Red-White Roses: As you can imagine, I enjoy writing interactions between these guys and Pokemon. Whether a soldier or not, you can count on these guys to back you up.

Also Donovan is voiced by Vic Mignonia.

Enjoy my irony.

DragonLady1919: Thank you :)

Insecurity's Sanity: Yes, I'm still very much into Homestuck :)

Terezi is a Zubat- Golbat- Crobat.

Thank you.

Hikaru7: I'm happy that you enjoyed my story. Yes, Monika Olivier is indeed an original character- there's going to be a lot of these.

Take your time reading, okay?

Yeah- at first I didn't see any difference between the two of them before ACWNR Levi opened his mouth. He was such a arrogant little shit back then

Yes, Erwin smith has a fuck-mothering Dragonite!

I really like writing the Pokemon :)


"What's going on over there?" Hannes wondered from where he was resting.

He had seen a large group of Garrison soldiers with some Outpost Guard sprinkled in heading towards Wall Rose but he couldn't imagine why other than to see other the last of the soldiers that made it through. Along with him, he had been surprised to see that some Survey Corps soldiers had made it to Wall Rose as well, at least two different squads.

He grimaced at that, his chest and stomach clenching with guilt and sadness.

"Are you thinking of that boy?" Basil asked.

Hannes grimaced, refusing to recall the last he saw of Eren. What would Carla think if him for letting her son die?

"Hey, you two?"

Hannes and Basil glanced over at Hjalmar as he walked over to them both. "Captain Verman is ordering all available soldiers over to the wall," he told them. "Something about taking down Jaeger...?"

Hannes froze at that. "'Jaeger'?" he repeated in a choked voice.

"What's the matter? Someone you know?" Basil asked concerned. "Is it one of the kids from the cadet group?"

The blond didn't reply but ran over to the wall as fast as he could. "Oh, how I hate it when people do that," Hjalmar muttered as he and Basil went after him.


"Answer at once- did any of you have any knowledge of this whatsoever before today?" Levi addressed the 104 group.

"N-no/! No sir!" Connie and Rinslet answered shakily.

"We only just found out right now, sir!" Sasha reaffirmed, Donatello nodding along with her.

"This is the first time we've known Eren could even do something like this," Reiner replied while Bertolt and Annie nodded in confirmation.

It was our first time seeing that too, Jenn answered while Chrys nodded.

Same, Kouji affirmed.

Jean could only shake his head "no", along with Mina and Mylius, their respective partners mimicking the movements.

"No, we haven't sir," Armin said shakily and Mikasa and Samuel shook their heads no.

No, sir! Rillo and Cody said together.

This is truly the first time I've even known of this, Becquerel affirmed.

Me too, Tanya put in, gripping her burned arms in an attempt to soothe them.

"Wh-what is he-?" Yue choked in fear, shivering.

"How did he just turn into that thing anyways...?" Alexi wondered, fists clenching.

"We don't have time to wonder that right now- we need to get behind Wall Rose!" Andreas said before turning back to Levi. "When will the Corps get to Trost?"

"We only got back here an hour or so ago with our fliers," Mitternacht informed him. "We're the last ones of our group outside of Rose right now."

"Then we'll get there and regroup with the rest," Isabel said. "I think it's safe to say that someone must have seen Eren rampage around before getting to Wall Rose so we'll definitely be greeted when we make it over."

Mikasa's eyes narrowed as she held Eren protectively to her, Becquerel and Tanya exchanging determined expressions. "Isn't there anything we can do to convince them otherwise?" Armin wondered.

"For now, we have to get to Wall Rose. When we reach the other side, we will explain the situation to the soldiers waiting down there- come down only when we tell you to," Levi instructed them before turning to Mikasa. "If things start to go south, you will leave Eren Jaeger with us."

"I won't leave-"

"Who do you think those soldiers will be more likely to listen to- a recently graduated soldier or a captain? If the wrong thing is said then we'll only end up escalating the situation."

The ravenette grimaced but she knew that Levi was right. With that, the two squads and three captains group moved to the lift and made their way down. The group was left alone up on the walls and soon ten minutes had passed.

"How the hell did this happen?" Jean grimaced, his fists clenched tightly. "Just when did Eren turn into a titan?"

"It's no use asking questions like that right now," Reiner said. "We just have to wait for the captains to report back to us."

Speaking of, Jenn remarked before giving Eren a concerned glance, wonder when he'll wake up. Maybe he really does know what's going on here.

Miko gently brushed her muzzle against Becquerels' coat. "It'll be okay- I believe that they can handle the situation down there," she comforted him.

The Absol smiled softly. "Thanks."

Bertolt and Chrys exchanged glances before the tall teen's teeth clenched and his fingernails dug into his palm with enough force to put deep imprints in the skin.

"I just hope that they manage to explain what's going on down there," Mina said, looking over the wall with a concerned look. "I'm scared for Eren but I don't want him to die."

"You and me both," Mylius agreed.

"Captain Brock and Researcher Magnolia can definitely take care of themselves- we've already seen how they've handled themselves before," Connie said, trying to reassure the others. "Not to mention humanity's strongest is with them! They'll definitely be fine!"

Mikasa and Armin exchanged glances before the ravenette looked back at Tanya- she was holding Eren to her as tightly as she could, as if she let go of him he'd disappear. Mikasa knew how she felt all too well and she laid a comforting hand on the Froslass' head, prompting her to glance up.

"Don't worry- we won't let anything happen to Eren," she said to her partner in a determined voice.

Tanya nodded back, a tiny smile quircking at her lips. I know, she said. Thank you bearing with this.

Samuel hissed in pain as another spasm went up his leg and he was forced to kneel on the ground. Shit bud, are you okay there? Cody asked with a worried look.

His leg is being put through too much strain, Adrian said with a frown. Even when we helped him through, there must be more damage to it now. He needs to get it looked at as soon as possible.

"Everyone!"

The 104 cadet group perked up as they heard someone call towards them. "It's Researcher Magnolia," Annie said as she listened near the edge.

"Come down at once!" the red-haired soldier shouted to them from the bottom.

"It looks like it worked out after all," Marco said with a relieved voice as they filed into the lift, the flyers preparing to lift off.

"Wait a second!" Sasha suddenly exclaimed, halting the group.

"What's wrong?" Reiner asked.

"Researcher Magnolia's voice sounds different- I don't know how, but it's definitely different from before," the copper-haired soldier said. "We have to wait."

"It's safe! Come down now!" came Andreas' voice from below.

"His voice isn't the same either!"

"Of course it doesn't sound the same," Jean said. "We're fifty meters in the air, so obviously they'll sound different."

"No, it's not because of that!"

Guys, please listen to her, Donatello pleaded with the others. She's had plenty of experience knowing the difference between sounds as a hunter- when has she been wrong about that?

"Hey, are you really planning on staying up there and letting those bastards wreck Trost?" Levi's voice came from below.

"... it's not that I don't believe you," Connie said to his friend apologetically, "but I REALLY don't wanna argue with a voice like that..."

Man, where'd ya hide your spine this time 'round? Rinslet groused. You were so cool a little while ago...

Sasha grimaced as the others went to file into the lift and finally followed them in and it was brought down, Donatello, Pearl, Terezi and Adrian flying down themselves. Then as the lift was around halfway down, it stilled before a powerful force slammed it onto the ground swiftly, jostling everyone out and onto the ground. "The hell?!" Jean rasped, startled.

A group of Garrison soldiers awaited them along with their partners- most of them were Herdiers, Watchogs and Pidgeottos but a few psychic and fairy types were sprinkled in along with a lone Lairon. A Clefairy held his arms up, his power intensifying the gravity that made them come down so fast.

At that moment, several light screens, reflects and barriers shot up and surrounded them made by an Emolga, two Meowstics, a Bayleef and another Clefairy. Then all of their Pokemon partners shivered as they felt the last attack they used, as well as their status moves, were cut off by a Chimecho and Sneasel's taunts respectively.

"Wha-?!" Armin began in surprise before he saw something to the side.

Off to the side, a Garrison soldier's Tangergrowth had Levi and Isabel wrapped tightly in it's red vine-like hands, preventing any movement while their gear was lying uselessly from their limbs and a Soutland pinned Andreas to the ground while Yue, Alexi, Gilbert, Suloch, and a barely conscious Kendall and Rivalz were being restrained by another group of guards. Nine Apricorn capsules wriggled fiercely in another soldiers grip as their partners struggled to get out, the mechanism locked into place to prevent escape. A lone Chatot sat on Rico Brzenska's arm as he repeated in Isabel's voice, "Come down immediately!"

Sasha grimaced at the sight. "That's why they're voices sounded different-"

"All of you save for Eren Jaeger and Samuel Lingke Jackson," Kitt Verman said in a low voice leaving no room for argument, "move from this area immediately."


"Oh my god," Hannes said again in sheer relief and amazement, tears starting to mist over his eyes. "It really is Eren!"

"That boy's alive?!" Basil exclaimed. "But how?!"

"Well I'll be damned," Hjalmar remarked with a grin. "This, I have to hear about."

...

"Wait a minute, what are those guys being held up by over here?" the brunet suddenly wondered, looking over at the soldiers being restrained.

"Took you long enough to notice!" Alexi, Gilbert and Yue all yelled indignantly while Kendall and Rivalz both only gave a gurgle of pain and exasperation from where the former knelt on the ground and latter was sprawled as so not to hurt his leg.

I'm actually curious to see if this can get worse, Levi thought as he once again tried to gnaw through the vine between his teeth.

"I'm gonna kill you all..."

The soldiers and Pokemon all stared at Eren as the words left his mouth, a disturbing and almost drunken smile on his face. Hjalmar burst out laughing after that before stopping himself a few seconds afterwards as Hannes and Basil stared at him incredulously. "It is was his face- his face looked funny, I swear."

Eren came to a second later after hearing the laughter and he stared at the scene in shocked confusion- Mikasa and Becquerel were standing in front of him with their respective blades at the ready while Armin and Rillo were by his side. He shivered as he felt Tanya's ice-cold arms tighten around his neck and head protectively. Surrounding them in a semi-circle against the wall was a large group of Garrison soldiers with some Outpost Guard soldiers in between. He was startled to see Captain Magnolia and Brock, as well as holyshithumanitys'strongest Captain Levi(He's really short when he's not on his horse, the brunet couldn't help thinking) along with the two formers' squads being restrained.

"Oh thank God!" Tanya almost sobbed as she hugged Eren tighter to her, the brunet shivering at the contact.

"Eren!" Mikasa said in relief.

"Eren, you can move properly, right- are you full conscious?!" Armin exclaimed before the brunet could even open his mouth. "Please, tell me everything! Don't leave anything out- I promise, we'll figure something out!"

Eren stared in startled confusion. "Armin, what're you-?"

That's when he heard the soldiers around him murmuring.

"You heard that, right?"

"'I'm gonna kill you all', I definitely heard him say that!"

"He was definitely talking about us!"

"That bastard really is trying to eat everyone...!"

?!

Eren stared in shock and disbelief. What the hell were they all talking about- why did they think he wanted to eat them?! As the brunet took in the scene, he saw how the swords in the soldier's hands were poised as if facing an enemy and their partners were crouched in battles stances. That was when he saw their faces- the human soldiers looked disgusted and scared while the Pokemon were grimacing with determination, ready to fight at a second's notice.

He looked down at his arm, the dream he just had rushing back. That was impossible, completely impossible! He still had his arm and his leg, didn't he-

Eren's blood froze as he saw that his sleeve, pant leg and boot were missing, leaving only a ragged outline behind and his foot bare.

"Trainee Eren Jaeger, I see you've finally come to! Your previous actions have branded you as traitorous! Therefore, it falls to me to see fit how you should be disposed of! If you try anything or move from where you are, you'll be blown to hell without hesitation and with prejudice!" Verman yelled, gesturing to the cannons and the Pokemon with the strongest long-ranged attacks.

"Wait, what're you-?!" Eren exclaimed in sheer confusion.

"Now answer this question: what are you, Eren Jaeger- human or titan?"

The brunet stared dumbstruck. What the hell kind of question was that?! Was that why the soldiers were glaring at him like- like he was a monster? "I'm sorry sir, but I don't understand your question!" the brunet called back.

Verman stared in disbelief for a moment before he bellowed, "What the hell're you trying to pull, you Goddamned freak?! Just try to assume your true form- your ashes won't even remain after we're done with you! You think we're stupid?! Plenty of soldiers from both species saw you emerge from that titans' nape! We've already lost Maria as well as our rescued territory and now your kind has started to invade Rose! It doesn't matter if you really are a soldier sanctioned from the king himself- in order to protect humanity, we will eliminate you. In this, I know I'm right!"

Isabel struggled again in the Tangergrowth's grip before her teeth snapped down harshly on the vine and broke it apart between her teeth before she protested, "We already explained the situation to you- until he actually eats one of us, your claims are totally unfounded!"

"On top of it all, you actually deluded two respected captains and researcher along their respective squads into covering your hide!" Verman yelled, completely ignoring her earlier sentence.

"ARE YOU EVEN-?!"

"Don't waste your breath," Levi said with a thoroughly-done-with-yo-shit scowl. He glanced over at the Apricorn capsules after he spat out the vines that had been in his mouth and focused. Nacht, can you still hear me?

Barely, came the muffled reply, barely even a whisper. Even if I hadn't been affected by taunt, I still can't teleport out of here.

Be patient- we'll get of you all out of there soon.

I know you will.

"As for you, Samuel Lingke Jackson!" the Garrison captain barked, turning his attention to the other brunet. "You not only deserted the battlefield but you also commandeered a Pokemon that was not yours- by all rights, you should be dead twice over for these crimes!"

"What?!" Eren exclaimed in horror as he looked at Samuel, his face ashen.

Adrian looked back at Samuel before he walked in front of him along with Cody protectively. I won't allow it, he declared. If it weren't for this boy, then the other soldiers wouldn't have been aided by their partners and the Beast Trainers would have no knowledge of the attack until it was too late.

Just try to kill my buddy! Cody snarled. I'll make you all wish you were eaten!

...

"The Colossal titan already showed up- who knows when the Armored titan will follow suit! The existence of the human race is already hanging by a thread- we can't afford to not eliminate any threats!" Verman declared. "Got that, Jaeger, Jackson!? We've got no more time or man/ Pokemon power to spare on your accounts-I'll blow both of you traitors to kingdom come!"

"Our defensive strategy is clear," Rico said coolly. "At this rate, we can't get any worthwhile information out of him and Captains Brock and Levi and Researcher Magnolia have proved ineffective. In short, a waste of our resources."

"Waste! Waste!" the Chatot on her arm, Bellamy, squawked.

The soldiers murmured among themselves in agreement.

"If we attack now, we'll be able to kill him!"

"Let's take him down while he's still in human form!"

"Wait a minute!" Hannes cried out. "I've known Eren Jaeger since he was much younger through his father, Dr. Jaeger- if he really was a titan, I'd know about it! Please just wait a moment!"

"So you admit you're affiliated with him then?!" Verman yelled.

"Just calm down! You're not thinking rationally, none of you are!" Hjalmar snapped at them. "You even detained three different officers because they didn't agree with your fear-fueled thoughts!"

"Please Captain Verman-" Basil began.

"Enough! You've shown your true colors- if you're not with us, then you're against us and are traitors to all of humanity!" Verman bellowed.

"Okay, KNOW WHAT? Fuck it!" the brunet snapped as he brought out his swords only for him to fall forwards as Verman's Granbull partner, Rick, knocked him out over the head before Hannes and Basil were each grabbed by two soldiers and held back and their partners pinned down by the Bayleef and Emolga. "No-!"

Then all at once, the air tightened like a noose. there was a tension and power in the air that choked those who were caught in it's wake and it all emanated from one source.

A beside-himself Becquerel.

The Absol's pupils had narrowed into slits and his teeth were bared in a barely contained snarl. It was only by his calm nature that Becquerel wasn't ripping everything within fifty meters of him a new asshole. His Grisha's child, the boy whom he had grown to see as one of his own children- he thought he had died and it had crushed him. Now, he was alive and whole before him- and the humans before him wished to take Eren away from them again.

Tanya had similar thoughts and she gripped him to herself tightly and protectively her hands on the back of his head and back respectively. "Guys..."

"You understand why I stand before you in defiance," Becquerel said with barely restrained fury, not to the human soldiers but their Pokemon partners. "For their sake, you would do anything- not even hell itself would stand in your way if it meant them being alive and they would gladly return the favor for your sake as well. That's why I promise this- if any of you choose to fight, I will rip you to shreds if it means my partner- no, my child- will live."

The Pokemon grimaced at that and looked back at the soldiers by their sides. They fought because their partners needed them to, but the Absol before them was just like they were- he wanted to protect his partner. But that partner also turned into the same creature that terrorized humans and if he were to turn into it again, who knows what might happen.

Andreas frowned- this was definitely a problem. The most standard relationship between a Pokemon and human were as partners, united under the same goal to fight together for a cause. There were friendships, sibling like-relationships and even a handful of a handful of a handful of a handful of a handful that went beyond the intimacy of lovers but the bonds that were like a parent and child were strong and if one or the other were threatened...

"At this rate, he's gonna rip them all new assholes," Isabel said with a grim look, "not that I blame him or anything."

Levis' expression never changed and he glanced back at where Andreas and Isabel's squads were being held back, their own partners trapped inside their Apricorn capsules. Until the effects of the status moves wear off, the others can't do anything even if they were outside of the capsules...

Alexi and Suloch exchanged glances from where they were being held back before the burgundy-haired man discreetly slid a single edged blade he always kept in his sleeves down to the bronze-skinned woman. She managed to catch it before looking over at Gilbert. He got the hint and Suloch managed to toss it to him from behind the soldier holding her back.

"I believe he made our position clear," Mikasa said with a deadly aura and voice. "If you're curious, Becquerel is especially skilled with his horns and claws that are strong enough to shatter bones and rocks alike while my proficiency lies within lacerating flesh. By all means, come forth and experience both our techniques."

The soldiers shivered at the deadly promise as the ravenette and Absol took their positions. The Pokemon facing Becquerel were beginning to feel the effects of Pressure and the power they had for their individual attacks was slowly draining away.

"Sir, that's Mikasa Ackerman- she was reassigned to the rear guard with the elite of the Garrison and Outpost Guard," one of the other captains, Ian Dietrich, told Verman.

Isabel and Levi's eyes widened at that.

"She's as strong as a hundred soldiers- if we were to lose her, we'd be losing a powerful asset for humanity," Ian went on before his eyes drifted to Tanya who gripped Eren tightly, "not to mention we'd invite the wrath of her partner, a powerful ice-type that's more than capable of deep-freezing us."

Eren wasn't listening to anyone as he stared down at the ground, barely conscious of anything anymore- even Tanya's ice-cold embrace didn't register. Am I the only one who doesn't believe I'm a titan? I don't have even a single memory of how I ended up over here.

His legs and arms shook from where he was, so numb he couldn't even stop them. If they don't agree with my answer, they'll kill me here and now- I don't believe this, am I really going to die by the hands of humans...?

Jaeger.

Erens' eyes widened at the voice, barely a whisper, in his head. "Wha-"

Stay calm. I'm communicating to you through my own partner's power, it continued. My name is Levi, from the Survey Corps.

Eren stared in disbelief before his eyes flitted up to where the captain was being held. The soldiers were so focused on him that they didn't even see Captain Magnolia manage to toss something into the captain's hand that he set just a few centimeters off of the vines trapping him.

But why-?!

First thing you have to do is calm down and think, Levi cut him off. What was the first thing Verman said to you?

Eren swallowed back the lump in his throat, the action making it feel like sandpaper was rubbing against the perpetually soaked flesh. I-I came out of a titan's nape. I though that it was only a dream- but my arm and leg grew back from where they were bitten off, so my clothes from both areas are missing. Just like a ti-

Enough, the short man said sternly as he slid the object- a single edged dagger-against the vegetation while his other hand reached for his belt. You have to keep a clear head now- I understand that this is overwhelming you but you must stay calm. Help is already on the way but they need time to get here.

So the soldiers here have to be stalled- but how?

... I have one plan. You're not going to like it.


The 104 trainees had all gathered away from the walls, listening as the group that have come over explain how they got the gas needed to get inside.

"I feel horrible..." Krista said with a saddened expression. "I'd had volunteered to help with the supplies so many times before-"

It's not your fault, Matthias said with a frown as he hugged her close. You didn't know and no one told you before now. Don't even think about blaming yourself for something like that.

"After all that trouble you guys went through to get the gas- now everyone and their mom and dog knows about it since someone couldn't keep their mouth shut," Ymir groused.

They're alive, Terezi reminded her gently. That's gotta count for something, yeah?

Ymir shrugged. "So the others who haven't come yet," Krista realized. "Eren, Armin, Samuel and Mikasa?"

"Seriously? Even Mikasa- the Mikasa?" the freckled teen said with a raised brow.

Connie nodded as Franz admitted, "I just assumed she was just lagging behind like the others from before but..."

Whatever he was expected the bald teen to say, Connie and Rinslet both just looked away.

"Guys?" Franz asked with a concerned look as he saw how the bald teen and Floatzel, along with Reiner, Jenn, Bertolt, Chrys, Annie, Kouji, Sasha, Donatello, Jean, Miko, Mina, Pearl, Mylius and Luta, looked.

"... it's confidential- we're sworn to secrecy," Jean replied after he finished taking a drink from the waterskin in his hand. "Though I'm not so sure how it'll work out- this isn't the kind of thing they can keep under wraps forever."

"Oh God I'm useless..."

Daz clutched at his head, tears in his eyes as Marco and Chili tried to comfort him. "I saw my comrades devoured right in front of me- my friends died and I didn't feel sadness or hate at all- I just felt so relieved I wasn't them-"

They'd feel the same way if they were in your shoes! You're not being fair to yourself at all, Daz! Chili protested to his partner. If anyone should hate themselves, it's me! I didn't even give myself any time to feel anything but kept going without a second thought!

"I figured it out, though," Daz went on, a crazed look in his eyes, "we're only going to keep being sent out to fight the titans until we all get killed-"

At that, he drew out his sword. "If that's all that awaits us, then it'd be better to-"

"NO!"/ NO! Marco and Chili yelled, holding the older man back. "Just get a hold of yourself, please! Everyone else is scared too but they still keep on fighting! Just take a look at Sasha- even now, she's still as splendid warrior as ever even in spite of what happened-"

Suddenly the copper-haired soldier let out a wail as she clutched her stomach, doubling over. "I'm sorry- but my belly's completely empty now..." she rasped. "Can- can I be counted over with the wounded?"

There was a few seconds silence before Daz shrieked as he clutched the blade all over again, "I can't take it anymore!"

The next moment, Chili rammed his fist into his face and knocked Daz onto the ground. As he tried to get back up, the Simisear grabbed the sword by its' blade and melted the steel within his palm via fire punch. "Wha- why did you-"

I've accepted that you're a coward and you overreact Daz, Chili said before his expression became furious, but I never, never would have believed you were selfish.

"B-but-" Daz protested before the Simisear grabbed him by his collar and shouted, Did you forget why you decided to join the military?! It was to support your wife and daughter- what will they do if you die? Did you ever even think about that? Yet you still planned to leave them all alone! I understand if you get eaten or if you die protecting a comrade or try to flee only to get cut down- but if you even think about taking your own life again, there's no way I'd ever forgive you for that and neither would they!

Daz flinched at his partners words before he just slumped onto the ground, sobbing softly. Chili sighed and propped him up as he comforted him. Donatello grimaced at the scene before he dug through his bag and handed Sasha a small object wrapped in a towel. She accepted it and upon opening the cloth found a dried onion.

"You're sweet," she said with a smile, tears in her eyes as she bit into the root vegetable.

Just then, eight people rushed by them and Jean recognized the emblem of the wings of freedom on their cloaks, their hands clutching at their Apricorn capsules hard enough to turn their knuckles white before firing their maneuvering gear off and flying into the air.

"Wonder what's up with them," Connie said with a concerned frown.


"Mikasa, Becquerel, you won't accomplish anything by fighting them!" Armin cried out to the two as he tried to help Samuel onto his feet. "Let's just regroup somewhere within the walls-"

"I don't care- I won't allow Eren to be killed," Mikasa cut him off in a matter-of-fact voice. 'It's as simple as that."

I understand your reasoning Armin, but they won't be stopped the way they are, Becquerel told him.

"That's why we need to talk this over!" the blond exclaimed in distress. "They're all just scared and they have every right to be- anyone in their shoes would act the same!"

Samuel said nothing, still dead to the world.

"Except I laughed," Hjalmar got out with a raspy voice before pulling himself up and snapping, "Will you people just stop and listen for a second?! A fifteen year old is making more sense than the lot of you and you're all adults!"

"Shut up!" Verman yelled at him. "You're nothing but a traitor to humanity! Now answer us, Jaeger- are you human or titan?!"

Memories of being with his friends and family, training as a soldier, fighting, hearing of the outside world rushed in front of Erens' sight and he knew his answer. I am and always have been just like you- I've always been-

"I'm human," Eren said, resolute even as he shook.

Silence filled the area, everyone tense as they waited for the verdict.

"... I see- I won't ask any of you for forgiveness," Verman said with a soft voice as he began to raise his arm. "No man can be asked to judge himself as evil-"

Zwish-

Tanya's eyes widened before she was smacked aside and against the wall, dazed. Eren didn't even have time to look surprised before Levi's foot slammed into his jaw, knocking him back. He felt the inside of his cheek's skin break as a tooth was dislodged and fell against the ground. Another kick connected with the other side of his head, sending him reeling again. A hand grabbed him by the hair and wrenched his head up before another kick was delivered.

Armin and Rillo stared in startled surprise and Mikasa's expression became livid as she advanced towards the short man before Becquerel caught her eye and shook his head. She stared at him in disbelief before prompting her to look Levi in the eye before looking at Eren and they held the same look.

Play along.

Pale black eyes widened in disbelief but hardened green eyes stared her down and she relented, though her anger didn't completely disperse. Tanya shakily got back up, her eyes wide in horror as she saw the brunet pummeled into the ground. She gave a roar as she flew at Levi before he held a blade at her throat. "You-!"

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Verman roared.

"Do you mind? I'm trying to prove my point," the short man deadpanned, making Tanya shake in fury. "Besides, what're you so scared about? Weren't you about to order him to be killed, Captain Verman?"

"What are you trying to pull here?!" Rico shouted. "Do you want him to transform!?"

"Don't misunderstand- if this brat even tries to eat anyone, I would kill him on the spot," Levi addressed the soldiers- specifically Verman- his heel grinding down on Eren's back. "Yet he hasn't- why do you think that is? Obviously, he can't turn into a titan whenever he pleases."

Verman faltered for a moment and Levi went on. "Before he ran out of power in his titan form, he killed off thirty-some titans- the fact that he's intelligent would cause a threat, but so far he hasn't acted on it- therefore it's not your problem yet. But what would you do if it did?"

Mikasa still glared bloody murder at the captain but realized what he was doing.

"This sort of thing's already happened though- except instead of a kid who turned into a titan, it was a creature with powers unlike anything humanity had ever seen. Before we became allies with Pokemon, we obviously saw them as monsters too- this situation must have happened over a dozen times over the years even before the walls came to be."

This made the Garrison and Outpost Guard soldiers stop at that and soft murmurs echoed through the space. Ian said nothing but his fist clenched. I see- he's actually suggesting we use this boy as we use Pokemon as partners.

He stole a glance at his own partner, the Lairon by his side. Can that be the same as Anahit...?

Then Verman's despondent expression regained it's fire and he yelled, somehow more frenzied than before, "What kind of idiot do you take me for?! You think I wouldn't see what you were planning?! Just how tightly did Jaeger wrap all of you around his finger so that you'd go out on your way to spare one of the titans that you're supposed to kill, you Goddamned hypocrite?!"

Isabel stared in horror. It really is no use- he's too terrified to even think straight and nothing we can say can sway it now!

"Stand down NOW!" Hjalmar yelled furiously. "Are you seriously going to continue ignoring the authority of five different officers?!"

"Please just stop for a moment!" Basil cried out. "Before you do something you regret!"

Levi's teeth gritted together. Not even that worked in the end.

Mikasa was taken back by the repentance in the older man's eyes as his hold on the brunet softened and she took his opportunity to grab the brunet and throw his arm over her shoulder to help him up. "Dammit, I'm fine-" he rasped.

"Here, lean on me," Armin urged Samuel as he helped him up, Cody and Adrian steadying him as well. Tanya quickly ushering them towards the wall. I think I can get us all up there or at least out of their range-

"Ahh!" Rillo exclaimed in horror as large rocks from rock tomb slammed down in front of them all before Levi scooped her up as one of them barely missed her body. After a few seconds stones littered all around the seven, blocking their path and boxing them in a semi-circle with their backs to the wall.

"Just get as far away from me as you can!" Eren exclaimed, trying to remove himself from Mikasa's grip.

"Fire the cannon! Do it now!" Verman screamed. "All Pokemon, ready your attacks!"

Mikasa was about to fire her maneuvering gear only to see Fearow and Pidgeotto flying above them and readying their own attacks along with the cannons and rifles of the Garrison. "No-!"

"EREN!" Hannes yelled as he tried again to get up and do something- anything! "Dammit, let me go!"

"DAMN IT ALL, STOP!" Andreas bellowed as he struggled to get free.

This can't be happening-


"There's a room in the basement- I'll show it to you when I get back."


The feel of cold mental in his hands.

"You have to keep this key on you, no matter what- when you see it, remember- It's indispensable that you get to the basement-"


"With this injection, you'll experience some form of memory loss-"

His father's face, tear-stricken and urgent.

"That's why I can't explain everything right now- but someday, you'll go to the basement and find the truth- the journey will be bitter and it will be crueler than you can imagine-"

Pain.

Lights flashing over ahead.

"But you must reconquer Wall Maria and our rescued territory before it's too late- the power will prove itself useful- as for how you use it, their memories will prove useful-"


"Just leave me!" Samuel rasped, trying to push Armin off of him. "I'm already dead!"

Dammit, what now-?! Levi thought, mind racing for anything to save them.


"If you want to protect Becquerel, Tanya, Armin and Mikasa, as well as anyone else you'll grow to care for-


Eren wretched himself free of Mikasa's grip and grabbed Armin and Samuel, pulling them towards the group, Cody and Adrian shooting over to him.


"- you must embrace this power-"


Eren situated himself right between Mikasa and Levi and looked up as the cannons fired and the Pokemon unleashed their attacks.

"FIRE!"


"- and become it's master."


"NO!" Isabel screamed as the cannon and attacks were fired at the group, powerless to do anything to stop it.

At that, Eren brought his left hand to his mouth and bit down harshly, enough to draw blood. In that moment, a powerful explosion and lightning crackled around the ten of them, knocking the attacks and the rocks that had surrounded them outwards. The impact knocked several soldiers and Pokemon backwards and within the explosion, something began to form.

The moment that the cannonballs, bullets and attacks hit, they all smashed against the form still obscured by smoke, protecting the group.

"What just happened?!" Yue shrieked in horror.

"Dammit, can't see anythin' in this smoke-!" Gilbert hissed, his eyes stinging from the vapors before he noticed how still Alexi and Suloch were. "What's...?"

Sulochs' eyes were wide as she saw what the attacks had collided with and Alexi's mouth just hung open in mute shock.

"My God..." Isabel whispered softly.

In the ground was the upper torso of a titan- a titan with much of it's skin and muscle missing, showcasing it's rib cage and half of it's head as a mere skull, green eyes twitching within it's bulging sockets. The sight alone was enough to cause several hardened soldiers to shriek in fear and horror.


The soldiers stared in startled fear from the explosions that came from the wall and the 104 group looked up as well.

"A cannon?"

"That sounded like some Pokemon attacks, too!"

"It came from the walls!"

"You don't think they might have gotten through?"

"It's the sturdiest area in all of the walls right now- it was probably just a stray projectile."

"But when why did we hear the other attacks?"

Reiner's eyes widened in horror as he recognized the steam that was coming up from the area and quickly realized just why the Survey Corps had been heading over there. He immediately fired off his gear and leaped into the sky.

What the- don't go off without me, dammit! Jenn snapped as she lugged after him as fast as her stout legs could carry her.

Jean stared in disbelief before he saw the titan vapor as well. The next moment, the rest of the group that had been present with Eren shot off, their partners following close behind. Jean, Annie, Bertolt, Sasha, Connie, Mina and Mylius found Reiner and landed next to him on a rooftop overlooking the area along with Donatello, Rinslet and Pearl while Kouji, Chrys, Jenn, Miko and Luta came right by the house. There, they all had a clear vantage point of the half-formed titan within the vapor.


Eren's eyes snapped open as his skin was burned and his nose was filled with the scent of ash and rotten skin. His body was stuck inside a mound of flesh with bits of it stuck to his skin. He struggled to get free of the flesh before Levi landed by him to assist.

"What the hell is this heat...?" Eren wondered as he pulled his other arm out while the shorter male slashed apart the flesh holding his legs with the dagger he had gotten a hold of.

"What the hell was that?!" Samuel rasped in shock as he tried to get up only to realize Cody had thrown himself onto his body and was holding him down protectively.

"The cannon was fired, along with several Pokemon attacks," Armin recounted shakily. "Then there was that terrible noise and this appeared around us-!"

"Wha- HOLY SHIT!" Cody yelped in shock as he turned his head and saw the carcass, Adrian glaring at it as he prepared to mow it down.

"No don't!" Rillo cried out, trying to hold the Staraptor down. "It's Eren- it's Eren!"

Tanya panted harshly in the vapors, the heat making her much weaker. "Hot..." she rasped before Becquerel and Rillo steadied her onto the ground to rest, the Absol placing his horn against her shell to cool her off a bit.

"But what're we doing inside this huge skeleton- how did we get inside this huge skeleton?!" the blond wondered.

"It was because of Eren- he protected us," Mikasa said. "That's all we need to know."

Eren-! Samuel thought in amazement and gratitude.

"Guys!" Eren exclaimed as he slid down from the titan's body, Levi following close behind before tossing away the ruined blade.

Mikasa immediately grabbed Eren's arm and wrenched him behind her, glaring at Levi with all the venom she could muster. This didn't escape Eren's attention and he told her sternly, "I get that you're angry, but you have to listen to me! Captain Levi was only trying to stop them from firing off the cannons and attacks- he even told me in advance and I agreed to it!"

"Wha-?!" the ravenette said in disbelief. "How did you even-?!"

"Gallade's a psychic type and they can read minds. He communicated with me via telepathy."

She stared at him, still disbelieving before the ravenette rounded on Levi with a murderous expression. "You went into his head?!" she snarled.

"Mikasa, there's a time and place for everything- but not now!" Armin cut her off urgently before turning back to the brunet. "Eren, just what thi-"

"I have no idea but there's no time to waste right now!" Eren cut him off as the situation hit him back again. "This thing'll evaporate any minute, just like any other titan corpse- you guys need to get away!"

"There's no where to go from here," Levi told him. "The Pokemon and cannons are still situated at our position and if any of us leave, we'll be shot at immediately. The only silver lining right now is that they stopped their attack. Whether they're assessing the situation or are over the edge to make a move, they aren't moving and we're hidden from their sight at the moment. But like you said, this cover is only temporary, especially if one of the flying types know defog."

Eren nodded with a grimace. "When that happens, they'll attack all over again and I doubt they'll listen to anything I have to say. But-! I did remember something important!"

What is it? Becquerel asked, looking up from where he was attending to Tanya.

"It was about the basement back home! Dad said that everything would make sense once I got down there-!" Eren explained, gripping the key between his fingers. "Whatever I've become- I know he has something to do with it too- if we go there, then it might even give us answers about the titans!"

"So why would he hide something like that?"

Eren looked over at Levi, the shorter man holding a dark expression with slightly wider eyes than usual. "A metric fuck-ton worth of soldiers, human and Pokemon, have died for the information we have on the titans right now- I've already seen more than enough of my fair share- and you're telling me that the secrets behind these bastards was hidden away in some old man's cellar, secrets that would have saved their lives that he chose not to bring out?"

!

"Where's your father now?"

Becquerel grimaced as he answered in Eren's stead, Grisha disappeared five years ago- he left just a while before the Colossal titan kicked in the wall-

"Where did he say he was going?"

He's a doctor- he was going to a patient's house because they were too weak to move themselves.

"Did he do or say anything unusual before leaving?"

Grisha always took us with him on appointments- we were his assistants and partners, Tanya explained, her hand clenching at her chest. But a few weeks before he left, he told us that he would be leaving by himself this time around and-

"This is a matter of life and death, not just for us, but for the rest of humanity," Levi said sternly. "If what he said-"

"Hetoldusthathewasgoingawaysomewherethatwecouldn'tfollowafterhimandthatwehadtostaybehindandkeepourfamilysafeandnotletErendienomatterwhat!" Tanya got out in a rush, upset that she had revealed such.

Eren's eyes widened in shock. Why would he tell them that?!

Levi scowled, his teeth gritting together in frustration. "Wonderful- just fucking wonderful."

"We don't have time for this right now," Mikasa said with a stern look, still holding venom- albeit not as much.

"Right- I sent a message to my squad through Nacht's psychic connection," Levi told them. "They, along with another squad that made it here, are heading our way. However, with the situation escalating, their presence might make things worse and a fight could erupt right here very soon."

Just then, they heard a cracking above them as part of the carcass folded in.

"I'm getting out of here."

The four humans and five Pokemon stared back at Eren in surprise as he said this, a resolute expression on his face.

"Where do you plan to go- how are you even going to get there?" Armin asked softly, Levi noting that neither teen had said it was insane yet or questioning their friend.

"I have a couple plans actually. Right now, one is to get away to anywhere but here will do- once I get away, I'll make my way back to Zhiganshina and the basement," Eren replied, setting his hand against his teeth. "I just need to turn back into a titan again, just like before..."

Is Eren really a titan? Armin couldn't help thinking. Or can he just conjure the body itself up? I wonder if he even knows himself...

Eren, your nose-! Tanya said in concern and Eren realized that blood was steadily leaking from his nostrils and he was acutely aware of the sheer exhaustion wracking his body.

Eren, you're breathing's erratic and your skin's becoming clammy- you're becoming sick! Becquerel said concerned. You can't transform into that thing again, not in your condition.

"My health doesn't matter," Eren said, wiping the blood away. "If you guys don't protect me for just a while, you'll definitely get away unscathed. I'll be fine- in that form, I weigh a metric tone."

"Eren-!" Samuel said with fear and concern.

"I'm coming with you," Mikasa declared.

"Out of the question," Eren immediately retaliated sternly.

"If I can't keep up, then leave me behind- but I don't remember agreeing to follow your orders ever."

"I said that's out of the question- quit treating me like I'm made of glass already!"

It looks like the soldiers won't engage us in close quarters, Armin theorized. If they were, either Mikasa or Captain Levi would have picked it up by now.

Memories of his friends defending him from the bullies who sneered at him and beat him up rushed before his eyes.

It takes around twenty seconds at least for a cannon to reload and even less time for a Pokemon to fire off a long-ranged attack, depending on the material needed, the accuracy, the power and the Pokemon in question using it. If Eren does move fast enough, he'll have moved on and left by that time.

"And how exactly do you plan on doing something like that?" Levi asked with a stern look. "Even if you do manage to turn into that fifteen-meter tall bastard again, you could still be ripped out of the nape by one of the Pokemon on the walls. Even if you manage to avoid them, how will you get through the gates without crushing them? Even if you do manage to escape through them, you'll constantly be on the run with everyone and their dog inside the walls knowing who you are and what you look like."

Even if it would work, you'd collapse soon after given your condition, Becquerel said. Then they'd catch you all over again and they'd never let you out of their sight.

Why am I remembering all of that right now? Is it because this is the end? Armin thought hopelessly. Even until the end, he had been no help- always counting on others to be strong in his place or to be protected. Never making a difference.

"So you have a better plan, oh mighty captain?" Mikasa asked in a low tone, daring the older man to say otherwise.

Mikasa, let it go, Tanya begged her weakly. I understand you're angry- I'm still upset too- but there's a better time to address it than now!

"I don't but that sure as hell doesn't mean that that one's the correct option."

I've lost count of the times they've saved me and I haven't been able to return the favor even once. I've been nothing but a fucking coward right up until the end. How can I call myself an equal and a friend in these conditions? How can I hope to keep up with them?

But- what else can we do? Rillo wondered, scared and upset. We can't fight each other like this- there's still titans inside Trost and more are coming in!

"It's no good," Samuel whispered, clutching at his head. "We're really going to die here..."

I already said I wouldn't let you die! Adrian squawked determinedly.

Yeah, Armin couldn't help but agree, remembering when he had shown his books to Eren and Mikasa, Becquerel, Tanya and Rillo- even if some of them hadn't understood the words, they knew what they meant. This is really the end...

"Becquerel, Mikasa, Captain Levi," Eren cut off the other brunet, "Like I said before, I had a couple of ideas- two of them. You already heard the first, but the second one is actually a last resort and food for thought."

Levi's expression remained the same as he said, "Well?"

Eren swallowed back the lump in his throat, like sandpaper, as he said, "It actually hinges on Armin and what he decides to do."

The blond's eyes widened. "Wha- Excuse me?!"

Eren, what're you saying!? Rillo exclaimed, situating herself between Eren and her Armin protectively.

"Even I know that the first plan was as unrealistic as they get and I know that this is going to sound crazy," Eren said, "but if you can convince the military I'm not a threat, then I'll trust you on this and that's what we'll do. You have fifteen seconds to make up your mind- or I'll just go with the first plan."

"Eren, that's insane-" Samuel exclaimed.

"Can you do it? Or can't you?" the brunet went on, his green gaze focused on his friend. "Whatever your answer is, I'll heed your advice and follow through no matter what."

"But why would you entrust me with such an important decision?!" Armin exclaimed.

Eren smiled at that. "You're good at making the right calls, Armin- that's why I rely on you," he replied. "It's been five long years and so much has happened- but none of it would have if you hadn't told Hannes about Mikasa and I. We'd be dead right now if you had done nothing."

So that's how he got to us that time! Tanya exclaimed, looking at Armin in wonder. Then- you're the one who-

I guess that you're the one responsible for saving my life then, Becquerel said with a smile. My leg was injured enough so that I couldn't move at all on it and my head was bleeding badly. But because Hannes showed up, he and Theo were able to get the wood out of my leg and stop the bleeding before we came to the boat.

"Armin," Mikasa said determinedly, "if you have anything in mind, then I'll follow you as well."

Rillo looked back at the blond determinedly. You know what I'm gonna say.

This kid has good friends, Levi thought, looking at the three of them with a hint of nostalgia. They all do.

Armin's eyes widened in amazement- he couldn't believe what he was hearing. It had been him, all along- he had been the one putting himself down, the one doubting his own abilities, the one who thought he was powerless, a burden.

They had never thought of him as a burden- not even for a moment. Not Eren, always determined and looking forward. Not Mikasa, strong and cool. Not Becquerel, patient and wise. Not Tanya, always smiling and trekking on. Even little Rillo- who had been with him for only a few months before Zhignahsina was breached, never believed him to be weak.


"What?!"

Eren nodded as he finished bandaging the tiny Rattata's leg. "I'm not punking you- she seriously thinks you're the strongest in the world."

Armins' mouth flapped open useless as he babbled to the rodent, "I'm not strong- I was just trying to help- they were being cruel to you-"

"And that's why she loves you," Mikasa said with a small smile.

You stood up for her and protected her- in this little ones' eyes, you are someone who risked themselves for her sake, Becquerel said kindly.

That's why she says you're strong- that's how she's sees you in her eyes, Tanya smiled.


"Wait a second, please!" Samuel rasped. "Do you guys even hear yourselves right now?! Either choice could get us all killed!" he turned to the captain. "Sir, can't you-"

"I can't think of any other options at the moment," Levi responded. "If you have a better plan, then we'll hear it as well."

The brunet remained silent before he sighed. "What the hell... sorry, I know I'm already dead but- Go for it, Armin- I'll follow you through too."

Not just them, but my comrade in training, even a respected captain, and their partners- they're entrusting their lives to me...

"Armin."

Resolute blue raised their gaze. "I'll win them over- or die trying."


I can't hear anything now, Isabel thought with worry. Just what's going on over there?

Yue and Gilbert looked back at Alexi and Suloch, worry clear on their faces. What would happen if help didn't arrive? They could all very well be executed then and there if Verman got any worse and then-

I don't wanna die. I don't wanna die, the white-haired woman thought, struggling to hold back tears.

Shit shit shit! Alexi thought, his teeth gritting together enough to make his jaw ache, barely holding back his own panic.

Boss, what th' hell're we gonna do? Gilbert thought, looking over at the head researcher as if she would answer and everything would be all right.

Alphonse...!

Kendall and Rivalz were both becoming paler and paler as they were being watched over and prevented from escaping. Rivalz was in agony from where he laid, the pain in his leg blocking off everything else as he struggled not to lose his mind. Kendall was hunched over on her knees, her eyes glazed and sweat dripping down her face as she tried not to fall asleep- afraid she wouldn't wake up.

Then, someone came out from the smoke, a clattering resounding. Isabel recognized Armin without his swords and their containers, along with Rillo, as they showed themselves outside of the titan vapor before the crowd of soldiers.

"Stop right there, you scum!" Verman barked at the two.

Armin held his hands up to show he was unarmed. "Captain Verman, sir! Eren Jaeger is not humanity's enemy! As a show of peace, we're willing to share any and all information we have regarding the titans!"

Hjalmar raised an eyebrow at that. They know something about them that we don't? Huh.

"You just revealed your true colors for all to see and now you're begging for your life?! This isn't some comedy we're running right now!"

"They're laying down their arms, for God's sake!" Hannes yelled angrily, having enough of the sunken-face captain. "If that isn't a show of peace, then tell me what is!"

"Shut your mouth! Do you want to die?!" Verman bellowed at the blond before turning back to Armin. "If you're trying to say Jaeger's not a titan, then show me proof! If not, we'll just blow you all away!"

"Verman!" Andreas bellowed. "Are you really willing to kill humanity's strongest soldier and a loyal Pokemon just to get to a kid that might or might not be a threat?!"

"There's no need for proof!" Armin shouted back. "It was never about what she should acknowledge him in the first place! Many people and Pokemon saw him, so that means that they also saw him attack only other titans! Captains Brock and Researcher Magnolia along with both their squads accounted that Eren Jaeger did not devour anyone- and they, along with every other soldier, must have also seen that the titans attacking him as well!"

This made several soldiers grimace in shock as they recounted this- it was true, Eren Jaeger had only attacked other titans and they in turn had attacked him as well.

"That means that the titans viewed him as they viewed us- as food for them to devour!" Armin declared. "No matter how you slice it, that can't be disproved or denied!"

This stopped the whole area dead in their tracks, silence reigning before soft murmurs picked up around them.

"He's right about that..."

"And Jaeger didn't eat anyone either."

"I don't think he even looked in our direction during that time."

"Could that blond kid be right?"

"Maybe he really is on our side..."


"I take back every single uncool thing I ever said about Armin Arlet, ever," Kouji announced.

"Me too," Rinslet replied.

"Me three," Luta responded.


"Damn," Hjalmar said in amazement.

Armin, Hannes thought with a proud smile, well done.

Verman's eyes bulged as he listened to the murmurs before bellowing, "Get into your attack formations! Don't believe their lies, no matter how clever they are! The way of the titans have always been alien to us- who's to say they haven't figured out a way to turn into humans?! We can't let them have their way anymore!"

Armin's eyes widened in disbelief as this reset the atmosphere of sheer fear and hostility as the soldiers re-gripped their swords and guns and the Pokemon were still as confused as ever. It's no good- I can barely even think straight now as it is. That man's running on complete paranoia right now!

"Are you even listening to him right now?!" Yue shrieked in desperation. "Hannes said he knew that boy since he was young- how could he not have noticed this before?!"

"I know fer a fact titans ain't that smart!" Gilbert cried out. "Ya see how they stuck themselves on th' wall spikes and keep trying t' get through 'em?! An' yer tryin' t' say they figered how t' turn an' act human?!"

"Just calm down for a Goddamn minute!" Alexi shouted angrily.

If she could still speak, Suloch would be yelling herself hoarse in protest.

Armin looked back behind him where the group lay, the vapors becoming thinner by the minute- through it, Mikasa and Eren looked back at him determinedly with no fear or hesitation. The blond gritted his teeth before he drew himself up to his full height, slammed his right hand over his heart the his left arm behind his back as he bellowed with all of his might, "I AM, HAVE BEEN, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, A SOLDIER WHO HAS DEVOTED HIS MIND, HEART, SOUL AND BODY TO HUMANITYS' CAUSE! THERE IS NO GREATER AMBITION IN MY LIFE THAN TO UPHOLD THAT CAUSE NO MATTER WHAT I MUST SACRIFICE!"

Armin-! Rillo thought with sheer pride for his sake- he was brimming with fire, determination and sheer force of will to go forward.

In this moment, she saw him as the strongest all over again.


"Geez, what a pitiful thing..."

Rillo was lying against the grass of the alleyway, her body covered in bruises as the boys around her sneered down at her before one kicked at her stomach, sending her against the wall.

"They say that these guys are ridiculously strong- what a fuckin' joke," another laughed as he kicked at her again, sending her across near the street.

"Wha- What do you think you're doing to that Pokemon?!"

Rillo looked up through barely lidded eyes and saw yellow and blue above and in front of her. "Aw, it's Artlet- gonna cry at us? Watcha gonna do, Arlet?"


"WE KEEP LOSING TO THE TITANS BECAUSE OF THE SHEER POWER THEY HAVE- SO WHY NOT ADD ONE TO OUR ARSENAL?! WE COULD RECONQUER TROST WITH HIS POWER!" Armin roared. "FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITYS' LIFE AND GLORY, I WILL USE WHAT LITTLE TIME I HAVE LEFT BEFORE MY DEATH TO ADVOCATE THE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES THAT EREN JAEGER REPRESENTS!"


The next moment, Rillo felt herself being scooped up by warm arms. "I don't care what you say about me- you couldn't make up a counterargument against me anyways without proving my point anyways- but for you to beat up a Pokemon-!"

"Aw, he's defending the rodent- cute," the third sneered as the boys approached them and punched him in the face. Rillo winced as both hit the ground before the boys surrounded them bioth and began kicked the boy harshly.

But through that entire time, the arms never lessened their strength and Rillo was protected by this boy before his friends arrived...


You were scared of being hurt, but you still stood by for my sake, Rillo thought. You keep putting yourself down for being weak, but when push comes to shove you're so much stronger, so much braver, than you can possibly imagine.

Verman scowled before glancing back at Rick who shrugged. Whatever your decision, boss.

That's right- they can plead all they want, but in the end it falls on me to obey the laws, the man concluded as he raised his arm to give the signal. For that sake, they must be eliminated.

"FIRE!" he roared.

Armin gritted his teeth but didn't move from his spot, Rillo taking her place by his side as the cannon ball and attacks came down towards them.

"Murtogh!"

A roar bellowed out and an air slash ripped apart the cannonball in half then fourths then eighths before falling to the ground. The attacks that were fired from the Pokemon were knocked off course by glowing blue rocks that were flung from the heavens. Armin stared up in amazement as a Charizard and Dragonite flew down in front of him and the two soldiers on Mutogh's back jumped off, blades drawn.

"You all right there?" Sayram asked the blond teen and Raticate.

"Y-yeah."

Who- who are you?

"Will you cool your tits down?!" the svelte blond soldier that had been gripping Sayram on Murtogh yelled at the crowd, his normally cheery amber eyes now narrowed in irritation as his Bisharp partner shifted into a fighting stance. "Don't make me make Issac-"

"Tristan, you're not helping anything!" the soldier with black hair pined in a messy bun, brown eyes, freckles and stout build barked from behind the soldiers, startling them as her Toxicroak partner cricked his neck and knuckles nonchalantly from where he materialized from his Apricorn Capsule.

"C-come on Amitya- it's n-not like th-they weren't asking f-for th-that..." the brunet soldier with hazel-green eyes stuttered to her, his Electrode partner grinning from nonexistent ear to nonexistent ear.

"Okay you've got somewhat of a point there, Jeremy..." Amitya said with a scowl.

"We're not here to fight, we're here to stop the fight from happening," Sayram told Tristan sternly, who gave a nervous grin and a stiff salute. "Gotcha, sir!"

"Why you-" a group of the Garrison soldiers yelled, trying to draw their swords sword before the Toxicroak grabbed the blades. "Try not to test Anderson's patience- unlike me, it's not his strong suite," Amitya warned them.

"D-don't g-give Reece a reason t-to explode," Jeremy said with a serious look. "It'll t-take what it c-can g-get."

"What is the meaning of this?!" Rico barked. "Don't tell me you're planning on fighting us here and now!"

"No we don't," Erd Jinn said as he brought Chloe out from the confines of her Apricorn capsule as he got off of Donovan's back. "We're just here to make sure no one does anything they regret."

"So you're defending Jaeger as well?!" Verman yelled.

"I don't know what you mean," Gunther Shcultz said as Thor took his stance by his partner. "All we know is that we were given orders to stop any more fighting from happening."

"You're all still out-numbered ten to one," Rico said with a frown, "do you really think-"

:P ~

"What?!" the dirty-blonde woman exclaimed as she realized the Apricorn capsules were gone.

"Okay, that was priceless," Hjalmar said with a grin as he shook himself free of the soldier holding him back.

Luca trilled as she swooped back to Oluo and Petra, Satoko bouncing off of their back with the nine Apricorn capsules in her arms. "This outta even things out a bit more!" she said and gave a triumphant grin before smashing the mechanisms locking the capsules and releasing the Pikachu, Hitmonchan, Unfezant, Noctowl, Azumarill, Flareon, Togekiss and Gallade.

"Freedom~" Alphonse trilled as he took his place by Suloch who smiled in sheer relief.

"You're okay!" Polly exclaimed with glee as she saw Alexi.

"You really can't last a day without me, can you?" Sylph chuckled as Yues' eyes brimmed with tears.

"Don't worry- we'll get you help soon!" Lyra promised Rivalz.

"Say the word, boss-lady! I'll kick everyones' ass here!" Hilbert declared with a grin as he bounced back to Kendall.

"You're not hurt, are you?" Kaizen and Charlie asked their partners.

"Now if you would be so kind as to STEP OFF, my dear captain?" Mitternacht addressed Verman with a cold politeness as the two groups assembled themselves in front of Armin and Rillo and at the back of the crowd. "I...!"

As if we'd let good soldiers die at the hands of other soldiers, Murtogh cut him off with a cold look directed at the crowd.

Please leave this to us now, Chloe said gently.

You need not worry for you comrades- we will protect them, Thor declared.

Sit tight, Issac soothed.

This'll be over in literally a few seconds, kiddo, Donovan reassured him with a confident grin.

"TRAITORS! ALL YOU THEM ARE TRAITORS! TAKE THEM DOWN NO MATTER THE COST!" Verman bellowed with fear and rage alike.


"Holy shit, this is-" Connie rasped in shock.

"Guys."

"- a cluster-fuck," Annie finished, her eyes wide.

"Guys?"

"If the Armored titan doesn't wreck the walls, then this definitely will!" Jean realized in horror.

"Uh guys... you really need to see this," Sasha got out as she pointed behind them.

That was when the trainees heard a rumbling that shook the ground before a broad shadow crossed over them all.


The soldiers and Pokemon looked back only to see a giant wave of water wash over them and smack them backwards into the ground. It reached through the vapors and knocked Eren, Mikasa, Levi, Becquerel, Tanya and Cody backwards with Aiden flying up with Samuel clutched in his talons just in time. They all coughed as they struggled to get back and get the water out of their throats and noses that had been inhaled by surprise. "Wh-who the hell-?!" Verman rasped before he saw two pairs of boots in front of him.

"You actually let the situation get out of control enough for Rayleigh to use surf- just what is going on here?" a hoarse and cool tone of a woman remarked.

"Indeed- did you not even see how beautiful the salutes these soldiers gave were or how powerful their determination to protect their comrades?" an older mans' voice asked.

Dot Pixis and Monika Olivier looked over at the scene, their respective soldiers by their sides. "We barely got here, but something tells me that I'd like to hear what those three kids have to say," Pixis said.

"S-sir, wait-"

"Take care of spearheading our reinforcements," Monika cut him off before looking over at Samuel, Rivalz and Kendall. "As for Jackson, Harley and Hughes, they won't be seeing battle for the rest of the day- take all three of them to the nearest medic."

That was when Samuel couldn't take it and his leg collapsed beneath him and Cody barely held him up before two soldiers helped him over to the side. Rivalz and Kendall were quickly escorted away, Lyra, Hilbert, Adrian and Cody following close behind.

As Pixis, Anka and Gustav herded Eren, Armin, Mikasa and their respective partners away, Monika looked back at Verman. "You're lucky you're not one of my soldiers- I wouldn't have you scolded, humiliated or fired for your actions- I'd plant a bullet in your head myself for the unadulterated stupidity that you showed today."

The Garrison captain visibly wilted at her words before the Outpost Guard commander went away. "What the hell are those two thinking...?" he choked.

"Now we're wet on top of everything," Levi groused under his breath as he picked up the gear that the Tangergrowth had ripped off of him and flicked a switch on the gear that ejected the water before a fan activated and dried the inside. "Damned ginger..."

"When this is over, there'll be a hot shower waiting for us back at HQ," Mitternacht said as he tried to squeeze the water out of his shawls in vain. "At least you've got something that can dry part of you."

"It could be worse- at least she can't use an anti-titan rifle the last time a standoff happened," Sayram pointed out as Murtogh let out a blast of hot air and dried him off almost instantly. "Huh- no fire damage this time-"

He stood corrected a moment later as a few sparks landed on his shoulder but he quickly smothered them without preamble.

"So that boy really turned into a titan?" Gunther asked as he glanced up towards where Eren was with his friends and partners, barely avoiding Luca as she shook the water out of her cloud-like feathers in vain when Petra, Oluo, Amitya, Jeremy, Reece, Anderson and Satoko joined them as well.

"Yeah," the captain responded.

"Unbelievable..." Erd muttered.

"Agreed," Issac said, swishing his blades about to dry them off, the sharp edges pointed inwards.

"But... he's only a boy," Petra said with a frown. "How could he even have that kind of power in the first place?"

"Gotta feel sorry for that kid..." Tristan admitted, looking up at the wall. "This must be freaky-overwhelming for him."

[It'd be freaky-overwhelming for anyone,] Reece pointed out.

"I don't th-think it was very s-smart of Commander P-Pixis and Olivier t-to go up there by themselves," Jeremy said with a grimace. "If he really d-doesn't have control over his power, he c-could crush them on accident and kill th-them..."

Amitya nodded in agreement. "What bothers me is that the Pokemon around us were even more conflicted than we were. Why is that?"

"It's because they were confused- he doesn't have the same scent or presence as a regular titan or an abnormal," Chloe said, trying to preen her green plumage.

"So I am not the only one who noticed such a thing," Thor said.

"Seriously?" Anderson remarked in interest. "I just thought I was missin' it 'cause of adrenaline or hormones or some other biological shit."

"It's obvious what's going on," Oluo said confidentially. "Of course none of you would get it."

"So you know what's going on," Petra deadpanned.

"That I do, my dear Ral."

-_-;

"You'll pardon me if I call bullshit on that," Satoko said with a smirk, "won't you, Bozado?"


"What the-?!" Eren suddenly exclaimed, his hand roaming over his jaw from where Levi had stepped on it, shifting the cloak on his back to ward off the cold.

"Eren?" Mikasa said with a concerned voice before her eyes widened.

"His wounds have already healed!" Armin exclaimed as he examined his friend. "He even grew back his tooth!"

Tanya gave a sigh of relief from where she was before glancing over at Becquerel worriedly- the cold, almost dismissive expression on the Absol's face from when Captain Levi had beaten Eren up was back. Even though he was doing a very good job keeping his composure, Tanya knew that Becquerel was more furious at the short captain than at the Garrison soldiers who had threatened Eren.

Dot Pixis, Becquerel thought as he examined the man. The commander of the Garrison troops and the overseer of humanity's defenses. The Survey Corps predicted that the South would be attacked just like five years ago so it would make sense that Trost was the most predictable location to attack- he's powerful as a defender of humanitys' defenses against the titans.

He looked over at the ginger-haired woman now. Monika Olivier, the commander of the Outpost Guard, now assists the Garrison in defense and the Survey Corps in getting supplies into Wall Maria. Ever since the Outpost Guard was wiped out five years ago, their faction's been hanging by a thread- it's only due to the remaining soldiers assisting with the other factions until they recover Wall Maria that they haven't been dissolved.

Pixis looked down at the titans clawing at the wall, unperturbed at the actions. "I really wouldn't mind being eaten," he remarked, "but only if it were by a sexy lady titan."

"It wouldn't matter either way," Monika replied. "I'd have its' intestines ripped out for the sake of science and personal satisfaction along with the rest of its' kind."

He's also renowned for being an inveterate eccentric and she holds the reputation for being humanity's most ruthless officer, Becquerel mentally added with a sweat-drop.

"So the basement holds the answers to all of the questions regarding the titans?" Monika summed up.

"Yes Commander Olivier," Eren responded.

The two commanders looked back one another.

"Do either of you believe me?" the brunet asked.

"For the moment, we'll both keep in mind everything you can't give concrete proof for with your power," Pixis answered. "But right now, I believe that action is the best course to take right now. But if you can provide anything else that can make sense out of this mess, then we will personally see to the safety of all six of you."

"... Trainee Arlet, right?" Monika addressed Armin, who stood up straighter. "Earlier, you mentioned something about using Jaeger's titan powers to take back Trost- were you being sincere, or was that just an attempt to cover yourselves?"

Armin swallowed back as he replied, "It- it was both, Commander Olivier. What I was thinking is that Eren could transform into his titan form and bring the boulder over to the gate and block the hole. It's an incredibly simplistic plan and I was hoping that his power could help us... I really wanted to avoid execution too but..."

He was cut off as Pixis strode over to Eren and knelt in front of him. "Trainee Eren," he said, "can you close up that hole?"

"I- I'll definitely see to it, sir!"

"Spoken like a true soldier," the mustachioed man smiled.

"Call in the staff officers along with the Survey Corps soldiers who made it back here!" Monika barked. "We need to discuss strategy!"

Armin stared in amazed disbelief. "This-this is insane-" he choked out. "It's just some overly hopeful plan I came up with- how can two commanders just go along with it?!"

"It is overly optimistic, I agree," Eren said, "but there's still something incredibly crucial that Commander Pixis and Olivier are aware of and have to deal with."

"Wha-?"

He's right, Becquerel said with a frown. Humanity's enemies aren't just titans after all- there are plenty of humans who don't want to leave their stone confines and plenty of Pokemon who'd like to see you all burn in hell.

Just then, Pixis and Monika returned, Anka, Gustav, Denys and Briar Rose by their sides, along with Rico, Ian, Levi and Sayram with their own squads. "We're already racing against time," the ginger-haired woman said. "Let's move out, soldiers."


I'm so sorry for how long this took- real life is taking over! D8

On that topic- I'm truly sorry, but up-dating for Ally with Monster has to slow down now. These chapters, while fun, are MONSTERS to write, especially meshing the original and new content and the research that goes into it. I'll still finish the Trost Arc before the year is up, I can promise that and the tenth chapter will arrive later this month. For those of you who enjoy reading the story, I'm truly sorry for this but it can't be helped :(

On a brighter note...

IS ANYONE ELSE AS HYPED AS I AM FOR ACWNR OVA?

Seriously though, I saw the trailer and I. Am. Flipping. Out. Also, the reason that Levi looks younger is because he lacks the bags under his eyes that his older self has. But ISABEL-! She looks like a freaking puppy and I love her so much and Levi's wearing a cool vest and he fought Erwin with a kitchen knife-

Okay- okay- I'm done.

I've also finished watching Danga Ronpa abridged thing and Hellsing Ultimate abridged + original. Both were awesome and I'm really curious to see how TFS will make the next six episodes.