A/N: Sorry if this is a bit of a short and somewhat shitty chapter, I wasn't feeling too motivated here and was more focused on wrapping this arc up and going on to the next one.

Gaujay: The long review isn't a problem at all. In fact, I'm actually really excited to know that you're reading my story! I really appreciate the advice. (Although you probably won't notice any change in my writing for a few more chapters, because all of this arc and the most of the first part of the next arc has already been written.)

Music:
1. Levi vs Female Titan Theme

57th Expedition Arc: The Legacy of the Dead

1. Ambros and Jean struck first, throwing their blades through the slits in the armor around the Warhammer's eyes, blinding it.

"Damn pests!" It roared out, swinging wildly as Mina slashed one of the exposed slits of flesh along it's neckline.

Meanwhile, Mikasa and Levi went after the Female Titan. Slicing out it's lower leg the Female collapsed to the ground, meanwhile, Eren was leaning against a tree, obviously exhausted.

Mikasa grappled against a tree, before shooting off, slicing a chunk of muscle along the upper arm.

"Let it go! Everyone fall back!" Levi shouted

"But sir- we could finish off the Female right here-" Mikasa began,

"We don't have the weapons nor equipment to take on both Titans right now." Levi cut her off, "And Erwin has given the order to retreat."

Mikasa nodded,

"Hey hey!" Mina yelled to Levi, "What are we going to do about him!" She pointed to Alto, still lying on the floor, albeit regenerating.

"Leave him. Look." He pointed at his nape, covered in hardening. "We can't cut it out and see who it is. And he's healing quickly." 1x

When Alto was sure no Scouts were continuing to linger, he finally emerged from the nape of the Flare Titan, however, he nearly collapsed as he spit up a wad of blood.

'Damn...I can barely move. Much less make it to Wall Rose.' He stood on wobbling feet, 'Nonetheless, I need to try!' Pulling out a maneuvering gear handle with a shaky hand, he dully started his gear, and left the body behind.

The nape of the Female Titan began to squirm and then burst as Annie Leonhart emerged from the nape. Leaving the empty husk of the Female Titan behind.

She sighed, "That was a bust." She said to no one in particular. 'I suppose I'll have to thank her later for helping me though,' She thought.

"Where the hell were you?" Levi asked Evangelica.

"Got separated from Eren when the Female Titan first appeared, I've been having to deal with Titans ever since." Evangelica replied smoothly.

Levi nodded, "Titans are not, the brat was your responsibility. Don't let it happen again."

She nodded as they arrived at the city gates.

"Wow. Back already?"

"Meh, nothing special."

"Here they are. Our hard-earned taxes are hard at work to feed the Titans."

Eren gritted his teeth in rage.

"Eren, don't try to move-" He ignored Mikasa's warnings and was about to yell out at the crowd when he saw two children watching the scouts.

"Wow! So cool! The Scouts are so awesome! They got the crap kicked out of them, but they still fight!" One of them said to the other, "That's why I want to join them!"

Eren looked down, and laid back on the wagon.

"Commander Erwin! Answer us!" People jeered and shouted at him

"Did this expedition learn enough to justify the number of dead?!"

"You heartless shit!"

"Do you think the dead don't have regrets?!"

But Erwin said nothing, and kept moving forward. Like he'd always done.

He had no answers for them, not yet.

PAI

Out of the 800 Corps members that embarked on the 57th Expedition. Only 580 returned, meaning a staggering 320 deaths had been incurred. The next day, following these subpar results, the capital immediately ordered a halt to all Scout activity, and declared that Eren Jaeger was officially placed in the custody of the Military Police.

Alto staggered into the MP Headquarters, quickly wiping blood from his nose. He headed into the showers.

'Empty, good. I don't want to have to explain the flesh marks.' He sighed. He barely made it back, he would've collapsed half-way to the wall had Rosary not found him and enabled him to sleep on her back.

'But...who? Who is behind the Warhammer and Female?' He wondered.

In the Female showers, Annie stealthily made her way through the locker room before heading into the bath.

'What was that Titan? The Founding? No, it would've killed us for sure then. The Attack has already been identified to be Eren Jaeger…so what?' She let her bun down and allowed her hair to fall down. 'No point trying to solve it on my own.' She fingered her flesh marks, thanks to her titan healing, they were pretty much gone.

'One way or another, the rest of them need to hear about this, this can put the whole Operation on hold.'