The Wings Of Our Dreams

AN: Hello there, my dear readers! Here's a new installment of The Wings Of Our Dreams. Hope you enjoy it.

Now to reviews.

Guest: Well, you'll just have to wait and see how I do all those things if you want to get answers.

Yoyon586: I'm glad you think so.

RememberShiganshina: Best trade offer.

Alph4Scorpion180: Thanks. And good luck with your own idea. And as to how much you can change the timeline, well, I'm not sure. I think this is more up to you than anyone else.

Guest(2): Jeez, it wasn't even that long since the next chapter. Well, here it is.

TheGreatGodzilla: Well, I'm really glad you're enjoying this. As for your suggestions, well, it would take too much space here so it'd be better if go over them in the PMs.


Enemy In Our Midst


Year 850

Fifty-first entry

So, once the trial was over, it was decided that Eren should be moved to an old Scout headquarters located somewhere north of Trost. Safety measures, and all that stuff. The Levi Squad would be in charge of escorting him while I accompany Hange for an errand outside the Walls. Which I find really weird considering the reason Erwin Smith got me so early was so I could help Eren ease into the situation so why keep us separate now? I guess they figured we have the time.

Well, in any case, the next task is getting us some Titans. I have to admit that does sound… interesting to say the least. Hopefully, nothing too bad happens.

I have to admit, I actually feel great pride in wearing this Scout uniform. I always knew I would, but to actually have it... Honestly, it feels great. And I'll wear it proudly in the field.


Collin zipped over to a house roof alongside Gelgar and landed next to two long boxes placed there.

"Okay, we're set," Gelgar said before opening one of the boxes and Collin opening the other. They took out what seemed to be cannons, though the front had a barrel-like structure while the metal pipe was thinner than those on an actual cannon. The devices were officially labeled by Hange as restraining guns.

Some distance away from them was a seven-meter Titan with short brown hair and a large smile on its face, and it was running in their direction.

"Remember the position, rookie," Gelgar said as he kneeled near the end of the roof and pointed his gun in the Titan's direction.

"Yeah, I know," Collin said while kneeling a few feet away from Gelgar and also a few inches behind him as he aimed his own gun at the Titan.

Collin looked as the Titan neared, his eyes narrowing while his fingers rubbed the trigger. He had to be patient for this to work and they needed good timing on this.

A few moments later, the Titan got into a certain tree line, Gelgar quickly exclaimed "NOW!"

The two fired their guns, and two large nets flew in the Titan's direction, Collin's slightly behind Gelgar's. The Titan was first struck on the torso while the second net wrapped itself around its legs, making it tumble to the ground.

"RAISE IT UP!" another exclamation came from the treetops as a larger net was revealed to be beneath the downed Titan and ropes began pulling the net up along with the Titan in it. The seven-meter wriggled around but all the netting wrapped around it made it impossible to get out.

"Yahoo!" Hange exclaimed as she descended from the tree with her gear. The moment her feet touched the ground she looked excitedly at the Titan that was being raised up. "Oh, now we have a four-meter and a seven-meter! This is so exciting!"

Collin and Gelgar also descended from the house and approached the others as they got ready to haul the Titan away from the area.

"Well, I have to admit, not bad for your first capture mission," Gelgar said with a grin.

"Oh, well, thanks. I try my best," Collin said.

"Though, I kinda feel bad for you considering what comes next," Gelgar said making Collin look at him curiously.


So, it came time for Hange's experimentation on the four-meter and the seven-meter, who she named Sawney and Bean respectively, and Collin was asked to attend, just to see how the process went. And to say that Collin wasn't curious about it would be a lie. Who wouldn't want to see how experiments on Titans of all things went?

Though he quickly soon realized Gelgar's words to him. Hange actually started talking to the Titans, who were currently bolted to the ground as safety measures, trying to see if they could be communicated like with regular people. And then she proceeded to go into an… uncomfortable detail about a cannibalistic tribe of people and their practices. And she ended up naming the two Titans after some tribe leaders.

And then came other tests.

Hange screamed as she jammed a spear into one of Bean's eyes, and cried as she did so while the seven-meter seemed to moan in pain.

"Ah, I'm so sorry, Bean!" Hange yelled as she pushed the spear further into Bean's eyes.

"The bloody hell is wrong with her?" Collin asked as he stared at the incredibly odd scene.

Moblit rubbed his face in annoyance. "She gets… too attached to the Titans when we capture them," he said before approaching his superior. "Hey, Section Commander! You're not the one who has to scream!"

She looked at him with her teary eyes. "But don't you see in how much pain he's in?! Oh, don't worry, Bean! It'll be over soon, I promise, I just need some more data!"

Moblit grumbled in annoyance and rubbed his face again. "God, I need a drink."

"Ya know," Collin began. "I ain't sure if she's got a few screws loose, or if her screws got screwed in a bit too tight."

If Collin said that some years ago, Moblit would have berated him for talking about his superior officer like that. But at this point, he honestly couldn't care less.

"That's not too far off, actually," Moblit said. "For all her… quirks, the Section Commander is still very effective."

Hange screamed again and yelled "I'm sorry!" several times as the Titan's eye steamed and he moaned louder.

"Yeah, that's honestly good to know," Collin said.


Eren sat nervously on the square table where the Levi Squad had a meeting. If he was honest, he felt like he didn't belong there. Besides Petra, none of the others really made it feel all that welcoming. He felt like some add-on they were obliged to have but didn't want. Though with Levi he wasn't so sure about how he felt.

Right now they discussed the mission that would take place a month from now. Another expedition beyond the Walls that would have recently graduated cadets as a larger part of their force. Something which they themselves weren't really certain about since they were already put through a lot at Trost, but those were the Commander's orders.

"Well, the situation is pretty delicate," Eld said. "Just imagine how many people were lost on the reclaiming of Wall Maria. Then hope comes in a form no one expected. One that we're not even entirely sure how to deal with."

Eren shifted in his seat as he felt the five's gazes on him. After a few moments of not saying anything, Eren was just prompted to look down.

"Most of us find it hard to believe," Eld said. "So how does your Titan changing trick work?"

Eren breathed slightly. "Well, the truth is my memory is a bit hazy, so I'm not completely sure. But it would seem that it's triggered by me injuring myself in some way," he explained before putting his arm up. "Like biting my hand."

"Eh, don't bother. You won't get any more information out of him than we already received," Levi said before picking up a cup of tea, oddly by the sides instead of the handle, and taking a sip. "Not that Hange won't have a field day with him."

"Wait, what are you talking abou-?"

Eren was interrupted when something slammed into the door and a loud "OW!" was heard.

Levi rolled his eyes. "Speaking of…"

Petra rose and took the wooden bar that locked the door. It opened showing Hange rubbing her slightly red temples.

"Sorry, I was in a hurry," Hange said before regaining her usual energetic posture. "Good evening, team Levi! How's castle life treating everyone?"

From behind her Collin and Moblin appeared, with Hange's assistant looking incredibly apologetic.

"I'm so sorry, Captain Levi," Moblit said. "But she insisted to come here early."

"I honestly shouldn't be surprised at this point," Levi simply said before sipping on his tea again.

Collin decided to approach Eren and tapped him on the shoulder, making the younger cadet slightly flinch. "Hey there! Didya miss me?"

"Oh, Collin. So you're here as well?" Eren asked.

"I sure am. Sorry, I know I should've been 'ere earlier, but Section Commander Hange needed my assistance. But enough 'bout that, how's your stay here been?"

"Hey, you two," Oruo said. "This isn't a vacation for you. Don't think this will be a warm and fuzzy stay."

"Oh, uh, I'm sorry," Eren stammered. "We weren't thinking that. Honest."

Collin scoffed. That guy's attitude was really starting to grate him. "Forget it, Eren. The guy's a snibblin' gander, anyway."

Eren looked confused at what Collin said while Oruo sharply rose from his seat. "What did you…?! How dare you call me that, brat?!"

Collin blinked. "Wait, ya actually got what I said?"

The elite Scout's eyes widened for a moment before he looked away. "No, I didn't get it one bit," he said while crossing his arms. "Just behave yourselves."

"Uh-huh. Right," Collin said. Something was definitely weird about that guy.

"Hey, what did you call him?" Eren whispered.

"Where I'm from, that's another way of sayin' arrogant moron," Collin whispered back. "Didn't think he'd understand me."

"Hey there, Eren," Hange said as she leaned next to them on the table. "Nice to see you reunited with our friend. But anyway, in the event you didn't piece it together, it's my job to spearhead the Scout Regiment's research efforts. Essentially, I poke and prod our captive Titan specimens. And… I'd very much like your help."

"My help?" Eren said confused. "What would I have to do?"

"Join me of course!" Hange said with a blush on her face and an overly excited look on her face. "On my quest of scientific discovery."

"Well, I'd be happy to," Eren said as a nervous drop of sweat rolled down his head. The woman really made him uncomfortable. "But it isn't up to me. I'm under heavy restrictions by the higher-ups, you see."

"Levi!" Hange said with a quick turn. "What's on the docket for him tomorrow?"

"Clearing out all the weeds," Levi answered with some annoyance in his voice.

"Excellent then!" Hange said before grabbing Eren's hand. "Young man, tomorrow will be grand."

Collin leaned to Moblit. "Man, she can get really handsy, can't she?"

Moblit sighed. "You have no idea."

Blinking his shock away, Eren spoke. "Um, alright then. But just so we're clear, what will I be doing? Are you… running experiments or something?"

"Idiot, shut up," Oruo muttered to himself.

"Ah, I knew it," Hange said in a low tone and strangely steeled gaze. "You possess a singularly curious mind, don't you?"

Hange began chuckling while Levi rose from his seat and headed towards the door. His squad followed soon after, at which Collin looked confused.

'What are they leavin' for?' Collin thought before he felt someone grab his arm, and saw that it was Moblit.

"You should come with," Moblit said. "Believe me, you don't want to be here."

"Um, why's that?"

"Please, come along. Just… Just trust me on this one," Moblit said as he also walked away.

"Uh, well…" Collin said before turning to Hange and Eren. "I'll… see ya later, I guess."

With that, Collin walked out and closed the doors behind him. He hurried his step a bit so he caught up with the rest.

"Okay, what's all this about?" Collin asked.

"That nutcase is about to babble her ass off," Oruo said. "And she can go on for way longer than necessary."

Petra sighed. "We won't be seeing from those two at least until morning. So go and try to get some rest."

"But don't think you won't be doing anything tomorrow," Levi told Collin. "You'll be doing clean-up as well. Especially now since Yeager is unavailable. You better wake up early or I'll have to drag you out myself. Got it?"

Collin stared at Levi's somewhat hostile attitude, but he saw worse from Commandant Keith Shadis so he wasn't really bothered. "Right. I will," he said with a nod.

"Good."


Dawn came, and Petra walked through the castle's hallways and headed towards Collin's room. She thought she needed to make sure he was up and ready. Better for her to do it than Levi in any case.

When she approached the door of Collin's assigned room, she opened it.

"Hey, Collin, I just wanted to make sure you're-"

Petra stopped herself when she saw that Collin was not only away, but he was actually doing one-handed push-ups right near his bed. And he was also shirtless.

"Oh, hi there," Collin said before getting up and wiping his head with some cloth. "Sorry, I just wanted to get myself a bit pumped, ya know. Don't worry, I'm ready."

Petra lightly shook her head. "Uh, that's good. Just… make sure that you wear a shirt, please."

Thankfully with no further awkwardness, the two got out of the castle. Outside, they were met with Eld and Gunther.

"Well, looks like the rookie is up," Eld said with a small smile. "Guess there won't be any scolding for you from our dear Captain. You just might make it here."

"Uh, thanks," Collin said while scratching the back of his head. Honestly, taking compliments from such prestigious Scout members felt weird. "So, what am I s'posed to be cleanin'?"

"Well, as Captain Levi said there are some weeds that needed clearing up, so you better get to it," Eld explained. "Don't worry, we'll show you where. It's not like we're allowed to slack off either."

"Right, well, we better get busy," Collin said.

Eld nodded. "Good attitude. Now come on."

The four of them departed, heading towards the other side of the castle, ready to do their job. Meager as it was.

"Hey, Collin," Petra spoke. "Listen, just a little advice from a colleague, but I think you should drop the accent." This immediately got Collin's attention, and even Gunther and Eld couldn't help but look back. "It's just that people will take you more seriously."

Collin's eyes slightly narrowed. "So you're sayin' that folks won't take me seriously 'cause of how I talk?"

Petra was honestly caught off guard by his harsher tone. "That… would be the case, yes."

After clicking his tongue, Collin spoke. "Well then, those who have a problem can kindly fuck off."

Petra blinked in shock with a slightly open mouth. She honestly couldn't believe the… crude response she just got from him. Eld and Gunther looked surprised before they began laughing and making Petra look away with a light blush.

Collin honestly couldn't believe what some people found problematic. What on Earth was wrong with the way he talked? Sure, he sounded different from a lot of folk in the cities, but pretty much everyone he knew as a child spoke like that. There is no way he was changing that just because somebody thought he didn't 'sound normal'.

After composing themselves, it was Gunther who spoke next. "Hey, Collin, I gotta ask? Aren't you even a little worried when around Eren?"

Collin looked at him curiously. "Whaddya mean?"

"Well, Eren Yeager can turn into a Titan. Doesn't that fact raise any red flags for you? I mean, how can you just walk up to him like nothing happened?"

"'Course it doesn't. Eren's my ally and my friend. Why on Earth would I be afraid of 'im?"

Gunther pressed on. "But, we aren't sure how his ability works. What if it goes wrong?"

"That ability saved my life. And that of many others," Collin countered undeterred. "As I said, Eren's my friend and he doesn't have any reason to hurt me, so I know he won't. I don't know 'bout you, but I have faith in 'im."

Collin sighed. "Look, I get that y'all are afraid, but trust me, there's-"

He stopped as he noticed something out of the corner of his eyes, and quickly turned his head to the side… but he saw nothing.

"Hey, is something wrong?" Eld asked.

"No, I just thought that-"

"Hey, we have an emergency!"

The four of them turned back to see Moblit running after them, a very worried look on his face.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Petra asked.

"We have a huge problem! I just got the news that the Titans we captured have been killed!"

The group gasped when they heard that.

"What?! Who killed them?!" Eld asked.

"We don't know! But we were called to retreat to Trost and look over the situation! We have to get there pronto, come on!"

They quickly began running back in response to the emergency. But while they ran, Collin couldn't help but glance back at the spot from before, still seeing nothing there. Shaking his head, he focused on getting back and seeing who killed the Titans.


"NO!" Hange screamed while grasping her hair. "Sawney! Bean! Oh, please somebody tell me this is a bad dream!"

In the middle of the containment area in Trost, what used to be Sawney and Bean were now nothing more than steaming Titan skeletons. Many soldiers stationed there looked at the scene in shock as just yesterday the Titans were safely secured there.

Everyone in the old Scout HQ was also present at the scene. When they got the news they hurried back to Trost on their horses and were just as shocked as everyone else when they saw what happened. Collin was even more frustrated as he was a part of the operation that actually went through the trouble of catching those Titans in the first place, and now all the work was for nothing.

"What on Earth happened here?" Gunther asked. "Was this a soldier's works?"

Eld frowned. "From what I found out it was, but they were unable to catch them. The Titans were killed before dawn, and when the guards got here, the bastard cleared out on ODM gear."

"And they were such valuable specimens, too," Gunther said. "Well, whoever it was he must have had someone as a lookout for the guards."

'God dammit! Just how much more complicated can things get?' Collin wondered as he bit his lip. He wasn't nearly as concerned as Hange about the situation, but that was still some of his work wasted.

"Tell me."

Collin slightly jolted when he saw that Commander Erwin was next to him, his stern face ever-present.

"What exactly is what you see here," Erwin continued in a lower tone. "Who do you think the real enemy is?"

Collin raised an eyebrow at the odd question. "Um, what do ya mean?"

"Sorry about that. It was a loaded question," Erwin said before turning elsewhere. "Just ignore me."

'What on Earth was that about?' Collin thought as he saw Erwin actually move towards Eren. Why such a cryptic question all of a sudden? What real enemy? God, things were getting more confusing by the second around here.

"So," Collin said turning to his two superiors. "What'll we do 'bout this?"

"Not much, I can tell you that," Eld said. "We were tasked with keeping an eye on Eren and helping him master his abilities, not to conduct investigations. This is a matter for the Military Police to handle, not us."

"Right," Collin said with a scoff. "Considerin' how they acted in court, I doubt they'd take this seriously, somebody killin' Titans. Wouldn't be surprised if they were glad this happened."

"In any case, this isn't our situation to handle," Gunther said. "We'll have to get back to our temporary headquarters. We have our own Titan problem to deal with."

Collin couldn't help but give Gunther an annoyed look. Seriously, what was the deal with them calling Eren a problem? 'An' here I thought my pa was kiddin' when he said that nobody in this world was grateful anymore.'

Hange continued to scream about her Titans being killed while Moblit tried to get her to calm down. Whatever happened today honestly seemed like it was only the beginning of their troubles. A feeling Collin hoped wasn't true.


"Well, wasn't that a fun day?" Collin said as he put some gardening tools back into the storeroom before closing the door. "And boy, that Captain's a clean freak an' a half."

"Yeah, he can be… very thorough," Eren said before looking at the setting sun. "Looks like it's time for us to go to bed."

"Right," Collin said. "Still can't believe they have ya sleep in the cellar."

"It's a precautionary measure. They think it's the safest solution for everybody since they still aren't sure about my Titan powers."

"Yeah, I got that part pretty clearly today," Collin said.

"You know, it feels a bit weird. We had a breach of security today with the two Titan subjects killed, and we just got back clearing weeds as if nothing happened."

Collin shrugged. "Who knows, maybe the assailant will come 'ere tonight to put those weeds back just so he can screw with us more."

Eren actually chuckled at the joke. After everything so serious today, he honestly needed that. "Then let's hope he doesn't."

"If he does, I'm chasin' him, myself," Collin said with a grin.

"Still, to think that killing Titans would be considered a bad thing," Eren said. "If you told me that three years ago, I would've called you crazy."

"The world's full of surprises, I tell ya," Collin said. "Kinda like you bein' able to turn into a Titan."

Eren nodded before looking at his hand and clenching his fist. "I hope that I can actually master this ability. We'll need it if we plan to reclaim Wall Maria."

"Eren, I believe ya will," Collin said before patting his friend on the shoulder. "Outta all of us, you're definitely the most determined. If anybody could do it, you can."

"Hm, thanks," Eren said with a smile. "It means a lot. Really."

"Hey, you're my buddy. 'Course I got your back."

"Say, if we are able to find the Armored Titan while reclaiming Wall Maria," Eren began. "What will you do then? You said you wanted to get back at him for what he did to you. How exactly do you plan on going about it?"

Collin sighed. "Honestly, I still ain't sure about that," he said before his expression brightened as he lifted his fist up and shook it slightly. "But since you can turn into a Titan, maybe ya can help me by givin' 'im a good ol' conk on the noggin'."

Eren nodded. "I'd be more than happy to."

"Heh, I knew I could count on ya," Collin said before bringing his fist forward and Eren bumping it with his own.

"Hey!" The two quickly turned to see Captain Levi giving them one of his stern stares. "You two better stop babbling and get to bed. There is still work to be done."

"Yes, Captain!" Collin and Eren said at the same time before going towards the castle.

Collin leaned down to Eren and whispered. "Sometimes I swear the man's temper is almost as short as he is."

"Well, he seems pretty composed when it comes to stuff that doesn't involve cleaning," Eren said.

"And we'll be stayin' a month with 'im," Collin said. "Guess we better get used to his attitude."


AN: And that's all for now, my dear readers. Less action in this chapter, but I hope the character interactions were good.

Also, I hope you check out my other stories as well. Trust me, they are worth it. And leave a review, they are really great motivators.

See ya next time!