3rd POV

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"You want us..."

"hm-hm!"

"..to un-bind..."

A nod

"...the titan, is that correct ?" Erwin says slowly as if speaking to a toddler who refuses a nappy time.

"Yep!" Colith pops the P "just the upper part of the body actually."

"that's it, she's crazy." Oluo screech, receiving a nasty look from the tall woman "Don't look at me like that?! You're the one who wants to free a fu-" Petra slaps his elbow. "-reaking titan!"

"I don't think that's a good idea," Eld shook his head "even unresponsive, it's still a titan. It's too dangerous."

"Uh-huh, don't go endangering yourself AND everyone here. Who knows what that thing can do? " Gunther sweat drops.

"Please Colith reconsider, it's unsafe." Petra's soft voice implores.

"ARF it's alright! She knows what she's doing, let's just do it! We need every clue so we can find the culprit or we'll be like sitting ducks!" Hanji groans, flailing her arms around like a child.

"Just because you lack self-preservation doesn't mean we do too, Squad leader Hanji! " Oluo snaps. " And what's with the flesh bag anyway? Unless she speaks titans, we won't find shit."

Ilse coughs.

'Jokes on you, she does.'

Levi squad was unaware of her ability to control and somehow communicate with titans, thus their reluctance to the idea. Those in the known namely Erwin, Hanji, Levi, Ilse and Eren were assessing the woman's motives, although the latter was more worried than anything. What was she capable of exactly? And how much more was she keeping from them?

Colith sighs. "Just do it. I promise I won't let anything happen to you guys." she looks at the commander, imploring him to agree.

Erwin's assessing gaze remain focused on her, dissecting her face for any signs of trickery but he found none. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't allow such demands. Releasing a titan with no plan whatsoever would clearly endanger soldiers' lives. Then again, the woman before him has agreed to fight alongside them and has the meaning to control said beast and happens to entertain the same theory concerning a targeted attack. Targeted by whom, He has no idea but, maybe she does. Ever since she came into play, casualties diminished enough that the scorn they are usually victims of were replaced by cries of support. And he was thankful for it. The scouts' manpower benefits greatly from her actions and If by allowing Colith to do what she says they find if only a hint then...

"Permission granted." Maybe having her insight on the plan would be a good idea? He needs to schedule a private discussion with her afterward...

Levi squad jaw drops.

"B-But Commander-"

"You can't be serious?!"

"SWEET! I'LL INFORM KITZ! Luckily he won't flip out. Luckily..." Hanji laughs as she marches towards said man who was discussing with a fellow captain, Carsten. Both took one look at the approaching Hanji and paled.

"I would say poor dude but I'm not that merciful, bastard sent inexperienced cadets in the front lines while he hid. *Tship*" Colith's disdain morphs into confidence as she turns toward Erwin. "Thank you, Commander, I won't disappoint."

Ermin smiles. "I am sure you won't, Colith."

Despite her efforts, Colith's cheeks flushed and the commander received baffled looks from everyone.

The garrison was not happy.

After 10 minutes of Hanji aggressively requesting the idea which only worked when Erwin butted in, they finally gave in and un-bind the upper part of Sawney. The titan surprisingly made no move during the whole process as it was in the same state at its capture. ODM gears ready and blades raised in defense, garrison, and un-informed scouts stood at the sidelines, ready for any danger to happen. After all no one's crazy enough to stay near danger unprepared, even if said danger's movement was limited. Apparently, Colith wasn't anyone because she was freaking standing at arms reach for Rose's sake!!

"what the hell is up with her?!"

"did she hurt her head?"

"Why did commander Erwin allow such things?! Where's commander Pixis when you need him?!"

"He said he didn't wanna come today."

"seriously?!"

"..."

"fuck, she's so beautiful though..."

"right?"

"but her skin-"

"Agh shhh!! Shut up-"

Hushed whispers from nearby soldiers flew in the air as the black woman stood, hood down, allowing those who never saw her admire her exotic features for the first time. And a lot were astonished by her unusual appearance since it was their first time seeing a woman of color. Many wondered how she managed to survive with human traffickers roaming around who wouldn't even hesitate to slaughter innocents just to get someone like her in their grasps. In fact, It wouldn't surprise them if she had ended up as some nobles' slave or Rose forbid, plaything with how rare she was. Unusual tends to attract all kinds of wrong attention and her being part of the military must be what saved her from that horrible fate. If she had been a mere civilian, it would've been another story.

She's truly beautiful- they shouldn't be focusing on that! The titan, that's it! The titan! Though males and females of all ages flushed the moment she had removed her hood, including the members of Levi squad though their corporal refuses to admit it.

Eren knew what effects she had on people, hence his annoyance and barely restrained needs to yell "back off!". He knew if Mikasa was here, it would've been far worse. Sure he was protective like that but Mikasa was on a whole new level.

"Are you sure this is a wise idea commander? We can still tell her to stop..." Moblit, who hadn't managed to speak till now asks worriedly. He had only seen Colith at the trial and thus, was unaware, like Levi squad minus their captain, of her ability to control titans. "isn't it a bit too much...?"

"My thoughts exactly." Levi's hands were on the handles, ready to draw blades the moment any funny business occurs. He didn't like this. "Tch, this is bullshit."

"then why didn't you object, shorty?" Hanji sasses, receiving a glare from Levi that left her unfazed, already used to those, plus she was so excited!

"You know perfectly why, four eyes." and indeed she knew, those in the known precisely of course.

"What about you Eren, not gonna stop her?" Eld's tone held some worries, eyes shifting to the only teen of their group.

The tan-skinned boy's face held a little frown " I...don't know. If she's confident about it then so am I. It's Colith after all."

"What do you mean 'it's Colith after all'?!" the Levi-not-copycat bellows in disbelief but was ignored.

"Huh, you trust her that much?" Gunther adds to the conversation.

"with my life!" he declares with confidence to Gunther whose eyes widen, unaware of the touched expression Colith had on her face as she heard him.

A sudden silence takes hold of the entire courtyard when the woman rose her arms towards the titan, golden eyes now entirely focused on the creature as if nothing mattered around them. They watch with batted breath as the titan, surprisingly lean down to her level, its mouth big enough to chomp her upper body.

"Oh! This is the first time Sawney shows interest in something" Hanji informs with eagerness. "He never reacted when I plunged spears in his eye, not even a flinc-"

"Not now Hanji!" Levi hisses, sharp eyes focused on the scene. Whatever the brat was doing he didn't like it once bit. The shitty thing could suddenly choose to grab and eat her like a ration bar. His insides twist in discomfort at seeing her freely stand in front of danger as his instincts scream at him to take her away from it. Yes, he should just stop this and make sure she's safe-

Levi blinks.

'...?'

What in the world was that just now?

1st POV

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I reach for Sawney's face which seems to brighten the second my hands meet its cheeks.

"Hello, you!"

".. Mbuuh."

Sawney produces a distorted delighted sound resembling a hum from its throat to the shock of the bystanders who are quick to express their disbelief.

"Did that thing just make a sound ?!"

"ROSE DAMN-"

"HEJZBSKZL!!!"

Everybody, mainly scouts choose not to acknowledge the loud elated sound Hanji just made.

I sigh 'Ugh, let's get this over with..'

"Alright, just close your eyes, ne?"

And Sawney complies easily, not knowing what Mother had in mind.

The moment our forehead touched, all I could see was...

\_(ツ)/

(Jk)

[SPOILERS SEASON 4 PART 2 THO.]

"Sand...? What in the livin-"

"COLITH!!"

Still a bit disoriented by the sudden change of environment, I don't register fast enough the rapid footsteps coming from my right and something small crashing into my waist, sending me and whoever that was toppling in the sand in a heap.

"OMPF! What the-"

"It's so good to see you again!" a childlike voice squeal in delight. "you're early this time but it's okay, I've been waiting for you! "

My eyes flew open only to see a familiar star-filled night sky.

'?'

Until something blond suddenly entered my vision making me screech in surprise, prompting me to sit up quickly only to butt heads with the person.

"SONNOVA-"

"ow.."

A childlike whine interrupts my cussing, compelling me to look down just to be met with blond hair and a tattered beige hair strap in it. My eyes widen. The sight automatically made me recognize the person since the next thing I blurt is-

"Ymir...? What are you doing here?"

The pre-teen was massaging her forehead with a slight pout but stopped to look at me, the founding's breath-taking eyes wide in surprise and confusion.

"What do you mean? I've always been...here? It's you who appeared out of nowhere. What happened?" she adjusts her hat as she spoke, though that was useless since lifted it to pat her head which she accepts earnestly.

"Oh, I think...I made a slight miscalculation. Just needed to check Sawney's memories for any clues... Didn't think it'd send me here of all things.."

Ymir perks up, scrambling to her feet as I follow suit. "who's sawney?"

She began dusting herself off. She now wore a straw at with a black band and a cute white dress that reach her knees instead of her tattered usual attire I had the pleasure to burn. Those were part of the things I provided her because ah là là ma chérie ça va pas du tout !! (French meme). The hair strap was something she refused to depart with though, saying it was a reminder of a mother she lost too soon to war, so I let her be.

I raise an amused eyebrow, doing the same as her. "I thought you were seeing things through your vessel's eyes? Don't tell me you haven't been checking on him?"

Ymir stills, flushing. "... I huh.." she fidgets in her spot head down, ears reddening as she searches for her words. "...the storybooks y-you lent me last time..I've been reading them and...forgot to..uh check what's been going on...out there..."

I couldn't help but beam, pleasantly surprised. "really? That's awesome!"

"Huh? Really...?" Ymir blinks, shoulders somehow sagging in slight relief. Though she was older, her pre-teen body makes her react like a child most of the time.

"Of course!" I nod as I squeeze her cheek which still has some baby fat. Her head now barely reaches my stomach since I got taller(6'0 and she was so freakin' smol. Ymir looks pleased by the contact tho. "it's good to see you enjoy yourself than just walking aimlessly here with nothing to do besides creating titans. Anyway, how much have you read this far? Who's your favorite character? Which volume are you at-" I pause, remembering something then groan." ah shit, they're probably waiting for me and I haven't seen shit yet! "

The little blonde's hands came grasping mine, lowering them to look at me in question, "see what?"

"Sawney's memories." I retell everything she apparently missed. "good news is that I found a new way to come here, eh? Didn't know I'd pop here just by touching foreheads, though it shouldn't surprise me... " I hum pensively, recalling how Frieda could easily erase memories by doing just that while looking toward the gargantuan tree of light they call path. Even after several visits, the sight of it still leaves me speechless.

My eyes then shift around, catching sight of the little wooden cottage I made and several things I brought Ymir over the years in hope of making the place more comfortable. The blond had stared dazedly at the house to the point where I thought I had broken her until her lower lips trembled. I, naturally, freaked out, rushing to cup her face and ask if she was okay if that was too much or... or..? and that was when the dam broke. It was the first time someone had offered her something without expecting anything in return and Ymir was so put off but not in the bad way that she cried.

I spent my entire visit explaining to her that it was okay to feel that way after everything she went through and that I wanted to please her, not to worry, and to settle down as she wished. After that I introduced her to things that were unknown to her, such as the TV in the living room from which she'd be able to watch everything unfold out there, the kitchen- she let out a sob at that, not having eaten anything for ages. And other rooms she'd discover on her own. She particularly sobbed at the sight of the three portraits of her daughters I drew, based on the Manga and framed in the master bedroom walls she was to occupy. I knew I overdid myself but it was well worth it to see Ymir exert this many emotions so I counted it as a win!

Ymir remain silent for a while, hands still clasping mine while she thought of something before looking up, having come up with something . "have you specifically asked it to show you its memories, or did you directly put your forehead in contact?"

I blink slowly. "...I should have?"

Ymir nods "pure titans seem to be a way to access the path being directly created by me, they're closer than I thought...Maybe asking the titan to show you its memories is the answer as I am aware that you can communicate with them." she shakes her head with a small smile." I still have no idea how you can do that but I'm glad you can."

I huff softly, my gaze returning to her. "is that so huh...alright I'll try that as soon as I return but say huh...did you find a way to...you know?"

Ymir's lips press in a thin line, previous cheerfulness replaced by sad eyes. The subject is still a sore spot for her. "...no. His influence remains strong...though I'm working on it...it's hard to fight but I'll do my best to free myself and my brethren! I cannot stop creating titans yet, even when I try everything to stop myself. Thanks to you they stopped following his order...so thank you." Ymir's grip tightens a little.

I chuckle with a blush, returning the squeeze "good! That's the spirit! But still nothing on how to reverse the curse?"

"No...I only had my powers for 13 years and...I never got to fully experiment with it...not with that prick's lust for power at least..." her face scrunches up in disgust.

A cackle escape my mouth at her reaction, glad she's aware of how wicked and depraved the bastard was with her. "careful that's your king you're talking about."

"that motherfucker can rot in hell for all I care." she hisses with narrowed eyes. Oh god, that's it.

I crack up so hard to Ymir's utter confusion that I choke on my saliva. Poor Ymir hurries to slap my back with her little hands to help me regain my breath.

"Are you okay? Why are you laughing?" she asks seemingly worried for my well-being.

"y-Yeah yeah, it's just your reaction' so priceless !" I say weakly, interrupted by a few chuckles. " who the hell taught you how to curse though?!"

Her face morphs into a poker face. "I'm 2025 years old Colith. I've seen and heard a lot of things."

"Oh yeah. Though it's Hella weird with your high-pitched voice, you little grandma!" I pounce on her, catching her little frame in my arms to whirl around. She squeals in surprise before laughing and patting my head as old grannies would.

"there there child." she cooed to my amusement.

With a snort, I put her giggling form on the sand then straighten up. "remind me to start experimenting. There must be a way to turn them back beside..." I shudder to Ymir's confusion. "anyway, thanks for letting me meddle with this" I grin then clap hands together. "alright, Imma skedaddle!" with a peace sign, I close my eyes, ready to go. "See ya!"

"Wait!" Ymir calls.

I pause then blink to look down at her smaller fidgeting form with a curious expression "Yeh?"

"Can you..." she blushes as she fumbles with her dress, averting her gaze from mine. "I've already finished the first 25 volumes of...one piece..."

My eyes widen in disbelief "damn already?! But I gave you those, like, last week! What are you, sonic?! You're heckin' fast!"

She pouts "Time doesn't flow the same way here than out there you know!" she crosses her arms with a huff, straw hat hanging on her little back, having fallen when we whirled. Her expression softens" And...it's really interesting."

My eyes brighten immensely as a mischievous grin threaten to show. "Huh, is that why there's a sand Luffy over here" I squint to see better "damn he looks exactly like the real deal!" I whistle quite impressed, though she's been making titans out of sand for the past millennia so she had time to practice huh.

"Really?!- uh, I mean, if you say so."

I stroke her hair, "Mah, don't be embarrassed. Here," with a snap of fingers, something poofs into existence at the cottage. Ymir's lips curl up in a thankful smile. "voilà! Volume 26 to the last up to date. I added another Manga you'll maybe appreciate, it's called one punch man. Just be sure to check what's going on outside so you don't miss anything alright?" I end with a teasing tone.

Her cheeks redden slightly as she looks away. "H-huh, yes.."

"In that case, I'll be going, till next week?"

"hm-hm."

"..."

"..."

"Do you want a parting hu-"

I wasn't even finished that Ymir was already in my arms, holding my chest in a vice grip.

I laughed good-heartedly.

Eyes still closed, I came back just to realize that the little impromptu trip just lasted a fraction of a second. Oh well, the more convenient for me. I didn't budge from my spot, hands still on Sawney's cheeks and only allowing 2 centimeters between our foreheads so I don't go back.

'figures no one ever tried that with the way titans keeps trying to chomp them. Or I'm the only one capable of it. Maybe the founding can? Nah they see Eren like a regular human so that's impossible. Or...a founding with royal blood could? Hm...Not with the king's will preventing them I assume. Heh anyway, I should apply Ymir's idea though.'

Sawney didn't seem to realize what it allowed me to do so I'll just ask right away.

"So Sawney, were you conscious last night?"

"...i..was...yes."

Oh!

"I see, good to know, have you seen what happened then?" my tone held some hope.

The titan seemed to think over it if the silence is anything to go by before it responded"...yes."

I manage to contain a squeal of delight. Don't want people to add 'crazy' to my moniker list now do I?

"Ouh, okay okay! mind if check last night's memories? It seems like talking's a bit difficult for you"

I felt a shift between my hands as the titan smiled. The others must've noticed by the way they began shouting their disbelief and questions that I royally tuned out to focus on this.

"..as...m-mother..wishes...Saw-ney..is glad..she..can..help..mother."

My eyes widen, too shocked to realize I was supposed to have them closed and eventually made eye contact with the now smiling titan,

"SHE?!"

Before I could add anything though, both our eyes begin glowing gold to the shock of every bystander as my consciousness was transported elsewhere.