Chapter 8

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexual content

Enjoy

Trost District, Wall Rose, 850...

Harold walked along the top of the wall. He kept glancing down at the outer edge, searching. The outer gate was over a hundred yards behind him. Finally, he laid eyes on who he was searching for. "Section Commander!"

He hopped off the wall and flew down to hang beside Raisa. She did acknowledge him, but her attention was focused on the cracks in the walls. "Section Commander, the trial will begin soon. Commander Erwin expects you there."

"I know, Lieutenant." Raisa studied the pattern of the cracks. "I was just wrapping up my investigation."

Harold looked up at the cracks. "Have you found anything worth presenting?"

"At the trial? No." Raisa turned to look at him. "But, I definitely found something Commander Erwin will wanna see."

Ehrmirch District, Wall Sina...

Eren gasped upon entering the courtroom. He scanned the entirety of it. Military Police and civilians were gathered on the right, while the Scouts and Garrison soldiers were on the left. On the other end, was a large desk, for the judge. Eren was herded to the platform in the center. One MP held a large bar while the other kept a gun on Eren. "On your knees. Now."

Eren obeyed. He knelt down, and the MP secured the bar behind Eren's back, keeping his shackles pinned in place. Eren wiggled his shoulders. He couldn't stand up. The sound of a door opening echoed through the great room. Premier Dhalis Zachary entered and walked up to the judge's desk. He took off his military coat and rolled up his sleeves. "All right. Shall we begin?"

Zachary picked up the papers on the desk, and adjusted his glasses. "Your name is Eren Jaeger. And as a soldier, you have sworn to give up your life when called to, for the good of the people. Is that correct?"

"Yes," Eren answered.

"As an enlisted soldier during a time of war, military doctrine demands your tribunal be held as a court-martial. As commander of our armed forces, this matter is left to my discretion," Zachary explained. "Thus, I will decide whether you live or die. Any objections?"

Eren swallowed nervously. "No, sir."

"Your astuteness is appreciated," Zachary noted. "Let us proceed. As expected, covering up your existence has proven quite fruitless. And unless we publicly disclose your existence one way or another, we risk the outbreak of widespread civil unrest. A choice must be made. And the regiment that takes custody of you will determine your fate. The Military Police...or the Scout Regiment."

Eren first glanced at the Military Police then at the Scouts, specifically at Commander Erwin. "To begin, the Military Police will now present their case."

"Thank you! My name is Nile Dawk," said the black-haired man. "I am the Commander of the Military Police. Our recommendation, following a thorough examination of his physiology, subject Eren Jaeger should be disposed of immediately. We acknowledge that Jaeger's ability played a part in turning back the latest titan excursion. However, as has been stated, his mere existence is creating a swell of rebellious sentiment. For the greater good, after we have gathered all the information that we can from him...we would see him made a fallen warrior of humanity!"

"Unacceptable!" screamed a man dressed in fine clergy clothes. "This verminous fiend has defiled the might wall..."

Raisa sighed as the man ranted. Levi noticed her disappointment. "No need to give up hope yet."

"True," she agreed.

Once Nile and the pastor were done arguing, Zachary looked to the Scouts. "And now I'd like to hear the Scout Regiment's proposed plan."

"Yes, sir," Erwin answered. "As the Commander of the Survey Corps, I, Erwin Smith, propose the following: let Eren join our ranks. Reinstate him as a full member of the Scouts, and we will utilize his titan ability to retake Wall Maria. That is all."

Zachary hummed. "Is that it?"

"Yes," Erwin continued. "With his assistance, sir, I'm certain we can reclaim Wall Maria. Ergo, I believe our top priority is perfectly clear."

"Quite bold." Zachary narrowed his eyes at Erwin. "Assuming you were given clearance, where do you plan to launch this operation from? Commander Pyxis, the wall in Trost District has been completely sealed, is that correct?"

"Yes," Pyxis confirmed. "I doubt it's gate will ever open again."

"We'll depart from Calaneth District, to the east," Erwin confessed. "From there, we'll make for Shiganshina. A new route can establish as we proceed-"

"Well, that's ridiculous!" a merchant in maroon suit argued. "Our time and money can be better spent sealing up all the gates. They're the only parts of the wall that the Colossal Titan can break, right? Let's reinforce the blasted things and wash our hands of the entire affair!"

"Shut your mouth, you spineless merchant dog!" shouted a Scout. "With a titan on our side, we can finally return to Wall Maria!"

"We can't afford any more of your childish antics, or your delusions of grandeur!" the merchant argued.

"Who can't?" Raisa asked, catching the merchant off guard. "Is it all of you in the rich merchant guilds? Or the people still struggling just to survive off what little land we have left?"

"I'm simply saying that sealing the gates is the only guaranteed protection we've got!"

"Hold your tongue, you vile, belligerent heretic!" Pastor Nick shouted. "Are you really suggesting that we lowly humans meddle with Wall Rose, a gift to us from on high? The Wall is a miracle. And it's divinity transcends human comprehension. Don't you understand?!"

Their arguing continued, both men yelling louder than the other. Zachary slammed his hand against the desk. "Order! I ask that you save your personal sentiments for a more appropriate venue. Now then, Mr Jaeger, I have a question for you. As a soldier, you have made a solemn pledge to answer humanity's call. Can you still serve by controlling your ability?"

"Yes!" Eren said confidently. "I will, sir."

"Oh? Is that so?" Zachary's tone carried a hint of suspicion. "But this report from the battle for Trost contradicts that statement. Just after transforming, it seems you made an attempt to crush Mikasa Ackerman."

Eren gasped and glanced over at Mikasa who couldn't meet his gaze. Raisa blinked in surprise. Ackerman? She leaned in ever so slightly towards Levi. "A relative?"

He shrugged. "Couldn't say."

"And who is this Mikasa Ackerman?" Zachary demanded.

"Me!" Mikasa answered, raising her hand. "That would be me, sir."

"Alright, then. Is it true that Eren Jaeger assaulted you while he was in titan form?"

Mikasa hesitated. She clenched her fists and inhaled sharply. "Yes. All of that's true."

Frightened gasps and whispers erupted among the courtroom. Another merchant accused Eren of being a true monster. "However, you also saved my life twice before," Mikasa added earnestly. "And in each circumstance, he was using his titan ability. The first: shortly after Trost fell. I was nearly killed by a titan, but then Eren came. He stepped in and protected me. The second time: he transformed to shield Armin and me from cannon fire. I implore you to take these facts into consideration."

"Objection!" Nile shouted. "I have reason to believe that personal feelings play a large part in her testimony. Let the record show that Mikasa Ackerman was orphaned at a young age and was subsequently taken in by the Jaeger family."

"T-That's not-"

"I'm not done, Cadet," Nile scolded, surprising Mikasa. "Our own internal investigation into this matter led to a most shocking discovery. Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman, at the tender age of nine, dealt with three adult kidnappers by stabbing them to death!"

Erwin blinked in subtle surprise, and he glanced down at Raisa. She reluctantly met his gaze. The question was clear on his face: why didn't you gather all the necessary information? Raisa didn't bother with an apologetic look. She accepted his disappointment. Damn it. I thought I cleared out everything...how did I miss this one report? "...should we really invest in him?" Nile demanded. "Money, manpower, perhaps the very fate of us all?"

The whispers of the civilians turned into growing, frightened chatter. A merchant pointed his finger at Mikasa, his eyes wild with terror. "Maybe she's one! I bet she's not human either!"

"Now hold a second!" Eren snapped. "Maybe I'm a monster that you want dead, but you leave her out of this! She's innocent!"

"Like we'd trust you!" the merchant argued.

"It's the truth!"

"Liar!"

"Stop it!" Eren yanked on his shackles. The sound of the iron fighting against the bar silenced everyone. "You're wrong. About it all. But you're so intent on pushing selfish agendas, you're blind to what's in front of you."

"What?" Nile's frown deepened into anger.

"What does it even matter?" Eren asked. "None of you have even seen a titan, so why're you so afraid, huh? There's no sense in having power if you're not going to use it to fight! If you're too scared to fight for your lives, fine. Let me do it!"

Raisa glanced back up at Erwin. "This is getting outta hand."

"You-you're all cowards!" Eren shouted at the Military Police. Erwin nodded in agreement to Raisa's statement. and looked down at Levi. Eren yanked at his shackles. "Just shut up! And put all your faith in me!"

Nile gave the order for the MP beside him to aim his rifle. Before he could, Levi hopped over the guard rail and kicked Eren. A tooth went flying out of his mouth. Levi continued, kicking Eren in the stomach. He grabbed Eren's hair and slammed his knee against his face. Eren gasped and wheezed, unable to fight back against Levi's kicks. Levi slammed Eren's head to the ground. "You know, personally, I think nothing instills discipline line pain."

He removed his foot off of Eren. "You don't need a good talking-to. What you're in need of, boy, is to be taught a lesson. And you happen to be in perfect kicking position."

Levi resumed his beating. Mikasa motioned to defend Eren, but Armin held her back. Nile flinched with each kick Levi made. "N-now hold on, Levi."

Levi paused, his foot shoved against Eren's face. "What is it?"

"It's dangerous," Nile warned. "What if he gets angry? Turns into a titan?"

"Don't be silly." Levi grabbed Eren by his hair and forced him to raise his head. "You guys just want to dissect him, right?"

Nile blinked in surprise. Levi let go of Eren. "During the time that he was transformed, they say that Jaeger was able to kill twenty titans before he finally ran out of strength. As an enemy, his intelligence makes him all the more dangerous...but I could still take him down without a problem."

Erwin raised his hand. "Sir. I have a proposition."

"Proceed," Zachary said.

"There's still too much we don't know. And no doubt, his danger will be ever present." Erwin met Eren's gaze. "As such, I suggest this: Eren Jaeger will be placed under Captain Levi's supervision. And we'll conduct a recon mission outside of the wall."

"Jaeger will join you in this excursion?" Zachary asked.

"Yes, sir," Erwin confirmed. "Then you can look upon the mission's results yourself. And if he successfully controls his ability...Eren will have proven his value to mankind."

Zachary folded his hands together as he thought. "Eren Jaeger will be closely supervised? And if he should lose control?"

"I can definitely kill him, if it comes to that," Levi said. He noticed Mikasa's death glare. "The only downside is there's absolutely no middle ground."

Zachary humphed as he unfolded his hands and leaned back in his chair. "Then I have made my choice."

Later, courtroom office...

Eren scrunched up his face as Raisa tended to his wounds. She applied a disinfectant and cleaned his blood. Though, there was hardly any, mostly bruises and swelling. Levi leaned against the far wall, his eyes focused on Eren who sat on the small couch. Raisa opened a small jar of white cream. "What's that?"

"Something to help with the bruises," Raisa informed. She dipped her fingers in the cream and gently applied it to Eren's cheeks. He flinched at first, but calmed down, feeling a soothing sensation from the cream. Hange, Mike, and Erwin entered the room. "Well that went better than I expected," Hange noted, walking up beside Raisa. "Does it hurt?"

"Yeah," Eren said with a sigh.

"Yeah?" Hange beamed. "Describe it to me!"

"Huh?" Eren frowned at her enthusiasm.

Raisa nudged Hange with her elbow. "Hey, don't scare the recruit."

"Does he looked scared?"

"He will be if you keep shoving your face in his."

Erwin stepped forward, and the two Section Commanders moved aside. "Sorry for all that. But the theatrics did get you placed in our custody."

"No, I understand," Eren said, disappointed.

"I can assure you the pain was worth it." Erwin squatted down and held out his hand. "You have my utmost respect. Eren, I'm glad that you're on our team."

"Me, too!" Eren shook Erwin's hand. "Glad to be here, sir."

Levi walked over and plopped down on the couch. Eren flinched, withdrawing his hand from Erwin's as he regarded Levi with fear. "So, Eren. You don't resent me now, do you?"

Eren calmed down, but scooted away. "N-No. I can see that what you did was necessary, sir."

"Well, despite the extreme measures we were forced to take, I'm glad you understand." Raisa said as she ruffled Eren's hair, and he began to feel at ease. Her touch felt...motherly. "Gotta say, kid. I'm impressed. Not many people can walk away from a beating like that."

Eren snuck a fearful glance at Levi. Hange scoffed as she pulled a bundled handkerchief from her pocket. "I still think he went a little too far. I mean, you knocked his tooth out!"

Hange opened the handkerchief, revealing Eren's broken tooth. "Neat, huh?"

"You picked it up?" Levi scrunched his nose up. "How disgusting."

"This is a precious sample I'll have you know!" she argued.

Raisa frowned at Hange in annoyance. "Maybe Eren should've been handed over to the Military Police."

"Fuck you, Raisa. I would never dream of killing him!" She attempted to swat at Raisa, but Raisa dodged the blow. Hange suddenly flipped from angry to excited. "Hey, Eren, let me take a look inside that mouth of yours."

Eren hesitated, but opened his mouth up wide. Hange peered inside then gasped. "Your tooth...it grew back."

Old Scouts Regiment Headquarters, Wall Rose, the next day...

Eren eyed the old castle from the road. He rode mostly in silence with his hood up. Beside him, Oruo Bozad prattled on about the old castle and it's history. Eren only half-listened. He happened to glance back behind him, and noticed Levi glaring intently at him. Eren flinched and turned back to face ahead. Ouro suddenly leaned in close to Eren, pulling his horse close as well. "Do not be deceived, greenhorn."

"Excuse me?"

"Don't be expecting the royal treatment," Oruo warned. "Whether you're titan or human, don't imagine for a second we all share the good Captain's enthusi-AH!"

Oruo suddenly bit his tongue as his horse stepped on a rock. Eren watched him helplessly, unsure of what to do. Upon reaching the castle, Petra took to tending to Oruo whilst scolding him. Eren unpacked his horse and watched as Squad Levi milled about. Gunther and Eld walked off to survey the perimeter along with Levi. Eren knew Squad Levi was the best of the best, full of hand-picked elites. Yet, he was ultimately surprised that Vanessa was present. Eren's curiosity got the better of him. "So, uh...how'd you end up on Squad Levi?"

Vanessa finished unstrapping her pack from her horse. "Uh, it's kinda weird. He requested me personally...for whatever reason."

"Whatever reason?" Eren raised an eyebrow. "C'mon. There's gotta be more to it than that. I mean...no offense, but why would he choose a Cadet to join the Special Operations Squad?"

Vanessa flicked her gaze to Captain Levi as he led Eld and Gunther over to the main entrance of the castle. "Well...like I said, it was weird..."

Garrison Headquarters, Trost District, three days ago...

Vanessa walked through the halls. She reached Commander Pyxis' office and knocked. Lieutenant Anka opened the door, and let the Cadet in. Commander Pyxis glanced up from the papers he was reading and smiled. "Cadet Raske, thank you for coming."

"Sir." Vanessa saluted.

"Lieutenant, can you give us a moment?"

"Yes, sir." Anka saluted. She gathered the files on the table and left the office. Vanessa noticed that the Commander's office was quite large with big windows behind him to illuminate the room. Against the right wall was floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cabinets with a sitting area in front of it. "Go ahead and take a seat."

Vanessa obliged. Pyxis set his papers down. "I know this is quite odd. Being summoned by the Commander of the Garrison not once but twice, now."

"It is a little odd, sir," Vanessa agreed politely. "I understand we know each other. But, I can't imagine you were that good of friends with my mother. I mean...she wasn't exactly...nice."

Pyxis sighed. "Yes, your mother was a complicated woman. However, she and my wife were like sisters. I knew Jessamine before she had you. She was different back then. Not as..."

"Paranoid?"

Pyxis chuckled despite the unamused expression on Vanessa's face. His laughter faded into sadness. "Listen, Vanessa, I'll get right to the point. While I don't have all the details, I'm aware of your situation with the First Interior Squad."

Vanessa's eyes widened with fear. She jolted to her feet. "Sir, with all due respect, w-we really shouldn't discuss-"

"You have nothing to fear here, child." He gestured for her to sit back down. "This isn't an interrogation, and I'm not asking for the details, either."

Despite the burning urge to run, Vanessa lowered herself back onto the chair. She clenched her fists, trying to keep from shaking. "I understand you were ranked in the top ten of your class," Pyxis continued. "Considering everything that's happened, I can assume you won't be joining the Military Police?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then, allow me to offer you a place in the Garrison." This surprised Vanessa. Pyxis leaned back in his chair. "Normally, I'm against using personal connections. However, this is a special circumstance. Joining the Garrison will allow you to continue your duty as a soldier without the constant fear of the Military Police. I can keep you posted here in Trost as the entirety of the Southern territory is under my jurisdiction. You will be safe. And you can live out your life in peace. I'm quite positive you'll rise through the ranks in no time."

Vanessa processed his offer. Memories flooded through her mind. Memories of her mother, the man in black, Reiner, and everything she faced during the battle. Vanessa relaxed her hands. "Thank you for the offer, Commander. But I'm going to have to decline."

"Hm?"

"When I signed up, I knew right off the bat I wouldn't be joining the Military Police. In fact, my goal has always been to join the Scouts." Vanessa briefly thought of Eren. "I know what they are. I know the horrors they face almost every day. Maybe it's because of the hatred in my heart for the titans. But...after what happened, facing the titans firsthand, I felt oddly at ease in battle. Like I was made for fighting. Commander, I truly believe I can make a difference out there. I want to devote my service to the Scouts."

Pyxis reached into his jacket and pulled out a flask, taking a swig. "You understand the Scout Regiment has a mortality rate of almost ninety-percent?"

"I do."

"You understand you may suffer a brutal, agonizing death one day? You'll be surrounded by blood and despair...and yet, you still want to join?" Pyxis asked, studying her intently.

"Yes, sir. I do," she replied confidently. Pyxis searched her eyes, seeing the fierce determination. She was no longer afraid.

"Very well," he relented. He reached into his desk drawer and pulled a few blank sheets. "Then, allow me to do one last thing for you."

"Sir?"

Pyxis grabbed his pen, and twirled it in his hand. "A letter of recommendation."

Vanessa blushed from embarrassment. "S-Sir, you don't have to do that."

"Nonsense." Pyxis smiled at her. "Besides, how many Cadets carry the actual skills I'm about to boast about? Take pride in your abilities. I know you'll serve the Scouts well."

Old Scouts Regiment Headquarters, present day...

"I think...Captain Levi was just looking for skilled people."

"That's it?" Eren asked. "He wanted to find someone to help police me?"

"Maybe," Vanessa replied as she petted her horse. "I think this is another way of Captain Levi keeping you under control."

"Huh?" He frowned in confusion. "What do you mean by that?"

She shrugged halfheartedly. "You might be more compliant with a familiar face around. Constantly surrounded by strangers who are supposed to kill you if you lose control? Doesn't exactly put someone at ease."

"My comfort is the last thing I figured they'd be worried about," Eren pointed out.

"Perhaps." Vanessa led her horse to the stable. "It's just my theory anyway."

"Hey!" Eld called, catching everyone's attention. "It's time to get to work!"

As soon as the horses were taken care of, Levi put the entire squad to work on cleaning up the castle. Vanessa angrily worked on cleaning up an old library. Six days since Trost and I'm on Squad Levi, but what am I doing? What am I doing?! Fucking cleaning! She put the books in alphabetically order and began dusting the bookshelves. I thought I'd get to see some real titan-killing techniques. Better than in the Cadet Corps. Captain Levi came in, a bandanna covering his face. "What're you doing?"

Vanessa paused upon dusting the high shelves. "Uh, cleaning, sir."

"You need to open the window." He stomped over and shoved the shutters open, letting in the bright sunlight from outside. "Otherwise you're just gonna trap all the dust in here."

"Yes, sir." Vanessa hid her face so she could roll her eyes.

"Did you just roll your eyes?"

Vanessa flinched. His tone scared her. "No, sir!"

Levi's glare intensified. "Get a stool. You're too short to reach the top shelves."

"Yes, sir."

Vanessa kept her face calm as she grabbed one of the stools on the other side of the library. Eren stopped as he walked by, and entered the room. "I'm done with the upstairs, sir."

He pushed his bandanna down off his face. "If, uh...if I may ask, Captain, where will I be expected to sleep?"

"Your sleeping quarters are in the cellar," Levi answered, pushing his own bandanna down.

"The cellar?" Eren's shoulders slumped. "But, sir, again?"

"Our safest option. Your abilities are far from being under control. You might go titan in your sleep." Levi ignored Vanessa as she hurried between them with the stool. "One of the conditions of my having you in custody at all is that I keep you under strict security morning, noon, and night. While we're in dreamland, you're in restraints. That's the rule."

Levi noticed Vanessa watching them. "Stop staring and clean."

"Yes, sir." Vanessa got up on the stool to continue dusting. Levi walked past Eren. "I'll check your work. Take over here. I want it spotless."

"Yes, sir."

As soon as Levi walked out, Eren heaved a heavy sigh. Vanessa turned to look at him. "What's with you?"

"Huh?" He frowned at her. "Nothing. What's with you?"

"I asked you first." She pointed her duster at him. "Your angry disposition gets really annoying, you know."

"Angry dispo...? I'm not angry," he argued. "Why do you always say that?"

"Are you two having a lovers quarrel?"

Both Eren and Vanessa turned their attention to Petra who stood in the doorway with a broom. Vanessa nearly broke the duster in her hands in surprise. "N-No! We were arguing about Captain Levi."

"Captain Levi?" Petra blinked in curiosity. "Why? Did he say something snarky? He can be snarky sometimes."

"Not exactly," Eren confessed. "He's just so...intense."

"Don't feel discouraged. Everyone reacts that way," Petra assured them both. "Up close and personal, Captain Levi doesn't seem much like the hero he's cracked up to be. For one thing, he's a lot shorter."

"He's not that short," Vanessa stated.

Eren rolled his eyes as he looked over at her. "Everyone's not that short compared to you, Vanessa."

She threw the duster at him, and he dodged it. Petra laughed at them, easing the tension between the two teenagers. "Listen, guys, he isn't intentionally being a hard-ass. He's just very earnest about following the rules."

"He doesn't strike me as the type to do so," Vanessa noted.

"Funny you should say that." Petra leaned on the broom like it was a walking stick. "I don't have all the details, but...story goes, he was quite the rogue before joining the Scouts. A high-roller in the black market."

"No way," Vanessa breathed in disbelief.

"How the hell did he end up in the Scouts?" Eren asked.

"No clue. He's been with the Scouts for six years now, but no one really knows what brought him here," Petra confessed. "The most popular theory is that Erwin dragged him in kicking and screaming. And that Section Commander Raisa allegedly beat him into being the rule-follower that he is. Which is a disturbing thought, to be honest."

Vanessa plopped down on her stool. "Damn."

"Section Commander Raisa?" Eren thought back to the way Raisa ruffled his hair. "She seems too nice to beat anyone."

"Oh, trust me. She can be plenty scary when she wants to be." Petra leaned in, lowering her voice. "I heard that Captain Levi has never once beaten her in a physical fight."

"What's going on?" Levi demanded, entering the room. Vanessa and Eren snapped to attention while Petra suddenly started sweeping. "Eren, your cleaning is lamentable. Back upstairs, now!"

Smith Residence, Trost District, that night...

Erwin entered his home. As he expected, the main rooms were dark and quiet. He closed the door and paused, hearing little thumps above his head, like footsteps. He went upstairs, following the sounds. He turned right down the hall. Light came from the room at the end as well as Katya's voice. Erwin quietly approached, reaching the doorway. Inside, Katya sat on the floor by the dresser with Anastasia sitting in front of her. She was undoing the girl's braid, gently combing her fingers through her hair. Viktor sat beside Anastasia, listening happily as Katya told them a story.

Katya's tone was mysterious, and the children listened intently to every word. Erwin leaned on the door frame. He had heard this story before. Two gods who raised two princes. One prince grew to be an honest man, while the other became king and ruled with cruelty. Erwin wondered if the story was appropriate for the children once he remembered the horrible, gory ending. Anastasia happened to look up and met Erwin's gaze. "Papa!"

Katya and Viktor looked over, and smiled. Viktor scrambled to his feet, and Anastasia got up as well. They both ran to Erwin, and he welcomed their hugs. Though Viktor was taller than his sister, they both were barely taller than Erwin's waist. Katya stood up, smoothing her skirt. "Welcome home."

"Thank you," he said. "Seems I interrupted a wonderful bedtime story."

Katya smirked at his comment. "Well, I think it's fitting that you did. Some of us missed it."

She gestured to Anastasia's bed where their four-year-old was sprawled out asleep. His head was hanging off the edge, and his mouth was open. Erwin almost laughed. "I'll take Dominik."

He walked over and scooped up Dominik into his arms. The boy didn't even stir. While still asleep, he wrapped his arms around Erwin's neck and rested his head on his father's shoulder. Erwin held out his hand. "Time for bed, Viktor."

"Goodnight, Mom," Viktor said before taking Erwin's hand.

Katya bid him goodnight as they left the room. Erwin took his sons into a room on the left. Viktor ran off and hopped into the bed on the right wall while Erwin walked over to the bed on the left. "How was your trip?"

"It was good," Viktor answered. "Grandma was really happy to see us. She tried to get us to dance naked during the new moon, but Mom said no. Grandma said it was for some sort of ceremony."

Erwin gently laid Dominik down on the bed. He snuggled his pillow, and Erwin pulled the sheets over him. Viktor watched them as he thought. "Dad, what happened here? While we were gone."

Erwin walked over and sat down on Viktor's bed. "I would've assumed you heard what happened by now."

Viktor fidgeted with the edge of his sheets. "Mom wouldn't really talk about it. She said it didn't really matter, and we should just be thankful our house wasn't destroyed."

Erwin sighed. He could see the curiosity and intelligence in his son. He couldn't help but wonder if his own father saw the same thing in him. "In school, you learned about the Colossal Titan and the Armored Titan, yes? Everything they did in Shiganshina?"

Viktor nodded. "That was five years ago."

"That's right." Erwin spoke with a calm, gentle tone. "The Colossal Titan returned, and broke Wall Rose the same way he broke Wall Maria. Titans invaded the city."

"But...then how did we stop them?" Viktor asked.

"A boy named Eren Jaeger, not much older than you," he explained. "He has the ability to turn into a titan. He fought off the titans with the soldiers, and plugged the hole in the wall with a massive boulder. If it weren't for him, this city would truly have been lost."

Viktor furred his brows. "There's really...someone who can turn into a titan? But how?"

"I don't know. Even he doesn't." Erwin smoothed Viktor's hair back. His hair was always messy. "But he's with the Scouts, now. I'm hoping he can help us retake Wall Maria. Take back our lands from the titans."

Viktor noticed the hint of determination in his father's voice. He gripped the sheets anxiously. "Dad, can I join the Scouts? In three years, I'll be old enough to enlist in the Cadet Corps."

Erwin placed his hand on Viktor's shoulder. "Is that what you truly want? To join the Scouts?"

Viktor furred his eyebrows in shame and he looked away. "I dunno. I guess I...I just want to make you proud."

"Viktor, no matter what you choose to do with your life, I will always be proud of you."

His sincerity made Viktor smile. Erwin squeezed Viktor's shoulder then stood up. "Get some sleep. Goodnight, son."

"Goodnight, Dad."

Erwin left the room and quietly closed the door. He went back to Anastasia's room. Katya finished tucking Anastasia in, and then turned off the lamp on the nightstand. The room was now only illuminated by the lights from the hallway. "Goodnight, love," Katya said. "Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Mama," Anastasia said sleepily. "Goodnight, Papa."

"Goodnight."

Katya walked to the door, and Erwin stepped back so she could close it. She smiled up at him. "Bed?"

"Lead the way."

They walked down the hall to the other end where their bedroom was. Katya paused to poke her head into the nursey where their youngest, Lukas, was sleeping, and then resumed making her way to the main bedroom. While Erwin lit the lamp on his bedside nightstand, Katya began to undress. She sighed in mild exhaustion. "Can't believe everything that's happened to the city."

"Neither can Viktor," Erwin informed as he took off his jacket. "He told me you wouldn't tell him about the attack."

Katya paused as she was removing her shirt. "And you did?" She scoffed in disbelief at the look he gave her. "Erwin, nine is too young to know about such things. He needs to enjoy being-"

"-ignorant?"

"Innocent," she corrected, throwing her shirt on the ground. Katya took a deep breath as she placed her hands on her hips. "Viktor should experience a happy childhood. All of our children should. I don't want them to hear about the death and destruction that happened while we were gone."

"Katya, you know you can't control that," he argued, taking off his ODM belts. "I want to protect our children, too. But we have to be realistic...and honest. There's no way we can predict how they're going to handle the truth, but they deserve to hear it. We have to trust them."

"It's not a matter of trusting them, Erwin." Katya stepped out of her skirts and kicked them away. "I don't want to traumatize them. My sisters and I didn't exactly have a normal childhood. We're all messed up in some shape or form. I don't want that for them."

Erwin set down his boots he had just removed and walked over to her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, and rubbed her upper arms lovingly. "I know. Isn't it our duty as parents to prepare them for the real world? Our children are smart, and they inherited your strength. We can't protect them forever, but we can teach them how to protect themselves."

Katya sighed in annoyance. "I hate when you use reason against me. It makes it very difficult to keep the argument going."

Erwin smirked. He grabbed the bottom of her undershirt and lifted it above her head, leaving her completely naked. "We can argue about something else, if you'd like."

His eyes studied her from head to toe, taking in her body as if it was the first time he was seeing it. Katya untucked his shirt and unbuttoned it while his hands roamed over her bare skin. His fingers reached up into her hair and he titled her head up. He kissed her sensually, wanting to savor the feel of her lips. As they kissed, Katya slipped a hand down into his pants. Massaging his desire. Erwin suddenly wrapped his arms around her and picked her up. He walked her over to the bed and set her down. She reached for his pants again, but he stopped her. "Not yet."

He knelt down, and pulled her closer. He hooked his hands around her thighs and opened her legs. Erwin kissed the triskelion tattoo on her right thigh, and trailed more kisses down in-between her legs. Katya gasped from the pleasure she felt from his tongue. He had done this a thousand times before, and each time was like the first. He knew her body expertly. His tongue twirled around her sensitive spot, licking...sucking. Katya pressed her mouth against a fistful of sheets, muffling her moans. Instinctively, her body curled away from Erwin, the pleasure becoming more than she could handle. But, he held her firmly. Moving with her as he continued. Katya ran her fingers through his hair, arching her back as she felt that incredible build.

Erwin watched her squirm. Having this control over, watching her become undone by him fueled him to intensify the blissful torture. Katya gripped the sheets tighter. Her entire body shook as she came, trembling as Erwin slipped his tongue inside. Feeling her quake from within. A satisfied sigh escaped her lips. "I missed you."

Erwin raised his head and wiped his mouth. He smirked as he got up and threw his shirt off. Katya waited patiently, her eyes locked on his as he took off his pants. He climbed on top of her, kissing her more passionately now. She could taste herself on him. Erwin entered her slowly, excruciatingly slow. He kissed her again as he moved his hips in a steady, relentless rhythm. His desire growing as Katya succumbed to the pleasure once more. "I missed you, too."

Old Scouts Regiment Headquarters...

The Squad sat at the dining table, each enjoying a cup of tea. Vanessa sat at the end next to Petra while Eren sat at the foot of the table, facing Captain Levi. Eld set his cup down. "It's safe to assume our standing orders will stretch into next week. But word through the grapevine is we're gearing up for a big mission a month from now. One were a bunch of wet-behind-the ears graduates are slated to be our main backup."

Vanessa frowned at his comment. "That can't be right," Gunther said. "Why do something like that? Why subject them to that kind of danger again?"

"You have to wonder how many of those snivel-drop runts peed themselves," Oruo sneered.

"Excuse me," Vanessa interrupted, "but why are you so against it? Doesn't the Scouts need people? Normally, you get recruits who haven't seen any titan combat. Isn't it an advantage to have us on this mission?"

"You kids have been through enough with the last titan attack," Petra said, placing her hand on Vanessa's arm. "I see your point, but recruits typically have to endure months of training and preparation before they join a mission."

"Maybe things are different this time...?" Vanessa tilted her head to look at Levi.

He lowered his cup. "Mission planning isn't my responsibility."

"Well, regardless, we're left with a so-called trump card no one's entire sure how to deal with." Eld glanced over at Eren. "So, how does it work? This whole turning into a titan trick."

"Wish I could tell you, but the fact is my memory's not clear," Eren confessed, looking down at his hand. "I do know the trigger seems to be hurting myself in some way."

"He doesn't know anymore than what's been laid out in the reports," Levi added, taking another sip of his tea. "Not that you-know-who won't have a go at it. You'll be lucky to come out alive if that one lays into you. Raisa was probably right."

Eren suddenly felt anxious. "Uh. Who're you talking about?"

A loud bang echoed through the room as someone ran straight into the door, causing Vanessa and Eren to jump in surprise. They hit it so hard, the bar keeping the door locked jumped in it's place. Petra rushed over and pulled it out, allowing the person inside. Hange rubbed her head as she entered the room. "I'm so sorry. Good evening, Squad Levi! How is castle life treating everyone?"

"You're too early," Levi complained.

"Am I? S'pose I couldn't help myself," Hange said as she walked around the table over to Eren. "Hello, Eren. In the event you haven't pieced it together yet, it's my job to spearhead the Scout Regiment's research effort."

Hange placed her hands on the table, leaning on it. Gunther moved away, visibly disturbed by her proximity. "Essentially, I poke and prod our captive titan specimens," Hange continued. "I'd very much like your help."

"My help?" Eren furred his brows. "In what way? Like what would I have to do?"

Hange grabbed Eren's hand. "Join me, of course! On a quest of scientific discovery!"

"Well, uh...I'm happy to help, except I'm afraid it's not up to me," he confessed, slightly disturbed by her enthusiasm. "I'm under close restrictions."

Hange turned to look at Levi, shoving against Gunther. "Levi, what's on the docket for him tomorrow?"

"Clearing out all the weeds."

"Excellent, then!" Hange turned back to Eren. "Young man, tomorrow will be grand."

"Uh, kay...but, uh...what exactly will I be doing?" Eren flinched at Hange's broadening smile. "Are you running experiments or something?"

"Idiot. Shut up," Oruo whispered.

"Ah. I knew it," Hange mused. "You possess a singularly curious mind, don't you?"

Levi scooted his chair back and got up. Oruo, Eld, and everyone else did the same. Vanessa glanced back and forth between Hange and Eren and the retreating Squad Levi. After a moment, she got up as well and hurried after them. As she walked away, she heard Hange giggle in creepy delight. "Now...let's begin, shall we?"

End of Chapter 8