After the events of Eren's court martial, I was tasked by Commander Erwin to join Levi to transport Eren to the Old Scout Regiment Headquarters a few miles away from the Trost District.
Mikasa and Armin had to stay behind because the cadets still have to choose which regiment they wish to work under.
I told them that I will see them again.
I also tasked Armin to send a letter to our mother. Let her know the situation.
I know for a fact that word has spread about Trost and the aftermath of the battle.
No doubt that mom probably heard about Eren becoming a Titan.
Since I doubt I'll have time to write the letter myself, I had Armin do it for me.
I feel bad having him do this but he understood that I have too much on my plate to write to her. I hope she is ok. I hope she doesn't view us differently.
But I have to focus on the current moment.
Riding to an unused HQ was surprisingly quiet. Levi, Eren and myself were joined with a couple of other scout members.
Members that were going to die if I didn't do something to prevent it.
Riding with us was Oruo Bozad and Petra Rall, members of the Special Operations Squad. Levi's personal team or commonly known as Levi's Squad.
Bozad is the guy that liked to scare the rookies. He tried to scare me when we first met but he never could. He was mildly successful scaring Eren which he was more than happy to know. I think he always wanted to be like Levi and tries to act like him so people could be be respectful of him too.
It never worked.
But you have to admire his persistence to keep trying.
And then there was Petra.
She is the kind woman of the group. She's loyal to her team and compassionate about others. I only spoke to her for a brief moment in the beginning but I can see why Eren trusted her in the first timeline.
She's someone you want to trust. But don't let that fool you, she's very capable as a soldier. Probably more dangerous than anyone would think. Levi doesn't pick fools so there's a reason that she's here.
We reached the old headquarters and started to unpack our belongings. There we met the rest of Levi's team.
Eld Gin and Gunther Schultz.
From what I remember, Eld is the second in command of this motley crew. Strong and firm. A man that understood what his duty was and has the trust of his soldiers. A good man.
Gunther, on the other hand, is a man that doesn't trust easily. He is cautious but not unreasonable. He's someone that asks first before doing something. Something I respect.
All of these people have killed a lot of Titans. Each of them has known loss in a scale that only a few could know but they never let it change them. In fact, those losses give them the determination to be more of the people they used to be than the burnt out jaded soldiers that most become.
All in all, these are good people.
I won't let them die.
I knew that Levi is a clean freak. To be honest, I'm similar to him in that regard.
But holy fuck does he take it to extremes.
As soon as we unpacked, he tasked everyone one of us to clean the entire castle.
Every nook, cranny, corner, ceiling, bookshelf, etc. had to be cleaned to the point that they sparkled whenever the sun shined on it.
And so help you if you make a mistake because he will let you know as aggressively as he could possible make it.
Petra told me stories of how Oruo messed up many times when he joined the squad while we were cleaning.
His punishment was to clean the castle by himself without food or water until everything was spotless.
Fuck me that's brutal.
But then again, this is Levi we are talking about.
But there is a silver lining, Levi had orders to ensure that Eren and I had a room together within the facility instead of the basement.
Thank God.
In any case, things are improving a bit for Eren.
Not by much but an improvement nonetheless.
Which is why I'm here to make sure it stays that way.
But I am worried about the political game that's going on inside the walls.
Erwin no doubt has a plan to make sure the central powers view Eren positively. I'm sure the Black Order are doing something similar to which Erwin will probably use to his advantage.
But I'm more concerned about the Military Police and the lazy aristocrats.
Spineless cowards and manipulators who want to live in their own little world of drunken debauchery and vice without worry of the outside conflicts.
Eren is a threat to them.
I am a threat to them.
Let them come for me. I can take what they got. But if they come after my family and the people I care about.
I'll kill them all.
Few hours later...
It was nighttime and we already finished cleaning the entire facility. Now every member of the Levi Squad, including my brother and I, were sitting on a table within the old cafeteria drinking coffee and discussing future plans.
"I assume our orders to remain on standby will last for a few more days. But I hear they're planning a major expedition beyond the wall thirty days from now." Eld explained to us "And that fresh graduates are going to participate straightaway too."
"Is that true, Eld?" Gunther asks "That's seems pretty sudden especially since the rookies already had to endure this latest Titan attack"
"You shouldn't underestimate us rookies" I said which gathered their attention "We may be young but we know the risks. We are not so green as you might think"
"Hmph" Oruo scoffed "I still think that the stories of what happened in Trost are a bit exaggerated"
"Is that true, sir?" Petra asks Levi
"I'm not in charge of coming up with missions." He answered "But, knowing Erwin, he'd put far more thought into this than we have."
"Indeed, there's never been a situation like this before. So many lives were lost establishing a route to reclaim Wall Maria. Just when it seemed like it went up in smoke, suddenly a different ray of hope has presented itself" Eld stated as he and everyone else looked at my brother.
Eren was getting a bit overwhelmed with the attention.
"It's still hard to believe, but how does this "changing into a Titan" thing work anyway, Eren?" Eld asks
"I...don't know." He answered "My memories of it aren't very clear, but it's like being in a trance. Like my mind is focused and yet not. What I do know is that self-harm seems to activate it, though. I just have to bite my hand and..."
Eren goes to demonstrate but I stop him.
He looks at me confused but I shake my head at him.
"You guys know that you can't get any more info out of him than what's in the reports. Not that she won't try, of course." Levi said "Better hope you don't end up dead when she tinkers with you, Eren. But I'm sure you're brother will make sure that she won't go too far"
"Huh? Who's "she"?!" Eren asks
And on cue, something slammed into the door of the cafeteria door that was locked.
Petra opens the door and in comes in the mad scientist.
Hange Zoe, section commander of the fourth squad.
"Good evening, members of the Levi Squad!" She greeted "How is the castle life treating you?"
"You're early" Levi said
"I just couldn't help myself!" She said
"Section Commander Hange..." Eren stated
"Sorry for the wait, Eren!" She said "I'm actually in charge of examining two Titans we caught in town. I'd like to you to help with my experiments tomorrow, so I came to get your permission."
"Experiments?" He asks "What would I have to do?"
"Why the most exhilarating thing of all, of course!" She answered with glee.
Jesus, she's crazy.
Eren looked a bit terrified of the woman and couldn't help but look at me for some help.
I just shrug my shoulders.
"Ummm, I-I'm not in any position to give permission myself. I don't have authority over myself, you see" He said
"Levi! What are Eren's plans for tomorrow?" Hange asks
"Cleaning the garden along with his brother" he said
Hange then looked at me.
It looked as though she was dissecting me with her eyes.
Creepy.
She then put on a big smile.
"Great! It's decided!" She said as she takes my brothers and, strangely, mine "Eren, John! I look forward to tomorrow!"
"Uh...right" he said
"Wait! Why am I involved?" I ask
"Because you, my famous friend, are vital for this experiment because you are Eren's brother. The relationship between family members is strong and I find that when it comes to family, anything is possible" she explained.
Yep, she's insane
"Umm, what kind of Titan experiments are we talking about here?" Eren asks
"Hmmm?" She asks
Oh no
"I-I said what kind of-"
"Eren, please shut up!" I tell him
"Ah...I knew it...I thought you might be curious enough to ask" Hange said in a very creepy voice.
Levi and his squad proceed to leave.
I decide to go with them but...
Hange keeps me in my seat.
Fuck me.
"You want to know that badly, do you? Well, if you insist, then I guess I'd better tell you both about the little ones we recently caught..." she said
And just like that, I was sucked into a conversation about Hange's crazy experiments that would make even the Devil cry.
Don't get me wrong, Hange has a brilliant scientific mind. In a more modern world, she would've excelled to be one of the greatest scientists in the world. Though her eccentricity would've probably still be maintained.
Her mind is valuable to the Scouts and she is a competent fighter as well.
But she tends to go way too far in her experiments.
Fortunately, people aren't involved in them.
But she knows more about Titan physiology than anyone. That's probably why they wanted her with Eren.
He's unique.
He's something new.
But only he is publicly known as a Titan Shifter.
I feel terrible making him go through this but this needs to happen.
This is how his story begins.
Next Day...
For twelve hours, Hange was still discussing her theories of the bodily functions of Titans.
Eren was listening intensely and asking legitimate questions to further understand Titans.
I was mostly focused on making sure caffeine still flowed in my body since I was forced to listen to everything.
Normally I wouldn't mind but it feels repetitive when you've heard it before.
One of the cons of knowing things before anyone else does is that it gets tedious when you are relayed information you already know.
But it doesn't hurt to make sure you have all the facts.
As the conversation continues, I can see the bags under Eren's eyes and his inherent exhaustion despite having as much caffeine as me.
Hange, on the other hand, had nothing to indicate that she was tired. She was still energetic like before. She really loves to tell people about what she knows.
Before she could continue, a soldier barged in and interrupted.
"Is the section commander here?" He asked
"What's going on?" Hange asked
"The Titans..." he said "Both of the Titans are dead"
Hange looked serious and had us follow her to the test site.
Took us ten minutes to get there.
Soldiers gathered to look at the spectacle.
Hange screamed as the Titans she was using were dead and there bones were smoking.
They were killed by someone who had a ODM. It's obvious when you look at it.
I know who did this but I don't have proof.
Without proof, no one would believe me and they'll see me as a crazy person burdened by the trauma of war.
For now, I must wait until the proper moment.
All will be revealed soon.
Someone grabs my shoulder and moves close to me.
I turn my head a bit and see Commander Erwin.
His gaze firmly looking at Hange and the dead titans.
"What do you see here?" He asks "What do you think the enemy is?"
I stay silent.
"Sorry. That was a strange thing to ask" he said as begins to leave the area.
All I do is watch him leave.
"Erwin" I mumble "You are a dangerous man. The world needs you for what comes next"
I then look back at the spectacle before us and proceed to leave alongside the rest of Levi's squad.
By now, the Military Police would be questioning every soldier within the area by checking their gear to see if any have been used recently.
They won't find anything.
The people involved are smart.
They know how to hide.
They've been doing it since they got here.
Ever since they became cadets.
Annie, Reiner and Bertolt.
Three traitors.
My friends.
I'm conflicted about going against them.
By all intents and purposes, they are the villains of this story.
But the line of good and evil isn't so well defined. Especially here in this world.
From what I recall from the franchise, they were looking for something.
An ancient power from the Founding Titan.
A power that my father took.
A power that I now possess but I don't have any clue on how to use it.
Knowing what it is and knowing how to use it are two different things.
There's always more that people don't consider.
That's where I am.
I don't have time or the luxury to sneak out and become the Black Titan to figure it out.
I can only guess.
Guessing is all I can do.
But those guys will think that Eren has this power because of what he's become thanks to our father.
I hate that I'm making him the target but it has to be done. He's more reckless. Always trying to prove himself.
That is what nearly got him killed the first time.
Hopefully, he's wised up a bit.
After the questions were done, Eren, Hange and I return back to base.
Nothing else to be done except to wait and see on who decides to join their regiments.
Wonder how everyone's doing.
I hope they are ok.
Night has fallen in Trost.
Fires are burning to free the dead from the earthly plane.
Soldiers and cadets surround the fires.
Praying for their comrades souls to be free into whatever place souls go when life ends.
Many are sad.
Some don't show it.
Everyone is silent.
Only the flames make noises.
Jean, Connie, Sasha, Annie, Mikasa, Armin, Ymir, Historia, Reiner, Bartholdt, Annie, and the rest of the 104th cadets were together.
Bonded in blood and war. They did the most in this battle and many saw them as the greatest generation of soldiers ever produced.
Could anyone argue such a belief?
Very few died thanks to them.
They're skill and ability to work in tandem without much conversation was beyond what people would expect fresh recruits could do. And yet, it happened.
They killed Titan upon Titan and never showed fear.
They were the best.
But while everyone complimented them, the 104th held a different belief.
They never saw themselves as heroes. They never believed that they were the best.
They saw themselves as people. People who are flawed beyond measure. No one would believe this if they were told this but within the hearts of the 104th, they were afraid.
They were horrified by the events of Trost. They had every reason to abandon the city in order to survive.
And yet recognizing that was the reason why they became legends.
They understood their strengths and their weaknesses thanks to John Yeager.
Their friend, their mentor, their leader.
It was John that taught them to go through fire. Mainly because John himself blazed through it five years ago.
He explained what hell is. He trained them to survive it. Despite him being the same age. But his experiences have them a chance.
Everyone hoped that he would be wrong that the war would get worse. Trost nearly fell because they wanted him to be wrong. But John took the lead when not many were willing to.
The 104th followed him and inspired others to do the same.
They fought in hell and came out stronger than they thought. Exactly what John hoped they'd do.
This was the moment that they realized what they have to do. A choice has to be made.
Tomorrow is their chance to make it.
Next day...
Eren and I were helping to feed the horses in the stables for their morning breakfast. The investigation on who used the ODM has made little progress.
No one will ever know who it was. These are professionals.
Eld and Gunther were outside drinking coffee nearby.
Rather a quiet morning all things considered.
Until...
"Assemble" Eld said as Captain Levi rode in with his horse.
All of us saluted before him
"Make ready at once! We're going on patrol!" he ordered
"Yes, sir!" Eld and Gunther answered
He then looked at us.
"Both of you, don't fall more than two lengths behind. Especially you, Eren. You're only allowed to wander around because your brother and I are watching you. Don't forget that" he explained.
Always so blunt
"Yes, sir!" We answered
"Let's go" he said.
We got our horses ready and began to follow the captain to do our jobs.
Few hours later...
We met up with the rest of Levi's team to patrol the area. So far it was clear of Titans. But we still had to be vigilant. Titan shifters have infiltrated this place and any one of them can bring their own army to tear these walls down. So many things to worry about but for now, the coast is clear.
We briefly discussed the Scouts riding formations. It would serve as an example of what it would look like of Eren and I plan to make it home to uncover whatever secrets our father laid buried there. Especially in regards to me.
Levi decided to call it a day and we rode back to HQ.
The sun was setting when Eren and I were putting our horses in the stables. Took us ten minutes to make sure they were secured and fed for they had a long day. Once we were done, we left the stables and saw Oruo drinking coffee at the entrance.
But what really caught our attention was the amount of people walking through HQ.
Hundreds of people. Soldiers. I recognized their faces.
They were my comrades. My brothers and sisters of war. They chose their path and they looked determined to follow it.
That's when we saw Armin and Mikasa. Eren and I couldn't stop the smile on our faces.
"Armin. Mikasa" Eren called out as we run towards them.
Both of them looked back and were happy to see us. They both ran towards us. Once we were close enough, we hugged each other.
"It's so good to see you guys again." I said as we end the hug.
"Us too." Armin responded "It's one of the reasons why we are here"
"Wait. Does that mean you joined the Scouts?" Eren asks
"Not just us" Mikasa answered.
Both Armin and Mikasa looked behind their backs. I look at what they see and to be honest, I wasn't expecting to see it.
When we weren't looking, the entire 104th division along with cadets from other divisions were in a uniformed line and standing in a professional manner. All of them, including my friends, had proud and determined looks on their faces. I walk up close to them and stand a couple of feet away.
"Reporting for duty, sir" Jean responded with a salute.
The moment he did, everyone else followed suit
"REPORTING FOR DUTY, SIR!!" the collective voice from the crowd repeated.
This is beyond surprising and yet not at the same time. I couldn't help but sigh.
"You know I'm not a commander right, Jean? You trying to have me killed?" I ask
Jean couldn't help but smirk.
"We may be under the command of Commander Erwin but you are our true commander. Say the word and we'll be behind you. Even if it leads us to a special place in Hell as a result" he answered.
I look at the rest of the cadets to see if Jean stood alone in his belief. He wasn't. Everyone had a look that screamed in agreement. These soldiers would slit their throats if I told them to. Such loyalty is a powerful and dangerous thing.
I must be careful not to let the higher ups think I'm planning on doing a coup.
"At ease" I ordered. Everyone does.
"All of you are here because you made a choice. A choice to fight in the frontlines or to follow me. In either case, you chose the Scout regiment. This is a regiment designed to go beyond the Walls and fight the Titans in the open field. Nearly all of you were in the Battle of Trost, so you know the dangers. You know the risks. This is what we signed up for. You are all probably afraid. Good. Fear is good. Fear makes you alert. Fear makes you stronger, faster and even more bold when put in the corner. You will be taught by the best in this regiment to control your fear. These veterans survived much more than we ever have. They will make us better. The chain of command is clear. I'm not your superior but you're equal. If you need help, I will give it to the best of abilities. But respect the chain of command. I'm happy that you guys are here. I have hope that we will be victorious. DO YOU GET ME?" I ask
"WE GET YOU, SIR!!" They all yelled.
I look back and see Mikasa, Armin and Eren also yelled out. I even saw Captain Levi, standing in the corner of the stable, looking at this direction.
Fuck.
"OIIII!!" A soldier called out to everyone "Come on, rookies. You're uniforms are waiting"
Everyone went to get their uniforms and put them on.
The cloak of the Scout Regiment flapping in the wind the moment they did.
This was only the beginning.
Later in the evening, all of us met up in the basement of HQ.
"I had a feeling you guys would be a part of the upcoming operation" I said
"Yeah, they told us what the plan was before we got here" Jean responded
"Good. At least we'll have the numbers to make this go smoothly" I added.
Jean then looked to Eren
"So Eren, this ability you possess. Can you control it?" He asks
Eren looked conflicted.
"I-I didn't even know about it until the moment it happened. Even then, I'm not entirely sure myself. I've been lucky so far" he answered.
Neglecting to mention how I helped, huh.
Thank you, little brother.
Jean could only sigh at this.
"Luck, huh?" He asks to which he looks at the rest of the group "One could argue that we've been lucky this entire time but...I don't believe in luck. I don't believe in fate either. If I did, all of us wouldn't be here right now. Fate probably decided that we should've been wiped out in Trost..."
He then looks back at Eren and me
"But somehow this crazy bastard became a Titan and shifted the battle in our favor. If John is the anvil, then Eren is the hammer. Together they did the impossible. We owe them our lives but there is little guarantee that we'll survive the next battle. I've placed my trust in you two and all I ask is one thing" Jean stated
"Name it" Eren said
"That you survive. Both of you" he said which made Eren widen his eyes
"I was expecting a bit of a bigger ask" I said
"You and I both know that things are going to get more complicated, John. This will be a fight in two fronts. One outside the wall and one within it. I've heard rumors that there are people that are keeping tabs on the Scouts because of Eren and you. Many see you as heroes but there are some that think you guys are monsters. I don't know what they want or when or how they will strike. But one day they might and I hate that these idiots don't have any idea how important you guys are in this war. Which is why I ask you two to survive. This war could either end or continue on both of your choices. People need inspiring examples to shake them out of apathy. You guys are the best we got." Jean explained
I must admit that I'm surprised at Jean. He's a realist but the man is smarter than most give him credit for. This is probably why he was seen as a good leader. He definitely earns that title
I place my hand on his shoulder and my brothers.
"When you put it that way, who are we to deny such a passionate request?" I joke which made Jean blush in embarrassment and the others began to laugh
"You're an asshole" he said as he aggressively shrugs my hand off him.
Oh, he's not getting away that easily.
"But Jeannie, you all but confessed your love for me. Let me reciprocate" I said as I go for a hug.
"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME, YOU PSYCHO!!" Jean screams as he runs from me.
I begin my chase
"JEANNIE, COME ON. LET ME LOVE YOU!!!" I scream.
Everyone begins to die laughing as they watch Jean run away from me. I laugh too and while Jean may hide it, he's enjoying this as much as everyone else.
This is what it means to be family.
Next morning...
The operation is about to begin. All of us are on our horses. Everybody are in their assigned spots.
"THIRTY SECONDS TO GATE OPENING" someone screamed out.
I was with Eren and Levi's squad. Everyone looked ready for what comes next.
In the corner of my eyes, I see two children staring at us through the window of their home. I nudge Eren to look as well. Those eyes of awe that only children would have remind me of the time when we were kids.
I smile at that and give them a wave. Eren did the same. They reciprocated.
"THIS IS IT!" The same voice screamed out "HUMANITY IS NOW ABOUT TO TAKE ANOTHER STEP FORWARD! SHOW US WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF"
All of us raised our fists and weapons and roared a mighty roar to show how ready we are.
The gate then begins to open and the moment it does. The word was said.
"FORWARD!!" Commander Erwin yelled out as he was the first to exit in his mighty white horse in full speed
We all followed his lead
"NOW COMMENCING THE 57th EXTERIOR SCOUTING MISSION! MOVE OUT!!" He said
To be continued...