Today's the day.

Today's the day we will attempt to capture Annie, the suspected Female Titan.

Today's the day Commander Erwin is risking our reputation for the operation to be a success.

Today's the day where everything will possibly change.

Today's the day where I'll most likely lose my best friend.

Today's the day Mother's research will have progress hopefully.

Today's the day Jean and I can learn the truth about Marco's death.

Today's the day I will have to fight my best friend if she resists.

Today's the day where I'll learn the real truth.

Today's the day Annie Leonhart.

"Is everyone ready?" Commander Erwin asked as we geared up our maneuver devices and blades.

"Yes!"

Each cadet and Captain saluted towards Commander Erwin as the horse and carriage arrived. As I lowered my right arm away from my chest, I let out a slight frown and sighed.

I could feel a strong hand on my shoulder. I turned to see that it was Jean. "You alright?"

"Yeah." I lied. No.

I knew Jean saw through my lie but didn't pester me. He gave me a warm smile and took out the dark brown wig Erwin gave him. "Tch. I can't believe I have to wear this stupid thing." He bent over slightly and placed the wig over his hair. After a minute of adjusting, he crossed his arms and let out an annoyed look. "This is stupid."

My frown turned to a smirk and I let out a giggle. I couldn't help it. Eyeing Jean, he stood there as a taller version of Eren. His facial expression matched Eren's and the new dark brown hair made him cute. Jean was scratching his head, trying to get used to the wig and I let out another giggle. "What? Do I look that stupid?"

I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Nope. I think you look cute."

His face turned pink and he tried to look away, hiding the embarrassment. "Y-You're silly Eri." Were the only words he muttered.

"Oi lover boy." An annoyed Captain Levi called out, interrupting our little moment. "Shut up and get in the carriage."

"L-Lover boy!?" Jean exclaimed as his face grew an even deeper shade. I myself blushed as well but managed to hide it. After fixing his composure, Jean looked back at me and we made eye contact. "Be safe Eri. Don't die on me please."

I could hear the scared tone in his voice. Can't blame him. There is a slight chance that Annie may actually kill us without any hesitation. Forcing a reassuring smile, I wrapped my arms around him and laid my head on his chest. "Don't worry. I'll be extra careful."

He wrapped his arms around my waist and I tilted my head up. We both leaned in and gave each other a goodbye kiss. His warm, soft lips helped me forget about everything for that split second. It made me not think about Annie. It made me not think about this whole operation. If only this kiss could last forever.

"I love you Eri." Jean said as he pulled away.

"I love you too Jean." I said, showing a real smile this time. "Now go, or else Captain Levi will get pissed."

We pecked each other's lips once more and Jean ran to the carriage as Levi rolled his eyes. "Stay safe Cadets." Levi said with a nod as he entered the carriage and it rode off towards the Capital.

I held my right hand over my chest and watched as the carriage moved farther and farther away from where I'm standing. I'll find out the truth Jean. For the both of us.

"Eri, are you ready?" Armin asked as he stood next to me. Behind the two of us was Mikasa and Eren. Looking at Eren's face, he doesn't seem ready. I'm not as well, but this is reality. Although some denials will still come in mind, we have to face it. "Yeah Armin. I'm ready."

I tightened my fists and looked over the horizon with determination. From my peripherals, Armin nodded his head in understanding.

The four of us stood there in silence. We just let the sweet sound of nature erupt our minds for a few brief seconds to calm ourselves.

"Eren, I will make sure nothing happens to you." Mikasa said, breaking the calming silence.

"Tch. Let's just get this over with." Eren said quietly. I could tell he's still feeling a bit uneasy. I know Eren's not close with Annie, but I know that his small friendship with her did leave something special to him.

I took the first step and started walking away from Headquarters as the others followed. "Let's go meetup with Annie at Stohess District." I ordered as we all put on our hoods and headed to the gates.

We're coming for you Annie.

The four of us passed through the gate and entered Stohess District, there, Annie was pacing around as we approached her. I looked at my three friends and they all had a serious look on their faces. I was the only one who put up a friendly face. "Hey Annie."

She nodded her head towards the three and then turned her attention to me. "Hey Eri."

"Thank you for helping us with this Annie. We can't afford to hand Eren over to the Government Officials." Armin said.

Annie stood there and looked at Armin a cold stare. "I still don't get why you want me to help. There are many other people you could've asked."

"That's because you're the only person we can trust. Plus, it'll be a lot easier for Eren to escape if we're with you." Armin said, trying to brush off Annie's suspicious eyes.

Annie didn't say anything. She just kept staring at Armin but then turned around. "Whatever. Let's go."

With that, Armin stepped forward and lead the way along with Mikasa and Eren tailing behind him. Annie and I stayed in the back so that Eren was guarded on both ends.

The five of us walked in silence through the empty streets of Stohess District. I cautiously looked at our surroundings, making sure I wasn't drawing any suspicious attention from Annie since she's walking beside me.

The reason why we're walking through a secluded part of Stohess District is because it's the area of operation to capture Annie without any casualties of innocent citizens. Along with that, Captain Hange and soldiers from the Survey Corps were hiding behind different buildings, tracking us and keeping an eye on the opportunity.

Please let this operation end with a success and we don't have to fight.

"So, who's with your Commander towards the Capital?" Annie asked.

I looked at my best friend and answered her question. "Jean. He's posing as Eren."

The corner of her lips curled a bit, almost as if she's amused to hear that. "I see." She looked at me through the corner of her eyes as continued following Armin's lead. "You know, you never told me that you guys became official. Reiner was the one to tell me."

"Eh?" I looked back at her in confusion. "I never told you?" I scratched my head and thought back of all my encounters with her after Jean and I confessed to each other. She's right. I never told her. "S-Sorry Annie. I guess I had a lot on my plate that it slipped past my mind." I gave her a nervous grin.

"It's okay. I'm happy for the two of you though." She said, trying to hide the happy tone she was letting out.

I stared at Annie and couldn't help but to smile brightly. It's nice to have the two of us chat away as best friends. It brings a smile to my face knowing that Annie is still being friendly to me. "Yeah. I'm happy as well Annie."

"You should've seen Reiner's face when he told me. He was sad." Annie said, still trying to make small talk with me.

I let out a light chuckle. "Why was he sad?"

"Because he likes you." She said. "It was very amusing to see him like that."

Another chuckle escaped my lips. "I see."

Mikasa turned her head, facing towards me. I locked eyes with her and realized that she was glaring at me. I could tell she wanted me to stop making small talk with Annie. With that, I shut my mouth and stayed silent. I'm probably sure Annie noticed it as well and went back to her stoic look.

As we kept walking through Stohess District, I knew the underground passageway was close but I also noticed that Annie was looking around our surroundings suspiciously now. Her cold expression was back and she continued to eye the quiet neighborhood. "Armin." She called out to the blonde boy. "If I didn't come to help, how would you guys help Eren escape? Since I'm the only person you guys trusted."

"Our backup plan probably would've been the use of maneuver devices." Armin answered, not turning around one bit.

"That would've obviously been too risky. Why do this now? Especially at this specific time and date?" Annie asked. She eyed the area once again. I could tell her suspicions were growing more.

"We just thought using Jean as the decoy would be the perfect opportunity for me to escape." Eren said, finally speaking. He was quiet ever since we met up with Annie.

"I guess you've convinced me." Annie said, almost as if she was being sarcastic.

After another moment of silence, Armin raised his arm and pointed at a direction up ahead. "There." The entrance to the underground passageway was in sight and Armin walked faster towards it.

"There?" Annie questioned, looking at the passageway suspiciously.

"Yeah. It'll be a lot easier and beneficial for us to escape since there aren't people down here." Armin answered as we stood in front of the passageway.

I stared at the staircase in front of us and eyed the official underground entrance. I then looked back at Annie and watched as she eyed the dark area ahead.

"Let's go." Mikasa said coldly as she, Eren and Armin started walking down first.

I followed suit and walked down halfway until I noticed Annie wasn't behind me. I stopped and turned around. She was still standing at the ground entrance opening. Why isn't Annie moving?

"Annie? You afraid of the dark of something?" Eren asked in a nervous, joking matter, hoping that his friend would snap out of it and take a step down.

Unfortunately, Annie remained standing and didn't look amused. "That's right. I'm afraid Eren." She answered coldly.

I let out a nervous laugh and looked up at my best friend. "W-Why are you afraid Annie? Don't be silly. It's just a passageway." I held my hand out towards her. "Let's go Annie."

Her eyes shifted and locked with mine. She didn't have the friendly face she gave me couple minutes ago. Now, her eyes were cold and unhappy. "Sorry Eri but I refuse to go down there."

"Why?" Eren questioned.

"I'm afraid of going in that direction. I can't help you if we're travelling underground. I'd be more comfortable if we stay above ground to move." She responded.

"Why is that?" Armin asked, glaring towards Annie.

Annie let the corners of her lips curl to a smirk. She then placed one hand over her hip while the other rested on the side. "For a while now, I've noticed that there weren't any people around. It's uncommon for it to be this empty." She then let out a sigh. "Honestly, I'm shocked and hurt. When did you guys start suspecting me? Armin?" She stared at the blonde boy, who continued to glare back at her. "Eri?" My ears rang when she said my name coldly. I've never heard her say my name like that before so it caused my eyes to widen.

I could feel my hands shaking again. Fear started to overwhelm me once again. She knows. Annie knows of our operations. If she's behaving like this, then it is true. She's the Female Titan.

"Tell me Annie," Armin started speaking in a serious tone. "On the day of the investigation, when our devices were to be observed, why did you submit Marco's?"

I turned to look at Armin, shocked that he asked her this so soon. "Armin..."

"Heh..." I heard a noise escape Annie's mouth. "Let's just say, I found it."

I looked back at my best friend, eyes widened even more. "Found it?" I was confused. "What do you mean 'found it'?"

Annie shifted her gaze back at me and continued to give off her cold stare. "I'm sorry Eri." Was all she could say.

I placed a hand over my chest. "Tell me Annie, Why did you kill Marco?" My heart was beating rapidly, anxiously waiting for her answer.

She was taken aback from my question. "I-It...I...didn't...It wasn't..." Words couldn't form in her mouth. I don't understand what she's trying to say, but seeing how hesitant she's being, it basically confirmed that she's involved with Marco's death.

That broke my heart. Marco...I'm sorry you died in the hands of my best friend. I closed my fists and tightened my grip, feeling my nails dig deep into my skin, possibly causing the flesh to bleed. Please forgive me Marco for not knowing sooner.

"Were you the one that killed off Sonny and Bean?" Armin asked, still semi-interrogating her.

She shifted her gaze left and right, avoiding eye contact now. "Maybe."

I gritted my teeth and tried my best to remain calm. If I burst out in anger, who knows what would happen. Learning a bit of the truth is hurting me deeply. Annie, my best friend, is the culprit. She was no longer the friendly person from all these years, now, her eyes were murderous and extremely cold.

"Enough!" Mikasa shouted as she took off her cape and brought out her sharp blades. She pointed one of her blades towards Annie. "I'm going to slice you up. Female Titan!"

Silence filled the air for what seems like forever. No one made a sound, no one made a single movement. Eren and I had our eyes wide upon hearing Mikasa labeling Annie the 'Female Titan' right in front of her. It wasn't until then that Annie crossed her arms, hugging herself, and let out a creepy yet joyful laugh.

This caused us to stare at Annie in shock even more. She's laughing? Why is Annie laughing?

"HAHAHA!" She laughed and laughed. "Eri." She said my name after her laughter was over. "I'm glad I was a good friend to you. I truly am sorry for everything I've done. You must hate me now huh? Ha..Ha..."

I gasped and looked at her. I was speechless. "A-Annie..." I whispered her name and slowly took a step forward. "Please Annie." Step. "Don't talk like that." Another step. "I know you Annie." Step. "You're a different person. You're my friend." Step. "Where's the Annie that gave me this hair clip?" I took off my hair clip and held it up to her while taking another step. "Where's the Annie that was there for me when I talked about Jean?" Step. "Where's the Annie that comforted me through my difficulties?" Last step. "Where's the Annie Leonhart that's my best friend and a good person? Where is she?"

I stood right in front of Annie and wrapped my arms around her. I pulled her in for a hug and I felt her body get stiff. Annie let out a gasp and I could tell she was shocked and speechless.

I started whispering in her ear so it's only the two of us hearing. "Annie. Tell everyone that you're innocent. Tell me that it wasn't you and I'll stop everything. Please." My voice cracked a bit and streams of water fell down my cheeks.

Yes. I am willing to throw everything for our friendship.

Annie didn't say anything. I felt her arms wrap around me, hugging me back. I wasn't sure what this hug means but it really felt like this was going to be our final moment together as best friends.

"Thank you Eri." Annie said in a sincere tone.

Suddenly, she put her hands on my shoulders and shoved me back with force. This caused me to stumble down the descending steps and was caught by Eren. After regaining my balance, I glanced up and was met with her cold, murderous eyes once again. Annie then raised her left arm in the air as she spoke, "I am truly happy to have been there for you Eri. Unfortunately, I do have to apologize. My gamble..." She brought her hand close to her mouth. "BEGINS NOW!" Her mouth opened wide and she was about to bite the nerve until Armin shot his flare gun in the air and red smoke was emitted in the sky.

Without any hesitation, soldiers around the area popped out and jumped Annie. They swarmed her and grabbed her arm before she had the chance to bite it. One soldier gagged her mouth while others sat on top of her to prevent any moments. I just stood there, horrified to see this happening to her. "Annie!" I called out as I tried running to her but was stopped by Mikasa.

"No Eri!" She shouted. "It's too late to save her!" With a strong yank, she pulled me back, preventing me from aiding my best friend. I released from Mikasa's grasp and continued to watch Annie get toppled over by Scout Regiment soldiers. "Annie..."

One soldier was pinning her left hand on the ground, making sure that the nerve was untouched. Annie's gagged face turned to look at me as I continued to witness all this in horror. As we made eye contact, I could see something in her eyes sparkle and then noticed something shiny on her left hand. She wears a ring on her pointer finger and I noticed it released a sharp spike. It was until then that I realized she had a backup plan to slice the nerve.

"RUN!" I heard Eren shout as he grabbed my arm and dragged me down the staircase with Mikasa and Armin following behind. Once we made a sharp right into the underground passageway, we heard a loud thunder clap and a slight earthquake beneath us. We all shielded ourselves from the falling pieces of rubble as piles of bodies rolled down the stairs.

Annie just transformed into the Female Titan.

Armin, Mikasa, Eren and I started running down the passageway halls. We don't know where Titan Annie is but we're definitely running for our lives.

"I didn't think her ring would do that!" Armin shouted through short breaths. "Annie knew all along! We need to go through our backup plan!"

"What is our backup plan!?" I asked as we continued to dodge the falling rubble.

"Eren transforms and fight Annie!" Armin yelled towards Eren.

"R-Right!" Eren nodded his head and stopped running.

The rest of us stopped as well and surrounding the boy. We each took a couple steps back to give Eren the space needed to transform. He held his left hand over his mouth and took a big bite on the nerve. Blood spewed out but nothing happened. "What? Why didn't it work?" Eren tried again and again but still no response. Eventually, his thumb was cut deeply and blood continued to spill out from his hand. His mouth was covered and smeared with his blood. "Why isn't it working!?"

Feeling disappointed, Eren continued to bite the nerve while Mikasa and Armin took out their blades. "We're going to have to fight Annie now." Mikasa said coldly as the two of them headed through the exit and above.

"Wait!" Eren yelled out to his two best friends. "What are you guys doing!? You're going to get yourselves killed!"

Mikasa changed her cold expression to a soft one towards Eren. "I'm not going to let her have you. I refuse to. She'll have to kill me if she wants to get to you. Plus, you lost the will to fight." With that, she went back to her cold expression and headed up.

"Eri! Protect Eren!" Armin shouted as he followed after Mikasa.

I stood there and nodded my head. Hearing the commotion above, I knew standing where we are now isn't safe. "Let's keep running Eren!" I grabbed his right hand and we started running.

He didn't protest. I could tell he's in shock on the reality that's happening now. "Eren. I don't know why you can't transform, but Mikasa and Armin are risking their lives right now for you! So you need to fight! Please!" I yelled at him as I gripped his hand harder while still running for our lives.

"I-I can't..." He said quietly. "Because, I still can't accept the fact that it's Annie."

Once I heard that, I stopped running and let go of Eren's hand. I stood there and stared at the ground. He's right. It's Annie. I finally let the real truth hit me. The real truth that Annie was behind all of that. Sonny and Bean. Ruining the 57th Expedition. Marco.

I turned around to stare at the scared and shocked Titan shifter. Putting up the bravest face I could, I spoke to him in a serious matter. "Eren. Please fight. Fight Annie."

"W-What?" He looked at me, surprised to hear this.

"Fight Annie. Please." I repeated myself, staring at him with my serious look. "I lost Annie. Knowing the real truth hurts me the most Eren. But capturing her is our mission and priority right now. We mustn't let our feelings affect our will to fight." I stood close to him and leaned forward so my forehead rested on top of his chest. I felt tears streaming down my face. I made no attempt to wipe them away. "So please Eren. Fight Annie. Stop her. Please." Were the final words I could muster before hearing my voice crack.

"Eri..."

We just stood there as Eren was letting my words sink in. "I'll fight." I lifted my head and took a step back. "I'll fight Eri. For the sake of others."

I wiped off the tears and nodded my head. The both of us had a determined look on our faces as Eren held his left hand in front of his mouth.

Right when Eren's teeth were close to the flesh, the ceiling above us came crashing down. The ground shook violently and I felt something heavy hit my head. The next thing I knew, everything went black.