Cleaning up the mess in Trost was horrific. There were piles of dead humans found on every corner. Tart worked diligently, but couldn't help from vomiting a few more times. The sights were disgustingly somber. Everyone helping had glazed eyes; becoming numb to the tortures of being a soldier.

Tart was invited to attend the judging on Eren's life, since she held high ranking in the hearts of the people. She stood in the back, wearing a cloak, as she did not want to be recognized by any of the Knight's Guard. Eren was brought out, and secured in the center of the room. He did not look like a monster, just a boy. She noticed Levi standing next to the tall blonde man she remembered from the Legion's HQ. She felt incredible moronic for not recognizing him as the commander. Zackley came out, and the trial began. Both sides presented their proposal, and Tart no longer wanted Eren to hang. Having a titan to control has already proved to be beneficial. She flinched when Levi spoke out against the rich. She used to be just as selfish and close minded as them, and his words stung at the lining of her soul. The court was filled with panic, as the priests spoke out, then the wealthy spoke out against Mikasa. They accused her of being a titan too. People will do anything to find resolution during a panic, and throw anyone beneath them as they do.

Accusing Mikasa of being a monster turned Eren into a rage. He began shouting, which scared the Military Police. They seemed ready to kill him, guns aimed and loaded. Tart became squeamish. She didn't want to witness any deaths today. Then Levi stood up and began beating him. The kicks were filled with such passion it frightened Tart. How could such a small man be filled with so much fury? When he spoke, he spoke with a coldness Tart was unfamiliar too. Watching all his comrades die over the years have hardened him, turning him into someone Tart no longer knew. After the display of Levi's power over Eren, Commander Erwin proposed Levi having custody of Eren on an expedition. Then the decision was made.

After court let out, Tart rushed to find Levi in the crowds, but she couldn't see his small stature anywhere. Easily, she saw Commander Erwin and called out to him. He didn't respond, but she chased him through the crowds and into the back streets. Finally he turned around.

"Princess?" He was surprised to see her following him.

"I need to speak to Levi, can you take me to him?" She pleaded.

"No."

"Please, I ne-" Before she could beg any further, Erwin pulled her into an embrace. She felt a something sharp graze pass her skin, cutting in. "He stabbed me." She thought, as he pushed her from him and ran down the alley. She leaned against the wall, clutching her arm that bled.

"The Military Police." He said, as he walked back to her. He pulled an arrow from the wall, examining it. "Do you have any qualms with them?" He asked.

"My father has never been fond of me. He banished me from castle grounds after I helped the people." She said through her clenched teeth, trying to understand the reason behind his question.

"Is he trying to assassinate you?"

"What?! Why would he – What are you even suggesting?" Tart still didn't understand the situation.

"Someone from the Military Police shot at you. They used an arrow for stealthy, instead of a gun. I only saw the emblem as they fled." Tart's eyes grew in fear.

"He wants me dead?" Her voice shook. "He always made comments, but this..." She held to her arm, then looked at the blood in her palm. "No..."

"I don't know anything either, but it's not safe for you out here." He paced, in thought. He looked at her arm, in thought. "You need stitches." He furrowed his brow. "It's unorthodox and classified, but come with me."

He led her to the safe house where they were holding Eren for the time being. He directed her to stay outside of the room, then he went in. She could hear the conversation. Erwin thanked Eren, Levi questioned him, and Hanji inspected him. After the shock of seeing that the tooth Levi knocked out of him grew back, Erwin announced that someone new would be hiding with Eren. Then he led Tart into the room.

"Tart?" Levi and Eren said in unison. Then they turned to each other, wondering how each knew her.

"Why is she joining us?" Levi asked, his eyes never changing.

"I believe the Military Police is trying to assassinate her. I don't understand why yet, but she needs to be protected. Having her on our side is beneficial, she has power over the people." Erwin explained.

"Just keep her out of my sight." Levi left the room, pushing past Tart. She winced in pain as he touched her arm. There was also pain in her from his comment.

"Hanji, can you stitch her arm up? I'll speak to Levi." Erwin turned, but Tart grabbed him.

"It's okay, I'll just stay out of his sight. I don't want to be a bother." She smiled. Erwin remembered when she ran throughout the HQ, searching for him. Levi was happy to see her then. He didn't understand.

"I'll stitch her up, Hanji take Eren and get ready to leave." He commanded. They both left the room, and he sat Tart on the couch.

"How do you know Levi?" He asked her, as he began cleaning her wound.

"He got lost in the castle once when I was young. He introduced me to Shadis, he's the reason I'm able to use the gear. He's the reason I have a voice outside Sina. I'm very grateful to him."

"Why is he distant to you now?"

"I guess because I'm a disappointment." She laughed. "I'm too selfish and scared to be helpful." Erwin began sewing up the cut, which was surprisingly deep.

Outside, Levi and Eren questioned each other.

"How do you know Tart?" Eren asked him, confronting the first question.

"She leached on to me and used me to get well known in the military. Nearly bled me dry." Levi stared at Eren. "How do you know Tart?"

"She used to clean up the training grounds when I was there. I ran into her a few times." He shook his head. "I don't think she used you. She's really nice." His brain lit up with a memory. "She actually encouraged me to join the Scouting Legion, she said I was similar to you."

"I'm nothing like you, you're a creepy mutant." He scoffed, then added, "She probably just wanted something from you. Just like she's manipulating Erwin now." He stared at the floorboards. She is really nice. Too bad I'm not the one the niceness is directed to anymore.

Erwin came out of the room.

"She needs to speak to you, Levi." He commanded. Levi chuckled, and walked to the room. Erwin put a firm hand on his shoulder, grasping it with strength. He gave Levi a stern look, then let him pass.

"Levi I -" Tart spoke, surprised to see that he came.

"What do you want?" He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For doing whatever I did to make you apathetic towards me." She stood up, closing the space between them. Placing a hand on his chest, she whispered, "I miss you."

"We can't act like we used to Tart." He pushed her hand from him. "You're not a child anymore." He fiddle with a lock of her hair, then brought it to his face. He inhaled it, then sighed. "You don't smell like flowers anymore."

"Levi." She said his name, but did not know what else to say. She wanted to persuade him, to make him kiss her again. All she had to do the first time was look at him. Now, staring into his eyes, she felt like she was looking into a brick wall.

"We can't pretend like things haven't changed. It's a waste of time. I don't have time to waste with you."

"You never did." She let her fingers dance across his face. "But was it time wasted?" She leaned into his narrow posture. "I never thought it was." His hands traced outlines into her back. They stood in this odd embrace for a while.

"It was." He said, and nudged her away from him. "We can't get caught up in this again. There's too many important things to deal with." Before he left, he gently kissed her forehead, whispering his apologies. Tart couldn't cry, because everything he said was true. She didn't want to be selfish again.