After a few minutes, I arrive back at the Scouts getting Annie prepared for transport. I find myself hating Annie for all she's done, but part of me wonders why she did it in the first place. Just...why, Annie? I walk towards my favorite Section Commander and her subordinate. Hange happens to turn around and see me, waving me over. "Anything I can do to help, SC?"

"If you have time to spare, then-" A loud rumble emits near us, the culprit a piece of rock. No, not rock, but stone, the same material the Wall is made of. It came from the part of the Wall that suffered from Annie's fingers. Normally, we wouldn't pay much attention to it, but some of the other Scouts seem to have a surprised look about them as they look at the Wall. Wondering what the hell all the clamor is about, I take a few steps towards it before looking up.

If I could manage words, it's too late since all possible air to do such a thing has left my body. "Is that...a Titan... Inside the Wall?"

"Your orders, Section Commander?"

"Huh? What? Hold on!" I turn to Hange, watching her trying to process the current situation as we are. As soon as we solve one mystery, another one pops up. "Was that there just by coincidence? Or does this mean... There are Titans inside all of the Walls?" Before anyone else can speak, a hand claps Hange's left shoulder. We turn to its owner, a middle-aged man dressed in a black robe trying his best to catch his breath. I recognize him from the time Eren was on trial after the battle of Trost, but his name is lost on me. Hange knows him. "Pastor Nick?"

"Whatever you do...you must keep that Titan out of the sunlight!"

"Huh?"

As instructed, we covered the Wall Titan with a sheet until repairs can be made. The Scouts formed two parties, one to take Annie to her underground holding, the other sticking with the Section Commander on top of Wall Sina who took care of the Wall Titan. However, our business is incomplete. Thanks to Annie's escape attempt, we now have more questions than we had earlier today, but now we also have someone who can answer them.

Hence Hange begins her interrogation of Pastor Nick. "Now then, it's time for you to talk. What is this Titan? What is it doing inside the Wall? And...why did you people keep this a secret all this time?"

Pastor Nick, who is kneeling down to see the work done with the sheet, stands up and dusts his robe. "I have work to do! My church followers have been devastated. This is your fault! I will demand restitution! Now let me back down!"

Hange nods. "Certainly. Elijah."

"Yes, Ma'am." I walk over to Pastor Nick, grabbing him by the robe and barely on the edge. Nick begins to panic. "Will straight down do, Father? You think you're having a bad day? Let me tell you how the last month has been for me! I lost two very important people in my life, including the girl who was very special to me. The last few days, including today, I came to the knowledge that someone I've known for years and who I used to call my friend is also our enemy! Then, as soon as I thought we were done with the excitement, there's your 'little' Wall friend. I believe, Pastor, that I'm the one who is having a bad day. So unless you really want to prove your followers right, I suggest you start talking."

The other Scouts, save for Hange, become alarmed by my actions, especially Moblit. "Elijah, what are you doing? Section Commander?"

"Stay back." Hange steps forward beside me, looking at Nick scornfully. "Do you people know why we Scouts have shed so much blood?! To take back our freedom from the Titans! I was willing to sacrifice my own life for that cause! I'm not asking you to talk, I'm ordering you. Is that clear? And if you won't talk, I'll try the next person. Your measly life wouldn't make up for much, anyway!"

"Let...go of me!"

"like this? Right now?"

"Yes!"

"Fine then. Die. Drop him."

I hold Nick's body out more. "Any final words?"

"Section Commander!"

"Kill me and learn! We will fulfill our duty, without fail! So..." Pastor Nick spreads his arms out, ready to drop like a fallen angel. "Let me go this instance!" I wait for Hange to give me the order a second time, though I really she does let me drop him and then catch him. He's scum, but his type of scum doesn't deserve to get out of life so easily. "Deliver me...O Lord..."

"Let me give you a better verse, Pastor. 'Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.'"

"...Let him live." I throw Pastor Nick behind us, letting him roll on the top of Wall Sina. Hange sits down, chuckling to herself. "Just kidding. I wasn't serious." My face loses its color. Here I thought she spared him because of good consciousness, not because of a joke. Good God... "Tell me, Pastor Nick... Are all the Walls made of Titans?"

Moblit walks over. "Section Commander..."

"Whew, I forgot how this feels. I haven't felt this way since my first time outside the Walls. Talk about terrifying." Hange turns to me, patting the ground. "You?"

"I've had my fair share of horror for one day."

"Cadet Everett."

"Yes, Sir?" I salute in the presence of Commander Erwin, Captain Levi, and Petra. I was told by a Scout that the former wanted to speak with me, so I found him in the courtyard of the Military Police's HQ. Didn't expect to see Levi or Petra though.

"I've got a favor to ask you."

I drop my arm, looking at the commander with curious eyes. "What is it, sir?"

"The damage in Stohess is extensive. We'll need to stay a while longer. So I'd like you to tell Miche and the others about what's happened. They're at an outlying installation in the southern part of Wall Rose."

"Take a fast horse and tell the Scouts who are watching the rest of the 104th cadets about everything that went down there. Got it?"

I nod to the Captain. "Of course. Right away, sir."

Erwin nods. "Good. I'll leave it to you, then. And after you've completed your task, you can join your friends from the 104th again."

"Thank you, sir."

"Make sure you replenish your supplies before you head out. Just in case. Any questions?"

Two in fact. "Sir, if i remember, the reason only Mikasa, Armin, Jean, and myself were trusted to this mission in Stohess is because we weren't suspected of working with Annie. Does this mean that the rest of my friends are above suspicion as well?"

"Hmm... We're still investigating, but as of now, don't worry about it, If you must, do a little digging yourself."

"Yes, sir. And one last question."

"Yes?"

"...You mentioned my father's name back in the forest...after our first attempt to capture the Female Titan failed. How is it you know that name?"

"I fought alongside your father when he first joined the Scout Regiment. A remarkable soldier as well as a good man Moses was."

My eyes widen in shock. My father often talked about how Erwin came to be the leader of the Scouts, but he never told me he actually fought alongside him! "...You knew him, sir?"

He nods. "Indeed, I did. And I can see you have so much of his spirit. It's like he's still here fighting for humanity." The Commander pats me on my shoulder. Levi, looking bored as always just sighs, while Petra smiles at me. "Moses would be proud to see the soldier you've become."

I'm able to hold back my tears this time, just about. I salute the Commander once more. "Thank you, sir."

Erwin nods, then faintly smiles, but it disappears as soon as it's there. "Dismissed!" I walk away from the trio, thinking about my new mission and what I just learned. As much as I wanted to stick with Hange and continue with the problem with the Walls, if the Commander himself is asking me to do this, at least I somewhat know the reason. He must really believe in me. Any Scout could've done this job, but Erwin asked me to... He also says the investigation is pending, but something tells me he told me his reasoning without saying it at all.

Suguishi hi wo uragiru mono yatsura wa kuchiku subeki teki da

Ano hi donna kao de... hitimi de... oretachi wo mitsumete ita...

Nani wo sutereba akuma wo mo shinogeru?

Inochi sae... tamashii sae... kesshite oshiku nado wo nai...

Sasageyo! Sasageyo! Shinzou wo sasageyo!

Subete no gisei wa ima kono toki no tame ni

Sasageyo! Sasageyo! Shinzou wo sasageyo!

Susumu beki mirai wo sono te de kirihirake...

Whatever the truth is, the next morning, I say my goodbyes to my friends and ride to the installation to the south, between Wall Rose and Wall Sina. I get in the vicinity of the outpost by early afternoon, so I let my horse, Spirit move steadily as I begin my approach.

"Easy, boy. We're almost there, no need to get all excited." Spirit starts to get a little tense so I halt us and begin to look around. Patting Spirit's neck to put him at ease. "Easy boy...what's wrong?" I'm not far from the outpost now, matter of fact I'm pretty sure I can be spotted by the soldiers there. However, I don't see a soul looking my way.

"...Something's not right." I take out my telescope, surveying the area. There's no trouble to the East where I came from, I would've known beforehand. The north-west was clear too. Last, I check south, initially determining that it is clear, but my scope catches weird movements that don't look natural. Shortening the tube to widen my sight, I gasp as the issue we thought resolved comes marching out of the forest. "No... It can't be... Titans inside Wall Rose? Is there a breach?"

Our expedition was three days ago and we were forced to take care of some Titans on our return trip. But Calaneth is to the far northeast of my position. Trost is to the southwest, but if Trost was attacked again, I would have heard about it as I passed it. That means... There's a breach somewhere west of Trost along the Wall.

"...Shit."

I am equipped for battle, but I decide not to engage the few Titans alone. Snapping my horse's reins, I rush towards the installation. "Hya! C'mon boy!" Once I get there, I see the Scouts preparing to evacuate, but none notice me. I look around for Section Commander Miche. Spotting him on the rooftop with one of the officers, Nanaba, I join them on their perch. "Section Commander!"

Nanaba turns to me, surprised. "You! What are you doing all the way out here?"

"Commander Erwin sent me with a report."

"About the Female Titan?" Miche sighs, placing his hands on his hips. "Sorry, but we've got bigger fish to fry right now!"

"We've got a possible breach in Wall Rose. You can make your report once we're out of this mess."

"Yes, ma'am."

"It's a good thing you came well-stocked with supplies. We're gonna need your help, okay?"

"At the ready, sir."

"As soon as those Titans reach the wood, we'll split into teams of recruits and soldiers alike and then simultaneously scatter in each direction! Avoid combat when possible and focus on getting the word out!"

'Simple task.' My ass! Damn Titans. Back on my horse, we ride north away from the Titans. As much as I'm happy to see my friends again, I wish it was under better circumstances, like, for example, not having a fucking horde of Titans after us? Eren and the others get to catch a break, these guys had one, but me? Nope. Apparently, there's no rest for Elijah Everett!

"Is anyone familiar with this area?!"

Sasha raises her hand. "M-Me! My town's north of here! I know the lay of the land well! And...so does Connie!" Looking at Connie, I see the noy looks absolutely horrified. I remember him saying he's from this region, so there's a chance his village encountered the Titans. "Connie?"

"My village... My village is to the south...where the Titans are coming from." Oh, no... "I can take you to the nearby villages. After that...please let me visit mine."

"All right. You'll guide the southern team."

I ride up to Sasha's side. "Sasha, I'm coming with you."

"Huh? Why?"

I shrug. "Just seems like a great idea. Plus I still owe you after all."

Sasha doesn't understand what I owe her yet, but she smiles anyway. "Thank you." I smile back, then turn around to the mean-faced girl I know as Ymir Fritz.

"Hey, Fritz. Hope you haven't forgotten about our deal."

She rolls her eyes with a laugh. "I figured you would have."

"I never forget."

"The Titans have reached the woods!"

"Scatter!"

Sasha, me, and the Scouts with us split up from the group. As the smaller groups scatter, I watch the Titans in the woods. I smile, knowing that today might be the one where I don't have to kill any. They can go to Hell. "Here's hoping we don't have to fight them, right?"

Sasha nods. "Yes, but don't jinx it. We may encounter more."

"Right." I look back to the Titans. Now, I have seen all kinds of them. Small Titans, large Titans, somewhat cute-looking Titans, angry Titans, sad Titans, but what I just witnessed might just take the cake.

I just saw a Titan do a fucking jumping twirl before it and its friends start sprinting after the southern team. My group continues riding at our current speed, but I watch as Miche diverts from the southern team towards the Titans. He's going to draw them off. "...Damn it." Desiring to help him but knowing he can handle the situation due to his skill being second to Levi's, I swallow my pride and continue to follow Sasha.

Good luck, Section Commander Miche.

Miche

"HYA!" Landing on the roof, I take notice of my surroundings. Four left. A Titan leaning against the building to my right, another big-eyed and big-headed smaller class Titan below me... No, It's time to go. I sheath my swords and call for my horse.

Still... I am concerned about that Abnormal. It's different. It looks over seventeen meters tall. It's huge... And I've never seen a Titan covered in fur before. It's just walking around instead of coming for me. It's definitely an Abnormal, but... My attention now diverts to my now-approaching horse. Great! You're back! I won't need to hold out until nightfall-

I am shocked and appalled by what I witnessed. The Abnormal has picked up my horse. It went for the horse? you can't be serious! I draw my swords once again. The Titans never focus on anything other than humans. Why the hell is it... OH SHIT! My own horse is thrown at me by the Abnormal. I dodge it, but in doing so causes me to roll down the roof and down to the ground... Right into the clutches of the small-class Titan. Biting down into my legs. "AAAAUUGGHHH!" I struggle to try and free myself as the Titan continues to bite down on me. I can feel blood trickle out of my mouth. If i can just-

"Wait."

...What? The Abnormal now squats in front of me. Watching as I'm being eaten alive. It's...smiling? Do these things have some sick sense of humor? The small class bites down on me once more, and I can feel my bones being crushed against the monster's teeth. "AAGGHH!"

"Huh? Didn't I just say to wait?" The Abnormal grabs the smaller Titan's head and crushes it, causing one of its giant eyes to pop out as I fall onto the ground. "Tell me, what is that weapon called? That thing on your waist that flies around."

...Did that thing just...speak? I can't move because of the pain...but mostly by fear. The abnormal scratches its pointy ears. "I'm certain we speak the same language. Perhaps you're simply too frightened. Oh, I see you use swords, too. I guess that means you know we reside in the nape. Ah, well..." The Abnormal reaches down towards me with its left hand. "I'll just take it back with me." I cower myself onto the ground, not bearing to see what comes next. But when I look back up, the abnormal only takes my ODM gas mechanism. Leaving me alive, confused...and horrified.

Only when a person stops fighting do they lose.

...No. I pick up my remaining sword. As long as we continue the fight...we are not beaten! "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

The Abnormal stops in its tracks, looking back."You can move now."

The other three Titans descend down towards me like flies on shit. "NO! NO!" I try to run, but it's futile as they each grab one of my limbs and begin to tear into my flesh. "STOP! DON'T! NO! NO!"

"So you can speak." The Abnormal walks away, leaving Miche to his demise. "I must say, what a clever idea."

Meanwhile, the Titans tear Miche apart. The only thing he could do was cry out in agony as he was slowly eaten alive by the Titans. "NO! NO! STOP! NO!" Those were the last words of Miche Zacharius...right before his head was slowly torn off by one of the Titans.