Alright, part two of the trial of Eren Jaeger. I did switch some of the dialogue, as well as cut some of it out to put Eren in a better position during it. Im very satisfied with how season 2 ended and am overjoyed that season 3 is confirmed for next year!! Next chapter will be the official start of the Female Titan Arc. Now there will be HEAVY divergance from what was shown on both the anime and manga, so be prepared for quite a different perspective here. As usual drop a review, tell me your thoughts. Let us begin.

Trost-Sentence

'Thank you Eren'. James thought as the rest of the court processed these words. Nile was the first to speak up, and it wasn't in Eren's favor. "You claim you have no idea as to the Mauler Titans identity, meaning that we have no possible way to believe that it is indeed an ally other than your word."

James steps forward and looks to Zachley "May I?" Zachley nods his assent and James tells Nile and the rest of the court what they need to hear. "We have no reason to believe otherwise Commander Dok. All evidence so far involving said Titan has shown nothing but positive results on our side. Fighting and escorting humans outside of both cities, as well as holding the Armored Titan at bay long enough for the evactuation in Shinganshina to be complete." But as James says the last part, it comes out sounding pained.

'Not everyone James. You know you got almost everyone out. Except Her.'

He stops to take a deep breath, to keep it in, and he perseveres. "Also it was seen by nearly every cadet in Trost including myself that it has shown no ill will towards humans. It fought alongside Eren to ensure the area surrounding the Armory was clear for exfilliation. And as stated before it helped in the sealing of the breach. Why more evidence do you need to be convinced that it is indeed an ally?"

'That I'm an ally? What will it take?' he asks himself only. Dok stays silent, but one of the Town merchants speaks up, although there is no hostility in his voice. It seems as if he's more cautious about hearing all the details before choosing his side.

"And what of this titan, true it has provided help, but it doesn't seem reliable should the circumstances need it. How would we even call it? Him or whatever it is if we needed him?" He asks, and James has a hard time staying silent to think of an answer. Reiner steps forward to look at the judge for approval, which he gets.

"My name is Reiner Braun, and as one of the cadets who was personally there when the entire operation took place, as well as one of those who were stuck in the city, I can assure you that this Mauler Titan is no threat to humans. I've seen it go out of it's way to protect them, some of them being my friends who stand here today. More are witnesses who have merely watched from afar, but they can tell you the same thing. I believe that if we were to keep Eren alive, that we could gain it's cooperation and trust, possibly enough for it to reveal itself to us."

"So Mr Braun, what your saying is to gain a Titans trust, by keeping cadet Jaeger alive, as Commander Smith stated before and use it to help retake Wall Maria?" Zachley asks, and Reiner replies "Yes sir, that is what I believe would be best. As well as Eren being a fellow soldier and comrade, I know that he would be more than willing to help take back the Wall and in turn, his home. With his ability I think it would be successful even if the Mauler Titan did not appear. Eren placing the boulder himself gives me hope that he could do it alone if need be."

"A bold statement Mr Braun, but one that I am finding more and more promising. Are there any objections to such a plan?" looking to the military police.

"Our only concern is how would cadet Jaeger be controlled if need be? What if he were to lose control?" James can't give an answer, but looks to Commander Smith for his reaction. None is given, however the small Captain that James remembered saved Eren walk forward. He goes directly to Eren, and without warning, begins to brutally kick and beat him. The action took everyone by surprise, and James mirrored Mikasa as he stepped forward.

He was stopped by Reiner and Annie, who were watching the beating take place with cringed expressions. He turns to see Mikasa being held by Armin, who whispers loud enough for him to hear "Wait, look". James sees the savage beating continue, but it's not only shocking the defense. He can see the stunned expressions if the military police and wall cultists, as well as Nile Dok.

'How can they expect me to just sit here and watch this?!?! These are the people my parents want me to Protect?!? How can they expect me to defend those who would treat me like a chained beast if that were me there?! Oh to hell with this! Why should i-' But James internal rant stops when he sees Nile tell the Captain to stop.

"Levi please, stop. That's enough!"

This Levi stops to hold Eren's bloody face up for his inspection, and replies with a monotone voice, dead of emotion.

"Why are you so concerned? After all you're the ones who want to disect him aren't you? Now I personally believe that pain is quite a effective teacher, and as you can see I'm very proficient in giving it. You claim to see a danger in not being able to control him, but with all his power he's done nothing to stop his beating."

At this James and Mikasa both give low growls that go unheard except to those closest to them. James watches with narrowed eyes as the captain goes to continue. He knows if this gets any worse he will step in, and believes Mikasa will as well. He waits and listenscarefully for the Captains next words.

"I can handle him like any other Titan if he were to change, but as he sits here in his own blood he's even more vulnerable to attack. Now I suggest that if he were to be reinstated as a scout, to assign him to my own hand picked squad. There he would be under strict supervision by me and my group, where he would have no chance to shift unless given permission, by me or Another section leader. Otherwise he will be declared traitorous and executed on the spot. Does that seem like a fair deal to you?"

The Mps all stay silent, and even the cultists say nothing. James calms a little, understanding the Gambit that is being played. But he's still angry that it might take this to trust Eren, and in extension himself. 'Take it. Take the deal you disgusting selfish beasts. He's proven he's more than willing and capable to take care of him, what more do you need?! Let Eren live dammit! Otherwise I have to leave as well! Decide!!'

James sees Commander Nile grudgingly say "We have no doubt in your ability to handle him. We...will allow custody to be given to the Scout Regiment, should Judge Zachley approve it." and looks to said Judge. Zachley looks almost uninteresred, but still disgusted a little from the Captains actions. He looks as if he's made up his mind, time for the verdict.

'Both of ours' James thinks, resigned to whatever happens nextHe takes one last look at Annie, and she can see the action ready in his eyes. Her eyes widen a little, perhaps predicting what he may do, but she stays silent. Instead she grasps his hand tight for a moment, and he mouths silently to her "Remember my promise."

"Remember mine" she replies.

Zachley begins to speak, and James takes a deep breath. "The evidence presented during this tribunal indicates that the circumstances have changed quite drastically. No doubt the outcome of trial on either side will still be met by general unease from the public about the whole situation. But it my decision that Eren Jaeger be reinstated a full member of the Scout Regiment. Captain Levi's...methods were also taken into consideration, and he is more than capable of performing the task, as a failsafe. Eren's Titan ability has in my eyes, proven that he is worth keeping alive, as well as the reports regarding his nature given to me by Instructor Keith Shadis detailing his uptmost loyalty and tenacity to fight for the betterment of humanity. Therefore Cadet Jaeger will not be executed. These preceedings are closed."

Sighs of relief echo through the defense team. James sees Mikasa relax visibly, though she still glares at Captain Levi. James looks at the man with disgust, but understands that his intervention may have played a large part in Eren's verdict. It doesn't make it any more right in James eyes, and he too glares at the short man.

He turns and gives Annie a hug as the court begins to empty, and sees Reiner and Bertoldt giving him looks of understanding. Or so they think, as they leave the room and Annie mutters only loud enough for them "That could've turned out alot worse if he were sentenced to die, James was ready to intervene."

Reiner and Bert both look at James with wide eyes, and he stares back without saying a word. He hopes they'll understand when he tells them, maybe after dinner. They knew he wasn't just going to let it happen, least of all to his friend and fellow titan shifter.

Three days passed, and the cadets from Trost stood now before an ampihitheater, where Commander Erwin had just finished giving an honest yet demoralizing speech to the fresh soldiers to join. Many turned to leave, including Annie, but James forgave her for it. In truth he was glad that she would be far in the interior, nice and safe. She gave him one last look, and he gave her a small smile and nod to let her know it was fine.

James stood alongside the few who had chosen to stay and join anyways. They comprised of the top 10, minus Annie, and James was surprised that Jean and Marco stayed. He knew they were the two who had been shooting for the Mps the most, but maybe Trost changed their perspectives. He faced forward noting Bert and Reiner to his right, while Connie, Sasha,Ymir and Krista stood at his left. Armin and Mikasa stood a few feet ahead. He didn't want Sasha or any of them truthfully to join up, but it's not like he could stop them.

It put more pressure on him to protect his friends on the Expedition to Shinganshina. He was already dreading returning home, afraid that he'd break down if he saw their graves. He fears someone smart, like Armin, would suspect what he was, who he was. And if that came to be, his secret would be out for them all to know.

He wonders if they will still call him friend, or monster. He'd find out in a month, when the mission began.

'Is a month long enough to ready myself?'