*This chapter has been revised/rewritten for improvement purposes.

All spelling/grammatical errors are my own mistakes. This version has been NOT been beta'd.

All credit of Attack On Titan/Shingeki No Kyojin goes to Hajime Isayama. I ONLY own Alice Arlet, my OC.

Levi and I reached to the Survey Corp Headquarters and headed to the meeting room which was located in the bottom level. Commander Erwin mentioned earlier today that he wants to have a meeting regarding the events of today.

Those of us that were summoned sat around the long oval table and waited for the Commander himself to show up. My friends and comrades spoke their concerns towards me. I reassured each one by letting them know that I was alright, despite the fact that my home District has been lost. At least I know that Armin is actually alive and not dead like my dream.

"Hey look lively. You're face is going to make this room feel negative" Levi whispered, noticing the frown I was starting to form.

"Sorry captain" I responded as I began to smile towards him.

Levi looked at me then looked towards the door. The door opened and in came Erwin as he entered the premises. We all stood from our seats and saluted towards our Commander as he nodded his head in acknowledgement and took a seat in his chair. We all sat down and waited in silence for him to speak. I myself was feeling extremely anxious on what he's going to say about today's events.

"Today, Wall Maria was taken down by a 60-meter titan. This titan has been noted to be called as, 'The Colossal Titan'. Along with that, another titan was seen called the 'Armored Titan' who showed up and broke the defense gate." Erwin started explaining.

Another titan? I didn't hear about this one. If the Armored and Colossal titan were responsible for this, where are they now?

"Even though the aforementioned Titans were sighted, there were many reports mentioning their disappearances after the attack. No one has been able to detect where they're located. The Garrison regiment are currently doing their best at defending the wall and killing as many titans as they can. Unfortunately, due to a high number of titans infiltrating the area, we are not permitted to go in and kill them. We will just rely on the cannons. I originally wanted to plan our next expedition but that will be postponed until further notice. Other than that, Commander Pixis, please come in."

The doors opened once again and there was Dot Pixis, Commander of the Garrison Regiment. This is my first time ever meeting him. I've heard of him from Petra and the others and from I learned, he is a well respected man. We all stood from our seats and saluted towards Pixis as he saluted back.

"You may all be seated" Pixis spoke as he cleared his throat. "Some of you may not know, I am Commander Pixis, leader of the Garrison Regiment. My troops are doing their best at reducing the numbers of titans. Unfortunately, due to the size of the hole, there are too many coming in from the outside walls. We managed to save as many civilians as we could and blocked the inner gate to prevent titans from going in. For now, with the permission from Commander Erwin, you are all to assist my troops and patrol Wall Rose for any suspicious activity. This assignment will start first thing tomorrow morning. With that, I will take my leave." We all saluted towards Commander Pixis again as he saluted back and left the room.

"Plans for our next expedition will be postponed until we are certain that it is safe." said Erwin. "Captain Hange has already done a little bit of research about the Colossal Titan and Armored Titan. Based on her resources provided by other people who has witnessed the attack or seen those titans."

Hange stood up from her seat with a bunch of papers in her hands and eyed our faces. "Based on what I've heard about today, I've come to the conclusion that these two specific titans are not just abnormal titans, they're titans with intelligence." Some people started looking at each other in confusion while Hange cleared her throat continued speaking. "What I mean by 'intelligence' is that these two titans were well aware of what to do and where to go. For instance, The Colossal titan knew that he had to kick a hole on Wall Maria to let other titans in. The Armored titan knew that he had to run through the gate to prevent us from going on defensive to protect the gate. People claimed that these two titans disappeared after doing the things they were supposed to do. So I predict that they will show up again another time. I'm just not sure when they will attack us again."

Again, everyone were looking at each other in confusion. I had a few questions in my head. How is it that the Colossal and Armored titan are so different than the regular titans? How did they gain these 'intelligence'? How can they just disappear without anyone seeing them?...

My thoughts were quickly interrupted by Erwin speaking. "We will do whatever we can to assist the Garrisons. I want you all to be on high alert and do whatever is necessary. Hange, continue to do whatever research you can on these titans."

Captain Hange nodded her head in understanding. "Yes Sir!"

"Tomorrow, I want you all to report on anything suspicious you've come across. With that, you are all dismissed." Commander Erwin stood from his seat and as we all followed suit and saluted towards him.

Just as I was about to leave the meeting room, I was approached by Squad Leader Mike. He came up to me and started sniffing around me. It's a very common thing for Mike to sniff around.

"Can I help you with anything Mike?" I questioned the man, eyebrows raised.

*sniff* *sniff*

"You had a smell of fear and sadness when you entered headquarters. Is everything okay?" Mike asked.

I let out a heavy sigh and gave Mike a faint smile. "Not really. Shinganshina was my home."

"I see. I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your home." He said.

"No need to apologize Mike." I waved my hand, reassuring him. "I'm just really glad that my brother is safe. However, I did lose a dear friend to a titan."

I lowered my head and stared at the ground. Carla...once again, I'm sorry for not saving you. I will do whatever it takes to ensure safety over Mikasa and Eren.

Mike placed his hand on my shoulder and I looked up to meet his eyes. He was staring at me with his usual serious, calm expression. "Whatever happens, never give up. If you ever give up, then it will be a loss for humanity and that is not what we signed up for. Remember that Alice."

I just stood there and stared at him impressed. His words has sunk deep into my mind and it's definitely something worth remembering. With that, I sent him a small smile. "Nice words for someone who is humanity's second strongest soldier."

Mike let a slight smirk escape as he crossed his arms and looked away. "Coming from the young lad who is supposedly being considered as humanity's strongest soldier as well. We shall see about that if you're going to surpass my strengths."

I couldn't help but to chuckle a bit. It's nice to joke around a bit with Mike.

"Thanks for the comforting words Mike." I said while saluting towards him. "If you'll excuse me Squad Leader, I have to be somewhere."

With that, I took my leave from Headquarters and made my way towards Trost.

Even though it's getting late, I wanted to come to check up on Armin, Mikasa and Eren at the shelter. As I made my way through the gates, I walked towards the building and entered the premises. There, I could see Hannes passing food rations around other civilians who are taking refugee in the shelter home.

"Hannes" I called out to him.

"Oi Alice." He turned and greeted me with his warm smile upon hearing my voice. "Here to see the kids?"

"Yeah. I want to make sure they're okay."

"Sure. They're just down there by the wall. Give them some food too while you're at it." Hanness tossed me some of the rations to give to them.

"Thanks Hannes. Also thank you for looking after them. Especially with what happened to Carla."

We both had sad expressions on our faces but Hanness soon smiled towards me.

"Even though Carla may be gone. It is our responsibility to take care of them. Since my wife and I don't have kids, they're practically my children."

I smiled at Hannes and nodded my head. "I guess they are." With that, I walked towards the kids. He is right. Armin is the only family I have left and now I've considered Eren and Mikasa my family too. I will do everything I can to protect them.

"Hi Sis" Armin greeted as I approached the three of them.

"Hey kiddos. Hannes retrieved some food rations for you to eat. You should all eat up to gain some energy." I handed each one some of the food. Mikasa was quiet as usual but Eren was just sitting. His facial expression was showing pure anger and hatred. It was an expression I would never expect a kid to show. Let alone from Eren himself despite the awful event he's been through.

"Eren. Did your Dad come back yet?" I asked. Grisha should've been here by now.

"No. I didn't see him yet." Eren replied coldly.

"Hannes said he told someone to look for him" said Mikasa.

"Good" I replied. "Have you guys thought about what you're going to do?"

"Yeah" Eren answered immediately, standing up from his sitting position with a courageous look. "I'm going to join the military in two years."

My eyes went wide right away. I looked at Mikasa and she spoke up as well. "I'll go wherever Eren goes."

"A-Are you guys sure?" I was a bit surprised to hear them say that. "The training will be at least three years before you can actually do something productive. Plus it'll be dangerous out there if you were to ever fight the titans. Are you two sure you want to do this?"

I could feel my throat getting dry and my palms getting sweaty. I was hoping to find a way to convince them not to join the military. Even though a part of me would want them to fight for the sake of humanity but the fact that I'm their guardian now...I guess it's one of those 'parent' instincts to ensure full safety for their children.

Eren stared at me with a look of determination. He really did look like he knew what his calling in life is. "I am a hundred percentage sure I want to do this Alice." He gritted his teeth and I could practically hear the grip on his hands tighten. "I will avenge my mothers death and make sure all titans are to be killed."

Just hearing that gave me chills. Such bravery from a young kid. I don't think I've ever seen anyone with this kind of determination. Eren...though you may be a really stubborn kid, I do have a lot of respect for you. Same goes for Mikasa. Without saying anything, I saluted towards Eren and Mikasa as my way of respecting their decisions. The two of them saluted back.

I then turned to stare at my brother. He seemed as if something was on his mind. As if he's afraid to speak up.

"Armin?" I looked at Armin with an eyebrow raised. I'm sort of afraid to know if he's made the decision to join the military as well.

Taking in a deep breath, Armin finally spoke loudly. "I'm going to join the military too Alice! I don't want to be bullied anymore! I want to be stronger! I want to help! I want to be by your side also Sis!" He held his hand to his chest, catching his breath after all those words he blurted out. It was from that moment I've realized Armin is becoming more like a man than a little boy. I patted his head and smiled sweetly towards each kid. They're really growing up.

"From now on, our lives will be tougher. When you guys join the military, I will barely be able see you three but I know you're all going to be grown ups by the time you graduate. As long as I know you're all going to be alive and safe, I give my blessings to you."

I hugged the three of them as tears were forming in my eyes. I tried my best not to cry but couldn't fight back the tears. So much has happened within the past day. Yesterday, everything was normal and we were all laughing and cheery. Today, we all became a different person once we lost our home. I let go of the kids said my goodbyes to them for the day. "I'll see you three tomorrow. Please rest up to regain your strengths."

The three of them saluted towards me as I returned the action, smiling towards them. With that, I turned and walked out of the building. As I made my way out, I noticed Captain Levi standing at a short distance from where the kids and I were hanging around. My heart skipped a beat upon seeing him. I'm quite surprised to see him here yet I'm happy at the same time.

"Something wrong Levi?" I questioned once I approached him.

"No. Just wanted to hear what that kid had to say." Levi answered. He was staring towards Eren's direction.

"You mean Eren?" I asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah." He said, turning his gaze back towards me. "He is very tough for a twelve year old."

"He is. I do admire that kid. He is willing to do anything to make sure his mother's death is avenged." I let out a heavy sigh before saying my next statement. "He's going to be a good soldier no matter how stubborn he can be."

"We'll see in after his training years are over" Levi said as he started to walk away with me following along.

As we were leaving the building, I can faintly see a horse speeding towards our direction. It was pretty dark outside so it was hard to tell who was on that hose. As it got closer, to us, I realized who was on that horse.

"Alice!" Grisha yelled once the moonlight shined on his face.

"Grisha!" I yelled back just as the horse stopped in front of me and Levi.

Grisha immediately hopped off his horse and looked at me. "Where's my boy? And Mikasa? Are they alright?"He had a worried look on his face.

"Yes, they're fine Grisha." I answered quietly, still taking in the fact that Grisha has finally shown up after all the events of today.

"What about Carla!? Where is my wife!?" Grisha grabbed my shoulders and started shaking me. "Where is she!? Is she still alive!? Tell me Alice!"

"Oi, let go of her" Levi put his arm on Grisha and pulled his arm away from me.

Feeling grateful that Levi was able to put some distance between Grisha and I, I couldn't help but to stare at the ground. I was lost at words. How am I going to tell him? I'm not good at bringing bad news to people. Ever. I wasn't even good at telling Armin when our parents died. How can I tell Grisha?

"Grisha...Carla...she..." Words barley came out of my mouth. "S-She got trapped under a pile of wooden planks from your home..." I took a hard swallow as I continued to speak."We tried to save her...but she wouldn't let us...she told me and Hannes to save Eren and Mikasa. So we did. Last thing I saw of Carla was her being picked up by a titan. She was eaten Grisha. She died. I'm sorry." I put my hand on his shoulder. He had a look of despair and disbelief. His shoulders even began to shake.

"Carla...no..." Grisha fell to the ground and put his hands on his face. He started to cry. I felt horrible. Maybe there was a chance to save Carla and we just missed it. "Carla my darling..." He cried even more.

I couldn't help but to let a few tears stream down my face. I don't know how Levi's reacting right now, but I'm sure he's just standing there without a clue on what to do or how to react.

"Alice" Grisha called out to me as he got up and looked at me. No longer in tears.

"Yes Grisha?"

"Where's Eren? Where's my boy?" Grisha asked again. His facial expression changed. He was no longer showing any despair. His face was showing something new. I couldn't understand his expression because its something I've never seen before. It's like his soul has been lost and all he can think about is one solution. If only I can know what Grisha's thinking right now.

"H-He's inside" I pointed at the shelter.

With that, Grisha pushed me aside and ran inside the building. Levi and I looked at each other for a brief second before running after Grisha. What is he planning to do with Eren?

"Father?" I see Eren running up to Grisha and hugging him. Grisha hugged Eren back but then began to drag him away.

"Come my son. I must take you somewhere" Grisha said as he continued to drag Eren.

I quickly ran and stood in front of Grisha and Eren. "Grisha! Where are you taking him?" I asked him before he could leave.

Eren looked at Grisha in confusion. "Where are you taking me Father?"

Grisha looked back at Eren and then focused on me. He seemed to be glaring at me which caused me to take a step back. Why is Grisha looking at me like that?

"Alice. Thank you for watching over Eren and Mikasa." Grisha spoke a bit coldly. "But right now, I have to take Eren with me somewhere. Please watch over Mikasa for now." With that, he grabbed Eren's arm and walk away.

"Eren!" Mikasa shouted towards her adopted brother and was about to go after them but Armin stopped her. She looked at Armin and he shook his head.

I was very confused. What is Grisha going to do? Why was he acting like that? His facial expression really is something I've never seen before. Grisha really did seemed like he was going to do something he'd regret. I'm not sure. I should do something about it...

I raised my hand, about to call out to Grisha to stop them but Levi grabbed my hand to prevent me from doing so.

"Let him go." He said, squeezing my hand. "It's his son. He has the right to take him wherever he wants to."

I lowered my hand and watched as Grisha and Eren disappeared into the night. Levi was right. Grisha is still alive, thus him still being the main guardian over Eren and Mikasa. I slightly frowned at the thought of something bad happening to Grisha or Eren.

"Don't worry Mikasa. Eren will be back." I said to Mikasa, kneeling to her level and giving her a reassuring smile.

"Is Mr. Jaeger okay?" Armin asked, a concerned look could be read.

"I'm not sure." I answered truthfully. "Maybe he's in shock. I told him what happened to Carla." Mikasa and Armin lowered their heads, a sad expression came across their faces. "The two of you should go to sleep now. We had a very long day. Eren will come back in the morning. Okay?"

The two nodded and went back to their spots while Levi and I exited the building and made our way back home.

As the two of us walked through the quiet night, a thought popped into my mind. Now that I think about it, Levi seems to be around wherever I go to. Was this on purpose or am I just being crazy?

"Levi."

"Hm?"

"Why are you always around me?" I asked with a questionable, curious look.

"Does it matter?" He replied nonchalantly.

"uhmm...not really. I kind of like your company." I said with a slight blush. Good thing its night time.

"Then keep it that way." He said as he picked up his pace.

The rest of the walk was silent and the both of us entered our rooms. I walked towards my bed and flopped down. Today was slow and like hell. I just pray that wherever Grisha is taking Eren, everything will be alright. With that, I closed my eyes and let sleep take over.