Cyberpunk: Titan Smashers

by DMtotheAAFan

When an experimental emergency teleport sends a recently beaten Adam Smasher to the Attack on Titan universe, the murderous cyborg finds himself reluctantly assisting the human meat bags against the uglier more disgusting meat bags trying to eat him. Ymir willing, he'll be changing the course of Paradis, and perhaps the world, before he knows it. Settle in for a ride chooms!

19. To See Everything And Know Nothing

Cold…

It was always cold…

Lying there in a dark dirty alley, wearing nothing but dirty rags and protected from the night air by what might have been a tarp at some point, a nameless girl laid there, too hungry to sleep but not having the energy to move. All she could do was sit there, filthy and wretched and unwanted, and wondering…

'Is there an escape from this? '

For as long as she could remember, this had been the nameless girl's life. Barely surviving day after day, fending for herself on what crumbs and scraps she could find, looking on with envy at the children who passed her by who looked cleaner and healthier and clutching adult's hands with smiles and laughter. Parents. Those were their parent's, the ones who raised and protected them, their children. The girl was familiar with the concept, she just never experienced it. She couldn't tell you who raised her, in the sense someone had fed her and clothed her and kept her alive long enough she could be a dirty little street orphan on her own, but it had to have been someone.

Maybe it was the old man sitting next to her? He often shared this spot next to her, never spoke but he also never raised a hand to strike her, never made to steal from her. When the girl would need warmth from the colder months and staying outside was a death sentence, the old man didn't chase her away when she ventured to his spot in an abandoned building and cozied up to his lantern. Didn't even demand compensation for sharing his precious treasure.

All he really did was look up to the moon, and pray. Every time when a full one was out, he'd put his hands together and pray. The girl only knew what prayer was because another vagrant had told her.

"People put their hand's together and pray for something to save them, free them, help them. Usually some god, but our god left us years ago. Ain't no good to pray now." The vagrant had said, coughing and drinking from a bottle something that smelled funny. The girl hadn't really understood, but it seemed like the old man wouldn't stop doing it, so maybe it was good? Maybe it was the way to escape?

That's all she would like, an escape. To find someplace nicer than this. A place that hated her just because she was born, for the crime's of those long dead. Even being a dirty useless street urchin with no education and no home, someone had taken the time to drill that knowledge into her, that she was a useless evil who stayed here, in this dirty place surrounded by these walls. It might have been the gate guard's, kicking her back into place when she'd tried venturing outside once, a little grimy thing just wanting to go out and see what lay beyond. The boots had hurt, she'd remembered that, but as it was her first time they'd let her off easy. They didn't have to, they'd explained, but they were fair and honest people while she was filth, it's why she was where she was. That was the only mercy she'd ever get, the only pity she'd get.

She'd long abandoned the idea someone would take pity on her, would take her to someplace nice where she wouldn't have to root through the trash for food, wouldn't have to experience beatings and kicks when she was caught stealing or racing to collect some scraps off the ground for sustenance like an animal. She knew no one was coming to take her away from this place, this life. But she still would like for it to happen. To find herself somewhere, anywhere, that might be better. And she thought, other's were hoping for that too.

One night, she tried praying with the old man. He sat there, praying to the full moon, hands clasped with his knee's drawn up to his chin, and she sat there too, just the same. She didn't know how to pray, she thought just holding her hands together was basically it. But she stayed like that, as long as she could, wondering if maybe, this would be enough? That maybe something would happen? She didn't know exactly what, but she thought that perhaps, the old man was hoping to go to the moon?

'Is it better up there? Is it warmer? Are the people nicer? Is the food yummy? I won't ask for much, but if they have anything to spare… maybe they have beds too. And pet's! I'm good with dog's! I could take care of their dog's, I'd live with their dog's, if they'd feed me!'

The moon sounded nice. It looked very close but very far at the same time, but the girl had no real concept of distance. All she knew, instinctually, was that if she was going to escape, the moon was the farthest place to escape too.

But nothing happened. The moon just stayed there, in the sky, while the girl grumbled and layed down to sleep. The old man kept praying.

Standing before them, unseen despite being right in front of them, watching the scene for what felt like the 50th time, was Historia. These streets had become rather recognizable, this alley the first thing she saw every time she had this dream, and this little girl…

…this little girl was someone very familiar to Historia. Became even more familiar, as Historia witnessed bit's and piece's of the girl's life unfold before her eyes. The day's she spent on the street's, the days she spent fighting for survival, the days she brought false hope to a large group of people…

… The day she received her name.

Ymir.

---

Day 10

Ymir blinked at the red fruit thrust before her. "Uuuuuh, Krista?"

"Yes?" Historia looked up, blinking innocently with her Krista persona in full force, a genuine smile on her face as she held up a fresh apple for the freckled girl.

"Why are you shoving an apple in my face?"

"Do I need a reason to shove an apple in your face?"

"No, but… is there one?"

Historia's smile didn't waver, but it transform from slightly too innocent to wistful as she brought the apple down, rolling it back and forth between her hands, as the morning sun shined it's light on her. "I was just thinking you'd like to bite into a fresh apple, so I got you one. That's all."

That wasn't all. An all too painful but beautiful scene had played out before Historia last night, that had her crying in her sleep, but also waking up smiling. A scene she'd witnessed, her dream continuing to the coming morning with people bustling about, wearing strange clothes Historia had never seen, specially not what looked like soldiers wearing blue uniforms, stern faced and more often than not bringing down the butt of their musket's down on some passerby's skull.

But that wasn't the scene that made Historia cry. What made her cry was witnessing Ymir, desperate, hungry, a mere child, scrambling between the passing citizen's feet with a determination to survive, reaching out to snatch a recently dropped apple core off the ground.

Not a whole apple, but a core. Someone had already bit into the tantalizing fruit and consumed its bounty, and had decided merely dropping it to the ground was sufficient disposal. What they had deemed as trash, was another's treasure. Practically a feast for a poor starving orphan girl who hadn't eaten in days. Ymir scooped up the apple core before it had laid on the ground for more than three seconds, already bringing it to her mouth to suck whatever juices still remained, to the shock and disgust of many.

Shock and disgust that turned to pity. Indeed, they were hardly better off than Ymir. They couldn't really begrudge the girl was still attempting to live despite the hand she'd been dealt.

Ymir ate as much of the apple's remains as she could, biting and sucking what nutrients were available, but it wasn't enough. Her stomach painfully growled, and she craved more. That craving overrode her caution and sense, and she had made to track down a fruit vendor, parked in the same spot that Ymir knew he was, selling what fresh produce he'd managed to grow. Before Ymir's eye's, lay apples. Five ripe and fresh apple's just laying there on the stand, their red skin untouched and just within reach.

It would be so easy to take one…

A sudden blur, as a brown haired stranger suddenly pushed her away from the stand. Ymir was most certainly expecting to be struck, caught in the act of attempted thievery, but the stranger merely smiled, lightly admonishing her recklessness, before turning back to the irate fruit seller to resume business.

Ymir only stared dumbly, before noticing a fresh apple laying in her lap.

What followed made Historia cry more, but also made her smile.

Witnessing Ymir, so desperate and hungry bite into the apple after retreating to her spot in the alley, take notice of the old man now too weak to even sit up right. Watching as Ymir offered up half the apple to the man's mouth, selflessly and concerned, even as her stomach protested the action.

Another wretch chastised Ymir for her kind hearted, albeit useless gesture as the man didn't even register the apple before his mouth. The wretch promptly shut up as Ymir extended the half of the apple to them instead, stunned by the generosity and stupidity of the girl before them. They didn't take the offered fruit, merely chose to lecture Ymir on the cruelty and reality of the world. Ymir knew it all too well, she didn't need a reminder, but the wretch continued on regardless, perhaps wanting to save a child from their own foolishness.

They failed. As Ymir snuck out to a well that was strictly supervised for how much fresh water could be extracted in the dead of night, as she lowered the bucket and brought it up, the rope burning her tiny child hand's as it rubbed against her skin thanks to the added weight, Historia saw Ymir's kindness unbroken. Saw Ymir heave the bucket back to the old man, after drinking her own fill, she scooped up handfuls and gently poured it on the man's face in droplet's, waiting as he finally responded. Turning his head upward, mouth open, he welcomed the water that slowly dripped down into his parched throat.

"…The moon… it's so… beautiful… tonight…" He whispered, looking up into the night sky, past the girl attempting to save him to the object gracing the night sky.

Ymir said nothing, merely continued to grant the man water. Come morning, she went out to beg for change, holding her little pan, her one possession, out to the mercy of strangers. Mercy that was granted that day, as her little pan had a decent number of coins gracing it, enough that Ymir was able to put them in a little sack at her side, almost always empty. Now, it was jingling with its bounty, enough that Ymir could have some actual food for some time, if she was careful with her purchases. Both she and the old man could live another day, he could pray to the moon again!

Except he couldn't.

Ymir could only stand there, watching as the old man breathed no more. Time, and accumulated injuries from the beatings the men in blue delivered weekly had finally taken their toll.

There was no real reason to cry. Ymir hadn't really known the old man, simply shared a space with him. She didn't know his name, if he was anything before this, and to be honest, she had known this moment was coming, in spite of her best efforts.

But it still hurt. For a dirty street orphan who wasn't any better off than a corpse lying on the ground, the old man had been someone important. Someone she'd come to value, someone she'd considered a friend. It made no sense, he probably wasn't even aware Ymir existed… but Ymir had cared about him. And now, he was gone. Tears started to drip down her face, as she sank to her knees.

Behind her, Historia had desperately wished to hold her. To crouch down and scoop her up in her arms, to tell her it was going to be okay, it would all be okay. Even as she knew what was to come, the bits and pieces Historia was privy to. The stranger who'd given her the apple, who was observing Ymir's despair even now, her failed acts of charity, fine qualities to be found in a goddess… Historia braced herself as the rest came by in a flash, like a storm of that only stopped at key points for seconds at a time.

Ymir experiencing love and adoration…

"It is this Lady Ymir that inherits the blood of His Majesty the king. So long as she graces us with her presence, immortality shall be ours."

Ymir experiencing pain and betrayal…

"It's true… I am Ymir. The king's blood runs through me!"

Being paraded through the streets, being beaten and chained, all manner of insults and scorn directed at her…

"Devil! Witch! Hellspawn! You dare practice your evil in our home, within Marley?! Go die in Paradise!"

Being sat atop a wall, Historia being forced to watch as-

The storm ended. It always ended right there, the edges becoming obscured and blackened so that only Ymir's pained distraught face was the last thing Historia saw.

Historia so desperately wanted to tell Ymir the pain would come to an end!

To wrap her arms around her and never let go.

But she couldn't do that. After all, it was just a dream.

All she could do, was offer the Ymir before her a fresh apple, no strings attached.

She still wasn't taking it.

"…Is this to get me to stop asking what you were talking to Adam Smasher about?" The freckled girl peered down, trying to gauge her Krista's actions.

Historia stiffened, just a little. That was not the reason for this, but it did remind Historia she had committed to something earlier in the week, and that something would soon be beginning…

---

Day 5 In The Scout's, the Morning of Adam, KIPO, and Armin's Departure

Historia had run up to Adam and Eren, the former teaching the later how to throw a knife properly into a hay bale, and stopped just behind them, saluting with her fist to her chest.

"Adam Smasher!" She had cried out.

"Go away." He had promptly dismissed her.

She would admit, she hadn't expected such a blunt response. Never the less, she pressed on. "May I have a moment of your time?"

"For what?" Adam still hadn't turned to face her, but he had thrown the small dagger with enough force it went through the hay bale to impale a tree behind it.

"It's about Commander Erwin's upcoming decision regarding your squad." The blonde informed him.

"Squad?" Eren was the one to ask, turning around to look at Krista, before a metal hand rested on his head and turned him back around.

"Focus, you're not leaving here until you can hit that target." Adam stated, to which the boy apologized and quickly re entered the throwing stance he'd taken earlier, breathing in and out slowly as he gauged the distance to the target. Satisfied his charge was back to the matter at hand, Adam deemed to turn around.

"Alright, what does Armin's little sister want to say to me?" The cyborg loomed over the girl, and Historia was finding it very hard not to take a couple steps back, even with the suitable distance between them.

'How do Armin or Annie manage to talk to him? He's somehow more intimidating than the Titan's I literally faced down just a week ago!' Historia wondered, resisting the urge to flinch or tremble or show any sign of fear, she doubted the metal man would take her seriously if she did. 'And I need him to take me seriously.'

Steeling herself, Historia continued. "First off, I'm not related to Armin…"

"Really? I honestly thought you were twins." Adam interrupted.

"…Second," Historia pressed on, "It's about your squad, specifically who you had in mind to be on it."

"…No one. I had no one, because this is the first I'm hearing of this." Adam crossed his arms. "Are you sure you're not confused right now? That you shouldn't be talking to the kid," Adam gestured with his thumb behind him to Eren, who'd managed to hit the target but unfortunately with the handle of the knife, "back there? I understand he's stolen the midget captain's team, is it time for him to get his own?"

"Nope, this is absolutely in regards to you." Historia insisted. "It was discussed by Erwin with Armin, while you were training with Eren yesterday morning. They think that you need back-up."

Adam's stare spoke volumes, compelling the royal in hiding to continue. "Don't worry!" She exclaimed, waving her hands in front of her. "Nobody is questioning your strength, we have absolute confidence you will overpower the Titans just like Eren can! It's just… best not to leave anything up to chance? In case a whole cluster of Titans come for you at once and you run out of ammo, or you need guides or look outs, or anything along those lines."

"Like bait?" Adam leaned forward, his shadow eclipsing hers. "Would this squad of mine be willing to draw in fresh targets, trusting me to take them out? To dangle there just out of reach while I take aim?"

A brief flinch, before a signature Krista frown appeared and she replied in a tone just bordering on Historia's true voice. "Compared to getting right up in their faces to cut them down, that's child's play. If you can promise you won't miss, then we can promise to be appealing appetizers. Sir."

Her frown lasted a few more seconds, before she snapped out of it and immediately made to apologize. "Oh, I'm sorry, that was mean! I just… it's true, you know? If you order us, we'll do it, because we'd trust you to make the right call."

"Why though?" Adam asked. "I'm not a part of your "Scout's." There's no basis for giving me a command. For all you know my style is to throw bodies into the meat grinder with no regard for casualties."

"…Is it?"

"No. My strategy is to move in with support, some set up on the left, others the right, at least one cuts off any escape, and then I move in and kill everything." Adam explained, gesturing with his hands the directions one would take. "Works every time."

"Oh. Well, that's actually reassuring." Historia beamed.

"But does it really warrant having you meat assigned to me? I'm good on my own, I just need to be brought to the battle and I'll take care of everything."

"Well, maybe you could at least give it a try?" Historia offered. "Erwin's setting up tryout's, based on whatever recommendations you make, he'll have a course ready and waiting upon your return, where you'll pick the four most ideal Scout's to be a part of your squad."

Adam brought a hand to his neck and rubbed his fingers along it, the sound of metal screeching causing Historia to flinch while Eren fumbled a little with his latest throw (surprisingly, his second to last knife actually hit the hay bale and stayed there, to the green eyed boy's shock). If Historia wasn't currently disturbed by the sound, she'd observe it was a surprisingly human gesture.

'I mean, he is human… right?… Right, he is. It's just… weird, to see a metal man act like a fleshy man.' Historia reasoned internally.

"…I suppose having some toadies might be useful." Adam relented.

"Yeah, like they say! "Better to have and not need than to need and not have," or something like that." Historia beamed, ignoring the "toadies" comment.

"Have to say though, this news might have been better coming from the commander, instead of a grade school girl."

The sound of Eren's laughter did not help Historia's gaping in incredulity.

"I'm fifteen!" She protested! Sure, she played up the cutesy good girl act a bit, but that didn't make her come across as a kid!… Did it?

"Seriously? And here I thought you were a child prodigy or something who graduated early."

Now Eren was clutching his sides, the jerk! Historia pouted and reached up as high as she could to smack Eren in the head, which only made him laugh harder.

"Stop laughing!"

"I'm… I'm trying!" Eren struggled to rein it in, while simultaneously blocking Historia's indignant blows. Eventually he got that sorted out, and took a breath. "Sorry, sorry… Ahem." He collected himself, then turned to Adam. "Krista is a dedicated solider, the same as all of us. She placed tenth place in graduation, that means something."

"That your military is in serious need of an overhaul?" Adam offered.

"Just give her a chance, would ya?" Eren pleaded, turning to the blonde girl. "That's why you're here, right? You wanted to be on Adam's squad?"

'…Oh wow, was I really that easy to read?' Historia took a moment to be impressed with Eren's intuition.

The urge to press her index fingers together, that wasn't an act, that was genuine. "…I had planned on that, yes. To answer your unasked question of why the Commander isn't telling you this himself… he's probably about to." Historia was now twiddling her thumbs. "I may be here unofficially, having eavesdropped on them last night without them knowing. I know tryouts will be held, but I thought, if I could deliver the information myself, information I'd overheard, show off my… reconnaissance and message delivering skills…"

"…You didn't really think this through, did you." Adam stated, to which Historia hung her head lamely. It honestly sounded better in her head. Before Eren could come to her defence, Adam continued. "Your piss poor attempts to get a leg up on the competition and impress me aside, the heads up is helpful. Eren, walk with me, I have some idea's I want to run by the Commander."

"Oh, right!" Eren answered. "Uh, but the Commander is where?"

"He's-" Adam began, before Historia interrupted.

"He's in his office right now, last I saw him, talking to Armin." She managed to not flinch as Adam turned to face her. "I mean, that's based on me seeing Armin being summoned and how long it would take for him to meet the Commander. Plus any conversation they would have would probably take a while."

"…Indeed, he's there right now. Nice guess." Adam strode off. "Krista, was it?"

"Y-yes!" Historia nodded, back straight.

"If you want to be on my squad, put on a good show at these so-called tryout's." Adam called over his shoulder.

Historia watched him go, then jumped as a pat on the back came out of nowhere.

"Nice, you've made a great first impression!" Eren congratulated her, all grins.

"…Are you messing with me?"

"What?… No, I'm being sincere here! He said your name! If he does that, that means he's acknowledged you. You're practically guaranteed to be on the squad!" Eren offered.

"That… sounds a little too good to be true…" Historia sincerely doubted Eren wasn't overselling this.

"Trust me. If Adam Smasher remembers your name, that means something. I've noticed these things." Eren supplied with the confidence of a man who was never wrong in his life. "Although he ignored me when I said Jean's name was Horse Face, so he's still got his bad points…"

"…How horrible." The blonde replied, bemused by what Eren considered a serious black mark against Adam's character.

Soon enough though, the trio arrived at Erwin Smith's office, the man having relocated to the ground floor to accommodate Adam's weight issue. A quick knock and a summons later, the trio entered to the delight of the Commander, who it seemed had just finished chatting with Armin.

"Ah, and here I was about to send for you." The man visibly smiled.

"Yeah, someone took the initiative in bringing me here" Adam gestured to Historia, who nervously saluted. She hadn't thought she'd done anything really wrong by eavesdropping, but if the Commander thought otherwise…

Luckily he didn't seem to mind, or even care, as his focus only remained in her for a second before he turned to Adam.

"Got a heads up you were thinking I needed support?" Adam questioned.

"Yes. It's in regards to our upcoming operations together, and how to best work together with both you and Eren Jaeger." A nod to Eren had the boy stand to attention more than he already was. "I have complete confidence in your abilities, but that doesn't necessarily mean unexpected developments can't occur. I'd like you to have some support at your side, same as Eren, to negate any potential risks."

"Do I have any say in this?" Adam prodded. "I won't say no to having support, but am I in charge of picking whose on my team?"

"Of course." Erwin reached behind his desk and withdrew a bundle of paper's, personal files, laying them on his desk. "I was just going over that with Armin. He proposed a most interesting idea for enhancing our Scout's training, and I thought it could apply to you making your final decision. Eren, how fully in control of your Titan are you right now?"

"…Uh, well, it's been less than a week, and I'm still not sure how to get out of my Titan without someone cutting me out or waiting for the thing to run out of juice… but I'm completely in control. Haven't gone berserk or blacked out at all!" Eren reported.

"Excellent. Then tomorrow, I want you to chase after our Scout's."

Even Adam was surprised by that announcement. The metal man turned to Armin, sensing Erwin was having too much fun dropping that on everyone and enjoying their shock.

"There's a chance if we go out there again, we may come across Titan's like Eren, one's with human's inside of them. And even if that isn't the case, we'll still be fighting Titans, one's that grab, bite, sometimes even run and leap." The blonde explained. "For us common soldiers, we need every advantage we can get."

"And that advantage might be having real life encounters with actual Titans, or the next best thing, a mock battle against a friendly Titan." Erwin finished. "The idea is have our newest recruits learn more advanced combat maneuvers, our veterans brush up on their skills, that sort of thing. Tomorrow, Eren, you'll transform and play what is basically a game of tag. Let everyone get an idea of how fast a Titan can be, and how to evade it."

"Wait, is that safe?" Historia raised a hand, speaking up for the first time since she arrived (and thankful the Commander hadn't dismissed her). "I mean, it certainly sounds like a great idea, but what if Eren trips or someone cuts him too deep?"

Eren nodded. "Yeah, I mean, I'm all for it! But I'm not sure I wouldn't accidentally… squash someone." He grimaced at the choice of words, looking at his hands, trying to picture snatching someone off their horse without hurting them at the least.

"…Flour." Adam offered. Eren turned to him, to see the cyborg holding up his own hand palm up. "You have bags of flour, or wheat? Maybe even livestock like a pig? Practice picking those up without breaking them, then work your way up to catching them. If it helps, try tossing an egg between your hands as a human, get a sense of delicacy."

"…That could actually work." Armin nodded. "I was just going to propose Eren get within a certain distance without touching anyone and that would count, but we can't put off him getting physical forever. There's no doubt in my mind he'll find himself in a situation where he has to hold a person in his hands."

"Indeed. We'll add that to Eren's training, he'll start later today. The chase will still be on tomorrow, but after that, I'd like to try a mock battle. We're going to have our Scout's attack, and Eren will fend them off. To that end, Adam, I'd like your help." Erwin's blue eyes stared into Adam's red. "Armin's given me a rough idea, I'd like confirmation what I ask is within your power. I'm hoping I can rely on you as a… I suppose a safety net. Could you observe everyone, and step in should it look like an injury is about to occur?"

"You mean with my Sandevistan." Adam stated, to which Erwin nodded. "Sure, I can be your referee, keep anyone from being crushed accidentally. At least anyone the brat here's not trying to grab, that's all gonna be on him." Adam lightly clasped Eren's shoulder, causing the boy to falter slightly.

"Thank you. In addition to a few requests, I've given Armin a rough idea of the practice battle that will occur, for when the two- sorry, the three of you return here. Please go over it and offer any amendments you deem necessary, this is for your benefit as much as ours." Erwin said. "On that note, I do believe we've kept Miss Ackerman and KIPO waiting long enough. Miss Lenz, could you see our guests out?"

"Yes sir!" Historia dutifully saluted.

"And if you could take miss Ymir with you, that would also be appreciated."

"…Pardon?" The blonde quirked an eyebrow, before looking to Eren and Adam in confusion. What did Ymir have to do with anything?

A moment of clarity came to her, as she turned the door, and abruptly opened it inwards.

Crouched down, clearly having pressed her ear to the door, was the girl in question.

Caught in the act, the brunette could only stay in that position.

"For the record, I have an open door policy. If you wanted to be a part of the conversation or know what was going on, feel free to let yourself in soldier." Erwin offered, the only one unphased.

"I'll uh… I'll make a note of that, sir."

---

Back to the present, Ymir was waving a hand in front of Historia. "Helloooooo? Anyone home?"

Blinking, Historia snapped out of her trip down memory lane.

"Ah, sorry! Were you saying something?" The diminutive blonde attempted to recover.

"…I was asking if you were gonna fess up to whatever it is you're being so coy about." Ymir rubbed the back of her head with a sigh. "Look, it's fine if you don't wanna tell me, but you realize I can't help but speculate and-"

"Adam Smasher is getting his own squad. And I want to be on it."

Ymir's eyes immediately opened wide, a look of what could be shock or horror coming across her face.

"I put a lot of thought into it, and I think it's the best place for me to be." Historia hurried to explain.

"Really? Because I'm struggling to see how, please, explain it to me." Ymir replied with a shaky grin.

"Adam's strong. Like, he's really, REALLY strong. And he has ranged weaponry that lets him kill Titans from a distance." Historia pointed with her hands, one still holding the Apple, to an imaginary target. "So I thought, doesn't that mean we wouldn't have to get in close to kill any Titan's? We could just hang back and let him do all the work?"

Ymir blinked in surprise. Whatever she had been expecting, it certainly hadn't been that. "That's… that's kind of ruthless of you."

"Oh gosh, really?!" Historia moved a hand to mouth. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like that! It's just… well, it's true, isn't it? I can't see us being any help to him, except maybe for luring or distracting the Titans for him. It sounded like the best way for me to be useful."

"Hey now, don't go dismissing yourself like that. You made the top ten, right?"

Historia blinked, then smiled sadly. "We both know I only made it because you deliberately screwed up for me."

"I can neither confirm nor deny knowing such a thing." Ymir immediately retorted, a cheeky grin that turned Historia's sad smile into a brighter one. "But even if that were true, fine, then you were 11th overall. That's still damn good! I saw you at Trost, you were every bit a real soldier!"

"So you think it would be better I go toe to toe with more Titans?"

"No, I'm just saying, don't go thinking the best you can be is bait."

"I'm not. Believe me, I'm not but… but I'm thinking of the future. Our future." Historia grasped Ymir's hands, placing the apple in them. "Ymir, would you come with me to the outside world?"

"Huh?!" Ymir spluttered in shock, the question and her love's bold action catching her off guard.

"I've been thinking about it, and I… gosh, I just like the idea of us exploring the world together. I kept thinking I'd want to build a house together or something, find some nice land to settle down in, but the more and more I thought about it, that seemed too constricting. So, how about instead, we travel the world, just the two of us. When the Titans are all killed and Adam contacts his home, let's go with him!" Historia finished earnestly, eager to hear what Ymir thought of her idea!

"That's… that's a lot to suddenly drop on me." Ymir ran a hand through her hair. "How… long have you been thinking about this?"

"Not long. I'm still a little fuzzy on what exactly it's like, KIPO went a little fast with her explanation, but Armin did tell me there was plenty to see, to explore. And that got me thinking, wouldn't it be nice for the two of us to see it for ourselves?" Historia gave a little squeeze. "Remember the promise we made to each other?"

"…Yeah, I do." Ymir nodded. The promise that Ymir would reveal how she saved Daz, that she was a Titan-Shifter, in exchange… "Are you going to tell me your secret?"

"Not yet. I do, I really, REALLY do, but it's not quite time. It… it would be dangerous, to know."

"Well then we're even. My secret isn't that safe to know either." Ymir sighed, closing her eyes. She really, really wanted to let her know, it was honestly eating away at Ymir…

"Would that change, if we weren't here?" Historia's voice graced Ymir's ears. The freckled girl opened her eyes, to see the blonde before her gazing into her soul. "If we could leave and go someplace nobody knew us, where nobody would care about our secrets and if we spoke them out loud…"

A grimace, so subtle and minute Historia almost missed it, crossed Ymir's face. "You sure there's really a place out there like that?"

"I'd like to think so. I mean, it's a big world, you did say that, right? How the map was so big?"

"And I stand by that, that light ball KIPO showed in the courtroom, it was massive." Ymir nodded. "But, we have no idea what's really out there. You sure two fine ladies such as ourselves could make it out there?"

"Maybe, if we had a friend to guide us."

"Adam Smasher."

Historia nodded. "If we were on his squad, maybe we can get him to like us? Enough that he'd be willing to tell us a bit more of the outside world, what to expect, maybe take us with him. He seems like he doesn't have many friends."

"Can't imagine why, he's such a cuddly fellow." Ymir gave a half hearted chuckle. "That's assuming of course we even make it that far. Still got a fuck ton of Titans out there."

"But not infinite, right?" Historia beamed, genuine hope gracing her features. "Before, we thought the whole world was taken over, that it was literally hopeless. But now it suddenly become possible for us to get rid of the Titans, we know there's an actual limit to their numbers, all thanks to Adam!"

"Yeah, it is thanks to him, isn't it?" A mirthless smile, before an expression of steeled determination crossed Ymir's face and she pulled Historia forward into a hug, who squeaked in surprise but didn't resist. The apple had changed hands to be in Ymir's, and the holder of the Jaw stared at it as she held her love in her arms. "Got to say, I didn't peg you for the type to want to leave everyone behind."

"I'm not! We'll still be friends, and we can visit I'm sure! And it's not like we're just leaving them while there are still Titan's to fight." Historia hurried to clarify.

"Relax sweet pea, I'm just messing." Ymir chuckled. "…It's certainly a bold plan, didn't expect such a cute girl to have such a devious mind. You put this much effort into planning our honeymoon?"

"I did actually. Or at least, I was planning on asking KIPO for recommendations… you think the moon might be possible?" A stuck out lip with a deep in thought look greeted Ymir's eyes as she looked down.

"Seriously?!" Ymir laughed. "The moon, you actually were thinking of going to the moon?"

"Yeah, why?" Historia titled her head. "Adam is the Falling Star, Armin told us, how his people went up there. We can ask him if we can go, can't we?"

"…Sure, why not. If that doesn't work, maybe we can settle for just in the clouds."

Historia gave a squeal of delight at Ymir's sarcasm, which forced the freckled girl to roll her eyes at her love's cuteness and resume the hug. They stayed like that for a while, before Ymir decided the apple had been neglected long enough, and took her first bite.

The juices running down her chin as she hummed in delight, was a treasured memory for Historia.

---

Day 11

"Alright, listen up everyone. Today's going to be a little more exciting version of practicing with training dummies." Captain Levi stated, arms crossed next to a chalkboard and scrutinizing all the new recruits before him. Mixed in were a couple dozen veterans or so, all ready and waiting next to their steeds.

'Veterans. Survive just one Expedition, and you're considered an actual Scout. Survive three, you're a vet.' Levi observed. 'Never thought I'd actually consider we'd only have a set number of Expedition's left. Won't count my chickens just yet, but if things are as rose tinted as the metal man says they are… maybe we can finally be done with burying comrades.'

Amongst the many things KIPO had chatted away about, the location of her and Adam's home, and the fact Titan's didn't rule the world, had made the most impact. The fact Adam was the Falling Star, the fact he was pretty much all metal but still somehow a person, the fact the very same could be done to literally anyone who asked for it, that had people talking alright, not always in a positive tone.

But hearing that the Scout's hopeless mission wasn't so hopeless, nobody could be angry at that.

Levi had overheard the chatter, felt the energy. It wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows, but there was a sense of… well, hope in the Scout Regiment now. People were acting like they'd just been inspired by one of Erwin's more positive speeches, or had been served a good meal of meat and wine, either one. Soldiers were actually talking about what it would be like to live in a Titanless world like they'd see it in their lifetimes, and that had them raring and eager to go. The finish line was just over the horizon, they just had to reach it.

Levi would do his damn hardest to make sure they reached it.

Exiting his reminiscing, Levi pointed to Eren and gestured for him to step forward. The green eyed youth complied immediately, exiting the crowd and standing beside Levi.

It spoke well of Eren's training that people were comfortable standing around him now. The worry he'd go Titan at random had dissipated.

"Now for you rookies, I know most of you have survived real Titan combat, but I'm going to go over some basic's and strategies anyway. Most of this applies to every Titan encounter, but there's a few things we Scout's have to learn out in the wild that you'll be practicing over the coming weeks." Levi addressed the crowd. "Now, first things first, never try to take a Titan one-on-one. I'm sure some of you have got individual kills, and I know you won't always have back-up, but the risk is significantly reduced if a Titan is distracted vs solely focused on you. Slow or abnormal, they have eyes and reach, and they can pluck you out of the air like you can a squash a fly."

A number of heads nodded, good, seems they had the fresh eyed idealism beaten out them. Levi had lost track of how many rookies thought they were invincible only to die without getting one Titan kill. 'Too many.'

"Second, a hobbled Titan is an ideal target. Best technique for that is taking out their tendon's in the back of their feet. Force them to the ground, their hand's occupied with staying off the ground, and their napes are exposed."

A hand raised up, from a Jean Kirstein Levi believed, and the black haired man nodded.

"Um, with all due respect sir, isn't that kind of a risk on it's own? I'm not talking about them managing to step on us, it's more about using up our blades and gas to wound instead of kill. Sir." Jean asked.

Levi nodded, it was a valid point. "That's true, we've only got so much to spare, especially out there, and every strike is vital. However, the unfortunate reality is out there, we seldom find suitable purchase to launch ourselves off. There's a lot of wide open fields, no tree's, no buildings, nothing to sink our hooks into to gain a height advantage. That means we have to bring the Titan down to our level, and more often than not, use them as leverage. Which unfortunately means you can't be picky and plan for the future, you have to focus on the enemy in front of you. If you die, then that saved gas and those blades won't do you any good anyway."

Jean nodded, looking a little distressed but taking the words to heart.

Levi continued. "That's actually relevant to a technique we Scout's have to learn, ground drifting. It's murder on your legs and requires you to use speed's that'll give you whiplash, not to mention spending a lot of gas, but it's absolutely necessary."

Levi raised a hand and rested it on Eren's shoulder's. "Before, we'd use lousy fake targets to try and get the bare minimum of learning that move down, but it really can only be achieved in live combat. Luckily, now we have a more real target, that's willing to let you all practice on him."

Everyone turned to look at Eren, who awkwardly waved but stood tall.

"Eren Jaeger will simulate what it's like to fight an actual Titan. Slow or Abnormal, or even someone just like him, this will be a great learning experience. If he can catch you, avoid you, or outrun you, then you best learn that now, and find a way to overcome it."

"Wait, catch us?" A voice called out, a vet named Reggie Marigold. "Is that… is that safe? No offence to you Eren, but I'm kind of, y'know…"

"Worried you'll have something broken if his hand gripes you in any way, specially in a combat situation?" Levi finished, to which the youth bowed his head. "We're working on that, having Eren practice on picking up things more delicate than people and not breaking them. It's a work in progress, and we've come a long way, but I'm not having us try that out yet."

A sigh of relief from multiple sources escaped the crowd, though some were focused on the yet part of that sentence.

"For now," Levi continued, "This will simply be simulating how fast a Titan can be. We clocked Eren as running faster than recorded Abnormal's, so it won't be completely accurate, but if you can outrun or dodge him, than hopefully that'll help against the slower ones."

Levi turned to Eren and gestured with his thumb. A nod, before he headed out in the field. Everyone present braced themselves for the signature lightning strike, and sure enough, one fifteen tall toothy grinned pointy eared monster was present.

"Alright, I want squads of four to line up, and proceed along this track." Levi gestured to the chalkboard behind him. It showed a route that went along the castle, into the open field, and through the forest with the widest paths available. "Eren already has his instructions, he's to appear at random locations and give chase. He won't touch any of you, but he will note points he could have had you in his grip. If he bellows, that means all four of you were caught at some point or another. That means the race is over, and we swap out for the next group. Clear?"

"Yes sir!" All present saluted.

"Then form up. You have one minute to make a squad and get into position, hop to it." Levi waved them off, before walking over to Eren.

The Titan looked down at him, and dropped to one knee, never breaking eye contact.

"Remember the route we drilled into your head? You can probably just look for those your supposed to be chasing, but I'd prefer if you didn't accidentally go off track."

A shake of its shaggy head and a thumb's up was Eren's response.

"Good. I was honestly worried you'd get lost and wander into an occupied village. Really don't want to panic any local's even far out as we are, some people do live nearby. Already gotten a few complaints about the noise. Storm warnings or some shit."

A quirked eyebrow conveyed Eren's confusion, along with him holding up his hands in a "Well, what am I supposed to do about that?" gesture.

"Nothing. Folks just like to complain. Thought Petra is worried they'll get used to your footsteps thundering and ignore it if another breach happens and the regular Titans come through."

Now Eren's ears were shooting straight up and his mouth was agape, only for a moment though before his face hardened and he sank a fist into his palm. The sound had several Scout's jump, but most just looked to Eren with confusion, wondering what the Captain had said to him.

For his part, Levi just nodded. "Yeah, I don't plan on that happening either. Let's finish off the bastard's so that fucking Colossal can't pull that shit again, him or his buddy." A furious nodding from Eren in agreement was Levi's reward, along with an open palm being lowered and held in front of the short Captain. Levi blinked, before realizing Eren was offering a freaking high-five!

Peering through the giant hand's digits to give Eren a most unimpressed look, Levi had half a mind to simply walk off and leave Eren hanging. But the positivity was just radiating off the boy, his ears twitching and that eternal grin somehow becoming an actual smile.

With a sigh to show how much he did not care for this, Levi landed a clenched fist to the open palm, the fist bump seeming to satisfy Eren who retreated his hand and stood up. His feet were doing little hops in place, as the Titan was clearly eager to get going, all fired up now.

Levi stepped back to approach the gathering soldiers, the first squad comprised of Petra, Marlene, Dirk, and Lynne. All four of them, and those behind, were looking at Levi with clear amusement.

"…What?" Levi asked, annoyed. Petra broke out into giggles, before she got herself under control.

"Just… it's just heartwarming to see you and Eren interact like that, specially when he's a Titan." Petra smiled. "A real morale booster, sir."

"…Whatever. If seeing that cheers you all up, then great. Hope that's ease some nerves or something." Levi honestly couldn't understand people sometimes, they found amusement in the strangest things. "You ready to head out?"

"Yes sir!" Petra and her team cried out.

"Then let's get this started. Eren will give you all a five minute head start, then he's chasing you. Ride like hell is licking your heels!"

"Yes sir!" Everyone cried out. With a snap of the reins, they set out, while Eren got into a runner's stance.

This was going to be an interesting day.

---

Honestly, the exercise had been more fun than terrifying. Historia did worry for the horses, Eren stomping after them couldn't have been good for the thing's nerves, but Dita had assured her they were made of stern stuff, and knew not to fear a Titan.

The blonde supposed she really couldn't challenge the Scout's horse master on that front, so she simply enjoyed the activity for what it had been, a chance to show off to Ymir. If there was one thing she was good at, it was horse riding. Something the 104th could attest to, as she had practically danced around Eren, ducking and weaving through the trees and making jumps her companions had almost wussed out in following her on. Even Ymir who had the most faith in her had almost diverted her beast at a rather large ravine, but evidently had given in and followed Historia suit.

It was a gamble that had paid off, as the group had managed to escape Eren for just a little longer! In the end though he had successfully caught up to them on the home stretch, a roar bellowing out signalling the race was over. A similar fate that befell most of the other's, only three had managed to cross the finish line. The exercise being done, Eren had been helped out of his Titan by Mikasa and Gunther, only to be set upon by the participants, who basically interrogated the boy on when and where he'd deemed to have caught them.

To Eren's credit, he remembered who was who and managed to explain the points he could have grabbed them. It was a slow and steady process, but most were satisfied by his reasoning, even if they were a bit unhappy at the results. It was a somber reminder how unmatched they were, granted Eren was faster than most Abnormal's, but still… and there was also the fact there could be other Titan's like Eren.

Still, it wasn't like it was totally hopeless. This was just practice, and they hadn't even fought back! No intercepts, no real distractions (aside from Jean having the bright idea to launch a flare at Eren, it hadn't worked but Levi had praised his initiative, even as he assigned the boy to stable duty for his unauthorized used of equipment), and it was a legitimate learning experience. They could learn from this, and plan accordingly.

To that end, tomorrow would be about practicing ground drifting. Eren would transform again, stand still, and Scout's would learn how to grapple with only a Titan as their only viable target. He didn't seem that worried he'd be punctured by hundred's of ODM hook's the next day, but he was concerned about people getting injured in practice.

"Isn't this kind of dangerous? I mean, shouldn't we wait for Adam? He's supposed to be here for when your actually practicing against me." Eren reasoned.

"True, this move has resulted in some injuries, from sprains to breaking limbs. But we do learn this by practicing on training dummies and we didn't have the big galoot back then to watch over us, so it's not like we're taking a major risk." Eld has reasoned. "The only difference is everyone will get to practice on an actual Titan instead of a wooden dummy."

"Yeah, basically you just have to stand still and it should be okay, if you were moving I'd be worried someone's wires would get caught in yours legs, that would be a mess." Oluo offered. "Long as you don't hear the dinner bell and rush off forgetting you're a Titan, we should be okay. Speaking of, how's about we get some grub? Bought time you learnt to appreciate the Bozado cooking Eren."

Eren couldn't argue against that, so he went with everyone who was ready to feast and turn in for the night. Levi Squad plus one had a rather hearty supper, while the rest had been content to eat their rations. By some miracle butter had been procured, making the bread significantly easier to swallow.

It would have been nice to leave it there, the day's event's, like that, but Historia and Ymir had other idea's. Finishing their food, they had instead chosen to wander outside together, finding a nice comfy spot to observe the stars, and talk about nothing. They had laid there, basking in each other's warmth, letting the night wash over them like a comforting blanket.

"We are so gonna get caught. And then we're gonna have to endure someone telling us to keep it in our pant's and "The Scout's are no place for merry making" and all that crap." Ymir sighed.

"Really? I think it'd be encouraged." Historia cuddled up to Ymir, appreciating the taller girl running her hands through her hair. "We're Scout's, we're going to head out and risk our lives and there's no guarantee our first mission won't be our last. Is anyone really going to think badly of us for wanting to have love while we can?"

Ymir smiled at that, bringing her face down into the blonde's hair. "Yeah, okay, I can see that. But still, I'm worried someone's gonna lecture us about making googly eyes at each other while out on a mission, like we can't separate our love life's and our responsibilities."

"Can you?"

"Nope." Ymir snorted, accidentally inhaling some hair which caused her to sneeze, mercifully turning away so it didn't get in her lover's hair. "Ahem, but that just means I'll be more focused on not distracting you and staying alive, so we can both return home. So on that note, don't go out there thinking we're gonna die, alright? We'll both get through this."

"I know." Historia nodded. "I feel real good about our chances, believe me. Eren and Adam are both so strong, it really feel's like we won't have to do any work at all!"

"…If that's how you feel, I don't suppose you'd consider…"

"I'm not transferring to the Garrison Ymir, you know that."

"I do. Just wanted to throw it out there, as a concerned wife should." Ymir gave a quick squeeze. "…We're both gonna make it, together. I promise, I won't let anything happen to you."

"Same to you." Historia sat up, ignoring the whine of Ymir to look down at the freckled girl, laying down in the grass in the dark, so much like that night they'd unknowingly witnessed Adam come down from the heaven's. "Let's both survive, and see the world together."

Historia offered a hand, pulling Ymir up. "It's getting late. We should turn in for the night, we've got advanced maneuvers tomorrow."

"Ugh, don't remind me. Getting chased around by Eren was not my idea of fun, and now we have to go towards the guy, right for his legs?" Ymir groaned. "He wasn't exactly the most graceful when he was a human, I just know he's gonna trip and smoosh someone soon. Probably Connie."

"Ymir!" Historia placed her hands on her hips, still sitting down and having an admonishing look on her face. "You should have more faith in our comrades! I'm sure Eren will be able to avoid any accidents, and I'm confident in our friends abilities to keep themselves safe!"

Ymir snorted in amusement, not buying Krista's flowery speech for a second. "Really? So you can't see any one of them not realizing they're about to be flattened by Eren's giant butt? Not one?"

The mousy blonde maintained her admonishing look, before she hesitantly looked to the side. "Well… maybe the Section Commander? I'm sorry! I can't help but feel they're asking for a Titan related death and will just… let it happen?" She reasoned.

"Oh, Krista, Krista, Krista, have you no faith in our leaders? I'm shocked, simply shocked I say!" Ymir held a hand to her heart in mock pain, playing up this moment of vulnerability for all it's worth.

As Historia babbled that wasn't true and it was just a thought, the two eventually made their way back to the barracks. Historia had taken a moment to head for the privy to relieve herself, promising Ymir she'd catch up. A quick stop to the nearest restroom, Historia made her way out once her business was down, intent on heading straight for her bed.

Only to notice the candlelight dimly illuminating the hall.

Candlelight that seemed to be coming from the direction of Commander Erwin's office.

That itself wasn't unusual, in fact it should be expected, the Commander worked long hours and had many a nights he'd stay up doing paper work or forming strategies. Really, there was no reason to be surprised or intrigued by what was a normal occurrence.

But… something in Historia invoked her to be a snoop. Just the tiniest little part of her that wanted to see how sneaky she could be. A flight of fancy really, it was a random urge that she was deciding to follow, it could have happened any other time on any other day. She was just feeling the want to do this, today. Or rather tonight, as the hour were.

Steadying herself, Historia made to tippy toe all the way to the Commander's office. She took care not to cause so much as a floorboard to squeak, and cautiously scanned her surroundings, dimly lit as they were, on the lookout for guards. But so far, all was clear!

Feeling a little emboldened, Historia quickened her pace, just a little, until she had rounded the corner and could see Erwin's office door! She kept taking delicate steps, steady as could be, until finally, she was right up against the door! Carefully, quietly, she crouched down to peek inside the key hole. It was a model that one could actually see through, and provided the blonde a good view of the inside. It seemed the Commander wasn't alone, as he was joined by Mike Zacharias and… Ilse Langnar? Curious, Historia placed her ear against the keyhole, trying to overhear whatever conversation could be taking place.

"…is why I think we should keep a closer eye on her." Ilse's voice drifted to Historia's ears. "Something that Connie Springer said, it got me thinking."

"About that night, with the Titan who could talk." Mike stated.

"…Yes. That night, it confused me for someone, someone worthy of worship. And the name it spoke… I honestly had put it out of my mind when I couldn't make any sense of it, deciding it was an unsolvable mystery, but now… what if the answer to that mystery is here, sleeping under our roof?" Ilse mulled over.

"So, you really think it's possible?" Erwin Smith asked. "That private Ymir, recently graduated from the 104th Cadet Corp and joined our ranks, is one of the Titan's?"

'What?' Historia's eyes went wide, and her mind blank. It lasted for only a second, as the need to understand what in the Wall's they were saying pressed her to keep her head clear and her heart calm. Making sure not to alert anyone inside, Historia strained her ears to pick up every word spoken.

"I do sir." Ilse answered. "The Titan said, "Subject of Ymir," clear as day. And Connie noted, albeit in a somewhat sleepy state, we look alike. Tell me Commander, would you say there is a similarity?"

Silence reigned for a few seconds, as it seemed Erwin was getting a good look, and probably comparing what he saw to the other girl he had in his mind's eye. "…There certainly is a passing resemblance, I can see that."

"Me too, though if you must know, you have a different scent." Mike offered. "Don't know if a Titan smells the same way we do, but just wanted to check if that might be relevant."

"…I did trudge through a shallow stream in an effort to hide my smell, that could have been a factor." A sniff, as Ilse checked herself. "But that just proves my point. Sir, I'm certain, the Ymir the Titan spoke of is the same girl we know of."

Silence reigned again, longer this time, as the declaration seemed to have given Erwin something to consider. Historia couldn't blame him. Well, she really was having a tricky time following everything, but she got the gist.

'They think Ymir is the enemy.' Historia was on pins and needles, mostly due to her awkward crouching, but there was also a cold washing over her, an icy clamp of fear.

"What would you recommend?" Erwin finally spoke.

"…For now, that we consider Ymir might be one of the two Titan's we suspect are like Eren Jaeger, the Armoured or the Colossal, and act accordingly."

"I trust you'll understand I'll need a little bit more proof before I make any moves against her. I trust you Ilse, and I very much believe you have discovered something, but there's still room for doubt." Erwin stated.

"I know sir. Believe me, I want nothing more than to be wrong and this is just a horrible coincidence." Ilse assured the men in the room. "I'm not saying we should take her in and interrogate her, but I think we should keep an eye out. Make note of any suspicious behaviour, see if she sneaks off anywhere. And I'd like if we could ask the members of the 104th about Trost, that could be a huge help! If anyone of them could confirm Ymir was with them when the Colossal struck…"

"That would clear Ymir of being the Colossal." Mike finished, seemingly in agreement. "Still wouldn't rule out her being the Armoured, but it would help."

"Indeed. I'll call in a few of the soldiers, ask them to inquire about Trost, casually. No need to alarm anyone." Erwin agreed. "But what else do you plan on doing to check if Ymir is like Eren? I hope you weren't planning on stabbing her?"

"Walls, no!" Ilse protested, and good thing, because Historia already dark thoughts going through her head if anyone had even suggested such a thing. "I mean, if she cut herself in training or on kitchen duty, we should definitely keep an eye out to see if her wounds start steaming. But I was thinking more along the lines of investigating, primarily."

"That's a half-hearted measure at best." Mike grunted. "I doubt we'll be able to confirm if she's an ally or an enemy by the time our next Expedition starts. In which case, we'll be sitting ducks if she transforms. Specially if she's this Armoured, it hasn't been seen since Shinganshina but the reports of it taking cannon fire like it was nothing doesn't speak well for our ODM blades."

"Agreed, I think our best options are… one moment please." Erwin stopped suddenly, and the sound of wood scrapping the floor alerted Historia to the fact the Commander was standing up. Standing up, and walking.

Walking to the door.

With a gracefulness she didn't know she possessed, Historia pushed herself away from the door and managed to slip away, picking up her steps the second she was around the corner in a power walk that carried her all the way to the privy again. Locking herself in and sitting on the floor, Historia did her best to calm herself down.

She kept trying all night, even when she exited the privy after an hour, and slunk back to her bed, a softly snoring Ymir adjacent to hers, Historia's heart was racing all night. She stared at Ymir, in the darkness, a thousand thoughts running through her head. Questions, answers, revelations, and desperate plans, they all kept Historia awake until the morning sun came peeking through the windows.

---

Day 12

Adam would admit, he was actually in a good mood today.

He'd gone over the possibilities of a squad with Armin and what possible benefits it could bring to him, and to his handler's credit, it wasn't an entirely terrible idea.

Sure, he'd be stuck with up to four smucks using primitive means to fight the enemy, who would definitely need Adam's help to pull their fat out of the fire, but there was some merit to having assistance.

Their ODM gear allowed them an eagle eye view of the area, and until KIPO was able to provide Adam with something similar (she promised it was on the to-do list), he would definitely need spotters. Not to mention they would know the lay of the land, could run ahead, and in what was becoming a very appealing strategy on paper, could act as bait.

Adam had the decency to admit that sounded scummy, but there really was no other way to put it. Once Adam had revealed he was only 4% meat, the weirdo Hange had immediately come up with new ideas.

"If your body is mostly metal, that might actually have an affect on Titan's recognizing you! It's been recorded they gather where there are the most people, possibly a large gathering of prey means a larger scent for them to pick up on. You might actually have less of a human smell than a child, which means…"

Which meant that there was a very good chance the Titans would ignore him and focus on the regular all ganic's. Which meant he could pick off Titans at his leisure.

That thought, and the prospect getting to Wall Maria might go even quicker than he thought, had put Adam in high spirits. Such high spirits he wasn't even feeling annoyed with all the questions being directed at him instead of KIPO, as he stood around waiting with Armin and Eren's escort's for everyone to come to class.

"So, it is possible?" One of Eren's buddies, a Scout named Gunther, inquired. "You can actually replace lungs?"

"How many times do you want me to say it? Yes, you can replace your pop's lungs, the most basic implant in the market will do." Adam explained. "It's just a matter of having the right surgical equipment built, and actually building the lungs. Plus painkillers, I doubt your dad will want to go under cold turkey."

Gunther grimaced. He was just wrapping his head around the thought of someone being opened up to such a degree and surviving, but the thought of it being his own father…

"Uh, question." Eld raised his hand. "Why can't what happened to Armin happen to anyone else? You say you need equipment, but can't Ting- sorry, sorry, Specter," Eld raised his hands in apology to Adam and Armin, assuming he'd offended someone, "just go in and change them?"

Armin's eyes lit up, and after a moment, he spoke. "KIPO says that was an improvised one time procedure. It required a lot of Specter to be sacrificed, and only worked so well because my body is in excellent condition. On an older subject, the procedure would be fatal." Armin turned to Gunther with an apologetic look on his face. "Sorry."

"It's okay. Just means I have to work a little harder is all." Gunther waved off, smiling. "Just to confirm though, any metal will do?"

"Any resource will do, but the closer it is to being what we actually need will greatly help. Like Erwin sacrificing a week's wages helped make this." Adam held a Braindance headset in his hands, cradling it between his fingers. "Bronze coins for copper wiring, that really helped."

"Okay then. So pencil me in for one fresh set of lungs, and I'll deliver everything I can." Gunther stated.

"I'll make sure KIPO makes one first thing!" Armin swore. Ever since KIPO had told Armin Gunther had approached her that night she'd introduced herself, and asked if she had anything that could help his father (the years in the mines having ruined his lungs), Armin had taken it upon himself to help the Scout as best he could. Talking to KIPO to gauge how effective the cybernetics would be, the procedure, and how much material would be required, all to give Gunther the hope he might be able to save his father's life.

"Um, Mr. Smasher?" Petra raised her hand, her curiosity rising.

"Hmm?" Adam turned to her, noting how her eyes were drawn to the Braindance headset in his hands. "…Oh, curious to what this is?"

"Yes… is that- does that go on your head?"

"Indeed it does. Erwin was asking if there was anything to help impart information and knowledge faster to you people, and this is that thing." Adam held out the headset for everyone to get a good look. "A top of the line Braindance. Using all the Arasaka files KIPO had saved in her system, we have millions of memories and lives for everyone to experience."

"Experience? What, like looking at them like those moving pictures Pinky was showing us?" Oluo inquired.

"Not quite. This device will actually put you in the place of the person whose memories you're witnessing. You'll feel what they feel, every emotion, sensation, rush of adrenaline, overwhelming happiness… it's all there."

All five present were staring at him, astonishment clear on their faces.

"That… that sounds a little intense…" Eld was the first to speak. "I mean, does anyone ever get… I dunno, overcome by someone else memories?"

"You mean does a person think they're another person? They got rid of that bug in 2023, it's perfectly fine." Adam waved off, ignoring Petra and Oluo looking to each other and mouthing "2023" in confusion. "How about one of you gives it a try? Have about a hundred files of people who were just walking and taking in the sights. You can see what's beyond your Walls right now, live it even."

"I don't know… you sure we won't be out of action because of this?" Eld pressed.

"Children literally use this thing back home." Adam retorted. "Come on, isn't this what you Scout's are all about? Wanting to see the outside world? Learn the truth? If you pass up on this now, what are the odd's you never get to see it forever?"

Eld didn't look convinced, but Petra did. She stepped forward, determined, as she stared up at Adam. "I'll do it. Let me see what's out there."

"As you wish." Adam flipped it around and slowly brought the Braindance down on her head, settling it on like a crown. He gestured for her to park herself on the ground, while directing Oluo to support her in a sitting position. "What say you experience a beach?"

As everyone watched, the strange headset suddenly lit up, shining light directly into Petra's eyes. Her face suddenly took a trance like state, as a memory of a woman walking along sandy shores, feeling the waves run over her feet, and serenity of the moment washing over her.

Armin himself was transfixed, he'd certainly been granted front row seats to all the sights of the outside world, but he hadn't actually experienced them to this degree. The chance to go to the ocean, even through someone's memory of it, was right there…

'No.' Armin shook his head, smiling. 'No, I'll go there in person. With Annie, Eren, Mikasa, and everyone… I'll see it for myself, in person.'

The braindance ended just as other Scout's were starting to come outside. At the front was Levi, followed by Eren, Mikasa, a very distinct and noticeable KIPO, and about fifty or so others. Petra's eyes were moist, but she looked genuinely happy. Removing the headset carefully, she looked up at Adam.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Make sure to tell everyone how safe and wonderful that was, I need my future Squad to use that." Adam ordered, while observing Eren running ahead of the group to greet Armin, asking about the blonde's health and if he was "burnt out at all."

"Of course." Petra nodded, still smiling. She breathed in deeply, then stood up. "So, how exactly is this going to work?"

---

"The way this is going to work is you will form teams of four, again, and try to get a strike on Eren." Levi got right down to it. "I shouldn't have to say it, but no, you are not going to be cutting his nape. A simple fly by will do, just get in close enough you can say "I definitely would have cut him right then," and fly off."

Mikasa looked relieved to hear that, though she still had concerns for Eren's safety. Probably the only one, as everyone else was worried about themselves. They trusted Eren, they really did, but it would be foolish to think accidents couldn't happen. Simply reaching out without looking could lead to someone being swatted out of the sky by their resident Titan, and that wasn't even factoring Eren actually trying to fight them off. Suffice to say, a lot of Scout's, both newcomer and vets, were looking nervous.

Some Levi noticed. "Now, Eren here is going to be attempting to stop you from getting to his nape. He'll be swiping at you, dodging, ducking, things like that. He won't be trying to bite anyone but you should still consider him a Titan, and remember the real ones will try to chomp you. Also, we'll eventually move on to Eren running and fighting, probably tomorrow, so be prepared for that. But for today, consider Eren an Abnormal… no, a regular Titan. We'll start with Eren acting like a typical Titan, then go to Abnormal." Levi turned to his charge. "Got that Jaeger? No fancy moves, just the grabs and swipes. This will be the "easy" training."

"Got it sir!" Eren shouted. "Um, one question though. Am I really going to be trying to grab anyone? I know we practiced, but still…"

"That's what the big guy is for." Levi turned to look at the Scout's other key asset, with everyone also looking to Adam. "This… sandy visionary thing, or whatever you call it, it's really going to be able to stop anyone from getting injured?"

"Sandevistan, and it'll help avoid the worst injuries." Adam replied, before addressing the crowd who undoubtedly had questions. "Basically I can move so fast the rest of you will be standing still. I'll be watching the entire time, and when I see the need for it, I'll use my Sandevistan and pull you out before Eren accidentally smooshes you."

"Is that safe?" Everyone looked to Krista, who stared straight at Adam. She'd arrived with the others, and to those who knew her, her demeanour seemed a little… off. She was still smiling and cheerful, but it seemed like that cheer didn't quite reach her eyes. When probed by a concerned Ymir, Krista had just waved her worries away, assuring her significant other she was fine.

"Is it safe?" Krista repeated. "Going so fast… it's painful going at top speed using our ODM gear. Can our bodies handle going even faster?"

"…That's actually a good question. You there, Braun?" Adam pointed.

"Uh, it's Braus actually, Braun is Reiner…" Sasha corrected.

"Right. Get a bucket ready. And Eren, catch." Adam pulled out grenade and tossed to Eren, then activated his Sandevistan.

---

Historia blinked. One second, she was staring right at Adam, nothing wrong with that, her vision completely fine and normal.

The next, Adam was gone, she was being lifted off her feet, and the world was bleeding a bright unnatural green.

The first thought she was able to form as she stared in amazement, was "Beautiful." The second, "What's wrong with everyone?"

She didn't know how, but the people… they were frozen? Historia watched as she moved past the crowd, floating on by as they were in various states of activity, seemingly put on pause.

Connie was just in the process of sneezing with Sasha attempting to dodge the recoil, Eren was fumbling in an attempt to catch the ball Adam had tossed his way, honestly his efforts could go either way. Jean looked like he was about to shout something, while Mikasa… looked like she was reaching to snatch whatever Eren was trying to grab? And Ymir… was staring stupefied where Adam had been standing.

Right, Adam… where was he?

Ah, he was currently holding her bridal style, just drifting past everyone.

'Guess this is his Sandevistan thingie.' Historia deduced. She had no idea how he was doing this, but based on what he had said, it was the only thing that made sense. 'I wonder why he doesn't use this all the time? I mean, not for talking to people, obviously, but fighting and running. Maybe he can't, like Eren being a Titan, there's a time lim-

Any and all observations came to a screeching halt as everything lurched sideways in such a way Historia didn't quite realize thing's were back to normal until people were shouting full volume.

"What the fuck?!"

"Where'd he go!?"

"Ah, dammit Mik- I mean, thank's for the save."

"Ugh, Connie!… Wait, where's Adam?"

"Huh?…Oh shit, KRISTA!"

And on and on it went for a good twenty seconds before Sasha spotted them. "Oh hey guys, they're over there!"

A collective turning of heads all soon spotted the cyborg and his passenger. Historia had to admit, she was curious if this sight was reminiscent of a picture from the storybook she read as a child. A valiant knight protecting a princess…

"As you can see," Adam bellowed, releasing Historia unceremoniously, causing the girl to squeak as she landed on her bum, "I'm more than fast enough."

Historia groaned from her spot at his feet. 'So much for being valiant. If Ymir's life wasn't on the line I swear I wouldn't be considering this.'

"Krista!"

'Ah, speaking of.'

Ymir ran up and hovered her hands over the pouting blonde. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you? I mean, not from this, but earlier with whatever he did?"

"No… no, it's fine, he didn't hurt me." Giving her backside one last rub, she made to stand up. "Really, it's okay. It was… it was actually kind of… kind of…"

Ymir leapt backwards as Historia projectile vomited all over the ground. To her credit, Historia did aim away from her, but it was still unexpected and undeniably gross.

"That's what the bucket is for." Adam intoned, not even flinching as Historia levelled a dirty look at him, a private moment between the two of them. He was really making it difficult to like him, as Historia dry heaved and bitterly prayed for one more round of her stomach contents to splash over his body, just one!

But it seemed it was a single bout of bile, luckily. Historia decided to be content with Ymir's hand rubbing soothingly on her back.

"You okay?"

"Ask me again in a few minutes… ugh, that's nasty…" Historia spat.

"Here." Mikasa's voice, along with a quick metal clang, interrupted them, and Historia found a water skin being offered to her. "You should rehydrate."

"Oh… thank you Mikasa." That was unexpected, but not unwelcome and certainly kind of the girl. Though it seemed she had done more than bring over water, if the ball Adam had tossed lying currently at his feet was any indication.

'That clang… did Mikasa toss it at him? Maybe at his head?' Trying to hide how amused the thought made her, Historia focused on uncapping the skin. She poured some water in her mouth to rinse out the taste, before spitting it out and proceeding to greedily gulp down the liquid.

"…Were you expecting something like this to happen?" Ymir asked, noting how fast Mikasa had come over, and how quick she was to give up her own water supply.

"KIPO warned me everyone's first time might not go so well, and that water might be necessary." Mikasa replied.

Ymir frowned, staring at the pinkette who was animatedly trying to explain what just happened to the other's a short distance away. "Seems like something she maybe should have shared with the rest of the class…"

"Yes, we're working on that. She's a bit… oblivious, to some things." Mikasa admitted.

"Huh. Guess the two of you have that in common." Ymir remarked offhandedly.

"Pardon?"

"We should get back so Krista can tell them exactly what happened." Ymir masterfully redirected, pointedly ignoring Mikasa's quizzical look.

"Yeah, give them a rough idea what to expect." Adam spoke up, causing all three girl's to look to him. "Try to be as accurate as possible, it might help them keep their breakfast in. Because I'm doing this to everyone assembled, hence, why we need a bucket."

All three girl's noses wrinkled, even Mikasa. This… was not going to be fun.

---

"This is fucking crazy." Jean stated, and no one could say otherwise.

When he had signed up for the Scout's, yeah, he'd expected he'd face death constantly, see horrors he'd never forget, and would be forced to make sacrifices, of both himself and his comrades, at some point in the future. He's expected that, he'd accepted it.

But this? All of… this? There was no way in hell he'd ever envisioned any of this.

First had been Adam Smasher disappearing and reappearing for a whole hour, taking one passenger at a time through whatever in the Wall's that was. When it had been Jean's turn, the Scout's who hadn't puked yet had all taken to jumping off the ground to really demonstrate what the Sandevistan was like, at Armin's suggestion. It was quite a sight, everyone suspended in mid-air, while Jean hung off Adam's shoulder. He could admit, it was amazing.

Throwing up when it was done, not so much. The bucket didn't help much, aside from making sure there was a designated zone so nobody ended up in fifty different flavours of vomit. This practice area would be given a wide berth for at least a week, rain or no. It was only Adam assuring everyone that now they had experienced the Sandevistan, they probably wouldn't upchuck again, which was the whole point of this, making sure they didn't throw up for the mock battle or the following real ones when they finally undertook their first Expeditions.

Anyways, Jean had taken his turn, and recovered quick enough, moving over to the others as Adam picked another victim. So far, only five had managed to not vomit. Captain Levi, amazing as ever, Sasha, figures she wouldn't give up food she worked so hard to consume, Eren, that was a surprise even to Jaeger, Mikasa, naturally, and one of Levi Squad, Gunther Jean believed. Everyone else, no mercy. Ymir had tried to share the fun with Adam, seeming to try and deliberately aim for him. That had gotten her tripped up and dangling a foot off the very soaked ground, with the prankster of the 104th promising she was sorry please don't let go Mr. Smasher!

Soon, it was done, and after everyone had gotten the taste out of their mouths and back to fighting strength, it was on to the real mess of the day.

Fighting Eren Jaeger.

He'd wasted no time in going Titan, and spent a few minutes adjusting his speed on everyone's input, waving his arm around and slowing it down to the level's a regular Titan would typically move, though someone helpfully reminded that they occasionally had quick bursts of speed. Everyone had grimly nodded, remembering when a Titan would make a quick grab or bite for one of them. Adjusting for walking speed was easier, Eren was a natural at becoming a slowpoke.

Then, it was up to the first mock battle. Levi had volunteered, followed by his Squad. Everyone had watched on the outskirts as in no time flat, Eren was routed, blinded, and "killed" several times over. As a concerned friend, Jean had offered his hand for Mikasa to squeeze, give her something to alleviate her stress.

She hadn't quite crushed it, but it was so, so close.

Levi and his Squad had returned, Eren was healing up, and it was time for the next batch. And the next, and the next, until after three more groups, it was Jean's turn. And his anxiety had not gotten any better.

To Eren's credit, Adam hadn't needed to step in, even once. A few Scout's had been snatched by the transformed boy, but there were no broken bones, no spurts of red spraying out from between his gigantic fingers. Just bruised bodies and egos.

"How'd you manage to install a gentle touch in Eren Jaeger of all people?" Jean couldn't help himself, he needed to know!

"Simple. Gave him an egg, told him it was his breakfast, had him toss that between his hands for an hour. If it broke, then he wasn't eating in the morning." Levi replied, ignoring the killing glare Mikasa sent his way. "Upgraded to multiple eggs, then him transforming and picking up a variety of things, stationary then at speeds."

"Should have seen Oluo, he was covered in flour for one try!" Eld laughed.

"Oh hah freaking hah, scuse me for actually participating in Eren's training! I seem to recall you were too busy rounding up a pig that was getting the better of you!" Oluo shot back, to Eld's indignation.

"Think a lot of people were recalling that, we couldn't tell who was squealing harder, the pig or Eld." A voice called out, which had those assembled laughing, even Mikasa.

"Probably for the best he got away, don't think Reggie would appreciate us accidentally killing the thing before it's time." Petra offered, which got a flurry of nod's. "Speaking of, noticing quite a number of face's aren't here right now Captain. Are they coming by later?"

"Not today. Eren's only got so much steam in him, so after he takes a quick break once everyone's had a go, we'll all get a second try, then call it a day. Tomorrow, new group will be rotated in, then again, until everyone's gotten the basic course down."

"Which then means we move on to Eren acting like an Abnormal, correct?" Jean guessed. A nod from Levi had Jean shuddering, recalling the diving Titan that had almost snatched him mid-air. "Definitely going to need Adam to supervise that, can see all sorts of ways that could go wrong."

"Probably, yeah. Speaking of, I believe it's your turn Kirstein. Do your best out there." Levi ordered, and Jean naturally saluted.

It was a five man squad again, comprised of Jean, Sasha, Connie, Krista, and one vet by the name of Abel.

"Not your first times, if I recall?" Abel adjusted his goggles, taking everyone in.

"No sir. We all got our first time at Trost." Jean replied, making sure his canisters were full. 'Always make sure they were full.'

"But I don't have to tell any of you that just because you overcame Trost and Eren is on our side, to not get overconfident?"

"No sir."

"That's a relief." Abel smiled. "Then let's get out there and take the big guy down. You with me?"

"Yes sir!" The other four shouted, and with that, they were off. Zipping through the tree's and approaching their target.

The strategy was simple, fly by and see who Eren tracked with his eyes. He had repositioned at just beyond the tree line at a wide open field, granting the Scout's the option of going high, low, or right in the middle for reaching their target. Naturally, it was best to choose all three.

"Sasha, Connie!" Abel cried out. "Go high, I want you to take the biggest leap that you can, let Eren get a good look at you!"

"On it!" Sasha declared, Connie ascending with her to the tree tops.

"Jean, Krista, go low! Do a ground sweep, and try to take out his legs!"

"Right! Krista, with me!" Jean declared. He didn't hear the confirmation, blame that on her tiny voice, but the burst of gas and the sound of cords being launched right behind him told Jean all he needed to know.

It was a bit of a risky strategy, admittedly, as there were multiple ways this could go down, thus it was up to the Scout's reaction times to ensure it was a success. One way it could happen was Eren looked up to see Sasha and Connie, had his ankles sliced and forced to the ground, and either the ones coming from on high or Abel finished the job.

Another way, Eren looked down, allowing Sasha and Connie the chance to sail over his head and score a kill that way, no need for Abel.

And there was the chance Eren snatched Sasha and Connie out of the air, forcing Jean and Krista to rescue them, and hoping they didn't get in Abel's way doing so.

It all came down to whose reflexes were greater.

The edge of the tree line was fast approaching, and bracing his knees for the punishment they were about to take, Jean burst out, quickly spotting Eren just within rage of his hooks! He took aim and fired, latching into the Titan's knee's and starting to-

"GAH!" Krista's voice called out, and Jean couldn't help but look back!

Rolling across the ground in a heap of tangled cords and limbs, the blonde skirted to a stop just a dozen feet away from trees. Jean didn't have time to register how badly she was hurt before a shadow overtook him, and he turned to see a Titan's hand reaching right for him!

'Bastard! He came to us instead!' Jean internally panicked, they hadn't accounted for this!

Reacting quickly, Jean had managed to rotate in an effort to sail past the gigantic digits, but it was for naught as Eren just managed to close his hand and snag Jean's right leg, dangling the boy upside down. The sudden stop and putting all the strain on one limb caused Jean's muscles to scream, but he grit his teeth and bore with it!

"Jean! Hang on!" Connie cried out, having sailed past Eren and was now attempting to come round to cut his captured comrade free. Sasha likewise was doing the same, though she had opted to cancel her descent with a puff of gas and do a half cartwheel, hanging upside down as she brought her hooks to bare. She fired and sunk her hook's in just as Eren was turning, causing her to get pulled in faster than she was expecting!

"Oh no!" Sasha cried! "Incoming!"

'Oh for crying out loud!' Jean berated internally, as Sasha sailed past and almost impacted Abel, who just barely dodged. Fortunately, the more experienced Scout was able to take stock of the situation, and upon noticing Eren's exposed back, made a beeline for Eren's nape.

'Nice, just got to hope Eren doesn't notice… whoa, hold on now!' Jean's thought process shifted half way as he was being brought up to Eren's face, the toothy grin seeming opening up to blast Jean with a wave of Titan breath stench. Jean stared in disbelief, as it looked like Eren was in the process of eating him?!

"Don't you fucking dare!" Jean swore, adrenaline and panic overtaking him, but above all else, anger at Eren for even mimicking such a thing! Swinging himself back and forth to gain momentum, he managed to bring himself up and bring his swords down. The strike was clean and true, and suddenly Jean was in free fall, a Titan pinky finger coming down with him. Taking the initiative and praying this worked, Jean twisted around and blindly fired, hoping he hooked something solid. Immediately reeling himself forward, Jean found he had snagged Eren's knee. Not one to waste the moment, Jean brought his swords back, and swung out!

The result was immediate, as Eren found himself forced to support himself on one leg! Jean grinned in triumph as he grappled to the ground and pulled himself away, watching as Abel and Connie both sailed past Eren's nape one after the other, securing victory.

'Sheesh, and everyone made it look so easy… fucking Jaeger, he's messing with me on purpose, the little…' Jean cursed, only to curse for real when he noticed what was about to happen! "Oh shit! Eren, fall to your right! Your right!"

It was too late! Jean's strike had cut deeper than expected, severing the joints and causing Eren's leg to bend in a way it wasn't meant to, snapping backwards in a messy display of protruding bone and blood. Wouldn't be much of an issue, if not for the fact, Eren had failed to steady himself, falling forwards briefly, before succumbing to his own inertia and proceeding to fall back.

Right on top of Krista.

Jean tried to get there, he really did! He brought up his ODM controls and made to fire, only for his strained leg to take issue with the weight he put on it and pull a muscle, causing Jean to fall to the ground. He could only watch as Krista noticed the shadow falling on her, noticed Eren's descending form…

It was over with a crash, and Jean couldn't help himself, he cried out, "Krista!" Using his swords as improvised crutches to shakily stand on one foot, he tried to hop over as best he could, as everyone else made their way over. Eren for his part seemed to realize what he'd done, as he got up and quickly shuffled off the impact sight, his green eye's panicked and searching through the kicked up dust.

There was no sign. There was no sign. Krista had been flattened into a pancake, and Ymir was NOT going to take that well, and it had happened because of him, it was his fault, oh fuck, why did it have to happen to Krista of all people-

"You guys remember I'm here right?" The most spine tingling and infuriating voice Jean had ever heard spoke up from behind him, but right now, it was the voice of an angel. Turning around, Jean couldn't help the sigh of relief at seeing Krista, safe and unharmed, standing next to Adam Smasher.

"Krista! You're safe!" Sasha landed and made to run over to the blonde, possibly even to hug her, but to everyone's surprise, the blonde ran off, making for the tree's. "Krista?"

She said nothing, just kept running.

"…Do we… do we give her a minute?" Connie asked, scratching his head.

"Eh, I'll go get her. You all head back, Eren you too. Your Titans coming close to its expiration date." Adam ordered, making his way to follow.

"Whoa now!" Sasha moved to step in front of Adam, arms held out as if that would provide a better barrier. "No offence, but I don't think you're the comforting presence Krista needs right now. How about we head on back, tell Ymir, and she comes here for Krista, if she feels that's what's best, yeah?"

"Or, I go in, hoist the pipsqueak over my shoulder, dump her off at Ymir's feet, and they remember they're supposed to be soldiers and quit crying already. Sound good? Great. Then off I go." Adam brushed Sasha aside and headed into the forest.

"…Jerk." Sasha whispered once she was sure Adam was out of earshot. "I'm gonna follow, Krista doesn't need him to make her feel worse."

"No. As much as I get where you're coming from, we should head back. I'm sure Krista will be fine, she just needs a moment to herself. Granted Adam's not giving it to her, but I'm sure seeing her friend will help." Abel offered.

"Yeah, friend…" Jean muttered, all the energy leaving him as he dropped to the ground, nursing his sprained leg. "Ah, goddammit…"

A giant foot landing next to him alerted Jean to the contributor of his current state. Jean looked up, to see two giant green eyes peering down, Eren having settled on one knee to get a better look.

"…What? What do you want?" Jean called up, failing to get a read on the Titan's face.

Eren raised a hand, hesitated, then made to point to Jean's leg, tilting his head quizzically.

Seeing that Eren wasn't making to poke his busted limb, Jean gestured to it. "It's sprained. Being in your grip and all my weight pulling at it… wasn't so bad until I put pressure on it when standing up. That did it in." Jean amazed himself sometimes still, the fact he wasn't cussing up a storm or being petty, gold star for him! He could be the bigger man.

Eren's ears folded, and he winced. To Jean and everyone's disbelief/amusement, the Titan actually looked sheepish, apologetic even.

It certainly did wonders for Jean's mood, even if he was smarting, at least Eren wasn't being a jackass about it. Still…

"Was pretending to eat me really necessary?" Jean asked, a little miffed at the memory. "Like, I get you're supposed to be a Titan, but that was just…" Jean shuddered. A brush of wind moved his hair and he looked up to see Eren waving his hands in front of him, trying to signal… something, but nobody had any idea what.

"Yeah, I have no idea what you're trying to say. Maybe wait until you're outside to tell me? I promise I won't hit you, if you're worried about that." Jean offered. That got him a huff of air exhaled from Eren's mouth and the biggest look of disbelief imaginable, even in Titan form, the message was loud and clear.

"Yeah, you tell him Eren! Right now, I don't think Jean could hurt a mouse." Connie laughed. Jean glared at the little traitor, wishing he had an acorn or something present to toss right between the eyes. As he was looking around hoping one would be within arm's reach, a giant hand dropped down beside him, palm facing up. Jean looked at it, then to Eren, who gestured with his head to get on.

As much as Jean wanted to refuse out of pride, he had to admit, it was the best mode of transportation right now. Really doubted he could use his ODM gear in this state, just getting off the ground would be a chore, the inevitable landing would really make things worse.

"I'd really prefer it if you didn't close your hand. I mean it Eren, fingers loose." Jean pointed his own digit in Eren's face, which was meet by a rapid nodding and a thumb's up. With help from Abel and Connie, Jean was loaded up, and everyone else took to resting on the Titan's shoulders as it made it's way back to the distant crowd.

---

Adam found the girl, Krista, remarkably easy. She was hacking away at a tree with her swords with reckless abandon, no technique or skill. A particularly heavy strike saw one of her blades embedded in the tree, forcing the twerp to try and wrench it out with both hands. Even bringing her feet up on the trunk to aid in the pull did nothing, forcing the girl to give up and pop the handle off to withdraw a fresh blade. Before she could resume her pitiful murder of the tree, Adam reached forward and seized a fist of her jacket in his hand.

"Wha- hey!" She squeaked, flailing as Adam hoisted her above the ground like a scolded pup.

"C'mon, let's go. You're holding everyone up, and it's lunch time. Have a good cry into your… whatever it is you people eat out here. I'm guessing some kind of gruel?" Adam started walking back, Krista still dangling above the forest floor.

"Excuse me, but I was not crying!" The blonde managed to turn her head to stare into Adam's optics, her bottom lip sticking out in defiance. Though to be fair, her eyes were dry.

"So you didn't run out here to wallow in self pity?" Adam remarked, rotating his hand so that he get a better look at her. She remained defiant, hardened gaze determined and full of the bravery of someone who didn't realize how scared they should be.

"No, I came here to pick myself up and figure out where I went wrong!" Krista wriggled, attempting to escape.

"By carving up a tree?"

"I was working out the energy I didn't get to use earlier!" She insisted, wriggling intensifying. "Would you let me go already!"

"If you insist."

He released her, mercifully coming to a stop as to avoid running her over. She stumbled a little regaining her footing, but didn't fall.

The two of them stood there, Krista sheathing her blades while Adam stared her down. Eventually, her blue looked up to gaze into his red.

"I'm going to be on your squad." She said, all determined and full of resolution and it took all of Adam's willpower not to crush her dreams with his usual tact. Instead, he reached deep down inside himself, and got his head in the space for giving a "kind" but firm put down.

It was really to avoid the blubber fest Adam was sure the girl was capable of. Memories of his niece crying at the death of Bambi's mom, or him murdering those animatronics that went rogue at her 11th birthday party, came to mind. That was an awkward time.

"I'm sure you think that with hard work you'll qualify-" He began.

"I think that I'm the best choice, which is why I qualify." She declared, back straight and eyes furrowed, she really believed that.

"…Okay, I could use a laugh. Why do you think that?" Adam humoured her, all attempts to be cordial gone in favour of his own personal amusement.

"Simple. You don't need the best soldiers in the Scout's, you just need bait, like you said. Why deprive us of people who can actually fight, when you can take those at the bottom of the barrel? Anyone who can fly around and evade the enemy." Krista crossed her arms, confident in her answer.

Adam hated to admit it, but it was a good answer.

"…Okay, that's a good point, even if it paints you in a bad light. And you are in a bad light alright, with that tripping up you did."

"I'll practice, and I'll learn from my mistakes. We literally just learnt that technique yesterday, I can figure it out before the Expedition." Krista assured him as much as herself. "You can't tell me you already made your choice just on the first day, right?"

"Still doesn't mean I'll consider you for my Squad." Adam rumbled, before he shook his head. Why was he even arguing about this? "Actually, you know what? Forget what I just said, you're definitely going to be my first pick! Congratulations! Now can we get going already, we're wasting daylight." Adam made to move, only for the rapidly becoming his least favourite blonde to jump in front of him.

"Can you just wait for a minute? Please?" She held out her hands in front of him, just shy of touching his waist, and resumed eye contact. "Can you just… just tell me. What would make you consider me, for real? Is there anything you want?"

"Want?" Adam chuckled, did she think she could bribe him or something? "What, like money? Do you think I'll ask for a big pile of money?"

"…Are you?"

"No, you twit. Not unless that money can buy me all the ore that I desire. That's literally all that I want, for this mess to be over as soon as possible. The mess being me trapped here, god knows where, surrounded on all sides by man eating monsters with only you yokels as back-up." Adam answered. "So unless you can help in some way with that that Armin or the Commander cannot, you're going to have to be content with doing a passable job in practice and hoping I'll pick you."

Krista frowned, then looked down. She seems to be mulling over her options, trying to think of something that would change Adam's mind. Good luck with that, better people had tried! Seriously, he doubted she had anything to offer, she should give up on whatever this was, it being either an act of patriotism or some play for survival, it wasn't going to-

"Marley!"

"Hmm?" Adam's thought process halted, at Krista's sudden cry and shining eyes looking up at him!

"Marley!" She said again! "That's it, that's it!"

"…What is it?" Adam asked, confused.

"How I can help!" Krista beamed. "God know's where, that's what you said. You want to know where we are? It's Marley! Marley is how you can find out where we are!"

"…Kid, I'm going to need you to start making sense." Adam stated.

Krista looked a little put off by that, but she continued. "Marley? Don't you know it? It's a… a country! That's the word! Ymir told me, you talked about a lot of countries, all over the world. They're like the individual districts in the Wall's, right?"

"Sort of, sure. What are you getting at?"

"Well, if you want to know where we are, just find Marley on the map!" Krista stated. "Where it is, we're close to it! You just have to figure out where, but I'm sure that'll be easy for you."

Krista stepped up, right in Adam's space. "So how about that? Did that improve my chances?"

"…" Adam had no words, but his mind… his mind was starting to race. 'Marley… is that… supposed to be someplace from the outside? Someplace from this world before the Titans ruled?… No… no, Erwin and Armin told me, all knowledge from before the Walls is forbidden, so knowing about a place from the outside…

…How does she know that?'

"How did you learn about Marley? I thought all outsider knowledge was forbidden and all that junk." Adam inquired.

Krista's smile dimmed just a little. "That's… not really important, is it?"

"It is a little." Adam pressed, but gently. Best not scare off what might be something important. "I don't care if you're a heretic. Be honest, was it a book? You found out about Marley from a book?"

"…I did. It was an older book, and I only saw it once when I was young… but I saw all the drawings, and read enough." Krista answered, not too quick but not too fast, the perfect response time for someone trying to lie without coming across as a liar.

"I see." Adam said. His gut (non existent as it was) was telling him the girl before him definitely did not read about this "Marely" from a book, and she definitely didn't read it way back when she was a child. But then how?…

'Pick your words carefully. You've built up the lie the world you know is the one outside. She thinks this Marley exists outside, right now. Is that because of your lie, or however she found out about it? If it's from a book, then this still could be old information that's irrelevant. But if it's not…'

"…What were the drawings in the book?" Adam inquired.

"Eh?" Krista raised an eyebrow.

"The drawings. Did it show you what the buildings looked like in Marley? The fashion of the people? The landscape? I think it might be that I was in Marley, but I just forgot the name. Happens when you travel a lot, there are nearly two hundred countries in the world." Adam explained. "A little jog down memory lane might help here."

"Oh! Of course, just a minute!" Krista closed her eyes and concentrated. "…The buildings… they look a bit like the ones' we have in the Interior, I believe. I didn't really see the landscape, but I think a river ran through the city? Or maybe alongside it? There was a boat though, it was huge!"

"Need a bit more than that. Anything stand out that to you from those drawings?"

"Not really…" Krista opened her eyes, a little disappointed. "I mean, I guess their Walls weren't as grand as ours, but that was really it-"

"Wait, Walls?" Adam interrupted. "Marley has Walls too?"

"Yeah, is that strange?" Krista genuinely asked. "I mean, they only reached just over the rooftops of the highest buildings, so I was a little confused about them at first, but then you said Titans don't exist in the rest of the world. So I guess they weren't there to protect the people from that… actually, the Walls only seemed to surround a section of the city, like a district. I couldn't see if there were Walls further out, so there might be as much land as there is from Rose to Maria… at least, that's what I got from the book."

"Could just be there weren't any Walls beyond that section. Remind me to have KIPO show you more images of other cities." Adam remarked, only half serious. 'It could be she's just so used to these Wall's it didn't occur to her there would be places without them. But maybe… maybe this is the answer. Maybe there are other settlements of human's out there, with their own Walls protecting them from the Titans. She did say country, but…'

"Is there anything else?" Adam tried. "Anything that you might have overlooked?"

"Hmmm…." Krista scrunched up her face, picking her brain apart, when… "OH! Armbands!"

"Armbands?"

"Armbands!" Krista repeated. "The people, the one's behind the Wall, they were wearing armbands in the drawings! They had a symbol on them, like this!"

Krista bent down to pick up a stick, and traced an image in the dirt as Adam watched. At first, he assumed she was drawing a star, though very badly. But looking at the end result, of some bizarre shape that had a stretched out top half compared to it's shorter bottom half, he realized this was intentional.

"You recognize it?" Krista asked, hopeful that she provided a vital clue.

"…Vaguely." Adam lied. "Something's coming to me, but I should really discuss this with KIPO. She'll have more information to go off on, records and of course the map… it still won't do us any good until we can get rid of the Titans inside your Walls, but this isn't nothing either."

"So… does that mean-"

"Yes, this is useful, which means… you were helpful. Congratulations, you've got a spot on my squad." Adam replied. "Hope you know what you're getting in to." 'Because I'm going to get to the bottom of this, whatever this Marley is.'

"Oh thank you! Thank you thank you thank you!" Krista jumped for joy, making to take Adam's hand and hop in place, obliterating her drawing in the process.

"Yeah yeah, don't let it go to your head. You'll probably be cursing me after the first day." Adam remarked.

"No, I don't think I will." Krista grinned. "I thought really hard about this, you know? It's definitely going to be safer around you fleeing from the Titans than it is by myself getting right up in their faces."

"Ah, so this is about survival. Guess you do have a brain in that head of yours, skippy." Adam used his free hand to lightly poke her forehead.

"…On second thought, maybe some light cursing." The blonde humphed, glaring.

"You're learning already." Adam chuckled. "C'mon, let's go back already. I won't announce I've made a pick, or what we've talked about, but you will have a spot."

"…Is there a chance you'd consider one more?"

Suddenly Adam went from amused to annoyed real quick. "You just got your wish in less than a day, now you're begging for someone else to join?"

"Please?" She pleaded. "I promise she's twice the soldier I am! She works hard and is extremely reliable, you'll be lucky to have her! Plus, it wouldn't hurt to have one actually good soldier on the squad, right?"

'Oh mother of god, she's serious! Lugo, Griggs, is this your revenge from behind the grave? Forcing me back into squad leader, with a bunch of brats? That's just cruel.' Adam cursed to the heavens, wondering if his brilliant plan of keeping Krista and her potential info close would even be worth it…

'Ah, fuck it. Might as well have some fun. It's just two girl's, how bad can it be?'

"You really want her in?" Adam loomed over the blonde, who looked up nervously, before nodding. "Then come with me." He turned to walk, not stopping to check if she was behind him of not. Took roughly ten minutes, before they exited the trees and proceeded towards the gathering of Scout's, many nursing sore limbs, but no serious injuries or casualties. Looking around, Adam spotted his target. Crouching down to rest a hand on a caught up Krista's shoulder, he brought her in close.

"The midget Captain, see him?" Adam looked dead ahead at Levi, who was engaged in talks with Armin.

"Captain Levi?" Krista questioned.

"Yeah." Adam made sure to really lean into his intimidation factor, the rumble of his voice sending shivers up the girl's spine and sweat down her brow. "I want you to do something for me. Tomorrow, in earshot of me. No matter what happens, no matter how grim or dire or inappropriate it may be, I need you to do this.

Krista trembled, just a little. She swallowed, and squeaked out. "What… what do I have to do?"

'How long has it been since I did this joke? Lugo, you'd be proud.'

"Say, in the most flowery and sunshiney voice you can manage, "You know Captain, every year of my life I see that the wise and the beautiful, bring out the best and the pure in us."" Adam declared, raising his voice a pitch or two and putting on the stupidest voice he could muster.

"…Huh?" Krista blinked, utterly confused, both to the request and what she had just heard come from Adam's voice module.

"You hear me. Do that, make sure I hear it, and your friend is in." Adam released her shoulder, and strode off. "Tomorrow though. Let me see if you survive some actual combat first. Good luck."

"Actual combat? What are you- Hey… wait… wait a minute!" The blonde cried out, running to catch up.

It wouldn't do her any good if she did. Adam wasn't going to explain anything. He just lumbered over and made to talk shop with Levi, asking for the Commander to propose an idea.

He had a feeling wherever Lugo was (most likely dust by now in that ditch where Adam and Grigg's left him) he was either cursing Adam's name some more, or laughing his ass off.

'…Eh, probably both. Let me have my little amusements, will you?'

---

"Krista! Are you alright! Were you hurt? Who's to blame? Was it Jean? It was Jean wasn't it, I will give him such a pinch-"

"Ymir it's okay! Really! I'm entirely to blame, it was my own fault, Jean did nothing wrong!" Krista hurried to save Ymir's blameless victim from the panicking girl's wrath. "I'm alright, don't worry. It was a nasty tumble but I'm alright."

"Yeah Ymir, lighten up a bit." Eren rushed to pitch in. "Jean's the one who's actually hurt here!"

"Thanks for caring." Jean groaned, nursing his leg as he laid in a makeshift cot. "Ugh, just my luck… what are the odd's I miss the Expedition?"

"Hard to tell. If you're sprained like this, it might take a few weeks of recovery." Petra ran her hands up and down Jean's leg, checking to see how bad the damage was. "Definitely shouldn't put any weight on it for a while…"

"If I may, could I offer my assistance?" KIPO fluttered over away from Armin and Mikasa (absolute bullshit Armin got paired with her, he didn't even have to fight, Mikasa just swooped in and instantly took down Eren (which was probably because she didn't want Eren to suffer any actual damage, ugh. The guy could heal, and it wasn't even his actual body, what was she fretting about?)) who'd been observing, her peppy demeanour doing nothing for Jean's mood. "I believe I can help with Mr. Kirstein's predicament."

"You are NOT chopping off my leg." Jean stated firmly. He braced himself to flee in case the weirdo was already summoning her bugs.

"Oh nononononono, perish the thought!" KIPO waved her hands in front of her. "An injury like this can be fixed quite easily without resorting to such methods! …Although that isn't to say you couldn't replace your leg at any time should you wish it…"

"That's it, I'm outta here." Jean made to follow through on his words, if not for Petra holding him down.

"Hey now, just hear her out. Ahem, KIPO, what exactly did you have in mind?" Petra sweetly asked while keeping a firm grip on her patient.

"Simple. By having Specter go into Mr. Kirstein, it can accelerate the healing process and internally repair the affected muscles of his leg. It's a simple enough process that won't take but… five minutes, and he'll be in fighting condition once again!" KIPO explained, briefly transforming into a display of a blue outline of a person, with red flashing on its right leg. As everyone watched, little bits of pink fluttered into the blue person down to the red, which faded away.

Despite following what KIPO was saying, Petra looked the most confused. "I thought you needed the proper tools and needed to build a whole part if you wanted to change a person's body?"

"Not change. Simply speeding up what's already within the bodies power. Jean Kirstein isn't getting new muscles or a leg, he's just getting some help healing it." KIPO replied, phasing back in to her self. "I assure you, there will be no machinery left inside of his body. He will be one hundred percent organic still."

"Ahhhh, so it's like the Section Commander that one time…" Petra nodded in understanding, before turning to Jean. "We had an incident like this a while ago, and it worked out pretty well. I think you should try KIPO's method."

"I dunno… do I really have to… let those thing's in me?" Jean couldn't help it, it was unsettling to think about.

"It's your choice between this and being out of action for week's. I won't force you, but make sure you've properly thought it over." With that Petra sat up, now that Jean didn't look like he'd try to run for it.

"…It doesn't hurt?"

"Oh no, not at all! Specter can easily gain access through your pores, whic-"

"I was asking Armin, actually." Jean cut KIPO off. "Armin, you swear this isn't going to…" Jean trailed off, a multitude of horrible outcomes going through his head.

Armin gave a single nod. "Jean, I promise, if KIPO says this is safe, then we can trust her."

Jean searched Armin's face for any sign of deceit (not that he really expected any but it paid to be sure), and after a moment, fell back on his makeshift cot. "Alright, let's do it."

"Wonderful! Armin, if you would…" KIPO gestured, to which Armin held out his hand towards Jean and let Specter fly. Everyone watched as it fluttered over and into Jean's leg, then looked to Jean's face for any indication of what he was feeling.

"…Huh. It really does tingle…"

Everyone peered at Jean's leg, the pant sleeve rolled up to better treat it, curious to see if they'd spot anything wriggling under the flesh. To everyone's amazement, they did see a line of black snake it's way down Jean's thigh! It disappeared and reappeared at multiple intervals, but eventually, Specter flew out of it's patient and returned to Armin.

"You sure you don't need to clean that?" Eren questioned KIPO. "I mean, that was swimming around in Jean's body…"

"Oh, but it's fine if it's swimming around in Armin?" Jean glared, not liking Eren's tone.

"Well yeah, Armin's insides are definitely cleaner."

"It is true, thanks to my modifications, Armin is healthier than he's ever been!" KIPO cut in before Jean could take any offence. "There wasn't much to improve on, but he's definitely gotten some things scrubbed out. Speaking of, your leg should be good as new Mr. Kirsten! Give it a spin!"

Looking down at his leg (and ignoring Armin who was now asking KIPO to specify what exactly was "scrubbed out"), Jean tentatively moved it. Feeling no pain from the slight movements, he brought it in, knee to his chest, before extended it out to lie beside his other leg.

"Well I'll be damned. Call me Eren Jaeger and check if I'm a Titan, it's all healed." Jean reported, stunned.

"Careful now. Talk like that will put you under Shitty Glasses microscope." Levi's signature bored tone startled everyone, followed by Commander Erwin and Adam Smasher. The Commander noticeably was cradling the Braindance in his hands, as if he was approaching to place atop someone's head.

"I see Specter's healing properties were not a one time fluke. Good to see you've returned to fighting shape soldier." Erwin observed. "Levi and Adam have shared their observations from the day, suffice to say this was a valuable learning experience for everyone. Throughout the week I hope to see these exercises continue, and everyone's skills develop."

"Still got half the day to go another round. Once everyone's rested up we'll hop right back to it." Levi offered. "We'll try different combinations of Scout's, from previously established squads. It'll be important for the rookies to see everyone's style, and to make sure everyone can adapt."

"Noted. I'll leave it to you for today, but I'll draw up a list of recommended squad formations for future exercises." Erwin said, before turning to Eren. "You've done quite well in acting as a test for everyone. But now I think it's time we see if you're up for real life combat."

All graduates of the 104th and Petra startled, surprised.

"Sir? Are you saying-"

"He's saying we're going to be fighting Titans." Levi interrupted Eren, getting right to the point. "Against my recommendations, he thinks you have enough control you can deploy your Titan outside the Walls."

Erwin nodded. "The Captain here has absolute faith in your ability to remain in control Eren, but he is concerned about you facing off against the Titans. Your track record in Trost aside, Titans are a powerful and unpredictable enemy. It could be you'd end up overwhelmed, or your powers fail at a critical moment."

"Not a chance!" Eren protested. "Sir, I promise I won't let you down! I've been training for this, to be the weapon that turns the tide for humanity! Please, let me go outside!"

"We will. Taking Levi's objections into account, the fact remains we need to see if you are capable of overcoming the Titans. You need experience, and to that end, we will go outside for a quick operation, a test run to plan for the upcoming Expedition." Erwin stated, then turned to Armin. "This operation will serve two purposes. One, to test both Eren Jaeger and Adam Smasher." That got Eren to grin, looking to the cyborg with thoughts of them slaughtering scours of the enemy! "Two, to see how well Armin's Specter works in the field."

Now it was Armin's turn to be the centre of attention. It was Mikasa who asked what everyone was thinking, "Excuse me sir, but what exactly do you mean? What is Armin supposed to do?"

"Resource acquisition and reformation." Erwin replied. "I wish to see how fast Specter can disassemble something under pressure. The idea is that Specter will take apart something out in the field, forge ammunition for Adam's weapons, and allow Adam to keep killing Titans."

"I could keep killing them even if I was out of bullet's, just for the record." The cyborg offered.

"Noted. Depending on the success of this operation, it will affect how we deploy Adam Smasher in the field. Having a mobile bullet factory will greatly increase our options and strategies." Erwin remarked. "I'll let you all know what to expect for tomorrow after today's exercise is finished. Just know, we will be heading out tomorrow."

"Yes sir!" All present saluted, as Erwin nodded and took his leave, his eyes flickering down to the headset in his hands. He stopped briefly to give one last remark.

"Oh, and I should let you know, the Scout's are accepting a transfer from the Interior. I believe you are all familiar with one Reiner Braun?"

That got a response that had Levi wincing and rubbing his ear. "Noisy brats."

---

Day 13

It had taken five days of waiting for his transfer to be approved, but Reiner was finally approaching the Scout's current HQ, just a day after Armin and Adam had headed out there again. He was riding shotgun on a supply wagon that had mercifully picked him up on at the gates of Stohess, since the MP brass were not willing to lend him a horse to make the trip. The driver had engaged in small talk, and Reiner had obliged him, describing the good life of the Interior which his travelling companion had brushed off rather quickly, much more interested in asking about Adam Smasher.

"Folks say he's twelve feet tall and causes them fancy buildings to collapses just by walking, that true? Got me a side job in housing and development, don't go holding out on me if there's business to be found!" The driver had begged, which Reiner had laughed and informed the man that sadly no, Adam wasn't that bad. "Dang it… don't suppose that Titan them Scout's got locked inside has smashed a few buildings?"

"Couldn't tell you, I'm literally headed there for the first time today." Reiner reminded, and there died the last hope of any inside business tips.

Reiner was honestly surprised that he was feeling… nervous. The last time he had seen these guys, they'd all stood firm and joined the Scout's, in spite of Erwin being straight and upfront about their collective chances of survival. It was honestly the kind of heroic and brave thing Reiner wished he could do himself. But instead, he'd walked away with Marco, Annie, and Bertolt to join the comfort of the Interior. Only to change his mind a week later and be all "Oh hey guys! Sorry I'm late, I just needed some time to get enough backbone to risk my life too!"

Wasn't exactly a good look.

Hopefully the teasing wouldn't be too bad, thought Reiner was prepared to eat boot that was no doubt coming his way. Could definitely see Ymir, Sasha, or Connie having a good laugh at him, and he had no idea if the Scout's took kindly to late entry's.

Guess he was about to find out, as a dark brown haired boy (with an even more absurd haircut than Marlowe! Seriously, it looked like a mushroom!) wearing a Scout jacket who couldn't be much older than Reiner himself approached as the supply wagon came to stop in the courtyard.

"Got word we have a transfer coming in from the Interior, apparently bored of the high life and wanting to join us instead? Is that you, or is he trussed up and gagged in the back?" The boy gestured with a good natured laugh to the covered supply wagon.

Reiner laughed, making to hop down and salute. "No, he's very much here in front of you. Reiner Braun, reporting for duty!"

"Ah, and you ARE here of your own free will. I was thinking this was an expulsion and being sent here was your punishment. Like somehow you'd screwed up so bad the MP's fired you."

"Is that an actual thing?" Reiner asked, making for the back of the wagon to retrieve his stuff and help the driver unload his cargo.

"Maybe, I can only speculate, don't have any idea what it's like in Wall Sina." The boy made to help Reiner move a particular hefty crate, Reiner nodding his gratitude as they set it down. A hand extended was soon shaken. "Name's Reggie, by the way. Reggie Marigold. It's good to meet you Reiner Braun."

"Likewise." Reiner hoisted his sack over his shoulder. "Hope I can make a good first impression with everyone, I have to admit, kinda worried what the consensus about me is."

"Oh, because we Scout's have nothing to do but fawn and fret over a transfer coming to our tiny little Regiment?" Reggie gave Reiner a hard look that actually had the blonde worrying he'd already screwed up, before a grin overtook the brown haired Scout's face. "Ah, I'm just messing with ya! Actually there's been quite a bit of talk, Commander announced you were coming and we all couldn't stop wondering, "What lunatic would give up the Interior for here?" Even your buddies from the 104th couldn't give us a solid answer."

"Well, hopefully the reason's to your liking." Reiner offered. "The other's… they're not too disappointed in me, are they?"

"Because you didn't immediately come with them to the Scout's?" Reggie guessed. "Don't sweat it, they had nothing but high praise for you!" A pause, before the mushroom haired boy continued. "Well, most of them… one of them… whoa boy, did you two date or something?"

"Huh?"

"Forget it, I'm jumping to the wrong conclusions, just ignore me." Reggie shook his head, before gesturing for Reiner to follow him as they headed for the castle's main entrance to see Erwin, other Scout's arriving to inspect the cargo. "But yeah, Eren couldn't stop singing your praises. Was jumping for joy really, though thankfully not as a Titan."

"Ah, so you've seen that."

"Whole Regiment has at this point, kid's really getting it under control. Freaks me out still, but can you blame me?"

"Definitely not. Was a good distance away the times I saw it, and I couldn't stop shaking." Reiner offered.

"Well, sorry to say you probably won't get that lucky anymore, so better brace yourself for up close encounters. Us Scout's are really working on fighting alongside the guy."

"Noted. Thanks for the heads up." The two of them continued onwards, but the larger but younger boy found the need to talk coming to him. "…If I may sir…"

"Ah c'mon, I'm only two years your senior. Reggie is fine."

"Alright, Reg… well actually I was going to ask, how long have you been in the Scout's?"

"Two and a half years. About… nine, Expeditions under my wings." Reggie replied.

"Really?" Reiner was honestly impressed. "Wow, the way the Commander phrased it, I didn't think anyone could last that long."

"Hey come on. Be a little weird if all the new recruits got picked off in their first days, we wouldn't have our best like Captain Levi, or Mike, or the Commander." Reggie listed off with his fingers. "Some Scout's have actually lived to old age and retired, believe it or not."

"Still, it's not nothing to sneeze at. Nine Expeditions, in less than three years."

"Could have been more of winter wasn't a thing. We pretty much just sit around then." Reggie said, before he nervously scratched the back of his neck. "Whoa boy, depressing thought just came to me, but… I'm not getting your hopes up too much, am I?"

"Pardon?"

"Like, it's not bad to tell you I've survived this long and your first time out won't be your last? Because I can't help but think, "Oh geez, now he's gonna think this is easy and get himself killed by underestimating the Titans."" Reggie grimaced. "Should I tell you our casualty report from our last Expedition? Curb your expectations and get you in the right mindset?"

"…I appreciate the thought, but don't worry." Reiner put a hand on the veteran Scout's shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze. "I know what to expect, Trost was an eye opener. I promise, I don't plan on dying any time soon."

"Nobody ever does, but that's probably because nobody actually "plans" for that." Reggie chuckled. "Sorry, I guess I'm just a worry wart. We literally have two heavy hitters in our camp who have made our lives MUCH easier, and here I am thinking the worst."

"Hey, I get where you're coming from." Reiner smiled. "You just want to make sure I'm prepared, I appreciate it, believe me."

"Still, bit of a dick move." Reggie berated himself, just as the two of them approached the front doors. Putting his shoulder into it, the brown haired boy opened the way for Reiner. "Tell you what, to give you a proper greeting and show you the Scout's aren't totally deprived of life's pleasures, I'll serve you some sausage."

Reiner tripped, and turned to look at Reggie with an incredulous look. "Excuse me?"

"My family owns a pig farm, and they send fresh pork to the Scout's every three month's or so. That day has come, so you can soon expect some of the best bacon this side of the Wall's!" Reggie declared proudly.

"…Ah, alright then. Yeah, that sounds good." Reiner nodded slowly. 'Fuck, I've been corrupted by Ymir.'

Reggie seemed to notice Reiner's behaviour, which caused the older boy to frown, before understanding crossed his face. "Oh, wait, did you… oh wow, I didn't even hear it! Sorry man!"

"No it's fine-"

"I just don't wanna-"

"It just caught me off guard-"

"Please don't think I was-"

"Usually Ymir says stuff like that-"

"I mean you're not bad looking or anything-"

"What?"

"What?"

The two of them stood there, having made very little progress processing past the door, their attempt at conversation dying right there. Neither of them spoke for a good while, until Reggie palmed his face and groaned. "Walls, I should have taken that shore leave I saved up. I'm usually a lot more cool than this."

"Me too. I think the Interior ruined me more than I thought." Reiner chuckled. "…I'll definitely take you up on that offer of bacon, for sure. Don't think I can entirely give up on meat, I know, I'm weak."

"With a build like yours, I doubt that." Reggie observed. "But yeah, I'll definitely save you the prime cuts. Who knows, if you pull my fat out of the fire at all on the Expeditions, I'll give you an extra strip." Reggie finally moved away from the door as Reiner had cleared it, and the two resumed walking, headed for Erwin's office.

"That how you stay alive? Bribe the other's to watch out for you?" Reiner asked, half serious.

"I wouldn't say bribe. Just that I save people some bacon for saving mine, it's just one good turn deserving another." Reggie answered. "Believe me, I can handle my own. Last thing I want is someone to risk their life saving me because I was careless. It's just sometimes you find yourself in a tight spot and don't have the time to pull a fancy maneuver. Which you're gonna have to learn here, by the way. Scout standard's I think are a little different than the MP's, I'm sure you'll notice."

"Definitely. I don't even think they know where their ODM gear is, to be honest."

"Disgraceful."

"Agreed." Both boys nodded, than laughed. They soon found themselves in front of Erwin's office.

"Whelp, this is it. Guess I'll be seeing you later, if you'd like me to show you the ropes just drop my name, I'd be happy to teach a rookie." Reggie offered a hand which Reiner accepted once again in a firm shake.

"Will do, I appreciate you taking the time to get me up to speed." Reiner really was grateful. He'd been worried the whole ride he'd encounter a hard ass who'd try to flaunt their authority. It was nice to see the Scout's were more professional than the MP's, in a lot of ways.

Just as he was reaching to knock on the door, it suddenly swung away from him as the Captain Levi opened it. Reiner stared stupidly as the cold gaze of Humanities Strongest looked up at him.

'Geez, he's tiny.' Reiner couldn't help but think, which unfortunately Levi seemed to pick up on through some weird form of telepathy or instinct as his gaze narrowed.

"You're new. You supposed to be the transfer from the Interior the brats were gushing about?"

"Uh, yeah?… Reiner Braun, reporting for duty, sir!" The Armoured Shifter managed to collect himself and salute, the relaxed atmosphere from before dissipating like smoke. "I was just on my way to report to the Commander!"

"That so?" Levi looked to Reggie, who likewise saluted. "Well you may have to wait on that, Erwin's given the order for a quick training exercise. Marigold, as you've clearly met Braun here, I want you to get him an ODM rig and head for the Karanese. Stay put atop the Walls and observe."

"Observe sir?" Reggie questioned.

Levi nodded, already making his way to gear up and head out. "We're going outside, and I want the transfer to see how it's done. Let's see if he's still committed watching from up high."

Both boys stared in shock at the announcement. To head out, so soon?!

"Sir, are we… is an Expedition really happening?" The more senior Scout asked for clarification.

"Not today. We're just going out to raid the village just along the gate. Check to see if the area's clear of Titan's, then gather all the scrap and material we can from the deserted homes to fulfill Erwin's shopping list." Levi reported. He looked over his shoulder at the two, who still hadn't made any effort to follow. "This is a test of Armin's control with Specter, and it'll help us incorporate its abilites into the actual Expedition. So let's not screw anything up, alright? I'm going to need eyes in the sky, understood?"

"Yes sir!" Reggie saluted, and clasped Reiner on the shoulder. "C'mon Reiner, we can drop your stuff off quick and get suited up! Follow me!"

"Ye-yeah. Right behind you." Reiner made to follow, his mind racing. 'First day here, and already seeing the Scout's in action. See how Armin works, probably how Adam works, maybe even Eren, how far he's come. Honestly, the only way this could be better is if a clue to the Founder pops up…'

"Don't worry, it's not gonna be like Trost. We'll be close to the Walls, we'll have an easy exit if things get rough, which they won't, because we have two heavy hitters covering for us. You just make sure your tanks are full, yeah?" A voice that evoked feelings of revulsion, pain, and dread immediately broke Reiner's train of thought, and to his dismay, the biggest pain in his backside from the Cadet's rounded the corner.

"Y-yeah…Yeah! Don't worry, I'm good, I'm ready for this. You just make sure to watch yourself out there, don't go making mistakes on my account." And there was the brightest light in all the Walls right behind her. Both of them stopping when they saw Reiner, only for a second, as Ymir crossed her arms and gave the most insufferable grin.

"Well, well, well… Well, well, well!… Well, well, WELL!… WELL, WELL, WE-"

"Could you stop that?" Reiner begged, a headache forming that he was half tempted to stab himself in the head with an ODM blade to alleviate.

"Hey, let me finish, I had one more in me." Ymir grinned, mouth opening to make good on her threat, when Krista mercifully interrupted.

"Reiner, you're here!" She exclaimed. She ran up to stand in front of him, flashing a million watt smile. "It's so good to see you again! Did you arrive just now?"

Reiner nodded, his mood infinitely better just by being the subject of Krista's attention. "Yep, and I'm here to stay. Ready to do my part to take back our home."

"Oh, wow! So noble! Just where was this a week ago?!" Ymir mocked, stepping up with her arms crossed. "What happened Reiner, the good life not so good? What, nobody around for you to mother constantly?"

"Actually, yeah. Fell in with a decent crowd that could manage not to choke to death on their own tongues if I took my eyes of them for more than ten seconds, it was paradise." Reiner retorted, not budging an inch. "But I got worried about all of you. Kept thinking, "That Ymir, she's probably tried to get high off the ODM gas, or dared Connie to kiss a Titan, or Walls forbid, cooked a meal for poor Krista and poisoned her." I just had to come by and save all of you, like always."

Ymir blinked, stunned… then she smiled. "Wow, that was actually pretty good. You been holding out on me."

"Eh, can't take all the credit, Adam Smasher's got a mouth and some choice insults for everybody. I took some notes." Reiner admitted.

"Well it paid off. I yield." Ymir held up her hands and backed up a step. "Still, bad timing, showing up right as we're going outside."

"Oh no, don't tell me you have to…" Sweet Krista began, worry in her eyes as she looked at Reiner.

"Not today. Much as I'd like to get right to it as soon as possible, I'd probably just be in the way. Need to learn Scout formations and the like, not to mention brush up on my ODM skill's, I've been a little lax."

"Eh, what's to learn? You swoop in and kill Titans, ain't that complicated." Ymir shrugged.

"C'mon Ymir, you know a single mistake could be fatal. The Captain's making the call, and I agree with him." Reggie spoke up.

"Yeah yeah, I hear ya." Ymir waved off. "Well, enjoy sitting around one last time while we risk our lives Reiner. You planning on raiding the mess while nobody's looking?"

"Actually I've been ordered to stand atop the Wall and observe you. Still won't be much help up there, but I'll keep an eye out at least, hopefully be able to earn you."

"Okay, so not entirely usele- I mean, I appreciate that, thank you." Ymir changed tact at the pout Krista sent her, and got as professional as she could be. "Really, I mean it. You were the second best in our class, it means a lot to have you fighting alongside us. after this, I'll be happy to catch you up on everything you missed, unless Adam tells you everything in the Interior?"

"Not a word. I'm pretty sure the moment he leaves the Interior for good he'll forget everyone's names. I'm wondering if he'll react to me coming here." Reiner admitted.

"Why? Trying to get in his good graces? You'll have to get in line, practically all the 104th's trying to suck up to him to get on his squad." Ymir pulled Krista in close in a one armed hug, the tiny blonde surprised by the gesture but relaxing into the touch. "Don't mean to brag, but us two are practically guaranteed to get a spot on his team."

Reiner blinked in confusion, looking to Reggie or Krista for clarification.

"Adam's getting himself a squad, four Scout's of his choosing. We've had tryouts, us vs Eren Jaeger. From that, he's picking the one's he wants." Reggie explained.

"Really now?" Reiner was surprised, he didn't think Adam needed anyone, or would want anyone.

"Yeah, really. Orders came from Erwin, Adam seemed to go with it, though I'm not sure who he'll go with. My money's on Mike at the very least, figures he'd take one of our top soldiers." Reggie nodded. He then turned to the two girl's. "You really think he'll chose the two of you? No offence, but he doesn't seem like the guy to take anyone but the absolute best."

"You'd think so, but my darling here just so happens to have a way to-"

"ANYWAYS!" Reggie loudly declared, cutting Ymir off. "I'm happy the three of you are catching up, but we are supposed to be heading out soon. Reiner has to drop off his stuff and we all have to get suited up."

"Oh right, sorry!" Krista apologized, bowing her head. "Reiner, it's really good to see you. We should catch up when we're done for the day!"

She stepped forward, reaching forward to take Reiner's free hand in her own, looking up at him in a way that got his heart pounding.

"I'm so glad more of the 104th is coming together." She beamed.

"Uh, yeah… me too…" Reiner managed to get out.

Ymir looked between the two of them, down to their hands then up to their faces. Her face was going through a multitude of emotions, before a determined look overcame it. "Right, that's it. Reiner, let me make this clear once and for all!"

"Huh?" Reiner turned to Ymir, confused.

"Eh?" Krista followed suit, only to find her lips captured the moment she turned to loot at Ymir, still holding Reiner's hand.

It was sloppy, and messy, and very wet. Mainly on account of Ymir trying to simultaneously kiss Krista but also have an eye trained on Reiner as if to convey a message through sight.

"You see this? Do you get it? Krista is mine! We're together. TOGETHER together, and you can't have her. I win!" Her eyeball screamed.

Reiner only stared, while Reggie had the courtesy to turn away, muttering under his breath, "Do we have to worry about them going outside like this…"

The kiss/declaration had ended after a good thirty seconds of snogging, and Ymir broke it off, panting. "So yeah, hope that was clear." She addressed Reiner, grinning. "See you out there Reiner. Or not, because I'll be watching my own ass as I plan to live a long life beside my beloved. C'mon Krista, no time to fool around, we have a job to do."

With that Ymir strode off, cockiness and coolness rolling off her in equal measure, at least in her mind. Krista ran to catch up, asking where that came from, while Reggie and Reiner watched.

"…So… just figured out why Ymir badmouths you so much."

"Yeah, me too." Reiner sighed. Geez, he really was clueless about these kind of things. With a shake of his head and a chuckle, he turned to Reggie. "So, barracks are where?"

---

That night, safe in her bed, Historia would wake up in a cold sweat, tears flowing from her eyes.

"Marcel…"

---

Here's hoping Eren giving a training course fighting a real live Titan will help the Scout's out, time will tell.

Ugh, writing that conversation between Adam and Historia was PAINFUL! Went through five different versions of that, I'm still not 100% happy about it. But I needed these two to start a rapport, it should be easier from here on out, just needed some connection to be established.

So yeah, Historia got the barest hint of the outside world and presented it to Adam. She doesn't know everything, but she has a real clue to the outside world swimming in her brain, and literally by her side twenty four/seven. That makes her valuable to the murderous cyborg, who would like to know how fucked this world is.

Reggie is gonna be important, fyi. He's an actual Scout from the show, the name is original but his appearance is based on one of the many, MANY poor soul's snuffed out, try to guess which one! Face was in focus for only a second but his death was one of the worst. It might give you a clue to his fate, whether it be the same or different!