Chapter 4 Trust
"Hey, don't you think we're a bit far out?" Hitch asked Marlo as they were walking in the forest where Levi Squad was hiding.
"No point in searching if we're not spread out." Marlo said.
"So those two are the ones that Sasha heard in the last episode?" Connie asks.
"Who are they? Do you guys know them?" Levi asks.
"No... we don't know them..." Armin says.
"I know. They are from the Military Police." Annie says, much to everyone's surprise. "That guy over there is Marlo Freudenberg while the girl is Hitch Dreyse. Both of them are in the same year as us, and that girl is my roommate."
"So that means they are here with the Military Police's orders to arrest us..." Jean says.
"Why did I get stuck with you?" Hitch asked. "Wait, Marlo... You just wanted alone time with me, didn't you?"
"Hitch... I'm sorry, but you're not my first choice either." Marlo said.
"Oh, is that right? Well, good for you." Hitch sighed.
"But, don't you think it's odd? Why would the Scouts kill a civilian and run for the hills? They're the same group that's always risking their lives for the sake of humanity."
"Well, he's smart. I like him." Hange says.
"Seems like not all MPs are idiots." Levi adds.
"I agree... he must have joined the Military Police out of noble intentions..." Erwin says.
Like Marco... Jean thinks with a frown.
"I can't believe you... Did you forget? Remember what they did to Stohess District?" The flashback of Eren and Annie's Titan fight flashed on the screen. "How they turned it into a battlefield? All the corpses we had to carry? And how Annie's still missing? All of her junk is still in my room... and it's annoying."
"Hold on... did that mean Eren and Annie were fighting in Titan forms and in Stohess District?" Historia asks.
Eren and Annie gulp as they can't believe what is happening. Ray says, "Technically... after you found out that Annie's the female Titan, you tried to lure her underground so you could capture her, but Annie saw through your plan and that's why she transformed on the spot."
Annie frowns as she lowers her head, and Reiner says, "It doesn't happen yet... now that they already know the truth..."
"And what happened?" Gunther asks.
"Eren managed to win against Annie in the end." Ray says. "But Annie decides to trap herself inside the crystal so that nobody can gain information from her, and nobody can break her out."
"Damn... you could also do that..." Eren stares at Annie, who sighs, "So at this time, I was captured, and both Reiner and Bertolt ran away... seriously..."
"But if that's the case, why didn't the Military Police know about Annie being the Female Titan if the attack happened then?" Moblit asks.
"The Military Police have always been intent on keeping important information available only to the higher-ups." Erwin says. "I won't be surprised if recruits like them know."
"But they also uncovered that Titan hiding and somehow managed to capture it." Marlo said. "You think any other regiment could do that? If the Scouts get disbanded like this, humanity can't..."
Hitch noticed something and readied her gun. "Quiet!" Marlo also spot it and did the same. "I hear water."
It turned out a man with a cloak was at the water filling the bucket. Marlo yelled, "Don't move!" The face of the cloaked figure turned out to be Armin.
"Looks like they found us..." Armin says.
"And I was just about to like them..." Hange mutters.
"Slowly turn this way." Marlo said. Armin stood up and raised his hands. "You must be a scout." Armin turned around and faced them. "Just like that... Not a word. Now listen to me and do as I-"
Before he could finish, Mikasa and Levi jumped from the trees toward them.
"Woah, so that was just a trap?" Eren asks.
"With Mikasa and Captain Levi, it might work somehow." Sasha says.
"But I'm still surprised that the both of them are working together." Oluo says, and it causes both Mikasa and Levi to scowl.
"They definitely are related." Connie says to Sasha.
Both Mikasa and Levi were holding their blades to their necks, Levi said, "That's right... Hand over your guns to the one in front."
Armin took their guns away and said, "And not a word, right?"
"Now I feel sorry for them, I wonder if you're going to torture them just like Sannes..." Jean asks.
"But they seem to be good people." Historia says, "I don't think torturing them is a good idea."
In Capital Mitras, Erwin was in a prison cell when a Military Police member walked in. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Erwin. I know it's sudden, but let's get the interrogation over with."
"Wait, so it was Commander Erwin that is getting tortured?" Armin gasps.
"They can't do that..." Eren widens his eyes.
The rest of the scouts are also worried for Erwin, who sighs as he stares at the screen.
"So, it's unmistakable that the Scout Regiment murdered a civilian?" Two reporters, Roy and Peaure, were interviewing Nile Dawk.
"Judging by the evidence, at least." Nile sighed. "Having said that, we can't say for sure at the time being."
"Are you saying the Interior Police are responsible for issuing the search-?" Peaure asked.
"Hey, Peaure!" Roy took his notebook. "Sorry about him, Commander Dawk. He's still a rookie, through and through. He doesn't know how we do things within the walls. Don't you worry about the Interior Police. We won't write anything about them. That goes for their new ODM gear, too."
"I appreciate it, Roy." Nile seemed to frown a little. Their new ODM gear...That buckshot is useless against Titans, but it's perfect for killing people. It's a weapon practically made for killing the Scouts... Plus, its existence being hidden even from us means...sooner or later, we might find ourselves staring down their muzzles all the same.
"If only we can get our hands on those, maybe it will be easier for us to fight back." Hange says.
"But to think that the Interior Police is hiding that as well..." Mike mutters.
Nile seems to understand the situation, if only he's also on our side...Erwin thinks.
"Anyways, we should hear a report from them soon, so be patient." Nile said.
In another area, Flegel Reeves was chased by three Military Police. "Wait up, you fat-ass!"
"I know it, they are going to kill him as well!" Eren says.
"They already killed his father and now him? How far are they going to get rid of us?" Connie asks.
"Simple, they definitely want all of the Scouts to be dead." Ymir says.
But he can't die. He's the only one who knows the truth... Mikasa thinks.
Flegel ran into an alleyway, only to find a dead end. "You idiot! That way's a dead end!"
Flegel was scared, and at the same time, Hange arrived with her own ODM gear, covering his mouth and they flew away.
"Nice save, Captain Hange." "That was awesome."
"Shit, he's gone!" "Find him! Find him!" "Don't let 'em escape!"
On top of the roof, Hange said to Flegel, "You're the son of Boss Reeves, right? What's your name?"
"Flegel."
"Nice to meet you, Flegel. I'm Hange Zoe. The thing is, if the Military Police is after you, that must mean you know the truth about your father's death, right? Can you tell me what happened?"
"While I was busy taking a piss, the Interior Police got my old man. A tall guy wearing a black coat... he killed my father."
"In any case, it's great that you're still alive. Now we can make the truth public." Hange said.
"How's that? Haven't you seen the paper?! If the Military Police say the Scouts did it, that's the truth! My testimony means jack shit! They know I was there... The Interior Police found out I saw everything... Now there's nowhere safe for me to go. All I can do is run and hide in these cramped walls...My life is... shit!"
"Well, you have a point..." Hange said. "The thing is, that doesn't sound like living to me."
"Nice way of cheering him up, Four-eyes." Levi says.
Hange stood up and said, "Look at this way, Flegel. Instead of scampering around like a scared little mouse your whole life, wouldn't you rather face up to your enemy, even if it means risking your life-?"
"Like hell, I can! Not everyone has the same disregard for their lives as you do! Not only that, but you have no right to criticize me either!"
"He does have a point." Jean says.
"Yeah...maybe we would've done the same thing." Connie says.
"Well, I won't." Eren says while folding his arm.
"Same." Mikasa adds.
"Don't you care about telling your company and family the truth?!"
"Huh?! That's just what's best for you!"
Hange grabbed his collar, "Of course it is! You oughta start thinking what's best for you, too!"
"Who's that?! Who's making a scene on my roof?" Just then, they heard someone yelling and Hange grabbed his arm, "Now then, you're coming with me, Flegel."
"Hell no! Your gang is already lost! You've been defeated!"
"What are you talking about? Defeat is all the Scout Regiment has ever known!"
"She has a point there, it is because of those defeats that made us strong." Historia says.
"Yeah, and we can continue to learn anything as well." Armin adds.
"It is time for the Scouts to earn victory." Gelgar says.
In the forest, Levi stared at the gear they stole from Marlo and Hitch. Disguise as Military Police to get by the guards... Then figure out where Eren was taken by snooping around. To think we'd have no better option...
Mikasa and Armin were tying Marlo and Hitch up. We just don't have time... We've got no choice but to do or die.
"Captain." Jean handed over a book to Levi, who stood up after taking it.
"Now then, Stohess District Military Police. Private Marlo Freudenberg." Levi said.
Captain Levi! It's really him! Marlo thought.
"Same assignment, Private Hitch Dreyse. As for how we'll dispose of you..."
Both of them were terrified, and Hitch said, "Because of you guys, over 100 people from Stohess District were killed!"
"Huh?" Levi asked. "Hey!" Marlo said.
"You people... You might think that you're all heroes of justice, but the victims and their families were dropped straight into hell!"
Now Eren and Annie are frowning, all of those people were dead because they have to fight in Stohess. The rest of the scouts are also sad since they might have taken part of this. If anything, they wouldn't just let Eren transform without supervision.
"Yeah, I know." Levi said.
"You there... You're from the Southern Cadet Corps, yeah?" Hitch turned to Mikasa. "Just like Annie Leonhart. Were you friends of hers? No... I doubt she had any friends. Being as gloomy and aloof as she was. It's like she was a kid afraid of other people...I never got the chance to know anything about her. And the reason they still haven't found her is that she was pulverized by a Titan into a puddle of jelly!"
"Nice to know that your roommate really cares about you." Bertolt says to Annie.
"I thought she was annoying, but she did care." Annie says.
"No... Because the Titan in hiding was Annie Leonhart herself." Levi said.
This caused the two of them to gasp in shock. "Goddammit, it makes me sick. Nobody knows a damn thing about this world... Not us or anyone else. Except for those bastards at the center of it all. We'll release you both as soon as we get out of here."
Both of them lowered their head, but the shock remained. "Annie was..."
"Captain Levi! Please let me help you!" Marlo yelled. "I don't think what you guys are doing is wrong! If I can help correct this world's injustice, I'll do whatever it takes!"
"What's with this guy?" Levi asked.
"Wait, so he's going to help us? That will be better." Jean says.
"Yeah, if we have people in the Military Police on our side, things are going to be easier." Connie says.
"I beg of you, Captain Levi!" Marlo said.
"Not a chance. I can't tell how prepared you are about making an enemy of the government." Levi said. "Let's go. Sasha. Tie them up somewhere nearby."
"Yes sir!"
"And just like that. We're not accepting his help." Eren says.
"But that runt was right." Mikasa says. "We don't know if he's prepared like us."
"And what if he is trying to wait for a chance to backstab us?" Abel asks.
Before they left, Jean said, "Captain. Please let me do it."
Levi stared at Jean's determination, and said, "Knock yourself out."
"Wait, so you're going to do it?" Connie asks. "The torture thing?"
"Never know you're the type." Sasha says.
"I won't do that, will I?" Jean asks with a little terrified expression.
Jean was taking Marlo and Hitch into the woods, a knife was pointing at them. "Stop."
After they stopped in front of a cliff, Marlo said, "We'll forget what we saw here."
"Yeah. You will! Because both of you will die here!" Jean said with a crazy expression.
"What the hell? You're going to kill them?" Armin asks.
"What was wrong with me? Will I really do it?" Jean gasps in shock.
"Looks like Horse face is going to have some guts after all..." Eren says.
"That's not what he said!" Marlo said as both of them were frightened.
"Letting you two run free is too dangerous." Jean said. "I'll take it upon myself to kill you!"
"Please, believe us!" Marlo said. "We know you guys are fighting to try and save humanity! Right, Hitch?!" Hitch furiously nodded her head.
"As if I could trust you. Especially you, Mr. Bowl Cut. Who in their right mind would cut their hair like that? You'll get no sympathy from this guy!"
"Bowl Cut?" Everyone laughs at how Jean nicknames Marlo, and Jean can only laugh as well, but he's terrified of himself on the screen.
Jean charged at them, only to trip on the rock and fall, causing the knife to drop onto the ground.
"Really? All that bad talk and you screw up like that?" Connie asks.
"Wow... and I thought you were badass..." Sasha says.
"Shut up..." Jean feels embarrassed at himself on the screen.
Marlo picked up the knife and yelled, "Hitch, run!" Jean got back up and aimed his gun at Marlo.
"My gun is faster, you know. Wanna take your chance?" Hitch was already behind him and left. "Your knife and my gun... Let's race!"
"Wait, I'm really your ally!" Marlo said.
"Why the hell would anyone believe you'd wanna join us?" Jean asked. "We're so severely outmatched, you really think we can save humanity?"
"Then, why are you...? Why are you still with the Scouts, then?" This caused Jean to gasp. "I picked the wrong regiment to join. As long as you guys have it in you to risk your lives and keep fighting...I will trust you."
That sure was a nice resolution. Erwin thinks. I guess the 104th generation sure is something else...
Marlo threw the knife away, and Jean showed a delighted expression before being hit by Hitch with a wooden bat.
"What's that expression?" Everyone chuckles at the reaction that Jean is making on the screen.
"It is so priceless. But you really need to look at your surroundings more." Hange says.
Jean only wants to find a place to hide since he can't see any more embarrassing shots on it.
"Hitch!" Marlo said.
"You damn horse face!" Hitch yelled as she prepared to strike again.
"She called you Horse face as well!" Eren says.
"Shut up!" Jean yells at Eren.
"Wait, Hitch! He was just testing us!" Marlo stopped her.
"Huh?" Marlo turned to Jean, "Hey, you. What would you have done if I swung the knife at you? Why did you trust me so much?"
Jean muttered, "Somehow or another, you remind me of a guy that I hate. A damn idiot."
"What did you just say?" Eren stands up from his seat.
"Wanna fight?" Jean asks.
Mikasa drags Eren to his seat and says, "No fighting."
"Yeah, just calm down. You two." Historia says.
"This idiot... Is it the same one Annie talked about?" Marlo asked.
"Hell if I know. Everyone's an idiot." Jean said while sitting up. Marlo helped him up. "Fortunately, we're both just as dumb. Marlo, I think you proven your dedication. That should be enough to convince Captain Levi. We're counting on you."
"Yeah. I think I'm convinced." Levi says. "But you still need to be punished for disobeying orders."
Jean winces, and the other Scouts all agree that he might have the guts to be in leadership.
"That over there is the least manned checkpoint around." Marlo and Hitch brought Levi to a house with Military Police guarding it.
"All right. We'll handle it ourselves." Levi said. "Get back to your squad before it's suspicious."
"Yes sir." Both of them left. "Marlo, Hitch. We're grateful."
Both of them did a salute before Levi turned to Mikasa and Connie. "Let's go! It's our turn to pick a fight!"
In the camp, the Interior Military Police noticed the wagon charging in as Jean, Connie, and Sasha let out screams, causing every one of them to be shocked.
"So you guys just barged into the camp like that?" Historia gasps.
"That was quite cool for the three of us." Sasha says.
"Yeah." Connie smiles. "About time they're going to be scared of us!"
"I think they might be scared of the fact that either Captain Levi or Mikasa is hiding inside." Armin adds.
The Military Police were fallen to the ground, and the other members of Levi Squad were watching until Jean noticed a person approaching and aiming his gun.
"It's me." Levi said as he dragged the officer with him.
"Captain, he's..." Armin asked.
"With the Interior Police." Levi said. "I've got a few questions for him. Let's move."
"Looks like we managed to get one to interrogate." Levi says.
"I wonder what information we can get from him." Hange says.
In Trost District, Flegel was chased into a dead end, surrounded by heavily damaged buildings. Three Military Police were surrounding him. "How dumb can you be? Running into a deserted dump like this..."
"Shit!" Flegel cursed.
"But I owe you one. Flegel Reeves." Roger said. "When you got away and gave us the slip, I really...I thought I was screwed!"
Everyone glares at the man in front of them, if they want to, they really want to get out of this place and punch the soldier in front of them.
He suddenly kneeled and started crying. He wiped his tears and said, "For a minute there, I thought they'd kill me. Nice knowing you, Flegel. Thanks a bunch!"
Then he aimed his gun at him, Flegel said, "Ah, wait! Why was my old man killed?! Did the Interior Police do it?!"
"Huh? What does it matter to you?" Roger asked. "You're about to be a fresh corpse."
"I-I wanna know before I die! What did he ever do to deserve being killed?" Flegel begged.
"Eh? You don't know? He betrayed us and sided with those damn Scouts." Roger said.
"Betrayed? So you're saying it was the Interior Police that made him kidnap those Scouts?" Flegel asked.
"Except it was a different squad than us." Roger said. "Guess he didn't say a damn thing. Not to his dimwit son."
"And what if he would've refused?" Flegel asked.
"Well, he'd have known a bit too much, so he would've had to die." Roger said. "What a fool."
"So no matter what he did, the Interior Police is going to kill him." Erwin sighs.
"That's so cruel...the Interior Police really is messed up." Amin says.
"Look where caring for the city and workers got 'em." Roger says.
"You would never understand. Talking like you're smart shit...my old man taught me something. That merchants gotta follow their nose. And I'm damn glad that I did. Because I found the people who could avenge my old man! And I side with them!"
"You tell him, Flegel!" Hange cheers.
"What's the matter, Flegel? Go on and oink like a pig to be slaughtered!" Roger aimed at the man again.
"You had your time, but it's over!" Flegel said. "Look above you morons!"
Hange and Moblit jumped from the roof and kicked two Military Police members, Roger tried to shoot Hange, but missed as Hange shove a fist into his face, knocking him to the ground.
"Wow! That was so cool!"
"The tides are changed!"
"It hurts!" Hange yelled.
"Section Commander! You're too wild!" Moblit said.
"Hell yeah! Did you hear that, everyone?!" Hange turned around.
"The... Scout Regiment...? Why?" Roger was shocked. And the Military Police were surprised to see a lot of people in the building.
"Look at how many people are there!" Historia gasps.
"So this place isn't deserted at all." Jean says.
"Those Military Police members are screwed." Eren says.
"Not so deserted, eh?" "Perhaps it looks that way to you. But sorry. I know it doesn't look like much, but we still live here. We heard everything. The Interior Police and their schemes... Everyone here is a witness."
Hange stepped forward as Roger said, "S-So, what does it matter? It's the government that decides what's the truth! You fools... Don't think you can do this and get away with it! You're all in for a world of hu-"
Flegel sat on Roger's head and said, "Everyone... Don't worry. The Reeves Company will protect this city. As of today, I, Flegel Reeves... I'm the boss. So... from now... you can count... on me."
Just then, everyone cheers for him. "Way to go!" "Speak up, man!"
Hange smiled, "Congrats on the job. Keep an eye on these Interior Police."
"Right." Flegel said.
Everyone starts to clap at him, even Reiner, Bertolt, and Annie are doing the same thing, and Eren says, "So he finally did it."
"Yeah. Looks like we're going to turn the tables."
Back with the Levi Squad, Levi was torturing the MP leader. "Stop it..."
Levi kneeled at the pained MP and asked, "Where are Eren and Christa?"
"Oh, you're so brave. That checkpoint back there was just recruits who could barely wipe their own ass." The MP said. "You think you're some sort of hero, beating them down?"
"What an atrocious thing we've done." Levi kicked the man into his mouth.
"Ouch..." Everyone winced, and Eren was the only one who knows how painful it is. "Trust me... it was not that pleasant..."
"But what's more atrocious is the mouth of yours." Levi said. "I recommend you start talking while you're still able to use it. Where are Eren and Christa?"
After taking the feet off, the MP coughed and said, "It's no use. All that's left for you now is to run and hide inside these walls, covered in mud and shit! If you don't turn yourselves in, every last Scout we captured will get the noose! Starting with the one most guilty of all, Erwin Smith!"
Levi is frustrated as it makes him remember his past, and everyone is also glaring at the man.
Levi quickly grabbed the man's arm and slammed him into the tree. "Shut up. That's for not answering my question. Some Scouts' lives are more valuable than others. Only those dumb enough to acknowledge that join us. Tell me where Eren and Christa are at."
"I-I don't know! I'm not allowed to know! Kenny Ackerman is a very cautious man!"
"Ackerman?!" This got Mikasa's interest.
"Wait, so it is not just Captain Levi and Mikasa, Kenny is also an Ackerman?" Armin gasps.
Mikasa and Levi are also shocked to hear the news. Erwin thinks, Maybe that's why he became Levi's mentor...
"To think he's also my family..." Mikasa mutters in shock. "Just how many more are out there?"
Levi is also shocked to hear this, he is not sure how to feel. Does that mean he knows my mother? And if he's related to her... why didn't he tell me?
"I know Kenny... Is that his last name?" Levi asked.
"It is, but..."
"True, there's a lot of things he doesn't divulge... Especially the important stuff." Levi said. "But you must have a rough idea. You best try to remember."
"Stop it-" Levi grabbed the man. "You still have plenty of bones left to break."
"You... You're insane!" The man had tears in his eyes.
"Maybe I am." Levi said.
"Someone's coming from that way!" Sasha said while already her arrow.
"Not again..." Sasha mutters.
Everyone readied their weapons and Sasha said, "More than one!"
"Told you so, Captain." The man struggled. "It's no use. One way or another, the Scouts will soon come to an end!"
Two figures with cloaks were approaching, and they were holding guns.
"Do you think they're our side or the Military Police?" Historia asks.
"I don't know... we didn't see the symbols." Levi says.
"Maybe it is not the MPs, maybe it could be Hange and Moblit." Nifa says.
"I just hope that's the case." Nanaba says.
In the cell, Erwin Smith was beaten up as Nile Dawk walked in. "I've seen you in better shape. And to think you were lecturing me the other day."
Erwin flinched as he saw how he was beaten up badly, he just hoped he didn't leak any information.
"You're getting an audience with the King." Nile said. "They'll decide how to dismantle the Scouts and announce your final sentence."
"Nile, huh?" He coughed. "Where was your house? Stohess District, was it? Is Marie...? Is your family doing well?"
Nile widened his eyes at first, but then he said, "They're doing fine. Both Marie and the kids. I haven't been home in a while, but it's around Eastern Wall Rose."
"I see..." Erwin lowered his head again.
"What's with the odd questions?" Nile asked.
"I entrusted something to Commander Pyxis. When, and if the time comes... When it comes, I will only watch. It's up to you to decide. You... and them." Erwin said.
"So I wonder what Commander Erwin was planning?" Jean asks. "From the looks of it, he is really beaten up."
"I just hope that everything goes well in the end, or we will be having a dark future." Erwin says.
The following morning, Deltoff, Gerald, Aurille, and Roderich met. Gerald said, "So, I take it not much came out of Erwin in the end."
Deltoff said, "Indeed... He must not have learned any secrets from Pastor Nick. Historia Reiss can make all the claims she wants about her name, but they'll amount to nothing."
"How silly." Roderich said.
"In any case, they're all nothing more than birds in a cage." Aurille said. "Just waiting to die..."
Everyone turns to Eren, and he just growls in exasperation.
Just then, the door knocked, and a man walked in. "Excuse me. Erwin Smith has arrived."
"Very well. We're coming." "Once we finally execute him, all will be according to plan. And just like they always have, the wall's secrets will stay safe. We'll protect the peace within the walls. Forever..."
"Don't be so sure... Commander Erwin won't die this easily." Jean says.
Erwin was brought to the royal hall, and he was tied while kneeling in front of the royalty and the king.
"Erwin. Do you have any last words?" Aurille asked.
Erwin just stared at them before the screen faded.
"So the plan had begun... but what were those royalties thinking?" Eren asks.
"Yeah. What are actually the secrets of the wall?" Armin asks.
"Sooner or later, we're going to find out and there will be no stopping." Levi says.
"Indeed. Now we'll be taking a break, and we'll be seeing what will happen to Commander Erwin in the next episode." Ray says.
Here is the fourth episode, I hope you like it.