Can I … do this?

An expedition outside Wall Rose was planned in only thirty days' time. There was a good chance it was for the sake of reclaiming Wall Maria and giving humanity over half of its land back. People could return to their homes, food stocks could be replenished, and questions about what the Titans are could be answered. How that would happen … if that would happen … would all be up to him.

"Eren?"

"Yes!" Eren Jaeger said, coming back to himself.

The room Eren was in lacked any windows. A row of flickering candles placed along the center of a long table acted as a substitute for any natural lighting. The shadows bouncing over the stone walls along with the musky nature to the air worked to create a gloomy atmosphere. This tone had been the case with much of the old castle which Eren had been residing in for the past few days … his companions being no exception.

The members of Squad Levi were regarding Eren with calculating expressions. Being studied with an air of suspicion at all times was beginning to chip away at Eren little by little.

"I asked …" Eld said, the blonde man leaning forward in his seat. "... how it works – you changing into a Titan."

"Ah …" Eren lowered his eyes.

"It's cloudy," he said, wishing he could come up with a better answer. "It happens when I hurt myself, like taking my hand and–"

Wait, Eren thought. How do I know that? Why … do I know that? Where are these thoughts coming from?

"Leave him be."

Captain Levi of the Scout Regiment opened his hand like a claw and gripped his teacup around the rim. Keen eyes beneath strands of dark hair studied Eren from the opposite end of the table. Despite being nearly a head shorter than his ward, the level of intimidation Levi could invoke through a detached glance was still substantial.

Over two weeks had passed since Eren's trial; it didn't mean he'd totally forgotten the sensation of Levi kicking his teeth in to show that Eren was an asset which could be controlled. The entirety of that interaction may've been an act, but Levi's seemingly half-hearted apology afterward didn't do much to quell the unpleasant turn in Eren's gut whenever the captain had him in his sights. That sensation was there even now as Eren ventured Levi may've interrupted Eld a moment ago as a reaction of picking up signs of distress. This notion was pushed aside as Levi took a sip from his tea with a bored expression.

"It's useless to get any information out of him right now," Levi said, lowering his cup. "It won't stop her from trying, of course. Pray you'll still be in one piece when she's done with you, Eren."

"Huh?" Eren said, his posture growing stiff. "Who–?"

The doors at Levi's back shuddered as something slammed against the wood. Eren flinched. He appeared to be the only one showing any sign of concern as another member of the squad, Petra Rall, calmly rose from the table to remove the board securing the doors.

Every room Eren had been in since coming to the castle had been fastened or locked in some way. The obvious reason behind the security detail was to keep him contained in smaller areas to prohibit him from transforming into a Titan. The not-so-obvious reason was that it was also a measure to keep certain people out. Those 'certain people' being assassins sent from the Interior, if the whispers Eren had picked up from Levi's squad were right.

Having to fear for his life in such a manner even after the court verdict left Eren frustrated to no end. He almost wanted one of those assassins to get through, just so he could beat them to a pulp and send a message back to the Interior to keep their distance. He'd be damned if he'd die now; not when he was so close to finally leaving the shelter of Wall Rose and venturing out to find answers.

Eren reached up to clutch at the material of his shirt. He felt the outline of a key hanging around his neck, the image of his father holding the item aloft drifting through his mind.

"Good evening, members of Levi Squad!"

The hand Eren had to his chest dropped to his lap. He frowned in puzzlement as Section Commander Hange strode into the room with the confidence of someone who hadn't just bashed themselves against a door she assumed was unlocked.

"I hope castle life is treating you well!" Hange said. Her smile shifted into something unsettling as she regarded Eren. "Especially for you my good friend, hmm?"

"Miss Hange," a voice said from the hall. "You hit your arm pretty hard … are you sure you're okay?"

Eren's eyes widened from the sound of someone familiar. He got to his feet as another figure entered the room and hit him with a broad smile.

"Marco?!"

"I'm surprised they allowed you to see me."

Eren sat on a small bed, one leg dangling over the edge as he leaned against the stone wall at his back. He took in Marco's carefree expression as the other boy removed his backpack and pulled up a wooden chair to take a seat. Somehow Marco appeared unperturbed even though the torch hanging against the wall did little to detract from the fact Eren's room was anything but welcoming. He was basically in the dungeon – the door even had a cutout lined with metal bars so members of Squad Levi could give the occasional passing glance.

"Well," Marco said, sounding a little sheepish. "I'm about as surprised as you are. I had mentioned to my sister I was worried about you, and apparently Miss Hange owes her a debt; something to do with studying the captured Titans, I think. Miss Hange agreed I could accompany her on her trip to visit you on the grounds that I … don't mention it to a lot of people. I hope I'm not putting you in a precarious position."

"If anything, you're the one who could get in trouble," Eren said. He felt guilty – Marco was risking his potential career. At the same time, Eren couldn't help but to be thrilled to finally see a friendly face. He relished having someone look at him in a manner free from any form of suspicion.

"I hope not," Marco said with a chuckle. "Even so … I really wanted to make sure you were alright. I had no reason to disbelieve the ruling of the Scouts taking you in, but it helps seeing you alive and well with my own eyes. You look to be in good health, Eren."

"You don't seem to be doing too bad, either," Eren said. "How is everyone? The graduation ceremony is tomorrow, isn't it?"

"Day after," Marco said. He reached into his backpack, rummaging around for a moment before pulling out a stack of papers. "These are letters from our friends; I told them they were being sent via a special courier. Miss Hange had to approve them first, if you're wondering why the seals are broken." The papers were handed over with a warm smile. "Everyone sends their well wishes. It's too bad you won't be able to join us at the ceremony even if you already picked a regiment."

Eren sorted through the papers, recognizing Christa's crisp penmanship and Conny's slanted handwriting. Relief washed over him. He knew Marco would've mentioned right away if anything had happened to certain individuals in their class, but …

"Marco," Eren said, his expression falling. "Who … who didn't make it?"

Silence fell like a heavy weight. The light behind Marco's eyes dimmed as he lowered his gaze.

"Everyone … everyone in your squad besides Armin," Marco said, his voice soft. He laced his fingers in a tight grip. "Hanna … Franz … Thomas …"

Marco looked up when Eren's hand landed on his shoulder.

Eren gave Marco a firm nod. He grit his teeth, crossing his arms as he leaned back on the bed.

"It's frustrating," Eren said. "If I had known … If I had more control of this power … maybe I could've saved them."

Marco regarded Eren for a moment. The corner of his mouth tilted up. "It's sort of funny … You sound like me. Annie said there was no use worrying over things that have already happened. She said it was more productive to focus on moving forward."

The melancholy ebbed away as Eren's brow furrowed. "Annie said that?"

"It's a little surprising, huh?" Marco said with a chuckle. "I've actually run into her a few times now during my morning exercise. I think … I think she's looking out for me. Armin said she's a kind person, no matter how hard she tries to hide it; I can only agree."

"I dunno," Eren said. Memories of Annie kicking his ass during hand-to-hand combat training replayed in his head. "She comes off as kinda scary."

Marco laughed more openly. "Plenty of people say that about Mikasa, too. And you're good friends with her."

No argument of that point came to mind. Eren made the mental note to make an effort to socialize with Annie the next time he saw her. Although, he couldn't say when the next time they'd cross paths may be.

"Is there anyone in our class still planning on joining the Scouts?" Eren asked. He grew disheartened by the uncertain nature falling over Marco.

"It's … it's not something we talk about much," Marco said. "I think a lot of us are on the fence. What happened in Trost was a glimpse of what could be our future. It's different from what we imagined."

Eren already knew of the horror of Titans; for many of his classmates, this had been the first time experiencing their terror first hand. The Scout Regiment was also much different than he'd ever pictured:

Commander Erwin was a genius like people said, but there was a calculating air about him which left Eren feeling like he was being observed as more of a tool than a person.

There was Captain Levi, who was as formidable as the rumors claimed … he was also a stickler for following rules and an unsociable clean freak.

Section Commander Hange was simply unhinged.

The members of Squad Levi also possessed enough of their own quirks to leave Eren with the impression no one normal ever joined the Scouts.

And there's me, Eren thought. … who's certainly far from normal myself.

"It's frightening," Eren said. "But that's what we joined the military to do, isn't it? We pushed ourselves to the breaking point to fight the Titans. I just hope people remember that."

"What do you think I should do, Eren?" Marco asked.

A frown pulled at the corners of Eren's mouth. He studied Marco as the other boy stared at his feet.

"My family," Marco said. "My family is expecting something in particular from me, and I don't want to let them down. Making them happy … being able to keep them safe … that's what I want. I just … she told me I was brave, and I don't want to let her down."

"Let who down?"

Marco looked up as if he'd forgotten Eren was there. His smile revealed he may've said more aloud than he intended. "Uh … Maria's Knight."

Eren's eyes grew wide. He snorted.

"H-hey," Marco said. His shoulders slumped as Eren doubled over in laughter.

"You're worried about letting a fairy tale character down?" Eren said, wrapping his arms around his stomach. "Come on, Marco – this isn't something to joke about!"

Regardless of this claim, Eren continued to laugh at the absurdity of the statement.

"I'm not …" Marco said with a sigh. He seemed uncomfortable when Eren looked up to meet his gaze, but his expression slowly brightened.

"This reminds me of when we used to go on field missions in the Cadets," Marco said. "How we would all share stories around the fire and laugh … It feels so long ago. That's sort of a ridiculous thing for me to think, huh?"

"Not really," Eren said, catching his breath. "I feel the same. A lot has happened in a short amount of time. It's really–"

"Hey," a voice said.

Eld's face came into view through the barred opening in the door. "Hange will be headed out soon – she told me to inform you to complete your assignment and head upstairs as soon as possible."

"Oh!" Marco said. He sat up straight as he regarded Eren's curious expression.

"Miss Hange told me I needed to convince you to accompany her to study the captured Titans tomorrow," he said.

"Uh …" Eren scratched the side of his face. "Sure, I guess. I don't really have control over that, but if Captain Levi says I can accompany her, then I'll go."

Marco nodded, pleased. "I agree it's a little odd … but Miss Hange's passion about her work is commendable. And if you go, maybe you'll meet– ah! That's right."

A moment passed of Marco rearranging items in the backpack at his feet before an object was pulled free. The object was a bundle made from a cloth so deep green it nearly appeared black as it flowed around his fingers. Eren admired the plush, silky material when it was handed over.

"This is a gift from my sister," Marco said. "I guess it's some of the finest cloth they carry at my father's factory. And she did that work in the corner, too."

The initials 'E.J.' had been embroidered in a looping green script in the corner of the blanket. Eren ran his thumb over the stitching.

"I guess there were a lot of limits on what's allowed to be given to you," Marco said. "Celine thought just a blanket was inadequate, but I told her you would like it. I … hope you do, anyway."

"Um … yeah, I guess," Eren said, genuinely confused. "What's this for, exactly?"

"Ah!" Marco said with a flinch. "Sorry, I forgot – Armin mentioned your memory from when you were … 'transformed' wasn't so great."

Marco leaned forward in his seat, a light behind his eyes.

"You saved our lives, Eren – Celine and me. There was a Titan coming after us, and you took it down so we could escape." Marco offered his hand. It was studied for a moment before Eren took it.

"Thank you, Eren," Marco said, the warmth behind his words matching the feel of his palm. "Thank you for saving us."

Another reminder from Eld prompted Marco to make his leave. He bid Eren goodnight and parted with a wave and a cheery smile. The room seemed to dim when he was gone.

Eren held up the blanket, tilting the material to-and-fro in a manner which created ripples of green among the black mass. He swung it around and wrapped the blanket over his shoulders.

'Thank you, Eren. Thank you for saving us.'

His head dipped as exhaustion washed over him. The feeling of soft warmth reminded Eren of years past – of his mother tucking him in at night, Mikasa helping with his chores, and Armin chatting about a body of water so big you couldn't see the end of it.

A memory closer to the present drifted to the surface; Mikasa and Armin making a stand to defend him against those who thought fit to have Eren executed over the grounds of fear and suspicion. Their expressions in the face of an armed militia had been steadfast. His friends had made the decision to save his life, or die trying, even knowing that Eren wasn't fully human.

Many of his thoughts lately dwelled on what the Titans had taken away … sometimes he forgot about what he was trying to protect; who he was trying to protect. That he could make a difference. Not just for people he held dear, but for others as well.

All of you guys … I'll try my best … for everyone's sake …

Eren curled up and settled into a peaceful sleep.