Quick note, wanted to say thank you to the wonderful and skillful author Scipias for the shoutout in their story "Till The End", if anyone wants to read a great fanfic with the most seamless character insertion I've ever seen, check it out! you will not be disappointed!

Chapter 8

An eerie calm has set in over the citizens of the wall. It has been a full day since the aftermath of the Battle for Trost and yet there was still jovial disbelief at what had happened. They had finally won against the titans. Humanity would not fade into the night of terror that has dominated their lives for a century. The Garrison Regiment were lauded as heroes for standing their ground and keeping the monsters at bay. Even the Survey corp found themselves with a boost in public perception since they had given some much needed reinforcements and their expertise in Titan combat had made clearing out the city that much more safe. Commander Erwin took advantage of this boost and immediately set himself up with an audience with Eren, who was truly the decisive factor in the missions success. Though he was calm on the outside, the Commander's mind was working overtime in finding the best course of action that will ensure Eren's survival. And with him, possibly even humanity's.

The Scouts weren't the only ones who found themselves with unexpected praise though. the cadets themselves were honored for their bravery, Many could not find it in themselves to bask in the glory. An encounter with Titans can leave even the most experienced veteran with a heavy burden in their minds. That burden felt overwhelming to these fresh cadets who were thrown into the fray so quickly and unexpectedly. Many like Jean, were faced with loss for the first time as he had come across the dead body of his beloved friend Marco Bodt. Rico, who's experienced herself, took time in her private quarters to grieve for her fallen comrades, Ian and Mitabi. Calian is no exception. He so desperately wants to be alone so that he can release the pent up emotions that he's had to bury but duty still calls, to finally grieve but alas he can't. He was awoken that morning by the Commandant, informing him that he, Armin and Mikasa were summoned to appear in court that, for all intents and purposes, will decide their friend Eren's fate. His mind is still clouded by raging emotions and yet through muscle memory, he dresses himself in his uniform and heads out the barracks. His daydreaming causes all the time to pass and soon enough he finds himself outside the courthouse, running into Armin and Mikasa.

He can see that both are buzzing with nervous energy. Armin is clearly putting on a brave face, but Calian can see the concern for his friend etched into each line of the blondes forehead. Mikasa, despite trying to keep up her usual stoic appearance, it's clear to anyone who new her that as well is concerned for her friend. But her eyes show a dangerous fire that promises retribution should anything happen to the man she holds so dear.

The blonde smiles once he sees the large cadet closing in, "Calian!"

"Hey there Armin, Mikasa."

The raven haired teen nods at him, a storm still raging in her eyes. "Guess there's no beatin around the bush, we all know why we're here."

Armin purses his lips and glances at Mikasa. "Yea, Eren."

Calian nods as they begin to make their way into the building, "Armin it's no secret you're one of the smartest guys I know. What're the chances they'll let Eren off the hook?"

Mikasa glares at Calian but he doesn't buckle under her gaze, despite Armin silently warning him with wide eyes. "Don't give me that look Mikasa. We gotta face this somehow. Ya'll know exactly how people have been reactin to the whole titan shiftin news, people are afraid."

"are you?" she asks.

"Not for myself." He answers. Her eyes soften at his answer.

Armin sighs, "I'll be honest… it's not looking so good to me."

"how can you say that Armin!?"

He flinches but it doesn't stop him from replying, "Mikasa as much as I hate to say it, it's a fact, I mean look at what happened with Captain Weilman."

Calian eyebrows scrunches in suspicion, "Wait, Weilman? As in the weasely guy who tried to kill everyone who tried leavin?"

Mikasa scoffs, "At least he's consistent." She mutters angrily.

"He tried to execute all of us when we appealed for him to keep Eren alive after he first transformed. Even after I tried to emphasize how much of a tactical advantage Eren is, he tried firing another cannon—"

"ANOTHER?!"

Heads turned to the trio due to Calian's outburst but he pays them no mind.

Armin shushes him, cheeks rosy with embarrassment. "Keep it down! but yea he fired one at us and Eren transformed partially to save us. It was only thanks to Pixis intervention that we all lived to see today."

Calian runs a hand through his hair, "Aw fuck. So if anyones as cowardly as he is, which anyone in the military police definitely is, then that means Eren's chances are next to nothing."

"you don't know!" Mikasa grinds out.

"Mikasa, Eren needs as much good PR as possible. Being part titan ain't exactly winning him any favors."

"But he plugged the wall!"

Calian tries to calm his friend, "I know that! But do ya remember what he did beforehand?"

He glances meaningfully at her fresh scar across her cheek and she unconsciously touches it with feather light gentleness. She bows her head, her stomach twisting in knots with worry. Armin looks grim,

"I'm not mistaking that you two weren't the only witnesses to Eren's temporary outburst am I."

Cal's jaw is sets, "no. And I'm willin to bet that that's exactly what they're gonna use to fuel the fire."

"That was only once though! And three times he was in control and saved us all!" Mikasa retorts.

The tall teen shakes his head, "once might be too much for some people."

Armin does concede that that's a fair point, but he also sees the darkening mood from his raven haired friend. "Mikasa, we need to keep a level head, the last thing we want is for anyone to lose it in there, especially Eren."

"Eren not losin it?" Cal mumbles with a hint of disbelief.

With that grim thought, the three all take their places inside the courtroom, Calian standing to Armin's right, with Mikasa and Rico to his left. The courtroom is buzzing with murmurs and silent conversations. Calian scans the room as best he can, he always did have a knack reading people, thanks to living on the streets for a while. And what he saw did not bode well, fear was clearly evident in most of the citizens, military police and some of the Wall fanatics. The latter were worrying Calian the most though. The one standing tall, Pastor Nick he believes, had fear but something else underneath that's making his eyes seem almost wild. If he didn't know any better, the teen would assume it was desperation. But why? Why would Eren being a titan make him so desperate? Could it be that people will lose faith in the walls because there was a titan in their midst? He did have to concede, it would mean they'd lose the power and prestige they've gained over the years. But there was just something that bothered him about it, like there was more under the surface.

Heh, I feel like that's a recurrin theme nowadays. The doors open and Eren is thrust into the room. Calian can see in his peripheral vision Mikasa stiffening as they all watch their friend be roughly thrown to the ground and his hands bound on a metal pole that's locked behind him. The raven haired boy's eyes quickly find the trio and though their not allowed to speak just yet, they do their best to convey some type of comfort to their friend. Or as much comfort as one can have when their life is hanging by the thread. All murmurs slowly die out as Commander-in-Chief Zackly enters the room. He listlessly pulls out his chair, removes his jacket and carefully places the folded garment beside him on the desk he now sits in. Once rolling up his sleeves he starts, "Now then, let us begin. You are Eren Yaeger?"

He read off the paper as he adjusts his glasses, "You're a soldier who vowed to devote his life to humanity. Is that correct?"

He carefully breathes in through his nose to control his hammering heart, "Yes, sir."

Zackly reads the paper for a few tense moments, though he seems to be the only one completely unaffected by the rooms tension. "This is an unprecedented case. It is outside the bounds of common law, therefore we must convene a special court –martial. The final decision will be handed down by me. We will deliberate upon whether you live or die as well."

The blonde standing next to Calian takes a sharp breath. I already knew it, but to have it confirmed. He gulps nervously, praying to whatever diety is listening to grant mercy to his friend.

"do you have any objections?"

"none, sir."

Zackly grunts, "I'm glad you're so cooperative. I'll be blunt," he laces his fingers together under his chin, "Concealing your existence has proven impossible."

No shit. Howlett thinks with an eye roll.

"Unless we publicize your existence in some way, we will have to face another threat besides the titans. This court is tasked with deciding which faction will take custody of you, the Military Police or the Survey Corps." Zackly explains, not just to Yaeger, but to everyone not privy to that info, including the three cadets. The survey corp? Wasn't expectin them to throw their hat in.

"let us hear the opening statement from the Military Police."

Right across from the three cadets, a tall somewhat thin man with shaggy hair a short goatee stands with files in hand, "Thank you. My name is Nile Dawk, Commander of the Military Police. Our proposition is as follows: We will examine Eren's body thoroughly, then dispose of him as soon as possible. It's a fact that his Titan power repelled the last attack, however his character induces disturbances that may even lead to a rebellion. Therefore he shall provide us with as much intelligence as possible, then he'll become a martyr for humanity."

Much as he doesn't want to admit it, Calian has to hand it to the Commander, he knows how to word things in a way that makes it sound like the right choice. Actually, though he does look afraid, he seems more reined in, maybe he does think he's making the right choice. The cadet is broken from his thoughts by the Pastor who begins ranting over any objections.

"He's a vermin that breached and infiltrated the sacred Walls by intruding on our lands!" The Pastor looks wild as he jabs a finger at the bound teen.

He should be this instant!"

There are some murmurs of agreement but before they can amount to anything Zackly silences them. Satisfied, he turns to Commander Erwin.

"Let us hear the proposition from the Survey Corps."

The bushy browed Commander rises from his chair and calmly but firmly states his case, "Your honor, I am Erwin Smith, Thirteenth Commander of the Survey Corps. Our proposition is as follows: We will accept Eren as formal member of the Survey Corps, and recapture Wall Maria by using his Titan power. That is all."

The three, mainly Mikasa and Calian, stare open mouthed as the Commander tkes his seat. "That's it?!" Calian whispers bewildered.

"SHHH!" Armin shushes him at once.

Grumbling, Calian does so.

But he wasn't the only one shocked by the rather short case made by the scouts. Surprised whispers bounces around the walls of the court room, some wondering if this is even a joke.

"Hm? Is that it?" Zackly asks.

"That's what I'm saying!"

"SHHHH!"

Erwin continues, "Yes. Using his abilities, we can retake Wall Maria. I believe the priorities are clearly apparent."

Zackly grunts, "I see. On that note, from where do you intend to launch that operation, Pixis," Zackly turns his attention to the Garrison Commander, "I believe the gate at Trost was sealed for good, yes?"

"Yes, I doubt it will ever be opened again."

Erwin, already aware of circumstances, had a reply ready, "We would like to go through the Karanes district in the east. From there, we will approach Shinganshina on a new route."

Though some people seemed to be appeased by the plan, many were not. One such civilian made his feelings known, "Wait a minute! Shouldn't we seal all the gates for good now? The Colossal Titan can only destroy the gates! If we fortify those areas, they won't be able to attack us again!"

"Shut up you puppet of traders guild!"

"Using the titan strength we can return to Wall Maria once again!"

"We're fed up with you playing hero all the time!"

Captain Levi seemed to grow irritated by the slnder as he found himself replying to the fools. "You've got a big mouth, pig. Who says the Titans will wait until you can lock up all the gates? The 'we' you're talking about refers to your little friends who you plan to get fat with, right?"

Armin sighs exasperatedly as he once again has to quiet his giant of a friend who chuckles behind his hand from the captain's out burst. Howlett smiles sheepishly, "What? It was funny! I kinda like the guy now."

Unfortunately, it's rather hard to stay unnoticed when you're a foot taller than everyone around which of course makes you easily visible, especially when you try ot whisper. Zackly clears his throat loudly and calls on the teen.

"Cadet Howlett!" He calls loudly, Calian snapping to a salute. Armin allowing himself to smirk slightly at his friend for being caught.

"Yes Sir."

"Glad to have your attention. You clearly have much to say, would you like to share it with the court?"

All eyes fall to Calian, of course a sea of whispers concerning his large size was dominating the air. He resists the urge to roll his eyes as he decides to take the plunge. He is giving me permission to speak freely, might as well give a piece of my mind.

"I simply agree with the Captain Sir. Titans ain't exactly known for their patience so thinkin they'll wait while we get ourselves ready seems kinda foolish to me too. It's almost like people forget that we're barely scrapin by with only two walls. People are starving, people are homeless. We can't keep it up forever, so takin back Wall Maria is the only choice we got Sir."

"Enough of your insolence!" Pastor Nick yells, "How dare you suggest we desecrate the sacred Wall Maria, given unto us by the goddesses? You look upon the the greatness of the Walls, which transcends human understanding, and you still can't see?!"

Some of the soldiers and citizens tense at the accusation, displaying the strength of the church. Armin's eyes widen as he sees a knowing smirk grow on Calians face, "oh no please no!"

"Oh I see plenty. Like the fact your precious walls been busted down twice already. For something that's supposed to be beyond our understandin, they seem a bit brittle."

Armin, Mikasa, and Rico all glare in disbelief at the cadet but he shrugs as the other side of the court room descends into chaos. Many people yelling and swearing at Calian. Zackly slams his hand on his desk loudly, taking a little longer than he'd like to get order restored in the courtroom.

"ENOUGH! Cadet Howlett while I understand your meaning, do best to word your defense in an appropriate manner."

He shrugs again, "Sorry sir."

Armin raises his fist to his mouth, pretending to cough and he whispers, "So much for keeping a level head."

Calian narrows his eyes at him and whispers, "Hey I was calm, I just got a knack for back talk is all."

Pastor Nick goes to scream again but Zackly interrupts him, "Argue about your individual beliefs and opinions somewhere else. Yaeger, let me as you this: Can you keep fighting for the sake of humankind as a soldier, and also use your titan power for the same goal?"

Eren loudly replies, "Yes I can!"

Zackly raises an eyebrow, "oh? But in the report from Trost, it says: 'He swung his fist at Mikasa Ackerman and Calian Howlett right after becoming a Titan'."

The effect is instant and powerful as the entire court seems to liven up like an exposed nerve, as if their worst fears were realized. Shit I knew they'd bring it up. Mikasa pinches her hair and tried to hide her small scar as she noticed Eren head snap to her in shock.

He doesn't remember that he lost control? Armin thought. Mikasa meanwhile glares menacingly at Rico, but she is undeterred. "What you waned me to lie in the report? Humanity gains nothing from hiding such a fact."

"is Mikasa Ackerman here?"

Mikasa schools her features before answering, "Yes I am Sir."

"You huh? Is it true that after he transformed, Yaeger attacked you?"

Rico mumbles under he breath, "if you don't answer truthfully, it'll only hurt Eren."

This gives Mikasa pause as she's conflicted inside. Of course, she wouldn't hesistate to lie, if she confirms that Eren attacked her, it'll only confirm the idea that he is a monster that has to be put down. But… like Armin and Calian said before, they weren't the only witnesses. She'd guess correctly that many others have most likely reported the same thing. If she were to give them anything but the truth, it'll only damn Eren and even herself.

"Yes it is true."

People gasp and whisper, "he's like the rest after all!"

Horror is evident in Eren's face as he thinks to himself, I tried to kill her? Me!?

But she wasn't finished, "But before that, he also saved my life twice while in Titan form. The first time, when I was about to fall prey to a titan, he fought them off and defended me. The second time, he protected me and Armin from Cannon fire. I implore ypou to consider these facts as well."

Calian smiles at her, she told them the truth alright, the whole they wanted to leave out.

"Objection!" Nile declares. "I believe this testimony is too emotionally-biased to be accepted in court. Mikasa Ackerman lost her parents at a young age, and she was then taken in by Yaeger's family. However we uncovered some surprising details regarding those events."

Fuck's he goin on about now?

"Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman were nine years old at the time… when they stabbed to death three men who were wanted for robbery and kidnapping. Though it is justifiable self-defense, I can't help but feel disturbed and believe their basic human nature needs to be questioned."

The tanned teen slightly glances at Mikasa who's wearing a very guarded look, not betraying any emotions. He then glances at Eren who's look of bewilderment also confirms the report. Irritation grows inside him, ok they killed people to stay alive… aint that what we all do when it's said and done? But he can see that the purpose of the report was to win over the court and it is definitely working.

"He's probably a titan who infiltrated us disguised as a child!"

"Her too!" one man points to Mikasa, "How can we be sure she's human?"

"or him!" Another points at Calian.

"Just look at him! He's already the size of one!"

He rolls his eyes and raises his hand to get Zacklys attention who allows him to speak. "Sir, It was my understandin that this is a courtroom, childlike insults ain't appropriate for this setting."

The man who did the insult actually looks offended but Nile takes over, "Actually this is a good moment to talk about you as well cadet."

"how so… sir?" he asks with a guarded look.

"Reports concerning your performance as well as mental state. Many have stated that you had commendably taken charge during the Battle of Trost and saved many lives and in doing so killing an impressive amount of titans, almost singlehandedly. But There were others such as Jean Kirstein, who called your mental state into question as you were witnessed raving and screaming as you dispatched the titans with vicious brutality."

He lets the words sink in as the crowd begins to look at Calian with fear. He then continues, "it seems that this ferocity is not new as, when going through your records in cadet training it was found that many cadets to dub you the 'wildman' for your remarkable aggression in combat."

"So he's a monster too?!"

"He's an animal!"

"He should be put down!"

They all continue on, jeering at the teen. He purses his lips and and bites his tongue. He's very well aware of the moniker given to him by other cadets, though he never paid it much mind. He's very well aware of how aggressive he gets. His rage and thirst for vengeance for the Armored Titan fuels him to the point of near obsession, every time he saw a target, the bronzed monster was the only thing in sight, egging on his rage. But these people don't know that. Even if they did, they probably wouldn't care.

"We should dissect them both!"

This particular comment seems to set a fire ablaze within Eren as he slams against his post, "WAIT! Maybe I am monster, but Mikasa and Calian have nothing to do with that! Nothing at all!"

"As if we could believe you!"

"It's the truth!"

Mikasa is stunned by his defense of her, despite the situation, a warm feeling spreads in her chest.

"You're defending them? They must be one of you!"

"No!" he screams, straining harder against his shackles, frightening the people.

He calms himself but the fire still blazes in his eyes, "You're wrong. So far, all you keep doing is blurting out convenient speculations."

"W-What did you say!?"

I should stop. Eren thinks to himself, I shouldn't say anymore. But he does. "You cowards have never even seen a Titan! So why are you so afraid?!"

No, I'm gonna say it all. I'll make my stand here! Steeling himself, Eren Glowers at the entire assembly, "If those with strength don't fight, who will? If you're too scared to fight for your lives, then at least don't hinder me! You damn cowards! Just shut up and let me shoulder it all!" Eren yells, a small amount of steam emanating from his body but disappitates with the final declaration.

The courtroom is dead silent, everyone too stunned to even utter a word. But Nile found his voice, ordering the soldier, "Take Aim!"

Calian starts to move but he stops in his trakcs as Levi moves insanely fast and suddenly delivers a powerful kick across Eren's face, sending a bloody tooth across the floor. His face throbbing, Eren stares up in confusion at the Captain. His eyes shadowed as he stocks closer to the cadet. He painfully grips Eren by the hair and collar and smashes his knee into his face, acrunch being heard throughout the room as his nose begins bleeding profusely. The crowd watches dumbfounded s he continues to brutalize the younger man. Mikasa gapes in horror, but her expression quickly turns into one promising violence but Armin grabs her arm as she tries to move, "Wait Mikasa!"

Howlett isn't sure why Armin wants her to stop, but he wasn't lying when he said that Armin was the smartest among them. If he believes they should stay put, then he'll trust him, no matter how much he feels like he should step in as the violent beatdown continues.

Blood drips down Eren's face as another kick smashes his head to the ground.

"It's just my personal opinion, but pain is the best tool for discipline. You don't need to be educated by words. You need training." Eren searches the Captain's eyes for compassion, but found none. "You've fallen low enough that you're easy to kick around anyway."

"H-Hold on Levi." Nile begins, but Levi still kicks Eren.

Resting a boot a the teens face he gazes at the commander, annoyed. "What?"

"I-it's dangerous. What if he starts raging and turns into a Titan?"

Levi knees Eren in the face again then tightly grips his hair, the cadet wincing in pain. "What're you talking about? I thought you were going to dissect him?"

Realization begins to dawn in Calian's mind. It wasn't a senseless beating, he's proving that they're the only ones that got the balls to handle Eren. Levi asks the crowd, "All you who persecute him, think it over. Can you really kill him?"

The silence is it's own answer, confirming howlett's suspicion. Erwin raises his hand, "commander-in-chief I have a proposal."

"What is it?" Zackly asks, seemingly unfazed by the act of violence in his courtroom.

"Eren's titan power has a multitude of uncertainties and unknown elements. It is exceedingly dangerous. So why don't we put Eren under Corporal Levi's command and send them on an expedition?"

The trio are taken aback and the blonde shares a glance with his friend to his right, both wondering the same thing, An expedition? So soon? Calian is pleased to see that Erwin seems to have gained enough momentum to preserve his friends life, but his proposal, he just can't bring himself to feel so confident about it. He just admitted that Eren's titan power has a lot of 'unknown elements'. Is an expedition really the best way to start figurin them out? He guesses Zackly isn't too worried.

"I've made my decision. After careful consideration of the prosecution and defense, I hereby grant Commander Erwin Smith of the Survey Corps custody of Eren Yaeger. This does not mean you get off scott free Yaeger. Your performance in the upcoming expedition will be reviewed thoroughly. The result of that review will determine whether or not we can place enough trust in you to allow your continued service, or be killed should you prove to be too much a that clear?"

There were murmurs of dismay from the prosecution, but thanks to Levi's display of dominance, none had the courage to truly make their feelings none. Satisfied, Zackly announces the end of the trial, "I Hereby release Cadet Yaeger into your Custody Captain Levi. I trust in your ability to keep the citizens of the walls safe. This court is dismissed!"

Some time later, back at HQ

The courtroom spectacle had made quite the impression on he onlookers, the cadets noticing how little was said as they left the building, how many did not dare to even make eye contact. And the ones who did, impotent rage was evident. The events of the past few days had left Calian feeling exhausted and worn out. Both physically and mentally. At this moment, he doesn't even feel like eating dinner, just wants to go back to the barracks alone and llow the sweet embrace of sleep to over take him. But those hopes died as the moment they exited the carriage that transported them to the HQ, Moblit, assistant to Section Commander Hanje Zoe quickly made his way to the tall Cadet.

"Cadet Calian Howlett," He salutes, "You've been summoned by Commander Erwin."

Confused he asks, "Why does he want to see me?"

"It's pertaining to a request made by Section Commander Hanje Zoe. More will be explained once we've arrived."

He gestures for Howlett to follow him. The teen glances at his friends in confusion but Armin gives him a reassuring smile and nods, "We can talk later."

With that Calian follows Moblit, eventually finding himself in the courtyard where both the Research Squad and the Special Operations Squad all stand at attention, facing the three main leaders of the Survey Corp. Surprisingly, Eren is there already. Huh, guess the cowards were in a hurry to wash their hands of him. The cadet takes his place at the back of the formation, though he sticks out like a sore thumb.

Seeing as everyone is there, Erwin begins, "Okay, I imagine you've all heard by now but the Special Military Tribunal's reached a decision. This kid's," gesturing to Eren, "officially going to be joining the Scouts."

He gives Eren a moment to proudly introduce himself to the solders before continuing with his announcement, "My own view is that Eren here represents humanity's best hope to beat the Titans. Our primary objective right now is to prove that I'm right. So, he'll be under Captain Levi's supervision for now. The rest of your positions will be decided in due course. Dismissed!"

All soldiers present respectfully salute their commander. Before he makes to exit, Hanje calls over Calian. As he gets closer he sees that Eren is just as confused as he is at the moment. "Sir?"

Een whispers to Hanje, "Um… Why's he here?"

Calian smirks, "What ya don't miss me?" he asks, pretending to be hurt.

Eren rolls his eyes while Hanje laughs a little at Calians joke, "Oh you know, the Scout Regiment is always short on personnel. And now that you're here, things are going to get even busier than usual! So I'm here to lend a hand." She grins brightly.

"But Section Commander, is it really okay to bring in rookies before they've officially completed their training?" Moblit asks, worry evident in his voice and, is that panic too?

But Hanje waves off his concerns, "It's all been arranged with that powers that be, don't woprry, and anyway," she looks to Eren with a toothy grin, "it'll be easier on you if your friends around right Eren?"

"Y-Yeah that's true."

"Don't sound too excited."

"Shut up." He whispers.

Hanje smiles but notices behind Moblit, a certain shorty watching them like a hawk. Hmm, "Well I'm sorry to leave so suddenly but I need to get started with planning! There's so much for us to learn Eren, I'm so excited to see what secrets we can unlock together! " she squeals, "moblit please answer any questions these two may have?"

Not even waiting for a response she starts heading off towards Levi who's already heading into the building after dismissing his squad. It doesn't take long for her to catch up.

"Hey wait up shorty!"

He turn with a fierce glare but it has no effect on the taller woman, who's chuckling as she knew that'd get a reaction from him, "You know for a guy who acts like he doesn't care, you're rather concerned for others, volunteering to watch over the cadet."

He scoffs and rolls his eyes, "Are your ears full of shit or something? I never volunteered to protect him, I said I wanted to make sure no one dies whenever you make a mess."

"Hey I take offense to that." She pouts, pretending to be hurt by his words.

"you were supposed to."

She rolls her eyes, "You really think I'm buying that? You can't hide the little reactions you have whenever he's brought up, I can see them."

Levi looks at her glasses, dirty with grime and he grimaces in disgust, "I'm genuinely surprised you can see anything out of those dirty ass glasses."

She chuckles and lifts them off eyes, resting them on the top of her head, "I can see fine. Just like how I can see some similarities between you and him."

His eyes tighten slightly, "Fuck off."

She laughs and catches up to him as he's speed walking, "You see it too don't you? How natural he was with the ODM gear, there times where he even held the blades in a reverse grip just like you do! We might possibly have another super soldier in our midst! Just imagine what we can learn from titans with his help!" She squeals with giddiness and excitement, "It's interesting enough to make anyone curious!"

He grits his teeth, annoyed, "wasn't there an old saying about curiosity killing you?"

" 'curiosity killed the cat.'" She supplies.

"Maybe you should take the hint."

He gets to his room and slams the door behind him, Hanje stepping back just in time to keep it from slamming her face. She shakes her head and places her glasses back over her eyes, a certain shine in her eyes as she smiles while heading back to her lab. "Very interesting indeed."

Thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed and reviewed, it always brightens my day to see how many people enjoy my story, i hope to continue bringing enjoyment to your day as the story goes on. Also wanted to give an explanation to one review.

JustUsingARandomName: Thank you, i actually did that intentionally. To be honest when i played the game, with how incredible our character is handling titans during the Battle of Trost, it kinda confused me that he wasn't placed in the elite squad when his skills were proven at that point. So i decided to purposely add him to the same group as Mikasa. Plus i've read other fanfics where they went the usual route and i wantd my story to at least have some difference. Which isn't to say i wont' make mistakes, but there will be times where i have changed some things in the story. Some big some small. I may or may not even save some characters. But that'll only be revealed in the story.

Anyway i hope you've all enjoyed this chapter, next few will be calm and we'll see Calian interact more with the many friendships he has with the cadets and veterans, plus we'll see a bit of development with our favorite potato girl! Till the next one everyone!