A/N: As of right now at this sentence line, it is 11:55 PM of 2021. I am making this note after finishing the chapter. I don't know if I'll make it before 2022 begins, but if I do, great! If not, well then it's my first chapter of the new year. It's been crazy during 2021, but I hope things will benefit us in the future. Thank you so much to everyone that has supported me and my stories, especially with this one. Have an amazing 2022.

The morning had come and you were out of bed getting dressed to head back out and return back to the male's barracks as Annie was doing the same. There was nothing but silence in the room as the two of you stood back to back, finishing up the last few touches to make yourselves look natural. Though you two seemed calm, your heart was pounding so hard that you thought it would explode out of your chest. You didn't know what to say, you didn't know how to feel, and you certainly didn't know how to look at Annie now after doing what you just did with her. You finished pushing your foot into your boot and stood up straight, still unsure how to face Annie, but before you could devise a plan, the person behind you spoke up.

"Y/N..." Annie called your name as you flinched slightly a bit before slowly turning your head back to glance at her as she faced you, avoiding eye contact. "...about what we did...this stays between us, okay?" She asked as you looked away.

"...Yeah." You agreed as your heart and thoughts were all confused on what to say to her.

When you turned around, you didn't know what kind of face to see when you saw Annie. Was it going to be the usual stern look she had? Would she seem a little bit nervous about the whole situation and being around you? What if she was somehow mad at you and had a look of anger and distrust? You weren't sure and it felt like the whole world around you was moving in slow motion. Just when you finished turning around and lifted your eyes to look in her direction, a warm feeling pressed against your lips and you were surprised to see Annie had come forward and kissed you unexpectedly. Her eyes were closed and she seemed like as if she was in true peace and that nothing else was around in her world except the two of you. Feeling how warm and passionate the kiss was, you closed your eyes and wrapped your arms around her waist, holding this feeling for a few moments that felt like decades. There was nothing sexual, there was nothing primal, it was another feeling that you didn't think you would expect to feel for anyone that you met in the military. It made your heart beat so hard it felt like it was pressing against your chest and your desires told you to hold onto this feeling as long as possible. Was this love? Is this what you were feeling for Annie, true love and desire to be with her? It didn't matter, because even though you only had a few moments, the kiss you two shared felt like an eternity that neither of you wanted to end. Though you two didn't want it to end at all, the natural need for air became apparent as the two of you slowly pulled away from the kiss and stared into each other's eyes for a few more moments, not saying anything. Just as you were about to say something to her, a loud knock came from the door, startling you two as a voice shouted from the other side.

"Hey! Y/N! Are you ready yet? They're having us do a surprise inspection of our ODM gear! Hurry up!" You heard Connie's voice come from the door.

"Y-Yeah! I'll be there on time." You answered before hearing steps walk away and you turned back to Annie who you still held onto. "We should go." You suggested as Annie simply nodded in agreement and you suggested that you were the first one who should leave.

After leaving Annie and finding out why everyone was in such disarray at the moment, you were shocked when you found out that the captured Titans that the scouts were testing on, had been killed last night. You couldn't have believed that valuable test subjects were just killed off like that, especially with how much trouble the Scouts had gone through in order to get just those two subjects. Now you were stood in the barracks with the rest of your comrades lined up with your 3D Maneuver Gear's compressed gas cylinder mechanisms for inspection of recent usage or changes, and tensions were high as everyone stood silent while the inspectors double checked reports on your gear.

"When did you last change shafts?" An inspector asked Sasha about one of the mechanical pieces in her mechanism.

"Six days ago. After the clean-up operation." Sasha answered with a bit of nervousness in her voice as female inspector cross-referenced a more detail report.

"Just as the records say." The female inspector had confirmed the reports and cleared Sasha's gear.

"Okay, next." The head inspector said before moving onto Krista.

"Krista Lenz, squad 42." Krista reported at attention as the two instructors took a closer look at her gear while you glanced over at them while listening to two of your comrades behind you.

"Guess you can be punished for killing Titans..." One of them said with annoyance present in his tone.

"It's weird, but those were valuable test subjects." The one next to replied in somewhat understanding of the situation.

"Sure, but why look for the culprit among us trainees?" The annoyed one replied in confusion of just the newly trained recruits of the 104th being inspected upon.

"Yeah. We just finished the battlefield clean-up today. Everyone's exhausted." The other responded as you couldn't help but remember a certain thief you encountered last night.

"That person from the roof..." You thought in deep contemplation of your fight last night and remembered the assailant having ODM gear and Titan killing blades on her. "...So she wasn't just some common thief...Why bother robbing Reiner and fighting me though? Why wouldn't she just use the gear?" You thought in deep confusion of how the whole situation was going. "...No, if she did, the sound of the gear would definitely be noticed, and she'd have been chased in time since use of ODM gear within this district is prohibited for everyone except the Garrison and a few select MP's. Whoever that was...she's no amateur at stealth..." You thought as the two instructors stepped in front of you.

"Next." The head instructor said as you stood at attention.

"Y/N L/N, Elite Squad Unit." You said the head instructor took your gear from in front of you and handed it off to his partner.

"Sorry, cadet. We heard of your feats during the battle, but that doesn't mean you get special treatment. You have to go through this like everyone else does." The instructor said as you stood firm.

"That's fine, sir." You said before looking him right in the eyes. "I'm nothing special. Just following orders and doing my job as a soldier." You said as they were surprised at your humbleness before turning their attention to your gear.

"Check for wear." The instructor said as this continued for quite some time until everyone of you cadets were fully inspected and everyone turned up clear on their reports and repairs.

The inspections and reviews took up half the day and after everything was said and done, all the cadets were informed to gather at the military ceremonial site to wait for the first picks of what branch you were joining. The theatre was a large area that could fit maybe a few hundred people, but looking at how barely there were any cadets, not accounting for those who haven't shown up, it really reminded you of how many friends you had lost that day. Jean walked over to Armin, Connie, and Sasha who were leaned against a wall as they took notice of him and Armin approached him in disbelief of hearing some unreal news from Connie.

"Jean..." Armin stared at the tall cadet with disbelief as Jean held a stoic look on his face. "You're really joining the Survey Corps?" Armin asked to confirm what he heard.

"Yeah." Jean answered plainly as Sasha approached as well.

"Why, all of a sudden? I mean...Aren't you scared?" Sasha asked as Jean cocked a brow at her as if he couldn't believe what she was saying.

"Huh? Of course I don't want to join the Survey Corps." Jean said in all seriousness as this confused them even more.

"T-Then why..." Connie asked as Jean turned towards him.

"It isn't that I decided the Titans don't scare me. And I won't say something like, 'The best should join the Survey Corps.' I'm not as eager to die as some. I'm not risking my life because someone convinced me. This is a job you can't do unless you decide for yourself." Jean said as Connie picked up on who he was talking about.

"You mean Eren?" Connie said while looking down at the ground to avoid eye contact. "He already joined the Survey Corps." Connie said as he looked over at you standing with Annie. "And Y/N's sister is in the Survey Corps, so it's probable that he'll join them too..." He trailed off as the four of them turned to look at you, when a slapping noise echoed through the theatre.

They turned around in confusion and watched as Annie seemed to mutter something harsh and offensive to you while you just stood there taking her attack. The blonde walked off to be on her own as you turned around and walked over towards Armin and them with a red hand print apparent on your left cheek.

"Hey, guys..." You said in a sort of low tone.

"W-What happened? Why'd she do that?" Jean asked in shock of what happened as you averted your eyes from them.

"It's complicated..." Was all you said before an officer had come out and called for all trainees to line up as the ceremony was about to begin.

Night had fallen and the torches scattered around the theatre were lit as all you trainees were lined up and stood at ease waiting for the ceremony to begin. A cold breeze blew by as you stood at the head of the entire pack of trainees with a stern and almost cold look on your face, but what made it a bit awkward was how Annie was stood next to you. After waiting for a few more minutes in silence, footsteps could be heard walking across the stage and you all saw the Commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin Smith, walk out and stand in the center in front of all of you.

"I am Erwin Smith, Commander of the Survey Corps. Today, you will choose a military branch. Put bluntly, I'm here to persuade you to join the Survey Corps. During the Titan attack, you learned how terrifying they can be. And how limited your own power is. However..." Erwin trailed off as you listened closely with intent. "...This battle brought humanity closer to victory than it's ever been. Through Eren Jaeger's existence. By risking his own life, he's proven himself, without a doubt, a friend of humanity. With his help, not only did we stop the Titan's advance, but we have a way to discover their true nature." Erwin announced as you and everyone else were shocked upon hearing this announcement and he let that all sink into your brains before continuing his speech.

"We believe that in the basement of his Shiganshina home, there are answers about the Titans that he himself doesn't have. If we can reach that basement, we will find a clue that will end this century of Titan rule." Erwin announced as everyone was beginning to mutter amongst each other of this incredible feat humanity has obtained without even realizing it themselves.

"We've already advanced that far?" Someone said in shock.

"If we learn what they are, we can end this!" Someone said with slight enthusiasm of this ray of hope for humanity.

"Eren's basement...?" You thought in confusion of all this information. "I know he had the key his father left, but he had no clue what was down there. Why would the truth of the Titans be hidden in his father's basement?" You thought as an image of Grisha flashed in your mind. "What the hell were you hiding from us, Grisha?" You thought in shock of this whole grand scheme of things as Erwin let you all chat of the topic amongst each other for a few moments before he continued.

"We will head for the basement in Shiganshina. However, that requires us to retake Wall Maria. In other words, our objective hasn't changed." Erwin said before you choked on your breath slightly when you saw your sister walk out with another female scout member, and opening a sheet with a layout of the three walls and districts.

"Sarah?" You thought in shock as she glanced at you for a moment before turning back to hold up the sheet high for everyone to see.

Play Song At Top
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"But with the Trost gate sealed, we'll have to take the long way around, from Karanes to the east." Erwin explained as you saw an arrow leading from one district to the path between Shiganshina and Trost. "The four years we spent laying a route for a large army have gone to waste. In those four years, more than sixty percent of the Survey Corps lost their lives. Sixty percent in four years...an insane figure." Erwin said as Sarah couldn't help but remember while walking off stage, the soldier they couldn't save that day from the Titan that Levi had cut down. "Any trainees who join will participate in our excursion beyond the walls, in a month. We expect thirty percent won't return." Erwin was explaining horrific figures as all trainees were shocked beyond belief. "In four years, most will be dead. But those who survive will become superior soldiers with a high survival rate." He announced as he remained silent for a few moments to that all sink into everyone's mind before speaking again. "Knowing these discouraging facts, any still willing to risk their lives, remain here. Ask yourself...Are you willing to offer your beating heart for humanity?" Erwin asked a heavy question that uneased most of the trainees. "That is all. Anyone who wishes to join another branch is dismissed." He finished his speech as everyone was now very put off of the thought of joining the Survey Corps.

"Commander..." One of Erwin's subordinates stepped out from behind the stage to voice everyone's concern of how he presented himself. "Don't you think you scared them a little much? All of them will leave!" He asked as Erwin continued to look out to the crowd of trainees.

Soon, one person had turned and began to leave the theatre as his footsteps echoed through the area. Hearing those steps, a few more feet began to patter across the dirt and make their way towards the door. After that, more and more people to began to pile out of the theatre to wait for the other branches to arrive. You bawled your fists tightly and scrunched your face a little when you heard the feet of the person next to you turn around, and felt that icy glare against the left side of your cheek.

"Don't go." Those words echoed in your head as your mind flashed back to the conversation you were having with Annie.

An Hour Ago

"You're just going to die if you go out there. Don't go." Annie said as you turned your head away.

"I can't do that." Was all you could reply with as she glared daggers at you with tightly bawled fists.

"Why? Why do you have to go out there? There's nothing out there. Everything out there that you once had is destroyed. Why are you going there when there's little to no chance of changing anything?" Annie asked trying to understand your reasons for joining the Survey Corps as there was only one thing that came to mind, and that was the image of your family being happy once again.

"...Because I made promise." You said whole heartedly as Annie was shocked by this statement.

Annie had a look of disbelief on her face as she lowered her head and her bangs covered her eyes. You couldn't tell, but her heart was beating and her head was pounding over the thought of you dying for something she just couldn't believe in. It tore at her, especially with her remembering the real reason that she was here. She knew however that you wouldn't change your mind, that you were dead set on this, so she could only accept the thing she didn't want the most, and let you go as best as she could.

"Asshole..." Was all she said before slapping your across the face and walking off.

Present

You were pained greatly for letting Annie down, but this decision was made long ago by yourself, and you had to stand by your belief and make your promise come true. Annie turned around and began to walk away from you and everyone else, as more and more trainees began to head for the exit. Those who were still standing and debating on what to do were faced with an overwhelming aura of doubt as it felt like an ocean was trying to sweep them away from joining. The amount of faces that walked pass them were unbelievable, and they were struggling to hold their ground. Jean, Connie, Sasha, all your friends were suffering through the harsh decision that they were going to have to make in the next few moments. Standing at the exit, Annie turned around to look at you one last time, and just then, you turned around as well and met eyes with her. You went wide-eyed when you saw tears roaming down her face and the look on her face as if she was pleading with you one last time to go with her. Your resolve was shaken, you almost took a step, your feelings tugged greatly at your heart and you were confused on what you felt for her. You were losing your mind and going crazy over how she made you feel, but as you were having this existential crisis, you remembered something your sister said.

"Y/N...the day the wall fell...Dad was killed..." Those words echoed through your mind as you remembered the image of your dad and yourself having fun when you were a child.

The rage that quelled in your heart had overtaken all these conflicting feelings, and you lipped the words 'I'm sorry' to Annie with a tear rolling down your eye when you didn't see her standing there anymore. You turned back and faced the stage as the last set of feet leaving the theatre had gone silent and the last small handful of trainees had made their decisions, with barely any of you deciding to stay. Erwin looked at you all with in interest of still standing before him and the Survey Corps as he spoke up with a question.

"Can you die if you're ordered to?" Erwin asked as this was a heavy question to answer.

"I don't want to die!" Someone from behind you shouted as Erwin looked at you and saw the resolve burning behind your eyes as he smiled.

"I see. I like the looks on your faces." Erwin muttered to himself before standing tall before you all of you with a respectful gaze. "Then I welcome everyone here to the Survey Corps! This is a true salute! Offer up your hearts!" Erwin chanted while planting his right fist firmly on his chest as you all followed suit, officially offering your hearts for the sake of humanity.

"Yes, sir!" You shouted with all your heart as you all have now officially become members of the Survey Corps.

"Everyone..." Armin said a little joyed by those who stayed, but still held fear in his eyes as Mikasa stood stern next to him.

"This is terrible. The Survey Corps..." Jean despaired a bit at making this decision himself.

"I'm scared! I wanna go home..." Sasha whimpered with tears in her eyes as Connie had a despair smile on his face next to her.

"I don't even care." Connie said as he was just done with everything that's happened while everyone else seemed to deal with the decision silently in their own way.

"If you were going to cry, you should have left." Ymir said while looking at a teary-eyed and scared Krista next to her as Erwin stood proud in front of you all.

"You have done well to endure your fear. You are brave soldiers. You have my heartfelt respect." Erwin said as nineteen of you trainees have finished the ceremony of becoming fully fledged Scouts.

The Next Day

The next day after picking your branch, you and the rest of the newbies for the Survey Corps were transferred to the base where they were stationed to depart from once their preparations were complete. You were all lined up in front of the horse stables as one of the Squad Leader's was going to introduce you personally to everything around there and show you the ropes of how things get done as Scout.

"Salute!" You chanted as you all stood at attention and saluted the squad leader in charge of you all as he stood next to his horse.

"I'm Squad Leader Ness. And this is Shallot, my horse. She loves to chew off your hair, so be careful if you don't want to be bald. Nice to meet you all!" Ness greeted you all with a warm welcome, but was interrupted when Shallot the horse bit and pulled on the bandana that was covering his balding head. "Ah! Hey! S-Stop it, Shallot! Hey, someone grab her!" Ness struggled to keep his bandana as you raised a brow at this.

"This is the Survey Corps...not what I was expecting during my welcome..." You thought while walking over and cupping the bottom of Shallots muzzle and stroked her mane gently. "Hey, that's enough." You said while gently pushing up on Shallots muzzle and she let go before shaking her head and snorting in relaxation of your touch.

"T-Thanks, kid." Ness said as you let go of Shallot before another voice called from afar.

"Hey, Ness! I'll take that kid!" You all turned to the left and you were surprised when you saw Sarah coming towards you.

"...Sarah." You said with surprise as she walked over and wrapped an arm around you unexpectedly.

"Huh? I'm suppose to give the newbies a run down. You sure?" Ness asked as she smiled and nodded at him.

"Yeah, it's fine. After all..." Sarah smirked as she put her face next to yours to show a comparison. "...He's my little brother." She said as you were confused by her behavior towards you.

"Ah, now that you mention, you two look alike. So this is the kid brother you used to talk about, huh?" Ness said as he noticed the similarities between you two before nodding. "Alright, you can take him." Ness said as Sarah dragged you off with her arm still wrapped around you.

"Thanks." Sarah said while giving a quick wave as you stared back at your teammates who seemed confused a bit by this situation, and you were too.

"What's going on?" You asked as Sarah looked at you while the two of you walked through the base.

"Huh? I just wanted to greet my little brother and spend some quality time with him? Is that wrong?" Sarah said in a strange tone you never heard before.

"That's not what I meant." You said while swiping her arm off of you as she was surprised by your sudden outburst. "What happened to you? Why are you acting so different?" You asked as she raised a brow at this question.

"Huh? What do you mean? I'm still the same big sister you've always had." Sarah said as you shook your head.

"No, you've changed." You said as Sarah furrowed her brows a bit. "You used to be more cheerful...more relaxing and carefree...always lazing about when you got the chance and attracting people around you to have fun laze around with you. But now, all I feel when I look into your eyes..." You trailed off as she went a bit wide-eyed at what you said next when you locked eyes with her. "...Is rage." You said as she froze a bit at this. "A lot has happened since Dad died, hasn't there..." You said as she averted eye contact.

"...I guess you're right..." Sarah said while pushing a few strands of hair to the side. "...I am angry. I'm angry at everything that's happened to us ever since that day." She said while staring up at the sky above in contemplation. "I've lost a lot of friends since I've been in the Survey Corps...Me and Dad didn't want you to go through anything like this, but I guess we were too late since you joined the military and fought in the attack against the Titans. I'm sorry, Y/N...the sister you had before, I don't know where she is right now...all that's left of me right now, is this rage against the Titans and this cruel world..." Sarah said while closing her eyes, remembering how much more happier she was with the rest of your family, but hummed in surprise when she felt you grab her hand.

"I get it..." You said with your head hung low as she looked at you with shock. "I...lost so many friends...so many comrades...I witnessed an insane amount of death since that day at Trost..." You said while tightening your grip a bit around Sarah's hand. "I have rage inside of me too...I just wanted to throw myself at the Titans and rip them to shreds...I almost lost sight of myself to that rage, but..." You remembered the image of your mother and little Sarah back home. "I remembered that there are still things that I have to protect." You said as Sarah this struck a chord inside of your sister. "Sister, I don't know how much you've experienced...I don't know how much you've lost, but...I know that you still have people who love you so much, and I don't wanna see you engulfed in rage..." You said while staring up at her with teary eyes.

"Y/N...." Was all she could mutter as you brought your other hand up to clasp it around the hand you held.

"It's okay to be mad...it's okay to have some rage, but...you don't have to be so cold also...I just..." You trailed off as Sarah was beginning to tear up and you remembered the happy smile she had when she was at home with you. "...I just want my older sister back..." You said before you were engulfed in a hug by Sarah.

"I'm sorry..." You heard as she buried your face into her chest and felt tears hit the top of your head. "...I'm so sorry, Y/N..." She said as you closed your eyes and hugged Sarah back as the two of you held the embrace longer.

"I know you can't go back to your old self now...that's not what's needed right now..." You said as she sniffled while hugging you tighter. "...I promise that we'll get the chance to have things back to the way they were. You, me, and Mom...We'll all be together again soon and never have to worry about anything again..." You said as the two of you stood there for a few more moments before pulling away from the hug and wiping your tears away as best as you could.

"Thank you, Y/N..." Sarah sniffled while wiping one more tear away. "...I'll do what I can to turn myself around. Thank you." She said while ruffling your hair around as you just accepted the gesture with a smile. "Now, tell me, how's Mom been?" She asked while the two of you were walking back to join the group of newbies.

"Well, I think we have a little sister now, who's also named Sarah..." You said as Sarah was shocked and jaw-dropped.

"HUH!? I didn't come home and you guys tried replacing me!? How cruel!" Sarah said almost tearing up again as you waved your hands trying to dismiss that accusation.

"No! No! No! It's not like that! You see what happened was..." You and Sarah caught up whole heartedly like the old siblings you use to be, before rejoining your friends as Sarah joined Ness in showing you all around.

After being shown around and getting assigned rooms to sleep in, your training as a Scout had begun. The next day was when training had officially begun, but it wasn't the training that you were expecting from the Scouts. Instead of practical training, it was mostly memorizing the long-range scouting formation Commander Erwin had devised. Strangely, while it was written in exacting detail, you noticed that Eren's position was never brought up or pinpointed in the formation whatsoever. However, you would find all this information semi-irrelevant as Sarah informed you that you would be joining her squad, as she recommended and got permission from her Captain, to allow you to join her. After some time and finishing lessons, you and the others were walking around when suddenly, a familiar voice called out to you all.

"Hey, Mikasa! Armin! Y/N!" The three of you turned around and saw Eren running towards you all.

"Eren!" You all exclaimed in shock of finally seeing him.

"Feels like it's been a long time!" Eren said in excitement of seeing you all again.

"Eren, did they do anything bad to you? Like investigate every square inch of you? Or psychological torture?" Mikasa was extremely worried over Eren.

"Huh? No way." Eren answered as Mikasa scoffed in annoyance.

"Tch. That short guy went too far. Someday, I'll see him pay for it." Mikasa said as you were uneased by how angry she was.

"You don't mean Captain Levi, do you?" Eren asked before growing even more surprised when he saw more of you behind you three. "Ah, what? Everyone's here?" Eren said as everyone approached him with happy smiles of seeing him again before he realized a few things. "But if you're here, then...That doesn't mean you joined the Survey Corps, does it?" Eren asked as Connie stepped forward.

"Is there any other reason we'd be here?" Connie said.

"So only Jean, Annie, and Marco joined the Military Police?" Eren said before a certain fellow stepped behind him, along with the rest of the newbies, and he turned to see Jean much to his shock. "No way...Not you, too!" Eren said in disbelief.

"Marco's dead." Jean said outright.

"Huh?" Eren breathed as he was unsure if he heard Jean right just now. "What was that? Did you say Marco's dead?" Eren asked to make sure he heard correctly as Jean was upfront.

"Seems not everyone gets a dramatic death. I don't even know how he died. He died without anyone knowing, or anyone seeing." Jean said as all you newbies were silent while Jean broke it to Eren.

"Marco..." Eren could only mutter his name in shock and horror as you all had saddened looks on your faces, but it seemed there was still no time to grieve.

"Hey, new kids, get over here!" Ness called as one of his subordinates stood next to him holding folded green cloaks. "Your uniforms are here!" Ness called out as you were all surprised by the news of getting your uniforms already.

You all stared at the stack of new jackets and cloaks that you were about to be receiving and there was signs of hesitancy among you all. However, that feeling was broken when you stepped forward and headed over towards them while taking off your cadet jacket and tossing it to the side. Standing in front of them, you looked down in their hands at the Wings of Freedom that was sewn into the clothing before reaching your hand out and taking them. Throwing the jacket on and swinging the cloak over your shoulders, you spoke up to your friends with your back turned to them.

"Death doesn't wait for us to come to it. It comes to us whenever it wants to regardless of our situation or emotions." You said as you turned towards them and they looked in awe of how you stood before them. "This is what we signed up for. Instead of fear it, let's look death in the eye as we slice these Titans bit by bit." You said as your friends all came forward to collect their uniforms, discarding their cadet jackets and in some sense of symbolism, their old selves, to the side to push forward and become stronger.

The wind blew through the base as the wings of your backs fluttered with the gentle breeze. Eren could only stare in shock of you all and the resolves that you each held, but couldn't help but imagine Marco standing there with you all, dawning the same wings that would lead you all to freedom. After finishing up for the day, you and your main group of friends gathered in one of the storage barracks to catch up with Eren as you all stood or sat around the dimly lit room.

"Are you really..." Eren couldn't even begin to believe the information that you all informed him of.

"Yes, we'll also be participating in the mission." Mikasa confirmed all the participation of the newly joined scouts in the upcoming mission.

"Hey, Eren. I heard that when you turned into a Titan, you tried to kill Mikasa and Y/N. What does that mean?" Jean asked as Eren was caught off guard by the question.

"No. Eren was trying to hit a fly..." Mikasa said as you spoke up in regards to this question.

"There's no need to pry on this, Jean." You said while stepping towards them to try and make sure nothing escalated too far.

"I wasn't asking you two. Mikasa, it looks like the wound on your cheek is pretty bad. When did you get that?" Jean said as Mikasa tried to hide it with her hair, but to no real avail.

"I've heard it's true. When I became a Titan, I tried to kill Mikasa and Y/N." Eren said as Jean caught a key detail in his words.

"If you heard, then you don't remember it, right? In other words, you had no idea you even had this Titan power, and you don't have the means to control it." Jean asked to confirm his theory.

"Yes, that's right." Eren confirmed as Jean stood in front of Krista, Ymir, Reiner, Bertolt, Sasha and Connie who were uneased by this information.

"Hah...Did you hear that?" Jean said while turning around to the others. "This is the situation. Humanity and our lives depend on him. We'll probably die just like Marco, without Eren ever realizing it." Jean said as you put your hand on his shoulder.

"You're pushing it now, Kirschtein." You said in an intimidating manner for him to back off.

"Jean, what's the point in asking Eren these questions now?" Mikasa asked.

"Listen, you two. Not everyone's like you guys, willing to die for Eren's sake with nothing in return..." Jean said while swiping your hand off him and turning back to you four. "We should know what we're dying for. Otherwise, we will hesitate when the time comes. We want something in return from him. So let me see what he has to offer. And whether it's worth my life." Jean said while bawling his fists and gritting his teeth before glaring to Eren and marching towards him, grabbing him by the shoulders with a desperate look as Eren was completely nervous. "So, Eren...I'm really counting on you." Jean said as he was fully putting his life in the hands of Eren and his uncontrollable power.

"Right." Eren said as he realized the weight of responsibility he now had as humanity's hope against the Titans.

Soon, morning came as the entire Survey Corps were assembled in Karanes District to set off on the Scouting mission to plot course for Shiganshina. The bells rang through the entire district as you rode up on your horse and stationed next to your sister. This was it. This is what all your training has led you up to at this point in your life.

"Sir, it's almost time." One of Erwin's subordinates said as you all prepared yourselves.

"We've driven away all the Titans in the area. Thirty seconds until we open the gate!" One officer announced to everyone as you exhaled a heavy breath and took a look around you to realize quite an eventful turn of events.

"Hmph, to think you'd get me into this kind of squad...I gotta hand it to you, sis...You really outdid yourself." You said as you found out now that you were a part of the Special Operations Squad or 'Levi Squad', consisting of Petra Ral, Eld Jinn, Oluo Bozado, Gunther Schultz, and Captain Levi himself.

"Right? Aren't I great?" Sarah gave you a cheesy grin as you couldn't help but smile, feeling that sibling bond you two shared still there, still connected even if it was just a little.

"Nice to meet you, Y/N." Petra said with a smile.

"Hmph, not another brat we have to babysit." Oluo said in annoyance.

"Nice to have you on board." Gunther greeted respectfully.

"I expect great things from you, newbie." Eld said with a confident smirk.

"Yes, sir!" You responded with the upmost respect to your superiors as another officer yelled from behind you to all the newbies and everyone else.

"It's time! Humanity will take another step forward. Show me what you can do!" The officer chanted as all you scouts raised your fists and blades in their air, shouting with pride as the gate began to slowly raise from the earth it sat upon. "Open the gate!" They yelled as the stone seal was lifting higher and higher and there was now nothing between you and the outside world.

"ADVANCE!" Erwin screamed so loud that the entire Survey Corps surely heard him as his horse neighed and kicked up before he was the first to charge out of the gate and into hell, with all of you following behind. "We will now begin the 57th expedition beyond the walls! Onward!" Erwin yelled as you barreled ahead into hell and rode to carry the flames of humanity with you and push back the Titans and their grip around humanity.