Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexuality

Enjoy

Trost District, Wall Rose, 850...

The Scouts rode through the street while people cheered for them. Erwin was silent as he led the men to the outer gate. Behind him, Mike, Hange, and Raisa rode in line side-by-side. Several people noted Raisa's appearance. Her hair had gotten longer, reaching down to the top of her waist. Half of it was braided back in a pretty, warrior style. She happened to glance to her left and noticed a few Cadets smiling up at her. The regiment stopped in front of the gate. Hange clasped her hands together. "Lo! The threshold of Titania. Can you imagine the horrors in store for us, comrades? I'm on pins and needles!"

"You're overly chipper today," Raisa noted. "What's got you so worked up?"

"I don't know what you mean. I'm always chipper," Hange insisted.

"You were crying about your test subjects just yesterday."

"Shut up!"

Raisa snickered. The outer gate groaned as it opened. The horses stomped in place, knowing they would get to run full speed in moments. "You know if we bag an abnormal, I must burst into tears-"

"Again?" Raisa teased.

Hange lashed out, trying to hit Raisa, but she missed. Moblit gasped in panic. "Section Commander! Please don't fight with other Section Commanders."

"You don't tell me what to do, Moblit!"

Mike harrumphed and moved around so that he was in-between Hange and Raisa. "Enough, you two. Erwin's about to give the order."

Hange stuck her tongue out at Raisa. The gate finally opened completely, and Erwin raised his hand. "Scouts! Move out!"

Inside Wall Rose, a few hours later...

Vanessa sat with Jean, Reiner, Annie, and Bertholdt separately from the other Cadets. She rubbed her face, exhaustion draining what little energy she had. She moved her hand to touch the back of her head. It was still tender from where she bumped it. She undid her braid and began re-doing it. Reiner walked over and knelt down beside her. "Hey."

"Hey."

"How you holding up?" he asked.

Vanessa studied him suspiciously as she continued with her braid. She glanced back over at the others who seemed lost in their own thoughts. "I'm fine. Seriously."

"It's okay to admit if you're hurt," he said. "I noticed you winced when you touched your head a second ago."

"What're you? My father, now?"

Reiner exhaled in frustration. "Damn it, Vanessa. Just because we broke up doesn't mean I don't care."

"Yeah, well, it would've been nice if you cared while we were together." She pined the end of her hair up under the braid, completing the crown. "Since when are you friends with Annie?"

"Don't change the subject." Reiner pinched the bridge between his eyes. "Look, things are hectic, right now, but...can we talk later?"

Vanessa snuck a glance at Bertholdt. "Talk about what?"

"Us." He grabbed her hand, rubbing his thumbs over her knuckles like he used to. The feeling tore at Vanessa's heart. "I want to tell you everything. The truth. I don't know how you'll feel once you hear it. Maybe you'll understand, maybe you won't. But...I'm willing to take that risk. So, will you hear me out? Please?"

Vanessa blinked away her tears, trying to remain strong and composed. "Cadet Raske!" shouted an officer. "Over here! Now!"

"Yes, sir!"

Vanessa slipped her hand free of Reiner's, and hurried over to the officer. He gestured for her to follow. She glanced back, seeing Reiner watching her leave. He disappeared from her view as she rounded the corner. Damn it. She cursed herself. He still had power over her. The way he touched her. She almost melted into happiness. Vanessa shook off her emotions, composing herself. The officer brought her to a convoy. Vanessa blinked in surprise. "Well, well," said the bald, mustachioed man. "You've grown even more beautiful than your mother."

"Mister...Pyxis?" Vanessa gasped, remembering her manners. She saluted. "Commander Pyxis!"

"At ease, Cadet." Commander Dot Pyxis dismounted his horse. "It's been a long time. Do you remember me?"

Vanessa almost smirked. He was not a man one could easily forget. "Yes, sir. I do."

"That's surprising, I must admit." He approached her, and Vanessa craned her neck to look up at him. "You were just a little thing back then."

"I still am, sir."

Commander Pyxis chuckled. "I've been kept updated on the situation here. Lieutenant Anka has been running around gathering all of the reports for me."

He gestured to the woman with chestnut brown hair to his left. "Imagine my surprise when several of the reports detail the skills and tenacity of Jessamine's daughter. Swallowed by a titan in an effort to save your comrades? However did you manage to escape it?"

Vanessa blinked. This wasn't how she thought their conversation was going to go. "I, uh...I cut myself out of it's throat, sir. I don't know if it was because of my small stature, but I had just enough room to move."

Commander Pyxis hummed as he processed her words. "Look at you. Not an ounce of terror in your eyes. You've become quite the soldier."

The sound of cannon-fire drew everyone's attention. It was followed by a flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder so loud it shook the ground. Smoke and steam began to rise near the Wall. Several soldiers began to panic. Vanessa watched the rising smoke. Is that...was that Eren? Commander Pyxis glanced down at Vanessa, studying her expression. "I take it you're fully aware of the situation, Cadet?"

Vanessa turned back to him. "Yes, sir. I was with the squad that brought Eren Jaeger over the wall. Captain Woermann took custody and ordered us to-"

"No need to explain. It's not hard to guess what Woermann is doing," Pyxis said with a sigh. "Your name is...Raske, correct?"

Vanessa hesitated before answering. "Yes, sir."

"Strange. I could've sworn your family name was something else."

"Forgive me, sir, but you're mistaken," she said carefully.

Pyxis hummed again. "I must be."

A Garrison soldier came running up them. He stumbled to a halt and saluted. "Commander!"

"What's the situation, soldier?" Pyxis asked.

"Captain Woermann ordered the swift execution of the cadets, including the titan," he reported. "However, the titan transformed. He blocked the cannonball."

Vanessa widened her eyes in surprise. Can Eren transform at will? Why the hell would he hide this from everyone? She remembered Mikasa's tears over seeing Eren alive. Mikasa didn't even seem to be aware. Commander Pyxis listened to the rest of the report. "We should head over there before Woermann decides to unleash a barrage on them. Cadet Raske, what're your thoughts on this?"

"Sir?" Vanessa furred her brows.

"You trained beside this boy, Eren Jaeger. Did you know he possessed this power?" Pyxis asked.

Vanessa shook her head. "No, sir. Actually, no one did. I'm not even sure Eren knew either."

"Intriguing." Pyxis clasped his hands behind his back. "Would you say Eren Jaeger is trustworthy? Is he an ally of humanity?"

"Of course he is, sir," she responded confidently. "Eren's sole drive is to fight the titans, to eradicate them. Plus, in his titan form, he...destroyed over a dozen titans. It was amazing and terrifying."

Pyxis hummed again. "Very well. Come with me, Cadet. Let's go see if you're right."

Vanessa blinked away her confusion. She fell in line with Pyxis' convoy. It wasn't a long walk to the edges of the water gate. They came upon the clearing were over two dozen Garrison soldiers surrounded Eren, Armin, and Mikasa. Armin was arguing with Woermann over allowing Eren to live. He insisted Eren could be used for the benefit of humanity by Woermann wasn't having it. Armin suddenly saluted. "I am a soldier! And I have dedicated my heart to the restoration of humanity, sir!"

Pyxis gestured for everyone to stop. Vanessa peeked over Anka's shoulder. Eren and Mikasa were kneeling behind Armin, and Eren looked pale and sick. "Nothing could make me prouder than dying for such a noble cause!" Armin continued. "If we were to use his titan ability and combine it with the manpower we have left, I believe we can do it! We can retake this city! For humanity's glory, in what little time I have left to live, I will advocate his strategic value!"

Several of the soldiers began to whisper. Vanessa almost smiled. Armin's words were inspiring. Woermann ordered his men quiet and raised his hand. Before he could bring it down, Pyxis stepped forward and caught the Captain's arm. "That's enough."

Pyxis released Woermann's arm. "You should really do something about your nervous disposition."

"C-Commander Pyxis?"

"Can you not see this soldier's heartfelt salute?" Pyxis asked as Armin dropped to his knees. "I've only just arrived, but I'm quite aware of our situation. Gather our reinforcements. I think we could at least do these young soldiers the favor of hearing them out."

Against the wishes of his Lieutenants and Captains, Pyxis went up the wall with Vanessa, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. Eren could barely stand, and preferred to kneel. Vanessa sat down beside him, cross-legged and resting her elbows on her thighs. Commander Pyxis listened to Eren's story quietly and patiently. Afterwards, he walked over to the edge of the wall and peered down at the titans clawing for him. "Nope. Not any of you," Pyxis noted. "Eaten by a titan wouldn't be so bad, if it was a sexy lady one."

Vanessa frowned at Pyxis' back in annoyance. Yeah, he's still the same. Pyxis sighed and turned around to face the Cadets. "That's that. So, visiting the cellar should clear everything up?"

"Yes, sir," Eren said. "Well, at least, I think so."

"For the moment, there is no way to validate all of the claims you've made. For now, I'll just catalog them in here." Pyxis tapped his forehead. "With that said, I can usually tell the difference between the unctuous and the sincere, which is why I personally guarantee your safety."

Eren, Mikasa, and Armin let out a sigh of relief. Vanessa glanced at everyone individually, keeping quiet. Pyxis approached the kids. "You're Cadet Armin Arlelt. Is that correct?"

"Yes, sir." Armin saluted.

"You mentioned a plan to harness this so-called 'titan ability' and then utilize your friend's power to retake the city. Do you believe it could work?" Pyxis narrowed his eyes slightly. "Or were you grasping at straws to try and save your hides?"

"Uh, well...both, Commander." Armin lowered his arm. "I was going to suggest that Eren, using his strength as a titan, could lift that giant boulder. We could use it to block off the wrecked gate. That was the best idea I was able to come up with on the spot. I-I just wanted to make everyone see how Eren's ability might provide a solution to the problem we all face."

"Hm." Pyxis turned around to gaze at the sun. It was beginning to set, turning the sky orange.

"Granted, I was pretty desperate to survive!" Armin added.

"Desperate to survive, huh? That's as credible a reason as any, son." Pyxis pulled a flask from inside his jacket and took a swig. "What do you say, Cadet Jaeger?"

"Say, sir?" Eren asked.

"That hole. Do you think you can plug it up, son?"

"Well, I-I don't know," Eren confessed with a weak shrug. "It's possible. But at the moment, I don't understand my power any more than you do. It's just...I sort of feel irresponsible giving you an answer. Cause I don't really know."

"Ah, yes, of course. My apologies. I asked you the wrong question." Pyxis squatted down in front of Eren. "Are you willing to, Cadet Jaeger? Or not?"

Pyxis glanced over Eren's shoulder at the countryside behind him. Eren followed Pyxis' gaze. He realized Pyxis' meaning, and clenched his fists. "I'll do it. I don't know if I can seal that hole, but...I'll do it! I swear!"

"Excellently said. You have the heart of a lion." Pyxis stood up and clasped his hands behind his back. He walked to the edge. "Staff Officers, hup! We have a plan to flesh out!"

Armin gasped in surprise. "Wait, we-we can't actually be moving forward with this as our lynchpin strategy? It was just something I tossed out there."

"Maybe, but Commander Pyxis knows what he's doing," Vanessa said.

"You know the Commander?" Eren asked.

Vanessa blushed ever so slightly. "Uh, yeah. He was...friends with my mom." She ignored their curious stares. "Look, he's got everything under control. He's probably got a solid idea of how this plan is supposed to play out."

"Y'think so?" Armin asked.

Vanessa nodded and glanced out at the gathered troops below. "However...there's another problem that needs to be addressed before this plan can move forward."

"And what's that?" Eren asked, frowning.

"Look sharp, soldiers!" Pyxis ordered. He had returned with several Garrison officers. "The fate of mankind rests on your shoulders."

Abandoned River Town, Titan Country, Wall Maria...

Raisa slipped through between two titans. She swung around one of them, and attacked. It fell atop the other, pinning it down. She noticed a few titans running towards her. Raisa glanced back at her squad, and they all nodded in understanding. She moved swiftly, like a wolf. Her squad mirrored her movements, moving in sync as the distance closed between them and the titans. Raisa suddenly flew low, tearing through each of the titans' legs. They all fell, their limbs cut to ribbons. Raisa's squad moved in to finish them off. As she expected, none of her soldiers were injured or eaten. "Section Commander!"

Raisa turned her attention to Harold who pointed to a group of Scouts approaching. She flew down as the head rider reared his horse to a stop. "Commander Erwin. What's wrong?"

"A horde of titans are headed north towards the Wall," he informed. "The ones here are ignoring us and joining them."

This surprised Raisa. "Wait, you don't think-"

"Yes. It's just like five years ago," he said. "Round up the Captains. We're heading back."

"Yes, sir!"

Erwin took off with his advance guard. Raisa thought back to five years ago, and humanity's loss. The numerous bodies left in the wake of the Colossal and Armored Titan. She pushed away the thoughts. "Harold! Get my horse! We're pulling out!"

Harold obeyed, and took off towards the horses. Raisa flew back to the roofs and scanned the area. She happened to look down at the street to her right, and saw Levi and Petra kneeling over a fallen Scout. She flew down to them. "Levi! Petra!"

They both turned to look at her as she landed. "We're pulling out!"

"Ma'am?" Petra furred her eyebrows.

"What do you mean?" Levi demanded, standing up. "You damn well know that we can push further."

"Commander Erwin's given the order," Raisa said.

"My men didn't die to pave our retreat," he replied, his tone low and angry.

Raisa remained unfazed by his glare. "There's a swarm of titans moving north. They're headed for the city."

"Wait," Petra gasped, "does that mean...?"

Raisa noticed Harold bringing her horse. "Yeah. For all we know, the Wall's already been reduced to rubble."

Inside Wall Rose...

Pyxis summoned his most elite Garrison soldiers. The soldiers prepared themselves. Some gathering in the corner for the decoy, and some ventured out into the city to lure lingering titans. Vanessa provided fresh blades for Eren and new gas tanks for his gear. Eren refused Mikasa's assistance, insisting he could do it himself. Armin glanced around as the soldiers re-positioned the cannons. "I'm sorry, Eren. I was just talking out of my head. It wasn't my intention for you to be pulled into all this."

"Stop apologizing," Eren demanded. "The fact is you have a gift for strategy and you know it. I believe in you, Armin."

"Eren," Mikasa began, "I really think you should-"

"You're not coming with me," he stated. "You're on the decoy squad. Period."

"No way!" she argued. "I'm not leaving you alone. I won't take another chance-"

"Knock it the hell off!" Eren stepped forward and aimed his forehead at hers, but Mikasa stepped back before he could hit her. "Get it through your head that I'm not your responsibility! You're not my mother!"

Vanessa glanced back and forth between the two of them with wide eyes. She looked to Armin who shrugged his shoulders in response. "Okay. I think that's my cue to go. Good luck, Eren."

She didn't wait for his response. Vanessa hurried out of the tense atmosphere, and joined the decoy squad. Armin joined moments later. They lowered themselves off the side of the wall, enough to taunt the titans, but not enough to get caught. Vanessa hung beside Marco. She stared down at the clawing, hungry titans. The tallest one had a large mouth, definitely big enough to swallow her. A flash of tumbling down a titan throat appeared in her mind. Marco gasped. "Vanessa!"

Vanessa snapped out of her trance. She had accidentally lowered herself closer and the tall, big-mouthed titan jumped. Vanessa quickly withdrew out of it's reach. Marco watched her nervously. "Hey, are you okay? You almost got grabbed."

"Y-Yeah," she said. "I'm fine."

"Cadets Raske, Arlelt, and Bodt!" an officer shouted. "Get up here!"

Marco, Vanessa, and Armin obeyed. Three other Cadets took their place keeping the titans in place. "Right! You three will be joining squads tasked with bringing the abnormals and stragglers to the corner!" The officer informed. "Wait here for squad assignment!"

"Sir!" the three of them saluted.

Once he was out of earshot, Marco sighed in fear. "Man, this is messed up."

"Don't worry," Armin assured. "Eren won't fail."

A flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder drew their attention. Almost all the way across the city, titan smoke rose into the sky along with a familiar roar. Everyone watched, awaiting the hopeful signal of successful mission. However, a pillar of red smoke shot up into the sky. Several soldiers gasped and began to whisper. "It's over," Marco lamented. "They failed."

"But how?" Armin asked. He gritted his teeth and took off, pushing through the crowd.

"Armin!" Vanessa called after him. "Wait! Where are you going?!"

Jean flew up from hanging on the wall. He sheathed his blades and approached them. "What the hell's up with the red smoke? What the hell happened? And where's Armin?"

"Armin ran off," Vanessa confessed. "Something must've went wrong. But...Commander Pyxis hasn't given an order to retreat."

"Plus, Armin went to go check," Marco added. "I think it'll be alright."

"Yeah?" Jean's frown softened.

"Of course," Marco said more confidently. "I mean...this is Eren we're talking about."

"Right."

Vanessa sighed in frustration as she turned to look out over the city. The red smoke had already dissipated. "Still...can't help but wonder if this plan was even worth it. That boulder Eren has to lift is almost as tall as his titan form."

"So, what?" Jean asked, almost growling. "You trying to say this is pointless? When's the last time a fight against the titans didn't feel like that, huh? The best thing now? Do what we can from losing any more."

Vanessa glanced back at him. "Funny. You sound like Commander Pyxis."

Jean raised an eyebrow at her. "We have to pick our battles. This was the right call."

"You really think so?" she asked, studying his sincerity.

"Yes," he said. "Of course it was."

"Look sharp, Cadets!" Officer Hans ordered, rushing by. "I want you, you, you, and you with me, now!"

Jean, Vanessa, Annie, and Conny saluted. "Sir!"

While the other officers called out other cadets for their squads, Officer Hans led two other Garrison soldiers and the four cadets along the wall. They flew off into the city around the titans. Some of the titans were beginning to wander off. Officer Hans stopped the squad in a dark alley, making sure not to attract the titans' attention just yet. He turned to the cadets. "Here's the plan: we don't let a single one of these SOBs wander outta this corner. Focus on luring them here and keeping them here, understood?"

"Yes, sir," the cadets answered quietly.

"Do not, I repeat, do not engage them in combat unless you absolutely have to. I want you on the ground. Raske is in charge."

"Sir," Vanessa raised her hand. "Forgive my interruption, but Kirschtein should take the lead."

"What?" Jean frowned.

Officer Hans narrowed his eyes at her. "You're one of the elite, Raske. Everyone knows with an elite leader, the chances of survival are much higher."

"Yes, sir, but Jean is much more capable leader than any of us."

Officer Hans harrumphed. "Fine. Kirschtein is in charge. When you reach the wall, jump. Keep the titans corralled. If one goes astray, we'll put him down."

"What if our situation gets risky?" Annie asked. "Are we free to act at our own discretion or what?"

"Whatever'll make it easier on you," he said. "Team Kirschtein, move out!"

"Yes, sir!"

The Garrison soldiers took off to the roofs. As everyone prepped their swords, Jean turned his glare to Vanessa. "Why'd you roll over like that? And for me?"

"Everyone knows you're the better tactician. You can adapt to any situation and think of a way out." She smirked up at him. "It's a real shame you're joining the Military Police, Jean. You're definitely better suited for battle."

Jean humphed and led the squad out of the alley. The ran through the streets, attracting the attention of three titans. As expected, they chased the cadets through the streets. At Jean's orders, Conny and Vanessa flew up onto the roofs, diverting the titans towards the corner. However, they didn't join the crowd, they continued to chase the cadets. One of the titans was taken out by the Garrison soldiers, but the others were quick. The second Garrison soldier was bitten in half while Officer Hans was snatched up. Jean shouted for Vanessa, pointing. She obeyed, killing the titan. It fell face-first into a building and Officer Hans slowly crawled out of the titan's grip. "T-T-Thank you, Cadet."

Vanessa said nothing and noticed three more titans were chasing Jean, Conny, and Annie. They split up and Conny darted down a side street. One of the titans dropped to it's knees and reached for Conny. He managed to avoid it, and fired his anchor. However, it failed to attach to the stone building. The titan raised it's hand, but Jean fired his anchor, stopping the titan and drawing it's attention. Conny gasped. "Jean!"

"Get up the wall!" he ordered and ran off.

The titan began swiping at Jean, trying to catch him. Vanessa swung down and sliced the titan's nape. It paused in the middle of reaching for Jean and fell over. Conny flew by Vanessa. "Come on! We gotta go!"

"Right!"

Vanessa flew after him. Annie reached the wall first then Conny. Vanessa landed softly, and she scanned the top of the wall. "Wait...where's Jean?"

"Huh?" Conny blinked. "I thought he was right behind you."

They went to the edge. Several blocks into the city, they saw Jean running down the street while a titan leisurely walked after him. Conny called out to him. "What's he doing? Why the hell isn't he using his gear?"

Vanessa widened her eyes. "It must be busted."

"What's going on?" Marco shouted as he approached them. "Where's Jean? What happened?"

"Jean's gear is busted!" Conny shouted. "He's stuck out there!"

Marco gasped and followed Conny's eyeline. Jean turned a sharp corner and ran into a building. Marco suddenly jumped off the wall. Vanessa gritted her teeth and flew after him. Marco was flying at top speed, Vanessa could barely keep up. Jean had come out of the building he was hiding in and ran over to the body of a fallen soldier, removing his ODM gear. As he struggled, a 5-meter titan slowly approached. "Jean! Look out!"

Marco flew around the titan, catching it's attention. "Marco!" Jean panicked. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Marco landed on the ground and narrowly avoid the titan's hand. Vanessa fired an anchor into the titan's back and propelled herself to it, killing it swiftly. Marco heaved a breath of relief, calming his nerves. "Thanks! I owe you!"

"Forget it! Get back to the wall!" she shouted. "I'll get Jean!"

She turned to look back down the road, and gasped. Another titan was headed for Jean. He had the new ODM gear on, but was unable to take off. Instead, he soared up and over the titan before falling to the ground. The titan turned over it's shoulder and reached for him again. Conny flew down, smacked into the side of the titan's head, and flew off onto the roof. The titan stumbled a bit, and Vanessa took the opportunity to kill it. Jean glared in disbelief. "Are you guys insane?!"

"Get your ass up!" Vanessa shouted back. "We need to get out of here!"

Jean wasted no time. He took off up over the buildings with Vanessa and Conny falling in-line behind him. An abnormal launched itself through the air, it's open mouth awaiting for Jean to fly in. Annie dove down, pushing against the titan's chin. Jean struggled with the unfamiliar ODM gear. His movements were wild and reckless, but he managed to reach the wall first. After Vanessa and Conny, Marco and Annie reached the wall as well. Jean rolled to his knees. "You idiots got a death wish?"

"Don't even start!" Vanessa shouted back, kicking Jean over so that he fell on his butt.

"Yeah!" Conny added. "You scared the hell outta me!"

Annie glanced back out over Trost and blinked in surprise. "I'll be damned."

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed over the city. Eren walked through the streets, carrying the massive boulder, and steaming as his titan form struggled under the weight. As he walked, other titans began abandoning their human prey and making a beeline for Eren. Jean noticed the Garrison soldiers engaging the titans, trying to get their attention. He got to his feet. "It looks like we're back on."

He pointed down below. "Focus on keeping Eren safe!"

"Right!"

"Let's go!" Jean led the squad back over the wall, prepared to protect Eren at all costs.

Inside Wall Maria...

Erwin rode at the head of the Scouts. He was extremely bothered that the titans were ignoring them. The hole in Wall Rose was visible, even several hundred meters away. He glanced back at his Section Commanders who rode behind him. "Raisa! Take your squad ahead and make it over the wall while we deal with the ones out here!"

"Yes, sir!"

"And take Levi with you!"

"Sir!"

Raisa gestured to Harold and he relayed Erwin's orders the others. Erwin looked to Hange and Mike. "We need to deal with the ones out here. Keep them from getting in!"

"Yes, sir!"

Raisa, Levi, and her squad pushed the horses ahead. Hange and Mike led their sections in opposite directions, aiming to hit the titans from both sides. The titans diverted, turning their attention to the other Scouts and clearing a path for Raisa. As they neared the wall, she noticed something suddenly plugged up the hole. "Section Commander!" Harold shouted. "The hole's blocked!"

Raisa narrowed her eyes. Could it be that boulder? But...there's no way the Garrison could have rigged something to move it in time. Something else is going on. "We'll need to get up over the wall! Lynne, see to the horses!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

A pillar of yellow smoke drew their attention. Raisa grew more confused. "Levi! Take point!"

Levi obeyed. He took off up the wall as Raisa steered the squad along the wall. The hole was indeed completely blocked by a large boulder. Raisa and her squad moved to stand on their saddles, then took off after Levi. Upon reaching the top, they halted. Raisa scanned the city. Trost was practically in ruins. "What the hell?" Henning whispered. "What happened?"

Raisa glanced down straight below. Levi was standing atop a dead titan, and behind him, another titan sat in front of the boulder. Screams of the soldiers drew her attention. "Assist the Garrison! We need this area clear to bring the Scouts in!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Harold lingered behind while the others took off. "Section Commander, it looks like majority of the titans are gathered in the corner by the inner gate."

Raisa flicked her gaze to where he was pointing. Sure enough, dozens of titans were gathered, clawing at the soldiers atop the wall. She returned her gaze back to the scene below her. A Garrison soldier was standing atop one of the dead ones. Is that...Rico? Raisa suddenly jumped off the wall, surprising Harold. Raisa dove down, her blades drawn. She fired an anchor and swung horizontally around a titan that had risen from the ditches. Her blades sliced through the nape with ease. As it fell back into the ditch, Raisa landed on the boulder. Rico turned her frightened, surprised glare to Raisa. "What the hell? Where'd you come from?!"

"Nice to see you, too, Rico," Raisa said.

Rico scoffed and calmed herself. "Raisa...can't believe you're still alive."

"I can't believe you're still single." Raisa hopped down to stand beside Rico. "Oh, and you're welcome for saving your life."

With that, Raisa flew down to join Levi. Harold flew down as well. Levi was now standing in front of three cadets, one of them unconscious. He noticed Raisa and Harold, and glanced up at Rico, glaring suspiciously. Raisa sheathed her blades. "What's the situation?"

"These two are trying to tell me their friend there, Jaeger-" he pointed a blade at Eren "-is a titan."

"A titan?" Raisa raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"He's more than that," Armin insisted. "I know how crazy it sounds, but Eren can transform into a titan. He did so to plug up this hole the Colossal Titan made. He-He's not an enemy. He's on our side."

Raisa noted Armin's uneasiness and Mikasa's defensive stance. "The fact that you're even saying this...tells me the issue has already come up before. Am I right?"

Armin nodded. Henning came running up. "Section Commander! We've cleared the area! The remaining Garrison troops are luring the titans back to the corner. Also, looks like the other squads have arrived."

Everyone glanced up, seeing several Scouts jump over the wall and enter the city. Raisa flicked her gaze back to Armin. "Seems quite convenient your friend decided to reveal his ability on a day like this."

"He didn't even know. He-all of us found out only a couple hours ago that he even possessed this ability." Armin's voice was shaky and sweat dripped down from his forehead. "Commander Pyxis vouched for him. He's guaranteed our safety."

This intrigued Raisa. She turned to Henning. "Take Cadet Jaeger into custody."

"What?" Armin gasped.

"Yes, ma'am."

"No!" Mikasa drew her blades, and Henning halted. "You're not taking him! Commander Pyxis personally guaranteed our safety which means he-"

"-is untouchable? Is that what you were gonna say?" Raisa took a step forward. "Allow me to enlighten you, Cadet. You're surrounded, running on fumes, disobeying a superior officer...you're not going to win this fight, sweetheart."

Mikasa remained determined, intensifying her glare. Raisa was completely unfazed. "Commander Pyxis, like all military leaders, are subject to the Military Police's orders. Once the situation here is dealt with, the MPs will demand Jaeger's imprisonment and possible execution. If they take him into custody, there's a strong likelihood that you'll never see him again."

Mikasa and Armin both gasped. "Trust me," Raisa continued. "You want us to be the ones to take him."

"I'm sorry, Section Commander. He's our childhood friend," Armin confessed. "We were just wary of your intentions. Here, take him."

"Armin, no!"

"She's right, Mikasa!" Armin shouted back, almost dropping Eren. "Who knows what the Military Police will do to Eren. Maybe together, the Scouts and the Garrison can make sure nothing will happen to him. He'll get a fair shot at proving his benefit to humanity."

Mikasa processed his words. Reluctantly, she sheathed her blades. Henning stepped forward and took Eren from Armin. Raisa turned to Harold. "Report all this to Erwin. He needs to know what's going on."

"Yes, ma'am."

Raisa watched Harold take off. Henning walked off with Eren over to David to secure the unconscious boy. Raisa noticed the two cadets watching Eren warily. "Do you two have enough gas to make it back up the wall?"

"Yes, ma'am," Armin answered. Mikasa simply nodded, her eyes still on Eren.

"Good. Now, get going," Raisa ordered, drawing her blades. "We have work to do."

Raisa and Levi ran off towards the buildings. Some titans were beginning to wander away from the crowd and into the city. Levi flew alongside Raisa. "You know, Erwin's going to want you to interrogate Jaeger."

"No doubt." Raisa glanced back at the gate. "Eren, huh? Funny."

"What is?" Levi asked.

"Nothing," she said with a sigh. "He just has the same name as my father."

Two days later...

Eren groaned as he felt consciousness return to him. His eyes fluttered open and a figure standing above him came into view. He first noticed her fierce purple eyes, and then he noticed she was standing over him with an unreadable expression. Eren blinked as his vision cleared. "Who...wait, you're...!"

Raisa almost smiled. She said nothing as she walked away. Eren pushed himself up and leaned his back against the wall. Raisa walked to the iron bars and an MP opened the door, letting her out. Eren's confusion grew. He was lying on a bed, surrounded by chains. Raisa walked over to Erwin who sat in a chair. She bent over and began whispering in his ear. Levi was leaning against the wall behind Erwin. What the...?! What're they doing here? The Scouts? Raisa and Erwin finished their whispered conversation and she placed something in his hand. Erwin met Eren's gaze as Raisa moved to stand beside him. "Any questions?"

"Uh, I...uh..." Eren struggled to think. "Where am I?"

"I think it's obvious," Erwin answered. "Let's just call it a dungeon. You're currently in the custody of the Military Police. We were granted permission to see you only just now."

Eren blinked and glanced down at his shackled wrists. Erwin held up the key Raisa gave him. Eren gasped and clutched his chest, as if checking for something. "Where'd you get that?"

"Off of you," Raisa answered. "Don't worry. You'll get it back."

Eren didn't feel convinced. Erwin lowered his hand. "Let's talk home. Specifically the good doctor's cellar back in Shiganshina. Pretty big secret in there, right? About the titans?"

"Y-Yeah, I think so." Eren glanced down at his lap as he thought. "That's what Dad said anyway."

"Must suck having your dad and your memory MIA at the same time," Levi noted. "Unless, of course, that's just a cover story."

"Levi," Raisa warned. "There's no point in grilling him on that, now. We know he has no reason to lie."

"However, that's all we know," Erwin pointed out. "How 'bout you shed a little light on things for me by telling us your intentions."

"M-My what? What do you mean?"

"Here's the lay of the land, my friend. If we want to pay your dad's cellar a visit, we have to venture back into Shiganshina," Erwin explained. "Sealing the breach there as we did in Trost would be the smart way to go about it, don't you think? Naturally, we'll need your special powers. Any way you slice it, a titan's deciding our fate."

Eren glanced down at his hands. His skin was unblemished and clear of scars. The pain of biting into his hand was still fresh in his mind. Erwin narrowed his eyes at the boy ever so slightly. "It's been conjectured that the Colossal and the Armored titan are more or less the same as you. It's why I ask your intentions. They could be the key to turning the tide forever. You could save us."

Eren's frown deepened. "I don't know what I am."

The three of them waited for his answer. Levi harrumphed impatiently. "C'mon. It's an easy question. So answer it! What the hell is it you wanna do?"

Eren began to shake. He raised his head, a look of pure hatred and delight in his eyes. "I want to become a member of the Scouts...and slaughter every titan that crosses my path!"

Erwin and Raisa exchanged glances. "Huh. Well played." Levi pushed himself off the wall and walked over to the bars. "Alright, then. I'll take responsibility for him."

"Are you saying you can handle him?" Raisa asked.

"Of course," he answered. "I could even kill him, if I have to. The big wigs aren't likely to raise a stink. My record more than speaks for itself."

"W-What?" Eren breathed.

"Good news, Jaeger," Levi said with a smirk. "You're now officially a member of the Scouts."

End of Chapter 7