Chapter 21: Breaking Point

(One day later)

Getting some actual sleep was unsurprisingly difficult for Annie. The people she killed in brutal, horrific ways, the terror she brought upon them as she was hellbent on completing her mission, and, of course, Dillon's accusations and agony, were memories that would not leave her alone. She could only imagine how his parents were suffering right now, knowing that their son would never come home because of what she did.

Despite all this weighing on her mind, she managed to climb out of bed and get ready for the day's events. She had to keep up appearances until she found another opening. With the custody of Eren being transferred to the Military Police this afternoon, it would give her plenty of opportunities to take him. All she had to do was wait and play her part.

As she descended down the stairs, Annie took note of the fact that her fellow officer cadets were standing in a line. She was late again.

Normally, Hitch would make some snide, snarky remark on her appearance, tardiness, or whatever came to mind. Today, however, she said in a gentle tone, "Hey. I didn't think you'd show up today."

Annie didn't respond, choosing to fall in with the rest of them.

"So… how are you doing?" Hitch asked.

"I didn't ask for your pity, Hitch," Annie said coldly, "so don't give it to me."

"I'm just trying to-"

"Leave her alone, Hitch," a black-haired cadet, Marlowe Freudenberg, rebuked. "You're not helping."

"You don't know that," Hitch shot back, sounding insulted.

"Knock it off," a silver-haired cadet, Boris Feulner, ordered quietly as he heard footsteps approaching their position

They saluted their commanding officer, Dennis Aiblinger, as he walked sluggishly towards them with a stack of papers in his hand. His brown hair was a mess and he didn't even have the decency to clean up his unshaven appearance. The fact that he smelled like alcohol made it obvious where he was last night.

"Thanks, guys," Dennis greeted, sounding exhausted. "I called you all here 'cause I've got actual work for you today, not just the same old crap. It's got something to do with the Scouts being summoned to the Capital. Sometime today, they'll be passing through town along the main street."

Annie raised an eyebrow, interested.

"HQ has already provided a security detail, so we're only being asked to assist until the convoy's clear. ODM use in city limits has been authorized. You'll follow beside the convoy as additional security. There's a barge waiting to take you to the starting point. Dismissed."

"Sir, a question, if I may," Marlowe said.

"Hmm? Go ahead," Dennis muttered.

"What exactly are we supposed to be protecting this convoy from, sir?"

The officer looked at him, seemingly confused by the question.

Marlowe decided to elaborate. "It's just that I've never heard of anyone defying the government. They're just glad to be safe."

"Unless your name is Amsdale," another cadet snarked nearby.

That got a few chuckles out of them, including Dennis.

Annie resisted the urge to tighten her hand into a fist.

Marlowe sighed in annoyance. "As I was saying, there are petty criminals, sure, but I find it hard to imagine any actual organization existing within the Wall to attempt a strike. I mean, what possible motive could they have?"

"Man! Aren't you serious?" Dennis responded in a patronizing tone before shoving the papers into Marlowe's hands. "You can be in charge of this. Everything you need to know is right here."

"Huh?" was all he could manage, staring in shock.

"We officers are busy enough as it is," Dennis explained as he began walking away. "Prove that you can handle this one yourselves. Oh, and you better not screw it up, got it?" Letting the rookie officers to take command of a situation seemed like a good way to test their aptitude… were it not for the fact Dennis entered a room that was in the middle of a poker game.

Annie had only been here for a month, but she truly understood why Carolyn wanted to take the fight to—Stop thinking about it. She berated herself.


Shortly after all that, the officers went to the courtyard, feeling quite glum about their situation.

"Damn, this stinks," Marlowe grumbled.

"Got that right," Hitch agreed. "The amount of slacking that goes on in this outfit is even more than I imagined. I mean, that's why I chose to join, but still."

Marlowe paid her no heed, furious about the whole situation. "Bastards. They're all irresponsible, self-absorbed imbeciles. All of them!"

"So, what does that make you, Marlowe?" Boris asked. "You chose the join the Military Police. You're a slacker just like the rest of us."

He gave him a withering glare. "You're wrong, Boris. I'm nothing like the rest of you degenerates." He turned to the rest of the officers now that he had their attention. "I joined up because the Military Police is in dire need of repair."

It was like fate was making fun of Annie. She killed her boyfriend, and now she was dealing with an officer who reminded her painfully of him.

Hitch clapped her hands sarcastically. "Wow, that was great, Marlowe. You sure your last name isn't secretly Amsdale?"

"She's one of the few people that actually do something," Marlowe said defensively.

"Aw, that's so cute. She's your role model."

"Seriously, Marlowe, what has she accomplished in the long run?" Boris asked. "Yeah, she helps lock up a few officers here and there, but nothing the MPs can't replace. Hell, the most she gets done is tightening the noose around her family's neck. That family's nothing more than a bunch of naïve idiots, kind of what you're being right now."

Annie didn't dare look in Boris's direction. If she did, he might end up on the ground with a few missing teeth. Granted, she didn't completely disagree with his statements, but still.

"I know I can make a difference," Marlowe shot back. "I'll work my way to the top, and then once I'm in charge, I can install a new system to make sure all those who are dishonest pay for their transgressions. It's as simple as that. The MPs just need a little discipline and nothing more. I'll shape back into the people they're supposed to be."

Hitch couldn't take it anymore. She busted out laughing, falling to the ground in a cackling heap. "Wow, that is something, and I thought you were a total buzzkill before!"

"It's a lofty ideal," Boris said. "Good luck with that."

"What's the point?" Annie finally interjected, getting their attention. "I think if a do-gooder like you was actually put in charge of this regiment, you'd quickly find yourself working alone."

"Really? That's the first thing you open your mouth to say?" Marlowe asked.

"Don't get me wrong. I don't doubt your sincerity. I know conviction when I see it." She let out a sigh. "You're not the first person I've met who thought they could take on the world and change things for the better. It takes a lot of courage to go against the flow. I respect that."

A lot of good that did for him. The demons in her mind taunted.

She ignored them. "Of course, it could be that you're all just a bunch of fools."

"They might be, but don't go lumping me in with them," he ordered. "Is that understood?" When she didn't answer, he waved her off. "Bah! Enough chit-chat. Let's go!"

A fusion of both Eren and Dillon. Fate really hated her.


"The escort wagons are scheduled to pass through the outer gate in forty-five minutes," Marlowe stated as the rookies, all armed with rifles, followed the canal. Once we arrive, everyone take up your positions. Got it?"

"Yeah, yeah," Hitch replied, bored out of her mind. She even gave out an exaggerated yawn until she bumped into Marlowe, who came to a complete stop. "Hey, watch it, bud!"

However, they all quickly realized what caught Marlowe's attention. A couple of MPs and a merchant stood in front of a ship with a giant crate that had the MP insignia on it.

"That's our gear," Hitch said, shocked.

"Shipping it to the Interior?" Boris suggested.

"Isn't it a bit strange, having the Merchants' Guild conduct the transport?" Marlowe asked, his voice low. "What are they up to?"

Once the crate was loaded into the ship with no trouble, one of the merchants handed over a white bag to the MPs, filled to the brim with something. The MP pulled a coin out, inspecting it, before putting it back in the bag with a grin.

Marlowe's rage reached a breaking point. "Those bastards are illegally selling government property!" Having enough, he stalked towards them.

"Hey, this isn't our assignment," Boris objected.

"Well, look at him," Hitch said with a grin. "Crusader Man's the genuine article."

Boris crossed his arms, shaking his head. "Well, I suppose we have time to spare. This should be entertaining."

The barge started sailing down the canal by the time Marlowe reached the oblivious MPs.

"I'd say we earned ourselves a drink," one of the said before noticing him. "Hey, what are you looking at, rookie?"

"You—you can't sell government equipment," Marlowe said indignantly. "It's against the law!"

"Is that so?" the other MP asked with a raised eyebrow.

Marlowe's anxiety was growing, but he maintained his stance. "Those supplies are the property of the hard-working citizens who pay for them with their taxes. And that means-"

The first MP started cracking up. "Can you believe this guy? A rookie blackmailing his superior officers. I'm thinking you've got a bright future ahead of you, kid." He took out one of the coins and slipped it into the boy's pocket. "Go spend it on a girl, alright? She'll help you unwind."

Marlowe was shaking, he was so angry. He grabbed the man's shoulder. "Hey! What you did was against the law!"

The man's response was a rifle butt to his gut. Marlowe doubled over before getting slammed on the head with the weapon, losing his own in the process.

"Why don't you go run to that Amsdale bitch?" the MP suggested, kicking him. "If it means so much to you." Another kick. "But the only place you'll end up is in the ground like their precious son." A kick to the face sent Marlowe hitting the ground hard. "You're under arrest for the treasonable offense against an officer."

"Blatant disregard for the rule of law-" Marlowe managed out, coughing out blood.

"-is standard procedure. So is this!" He raised his weapon to continue beating the poor kid.

Suddenly, an iron-hard grip caught the MP's arm, freezing him in place. He looked to see Annie, who was fixing him a murderous glare, before he got shoved back. "I think that's enough, sir." She practically spat that last word.

"You little bitch," the MP snarled, preparing to give her the same treatment.

"Enough!" a voice from behind them commanded.

The two officers froze before turning around, saluting. "C—Corporal Hauer!"

The rookies saluted as well. Even Marlowe managed to despite the fact he was on his knees.

Kyler's piercing gaze was burning into them. "Trying to beat a fellow officer to death? I'd say that was conduct unbecoming of an officer. Wouldn't you agree?"

The second MP's face blanched. "Corporal, we can explain."

"I'm sure you want to." She snapped her fingers as two other officers got off a nearby bench, both wearing civilian grab. "Travis Lang, Mitchell Phelps, you're under arrest for illegally selling government property, taking a bribe, assaulting an officer, and resisting arrest."

"This is ridiculous!" Travis roared as he was shoved against a wall while being handcuffed. "That punk was blackmailing us. Arrest him!"

"Actually, he wasn't," Kyler corrected, crossing her arms. "Not a single word that came out of his mouth could be taken as blackmail. But, now that you mention it…" She removed the coin from Marlowe's pocket. "…I can add attempted bribery to the list. Get them out of here."

The two MPs were swearing abuse, threatening to make them pay, as they were led away to their imprisonment.

Kyler noticed that a crowd of civilians were gathering nearby, prompting her to waved them off. "Police business. As you were." Once they began dispersing, she helped Marlowe to her feet. "What's your name, rookie?"

"M—Marlowe Freudenberg, ma'am," he answered.

"You're lucky we were watching the deal go down, Marlowe," she said. "Otherwise…"

"Ma'am, with all due respect, why didn't you intervene sooner?" Hitch asked.

"Well, the added charges are a nice bonus for those two." Kyler's levity vanished as she stared at Marlowe. "But you need to know and understand the consequences of taking on those that outrank you alone. You want to fix the system? Don't dive in headfirst and think it's all gonna work out. Am I clear, rookie?"

"Y—Yes, ma'am."

"And Leonhart? Once your duties are done, I want you in my office."

"Understood," Annie replied.

"Carry on." With a nod, Kyler departed from the premises.

"Well, that was lucky," Hitch said, cracking a nervous smile.

"Definitely wasn't spontaneous," Boris observed. "She was probably sitting on that deal ever since she got word on it."

"I couldn't stop them myself," Marlowe muttered, staring at the ground in shame. "I was too weak to handle it."

"You're a lowly grunt compared to the monsters here," Annie responded, staring into the distance. "You do what they tell you to do, or there will be consequences. That's the life you chose when you entered the Military Police. But if you see a light at the end of this dark tunnel, go for it. I only hope you have a plan to reach it instead of reckless endangerment."

Marlowe sighed, looking at her. "Your friends. Did they… were they able to do it? Make that difference?"

"In some ways, they did. Maybe more than they realized. Those people, people like you, aren't called normal in any respect. You're called special. There were times I wanted to be that way." Her eyes drifted to the ground, the memories haunting her once more. "But that won't happen. I'm just an ordinary girl going with the flow of this world. If it means I live to see another day, then I have no reason to be different."

Marlowe had no idea how to respond to that, so he stayed quiet, letting it all sink in.

Just a little more time, Dad. She thought.


Once the moment had finally come, Annie stood completely still as the convoy passed by, keeping her usual stoic face. It was the last place she wanted to be right now, but this was part of the job. She knew that inside one of the heavily guarded carriages was Eren being taken to the capital and she felt sorry for him. All he wanted to do was help humanity, but now, he was going to be executed by them. The irony was not lost on her. However, this was a golden opportunity. With Eren in Military Police custody, she could snatch Eren and run. Perhaps things were looking up after all.

Once the last carriage passed by, Annie began following the rest of the MPs back to their headquarters, going past an alley in the process.

"Annie," a familiar voice whispered.

She stopped dead in her tracks and waited for everyone else to pass by before heading into the alley. Standing there wearing a big, green raincoat was Armin himself.

"Hello," he greeted, sounding a little melancholy.

"Armin," she responded, looking more than a little surprised to see him.

"I'm sorry about Dillon," he said, looking down a bit.

Annie sighed, feeling that pang in her heart yet again. Everything today reminded her of Dillon so far, so why should Armin be any different? "Did they… did they find the Titan responsible?"

Armin shook his head. "No. We only found his body. We tried to return him home, but the Titans forced us to… we had to leave the bodies out there."

He doesn't even get a proper burial. Annie was at a loss for words, her eyes welling up again. "You did what you had to."

To her surprise, Armin wrapped his arms around her. "I'm so sorry, Annie."

She hugged him back, a couple of tears falling from her face. "I miss him so much."

It was killing Armin to see Annie in such a state. This plan made him stoop to levels that some would deem unforgivable, but he had no choice. Not when humanity's future was at stake. "I miss him, too."

Annie pulled back, wiping her face dry. "I should head back. We can talk later."

"Annie, wait," Armin interjected. "I… I need your help."

"What's wrong?" she asked, concerned.

"Eren's being transferred over to the custody of the Military Police," he explained. "At least, that's what they think is happening. Right now, he's in hiding, and we need to get out of the Walls for a while. Unfortunately, that means we need to get past the checkpoints, and…I don't want to put you in such a position, not after everything that's happened, but—"

"I'll do it."

Armin's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what?"

She put her rifle down, leaning it against the wall. "It's the least I can do. Eren's my friend, too."

He smiled a little. "Thank you, Annie."

"Thank me when we get out of here," she replied, pulling out a gray ring and putting it on.

"What's with the ring?" he wondered.

"It's sort of my good luck charm," Annie admitted. "I have a feeling we're gonna be needing a lot of it today."

"Didn't know you, of all people, would need something like that."

"There's a lot you don't know about me, Armin," she said.

Armin couldn't help but wonder if they ever knew her at all.


(Scout Headquarters)

Like the past couple of days, Dillon had been sitting in the chair in his room, though he looked more depressed this time. Today was the day the Scouts would finally capture Annie. According to Levi, once that was accomplished, they would never see each other again, continuing the illusion that he was dead. Fortunately, the captain left behind the rest of Squad Levi to keep that from becoming a reality. It was kind of creepy how they kept a constant eye on him and how the room was stripped of anything that could be used to kill himself with. He didn't even have shoelaces. Still, it had to be done.

"What have you told my parents?" he had asked Levi.

"For now, they believe you died in the Expedition just like everyone else," the captain had answered. "In order for the ruse to work, only the Scout Regiment will know the truth. It's possible you may have to stay in hiding for the rest of your life should we succeed."

Dillon couldn't help but clench his fists. "So, I'm never gonna see them again?"

"Don't put words in my mouth, Amsdale," Levi had warned, though he was calmer given the emotional turmoil he was going through. "They will know the truth eventually, but only them. We can't let the truth reach Leonhart. Otherwise, there'll be hell to pay."

He didn't ask Levi if they were going to kill Annie, or worse. He couldn't think about that. Not anymore. So, he continued to stare at a bowl of untouched soup. He couldn't remember how long it had been there.

"You should eat," Petra said soothingly. "Trust the Captain. It's all going to be okay."

Eld nodded in agreement. "He's never let us down yet."

"I'm not hungry," he muttered.

"You haven't eaten in more than a day." Petra leaned just a bit closer.

"Why do you guys even care?" he asked glumly. "You know what my relationship was with... her." He couldn't even say her name.

"We've been ordered to protect you, so that's what we do." Eld stopped his pacing by the door. He'd been the most agitated being left behind.

"Look, kid, how were you supposed to know?" Gunther said. "No one did for years, including the rest of your comrades. Spies lie. It's what they do. Isn't your fault."

He scoffed. "I really thought she would be the one. I thought she wanted... forget it. It was stupid."

"Yeah, probably best to forget it." Gunther leaned back in the chair opposite Dillon. "Bitch is a stone-cold killer."

"How could someone enjoy it?" he asked suddenly. "How can anyone treat us like insects and take glee in our deaths?"

"She's crazy," Eld said at exactly the same time other two said similar things, though their words were "psycho" and "monster."

Dillon shook his head. "You know the worst part? She actually warned me she would hurt me before we became a couple."

"She what?" Petra asked, surprised.

"Should have listened to that warning," Eld muttered. "Big time."

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," he growled.

"It's called misery." Eld shrugged. "With side helpings of betrayal, crazy bitches and genocide. We're all dealing with it."

"Crazy what now?" Petra frowned at Eld.

"Female Titan?"

Petra nodded. "Yeah, point there."

"What I don't get is how anyone could do it," Gunther muttered. "They killed thousands. They let the titans in. Why? That kind of evil. Why?"

Dillon was tuning them out, his eyes not leaving the soup. It was a red color, similar to blood. There was a lot of blood spilled that day, especially when the Female Titan stomped out Marcus and Maria. Pieces were flying, the red liquid splattered everywhere...

"Dillon?"

He gasped sharply, standing up so fast, he accidentally knocked the soup over. He just stared at the group, gazing at each member as if they were going to attack him.

Gunther held up a hand carefully. "Hey, calm down. Do you know where you are?"

He swallowed despite his throat being dry. "I'm... at Scout Headquarters."

"You remember why you're here?"

Dillon closed his eyes, the images still engrained. "Because I'm messed up, right?"

"Hey, you're not the first one to... go somewhere else after the things you've gone through," Petra said in a surprisingly soothing voice.

Dillon shook his head. "I can't stop seeing her. She could come for me and I couldn't stop her."

"She won't be able to after today." Eld smirked. "They're going to catch that thing and chain her up. Then, well, I don't think it'll take the Captain long to learn what we need to know."

"Maybe." Dillon was a bit skeptical about the plan. Knowing Annie, she wouldn't go quietly. "I don't know if I said this, but I'm sorry about what happened to... Oluo. That was his name, right?"

Petra looked down.

Eld grimaced.

Gunther leaned against a wall and sighed. "Yeah, that was his name."

Seeing their reactions, he said, "Sorry," as he tried cleaning up the mess he made.

"We've all lost people. The point of this is to try and not lose more." Gunther slammed a fist into the wall. "Today, fucking today, we change the tide."

"How? What are we to her? She's a Titan. It's a miracle anyone survived that damn Expedition."

"We've killed Titans before. Erwin's got the brains, we have her identity, Levi, is, well, the Captain, and we've got the numbers. She'll be trapped before you know it." Eld crossed his arms.

Dillon shook his head. "She's too strong. She's too powerful. I don't even know how Eren stood a chance."

"That's why we've got speed, swords, and traps if she transforms. If all goes well, she won't be able to. Hanji theorizes she's got to bite herself to transform like Eren, so we know how to stop her too." It sounded like Eld was trying to convince himself as much as Dillon.

Dillon sighed. "Maybe you three should've gone to Stohess. You survived her."

"We've got our orders," Petra said once more. "What the Captain says goes."

"But you fought her. You have the skillset to take her on."

"I wouldn't say that. We lost." Eld shoulders slumped. "That's how we lost Oluo."

"She got all of us," Petra added, shivering at the memory. "Took us all down like annoying insects. We were helpless."

Dillon paused, catching onto that statement. "Wait, what?"

"When we fought her, we were like toys. She didn't even kill... most of the people she caught. Guess she'd had enough murdering by the time she got to us." Eld made a scoffing sound. "Could have just as easily been eaten by a wandering titan for all her mercy was worth."

"She... spared you?" No, that can't be right. Annie's the Female Titan. The Female Titan is evil.

Eld nodded. "Yeah. Not dozens of our comrades or thousands of people behind the walls, but yeah. Us. I think Oluo's death was an accident."

Dillon stared at them in shock, unable to comprehend this new information. "But, she... that's impossible. She was hellbent on taking Eren, right? Why would she… what happened?"

"She just gave up. Surrendered him to Mikasa and walked off." Gunther shook his head as he thought about it. "Honestly, I don't get it. What was the killing even for if she was just going to give up?"

Dillon tuned them out once more as he digested their words. Annie, the same person that destroyed his life, the same person that slaughtered his friends with a smile, not only took the time to spare as many Scouts as she could but abandoned her mission. Why would she change? His mind went back to the village like it usually did, but instead of the scene that always played out, there she was, stroking his cheek tenderly with a sad smile. This time, he paid attention to the expression in her eyes: regret.

"Being with you was the best thing that ever happened to me, Dillon. I can never thank you enough for the time we had together."

The wheels in his mind were turning rapidly. If she abandoned her mission because of me… but now she thinks I'm dead. His expression of disbelief turned into horror, his eyes widening. "Oh, no."

"Dillon, talk to us," Petra urged quietly.

"I need to get to Stohess," Dillon said, getting up and throwing on his cloak.

Squad Levi immediately sprung to action. Petra and Gunther stood behind him as Eld stood in front of the door, crossing his arms.

"You're not going anywhere," Eld responded sternly.

"Eld, you have to let me go," Dillon pleaded. "I'm the only one that can stop her!"

"We already have a plan, Dillon," Petra assured, placing her hands on his shoulders in an effort to placate him.

"The plan is going to fail, Petra," he said, moving away from her and towards the back of the room. "Now that she thinks I'm dead, nothing is going to hold her back."

"You're right about one thing, kid: she thinks you're dead," Gunther pointed out. "You go out there, and she'll smear you across the buildings."

Dillon clenched his fist, but he let out a deep breath. "I know. I know she can kill me easily. I've seen it up close and personal."

"Then why put yourself in a position where she can kill you?" he pressed.

"Because… because I love her," Dillon answered quietly. "And I know that it's not too late to make it right."

"Don't be an idiot," Petra snapped with a stern glare. "It's not that she can kill you. Once she finds out about how you lied to her, she's going to want to!"

"I'm not stupid, Petra!" he shot back angrily. "I know damn well that she's going to be pissed to the point where killing me will seem like a good idea, but it's a risk I have to take. You three were willing to die to keep Eren safe. I'm willing to die to keep humanity safe and save Annie from herself. If I don't go out there and give everything I have to protect the woman I love, I'll regret it for the rest of my life." He had another reason, but he was cut off before he could say it.

"Then live with it," Petra said coldly. "There is more at stake here than your girlfriend."

"Start facing reality, Amsdale," Eld growled. "You're not leaving."

Dillon sighed before looking at them. He knew what had to be done, and he knew there would be no turning back. "I'm not a traitor. Remember that."

With a flash of his eyes, the door swung open, sending Eld toppling forward. Pushing the blonde man out of the way and kicking Petra away, Dillon quickly engaged Gunther, delivering two quick blows to his stomach before spinning around and elbowing his head, knocking him back. Petra moved quickly, dropping low and tackling him, slamming him into the wall. Bringing her head up under his, she smacked him in the chin and pinned him to the wall by his neck with her forearm. His eyes glowed again, making her clutch her head in pain. He pushed her back and did a spin kick against that hit the left side of her head, sending her crashing to the floor. He rolled under Gunther's attempted punch, but he was kicked in the gut, driving him close to Eld. Eld grabbed him and slammed him to the ground, pinning him down under his heavier weight.

"You're not leaving, Dillon," he repeated with gritted teeth.

"Hundreds of people are going to die, including Annie, if I don't go out there," he growled, trying to think of a way out of this.

Gunther was losing patience. "Annie won't die, you idiot. They want her alive."

"She won't let them," he said, struggling as hard he could. "Please, Eld. Let me go!"

"No," Eld replied coldly. "We have orders. As do you. And I'm NOT letting you endanger lives!"

Dillon let out a snarl as anger rose inside of him again. Their plan to capture Annie was endangering every single person in Stohess. The moment she transformed, the casualty rate would rise. And to think he went along with it. To think he wanted it. He wasn't going to let this happen.

With a yell, a blast of psychic energy released from him, sending Eld off of him and caused Gunther and Petra to crash against the walls. Furniture scattered across the room with the wooden chairs breaking upon impact. All in all, the room was wrecked. Dillon quickly got up, and landed a hard jab on Eld's nose, nearly breaking it. He snaked underneath a punch, jumped, and kicked Eld in the chest, making him fall to the floor.

"I endangered lives by going through with the plan," Dillon said coldly as he ran out the door and traveled down the corridor.

With a groan, Gunther was the first to recover as he looked around the dismantled room, flabbergasted. "What the hell did he do!?"

"I don't know," Petra moaned, holding her head in pain.

Gunther moved to go after Dillon, but he fell, his leg twisted by the impact. He also felt a sharp pain in his gut. "Son of a bitch."

"I think my ribs are broken," she groaned quietly, curling up.

"Mine, too. Eld, what about you?" he asked.

The only response was a low groan. He was barely conscious.

Gunther slumped to the floor, panting heavily. "That damn idiot's gonna get himself killed."

"By who? Annie, us, or the captain?" Petra asked with a growl.

"Preferably, us," he answered as he heard the distinct noise of a horse galloping away and people shouting.

"Wouldn't mind that. Get a medic," she requested just before she fainted.

"Medic..." Gunther moaned as he passed out too.


(Stohess)

Later, Annie and Armin met up with Mikasa and Eren, both of whom were disguised in their raingear. Naturally, the two gave condolences for Dillon's passing, but fortunately for her, they left it at that. Quietly, the four traveled down the back roads to avoid the soldiers, and so far, it was working.

"We made it," Eren commented quietly. "Can't believe it was so easy."

"Hush," Mikasa said.

Eren brought up a very good point. It was too easy. In fact, there hadn't been a single person on this road in the time they spent going down it. Something was very off.

"The Military Police hard at work," Eren sneered. "I'm almost surprised they bothered to show up at all."

"Let's just keep moving," Mikasa urged.

"Hopefully they haven't noticed my stand-in yet," he continued, ignoring her. "He's not gonna hold up under close scrutiny. After all, Jean and I look nothing alike."

Here we go again. Annie thought to herself, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Some things never change.

"It's close enough," Armin assured, sounding a little annoyed. "You both have that same angry scowl and the same boulder-sized chip on your shoulder."

"Yeah, but I don't have his horse-face," he protested.

"Hey," Annie interrupted, getting a headache from their bickering, "so if I had refused to help you guys out, then what was your Plan B for getting over the wall?"

"We would've used our ODM gear to barge right through the checkpoint," Armin answered.

"That's stupid," she commented. "Why didn't you just avoid all this trouble in the first place? You could've escaped before reaching Stohess, right? I mean, why wait until now?"

"I felt that this town's complex layout would allow us to squeeze a bit more time out of our body double ploy," he explained. "Of course, a head-on assault is ill-advised, so as long as the convoy acts like its following orders, then everyone keeps their defenses down."

Interesting assumption, but there was one gaping flaw: Armin was praised for his tactical prowess. If they wanted to get Eren out cleanly and effectively, he wouldn't have needed Annie to tell him the obvious solution. In fact, it seemed like his plan needed to have her be involved.

Suddenly, it all started to make sense. Armin begging her for help when he really shouldn't have needed it, the deserted streets, the sorry excuse for a Plan B, it all added up to one thing: she was being led into a trap. They knew!

"I see," Annie said coolly. "It's a very good plan."

Eren and Mikasa quickly glanced at each other, wondering if she was starting to catch on.

Armin gasped. "There it is."

The three followed Armin to a staircase that led underground, a place that a certain Titan Shifter wouldn't be able to transform in if she needed to.

"Here?" Annie asked.

"Yeah," he confirmed, walking down the stairs with the others following. "We'll pass through here. It's what remains of an underground city they were planning to build way back when. And, if I'm right, it should lead us to the vicinity of the outer gate."

"Nice work, Armin," Eren complemented. "It's amazing."

The three stopped suddenly when they realized Annie was still at the top of the stairs, making no moves to follow them.

"Annie, what's the matter?" Eren asked, confused. "You're not afraid of dark, crampspaces or anything, are you?"

"So what?" Annie replied as if insulted. "So what if I am? I wouldn't expect a suicidal maniac like you to understand. You don't know what it is to be an ordinary girl crippled with fear."

Armin cringed. She knew what they were up to.

Eren, however, was persistent. "A girl who can flip a full-grown man upside down has nothing to fear of the dark. Cut the crap. Let's move."

"No, I refuse," she stated firmly. "Above ground, I'll help. Otherwise, the deal is off."

There was a long pause between all of them, the tension rising. They all knew each other's secrets now.

"Quit being stubborn, damn it!" Eren yelled, losing his patience. "Just get the hell down here! Move! We're running out of time, and—"

"Stop shouting," Mikasa interrupted. "Someone will hear you."

"I'm sure it's fine, Mikasa," Annie said. "It seems that for whatever reason, this place… has been completely deserted." She gave Armin a look of disappointment. "That hurts me. It really does. The way you're looking at me now… if I didn't know better you didn't trust me, eh, Armin?"

Armin was clutching a gun in his hand at this point, but he kept it hidden from view. He was shaking out of panic, though. It was time to voice his suspicions the day when the Scouts inspected their gear when the two Titans were killed. "Annie, tell me, what were you doing with Marco's ODM gear?" When she didn't answer, he went on. "It had all the same dents and scrapes. See, I helped him with maintenance, so… I know you used it."

"Yes," Annie responded. "I found it. Found it and took it."

The blond-haired boy gulped. "Then, the two Titans we had in custody. It was you that killed them!"

"No one knows," Her monotone voice was becoming very unnerving. "But if you suspected this since last month, why did you wait this long to say anything? You could've warned Dillon if you wanted to."

"Because even now, it's difficult," Armin answered, his voice losing all confidence. "I just didn't want to believe I was right. So, I stayed quiet. But then, out in the field, the fact that you didn't kill me then and there, that's the moment that set us on the path to our current situation."

A deadly silence passed between them as the wind outside picked up speed.

"Yes," Annie said. "We're here because I let you live. Of course, I never dreamed you'd end up cornering me like this." Now she was talking to herself. "Why? Why didn't I do anything then?"

Having enough, Eren started to beg. "Annie, please! You've taken this joke far enough! Just tell us this was all some kind of horrible prank. It's not too late. Come on, we'll understand. Come down and let's talk! You can prove to us that we're mistaken by walking down these stairs. Prove we're wrong to accuse you!"

Annie lowered her head sadly. "We both know I can't. Like I told you, I don't have the constitution for it."

He continued trying to appeal to her humanity. "Annie, stop! We're talking about a matter of life and death!"

"Work with us, Annie," Armin pleaded. "We can reason this out like human beings!"

"Enough," Mikasa interrupted, unsheathing her swords. "I'm not listening to another word of this. No point!"

"Wait!" Armin yelled, taking the Oriental girl by surprise. "Think about Dillon, Annie. Would he want you to go down this road? You have the capacity to do the right thing." Now Armin really wished Dillon was with them right now. He could've salvaged this.

For a moment, something changed in her eyes, something that told Armin she was actually thinking about it.

Eren put his two cents in, desperate to put an end to this nightmare. "Out in the forest, you spared several Scouts when you could've killed them instantly. You let me go, Annie! Why did you let me go?"

Annie was now conflicted, remembering her contradictory actions that day.

Armin pressed on, hopeful that things could resolve peacefully after. "You knew what you were doing was wrong. Please, Annie. For Dillon's sake, you were willing to help us. For Dillon's sake, don't do this!"

The trio eyed Annie carefully, waiting for her to make the next move. They all hoped she would see reason and give up. She was even looking down, the guilt weighing heavily on heart it seemed. Armin cautiously took a step forward and then… she started to laugh. It started out small, like as if she heard a funny joke. Then, it escalated into a full-blown cackle, sending shivers down their spines. Even Mikasa was disturbed by the complete shift in personality. Right then and there, Armin knew that they lost the opportunity to solve this diplomatically.

We were so close. He thought grimly.

Once Annie was done, she stared down at them as if they were beneath her. The deadpan voice was gone, replaced by someone they didn't know. "It always went back to him. That's probably why I spared Armin and Jean." Her gaze landed on Eren. "I let you go because I saw him, but I won't make that mistake again. Dillon is dead, and he can't hold me back. I'm glad you know, Armin." She sounded so sincere at this moment. "I can finally stop hiding it. So much different than the dread, the shame and the guilt I felt when he found out. At least I could be a good person for you, Armin. For now, at least. It looks like you won your bet." She then grew a disturbing, psychotic grin. "But I'm going to gamble, too, and here's my wager!"

She raised her hand to her mouth, ready to bite down.

Realizing that she was a lost cause, Armin fired the acoustic round into the ceiling.

On cue, several soldiers in civilian garb charged out of the buildings and headed towards Annie. The shot Armin fired disorientated her long for her to be grabbed and gagged so she couldn't transform. She struggled as hard as she could, but there were too many of them. Quickly, she unsheathed a hidden blade from her ring, shocking Mikasa. Realizing what was about to happen, the Oriental grabbed both boys and ran down the stairs.

"What are you–" Armin protested.

"It's too late!" Mikasa pointed out, going deeper into the underground.

With one final glare sent to them that made it clear she was coming after them, Annie sliced her finger with the blade.


From outside Wall Sina, people could see the lightning descend from the sky. They felt the ground shake violently, almost as if there was an explosion.

"What the hell was that!?" a bystander shouted.

"Perhaps it's a gift from the heavens," a Wall Worshipper suggested with wide eyes. "A gift to the righteous and those who believed."

"Out of my way!" a voice yelled behind him.

The cultist quickly moved just as Dillon passed by, his stolen horse going at full speed. Releasing that psychic blast earlier did a number on him, but his determination and adrenaline rush kept him going. He knew that flash anywhere, the sign of a transforming Titan. He had a feeling that the Titan in question was Annie, and that thought alone made his anxiety increase once again. That meant he wouldn't just deal with a pissed-off girlfriend; he would be dealing with a pissed-off Female Titan.

Cross that bridge when you get there. He told himself.

As he made his way for Wall Sina, he didn't know what he was riding to: a new beginning or a gruesome death.


Remastered Edits: I never expected to add the scene with Annie and the Military Police, but I thought it would be interesting to have it focus a bit more on the fallout from the previous chapter instead of immediately kicking everything into high gear. It also gave me a great excuse to use Kyler again, a woman who needed more time to shine. I deleted the part where Armin said Dillon killed himself. That was needlessly cruel. I also changed the interaction between Dillon and Levi Squad to make it more realistic. After all, they just lost not only their comrade-in-arms, but the entire mission. They'd be rooting for her capture and death.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I look forward to your reviews, and I'll see you all in the next one.