laid out on a silver platter. I sent him an encouraging smile, figuring it couldn't hurt to stay on the right side of a fellow shifter. I don't know if he saw it, but I saw surprise flash over his face before he vanished into the next cell.

Would they lie to him too?

Perhaps he would know if I had been lied to.

I slink back into the shadows, and wait for the steps to ascend the stairs once again. It takes a while, but eventually the door slams closed, and I hear silence retake the cells.

The lamps hiss as they burn on, and things creak, and groan throughout the building as usual. I walk towards the wall, and press my ear to it. Nothing. I think I can faintly hear someone breathing, but it's faint, and carefully controlled. I wonder if this is because he thinks he might turn, or because he's frightened of who he now lives next to. Either way, relieving the tension seemed like a good plan.

"Eren Jeager, right?"

"Y-yes Ma'am."

"Less of the Ma'am kid, I'm not that old."

"Okay…"

"You okay in there? Well… apart from being locked up in a cell, and being ruled over by a Golden haired Eyebrow God, and his little mutt." I drawl, and am relieved to hear him give a nervous laugh, only to clamp his teeth together with a snap. Yeah, I can understand his anxiety, for all he knew I was working with them. "It's okay kid, I'm on your side."

"W-why would you be on m-my side? D-didn't they tell you what I am?"

"You're a Titan-shifter yeah. Damned good trick if you ask me."

"Huh?" The disbelief in his voice worries me. What had those animals been saying to him? What had they been calling him? I can only imagine the looks he'd been given, or harsh words thrwn his way by complete strangers. I'm suddenly very thankful for my well-kept secret.

"Listen kid, I don't care if you can turn into a Titan, a horse or dragon. Hanji told me what you managed to do in Trost, so as far as I'm concerned? You're all right."

"Th-thanks…"

"Nah, Eren, I'm pretty sure it's you who needs thanking." He doesn't respond, though I'm fairly sure I can hear him blushing. I snigger to myself at the idea. "By the way kid, did they mention who I am?"

"They t-told me a little. That you come from over the wall, and that you're not to be trusted." He states completely bluntly, but without malice. He's just repeating what he's told. I can just imagine Levi spouting this garbage, stoic face in place as he lies on and on. Malicious little… I sigh, and focus on my conversation. He seemed to be loosening up a bit, stammering less and breathing easier.

"You believe that, kid?"

"Not sure what to believe anymore. I only found out what I was a few days ago, everything's a bit messed up right now. But you seem okay to me."

"Very quick to judge, kid. Sorry… would you prefer I called you, Eren?"

"Up to you, either is better than Monster." He sighs, and I hear shackles shift about.

I sit down, and lean against the wall between our cells. The kid looked about 15 or so, at least he can't have been much older. He couldn't even comprehend the size of the world he was being penned in from. I suppose that was a small mercy. You couldn't miss something you'd never known. Though the idea of that small letch beating into him made me grit my teeth, my jaw aching soon after as I stifle my outrage. This kid was so open and honest, he hadn't hesitated once when talking to me, and come right out, and said he'd been warned against trusting me. How could someone this openly naïve be dangerous? I look at the lantern on the wall opposite my cell, and sigh.

"How long have you been down here, miss?"

"I haven't the faintest clue, Eren. I was sort of hoping you might be able to tell me. They didn't mention anything else about me per chance?" there's a pause, and an uneasy one, I sigh and give a laugh. "It's not your fault if they didn't mention anything, kid. I was just clutching at straws really."

"Sorry, they didn't say anything except what I already mentioned. Though Captain Levi seemed pretty steamed when he had to talk about you. Commander Erwin had to get him to go calm down."

"I do seem to get shorty's knickers in a twist."

There's another muffled snort and I roll my eyes at myself, I was going to get this kid into trouble wasn't I? Oh well, at least I was making someone smile before they left me here to rot. Or maybe they'd kill me straight off? Shorty had mentioned some kind of decision needing made. Perhaps it was whether to let me live or die. I groan. This was maddening. Was I soon to be freed, and begin my pointless training? Or was it all a ruse, and I was being held here indefinitely till I croaked it? I never had made it to the ocean…

"What's your name by the way?"

"Sorry kid, it's Alexia. You might as well know, at least someone worth a shit might as well know it."

"S-so what did you do?"

"I existed."

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