-A-

Down in a dark, secluded area, hidden from anyone else who could hear her, Annie sat huddled up in a corner, curled up into the fetal position, more terrified than she ever had been in her entire life. What she saw last night flipped everything on its head. That thing… it was so much more powerful than she could have anticipated. She knew Bertholdt probably wouldn't have won against Eren in that form, but to see him utterly eradicate him with just one punch, then snatch up Reiner and fly him all the way to the moon in the blink of an eye, changed everything for her. She knew now that they made a huge mistake antagonizing these people again and again. And now, she was alone. And she didn't know what to do, what she could do.

She was already associated with Reiner and Bertholdt. One wrong move and she was dead for sure. She couldn't make an escape attempt, as that would arouse suspicion, and she'd die. She couldn't take the metal cylinder from Eren. She saw firsthand that it would just reappear in his pocket or in his hand, at which point Eren would know she was just as guilty as Reiner and Bertholdt, and she'd die. She could try completing the mission, but that would be pointless. What if Eren found out? Then she'd just die.

Annie silently screamed as she ran her fingers through her hair. It was truly hopeless. There was nothing she could do. She was just going to die, and she'd never get to return to her father. With the weight of the situation mounting upon her, Annie began audibly weeping into her knees, that weeping eventually turning into a full-on sob.

As Annie kept crying, she suddenly heard the door to the room she was in creak softly as it slowly opened. Light pierced through the darkness of her room, revealing brooms, mops, and other cleaning supplies scattered about. Annie slowly looked up, her eyelids puffy and damp, as she saw a short person with similar golden locks of hair to hers standing at the door, looking surprised by what he was seeing.

"Annie?" Armin asked. "What are you doing in here?"

Annie's heart began beating out of her chest as Armin stared down at her. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he was worried about her, but she couldn't help but feel nervous seeing him here, and him seeing her like this. Armin entered the broom closet and knelt down in front of her.

"Annie, have you been crying?" Armin asked.

Annie silently nodded. No use denying this of all things. Armin took a seat next to her.

"Is it because you're worried about the Titans?" Armin asked.

Annie nodded again. This was a lie, but telling Armin the truth about what she was crying about could be a death sentence.

"I understand," Armin said. "If I'm being honest, I'm terrified to see the Titans again. Even with Eren's powers, the Titans are still just as terrifying to me now as they were five years ago."

Annie shuddered as she felt Armin place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"But you said you were going to the Military Police," he said. "You'll never have to worry about the Titans again."

Annie's eyes widened as she ended up misinterpreting what Armin said. She found herself thinking that Armin was pointing out the flaws in her story, instead of trying to reassure her that she had nothing to fear. So, in a panic, she ended up digging herself deeper.

"I'M JOINING THE SCOUTS!" She declared. Armin recoiled in shock while Annie mentally berated herself.

'WHY DID YOU SAY THAT!?' She thought. 'WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST TELL HIM THAT YOU WERE TRAUMATIZED BY THE TITANS OR SOMETHING!? DO YOU WANT TO DIE!?'

"Annie…" Armin gasped sympathetically.

"I… I want to make a real difference," Annie lied. "I need to fight for humanity, to retake my home!"

'No… maybe this is a good idea actually!' She thought. 'All other paths only lead to my death because I'm Eren's enemy. But if I stay on his side, I could be safe knowing that there's a chance he wouldn't hate me.'

"I'm terrified, but I'm going to face them again either way," she said. "The Armored and Colossal titans could barrel through the walls at any time. At least this way, we're taking the fight to them."

'It's not like I'm forsaking Marley or anything. I'm still loyal. I'm still a warrior. I'll still return to my father.'

"A-Annie…" Armin said, his cheeks reddening slightly. "Are you sure about this?"

Annie nodded. "I've already made up my mind. Besides, a little mouse like you needs someone to protect him."

Armin's flushed cheeks brightened as she explained this. "H-hey! I'm not a burden or anything! I can take care of myself!"

Annie smiled slightly as she watched Armin stammer.

'I'm still loyal…'

Later…

"And when did you last replace your shaft?" One of the MP officers asked.

"A-after the mop up, sir," Marco replied. "So, about six weeks ago."

After being cleared, Marco saluted them and walked off, taking his gear with him. Krista Lenz was next to be inspected. After the two titans were killed the night before, the Military Police began inspecting the gear of all the cadets to find out who the third culprit may be. Annie expected something like this to happen and had a secondary set of gear prepared just in case. Thankfully, no one seemed to catch onto her ruse. Not even Armin.

Speaking of Armin, while she was waiting for her gear to be inspected, she overheard Connie talking to Armin about what regiment they were joining. In the middle of their conversation, it came up that Jean was considering becoming a Scout.

"Him too?" Armin whispered.

"Hugh? What do you mean 'too?'" Connie asked.

"Annie says she's joining the Scouts as well," Armin explained.

"Seriously?!" Connie leaned past Armin. "Annie, why would you want to join them?!"

"..." Annie grunted softly. "I'm gonna face the Titans again eventually, regardless of which regiment I join. It doesn't matter anymore which regiment I join, I see that now."

"Then why-?"

"Because I don't want my death to be meaningless," she stated. "I want to do something good for once in my life."

Annie felt the cold chill of guilt crawl up her spine after saying that. Armin looked down and noticed her hands trembling. He gently grasped one to try and calm her down, then gave her a reassuring smile.

"If we work together, we won't end up dying," he said. "We can make it through together."

She sighed. "Maybe…"

"Come on Armin, don't tell me you're going too!" Connie groaned.

"That's been my goal from the very beginning," Armin replied.

Annie lowered her gaze to her gear and released Armin's hand. "Tell me something," she said. "If someone ordered you to die, would you do it?"

Armin nodded. "Y-yeah. I might if I knew my sacrifice meant something, and the situation truly called for it."

For some reason, Armin's answer hurt Annie more than she expected it to.

-E-

The Scouts were still left reeling from the discovery of the titan shifters Reiner and Bertholdt, as well as the subsequent deaths of both parties. Eren in particular was still recovering from his feelings of betrayal after that night. It was unfathomable to Eren that Bertholdt, and especially Reiner would do something like that, betraying humanity so callously. How could they live with themselves after killing so many people? Eren remembered the cadets being able to tell the weather that day based on Bertholdt's sleeping position, but now, thinking about how peacefully Bertholdt was able to sleep made Eren want to puke.

And yet, he wasn't able to hold onto that anger, because with that memory of betrayal came a memory of freedom. Of Eren soaring to the cosmos and looking down on the world. The vast, enormous world that was waiting for him to explore it. It was a beautiful world and one that he hoped Mikasa and Armin would one day be able to see for themselves.

While Eren thought back fondly on the sight of the world from orbit, he was brought out of his trance by Eld and Gunther calling to him. Eren looked toward them and away from the horse he was feeding, and they asked him if there was anyone in his class that would be enlisting in the Scouts.

"Yeah, there are a few," he answered. "Or at least there were. After Trost, I'm really not sure…"

"FALL IN!" A voice called. Gunther and Eld stood up and saluted Levi as he rode over on his horse. "Make ready people. We're going on patrol."

Eren hurried over and saluted Levi. "Good morning, captain! Reporting for duty, sir!"

"Eren, you'll be within ten meters of me at all times," he said. "The only reason you're out of your cell is because I'm keeping an eye on you. Understand?"

"Yes sir!" Eren confirmed.

"Good. Now let's ride."

With that, the four of them climbed onto their horses and rode off. Eren stuck to Levi like glue the entire time as they rode off into the distance, toward the cadet campgrounds.

-A-

As the day turned to dusk, the cadets of the 104th stood before a stone platform illuminated by torches. Atop the podium stood Erwin Smith, the leader of the survey corps, introducing himself to the cadets, and giving his opening statement. Within the crowd, Annie stood close to Armin. She didn't stand next to him, as Mikasa already was and he wanted at least some distance between him and her. Eventually, Erwin reached the part of his speech that caught everyone's attention.

"In the aftermath of the Trost incident, we were given a new chance for victory," Erwin said. "I of course refer to Eren Jaeger. After selflessly risking life and limb, he has proven loyalty to our cause. Hope lives in him. Eren didn't just help us curb the Titan invasion. He has successfully defeated both the Colossal and Armored Titans, and offered us a means to discern the truth of all Titans."

Everyone besides Annie gasped at the information put forth by Erwin, who continued to explain.

"Intel suggests that the cellar of Jaeger's home holds a vital secret regarding our enemy. We will locate this cellar, find this secret, and use it, and the might of Ultraman to bring an end to the Titans' one-hundred-year reign once and for all!"

Everyone began muttering amongst themselves, some even pre-emptively clapping, especially after learning that the Colossal and Armored Titans were dead.

'I know the Scouts desperately need recruits, but going public with this is out of line!' Armin thought. 'Maybe it's a ploy? A covert strategy? But then the question is… who does he intend to catch?'

'You can back out of this at any time,' Annie thought. 'You don't have to do something as drastic as helping the devils of Paradis… But they're not devils, are they? These are people. People you helped kill thousands of. Their blood is on your hands. The least you can do is try to atone. And besides that, what choice do you have? They have Ultraman. Marley doesn't.'

"Before we can reach the aforementioned cellar in Shingonshina, another problem must be dealt with. We must first retake Wall Maria. Of course, this is easier said than done." Erwin then stepped to the side as Petra and Mike pulled out a map of the walls, with a giant red X over Trost district. "Now that Trost has been rendered inaccessible, we'll be forced to stage future operations in the Colonith district further east. Additionally, since the battalion route we've spent four years establishing will be rendered useless to us. Over the course of those four years, we've incurred losses as high as sixty percent. Sixty percent in four years. That's a horrifying figure." He then turned around as he heard the horses arrive. "However, that's where our trump card comes in."

-E-

In the back of the building, as Eren, Gunther, Eld, and Levi stepped off of their horses, Levi turned to face Eren.

"Look Jaeger, as much as I argued against it, Erwin and Hange convinced me to let you transform for the ceremony," Levi said.

Eren's eyes widened. "R-really? But why?"

"Erwin says he wants to give the cadets a show when you're ready to go on stage," he explained. "Just don't do anything stupid, and I won't kick your ass."

"R-right sir!" Eren said.

They then heard Erwin mention the Scouts' trump card, and that was Eren's cue. He made some space between himself and the others and then pressed the button on his capsule.

-A-

The crowd gasped as they saw lights flashing behind the building, before a giant rose up, with one fist raised up in the air. Immediately, the cadets began cheering and clapping for Ultraman like he was a celebrity. Ultraman then flew up into the air and flew in circles before hovering just over the podium and turning back to his human form. Eren landed safely on the ground and saluted the crowd, who were still roaring the name of the hero of Trost.

All except Annie, who had her mouth covered, withholding the urge to vomit or cry out upon seeing Ultraman again, and this soon, as it finally donned on her that she would be working alongside the first person in god knows how long to make her feel genuine, intense fear. But it was either that, or try to flee/sabotage him and risk invoking his wrath.

"With a single strike, Ultraman was not only able to destroy the Colossal Titan, but wipe out much of the countryside behind the colossal titan as well," Erwin said. "He also withstood attacks from the Colossal Titan with absolutely no damage sustained. In fact, it would hardly be a stretch to say that as Ultraman, Eren is invincible."

Before the crowd could applaud again, however, Erwin continued. "That being said, Eren is not omnipotent. His transformation, while powerful, only lasts a few minutes at a time. From what our tests have found, Eren can maintain his transformation for only about three to ten minutes, before his powers need to recharge. Because of this, there is no guarantee that he will be able to save you all when you need him most. All that being said, whoever still wishes to put their lives on the line and join us, remain here. But first ask yourselves, 'Can you give your hearts, can you give everything for humanity?!'"

For Annie, that wasn't the question she was asking herself. As many of the cadets passed her by, there were many things she was asking herself.

'Why am I even here? What was the point of all this? Was there ever any point to all this? I don't even know anymore. All I know is that my goal has always been the same: Survive. And right now, there's only one way I can survive. And that's by proving myself to be Paradis' ally before they find out I'm their enemy.'

And with that, there the newest recruits of the Scouts stood, with their arms crossed behind their backs.

"I ask you," Erwin said. "If you were ordered to die, would you do it?"

"We don't want to die, sir!" Jean called.

Erwin smiled, and Eren proceeded to speak up.

"You won't," Eren said with a determined expression. "Not while I'm around!"

"You who stayed, you are officially a part of the Scout Regiment!" Erwin exclaimed. "This is a genuine salute soldiers! Together we give our hearts!" Erwin and Eren both saluted the crowd, and the crowd returned that salute. "Those of you standing here have proven yourself courageous. You have all earned my respect."

-E-

For the next few days, the newly recruited cadets were trained for the Scouts. However, few of the training sessions were actually combat oriented, instead focusing on memorizing Commander Erwin's Long Range Scouting Formation. Despite how meticulously detailed the formation was though, Eren's position was somewhat less clear. While most of the Scouts didn't know why, in reality, it was to protect Eren from the third person who attacked that night, whose identity was still unknown. This position was only truly relayed to Eren and the Levi squad, as they were the only ones who absolutely needed to know this information.

"Our special ops squad will be positioned here, behind the center rank," Gunther said.

"So we'll be pretty far back," Eren commented. "But shouldn't I be upfront, killing Titans? I mean, I am the Scouts' trump card, after all."

"Don't let Erwin's praises get to your head, kid," Oruo chastized. "Besides, that's exactly why we don't want you up there!"

"As much as I hate to admit it, Oruo's got a point," Petra said. "What if while you're up at the front, you suddenly run out of juice? Now we're down our strongest soldier for the next ten minutes at least. The formation might not last that long if we're in serious danger, so we have to save you only for when we absolutely need you."

"Hince why you're getting more special treatment than the supply wagons," Gunther said. "Our goal is just to leave, then come back. This is only a test run to see if we have a shot at getting you all the way to Shingonshina."

Eren sighed. "Understood, sir."

-E-

After several more days of training, Eren and the other recruits were finally given some time to just relax and talk about what's been happening. Upon meeting with everyone, and after answering everyone's questions about his "fight" with Bertholdt, Mikasa took the opportunity to pull Eren aside so she could actually talk to him one on one like she had been hoping to ever since she found out he was still alive.

"So they haven't been mistreating you at all?" Mikasa asked worriedly while holding his hand. "They haven't subjected you to any kind of cruel experiments, have they?"

"N-no, not at all!" Eren said, trying to reassure her. "Have you been alright?"

"I've been fine, but are you sure you're okay? You had to fight the Colossal Titan after all. And with Erwin putting such a heavy burden on your shoulders with that speech he gave, I just want to make sure that you-"

"Mikasa!" Eren grabbed both of her hands to calm her down. "Look at me. I'm fine. You don't need to coddle me."

Mikasa sighed deeply, calming down a bit. But her nerves spiked again, as her and Eren's cheeks suddenly flushed as they both realized the position they were in, staring into each other's eyes as Eren held both of her hands in his. Mikasa's heart began pounding loudly while Eren blinked several times, unsure of what to do.

"JUST KISS ALREADY!"

Eren and Mikasa yelped and turned to the side to see Sasha and Connie sitting on some boxes, both of them giggling as they watched the two squirm in embarrassment. Eren tried in vein to insist that wasn't where things were headed, while Mikasa simply buried her face in her scarf out of embarrassment.

-R-

Reiner sipped some coffee out of a handmade mug while huddled up in a shelter just outside Wall Maria. The walls were made using clay bricks, with a fireplace, two windows, and a crude wooden door. In the corner of the room was a single bed also made out of clay, with a mattress and blanket, both of which were stolen from houses in Trost. As Reiner drank the coffee, he heard the door open Bemular, the person who saved him last night, entered the room.

Bemular's appearance gave no real indication as to whether they were male or female and asking elicited no straight answers, so Reiner just assumed they were neither. They were entirely covered in silver armor from head to toe, yet it in no way hindered their movement. The armor bore spikes along the head and neck, as well as the biceps, forearms, thighs, and calves. Speaking of the neck, their neck was quite long. Not ridiculously long, but quite a bit longer than a human's neck, the first indicator that whatever Bemular was, they weren't human. The second indicator would have to be the fact that they had a tail. Their tail, which was also completely armored, was almost never rigid, and always swayed about even when standing still. Their legs also ended at a pair of high heels, causing Bemular to strut instead of walk.

"Enjoying your coffee, mister Braun?" Bemular asked cordially as they took a seat in front of Reiner. "I hope so. You have no idea how difficult it was for me to get my hands on it."

"Erm, it's good," Reiner replied, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "Aren't you gonna have any?"

"No, I'll pass," they replied. "Caffeine is quite toxic to my species. I'll just have water."

Bemular poured themself a mug of water they gathered from the ocean. They then pressed a button on the side of their helmet, retracting the Armored plates around their mouth. Reiner shuddered as he saw Bemular's toothy maw, mostly comprised of canines with a few incisors in the front and a few molars way in the back. Bemular sipped some of the salty ocean water before setting the mug down and shutting their helmet once again.

"So uh… what exactly do you want from me?" Reiner asked.

Bemular let out an ominous chuckle, before leaning forwards, their elbows pressed against the table and their fingers laced together.

"I need your help to kill Ultraman," they said.

Reiner was stunned for a moment, unsure how to respond, before finally asking in a perplexed tone of voice, "Why me? What can I do to help you with that?"

"Oh, there are many things you could offer me. The most useful of which is your genetics."

"My genetics?" Reiner asked.

"Indeed. You may not realize it yet, but you have great potential," They said in a seductive tone. "You see, using my suit, I've done a few scans on you, and I've found out that you are quite an interesting specimen indeed. You see, coursing through your veins is the blood of one of the most powerful, yet rare species across the universe," they explained. "You bare the blood of the Reionics within you."

"The Reionics?" Reiner pondered.

'Why does that name sound familiar?' He thought. 'Not just that it sounds like my name. It sounds like I've heard that specific name somewhere before.'

"Indeed. They are a race of aliens capable of controlling monsters, bending them to their will using these," Bemular opened up a compartment on their armor and pulled out a small, rectangular handheld device. "This is a Battlenizer, an item that can only be utilized by the Reionics. And now it's yours."

Reiner slowly took the Battlenizer from Bemular, and upon taking it, it automatically responded to him and glowed brightly, before morphing into a new form, with a coloration and design that resembled that of the Armored Titan. Bemular grinned beneath their mask as the Battlenizer bonded with its new user.