Stohess District – Survey Corps HQ – evening

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Sierra lounged against the wall, arms folded and eyes half-closed-deceptively calm-as she watched Hange Zoe examine a crystal fragment that had broken off the Female Titan's cocoon under a microscope. The temporary lab inside the Sina branch of Scout HQ reflected the controlled chaos that characterized the eccentric resident scientist/researcher of the Survey Corps. Books were piled in stacks over the table along with scrawled notes lying all over its surface.

Hange had her glasses pushed to the top of her head as she gazed intently at the shard, her analyzing skills working on overdrive as the time crunch grew increasingly audible. While Erwin was going outside to deploy teams to inspect the Wall for a breach, it was her responsibility to lead Pastor Nick and the Shiganshina Trio along with Levi to the Underground District. A handpicked squad was set to accompany the party on horseback as they would ride by wagon.

Everything was moving too fast. While Sierra understood it was all due to Erwin's desire to press what slim advantage they gained with Annie's capture, that did not mean everything would go as planned. She doubted the other traitors-whoever that might be-would come peacefully. It was going to be one hell of a fight to bring them into custody. From what I've seen and heard, we got lucky with this first one. Now that we've tipped our hand it's only a matter of time before they find out. Sierra thought, a frown tugging on her lips. She pinched the bridge of her nose, letting out an exasperated breath. Seriously though. Damn Erwin and his flashy theatrics. Bastard might as well just march down to the city's central bulletin board and post a GIANT ass sign on it with the following message: COUP D'ETAT INCOMING BITCHES. ROLL OUT THE WELCOME MAT.

And more people were going to die.

Which begged the question.

Just how far was the iceman willing to go…how many lives was he prepared to sacrifice all in the name of seeing his dream fulfilled for humanity?

She wasn't sure, but one thing was for certain: she refused to be treated as an expendable pawn in this very real, high-stakes chess game Erwin had set in motion.

I suppose goading ole Nicky into spilling his guts is a good start as any-but her train of thought was interrupted by Moblit Berner bursting through his boss' lab door. Frantic and breathless as usual.

"Squad Leader the wagons are ready! We need to go. Now!" When she continued to ignore her assistant, he grew even more agitated. "You can finish analyzing that fragment when we get back, please we need to get going-!"

"Quiet fool. Let her be."

He jumped, spinning around at the familiar husky female voice. Sierra Wolf's lithe petite frame leaned against one of the bookshelves

"M-Major Sierra I-uh what are you…I mean-"

Sierra narrowed her silver eyes at the hapless sputtering man.

"Shut up. We leave when she does."

Moblit gaped at her for a second before returning to hover behind Hange. Any other time, he would've obeyed her order, but Captain Levi and the 104th were assembled and ready. Everyone was antsy, anxious to be off.

"Squad Leader," he whined, causing a vein to begin forming on Sierra's forehead. "We need to go."

God sakes! We already know…you've only said that like, THREE TIMES ALREADY.

Hange must've sensed she was pressing her luck but she kept peering at the crystal shard through the lens of her microscope. C'mon, c'mon…what's the missing link?

It was smooth.

Solid.

Unbreakable.

Just like the Armored Titan's skin, but harder.

Kind of like.

Her eyes widened.

Diamond.

The walls were comprised of colossal class titans hardened skin. A tough smooth, unbreakable shell.

The fragment before her matched the composition of the Wall Titans and if she had to guess, the Armor Titan's skin was probably cut from the same cloth.

Sierra saw Hange come to her 'eureka!' moment as she stuffed the crystal sample into her jacket and race-walked towards the entrance. Without a word, she pushed off the wall and followed, peppering the scientist with questions.

"Well? Spill," she demanded as the trio quick-stepped down the stairs and out into the courtyard. Dozens of mounted riders awaited their arrival, torches blazing in their hands. "What is that thing?"

"I'll tell you on the trip to the Underground." Catching her friend's impatient glare, she held both hands in a calming gesture. "Promise Sierra. You'll get the answers soon."

"I better hag-"

But Levi's smooth, baritone growl dared to interfere as he stood near the wagon with the Shiganshina Trio and Pastor Nick.

"Finally, bloody-glasses," he grumbled, dressed smartly in grey trousers and suit jacket. "We were just about to leave you behind."

Sierra took in his natty appearance with a raised eyebrow, a small smirk playing around her mouth. "So. Who's funeral ya goin' to?"

"Haven't decided yet, she-wolf. Why?" Levi parried her question with practiced ease returning her amused stare with one of his own before mounting the wagon's lip.

"Just wonderin'. Don't wanna miss out on the fun." The short man chuffed and continued to shuffle further down the wagon's bed before settling on the wooden bench.

Suddenly Sierra became aware that the entire contingent of riders were staring at their brief no-so-heated exchange and she glared at the nosy soldiers, sharping her tone.

"Something funny maggots?"

Several Adams apples bobbed as the riders hastily looked away from her narrowed gaze. Then just as suddenly her demeanor shifted back into an impassive fortress with all doors locked and barred.

Eren stared at her, mouth slightly agape at the soldiers' reaction to just three sharply pointed words. Damn. Major Sierra is scary. She could give Mikasa a run for her money. And I thought Captain Levi was bad. Despite this, he felt in his bones that she would prove invaluable over the coming days, with her skills and as an ally. He hoped they could become friends. He admired her strength and fearless attitude and couldn't wait to work more closely with her.

He snapped to attention as did Armin and grudgingly Mikasa when her eyes grazed over their faces, settling on his the longest.

"Ready kid?"

He nodded, fist pressed tightly to his chest.

"Yes, ma'am!"

She gave him a curt nod, pressing her lips together to hide the tiny, traitorous smirk from curling her lip as she waved for him to take a seat.

"Good. Get on."

The trio obeyed. Hange motioned the Pastor forward and he climbed on flinching as the mad scientist hopped up to sit next to him chuckling at his pale face.

"Well Nick, I'd work on wetting those lips. If you value your life that is. Trust me, you do not want Sierra cutting loose and going Titan Ripper on you. It ain't a pretty sight. You've got this whole ride, so choose wisely."

Sierra ignored Hange's unsubtle threat, frowning at the seating arrangement. She noted Mikasa's position on the left-hand side and wanted to curse out loud yet again. The universe obviously hates me today. Because the only spot open was right next to Levi.

And it looked to be a rather…snug fit.

Sierra briefly closed her eyes letting out a deep resigned breath. This is Levi. Her brain whispered. He won't hurt you. He's not like…them. She mounted the wagon and made her way to the back. Surprisingly, when she sat down, she waited for the usual, inevitable tension in her gut and mind that accompanied being near a man. But it never came. Her body remained strangely calm. His presence didn't trip any of her internal alarms.

See. Told ya. Completely safe. You might wanna work being less hostile to him, yeah? It'll do everyone-including you-a big favor.

Sierra tilted her head towards the sky, eyes half-lidded.

We'll see. No promises.

Hange expelled a quiet huff of relief, thankful there'd been no outburst to deal with. She studied her shorter friend, wondering what brought about this subtle change but there was no time to analyze this latest development. The clock was ticking. Time was running out.

"Alright! Let's move out!" She barked, glasses flashing in the dying light.

Hooves clattered, horses neighed, and the wagon began rolling.

Withdrawing the crystal fragment from her jacket Hange returned her attention to studying it. Sierra tuned out the silence enveloping the wagon, recalling a conversation she had earlier with Erwin before he departed with his squad to observe Wall Rose for damages.

2 hours ago

Erwin Smith remained staring out of his office window. He'd dismissed Levi two hours ago so he could allow the injured man time to make his final preparations. Only his aide remained in the room with him. This is it. He mused. This is my destiny. I will lead the Scouts to victory and Eren will be the key to open this stifling cage and the secrets hidden in his family's cellar. Humanity will prevail and the titans will just be a horrible memory by the time this is all over. He certainly hoped so. It was the one constant in his life, the drive that permitted him to shut off his humanity and send thousands of troops to their deaths. It enabled him to accept his best friend marrying the woman he loved. He would see his dream fulfilled. No matter the personal or professional cost.

A sharp tap at the door drew him out of his reverie.

"Enter."

"Erwin. We need to talk."

The blond Commander turned to make eye contact with the only woman who could give Levi a serious run for his money in the titan killing department.

"How can I help you, Ms. Wolf?"

Sierra took a step into the room and shut the door, leaning against it with her hand on the knob.

"It's about this mission. So far, we've turned up nil regarding the Wall and we still haven't heard back from Mike or any of his group since they headed south. Something don't feel right and I don't like it."

What could he say that wouldn't sound like an excuse to her? Sorry we sent a bunch of kids to an outbreak site with no ODM gear? Sorry we didn't have time to prepare better because said giants are running around the inside of Wall Rose and are encroaching on the Interior?

"I wish I had an answer for you Ms. Wolf. Unfortunately, since the southern team have been gone longer than they should be is a tad…worrisome. But they're headed into dangerous territory with almost nothing to go on but a hunch. A wild one at best."

Sierra snorted, disbelief oozing into the sound. "Yeah that puts my mind at ease, iceman. You've got no damned clue what yer doin'. Basing a critical mission on a hunch is a move of a reckless fool."

Erwin pinned her with a dead stare. Unmoving. Confident in his dream. But her skepticism was well-founded and he would do whatever it took within his power to quiet her misgivings.

"Maybe so. But it's all we got left to us."

Sierra lingered, unwilling to leave before she spoke the troubled thoughts that'd been plaguing her since the discovery of the Wall Titans.

"Erwin." The seriousness in her tone caught the tall man's attention. "Ya know our ass is grass if we fail. The government will disband the Corps and we'll be serving hard time. Eren will die. No questions asked." The blond began to open his mouth when she continued talking. "But…on the slim, and I mean very slim chance we reach Shiganshina, open that cellar and uncover its secrets, defeat the Titans for good, free humanity from the Walls and all you hope for comes to pass, what then?"

Erwin paused a few beats, measuring his response. She always asked the tough questions when it came to his dream. While he respected his soldiers' opinions and thoughts Sierra was one of the few who injected logic into what she deemed foolish. Not for the first time, secretly wished she was like Levi who served him with blind devotion to the cause. But he hadn't gotten where he was by forcing people to follow. He wouldn't step on their free will.

"Then we'll continue to expand our reach. Reclaim the land that was stolen. You needn't worry Ms. Wolf. Put aside your doubts and trust me."

"Much as I hate saying this, I'd much rather trust Levi than you. This castle in the sky you're chasing doesn't come cheap."

Erwin shrugged, choosing to let the last part of her statement. He'd heard this statement so many times during his youth and cadet years it ceased to have any impact on his drive. "As you wish."

Sierra narrowed her gaze at the clock hanging on the left-hand wall. Damn! I gotta get! The hag's waiting for me in her lab-!

"-just let humanity die! You gotta help us out!"

Sierra blinked back to earth courtesy of Eren's urgent shout. Mikasa wasted no time scolding him and the young man slumped down in his seat, clutching his head. Hmph. Still hasn't fully recharged his strength, she mused before her thoughts were cut off by the sound of a flintlock pistol being cocked.

"Yanno," Levi said, his deep voice low and threatening, as he pointed the pistol at Nick's side. "There are other ways to get you to talk. Granted I might be injured and useless this time around, but it doesn't take much to watch one man. I hope we can settle this without blasting a hole in anyone. Aren't you?" Sweat slid down Nick's face as he fought to maintain his vows and his resolve.

Yep. My thoughts exactly. Sierra felt her insides tremble slightly at how menacing the dark-haired man was at her side. But her body didn't react negatively. It was the weirdest feeling. Too bad someone like him didn't exist to help me when I needed it the most. Scraps of blood-soaked memories flitted through her mind uninvited. Back then…I coulda used his type of strength.

"Levi," Hange interjected. "Threats don't work on him." Trust me I've already tried. "However, it seems this priest is capable of sound judgement."

Sierra barely repressed the unfamiliar urge to laugh. Sound? Really? Hah! The only thing 'sound' is the fact he loves his secrets a little too much.

Hange continued to keep on the verbal pressure, speculating as she went.

"That's why I wonder…what if the reason he doesn't talk is because he might know something. Something more important than the fate of humanity?"

If that's the case, then he'll become a liability to us. The longer he stays mum, chances are the King will send his attack dogs to kill him. Can't have a clergyman running around with the Scouts. He might break under pressure.

Eren straightened at his superior's theory but kept his mouth shut. His mind was racing a hundred miles an hour, but without the priest's cooperation, he couldn't voice his opinions. And he hadn't heard a peep out of Major Sierra since they'd left headquarters. He desperately wanted to know her thoughts on the matter but suddenly found himself too shy to find the words.

Armin spared him the embarrassment by clearing his throat.

"Major Sierra?"

"Hm?"

"No disrespect ma'am, but you've been…awfully quiet since we departed HQ. So, I was wondering if-if I could get your thoughts on what's happening."

Eren tightened his fists on his lap. Angry that his best friend-a timid mouse-was asking the question instead of him.

"So?"

Armin blinked at her curt response.

"I-I just thought-"

"If she doesn't wanna answer that's her prerogative!" Eren snapped at the blond trying to cover up his missed chance.

Mikasa leaned forward in her seat. "Eren!"

"That's enough." Sierra commanded. Silence fell over the cart. She slouched down, crossing her ankles and folded her arms across her chest. "I'm just as lost as you are kid. Ain't every day we find titans in the blasted Walls of all places. We're all in the same boat, tryin' ta figure this out as we go." Her brow furrowed as another thought hit her. "Speaking of which, that reminds me." She turned her head slightly in Hange's direction who had taken out the crystal fragment and had spent the past few minutes staring an obsessive hole at it. "You never answered my question regarding that."

"Yeah bloody-glasses. You've been staring at that shard so long, you've started to drool," Levi quipped. "Well? What of it? Talk."

"It's the strangest thing," Hange said lowly, clutching the shard tightly in her hand. Watched as the moonlight caught in its iridescent surface. "I ran tests on it and I formed this hypothesis. The material contained in this sample matches the makeup of the Wall. It didn't disappear when Annie froze herself."

"So, you're saying that piece broke off Annie's cocoon?" Armin asked.

"Yes. It's the only explanation that makes sense. The substance it's made of matches the Wall's surface. Hardened titan skin. Explains why the Cult is so protective of it." She glanced at the Pastor. "Isn't that right Nick?"

The priest said nothing.

Hange narrowed her eyes, a sense of urgency creeping back into her tone.

"Sooner or later, you're going to talk to us. Whether you like it or not. We're approaching the Underground, so prepare yourself. Levi and Sierra will accompany you down. Maybe after you see other people's plight, you'll loosen that tongue."

Sierra let out a near inaudible sigh.

Welp. Guess I gotta hold my nose for this. Yay. The Underground.

"Hey Major Sierra?"

She turned to face Eren, staring at her with earnest teal eyes.

"I'm glad you're with us."

He actually means it. But this ain't no time to git sappy. I don't do mushy stuff. She shrugged a well-toned shoulder.

"We'll see about that. There's lots of ground to cover."

Up ahead a row of low-slung buildings concealing a narrow staircase leading to the infamous Underground City drew ever closer. A pang of sorrow gripped Sierra's battered, war-ravaged heart. This was it. A return to the cavern of her worst pain and the main source of hatred against men.

She just prayed she could keep it together.

TBC…

A/N: Wow, finally updated lol. Big titan hugs to the 83 reviews, 165 faves and 241 follows. Guys, y'all have really blown my mind with your support and I want to let you know that I'm grateful! Enjoy and as always, leave a review!