Attack on Titan: A New Path

by The Court of Talons

Ozma and Salem have been at war for millennia. The fight has taken many lives and taken many years. The champion of the Brother of Light has failed countless times to complete his task. Now, more than ever, Remnant needs a new protector. It needs a man who knows the cruelty of life. A man who doesn't falter in doing the unthinkable. A dark guardian. Remnant needs... Eren Yeager.

41. Chapter 41

"A good way to judge people is by observing how they treat those who can do them absolutely no good."

Anonymous

Chapter 41: Judgement

*TICK*

*TOCK*

*TICK*

*TOCK*

*TICK*

*TOCK*

The repeated motion of the iron pendulum and the consistent noises emanating from the grandfather clock refused to change. Time changed from seconds to minutes, and the woman watching the clock wondered if minutes would turn to hours before her waiting paid off.

Alas, the repeated motions and silence from her Scroll provided Dina Fritz no comfort. If anything, they told her how she was simply wasting time.

"Staring at a clock won't change anything," Fritz finally decided. If she was going to pass the time, Fritz was going to do it in a more healthier manner.

Earlier in the morning, Cinder and her friends left Kuroyuri to defend themselves and their actions in Atlas before the Mistral Council. Dina and her friends had heard the whole story for themselves, how Cinder and her friends prevented Dr. Arthur Watts from creating more devices that would allow control over Grimm Titans. And later on, not only did they destroy all the Titans, but they also stopped their creator from inflicting any more harm on the world of Remnant.

Unfortunately, the outside world could never understand the threat Salem once held. Because of that, all anyone was concerned about was how Cinder and her friends acted on another Kingdom's behalf in foreign borders.

That was why Dina was so nervous for her daughter and her daughter's friends. Their actions as part of the bigger picture were certainly justifiable, but would they be able to defend themselves without revealing the bigger picture? It wasn't that Dina didn't have faith in Cinder, but rather she believed the Council's ignorance of Salem would lead to an unfair judgement.

More than anything, Dina wanted to know what was going on in the capital with Cinder. However, the surprising lack of news and reports on the hearing led to Dina's concerns only rising. It prevented her from focusing on anything else, which was why Dina had cancelled today's class at her schoolhouse. Cinder would usually take over teaching the class of over a dozen young children, but her missing presence led to Dina giving her students a day off.

However, Dina simply couldn't relax on the day off she gave herself. And she was having trouble finding things to do in order to keep her mind off the uncertainties of the hearing.

Until she found her friend Carla.

Carla was quite aware that Eren had left Kuroyuri, but she was taking it rather well. While he was gone to fight Salem, Carla made it known that Eren was always at the front of her mind. From walks to the outer wall to mentioning him at meals, Carla was very concerned about her son.

But today was different. Carla seemed rather positive, given the attitude she was giving her employees. Carla hadn't cancelled her work like Dina did, and she seemed to be enjoying the day. Her talks with her farmhands was mostly about their current plans to expand to other villages, where they would help set up farms under the Ambrose name and serve each of those villages.

Carla and her farmhands were not only busy with these preparations, but they were all excited about it. A lot of time and work would be put into the effort, but everyone was looking forward to the special project. Carla was arguably the most excited, but Dina was surprised that Eren didn't seem to be at the front of Carla's mind.

At least, not in a way that seemed worried.

"So Eren's gonna come with me then?" asked Peter, one of the employees who would soon be leaving Kuroyuri.

"That's right," Carla confirmed. "Eren really liked the idea of going out and laying the groundwork for our new land. So he'll be joining you and the others when we're all ready to get started. Once that's done, he'll come back here."

"Gotcha. Oh, one more thing." Peter gave Carla a sarcastic smirk before he asked a question. "Since I'll be in charge of the new farm, does that mean I'll be in charge of Eren?"

Carla laughed at the obvious joke and returned one of her own. "Not with the landscaping, no. We both know he goes above and beyond for that."

Peter laughed as well. "Yeah, no kidding. It's gonna be hard not having him on my new team. But thanks for giving me this chance, Carla."

"It's my pleasure, Peter. And if you need any more help, mine or Eren's, just let us know."

"Without a doubt." Peter took out his Scroll and looked at the time. "Well, I should get back to work. Nice talking to you, Carla."

When the duo went their separate ways, Carla took pride in the fact that she and her employees were almost ready. The expansion of her business wouldn't start for another few days, but preparations seemed to be in order. Between the necessary supplies and the few farmers that would be joining Peter, everything that was needed for the first expansion was ready.

And Carla couldn't be prouder of everyone, including Eren.

Carla took a brief pause in her future when she noticed that Dina was outside with her. She had decided to get some fresh air out of the house, and was simply walking without a destination. The walk, however, was interrupted when Carla spoke to Dina.

"Hi, Dina," she friendly said. "How's it going?"

"...Fine," Dina replied halfheartedly. "Everything's fine."

It was easy to sense the distress from Dina, which immediately disappointed Carla. "Are... you okay?"

"Yes, I'm..."

"..."

Dina realized that telling a lie wouldn't get past Carla, so she decided to be honest instead. "I'm sorry, I just... I can't get them off my mind," Dina confessed.

"Them?" Carla asked.

"You know, Cinder and the others. And Eren."

"Oh... you're thinking about their hearing?"

"I've been thinking about it all day. Are you?"

"Well, I'm just..." Carla didn't know exactly how to talk about her thoughts with tact, but she did her best. "I'm just not trying to obsess about it."

This was the last thing Dina expected to hear from Carla, given her behavior the last time their children had left. "Really?" she asked. "No offense, Carla, but Eren was always at the front of your mind while he was gone."

Carla recalled these thoughts with ease, but recent events had left her with a change of heart. Like Dina, she was wondering how Eren was doing at the hearing. The lack of news or updates was strange, but Carla had managed to live with it.

And now, she decided to share how she was able to do so with Dina.

"Well, you're not wrong," Carla began as she put her work on hold. She decided to walk with Dina, but made her destination the pond on her property. "Those walks to the outer wall I made always made me think that I'd see Eren there. And get those news reports about him being a fugitive out of my head."

"I remember that too," said Dina. "I'm just glad they cleared that up fast."

"Me too. But I was still worried about Eren."

"And I was worried about Cinder. I know the whole 'fighting a witch' quest of theirs was serious, but this... I don't know, it just feels... different."

"I understand. We had the news to go on about Haven and the Hunt Inquisitorius. Now we have nothing."

Now, Dina not only knew that Carla could relate to her worries, but she also realized that was the cause of her concern. "Exactly!" she said. "Cinder said the hearing would be kept quiet, but seeing nothing is getting on my nerves."

"Mine too," said Carla. She and Dina were growing closer to the pond, which mildly elated Carla. The pond was always a nice and quiet place to talk and think, which was what Carla was doing now. "But I've been telling myself something. Something I learned on one of my walks to the wall, while Eren was gone."

"..."

When the duo stopped at the lake, Carla looked deeply at the blue water and her reflection as she thought back to those days. She wished that Eren would be there at the wall to meet her, safe and sound. She didn't get what she wanted, but one of her last walks taught her something important.

"The last time I made a walk like that, I took a look at everyone around me," said Carla. "You know how fast word travels here, so everyone knows about Salem and the Titans. But what I didn't get was... how everyone was so calm about it."

"..."

"As I walked, everyone was going about their day with almost no issue. I was able to work a little bit, but everyone was minding their own business. That's when it hit me; they were just focusing on what they could do. I'm sure Salem was at the back of their minds, but they knew they didn't have any control over the situation." Carla looked deeply at her reflected face as she said this. "I didn't have any control over the situation."

"..."

"I saw the same thing at my farm. Just everyone focusing on what they could control." Carla looked at Dina and smiled. "I even saw the same thing at your school. You teaching all those children, and the children were just doing their work. I needed to be like you and everyone else: just focus on what I could control."

"..."

Dina couldn't help but feel like the situation was ironic. Back when Cinder was gone with her friends to stop Salem, Dina was just as worried as Carla. But the help of the news brought her to reality, which led her to focusing on her teaching job rather than obsess about what might have been happening. It felt normal, so Dina was surprised to see that she had actually taught Carla something.

And now that lesson was being taught right back at her.

"You know what I mean?" Carla asked. "All we can do is just focus on what we can control. If we can do something about a situation, let's do it. But if we can't, we just have to believe in the people who have more control than we do. Especially if they're the ones we love."

Dina understood it now, and her lesson had been learned. "That's right," she agreed. "That's all we can do. And I believe in Cinder and her friends."

"So do I."

Carla looked away from Dina and towards the farm. She could see a few of her farmhands deciding which tools and supplies they would bring to the next village and which ones would stay in Kuroyuri. This made her think of the business decision she made, which made Carla decided to let Dina in on a secret.

"I definitely believe in Eren," Carla said as she looked at the work going on. "He's the reason I'm doing this, after all."

"He is?" Dina asked. "How so?"

"Remember when I had the idea about him taking over the farm one day? That was around the same time I told him what my great-great grandparents did. And what my family wanted to do again."

"I still can't believe it's going to happen." Dina was well-aware of the dream Carla's family had, and she was proud Carla was the one who was going to make it a reality. "I knew Eren would be happy about it."

"Me too. But the thing is, I once thought he would be the one to do it instead of me. After we talked in the hospital, and after seeing everything he did on the news... I think it inspired me."

"..."

"Back on Paradis, I always heard about the Survey Corps going outside and getting eaten by Titans. That's why I didn't want Eren joining. But seeing him go outside of Kuroyuri and do everything he did, even before he stopped Salem, made me think it was time I do something too. I did it before when I lived in Argus. Now I get to do it again."

"..."

It was true that Carla wouldn't have tried to make Ambrose Farms a brand across Mistral again if it weren't for Eren. Not only did Eren come back from the dead to find and protect her, but his presence made Carla think differently about her life. Hearing about his success against Lionheart and becoming a member of the Hunt Inquisitorius made her very proud, and it made Carla believe she could do more with her simple farm.

It made Carla believe that she could do more with her whole life. Having her child back gave her a chance for change, one that Carla decided to take.

"That's why I believe in him, Dina," the proud mother insisted. "If Eren can save the world while inspiring someone like me to do more with my life, defending his actions shouldn't be hard." Carla laughed to herself when she made one more point. "I mean, we've argued countless times before this hearing. What could be so different about this hearing and all those other times?"

---

Carla's faith in her son and his friends was strong, but there was a significant difference between the hearing and their past arguments.

Eren never had to defend himself against General Ironwood.

As everyone was currently learning, General Ironwood was quite the man of authority. He was not only the Headmaster of Atlas Academy and the leader of Remnant's strongest armed forces, but the man was also a member of the Atlas Council. It almost sounded like there wasn't anything in the Kingdom that he didn't play a part in. And as luck would have it, he was quite powerful in the courtroom.

His opening statement had proven that to everyone. And now, Ironwood would have another chance when the Council began the interrogation of Eren and his friends.

"Mr. Yeager, it is the Council's understanding that you and your friends brought quite the accusation to Councilwoman Redwood," said Councilman Noire. "That the Kingdom of Atlas, primarily the Schnee Dust Company, was responsible for creating a method in controlling Grimm. Namely, the rare Grimm known as a 'Titan.' Is that correct?"

"...Yes, sir," Eren replied after he cleared his throat. "Yes, it is."

"Were you the only one who arrived at this conclusion?" Councilwoman Blanca asked.

"No, ma'am," Eren replied. "We thought of it together." He gestured to his friends, who were all nodding together in an effort to prove Eren's point.

The Council understood this, but they still had a few more questions to ask. Councilwoman Redwood understood the backstory of the device, but Noire and Blanca needed to hear the whole story for themselves.

"Mr. Yeager, could you please explain what this method was?" Noire asked. "And how you acquired it?"

"As well as how you believe the Kingdom of Atlas had a part in it?" Blanca asked.

Eren understood the question perfectly and began to answer it. "The method was a metal device," Eren replied. "Attached to the Titan's spine." Eren pointed at the back of his neck to show where it was on the Titan. "After we found it, right before we saw an SDC brand inside, Mercury studied it for us."

Mercury immediately realized that he was put on the spot, which was bound to happen eventually. He didn't like it, but he didn't fight against it. He simply answered the question while being grateful it was applied to something he understood well.

"When, I, uh..." he began nervously. However, he regained himself after a moment and picked up where Eren left off. "When I studied the device, I saw that it was some kind of... control implant. It would send some electrical shock to the Titan if it acted out of line."

"..."

"That's what we thought, when I studied it. We... didn't see it in action."

The Council hummed together as they listened to the testimony. But they stopped when Ironwood raised his voice.

"I object," he said firmly. "This testimony can't be accepted as evidence if they didn't even know what the device did."

"Hey, we knew it had some control over the Titan," Mercury argued. "I mean, why else would someone want to stick a metal harness inside a Grimm?"

The Council could accept Mercury's logic, but they required more concrete proof. At least, Councilman Noire and Councilwoman Blanca did.

"Mr. Black, did you see how this device actually worked?" Blanca asked.

"Did you see it operating for yourself?" Noire asked.

"Uh..."

"..."

Mercury had to think of an answer, but the only thing that came to mind was the truth. He didn't see it working, but knew what the device did based on Salem's past events with Titans. If she couldn't control them with her connection to the Grimm, then building a device was the next best thing.

Unfortunately, Mercury couldn't talk about that with the Council.

"No," he reluctantly said. "No, I didn't see it working."

"..."

It didn't take Ren long to see that the Council was leaning more toward's Ironwood's objection. If the purpose of the device was called into question, then everything else about the case would be called into question.

He had to think fast.

"Council-members, none of us saw it work," said Ren, who quickly stood up. "But that's because we couldn't. None of us could."

The Council-members looked at each other in confusion before Councilwoman Redwood asked the question on their minds. "How do you mean?" she asked.

"Given what we learned from Mercury and Arthur Watts, it was clear the device was designed to work with Grimm," Ren explained. "But once the Grimm was killed, the device couldn't work at all. It was completely useless, both inside a dead Grimm and outside of it."

"..."

Once again, the Council had to accept this logic. They had ample evidence that such a device existed, but they initially believed it was a bizarre contraption. However, its purpose had yet to be determined. And while these ideas couldn't be verified just yet, the logic behind them was hard to contend with.

More testimony was clearly needed to draw a conclusion.

"Mr. Ren," Blanca began. "When you say 'dead Grimm,' are you referring to a dead Titan?"

"I am," Ren replied.

"And you're saying that you... killed this Grimm?" Noire asked. "All by yourself?"

"It was a team effort, actually." Ren gestured to all of his friends. "But, yes. We killed the Titan and found the device inside."

"..."

The Council and General Ironwood were right to be skeptical of the case as a whole. But if there was one thing the General absolutely refused to believe, it was the fact that a group of teenagers had killed a Titan.

It had been many years, but Ironwood recalled the first time his eyes, the world's eyes, had laid upon a new kind of Grimm. Nobody knew how or when, but a Grimm known as a "Titan" had found itself within the Kingdom of Atlas. And as soon as it did, the beast did what every Creature of Grimm was known to do.

Destroy everything and everyone in its path.

The night of the invasion was called the "Titanic Retribution" by some, mostly religious fanatics who tried to explain what had happened. But most of the world called it the greatest military failure Atlas had ever endured. Ironwood and his army tried everything they could to kill the beast, and they even managed to knock it off the floating city. However, the Titan had somehow survived and disappeared into the tundra.

Ironwood would have ordered pursuit, but he decided to make sure that there were no other Grimm hiding in the city.

Ever since that day, General Ironwood wanted answers. He didn't use religion like some people in Atlas and Mantle did; instead, Ironwood's sense of logic told him that the attack was an inside job. That someone had somehow brought the Titan into Atlas and unleashed it upon the Kingdom.

It was the only rational explanation; nobody knew too much about the Grimm, but everyone knew the creatures didn't just appear out of thin air.

And yet, Ironwood was unable to find out anything about the monster. He couldn't even figure out how it could be killed. So he decided to challenge the claim Ren and his friends had made, while challenging much more as well.

This time, Ironwood was confident this new objection would lead to the case being closed.

"Council-members, I have to object once more," Ironwood declared. "Because there's one problem with this story."

"And that would be?" Redwood asked.

"You were given evidence of this device's existence. But what about the Titan these children supposedly killed to bring it to you?" Ironwood looked at the group. "If you killed this Titan, where is your evidence?"

"..."

Everyone immediately knew that they had a problem. They were more concerned with the fact that they killed a Titan in Vale rather than Mistral, but they had forgotten that they didn't have any evidence of the Titan's death. However, Councilwoman Redwood was able to remember something about the day she met with everyone.

"Actually, General, I believe Specialist Schnee can verify their story," she said. "When I first met her, Specialist Schnee said, and I quote, 'I've been outside Atlas on a classified mission, where I encountered Cinder and more of her friends. Together, we encountered and fought a rare yet powerful Grimm.'"

"..."

General Ironwood and everyone else turned to Winter. What the Councilwoman said was true, but a problem still remained: it wasn't Winter who said that.

Winter may have decided to help them, but it was Ymir who had said these things. Eren had asked her to impersonate Winter so they could have reason and permission to go to Atlas, but he wasn't expecting her to lie about the Titan. If this lie came to light, everything would be lost.

"I saw them kill a Titan, ma'am," Winter said calmly. "What they said is true."

"..."

Cinder never felt more relieved than she did now. She knew exactly what Winter was saying; that she saw them kill Titans in Salem's lot of land beyond her castle. Cinder had used her own Titan to do so, but Winter had indeed witnessed it. And though she refused to specify, Winter decided to claim that she indeed saw them kill a Titan.

Cinder was relieved at this point, but she still felt guilty about Winter's position. She didn't deserve to be arrested and sent to prison, and Cinder hoped this hearing would result in her freedom.

Ironwood, however, had begun to lose patience. Hearing one of his own officers confirm such a ridiculous story made him angry to the point where he continued his attack on the group.

One way or another, he was going to finish this here and now.

"If this is true," he began sternly, trying to forget that Winter had just betrayed him. "How are we supposed to justify their actions? How are we supposed to justify the means they carried out to kill such a creature?"

Rather than fear for their future, Eren and his friends began to feel offended by the question. It almost sounded like Ironwood would have preferred it if they simply laid down and died.

"Are you saying that we don't have a right to defend ourselves?" Cinder asked. "Against the Grimm?"

"Not at all," Ironwood replied. "I simply wish to assert the belief that, in your case, the ends don't justify the means." Ironwood turned to the Council and made his newest attack. "Council-members, I received a report from my Lieutenant about the arms these children were carrying in Atlas. I never saw anything like them. And I doubt any legal office has seen them registered. Surely, the idea of possessing illegal weapons is a cause for concern." Ironwood turned back to the group before him. "Not to mention they were in the hands of unlicensed children, before they came to Atlas."

"..."

"Is this the first time they did such a thing? Try to kill Grimm with unlicensed and dangerous weapons?"

"..."

They weren't afraid at first, but Eren and his friends knew that what Ironwood was doing was a cause for concern.

Cinder hadn't seen it firsthand, but she had heard about the tactic Ironwood was trying now. During her fast study of Mistral law, she came across the term "attacking one's credibility," a means in which a lawyer or a single party would do what they could to make the opposing party seem ineligible or undesirable for a certain task.

And Ironwood was using it flawlessly.

"What I want to know is what makes this group more desirable than Huntsmen or Huntresses?" Ironwood asked. "People who have had years of experience hunting and killing the Grimm, keeping the Kingdoms safe for years?" Ironwood pointed directly at Cinder. "Are we supposed to take the word of one person who says one village hasn't been protected enough by Huntsmen or Huntresses? Like you, Council-members, I've seen Ms. Fritz's speech. And I find it hard to believe that Huntsmen and Huntresses in this Kingdom are not up to par."

"..."

"Perhaps the problem is that Ms. Fritz expects too much of Huntsmen and Huntresses. That she believes only she can do what they pledge to do. That, I'm afraid, makes her and her friends dangerous."

"..."

Ironwood continued to make his case to the Council, but Eren and his friends became deaf to his words. Each and every one of them were horrified and appalled that someone was trying to label them as dangerous individuals when all they wanted to do was help. They each had different reactions to the claim, ranging from being offended to being saddened. Nora was perhaps the one who was the most sad, given that there was a time when she believed her Titan would do more harm than good. This fear came as a result of the Branwen Tribe's destruction, but it was put aside by Ren. However, it was all coming back again.

Cinder began to feel her hope fleeting before her eyes as she watched Ironwood continue to assert his claim. She didn't think an attack on her credibility would work, especially after her speech during the hearing. However, Ironwood was tearing down everything she was working for and every idea she stood for. Her work would be over before it even started.

Eren, however, was very angry.

Hearing everything Ironwood was saying, hearing everything the man believed in regarding Huntsmen and Huntresses, felt like a complete perversion of justice. Eren had seen what this perversion looked like, from the Military Police under Rod Reiss' rule to the nation of Marley justifying their work on Paradis. Eren couldn't deny his work as a Titan, and how dangerous he actually was. However, the same couldn't be said for his friends. They weren't like him, they hadn't been transformed into the same man he had become on Paradis. They deserved a chance to keep moving forward, and they didn't deserve to have it taken away by Ironwood.

Eren couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to fight the man head-on. To forget about diplomacy and resort to fighting the only way he knew how. Eren was confident that he could take Ironwood in a fight, that he could use his Semblance to pummel his face in and break whatever prosthetic Ironwood had. Fortunately, Eren was well aware that he couldn't do this in real life.

Though imagining it was able to make him feel somewhat better.

"Like I said, Eren... there's always a reason for violence."

"..."

Eren hadn't asked himself if this hearing, or day, could get any worse. But that didn't stop the God of Darkness from making his additional commentary on the situation. And like Eren, he could see that Ironwood would look better after a beating. But Eren knew he couldn't do that, and he knew that he couldn't have Darkness here of all places.

"Go. Away," Eren whispered as quietly as he could. He had decided that ignoring Darkness wouldn't help, so simply demanding that he leave was a viable option.

But Darkness refused.

"And miss all this?" Darkness asked. "Miss how this 'General Ironwood' decides to challenge you?"

"..."

"Hmm. He seems to be winning in this case."

Eren looked back to Ironwood and listened to what he was saying. "I too was surprised to hear of Headmaster Lionheart's betrayal," the General continued. "But you heard how Eren Yeager broke into Haven Academy and tired interrogating the man."

"Eren Yeager has been pardoned of this incident," said Councilwoman Redwood. "By a collective vote." Councilman Noire and Councilwoman Blanca nodded as Redwood continued to talk. "I don't believe that Lionheart's arrest is relevant, especially after Mr. Yeager delivered himself and his evidence to the police."

"And yet he still continues to carry his unlicensed weapon," Ironwood argued. "He and all of his friends. They haven't even attended a combat school, where they could handle their weapons legally. How can this vigilantism be justified?"

"..."

Eren grew angrier by the second, just like all of his friends did. Whether or not Darkness took pleasure in this was hard to determine, especially with what he said next.

"Ah, if only there was some way to stop him," Darkness said sarcastically. "If only there was someone who you could beseech in your time of need. And make the General wallow in defeat."

Eren was even more irritated now, given what Darkness was hinting at. It was obvious that Darkness wanted freedom from his prison, and that he wanted Eren to give it to him. But once again, Eren refused.

"I won't do it," Eren whispered to himself. "I won't-" Eren suddenly stopped talking when he saw Cinder glance at him. She thought she had heard a whisper, but focused back on the situation at hand when she noticed Eren's silence.

As a result of nearly being caught, Eren decided to think of his response rather than say it aloud. "I'm not going to free you," he said to Darkness. "I know you're not gonna do anything to help me."

Darkness could hear Eren with ease, so he gave the young man something he could hear as well. "You would be surprised to see how wrong you are," the deity argued. "You would be surprised at how I can help you. Or rather... how you can help yourself. With or without freeing me."

"..."

Eren had been mad at Darkness plenty of times in his life. And though there were times he was grateful, specifically for bringing his mother back, anger was the primary feeling Eren had for Darkness. There were times, however, where he became confused by the words the god spoke. In these times of confusion, Eren always felt compelled to ask what Darkness meant.

And this time was no different.

"What... What are you talking about?" Eren asked. What caught his attention was that Darkness said he didn't need to be free to help Eren. One would think Darkness would need to be free from his prison to do anything, but hearing otherwise didn't make sense.

Until it did.

"If you don't wish to fight the General with your bare hands, so be it," Darkness replied. "There is a way, however, you can give everyone what they want. You can justify yourself to everyone here."

Eren couldn't determine if Darkness was lying or not, so he had to know more. "How?"

"I have seen much of this world, Eren. Before and after I created it. I have seen that there is a certain part of this Kingdom's law that will defend your actions. All you have to do is make a plea."

"A plea? What does that mean?"

"Say that you plead the fifteenth amendment of the Mistral constitution. And all of your problems will fade away."

"The fifteenth amendment? What's that supposed to be?"

"Say it and you'll find out."

"..."

This was hard to believe. Eren knew that he desperately needed to stop Ironwood from discrediting him and his friends, but to believe in Darkness was a hard thing to do. Especially if the voice in his head was a figment of his imagination and trauma.

But more than that, Eren didn't know if this supposed amendment actually existed. Or what it would do, if it was a real thing. This could all be a trick to make Eren look bad, to make Ironwood win the case. And judging from his current statements, he already was.

"Huntsmen and Huntresses have all the resources they need to help the Kingdoms," Ironwood declared. "This group before you has nothing, just their word against everything the world has."

"Say it, Eren," Darkness insisted. "Save yourself and your friends."

"Huntsmen and Huntresses have every right to carry the firearms and Semblances they have. What kind of right do these children have?"

"Say it."

"What makes you think they can carry these weapons and do whatever work they deem fit?"

"Say it."

"What gives them the right to act in such a manner? What right do they have?"

"Say it!"

*BAM*

Between Ironwood's continued efforts to attack the group's credibility and Darkness' continued insistence, Eren finally lost control of his temper. After he slammed his palm on the table, Eren shouted the first thing that came to mind.

"I plead the fifteenth amendment!"

"..."

When the entire room went silent and everyone's eyes fell on him, Eren realized what he had just done. Not only did he speak out of turn, which clearly upset Noire and Blanca, but Eren also played right into Darkness' hands. Eren had no idea why Darkness wanted him to do what he did, but Darkness had gotten what he wanted. Between knowing Darkness and seeing how everyone was looking at him, Eren could only conclude that he had made a grave mistake.

But where Eren saw a mistake, someone else saw an opportunity.

"Mr. Yeager, I'm going to have to ask you to calm down and not speak out of turn again," said Councilwoman Redwood, who gave Eren a warning before speaking again. "However, given General Ironwood's recent statements, I believe you have a strong case to plead this amendment."

"...Huh?" Eren asked himself.

Once again, everyone was surprised when they heard the unexpected. However, it was Cinder who came to realize that what Eren did had just saved them.

"That's right!" she said, right before she spoke out of turn. "Um, I mean, if it pleases the Council, I'd like to remind everyone what Mistral's fifteenth amendment grants us."

Councilwoman Redwood had planned to remind everyone herself, but she didn't have any objections about Cinder proving herself. And the silence from her partners indicated that they too had no objections. "You may proceed," said Councilwoman Redwood.

Cinder cleared her throat before she made her case. And she did so while looking at everyone.

"The fifteenth amendment of Mistral's Constitution, also known as the 'Self Defense Amendment,' allows for ordinary citizens such as myself to resort to any means necessary for defending oneself against the Creatures of Grimm in times of eminent distress." Cinder looked directly at Ironwood while she closed her argument. "Unlicensed weapons and unlicensed children, especially in the Mistral outskirts, where no Huntsmen or Huntresses are found, would certainly fall under 'any means necessary,' in my opinion."

"..."

Once again, Ren couldn't help but look over at General Ironwood with his eyes and Semblance. The man's face clearly showed that he wasn't expecting such an argument, one that most likely wasn't included in Atlesian law. Along with that, his emotions were also in disbelief.

This seemed like quite the blow.

"Quite right, Ms. Fritz," said Councilwoman Redwood. "And given what you've told the Kingdom, as well as me, about the lack of Huntsmen and Huntresses in the outskirts, the fifteenth amendment would constitute a right to defend yourselves in this manner." Redwood turned to her colleagues. "Councilman Noire, Councilwoman Blanca... have you any objections?"

"..."

The reason behind this question was because the fifteenth amendment of Mistral's constitution required a vote. Should one plead its use, in any manner, a vote would have to be carried out in order to approve or disapprove its use. Nobody knew this better than Noire or Blanca, given their "by the book" view of the Mistral law. Though they rarely heard any argument involving unlicensed weapons and young adults who weren't part of any Huntsman or combat academy, the law required their input.

"I suppose it would apply to this situation," said Councilman Noire. "That is, if what Ms. Fritz told the Kingdom is true."

"Agreed," said Councilwoman Blanca. "If there is proof behind this claim, then I will have no objection in approving their plea of the fifteenth amendment."

Suddenly, Ironwood decided to speak again when he found what he believed to be an opportunity. "I have an objection," he said. "Proof of this caliber seems hard to believe." Ironwood turned to Cinder. "And while the speech Ms. Fritz gave seemed sincere, I don't recall seeing proof to back up her claims. Unless I'm mistaken, Ms. Fritz?"

"..."

Cinder had to think back on her speech when Ironwood asked his question. She remembered most of the words she had said, which all pointed to criticism of the Huntsman system. However, the claims she made, while true, weren't exactly backed with proof.

"No," Cinder replied honestly. "But the problem is still there."

Ironwood shook his head. "But you can't prove it, can you?" he asked.

Cinder opened her mouth to rebuke Ironwood's claim, but another voice filled the air.

"I can, sir."

Everyone turned to see that Detective Montoya was standing up. She knew her role in this matter was guarding a prisoner, but her memory told her that there was a way to help prove the truth. And her conscience told her that she had to do it.

"Excuse me?" Ironwood asked.

"If it pleases the Council," Montoya began as she stepped forward. I would like to present proof of what Ms. Fritz said in her speech."

Each Council-member looked at each other and all asked themselves what the proof actually was. In order to answer this question, they all nodded to each other.

"Your permission is granted, Detective," said Councilwoman Blanca. "You may proceed."

"Thank you," said Detective Montoya. "When Ms. Fritz spoke at our press conference, she mentioned a crime committed by one Marcus Black."

"..."

Mercury couldn't help but grimace at the sound of that name. Despite his father's death, the events and trauma he endured still made his skin crawl. However, after the chilling sensation passed, Mercury immediately knew that Ironwood's point had been defeated.

And Montoya explained how it would be done.

"It was a crime where he, directed by Councilman Charles, kidnapped two adults and a child from Kuroyuri to be involved in the former Councilman's... habits," Montoya continued. "And Marcus Black did this by posing as a Huntsman. One with an official and valid license. The license was later discovered to be a fake, but records show that Marcus Black once attended and graduated from a Huntsman Academy."

"..."

"I received this statement from Dina Fritz, one of Black's victims. She told me that the village of Kuroyuri hired Marcus Black to defend them from the Grimm. Unfortunately, the idea led to disastrous consequences." Montoya turned to Ironwood. "Consequences that prove Ms. Fritz's point, I'm afraid."

"..."

When Ironwood refused to say anything else, Montoya looked back to the Council. "I have the report back at the station, if you need to review it."

"We will," said Councilwoman Redwood. "And speaking of reports, I recall receiving many reports from concerned citizens about the work of Huntsmen and Huntresses during my tenure as Prime Minister. Ms. Fritz personally reviewed and confirmed some of these statements, which my fellow Council-members reviewed before this hearing."

Noire and Blanca recalled seeing these reports while they were planning for the hearing. They were surprised to see them written on simple notebook paper, but they did come from Haven Academy itself. They didn't review everything, but they said it would be evidence to review in the case of the Hunt Inquisitorius.

And that time had come.

"It seems... there is indeed proof of a lack of Huntsmen and Huntresses in the outskirts," said Councilwoman Blanca. "In that case, I accept Mr. Yeager's plea of the fifteenth amendment."

"As do I," said Councilman Noire. "In the event of killing Grimm such as the Titan, their use of unlicensed weapons, however dangerous, have been a means of self-defense."

Eren and his friends were elated to hear this, while Ironwood remained skeptical. "But Councilman," he protested. "That doesn't change the fact they used such weapons in Atlesian borders."

"Yet we cannot rule out their necessity in defending themselves, as well as the people of Kuroyuri," said Councilwoman Redwood. "But take comfort in knowing their use of said weapons in Atlas will be reviewed, as well as the rest of their actions."

"Whereas events within Mistral are concerned, however," Councilwoman Blanca continued. "Their actions are not only justified... but they serve as an example to their loyalty to the Kingdom of Mistral."

"And it's people," Councilman Noire concluded.

---

After the Council approved Eren's use of the fifteenth amendment, which saved his friends from certain doom, a short recess was put into effect. Everyone would be free to gather their thoughts and talk about the case, which was exactly what everyone wanted to do.

The moment they stepped out of the room, all of Eren's friends congratulated him on his use of the fifteenth amendment.

"Nice save, Eren!" said Mercury, who slapped Eren on the back.

"Ironwood certainly didn't see that coming," said Ren.

"Yeah!" Nora agreed. "You saved our butts back there!"

"You did good too, Cinder," said Emerald, who was looking at Cinder. "As soon as you finished explaining that amendment, I knew we were saved."

"Thanks, Em," Cinder said gratefully before looking at her boyfriend with a smile. "But everyone's right. I think the credit goes to you, Eren."

"Thanks," Eren said as he rubbed the back of his head. Despite saving himself and his friends, as well as delivering a very palpable hit to Ironwood, he was still surprised that the idea worked. "To be honest, I'm just as surprised as you all are."

"I'm not," said Cinder. "You were totally right about the fifteenth amendment. I mean, I studied it when I was preparing for this hearing, but I didn't even think to use it while Ironwood was attacking us."

"I didn't even know it existed until now," said Ren. "How did you know you could use it, Eren?"

"Yeah, tell us!" Nora implored excitedly.

"..."

Eren knew there was no way he could tell everyone that the idea came from Darkness of all people. He couldn't tell them that their greatest enemy, besides Salem, was responsible for saving them from a losing case. So Eren did what seemed like the best idea.

He lied.

"It, uh... just popped in my head," Eren replied before he thought of a better excuse. "I think I saw something about it in one of your notes, Cinder. When I went to check on you."

"Oh, yeah," Cinder agreed as she remembered her notes. "I left those all over the place before I went to bed." Cinder laughed to herself when she thought about all of the notes she took. "I still can't believe I didn't think about using it!"

Everyone laughed with Cinder, but nobody was thinking she had done anything wrong. If anything, the hearing was starting to go rather well after a bad start. Even Mercury, the only person who thought they would be finished from the start, had faith that the rest of the hearing would be better.

And he wasn't the only one.

"So far, so good, everyone."

Eren and his friends turned to see that they were joined by Councilwoman Redwood, who appeared to be quite pleased with the progress.

"Hello again, Councilwoman Redwood," Ren said with a polite bow.

"Yeah, we're starting to notice that," said Emerald, following up on what Redwood had said. "Do the other Council-members think so?"

"I just finished talking to them," Redwood replied. "They, like me, were impressed to see your knowledge of Mistral law." Redwood turned to Eren and Cinder when she said this. "What you two did back there really showed that you not only know the law, but also know when to act within it."

"Thank you, ma'am," said Cinder, who felt proud to receive praise from Councilwoman Redwood. "So, where do we exactly stand now?"

"I can safely say that any concerns about your loyalty to the Kingdom are out the window," said Redwood. "Judging by the General's work, I think we'll be focusing more on the Hunt Inquisitorius. Mainly, whether or not it was necessary to revive the practice."

This was easy to understand and agree with. Ironwood's defeat surely would have taught him that he couldn't attack the group once again. But challenging the law of the Hunt Inquisitorius would be his next move. If he couldn't prevent anything happening to Eren or his friends, then he could make sure the Hunt Inquisitorius wouldn't return again.

"Okay," Cinder replied. "How should we expect that to go?"

"Well, that's what I was going to ask you," said Redwood. "This is where you all will have to defend your actions in Atlas. You'll have to explain what you did to find Watts and why."

"So we're focusing more on the program instead of just us," Mercury concluded. "Shouldn't be too hard."

"Yeah, and we managed to capture Watts," said Emerald. "That's a good result if I ever heard one."

"The Council will have to determine if the means justified the ends," said Ren.

"Indeed we do," Redwood confirmed. "I'd advise all of you to be honest with my fellow Council-members, as well as myself." Redwood turned to Eren next. "I'd also advise to wait your turn to speak. Your plea definitely helped your case, Mr. Yeager, but patience in times like this is a virtue."

It was obvious that Redwood was talking about Eren's lack of restraint. The plea did help, but Eren's anger was alarming. If they were anywhere else, Cinder and her friends were certain that Eren would have attacked Ironwood.

But Eren remembered exactly where he was, and under what circumstances. He knew restraint and controlling his emotions were necessary here, so Eren had to own up to his mistake.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Eren apologized. "I definitely got carried away. I guess hearing what they were saying made me lose my temper."

Everything Ironwood had said was rather harsh, there was no denying that. "Well, I suppose there wasn't any real harm done," Redwood insisted. "I just wanted to say that for future reference."

"Of course."

Redwood nodded before she looked to Cinder. "I'll let you know when it's time for us to resume. Until then, take whatever time you need for a breather."

Councilwoman Redwood left the group of teenagers once again, where they all began to talk amongst themselves. But rather than strategize or discuss what Ironwood might do next to win the case, Ren started the conversation with a question for Eren.

"Eren, what do you mean 'they?'" he asked calmly.

"Huh?" Eren replied, answering the question with a question.

"You said everything they were saying made you lose your temper. Wasn't Ironwood the only one talking back there?"

"..."

It was a simple slip of the tongue, but one that started to reveal all too much. It was the voices of Ironwood and Darkness that Eren couldn't stand, which had led to his outburst. Everyone could understand Ironwood, but Darkness was an entirely different matter.

One that Eren's friends weren't ready to handle.

"Oh, uh... did I say 'they?'" he asked innocently.

"Yeah, I heard that too," said Cinder. "Who were you talking about?"

"Sorry, I think that was just a slip of the tongue." Eren shook his head when he said this. "Ironwood was really ticking me off."

"Yeah, me too," said Mercury. "Atlesians, man. I'm telling you." Mercury looked at Cinder and chuckled. "Kind of reminds me of all those times you argued with Winter."

Cinder agreed, but she didn't find the situation very funny. "Oh, don't remind me," she said. "Seeing her with the cops like that, after everything... it just doesn't feel right." The memory suddenly gave Cinder an idea. "I wonder if Detective Montoya would let us talk to her."

"It wouldn't hurt to ask," said Emerald. "She might actually know how to help against Ironwood."

"Yeah, I think they were pretty close," said Nora. "Winter mentioned him a few times while we were against you-know-who."

"That's a good idea," said Eren. "Why don't you all try to find her?" Eren pointed down the hallway. "I have to use the bathroom real quick."

"Okay," Cinder replied. "We'll find you in a bit."

When Eren parted ways with his friends, he immediately found the men's room down the hall. While he did relieve himself upon arriving, Eren mainly went so he could wash his face. His interaction with Darkness and anger with Ironwood left him some sweat on his face, so Eren washed his face when he had the chance.

"Well, done, Eren."

Eren couldn't help but look up at the mirror and see Darkness as a reflection. He had seen this multiple times before, which scared him at first. But Eren knew he should have expected it by now, that Darkness would be there the second he looked up from the sink.

Eren had hoped the action of pleading Mistral's fifteenth amendment would be enough for Darkness to go away. But it seemed that he was wrong. However, while he was still annoyed by the deity's presence, Eren had something on his mind that wouldn't go away on its own.

"You... You knew," Eren began. He was reluctant to start a conversation with Darkness, but there was too much that couldn't be ignored. "You knew that would work."

"I told you," Darkness smugly replied. "I told you that I have seen much of the world and its inhabitants. I doubt there is someone with the same level of knowledge I possess."

"..."

Darkness sensed a hesitation within Eren. A refusal to believe that what had just happened actually worked in his favor. Darkness had one idea why Eren felt this way, and he was more than willing to share it.

"I think I've proved that my presence isn't a figment of your imagination at this point. Wouldn't you agree, Eren?"

Eren had to admit that he couldn't brush off Darkness' presence anymore. There was no denying that Darkness was somehow reaching out beyond the Coordinate and speaking to him. The fact that everything the deity had said was true was evidence enough.

And yet, there was something Eren didn't understand.

"Why did you do it?" Eren asked. "Why did you help me?"

"..."

Darkness paused for a moment, which only raised Eren's suspicions. After everything that happened between the two, Darkness helping Eren seemed as rare as Nora leaving a stack of pancakes or sweets untouched. Nevertheless, after a few moments of consideration, Darkness provided an answer.

"Why not?" he asked.

"..."

This was an obvious attempt at dodging the question, and Eren wasn't going to tolerate it. "Why not?" he repeated. "You took my body, used it to hurt my friends, and all it got you was a new prison." Eren couldn't resist leaning closer to the mirror. "After all that, you just come out of nowhere and help me?"

"..."

Eren leaned back and shook his head. "No. No, there's no way that makes sense. So if you have something to say, then say it."

"..."

Both Eren and Darkness knew that the young man wasn't in a position to be making threats. Between being a god and being imprisoned, Eren couldn't do anything to hurt Darkness even if he wanted to. But Darkness complied with the demand and spoke.

"If you must know, I do wish to help you for a reason," Darkness confessed. "Mind you, this isn't about my immediate freedom. No... this is about building trust, Eren. Between you and me."

Eren knew Darkness had a goal behind all of this, but this was the last thing he expected to hear. "Trust?" he asked through grit teeth.

"Yes, trust. I could have left you to fend for yourself against the General. I could have advised you to say the wrong thing, to make you and your friends look like fools. But I didn't. A very trustworthy moment, wouldn't you agree?"

Eren leaned closer at the mirror with a cross glare on his face. "Are you kidding me? You expect me to trust you?"

"Not today, no. Today was just a step in the right direction. Sooner or later, you'll need my help again. And when I help you, you'll start to see how much we need each other. Just like we needed each other when you defeated Salem." Darkness chuckled to himself as he recalled the witch's defeat and imprisonment. "I told you that one day we will need each other again. One day, I know you'll grow to trust me, to need me. And when that day comes, I'll be there for you."

"..."

Eren decided that the conversation was pointless. That Darkness was feeding his ego with delusion. Though the hearing was definitely starting to serve those delusions.

Regardless, Eren had enough of this.

"Go to Hell," Eren said as he walked away from the mirror.

Darkness chuckled once more before saying one more thing. "See you soon, Eren."

---

"Can we just have a minute with her? We only want to talk, I promise."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Fritz. I'm not allowed to let anyone see her. Council's orders."

Cinder and her friends had found out that Winter was being held in a separate room during the recess. Since she was still a prisoner in the eyes of Atlas, Winter had to be held and observed like one. And so, she was held behind closed doors with two police officers while Detective Montoya stood guard outside. Winter was allowed bathroom breaks along with food and water, but she wasn't allowed visitors during the hearing.

"I'm really sorry," Montoya repeated to Cinder when she saw the look of defeat on the young lady's face. "If it's any consolation, me and the boys think you're doing a great job so far. And we still have you to thank for Rainart and Watts being behind bars."

Cinder smiled at the compliment, but made sure to remember her friends. "Well, it was a team effort," she said, recalling how everyone had to grab hold of Hazel and prevent his escape. "But thanks. And thanks for coming forward like you did, you didn't have to do that."

"No big deal. It's part of my job."

Nora laughed when she thought back on the discussion of Marcus Black. "I'm surprised you still remember that day," she said.

"Yeah," Mercury agreed. "It was like, a million years ago."

"Well, it was a pretty big boost in my career," Montoya replied. "It could be a big boost for you too, if you decide to work in law enforcement."

"We've been considering it," said Ren, who pointed back towards the courtroom. "As you've noticed."

"Heh, heh. Yeah, I can see that. Just be careful, you hear? It doesn't look like your work has a lot of fans."

"Yeah, we noticed," said Mercury.

"That reminds me," said Emerald, who stepped closer to the officer. "I wonder where Ironwood went after we left. I don't think I saw him come outside with us."

Everyone looked around with Emerald when they realized the same thing. Montoya didn't look with them, but she wondered the same thing. "I didn't see him come here," she said. "I thought he would want to talk to one of his soldiers too."

"Would he be allowed to?" Cinder asked.

"Nope. Still got my orders."

Cinder understood that nobody was allowed to see Winter, but she had another idea to get what she wanted. "Do you think you could give her a message from us?" she asked. "Just that we hope she's doing okay and we'll finish this as soon as we can?"

Montoya didn't take long to think about the request. She would still be following her orders, and the well wishes sounded simple enough. "Sure, that's fine," she said as she opened the door. "Just a minute."

Montoya opened and closed the door very quickly, which prevented anyone from getting a look at Winter. Cinder still felt guilty about all of this, since she tried to make sure Winter could leave with the rest of them. Despite the disagreements they had, Cinder knew Winter had helped them with the SDC and Salem. The last thing Cinder wanted was to see someone innocent of a crime be locked away forever.

The only hope Winter had was Cinder and her friends winning this case. And they intended to do so.

"Hey, how's it going?"

Everyone turned to see that Eren had rejoined them. Cinder greeted him with a smile and moved towards him while she spoke. "It's going okay," she said. "We can't see Winter, but Detective Montoya let us tell her we hope she's okay."

"And that we'll try to finish this soon," Ren included.

"Okay, that's good," Eren said as he felt Cinder wrap herself around his side. "Nothing about Ironwood, though?"

"Nah," said Mercury. "Probably not a good idea to ask her for help with Ironwood."

"Yeah," said Emerald. "It's okay, we'll figure it out later."

Montoya came out after spending a few seconds in the room, where she was once again met by the same group of teenagers. "She said thank you," she said calmly. "And that she hopes you win."

Everyone felt grateful for the response. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.

"And there's one more thing," Montoya continued. "She said you should be careful with General Ironwood when this starts up again." Montoya looked left and right before she whispered to Cinder. "Normally, I wouldn't say that, but I agree. He's really giving this his all."

Cinder understood and decided that she had asked enough from the detective. "Thank you, ma'am," she said politely before she turned to leave. Everyone else nodded and thanked Montoya for her time before they all left as well.

Once they found a more secluded place of the hallway, Eren and his friends decided to talk more about strategy.

"She's not wrong," said Ren. "We should be careful about how we proceed next."

Eren recalled how he lost his temper in the room, and he believed that Ren was mostly talking about him. "I won't lose my temper again," he promised. "You don't have to worry about that."

"It's cool, Eren," said Mercury. "You got us out of a bind back there. If you got something to say in there again, just say it."

"Yeah!" Nora agreed. "Ironwood wasn't holding back, and we shouldn't either!"

"I don't think it'll be that easy, Nora," Cinder disagreed. "Ironwood was trying to attack our credibility back there. He'll probably try it again."

"Are you sure about that?" Mercury asked. "It didn't work out for him the first time."

"No, but he was mostly talking about our work in Mistral. Atlas will definitely be a different story."

"That's true," said Emerald. "He might be mad about the robots we broke. Or how I went into the SDC to do some research."

"Do you think he knows about that?" Nora asked.

"I was careful that nobody saw me, but we should expect anything at this point."

Everyone agreed with the sentiment, and they decided to think back on what else they did in Atlas. "Well, we also went to that SDC mine," said Mercury. "That's how we found out about the metal problems."

"Right, then we went to that warehouse," said Eren. "And stopped that robbery."

"Then we used that airship to find Watts," said Cinder.

"And after a fight, the Atlas soldiers showed up and we talked it over," said Ren. "That's when we met that Lieutenant and left."

"Right," said Emerald. "That sounds like everything. It, uh... It doesn't sound so bad."

"Not really, no," said Nora, who looked over to Cinder. "You think Ironwood will try to call us out on that?"

"Maybe," Cinder replied. Everything that was reviewed didn't sound terrible, but there was something on Cinder's mind that didn't sit well with her. "The thing is... we were all on our own when we did all of that."

"So?" Mercury asked.

"So, we had help here. We had people like Detective Montoya and Councilwoman Redwood helping us in Mistral. We didn't exactly work with people of the law in Atlas."

"Ironwood will definitely use that," Eren agreed. "If he can't call us vigilantes in Mistral, then he'll call us vigilantes in Atlas."

"He might say that we didn't trust the law... since we didn't work with anyone in Atlas," Emerald said regretfully.

"..."

It didn't take long for everyone to see that the odds weren't in their favor anymore. Ironwood definitely had the upper hand where his Kingdom was concerned. Eren and his friends had acted on their own, without any aid from the law whatsoever. Their temporary licenses could have excused this, but Ironwood would fight tooth and nail to say that the Hunt Inquisitorius was outdated and irrelevant.

Not only would he shut it down... but Ironwood would take everyone down with it.

"Wait. That's... not entirely true."

Everyone turned to Ren when he began to provide a counterargument. And judging by the look on his face, Ren seemed to be forming an idea. It certainly sounded like a hopeful one, which was exactly what everyone needed.

"What do you mean?" Cinder asked. "We were all alone in Atlas."

"Yes..." Ren began. "But we were with Winter too."

Eren's widened when he realized what Ren was talking about. "That's true!" he said confidently. "She took control of her body again before we got to Atlas. She may have been pretending to be Ymir, but Winter was there."

"Hey, yeah!" said Nora. "She was with us at the mines, and she was in control way before we went back to Salem's castle!"

"And she was with us when Raven tried to kill us," Emerald included. "Yeah, she might be able to help us out here."

"Wait a minute," said Cinder, who was rather reluctant to agree to this plan. "Yeah, Winter was with us all that time. But I don't think Ironwood cares. You heard that Lieutenant, she considered Winter a traitor. Ironwood might feel the same way."

"Well, yeah," Mercury agreed. "But doesn't he feel the same way about us? That we're no good or whatever?"

"He's right, Cinder," Eren agreed. "We all came here because we have to defend ourselves. Winter should be able to defend herself too."

"Exactly," said Ren. "Let's extend the chance to Winter. Let's help her defend her innocence."

"..."

The more Cinder thought of the plan, the more sense it made. Ever since they went to Atlas, Winter did everything she could to find the source of Watts' device and bring Watts to justice. There were plenty of disagreements between them, but Winter ultimately helped Eren and his friends find the real culprit.

The Councils of Mistral and Atlas deserved the truth. And giving Winter a chance to share it would be very helpful.

"Okay," Cinder agreed. "How do you guys want to do it?"

---

Eventually, the Council called everyone back into the room. Eren and his friends returned to the same seats they had earlier, as did General Ironwood. He too entered the room the same way everyone else did, indicating that he had indeed left the room. Although where he went was still a mystery.

But nobody focused on that anymore. Now, they had more important things to worry about.

"Welcome back, everyone," said Councilwoman Redwood. "If there are no objections, we are prepared to pick up where we left off."

"And to reiterate," Councilwoman Blanca began. "It is the decision of the Council that the former members of the temporary Hunt Inqusitorius are indeed loyal citizens of the Kingdom of Mistral."

"And now, we will determine the necessity of the revival of the Hunt Inquisitorius," said Councilman Noire. "Before we do, however, the Council would like to remind both parties as to why the tradition was outdated at the time."

"..."

It made sense for the Council to elaborate on what the Hunt Inquisitorius actually was. Cinder only knew parts of its history while her friends didn't know too much. Even Ironwood was unaware of the program until he learned what happened in Atlas. And so, everyone remained silent as they allowed Councilman Noire to share a part of Mistral's history.

And share it he did.

"Centuries ago, long before the Huntsman Academies and Councils, when Mistral was ruled by the monarchy," Noire began. "The Hunt Inquisitorius was created as a secret police under the direct control of the royal family, operating beyond the normal confines that would hamper regular law enforcement. It was their goal to maintain the status quo and dissolve rising threats to the safety and stability of Mistral, both in and out of their borders."

"..."

"These threats included criminal elements, corrupt nobles, and potential rebellions against the Kingdom. In the case of external threats, they were tasked with rooting out potential spies and saboteurs from enemy Kingdoms looking to take advantage of Mistral."

"..."

It was rather fortunate that Noire decided to mention external threats. After all, Watts and his work were certainly external threats. However, not everything about this kind of work was good.

"When the Great War eventually broke about across Remnant, the Hunt Inquisitorius became spies and saboteurs themselves for Mistral and Mantle," Noire continued. "They would actively acquire enemy intelligence and secrets while sabotaging the enemy's war efforts. The Hunt Inquisitorius would eventually escalate into the realm of assassination, eliminating high profile targets such as Generals and Commanders, suppliers for the armies, and so on."

"..."

"I believe I speak for most historians when I say a darkness began to infect the Hunt Inquisitorius. As the war escalated throughout the years, the Hunt Inquisitorius was given more and more power and influence for Mistral. Their initial goal was to sniff out corruption, but the power and influence they gained had corrupted themselves. Many war crimes were committed under their watch, one of the worst ones being the use of the Grimm themselves as weapons. This was something that all sides would never do as they all would cease conflict to deal with Grimm."

"..."

"Upon the end of the Great War, all of the actions of the Hunt Inquisitorius were made known to the Kingdoms. All of its members were arrested or had been killed in action. After that, the Hunt Inquisitorius was terminated, and the power and influence they obtained was dispersed amongst the newly created Council and Huntsmen. As time went on, they would fade away into obscurity, forgotten by all except those high up in positions of government and those knowledgeable in history." Noire turned to Redwood. "People like us."

"..."

Once Noire was finished, once all of his information was taken into account by both parties, Councilwoman Redwood spoke once more. "Ms. Fritz," she said to Cinder. "When I decided to temporarily revive the practice, part of my decision was due to your insistence that you travel to Atlas yourself. With you and your friends, as well as Specialist Schnee. Is that correct?"

"Yes, ma'am," Cinder replied honestly.

"And after hearing Councilman Noire's summary of the Hunt Inquisitorius, do you support the decision of becoming a member yourself?"

"I do." Cinder looked to everyone by her side, who all nodded slowly. She also turned to Winter, who simply stared neutrally back at Cinder. So the young woman looked back to the Council and spoke again. "We all do."

"Please elaborate," said Councilwoman Blanca.

Before she complied with the request, Cinder took out her Scroll and began to walk towards the table the Council was sitting at. "I'm actually glad you shared the history of the Hunt Inquisitorius, Councilman Noire," she began. "Because while we held the temporary badges, I studied the authority that it would give us. And a lot of it lined up with what Councilman Noire said."

"..."

Cinder handed her Scroll to Councilwoman Redwood. "I actually made a list of what worked and didn't work for us. Namely, where the authority was needed and where it wasn't needed. Where there was too much, to be precise."

Councilwoman Redwood gently took the Scroll without hesitation and saw that Cinder had made a list of pros and cons for the Hunt Inquisitorius. Her friends were mostly aware of it, since Cinder had declared she was looking at the details before they arrived at Atlas. And now, the Council was aware of it as well.

"Very impressive, Ms. Fritz," Councilwoman Redwood said as she briefly glanced at the list. "But I'm afraid that doesn't answer our question. How do you stand by the program?"

Cinder stepped back and answered the question. "I stand by it because nobody was aware of the Titan being controlled. This Kingdom as a whole was completely unaware such a device existed. And the Kingdom of Atlas was unaware that more devices were being created under their noses."

Eren and his friends nodded to one other, and Eren even nodded at Winter. Ironwood, however, couldn't help but shift in his chair as he listened to Cinder calling him out on his ignorance of Watts and his work.

"My friends and I felt that we had an obligation to see the threat dissolved, just like the first Hunt Inquisitors," Cinder continued. "And given our experiences with Huntsmen and Huntresses, none of us felt it prudent to entrust them with what we discovered. We felt the only people with enough power were the members of the Council." Cinder turned to Councilwoman Redwood. "Given the arrests of Arthur Watts and Hazel Rainart, our faith was not misplaced."

Cinder was taking a risk involving her personal opinion of the Huntsmen and Huntresses in her argument, even though it was backed up by her friends. However, given the evidence provided by Detective Montoya and Councilwoman Redwood, Cinder felt that this was an appropriate time to bring it up. And nobody in front of her seemed to be skeptical or attempted to disagree with her.

Behind her, however, was a different story.

"I object," said General Ironwood, who spoke for the first time since the hearing resumed. "Not entrusting the defenders of the Kingdoms is a grave mistake. Huntsmen and Huntresses have plenty of power to deal with threats to the world."

Cinder looked directly at General Ironwood and challenged him face-to-face. "Does that mean you knew Watts was working in Atlas?" she asked. "Did you know what he was creating?"

"..."

The objection Ironwood had made was somewhat premature, given that Cinder's rhetorical question had made a point. Ironwood didn't want to admit it, but she was right.

However, in Ironwood's mind, she was wrong about something else.

"General Ironwood?" Councilwoman Blanca asked, waiting for an answer. She and her other Council-members agreed that Cinder's question was a good one.

"...No," Ironwood said after he cleared his throat. "No, we weren't aware of it."

Cinder and her friends smiled and snickered when they saw that Cinder had Ironwood right where she wanted him. However, they stopped when Ironwood spoke again.

"I do, however, have sufficient evidence that the Kingdom of Atlas has the resources necessary for handling a threat." Ironwood took out his own Scroll and prepared to play a video. "I'd like to present that evidence now."

The Council looked at each other and nodded, signifying that they were ready to see more evidence. "You may proceed," said Councilwoman Blanca.

When Ironwood pressed a button on his Scroll, a large holographic screen appeared before everyone. And when he pressed another button, the video played to reveal five people wearing what looked like white military uniforms. There were some differences, however, that included shorter sleeves, shorter pants, and equipment that stood out from rifles and other guns.

Whoever these soldiers were, they were clearly high-ranking.

"This is the latest training footage from Atlas' top elite," said Ironwood. "The perfect combination of military and Huntsmen training. A group directly under the command of Atlas Academy: the Ace Operatives."

Everyone immediately understood that Ironwood had a group of soldiers of his own. A personal task force that served under the top command. Mainly, under General Ironwood.

"Members include Clover Ebi, the leader of the team," Ironwood continued as a man with brown hair and a sleeveless shirt appeared on the screen. He was holding what looked like a whip, one that was being swung at multiple Creatures of Grimm. On the end of the whip was a sharp piece of metal, which made it look like a fishing rod.

Eren couldn't put his finger on it, but the man looked vaguely familiar. The more he thought of it, the more Eren believed that he saw the man the night he and Cinder escaped Atlas. This idea was cast aside when the screen changed to a new man, one with pale skin and large yellow arms.

"Vine Zeki has been in service for a number of years, along with Elm Ederne and Harriet Bree," Ironwood continued. Two women, one taller and one shorter than Zeki, appeared and attacked the Grimm. Ederne swung a large hammer while sticking to the ground in yellow roots while Bree ran at an impressive speed that caught the Grimm completely off guard.

Mercury shifted in his seat when he saw a potential rival to the speed of the Flashstep Titan.

"Operative Tortuga is our newest member," Ironwood said as a new person with the same dark complexion as Bree and Ederne appeared on the screen. "And a vital one at that." Just then, the Grimm began to move at a much slower pace around the member, who simply watched as the rest of the Ace Operatives finished off the Grimm.

The screen disappeared as soon as it came, and Ironwood made one final point. One more attack on the credibility of Cinder and her friends.

"As you can see, a team handling threats inside and outside the Kingdom exist," said Ironwood. "Between them and the Huntsmen Academies, a new and questionable team isn't necessary." Ironwood looked at Cinder. "Especially one that holds the truth from the Kingdom they're sent to. And one that holds no recognition for proper authority."

"..."

Eren and Cinder had been proven right when Ironwood finished his declaration. Once again, he was challenging their credibility by showing a legal team of soldiers that acted similarly to the Hunt Inquisitorius. Ironwood seemed to believe that the existence of the Ace Operatives would put the Hunt Inquisitorius to shame, and that its members should be punished for not recognizing "proper authority."

But like her friends, Cinder was ready for a challenge such as this.

"That's where you're mistaken, General Ironwood," said Cinder. "These 'Ace Operatives' you have might be ready for threats like you described, but we know plenty about proper authority." Cinder pointed to the Council. "Mistralian and Atlesian."

"Yet you think keeping all of Atlas in the dark to further your own agenda is of great use," Ironwood argued. "Straining tensions between our Kingdoms rather than trusting the authority of Atlas."

"Not all of Atlas. And while it took us some time, my friends and I placed our trust in one member of the authority of Atlas." Cinder pointed right behind herself and her friends. "And she's right there."

Everyone looked to see that Cinder was pointing at a surprised Winter Schnee. Winter hadn't expected the spotlight to come onto her in this hearing. All she expected was to be an observer while the Council decided her fate and the fate of the Hunt Inquisitorius. Her surprise was clear, but Winter quickly cast it aside in order not to betray any other emotion.

General Ironwood was also surprised, but not unprepared for the acknowledgement of Winter. Like Lieutenant Infrigdando, Ironwood considered Winter's actions as nothing less than going against the Kingdom of Atlas. She had taken an oath to serve the Kingdom, but Winter had gone behind its back to conduct a serious investigation on behalf of another Kingdom.

Namely, she had gone behind Ironwood's back. And the General had never been forgiving of those who turned against him. Of course, no leader could pardon betrayal from one of their subordinates. It was their duty to punish betrayal when it came, and that was exactly what Ironwood intended to do.

"Council-members, if you wish to include Specialist Schnee in this hearing, I urge you to reconsider," Ironwood began. "The Hunt Inquisitorius is one thing, but I believe sedition is something we all can agree on. Specialist Schnee had a duty to the Kingdom of Atlas, and she willingly broke it by going absent without official leave and refusing to cooperate with Atlesian authorities."

Councilwoman Redwood wanted to challenge this claim, given that she was told about the SDC brand by who she believed to be Winter, but she couldn't deny the General's claim. While she was posing as Winter, Ymir said that she was on a mission investigating the Titans. However, Ironwood's insistence that there was no mission troubled Redwood greatly.

Councilwoman Blanca and Councilman Noire were also taking the General's side. Ironwood was correct that they also had the same view of sedition as him, and they believed that Winter's false claim of a mission was very serious. Though the SDC brand was cause for alarm, neither Council-member could deny that Winter had crossed a line in keeping Atlas officials out of the picture.

"I object."

Everyone turned to Eren, who was standing up and looking directly at Winter. "I have proof that Winter's actions weren't an act of sedition," he said.

"..."

This came as a surprise for everyone, but not an unwelcome one for Eren's friends. Their plan was to defend Winter, after all. And they were proud to see that Eren had once again had an idea to help them.

But Ironwood, once again, was far from pleased.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," said the General. "There was no mission Specialist Schnee was assigned here in Mistral. And she had no right to challenge Atlas in the ways we've seen."

"There was and she did," Eren argued before he turned to the Council. "Council-members, my objection stands. I can defend Specialist Schnee's actions as the opposite of sedition and disobeying orders." Eren gestured to Winter. "Winter can too, if you give her the chance to speak."

Cinder quickly turned to the Council in order to help Eren. "They both have a point to make," she said. "I promise."

"..."

Each of the Council-members looked at each other as they pondered what to do. They still had their shared agreement on sedition and Ironwood's concerns, but they had accepted evidence presented to them today before. And it led to new revelations and shared beliefs between the three of them.

If it happened once, it could happen again.

After they nodded to each other again, the Council made their decision. "The Council will allow it," said Blanca. "Though I speak for my fellow Council-members when I say that Mr. Yeager should make the point Ms. Fritz promised."

Changes in positions were made as Winter was led to the front of the room by the police officers and Cinder moved back to the desk where Eren had been sitting. Their friends were still behind the desk, and they all watched as Eren and Cinder switched places.

"Good luck," Cinder whispered to Eren.

"Thanks," Eren said gratefully as he met Winter in front of the Council.

Once they were standing by Ironwood, the General made his challenge once more. "Before you begin, Mr. Yeager, I'd like to stress the fact that I assigned Specialist Schnee no mission regarding the Titans in Mistral," he said.

"So you've said," Eren countered. "But let's hear what Winter has to say about that."

"..."

Ironwood and the Mistral Council allowed Eren to proceed. With that, Eren began to ask Winter a series of questions that he deemed relevant.

"Winter, do you remember when we first met?" Eren asked. "In Kuroyuri?"

"...Yes," Winter replied. She was unsure as to where Eren was going with this, but she knew better than to ignore a question at a time like this. "Yes, I remember."

"We met after the SDC stopped their project in the Mistral outskirts. Isn't that right?"

"It is."

General Ironwood decided to stop everything. "Objection," he said. "If this is about Jacques Schnee and his work in Mistral, that case is irrelevant. Besides, the company abandoned that project long before this incident."

Councilman Noire saw Ironwood's point, so he had to determine if this was the case. "Mr. Yeager, is this interrogation in regards to the SDC and their former work in Mistral?" he asked.

"No, sir," Eren denied. "I was just establishing how we met. What happened before isn't relevant to the point I want to make."

"Very well. Proceed."

Eren looked back to Winter and spoke again. "We talked about a lot of things after we met. One of those things was the Titans. And Atlas' interest in them. Is that right?"

"Yes," Winter replied.

Eren looked to the Council again. "What did you tell me that day?"

Winter thought back to the time when she told Eren what she knew about the Titans. She was being held in Kuroyuri because of the work her father did, but that detail didn't help in this case. Eren was only interested in the Titans, and apparently, so was the Council.

And with every word she spoke next, Winter could see Eren's plan.

"I told you... I told you about the Titan that attacked Atlas years ago," she began. "That nobody ever knew what it was that attacked them that night. Atlas always believed there could be more of them... and we were right. When the investigation started, our scientists called the first Grimm 'Subject T-01.' But we still called the beast a 'Titan.'"

Eren made sure that everyone before him, including Ironwood, were paying attention to the words that escaped Winter's mouth. "The investigation," he repeated. "Winter, do you mean that it was a military investigation?"

"Yes, that's right," Winter replied.

"And did this investigation come with orders? In the case of proving whether or not more Titans existed?"

"Yes. Many of Atlas' elite, Specialists included, had orders concerning the Titans."

"What were your orders?"

Ironwood was well aware of the orders Winter was referring to, which led him to try and explain them to the Council. "Council-members, I know what Specialist Schnee is talking about," he said. "Perhaps I can explain that-"

"With respect, General," Eren interjected. "I wasn't asking you. Winter can explain them just fine."

"..."

After a period of silence, Councilwoman Redwood made the decision for her Council-members. "Specialist Schnee, you may answer the question," she said. "What were your orders regarding this 'Subject T-01?'"

Winter understood Eren's plan perfectly at this point. And she believed that what she and Eren said next would defend her against the General, so she took the chance in a heartbeat.

"If I could, my orders were to bring the Titan back to Atlas alive," she said firmly. "If not, I had permission to terminate the subject."

Eren looked directly at the Council as he reiterated the point. "She had permission to terminate the subject," he repeated. "Which is what happened when another Titan was killed." Eren was referring to the Titan with the device, even though Winter wasn't involved there. It was risky to bend the truth like this, but Eren didn't have much of a choice. "Believe me, Winter would have followed the order of informing Atlas about its death."

"But..." said Cinder, who joined in with Eren and followed the rest of the plan she made with her friends. "One has to wonder... why on Remnant would someone follow this order if Atlesian resources were found inside the Titan? Without Winter's knowledge?"

"..."

As soon as Cinder asked that question, the tables had truly turned on General Ironwood's challenge. Between that question and Eren's interrogation of Winter, there seemed to be very little that Ironwood could challenge now. However, that didn't stop him from trying.

"Wait a minute," he said as he looked at everyone. "Surely, you can't be saying that Atlas had anything to do with this." He was right to ask this, given what he believed Cinder was implying.

"No, we're not," said Ren, who stood up with Cinder. "We all know Watts was the one responsible."

Nora immediately followed Ren's lead and stood up. "But we wouldn't have known that for sure," she said. "If Councilwoman Redwood hadn't given us permission to go to Atlas."

"Which proves our point," said Emerald, who also stood up. "Reviving the Hunt Inquisitorius may have been strange, but it was completely necessary."

"Unless you want a bunch more controlled Titans destroying things," said Mercury, who also stood up. "Is that what you want?"

"..."

The logic everyone had presented was sound enough for the case to be considered closed. The Council had even stopped asking questions or asking for evidence. Instead, they began to deliberate amongst themselves using everything they had learned. Their conversation was mostly whispers, but everyone in the room could see that their earlier stance was beginning to change. Even the tried-and-true mindsets of Noire and Blanca were starting to open to new ideas.

Ironwood, however, was not.

"I don't believe this!" he said, finally losing his patience with the children. "How can you still believe that an outdated tradition is superior to what Huntsmen and Huntresses are doing every day to protect the world?"

Eren had also started to lose patience with Ironwood, who was completely unconvinced after everything he heard. "Because it works!" he said to the General's face. "Because we helped both of our Kingdoms with our actions!"

"Exactly!" said Cinder, who walked directly up to Eren and stood by his side. "You want to protect the world, right? Well, how are you supposed to do it if you don't let it change? How can you protect people if you don't let them grow?!" Cinder looked to her friends while holding Eren's hand. "That's what we all did!"

"But have you ever stopped to wonder if you should grow past Huntsmen and Huntresses? That maybe you were progressing in the wrong direction?"

"The wrong direction?" Eren asked. "You mean like Jacques Schnee did? Did you even know all of the villages he razed? All of the lives he ruined? And all it got him was a ruined project!"

"And it was all because of the Titans!" said Cinder. "They were the ones that sabotaged that equipment! We saw it for ourselves!" This claim was another risk, but it was also part of their plan; to explain their knowledge of Titans and how Winter got involved in the ordeal.

After all, she met the Titans when Eren and his friends defended Kuroyuri. And she discovered what they truly were.

"I think it's clear at this point that Jacques made an error in judgement," Ironwood said confidently. "And his business is suffering the consequences for it. Your consequences, however-"

"His business is still alive!" said Cinder. "And Jacques Schnee is still free!" Cinder softly gasped before she made her final point. "Oh, I get it! When one of you hurts people, it's just 'an error in judgment.' But when people like us try to help, you'd rather lock us up and throw away the key!"

Before the argument could go even further, the Council called for an end to the yelling. "That's enough!" said Councilman Noire.

"We will have order in this room!" said Councilwoman Blanca.

"..."

Both parties could see that their arguments couldn't be won at a time or place like this. So they immediately stayed quiet and waited for whatever the Council had to say next.

But there was one person who was brave enough to speak before the Council did.

"If it pleases the Council," said Winter. "I'd like to second the point that Eren Yeager and Cinder Fritz have made."

"..."

Despite the fact that they were caught off guard and not expecting another word to be spoken from anyone besides the Council. But Winter continued when she didn't hear anyone to tell her to stop.

"As a military officer of Atlas, it was my duty to uphold the law of the Kingdom," Winter continued. "But that was all I did. What my father did to the villages in the outskirts was wrong, but it was not illegal. I was originally sent to uphold the law that allowed him to mine Dust here, instead of stopping him." Winter turned to Eren and Cinder. "Thanks to the group I met here, specifically Eren and Cinder, I learned that I never had the opportunity to create change where it was needed most." When Winter looked back to the Council, she closed her argument with unwavering determination and a hint of pride. "Which is why it is my opinion that the change made with the Hunt Inquisitorius, however brief, was a change that was necessary to protecting both our Kingdoms."

"..."

Winter sighed as she looked down to the ground. "That's... all I have to say about that."

"..."

After looking to her fellow Council-members once more, and studying the looks of deep contemplation on their faces, Councilwoman Redwood made a decision that appeased everyone.

"Thank you, everyone," she began. "It seems the Council has been presented enough evidence for deliberation. We will call both parties back once we reach a verdict."

---

During his time on Remnant, Eren once heard an old saying: that the waiting was always the hardest part. He was well familiar with the idea, given that he had hard times with waiting before. One of those times was the time he spent undercover in Marley waiting for his friends to help him.

And today, while waiting for the Mistral Council to reach a verdict, was no different.

Eren and his friends were all anxious to hear what the Council thought of their argument and defense. They had all tried very hard, and they all tried their best. Compromises had to be made in order to protect their secrets of Salem and the God of Darkness, but they believed they made their point as best as they could.

This belief, however, didn't satisfy their collective nerves.

Eren was well aware that Ironwood's view of "consequences" would be the result of a bad verdict in this hearing. That he and his friends would be punished for their deeds under Atlesian law. Eren was no stranger to being locked in a cell, but this would be the first time he would be expected to spend most of his life in one.

Him and his friends.

This idea led Eren to telling all of his friends that he was proud of everything that they did during the hearing. They fought tooth and nail for what they believed in, especially Cinder. Once again, her passion and talent for public speaking had raised new concerns for society and the need for change.

And one way or another, Eren would keep fighting for this change to happen.

Cinder naturally thanked Eren for these words, but she was more thankful for the support he gave her. She then thanked and praised everyone for standing up and having her back when she needed it most. Friends like Ren, Nora, Emerald, and Mercury were a blessing to be had; for themselves and each other.

Detective Montoya paid the group a visit and congratulated them for their efforts. She didn't know where she stood on changing the law, but the efforts the teenagers were making to create positive change were commendable. Montoya also wished them good luck, and that she was "rooting" for them.

This recess wasn't entirely different from the previous one, but the biggest difference came in the form of General Ironwood's presence. Before the verdict was to be passed, the Council had asked General Ironwood to join them alone in the courtroom. And so, he returned to the room while passing by Eren and his friends.

Very slowly.

As he walked, Ironwood made direct and unwavering eye-contact with everyone he had been fighting against. Winter was in the same room she was in before, so she didn't see him again. But Ironwood could see everyone else, as well as show them that he wasn't afraid of any of them.

The same, however, could also be said for Eren and his friends.

They were nervous about his presence when the hearing began. But now, after they stood their ground against every challenge the General threw at them, Eren and his friends refused to be afraid of the man.

They did, however, acknowledge the fact that they had made an enemy of General Ironwood. He was like a brick wall, an immovable object who refused to go against everything he stood for. Given that one of these beliefs was the work of Huntsmen and Huntresses, General Ironwood had earned the ire of Cinder as well as Eren.

If they were to ever meet again, only conflict would follow.

Everyone was curious as to why Ironwood had been asked to meet with the Council alone. Nora was pressing her ear against the door in an attempt to eavesdrop on the conversation. It was a rather reckless thing to do, which was usually typical of Nora. But when she said that she heard what sounded like a disagreement, everyone convinced Nora to keep listening and divulge anything else she could hear.

This mission ended, however, when the Council called for everyone to rejoin them in the room.

Eren and his friends stepped inside and moved back to the table. General Ironwood was standing close to the Council's desk, where he was waiting with his hands behind his back. They were all curious as to why he was called in early, and Ren couldn't help but wonder if his emotions would reveal more to the story.

He didn't have time to use his Semblance, however, since the Council decided to talk immediately.

"Before we deliver our verdict, there is an issue we would like to resolve first," said Councilwoman Redwood. "Namely, with Specialist Schnee and her role in this matter."

Everyone turned to Winter, who was doing her best to restrain her nerves. She stared at the Council like she would stare at them while standing at attention, remaining calm and collected on the outside. Whether or not she felt the same way inside was unknown, but Winter was ready to hear what the Council had to say.

"Specialist Schnee, you should know that it was General Ironwood's intention to send you back to Atlas," said Councilman Noire. "Where you would be tried under Atlesian law for charges of conspiracy and treason."

This was to be expected, given Ironwood's unwavering determination. However, the Councilman's statement implied that this plan had somehow changed. And the belief was confirmed by Councilwoman Blanca.

"But given the testimony you provided with Mr. Yeager, it is the Council's shared belief that your argument for following orders was sound," the Councilwoman said. "And given that you surrendered yourself to Mistral's authority, your sentence is for us to determine."

"However, the nature of this hearing has made it clear that leaving Atlas out of another affair would be a poor choice," said Councilwoman Redwood. "So we invited General Ironwood inside and made an arrangement."

"..."

Eren and his friends were paying close attention to the Council, to see if their efforts to help Winter had paid off. Their hopes were high enough to reach the sky, since there appeared to be a part of Ironwood that allowed him to compromise. And so, they impatiently waited for the result of this compromise, hoping and praying for the best.

"In exchange for the deportation of Arthur Watts to Atlas, General Ironwood has agreed to release you into our custody," Councilwoman Redwood declared. "Your fate will be determined today, along with the rest of the former Hunt Inquisitorius. However, the General wishes to say one more thing."

Rather than let the relatively good news sink in, Ironwood stepped forward and delivered his own version of justice.

"Specialist Schnee," he began firmly. "Whatever happens today, I have been left with no choice but to dishonorably discharge you from the Atlesian military. You will be stripped of your rank and Huntress license effective immediately."

"..."

Eren and his friends let sighs of relief travel out of their lungs. The punishment seemed rather minor, and it was a result of their efforts to defend themselves before the Council. So this decision seemed like a small reassurance for the immediate future.

It would have even made them happy, if only Ironwood had finished there.

"While I cannot directly revoke you of your natural-born Atlesian citizenship," Ironwood continued. "I would caution you from returning to Atlas." Ironwood let out a sigh that almost sounded like regret. "I had hoped that you would achieve greatness as a soldier, Winter. Perhaps even prove to be a worthy General. But clearly being a good soldier... isn't what you were meant to be."

"..."

Everyone once again looked to Winter, who was now looking at the ground. She may have been spared from Atlesian judgement, but the final remark had truly struck a nerve with her. Eren and his friends all looked at each other when they finished listening to him, and all found themselves sharing the same idea.

That was a low blow. Even for someone like Ironwood.

"Moving on," said Councilwoman Redwood. "We have reached a decision concerning the Hunt Inquisitorius."

The group of teenagers couldn't help but hold their breaths while they waited for the decision to be made. Everything they had said, everything they had worked for, had all led up to this very moment. It was now or never; it was do or die.

And now, it was time for their fate to be determined.

"To reiterate," Councilman Noire began. "Eren Yeager, Cinder Fritz, Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie, Emerald Sustrai, and Mercury Black... the Council has determined that you are all indeed loyal citizens of this Kingdom. And your collective actions were all done in the name of serving Mistral."

"Yes!" Mercury whispered with a smile. Everyone else was also happy to hear this, since it didn't sound like they would be in much trouble after all.

"Those actions, however, have caused quite a bit of damage to certain places in Atlas," said Councilwoman Blanca. "Which was determined by General Ironwood." Blanca turned to Ironwood. "Given that this was a decision made by the Prime Minister, and given that they were all acting for the Kingdom, we have decided that Mistral will pay for the cost of damages made during the investigation."

"Thank you, Councilwoman," said General Ironwood. "Many people in Atlas and Mantle will be pleased to hear that."

Out of all the things that could have benefited Ironwood, this decision was arguably the most fair. Between the robots and machinery destroyed, someone had to be held responsible for it all. Eren immediately determined that it was better for the government to use whatever savings or taxes they had to pay rather than someone like his friends or his mother. Such a thing would be disastrous.

While they weren't as happy as before, Eren's friends were slightly pleased that they wouldn't be held accountable for paying the damages in Atlas.

"And finally, the verdict we reached today was rather hard to determine," said Councilwoman Redwood. "I would like to thank both parties for the evidence and testimony you brought before us. Especially you, Ms. Fritz." Redwood had done her best to remain impartial in the matter, but there was something else that had to be said. "The determination and passion we saw from you and your friends had caught my attention before. And now it has done so again."

"..."

Councilwoman Redwood didn't make any specifics towards this claim, but all of Cinder's friends believed that standing up to Ironwood like she did was the main point of interest. Like Redwood, everyone was very proud of Cinder for making another stand on their behalf. Eren made his pride known by taking Cinder's hand, which she gratefully accepted.

"I would also like to thank you as well, General Ironwood," Redwood continued. "There was actually one part of your testimony that heavily influenced our decision."

Ironwood slightly bowed to the Council while his opponents froze in their seats. They immediately believed that the decision would benefit the General. That he would have a hand to play in their collective and individual fates.

But they were wrong.

"It is the Council's decision that, while not entirely perfect, the Hunt Inquisitorius was a necessary action to take in the matter of the Titans. And should the need ever arise, we would like to take that action once more."

"..."

Eren and his friends could hardly contain themselves when they heard this verdict. Mercury looked over everyone and asked if he had heard incorrectly, but everyone had heard the same thing. It was enough to make Nora giggle while she hugged Ren, who returned the embrace after he readjusted himself. Emerald and Mercury shared a high-five while Eren and Cinder looked at each other with wide smiles and a tight embrace by the hand.

The Council would have considered asking for order, even though they could see why the teenagers were happy to have won the case. However, Ironwood was also overcome with emotion, mainly with shock and disbelief. He had prevented the Council from calling for order and silence when he recalled a certain event.

"Councilwoman, I thought you said my testimony influenced your decision," he protested to Redwood.

"And it did," said Councilwoman Redwood. "Councilman Noire and Councilwoman Blanca were impressed with the group you presented to us. The Ace Operatives, I believe."

"We were, indeed," said Councilwoman Blanca. "Given what we saw from your video and the results of these citizens..." Blanca gestured to Eren and his friends. "We thought perhaps it was time for the Kingdom of Mistral to have a similar group."

"After all," said Councilman Noire. "The Ace Operatives are under your command, yes?"

"Of course," Ironwood replied. "Which is why-"

"And wouldn't that command extend to the Atlesian Council? The Council of which you're also a member?"

"Well... technically yes, but they're-"

"Then I see no reason why any of the other Kingdoms shouldn't have a team like them."

"Nor do I," said Redwood. "But rest assured, General they won't extend into other Kingdoms again. In fact, they won't be ready to be used until the details of the program have been revised and the criticisms have been met."

"Most of which have been shared to us by Cinder Fritz," Councilwoman Blanca included. "It seems she too wishes to see this done right."

"And make sure history doesn't repeat itself," said Noire. "And once the new Hunt Inquisitorius is ready, we'd like the same group to join. To make sure no mistakes are made."

"..."

The hearing wasn't the same as the battle they had with Salem. And it certainly wasn't the same as the one with the God of Darkness. But the victory Eren and his friends had earned was certainly the result of hard work and determination, as well as loyalty and belief in each other.

And General Ironwood, the first enemy Eren had encountered since Salem and Darkness, had been defeated.

"In the matter of the Hunt Inquisitorius, this case is dismissed," said Councilwoman Redwood. "Eren Yeager, Cinder Fritz, Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie, Emerald Sustrai, Mercury Black, and Winter Schnee... you are all free to go."

---

After they left the courtroom, Eren and his friends immediately began to celebrate. More hugs, high-fives, and praise was shared between the group of friends who had secured their freedom. They were all proud to have not only defended themselves, but also that they were able to beat a stubborn and powerful man who would have seen them all arrested.

The idea of preventing arrest made Cinder remember Winter, and decided to go find her.

The search wasn't hard, given that Winter too had been freed. The police officers, including Detective Montoya, had released Winter once they led her to the front door of the building. There, she was met by the people who defended her against the General.

Winter remembered her manners and thanked each and everyone one of them for their efforts. There was no denying that her future would have been bleak if she had been arrested.

Everyone was happy at first, but the positivity began to waver when they saw Winter begin to crack. Her smile was forced, her voice was wavering, and her blue eyes looked like they were about to explode into tears. Before they could, however, Winter excused herself and left the building.

Cinder was confused by the reaction and immediate departure, since she thought that Winter would be happy with her freedom. However, Ren pointed out that not only did Winter lose her job, but she had been "cautioned" about returning to Atlas. As far as anyone was concerned, Winter was homeless.

Obviously, nobody had wanted this to happen. Nora had suggested going after her and offering more help, but Ren's Semblance had told him that Winter needed space. And if she ever needed help, she knew where to find them.

Everyone felt bad about Winter, and they all began to grow more resentful of Ironwood and his brazen choice to expel Winter. He was certainly a man who didn't take things laying down, for better or worse.

This trait had intensified Cinder's prejudice against Atlas, and also her guilt regarding Winter. Eren easily detected this, and knew what would make Cinder feel better.

Eren reminded Cinder that they still had a date.

Before they arrived in the capital, Cinder had initially proposed that she and Eren go out for dinner for their first date. But given that the hearing had ended earlier than expected, Cinder took Eren's offer for an early lunch in a heartbeat.

Eren and Cinder departed from their friends in search of a place to get food. Emerald and Mercury announced that they would be going back to Kuroyuri, but Ren and Nora decided to stay in the city a little longer when Nora pointed out that she and Ren hadn't gone on a date yet. Ren acquiesced to Nora's request, and the duo decided to set off on their own before they would return home.

Eren and Cinder had done the same thing, and found themselves at a restaurant that specialized in noodle bowls. This was one of Cinder's favorite places in upper Mistral, so it was perfect for a first date.

"I'll have the chicken fried rice bowl, please," Cinder said to a waiter after they were seated.

"And I'll have the ground beef, please," Eren followed.

"Coming right up," the waiter said after he finished writing down the orders.

"..."

Eren and Cinder were excited for their date at first, but it started off rather awkwardly. Given that they had spent the whole morning and early afternoon together and that neither of them had too much experience with dating, Eren and Cinder weren't entirely sure what to do or say next.

But when she saw a glass of ice tea on her table, Cinder had an idea.

"Hey, Eren," she said as she picked up her glass. "How about a toast?" Their recent victory with the Council seemed like a good reason for a toast, and Eren agreed.

"Oh, good idea," he said as he picked up a glass of water he ordered. "Let's see... a toast to winning?"

"Definitely. And also... to days like this."

"Cheers."

*CLINK*

After Eren and Cinder swallowed a sip of their drinks, the conversation they had began to flow more naturally than before. "Days like this," Eren repeated. "You know, that's a good one. I don't think we had a time to relax since the hospital. You know, with just you and me."

"You're right," said Cinder. "That was probably the only time we got to hang out alone." Cinder smiled as she fondly recalled on that night. "I've missed it."

"Me too. Feels like forever ago."

"Totally. Remember what we were talking about? What we wanted to do after the fighting was over?"

"Yeah. Looks like I was right about me helping Mom with the farm." Eren smiled as he remembered the good news Carla shared with him. "And now she took the chance to expand beyond Kuroyuri."

"I know. Are you excited?"

"Yeah. Traveling across the outskirts, laying down the groundwork for more farms... it's exciting." Eren had been smiling the whole time as he thought about his immediate future. "I get to travel every now and then and do something I'm really good at."

Cinder took Eren's hand as she returned the smile he was giving her. "I'm proud of you."

Eren gently tightened the embrace Cinder was giving him as he remembered something else. "I guess I was right about you too, huh?"

"What, you mean the hearing?" Cinder asked with a laugh. "Yeah, you nailed that prediction. Who would've thought I'd be sharing my ideas and sticking it to someone like Ironwood?"

"Heh, heh, heh. I told you that you could do more than you were thinking before."

Cinder rolled her eyes sarcastically as she remembered how she once denied the idea. That she would simply be staying in Kuroyuri and helping around the town. Cinder still planned to help Dina around the school and keep her job at Carla's farm, but today had left her feeling inspired and prepared to do more.

"You were right, I admit it," she said comically. "I must have my head up my butt or something like that. But I guess focusing on fighting a crazy witch and having to take down a power-hungry god kind of made me-"

"..."

Cinder had looked back at Eren right when she said "power-hungry god." When she did, Cinder was greeted with a look of discouragement from Eren, who remembered all too well about what Darkness had done.

What he made Eren do.

When he noticed that Cinder had fallen silent, Eren realized that his thoughts and feelings had betrayed him. "Oh, sorry," he said as he shook his head. "I was just-"

"No, no, it's okay," Cinder insisted. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."

"..."

When she saw the damage that had been done, Cinder immediately decided to rectify it. "Eren, I know what you're probably thinking," she said. "But don't worry. It wasn't you who hurt me or any of us. It was Darkness. You didn't do anything wrong. You know that... right?"

Eren nodded slowly. "I know," he said. "But thanks for saying that."

Cinder would have accepted the gratitude and continued to have fun, but she could see that Eren was still bothered by the experience. "Are you okay?" she asked. "I mean... how are you holding up?"

"..."

Nobody had asked this question since Eren had come back from the Coordinate. It was a rather simply question, but it was a hard one to answer right away. Even though the experience was brief and happened days ago, it was something that Eren couldn't just forget. And for a while, he didn't think it was something he could talk about.

He could bring up the experience, but not so much as what it did to him. Eren always believed that trying to talk about it would make people uncomfortable and cause his friends to remember how they nearly died. However, Cinder didn't show any signs of fear or discomfort. All she showed was courage and understanding.

And she was giving Eren a chance to let it out.

"I..." Eren began without much thought. He didn't know where to begin at first, but he managed to do so eventually. "I... I'm getting better. I think."

"..."

That was good to hear, but Cinder didn't seem fully convinced. It was a rather safe and closed-ended answer, but Cinder needed to hear more.

And she did.

"I know it was only for a short time," Eren continued. "But I can't just... forget about it."

Cinder shook her head slowly. "I wouldn't expect you too," she said. "If you don't mind me asking... how did it make you feel?"

Once again, Cinder was allowing Eren to open himself up. "Just... angry," he said. "Angry that it happened. That I got stabbed in the back and paid the price for it."

"..."

"And I just... I feel so stupid."

Cinder expected anger, but not self-loathing such as this. "Stupid? Why stupid?"

"His name is 'Darkness.' I should have expected him to try and have a plan like he did for me." Eren let out a heavy sigh. "I should have done something to stop it from happening."

"Like what?"

"Like... Like..."

"..."

Eren sighed again. "I don't know." Eren then grabbed his head and groaned. "They were right about me. Just a stupid blockhead."

"..."

Cinder took Eren's hand again and spoke gently and tactfully. "No, you're not," she began. "Because he didn't just trick you, Eren. He tricked me as well. I was doing exactly what he wanted, we all were. So I just... I just don't want you feeling like this is all on you. You're not alone, Eren. No mater how you might feel about it, you're not alone." Cinder smiled as she moved her hand to Eren's cheek. "And I don't think you'll ever be alone again."

"..."

Eren felt like he could argue against the idea. He could tell Cinder that she wasn't seeing Darkness or hearing his voice like he was. He could tell her that Darkness wasn't trying to make her suffer like Darkness like was trying to make him suffer.

But Eren didn't. He couldn't.

He didn't know if it was what Cinder had said, or if was how she said it... but Eren found himself feeling better. He recalled the last time Cinder had comforted him after an experience with Darkness, how he learned that being alone wouldn't help him overcome what had happened to him.

And now, hearing confirmation that he wouldn't be alone again was exactly what Eren needed to feel better.

"Thanks, Cinder," Eren said as he forgot about Darkness.

Once again, Cinder didn't accept the gratitude. This time, she used her other hand and gestured towards herself. "Come here," she said, beckoning him to lean forward.

Eren obeyed, and was met with a kiss just like his first one. Once they parted, Cinder made a promise that she made countless times before.

"I love you."

---

Despite the fact that the hearing had concluded, General Ironwood hadn't left the city of Mistral just yet. As promised, in exchange for Winter Schnee's fate being determined by Mistral, Ironwood would be receiving Arthur Watts as his prisoner. There, Ironwood would be able to deal with at least one traitor.

However, Ironwood had one more thing to do before this deal could be carried out.

After confirming with Councilwoman Redwood that the capitol building was connected to the Kingdom's CCT, Ironwood asked for permission to use one of the terminals in the building. Nobody had any objections to the request, so Ironwood was directed to a private terminal.

This was where Ironwood made a call all the way to Vale.

The call was answered by a woman with blonde hair, with green eyes behind glasses that were staring neutrally at the General.

"Hello, James," the woman said calmly.

"Glynda," Ironwood addressed the woman while straightening his collar. "You're a sight for sore eyes. Where's Oz?"

Glynda didn't care too much for the General's compliment, so she answered his question. "Professor Ozpin asked me to take his calls today. He's almost done looking over the applicants to Beacon, and didn't want to be disturbed. We do have a new semester starting, after all."

"Of course." Ironwood had almost forgotten that a new semester for the Huntsmen Academies was right around the corner, but he didn't care too much at the moment. "I wanted to tell him about the hearing I had in Mistral."

"Oh, yes. He said that was today. It was with that girl from the press conference, yes?"

"Cinder Fritz, yes. Her and her friends."

"How did it go?"

Ironwood couldn't help but sigh and reveal his disappointment when he heard that question. "Not as well as I hoped, Glynda," he said regretfully.

Glynda began to look upon Ironwood with pity and concern. He wasn't her favorite person in the world, but she still cared for him. "What happened?" she asked.

"The Council took their side. They even want to continue the program they used in Atlas."

Glynda's eyes widened when she experienced the unexpected surprise. "They did?" she asked. "They prefer this 'Hunt Inquisitorius' over Huntsmen and Huntresses?"

"That's what I said!" Ironwood straightened his hair when a part of it fell out of place. "But, yes. They do."

"That's... surprising." Glynda decided to rationalize this news rather than give in to similar feelings Ironwood had in the courtroom. "Though they may be wary of Huntsmen and Huntresses now. After Lionheart's arrest and all."

"I suppose." Ironwood sighed once more. "Still. This whole thing gives me a bad feeling."

"I understand. I saw Ms. Fritz's speech as well. Tell me, is she as anti-Huntsman as she sounded that night?"

"That and then some. I don't think I've ever met an ordinary citizen with such little faith in our work."

"Nor have I. But if she only knew what we're all really doing..."

Ironwood easily found himself in agreement with Glynda. "Yes, I know," he said. "If only."

"..."

"But I wouldn't worry about it. Activists like Fritz eventually run out of steam."

"I suppose that's one way to put it," said Glynda. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on her and her future endeavors."

"No, it wouldn't. But if I'm being honest, Fritz isn't what concerns me right now."

Glynda raised an eyebrow and curiously listened to Ironwood. "Oh?"

"There was... There was something about one of her friends. That boy."

"Which one? Mercury Black?"

"No. Eren Yeager."

"What about him?"

"He's very outspoken, just like Fritz. He even caught me off guard with some of the counter arguments he had. But there was something about the way he looked at me. It was in a way that... I don't know, it was like he was saying... 'I'm going to destroy you.'"

"Really?"

"I normally wouldn't take someone of his age seriously. Teenagers are always rebellious."

"Believe me, I know." A teacher like Glynda was always used to disobedience from adolescents.

"Exactly," Ironwood agreed. "But still... everything about him was almost crying out that he..."

"That he what?" Glynda asked.

"That he's done all of this before. And that he'll do it again."

"..."

Ironwood shook his head and abandoned the thoughts he had about Eren. "Actually, it's not important," he said. "I also wanted to let Ozpin know that Arthur Watts is about to be in my custody."

"Arthur Watts?" Glynda asked. "The one who made those collars?"

"That's right. I'll be interrogating him later."

"And you're sure that he has something to do with... her?"

Ironwood nodded slowly. "Why wouldn't he?" he asked. "Trying to control Grimm? The same kind of Grimm that attacked Atlas?" Ironwood tightened his fists in anger as he thought back on that night. "He knows something, Glynda. I'm sure of it."

Glynda could tell that there was no changing Ironwood's mind, so she decided to trust him on this matter.

"Well... alright, then."

---

Author's notes: hey, everyone. Hope you're doing good. Sorry this chapter took us a little longer, things have been pretty busy. This is more on my part than Avenging Titan's, though.

It's actually because I'm going to be moving soon. It's been a long and arduous process, but everything for the new house is ready and I'm happy about it. Needless to say, the work took up most of my time for writing. So once again, I'm sorry about that.

But AT and I are still working hard on chapters like this, which we hope you enjoyed. This was a fun chapter, one that AT and I are pretty proud of. In the meantime, we're proud of fan works and fan art like Atreides1225 and predator1701 have been doing. If you haven't already, check out their stories and art, they're doing such a good job.

Thank you all for your patience and support. Don't forget to leave a comment before you go, AT and I always want to hear what you have to say about the story. We hope you enjoyed this chapter, so definitely leave your thoughts on the way out.

That's all we have for now. See you soon!