Gentle rain poured from the clouds above. I stood underneath a tree in the graveyard. I watched from afar as the Levi Squad, Nicolo and Sasha's family paid respects to her grave. It had been a full day since the invasion. Her funeral was today and the entire Scout Regiment already paid their respects. Eren was taken to the stockades, while Zeke was taken somewhere outside of Wall Maria. Captain Levi didn't trust what they were up to and decided to keep them separated. The Captain is normally correct when it comes to his hunches. Hange knows that much and trusts Levi's judgment. She agreed with and made it an order for the Scouts to follow. Levi chose a select few trustful Scouts and escorted Zeke out from the walls.

Speaking of Eren, while everyone else is busy. This gives me a prime chance to talk to him one on one. I gave one last look to my comrades before walking out from the tree and into the rain. The water pelted me as I continued to head back towards the city. I felt anger course through my veins as I glared daggers at the city ahead. Eren owed us answers and I'm going to get them. With or without Hange or the Captain knowing.

My footsteps echoed through the stockades as I walked down the long hallway. The two Scouts keeping watch over Eren turned their heads hearing my steps. Both of their eyes widened when they recognized it was me. They immediately stood up and saluted.

"Commanding Officer Vivien!" They both acknowledge me. I stood in front of both of them. My eyes glanced to me left to see Eren staring at me from his spot on the bed.

Without breaking eye contact with Eren I spoke, "Leave us." Was all I uttered.

"Uh? B-but ma'am we were tol-"

"I know what you two were told. Hange ordered you to watch Eren right? Well consider this a chance to take a ten minute break while I watch him." I argued. I continued to maintain eye contact with Eren.

"Y-yes ma'am." I waited until the sounds of footsteps were far away. I grabbed one of the wooden chairs and pulled it closer to the bars of the cell.

"Heard you slept like a baby all day yesterday. Guess transforming as much as you did still wears you out huh?" I started the conversation. I proceeded to take a seat in the chair. I crossed my arms and legs as I got comfortable.

"You seem angry." Eren stated the obvious.

I chuckled and gave a condescending smile, "Really? And here I thought I was being subtle." My smile turned into a frown and anger clouded my steele gray eyes.

"Any respect or trust I once held for you Eren is gone. You took advantage of us. You knew when we got your letter a month ago that we would do anything we could to get you back. We've always have. Rather it was saving you from Reiner and Bertholdt or from Rod Reiss. There's one thing in common with both. The death count. You use to hate the amount of lives it took to get you back. You blamed and kicked yourself for it. Now look at you. You don't give a damn about the people that died the other day. Jean told me how you laughed when you heard Sasha was killed. You do know her blood is on your hands right? She'd be alive if you hadn't disappeared two years ago. Our friend is dead, because of you." I spat out at Eren with venom dripping in every word.

"I know." Was all that Eren replied with.

My lip curled up in disgust, "I know? That's it? That's all you have to say for yourself? For all the people you killed and got killed. Because of what you've done, peace talks are off the table completely. There's no going back. We are proving to our enemies that they should fear us and call us devils. You're proving them right, Eren. We're no better than Reiner, Bertholdt and Annie now." I stated.

"I did what I had to in order to save our home. I had no choice, just like Reiner and the others did nine years ago." Eren said plainly. I frowned out of confusion.

"No choice? What do you mean by no choice? You had a choice, Eren. We had a choice and you're the one that forced us." I argued.

"That's where you're wrong, Vivien. What's to come…what's to happen. I don't have a say in the matter. It's already set in stone. There is no changing it, believe me I tried for years." Eren said vaguely.

"The hell are you talking about?" I murmured under my breath.

"The Rumbling," My eyes widened, "it will happen." I slowly uncrossed my arms and legs as I stared at Eren in horror and disbelief.

"You're joking…that…that wasn't the plan. We weren't going to do that…we agreed to Zeke's plan. You agreed to Zeke's plan." I argued in disbelief.

"I lied. Zeke just doesn't know it yet." Why is he telling me all of this? I never thought he-

"From the look on your face, you're probably wondering why I'm telling you this, right?" A slight gasp left my lips as I stared wide eyed at Eren.

"I'm right, aren't I? Every Titan has a special ability that only pertains to that individual Titan. For the Colossal it's its steam it can produce, the Female is its versatility, and the Armored has conscience transference. The Attack Titan has the ability to see future events that have yet to happen. It's how the Attack Titan always managed to keep out of the Marleyan's hands. I've already seen everything that has to happen. Though, ones circled around the Ackermans are fuzzy and hard to see most times. You genuinely surprised me by showing up at Liberio, but I've seen this. I've seen this conversation. I know that I tell you my true intentions. I plan on using the Founding Titans power and start the Rumbling. Everyone but on this island will die." No words left my mouth as I stared at Eren in complete shock and disbelief. He's lying, he has to be…right?

"You can choose to believe me or not. It's your choice, Vivien. Just like the choice I gave to Reiner." This snapped me from my daze.

"What choice?" I asked immediately.

"I gave him the choice of either choosing to fight or give up. He chose to fight. I believe you're part of the reason why he chose to fight back in the end. Reiner begged for me to kill him when we first spoke in Liberio." My shoulders slumped hearing this revelation.

"Reiner had given up all will to live these past four years. What he's done in the past had severely broken him. That is until I mentioned you, Vivien. It's why I confirmed your feelings first. Reiner knows now that you've never moved on from him. That's when I gave him the choice and he chose to fight. Now, it's your turn Vivien. It won't be long until Marley counter attacks. Make your choice." My shocked steele gray orbs held the intense green orbs of Eren.

Reiner's P.O.V

Reiner sat at the table in the command room with his arms crossed. Porco, Pieck and Colt sat around the same table. The Scouts new ODM Gear but with guns laid across the table. They were waiting for Commander Magath to join them. The Commander had called for a meeting the moment himself, Pieck and Porco had woken up from their long slumber. The battle from the day before had wiped them out completely.

The Marleyan military was in ruins with the majority of it wiped out in a single night. The Warhammer Titan was devoured by Eren and he had almost devoured Porco as well. According to both Pieck and Porco, they were soundly beaten because of the aid the Ackermans gave to Eren. Levi had taken out Zeke single handedly like he did back on Paradis. Mikasa had helped Eren personally fight against the Warhammer and Jaw Titans, and Viv had disabled the Cart Titan without much difficulty.

Viv…

Reiner's brows creased as his mind thought back to that room with Eren.

"We're the same, Reiner. I'm not here to kill you. I came here because I have no choice. You have a choice here. You can give up now and die without knowing what happens. Or you can fight to live and see Vivien again. She still hasn't moved on from you, even after all these years. Now make your choice, Reiner." Those were his words before he had transformed.

He had saved himself and Falco from the initial blast of the transformation. Reiner didn't know whether to trust Eren's words or not about Viv. He was ready to give up then and there but then…

"You need to live, Reiner." Viv's words echoed in his head. He had heard her voice, felt her hand caress his face, felt her lips on his, and felt her lean against him before she had left him again. Hearing Gabi and Falco call him was the final straw that woke him.

Even though he wasn't able to see her, just hearing her voice and feeling her touch was enough for him. He doesn't feel that he deserves what she has to offer. He had been selfish with her for his own personal reasons. He doesn't deserve to still hold her affections yet he does. Reiner had made up his mind. He needed to listen to Viv and stay alive. That brief moment with her left him craving more. Just like he had in the past. Vivien Ackerman is his drug and he's still completely addicted to her.

The door opened which caught the attention of the room. The Warriors remained quiet as Commander Magath walked to the end of the table.

"Glad to see you're all healed up and rested. Now, to the reason why I've called all of you here. We've investigated the Beast Titans remains. They manage to locate several members of Zeke's body parts, but no not enough. Just his arms and legs. This effectively confirms our theory. Zeke conspired with the enemy to stage his death in order to hide that he's defected to his side. And I believe Zeke to be the traitor that's been long in our ranks. This here is the Anti-Personnel ODM Gear used to attack us. It utilizes Marleyan tech, then there's the matter that they escaped on a stolen airship. Only a veteran pilot could have executed such advanced maneuvers. Zeke must have snuck his co-conspirators onto the first survey fleet we sent to Paradis. A hand pick cell of Eldian Restorationists." Magath informed.

Porco seethed through his teeth and held his head, "Shit, to think we fought side by side with a traitor all this time." Reiner couldn't help but think that this is how Viv and the others felt back then. When they found out himself and Bertholdt were traitors among their ranks.

"Of course, we're not about to let it end here. As part of a global alliance we'll launch a scorched earth plan against Paradis within six months." Magath announced.

Colt stood up, "We're waiting that long? We're not going to try and save Falco and Gabi for six months?" Colt asked in disbelief

"They're the most talented Warrior Candidates we have, sir. If we lost them before they ever got to inherit it would be a major blow to Marley." Porco agreed.

"Training a candidate isn't just expensive, it also takes years to do it right." Pieck pointed out.

"That's true, but if Marley tries to attack Paradis without backup. We would only be driven back like we were before. We must wait for the allied forces to gather." Reiner brows creased together. No, if they were to do that. They'd be playing right into Zeke's hands.

"That's exactly what Zeke hopes we do. He's betting on Marley not counter attacking after taking such a heavy blow. If we give him half a year to prepare, we'll fight in ways we can't predict. We can't wait for the global alliance." Reiner stood up from his chair and looked at Commander Magath.

"We have no choice, we must attack them at once." He explained. He doesn't know what Zeke is planning, but if he's been working with the Eldians of Paradis all this time. Then it means they have something big planned. Big enough that it took years to prepare for. Reiner knew in the back of his mind that Viv was part of this plan. Pieck had recognized her that night as the woman they had both seen with Falco. She was undercover that night, more than likely scouting ahead for the Scout Regiment and giving feedback.

Vivien's P.O.V

"Huh? Request for immediate leave? You've never asked for leave before." Hange asked me in surprise.

I stood in Hange's office as the sun began coming down from the sky. I just left the stockades and came here. I was keeping what he said to me a secret for now. I've made my choice. Eren's plan is to wipe out the rest of the world. I can't let that happen. Mass genocide isn't the answer, it never is.

"There's a first for everything Hange. Sasha's death affected me more than I'd like to admit. I need to give myself a few days to clear my head." I informed her.

Hange stared at me intently with her one good eye before sighing, "Alright. Your leave is granted. Take it easy and get some well deserved rest. Without you, Levi or Mikasa during that attack the casualties would have been higher. Marley may have their Warriors but we of Paradis have our Ackermans. The three of you proved just how valuable you are to our cause. Take as much time as you need until you feel ready to come back." Hange accepted my request.

I gave a salute to Hange before turning around to leave her office.

"And Vivien," I stopped, "We're all devastated by losing Sasha. We haven't felt a loss like this close to our hearts since Shiganshina. Just remember, we must keep moving forward." My eyes slightly widened as memories of the battle four years ago flashed through my mind.

The smell of fire burning, the explosions of the Thunder Spears, the roars of Titans, and the pleading screams of Bertholdt as he was devoured. All of it hit me at once. The image of Bertholdt's terrified face stayed in my mind. That moment haunts me today. I've had nightmares of his dying moments since. His screams, his final words calling out for Reiner and Annie.

I closed my eyes as I collected myself and calmed down. I said nothing more to Hange as I continued my way out of her office. I closed the door behind me before heading to my dorm.

The sun was getting ready to completely disappear over the horizon. The orange sun rays spilled through the barred windows of the jail cells. I walked down the stoned hallway with civilian clothes consisting of brown pants and a light tan linen shirt. I had a plain long green cloak draped over me with the hood over my head.

I saw a Garrison soldier posted ahead. He wore the traditional white and brown uniform meant for lower ranking soldiers now. The soldier stood up and looked nervous seeing me approach.

"Hey, you're not supposed to be down here! Get lost before I call the MPs." The soldier threatened. His voice sounded nervous as well. He's probably a fresh new recruit to the Garrison.

His eyes visibly widened as I said nothing and kept walking to him. He went to grab something from his utility belt. I quickly kicked the back of his knees and wrapped my arm around his throat. He gagged and choked as I added pressure to his trachea. He dropped the knife he had grabbed earlier. His hands desperately gripped my arm. I felt him try to pull my arm away from his throat but I was too strong. I held him there until I felt his body go limp. I released him and set him down on the ground. I grabbed the keys that hung around his belt before standing up.

I glanced at the cell that the Scout was guarding. Falco and Gabi looked at me through the bars of the cell with shock. I turned to them and reached for my hood. I pulled back the material to reveal my face to them.

"You kids ready to get out of here?" I questioned them and held up the key. Falco looked completely gobsmacked seeing me while Gabi had a look that screamed she wanted to hurt me.

"Miss Grima…no whatever your name is. Why are you helping us?" Falco questioned me.

"She's not helping us, Falco! This Island Devil clearly wants to kill us herself. We killed her friend so now she's here to finish the job. Why else would she knock out the guard?" Gabi argued.

"I'm not here to do that. I don't hurt kids. Even ones that killed a friend that I've known since my cadet years. Look, I'll be brutally honest here. You two don't have much of a choice here. Either you come with me and get out of here. Or you wait until the council decides your fates. There's already talk about wanting to use you two to set an example. To execute both of you and leave your bodies out as an example to other Marleyans that will come knocking on our door. Hopefully that's all it is, talk, but do you really want to take that chance?" I informed them.

Falco looked horrified while Gabi ran to the bars and gripped them, "What's your game, devil? I know you're not doing this out of the goodness of your heart! You've trampled our home and killed our friends! Why would you care for us?" Gabi demanded.

I raised a brow at her, "I could say the same about your Warriors. Nine years ago the Colossus and Armored Titans breached through the outer wall. Titans swarmed in and killed hundreds of men, women and children that day. I witnessed the Armored Titan break through the inner gate myself that day. They did it again five years later. All to try and lure out the Founding Titan that never came. They started this domino effect and now Eren intends to end it. He plans to unleash the Rumbling on the rest of the world. Killing everyone except those on Paradis. We may be on different sides but I can't continue knowing what Eren plans to do now. He needs to be stopped and if that means becoming a turncoat, then so be it. I'll do what I have to if it means stopping Eren Jaeger." I confessed to them.

Gabi released her grip on the bars and dropped her arms, "The Rumbling? Is it actually going to happen?" She muttered in disbelief.

"You'd really turn against your own people? Why?" Falco questioned me.

I gave a somber look, "Some things in the world are bigger than ourselves. This is one of them. The whole world doesn't need to be destroyed just to ensure our freedom. This isn't how the people of Paradis wanted this to happen. I know neither of you will believe me. Not after what we've done to your home. And I don't blame either of you for it, since I've been there myself." My eyes glanced at Gabi. Her brown eyes stared at me intensely. The way she was glaring at me reminded me of Reiner. They really are related.

I gave a small smile, "Besides, I don't think Reiner would appreciate it if I stood by and let his cousin be killed." Gabi and Falco's eyes widened as they both lightly gasped.

"Just…who the hell are you?" Gabi demanded. Her brown eyes are staring at me now in curiosity.

"My name is Vivien Ackerman." Falco's eyes widened and his jaw dropped open.

"You're the one that Eren mentioned to Mr. Braun back in Liberio. He told him that you never moved on. And from the way Mr. Braun reacted, I could tell that whatever it was between you was serious. Am I right?" Falco questioned me.

I nodded my head and Gabi took a step back, "You're her…the woman Reiner told me about. You're the one he called 'Viv' aren't you?" Gabi questioned.

Falco turned to Gabi surprised, "Wait, Mr. Braun told you about her?" Falco questioned.

"He did but I thought he was talking about a woman in the Internment Zone, not an Island Devil. He said it didn't work between them, now I know why." Gabi stated.

"Reiner and I's relationship is…complicated to put it in layman's terms. Reiner had joined the cadet corp the same time I did. I fought side by side with Reiner, Bertholdt and Annie four years ago." I walked up to the cell door with the key in hand.

"We all became friends during that time. Reiner and I became more than that. Gabi, you can think I'm lying all you want but this is the truth. Reiner and I were in love with one another. I can't speak for Reiner but I can speak for myself. I am still in love with him." I inserted the key into the cell and turned it.

"Aahhh!" Gabi yelled and charged at the door the moment I unlocked it. I narrowed my eyes on her as she charged. I saw this coming from a mile away. She'd been acting aggressive this entire time. She was waiting for her moment to attack. This is going to be a pain.

Before she could react, I swung the cell door open as Gabi got near it. It slammed against her head and she fell to the floor unconscious.

"Gabi!" Falco yelled and ran to her side. I walked into the cell and stopped in front of Falco.

"I'm sorry Falco. If we are to get out of here, Gabi needs to be knocked out. Something tells me you know she wouldn't have gone willingly with me. I know it's a lot to ask of you right now." I knelt down to Falco's level. His hazel eyes stared at me intensely.

"I need you to trust me. You two are deep in enemy territory and don't know the land. I want to help but I can only do that if you let me. I want to stop the Rumbling as much as you do." I told him earnestly.

Falco frowned in thought and looked back at Gabi, "I can't speak for Gabi, but I don't think she has much of a choice right now. Neither of us do. It's either go with you or wait to be killed. Alright. I'll trust you this one last time, Miss Ackerman." Falco said and looked back at me.

I lifted a brow in amusement, "Just call me Vivien. Miss Ackerman is a bit too formal for me." I informed him. I leaned forward as I put both arms under the unconscious Gabi. I lifted her up as I stood back up myself. Her head slumped against my shoulder as I carried her bridal style.

"Come on, there's a tunnel that leads to a back exit just outside of Wall Sina. The cover of night will help us in escaping. The guards won't swap for another hour or two. We'll be long gone by the time they notice." I instructed. I walked out of the cell and began heading back the way I came in. Falco ran up beside me and kept pace next to me.

"Miss Ac…uh I mean Vivien, aren't you worried what your friends will think about this?" Falco questioned.

I kept facing forward as I walked, "I'll have to tell them eventually. But for right now, I need to leave them in the dark on this. I got permitted immediate leave by my Commander. They probably think I'm back at home right now." Falco looked at me surprised.

"Immediate leave? You did that so you wouldn't be suspected of having gone AWOL didn't you? It would have brought too much heat on you." He questioned me again. I nodded my head confirming his suspicion.

"You got a sharp mind on your shoulders there, Falco. Gabi does too, I can see why the two of you are Warrior Candidates. You need that sharp mind to control the Titans powers. Which Titan were they planning on one of you inheriting?" I asked curiously.

Falco grew a sad frown on his face, "The Armored Titan." He answered quietly.

I gave a sad smile, "Kind of figured as much. He's only got two years left anyways. Makes sense, by the time his two years would be up the Marleyan government would be ready in selecting his successor. This world really is a cruel place." I muttered. This Curse of Ymir really lives up to its title. Only thirteen years left to live once you inherit the power of one of the Titans. Maybe that's why centuries ago they tried to experiment with Titan DNA. The Eldian Empire could have been trying to get around the curse.

"That may be true, but there's also a lot of good in it." My eyes widened hearing Falco speak, "Sure it may look bleak now, but I believe the world can get better." I stopped just below the staircase out of here. I stared at Falco who had a serious look on his face. He meant what he said. This kid…

I gave a smile and nudged my head up the stairs, "Come on, this is the way out. From here we'll be outside of the walls. Stick next to the trees for cover. We'll find a place to camp out till morning." I instructed.

Falco nodded, "Right. Lead the way then, Vivien." He stated. Maybe there's hope for this world after all with future generations like him.