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!

22. By Order Of The King

Trost District

Hannes wondered sometimes, if he was actually doing any good, or just putting on a show to make himself feel better.

Since the fall of Wall Maria five years ago, once a month at least, he would skim through the reports of the Survey Corp.

Most folks wouldn't bother, it was depressing stuff. Casualty numbers were always high, reports on territory gained were practically non existent, and it wasn't like there was something to be really gained from doing so. You weren't going to unveil a hidden clue that signalled the end of the Titans was in sight and the Scout's just weren't announcing it, and it didn't paint humanities future in a good light either.

But there was section of the report Hannes always went straight to, whether it be thin or thick with papers, this section had been the reason Hannes would always drop by the central records building in Trost. Even if he was on assignment in the opposite end at the North of the Walls, he would make the journey, for this alone.

The Titan Casualties Report. If you met the famed Section Commander Hange Zoe, you'd be forgiven for thinking this report's name was actually mourning the Titan's who were killed, but that was definitely not the case. This was the part of the Scout's report that gave a detailed description about every Titan that was slain on an Expedition. Height, width, hair colour (if any), and distinctive features, it was all there, baring any times a Scouting party had been wiped out after killing a few of the bastards without any surviving witnesses.

'Ask me five years ago why in the Walls names anyone would care what a Titan looked like before it died, and I honestly wouldn't be able to tell you. A dead Titan is a dead Titan, does it matter how pretty it was?' Hannes mused, as he patiently waited for the record keeper on duty to retrieve the relevant report. 'But now I do. I wonder, how many Scout's have a specific Titan in mind when they head out? Do they pray to come across it so they might avenge a friend who was eaten? Or do they just bury that shit deep down and proceed with the mission, don't let personal feelings get in the way? Certainly hope it's the former, I'd hate to think I'm the odd one out.'

He was aware what he was doing was unhealthy. Obsessively coming here was bad enough, but add the fact he would request posting on top of the Wall and scan through any Titans that wandered by, and Hannes wouldn't blame you for thinking he was on the fast track to a messy death. That once he spotted the Titan he was looking for, he'd jet off on down like he was Captain Levi, only to definitely end up dead.

But Hannes couldn't help it. He had to find it. Had to find it and kill it, or discover it was dead.

The Titan that ate Carla. The Smiling Titan.

'I will… I will make it right… no, not right, it won't ever be right. But I'll at least provide you some measure of peace, Carla. You, and your kids.' Hannes swore to himself.

He swore out load when the record keeper returned, dropping a fat stack the size of the Church's Grand Holy Text.

"Mother of… is that from…"

"Yep." The record keeper nodded, sighing in relief as they rotated their arms.

"Is that all of…"

"Nope." The record keeper laughed, amused. "This is just the Titan Casualties section, part one, figured that's all you'd need. Please tell me that's all you need, because it will take me two trips to get the rest of the report, and my shoulders are killing me from this part alone."

Hannes stared, then chuckled. "Uh, yeah, this will be fine, thank you." He made to lift it, and gave a grunt of exertion, Walls this thing was heavy! "Woof, might take me a while, don't suppose you've got a book mark?"

"I'll bring one over in a moment, but first I need some feeling in my arms." The record keeper sighed. "Feeling like jelly, they are."

Hannes nodded, then proceeded to slowly carry his prize over to the nearest desk. Setting it down gently, he gave a little stretch, before sitting down and getting to work.

'All this from the battle two days ago… Eren, you really are unbelievable!'

Word had gotten out quick of the Scout's scoring a major victory two days ago, it only taking 24 hours for an article to be made, published, and sent to every major town and district! The article had taken special care to give the majority of the credit to the outsider, and of course, Eren Jaeger.

Hannes himself deserved some credit. When he'd heard the news by word of mouth and passed an article to check for himself in the same minute, he hadn't spat out and coughed on the good wine he was drinking at the time. Instead he'd managed to swallow it down, then sat down to read, and think.

It was utterly mind boggling, hearing how Eren, the little squirt who was such a pain in his ass for so many years, was probably the single greatest miracle the Walls had ever found. That he was a Titan, and was using his power to save the people with it!

'If he can do stuff like this every day,' Hannes thought, opening up the file to scan the first page, 'Then he's liable to avenge his mother before I can even try. That'll be one more promise I've broken.'

He knew it was foolish, and more than likely would end badly, should he lay eyes on his target, but he honestly didn't know how else he could face the kids again. They had forgiven him, years ago in fact, but it was still eating at him.

Or maybe he was just being selfish and didn't want to be left in the dust.

…Nah. Hannes would honestly be content if he never had to act like a real soldier ever again. If he could lay back and drink and be useless til the end of his days, that would be paradise. A sign the bad times had been left behind, that the nightmares were over.

Didn't mean he felt majorly outpaced by Eren and the others. Forget Eren being a Titan and already working hard to retake their home, that was crazy enough but Armin was apparently an ambassador? In good with the Walls very first outsider, and was possessing some sorta magic powers? Hannes didn't know if he'd drunk too much or not enough when hearing that news, but he was getting the feeling he'd soon be treating Armin as if he were nobility someday…

And Mikasa… she wasn't a Titan in disguise or making friends with any unusual magic beings from the outside, but she was already making an impression as the next coming of Humanities Strongest, just from her first day! No doubt she was going to do something that Hannes would need to take a seat for, of that he had no doubt.

'Well, at the very least I can trust they'll be safe together.' Hannes smiled, while continuing to scroll through the pages. 'They continue like this, they might just end up being appointed to the King's court! Imagine Eren having to make political decisions, he'd be a disaster!'

Snorting in amusement at the thought, Hannes continued his investigating.

---

In the end, it had been another no show of the Smiling Titan.

There had been an ungodly amount of Titans to go through, bald ones, tubby ones, lanky ones, ones with facial hair (Hannes hated those especially, for some reason it just felt even more wrong than Titans normally were), a number of Abnormals and their particular traits, and even the mysterious armoured ones, but not the one he was looking for.

Course, if the Smiling Titan had been armoured up in one of those big helmets that hid it's features… Wouldn't it just be Hannes luck it had been slain and he was looking for something that was already dead?

Shaking his head, Hannes put such thoughts out of his mind and focused on being chipper for the rest of the week. Wouldn't do to be so focused that he ignored the simple pleasures in life would it?

Already making a beeline for the nearest tavern to get a bottle of ale to go, he was just turning the corner when he stumbled across a woman pleading with his coworkers for aid.

"Please, if just one of you could help me…" A stout woman begged, brown hair tied into a pony tail.

"Sorry ma'am, but we're not exactly qualified at the moment to provide any kind of help at all." One Garrison soldier snickered, his cheeks flushed and his eyes unfocused. He was tilting from side to side, clearly sloshed.

"Ah come… come… c'mon, we can dozzzzz somethingssss… just got to drag's out a vagrant, five of uh, uh, uh," Another too a moment to belch, before continuing, "of us can do that's."

"Five?… There's three here you dumb dumb! You got's the double vision going again, heh!" The first soldier laughed, slapping his knee.

The third who had yet to speak, finally opened his mouth. "Why not… why not get that Titan kid to do it? Didn't you hear? All our problems are solved with him around." A teary gaze towards the boulder sealing up the breach, followed by an improved salute. "So beautiful…"

Hannes sighed. Normally he'd be all for getting hammered right now while on duty, but the rule was that at least one soldier had to be sober to still help out the people. Didn't anyone take the designated drunk delegation seriously?

Before the poor woman could admit defeat and bemoan how her taxes were spent, Hannes stepped in. "Oye, shape up! If you're gonna be this wasted before it's even lunch time then it's a miracle you haven't been eaten by a Titan yet!"

"Hannes! Good to see you!" The third soldier cheered, utterly oblivious to his companions chastising. "Why you going on about Titans eating us? It's not like a breach is gonna happen, Eren plugged it up! See?" The same teary gaze followed by the same improve salute, it was actually kind of impressive to see the same scene performed again to perfection. "So beautiful…"

But Hannes wasn't here to admire his coworker's shenanigans. Turning to the woman (who was cautiously looking at Hannes as if she couldn't be sure he would prove to be as equally useless) he offered a sincere bow in apology. "I'm sorry ma'am. Please forgive my comrades, they're… they're taking a few liberties today."

"Yes, I can see that." The woman commented. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to help me? As I was trying to say to these soldiers, there's a terrified man who won't leave my doorway."

Hannes raised an eyebrow. "Your doorway?"

"Well, more like the wall next to my doorway. I came out this morning to do some shopping, only to see this poor devil splayed out against the wall, right under the overhang." The woman clutched a hand to her chest in concern. "He wouldn't let go and keeps looking at the sky, I almost would think he didn't notice me leave my own home, he's clearly scared about something."

"Certainly sounds like it." Hannes nodded, though he was curious as to what exactly. If it was the sky… the Falling Star, maybe? Afraid of another one coming down? "Did he hurt you at all?"

"Oh no, nothing like that!" The woman hurried to clarify. "He's just staying there, hasn't move an inch. Even when I asked if he wanted to come in, he just kept staring."

"You opened your home to a stranger?"

"I saw a terrified person in need, and wanted to help as best I could." The woman explained. "That's what I need right now. I don't want him hurt or anything, I just want to help him. Do you think you could calm him down, get him away from whatever's scaring him?"

Hannes rubbed the back of his head. This sounded like it needed a gentle touch, and that wasn't exactly his specialty…

But this nice lady was asking for help, and it certainly wouldn't be becoming if he as a soldier didn't provide aid to a citizen in need.

"Sure, I can help. Lead the way, I can talk to him, try to snap him out of whatever this is."

"Oh thank you kindly!" The woman smiled. "We should hurry, no telling if the fellow's liable to hurt himself."

"Yeah, don't want that to happen." Hannes nodded. "By the way, my names Hannes. Can I ask your name, if you don't mind?"

"Oh, not at all. Sorry, I guess I forgot to do so in all the excitement. I'm Lynn Kirstein."

"Pleased to meet you. Now let's go aide your unfortunate squatter, yeah?"

---

"Huh. Didn't think anyone here that wasn't at the market would have livestock." Hannes noted, the chicken walking around taking one look at him, bawked, then kept on walking.

"My son's friends pet." Lynn smiled, bending down after retrieving some feed from her pocket. "She brought it home on a whim, and before we knew it we'd kept her. A healthy bird, she's provided breakfast a number of times."

"Well, that's sounds like a lovely little development." Hannes smiled, before turning his head to take in his current task. "Let's hope this doesn't result in you keeping another stray."

It was just as Lynn described, there was a man, splayed out against the front wall right next to the door to the house, as if he was trying to will himself into being one with the stone, that's how pressed up against it he was. His eyes were wide and darting from left to right, scanning the cloudy sky, and his mouth was clenched shut, neck muscles flexing, as he was breathing in solely through his nose.

If Hannes didn't know any better, he'd say the fellow in front of him was scared of a Titan. As if one was inside the District with them now, skulking about unseen.

But seeing as how that was defiantly not the case, Hannes resigned himself to finding out just what this man was so scared of.

"Uh, excuse me… sir?" Hannes opened up, seeing if his words registered at all. "My good sir, you there… is everything alright?"

The man didn't move, didn't even lower his head to look at Hannes. Frowning, Hannes made to step forward, slowly and carefully.

"Hey buddy? I can see you're not exactly up to a conversation right now, but the fact remains you are… well, not exactly being a disturbance, but you are concerning the nice owner of this house. Who is hoping this isn't going to be a violent situation, alright?" Hannes held up his hands, as he inched ever closer forward, hoping some of his words were reaching the man's ears. "Now, I'm gonna out my hand on your arm there, and I do not want to be punched for doing so. If you can find it within yourself not to do that? I think today could go great for all of us."

Hannes was now within striking distance. He stood there, just an arm's reach away from the frightened squatter, and readied himself for any number of ways this could go wrong. With a determined clench of his jaw, he extended his hand, and laid it on the arm closest to the door.

The man looked down to Hannes touch, then to Hannes himself. He blinked, then frowned in confusion.

Seeing he hadn't been attacked yet, Hannes gently ask, "Any chance you'd like to take a step inside, and tell me what's got you so spooked pal?"

---

It had been another night, like any other. Birk Kirkland had just finished up working his shift at the local farms, not that far away from the District this time. He'd been swapped around where help was needed most, as the harvest was good this summer so all hands were needed to get as much out of it as possible before the summer ended. The farms in the area had established a sort of helpline between themselves, sorting out the workers amongst each other to maximize efficiency. A cart was brought to Trost's gates, Birk and the other's loaded themselves up, and wherever they ended up, they got to work for a honest day's pay.

Anyway, after that was all done for now, everyone had been carried on back home, to good ol Trost. Yeah it might have just had a Titan incursion a few weeks ago and the Church was having it's sermons still to pray to the Wall that were obnoxiously loud during the midday, but it was still home, and Birk still felt safe here. Even more so, what with that giant boulder making it so nothing got in or out, Birk always said they should just seal off the gates for good, then a breach would never happen again, the Titans would never get in again!

Or so Birk had thought. It was late, lanterns were being snuffed out, best source of light being the moon, with just the faintest hints of clouds in the dark. He'd splurged a bit and ate out at his favourite tavern, got himself some chicken and gravy, plus a mug of ale. Don't let that last bit have you instantly dismiss what ol Birk is about to say now, you hear? He was not drunk from just one lousy mug, and even if he was, he damn well sobered up right quick when he saw what he saw!

There he was, leaving the tavern and heading home, all was quiet. Like, unnaturally quiet.

What's unnaturally quiet? Damned if Birk could explain that in a way that makes sense, but it just was. There was no other way to describe it, and it was almost instinctual that was the thought that came to him. "This is too quiet."

He looked around, in the centre of the street, four ways to go, one taking him home. But instead of doing that, he suddenly felt the urge to look up.

And damned if he didn't immediately regret it.

Because right there, hanging up in the sky, as if it was just one big puppet on invisible strings, was a Titan.

Quick as lightning he ran, just ran! He didn't look, he didn't want to look, he didn't want to see it swoop down and snatch him up in its jaws! Hide, he had to hide!

Turning a corner, he flung himself against a wall, catching his breath, trying to scatter back so that the outcrop of the roof might shield him!

…Look, Birk was terrified, alright?! It was the kind of terror where you feel like any move will be the last one. Flee, fight, hide, run, none of it was any good! Birk was just hoping the thing would sail on by overhead and pass him completely!

…Anyways, Birk just stayed there, for how long, he didn't know. He stayed and didn't dare look up, he didn't want to look up! But eventually, Birk decided to take a chance. Slowly, he leaned forward, just a bit, to see if it was up in the sky.

It wasn't. Not at first. He scanned the night sky, trying to get a sign… when it's form flew on by the moon.

Not just it. Birk saw a whole cluster of them! Five or six, all grouped together, just whisking right on by into the clouds.

Birk leaned right on back, and stayed right where he was. Ain't nothing was moving him from this spot, no sir!

---

"Well, except for now." Hannes interrupted his charge, who was gripping his cup of tea with white knuckles, shivering. "Appreciate you gathering the courage to talk to me, Mr. Kirkland."

"Courage nothing. I just figured I might have a chance now that it's daylight. If the Titans come back, at least they'll be firmly on the ground." Birk spat, before making to take a swig of his tea. Whatever brand it was, it did seem to do some good, as some of the tension left his shoulders. "Mercy me, thank you for the tea miss."

"You are quite welcome." Lynn nodded, sitting next to Hannes with two more steaming cups on the table between them. "You really must have been terrified. I can't imagine seeing what you saw."

"If you indeed saw it." Hannes questioned, which got him a look from both occupants in the room with him. "I'm sorry Mr. Kirkland, but I have to be honest. There's a number of ways we could explain away what you saw, and almost none of them involve Titans. It was dark, there was barely any light, could be you saw something that looked like a Titan at first, but if you'd taken another look it would have been a tree or something."

"No no, I know what I saw!" Birk insisted. "It was flying, above the Walls! There's nothing there for me to confuse for something else! And it was a Titan I'm telling you! Just… dangling there…"

"Like a puppet?" Hannes questioned. "What, like a marionette? Don't tell me you saw the controller it was attached too, maybe a hand too?"

"…No, not a hand…" Birk furrowed his brow in thought. "…There was something though… When the bunch went across the moon, like a fresh catch of fresh strung up, but without the strings… there was something that went with em, above them…" Birk brought his index finger down on the table, and traced a shape. To an English speaker, the shape very much resembled an H, but to the Wall's residents, it almost looked like…

"A controller." Hannes sighed, leaning back with a groan. "Props for being creative friend, but I think it's high time you got yourself home and got some shut eye. Sleep this off, and you'll find with a clearer head this was all just a bad dream."

"I'm telling you, I saw what I saw!" Birk pleaded. "You have to warn everyone, the Titan's float! That's why the Scout's don't go out and kill them when they're sleeping, because they all go up into the night sky and wait in the clouds! And then they drop back down when it's day time!"

Hannes rubbed his eyes, clearly not cut out for this. It's not like he wanted to be callous about the man's fears, but this was ridiculous. Titans in the clouds? If that was true, then they'd surely be roaming around in all three Wall's by now. Just as Hannes was about to tell the man so…

"Could you perhaps tell us about this Titan that you saw Birk?" Lynn asked, gently reaching forward to place a hand atop the desperate man's. "I know it must be horrible to remember, but maybe you could describe it's features for Mr. Hannes here? Then he can pass it along to his superiors, and even the Scout's. They'll know what to do."

Birk looked down to Lynn's hand covering his own, then up at her. There was no deceit, no sign she was being anything but utterly sincere.

"…You swear you'll tell them? You're not just… you're not just going to ignore this?"

"Absolutely. My boy is actually in the Scout's himself, and he was the top of his class! If he gets word of this, he'll investigate, and try to find a logical explanation for all this." Lynn patted Birk's hand. "I mean, it's certainly hard to imagine, but so did people turning into Titans, or humanity existing outside the Walls. But wouldn't you know it, my son's friend just up and turns into a Titan, and we get our first visitor from the outside. I don't think it's too big a stretch to picture Titans becoming airborne."

'…Ah, dammit.' Hannes mentally slapped himself, Lynn's words providing an opening for "What if it's true?" to weasel it's way into his mind. Sighing, he reached into his coat to pull out a notebook. It probably looked bad he hadn't done it earlier for Birk's earlier account, but he doing it now alright!

"Give me the details. I know it was dark and you ran, but if you can give us any distinct features. Facial hair, size of its mouth, eyes, or nose, skinny or fat, that sort of thing, it would be helpful." Hannes offered. "Don't know exactly what good it'll do, but I will bring it to my superiors and the Survey Corp. They'll at least do a proper investigation, I can promise you that."

Lynn smiled, as Birk looked like he'd just got news his dog had been found safe and sound. Immediately the man brought his fingers to his forehead, as he concentrated.

"It was dark, and it was a good distance away, up in the sky like that, hanging just over the Walls…"

"Could you at least make out the general shape of its body? Again, fat or not, try to remember that."

"…Not fat. Its limbs were skinny, kind of small for its body… but the body wasn't fat. Wide, but it didn't have a gut or anything."

"And hair? Did you see if it had hair on it's face?"

"Oh no." Birk shook his head. "Definitely no hair on its face. Just it's horrible ugly mouth."

"Dang. Could have helped narrow the search if there was, beards and moustaches are more rare." Hannes explained.

"Ah, is that right?" Birk scratched the side of his temple. "…Eh, nope. Definitely was clean there. Don't think there was any room for facial hair anyway, what with that creepy smile it had going for it. Took up it's whole face I swear…"

'!' Hannes banged his knee against the table, and cursed. He rubbed his injured limb to soothe the pain, then looked up to see both Birk and Lynn looking at him with concern.

"Hannes, are you alright?"

"Yeah, just… just suddenly reminded of a bad memory." Hannes answered, while his mind was racing. 'It can't be… this story is nuts enough, but what are the odds…'

"Birk, this Titan… you're absolutely sure it was smiling?"

Birk blinked at the question, clearly not understanding the significance of what he said. "Well, yeah. But is that important? I thought all them Titans smiled?"

"Not all of them. Enough yeah you'd think it was a common thing, but…" Hannes shook his head, he had to keep this on track. "Birk, that smile, and the way you described it's body… was the smile like this?"

Hannes stretched his mouth wide, showing off not only his teeth, but his gums as well. To make sure there was no confusion, he brought his fingers up to pull back his mouth further, showing off a mouthful of white and red.

It seemed to do the trick, as Birk recoiled, just a bit, and firmly nodded. "That's it. The Titan… it was smiling exactly like that."

And suddenly just like that, Hannes was a lot more invested in Birk's story.

---

"So you believe him?" Lynn asked as Hannes went over his notes for the fifth time.

"There's a very distinctive Titan that matches the description he gave, and there's no way he'd know about it unless he'd actually seen it. As much as it scares me to say… I think he saw what he saw. How, I don't know, but it happened." Hannes stated, the most serious he'd ever been in weeks.

"Dear god… if that's true, are we in danger? Are the Walls no longer enough?" Lynn was a strong woman, many could attest to that, but even she couldn't help but feel a shiver of fear at the thought. Titans, waiting up in the sky, possibly dropping down at any moment… Now she was feeling a bit guilty, managing to calm Mr. Kirkland enough that he was able to go home, telling him lies instead of truths, telling him he was safe.

"…Hard to say. This has literally never happened before. The Scout's, hell, the entire Walls would have damn well spotted a Titan flying up into the heavens at least once, night operations not happening or not." Hannes pocketed his notebook, and rubbed the back of his head. "…Maybe the Colossal picked one up and was playing with it like a doll? Then threw it and the rest across the length of the Walls?"

"You think so? I remember that horrible thing, it was big enough to peer over… yes, maybe that was it."

"Yeah, maybe." Hannes certainly could entertain that thought a lot easier, though he was still worried about seeing that skinless monster just dropping his smaller skinned brethren down into Trost, finishing the job he started. But right now, he had a job to do. "Either way, smarter people than me are gonna want to hear this. Better get moving while it's light out and the Scout's are still here instead of on an Expedition."

"You're going straight to them instead of the Garrison?" Lynn inquired.

"They're more cut out for this sort of thing, they know how a Titan ticks, and would have a dozen explanations before sundown. Plus I hear they've got their eccentrics who won't be so quick to laugh their asses off at me." Hannes admitted. "If I bring this to my superiors, they'll think I was drinking. But if the Scout's superiors think this is real and spread the word, then the Garrison will have to listen."

"I see… yes, I can see how that would work better." The woman nodded, then smiled. "Are you heading out right now?"

"I figure the sooner the better, right? If you'd like someone to stay with you and offer protection, I'm sure I can find someone?"

"Oh no, I'll be fine. Just be a bit nervous about staying outside too long, but I think it'll pass." Lynn waved off. "But if you don't mind, may we drop by the bakery?"

"The bakery?" Hannes titled his head, confused.

"Well, if you're going to the Scout's, I figure I may as well send my son something nice. If you could check up on him while your there, tell him his mother loves him, I'd be very grateful."

"Aw, how sweet." Hannes couldn't help but smile (and pray this kind woman's boy was indeed still alive). "Sure, I can certainly do that. Your son have a particular favourite?"

"Apple pies. Cost a bit, but I've got just enough saved up for this, and you can't beat Trost's baked goods." Lynn smiled.

"You certainly can't." Hannes laughed. "You certainly can't."

---

Scout HQ, Early Morning, Outside Courtyard

Historia was beginning to wonder, was she bitting off a bit more than she could chew?

Here she was, standing first in a line, Ymir right behind her, followed by the rest of the 104th and then the more veteran Scout's, before it tapered off to form an identical line right next to them. About ten lines in all, a hundred Scout's total, all staring straight ahead at Adam who was placing multiple Braindances on a table before him, Ilse Langnar at his side holding the spares by dangling them off her arms. It almost looked demeaning, but the woman was smiling and seemed to be happy right there with the Scout's second favourite hero.

Honestly, Historia hated her.

She knew that was wrong, for so many reasons. The woman had survived a terrible ordeal, she had come back practically from the grave to help the Scout's find Adam Smasher, a failed endeavour sure but she had located his resting place. She had continued to serve despite coming so close to a horrifying end, and had been nothing but kind and courteous to the new recruits, always willing to lend a hand.

It was wrong to hate someone like her, she had done nothing wrong. But Historia couldn't help but think dark, terrible thoughts seeing her. How it would be so much easier if Ilse had died, if she had retired, or suffered an unfortunate accident before she'd met Ymir, before she could open her fat stupid fucking mouth and put HER YMIR IN DANGER!-

"Is it just me, or does it look like our favourite bookworm is getting awfully close to Smasher?" Ymir's soft voice graced Historia's ears, interrupting the blonde from going down that mental road any more than she had.

"What do you mean?" Mikasa's voice asked, just level enough only the next five people in line would hear them if they strained their ears.

"I mean, doesn't it seem like Ilse may be getting cuddly with him? That she has a crush on him?"

Historia smiled. Leave it to Ymir to always lift her spirits. And to come up with the most interesting conversation pieces, sorry Armin, you just couldn't compare.

"That's… No. No, there's no way that's… no." Give Eren (who was behind Mikasa) credit, he had at least given the idea some thought before rejecting it. "Ymir, that's just ridiculous."

"What, you mean you don't see it?" Ymir whispered back. "She's always coming up to him for stuff, she was practically glued to his side all day yesterday, I swear she was actually skipping like a little school girl with that storybook of hers clutched in her arms, like she and him were going to have a date night reading books…"

"He was just translating her books for her." Historia answered. "Some old books in a foreign language, she had them since she was a kid."

"Think anyone would be giddy at that." Armin nodded, behind Eren but in front of Reiner. "She has a passion for knowledge and the written word, and Adam provides that in spades. Nothing to imply romance there."

"Oh naive little Armin, you of all people should realize that's just the start of it." Ymir chuckled. "But it's not the start, is it? No, the start is Adam majestically coming down from the heavens like a god to smite her enemy and save her life. You saying you wouldn't be crushing on the person who'd do that for you? Plus, he's bald! That's like, Ilse's kink!"

What felt like a lifetime with the freckled girl prevented the spluttering and coughing fits and indignant shouts, and instead had Mikasa calmly entertaining this for a bit longer and asking for clarification, to everyone's gratitude.

"Kink?"

"Yeah, haven't you seen her and Dita? She loves dangerous men with the sun shining off their scalp!" Ymir grinned, looking over her shoulder to show how sincere she was on this. "Trust me. Her and Adam? If it doesn't work out with Dita, we'll know why."

"…Armin, when you come back from the Interior and definitely remember to bring us treats… make sure Ymir doesn't get any donuts." Reiner passed judgement, to which the jury of Ymir's peers all nodded in agreement (even if they were confused as to what donuts were).

"Tch, philistines." Ymir stuck her nose up at them, and turned back to face the front. "Ain't got no idea of how a woman's heart works. You'll see, she'll be walking funny one of these days and Adam will manage to have a smile on his face."

"I'm sure we'll all owe you a collective apology. Now pipe down and face forward already, Adam's almost done setting up." Reiner declared.

Ymir did as she was told, and everyone waited with baited breath to see what exactly Adam was doing, but Historia's mind was drifting to something else.

Reiner…

---

It had been the first dream that hadn't opened up with Historia being in the forest of white trees. There was no little girl wearing a mask, nor the Titan, both of whom Historia had come to know as being Ymir. Her Ymir, who was hiding the fact she was a Titan.

Honestly Historia felt a bit dumb she hadn't realized it sooner. This forest was practically telegraphing that to her, it made it very clear all of this was related to Ymir, the memories primarily but the forest's occupants (or was it just occupant?) as well.

Historia liked to think that maybe it being a dream was why it took her so long to make the connection. Or maybe… maybe she had made the connection, she just didn't want to admit it to herself. Because if she did… well, it would be cheating. This was Ymir's secret, what she promised to reveal when Historia was ready to drop her Krista act. Historia was very much NOT ready to do that, and yet she had discovered Ymir's truth while giving away nothing in return.

That just wasn't right, in Historia's mind.

So, she ignored it. It honestly was easy to do, because even if Ymir was a Titan, Historia had no doubt about her lover. Everything she had seen had laid the truth about the other girl clear as day, but even if Historia hadn't been swimming around in Ymir's memories for the better part of two years now, she'd still have complete faith in Ymir.

It didn't hurt that occasionally the forest would stay, and Historia would pass the time with the masked girl or the Titan. The masked girl, she'd chase and hug and climb trees with, no sound coming from the girl but the affectionate hugs Historia received made it very clear how much the activities were enjoyed. For the Titan, it would gently pick Historia up and place her atop its head. Once Historia got a solid grip of its oily hair, it would take off, running for bigger trees it would leap and bounce from that ODM gear just could not compare to! After that, Historia would fall asleep at it's side, gently cradled against it's hide, as she woke up in the real world.

Yes, Historia very much enjoyed those dreams.

So it was a bit unsettling that she was experiencing a break in the routine for the first time in forever.

There was no forest this time. No, instead there was a magnificent canyon, and Historia standing on the very edge of a VERY sharp drop.

Hastily she scrambled back, relieved to find this dream gave her plenty of solid footing behind her, the ground stretching on for miles, rather than her being suspended atop a stone column. Without ODM gear, she very much hated heights.

Calming herself down from the sudden scare, Historia looked around, trying to understand why this was so different. She didn't understand why it had been a forest all the time, but it hadn't felt wrong for it to be Ymir's… mind? Soul? Home? Whatever the reason, Historia considered it "Ymir's Forest." So if she wasn't there, then this might not be Ymir she was visiting right now.

So then, whose canyon was this?

A sudden sob caused Historia to sit up, as she tried to pinpoint where the noise came from. Another sob, the crying of a child, helped Historia narrow it down. She slowly crawled forward, as the sound seemed to be coming from below her…

Down into the canyon.

Carefully edging towards the cliff, and praying she was wrong, Historia peeked over…

To see a terrified little boy, holding onto the side of the cliff for dear life.

Historia wanted to cuss out loud so hard right now, but she was afraid any loud noise would startle the kid and send him tumbling to his death. Dream or not, Historia wouldn't be able to live with herself if that happened.

Steeling her nerves, while repeating to herself over and over that this was a dream and she couldn't die, Historia began to climb down. One foot after the other, firm grip on the red rock, she made her way to the boy. His pitiful crying spurred her on, she found the courage to continue, to just keep climbing down.

At the half way point, right in the middle between the top of the climb and the rest of the way to the ground below, finally, she was just beside the boy! She called out to him, gently, carefully, making sure not to startle or scare him. She whispered soothing nothings and honeyed words, while extending a hand. If he could just find the strength to take her hand, then he could climb onto her back, and she could get them both to safety!

The child turned to look at her, and Historia's breath hitched. The boy… he was wearing a mask. Unlike Ymir's child form, which looked to be made from wood, this one looked like it was made from stone? Uneven and blocky, with great yellow crystals sticking out from it at multiple points, to the point Historia was surprised the boy could see anything out of it. But see he could, as he hesitantly inched his right hand towards Historia.

Closer and closer, Historia giving little cries of encouragement, yes, he could do it! Just a bit more, his fingers were just about to touch hers! One last inch!

And then she found herself standing in a grassy field, watching as a child Reiner was pushed to safety by another boy. A boy Reiner could do nothing but watch as he was devoured by a strikingly familiar Titan. The body looked more malnourished, the hair was missing in places, and the teeth that were currently cutting off that poor child's screams as they crushed his head were flatter, but those eyes…

They were the same eyes as Ymir's dream Titan.

---

"Alright, listen up." Adam's voice interrupted Historia's thoughts, and she stood at attention like the dutiful soldier she was, putting the thoughts of the dream she'd had that night after the operation on hold.

(Even if those thought's were about the fact Reiner might also be a Titan. She had no idea how this worked, but she saw a child with a mask, and a memory of Reiner's, so two out of three similarities to Ymir's. So one more trip to that canyon and maybe she'd see his, if he had one.)

(She really wished she had a manual for how this worked.)

"Now, what you see before you is a handy little device known as a Braindance." Adam presented one of the identified devices for all assembled to see. Historia recalled seeing it before, clasped in Erwin's hands, looking like a bizarre crown. "For those of you I haven't explained this to yet, this is quite literally a window into one's memories. Millions of moments saved and able to be seen at your convenience. And not just seen, but felt, practically lived. You will eat meals you've never had before, go to places beyond your Walls, do things not physically possible with your pathetic meaty bodies… all just with the simple action of slipping this atop your head."

One of these days, Adam would present something technologically or historically impressive, and the Scout's wouldn't be staring at him wide eyed like he was some otherworldly being. When that day came, they'd probably be pleased with themselves, or scared, frightened at the prospect they may have moved beyond their simple lives and could never go back.

But that was in the future, because they were in serious danger of their eyeballs popping out of their sockets with how hard they were staring in wonder. Even Historia, who had gotten somewhat of a jumpstart on such a thing, was amazed!

"Now, for those of you concerned if this is safe, your Commander has had his own private Braindance in his possession for a couple of days now, and he's logged in about eight hours straight on the damn thing. Would have been more if KIPO didn't shut it off, so consider that a glowing endorsement." Adam informed the crowd, while also raising a hand to point to Ilse. "You can also look to Ilse here, who helped with the translations. That took about four hours, and here she is, none the worse for wear."

"It's true." Ilse nodded. "It's as easy as closing your eyes and recalling a found memory, only this memory is more like a dream. I can still recall what I saw as if they were my own memories, but I know they aren't mine. There's no overlap, no confusion, it's perfectly safe."

"What she said." Adam stated. "Now, the good Commander and I have discussed the best use of the resources you all acquired yesterday, and while naturally I'll be using it to resupply my weapons, there's still plenty left over. And with the upcoming meeting with the King, there's a good chance we'll get even more."

"But not a certainty." Ilse interrupted, gently, which Adam paused at, before nodding at her.

"Yeah, not a certainty. I'm sure all of you in the Scout's have entertained the idea my audience with the King will be less than productive." Multiple nods of yes, they had, the Scout's weren't delusional about that. "Which means rather than every single one of you getting a weapon that will make mincemeat of the Titans and clear out Wall Maria within a week, we are going to have to pick and choose what will get made."

Adam placed the Braindance he held on the table, lined up with the nine others beside it. "These Braindances may or may not be temporary. If it comes down to it, they'll be recycled and converted into something useful for the field of battle. But before that possibly happens, you are all going to use these. In them are hundreds of thousands of combat experiences, from hand-to-hand to whipping through the air at high speeds with little to no protection, the closest comparison to your ODM gear KIPO and I could find. With luck, you'll learn a few things that may give you an edge over the Titans."

Adam walked over to Ilse, and gently moved her head so that her right ear was facing the crowd. Gesturing with his finger, he pointed at something that Historia had to squint to see.

"This here is a comm's device. It's one of the few things that will be made regardless of what the King says. It'll allow you to communicate over long distances far more efficiently than firing a flare, and is relatively simple to use. Still, you'll learn a lot quicker if you use the Braindance to experience it one time, get the memories of using it. Especially since we'll only have about fifteen of these to share, as deemed by the Commander." Adam explained. "He's determined how most effectively use these, and how they'll be given to Squad Leaders for future Expeditions. But that's for later. Right now, you're going to have a little reward for all your hard work."

"Reward?" A voice couldn't help but ask from the crowd, but luckily Adam didn't single the offender out.

"Yes, reward. Believe it or not, I actually am capable of appreciating reliable subordinates, and offering gifts to show my appreciation." Adam shrugged. "You all did well during the operation, and I feel you deserved something better than a pat on the pack and the promise of a return trip out there. So, I gift to all of you the outside world. All those millions of memories I mentioned? They're yours. For one hour each, you'll have your pick of whatever experiences, sights, and sensations you desire. Any questions?"

Yes, several. A flurry of hands went up, thought thankfully quite a number of them had the same query, so it didn't take Adam all morning to explain things.

It also helped he had a capable assistant by his side. Historia couldn't help but wonder if Armin was being replaced?

"Yes, Erwin did sign off on this. It was his idea, one he's had since he first met me." Adam explained to one Scout.

"KIPO will be the one guiding you through that, whenever she's done getting briefed by Erwin, she'll head straight here." Ilse answered another.

"No, this does not mean you're becoming like Armin, there are no implants involved at all." Adam saw several hands drop at that one.

"Yes, you can actually feel the food in your mouth, filling up your stomach, the flavours on your tongue. I personally recommend the "Cheeseburger with fries, file number 138."" Ilse smiled at the look of wonder adorning Sasha's face.

"Farming?" Adam actually stumbled at that, not literally but he was clearly flabbergasted. "You want to experience farming memories?"

"Well, yes." A Scout with a stubble beard and a missing front tooth nodded. "I'm very curious as to how your society has improved on such things. I'd like to see if we could learn a thing or two, technological gaps not with standing."

"Yeah," Another Scout, this one a full head taller than everyone else and sporting a mullet, "Like how do you plough fields? Do you still use animals or do the tools work themselves? And your produce, KIPO told us you've got crops taller than I am!"

Adam stood there, trying to form a thought that he could give life to with his words. "…I'm offering you people the wonders of the world here, and you are more interested in farming? What's next? Want to experience the greatest debates recorded this century?"

"Well actually-"

"People, please, do not make me lose all the respect I gave to you." Adam groaned, actually facepalming. "You can literally experience what it's like to walk underwater. Surf a volcano, parasail off a mountain, walk on the moon, even die! You check what dying is like and get it out of your system! Do not waste this opportunity, for the love of god."

Ilse slowly walked up and patted his arm in a show of sympathy (even though it had been her who had been intrigued by the debates). Adam sighed, before removing his hand from his face and looking back to everyone, his eyes flashing.

"Whatever. KIPO is on her way. Mull over your choices wisely, because after everyone's had their fun, everything after is work, work, work. On that note, Krista, Ymir, you're with me." Adam picked up one Braindance off the table, and began to walk away from the crowd.

Historia blinked, then pointed to herself. "Us, sir?"

"Squad talks. Time everyone got to know each other." Adam continued to walk off, as Ilse patiently awaited a rapidly approaching pink ball of energy coming straight for her from HQ.

---

"Now, when I said squad talks, that was supposed to indicate the people who were on my squad." Adam sighed, glowering at the fifteen who had made to follow him.

"Well, yeah, but you did make off with our Braindance…" Eren pointed out, the device in question still in Adam's clutches. "Isn't that why there was ten line ups? For the ten Braindances?"

"Yeah, you weren't gonna just have Krista and Ymir get one all to themselves." Connie pouted. "One hour each, that was the rule."

"…Okay, fine, this one's on me. Can't expect to dangle a carrot and not get this response." Adam surrendered, deciding he may as well move on, time was limited. "Now I've got to get ready for a trip in less than two hours, so let's make this quick. Who want's to go first?"

Everyone looked around, gauging who was brave enough to take the first plunge. As enticing as Adam had made this experience out to be, there was still some hesitation.

It figured Armin would raise his hand, after all he was going with Adam on that trip so it was now or never, before a different blue eyed blonde shortie stepped forward. The two locked eyes, both realizing they'd volunteered at the same time.

"Oh, sorry, of course you'd want to go-" Krista stepped back, gesturing for Armin to go forward.

"Oh, no, by all means, if you want to go first then please!" Armin smiled.

"Are you sure? You are going to be leaving soon…"

"I've seen plenty already, you should get a try."

"But you haven't lived it, that's the difference."

"Oh Walls, remind me never to go on a double date with you Armin." Ymir stepped forward, mercifully ending this battle of politeness. "I'll do it, just so we can get the ball rolling here!"

"Thank god." Adam retracted the hand he was raising to thump the two irritants to his audio receptors, and beckoned the second member of his squad forward. "Now, do you have anything in mind? There's a broad spectrum to chose from, but I can narrow it down and set up a playlist of the kinds of experiences you'd like. So what's your poiscoughpassion?"

Ymir ignored the fake cough and Adam's obvious attempts to mess with her in favour of mulling over her answer. What did she want to experience?

'I mean, obviously space, got big plans involving space so I should see if it's everything Krista and I have cracked it up to be… but that can't be everything. Think Ymir! What should you ask about?'

Then it hit her. An answer that was both a genuine response, and a great way to introduce herself proper to the man who was her new boss.

"Sex." Ymir grinned her best shit-eating grin, not even turning to look at the sighs echoing behind her. "I wanna see just how cybernetics have improved that aspect of daily life."

"Sure, knock yourself out."

Ymir's grin faded. She… hadn't been expecting that. "Wait, for real?"

"It's as valid a request as anything else. And certainly more interesting than fucking farming." Adam growled, the sheer absurdity of that request. His eyes lit up, before fading back to their normal level of intensity. "Alright, done. Reminder you can take this off your head just as you would a normal hat, and please, don't throw it."

"Why, because you think I won't be able to handle what I see? I say bring it on, bright eyes! Show me what you got!" Ymir clapped, before extending her hands to receive the Braindance, fingers grasping in anticipation.

"Alright, you asked for it." Placing it in Ymir's hands, he stood back as the freckled girl turned it over in her hands, inspecting it, before gingerly placing it on her head. The device automatically adjusted to be a perfect fit, and soon she was staring into the optical projectors, as the four sensory pads rested on her forehead. "Oh, before I forget, sitting is preferable but optional. Okay, starting a memory labelled, "Exactly as Advertised, File Number 4."

Ymir's eyes lit up as the projectors shot light directly into her brown orbs. Almost immediately, her expression became tranquil, serene….

For about a minute, before she was yanking the Braindance off her head so fast it flew from her hands into the air.

"What in the actual FUCK?!" She cried out, to everyone's shock!

"Ymir?" Krista called out, concerned for her lover. "Wha-"

"That chick had three mouths!" Ymir declared, rubbing her cheeks in a mix of astonishment and disgust. "Three… how can she have three tongues just poking around in there? And she was… did she seriously just get more mouths to service three people at once?! Is that what people do?!"

For those watching, it might be a bit confusing to see Ymir, the Ymir, the crackling jokester, pest, and alleged sex maniac (she and Krista had neither confirmed nor denied those rumours), having such a reaction to what was evidently a memory of a sexual act. Surely the always confident Ymir who implied her own share of dirty deeds would be up for such a thing?

Well it turns out, there's a big distinction between talk, regular intercourse, and the absolute never ending debauchery that was Night City's nightlife. And day life, if we're being honest.

"Believe it or not, that's one of the more "vanilla" files on here of that sort." Adam informed everyone, a quick burst of his Sandevistan allowing him to catch the Braindance without damaging it.

"Vanilla?" Jean asked.

"Tame. Safe. Clean by comparison to everything else." Adam clarified. "But it's also a teachable moment about cybernetics."

"It is?" Reiner raised an eyebrow, not sure if he should be worried at where Adam was going with this.

"Yes. Ymir just saw someone with two additional mouths, mind blowing for any of you yokels to see that. But that's not the only place you can get mouths." Adam spun the Braindance around on his index finger. "Here's a fun game. Name a place on the human body, and I'll tell you that yes, you can install a mouth there."

Naturally no one wanted to play this game. Maybe it was because of Ymir freaking out and describing what it was that freaked her out, but everyone's minds were envisioning rather disturbing imagery. They really didn't want to add to that, especially if it involved anything sexual…

"…I dunno, maybe your hand?" Eren asked, innocent and casual.

"Yep. On the palm which is typical, or on the back of the hand if you want to be different for whatever reason." Adam answered.

"…Belly button?" Jean asked, biting the bullet.

"The whole belly can become a giant mouth. Chest too, one big one or multiple ones."

"…Can you get… a second mouth on top of your first mouth?" Sasha asked.

"If you're asking if it's placed over your actual mouth, or just above or below, then yes to both."

…Feeling emboldened by the casual ease of the questions and answers, soon everyone was trying to come up with a region of the body that Adam would say no to. He was right, this actually was a fun game! There were reactions of disgust at Nipples, Butt, and Male and Female sex organs, but it was more in good humour than actual revulsion, it helped there were no visuals.

"Wait, seriously?" Reiner blanched.

"Serious. You can get tiny mouths to replace your eyeballs. Knew a guy who did that actually, it was… a look. Couldn't say exactly why he did it, but there you go." Adam shrugged. "And you can get anything placed anywhere. Eyes, fingers, limbs… most people prefer to keep themselves "normal," four limbs, head having it's sensory bit's in their proper place, but there's no limit to what you can do."

Adam stopped spinning the Braindance, and approached Armin. "And I've just wasted ten minutes explaining all this. Armin, you take your turn already. Your implants will let you pick and chose a lot easier, so you can dive in while I get some actual work done."

Armin nodded as he took the device, then hesitated. "Uh, I'm not going to accidentally-"

"I reset it to play "Tour Night City, greatest hits Number 3." Feel free to change whenever you like, but remember you only have an hour."

"Got it. Thanks Adam, and sorry Ymir for jumping ahead of you here." Armin offered, getting comfortable on the grass and putting the device on. Everyone waited, cautiously, expecting another freak out. When that didn't happen, they slowly relaxed, some sitting down while others stayed standing, but all going over what they wanted to see when it was their turn.

"…Oh shit." Ymir whispered under her breath, loud enough that only Krista could hear. "I think I had a dick for a second there."

---

"Now, did we learn a valuable lesson here?" Adam asked with the tone of a teacher who witnessed a belligerent student suffer for their own actions. "As far as first official impressions go, you're really not off to great start."

"I'm pretty sure we've met before." Ymir insisted, while standing at attention. She was staring straight ahead, as Adam circled around her, inspecting her.

"Must not have been that memorable a meeting." Adam replied. "Look, I'll cut to the chase. I don't think you'll be worth the time out of my day to make you a part of my squad, which is just a glorified bait bag as is."

Ymir's eyes widened, briefly, but she maintained her posture and professional air. "I assure you, my sense of humour aside, I'm a diligent and capable soldier. I can follow orders like the best of them, and hold my own. Sir."

"That's what Krista here said when she pleaded for you to join. Which brings up my biggest concern of the two of you being distracted by each other." Adam looked over to Krista who wisely kept her mouth closed, letting the cyborg say his piece. "I don't want to have to keep an eye on the two of you. Will I have to keep an eye on the two of you?"

"You won't sir." Ymir replied. "We know the dangers better than anyone. Out there, in the field, we are focused on each other solely as fellow soldiers and back-up, nothing more."

"Just out there?"

Ymir offered the barest hint of a smile. "We're only human sir."

"Unfortunately." Adam replied, but he lightly patted Ymir's shoulder, so maybe he wasn't as disappointed as he sounded? It was honestly hard to tell with his voice sometimes. Stepping around Ymir so he was in front of both of them, he turned around and crossed his arms. "I don't like to have my time wasted. If I'm going to be around the both of you long enough to consider you part of my team, then I want you to last that long. So forget being bait, convenient as that would be for all of us. I want soldiers up to my standards, who won't die day one."

Both girls blinked, looking to each other, then back to Adam.

"Um, what does that mean exactly?" Krista asked.

"It means I have two weeks to teach you my way of fighting. Whatever comes from the King's meeting, there will still be one Braindance, and I will use that to instruct you girls on a crash course in combat techniques." Adam popped open one of his arm attachments, his shot gun on full display. "You will get a full rundown on how to use weapons of my caliber, and then, even if I have to scrounge up some additional scrap myself, I will provide you with the tools to give you a better chance against the Titans."

"Whoa, for real?!" Ymir couldn't help herself, her professional attitude overridden by the thought of getting her hands on the bad boys that made the Titans go POP so easily!

"For real. Ideally everyone in the Scout's will be equipped, but Erwin has suggested otherwise. So, at least you'll get an edge. I'm thinking at least one grenade, but definitely a firearm. Even if you fuck up and don't get a kill shot, just a glancing blow should help."

"Will we be able to carry such a weapon?" Krista asked, envisioning herself hauling Adam's HMG in any sort of way, and shaking her head. "I'm sorry, I don't think Ymir or I could carry that cannon of yours."

"And you'd be right. Amazing as it would be to have a whole squad of people carrying an HMG each, I'm content to settle for something a bit more lightweight." Adam nodded. "I have pistols and shotguns in mind that should be light enough you can carry them without sacrificing any speed or mobility, and that even your lightweight bodies can handle the kickback. Use the Braindance to learn how, before we try out the live fire test."

"Well great then!" Ymir was full on smiling again. "I can't wait to see what you have in store for us! If it means killing Titans from a distance then I'm all for it! Just, one question, sir." Ymir gestured between herself and Krista, then back to Adam. "Is it just going to be the three of us? I mean I'm flattered and also fully believe you could make do without anyone, but surely we can get some additional help?"

"Indeed we can. I actually have the last two members already chosen." Adam looked towards the crowd gathered around Armin, and called out with a volume Eren's Titan would find competitive. "KIRSTEIN, GET OVER HERE!"

Both Ymir and Krista winced at the loud noise, Krista even going so far as to cover her ears, as the identified boy came over with a puzzled expression.

"You bellowed?" Jean asked, trying to regain his own hearing.

"Indeed I did. I'm sure you've been made aware I've been tasked with assembling a squad to back me up out in the field? I was content to wait and see a few more mock exercises against Eren to get my last picks, but word of you holding off an armoured Titan, not to mention our little chat yesterday, has done away with that." Adam brought his hand down just a centimetre away from each of Jean's shoulders in a knighting gesture. "Congratulations, Jean Kirstein. You are a part of Adam squad now."

"…Say what?"

Ymir processed this new information a lot faster than the poor boy, walking on over to give him a friendly pat on the back while laughing. "Hey, great news buddy! Glad to see you made the cut!"

"Yeah, good to have you with us Jean!" Krista also chimed in, beaming.

"Looks like team building exercises won't be necessary. Just as well, trust falls never work out." Adam commented, which seems to be what finally snapped Jean out of his mental block.

"Wait, hold on just a minute." Jean raised his hands, closing his eyes as he went over this. "…I'm now… what, under your command?" He opened his eyes to look up at his newly appointed superior.

"In a word, yes. I don't really have any commands planned aside from, "Go out there, draw in those Titans, hide away while I take care of this," but you would be answering to me."

"Interesting commands." Jean observed.

"We're mostly going to be snacks to lure the Titans in so Adam can get a clear shot. Though he is promising weapon's to help us out, so it won't all be sitting on the sidelines!" Ymir explained.

"Honestly this might be the safest position in the Scout's if you think about it!" Krista jumped in, seeing Jean's face grimace at Ymir's words. "We just have to run away basically. Don't need to get in close and risk our lives. We'll be doing our part but with a greater chance of making back home."

Jean's face still had a bit of a grimace, it sounded a little cowardly… but he couldn't deny, it also sounded really enticing.

'Just because you wouldn't be needlessly risking your life, doesn't make you less of a soldier.' Jean assured himself. 'You aren't a suicidal idiot. You were sincere about wanting to fight and prevent another Trost. This way you can do that and have a better chance of seeing Pieck and mom again.'

His words managing to eliminate most of the unpleasant feelings eating away at his conscience, Jean still had one question he wanted to ask.

"Why me? I mean, I heard the reasons, but are you sure you wouldn't want to wait to pick someone else?" If trying to sabotage his chances at the easy road didn't alleviate the rest of his guilt, nothing would.

"Because you're earnest." Adam answered immediately. "You come across as someone who will pull his weight, and the weight of this potential trouble maker," Ymir didn't even try to deny that as she was singled out, "so I don't have to. In short, you're the normal one to balance out everyone else."

"You hear that Jean? You're second in command!" Ymir clapped, which Jean groaned at.

But he couldn't really find it in him to reject this offer. The perks sounded nice, and really, he was just doing what he normally did, be the only sane one in a group of lunatics and idiots.

"Alright, I accept the position." Jean saluted, sealing the deal.

"You didn't have a choice in the matter." Adam informed the boy, before addressing all of them. "Alright, now that that's taken care of, here's the schedule for the day. I'm taking off to get ready for my meeting with your leader, and won't be back til tomorrow. So in that time, use the Braindance. Use up your free hour to see whatever it is you want, and after that's done, try to use any of the memories of the training program I painstakingly set up for you all. KIPO will help with that, so talk to her. Any questions?"

"Any recommendations for the Braindance outside of your training program?" Krista asked. "We only have two weeks, I'd like to learn everything possible in that amount of time."

"Love the enthusiasm, let's see if you can follow through." Adam's eyes flashed. "Honestly just stick with the training program, it's covering anything that would be applicable to your current skill set and enemy. If you just have a craving for violence, you can ask KIPO to give you a glimpse of my files. Though it'd probably go as well as Freckles pornography viewing here."

"In that it'd be way more intense than we could imagine?"

"Gold star Jean, you're already earning your spot on the team." Adam gave a thumb's up. "Anything else?"

"Yeah, who's the last member of the team?" Ymir inquired. "Did you have one chosen yet or would you like us to make a recommendation?"

"Thanks, but we're good there. I just haven't called her over yet because she's busy helping KIPO, but Ilse will introduce herself to you all when she's ready." Adam gestured to the woman in question who was indeed assisting a Scout with putting on their Braindance at one end of the table, while KIPO helped another.

"Ooooooooh, is that so?" Ymir grinned, holding a hand to her chin. "Did she request to join or did you pick her yourself?"

"Requested it, and made a convincing argument." Adam replied. "I trust there are no objections to having her onboard?"

"None whatsoever!" Ymir chuckled. "A solid Scout who's got the skills to survive for days out in Titan territory, and can get us the best choice in horses? I'd say she perfectly balances out the team."

"What she said. Ilse has given some tips on how to avoid Titans, so maybe she can come up with strategies for drawing them in more effectively." Jean offered. "Just spitballing here, but either way, I think she's a good pick."

Krista merely nodded. No smile, just a nod.

"Perfect. Then I'll see you all later. Get ready for a workout, because I will break you down to build you back up again." Adam declared as he marched off.

"Great, got ourselves another Shadis to look forward to." Ymir moaned, before perking up. "Ah, whatever. Come on, let's get back to our place in line! I wanna do the Braindance again!"

"Seriously? Thought you'd be a little scared to use it again…" Jean muttered.

"Nah, I'm good now. Just got to go for a few more normal memories first, then I can dip my toe into the deeper waters." Ymir waved off. "Besides, the fact I can have a man's experiences!?"

"God, you are such a gutter brain."

"You telling me you aren't curious what it's like to fondle your own tits?" Ymir shot back.

"…"

"See? Perfectly normal to want to do that. For the record, I just want to see what's the big deal about peeing standing up."

"Careful. Once you experience that, you might not be able to go back." Jean managed to smirk, which got Ymir laughing.

Behind them, Krista followed, her carefully constructed plans being reworked and redrawn in desperation.

She really was in over her head.

---

"You think Ymir's a Titan?" Adam asked the people in the room. "Because, and let me get this straight, a talking Titan confused Ilse here for her?"

"That is our working theory, yes." Hange replied, adjusting their glasses. "It certainly isn't definite, but it is enough that we are concerned about her."

"And you haven't been able to check?"

"Our options for confirming it are limited." Erwin replied. "Apart from her transforming or suffering an injury that activated her healing, there is no way for us to confirm if Ymir is in fact a Titan."

"You haven't tried to cut her or knock a tooth out?" Adam asked, to which Levi grumped.

"I suggested that, there are so many ways we could make it a harmless accident. But these three insisted, "She is still a soldier of the Survey Corp. If she's not an enemy of even a Titan, then we are not going to bring harm to her for no reason.""

"But there is a reason. You think she's a dangerous enemy who almost caused your people's extinction. Twice."

Levi threw up his hand in "Exactly this," gesture. "That's what I said, but they're not having it."

"Patience you two." Erwin spoke up, trying to get the conversation back on track. "There are ways we can determine Ymir's identity without having to take drastic action, and possibly chase off a potential source of information. As it happens, there's a few reasons that a stealthy investigation is preferable."

"Such as?" Adam asked, curious.

"For one, Ymir, and let's assume she is in fact a Titan, would not be the only one of her kind within the Wall's. She may very well be working with the Colossal and others. If we make a move on her and compromise her identity, then her comrades may very well take action. Depending on where they are located, unprecedented disaster may occur." Erwin stated. "We need to learn all we can without Ymir being the wiser. Gather enough evidence there can be no doubt, then isolate her after determining she cannot contact her cohorts, whoever they are."

"Well if it's evidence you want, Ilse might have gotten another piece." Adam gestured to the woman beside him, who nodded and stepped forward, presenting one of her private books.

"I was just returning to my room with this to return to my collection. Adam had scanned it and given me the cliff notes version, of the fairy tales collected in here." Ilse patted her book. "On my way, Ymir passed by me in the halls. I… may have been a little too absorbed in my work with Adam, and a bit on edge about Ymir being a Titan. I jumped and dropped my book, but Ymir just apologized for sneaking up on me, and quickly picked it off the ground to hand it to me. She said, "Sorry about that. Here's your storybook.""

Ilse tapped the front of the cover, which aside from it being simple blue sporting a tree, had text that was very much NOT the language of the Wall's. "I never shared that this was a storybook."

Hange looked like they had just gotten an early birthday present. "Oh Ho Ho Ho, HO. What a marvellous slip up… Adam, pray tell, what language is this book?"

"Norse. Ancient Viking to be specific, an outdated language to be honest. But definitely not from around here." Adam replied.

"Interesting." Erwin rubbed his chin in thought. "This could be a clue. Not only to Ymir's identity, but where the Titans come from. Outdated language or not, there may be some connection worth pursuing."

"It's possible. Once we're out of here, I can certainly swing by there and do a proper investigation, provided you haven't squeezed all the answers you need out of the girl." Adam replied. "On that note, this enough to condemn her?"

"I'm afraid not." Erwin shook his head. "There's an equal chance that Ymir is like our own inquisitive Ilse here, and simply dabbles in forbidden languages under the King's nose. And we can't confirm that, as any inquiry may tip off Ymir that she stumbled and put her on guard."

"Ah well… get her next time." Adam sighed. "So then, what is your strategy for her? Tell me you have something that resembles making a move instead of just dancing around her."

"We do." Levi spoke up. "As we've been told, you've accepted Ymir onto your squad, because of a deal you made with Krista Lenz? Well, we want you to keep Ymir on your squad, as well as take Ilse Langnar on. She will investigate up close and personal."

Ilse stepped around to properly be in Adam's line of sight, and saluted. "I will endeavour to be more of an asset than a hinderance to you, Adam Smasher. Feel free to give me whatever orders you see fit, I trust you completely."

"I would argue that is a huge mistake, but I've been liking the adoration from you people so you can at least trust I'm not in the mood to compromise that." Adam replied, figuring her honesty deserved the same. "I take it I'm the guarantee Ymir will be taken down if she does turn?"

Erwin nodded. "That is correct. Ilse will observe her from up close, try to pinpoint who she's in contact with, and from there, we'll come up with an appropriate plan of action. However, there's a fair chance we won't be able to uncover everything until the Expedition, which means…"

"A wild card that can make the Expedition an utter massacre." Levi finished. "So, you'll keep her close, and if she or any of her friends turn up for whatever reason, you take them down. Preferably alive, we do have questions, but only if it's possible. Don't get killed trying to bring them in."

"How sweet that you care." Adam chuckled. "Alright, message received. You'll do the sneaking around, while I'll just treat her like every other meat in these Walls until she makes a move."

Ilse nodded. "I'm confident you can stop her before she causes harm, no matter the situation."

"One more thing." Hange raised a hand. "I was wondering, would Specter be able to do some poking around in Ymir? Naturally I can't dissect or prod around in Eren to see where his Titan comes from, but maybe?…"

Adam shook his head. "Wouldn't work. Armin actually proposed that question to Eren, who very eagerly gave permission. But nothing came from it, the kid just appears as a regular meat bag, same as everyone else. What ever the difference between humans and human Titans is, you won't find it by opening them up."

"Not in that regard, anyway." Levi sighed. "Well, least we have that settled. Now, as to your meeting with the King, we thought it'd be important to go over some things with you. Ilse, if you could find Petra and bring her here, she should be in the mess hall waiting…"

---

Last night's conversation had gone on quite a bit after that, thought the topic of discussion had abruptly changed. There had been a bit more planning in making Adam Ymir's watchdog ("Rather not put anyone else in danger, but we need a full squad to keep up appearances…" Hange had said. "You say you're looking through the raw recruits? Well, one of them displayed tremendous courage and skill, and we're confident isn't a confidant of Ymir, so if we have to let someone else know without appearing suspicious…"), but other than that, the rest of Adam's evening had been about his audience with the King.

So here he was, getting "prepped" as it were, under the watchful gaze of Levi Squad, and Armin who'd finished his Braindance.

As for Adam himself, the cyborg was currently standing in front of a mirror, and even though his face was an eternalblank slate, everyone could tell, he was annoyed.

"I still don't see why I can't just come as is." Adam tilted his head from side to side, as if searching for imperfections. "You people didn't have a problem with it before, you all thought it was a suit or armour."

"That was then, this is now." Eld replied. "And we're all fine with it, really. But in light of us realizing that is your actual body, some people have brought up the fact…"

"That you are, in fact, naked." Gunther supplied. "And if there's anything royals love, it's finding even the slightest thing to be offended about and punish you for. And when the truth about you is revealed, they will jump on the fact you've approached the King in a state of undress."

"So to avoid that, and make this meeting as smooth as possible, could you please go along with it? Just for today?" Armin pleaded. "I know, it's a waste of time and resources, but diplomacy is our best play here. We'll get a lot farther with honey than vinegar."

"So I've heard. Ral there was quite thorough in her teachings." Adam offered a glance to Petra, who stifled a yawn, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

Right, he hadn't made her lessons easy…

---

"So, let us begin! Now's it come to everyone's attention that meeting the King might be a-" Petra opened up, only to get cut off by her sole student.

"Hang on, where's Armin?" Adam looked around, arms crossed, his handler nowhere in sight. "I thought both of us were due to meet the King?"

"You are." Petra confirmed, nodding to Ilse who was helpfully taking notes, having volunteered her support. "The two of you, along with the Commander, Captain, and Section Commander, you'll be in attendance with King Fritz. However, as I was saying, it has come to our attention that you may be a bit… unaware of our procedures in addressing the ruler of our lands."

"Oh?" Adam titled his head.

"So, Commander Erwin has come up with a bit of a training course, to teach all our outsiders the proper manner in how to address the King and his aides."

"All one of me?"

"…Well, yes."

"It's really just to ensure the talks go as smoothly as possible." Ilse offered. "Much as we all want to trust King Fritz is a wise man-"

"Same guy who confines you to using swords and cannonballs to fight your greatest enemy?" Adam pointed out.

"-We can't be sure he won't make decisions that are less than beneficial." Ilse finished, refusing to let Adam know how much she agreed with him.

He probably knew anyway.

"Right, so to try and avoid that, say by him making a decree out of a negative burst of emotion, we're going to try and impart to you the right way to address him, and make your plea." Petra finished. "A temporary moment of pretending to show respect, so you can get what you want."

Adam mulled it over for a moment, then sighed in acceptance. "Fair enough. I suppose I can't argue with that logic."

"Great!" Petra couldn't help her jubilation, she honestly didn't think she'd be able to get Adam to agree on that much. "Let's get started then, shall we? We have the finer details to work out, when to talk, how to talk, but we're thinking of you saying something like, "Your royal highness. Though I am but a guest in your lands, I come to you in the spirit of peace and friendship. I am not here to cause disruptions to you or the people here, but instead, seek to liberate from a century of oppression at the hands of an immoral enemy. Please, hear my offer, and consider it with the same wisdom you have used to rule the Walls. What say you?""

"Well frankly I say that sounds like the biggest load of-"

"No no, that's what you say to him." Petra cut Adam off before he could let his disdain be clearly known.

"…We should probably focus on the correct protocols." Ilse offered, trying to hide her amused snort. "I can write up a speech more to Adam's liking that will not offend his grace."

"Yeah." Petra sighed, her earlier joy having wilted a little, realizing she had her work cut out for her. "Okay, let's try how you'll enter the King's court. I know what you're going to say, but a courtesy bow is required…"

---

"I swear, you just like being difficult because you crave conflict." Petra grumped, to which Adam neither confirmed nor denied. "It was supposed to last just two to three hours, that lesson. You made it last til," a pause as Petra yawned, before smacking her lips and continuing, "til one in the morning."

"Well to your credit, I've taken your teachings to heart." Adam offered, not apologizing but trying in his way to offer an olive branch. "I will go in there and suck up like the best of them. And I'll do it under the silly circumstances of dressing up nice for the occasion. So you can hang your head high, you got me to concede."

"Joy." Petra yawned again. "…Think I'll take a pass on the escort detail. You going to be alright with that Oluo?"

"Hey, what kind of a friend would I be if I didn't let you get some R and R?" Oluo patted her back, then made to catch her when that action almost knocked her off her feet! "Holy tomaly, alright, bed it is. Upsey daisy…" A quick sliding of Petra's arm over his shoulders, and out the door he went.

"While you're out there find some replacement back up!" Eld called out. "Pick one lucky newbie to see the Interior!"

"Yeah, really rub it in their faces what they passed up to be here." Gunther drawled, which got him a kick to the shin. "Ow! What, it's true."

"…Okay then!" Armin clapped his hands in an effort to get things back on track. "Right, so KIPO says she can whip whatever we deem appropriate in no time at all, but first we have to decide on something. Any ideas?"

"Well, first things first, is that launcher removable?" Eld pointed to the weapon on Adam's back. It still weirded him out how it moved and pointed to things without Adam having to adjust it with his hands, like a third tiny arm, or a tail. He knows, cybernetics, but it was still unnatural to him. And that wasn't even taking into account how it was such a deadly weapon. "The arm guns should be okay, just keep them hidden away. But the knife, those bombs, and that, those will have to stay behind, or we aren't even getting through the door to the Interior."

"…Armin, Specter." Adam gestured with his thumb behind his back, and the blonde instinctively pointed his palm. A flurry of grey emerged, before separating into four strands, directed to four points at the connection between the launcher's stand and Adam's upper back. Soon enough, the launcher was lifted off, and carried gently to the ground.

Gunther (who was very grateful to Petra for getting Adam in this mood where he wasn't fighting them on this) looked at the device with some degree of concern. "It's not gonna fire off a few rounds by accident, is it?"

"It shouldn't. But all the same, maybe don't go wacking it with a hammer." Adam replied. "Alright, that's done. What next?"

"Maybe your extra armour?" Armin suggested. "If we removed that, it would open up a lot more options for the attire we could give you. Otherwise, we'll be stuck with robes."

"Hard pass." Adam declared, but before anyone could sigh at Adam's cooperativeness reaching its peak, he was already moving to remove his shoulder and chest armour. "Robes are an absolute pain to walk in, and all that clothe gets caught in my joints."

"Ah, is that so?" Armin asked, relieved. "We'll have to remember that for future events."

"Future events? Armin, it's hard enough finding the strength to do one of these things, I don't need you to bring me down with the promises of more." Adam unsheathed his knife and removed his grenades, placing those items on a nearby table.

"Well hopefully we'll just have to do this the one time. But I'm sure after the Titans are all dead, everyone will want to congratulate you in an official ceremony! Even the King would have to give in to the will of the masses!"

"Is that before or after he kicks Adam out and tries to seal us away again in a vain effort to maintain power?" Gunther muttered under his breath, which got him an elbow from Eld.

"Quiet, kid's trying to be optimistic, don't ruin it for him."

Adam had just finished taking off his armour, and laid it on the ground. Even without the extra bulk, he was still an imposing figure, the lack of shoulder and chest guards did little to reduce his size.

"Geez, you are enormous." Gunther felt compelled to point out the obvious. "So, do we have any thoughts on what you'd wear? I know you said robes were out, but I think something like the churches garb would actually look pretty spiffy on you."

"Again, pass." Adam's eyes flashed once. "I actually have a much better idea of what to wear. Dress to impress right? So screw subtlety, I say we go bold!"

A pink sphere flew through the open window and an excited KIPO soon appeared, wearing an ensemble of a tailor this time.

"Sorry I'm late, just getting the second batch of Braindancers all plugged in! Ahem," KIPO cleared her throat, entirely for show, before pressing her fingers against each other. "Everyone, thank you for your time and consideration. As the representatives of the Arasaka cooperation, we feel it is important that we convey we are no simple peasants, barbarians, or simple souls to be pushed around. While we of course will be diplomatic and cordial, we also will impart that we are powerful. We are mighty! We deserve just as much respect as we will give! Thus, we saw no better attire than… this!"

In a flash, the projector orb shined its light upon Adam, and his frame was bedazzled in a golden shine! Everyone had to close their eyes temporarily, before taking in Adam's current appearance.

"…No. Just… no."

"Adam… what is the thought process that went into this?" Armin asked, agreeing with Eld but trying to have a little tact.

"Like I said, bold. People like shiny things, kings, and wealth. So give a clear obvious example of that, appeal to the King's natural greed, and we're golden!"

"Oh, should we outfit the rest of our entourage as well?" KIPO suggested. "Perhaps a bolder display of riches would be a greater enticement?"

"Maybe give me some money bags so I can toss coins out into the street." Adam looked at his hand, admiring it. "If the Scout's donate their salaries, we can change it all to gold and only take half for show. They'd still come out ahead."

"They'd just have to avoid scrutiny from the local treasurers for a bit, but I calculate the plan would still work-"

"Adam… are you messing with us?" Armin interrupted, crossing his arms, looking very disapproving.

KIPO paused, looking at Armin, then to Adam. A very shiny and golden Adam, covered in precious gems, wielding a sceptre, a red cape with a fur lining, and even a crown. All a hologram of course, but looking very real.

"…Odds of this being a practical joke… 48.9%, taking into account Adam's past behaviours, the need to blow off steam, and Adam's aversion to such fashions." KIPO seemed to realize she had been part of the joke, and looked sheepish.

"Oh don't be too hard on yourself KIPO. I actually think I could like this look, for the right occasion." Adam observed his knuckles, a ruby embedded in each one. "Be honest everyone, could this work?"

"No."

"Never."

"Well…"

"Oh, what do you know?" Adam dismissed the voices of dissent, and even made to grab the edge of his holographic cape and drape it across himself. "I'd fit right in with a number of bigwigs with full body mods, shining like the rest of them, shining brighter than all of them."

"Yeah, well, here you'd just look like a freak." Gunther replied bluntly. "C'mon, we can't keep messing around. What else you got?"

"…Fine, I have something I actually deem fit for meeting your King. KIPO, shine Redline on me." Adam ordered, almost seeming disappointed as his gold faded away. "Spoilsports. You could have had a massive increase in pay."

"Actually, KIPO and I already gave everybody three gold coins each." Armin spoke up. "We talked to Erwin, and he figured that was safe enough the banks wouldn't think it was suspicious. For now anyway. After the next Expedition, he figures we can lie and say we stumbled across an abandoned merchant's cart or even a gold mine."

"Finders keepers, losers weepers?"

"What?" Armin blinked at Adam's weird word choice, before shaking his head. "Uh, we'll get to keep anything we find under first claim rights, if that's what your saying?"

"It was." Adam nodded, as the light started to take shape. Fabric of blue and of black, with a colourful design on the front, soon covered his chest and part of his legs. To the Scout's present, it loosely resembled civilian clothes, albeit with slight differences that made it clear it was foreign.

"Behold, my scared ambassador attire. Many a leader's I have greeted wearing these garments!" Adam threw out his hands, asking those present to bask in his glory and gaze upon him, to admire his t-shirt and jean shorts!

"…Well, least he's covered up?" Armin tried, to the groans of Eld and Gunther.

---

"For the record, there is literally only one leader I have ever respected and admired in my entire life." Adam stated, as, after much debate that the shirt and shorts would be serviceable, possibly even ideal, he stood still as Specter transferred the clothe it had acquired into making the holographic clothes real.

"Oh yeah? Who would that be?" Armin asked, as he watched the process with keen interest. Even after having used it dozens of times, Specter still amazed him.

"Prime Minister John Candy of Canada." Adam declared, almost with pride. "That man really stepped up to bat. Maybe it was his acting career boosting his popularity to allow him to enter office, but that man was an actual honest leader. Was actually out for his country and his people, to the point Saburo thought he was an honourable Canuck. Which probably helped in Arasaka and Militech not taking Great White North for all it was worth, just parts of it."

"Wait, go back. Acting career?" Gunther titled his head, not catching most of what Adam said but that part stood out. "You really admire a stage performer?"

"Not ashamed to admit it. Enjoyed his movies, and he was just as likeable in person." Adam chuckled. "Held a gun to his guard's head to speed things along in meeting him on behalf of Arasaka, didn't even blink and just held the talk's right there. Just something about his candour that had me holster the ol skull popper before I even realized it…"

"…Okay then." Armin looked to KIPO, and after a brief flash of light in his eyes, shook his head. "Huh, mooooovies…" He sounded out the unfamiliar word, intrigued.

"-be fine, the kid's probably the safest one to put on one of them fancy doohickeys. You've got nothing to worry about." Oluo's familiar voice graced everyone's ears, as he held the door open for one Mikasa Ackerman to walk through.

"That's not… I just think Sasha or Connie would be better choices to go with you."

"Sorry, ain't buying that." Oluo shook his head. "For one thing, those two were looking just as eager as Eren to try that Braindance thing, just be cruel to make them wait even longer for their turn. The other thing, I need some muscle. Got a pit stop to make to pick up fresh blades and Eren has said your perfect for the job."

A flush as Mikasa only heard "Eren has said you're perfect," followed by her tugging up her scarf to provide some cover. "O-oh. He did, did he?"

"Course, can't really compare to my sister, but I'm sure the kid wasn't exaggerating." Oluo nodded to himself. "So that's the deal of the day. You do a bit of heavy lifting, not a heck of a lot but still needed, and you get to see the Interior in exchange. Not bad, eh?"

"I…suppose so." Mikasa relented. She finally noticed the other occupants of the room. Gunther and Eld, she'd become familiar as they were near Eren almost constantly, her best friend Armin, her good friend KIPO!

…And the bane of her existence, Adam Smasher. Who was currently wearing… clothes? Mikasa blinked, twice, before looking to Armin and KIPO.

"It was determined that Adam might be seen as underdressed, given that what you see is his body." KIPO explained. "I most assure you he definitely is not, by any society's standards, but err on the side of caution."

"I see…" Mikasa took in Adam's appearance. The colours on the front of his shirt, they were certainly interesting. Splashes of magenta, orange, and cyan, with one of those horseless chariots and a five point star.

Mikasa couldn't help but feel that Eren would like it, and want a similar style of dress.

A sudden movement to the right had Mikasa turn her head, to Gunther had approached Adam's armour. "Well, it might be better not to leave these on the ground. We can get them somewhere more proper- urk!" The black haired man grunted in both exertion and shock as he discovered that Adam's shoulder guards were a LOT heavier than they looked. "Holy- Oluo, give me a hand with this, will ya?! It's like trying to lift up a cannon!"

"You mean a cannonball, right?"

"I most certainly do not." Gunther shook his head, waiting for his friend to come on over, and together, they lifted. Or at least, they tried to. Even with the two of them, the shoulder guard was barley able to be raised above their waists!

"Amazing… Your body doesn't feel any strain lifting that?" Armin asked, very much impressed and intrigued.

"I've lifted sandwich platters that were heavier. You guys are just getting soft with me and Eren here." Adam rotated his arm, the whirr of the mechanics an oddly satisfying sound for some.

"Yeah yeah, and that could all be changed by cutting our arms off and getting new ones from you." Eld rolled his eyes, as Oluo and Gunther gave up and set the armour piece down on the ground before he could help. "Okay, we're gonna need some assistance. Armin, any chance you can use your nanites to… help?"

Eld's voice trailed off, as he stared in shock at Mikasa effortlessly picking up what he and Gunther had struggled with just seconds ago. She held it in both hands, getting a feel for the weight, before focusing on the symbol painted in white almost in the centre of it.

It… it was eerily familiar. For some reason, looking at it caused the mark on her right arm to ache, as if… as if they came from the same place. Mikasa frowned, tempted to roll down her sleeve to get a visual comparison, but even without doing that, the similarities were striking to her. It was really just the circle surrounding the symbol, and the fact the symbol had three "leaves" to her three swords, but it was enough for Mikasa to recall her mark. Something she hadn't done since her mother died.

"Curious Mikasa?" KIPO's cheery voice came from behind her, startling Mikasa! She really needed to get properly attuned to the hologram's presence, nobody had ever snuck up on her, ever.

"…Yes." Mikasa answered, honestly. Seeing KIPO light up, Mikasa held up a hand, while still holding up Adam's shoulder guard. "Later though, in private."

"…But of course." KIPO offered courtesy bow. "Whenever you're in the mood to talk, I'll be ready. Please, come find me by the Braindances. I've just come up with the perfect memories to show you."

Mikasa blinked, curious as to what could have happened for KIPO to do that, before smiling. "I'm sure I'll enjoy it."

"I'm sure you'll hate it." Adam offered, which had KIPO spluttering to deny such a thing and Mikasa glaring. Ignoring them both, Adam watched as Specter finally flew away from his body, some of it returning to Armin but the rest whisking away to it's mass cluster in the armoury.

Or at least, it should be. But it seemed to be hovering over everyone instead.

"Alright, that's done with." Adam straightened out his attire. The fabric stretched as his arms widened and moved, but it held firm. "Now that that's taken care of, time you got dressed up too Armin."

"Oh no need. Soldiers are permitted to stand before the King in their uniforms." Armin assured the cyborg. "I was wondering if I should wear the more formal attire, but Captain Levi assured me it was fine."

"Yeah, not good enough." Adam shook his head, before nodding to KIPO. The A.I. grinned, before Specter began to move towards Armin. "I'm supposed to be representing Arasaka to your leader, as are you. And if you're going to be Arasaka, you've got to dress like it."

Armin frowned, before noticing there was a lot of shimmering grey moving on him. "Wait, what? Adam, I'm a citizen of the Walls."

"And my handler. And that trumps everything else." Adam turned to the others. "One of you find Erwin and tell him we'll be out shortly. Just need Armin to get spiffy."

"I'll do it. Watching this once was enough." Eld began to walk off. "Mikasa, if you would, I can show you were we'd like to stash that."

"Oh, right!" Mikasa nodded, still holding onto the shoulder guard. "…Is Armin going to be okay?"

"He'll be fine, probably." Eld assured the girl. "…Got a feeling he'll be naked in a minute, call it a hunch, but he'll be fine. Now let's get going, you"ve got escort duty with Oluo to look forward to."

---

Stohess District

"Soldiers, formation!" A Stohess Veteran MP called out to his charges, who just happened to be the still relatively new recruits of the Military Police. "The Commander of the Scout's and his escort are on their way to the Interior, and thus they are incoming through our District! We have all been granted the honour of seeing to it they arrive safely before his Royal Majesty in Mitras, so I want each and every one of you to be prepared and to take this more seriously than anything else you've done in your entire lives!"

"He actually has the gall to say that to us when we're the ones who've been actually working this whole time." Boris rolled his eyes. "Seriously, he's assigning protection duty to us, again. Is he really that shameless or just an idiot?"

"Hey, easy now." Marco whispered, hoping to spare his friend from suffering the ire of their superiors for speaking out of turn. "I get were you're coming from, but let's not give the captain a reason to increase our workloads."

"Still doesn't change the fact he's got a point Marco." Bertolt offered from behind his freckled friend, still standing at attention but able to make sure his words were only heard by those in his immediate vicinity, despite his height and the shouting of their captain. "I really don't know who the captains trying to fool here. He was just fine yesterday showing up to work drunk and telling us how much we suck, but now he's acting like a Royal's supervising or something."

"Probably getting into character for the Scout's Commander and the King." Boris guessed. "They might actually take offence to the "elite" soldiers being less than professional and could actually do something about it."

"If only." Marlowe spoke up, his disdain clear. "Would certainly make our lives easier, having someone else contribute to the workload."

Marco looked between all three of his friends and their commentary, and sighed. They only spoke the truth, and to be honest, Marco agreed with them. A case he'd been working on for nine days now had been constantly delayed thanks to his senior commanders dumping their paperwork on him, and it had tested even Marco's patience.

Next to them, Hitch and Annie were having just as lively a conversation, despite one of them doing their best to end it prematurely.

"I'm just saying-"

"Stop. Saying. Anything." Annie spoke, emphasizing both words to leave no room for doubt how much she didn't want to talk to Hitch.

"But he-"

"Stop."

"Will you just listen you living statue?!" Hitch snapped, though she quickly regained herself before their captain could make out who'd just spoken out of turn. The man surveyed the crowd for a good minute, before making to resume his speech. Seeing the coast was clear, Hitch resumed her talk. "Look, I'm genuinely trying to help you here you absolute dunce. There's a good chance Armin's stay's here are about to come to an end, and when that happens you'll have to brace yourself for your only contact with him being through mail. And we both know that will be an absolute disaster."

Annie frowned, but didn't argue back. In truth she couldn't, her disastrous attempts to write to Armin that one time were brutal, it had been bad enough to Annie's eyes, but asking for Hitch's critique had sealed the deal. She was not cut out for expressing her feelings through the written word.

So she'd thrown her various unsent letters and drafts into the trash, and sulked in her bed while simultaneously being amazed at Armin managing to understand her feelings despite Annie's limitations. It made her miss him all the more, and he was only gone for a few days!

Was this what it was like, to fall in love?

Annie honestly didn't know. Her life being utterly devoid of affection and love of any sort for the longest time, she wasn't even sure if what she was feeling was love! All of this was so new for her, that even as she attempted to write letters and found herself feeling happy every time Armin was around and craving his touch and his soft sweet kisses and feeling a desire for more…

She honestly couldn't tell you if it was love.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Hitch's continued blathering. "So, I figure, this will literally be your last chance to have a fun time in Stohess. So be a normal girl for once Annie, and take your man out on a date!"

A date?

"I'm serious." Hitch pressed on, even as Annie was now looking at her like she'd grown a second head. "Have a fun time together, take him out shopping and fine dining, splurge a little! He's going to be being Adam's errand boy until… forever, probably, you need to do this. If you pass this chance up now, you might never get another ever again!"

Unlikely. Annie planned to have lots of "chances" with Armin. She was going to take him with her back to Marley, along with Adam and the Founder, and finally earn her reward for all the hardship's she endured from the moment she was born!

…Though it would be nice to enjoy actual good food without judgemental stares and being able to forget about life's problems with Armin one more time. Wouldn't be able to have that in Marley.

Before Annie could hint that maybe Hitch had come up with a good point, the sound of a carriage and horses signalled the approach of their mission assignment.

"Soldiers! Stand to attention!" The MP Veteran called out, and Annie tucked her errant thoughts away.

She'd have time to indulge them later.

---

Armin sat across from Commander Erwin and Section Commander Hange, the carriage offering a moderate degree of privacy. Right now, the senior heads of the Scout Regiment were going over their approach to the King, while Adam kept a suitable pace alongside them, Levi, Mikasa, and Oluo riding ahead. KIPO had opted to stay "physically" behind at HQ, making sure the Braindances ran smoothly, but she would still be listening and there if Armin needed her.

The blonde took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, then released. Today was going to be the ultimate test of his abilities as Adam's liaison. He'd had loads of practice these last two weeks talking to his friends and fellow soldiers, and Armin liked to think he not only improved people's understanding of Adam and KIPO, but vice versa, helping the cyborg and A.I. come to understand the people of the Wall's.

But that was around equals, around people who he could talk to and prepare for a reasonable conversation. High and mighty nobles and the King himself, that was another matter entirely. It was going to be one thing to have Adam be reasonably polite, but another to get the stuffed shirts who'd been fine with a system that was severely outdated to give any sort of leeway. Even if it was all to their benefit, a hundred years of deliberate sabotage to improving how humanity fought the Titans spoke for itself.

Oh yeah, Armin was no fool. The undeniable proof that the King was holding back any advancement to keep the people of the Wall's weak enough they could never overpower the Titans was very apparent, if you were brave enough to entertain the thought, "The King is trying to keep us in here." Armin had entertained that thought, occasionally when he was a child, but a lot more when the purge had happened.

'Grandpa…'

Looking to the roof of the carriage, Armin looked for guidance in the wood. 'Grandpa, did you ever imagine I'd be on my way to meet the King? Would you be proud of me? Have any words of advice?' The wood of course, gave no answers.

He'd probably be laughed at, but Armin did still miss his grandfather. The old man had been there for him most of his life, he'd raised Armin when his parents had vanished one day, when Armin was barely six. He'd protected him, protected Eren and Mikasa too for a whole year after Maria had fallen. And when the purge had come, his grandfather had walked off resolute, holding onto the hope by giving up his own life, Armin and his friends would see tomorrow.

Armin wished his grandfather didn't have to go. He went over that day a hundred times, of his small hands holding onto that straw hat, wondering if there had been a way he could have saved him.

'Faked an injury, hidden him away… discovered Eren's powers early…' Armin sighed through his nose, abandoning that thought. 'No, even if Eren had figured it out back then, he'd have more likely ended up dead. Either by the Garrison or the Titans.' Armin nodded, accepting the facts. '…But still, I wish he could have been here. I wish… I wish I could have shown him everything, the outside world, KIPO, Adam, how I've grown up. And… I wish he could have met Annie, he'd have liked her.'

That brought a smile to Armin's lips, as well as the envelope he had stashed in his coat's breast pocket. It had caused him a massive headache yesterday and the day before, but it was doing wonders for steadying his nerves…

---

In the Infirmary, right after the operation.

To say Armin was happy to see an envelope addressed to him from Stohess was an understatement. To say Eren hadn't also been delighted was a lie.

"Sweet, you got a letter!" Eren had peered over his friends shoulder, to Armin's surprise as he was trying to open it in private. Also, he could have sworn Eren was passed out?

"Eren, please. You're supposed to be resting." Mikasa chided. She made to push the boy back down and get some covers over him, but the Titan in human form wasn't having any of it.

"Ah c'mon Mikasa! Don't be a spoil sport! I'm feeling a hundred percent better already!" Eren tried to maneuver his way out of bed past Mikasa's gentle but firm hands all ready to pin him to the bed if need be. "Besides, we've got more important things to worry about right now, like what Annie's written to Armin."

"Annie?" Mikasa looked to Armin (whose ears were just the faintest shade of red) then back to Eren, confused. "I didn't take her for the sort to write to anyone."

"Same here. But then again she's never been this far from the man of her dreams, ain't that right Armin!" Eren called out, giving an enthusiastic thumb's up from the bed to his friend!

Mikasa blinked, then looked to Armin who was trembling like a leaf, then back to Eren who nodded with delight. Running through her memories of Annie that also involved Armin, including one particular night after Trost when Armin had been taken away, Mikasa was suddenly looking at them in a new light

"Oh… Oh!" Mikasa actually look flustered, and unsure as what to do. "Um, congratulations Armin? I'm… really happy for you-"

"You don't have to force yourself to say anything Mikasa." Armin held out a hand, trying to offer an out for both their sakes.

Unfortunately, Mikasa wasn't taking it. "No, we're your friends. We should… what should we do Eren?"

"Well obviously we have to congratulate him right? Way to go Armin!" Eren clapped, nudging Mikasa who awkwardly joined in. "Got to say I didn't see that coming. Not because of you, but Annie… I didn't think she could even smile if I'm being honest. But that just shows how awesome you are! You're a real heartthrob!"

Armin whined, utterly embarrassed at his friends words. "Why the sudden interest in my love life? You were never like this with Hannah and Franz, or Jean and Pieck."

"Duh, because you're my best friend." Eren rolled his eyes at an answer so obvious. "It's only natural I be happy, and curious. On that note," Eren leaned in, "How did it happen? Have you gone on dates yet? What is that like, does Annie just find people to beat up and you watch, or do you-"

"Eren." Mikasa's voice cut in. "That is incredibly invasive of Armin's privacy. We may be his friends, but he should only tell us such things if he's comfortable. The only thing we should say, is that we're happy for him."

Eren blinked, then looked to Mikasa, before looking to Armin, who offered a little nod. "…Oh. Yeah… yeah, you're right. Sorry buddy, got carried away."

"Indeed. I hope you won't think badly of us Armin." Mikasa offered. "I know the two of you will be good together."

"Thank you." Armin nodded, before calming himself down. "I appreciate your support, really, it means a lot guys. And to be honest, I'm not entirely sure how it happened, it almost feels unreal. Annie's just… she's way out of my league."

"Bull!" Eren declared. "Annie is lucky to have you! If she honestly thinks different I'd be surprised, there's no one better in all the Walls!"

"Oh good. Then as long as we don't make it outside the Walls I don't have to worry about us splitting up." Armin beamed, before pretending to realize something. "Oh, dang it."

"Funny." Eren deadpanned, before grinning. "But if you're worried, maybe you should read that letter she sent you?"

Armin narrowed his eyes, trying to get a read on Eren's intent. "I hope you weren't expecting to read it with me…"

"Nooooo, of course not. But, if you wouldn't mind reading it to yourself while I watch your facial expressions…" Eren suggested. From the look on Armin's face, he very much did mind. "Oh c'mon, isn't laughter the best medicine? I need a good chuckle after today, and thinking of Annie trying to be romantic and junk is hilarious! So help your pal out here, and let me watch you react to what she wrote! That'll be good for a chuckle or three."

Armin honestly didn't know how he should respond to that. No wait, he did, he should leave the room and read this in private.

But then again, Eren had taken a beating fighting tooth and nail to keep them all alive. Even as excited he was, he still wasn't able to get out of bed, needing to heal.

Speaking from experience, lying down in bed recuperating was not fun. Anything to past the time and provide a distraction was welcome.

'Really wish he'd show more interest in books.' Armin groaned internally, preparing to sacrifice a bit of his pride for his friend's wellbeing. 'Why does my love life have to be so interesting to him?'

"Fine. But I reserve the right to leave if I think it's getting inappropriate, even if you're just trying to play detective here, you weirdo."

Ignoring Eren's protests of "It's not weird!", Armin finally opened the envelope. Surprisingly, there was actually more than one letter inside! The front one was pristine, but the ones after showed signs of being crumbled up and flattened out again.

"Whoa, more than one? Damn, she must really miss you being out here…" Eren whistled, only to get poked by Mikasa (who tried to hide the fact she was also curious what Annie would have to say).

Armin ignored them, and made to read the first letter. Only to be a bit confused by who the sender was…

"Hey Armin, Hitch here.

So Annie's been all sorts of antsy without you being here. She'll play it cool and pretend just a couple of days apart isn't having her fidgeting like a maiden hoping for a knock on her door signalling your arrival, but don't believe her. She's doing her stupid kick routine non-stop, or wandering all the way to the gate and back, like she's hoping to spot you coming back. She was like this when you were gone the last time too, and it was just as annoying then.

Sorry, I meant sweet.

Nope, I meant annoying. She's practicing kicks in our room as I'm writing right now, I swear I will smother her with a pillow in her sleep!

Okay, we both know how well that would turn out, but I need to do something to get back at her. Which is why I'm writing to you now.

See, I may have suggested if she missed you that much, why not write a letter, keep in touch? Never mind you'd be back before it could be mailed out, it would give her something to do and let her practice for when you were gone for good, with the Scout's proper and all.

I don't know why, but Annie ACTUALLY TOOK MY ADVICE! Got a quill and some paper and got to work!

Or tried to. She put a quill to paper at least, but actually writing a whole letter? And not immediately trashing it? Whoa boy, I think I'll let the results speak for themselves. I took the liberty of fishing these out of the trash bin and sending them to you. Some of them I take some credit for how poetic they turned out, gave the girl some advice and my best lines, but majority wise these are all her. So enjoy, and hopefully this will reach you before you're kicked out of Stohess for good.

Hope to see you soon but not too soon!

Hitch

P.S. Heard Annie say some stuff in her sleep. Most of it scary stuff, but for a bit of magic I might be tempted to tell you if she mumbled your name."

Armin looked to the stack of retrieved letters in his other hand, suddenly faced with a moral dilemma. On the one hand, Annie hadn't sent these, so this would be intruding into her privacy, her thoughts she'd managed to convey.

But on the other, these had been meant for him, and Armin couldn't deny, he was really curious what Hitch had deemed the best ones. He might never get a chance to read sweet nothings from Annie again, she could have given up on it entirely!

'Maybe just one… that wouldn't hurt, right?'

Suppressing his nagging conscience (and suspecting he'd be asking for forgiveness later), Armin opened up a letter…

---

"-rmin? Arrrrrrrrmin, are you still with us?"

Armin blinked, exiting his staring off into space and finally noticing a smiling Hange Zoe leaning towards him.

"I'd ask if you were on the call with Adam or KIPO, but your eyes weren't lighting up." The Section Commander continued to smile warmly towards him. "Lost in thought, were we?"

Armin immediately straightened up, and hurried to apologize. "Ah! Sorry! I was just…," A sigh, followed by a clearing of his throat. "Yes. Lost in thought is exactly right. Forgive me, I'm sorry for being distracted."

"It's quite all right." Erwin Smith replied. "We are off to meet King Fritz, bringing before him our very first outsider and a request that is in defiance of most of his policies. This must be a little overwhelming for you."

"…A bit, yes." Armin admitted. "I've fought Titans, found out my best friend is a Titan, got tied to two outsiders who came to our home and told us we aren't alone in the world, got turned into a cyborg… and yet none of that has made me feel any calmer for this meeting."

"That's probably because you've got some grand image of the man in your mind. Picturing him all imposing and majestic, I mean who could blame you, he is THE KING." Hange leaned back, chuckling. "But take it from me. He's just the same as any other bigwig we've got in this place. Just a bunch of talk while resting comfortably in his chair. After that first meeting, you'll be wondering what the heck you were worried about."

Armin blinked, surprised at how dismissive the Section Commander was of the King. "Was that how it was for you?"

"You betcha!" Hange clapped. "Was on an official request with Erwin to pass along my desire for live capture of Titans, and the need to develop the equipment for such a task. Had a whole speech prepared, and generously proofread and altered by Moblit, that I delivered with more caution and tact than I have for any of my precious specimens! To which the King basically said, "Fine, whatever.", and sent us on our way."

Erwin offered a slight bow of his head in confirmation. "That is pretty much what happened. Would it be so easy for today's request, but I don't see that happening."

"Yeah…" Armin sighed. "Neither do I."

"We'll still make our case, and even should the King deny us, today won't be a waste of time. Even a failure can be used to our advantage."

"Really?" Armin looked up, curious. "How so?"

"I'll tell you later, after all is said and done. For now, let us go over our plan of attack, as it were." Erwin leaned over to open a window, and took a quick look to confirm their escorts location. Leaning back and closing the window, Erwin looked to Armin. "To start with, Adam. He has sworn he will be on his best behaviour, if not out of courtesy then out of a desire to obtain what he want's. Do you trust he will keep that in mind at all times, and restrain himself?"

"I do." Armin replied, no hesitation. "He's not an idiot. He knows what's at stake, and how to at least fake being nice. His words, sir." Armin hurried to clarify, though Erwin merely chuckled. "He also says he's going in expecting the worst. That way if the meeting goes well, he can be pleasantly surprised. Otherwise, business as usual."

"I'd say he's got a slightly healthier attitude than our own grumpy-gus." Hange snickered, looking out the window to spot Levi's cape, bellowing in the wind. "He doesn't expect anything at all, and even if something good does happen, he just expects it's a precursor to the bad right behind it."

"Quite." Erwin said. "Back to the topic at hand. Armin, are you sure about this? Approaching the King not as a soldier of the Wall's, but as a representative of Arasaka?" Scrutinizing blue eyes drifted over Armin's form, taking in his appearance.

Armin followed his Commander's gaze to his current state of dress. Instead of the brown leather jacket and white pants of a soldier of one of the Wall's three Regiments, Armin was instead wearing a black outfit that Adam deemed "the Corpo suit." It was an interesting style of clothing, reminding Armin a bit of the Interior citizen's clothing, their fine suits and attire. But it was also a bit different, the opening showing the red suit shirt underneath was in the shape of a dagger for one thing. There was also a bit of material gathered around the shoulders, padding for whatever reason.

Armin had found himself tugging at the neck line, feeling just a little constricted. He was sure he looked very out of place in this get up, but he'd made his choice. Or rather it had been made for him, but Adam was right. He wasn't just a soldier of the Walls anymore, Armin was the connection between his world and Adam's. He had to embrace that, to use it, so that the King couldn't just bury his head in the sand anymore. That he saw the outside world was going to make it here, and they had to prepare for that eventuality.

"I'm sure, sir." Armin answered. "I haven't just been a soldier since Trost sir. I can't pretend otherwise, just like the King can't pretend the Walls will keep everything out forever."

Erwin nodded, and smiled. "Well said. Though I'm sure he'll try, reality cannot be denied, especially if it's staring him in the face."

Armin smiled, before a flash of blue entered his eyes. Ah, they were just arriving at Stohess.

---

"Soldiers, at the ready!" The MP Captain barked out, and all soldiers present stood straight and firm, rifles slung over their shoulders. They all stood there, unmoving, as three horsemen, a very familiar armoured man, and a carriage all rode down the main road, stopping as it reached them.

Everyone kept a professional air about them, but needless to say, Adam's current attire was stoking their curiosity.

The sound of a door opening provided a welcome distraction, as Commander Erwin exited the door to stand before the MP Captain.

"Commander Erwin Smith of the Scout Regiment, here on official business with the King." The blonde introduced himself. "With me are Section Commander Hange Zoe, Armin Arlert, and Adam Smasher, all here to meet the King. As well as our escorts, Captain Levi, Oluo Bozado, and Mikasa Ackerman."

"Greetings Commander, we are aware of your business here as well as those who have been officially cleared to meet his grace." The MP Captain acknowledged the Commander with unusual courtesy and civility. "We will be taking over the charge of escorting you. Your men can return to your base from here."

"Ain't happening." Levi's voice spoke up, a half lidded glare directed to the MP. "We follow our Commander's orders, no one else's. He'll be guarded by his men, thank you very much."

The MP offered a mirthless chuckle, before running a hand down his face, trying to remain civil but clearly annoyed. "I can assure you, Commander Smith and the others will be escorted safely and efficiently. There's no need to be alarmed, Captain Levi. We have no Titans in Wall Sina to fear, so I doubt we'll be in need of your talents."

"Good, then I can look forward to an uneventful ride to the palace." Levi replied, adjusting his horse to begin proceeding down the main road. "Now can we get moving already? I would think the King would prefer a meeting while there's still light out, and it's a long ride to Mitras."

"What my Captain means to say is, "Thank you for the offer, but we must politely decline." I'm grateful for the offer of an escort, and I accept it, but my soldiers will keep riding with me." Erwin spoke up.

"Besides, we have official Scout business to take care of." Oluo offered his two cents, staring down the MP in an imitation of Levi's indifferent expression. "Got to make a pit stop to the Interior for a resupply."

"Resupply?" The MP snorted. "For what? Need some fancy headstones carved out for your future Expedtions?"

"Nah, we're good on those. But we do need to pick up our new blades so we can go on said Expedition." Oluo casually brushed off the MP's callous remark. "Ever hear of Bozado Smithery? Finest ODM blades in all the Walls are made there, and we got an order that's ready for pick up. So even if you did send us off, we're still going there."

"You heard the man." Levi agreed. "Unless you want to take charge of the delivery. A full complement of blades for 300 soldiers, plus new gas canisters and repaired ODM gear…"

The MP made an ugly face, making sure to let all the Scout's present see it. "Tch, fine! Marco, front and centre!

"Yes sir!" The most earnest of the MP's stepped forward, standing tall and proud.

"Change of plans. You're to take charge in the escort mission, make sure our… guests, make it to Mitras intact."

Marco blinked, and turned to face his superior. "Uh, is that wise, sir? Protocol dictates that a Captain or higher take charge in a mission like this, and I-"

A sudden simultaneous clearing of throats snapped Marco out of this futile attempt to get his Captain to do his job, and the freckled boy sighed, realizing his mistake and conceding. "I mean, yes sir. You can count on me."

"Good. Take your time coming back with them, and don't bother telling me that you've seen them off." The MP strode off, all pretence of professionalism drained away by the slightest pushback. "I need a drink."

Marco sighed again, then looked to the Commander. "Um, Private Marco Bodt, here to escort you all."

"Please to meet you. Shall we depart, soldier?"

---

"One of these days Marco, one of these days… you'll learn to stop trying to get everyone up to your and Marlowe's standards." Hitch remarked, reins in hand as she galloped with the others. Her, Annie, Boris, Marlowe, Bertolt, and of course Marco, were riding along with Erwin's carriage and the Scout's guarding him, as well as Adam who continued to keep pace.

"I know, I know." Marco replied. "I just thought I should at least try, you know? Just try and see if he would at all care and realize this is a gross breach of protocol."

"Yeah, I don't see that happening." Bertolt replied, riding alongside him. "Honestly I'm surprised the jerk was even gearing up to take charge at all. But I guess he didn't like Humanities Strongest not respecting his authority there."

"Probably for the best he left then." Marlowe spoke up. "If he can't handle that from Captain Levi, then he'd absolutely hate Adam."

"Oh no, really?" A familiar mechanical voice spoke up, coming up just off to the side, staring straight ahead but heard by all. "I thought I'd gained a rather sterling reputation here."

"Well, you certainly were loved by the common masses." Marlowe informed him. "People here couldn't get enough of seeing you in the streets, you were like Stohess's special attraction. "The Knight of the Outside," that's what they were calling you."

"Juuuuuust inching toward treason there." Hitch offered. "It wasn't strictly enforced, but we did get orders to surprises any talks about you being an outsider. Kind of hard to do when you're the talk of the District, so we didn't really bother."

"Nice to see your work ethic is as pathetic as ever." Adam remarked.

"Hey, I work smarter, not harder. Why enforce a rule nobody cares about if it's just going to piss off my favourite store owners and restaurants?" Hitch smirked. "At least that's my reasoning. Everyone else here was all "Listen to your hearts," or "It's just talk," or "Who cares? If it doesn't involve my hubby then I'm not interwhoawhoawhoa, time out, time out!""

Adam actually turned his head at that, it was certainly an odd quote. Ah, source of the oddity found, Annie was speeding up to try and attempt personal harm on Hitch, who was likewise speeding up to get to safety. The two girls raced off to the side, with Marco panicking and steering his horse to chase after them.

"…Bit loose on military doctrine, aren't you?" Oluo remarked, looking over his shoulder as they left the three behind. "Sure the kid can break them up?"

"No." Bertolt, Boris, and Marlowe all said in unison.

"Yeah, I got that impression." Oluo laughed, then sighed. "Permission to go and provide back up sir?"

"Granted. I expect you all to be with us before we make it to the gates." Levi ordered.

"Sir, give me some credit. I have seven siblings, I know how to break up a squabBLEGH!" Oluo's confidence was temporarily broken up by a signature tongue bite, before the spluttering Scout sucked in his cries of anguish and headed off.

"HOLY!" Bertolt exclaimed, he heard that crunch over the sound of the hooves! "Is he going to be okay?!"

"Don't worry, that's normal." Adam waved off. The boy's did not look convinced, so they looked to Levi (who stared straight ahead), then to Mikasa (who nodded with a pained expression on her face).

"…Well alright then." Boris shrugged.

"Scout's are made of sterner stuff I guess." Bertolt muttered. Straightening up, he made to get closer to Mikasa. It had been some time since he'd last seen her, and to be honest, he was kind of curious what she was like without Eren in her immediate vicinity. "So Mikasa, how have things been in the Scout's? Seen any action lately?"

"I have, and Reiner's fine Berolt." Mikasa offered a small smile.

"Ah. Am I really that transparent?"

"Not really." Mikasa replied. "I just figured you'd want to know how someone important to you is faring, just like I would. I'm happy to report Reiner is already fitting in, and that he proved himself ideal Scout material on his first day."

"Oh, really? How'd that happen?" Bertolt asked, curious as to what Mikasa meant.

The scarf wearer made to speak, before thinking better of it. "…Later. I should really check if it's okay to talk about it. But do know Reiner is okay, and he's already hard at work."

"Oh. Well, good. That's good to hear." Bertolt nodded, while silently slightly cursing. 'Bring that up just to leave me hanging, dick move Mikasa.'

"Well, how are the others? They doing alright too? Is Eren…" He trailed off, figuring the rogue Titan-Shifter was okay as Mikasa wasn't looking suicidally depressed or anything, but he still wanted to be cautious.

"Eren is doing exceptionally well. Everyone is, it almost feels like we're all in the Cadets again." Mikasa answered, to Bertolt's relief. Not just because Eren was unharmed, but because his friends hadn't met their ends yet. More relief came as Mikasa continued. "Actually, it really does feel like that, as Pieck just came around."

"Pieck?"

A nod. "She's taken up a job as a postal worker. Just delivered a whole cart to our headquarters. So if you ever want to write, you might just bump into her."

"Yeah… I could just do that." Bertolt grinned. "Have to keep an eye out for her then, not just to catch up. Figured I could send you guys something from the local bakery here, little morale booster for you all."

"I do keep hearing how good the food is here, I think everyone would like that." Mikasa confirmed.

"Then if you get to stick around long enough, we should pursue together. I think I'd feel a lot better about what I pick with you as a taste tester, I think the fine dining has spoiled my palette." A laugh shared between the two of them had Bertolt feeling pretty good about this, it was the perfect cleanser to distract him from the fact Annie had been awfully focused on the carriage the whole time, before she'd run off to beat Hitch to hopefully-not death.

Run off because of Hitch insinuating Annie cared about Armin.

…He really couldn't wait for the Expedition. The sooner he could leave all this behind, the better.

---

Mitras, Approaching the Royal Palace

They'd arrive at Mitras two hours after noon, and Oluo had been good on his word and managed to get Annie and Hitch back in formation well before then. Marco had followed behind, looking despondent at being no help at all, but he strode forward as they arrived to the capital and guided everyone to the palace.

Around them, people stared from the streets, obviously all taken in by the sight of Adam. His normal appearance earned enough attention, but the fact he had clothes over what people assumed was his armour was really boggling people's minds. Nobody knew what to think about him, as he walked the streets with the horses, taking in the sights.

"Surprised you know the streets so well Marco." Boris commented, as they didn't even stop for directions.

"Hey, I've wanted to serve the King ever since I was a little boy." Marco rubbed the back of his head as they made a right. "My last free day I took a trip out here to get a look around, planning for the future and all that."

A flash of red to Armin's blue, and the blonde was looking at Adam through the carriage window, clearly affronted.

'No Adam, I don't think that's funny.'

'C'mon, he's really giving that vibe. If I said it out loud right now he'd agree with me unironically.'

'Maybe, but you still shouldn't do that. Marco's just earnest, you shouldn't make fun of him for that.'

'Bull hockey. I should especially make fun of him for that.' "Say Marco…" Adam began.

"Hmm?" Marco turned to look at Adam, smiling and youthful and happy and free.

"…Was curious, what kind of work have you been up to without me and Armin here to babysit?" The cyborg changed tact, ignoring Armin's sigh of relief and declaration of gratitude. "I pictured some kind of beer run, but maybe you'll surprise me."

Marco blinked, surprised at Adam's inquisitiveness, before his smile returned in full force. "Oh, well, as a matter of fact, I'm currently looking into missing person's case!"

"Oh?"

"Carly Stratmann, just went missing. Missed a dinner with her father, who filed the missing person complaint. I picked it up and have it tucked away to check out after we return to Stohess." Marco patted his breast pocket. "I'm sure it's nothing, but it would be nice to have an actual solved case on my record, you know?"

"Meh, sounds little boring." Adam shrugged, to which Marco immediately looked crestfallen. "You should have something more exciting as your first solved case. Like arson. Or drug rings. Nothing better than breaking down the door of a warehouse, spraying bullets with reckless abandon, before having to take things seriously when somebodies snorted up more cocaine than you weigh and they are incredibly focused."

"…I'll uh… I'll try to keep that in mind." He wouldn't, but Marco figured he'd be polite.

"…Coderoin is typically ingested." Marlowe offered. "It's been making rounds in Stohess, not enough to be considered an epidemic but there's definitely a market."

"Have any samples?"

"Oh, that's rich. "Outsider arrested for drug possession, hopes and dreams of Scout's effectively dead."" Hitch snickered. "Look, if you need a fix…"

"I need to see how potent it is for work related reasons, don't go thinking I'm so weak as to need it for me." Adam clarified. "I sincerely doubt it'll come even close to the prescriptions of home, but anything is a useful as a building block."

Hitch didn't look like she believed that, but she didn't argue. "Alright. I think Marlowe would know where some is in the evidence room, provided someone hasn't already snuck in and used it."

"Appreciate it."

"Enough that you'll tell us what's the deal with your clothes?" Boris inquired.

Adam looked to the grey haired boy, then to the others. Their facial expressions confirmed that yes, they were all curious.

"…What you see are the sacred garments of my people." Adam patted his chest, the form fitting shirt pressing under his metal palm. "We wear these for sacred rites of passage, sacred holy festivals of music, and establishing life long bonds, sacredly. It is this clothes that will convey to your King, that I approach under a banner of peace and friendship, and I can see none of you are buying this."

"Nope."

"Not for a second."

"No."

"I just don't care."

"I mean, I feel like we know you, to a degree." Marco spoke up. "None of what you said sounded anything like you."

"Well shows what you know." Adam looked down at his shirt and tugged the bottom out to appreciate the design. "I actually did wear these for the rites and music and life long bonds I mentioned. Your King should be honoured I deem him fit to see me in such a state once again, I haven't dressed up like this in years."

"Riiiiight…" Bertolt looked to Mikasa, who simply shook her head in disbelief. "…Well, guess we'll see if the King takes your appearance as well as the rest of us, here we are."

Indeed they were. The Royal Palace, home of the King. The architecture honestly reminded Adam of the British, something like Buckingham Palace or a private school. It even had one of those dome buildings in the middle, if Adam had to guess, he'd wager that's where the King was waiting.

The horses and carriage came to a stop outside of the main gates, where about a dozen soldiers awaited them. All of them were armed with muskets, though thankfully they were all slung over their shoulders, even if they were looking visibly nervous upon seeing Adam.

Marco was also looking nervous, though not for the same reasons. "Um, Marco Bodt here, delivering Commander Erwin Smith of the Scout's and his party to meet with the King!"

"My thanks for seeing us here safely and expediently, Private Marco." Erwin Smith's voice spoke up as he exited the carriage, Hange right behind him. He offered a nod to the freckled boy, before making to address the soldiers at the gate. "I've come for an official meeting with the King. Entering these halls with me are Section Commander Hange Zoe, Captain Levi, Private Armin Arlert, and Adam Smasher. If you would be so kind to escort us?"

The soldiers nodded, and made way to allow passage through. Armin had just exited the carriage when he was halted by a guard, scrutinizing the boy and his uniform.

"Is there a problem here soldier?" Hange noticed the commotion, walking over in three quick steps.

"Boy's out of uniform."

"Indeed he is. It's part of his new responsibilities not just to his homeland, but also to our guest Adam Smasher." Hange gestured to the cyborg. "I can already tell what you're thinking, "Oh, how dare this outsider sully our sacred halls with his dirty feet? How dare this boy discard his uniform and his oath? Why I oughta teach them both a lesson right now!"" Hange exited their mock imitation and clasped their hands before them in a silent plea. "And any other day I would love to see you try that, but strictly for your benefit, I implore you to overlook any slights you may perceive and just let them on through without fuss. Trust me, you don't want to start something with either of them, especially the boy here."

Hange held a hand to their mouth, and whispered, "He's got magic powers." in a haunted tone.

"…I was just going to say, kid needs to be patted down now before he can go through. Clothes might contain a hidden weapon." The guard replied, face unchanging from before Hange's little speech.

"Oh…really?" Hange tilted their head in confusion.

"If he was in his uniform we'd have just let him on through, but now he's got to be searched like the outsider there." The guard gestured to Adam, who was being instructed on where to proceed alongside Erwin. "We only had the one room prepped for that, which is where you'll be headed. We'll bring the kid to the next screening room at the other end, don't worry, won't take more than a few minutes."

"…Well alright then!" Hange gave a double thumb's up, before turning to Armin. "Alright, then you go on and get cleared, and we'll regroup in the throne room. Don't keep us waiting, toodles!" With a finger wave, the Section Commander was off, leaving Armin to be politely escorted away, along with the Stohess MP's. As they were leaving, Levi quickly dismounted and passed his horse off to Bertolt, issuing a command to hitch it up in the stables before making his way to walk alongside Adam.

"I trust we won't have a repeat of the courtroom? Best behaviour, remember?"

"Once again, I was on my best behaviour. Your people shot at me." Adam calmly replied. "But yes, best behaviour. When the bullets start flying I will stand perfectly still and let the ricochets hit whoever, hand to God."

Levi rolled his eyes as Adam put a hand over where his heart would have been while holding up another in the air. "Just don't treat the King like a total idiot and stick to the script Ilse and Petra painstakingly drilled into you, alright? This is to make our lives, both yours and mine, infinitely easier, so I really need you to be even better than you were back then."

"Right right, diplomacy and nauseating sucking up to your leader, that's the order of the day. Trust me, I'll do nothing but say my piece, stick to the facts, and walk out the same way I came in. Nothing but the best from me." Adam replied. "…Though I have to ask, is this place structurally sound for me? Can't help but feel maybe the meeting should happen out here." Adam looked around the courtyard.

"It's stone and marble in there, and there was a time a messenger arrived in such a panic they rode their horse all the way to the throne room. As long as you don't stomp your feet we should be fine." Levi remarked. "Certainly wouldn't want a you sized hole to appear in the floor mid-meeting."

"Yeah, that wouldn't at all be hilarious."

"It absolutely wouldn't be."

"Indeed."

"All those stuffed shirts having to clean up."

"The meetings they'd have to have around it, pretending to ignore it."

"The look of shock on their faces as you'd go plummeting through the floor…"

"Calling up after a moment, "I'm okay.""

"Thank god Eren isn't here too. How unfortunate it would be if someone asked him for a demonstration…"

"And the knucklehead forgets he's indoors."

"So nice to see the kid's getting along." Hange whispered to Erwin, who chanced a smirk. Even with their backs to the duo behind them, it was still possible Levi would sense their amusement.

---

Armin Arlert slipped his arms back into his suit jacket, and offered a courtesy bow to the soldiers who patted him down. They had been courteous in kind with their inspection. Hadn't torn up his suit or anything, simply had him empty all his pockets, take off his shoes, glanced at the letters, taken off his jacket while patting him down, felt up and down for anything unusual (though to be honest the material itself was sort of "unusual"), and returned everything so Armin could get presentable again.

He stepped out, and was greeted by the sight of Mikasa and Oluo, as well as Marco, Boris, and…

Annie.

She was standing right there, in the back but clearly in sight. Possibly one of the last times he'd see her, honestly.

"Armin, are you okay?" Mikasa's voice spoke up, and the blonde turned to his practically a sister.

"I'm fine Mikasa, don't worry. It was just a simple pat down, nothing serious."

"That's a relief. Was worried they were aware of… well, what the Princess showed us." Oluo whispered. "Thought for sure someone had blabbed and word had reached here. That light show she gave us… wouldn't have to be one of our own who squealed."

Armin blinked. 'Wow, I hadn't even considered that…' He suddenly was wondering if he'd be able to activate KIPO taking over his body in time if someone suddenly tried to knock him out or cut him open at a moment's notice…

"But looks like everything's all good, so let's get on with you getting this meeting over with!" Oluo grinned. "C'mon, I know the way to the King's hall, you guys don't mind if I lead the way, right?"

The MP's watching the exchange simply shrugged and gestured in a "He's all yours" manner. Oluo gave his thanks, and made to get a move on.

"Right, this way Armin." Marco declared, right on Oluo's heels, with Boris and Mikasa soon following.

Armin offered Annie a smile, before likewise following Oluo, with her walking up right beside him.

It really hadn't been that long since he'd seen Annie, just a few days apart as he'd gone back to the Scout's and gotten to work, but he found himself really missing her.

Ever since that night, and the following morning where they'd become a couple, his days in Stohess had been a learning experience in how to be a good boyfriend. It helped that Annie was just as clueless as to how to be a good girlfriend, so they were learning together. Learning by holding hands under the mess hall table, taking walks together while Adam had the majority of the guards again, of practicing kisses and doing their hobbies together. It honestly wasn't too different from when they were friends, but now there was a lot more intimacy, and the one additional time Annie had slept in his bed with him. That had been a fun night, as they upgraded to wearing only their underwear.

He really did love the fact Annie was a cuddler.

"I missed you." A small smile was his reward, as well as taking a step closer so they were practically shoulder to shoulder.

"I did too." Annie replied, still looking straight ahead. Armin was wondering if he should mention the letters, before Annie spoke again. "Interesting outfit. Adam make that?"

"Specter did. Turns out it can make clothes too, it's really amazing. Well, it'd still be amazing even if it couldn't do that, but really, there's almost no limit to this thing." Armin informed her, putting personal feelings on hold to satisfy her curiosity.

"Think the King will appreciate it?"

"No idea. I think I'll wait and see how he reacts to Adam, then judge if I should bring it up at all, or downplay it's abilities."

"Everyone else is in on that?" Annie looked out of the side of her fringe. "Your Commander isn't going to reveal everything right away?"

"He'll reveal what he can't hide, mainly everything about Adam and what he can do. From there, it'll be trying to convince them to let Adam do what he can do for our benefit." Armin sighed. "Something that you'd think wouldn't get any pushback, but…"

"Yeah." Annie nodded. "That's a big part of why I didn't join the Scout's, the deliberate sabotage. How is that working out for you, by the way? Been able to make any changes with your new friends?"

Armin nodded, ignoring the fact Annie had just said the quiet part about the King's policies out loud in his own palace. "Can't really give specifics, but I feel much better about our chances out there."

"Enough that you think you'll see the ocean?"

Armin smiled, and reached forward to take his love's hand, an act she returned. "I do. It won't be easy, but it will happen. When it does, when Maria is retaken and the Titans are gone, would you come see it with me?"

A squeeze of his hand, before Annie let go. "I'd like that. But let's focus on today for now. Make it through this meeting, and see where you go from there… If that means you'll be joining the Scout's for good and won't return to Stohess, maybe-"

"And we have arrived!" Oluo's voice called out from up front, interrupting the two as the group came to a halt. Standing before them, were the doors leading to the throne room.

Armin suddenly felt even smaller than when he was staring up at a Titan.

"Are you nervous?" Annie asked Armin who was struggling to get his Arasaka uniform straightened out, the jacket not quite seeming to fit properly, even though it had been just fine this morning.

"Would you believe me if I said no?"

"No."

"Then yes, I'm nervous." Armin got his suit jacket primed and proper, and moved to brush his hair into place with his hands. He wasn't exactly sweating, but he definitely wasn't "cool as a cucumber" as he would have liked.

"…You'll be fine, Armin." Annie offered as she escorted him to the front of the group, right before the doors. "It's just the King."

That got an incredulous look not just out of Armin, but his fellow guards. "Just the King Annie?!" Marco gapped, aghast. "Annie, this is the man who rules over all three Walls. His word is law, he's protected the people for generations, safeguarded us against the Titans! I know you're trying to make Armin feel better, but at least try to make it believable."

"You don't believe me?" Annie questioned. "Armin has faced down the Titans, people trying to execute him multiple times, and being forced to babysit an insufferable prick while haunted by a ghost." Her face hadn't changed one bit, but there was no doubting her sincerity, specially not when she reached forward to squeeze Armin's hand again. "Compared to that, what is a bunch of stuffed shirts and an old man sitting in a chair?"

Armin looked down to Annie's hand holding his, then back to her. Her face was resolute, and she was staring right into his eyes, she meant every word.

"…Thank you Annie." Armin gave a smile, grateful. Honestly it was enough she was trying to help out like this, but the fact she believed what she was saying… "If you put it like that, this might honestly be the easiest thing I've had to do in a long time."

A firm nod from Annie, who let go of his hand after giving a comforting squeeze. "It'll be over before you know it. Just let the Commander and the oaf talk and get their mountain, and you'll be back home in Stohess before you know it."

"Of course. Can't go too far from my favourite bodyguards after all." Armin chuckled. "After this, I'm sure the Commander will want to discuss plans, but after that… maybe we'll be allowed to tour the Interior, see a little more of what's beyond Stohess? I mean, if you want, I think we'd see some nice things?"

"Does that include all of us, or just your girlfriend?" Boris drawled, which got him a half hearted kick aimed his way and an apology from Armin. "Save the romantic stuff for later, company is here."

A glower from Annie, but Boris was indeed right, everyone else had arrived. Erwin leading the charge, everyone else right behind him. All coming to a stop before the doors leading to the throne, where the future of the Walls would be determined, this day.

Erwin gave a quick nod to Armin, before strolling through the doors. Hange and Levi made to follow, with Adam right behind. Bertolt, Hitch and Marlowe took their spots to stand guard outside, where Armin's guards would do the same.

"…Good luck Armin." Marco offered. "I know you've got this, but… good luck."

"Thank you." Armin nodded. He made to move forward, before his current bout of courage caused him to turn around, looking at Annie. "Um… don't suppose you could also wish me good luck? Maybe… with a good luck… kiss?" Armin managed to get out, amazingly not squeaking but still not being as cool as he'd hoped.

A snort from Boris and a scandalous look from Marco, but Annie just stood there… before she moved forward to gently place one hand on Armin's shoulder, and another along the back of his head. The tiniest hint of a smile graced her lips, it was so minuscule you'd swear they were still a pressed line, and it was gone fairly quick as Annie's mouth captured Armin's. It was sweet, it was too short, but it had Armin feeling like he could convince the King to stand down and install a democratically elected leader and dismantle the monarchy!

They parted, and Annie's blues stared into Armin's.

"Good luck."

Armin was all smiles, before collecting himself and turning around. With a very happy sigh and renewed confidence, he strode forward, the doors closing behind him. Good thing he was just off to the side of the doors, otherwise the entire court would have seen that.

He managed to get his smile under control and present a no nonsense look right as he came up to Adam's side.

It was show time.

"By his grace and majesty, his highness King Fritz welcomes Commander Erwin Smith before him. By his grace and majesty, his highness King Fritz welcomes those of the Scout Regiment before him. By his grace and majesty, his highness King Fritz welcomes Adam Smasher, before him. Everyone, stand at attention but bow your heads, for you are in the presence of the ruler of our land's. Be grateful for his mercy, and speak, knowing you are in the presence of greatness." A royal announcer declared, and the five arrivals all made to bow, even Adam to everyone's relief. "You may rise."

'This is it.'

Armin took in those before him, trying hard not to stare but also wanting to get stock of who he'd be up against. The King of course had the final say in all things, but the four sitting in front and just off to the side to allow his grace a clear view of his court, they had the King's ear, and took full advantage of that. They were the King's Advisor's, and they were just as much a threat to the Scout's pleas as the King himself.

'Know thy enemy.' Armin thought, running over everything he knew about them, and trying to gauge who was the most likely to deem Adam a threat.

First off was High Commander Gerald. He was no Dhalis Zachary, who held power over all three Regiments, but the man came close. He was the final say in all military matters related to the Northern Territories of the Wall's, and even had some sway in the District's to the East and West. He had control of over thirty percent of the Wall's armed forces, and combine that with the fact he was good friends with the other High Commander's, Gerald was definitely the man with the muscle backing him.

'If we're arrested for treason, no doubt he'll have a say in making that happen. Really need to stress throwing people's lives away trying to bring Adam down is absolute madness.' Armin thought, really hoping Gerald didn't rise through the ranks without being a little sensible.

Then there was Grand Cleric Roderich, the highest authority within the Church of the Walls. Roderich had inherited his position quite recently, having been a devout believer and priest for years, before his predecessor had succumbed to illness just last year. The Church had voted on the next Grand Cleric, and out of 299 candidates, it was Roderich who had won the majority vote. That meant he was the most steadfast believer in the religion of the Wall's, and thus, probably despised Adam for spitting in the face of everything he believed in just by being here.

'He'll want Adam gone. Never mind anything else, that will be his priority, getting rid of the outsider who threatens his religion. Just have to persuade him Adam leaving is easier than Adam being executed.'

Sitting next to the Grand Cleric, was Nobleman Deltoff. When you heard the name Deltoff, you thought "Rich." They were the original architects and builders of the Interior, and their construction company had outmaneuvered and bought out their rivals to the point they had a complete monopoly on any and all construction in Wall Sina. They had expanded to do business in Wall Rose, but their roots would always be in the Interior. Their last great project? The transportation boats that's went down the rivers and through the Wall's all the way to the far out District's along Maria.

'Don't really know where he stands. I'd assume money, so that means he'd be happy as long as Adam doesn't threaten his profits. Possibly could sway him by mentioning all the land we'd retake in Maria, and the construction jobs that would open up.'

And finally, circling back to the right side of the room where Gerald was sitting, was Nobleman Aurille. From Erwin's description, the man was a loudmouth, while often times having a silver tongue that made convincing arguments. Primarily made his money from all the land and wild game he cultivated, but he also owned a newspaper, as well as a gold mine that his grandfather had uncovered.

'He'll be the one doing most of the speaking, from what Erwin told me. He's smart enough to have a rebuttal for almost any argument, and the confidence to stick to it even if the facts disagree. That's going to be… annoying, but as long as I keep my cool and don't waver, I should be able to counter him.' Armin summarized.

They were all powerful people, capable of bringing the might of the Wall's down on anyone's heads. But even they paled before his grace, King Fritz. Sitting upon his throne, not even looking the slightest bit interested in Adam's or Armin's appearances. He just sat there, resting his head upon his fist, not even giving the slightest hint what he was thinking.

Armin… didn't know what to think of him.

On one hand, this was the man who ruled the Wall's. He was Armin's King, the will of the people, whose decisions affected people as far away as the Shinganshina District. It was by his word, his law, that Armin's grandfather had perished.

That his parents had most likely disappeared, because of this man.

And yet… Armin felt nothing. He felt no hate, no fear, or reverence. This man… Armin honestly didn't feel a thing. He thought he'd want to curse the man, or feel a sense of… belief? An all powerful aura that had Armin realize that what the King did was right, that there was a wisdom Armin couldn't see.

But he didn't.

'…Just keep up appearances Armin. You can ponder the thoughts about less than impressed with your King later.'

"Now then, I believe we should get this meeting started." Gerald spoke up, smirking from his seat.

"Quite right, quite right." Aurille rose up from his seat, making to stand closer in the space between chairs but not entirely blocking off the King's view with his girth. "We are here today to officially greet the outsider, who we are told has a proposal to eliminate our lifelong mortal enemy, the Titans, from our land. Is this correct, Commander Erwin?"

"It is." Erwin confirmed. "Adam Smasher here came to our land quite by accident, with his technology and knowledge that has twice now acquired victory for humanity against the Titans. He has proposed that with our people's help, we could finish a hundred year war and finally be free of not only the Titans, but also of the Walls, finally able to go beyond Wall Maria and see the land beyond."

"Heresy. Such heresy." Roderich whispered to himself, clutching his gold necklace of the Church and muttering a prayer. "By their grace, forgive these non-believers for they know naught what they ask for…"

Ignoring the man of the cloth, Aurille continued. "That is certainly an impressive offer. You'll have to forgive us if we don't quite believe it." The fat man turned to the King, who hadn't even flinched at seeing Adam, before looking back to Erwin. "I think it would do us all good if you explained things to us more throughly, starting from the beginning. Help us understand Adam Smasher, we have the written reports but him speaking for himself might be better. Do you not agree, Commander?"

"I certainly don't mind bringing everyone up to speed." Erwin slightly bowed. "Would you be willing to tell your tale once again, Adam?"

"Not at all." Adam confirmed, and for the first time all present flinched in shock, hearing the cyborg speak never failed to get a reaction.

Except for the King, Armin noticed. He kept his eyes on the man, on all of them, as Adam began to talk.

"Your grace, your lords, it all started when I streaked across the sky, as what you people called The Falling Star…"

---

"So, you and Armin." Mikasa stated, looming over Annie that had the blonde cursing quietly in her head. How Eren's hip attachment made the Titan in hiding feel small always pissed Annie off, but she'd be damned if she let any of that show.

With a facade of casual indifference, Annie stared right into Mikasa's dark orbs. "He couldn't help but tell you, did he?" Annie asked in an indifferent tone, leaning back against the wall she was supposed to be standing guard at. "I guess I can't blame him, boys will be boys. But I was really hoping he was serious about being a gentleman."

"Gentleman?" Mikasa's intimidating glare softened a tad in confusion.

"Never kiss and tell?" Annie raised an eyebrow, which got Mikasa to actually stammer.

"Oh, no! Armin didn't- he actually-" Mikasa coughed and collected herself. "Ahem. Actually, Armin tried to hide it from us. It was Eren who practically forced him to show us the letters."

"Letters?" Annie's facade cracked just a little as she squinted in confusion. "What letters?"

"Your letters. Armin got a bunch of them from you, including the rough drafts you didn't finish?"

Now Annie was glaring, directing a poisoned look towards Hitch who was innocently whistling on the other side of the room and inching closer to Marlowe. "I see…" A silent vow to kick Hitch so hard she wouldn't be able to move for a week crossed Annie's mind.

Mikasa followed Annie's gaze, but unable to comprehend why Annie seemed to hate a girl with mousey hair (or was it the boy with the atrocious hair cut?) decided to continue her previous line of inquiry. "Annie… I don't want to see Armin hurt."

"Hurt?" Annie turned back to Mikasa, an eyebrow raised again, this time in confusion. "Just how do you think I would hurt him?"

"By breaking his heart." Mikasa replied, every big sister instinct in her body in full force right now. "Annie, I'll only ask this once. What is Armin to you?"

Now Annie was frowning, not really caring for Mikasa's tone here. She was half tempted to just ignore the girl and leave her twisting in the wind, perhaps the bitch would try something and give Annie an excuse to arrest her on trumped up charges. Then she'd be out of Annie's hair, and she could enjoy this moment with Armin in peace.

'But,' Annie thought, cursing herself as the faint scraps of a conscience poked around in her brain, 'that would be petty. She's just looking out for Armin, annoying as it is, she cares about him. You can give her a bone.'

"Armin is important to me." Annie replied. "I… I care about him. A lot."

Mikasa's eyes softened a bit, but also held a hint of inquisitiveness. "A lot? Like… do you mean that you lo-"

"I care about him." Annie repeated, firmly, before softening, slightly begging. "Can we just leave it at that?… Please?"

Mikasa blinked, slightly stunned. In all their time together in the Cadets, Mikasa had almost never heard Annie ask for anything in a tone this vulnerable before. It was… honestly, it was kind of nice, seeing this side of her.

"Alright." Mikasa said. "We can leave it at that. But," Mikasa held up a hand, cutting off Annie's silent relief and nod of thanks, "if you do hurt him, I won't forgive you."

"That's fair." Annie agreed. "Now, was there anything else, or can I get back to work?"

"Nothing else." Mikasa admitted. She stood there, looking from side to side, not really sure what to do with herself. She wasn't on guard detail, but she also wasn't doing anything, aside from interrogating her friends.

(Yes, Mikasa considered Annie a friend. Or at least a reliable person she knew, that counted, right?)

Seeing Mikasa looking out of place, Annie gestured to her side. "If you like, you can stand here with me. We could… talk, if you want."

Mikasa was surprised at the offer, but she didn't refuse, walking over to stand next to the blonde.

The two of them stood there, not talking, not sure what to say. They certainly preferred demeaning silence, sure, but it seemed like some things more had to be said?

"What happened to us?" Annie sighed.

"Pardon?"

"Us. You and me. I thought we'd managed to make peace before we chose our Regiments."

Mikasa frowned, before it clicked, that night in the hospital tents. "Ah… yes, I did think that too." Mikasa had the grace to look a little sheepish. "…Sorry for coming down on you so hard. I… I was just worried about Armin. He's like a brother to me."

"And you're like a sister to him." Annie replied. "It's alright. I've also been a little… harsh, with some people, when it comes to Armin."

"Still, I'm sorry. I realize I'm more than a little intense when it comes to my family." Mikasa offered. "I want to keep Armin safe, but so much has happened and it feels like he's so far away some times. And Adam Smasher…"

"You don't like him?"

"Do you?"

"Not really." Annie immediately replied. "Man's a jackass. If he wasn't wearing all that armour I'd have kicked him to the curb." 'Maybe I still can. Doubt he won't push back against us trying to take him, even if it is in his best interest. So I can lightly smush him, and hopefully that'll teach him some manners."

"Thank you."

Annie blinked, then looked to Mikasa in confusion. "For what?"

"For feeling that way about Adam. Everyone in the Scout's is basically tripping over themselves worshipping the ground he walks on, even Eren! I was afraid I was the odd one out." Mikasa sighed in relief.

"Technically you still are. It's just the two of us versus everyone else."

"Well, your opinion means more to me than theirs. So I'll still consider this a win."

"…Whatever." Annie shrugged. "…Have you met KIPO?"

"Oh yes, she's much more enjoyable company." Mikasa smiled. "A bit odd, but infinitely more pleasant to be around."

"Careful you don't beat her in a fight. She does not handle losing well."

"I can see that." Mikasa actually giggled. It might have been wrong, taking some amusement in her friend's lose, but imagining KIPO being huffy was too funny! Her amusement died down though, as she thought of how everyone's lives had changed just from two visitors from the outside. "…Do you think we'll soon meet other outsiders?"

"…Do you?"

Mikasa nodded, while lightly caressing her her right wrist, subconsciously feeling the mark her mother had placed there before she died under her uniform sleeve. "I do. Much as I hate to admit it, I think Adam was sincere in his promise of getting rid of the Titans and taking us outside. Don't know how long that will take, but… I think it'll happen in our lifetimes. When it happens, Eren will… he'll be free, and I know Armin's going to want to see the ocean first thi-"

"So how are you and Eren doing?" Annie abruptly interrupted Mikasa's passionate mini-speech.

"Eh?" Mikasa stumbled, turning to the blonde who was staring straight ahead.

"You. And Eren. Any developments there?" Annie repeated. "I just realized you were so interested in me and Armin, it was rude of me not to return the favour."

"Wha- that's not how that works Annie!" Mikasa snapped.

"Doesn't it? I'll admit I'm not exactly worried for Eren or you hurting him, but I should at least ask." Annie looked to ceiling in mock thought, pressing a finger to her chin for added effect. "Then again, I'm not really familiar with the protocol for "girl-talk." That's what this is, right? Gossiping about boys, sharing our hobbies?"

"We are not gossiping!" Mikasa protested. "Stop making it sound like we're like Sasha and Mina in the barracks!"

"…Maybe you're right. This could just be regular chatter." Annie relented. "We'll need a second opinion. Hitch, stop hiding and come over here for a second, I need to ask you something about two Scout's having feelings for each other."

As Mikasa directed a glare at the mousey girl that just dared her to follow that command, Annie mentally sighed in relief. She didn't know if she could take listening to Mikasa being so hopeful for one more second. It was nice when it was Armin, because he wasn't going to be left here to die. But Mikasa…

Well, she probably would live long enough to see more outsiders. Even if they were the last thing's she'd see.

---

"And that is my proposal. One mountain of ore in exchange for all the Titans being exterminated, Maria being yours once again, and the outside world free to explore." Adam concluded. "Thank you for hearing me out, your grace, my lord's."

The King's Court was silent, as all the noble's processed Adam's words. Armin had to admit, that had gone better than he'd expected. No immediate dismissal of Adam's story or being, no preachy sermons about how this was a sign they should block the gates and stay sealed away forever. No, the King had simply sat there listening, and his Advisor's had been courteous, indulgent even. They'd asked questions, naturally, not only of Adam, but of Erwin and Hange, one time Levi, and eventually, of Armin.

"Pray for this child, he has been corrupted by sin." Roderich couldn't help but mutter, upon seeing Armin's eyes light up in demonstration.

"Hold your judgement Roderich. The boy had no say in the matter it seems." Aurille had unexpectedly spoken up. "And even after acquiring what sounds like a terrific power, he has remained loyal to his own people."

"Indeed. I dare say we wouldn't be having such a civil conversation with our very first outsider had Armin not laid the groundwork." Gerald agreed. "You have our thanks dear boy. We all thank you for the service you have done."

"Thank you my lord's." Armin bowed, replying with all the calm of Erwin Smith, while inside his mind was racing, trying to figure out if these people really were speaking up in his defence?! He'd expected them to react like Niles Dawk in the courtroom, but no, they were acting more like the Scout's…

'Maybe I owe them an apology for judging them before I met them?' Armin contemplated. He kept that thought throughout the rest of the meeting, as questions about the outside world had arisen. Naturally someone asked why Adam had never heard about the Titans, how he could have no idea where he was, and why the outside would leave the people here at the mercy of those monsters. All good questions that Adam could only promise he'd have answers to once he rejoined the outside. That had lead to questions about Arasaka, which Adam was quick to emphasize it's power and benevolence, and how grateful it would be to the King for returning it's prized military asset to them.

It was a good sell, but naturally, one would have doubts.

"I see. So, once you return to the outside, Arasaka would most likely be able to arrive here." Aurille rubbed his chin between his hand.

'Here it comes.' Armin mentally readied himself. 'Naturally they'll have concerns about Adam making contact with the outside, and the biggest one would be Arasaka. Just try to sell the current threat over a possible one, and build up on Adam and KIPO's help so far-'

"Well, allow me to formally request you help oversee first contact between our people." Aurille actually stepped forward to stand toe to toe with the cyborg, his girth just shy of touching Adam. "We are certainly grateful for all that you and your masters have done for us. Once the threat of the Titans is cleared, I do hope we can formally establish official working relations." Aurille offered a courtesy bow.

'What?' Armin had to confirm that, yes, the nobles weren't bringing up any concerns that their vastly inferior nation might be easy pickings for Adam's people. Like, at ALL. While Armin chose to believe in KIPO's word that Arasaka would not take advantage of their vulnerability, that was only from his extended talks with her and Adam, and to be honest, choosing the lesser of two evils in the event he was being deceived. There was no way nobody else had doubts or at least entertained the thought. 'What is going on? Are they… are they just naive? Huh. That would explain a lot, actually.'

"I can see that happening. Your Scout's have all been quick learners, and they'll certainly need new work once the Titans are dead. It would be my pleasure to continue teaching them about the outside world, so they might explore it themselves." Adam likewise offered a bow.

"That would be most excellent. But we are getting ahead of ourselves, first we need the Titans eliminated. Just what do you need to accomplish that?" Aurille had shifted the topic back on course and returned to his seat, causing Erwin to step in and propose his budget in accordance with Adam's needs.

Which lead to the conclusion of the talks, and the current silence that loomed over them.

"…Well, that was certainly an impressive presentation. From all of you." Gerald made to speak first. "I for one am pleased to see the passion and courage of the Scout's has not withered even after a century of strife and failures. And that you, Adam Smasher, have become so taken with our people's plight you have offered us aid with no promise of reward or recompense. It is… truly humbling."

"Indeed. I say we all have been taken in by your words." Aurille stood up, and held a hand over his heart while offering a slight bow. "Which is why it pains me to inform you your request is denied."

Armin couldn't say he didn't see that coming. He'd prepared for it, expected it, even accepted it.

But it still hurt hearing anyway.

'We couldn't have presented our arguments better. It was nothing but beneficial to grant us our request, not just for the good of the Wall's, but for themselves. And yet they still refuse… why?' Armin both anguished and puzzled over in his mind, trying to understand this self defeating decision.

"Aren't you at least going to deliberate on it? Or pretend to, to give us the illusion you didn't call us all the way over here for nothing?" Levi gave voice to what everyone was thinking but didn't have the courage (or lack of tact) to say. Armin was silently thankful, not just for the Captain clearly being unimpressed, but for being the one to say it instead of Adam. Somehow, Armin didn't see the King reacting better to such rudeness from an outsider.

"I understand you're upset brave Levi, but hold your tongue least it cost you." Aurille glowered, all politeness and feigned humility gone, before collecting himself. "For your information, his grace and we did deliberate before you came here. Yes, we had already reached a decision and this meeting's core purpose was fulfilled before it even began, but we felt it was important to hear your reasoning anyway. For it has convinced us of your plan, and Adam's power. Thus, the King has decreed that you are given free reign to harvest what you desire from Wall Maria's territory!"

"Wall Maria?" Armin couldn't help himself, were these people really suggesting… "You… you want us to harvest resources in Titan territory?"

"That is correct." Deltoff nodded. "Is there a problem with that?"

"Oh I don't know, just the problem of us being eaten alive by giant fucking monsters." Levi declared, all pretence for civility gone. "You fuck's really are just wanting us to go out there and die, after we drop the best chance humanities ever had in years?"

"Erwin, please restrain your attack dog least he be brought to heel." Gerald requested in a bored tone.

"Forgive his outburst my lord's, but he speaks the truth." Erwin replied calmly. "Going out to harvest resources with the Titan's present is nothing short of suicide."

"Oh?" Aurille actually had the audacity to look surprised. "I was lead to believe young Armin here possessed some kind of power that allowed him to make such a task infinitely easier. Had I misunderstood?"

"You did not, my lord, but easier is not the same as easy. It would still take time during which we would be susceptible to attack."

"But you spoke quite highly of Adam Smasher's skill here just a moment ago." Gerald nodded towards the cyborg. "It sounded like the Titans were no match for him, nor for Mr. Jaeger. The two of them were released into your custody on the promise they would be the turning point against the Titans. Have they or have they not delivered on that promise?"

"They have." Erwin replied, without missing a beat. "Our latest operation was a test to see how well they fared with the minimum of Scout support, and they exceeded my expectations."

"Then they would be able to provide protection while your men get to work, assisting Mr. Arlert?"

"Undoubtedly. As would my Scout's, who are just as ready as ever to engage the enemy." Erwin nodded.

Armin looked to the Commander in disbelief. It almost sounded like he was just throwing in the towel here, with how quickly he was agreeing with the King's men.

"Then I certainly see no problem. Yes, there may be difficulties, but it will be less than the standard fare you are used to." Aurille reasoned. "Simply take full advantage of Adam Smasher's gifts here, and you'll be fine. You have him, Armin Arlert, and Eren Jaeger. Frankly, I'm shocked you haven't done more already."

It was like all the politeness and appearance of respect had just vanished. Now, Armin was seeing their true colours, their true attitude towards the Scout's, possibly all human life inside the Wall's.

And yet, Adam didn't react at all, while Armin was struggling not to yell in frustration. Seemed that was the same for Levi, if his clenched fist was any indication, and Hange squeezing his shoulder.

"…The fact of the matter is, we just cannot spare the resources that we are so desperately rationing from the territory we have left." Deltoff spoke up, seeming to sense the mood of the room and deciding to try justifying this madness. "Every ounce of ore, every scrap of leather, every tree chopped down… it's all been carefully calculated to ensure we don't drain a source dry for at least a hundred years. The King has gone to great lengths to adjust for the loss of Wall Maria."

"But if you grant our request, then Wall Maria won't be a loss!" Armin could've help but shout, his patience at an end. "You just have to temporarily invest in the Scout's and Adam to retake the Walls, then you can immediately recoup any resources spent once we've sealed the breach. All we're asking is just a moment of faith from you all. One mountain of ore traded for all the mountains we originally lost, just sitting there."

"Ah, but will granting that mountain that not leave us vulnerable for the Colossal and the Armoured's next attack?" Gerald cut in, looking quite smug. "Have you forgotten in your selfishness, as you gallop outside, that Wall Rose is still vulnerable to attack? Your failure to eliminate the Colossal means it's still out there, waiting to breach the Walls again and let in the horde of Titans. It could attack the Karanese District, or Nedlay in the North, or even Klorva all the way on the other side of your current headquarters. Can you really tell us you'd be able to respond in time and halt the invasion before Wall Rose is lost?"

"If you would give me the material to properly equip myself and your existing forces, then yes, I can tell you that." Adam cut in.

Gerald simply smiled. "I'm sure you believe that. But unfortunately, we do not. We prefer to invest in the tried and true. Thus we have allocated our currently existing resources to shoring up our defences in the event of another Titan invasion. Again, we've been very thorough in our calculations, and there's nothing to spare to your cause."

"Exactly. Believe us, we truly wish we could spare you the resources and make this far easier on you all, but life is not so kind." Aurille declared. "But we have faith. Faith in you Commander Erwin, in your men, and even in you Adam Smasher. We believe you will succeed, as does his grace." Aurille turned to the King, who still hadn't spoken or moved.

Only this time, he did. The nod of his head, the dropping of his eyelids, before raising them up again. It was only a few seconds but it felt like an eternity.

With such a simple gesture, the King had sealed their fates.

"So be it. By his majesty's word, this meeting is adjourned. Go out, brave Scout's, and fly free on the Wing's of Freedom you embody so much!" Aurille swept his arms out in a grand gesture, and that was that.

---

"So, remember when I suspected this whole place was deliberately set up for your people to die?" Adam calmly inquired at the main gate to the palace. "Pretty much confirmed those suspicions."

"How are you not more pissed off about this?" Levi scowled. "Don't tell me it's because you don't care. This decision basically means your stuck here."

"For as long as it takes us to finish the job. Just means it'll take longer, that's all." Adam shrugged. "I always thought it would go down like this, so I'm not really upset because I didn't expect different."

"Still a fucking waste of time though." Levi clenched his fist. "Dragged us all the way out here, just to tell us no. Could have done that with a letter."

"Indeed. That whole meeting was simply a show, a reminder of who's in charge while simultaneously sending us off to our deaths." Erwin surmised. "It's certainly clear, they want us to go outside specifically to die."

Levi frowned, looked up from his fist, and did a double take. He thought maybe his ears had been playing tricks on him, but he thought Erwin had sounded… happy. But seeing the man's face, it was clear…

"Why the hell are you smiling?"

Erwin blinked, then ran a hand over his face. "Oh, was I? I'm sorry, I guess I'm just excited."

"Excited?" Levi and Adam both asked, looking to each other.

"…Something is in motion. What, I cannot say, but it is happening." Erwin offered. "The Expedition… those men expect something will happen, and when it does, it will change everything."

"Change everything," you say, and yet you have no idea what it is." Adam pointed out.

"All I can say is, we need to be prepared as best we can. It would be preferable if we could make the first move, but it looks like the only way forward is to spring their trap." Erwin reached into his pocket and brought out a journal. "I already had a strategy for the Expedition, made with the idea that regardless of the decree that happened today, it could be carried out based on Eren's and Adam's strength. Now it's simply a matter of adjusting based on the tool's available to us."

A flip of the pages soon found what Erwin was looking for, and the turned his journal so that Adam could see it. "These lists, would they be feasible?"

"…The first one, absolutely. The second one, would need to sacrifice all the Braindances, so hold off on that until the day of. The third… might need a bit more scrap." Adam estimated.

"You'll get it. I want KIPO to begin work right away, and for you to train everyone on their use, not just your squad." Erwin declared. "Use the Braindances quickly and efficiently, but take into account practice sessions with Eren. If I'm right, then we'll need all the training we can get against one of his kind."

Levi cursed. "The Armoured? Or do you think we'll be facing the Colossal?"

"We'll try to plan for both, but I won't lie, there's a good chance that won't be enough." The rest didn't need to be said, that they were going to lose people.

Levi cursed, again. It was one thing to go out on an Expedition, death was unavoidable, they would always lose someone, fighting for the cause. But to be sent out, as willing lambs to the slaughter…

"You think they're in cahoots?" Adam asked. "Your leaders and the one's trying to exterminate your entire civilization?"

"No. For some reason, I don't believe they are." Erwin shook his head. "I think they are more likely gambling that the enemy will make their move on the Expedition. For some reason, that happening will present to them an opportunity."

"Have an educated guess as to what that opportunity is?" Levi crossed his arms. "I'm guessing it's something more than getting the Scout Regiment wiped out for good."

"I would have thought that was their motive, in addition to wanting Eren Jaeger and Adam Smasher to fail and have an excuse to rescind their lease to us. But I believe there's more to it than that." Erwin turned to Levi. "For now, keep everything we've discussed under wraps."

"…Fucking bastard, you aren't going to tell them." Levi scowled. "You aren't going to let our people know we are expecting someone like Eren to show up. The training will be for the future, but you won't let them know that future is now."

"We need every advantage we can get. If we tip off the Armoured we expect it to show up and the Expedition is all about bringing it down, then it can plan accordingly. Flee, assemble reinforcements, or counter our trump cards." Erwin explained. "But if it thinks we are unprepared, that we left the safety of the Wall's having failed to bring any weaponry to fight it…"

"…Then we might have a chance. Fuck." Levi hated it when Erwin had a point. He was going to have to swallow all the bile threatening to choke him, and prepare for the loses he may have been able to prevent. Sacrifices for a victory that would end all this bloodshed.

"…I'm getting Hange. Do what you have to do, and make sure to give me precise details."

"Of course." Erwin replied, and Levi was off, making his way to Hange who was engaged in a spirited rant alongside Armin as they vented their woes. Erwin turned to Adam, as the cyborg looked down at him. "Naturally, the order about Ymir stands. But should she prove not to be the enemy…"

"I'll be there to engage whichever one turns up, whenever or wherever." Adam declared. "Leave Ymir to me, and focus on your Expedition. I'll follow your command."

"I appreciate your willingness to do so. Then all that's left is to secure our finished supplies, and to officially transfer you and Armin completely to our custody."

"Ah, side note on that," Adam raised a finger, then pointed it to the blonde who was now timidly asking something of Levi. Judging from the faces Hange was making, it was something the Captain would not be approving of. "The brat would like a day to get his affairs in Stohess in order. He basically wants to get mushy with that one over there, and I have to advise we let them."

The "one" Adam was pointing to happened to be Annie Leonhart, who was patiently waiting with the other MP's for Erwin to board his carriage.

"…Is there some tactical reason for allowing this?" Erwin asked, hoping he could more easily justify such a request.

"Believe it or not, there is. Related to his cybernetics, a good mental state is vital to his wellbeing, he's gone cold turkey the entire time he's been enhanced, and I do need to make him some medicine…" Adam listed off. "Look, it'll just be one day. We won't need him immediately to use Specter, and a happy smiling lovestruck idiot Armin is a lot better than a starting-to-experience cyberpsychosis Armin."

"That sounds like something I should have learned about earlier."

"I have been keeping an eye on it, and there hasn't been any cause for alarm. This is just a preemptive maneuver, he's fine."

"I still want a complete breakdown of this cyberpsychosis. Alright, I'll grant him permission. Will you need a day in Stohess as well?"

"Pass. I've left KIPO alone with your men for too long, I need to check on her. Besides, my squad will waiting on me to start teaching them, now that the fun Braindances are probably done, they'll be sitting around waiting for my guidance." A small chuckle escaped Adma's vocal processor, as a feeling of mirth overtook him. "Ah, they're probably bored out of their minds right now, wanting to get back into someone's more interesting life."

---

Scout HQ

Historia took calm, measured, absolutely not panicking breaths. She was shaking, her hands were shaking, shaking so hard the Braindance threatened to fall out of her hand.

"Krista? Are you… you didn't see anything too extreme, did you?" Ymir asked, while Jean called KIPO over.

Historia shook her head back and forth, no, no she hadn't. She had just asked KIPO for access to Adam Smasher's memories, that's all. The Braindance, it shared the emotions of its donor, what they were feeling at the time. So if she could feel what he felt when he took a life, faced legions of enemies…

Well, surely she'd learn something from that? How to fight the Titans without fear.

How to kill someone without guilt.

Historia didn't want to do, really! She just… wanted to be prepared, to be able to protect Ymir. Because there was no way Ilse wasn't there to kill the love of Historia's life, no way.

So Historia had asked KIPO, "Hey, could I get a look at Adam's memories?"

And naturally KIPO had given up those memories without hesitation. Adam had been quite clear, he didn't have anything to hide.

How wrong he was.

Adam Smasher had never read the fine print of Arasaka. After so many years working for them, he figured there wasn't anything he had to complain about or double check, nothing had ever inconvenienced him, save for the Cyberdyne Lock.

So he was unaware Arasaka had been recording his memories every day of his life since he'd become their property.

And Historia just so happened to come across a memory that was the total opposite of what she was looking for…

---

A hand held recording device, obsolete for decades now, but retrofitted and now "vintage," whatever that meant. Whatever, props to whoever did the refit, Adam could actually hold it in his hand without breaking it, and get a clear shot of the little meat taking her first steps.

In front of the baby, arms open to receive her, a man was sobbing buckets, tears of happiness? This was a happy occasion, but man, the water works were just COMING!

"Stuart, please. Your bitch crying is going to be heard throughout this whole video." Adam chastised, his usual level of tact for his brother in law never wavering.

"I'm sorry, I just… she's just an absolute angel!" Stuart picked up the laughing Lucy, thankfully not feeling the need to sob in unison with him. Kid did stop laughing a bit, before raising a hand to pat his face.

"There, you see? Even your daughters wondering why her daddy is crying. Get a grip before you associate happy moments with you crying, otherwise you're f-doomed." Adam corrected himself. For his niece, he'd give her a fighting chance. "Annie, you're with me on this, right?"

"…Maybe you should get it all out in one go, okay honey? Adam does have a point, Lucy might think this is hurting you." A woman with dark hair shooting out in all directions and deep black eyes with shadows underneath them gently took the baby from her husband, before making a ridiculous face that had the baby laughing again. "And we don't want to hurt daddy do we? No we don't, we don't!"

"You heard your wife. Kindly vacate the premises so I don't pick up you blowing your nose." Adam pointed with a clear signal to get out! Once that was done, Adam returned his attention to the video. "Alright, now that I have documented proof of your first born being able to flee the scene of her future crimes, what now?"

"Now, you are going to hold the baby."

"Stuart, get back in here. Your wife is having a medical emergency." Adam called out, before a squirming bundle of joy was thrust before him.

"Cancel that honey, I'm fine!" Annie corrected. "Adam's just being a chickenshit."

"Is that code for "Being concerned about his family enough to not want to seriously injure his niece?" Because if so it's accurate."

"You won't hurt her. I've seen you pick up the delicate crystal without breaking a glass, you can do this."

"But if I had broken it, it would be replaceable. You can't replace your own kid, sis." Adam tried to reason.

"It'll be fine." Annie extended her arms, coaxing Adam. "She should get to know her uncle. She should know he's there to protect her."

"Annie…" Adam tried, but a look from his sister let him know she wouldn't drop this. With reluctance, he set the camera down on a nearby coffee table, still recording, before gently, carefully, taking Lucy from Annie's arms. The kid squirmed, and wriggled, before settling down as she looked up at Adam's face.

'Oh shit, she's gonna cry!' Adam panicked, and braced himself for the waterworks!

…But no, Lucy wasn't crying. She was just… looking at him. She did wince a little, closing her eyes and shaking her head, and Adam realized he should probably turn down the flare of his optics. So he did just that, and Lucy was looking at him again, sucking her thumb.

Annie smiled, and walked over to look at her daughter from her brother's side. "I knew you could do it." She smiled, reaching down to rub her kid's head.

"…Stuart if you start crying again I will throw you out the window while holding your kid." Adam only half-heartedly threatened the returned in-law, not taking his gaze of the little miracle of the Smasher family.

---

It had been random, an accident. KIPO hadn't gone through Adam's memories herself, she just picked them all from the Arasaka database and made a playlist at random. How was she to know Adam had moment's in his life he wasn't committing wanton acts of violence?

And there was violence. So, so much violence. Historia credited her own trauma, the battle of Trost, and getting a good look at the various ways Adam had slaughtered the Titans two days ago, but even then it had been difficult to look at it all, to see Adam at work.

The first memory had been horrible. Breaking a man's arm in two and using the forearm bone sticking out to stab the same man in the neck. But then again, Historia had seen her friends bitten in two, both the long way and the short way, so it wasn't anything she'd seen before, not really.

The second memory, that arm weapon of his, blasting holes in a group of people attacking him, shredding meat and bone and the surrounding stone, it reminded Historia of cleanup in the aftermath of Trost. Those Titan stomach contents…

The third memory, actually more death but less violent. He was shooting fully armoured people now, his hand held weapon punching smoking holes in them that showed no blood, no carnage. Whether it was because Adam was moving too fast or the heat seared everything shut, that one had been easy to watch, to feel. To feel naturally disgusted… and just a hint excited.

Blame Adam. They were his emotions overriding hers! With that mantra repeated in her head, Historia moved on to the next memory.

The one that actually got her to take the Braindance off, and shudder.

'Dammit KIPO!' Historia cursed.

She still wouldn't know, as Historia wouldn't tell her. If she did, Adam might get upset, or worse, stop Historia from looking further.

Because this here, this was something. What exactly, Historia didn't know, but…

But it was just like the dreams.

The dreams of Ymir, and of Reiner now.

'Was this… meant to happen?' Historia thought to herself. She had never really believed in fate or destiny, but the fact she'd glimpsed the deepest memories of three separate people now… '…There has to be a reason for this. It… it has to be for a reason. I just have to find out what that is, and… and how I can use it.'

That's why this was all happening, right? For Historia to see these memories, so she could do something with them? For Ymir, obviously it was witness all her lover's pain, but also her heart, and confirm Ymir was everything Historia knew she was. For Reiner, Historia was still working that out, she'd just had the one dream so far, but maybe… it was to save him? Actually, maybe she was to save both of them? In different ways, but that could be the reason why.

To save the people that were monsters.

'If that's the case… maybe I'm supposed to save Adam too?' That certainly sounded more than a little vain, but if she could do that, somehow…

Then maybe they could save her.

Smiling and waving away Ymir's concerns, Historia donned the Braindance again. She only had an hour, let's hope she had the best memories available.

---

Wall Rose, Atop Karanese's Gates

Atop the Walls, illuminated by torches held in there sconces, a monumental battle was taking place. Garrison soldiers awaited with bated breath, as one Lieutenant Biggles was engaged in the fight of his life with Private Mel's, the two of them neither giving an inch, nor gaining any ground. It was truly a battle of strength, will, and intellect…

But at long last, victory was Biggles! With a cry of might that would rival even that of Eren Jaeger's mighty Titan, he made his move, capitalizing on his opponent's foolish mistake, and ended this duel between fated rivals!

"King me." He grinned, having taken two of Mel's last three pieces in a single move, and all but trapping her final one with this end game strike. Mel's eyes frantically went over the board, trying to see a way out… but it was over, and she knew it.

Their game of checkers was over.

…

…

…Man, they really were bored up here.

"Well, that was fun… up for game 37?" Biggles tiredly asked.

"NO!" Mel immediately shot down, a bit too forcefully, as she clamped her mouth shut and coughed. "I mean… no thank you. I fear one more game of this and I'll pitch myself off the edge without my ODM gear…"

"I hear that." Biggles groaned, rubbing his forehead furiously. "God, when is the next shift going to arrive? The Sun's been down for at least an hour, it's time we got to turn in already." Around him, the rest of the soldiers with them yawned and sighed, just as eager to be relieved of duty. The light and warmth of the torches they'd set up here were doing little to stave off their drowsiness, and even such riveting distractions as checkers and card games weren't helping anymore.

"Shouldn't be much longer… think they'll actually stay alert or just turn in for the night up here?" Mel's asked. "I mean, not like they can actually see anything down there…"

"Some of them, maybe. But unless they want to wake up accidentally rolling off the top of the Wall's in their sleep, or worse, seeing a pissed off Levi first thing the morning, then definitely some actual surveillance is gonna be done. Even if they can't see shit." Biggles emphasized his point by getting up from the table they'd spent the last three hours playing their games, to stand at the edge and peer down into the expanse that was Wall Maria's territory.

A very dark, empty expanse that contained just down below, thirty different piles of giant scrap armour that supposedly would go a long way into boosting the Survey Corp's abilities.

It was why the Garrison was up here, diligently keeping watch to make sure nothing happened to any of it.

'What a joke.' Biggles scoffed, thinking back to when Levi had given this outrageous order…

---

"Keep an eye on all of it. Don't let one single person sized screw out of your sight." The good Captain Levi dictated to the Garrison troops who had come in, all sweltering from the heat of the steaming Titans bodies. All of the soldiers arriving came to the same conclusion, for the steam to be affecting them up here, meant a LOT of Titans had been killed.

Pity there weren't any bodies to actually confirm that. Between the Scout Regiment retreating back behind the safety of the Walls and the Garrison arriving, any and all Titans that had been slain had long since disintegrated, even the bones. The only things left was the heat, the living Titans that had arrived post battle, and those weird looking piles of scrap scattered from here to the forest on the West side.

Scrap that was apparently important. Levi had doubled back as the Scout's kept heading home to their base (in surprisingly good spirits, Biggles had honestly never heard them celebrate like that before!) to stress that that scrap was the key to the Wall's future.

What, were they planning on using it to reinforce the Walls or something? What, what was going on?

"Um, with all due respect sir?" Mel's, bless her soul, had the courage to voice what all the Garrison present was thinking, "I think it's safe to say nothing is going to happen to… that stuff out there. Not like anyone's going to go out there and try to take a piece, even if they could. And Titans aren't exactly hoarders of worthless junk."

A raised eyebrow on an emotionless face was all it took to make Mel feel like an idiot. "I'm more than aware of the behaviours of Titans soldier, thank you. Never the less, it is imperative all that is out there remains there until we can retrieve all of it. Shouldn't be more than a day or two, four if we're unlucky. I trust you all to maintain your posts and keep a vigilant watch." Levi stated. "Again, I cannot emphasize how important it is you don't let anything happen to that armour down there. Consider it as valuable as gold. It is the key to us reclaiming Wall Maria, and finally joining the world beyond."

And with that, Levi hoped off, to gracefully glide down to his loyal steed and take off in one smooth motion.

Mel had groaned, before turning to everyone with a defeated look on her face. That defeated look turned confused, as she picked up on what the Captain had said. "Wait, armour?"

---

That had been three days ago. Now it was night, the damned fourth day of this threatening to be on the horizon come first light, and Biggles was cursing Levi in his head every chance he could. What was the bloody point of all this?! Thirty Garrison soldiers, lined up all along the damn Wall to keep an eye on some damn scrap!

Something that was damn near impossible now, with it being the dead of night, the moon being obstructed by the clouds that hadn't gone away for hours, and a fog that had rolled in on top of it, visibility was practically zero. Not like it mattered, the armour was going no where.

From the way Levi had talked, Biggles had been fearing Titans would actually walk up and put on the armour from their fallen brethren, but no. They just wandered around occasionally batting away uselessly at the Walls, before marching off to do who knows what. The armour was safe, no one was moving it.

This whole thing was a waste of time.

Biggles sighed, before stepping away to rejoin Mel. "Okay, how about this? We drop a torch down there, confirm nothing is missing or messing around, and we turn in. The relief can arrive whenever, not like five minutes or five hours will change anything, and I doubt anyone will report us. Call this another successful day folks, and pat yourselves on the back for once again protecting Humani-"

SCRRRRRRRRR

Things were a lot noisier all of a sudden.

Biggles halted mid speech/command to turn around to stare once again into the abyss, as the horrible screech of metal being dragged on the ground graced his and everyone's ears.

Only this sound was louder. A LOT louder.

"…Oh shit." Mel cursed, running up to the edge. "Oh shit oh shit oh shit! It… it's…"

"Don't say it." Biggles pleaded.

To no avail, as Mel choked the words out. "Titans. It's the Titans. They've come to get their armour back."

"That's impossible." Biggles tried to reason. "It's night, Titans don't move at night."

"Well unless you can picture something else capable of moving any of that mess down there, I think it's pretty fucking clear what's happening!" Mel's swore. "Oh shit, oh shit, they really are armouring up!"

"Get a grip Mel!" Biggles shouted, before following his own advice and doing the same. 'Think, just… let's think about this…' He went over in his head, trying to put the situation in perspective. "…I need a torch. Someone get me a torch."

Someone next to him registered Biggles request and got to work, finding an unlit torch to ignite and hand off to Biggle. He held it out over the utter darkness down below, and let it drop. Everyone followed it on its way down, trying to make out if anything would be illuminated.

It didn't. And that horrible screeching was still going. Biggles wouldn't be surprised if the people down below in the safety of Karanese were being woken up by the noise.

"…I'm going down." Biggles made for his ODM gear, lying in the ground. Almost immediately he was accosted by his comrades, looks of incredulity on their faces.

"I'm sorry, fucking what?" Good ol Mel's, giving voice to everyone's thoughts. "Are you actually looking to get yourself killed?"

"Captain Levi gave us our orders." Biggles maneuvered around her, already strapping in and checking his tanks. "That armour is important, really important. We can't just let it be taken."

"Yes, we fucking can! We were told to keep an eye on it, not fight Titans who would be coming around to reclaim it! And even if we were, I think we'd be forgiven for not heading down to die. Think Biggles! You are not some big bad Titan killer, you couldn't take on one of them if it was daylight! There's no way you can fight who knows how many when you can't even see them!"

"I know that!" Biggles snapped. "What, do you take me for a total idiot? I'm not going down there to fucking fight, dammit. But we need to do something. At the very least, get confirmation on what's happening…"

"We know what's happening! Titans are here and taking back what's theirs under the cover of darkness. The Scout's can figure out how that's possible themselves."

Biggles shook his head. "No. No, that's not good enough." He sighed, a weary resigned sigh. "We can't just keep pawning off the hard work on the fucking Scout's, not anymore. We're soldiers god dammit, we should be able to do at least the bare fucking minimum! Otherwise…"

'Otherwise another Trost might happen. Or worse, another Shinganshina.' Biggles hoped his fellows could interpret that much, because he honestly didn't have the energy to debate this anymore. Any longer, and he might just be talked out of this.

"…In and out. I'll be back in less than a minute." And like that, he was off, jetting down right to his torch light.

Nobody else followed him. Call it cowardice or common sense, but when first light came hours later, all the armour just up and gone, and Biggles headless, legless mangled corpse was just lying there in the main road, every soldier up there told themselves they'd made the right choice.

Even to their dying days, they would tell themselves that.

---

Biggles had moved fast, with purpose, and precision. He'd picked up his torch, then pressed himself up against the closest building for cover, trying to pinpoint where the noise was coming from. It was deafening, overwhelming, but if he focused, he could actually make out the source.

Slowly, carefully, he stepped forward, torch in one hand, sword drawn and fingers resting on the triggers in the other. He knew this was crazy, knew a Titan could be watching him right now (though there was a good chance they were as blind as he was right now. He was really counting on that), but he figured he could half ass maneuver out of the way long enough to drop the torch, get his other sword in hand, and take off before he'd become a meal.

He knew this area well enough, he had every building and potential grapple point mapped out in his head, ever obstacle he could potentially fatally slam into. Yeah, he could do this.

Closer and closer he crept to the noise, passing by smashed houses and the closest set of armour lying in the middle of the main road, still untouched. Figures the Titans would start with the piles closer to their territory. Swallowing down his fear, Biggles turned and made his way down the alleys. Possible a reprieve as he was surrounded by buildings, he might have places to hide and obstacles to impede the Titans.

The screeching was getting closer now.

Holding out the torch as far away from as possible, in the hope the light would stretch out as far as possible. He just needed a glimpse, just the tiniest glimpse to confirm that yes it was the Titans making that horrible sound that was definitely the armour being moved!

Damn this fog! Damn this lack of light! Show yourselves!

In a cry of frustration, Biggles threw the torch as far as he could! It sailed through the air, twirling in the sky, before landing over yonder, behind something that caused Biggles to lose sight of it.

The screeching continued. It was so close that Biggles felt he was about to wander right into the back of a Titans leg. But seeing as how his little projectile hadn't revealed anything but the houses…

Clunk.

Biggles paused. What was that?

Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.

That sound… it was very rhythmic… it almost sounded like… footsteps?

Heavy footsteps.

Coming his way.

Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.

Now Biggles was starting to worry, those steps, and the sounds coming with it… it wasn't the sound of a Titan, surprisingly, but if it wasn't that, then what the hell was coming towards him?!

Griping his swords, and bracing himself, Biggles quickly took stock of his surroundings. He'd gotten a good look from the torch, he knew where the best grapple points were, and the openings around him. Judging from the sounds, whatever this was would be coming from-

"ONE LIFE SIGN DETECTED. CONFIRMING IDENTITY."

And just like that, all rational thought left Biggles mind. Who could blame him, as an armoured giant came stalking towards him?

He'd only gotten a glimpse of Adam Smasher, coming in to take over for the Garrison soldiers that had born witness to the Scout's actual triumph. He and his squad has passed right on by the Scout's, all battle worn and dirty, yet laughing and smiling. And there amongst them, walking on foot while everyone rode a horse, was the famed outsider himself.

Eight feet tall, bigger than any man Biggles had seen before, and covered head to toe in strange armour. It was a sight that Biggles wouldn't forget for the rest of his life.

Specially as that life was coming to an end.

Biggles had seen Adam Smasher, had seen his black armour and imposing height. It had pretty much set the standard in his mind of what outsiders would look like. Silly really, he knew it was illogical to think everyone was like that. But he couldn't help but wonder at the time, what if other outsiders came? Would they also look like Adam Smasher?

Well, now he had his answer. Another, just like Adam, eight feet tall and covered in black armour. Was a bit different from Adam's, with it's helmet being more box shaped and lacking the fake human features, plus only a single visor slit for sight. Never mind Biggles couldn't see the wearer's eyes…

"UNREGISTERED WITNESS. INITIATING PROTOCOL." The outsider barked out in a horrible definitely male voice, the red from his visor practically blinding Biggles temporarily, as he marched towards him. Before Biggles could even register what was going on, the giant outsider had closed the distance within two steps, and was reaching forward to grab him!

Biggles reacted, he raised his arm to swing his sword down and hopefully cause this intruder to back off! It would give him time to back up and fly away, to warn everyone!

It was the worst move he could have made.

His right arm was almost immediately intercepted, the giant catching his hand in its much larger grip. Crushing his hand in its much larger grip. Before Biggles could even register what had happened, he was pulling a bloody stump back, mostly by reflex, as he had instinctively pulled back upon his hand being caught in the first place.

His hand… in the same fucking move as catching it, this monster had crushed his hand and his sword handle, squeezing metal and flesh together in one big mash of pulp, utterly obliterating it.

"YOU ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE KING'S DECREE. STAND DOWN." The outsider didn't waste time, bringing his fist back in a viscous backhand that sent Biggles flying, and promptly broke his jaw.

He couldn't scream, he couldn't call for help! He had to get away! Adrenaline and panic pushing down the pain and spurring him to his feet, Biggles scrambled to put some distance between him and this outsider!

"ESCAPE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED." The outsider called out, the CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK of his feet letting Biggles know he was being pursued!

An invasion! That's what this was right?! It was a fucking invasion! Adam Smasher wasn't here to save anyone, he was the precursor to the Wall's destruction!

These thoughts spurned Biggles on, to ignore the need for immediate medical attention and the pain that was slowly starting to register, and just keep running! He had to warn everyone, he had to warn them about Adam Smasher! Ducking and weaving through the buildings to emerge on the main road, he got his bearings long enough to determine that yes, this was the way back to the gates! If he could use his remaining sword to fire a line, get close enough to the others-

Suddenly his feet were dangling in the air, as the terrifying sensation of metal clamping down around his neck and his whole body being lifted into air!

"STAND FIRM AND ACCEPT YOUR PUNISHMENT." The outsider declared, not even grunting in effort as he had a firm grip on Biggles neck.

Biggles struggled, he twisted, he tried to flip his sword around and stab backwards, maybe he'd get lucky and jab it right into the fuckers eyes!

That was when he lost his legs.

The outsider didn't cut them off, he sheared them off. Not tear, shear. Using his free arm, he swiped across the back of Biggles legs in a singular move that just removed the offending limbs in a parody of a clean cut. Biggles only realized what was happening as he saw his lower limbs sail off from the corner of his eye, shock still working it's magic in preventing him from passing out, dammit.

He was unceremoniously dropped to the ground in a heap. He had no illusions about making it to safety, or warning anyone. Hell, he doubted anyone would write him up as anything but a Titan kill, and the armour? Well, Biggles had no idea how this outsider was planning on taking it, but the noise didn't lie, it was being moved, so it was obviously him…

Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.

"TARGET REACQUIRED. SITUATION CONTAINED." The outsiders voice rang out, from the side of the road.

"RETURNING TO RETRIEVAL OPERATION. TIMETABLE STILL WITHIN MARGINS OF ERROR." The outsiders voice rang out again, this time from right beside Biggles.

Biggles found the strength to flip himself on his back, as he watch the outsider leave him be to go proceed down the road towards the scrap pile he'd passed earlier… only for another, identical outsider to come up to him. This one's left hand coated in blood, from when he'd crushed Biggles hand earlier.

Biggles was now very confused. He figured maybe outsiders had a shared armour design, but for them to sound exactly the same, right down to their speech patterns?

…Maybe getting outside was worse than staying in, if monsters like this existed.

As the armoured giant stepped forward to finish his work, raising a very large foot that was big enough to crush Biggles entire head, the soon to be dead Garrison soldier had a multitude of thoughts go through his mind.

'I'm a fucking idiot. Damn Captain Levi. Guess Levi was right to put out a watch after all. If only the others had come with me to help, fucking bastards. At least they'll be safe. Will they be safe? Are we doomed? Fucking Titans, couldn't they eat these bastards? Someone has to warn the King. Our King. Not their King… Wait, could it be our-'

With a wet crunch that ended Biggles thoughts and his life, his attacker stalked off, returning from the direction it came, intent on completing its mission in securing the armour for recycling.

"DEDICATE YOUR HEART." Were the Dragoon Security Robot's last spoken words, per its programming.

A cruel joke, courtesy of Kenny the Ripper.

---

Marley High Command

Theo Magath looked at the letter in his hands, then back up at the messenger, one Lara Tybur of the Tybur estate. The ever diligent and impeccable maid of the Tybur family, despite being one of the family and the sister of the much loved Willy Tybur, she had taken it upon herself (or more likely, had been forced into the role at her parent's insistence) of being the ever perfect servant. Lara Tybur was often divided between managing her families vast estate, or joining her brother on diplomatic missions, always ensuring everything was packed, from the right amount of clothing to any important papers or gifts Willy would need on his travels abroad. She was what many considered an ideal Eldian, quiet, never spoke out of turn, only when prompted, a hard worker, and always bowing her head to those superior, which was nearly everyone. Some would even say Lara Tybur was the ideal wife, even if she was an Eldian, her looks and figure were undeniable, some had even jokingly asked Willy if he would let them "take Lara for a spin," which the man politely declined.

And now she was here, delivering a letter from Willy Tybur. She stood there, dressed in her maid uniform, her hands clasped in front of her as she awaited Magath's questions.

She didn't need to wait long.

"May I ask, what exactly is this?" Magath held up the letter in his hands. His unblinking eyes gave the woman his undivided attention.

"Are the contents of the letter unclear?" Lara asked, no hint of condensation in her tone, merely inquiry. "Forgive me, I am unsure of the message, I was merely told to deliver it, and receive your response if you would have one today. Otherwise, I am told you would be asked to give an answer at your leisure."

"You mean to tell me you have no idea what this letter says, at all?" Magath's face didn't change, not even a bit, but his gaze seemed to bore into Lara, studying her.

She took it all in stride, neither flinching nor shying away. "I am only aware that Willy has made you a proposition, and I am to relay your answer, whether it be verbal or in written form, to him at the earliest convenience."

"Hmmmmmm." Magath looked to the letter again, the sharp analytic mind of his that had won so many wars and deemed so many successful Warrior's hard at work taking in it's contents.

On the surface, it was the prize the Marley Military had coveted for over a century now.

The legendary Warhammer Titan, officially joining the service of the empire!

Ever since the fall of the Eldian Empire, the Tybur's had enjoyed the privilege and rewards their family had earned by betraying their fellow countrymen. The vaunted Warhammer, the most feared and powerful of the Nine, with the sole exception of the Founder, was just one such reward. Used to great effect to stomp out the scores of Eldians who still believed in their self-exiled King, the Warhammer had remained in the Tybur family ever since, and had been denied to the Marley Military despite numerous requests that it's power be unleashed once more.

For many, even if the people of Marley were eternally grateful to the Tybur's for assisting in freeing them, it was an unimaginable insult that Eldian's hold any sort of power over anyone. That the Military itself had no choice but to bite their tongues and let the Warhammer be eternally out of their reach.

So, why break their long standing exclusivity to it's power?

"…Willy Tybur has just offered to enroll the Warhammer under my command." Magath stated.

"…" Lara said nothing, but the tiniest crease of the corner of her eye betrayed she was feeling something to that news.

"Have you any thoughts on that?" He pressed, probing for just a hint of what Willy and the Tybur's could be thinking. 'She's still a Tybur herself, she must have some insight, some thought's on this.'

"…I had suspected this is what everything was about, but even then, I had difficult believing my brother would actually do such a thing." Lara sighed, the first real display of emotion she'd made since arriving. "If I may ask, does the letter mention as to the why?"

"It does. Doubtless you're aware, but Willy and the rest of the Tybur estate has been very eager to assist with contacting the Ebony Walls." A nod from Lara, yes, her brother had taken a particular interest in that floating structure, as had many in the household. Their dear grandmother had spent many days praying in the long forgotten (and forbidden) Eldian tongue, drawing murals of the thing, as if to ward it off. Their mother having taken a more romantic approach, engaging in gossip with her friends that had a very hopeful outlook, seeing it as a gift from the heavens. Willy's wife, she'd been somewhat fearful, but his children had all been very excited as children are prone to be, dreaming of being the first ones to reach it, to see what lied inside.

"It seems Lord Tybur has gotten wind that the key to contacting the Ebony Walls lies in the Paradis operation. To that end, he desires to be involved in said operation, and to increase the odd's of success, he's offered the Warhammer." Magath continued. "As he puts it, "the Warhammer could help tremendously in bringing the Island Devil's to heel, but more than that, could provide much needed reinforcement to our overworked War Chief. It hasn't gone unnoticed that only one of the Nine has been active these last two years, and reports of enemy forces assembling near our borders continue to grow. Certainly having one more Titan appear could cause them to think twice about attacking, and buy our brave Warriors overseas the time they need."" Magath read aloud, before looking back up at Lara. "Certainly makes a compelling argument, not that I was looking to refuse what's he proposed."

"And yet, you hesitate?" Lara intoned. At Magath's stare, she bowed her head. "Apologies, I meant no offence. But it seems like a rather straightforward proposal, I can't deny I'm curious what reason you would have to say no."

"It's simple. I worry the Warhammer will be more of a liability than an asset." Magath reached for a fresh piece of paper, and began to write. "If you are allowed to answer, may I ask how many times has the current holder of the Warhammer transformed?"

"Apart from the one time, after they has consumed the previous holder, just twice more, to provide samples to the Warriors." Lara answered honestly, memories of that day when she'd devoured her father coming back to her, that moment she was looking down at her dear brother, so small besides her fingers. He would always be there, holding her giant hand, when she transformed again in private, and allowed the other Marleyan Shifter's to partake of her flesh.

"And the sum total of combat experience they have is?…"

"…Non existent." Lara tilted her head. "But, should that really matter? Its power is still undeniable, it is a Titan. A very special Titan."

"That would have been enough fifty years ago, maybe even a decade ago. But times have changed." The Commander answered. "Our enemies have developed weapons that are capable of bringing down the Mindless, and soon, even capable of breaching the armour and hardening of our Warriors. Hardening that comes from the Warhammer. Even taking it's ranged attacks into account, I can only see using the Warhammer ending in disaster."

"I see…" The holder of the Warhammer in question bowed her head in thought, mulling over Magath's words. "…Does that mean the offer is being rejected?"

"No, merely amended." Magath continued to write, never pausing in either his speech nor his penmanship. "At the moment, I consider the Warhammer Shifter to be a civilian. The risk of it perishing in battle is too great, with the result being it winding up in the hands of our enemies or lost forever a serious concern. To that end, I am requesting the Warhammer be placed in a remedial training course."

"I… I'm sorry?" Lara couldn't help herself, she was actually surprised and unable to conceal it. "Training course?"

"That's what I said." Magath finished writing, looking over his work, and seeing it was adequate, folded it up and reached for an envelope from his desk drawer. "To bring up it up to Warrior standards, I will enroll the current holder in the Warrior program. It will be a special course, to condense three to five years of training into three to five months."

"…Forgive me Commander, but… it sounds like you've already… envisioned this course, when you haven't even met the Warhammer's Shifter."

"I have a rough outline planned. It will need some tweaking, in regards on who the Warhammer is, but that is a minor concern." Thro paused, a thought occurring to him. He'd naturally suspected the Tybur family itself as holder's of the legendary Titan, but if it wasn't one of the able bodied ones… "The Warhammer, it's not the great matron nor matron Tybur, is it?"

"No, it is not."

"Then there is no issue. Whether it be one of Willy's children, or older, this course will make them fit for active service." Magath surmised, placing his letter neatly in the envelope and sealing it shut. Standing up, he strode towards the maid, who bowed her head until Magath indicated she could do otherwise. "Deliver this to Willy. Tell him unless he accepts these terms, I cannot accept his."

"I will see that he gets it right away." Lara raised her head and took the letter in both hands. Before she made to take leave, a final question. "If I may ask?"

Magath nodded.

"When you have the Warhammer in your service, and… mission ready, you will use it for the purpose of securing the Ebony Walls?"

"I will use it for the betterment of our great empire." Magath said without hesitation. "Whether that means defending our borders or crossing them to crush the enemy, I will do so. However," His posture relaxed, just a little, "the Ebony Walls are seen as a prize we cannot ignore. If the Warhammer can help us to acquire it, then that is what it will also do."

"I see." Lara's posture also relaxed, and she allowed a small smile to grace her features. Why, Magath had no idea, but she seemed pleased all the same. "Thank you Commander. I hope to return Willy's answer first thing tomorrow, and that it is to your liking."

"You'll find me at the Warriors training grounds. I'll clear you with the guards." A bow and a graceful departure was Lara's final response, and Magath returned to his desk.

It spoke extremely well of Magath's service that he could come up with an impromptu training course on the spot for a Titan Shifter. Child or adult, he would break them down and build them back up. Ideally, he would have just fed them to Porco or Colt, but he doubted the Tybur's would allow that. So it was this instead, having them run courses, learn combat, and experience war alongside the other kids. Depending on what Magath saw of them tomorrow, he'd probably have Zeke teach them a thing or two as well. How to fight like a Titan, to partially shift, to be a living weapon.

Making a mental note to talk to Gabi first thing tomorrow on her new assignment in watching over the Warhammer, Magath looked over the current reports on his desk.

'Enemy forces abandoning Fort Slava, chatter intercepted describe the reason being… some kind of curse?' Theo frowned, then put it on the back burner. He'd recommend a spy investigate, then see if his superiors followed his advice.

He wondered how Pieck and the others were doing. Which one of them would finish their mission first.

---

I realize perhaps I may be making Ymir and sex jokes too synonymous in my story, but I had envisioned her being the one to discover the wonderful ways Cyberpunk has taken sex up a notch and I just couldn't let it go. Remember the three boob Maelstrom lady from Edgerunners? Yeah, that was one of the TAMER mods! The one Ymir experienced was "3 Mouth's, 1 Desire."

The John Candy line was just me wanting to envision a world where he wasn't taken from us, a true Canadian treasure gone too soon.

And boy, Historia is not having an easy time of it. Get your girlfriend on the team with you, YAY! Find out your girlfriend is under suspicion and could be in danger, BOO! Find out the one accusing your girlfriend is now on the team with the two of you, BOO! See a crucial memory of Reiner that will lead to things further down the line, YAY? Find out your girlfriend ate a guy, BOO! Find out Adam actually has a life outside of work, YAY!

Funny how Historia has two people hiding the monster inside, and one monster hiding the person.

I figured I was being ominous enough with this fic so far, so throw out a bone and say yes, those were robots, previously hinted at in this story. Based them off the robots from Callisto Protocol (which has gotten really good in recent patches and DLC), as they look a LOT like Adam Smasher's frame. Even have arm cannons that pretty much insta-kill you, and execute some saps like Adam does, funny.

So next chapter is a fun time between Annie and Armin playing detective, get some action, some love, assemble the final key players, and the final deep meaningful conversations between any other characters.