Chapter 19

Disclaimer: I do not own Attack on Titan

Rated M for gore violence, language, and sexuality

Enjoy

Trost District, Wall Rose, 850...

"Lookout!"

Raisa ducked, avoiding the bullet that wouldn't gone right through her skull. She didn't give the MP another chance to fire. Raisa flew towards her attacker. This time zig-zagging through the air at lightning speeds to avoid the bullets. The MP had no time to react as Raisa surged forward, slicing off a hand and driving her other blade deep into the man's chest. Then, another MP flew by. Raisa glanced over her shoulder in angry surprise. Eren quickly grabbed the rifle under the bench, determined to fight back.

The second MP raised his second gun. Instead of two bullets, two darts found their mark in Historia and Cassandra. Historia fell back into the wagon while Cassandra struggled to stay awake, fighting the drug. It hit quick. Her vision beginning to blur. She vaguely heard Eren call her name, but then he was hit with a dart and collapsed on top of her. Cassandra felt her whole body go numb, unable to push Eren off. Keiji glanced back, and gasped upon seeing the kids. "Guys! Hey!"

A female MP swooped down, nailing Keiji in the head. His body slipped off the wagon, rolling away as the MP took control of the reins. Raisa was still giving chase. Or, trying to. She flew after the wagon, dodging the MPs' bullets. The driver steered the horse left into a courtyard, and Raisa made the sharp turn. In the clearing, she found 6 more waiting. And Levi. He had turned into the courtyard as well, coming from the west. They met each other's gaze only for a split second before all 6 MPs opened fire.

Levi swung down and swerved into another street with 3 of the 6 flying after him. Raisa continued towards the wagon. She went up, spinning so fast that the MPs couldn't keep up. They fired their guns as fast as they could, desperately trying to hit her as she grew closer and closer. But it was too late. Raisa came down and tore through them, slicing them apart. But more appeared. Goddamn it!

She had no choice but to duck and dodge. A bullet grazed her right shoulder, but she ignored the sharp, quick pain. She avoided two more fatal hits, and slipped down a small alley way. If they're gonna follow, I might as well take advantage of the tight space. One of the MPs followed her down the alley. It was a tight fit, even for Raisa, but the man tried. He yelped as his arm scrapped against the stone wall, and he shifted momentum to fly straight up. Exactly as Raisa suspected.

She re-positioned her anchor, and flew up and over in a big arch. She released her anchors to keep her momentum going, and just as the man realized what she was doing...his head had already been cleaved. Raisa landed on the rooftop with the headless body. Shit. I'm losing track of the wagon. She took a second to catch her breath. Where'd the other one go?

"Commander?"

Raisa whipped around. Mikasa and Sasha were standing on the roof of the building across the alley. While Mikasa seemed surprised, Sasha's eyes were wide with shock. "What are you...? What's-"

Raisa lunged, drawing fresh blades. Mikasa instinctively raised her own blades as Sasha screamed, but Raisa only tackled them down. Bang! Bang! Raisa somersaulted over the girls and sliced upwards in an X at the MP. He cried out from the deep gashes she left in his chest. Then, she twirled over her right shoulder and kicked him off the roof. She made sure he didn't try to fly off before he splattered on the street below. "You kids okay?" Raisa asked the girls. "Any wounds?"

Mikasa got to her feet, instantly assessing the situation. "No, ma'am. We're fine."

"Good. Now, follow me," she ordered, running to hop off the building. "We need to catch the wagon before they leave the city!"

"Right! Come on, Sasha!"

"Uh...okay!"

Sasha and Mikasa quickly caught up with Raisa. They found the wagon on the northern road, headed straight for the inner gate. A female MP was driving the wagon while another male MP was standing guard over the Eren and the girls, keeping his gun aimed. Levi and the others entered the road, following in sync with Raisa, Mikasa, and Sasha. Raisa noticed the blood running down the side of Levi's face. "Where're the others?"

"Dead," he said. "I don't know who's left beside us."

"Damn it all," she cursed under her breath. Raisa kept up her pace as she turned to look back at the teens. "Listen up, these soldiers were trained to fight other people. If you hesitate for so much as a second, you're dead. The moment you see an opening, go for the kill."

"Yes, ma'am!" Mikasa said.

With that, Levi and Raisa swooped down in unison. Levi fired an anchor into the man's chest, avoiding his gun and dragging him out of the wagon. Jean gasped in horror. Raisa motioned to tackle the female MP from behind and drive her blade through the woman's back, but a third MP snuck up from above. She managed to knock the female MP out of the driver's seat and into the wagon, but Raisa was forced to dodge the third MP's shots. She instead threw her blade like an atlatl, and the blade stuck the MP in the gut. Sending him flying off out of sight.

"Armin, secure the wagon with Jean," Levi ordered. "We'll keep you two covered."

"Yes, sir! Jean, come on!"

Armin plopped down into the driver's seat, taking the reins and signaling the horse to slow down. Jean dropped into the wagon and held his blade to the woman's throat. "Don't move!"

The woman frowned up at Jean, seeing the fear in his eyes. She used her gun and knock his blade out of his hand. The force of it cause Jean to fall back onto Historia. The woman quickly got to her feet, and held the barrel of her gun mere inches from Jean's face. Mikasa surged ahead. "Jean!"

Bang!

Jean flinched as the woman's chest exploded outwards. She fell over, leaning on the edge of the wagon. Jean's gaze fell upon Armin who held a smoking pistol in his hand, his eyes fierce with desperation. Raisa noticed more MPs coming, from every direction. "Shit. Sasha! With me!"

Sasha obeyed, her instincts kicking in. They both arched down and snatched Armin and Jean out of the wagon. Just in time as the MPs crowded the wagon, firing at the Scouts as another MP took control of the reins and urged the horse to the inner gate. Mikasa was forced to slide along the ground, losing her momentum to avoid the gunshots. Her anger flared as the wagon and the MPs made it to the gate.

Before she could chase them, Levi flew down. "Let him go. We're running on fumes."

"No!" Mikasa shoved him away. Levi turned on his heel and wrapped an arm around Mikasa's waist, keeping her from taking another step. Her anger quickly turned into fear as the wagon disappeared from view. "Eren!"

Garrison Headquarters...

Katya was thankful that Nile and his MPs had finally left. It was getting harder and harder to hold her tongue from the disrespect Erwin was being subjected to. She set the suitcase down on the small bed in his "cell". Fresh clothes. "I brought you some more white shirts...since it's your favorite color."

"You're very thoughtful."

Katya smiled to herself. At least he's in good spirits. He was fine with undressing himself. That was relatively easy for him, but he still needed help when it came to his bandages. Katya had memorized the doctor's instructions religiously. His wound was healing nicely. The stitched area was a little red, but no signs of infection. Erwin winced only slightly when she pressed the clean gauze against the stiches. "Are the children alright? Do you they know...?"

"They're fine. Just a little confused as to why they're visiting their grandmother again so soon." Katya began wrapping fresh bandages around his stump. "I didn't tell them about this. I figured you'd want to be involved in that conversation."

He nodded. Erwin had no idea how his children would react to suddenly seeing him without his right arm. His youngest, Lukas, was only a year old...would he be able to hold him? Katya grabbed a clean shirt and helped Erwin put it on. "Maybe you should join the kids at your mother's."

"No," she said as she buttoned up his shirt. "They're fine, Erwin. And I'm not going anywhere."

Erwin smiled down at her. Before he could speak, Hange suddenly burst into Erwin's office. "Our situation just got worse! Eren remembered some vital information about the titans! And it's bad! We need to rethink the plan! Eren said it might've been a dream, so we have no idea if it really happened but I disagree! But, if this is true...shit, I feel like my head's gonna explode!"

Hange began groaning in frustration as she rubbed her forehead. Erwin had walked over to his desk and poured a mug of water as Moblit comforted Hange. "Section Commander, are you okay?"

"What's the problem?" Erwin asked as he held out the mug of water.

Hange snatched it up and gulped it down as quickly as she could. "Unless we recover him quickly, Eren will be devoured."

Reeves Warehouse...

Armin stared at the light coming from the lantern. He had his ration in his hands, but he couldn't focus. He couldn't eat. The other were eating, their munching filling the silence. Sasha was outside keeping watch and Raisa was cleaning the wound above Levi's left eye. Levi noticed Armin's guilty look. "What's wrong? All this filth kill your appetite?"

"No," he said softly. "Jean, there's something I don't understand."

Jean paused before taking another bite. "What's that?"

"When I turned around to try to save you...that woman already had a gun to your head. It's funny." Armin almost smiled. "How could I have shot before she did?"

"I don't know," Jean confessed.

"You shot first because she hesitated," Levi interjected once Raisa finished. "It's simple."

"I'm sorry, Armin." Jean lowered his gaze, glaring at the lantern. "You wouldn't have had to save me if I had just done my job."

Armin didn't seem to hear him. His own heartbeat filling his ears. "I know what it is. That woman I shot back there. I bet she was a really kind person. She must have had a lot more human in her than even I ever did. I pulled that trigger so easily. Without a thought. I'm-"

"-a killer," Levi finished. "And now that your hands have been soaked in blood, the person you once were is gone for good."

"Why would you say that?" Mikasa scolded.

"And you shouldn't regret it for one second," Levi snapped, ignoring her. "Because if you had chosen to keep your hands clean, Jean would be a corpse on a cart right now. I'll tell you why you pulled the trigger. Because your comrade was about to die. Armin, everyone on our squad survived today because you got blood on your hands. Thank you."

Armin furred his eyebrows even more. He was trying to let Levi's words soak in. But, he couldn't help by replay the memory over and over in his head. And you shouldn't regret it for one second. But he did. Raisa picked up her ration and sat down beside Levi. "It's okay if you do regret it, Armin."

He met her gaze, slightly surprised. "You took a life," she continued. "Everyone reacts differently. I know it seems wrong for us to fight humans, wrong for us to order you kids to do it, but we knew this path wouldn't be completely bloodless. There's no right or wrong here. Never was. If we're going to see this revolution through, we have to be prepared to make sacrifices. Make the difficult choices."

Jean clenched his fists. Despite him knowing what was ahead, it still made him sick of the idea of what he might have to do. "Ma'am...I swear, next time, I'll...I swear I'll shoot."

Raisa looked at the other kids. Mikasa and Conny both nodded, and Armin...though he took a shaky breath, he nodded as well. "Good. Now then, we should probably tend to our guests."

She got up and walked over to the fat man who had been separated from the other men. Raisa knelt down in front of him. "No point in screaming, boss."

She removed the gag from his mouth, and he shook his head, nearly shivering in fear. "Mercy, please! I'm just an old man they use to move cargo. I didn't want to, but-"

"I've met this one before," Mikasa said. "He seemed to be a prominent merchant who held up the evacuation during the incident a couple months back."

Raisa stood up, placing her hand on her hip. "Yeah, we know him. Dimo Reeves, right?" He turned away. Raisa glanced at Levi. "Feels kind of stuffy in here. Let's get some air."

Atop Wall Rose...

Raisa untied Dimo's wrists. He took a step back, eyeing Levi and the others warily. He glanced at the edge of the wall, seeing just how far up they really were. "You didn't bring me up here just to throw me to my death, did you?"

Raisa nodded to the city below. "Recognize it?"

Dimo reached into his jacket and pulled out his cigarette case. "Of course I do. This the outer gate. Is that why I'm here? To sight-see?"

Raisa smirked slightly as he lit up a cigarette. "This is the place where humanity first defeated the titans. The Colossal Titan appeared just as he did in Shiganshina...kicked a big hole and left us all to die horrible, gruesome deaths."

Dimo took a big puff of his cigarette and walked to the edge to sit down. "I've heard the story. A titan plugged up the wall, saved us all, blah, blah, blah...a true miracle."

"That miracle is Eren Jaeger. The one you tried to kidnap...twice," she pointed out. "And yeah, a lot of people died. Trost was left in ruins. The Scouts have being trying to fight back. To prove their sacrifice wasn't in vain. To let Eren continue to be that miracle...and now he's gone."

Dimo chuckled in response, nearly choking on the inhale of his cigarette. "So you brought me here to lecture me? Please, Commander. I'm just an old man and being up here makes my joints ache."

"You're right. Old men should be doted on." Raisa sat down beside him. "Tell me, what do you get out of this deal with the Interior MPs?"

"Deal? There was no deal. This damn job was forced upon us. And we failed...twice. The MPs will plunder the Reeves Company for everything it's worth. First, they'll kill me then set up accidents for all my employees. My dumb son, too. These men...I thought they were fucking idiots." He broke out into laughter, slapping his knee. "How ironic! Us bumbling thugs being hired to best you-you who spend every moment of your lives fighting and killing titans! But then...they got the better of you. Who'd have thought?"

"Yeah, it's kind of daunting, but as you said they're fucking idiots. Idiots led by a wildcard we didn't foresee," she confessed, rubbing the back of her neck. "What I don't get...is why you're rolling over so easily."

Dimo frowned at her dubiously. "They may be dumb, but they're the true power in this world."

"For now. To us, this isn't any different than facing titans. Might as well go down fighting if it ends all the same."

"No."

"Why not?"

"If I fail, it just means more of my men will die." Dimo slumped his shoulders. He was burning through his cigarette faster than he typically did. His throat was beginning to burn.

"They'll die anyway."

Dimo whipped his head to glare at her. Raisa nodded to the city below. "Trost was on the verge of collapse after the incident. But, despite the abandonment it received from the government, it's managed to recover. Largely due to the jobs and money brought in by the Reeves Company. If your company were to disappear, how many would survive the coming winter?"

"It's inevitable at this point," he argued. "The MPs have the kids, and the only possible salvation for my company is to hand you Scouts over. I might as well just accept my fate."

"Then hand us over."

Dimo spluttered in surprise. Sasha and the others gasped. Mikasa motioned to object, but Levi shot out his arm to stop her. "On three conditions," Raisa continued, holding up 3 fingers. "One: the Reeves Company and all if it's affiliates will ally themselves with the Survey Corps to oppose the Interior MPs, the government, and the king. Your absolute loyalty and allegiance."

"You're serious?"

"Two: accept the protection of the Survey Corps and it's allies. You will trust us wholeheartedly."

Dimo frowned in disbelief. "Trust you? Is that a joke? Merchants don't deal in trust."

"I'm not talking to a merchant. I'm talking to you, Dimo Reeves," she corrected. "What kind of man are you? Will you truly accept your fate and allow yourself, your men, and the people of Trost to die? Or will you stand beside us and fight? Honestly, I don't know what the right answer is. It's your choice."

He snickered and put out his cigarette on the stone. "What kind of idiot accepts a contact without hearing all the conditions first?"

"Oh, my apologies." She held up her index finger. "Three: from this moment onward, the Survey Corps will receive priority and full access to any and all rare or luxury goods and products the Reeves Company obtains for distribution. Beef and black tea, for example."

"Fantastic!" Sasha blurted. "That sounds like a fair deal!"

"Sasha!" Conny scolded.

"Who knew the Survey Corps were full of greedy officers?" Dimo chuckled then held out his hand. "I like it."

"You're a smart man." She placed her hand into his. They shook their hands firmly. "We have a deal."

Old Scouts Regiment Headquarters, Wall Rose, several hours later...

Whack!

"Oh, good. You're awake."

Levi stepped back, lowering his fist. Djel Sannes blinked through the pain in his right cheek. The last thing he remembered was a rifle butt slamming into his face. He and Ralph were being escorted into the woods by Dimo Reeves. He was told Reeves had managed to trick the Scouts. Djel glanced around the room. It was dark save for the moonlight coming in a window from behind. Levi was standing beside a tray of various tools while Raisa was tying an apron over her clothes. She also tied her hair back then turned to Levi. "Shall we begin?"

"Yeah."

Without warning, he punched Sannes again. He punched again. And again. And again. And again. Sannes coughed. His right eye welling up like a purple balloon, and blood was oozing out of his mouth and nose. "What're you-"

Raisa lunged with a pair of pliers. Sannes could do nothing but mumble protests as she tried to roughly grab onto one of his back molars. "What're you doing?" Levi asked.

"Trying to find one without a cavity," she said. "Ah. Found one."

She gripped the tooth firmly and yanked. She ignored his cries of pain as she examined the tooth. Sannes wormed against the ropes binding him to the chair. "Why are you doing this? Why-?"

Levi grabbed the man's nose and twisted it into an unnatural position. Tears flowed down Sannes' cheeks as he screamed. The door burst open and Hange stepped inside with Moblit behind her. "I'm back! You haven't finished yet, have you?"

"Barely gotten our feet wet," Levi replied.

"Sannes!" Hange growled, approaching with a glare. "I'm only a novice at human torture. But while I lack in experience, I plan to give this job my all."

"Hold on!" he begged. "At least tell me what you want! Who the fuck tortures someone without asking questions?"

"Oh, yeah. We do have some questions," Raisa said. "What do you want with Eren and the Reiss girls? What's so important about the Reiss family anyway?"

Sannes blinked with his good eye, genuinely surprised. But, he lowered his gaze, keeping his lips sealed. "Come on!" Hange urged. "Can't you see we're on a time crunch here?!"

She grabbed the pliers from Raisa and ripped off one of Sannes' fingernails. Earning a tearful scream. Hange moved on to the next finger, but she failed to grab the nail right and ended up breaking Sannes' finger. He resumed thrashing about, so much so that Moblit had to hold him back against the chair. Raisa and Levi rejoined the torture. So much pain. Sannes no longer screamed or cried out. He hardly had any energy to resist. As Levi stepped back to wipe the blood off his gloved hand, Hange presented the plate of nails to Sannes. "Sorry," she told him. "I don't have your knack for peeling nails. Just how many did you have to rip off to get so good at it?"

"More than I could keep track of," Sannes wheezed. His throat was sore and he couldn't breathe through his nose. "In these cramped, squalid walls, war has never broken out. And I can tell you why. It's because we of the first interior squad dirtied our hands to protect the king's piece. That teacher too smart for his own good, old fools who developed weapons, a stupid couple who tried to fly away, whores who screwed the wrong men! No matter how they beg or plead, we erased them to protect humanity. You should be on your knees thanking me!"

"I knew it." Hange set the plate down on the table. "You prevented this world from technological advancement."

"We should've eradicated you goddamn Scouts years ago," he continued. "We thought you'd just eventually die out...but look at you. Clinging to life like the cockroaches you are. You-GAH!"

Raisa pulled another tooth out and dropped it next to the other two on the table. "What? I'm sorry. I didn't quite catch that. You're going to answer our questions, Sannes. Who are the Reiss family? Why were they entrusted with the secrets of the walls?"

"In all my years...I've never seen anyone who takes such pleasure in human suffering as you! You're all monsters!" Sannes took a shaky breath, calming himself. "But I'm determined to face you without fear. Do what you will. For I…I have my faith. And I believe in the king and the peace within these walls. I believe that every last one of my wretched deeds was justified."

Levi and Hange exchanged glances, but Raisa kept her gaze glued to him. Sannes raised his head, meeting her cold glare. "If you're going to torture me to death, get on with it. That sounds like a fitting end for this blood stained life."

Raisa set the pliers down, making Sannes flinch. "You guys should take a break. I'll continue the interrogation."

Hange frowned. "What?"

"We're on a time crunch, right?" She turned around to face them both. "Leave me with him. I'll get him talk."

Levi's eyes widened. Hange's frown deepened. "And just how do you plan on doing that, exactly?"

"Just...trust me. Wait outside." She glanced back at Moblit. "All of you. And no matter what you may hear...don't come in."

Levi gently grabbed her shoulder, making her turn back to face him. "You don't need to do this. There's plenty of other methods we haven't tried yet."

"I only need a minute," she assured him. "He'll talk. I promise."

Levi studied her determination. He trusted her wholeheartedly, but...he couldn't help his worry. He finally nodded and gestured for Moblit and Hange to follow him out. Sannes watched them leave, his curiosity and fear mixing together. Levi grabbed the door handle, lingering a little as Hange and Moblit exited the room. He couldn't see Raisa's face as she stared down at Sannes. Levi secretly wondered what would transpire in the next 60 seconds. He closed the door. Moblit took a seat on the stairs while Hange paced about.

"What was that about?"

Levi let go of the door handle. "You've known her longer than I have. You're telling me you've got no idea about what she's capable of."

Hange glared in response to his tone. "Sure, but contrary to what Sannes said...none of us have dealt out torture. At least not in this capacity. This is a new for us."

"Maybe. But you always knew she was different."

"Both of them."

Hange and Levi turned to look at Moblit. "Section Commander Raisa and her sister, Commander Erwin's wife...they're the last of their race," he explained. "At least, as far as anyone believes."

Before either of them could respond, the door opened. Raisa stepped out. She used a clean part of her apron to wipe the sweat off her forehead. Levi immediately noticed that there was more blood on her apron. Way more. Hange peeked around Raisa, noticing Sannes still sitting in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. But breathing. "Well?" Hange demanded. "Did he talk? Did he say anything use-"

"Reiss is the true royal family."

Garrison Headquarters, a few hours later...

Erwin glanced out the window of his room. Commander Pyxis was exiting a carriage. Erwin had been placed under house arrest by the MPs the moment he had returned from the capital, but he wasn't allowed to actually go home. No, he was ordered to remain in an office suite. He turned to Katya who was setting out some shirts she had packed for him. "You should go home."

"Tired of me already?" she teased.

"Of course not." He walked over to her. "I'm worried. You've been awake for over forty-eight hours because of me."

Katya smiled up at him as she slid her arms around him. "You're my husband. It's my job to take care of you."

"And I love you for it, but you need to rest. I'll be fine on my own for a few hours." He kissed her forehead. "If the MPs make a move, I'll need you at your best."

"Alright," she said with a sigh and withdrew her arms. "I'll go."

She turned and headed for the coat rack, grabbing her shawl and bag. Erwin watched her. Even after 10 years, she was still mesmerizing to him. Many times he thought to himself, why did she choose me? His thoughts drifted until he realized something. "Katya. I never say this enough...thank you."

"Hm? For what?"

"For being here. For...," he gestured to his missing arm, "...everything."

Katya studied his demeanor then frowned. "Stop that. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I will always stand by your side. Always. You know that."

Erwin blinked at her seriousness. He hadn't expected a scolding. A soft smile slipped from his lips. "I don't deserve you."

Katya huffed in frustration and marched right up to him. She slipped her hand up around the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. A deep, passionate kiss. Katya poured her feelings out to him. Don't you see...? A knock interrupted them. As the door opened, Katya stepped back and smoothed her shirt. Peer stepped in. "Sir, Commander Pyxis has arrived."

"Send him in."

Katya grabbed Erwin's hand and gently squeezed. "I'll be back in a few hours."

"Get some rest."

"Yes, sir," she responded with a sly smile.

Erwin mirrored her smile. There was no doubt in his mind that he loved her. Out in the hall, Pyxis stepped aside for Katya. He nodded his head in greeting. "Mrs. Smith, it's been some time. You're as lovely as ever."

"It's good to see you, too, Commander." Katya smiled politely.

"Are you headed home?"

"Yes. To get some rest. My husband's waiting for you inside."

"Thank you," he said. "Have a wonderful evening, Mrs. Smith."

Katya returned the courtesy, and continued down the hall. The farther she got from the office suite, the lonelier she felt. She knew what she was getting herself into when she accepted his proposal. Don't you see? It's I who doesn't deserve you. Katya paused before stepping out into the cool night. The sharp, cold breeze that washed over her as she opened the door reminded her of that night. Reminded her of when she nearly felt the world crash down on her.

So I hear you're refusing to talk...

Ehrmirch District, Wall Sina, 838...

Erwin stood two feet in front the cell that held Katya prisoner. Her wrists were bound by heavy, iron chains attached to a ring on the ceiling. She sat in the shadows in the middle of the bed, picking at her nails. "You know how far the MPs will go to get what they want. Your silence will only earn you more unnecessary pain."

Katya continued picking her nails. "Are you their new interrogation tactic? Torture me by talking?"

"In a way," he said. "I'm the last shot before you're escalated to the Interior Military Police."

This intrigued her. Katya finally raised her head to look at him, studying him from feet to eyebrows. She immediately recognized the patch on his military jacket. "You're pretty handsome for a Scout. What the fuck are you doing working for the MPs?"

"The main investigator is an old friend of mine," he revealed, unbothered by her comment. "He sought my help in capturing you."

Katya raised an eyebrow. "That trap was your idea?"

"Yes."

She tried to suppress her smile, but she couldn't help it. "I'm impressed. Not many men have the balls to risk civilian casualties just to catch one mercenary. How'd you talk the MPs into letting you do that?"

"You're an exceptional mercenary," he noted. As he spoke, she got up and started leisurely pacing around her cell. "The crimes you've committed...one might say they were utterly impossible to carry out. You've infiltrated heavily armed compounds, assassinated heavily guarded high-ranking officials, all while evading capture for over three years. With that level of skill and expertise, one would think you've spent your whole life committing these crimes."

"Oh, stop. You're making me blush."

Erwin ignored her false bashfulness. "How did you do it? Did someone teach you?"

Katya stopped and gave him a sleazy smile. "My, my...we just met, sir. At least buy me dinner first before asking about my secrets."

"Should I take that as you accepting your fate, then?"

Katya snorted, disappointed with his question. She raised her gaze to the ceiling, studying the various interlocking chains. "Only the gods know my fate. And I bow to no one's judgement."

"Are they your secret? Your gods?"

Katya suddenly turned around to face him, having grown annoyed. "Why are you really here? You say you're your friend's last shot at breaking me before I'm shipped off, but your interrogation skills are lackluster at best. You obviously have an ulterior motive. So tell me, handsome,...what do you want from me?"

"It's true. I'm not here to interrogate you. Not really. I'm here to offer you a deal."

Katya softened her frown, taking a step closer to the bars. "What deal?"

"The Krylov Gang. Many of the jobs you performed were under their employ. Any of their associates the MPs have arrested and attempted to interrogate in the past have wound up dead before they could talk." She had rolled her eyes, but he decided to continue on. "Something tells me you won't be eliminated so easily. The Military Police is offering you a full pardon for your cooperation in taking down the Krylovs for good."

"They'd really let me walk away? Just like that?"

"One mercenary or the entire Krylov syndicate that's been plaguing these walls for over twenty years? I'd say the decision is easy."

Katya hummed in thought then approached the bars, grabbing onto them. "You know...being a snitch is almost worse than being tortured to death. No one's gonna hire me. A girl's gotta eat."

"You could join the Scouts," he said without missing a beat. "We could use someone with your talents. You could fight alongside us. Help us fight our ultimate enemy and-"

"No." She shook her head. "You said I'm exceptional. It's true. I am. I'm good at what I do. I could never be a soldier."

"I see. It's a shame." He motioned to walk away.

"How about this?" she asked, making him stop. "I'll cooperate. I'll give up everything I know about the Krylovs and how they operate. All of it. But...only if I continue to do what I'm good at."

"The only way that would work is if you'd become an informant for the Military Police," he told her. "Is that what you want?"

"Not for them. For you."

"Me?" he asked, taken aback.

"I've always wanted a politician in my back pocket," she informed with a shrug. "Connections are a great safety net."

"I'm a Lieutenant in the Survey Corps, not a politician."

Katya leaned against the bars, her head nearly fitting through the gap between them. "You can stand there stone-faced all you want, but you can't fool me. I see you for what you are. It's in your eyes. I've seen it many people's eyes. You may just be a Lieutenant, but you still crave power. I'm willing to bet you think humanity doesn't stand a chance until you're in command."

Her smile grew as she watched his demeanor change. She was right. "Having an agent who's more than willing to do the dirty work is extremely beneficial," she continued. "I can do things no one else can. I'm the perfect spy, the perfect assassin-baby, I can be whatever it is you need me to be."

Erwin lowered his gaze slightly as he processed her offer. His mind was racing with all of the possibilities of it. This would solely benefit him and his goals. How would he convince the MPs? Katya suddenly reached out and grabbed onto the belt on his chest, and yanked him forward. Erwin grabbed onto the bars to keep from falling. He was dangerously close to her. "So, handsome," she said softly, "what's your answer?"

Streets of Trost, present day...

Katya smiled at the memory. A strange sensation washed over her. Katya stopped and gazed at the empty street ahead of her. The sun had set and the street was practically consumed by shadow. But her eyes focus on the figure standing several meters away. A man in black with his face hidden by a hat. "I can see you."

The man chuckled, and raised his head. "Long time no see."

Katya gasped. "Kenny?"

End of Chapter 19