The killer of Sawney and Bean wasn't found by the end of the investigation. All the cadets, save for me and Eren, were suspected for some reason. I got off due to the fact that I was with Section Commander Miche on duty. However, the lack of a suspect frustrates me. Someone did it, but everyone knew where the Titans were being held. Is there a reason only the cadets were inspected?

Whatever the case may be, I have a job to do, and that's to somehow make Hange feel better. I find her all alone in the soldiers' office, which would be weird because she and Moblit are a package deal, yet he was the one who sent me here. She sits at a table, her body hunched over with her head in her hands. She's silent, so I don't know if she's crying or not. I step over to the table, taking my seat opposite of her. "Hey... Section Commander, are you...okay?"

"All the trouble we went through bringing them here... I barely scratched the surface of my experiments."

"...I'm sorry for yo-"

"Damn it DAMN IT!" Hange slams her fist on the table, nearly scaring my soul out of my body. "All the experiments perparations I made, ruined."

"Hey, we can capture more Titans and experiment on those." That's when a devious, yet hilarious and entertaining thought sparks my mind. I've been around Hange for way too long now if that idea is in my head. "Well, we do have another "Titan" for you to experiment on. If you catch me?"

"Wait...experiment?" It takes Hange a moment, but once I see her glasses light up, I know she catches on. "That reminds me! I have Eren's transformation experiment to be attending to!" In her renewed excitement, Hange locks my hands to the table with her surprisingly strong grip. "No use in standing around sulking, I've got scientific models to be prepping! You want to help me out too, right Everett? Come on now, don't be shy."

Well, it could be fun. Even if it means experimenting on my friend. I nod. "sure thing."

"It's settled, you're coming with me! Quickly now! There are arrangements to be made!"

Days later, Hange is back to her old mad-scientist self. Today is a special day after all.

"Haha! Hahaha! The day is finally here! We're finally going to get to try our Eren's Titan transformation!"

"Um, Section Commander... You might want to contain your excitement a little." Ah, Moblit, back to being the voice of reason. Everything is good.

"Haha! But the next expedition beyond the Walls isn't far from now. We have to put Eren through his paces properly!"

"Is this business or pleasure to you?" Lieutenant Levi stands nearby, far away from Hange's bubbliness as audibly possible. I can tell he doesn't approve of such measures, but the commander authorized this long ago. Besides, we need to understand what Eren can do.

However, for me and Hange, this is leaning toward pleasure. "Don't get me wrong, I know this is an important mission for the Scouts. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't find this a little fun! It doesn't change the fact that this experiment could be pivotal in the survival of the human race, though. So...don't let us down, Eren."

I stand by Eren, chuckling to myself. I pat him on the shoulder, trying my best not to release my rising humor. "Good luck, Eren. We'll be right behind you!"

"Yeah… If I lose it out there and start… Never mind. I'll make it work, don't worry."

"Oh, you losing control is not what I'm worried about. But if you do, I'll pull you out, after I get some enjoyment. This will be fun."

Hange faces both of us. "That's the spirit! Okay everyone, into positions! Let's get this experiment started!"

Unfortunately, Eren was unable to transform. Maybe the Levi Squad is comforted by this, maybe Moblit is most of all, but I am quite disappointed. "Sorry I didn't manage to transform."

"Don't be," Hange says. "I could see you were really trying. There must be some reason why it didn't happen. In the battle to retake Trost, you transformed three times. First when you were inside the other Titan's stomach, then when you were targeted by the Garrison's cannons…"

"And then… Yes, you're right. I transformed a third time to move that giant boulder in front of the hole in the Wall."

Hange places a finger underneath her chin. "There must be some common thread through all three of those instances. Any ideas, Elijah?"

The answer developed as the conversation proceeded. "Each instance, Eren's life-and others, if you recall the Garrison firing on us-they were all life-threatening situations."

"That's exactly what I was about to postulate. It could be that Eren can only activate his ability when there's some crisis or threat to life at hand. But that's just a hypothesis. It needs testing. So next time, we'll do the experiment outside the Walls."

"What!" Levi looks dangerously at Hange. If looks could kill, anything Mikasa has done will only be a minor bruise. "Are you serious, Hange?"

"I know it's risky, deliberately attracting other Titans to provoke Eren's transformation, but it is the fastest way to get results."

"Do you think Commander Erwin will agree to it," Moblit inquires.

"The Commander said that he'd prove Eren's usefulness. Through the success of an expedition beyond the Walls. So if we venture out there and Eren can't turn into his Titan form, we'll have lost all the way around. This experiment HAS to happen. I'm sure he'll agree to it. So prepare yourself for what's coming, Eren. And you too, Elijah."

I nod. "Understood."

"Understood," Eren says. "I won't let you down next time!"

Commander Eren did not wait one moment. Though it would be before the expedition, we got clearance to take Eren outside the Walls. We did such a thing immediately, gathering Titans to provoke the transformation, but as before, Eren couldn't transform. What was once fun is now worrying.

"Come on, Four-Eyes, that's enough, isn't it? We've taken care of all the Titans in this area now. It's over!"

"What? No! Eren still hasn't transformed yet!"

Levi scoffs as he faces Eren. "What's happening, Eren? That bite you made on your arm isn't even healing up."

Eren bows his head in shame. "Sorry, I… Dammit, why isn't this working?"

Hange sighs. "It doesn't make sense… It was the perfect setting for him to experience life-threatening danger…"

"I think," I say, "that it isn't the danger. Now that I think about it, I had another idea. In each of those instances, Eren was in danger, but he also had a reason. Inside the Titan's stomach, he still wanted to fight them. Under the Garrison's cannons, he wanted to protect Mikasa, Armin, and I. The boulder, he wanted to beat the enemy. I don't think Eren isn't transforming because he can't. He has to have a reason to. A resolve. We can't force that on him, can we?"

Hange shakes her head. "No, we can't. It is a good theory… We'll need to rethink all of this."

"But," Moblit starts, "if we can't get Eren's ability to work outside the Walls… We'll be right back where we started, won't we?"

"Hmm. Well, let's call it a day for now and fall back. Moblit and I will write all this up and catch you later. Have a rest, Eren. You see to his wounds and look after him, okay, Elijah?"

"Yes ma'am."

I return outside, seeing Eren at a table with the Levi squad, holding his arm in pain. "Hey, here, take these." He looks to me as I hand him a roll of bandages.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it." I say as I take my seat across from him.

"Don't let it get you down, Eren." Eld to my right says.

"But..."

"Well..." Oruo interjects. "It just means you're more human than I thought."

"Better than rushing into something and getting killed. this isn't meaningless."

"Yeah..." Gunther speaks up. "We can't be too careful."

Bullshit. You're all just glad he didn't transform. Being calm about it just shows it.

Eren picks up his teaspoon, and instantly, he grips his hand in pain, dropping the utensil on the ground. "Hey, you okay man?"

"Yeah..."

"Here, I'll get it."

"No, I got it." He leans over and reaches down. That's when I hear a sharp crack, and then the next thing I know I'm on my back, lightning darting from heaven to earth. Lightning...oh shit. I scramble to my feet, seeing Eren squatting on top of a huge, muscular arm. Great, now he triggers the transformation.

"Eren!" I use my ODM to get up to him. "What the hell happened?"

"I don't know," He says as he struggles to pull his arm out...his other arm. "Why..? Why now?!"

"Calm down." We hear Captain Levi's voice behind us. Turning, we catch the sight of Levi standing before us, standing in guard against his subordinates. Sensing the danger and the need to protect my friend, I draw out my blades as Gunther, Eld, Petra, and Oruo have done. "I said to calm down, all of you."

"Eren..." Eld says. "What is the meaning of this?!"

"S-Sir?"

"Why now? Without permission? Answer me!"

"Eld, wait." Captain Levi firmly says.

"Answer him, Eren! What are you thinking?!"

"No, that can wait... Prove you're not our enemy, humanity's enemy! Prove it! Now! That is your responsibility!"

I narrow my eyes at Gunther, possibly mimicking Mikasa right now. "How can he when you idiots surround him like he's a fucking monster?!"

"I dare you to make a single move with that arm! I'll cut off your head!" I dare Ouro to make a move, I'll gladly cut out that muscle he calls a tongue right out of his mouth.

"Just you try it you son of a bitch."

"I can do it... I'm serious! Want to try me?"

"Oruo, I said to calm down."

"Captain, get away from Eren! You're too close!" Damn, I would hate to hurt Petra, such a beautiful woman... But if she does anything, I will not hesitate.

Levi, however, stands firm. "No, you're the ones who should get back. Get back.

"Why?!"

"My intuition."

"What's wrong, Eren? Say something!"

"Like I said..."

"No sudden movements!"

"Prove it to me, Eren!"

"Any of you try anything I will kill you."

"I said i don't understand."

"Answer us! You think we can't kill you? I'm serious!"

"Do it now!"

"I'll cut you all down!"

"Are you even listening?"

"Okay, let's do this!"

"Are you humanity's-"

"BE QUIET! ALL OF YOU JUST BE QUIET!"

With Eren's great shout, silence ensues, but the situation is still tense. I still hold my blades out, glaring at anyone who dares make a move. Let it be Oruo. Please, let the pig head come. I look down at Levi, hoping he'll call them off. Eren is confused, why can't they see that? He's scared, yet on a whim, they jump at him as if he is the enemy. How dare they!

"EREN!" That voice is unmistakably the voice of my superior officer. I turn to look upon an excited Hange, running towards us and pushing the soldiers. "I wanna touch the arm! I wanna touch the arm! Pretty please? With sugar on top! Let me touch this glorious thing!"

We look at each other, and I shrug. "She should do it."

"I don't think that's such a good- Wait, no!"

Hange forgoes permission and touches Eren's Titan arm. It's only for a few seconds but as her hand certainly burns from touching the muscle, the scientist burns with passion. "Argh! Son of a bitch! That mother is hot when there's no skin! This is the best day in the history of science! AHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Section Commander! You're too reckless!"

I sigh as I sheath my blades. "Looks like you made her happy."

"Yeah..."

She gets up. "Are you not burning up? What's it like? How is it connected to your hand? Oh, you have to show me! I really, really wanna see!" Before she gets an answer, Eren tries to remove his right hand again.

"Hey, Eren!" Ouro is back on his bullshit, I see. "Don't do anything rash!"

"Stop talking you pig." I leap off just before Eren frees himself, falling on the ground in front of the lieutenant. Hange, however, begins to freak out as the arm begins to decay.

"No! What are you doing? That's too soon! I still wanted to investigate some things! Huh?" As I walk over to Hange, she stares at the Titan's hands. There, we see that Eren indeed picked up the spoon. "What made this happen? Elijah, you were here when the transformation occurred."

"Yes. Eren dropped this spoon and was picking it up when… Hange, I think I'm right."

"I think you are too," she says in a more serious tone. "Though picking up a spoon is not as purposeful as, say, protecting your friends or picking up a boulder, it is a purpose nonetheless. If Eren has a clear aim in mind, that is the true trigger of his transformation."

The enrollment ceremony came by quickly. The night the cadets finally choose which regiment they'll join is now upon us. While my choice is quite clear and I have conducted missions with the Scouts, I'm unofficially a member. So, for me, this is just a formality. For the others, it's a choice that must be made tonight.

As I put my cadet jacket on, and tuck my necklace under my shirt, I hear knocking. Since all the boys are gone, it must be one of the girls. Mikasa is with Armin, most likely. I don't hear Ymir's scolding, so either Christa got away or it isn't her. Annie is...well, Annie. So that only leaves one suspect. I look back, indeed seeing my favorite redhead. "Hey."

"Hey. You ready?"

"Yeah, I thought you'd be with the others."

"Sasha shrugs. "Yeah, but... I need your advice. Walk with me?" Seeing no reason to say no, I walk Sasha out of the barracks to the cool nighttime air. We're silent for a few steps, probably because she's apprehensive about asking me the obvious question.

"It's your choice, Sasha. You know that, right?"

She sighs. "Yeah, I know. But...Jean, Armin, Mikasa, Eren, you... You guys are going to the Scouts."

"Jean's going for the Scouts?"

"Yes. Claims he's not like Eren though, calling him a 'suicidal maniac.' Naturally, as I am one of the top ten of our class, I can choose whatever regiment I want, and you can too. But... How do I choose? I'm...too afraid to be with the Scouts."

I nod. "Then you have the 'safe' life of the Military Police or not as lavish life of the Garrison."

"Yes, but I don't want to be a coward, however, Eren would put it."

"I understand, we already have Daz as the designated coward of our class."

Sasha giggles at my insult to the pissant, but quickly changes her look to me with a pleading one. As if she's begging me to give her any kind of answer. "Please, tell me, Elijah, what should I do?"

I stop as Sasha now stands close to me. She's afraid, alone, and searching. I remember this look on a ten-year-old boy from five years ago when his entire world was crushed under a boulder. I remember this boy who thought the end was near, but nearby heard another say that he would get revenge. That boy, who was once me, is now Sasha. She cries now as she leans into me, though I stumble a little from the initial contact, I hug her back, doing all I can to comfort her.

"Sasha..." I gently push her off of me, but my arms remain around her waist, and hers around my neck. If anyone saw us now, I'd never hear the end of it. "I can't choose for you, but I will say this: Wherever you may go, I will respect your decision." I know it's not what she wants to hear, but this kind of decision is something she must make on her own. Sasha looks up at me now with her eyes glistening in the moonlight with her tears. "Tell yourself this, Sasha. You know how the Titans eat humans. What will you do with that?"

Sasha says nothing, so I let her go so we won't be late for the ceremony. We find ourselves near Jean and Connie in the crowd, though I can see Mikasa and Armin up ahead in the front, Christa and Ymir a row behind them, Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie close to Jean. Eren isn't present of course, for he is an official Scout...don't understand how I don't get the same honors.

Commander Erwin steps up on stage, preparing to persuade the cadets to join his regiment. However, I guess he isn't looking for many recruits. It is the Scouts after all.

"I am Erwin Smith, Commander of the Scout Regiment. Today, you will choose a military branch. Put bluntly, I'm here to persuade you to join the Scout Regiment. During the Titan attack, you learned how terrifying they can be. And how limited your own power is. However... This battle brought humanity closer to victory than it's ever been. Through Eren Jaeger's existence. By risking his own life, he's proven himself, without doubt, a friend to humanity. With his help, not only did we stop the Titans' advance, but we have a way to discover their true nature. We believe that in the basement of his Shiganshina home, there are answers about the Titans that he himself doesn't have. If we can reach that basement, we will find the clue that will end this century of Titan rule."

Many cadets, including myself, are surprised by this. I'm more surprised by the fact he's throwing such vital information out here to all of us. I understand in wanting more recruits, but what other purpose would this serve? Is there some kind of hidden motive? What do you see, Commander?

"We will head for the basement in Shiganshina. However, that requires us to retake Wall Maria. In other words, our objective hasn't changed. But with the Trost gate sealed, we'll have to take the long way around, from Karanes to the east. The four years we spent laying a route for a large army have gone to waste. In those four years, more than sixty percent of the Scout Regiment lost their lives. Sixty percent in four years... An insane figure. Any trainees who join will participate in our excursion beyond the walls, in a month. We expect thirty percent won't return. In four years, most will be dead. But those who survive will become superior soldiers with a high survival rate. Knowing these discouraging facts, any still willing to risk their lives, remain here. Ask yourself... Are you willing to offer your beating heart for humanity? That is all. Anyone who wishes to join another branch is dismissed."

Nice attempt at persuasion, Commander. The other cadets begin to leave, though I keep my gaze forward. I've already made my choice. However, my peripheral vision watches who leaves and who goes.

Armin and Mikasa stay, and as they look back to me, I nod to them. Of course, we're together for our own reasons, one of them is to retake our home. Jean, so far, hasn;t moved, and as he looks back, I catch his eyes. I see that his body wants to depart, but once our eyes connect, a silent message is said between us.

What would Marco want you to do, Jean?

He turns around, screaming to the heavens. He made his choice. He will stay.

I look to Christa, who hasn't moved a muscle, and to Ymir, who looks at the blonde. Wherever Christa goes, Ymir will follow...and Christa is not going anywhere.

I look to Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annir. The boys, both of whom desired to be with the Military Police, stay put, but Annie turns around and heads out as expected. A certain loss, but it doesn't matter now.

A hand slips in right, squeezing it tightly as if they were holding on for dear life itself. I apply the same pressure, telling them that I'm here, and that I got them. I face the person, seeing that she's staying as well, along with the local "genius." I smile to Sasha and Connie, Personally glad with their choice.

In total, only a fifth of our class remain. The commander nods in acceptance, though I can see he has one final test. "I ask you, can you die if you're ordered to?"

"I don't want to die, sir!" I don't know who said that, but whoever did they're right. I don't want to die...but if I must...

"I see. I like the looks on your faces. Then I welcome everyone here to the Scout Regiment! This is a true salute! Offer up your hearts!" My fist hits my chest a little too hard, but I mean it. So does everyone else here. We are the new Scouts, and we will do it proudly.

"You have done well to endure your fear. You are brave soldiers. You have my heartfelt respect."

The same is said for you Commander Erwin, if not more. As we're dismissed, Reiner walks up to me. "I see you really went for the Scouts too, Elijah. I'm looking forward to working with you." Reiner outstretches his hand, which is weird because we've known each other for years now, but regardless, I take it.

"I've got your back, Reiner. Let's give it our all."

Back at the old scout headquarters, I find Eren cleaning by the stables. "Well, look what we have here. The hope for humanity is out here performing duties like a housemaid. This just simply won't do."

Eren sighs as pauses to look at me in annoyance. "Shut up. Why are you here?"

"Come on, aren't you happy to see me? I'm officially a Scout now. Graduation finally happened."

"Oh really. All the regiment assignments should have been decided already, right? I wonder how many people we'll have joining the Scouts."

"A lot more than you think. Not as many as one would hope, given what we've been through. Mostly everyone, though."

Eren looks at me confused. "What do you mean?"

"See for yourself."

"Eren!" We turn around to see Armin and Mikasa running up to us. Eren looks back excitedly to see our friends who he hadn't seen since he was assigned to Levi.

"Eren! Have they mistreated you at all? Like, investigate every square inch of you? Or psychological torture? Elijah always said you were fine, but i knew he wasn't telling everything." Ah, Mikasa, not skipping a beat to worrying about Eren and blaming me.

Eren chuckles as he turns to me. "No way. No, nothing like that...right?"

I shrug. "Well, Levi did have you clean the entire residence. Squeaky clean, I may add."

Mikasa's face darkens. "That short guy went too far. Someday, I'll see him pay for it."

I smile. "I'd pay to see that."

Eren groans. "Elijah, Mikasa, take it easy, okay?... Hm?"

"Hey, Eren."

"It's been so long!"

The rest of our friends who've joined the Scouts, except Jean, show up, much to his surprise. "What? Everyone's here? But if you're here, then... That doesn't mean you joined the Scout Regiment, does it?"

"Is there any other reason we'd be here?"

"So only Jean, Annie, and Marco joined the Military Police?"

"Marco's dead," Jean says as he walks up.

"No way... Not you, too! Wait, what was that? Did you say...Marco's dead?"

"Seems not everyone gets a dramatic death. I don't even know how he died. He dies without anyone knowing, or anyone seeing."

"Marco..."

"Hey, new kids, get over here!" Our attention is brought by two men, one holds folded green clothing as the other one calls to us. "Your uniforms are here!"

Despite the dire mood of our fallen friend being brought up, I'm the first to walk over to the pair, a little too excited to finally receive my official Scout uniform, especially the cloak. With it in my hands, I just stand in awe as I see the Wings of Freedom face me. This is it, I'm officially a Scout.

"Chill out Everett, it's just a cloak."

After all of us have gotten our uniforms, we all gather inside the HQ. I admit that I'm still a bit giddy from receiving mine.

"Are you really..."

"Yes," Mikasa answers Eren. "We'll also be participating in the mission."

"Hey, Eren," Jean interjects. I heard that when you turned into a Titan, you tried to kill Mikasa. Elijah also said that you accidentally transformed when you picked up a teaspoon. What does that mean?"

"No. Eren was trying to hit a fly..."

Really, Mikasa? That was the best you could come up with?

"I wasn't asking you. Mikasa, it looks like the wound on your cheek is pretty bad." Mikasa looks away while trying to cover her scar with some of her hair. "When did you get that?" Jean clearly not believing any of Mikasa's bullshit.

"I've heard it's true. When I became a Titan, I tried to kill Mikasa."

"If you heard, then you don't remember it, right? In other words, you had no idea you even had this Titan power, and you don't have the means to control it."

"Yes, that's right."

Jean sighs, and then he turns to the others. "Did you hear that? This is the situation. Humanity and our lives depend on him. We'll probably die just like Marco, without Eren ever realizing it."

"Jean," I speak up. "What's the point in asking Eren all these questions now?"

"Listen, Elijah." He turns back to look at me. "Not everyone is like you and Mikasa, willing to die for Eren's sake with nothing in return... We should know what we're dying for. Otherwise, we will hesitate when the time comes. We want something in return from him. So let me see what he has to offer. And whether it's worth my life." Jean, gritting his teeth storms over to Eren and grabs him by his shoulders. "So, Eren... I'm really counting on you."

"R-Right." Jean releases Eren and steps away.

"Hey, don't take it so hard, Eren," Reiner says. "We're here with you."

"Yeah," Bertholdt cosigns, "We can help."

"Tsk, you're going to scare Christa with that look on your face!" Eren says nothing, but his face says enough. Only I understand what it truly means.

"Eren."

"Hmm?"

"Remember, as long as you have clear aim, you'll be fine. Now you just have to prove to the others that you're worth it."

"No. That's not it. Huh, that one looks like Jean...oh! There you are." I walk up to the familiar animal I befriended on my first unofficial mission with the scouts. Its beautiful pale gold coat still mesmerizes me, even if I can only see it by the lone lantern I'm carrying. "Hey buddy, remember me?"

The horse is a little spooked by my initial greeting, but soon calms down when it sees me in the light. I gently stroke his snout. "That's it, good boy."

"Well, so this is where you snuck off to."

The sound of a gentle, sweet, and familiar voice brings me out of my content state. I turn around to see the short blonde. "Oh, hey, Christa."

"What are you doing?"

"I feel like I should ask you that."

"I asked you first."

"Fair enough. I was just looking for my horse."

Christa looks at me confused. "Your horse."

I nod. "Yeah, it's the one they gave me on my first mission with the Scouts. Well, first unofficial mission."

"Oh..." Christa walks over closer to me. "So, this is it? It's a really beautiful horse."

"Yeah, he's strong and fast." I look down at Christa who's now petting my horse. "I didn't know you had such an interest in horses."

"Hm? Oh, well, they play an important role to not just the Scouts, but the entire military as well. without them, we wouldn't have transportation, and communication wouldn't be as fast as it is."

"Plus, they help us retreat from the Titans if the battle gets too heated."

She nods. "I'm curious, Elijah. Why do you have an interest in horses?"

"My mother mostly, she's the one who taught me how to ride them."

"Really? Your mother, she was a hunter, right?"

I nod. "Yeah, she was. We used to have this stubborn horse named Goliath back in my hometown. Stubborn as our local 'genius' but was loyal to a front."

Christa giggles. "Sounds like he was a good horse. Do you think he's still out there somewhere?"

Christa actually raises a good question I haven't thought of in years. When the Titans invaded my home, we didn't have time to get to our home. Goliath would've hopped the fence when he heard the gate being destroyed or if he saw the Titans. So he could still be alive.

"Elijah?"

"Huh?" Christa's voice brings me back to reality. I didn't even realize I spaced out. "Oh, sorry. Honestly, Christa, part of me thinks he could still be, but I'm not too sure if he'd even recognize me. It's been five years, after all."

"That may be true, but you never know."

"Fair enough, but I don't think I should go looking for him when we reach Shiganshina. There are far more pressing matters at hand."

Christa smiles up at me. "Yeah, I know. So, what are you going to name this horse?"

"Huh, I actually haven't gotten around to that yet."

"Do you need any ideas?"

"Hmm... Yeah, that'd be helpful."

Christa looks in deep thought at the horse, spending a good minute or two thinking. "What about, Swift Wind?"

"Hmm... I like it, but I don't think it fits."

"Alright, then... How about, Spirit Star?"

"...Spirit..." I walk up to my horse, patting him on his neck. "That's it... Your name...is Spirit." The horse then turns his head to me, blows air in my face through his nostrils, and then lays his head on top of my right shoulder. "Looks like he likes that name."

Christa giggles as she pets Spirit's neck. "Looks like he does."

I take a few steps back and stand beside Christa. "So, why did you follow me out here?"

She shrugs. "I just wanted to see what you were up to, hoping you wouldn't get yourself in trouble."

"Aww, I didn't know you cared. Guess Ymir hasn't fully corrupted you yet."

Christa's eyes widen as a small blush appears on her face. "Sh-Shut up..."

I laugh. "Just messin' with you."

She smiles, then looks at me with an embarrassed expression. "C-Could you, do something for me?"

I raise an eyebrow. "What's up?"

"Well... Could you maybe...help me do something with my hair? Make it look nice, maybe?"

"...What?" I'm completely baffled by this. Of all things to ask and of all people to ask. Why would she ask me to do that?!

Christa tilts her head. "What's wrong? Is there a problem with that?"

"You realize I'm a guy, right?" I fold my arms. "Not to mention that there are plenty of others that could help you better than I can, Sasha, hell, even Ymir would do it if you're the one asking her."

"Well, it's just my hair, right?" Christa folds her arms as she looks at me stubbornly. "I want you to help me, that's all."

I guess she's gonna be like this tonight. At least Ymir's not here, I couldn't even begin to imagine what she'd say. Come to think of it, why isn't she here? Wherever Christa goes, she follows. "Fine, but let's make it quick."

Christa smiles at me. "Alright, it won't be a problem. Do you want to go somewhere else?"

"Nope." I grab a nearby stool and horse brush. Then I place the stool in front of me. "We're doing this right here. Now sit."

She looks at me confused. "Right here? In the stables? Won't someone else come in here?"

"No one really comes out here, besides me. We'll be fine."

Christa slowly approaches me, then sits on the stool with her back facing me. "Okay, if you say so."

"Okay, now just relax...I guess."

I bring Christa's hair to her back so it can fall down naturally. I brush it carefully so I wouldn't hurt her. I don't really know what I'm doing since I haven't done anything like this in over five years. Back in Shiganshina...for my mother.

"...This feels nice."

I don't want to make things more awkward than they already are, so I just keep quiet for now. After a few more minutes of brushing, I put down the brush. I then start taking her hair and begin to make a simple braid. I have to admit, I always wondered how soft her hair is. Eat your heart out, Reiner.

"Oh, Elijah, you know how to braid hair?" Christa asks as she tries to look back at me. I turn her head away from me since I can't really do this if she looks at me. Plus, this is a little embarrassing.

"Eyes front. My mother taught me this. She says a man should at least know how to do one thing with a woman's hair. It's nothing fancy but it's better than knowing nothing."

She giggles. "You're mother sounded like a smart woman. She does have a point."

"I guess."

The braid is complete after a few minutes. Christa stands up from the stool, turns back to me, and fiddles with her new braid in her left hand. I think I did a decent job.

"This is nice, Elijah. Thank you for this." She smiles at me. "Ymir will definitely be surprised when she sees me with this."

"Where is Ymir anyway? I bet she would've done this for you in a heartbeat. Hell, even Sasha would do it if you gave her a potato in return."

Christa laughs at my jab at the foodie of our group. "Yeah, she probably would. She and Ymir are both asleep now. Sasha would probably do anything for a potato."

I chuckle. "Well, I don't know about anything, but definitely most things."

"Yeah." Christa raises an eyebrow playfully. "Do you think Ymir will me if she finds out you braided my hair?"

"She'd probably kill me instead, for touching her 'precious Christa.'"

The blonde laughs. "Yeah, you're probably right." Christa then moves her hair slightly, feeling the braid. "Thank you for this, Elijah."

"No worries, but don't expect this to become a thing."

She smiles at me. "Don't worry, this was a one-time thing."

Christa walks out of the stables before she looks back at me one last time. "Good night, Elijah."

I nod. "Night."

Christa leaves for the barracks, leaving me alone with nothing but the horses to keep me company now.

Sweet girl, but too nice for her own good.

One month later.

"We begin at last." I turn to Armin, nodding. It's been a long month since Trost, but here we are in the Calaneth District, ready to embark on the foretold expedition.

"Yes, finally." I look to the others, Jean, Sasha, Mikasa, Christa, and Ymir. I smile at the latter, winking at her. "You know, Ymir, you look rather ravishing in green."

The young woman chuckles. "Oh, do I now?"

"Yes. Words simply cannot comprehend it."

"Well, stay alive, maybe you can explain it to me better. Just not in front of Christa."

"I'll do my best." Smirking deviously as I begin to laugh, I turn around, catching a glare from Mikasa. "...What?"

"Nothing."

"Come on, say it."

"...You can do better than Ymir."

"Oh, and here I thought you were starting to care about my well-being."

She rolls her eyes, sighing. "Please. I could care less about your well-being. It's...not like I don't care, but..." She looks at me, hoping that I'll catch her message. "You know."

I hold her shoulder. "I know. Don't worry, Mikasa. We'll be alright, besides," I lean closer to her to tell her something that'll shake her soul. "I think Ymir is into girls as well, even more so than guys, so you might have a better chance with her than me."

"Shut up." I laugh as Mikasa punches my arm, though not as hard as she can. I look back at her again, seeing a very minute smile on her face. Ha, I broke the ice queen. She notices me looking, so she turns away, but the damage is done.

"Elijah, you shouldn't mess with Mikasa like that." I look to retort at Armin, but his words betray his face. I shake my head, then my eyes lay on Sasha.

"You okay, Potato Girl?"

"Yeah, I think."

I nod. "Good. I'm counting on you, all of you. We've come this far, so let's make something of it. We beat those bastards once before and survived, let's do it again, together!"

"The time has come!" We face forward as a Scout in front of us barks words at us cadets. "Humanity will finally take another step forward! Show us what you've trained for!"

The gates begin to open, and the mission begins. "Advance!" I hear Commander Erwin shout from all the way up front. "We will now begin the 57th expedition beyond the walls! Onward!"

We ride. Finally, it begins, the moment that will one day lead us back to Wall Maria. That is what we are all thinking at least, and in one case, that is true. However, it's what we didn't know about this expedition that truly set us on our path.

Trost...was only the beginning.