"So you've returned, Pieck."

A woman with downturned gray eyes walked forward in a casual gait. The wind atop the wall whipped at her dark hair, causing her to pull it back with one hand.

"I apologize for the length of my absence," Pieck said. Her companion faced a small campfire; she took a seat at his side. A grateful smile tugged at her lips as she accepted the offered cup of coffee.

"What did you discover?" Pieck's companion asked, peering at her over the edge of round glasses.

"More than what we knew before," Pieck said, taking a sip from the steaming cup. "But less than I'd like to know. Most of the information we're after is kept by a branch of their military that's the smallest in number – infiltrating their Headquarters without catching attention was difficult. Even then, I didn't learn much."

The man's expression darkened. "What of the other warriors?"

Pieck shook her head. "It sounds like they tried to make a move a few months ago. I learned through word-of-mouth all four of them were spotted in their Titan forms in the city's capital. Them, plus a fifth who must be the Founding Titan. The problem is all the information dries up after that. It sounds like none of our warriors have been spotted since."

"They could be laying low," the man said. He shifted on the chunk of stone he was using as a seat. "They may've transformed without revealing their identities."

"I doubt that," Pieck said. "I kept an eye out for all of them and didn't see a single one. The person who's the Founding Titan is a member of the military, so our warriors would stick close to him if they could."

"Did you see him, then?" the man asked, sitting up. "The person you think is the Founding Titan?"

"I did, briefly," Pieck said. "His name is Eren Jaeger; he appears to be around the same age as Marcel and the others. He's joining a mission to travel here to this wall. It sounds like the people are under the impression he can close up the holes; the Founding Titan must possess some form of the hardening ability."

The man didn't answer. He had a hand before his mouth, staring off into space with a furrow to his brow. Pieck leaned to the side to catch his gaze.

"You know, Zeke," she said. "It's rude not to acknowledge someone when they're speaking to you."

"Sorry for that," Zeke said. His blue eyes narrowed. "You said 'Jaeger.' Do you have any background information on this child?"

"I don't," Pieck said. "I had the same line of thought you did; however, I can't fathom how he could be connected to you. It isn't outside the realm of possibility that his surname is simply a coincidence."

Zeke nodded. He ran a hand over the golden hair of his beard in thought. "It has to be. There is no other explanation. Regardless, if he's headed here, we need to be prepared."

"I agree," Pieck said. She set her cup aside before laying down to curl up like a cat. "Would you like me to go back to the ship? I can bring the general here to strategize. We should have a little over a week before the Founding Titan arrives."

Zeke looked down at the ruins of Shiganshina District. He hummed. "If we assume the other warriors have been wiped out, then we need to prepare accordingly. Our foes could be more dangerous than anything we've ever faced. We'll wipe out as many of them as we can, and capture the Founding Titan in the process."

Hange held her arms wide. She allowed the swirling wind to embrace her as she looked over the expanse below. The land outside Wall Rose was wild and untamed, with countless answers and an even greater number of questions. A laugh bubbled up from her gut as her heart sang from the possibilities.

A figure popped up behind her, leaving a trail of steam. They stepped up to stand at Hange's side.

"I hate it a lot less up here now that I can take myself on top of the wall," Celine said. She shaded her eyes from the rising sun. "Looking out over the landscape reminds me of the belladonna flower. It's beautiful, but would kill you in an instant."

"Just like you," Hange said, tossing an arm around Celine's shoulders. "It doesn't mean I like either of you any less."

"Wrong," Celine said, digging a finger into Hange's cheek. "I would make your death nice and slow. I'd have to pay you back for all the headaches you've given me over the years."

Hange picked up Celine to swing her in a circle before putting her back down. "In only an hour, we're heading out. Ah, Celine! I'm so glad Moblit had the idea to repurpose the Titan armor into weight restraints we can use to immobilize Titans. We'll catch so many test subjects! Seeing if we can get them to talk … maybe even finding a cure … isn't that exciting?"

"For once, I might be as interested in the subject as you are," Celine said with a chuckle. "Just keep your guard up – that furry asshole I blew up might still be lumbering around out there."

"Don't worry – we've got a plan in case that happens," Hange said. She put a hand on Celine's shoulder. "You can also rest easy about Levi. I'll keep an eye on him."

Celine laughed. "I'm not worried – that man's only weakness is dust; nothing else compares to that."

Hange had known Celine long enough to pick up on the subtle change to her friend's expression.

"Oh?" Hange said. "I see – I suppose I misinterpreted that little line between your brows."

Celine slapped a hand over her forehead. Hange threw her head back in a barking laugh. "Come on, Celine," Hange said, approaching the edge of the wall. "I'm honestly surprised Moblit hasn't shown up to find me yet. I'm the one in charge of this show, after all."

The streets of Calaneth were filled to capacity. Cheers and streamers floated from the crowd as the Scout Regiment rode toward the gate. A barrier had been erected in a wide area before the great archway to allow the Scouts to get in formation before riding forth. The only civilians allowed beyond the barriers were those permitted to send their loved ones off with words of affirmation and long embraces.

Marco stood atop a series of crates with other members of the Military Police. He waved to his comrades, having already given Jean a long embrace which resulted in his friend grumbling in feigned annoyance. His gaze sweeping the gathering of mounted soldiers led to him spotting a flash of green.

Eren didn't shy from holding Marco's stare from where he sat atop his horse. His brow furrowed slightly, his mouth settling into a weak frown. He looked determined. It caused a spark which tried to ignite something in Marco's chest before he fought to push it down.

Marco schooled his features, offering Eren a nod. The nod was returned in kind before Eren turned his head. Marco kept his eyes locked on Eren's profile for a moment until the wrenching in his gut became too much and he looked away. His gaze caught a familiar shade of honey-blonde hair shining in the sunlight which now peeked over the wall.

Celine chatted with Levi as he sat atop his gray mare. It was impossible to hear what they were discussing from his distance, but their expressions gave the sense of being calm and collected. He followed Celine's hand as she pulled a white handkerchief from her pocket – the edges stitched with a border of green wings. Levi accepted the item, immediately swapping it out with the ascot around his neck. The gesture caused the corner of Marco's mouth to tilt up as he watched Celine give Levi's hand a final squeeze before backing away.

"Alright, everyone!"

Commander Hange's shout managed to cut through the thrum of the crowd. Her horse was the closest one to the gate; Hange turned the animal so she could face the force at her back as Calaneth's barrier began to rise with a loud scraping sound. She drew a sword from her hip and pointed to the land beyond.

"Let the 58th Exterior Scouting Mission commence! Forward!"