Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexuality

Enjoy

Inside Wall Maria, 850...

The Scouts rode out of Calaneth District at full speed. Mike sniffed and glanced over to the left. Raisa and Hange noticed and followed his gaze. In the streets, a titan began to skip along towards them. Hange turned to look back to her squad. "We've got a ten-meter closing in from the left!"

The support squad acted accordingly, engaging and distracting the titan. "Gah!" Hange admired. "Look at it's glorious belly! So round and gorgeous!"

"Zoe!" Raisa scolded.

"Right, right! Nevermind!" Hange returned her attention forward.

Behind the center rank, Squad Levi rode in sync with everyone. Levi rode in lead with the rest of the squad. Darius could be heard telling everyone to ride forward and ride hard. Vanessa no longer wore her hair in a crown braid. She instead, had her hair in two braids coming from her part down into a bun at the back of her head. She glanced over at Eren then at Levi's back. She thought back to their training, preparing for the mission. Everyone gather around!

Fields of Wall Rose, yesterday...

"We finally got a copy of the plans," Gunther revealed.

He laid out the plan while everyone gathered around him. Levi stayed with his horse. Vanessa lingered before joining everyone. "Captain? Aren't you gonna hear the plan?"

"Gunther has it covered," he said, petting his horse.

Vanessa remembered her conversation with Erwin almost a month ago. "Captain, that day we went to Trost...when Sawney and Beane were killed, I spoke to Commander Erwin."

"Did you?"

"Yes, sir. We were discussing the true enemy. That perhaps we have enemies that can transform like Eren." This drew Levi's attention. "The Commander said that if I had more ideas, I should bring them only to you."

"And do you have any more ideas? Any answers that could benefit humanity?" he asked.

She was taken aback by the sarcasm in his voice. "No, sir, I don't."

"Then why are you bringing it up?"

"I'm just curious, sir...why Commander Erwin only wanted me to talk to you. It'd help to brainstorm amongst the squad. Maybe even Eren could figure something out," she offered with a shrug.

Levi hummed in thought. "I thought you were smarter. Obviously you'd report everything to me because I'm your commanding officer."

"Why can't I discuss it with the squad?" she argued. "Why be so secretive?"

Levi deepened his frown. "Because the Commander said so. That's all you need to know, soldier."

Vanessa felt a familiar shiver crawl up her spine. There was an undeniable sense of familiarity in the way Levi was glaring at her. His dark blue eyes. She had seen eyes like that before. That's impossible. Levi raised an eyebrow at her. "Stop staring. It's creepy."

Vanessa snapped out of her trance, and immediately looked away. It's impossible. It can't be. She clenched her fists hard, feeling her nails bite into her skin. "I'm sorry, sir. I'll...go listen to the mission briefing."

She walked away as she mentally compared Levi's face with the man in black. It's their eyes...they have the same eyes. She shook off her fear, calming herself down. She joined the squad and squatted down beside Eren. "...have our backs until we're clear of the city ruins," Gunther explained. "Everything beyond that will be uninterrupted titan territory."

"So...pretty much on our own?" Eren asked.

"More or less," Gunther answered. "The only thing to fall back on out there is Commander Erwin's long-range scouting formation. The Special Ops Squad will be positioned here on standby behind the center rank."

He pointed to the spot on the formation map. Vanessa blinked in realization. "That's pretty far back."

"It's the safest position in the formation," Gunther pointed out. "The supply wagons don't even get such fine treatment. Our goal this time is to simply leave then come back. Our recent training has been preparing for it. To see if we've got a shot at getting you all the way to Shiganshina."

"Understood," Eren said. "I still don't really know how to use my ability or if I can even control it."

"Eren, did you understand what the Commander was asking you about back then?" Gunther asked.

Eren furred his brows as he thought. "What did he mean by that? What do you guys think?"

"Not a clue," Eld confessed.

Petra shook her head. Eren glanced over at Vanessa expectedly. She rubbed her scar and shrugged. Oruo harrumphed as his horse snorted. "Well, if I told you that I knew, I'd be lying to you. That said I-"

"It's entirely feasible that this operation has an alternate goal," Gunther said, ignoring Oruo's glare.

"And what's that?" Vanessa asked. "Surely Commander Erwin wouldn't withhold the true purpose of the expedition."

Gunther sighed as he rolled up the map. "He's well within his right to withhold whatever information he feels necessary from the rank and file. If that's the case, leaving and coming back is all we need to concern ourselves with. Have faith in the Commander."

Inside Wall Maria, present day...

Vanessa frowned. Alternative goal? What could Commander Erwin possibly have planned? She noticed Eren staring at her. "What?"

"You think our friends have a shot at taking down a titan?" he asked.

She thought over his question. "Yeah, I do. They've been training for a month. We have to trust them, Eren. Trust in their abilities."

"Right!" He mirrored the determined look on her face.

The Scouts cleared the city ruins, entering the open countryside. In the command rank, Erwin signaled to his Section Commanders. "Long-range formation! Let's go!"

The Regiment began to split up. Following the formation ranks. As soon as it was on track, red flare signals came from the far right of the formation. Erwin released a green flare signal, changing the route. The horses huffed as they maintained a steady pace. Vanessa vaguely remembered the area they roamed. She hadn't been outside Wall Rose in five years. Squad Levi rode in silence, pushing ahead. An hour passed by, and more green signal flares appeared. Levi glanced back at his squad. "Oruo, pass it on."

"With pleasure, sir!" Oruo fired a green flare, signaling the change in direction.

A rider came galloping through the trees. Levi recognized him from the communications rank. "Reporting, sir!" the soldier said, riding alongside Levi. "An oral message! It appears the right-wing spotters have been wiped out! The early warning network is compromised. One of you will need to relay the message down the line."

"You heard the man, Petra," Levi said as the soldier returned to his squad. "Go on."

"Sir!" Petra steered her horse and took off to the left squads.

As soon as she left, a black smoke signal fire into the air. What surprised the squad was how close the signal was. "Vanessa!" Levi shouted. "Fire the signal!"

"Yes, sir!" Vanessa reached into the holster and pulled out the flare gun. She grabbed the black flare and fired into the air. Eren frowned in the western direction, worried as he realized Armin was in the right flank. Vanessa noticed the look on Eren's face. "Hey! I'm sure our friends are fine."

"I know, but...that abnormal is so close," he pointed out. "Too close."

"Give the Scouts some credit," she said with a half-smile. "They've been doing this a long time."

Eren nodded, realizing his own foolishness at his worry. Petra returned just as the squad was coming up the Forest of Giant Trees. Levi led them straight in, following the old stone road merchants used to use before the titans claimed it. Eren scanned the area as they entered. "Captain! Captain Levi!"

"What?" Levi growled.

"C'mon, sir! We're in a forest! We won't see a titan 'til it's right on top of us!" Eren complained. "The center rank's totally cut off! Something's coming up on the right, isn't it? So, what're we supposed to do? Avoid titans or defend the wagons?"

"Quit whining and move on from the obvious already," Levi ordered. "Neither of those is an option anymore."

Vanessa widened her eyes. Then what're we doing in here? Eren continued pushing Levi. "What are you talking about, sir?"

"Haven't you noticed what's around you? Take a look at these big ass trees," he said nonchalantly. "Perfect environment for ODM gear, wouldn't you say? Take my advice, Eren. Calm down and use your head. The best survival tool is your brain."

"Yes, sir!"

Vanessa glanced over at Eld, and noticed the worried, confused look on his face. She turned to look at Gunther on her right, and he had the same expression. Oh, shit. No one knows? Eren glanced back and met her gaze, the same realization on his face. No know knew why they were in the forest. The sound of a flare gun drew their attention west, a pillar of black smoke could be seen. Eren gasped. "Black smoke!"

"Damn thing's been on our ass since we came in here," Eld noted.

"Blades drawn. Now," Levi ordered, pulling his own blades out. "It'll happen in the blink of an eye. Be ready."

The squad obeyed, waiting as the horses continued forward. Behind them, a Scout appeared through the trees, flying away from something. Suddenly, a titan appeared and swatted the Scout right out of the air. The titan changed course upon catching sight of Levi Squad, and began stomping towards them. Everyone widened their eyes at the titan. It was 14-meters with short blond hair, and a female build. It was all muscle and curves. It seemed to smile in a mixture of delight and relief as it gave chase. "Go!" Levi shouted. "Move it!"

"Holy shit!" Gunther gasped. "How the hell are we supposed to pull evasive maneuvers in here?"

"It's catching up!" Eld noted.

"Captain!" Vanessa shouted. Every instinct inside urged her to fight, not to run. "Do we engage? Sir?"

"Look!" Petra pointed. "Rear reinforcements!"

Two rear squad Scouts flew through the trees, aiming for the Female Titan's nape. She dodged the first Scout, and grabbed his wire. He screamed as she squished him against a tree. The other Scout tried to evade the titan, but the Female Titan grabbed the second Scout's wire and threw the Scout onto the ground. Their body bouncing and broken. "Captain!" Petra nearly screamed. "Your orders!"

"It's dangerous!" Oruo shouted. "Let's take it out!"

"Captain!" Vanessa's instincts were screaming inside. "Tell us to engage, sir!"

Eld brought his blade up. "I'll cut the bitch!"

"Captain?" Petra furred her brows at Levi's back. "Captain!"

"We need your orders, sir!" Oruo urged.

"She's gaining on us!" Gunther yelled. "Let's just take her out!"

"That's the whole reason we're here, isn't it?" Eld asked. "Right, sir? Captain!"

"Your orders, sir!" Eren begged. "Please!"

Levi grabbed his flare gun and raised it up. "Everyone, cover your ears. Now."

He fired the gun. A loud, piercing sound echoed through the forest. Everyone except Oruo covered their ears. Vanessa still felt a ringing from the sharp sound. Levi put away the flare gun. "Remind me, what is our mission?" he asked. "Is it to simply act on impulse in the heat of the moment?"

The squad exchanged glances. "Let me answer that for you. It's not," Levi continued. "This squad's mission is to keep this brat alive, whatever the cost. Don't forget it. We keep pushing forward, on horseback. Is that clear?"

"As a bell, sir!" Petra answered.

"But for how long? We can't keep running forever!" Eren argued then glanced back at the pursing Female Titan. "She's right on top of us as it is. If we don't do something soon-!"

More Scouts appeared, trying to distract the Female Titan. However, she killed them easily. Dodging their blades and squishing them against the trees. "No!" Eren screamed. "They keep coming! They're all gonna die unless we turn around and do something!"

"Eyes front!" Gunther ordered. "Stop lookin' behind us!"

"Seriously?!"

"Keep pace with the group!" Eld shouted. "Maintain top speed or we're all dead!"

"Eld, please! Help them! If the Levi Squad can't stop this thing, then who can?" Eren turned and met Vanessa's gaze. "Vanessa, c'mon! You know those men need us!"

Vanessa glanced back at the Female Titan. It didn't matter how many Scouts came for her, she killed each one. She smashed one in her fist and another she stomped on like the soldier was an insect. They all screamed in terror in their final, brutal moment. Who's the real enemy here? Erwin's voice echoed in her head. She gripped the reins in deep regret as she returned forward to meet Eren's gaze. His eyes were seeking her support desperately. "We have our orders, Eren!" she reminded. "Eyes forward!"

"What?" he gasped. "How can you ignore what's happening? What the hell is wrong with you? We can't abandon our comrades!"

"We have to!" she argued.

"They're dying! We have to help them!" he pleaded. "Vanessa, please! Are we seriously supposed to ignore them? Let them die?"

"Yes!" she snapped. "Now, listen to Captain Levi! Eyes forward, damn it!"

"I can't ignore it!"

"Stifle it!" Oruo growled. "Behave like a soldier!"

Eren growled as he sheathed his blades, and raised his fist to his mouth. "No, Eren! Stop!" Petra ordered. "You're only permitted to assume titan form when your life's in extreme peril! That was the agreement! You swore an oath!"

Eren stared at her then opened his mouth. Petra gasped. "Eren!"

"I wouldn't blame you. Do as your conscience dictates," Levi said, surprising Eren. "How're you supposed to know where to draw the line? Look, we don't agree because our experience brings us to opposing views. At the end of the day, there's no reason to go against how you see it. The choice is yours. You can trust yourself, or you can trust the people willing to put their lives on the line for you. I don't know which way is better. I never have. In the end, you choose what you choose."

Eren glanced back at the Female Titan. She was closer now, keeping pace with the horses. He opened his mouth again, touching his fist against his teeth. "Eren," Petra begged. "Trust us."

Scouts Safehouse, Inside Wall Rose, two weeks ago...

"Good news," Levi said. "There may be a way to stop you without killing you."

Eren furred his brows. "Sir?"

Levi approached the chalkboard everyone stood in front of. "In your titan form," he explained as he drew a figure. "We may have some middle ground after all. The method I've come up with will only leave you mutilated. Well, at least in theory. Depends on individual skill."

On the figure of a person he drew, he outlined an oval over it. "Essentially, we cut the entire nape from the body with you inside. Your arms and legs will be severed half-way in the process, but you'll survive. As a matter of fact, they'll probably just grow back, lizard-style. Creepy little bastard."

"H-Hold on a sec," Eren said, worried. "I'm not really sure how it works."

"According to the reports, you lost an arm and a leg," Levi reminded. "And when Vanessa pulled you out of your titan body, they grew back."

"Wait...Vanessa pulled me out?" Eren glanced back at Vanessa.

She was sitting on a stack of crates off to the right while Petra stood beside her. "Actually, sir, Armin Arlelt was the one who saw him lose his limbs. When I pulled him out, his arm and leg were already...healed, I guess."

"You didn't cut him out?" Eld asked.

"No," she answered. "When he ran out of strength, his titan body began to disappear. The nape just...opened."

"Opened?" Hange echoed. She was sitting on the big crate to the left of Levi, listening intently whilst trying to contain her excitement.

"Yeah. But, Armin was so sure that Eren had lost both his arm and leg. He said they were bitten off." She gestured to Eren's right side. "Now, look at him."

"Then it's settled," Levi declared.

"Whoa, whoa." Eren glanced back and forth between Levi and Vanessa. "I mean, that was just a one-time thing. There's no way of knowing that they'll actually grow back again. Maybe it's not worth the risk."

Levi narrowed his eyes at Eren. "Oh, I see. You're only up for this if there's no risk involved whatsoever."

"...no."

"Then be prepared," Levi ordered. "We're in the same boat. If you go on a rampage, you could kill us. So we're even."

"Yes, sir," he said, sighing. "Seems perfectly fair to me."

"Just to be clear...I have the go-ahead, right?" Hange asked. There was a glare over her glasses, making it impossible to see her eyes.

"We can't afford not to run tests," Levi said. "So yes, you're good. Just try to keep him from going rogue right out of the gate."

"Oh, not to worry. I have a plan," she mused. "Eren, I know you're still a mystery to yourself, but we learn as we go. Knowledge is always worth the risk. I believe that."

Everyone gathered outside. Levi and Hange walked Eren over to the dried up well so he could climb down inside. The rest of Squad Levi waited several yards away on horseback. Vanessa turned her attention away from the well and back to the squad. "...been craving pies of all things," Eld said. "Plus, the doctor says it might be a boy with the way she's carrying."

"That's amazing," Petra beamed. "Wow. In only three short months, you're gonna have an adorable baby. You ready?"

"Hell no," Eld confessed with a smile. "But I'm excited."

"Oh, congratulations, Eld," Vanessa said. "I didn't know you were expecting."

"Yeah, thanks. It's been known for awhile which I guess is why I didn't mention it." He shrugged. "Sorry, kid."

"No, no. I get it. I'm new."

"Don't feel bad, Vanessa," Petra said reassuringly. "We're all getting to know each other. Well, us and you kids, that is. Trust me, I know exactly how feel. As the former youngest member of Squad Levi, it took a while to get these old guys to open up."

"Old guys?" Eld, Gunther, and Oruo frowned at Petra in surprise.

"I think I'm more surprised than anything," Vanessa confessed. "I had always heard that Survey Corps soldiers never had families. Spouses nor children. In training, the instructors made it seem like you had to give those up if you wanted to be a Scout."

"They're not entirely wrong," Eld said with a shrug. "But there's no real reason why you can't have a family."

"Occupational hazard?"

Gunther snorted. "Good point. It's really a personal choice, kid."

"There's lots of us that have families. Eld, for instance. Captain Levi and Section Commander Raisa, Commander Erwin, Section Commander Mike, Nanaba, Dirk, Lynne..." she trailed off and her face grew a little melancholy. "However, there are some who choose not to get married and have kids. There's a lot that goes into the decision. And we accept them all the same. There's never been any judgment."

Vanessa processed their words. How are we supposed to be together if I'm in the MPs and you're with the Scouts? Reiner's words echoed in her mind. She cursed herself for even thinking of him. "Thinking about Eren?" Petra asked with a sly smile. "Is that why you're asking about families?"

"Huh?" Vanessa frowned in confusion. "What does Eren have to do with it?"

"Oh, please," Oruo said, scoffing. "It's obvious he's got everything to do with it. Especially with the way you two bicker about all the time."

"Bicker about?" Vanessa narrowed her eyes. "Who talks like that?"

"Ignore him," Petra said with an annoyed sigh. "He ruined the moment."

"What moment?" Then realization hit her, and Vanessa blushed. "Me and...Eren? N-No! It's not like that."

"And the moment was saved," Gunther noted.

"There's no moment!" she argued. "We're just comrades, okay? Nothing else."

"No need to get so upset if there's truly nothing going on," Petra teased. "I mean, no on would blame you. He is very handsome."

"Yeah, kid. Go for it," Eld said.

Vanessa's cheeks burned brighter then she suddenly switched off her embarrassment as she realized something. "Wait a sec. Wasn't Eren supposed to transform by now?"

Everyone looked over at the well. Hange and Levi helped Eren climb out. His hands were covered in bite marks and he had blood dripping down his chin. Petra rode forward, pulling her medical supplies from her horse pack as soon as she reached them. She took Eren over to the picnic table near the well to bandage his hands and clean him up. Everyone else approached as Hange fussed with Moblit. Another Scout, Nifa, brought over some tea and began serving everyone. While Petra was tending to Eren, Vanessa watched intently and curiously. Despite the stares she was getting from Oruo, she listen like a good student to everything Petra said. Eren said nothing, utterly disappointed in himself. Levi stood over him, glaring. "You're telling me the bite wounds on your hands show no sign of healing?"

Eren rubbed his bandaged hands. "None, sir."

"Vanessa." Hange grabbed Vanessa's shoulder and turned her away from the squad. "Come with me. I have some questions for you."

"Uh, yes, ma'am." Vanessa glanced back at the others.

Hange led Vanessa towards the woods, back to the safehouse with Moblit walking beside them. "So, Eren tells me you were swallowed by a titan, is that correct?"

"Huh? Oh, right. Yes, I was." Vanessa reluctantly remembered the unpleasant feeling of the titan's throat. "It sucked."

"You have to tell me everything," Hange insisted. "I don't see any obvious injuries. Did it gobble you up whole? How did you escape? Could you move inside of it? Could you breathe? Did you climb out of it's stomach? What was it like? Tell me!"

"Section Commander, can you let her go?" Moblit asked.

Hange held Vanessa by her arms and had her so close, their noses were touching. Hange realized their proximity and gently released Vanessa. "So sorry about that, my dear. Got a little carried away."

Vanessa eyed Hange warily. "It's alright. You're just a little...overwhelming."

"I am," Hange agreed, proudly. "Care to share your story of being swallowed by a titan? I'd very much like to hear. Don't spare any details."

"Well," Vanessa began with a sigh, "I kind of flew into it's mouth and-"

The sudden flash of lightning and rumble of thunder shook the ground. Vanessa glanced back through the woods, and noticed steam rising into the air. Eren! She took off, heading back to the well. Hange ran after her with Moblit following. "Please be what I think it was! Please be what I think it was!"

As soon as they cleared the forest, Hange burst into shouts of joy while Vanessa kept running. Eren stood atop a titan ribcage with one arm covered in only muscle. He was surrounded by Squad Levi, each of them had their blades drawn and stood in a defensive stance. Captain Levi stood in-between them and Eren, trying to keep the soldiers calm. Hange suddenly rushed past Vanessa, and pushed Gunther out of the way as she skidded to a halt. "EREN! I wanna touch the arm. I wanna touch the arm! Pretty please with sugar on top, let me touch this glorious thing!"

Eren furred his brows at her enthusiasm. "I don't think that's such a good-wait, no!"

Hange placed her hands on the titan muscle and suddenly jumped back, screaming in pain. "Son of a bitch! That mother is hot when there's no skin! This is the best day in the history of science!"

"You're a maniac!" Moblit shouted, fussing over her. "You hear me? A maniac!"

While everyone was watching Hange, Vanessa hopped up onto the titan ribs. She did so quickly, wincing from touching the hot bones. She could feel the heat even through her boots. "Eren! What's going on? Are you okay?"

Eren gazed up at her, frightened and confused. "No, I can't get free! I don't know what happened. I didn't mean to-"

"Vanessa!" Oruo shouted. "Get down from there, now!"

"Get away from him!" Petra added.

She ignored them. "Eren, just let go. You've done it before."

"I can't!" he panicked.

He yanked on his right arm. The muscles were fused to his skin. Vanessa squinted. She couldn't really see a point of separation between him and the titan. It was like they were one. Vanessa drew a single sword and Eren gasped. "Vanessa, stand down," Levi ordered. "Now!"

"Don't move, Eren," she said.

"W-Wait! Don't cut off my arm!"

Levi motioned to jump. "Stop!"

Vanessa cut swiftly. The titan muscles holding Eren were suddenly severed, and he fell off the titan. He tumbled down onto the ground, landing hard. Hange began to scream as the titan started steaming faster, evaporating. "No! What are you doing?! I wanted to put it under the knife!"

Vanessa jumped down off the titan, landing next to Eren as he struggled to get up. She turned to Levi. "I'm sorry, sir. But, the situation seemed to be getting out of hand. I only meant to diffuse it."

"All you had to do was say you were going to cut him lose," he pointed out, his voice dripping with controlled anger. "While I appreciate your quick thinking, your disobedience will not go unpunished. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

Eren stood up and almost doubled-over. Vanessa grabbed onto his arm, and helped stay upright. Levi noticed the paleness in Eren's face. "You feeling okay or what?"

"Not...exactly," he breathed. "No..."

Eren lost consciousness as he collapsed onto Vanessa. She managed to catch him, bracing herself against his dead weight. "Uh...can I have a little help? Please? He's really heavy."

Gunther took a step forward, but Levi motioned for him to stay back. "No," Levi said. "This is your punishment."

"Sir?" She furred her brows. Eren was growing heavier and heavier by the second.

"Take Eren back to the safehouse." He pointed to the woods. "All the way inside. To his bed. I don't care if he regains consciousness. You're going to drag his ass all the way there."

Vanessa wanted to whine. Eren's bed was over a hundred yards away. "What're you waiting for?" Levi taunted. "Sun'll be going down soon."

She fought off her urge to throw sass right back at him. "Yes, sir."

That night...

Vanessa sat in the great room, slouched in the chair. She was exhausted and couldn't hear a word Hange was saying. Despite the growing soreness in her body, lugging Eren's body from the well to his bed was an intense workout. She couldn't help but wonder if Mikasa grew to be so strong because she always had to drag Eren's heavy ass out of trouble. "...essa, you still with us?" Hange shook Vanessa's shoulder. "Hey!"

"I'm awake!" Vanessa flinched then calmed herself.

"Moblit, can you go get Levi and Eren for me?"

"Yes, ma'am." Moblit headed for the door.

Petra reached over and rubbed Vanessa's back. "Relax. Here's some tea." She pushed a cup towards Vanessa. "It'll calm your nerves."

Vanessa sat up straight in her chair, and gazed down at the cup of tea. "I think I seriously messed up. The whole point of this squad is to be able to kill Eren if he loses control, right? I'm pretty sure I just failed that expectation."

"I wouldn't say that," Gunther countered. "Yes, we are here to guard Eren from hurting others, but we're also here to protect him."

"You know Eren better than we do," Eld pointed out. "We made a judgment call based on our own experiences and what we currently know of Eren's abilities. We saw him as a threat. You saw that he was in trouble."

"You already acknowledged your own mistake in disobeying Captain Levi." Petra moved her hand to Vanessa's arm. "But, you shouldn't feel bad for what you did today."

Vanessa said nothing. The door opened and Moblit held it open so Levi and Eren could walk through. Levi harrumphed upon meeting Hange's gaze. "Man, how long of a shit were you taking, anyways?"

"Oh, long enough to get the job done. Thank you for asking," Hange said, unfazed. "Meeting the brass can do a number on your bowels."

Vanessa frowned at her tea cup, growing uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "But enough about that," Hange said as she set something down on the table. "Feast your eyes on this."

She unwrapped the item. A small, silver teaspoon. Eren frowned at it. "Is that...the spoon I was using earlier?"

"The very one. Your spontaneous titan arm erupted into being while holding it like so." She held up the spoon. "Resting between the thumb and index finger. This utensil wasn't warped by the heat or by the pressure. Any thoughts on the matter?"

Eren blinked. "Uh...all I know is that I went to pick it up. When I did, the arm came out of nowhere."

"Interesting," Hange hummed as she twirled the spoon in her hand. "This might explain why you couldn't change in the well. I'm certain of it."

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it. Slaying titans, blocking cannon fire, lifting big rocks...in each instance before assuming titan form seemingly at will, there was a distinct goal in mind," Hange explained. "I believe it's possible that self-harm isn't the only catalyst of transformation. A clear objective is a crucial ingredient as well."

"I think you might be on to something. This last time was a lot like the time with the cannonball, but-" he gazed down at his healed hand "-I transformed into a titan just to pick up a damn spoon? That's insane."

Gunther studied Eren, watching him warily. "So, uh, what I'm getting out of this is what you pulled wasn't something you did on purpose?"

"No, sir," Eren answered.

Oruo, Petra, Eld, and Gunther all exchanged nods. They raised their fists to their mouths and chomped down. Hange gasped in confusion while Vanessa flinched at the sound of teeth sinking into flesh. "What the fuck guys?"

"What do you think you're doing?" Eren demanded.

"Okay, that hurts like a son of a bitch." Eld unclenched his fist, trying to shake off the pain. "Damn, kid. I'm impressed you can sink your teeth in without shrieking."

"We made a judgment call today and it was wrong," Gunther explained. "Consider this our way of apologizing. That is if you can find it in your heart to forgive us."

"Forgive...you?"

"We have to make spur of the moment decisions, okay?" Oruo snapped. "Make the best call we can with what we know. It's our job to keep you in check!"

"The fact is we were scared," Petra confessed, lowering her hand onto the table. "That's no excuse, I know. You've every right to be upset." She glanced over at Vanessa. "All that aside, we're doomed if we can't trust one another. Just as you are if you can't trust us."

Vanessa studied Petra's expression, and nodded, understanding. Eren furred his brows. "I don't understand. I'm the one that-"

"Eren," Vanessa said, meeting his gaze. "They're asking-we're asking, all of us, for you to..."

Forest of Giant Trees, Wall Maria, present day...

"Trust us!" Vanessa shouted.

Eren saw the determination in her gaze, the silent promise of trust and protection. He raised his gaze to the Female Titan as she reached out, aiming to grab him. "Eren! C'mon!" Levi shouted. "Make up your damn mind!"

Eren lowered his hand, fighting off his urge to fight. "I'm with you!"

Another Scout appeared, but was snatched out of the air by the Female Titan. As she ran, she lowered herself, building up speed. Gunther warned the squad, and they kicked their horses into full speed. Vanessa felt a shadow envelop her. The Female Titan stretched out her arm. Her fingers were only a few yards away from Eren. They reached a clearing, and found themselves passing numerous rigs of anchor filled cannons. It was only for a moment that they saw it. Numerous Scouts hidden behind the contraptions, waiting. Vanessa widened her eyes. God damn. The Female Titan stomped forward and as soon as she was in, Commander Erwin's voice boomed through the forest. "FIRE!"

The soldiers pulled the triggers. A barrage of grapples and anchors were unleashed upon the Female Titan. Levi Squad barely cleared the path. The Female Titan raised her arms and covered her nape as dozens upon dozens of anchors and wires attached to her body. They dug in everywhere, her joints, her legs, her face, her arms. Vanessa glanced back as the squad continued on. Holy shit! They caught her! Fucking Commander Erwin, he...he caught her! "Everyone hitch your horses a bit further on. Switch to ODM gear," Levi ordered, turning to look back at them. "I have to break away for a little while. Tuck Eren somewhere out of sight. Vanessa, with me!"

Vanessa blinked in surprise as Levi took off into the trees. She hopped up to stand on the saddle and fired her anchor onto a nearby tree, flying off after Levi. She caught up with him as they returned to the clearing where the Female Titan was trapped. Levi hopped up onto a branch beside Marlene, and Vanessa landed next to him. "Vanessa, stay here for now."

"Yes, sir." She watched him take off high into the trees where Commander Erwin and Section Commander Raisa were. I wonder...why bring me along? She shifted her gaze to the Female Titan struggling against the numerous grapples. Vanessa stared at the titan's face. She looked extremely panicked. It was obvious she was desperately thinking of a way out. Her pale blue eyes were full of fear, like an cornered animal. Vanessa narrowed her eyes as she studied the Female Titan further. She had never seen a titan like this one, and yet, she looked oddly familiar. "What the hell?"

Levi reached the branch Erwin and Raisa were perched on. He landed beside Raisa with a disappointed sigh. "She's not putting up much of a fight."

"That's no reason to let our guard down," Erwin said. "Good work leading her here. I'm more than a little impressed."

"We couldn't have without the rear contingent who's lives bought us time," Levi pointed out, shifting his glare to Raisa. "This belongs to them. I don't intend to ever forget that."

"Very well," she said, unfazed by his tone. She stared down at the Female Titan. "We'll know soon enough who's in there. You can bet...they're probably pissing themselves right about now."

End of Chapter 10