Aubrey woke in a state that she was rarely able to achieve. She was rested.

For some reason, her nightmare had been dulled. There was no doubt that she'd still seen it, but the images had been detached and hazy. It had felt more like a dream and less like a reliving.

Feeling a bit confused but also intensely grateful, Aubrey swung her legs over the side of her bed. It hadn't been a full moon last night and so that couldn't have been the reason behind her alleviated nightmare. Aubrey could remember only one other time that her sleep had been bettered by anything other than the stars. It had been just a few days ago. Over the weekend when Aubrey had taken Levi to the pond for the very first time, she'd woken up the next morning feeling more rested than usual. It had puzzled her then, too, and Aubrey still wasn't quite sure about the exact link between the two events. But, she was still smart enough to know that the lessening of her agonising dreams had been in line with the introduction of a certain someone.

Levi.

Aubrey placed her head in her hands as she thought about all of the changes that would occur that day. She was joining a new squad, one she didn't really know anything about, and she would be forced apart from Levi for what would no doubt seem like an eternity. If she was being honest, she didn't know if she would survive the day.

Taking a cleansing breath, Aubrey cleared her mind. At the moment, she didn't have time for self-pity. Light was pouring in through her windows and a quick glance at the clock told Aubrey that it was time for her to get moving.

As quickly as she could, Aubrey began changing out of her clothes. She'd slept in the very same casual outfit that she'd gone to the pond in. She hadn't put on any kind of pajamas but the idea didn't really bother her since she didn't have a clean pair anyway.

But, as she slipped her hands into her waistband, Aubrey recognized a small crackling noise. Her eyebrows knit together as she fished around in her pockets, searching for the source. Finally, Aubrey's fingers grasped onto something and she carefully pulled out the wrapper of her ration bar from the night before.

Aubrey smiled at the sight of it. Levi had been so genuinely disgusted by the fact that she actually ate the meal bars. He reacted to the strangest things.

Still smiling, Aubrey tossed the wrapper to the floor and quickly changed into her uniform pants. As soon as her outfit was on, she began attaching her 3DMG straps. Luckily for her, a lifetime of experience had made her very adept at navigating the buckles and belts of the gear and she was ready in a matter of minutes.

A quick trip to the bathrooms to brush her teeth and wash her face was all she needed before she was running out of the barracks, following the crowd to the Mess Hall.

Aubrey could hear the padding of countless feet against the dirt path and she scanned the faces around her, looking for any sign of Hange or even Kate. Amazingly, she wasn't running late today, so she should have been able to spot one of them.

However, before Aubrey eyes landed on either of her targets, she saw a different face that drew her in. Isabel. For the first time since Aubrey had shown her to her room in the barracks, she saw Isabel separated from both of her protective friends.

Seeing an opportunity, Aubrey weaved through the cliques in the crowd, falling into place beside Isabel.

"Good morning!" Aubrey kept her voice light and her tone was lively. Even though she had a lot of changes happening today, she was determined to face it with positivity. Her overwhelming bout of concern and distress from the night before had left her feeling sick of worrying. Plus, everything always looked better in the morning. Perhaps she'd be able to make something good of her new assignment.

Isabel seemed a bit startled at first and she instinctively jerked to the side before recognition crossed her features.

"Oh, hi!" Isabel instantly straightened and smiled, the happy tone of her voice matching with Aubrey's.

Aubrey smiled and shot a friendly glance at Isabel. She felt like she'd somewhat neglected Levi's two companions. She had become so preoccupied with Levi himself that she'd forgotten to make an effort with the other new recruits.

"No Levi or Furlan?" Aubrey continued smiling, hoping that Isabel would engage her in a light conversation.

Isabel shook her head. "Nah, not yet. I said I'd meet them in the Mess Hall. Usually, Big Bro makes us get up so early but now that I have my own room, I can get up whenever I want! As long as I make it in time for breakfast, that is…"

Aubrey giggled at her excitement. Isabel had a sort of childish innocence to her, even if she was the same age as Aubrey. And, considering that she'd lived in The Underground, Aubrey could only imagine that Isabel was able to cope and deal with trials and tribulations that she'd never even dreamed of. But, somehow, Isabel had been able to retain her childhood, unlike Aubrey, who had lost hers long ago.

"Yes, having your own room certainly has its perks, doesn't it?" Aubrey turned her gaze forward, finally seeing the castle come into view.

"Sure does! I've never had so much space in my life! I can't believe I don't have to take a roommate!" Isabel's eyes glowed with excitement as she spoke about her newly-discovered love of privacy.

Aubrey nodded. "Well, try not to get too used to it. With any luck, the next batch of recruits will be a big one and we'll get a decent amount of new soldiers. If that happens, you may have to take a roommate."

Isabel's face scrunched in dislike. She wasn't about to give up her space so easily. "And when does the next batch of recruits come?"

Aubrey turned back to Isabel, shooting her a reassuring grin. "Oh, not for another six months. The Training Corps can only give us one graduating class per year."

Isabel's features relaxed and she placed her hands behind her head, taking on an easy-going posture. "Oh, it's fine then."

Aubrey paused. Isabel had dismissed her earlier concern so easily. Aubrey fought the urge to narrow her eyes.

"Not planning to stay that long?" Aubrey was only half joking as she watched closely for any kind of reaction.

Sure enough, Isabel seemed to backtrack as her face flashed through a moment of panic. But, just as quickly as the look had come, it was gone and she returned to her relaxed state.

"Oh, no, um, it's just that six months of alone time will be plenty for me! I'll probably be lonely by then, anyway."

Aubrey's eyes flashed cold for a split second before she returned them to their soft state. Perhaps this was one of the red flags she was on the lookout for. She wasn't necessarily surprised, as Aubrey was aware that there was some kind of hidden purpose behind Erwin and Levi's duel. But, she figured she would bring it up to Erwin that night, anyway. Maybe she would get some more information out of him.

Aubrey decided that it was best for her to change the topic. Besides, she hadn't approached Isabel with the purpose of getting information out of her: she had genuinely just wanted to have a friendly conversation.

"Oh, well don't worry about that. If you ever get lonely, you can just come visit me!"

Isabel's eyebrows raised and her lips parted. "Really?"

Aubrey grinned at her, her teeth gleaming in the morning light. "Of course! Although, I usually get back to my room pretty late so I'm not sure I'll be available to chat all that often. But, if I'm there, feel free to come on over. I never turn away good company."

Isabel's own lips broke into a bright smile and her eyes sparkled. "Gee, thanks! Don't tell Big Bro, though. If he finds out I'll be in big trouble."

Aubrey giggled. "Trouble? For leaving your room?" Aubrey could easily picture Levi assigning extra cleaning duty as a punishment for Isabel leaving without his 'permission'. But, she wasn't going to let his overprotective nature deprive Isabel of a simple chat. "Well, if you ever do come to visit me, don't worry about Levi. I can handle him."

Isabel's eyes grew to the size of dinner plates before she finally burst out laughing, the sound drawing attention from a few nearby soldiers.

"Hah! I don't know if anybody can handle Big Bro."

Aubrey smirked. She was quite confident in her ability to navigate Levi's little tantrums. She'd diffused enough of them to at least know the basics.

"Well, I think I can. So, come over anytime you want. Don't let Levi stop you."

Isabel shook her head and smiled at the ground. "Okay… It's your funeral."

Aubrey smiled back at her. Even if the girl's tone was sarcastic, Aubrey had a feeling that Isabel might actually take her up on her offer some day and she didn't mind one bit. From what she'd seen, Aubrey thought that herself and Isabel would get along just fine. Plus, any friend of Levi's was a friend of hers. Though, she suspected she'd have to take a more subtle approach with Furlan.

Returning to the present moment, Aubrey could see the looming castle coming closer. It wouldn't take them much longer to arrive at the Mess Hall.

Aubrey turned back to Isabel, deciding to ask a somewhat generic question to keep the conversation going. "So… How are you finding the Scout Regiment? I hope your arrival hasn't been too rough."

Isabel's nose crinkled in what Aubrey could only guess was disgust. "To be honest, most of you seem pretty stuffy."

"Stuffy?" Even though Aubrey was concerned about Isabel's negative view of her comrades, she couldn't help but recognize the irony in her statement. Isabel was calling the Scouts 'stuffy' and yet she had arrived with none other than Levi, the stony clean-freak.

Isabel nodded. "Yeah. Everybody's always giving us dirty looks."

Aubrey sighed. She'd expected as much. "I'm sorry to hear that but I wouldn't give it too much thought if I were you. If anything, they're probably just wary of your mysterious skills."

Aubrey grinned and playfully poked Isabel in the arm, trying to lighten the mood.

Isabel's only response was a somewhat confused stare and so Aubrey attempted to clarify.

"You see, most Scouts take some sort of pride in their abilities. To be a Scout means that you have the skills and the strength to face the titans. So, to have someone with no official military training show them up… well, it probably makes them a bit frustrated to say the least."

Isabel narrowed her eyes as the crowd finally entered the halls of the castle.

"Well, that seems dumb. Shouldn't they be grateful for our skills? I mean, all we're doing is making this stupid regiment stronger."

Aubrey chuckled with amusement. Apparently Isabel had a very straight-forward way of thinking.

"Yes, you're correct. They should be grateful for your skills but I would suspect that a little thing called jealousy gets in the way."

Isabel sneered at Aubrey's response. "But they aren't jealous of you."

Aubrey blinked in surprise. She hadn't thought about that. It was true that the regiment had never made her feel like an outcast because of her skills. But, there was a slight difference between herself and the new recruits.

Sighing, Aubrey continued. "You're right, they've never treated me badly. I would think it's because I came from a military background. I'm less of a mystery than you and, if I'm being honest, your spokesman isn't exactly approachable."

It was Isabel's turn to sigh and she turned her eyes to the ground. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Big Bro isn't really that good at making friends."

Aubrey smiled at her, hoping that she could relieve some of the newfound tension in the air. "Well, you've got me and I'm a pretty good friend to have, so don't worry about it too much."

Isabel's features lightened again and she shot Aubrey a grateful glance. "Thanks for helping us out yesterday… you went through all of that effort just to get us out of a little punishment and then that gross Captain treated you like trash."

Aubrey flinched as she remembered her embarrassing encounter with Flagon. It didn't help that Isabel clearly remembered what he'd said. If she remembered, so did everyone else that had been on the field.

"Yes, Flagon can be quite a handful…" Aubrey paused, she figured that now was as good a time as any to break the news to her new friend. "Actually, there's something I'd like to tell you."

Isabel gave her full attention to Aubrey, waiting.

Aubrey swallowed hard and started to speak. "I've been transferred to a different squad."

At first, Isabel's eyes widened and her mouth popped open, shock crossing her features. But after a second, her face twisted into confusion. "Huh? Why?"

Aubrey gulped. She was still fairly uncomfortable discussing this topic, even though it was necessary. "Well, um, Commander Erwin wasn't very happy with the way the Captain conducted himself toward me and so he's decided to place me with a different squad."

Isabel's features flickered through a flurry of emotions before finally landing on understanding. "O-Oh. I guess I can't really argue with that."

Aubrey gave a grateful glance. She was happy that Isabel was taking everything so calmly. It was a nice break from the outbursts that she usually expected from Levi.

Just as their conversation came to a lull, the clattering of the Mess Hall became audible and the crowd flooded into the room, soldiers dispersing to their usual tables.

Aubrey took a quick glance around. There was no debate about where she would be sitting today. Erwin was looking straight at her and Aubrey gave him a slight nod. She'd need to speak with him before going off to her new assignment.

But first, Aubrey had another someone to say hello to.

Aubrey's eyes landed on Levi. He was seated next to Furlan at a table that was empty apart from the two of them. Isabel had already broken away and made it halfway to them before Aubrey followed.

She'd told Levi that he'd see her in the morning and so she was going to make good on her promise.

Aubrey approached the table with the most animated smile she could manage. She was very aware that Levi's eyes were watching her every move and she wasn't about to give him the idea that she feared her new assignment. If Levi detected any trace of discomfort on her features, Aubrey was worried that she'd have to deal with another tantrum.

Isabel had already struck up some kind of conversation with her friends by the time Aubrey arrived at her destination but Levi wasn't paying the slightest attention. His eyes remained trained on Aubrey's every move and all of his focus went into deciphering her expression.

Once again, she was smiling.

"Good morning, Levi." Aubrey's green eyes finally synched with Levi's gaze and she stared at him determinedly. She wasn't going to waver.

Levi's eyes narrowed even further. He knew that Aubrey most definitely was not excited about her transfer but, at the moment, she seemed to be her usual, cheerful self.

Despite her demeanor, Levi watched her like a hawk for any sign of discomfort. But… what was he going to do if he found what he was looking for?

Levi had already decided the night before that Aubrey transferring to the Special Operations Squad was for the best. It would get her away from their disgusting Captain and that was all that mattered. And yet, Levi could feel himself itching to object.

Having a moment of realization, Levi tore his eyes from Aubrey's figure. He couldn't let himself become blinded by the strange pull he had toward her. When he was around Aubrey, his usual logic went out the window and he did things that would have appalled him in other situations.

But this time, he would control himself and allow Aubrey to keep up her cheerful act. After all, he knew that she was perfectly capable of caring for herself.

"Aubrey." Levi tried his best to keep his voice calm as he acknowledged her greeting.

Aubrey examined him. Levi was no longer looking at her. In fact, he seemed to be looking anywhere but her.

Aubrey's eyebrows furrowed a bit but she quickly dismissed her confusion. Levi's shift in demeanor only served to benefit her. He no longer seemed to be picking her apart piece by piece and so she would take what she could get.

Aubrey moved her gaze across the table to focus on the only new member she had yet to greet.

"Good morning, Furlan."

Furlan glanced up at her, his eyes widening and his eyebrows raising. Apparently, he hadn't been expecting to be singled out. "O-Oh. Good morning, Aubrey."

Aubrey grinned at him before continuing on with what she'd come to say in the first place.

"I hope you all have a good day at training. Please try to take it seriously. I know it's dull most of the time but it's necessary."

Furlan's face clouded with confusion. "You aren't joining us?"

Aubrey shook her head and tried her best to maintain an upbeat expression. It seemed that Levi hadn't yet told Furlan about her transfer. "No. I've been moved to the Special Operations Squad, effective immediately."

"Huh? Why?"

Aubrey would have giggled had she not been feeling so overwhelmed inside. Furlan had given the exact same reply as Isabel.

"Well, my transfer to the Special Operations Squad had been expected for quite some time. I guess Commander Erwin decided it was finally time for me to make the switch."

Aubrey didn't really feel like explaining her situation with Flagon for a second time that morning and if she was being honest, she didn't like talking about it when others were sitting so closely at nearby tables. The whole thing still made her skin crawl.

"Oh."

Aubrey couldn't help but notice that all three of the recruits at the table grimaced at the mention of Erwin's name. Apparently, Levi wasn't the only one who held a grudge against her friend.

Aubrey redirected her thoughts, knowing that very same friend was probably waiting patiently for her to finish her morning greetings.

"Right, well, I just wanted to say hello to everyone and remind you all to keep out of trouble. I won't be around anymore to help out." Aubrey winked but received only blank stares in return.

Sensing the awkwardness in the air, Aubrey grasped at the opportunity to get out.

"I'm going to go get my orders for the day. But, seriously, try to keep yourselves in line, okay?"

Aubrey called the last of her words over her shoulder and she turned on her heel and headed to the long tables along the back wall.

Performing the movements out of habit rather than intent, Aubrey managed to fill a tray for herself and make her way over to the table where Erwin was waiting for her.

But, it wasn't just Erwin's gaze that was piercing through her… Hange was there, too.

Aubrey gulped, remembering how their last conversation had ended. Eventually, Hange would approach her again and Aubrey wouldn't be able to avoid answering the difficult questions. But, for now, she figured she was safe. Hange was many things but she wasn't a gossip. She wouldn't go around trying to find more information from other people. Instead, she would wait until she could get answers right from the source.

However, Aubrey would be spared that interrogation for the time being. Hange wouldn't dare ask such things in Erwin's presence. At least, Aubrey hoped she wouldn't.

Aubrey casually took her seat next to Erwin, setting her tray down on the table and climbing onto the bench.

"Good morning, Aubrey." Erwin's voice came out sounding soothing and slow, a gentle smile plastered on his face.

Aubrey smiled back at him, grateful for his easy-going and calming presence. When Erwin smiled at her like that, she no longer felt quite so distraught over her transfer. He had a strange way of making her feel like everything was going to be alright.

"Good morning, Erwin, Hange." Aubrey let her eyes slide over both of her friends as she greeted them.

Hange appeared to be uncharacteristically quiet and she simply nodded in response to Aubrey's hello. That silence worried Aubrey more than anything else. Hange was never silent.

But, before her mind could torment her with panicked thoughts, Aubrey was interrupted by Erwin's voice.

"Did you sleep well?"

Aubrey shot him a surprised glance. "Actually, yes, I did. How could you tell?"

A small chuckle made its way through Erwin's lips before he answered. "Well, please don't take offense, but you usually have bags under your eyes. They appear to have lightened up a bit today."

Aubrey's thoughts immediately flashed back to what Levi had told her the night before and she nearly giggled at the similarity of the comments. Levi, too, had commented on the bags under her eyes. It appeared that his wish to see them disappear may have come true.

"Oh, um, yeah. I did sleep a bit more deeply than usual last night."

Erwin raised an eyebrow. If anything, he'd expected Aubrey to be especially exhausted today. Erwin had thought that the news of her transfer would keep her awake into the early hours of the morning.

"I'm glad to hear it."

Aubrey's lips twitched into a small smile before she turned to the plate of food before her, scarfing down the bland oatmeal that she'd become so used to.

Erwin was glad to see that the suddenness of her transfer hadn't made Aubrey lose her appetite and he happily continued their easy conversation.

"And how were the recruits this morning?"

Aubrey swallowed the bite of oatmeal in her mouth and paused. She was beginning to feel a bit strange every time she discussed those three with Erwin. It was like being a mediator in a battle she didn't know how to end. Plus, there was the red flag that Isabel had put up, but Aubrey decided that it was best to leave that until tea. Hange may have been sitting silently, but she still had ears.

Going back to her food, Aubrey attempted a casual answer. "They're fine. I just said a quick hello."

Erwin's expression turned contemplative and his eyes narrowed the slightest bit.

"I see. Have you told him the news?"

Aubrey knew exactly whom Erwin was referring to by saying 'him'. She nodded, taking another bite of her food.

"May I ask how he took it?"

Aubrey's eyes flickered to Hange. Their conversation had definitely caught her attention and she was watching their exchange closely. Aubrey didn't really know how to feel about her listening. Hange would eventually find out about her transfer, anyway, but the topic still felt sensitive to Aubrey. Regardless, she didn't really have a choice, seeing as how Hange was seated at the same table.

Aubrey sighed. "Surprisingly well. You two actually seem to see eye to eye on this matter."

Erwin smiled inwardly. Perhaps Aubrey could serve as more than just a lookout in his battle with Levi. If all continued in the way it was headed, she could become the key to Levi's cooperation. Aubrey was the common ground between the two and maybe Erwin would be able to find a way to utilize that fact.

"Hm. Well, I'm glad. I would guess that his agreement made things quite a bit easier for you."

Aubrey exhaled and nodded. "Yes, it was quite nice to have him stay relatively calm for once."

Erwin chuckled but decided that he should finally get to the real point of their conversation.

"About your orders... I've already informed Saru that you will be joining her, starting today. Just join them at the start of training as you would've with Squad Flagon. I also spoke with Kate this morning. She was a bit reluctant at first, but when I told her it was a request from you, she eventually agreed."

Aubrey felt her heart pump a bit faster in her chest and her fingers tightened around the spoon in her hand. She was genuinely nervous about her transfer. It wasn't that she didn't think she'd be able to keep up or perform her duties, she was only worried about her friends. Even with Kate doing her part, there was no way to be sure that Levi could restrain himself. He really did have a bad temper.

Aubrey snapped herself out of her stupor and responded. "Right. Will do. I trust Kate."

Erwin gave a reassuring smile. He could sense the reluctance in Aubrey's voice and he knew that such a sudden change would be difficult, even for her.

"Make sure you come to me if you have any problems. Otherwise, I'll see you for tea tonight."

Aubrey inhaled deeply, preparing herself for the day. "Of course."

For a moment, Erwin's expression softened and he leaned in. "Aubrey... you'll be fine. I know you will be."

Aubrey's heart melted. Any time Erwin showed such compassion toward her, Aubrey felt like crying. He always believed in her strength so wholeheartedly.

"Thank you, Erwin."

With that, the Commander stood from his seat and headed off, ready to start yet another day of training.

A/N: Yo! So, I know the chapters have been coming a bit slower than usual but I promise I'm working on them consistently. I'm feeling a bit burnt out after going on a spree and writing like 3,000 words a day. That was too much, even for me LOL.

Anyway, I know this chapter wasn't very eventful (another transition chapter, I know, ugh) but I'm starting to focus on tying up some loose ends before moving on the next section of the story. WE'RE GETTING THERE. I swear to god, when I first came up with the concept for this fic, I had one scene PERFECTLY planned out in my head and I loved that one scene SO MUCH that I decided to write an entire 80,000 word fic just to be able to write it out and post it LOL.

We're not quite there yet, but soon. I promise.

I don't have any specific questions this time but I am curious to know if y'all have any guesses about Aubrey's background? I don't know if anybody would be able to get it right because her background is pretty complex, but I feel like I've left enough hints to at least pique your interest? I think it would be fun to see what y'all think. If you have any guesses, I'd love to hear them.

Next chapter will be up soon. Leave a comment. I love you. Bye.