Even after they lowered the ropes and let me on top of the wall it was several hours before I was allowed to move. I sat after awhile, legs hanging over the edge as I plugged my ears against the larger explosions. Slowly but surely the horde was worn down, with particular attention given to the three that had learned how to climb. A couple deviant titans just ran through the gap, but despite whatever interference they may have caused word came shortly before sunset that repairs at the inner gate were completed. It was a slow march back along the wall. The way was narrow, barely the width of my shoulders, leaving no room for any to walk beside me. Guardsmen stayed ahead and behind me, however, at least a dozen muskets trained on me at all times. Armin appeared to be taking notes down as he walked behind Pixis and several others. Mikasa was still on my shoulder, staying silent during the walk. I was forced to take short, slow steps. I was so convinced that I wasn't really moving at all that I was half-surprised to finally reach the end of Trost's barrier wall.

I was a little disappointed to see the state of the inner gate. "Pixis," I said, though for a smaller entity it would be a shout. "You've walled it off completely, aren't you planning to retake Trost?"

"In time," he called without even turning to face me, apparently quite at ease with having someone the size of a titan standing twenty meters behind him.

'In time...' It would have to do, though it pained me to give up even an inch of ground to them. Just then a man swung up from the side of the wall, landing neatly in front of the procession. It was difficult to judge properly my perspective, but he seemed rather on the short side.

"Corporal Rivaille, you've arrived." Given that smoke still rose from the abandoned Trost, Pixis seemed entirely too cheery, new arrival or not.

"General Pixis, that's quite the pet you have there." Mikasa bristled at that comment, grip tightening on a strand of my hair.

"She's quite the change from the ordinary titan isn't she," said Pixis.

"Dogs may look different than wolves, but they can still bite their masters when not fed. I wonder what this one eats." Did he really just call me a dog? It sounded like he was trying to bait me, but who in their right mind would taunt someone seven times their size? If I was still... still his size, I wouldn't put up with it. Then again, he was a corporal. Insults from those above you in the military were like rain: too frequent, and of little weight. "Regardless, it would be unwise to bring it to the main army. A quarter fled when the armored titan broke through, and the rest took heavy losses. Bring a titan into their midst and they're likely to mutiny."

"Hmm... I thought the same. Are you capable of taking custody of her at the Scouting Legion's headquarters until I send word?"

"I will see it done," said Rivaille. "It will be no trouble to kill her if she attacks. My team is arriving as we speak." Despite being so small, there was a weight about him that made me wary of his words.

"How dare that shorty," mumbled Mikasa.

"See that it doesn't come to that," said Pixis. "Give her whatever she asks for, within reason. There is a secret here that she may be the key to."

I stayed still as the rest of the procession cautiously made their way past my feet. Armin called back to us as he left, "I'll come to see you as soon as I can." The parting felt odd. It had years since I'd been more than a few hundred meters from Armin. Still, even knowing his strength of spirit, I knew he'd be of more use as the General's aide than fighting in the front lines.

"Well come along then." I turned, surprised to see that Rivailles team had arrived. These were no rookie trainees. They were as light on their feet as Mikasa and had stances similar to Annie's, as if they were on the edge of doing violence. These, then, would be my jailors. Well, a few hours ago I thought I was to be eaten, or perhaps slain by a cannon ball. From that point of view it was still a step up, though certainly not the promotion I had hoping for when this mess all began. Though, looking at it one way, I actually had managed to join the Scouting Legion.

End chapter 4: Little depressing to switch to this from the Naruto genre. Went from 2000+ views per chapter to 100. Well, anyways, this kicks it up to the 5000 words mark, good point to pause. Probably be a few days for the next chapter (the chapter a day streak ceases), but it should be at least triple this length.