"There goes another day of us standing around with our thumbs in our asses instead of doing something productive," Levi said.

Celine looked over her shoulder to watch Levi's approach. He stopped at her side, crossing his arms as he stood looking over the side of a short cliff. He'd seemed content to keep his distance through the majority of the exercise; it appeared his newfound want to air his grievances overruled his general desire to keep to himself. Celine sized up an expression akin to as if Levi had stepped in dog shit before returning her attention to the scene below.

The clearing was dotted with a number of soldiers on horseback. They formed a wide ring around two figures in the middle of the grassy field. One of the figures had blood dripping from his chin as he gnawed on the back of his forearm like an animal caught in a trap. The other figure had lied down to take a nap.

Celine groaned. "Seriously …" She swept back her bangs with a sigh. "Hey, Moblit – can you give me a lift?"

Moblit separated from the handful of soldiers at her back and stepped up to Celine's side. An arm was wrapped around her waist as his ODM gear hooked onto a tree below. The pair swung downward in a wide arc, touching down beside the figures in the center of the clearing.

"We're on our third day out here, and neither of you have transformed once," Celine said. She reached out to yank Eren's arm away from his mouth. "I like you a lot, Eren – I owe you my life a couple times over. So please know this is coming from a place of fondness when I ask:

"What the hell is going on with you?"

"I'm trying!" Eren said. He stood, the dried tracks of blood over his chin cracking as he bared his teeth. "I don't know why it isn't working! And at least I'm putting in some effort!"

"Would you two shut up?" the figure laying in the grass said. Ymir rolled on her side. "I'm trying to sleep."

"Your behavior would be a lot cuter if you were a decade or so younger," Celine said, leaning around Eren. "But someone your age going down for a mid-afternoon nap after doing jack shit all day comes off as pathetic."

Ymir scoffed. "Fuck off."

"I wish I could," Celine said. She stood over Ymir, putting her hands on her hips. "Do you think I want to be all the way out here in the middle of the countryside where everything is covered in mud and smells like bear piss? Are you under the impression I get off by standing around in the sun all day watching your miserable display? If you want me to fuck off, then transform into a Titan so I can take some notes and do my damn job."

"You want me to transform into a Titan?" Ymir asked. She sat up, blades of grass sticking in her unkempt hair. A sadistic smile crept up her face. "Fine. I'll enjoy biting your head off so I no longer have to listen to you yapping like a dog."

Celine matched Ymir's twisted smile with one of her own. "Try it, you bitc–!"

A yank to her collar resulted in Celine flying across the clearing. The soldiers on horseback quickly urged their horses out of the way as she and Moblit came tumbling to a stop.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Celine asked, rounding on Moblit. Her expression was enough for Moblit to release her collar and lift his palms in a placating fashion.

"She threatened you, Unit Captain," Moblit said. "Being that close was dangerous."

Celine shot him a look of contempt before getting to her feet.

"I'm about as scared of her as a hawk is of a rabbit," Celine said, making sure her voice was loud enough to carry. "What do I have to fear from a child who's too scared to get up and fight? If you had taken a closer look, you'd have seen how badly her hands were shaking when she made that threat."

"Fuck you!" Ymir said, scrambling to her feet. "Fuck all of you! You can judge me all you want, but I'm not going to dance for you like some fucking trained animal!"

"Ymir!" Eren said. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Come on – calm down."

"I see you're fine with being their pet," Ymir said, slapping Eren's hand away. "But I'm done with that crap. Just leave me the hell alone."

Ymir turned away. She broke into a jog before disappearing into the underbrush.

"My squad, keep her in your sights," Levi shouted from above. "Bring her back by nightfall."

Armin, Jean, and Mikasa exchanged solemn glances. They nodded before whipping their horses around and following after Ymir.

"The rest of us can head back to camp," Levi said. He used his ODM gear to swing into the clearing. Eren was looked up and down before Levi made for his horse. "We'll try again tomorrow; hopefully the results will be less pathetic."

Eren dropped his head, his hands balling into fists.

"At least you're frustrated," Celine said. She accepted the reins of a speckled mare being handed to her by a member of Moblit's squad.

"Of course, I'm frustrated," Eren said. He was staring at the ground with an intensity as if it'd wronged him somehow. "I'm getting really pissed off that I can't seem to pull through when people need me to. What the hell is wrong with me?"

Celine swung herself into the saddle. Another soldier was hovering nearby with the reins to Eren's horse, Celine taking over the task and indicating for the man to go ahead with a tilt to her chin. "You have a lot of pressure on your shoulders – now's the time to see if you can handle it or buckle under the weight. Figure out what drives you forward. Maybe you want to feel recognized, or just let all your anger out on the shitheads who've made your life a living hell."

Eren looked up. He stared at Celine for a time she decided was much, much too long.

"What is it?" Celine asked.

Eren finally broke their gaze as he looked to the side. "You just … remind me of someone, I guess. He was really angry with me recently; it twisted him into someone I didn't recognize. I used to act like that when I'd get worked up talking about killing Titans, and it made me wonder if I also came off as that … disturbing. I want to be someone that can be counted on; I don't want my friends to be scared when they look at me."

The corner of Celine's eye twitched. "So you're calling me 'disturbing.'"

Eren flinched, panic lacing his features. "No, Unit Captain! That's not what I meant!"

"Right," Celine said, unamused. She tossed the reins she had in hand to Eren with a level expression. "I don't care what you think about me, in all honesty. I just need results."

"That's not–"

"Oi."

Levi rode up Eren's side. "You've wasted enough of our time today, brat. Get on your horse and take your position in the center of the formation."

Eren grimaced, his eyes darting between Levi and Celine before mounting his horse. "Ah! Right … sorry."

Celine urged her own horse forward as Eren went ahead.

"Did you have a plan for what you would've done had Ymir actually transformed to attack you?" Levi asked, keeping his eyes forward as he settled at Celine's side.

"Well," Celine said, drawing out the word. "Moblit and Eren were right there; between the two of them, they would've done something."

"You're an idiot."

"An idiot stands around complaining instead of trying to do something to get results," Celine said, hitting Levi with a glare. "If Eren nor Ymir show progress by the end of the week, we have to shelve the idea of using them to patch up Maria. I figured you'd be more invested considering your pushback to the idea of utilizing Annie Leonheart."

"That traitor would be of better use to us in pieces," Levi said, eyes narrowing. "We can't verify any of the information she's provided is true. Whatever she's told us is a bargaining chip she's holding for a chance at getting near the wall then making a run for it."

"I disagree," Celine said. Her tone was a reminder this wasn't the first time the conversation had taken place. "Moblit says the Commander of your regiment trusts her. The other two Commanders are starting to come around in light of her recent actions, as well. If you're not willing to put in the effort to get to the bottom of what's going on here, then you better prepare yourself to work alongside the Female Titan."

Celine clicked her tongue, urging her horse into a faster trot. She pulled up alongside Moblit, tugging on her shirt. "Oi, Moblit – you tore the collar in the back. I expect you to sew this back up …"

. . .

Levi regarded Celine with a dour expression. Her presence wasn't unwarranted – it was necessary to have someone around who could share unfiltered opinions. Celine being in the vicinity of his rank and a part of a different military branch ensured just that. What didn't help were vague comments paired with impulsive actions. Bridging that gap was likely to be just as difficult as dealing with Eren and Ymir.

So, I need to put in the effort?

His eyes narrowed.

Fine, then. Let's get to work.

"If the cellar isn't spotless by this afternoon," Levi said. "All of you are skipping the next two meals."

Armin squinted to make out Levi's passive expression from where he was framed by a square patch of light at his back.

Levi was squatting over the opening in the cabin floor connected to a short ladder; below him was a root cellar which stretched nearly the entire length of the building. It was riddled with spiderwebs, rotting food, and Armin's fellow Scout Regiment soldiers who looked up at him in horror.

"Extra brooms are in the hallway closet," Levi said, straightening. "Don't track dirt through the house."

With that, Levi was gone.

Paranoia was high the moment the newly-minted members of the Special Operations Squad had sat down for breakfast and were informed there was no need to go out and ready the horses. Things had only gotten worse when Levi had mentioned a special assignment.

"I don't know why all of us have to be punished," Jean mumbled. Like his peers, bandanas had been wrapped over his hair and the lower half of his face. The extra barrier didn't stop him gagging from the smell of the mystery barrel he popped open. His reaction prompted Eren and Armin to walk over, the two finding themselves unable to identify what the black globs within had once been, but they could say with certainty trying to eat anything from the barrel would result in instant death.

"I'm sure the Captain could've assigned us to something worse," Armin said in a vain attempt to lighten the mood. He didn't need to see the entirety of Jean's face to know he was being regarded in contempt.

"There's always something worse, man," Jean said. He sighed, picking up a mallet and making quick work of putting the lid back on the barrel.

Armin turned to pick up the broom he'd set aside. He faced the far left corner of the room in a reluctant manner. Although he'd assured the group there could be worse, the cluster of cobwebs and unknown number of spiders lurking within threatened to make him take back his statement. His grip on the handle intensified as he stepped forward.

The sound of a low creak caused Armin to pause. His eyes landed on the person sitting atop a crate near the stairs.

"Hey, Ymir," Armin said, keeping his tone light. "Could you give Jean a hand carrying that barrel up the stairs?"

"No."

Armin's expression fell. He studied Ymir's hunched figure, her head resting against the knees she had pulled up to her chest. In the low lamp light, she melted into the shadows; looking every bit akin to the broken and forgotten items making up the cellar. His heart sank.

The barrel Jean had inspected had been re-sealed. Jean's attempt to lift it was intercepted as the object was scooped up and balanced on Mikasa's shoulder without much effort.

"If you're not going to help …" Mikasa said as she passed Ymir by. "... then at least sit somewhere out of the way."

Ymir didn't move. There wasn't so much as a flinch when Jean stormed in her direction.

"This is bullshit!" Jean said, pulling down the bandana covering his face. "Get your ass up and help us! We're all part of the same squad! Who the hell do you think you are to sit around and let us do all the work?!"

Armin took a step forward, arm outstretched to pull Jean back. "Jean …"

"No, Armin," Eren said. He put down the crate he was carrying, crossing his arms. "Jean's right. Ymir and I are the reason all of you are stuck here doing this in the first place. There's no excuse for her not to help."

The statement worked to elicit a reaction from Ymir as she buried her head deeper in her arms, her voice coming out in a muffled shout. "All of you just fuck off and leave me alone!"

"You…!"

Jean took another step forward, looking about ready to wrap his hands around her throat. "I'm sick of this shit! Stop acting like you're the only one who lost her!"

Ymir's head snapped up, her features falling slack.

"Do you think we don't miss her?" Jean said, his voice rising. "Do you think we all just woke up the day after Historia was killed and were magically just fine?! Do you think you're the only one who's been mourning her? If you're unsure, let me tell you – I'm pissed as hell. I don't care if I only possess a fraction of the strength you and Eren have; when I see Reiner I'm going to strangle that bastard for what he did. Historia and Sasha were a part of our family. No one gets away with something like that."

Jean looked Ymir up and down, taking in her wide-eyed expression. He let out a soft 'tsk' before turning away. "I'm getting some air," he said, pulling away the bandana covering his hair. He ascended the ladder, brushing past a confused-looking Mikasa returning from outside.

Armin watched Jean's boot disappear into the square of light. He frowned, lowering his head as he tried to categorize his thoughts. "I'm not … as angry as Jean is. I'm still angry, but I guess I'm more sad. I felt like I was really only getting to know Historia's true self when she died. She was different from how she was as 'Christa,' but the way she treated me indicated she still considered me a friend."

A hand landed on his shoulder. Armin looked up to meet Eren's gaze.

"I only talked with her a few times after she came back from Utgard Castle," Eren said. "But I have to say I liked Historia a lot better than I liked 'Christa.' Historia was genuine – she was normal. The false act of cheerfulness she would put on before made me sick. I don't think the old her would've stood up to Reiner like she did. Historia risked everything to try and talk him down. Even though it didn't work, I will never stop admiring her for being so brave."

Armin dipped his head, nodding in agreement. A beat of silence passed as he recalled the last time he saw Historia – her eyes alight with determination when she implored Reiner to surrender. She had gone from something small and delicate that needed protecting to a seasoned soldier whose courage would put most captains to shame. There was a small feeling of satisfaction knowing Historia would've been happy to learn she was remembered in that way.

Eren shifted his weight. He was regarded in confusion as Armin watched him stare into space, tilting his head in thought. It was unusual to see Eren appear so pensive. In most cases he would say whatever came to mind without hesitation. There was a trace of worry digging in the back of Armin's mind as his eyes followed Eren as he crossed the room.

Eren came to a stop beside Ymir, watching for a moment as tears streamed down her cheeks. He lowered the bandana around his face to hit her with a smile.

"You know, thinking about Historia makes me understand something," he said. "The thing that moves me forward doesn't have to be killing Titans. It doesn't have to be killing Annie or Reiner, either. I can make a change just like Historia did. Because I'm human – because we're human – we don't have to be just one thing. I can be angry when I want to be; I can tap into that anger in order to push myself through feeling scared or intimidated … but that doesn't have to be everything."

Eren turned to regard Armin and Mikasa. "I can focus the power inside of me toward the goal of protecting the people I care about. I've done that already; I transformed to protect Armin and Mikasa when we were attacked, and again to keep Unit Captain Celine safe from the explosion in Stohess. What I was feeling then had nothing to do with rage."

Eren extended a hand to Ymir. "Someone important to me taught me I don't have to be a monster. Another important person showed me I can redefine who I am. I'm sure it sucks to think about discovering who you are without Historia, so just know you don't have to do it alone."

Ymir stared at the offered hand. A scoff escaped her lips as she roughly wiped at her face. Eren was brushed aside as Ymir stood, bumping him with her shoulder.

"Think of all the junk you could've cleaned out of here during the time you made that flowery speech," Ymir said. She stepped over to a large contraption made of wooden planks. It was clear there was no way it would fit through the small cellar door in the ceiling; the bulky object would have to be carried the length of the room and up a set of stairs connecting to a wide hatch at the rear of the cabin.

"Mikasa, help me with this."

Mikasa stepped forward without complaint. She and Ymir crouched on either end of the contraption.

"Hey," Eren said. "You should let Armin and I help you carry–"

"Make yourself useful and open the door in the back," Ymir said. She and Mikasa were regarded with dumbfounded expressions as the object between them was carried past with seemingly little effort.

"You know … they're kind of terrifying," Eren said.

"Yeah … a little," Armin said. He and Eren exchanged a nod before jogging ahead to get the door.