The next week I was moved to Squadron Leader of a small but tight-knit group that reminded me of the Special Ops. Liane, Kelvin, Hanaba, Mikoto and Yaru instantly opened up to me, welcoming me warmly. Seline was the group's official leader and was resting safely at home. The burden of keeping them alive during the Expedition added to my shoulders, which were already carrying the task of mending things with Levi. The Expedition was now only two days away and we were all training hard.

I watched as the team flew in between the trees, improving on their speed, reaction times and flexibility. Wooden Titans moved at them every now and again, causing slices of fake jelly to fly in all directions. Deciding it was time for a break, I blew a whistle and indicated them over to my tree. I waved in thanks to the ground teams and they restarted the course for another squad. The five members collapsed around me and I smiled.

"Much better than last time you guys. Good work."

"Not as easy as last time either." Puffed Kelvin. I grinned wider.

"Who said that it was going to be? Now how are you all feeling?"

"Tired."

"Exhausted."

"Definitely up for a break."

I pouted. "Aw come on guys. You should be up and filled with adrenaline. Outside the Wall ain't going to give you breaks."

"Check them out!"

I blinked at the sudden exclamation and turned to spy my Special Ops comrades whizzing through the forest.

"Having fun?" I couldn't resist calling out. Brian spotted me and paused, reeling onto the trunk of the tree.

"Hard work as always. You know how Captain Levi trains us. Hey, how about you train with us for a bit while your squad takes a rest?"

I made a frown. "I don't think that's a good-"

"Go ahead, Officer Hazura. We've been doing all the work, you should as well." Mikoto prodded. I raised an eyebrow at the boy.

"Are you saying that I haven't been working?"

"What Mikoto means to say," cut in Yaru laughing, "is that you should show us that you're not tired after a round of the training forest. After all, we should be full of adrenaline, right?"

I sighed, smiling and crossed my arms. "You guys just want a longer break, don't you?"

"Yes. Please. You caught us." Hanaba confessed, emptying her water bottle in a few gulps.

"You and me, Hazura. I still need to settle that last round we had last training." Brian puffed out his chest, confident.

"You're not going to let that go, are you?" I teased.

"You cheated."

"Oh, I did not."

"Prove it."

Giving into the banter, I readied myself and drew my blades. "Fine."

"Go!" my squad cheered. Brian and I dived off the branch and into the fray.

I managed to snag the first fake Titan, slicing out the flesh easily.

"Nice to see you again, Rina!" Sophie glided behind me, "Make sure you show Brian's who's boss, right?"

I laughed and quickly took out another target.

"Will do."

I continued to weave between the trunks, using momentum and gas to propel me effortlessly through the air. I lost track of Brian and resumed to make my way through the training forest. A figure dropped in behind me and silently followed me. The hairs on the back of my neck tingled from the intrusion but the person didn't do anything. Ignoring the presence, I cut through another Titan.

"Would you like to explain your intrusion on my Squad's training, Squadron leader Hazura?"

I let out a breath of relief and retired to a nearby tree. The soldier followed suit.

"Captain Levi."

Sure enough, the raven-haired Captain stood before me, his gray eyes locking with mine. His arms crossed over his chest as he waited for an answer. I noticed it was one of the few times he began a conversation with me since the Water Gate event.

"Brian requested that he settle the score with me with a little friendly competition. I didn't mean to intrude or distract anyone."

"Do you know where Brian is, then?"

I jerked a thumb over my shoulder and sure enough, Brian popped out through the trees behind me.

"Brian!" ordered Levi and my comrade immediately retreated to our location.

"Captain!" he saluted, breathing slightly hard.

"How many did you get?"

Brian hung his head when he figured Levi knew about our race. "7, sir. How about you, Rina?"

I opened my mouth but Levi beat me to it. "9. Carry on."

Giving me a weird look, Brian left. I shot Levi a look.

"You followed me?"

"No."

"Then-"

"I traced your cuts until I caught up."

"If you're so worried about me distracting the Special Ops from their training then why didn't you just stop me right away? You waited until I hit another Titan before you said anything."

Levi hesitated, his gray eyes troubled. I blinked and worry for my friend took over, drowning any negative thoughts from our disagreement.

"Hey Levi, is anything-"

"No, nothing. You should get back to your squad." Levi interrupted, his eyes hardening.

"Ah, right. Um, thanks Captain. I apologize again." with a quick bob of my head, I leapt off and returned, leaving Levi standing alone.

D-day came all too soon and the Survey Corps waited nervously in front of the main gate of Wall Rose. The colour dark green dominated the streets, flashes of 3DMGs and the Wings of Freedom spotting throughout. Horses waited, riders on top, twice as alert than usual. Hanji was located near her enormous batch of Titan-capturing equipment, Erwin and Mike were seen milling near the front and Levi was nowhere to be seen.

"You guys all got your smoke guns?" I called from atop my horse, Streak. I secured my own resource bag and swung my green Wings of Freedom cover over my shoulders. My own Squadron surrounded me, all of us on our horses and ready to go.

"Yes sir!"

"You all know your positions and roles?"

"Yes sir!"

"Well then, I've got nothing else to say. Join the huddle but keep close together until we leave the Gate."

My squad split up temporarily, joining the giant group of Survey Corps soldiers waiting for the 64th Expedition Outside the Walls to commence. I trotted over to the Special Ops Squad, waving in greeting.

"Come for protection, Squad Leader Hazura?" teased Steve. The Special Ops Squad rode in the most protected position in Erwin's 'Human Radar' formation, centre and near the back. Eren rode with them, with Mikasa watching from a close distance.

I pouted at Steve in reply. "But then who would warn you guys of oncoming Titans?"

The Squad laughed nervously. I knew they were on edge with me being on the outskirts of the formation, vastly different to being protected in the middle.

"Be careful." Warned Linda. I threw her a gentle smile.

"You guys too. Try to keep out of trouble, Eren."

The brown haired, emerald eyed boy grinned. "I'll try my best."

A dark-brown horse rode up next to my midnight black Streak and I glanced over. Levi. He stared straight ahead, mind rolling through Erwin's plan. Speaking of the Commander, he raised a fist high in the air.

"The 64th Expedition Outside the Walls will begin!"

At that sign, the thick concrete Gate of Wall Rose began to creak and lifted off the ground, revealing the Old City.

"Onward!"