[Prologue: The Line in the Sand]
Trost District

Pyxis sits on a wall explaining the situation to one of his close subordinates named Anka. That is until Erwin arrives at the wall in full gear.

"Commander Pyxis." Erwin calls out to his fellow commander.

"Hm? Ah, Commander Erwin." Pyxis smiles before noticing something. "Marcel's not with you?" He asks playfully.

"No. Marcel left earlier than anyone else did to try and save as many scouts as he could from the breach."

"Is it true what I hear about you catching a troublesome little mouse?" Pyxis asks.

"Well... technically, yes. Not that it's helped us."

Pyxis hums. "Well, at least those goons in the interior might start using their heads. Might even be forced to reconsider their belief system. Morally bankrupt as it is."

"Agreed. Seems they have. Look over there. Military Police putting in an appearance where titans aren't just an academic problem."

As he speaks frantic footsteps are heard along the wall as Mina finally arrives having wasted her gas to arrive quicker. "Commander!" Erwin hums as she approaches turning to Mina. "Sir, The Colossal & Armored have appeared over by Utgard Castle. We now know their identities to be Reiner Braun & Bertholdt Hoover. Sir, when I left Their was a giant crash, they may be in danger."

Erwin steps forward. "Is Marcel okay?"

"I wouldn't know Sir. He had me run ahead here to inform that it'd be best to travel on top the wall to their location. I went as fast as I could sir."

"I see."

[Part 1: Worth Dying For]
Wall Rose Marcel POV

I sigh as I look outwards to the outside of this damn wall. If it wasn't for the titans many of us would be hot on their tails... now we have to sit here and wait until lifts can arrive from Trost district so some of us can get our horses over. Turning back to the group I crouch down next to Hange as she lays unconscious.

"I'm sorry, sis. You shouldn't have gotten hurt because I left." I mutter.

Moblit, Hange, Mikasa, and a few others are wounded but luckily none of my squad have died or been hurt.

"You, um, okay Marcel?" Marco asks.

"Yeah, no injuries here. Say, did you and Jean get all the armor shells up here?" I ask laying a blanket over Hange.

Jean scoffs dropping the last piece. "Not with your help."

I chuckle, hearing his annoyance. "Sorry, sorry.  Well... if I can analyze its structure and density I could potentially make blades out of it... then we'd have a weapon that could easily cut through the armored Titan's armor."

Jean sighs. "Not with this pitiful amount."

"At least two pairs worth. So a singular blade for each member of the squad." I stand.

"Just wait. I'm sure Mina's gotten to Trost and if not her then the advanced squads already arrived." Jean reassures me.

"Yeah." I look towards the distance as I notice the sun significantly lower in the sky than I'd ever like since they've taken Eren. It's been five hours since they vanished.

"Why not?!" We turn hearing Mikasa yelling.

"Oh, Good, shes up first." I mutter readying to deal with the situation.

"Why didn't anyone go after Eren?!" She continues shouting.

"Let me put it simply to you." I say approaching with Jean and Marco by my side. "None of us have horses on that side of wall Rose. And without a horse, none of us could chase after them reasonably. Even then if we did go, we'd be going into Titan country without any logistics. No extra blades, no extra gas none of that. Our only option is waiting until Mina arrives with reinforcements from Trost hopefully with some lifts. Section Commander Hange is too injured to move alongside many of the officers. Section Commander Miche was taken with the advanced squad alongside Nanaba to Trost. So he could be treated for his wounds. Even though we have enough for a small scouting party we don't have the logistics and the ability to go."

"Who would lead that party then?" Armin asks.

"The most experienced members awake here. Myself or Nifa."

Mikasa glares at me. "You think I'll take orders from you? You couldn't even fight Annie."

"If you don't want me to court-marshal you later on, you'll learn to. Just wait for now, we'll definitely go after him." I sigh walking away and join Jean & Marco looking down the wall at a few titans. "I need to blow of some steam." I mutter.

"You're not seriously thinking of going down there, Marcel?" Jean asks.

"To let off some steam? No. That'd be a waste of time and gas." I say. I glance over to see Captain Hannes sitting with Mikasa & Armin speaking with them. Must've known them when he was younger.

"So?" Marco speaks nervously.

"First chance we get we ride for the forest of large trees. Chances are they'll wait there till the night." I say quietly,

"Why's that?" Marco asks.

"The fight took a lot out of Reiner. He must've been low on energy if he had to resort to Bertholdt to escape. Chances are they'll wait till sundown to move again. Meaning we've got a few hours till they're out of our reach." I say looking out into Titan territory.

"Then... Hm?" Jean turns feeling the rumbling atop the walls.

"They're here." All of us turn to see Scouts & Military Policemen riding atop the wall on horseback. And they're being led by Erwin.

I approach saluting as they stop. "Commander Erwin. I guess I should report being one of the few here to know most of what happened."

"Is the situation still the same?" He asks.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Right! Deploy the lifts!" Erwin then turns to me with a genuine smile on his face as he pats my shoulder. "I'm proud of you, son." He says quietly.

I smile at him and nod. "Thank you, Dad."

"Hange!" Moblit screeches.

Hange places a hand on my boot. "Don't just stand there. Gi-Give me a map." We grab a map for Hange as they get my squad's horses and bring them up and over the walls. "It's a gamble, but the trees in this forest are massive. I say we ride straight for it. See, even if they had a way to cover the Armored titans footprints this is almost definitely where we would find them."

"Why's that?" Erwin asks.

"They'd need to recoup. They have the power to assume Titan form, but other titans on that side of the wall still pose a threat. Especially after putting up such a fight."

"Yes, Eren was the worst for it, but they've got to be spent. Remember when Annie went out cold? Let's suppose they're headed somewhere beyond Wall Maria. That's not a simple hike. They'll need all the help they can get before covering that kind of distance." Hange says.

"Based on what we know, they're in no shape to make it in a single push. And as such, they'll want to catch their breath somewhere the titans can't reach them. It's most likely that..."

"They'll hold out till it gets dark." Hange and I say in unison coming to the same conclusion.

Cut back to the scouts and MP's as Marcel takes the commander's spot in the formation alongside Jean, Mina, Marco & Erwin.

"We have until sundown! If we can reach the forest by then, we might just have a chance to save Eren & Ymir."

"Let's move!"

"Erwin, you're in charge of the right. Jean, go with him. Marco, work with Nanaba in the left." I say with a newfound base in my voice.

"So, you're finally thinking like a Commander."

"I'm not going to let them take Eren & Ymir. He may be a Suicidal Maniac and she may be a bitch, but they're my friends and subordinates. I won't let them be taken by a pair of traitors." I say moving forward.

We left Mina with Hange and if I know my sister she'll likely go to Ragako. Or at least send Mina there with Moblit. As we ride Erwin and Jean head for the right side as Marco rides for the left flank informing Nanaba of the orders. Glancing behind me the first person directly behind my position in the front of the formation is Nifa. An old friend, she's not much older than us... only a couple of years my superior.

"Be on the lookout! All riders assume formation!" I shout. I ride alone in the most forward center of the formation and keep my eyes focused around me. So, you decided to let me be the commander for the operation to rescue Eren. I'm assuming this is a test to see if I'm ready or not. I won't let you down, father... no, Commander.

[Part 2: Reiner's Problem]

Eren looks at Reiner with an expressionless face.

"You're awake. Welcome back." Reiner says quietly.

Eren struggles for a bit to find his arms regenerating not having healed past the elbows. "What the hell?! My arms!"

"Eren. I'm, uh, not in any better shape here. Seems we're both having a shit day." Ymir says trying to calm the hot-head down.

"Ymir... What did they... What did they do to me?"

"Sorry. That was... that was my fault. You can pin your injuries on me... though, if I had it my way fully, we would've brought Marcel with us as well. But.. I guess I was in kind of a hurry back there. Bit your nape without thinking about your arms." Reiner says somewhat offhandedly.

"Is that right? So, I lost." Eren murmurs. Eren bites his stump as Bertholdt stands.

"Eren! Don't do it!" Bertholdt orders.

"Easy there, hothead. Take a look at where we are. This is the giant forest within Wall Maria. Wall Rose is leagues away. Which means... we're deep in the heart of Titan country. See?" Ymir points out directing his eyes to a Titan laying on its back looking up at the pair. "I think our buddy down there is an abnormal. It may look like he's just kickin' back, but those eyes haven't left us once. Lot of smaller ones down there, too. That's plenty bad enough. Another big one over there. Fixated but keeping his distance. Strikes me as the shy type. And then there are these chumps." She directs him to Reiner & Bertholdt. "Dirty bastards. They had the foresight to suit up in full gear. 'Course Reiner took yours. Point is, changing into a Titan isn't gonna accomplish very much right now. One they can do the same thing if they want. Two, they can zip into the trees if not. Three, we're basically surrounded on all sides. Power or no power, getting out of this would be tricky as hell even at the best of times... hold on... who's that?"

Everyone looks behind Bertholdt as a man walks out wearing a strange white uniform and a pair of ODM gear as Reiner & Bertholdt look to him surprised.

"Ulrich?" Bertholdt says surprised. "How are you here?"

The young male now known as Ulrich steps out fully showing some ODM gear which causes Eren's eyes to flare up. "These things aren't all that hard to use once you get the hang for flying a bit. After all we stole about a dozen of these. I was sent out to se what progress was made. So, who are these two?"

Reiner looks down. "Eren Jaeger... and Ymir."

"Don't kid me, Ymir? Like that stupid legend?" Ulrich scoffs.

Reiner nods. "Yeah."

"I assume she's the reason why I haven't heard from Galliard?" Ulrich asks, receiving noth8ng but silence from a Reiner. "Your silence confirms it, Reiner." Reiner then turns back to Eren and Ymir as Ulrich sighs and walks up to Bertholdt. "Keep him in check. We can't afford to lose even a single one of the remaining seven."

Bertholdt nods. "Yes, Sir."

With that the man uses the ODM gear to swing away. To a higher branch as he sits with a single leg dangling. Leaving everyone silenced for a moment.

"You can't turn into titans right now anyway. Don't count on that ability coming to the rescue. The body can only take so much. It's a little preoccupied with healing at the moment." Reiner points out.

Eren completely ignoring everything Reiner says. "Nice try. You expect me to sit here and take the word of a liar?"

"Yeah, well. We're sort of at a disadvantage here." Ymir says bluntly. "It's not like we know the ins and outs of how this works. Unlike you guys, I'm basically clueless about the whole thing. Hey, Reiner. You said you'd start talking once Eren was up. Don't'cha think it's about time somebody explains what you plan on doing with us?"

"We're taking you to our hometown. Of course, I realize neither of you is gonna do as I ask. Like Ymir was saying, though, this place is crawling with titans. They're everywhere. We could beat the living shit out of each other if that's what you want. But I wouldn't recommend it. Our friends down below are hungry and not prone to discriminate. Whether you try to cut and run or stick around, believe me when I say our options are limited. We wait for nightfall."

"So, why didn't you just stay in Titan form and run all the way home? What's the point of stopping here in the first place? You get winded and have to take a break?" Ymir asks.

"Why don't you use your imagination."

'Let me think. Suppose I break for an opening. If I assume Titan for, running away wouldn't really be that much of an challenge. Question is, can I assume Titan form in this condition? Reiner doesn't seem to think so, and it's not like he and Bertholdt would risk stopping here without a good reason. What if I couldn't transform to full strength? Does that mean other titans would be able to eat me?' Eren remains silent thinking to himself as he glances between Reiner, Bertholdt, Ymir, and the titans down below.

"So we're just gonna sit on our asses till the sun goes down?" Ymir asks.

"It's a possibility." Reiner answers.

'No. why give us the chance to recover? If they wait for nightfall we'd only be harder to rein in. They'll make their move while we're still helpless. At this rate I can't do anything. We're screwed. What happened to everyone else? Where are the scouts? Don't tell me they're coming here to save us. Oh god. If they show up, none of 'em will-!'

"Wait a second. Those titans at the castle had no problem moving around at night. What's stopping these guys?" Ymir asks.

Reiner turns to the man in uniform above them. "Ulrich? You'd know better." He remains silent, offer8ng no answer to his foe.

'How is it she's able to transform into a Titan? Doesn't seem to catch her off-guard like it did me. What's her angle? Who's side is she on in all this.'

"Hey, little boy. I think I can guess what your wondering. And I'm curious about something. You're name's Jaeger, right?" Ulrich asks.

"Huh? Yeah. How would you know that?"

Ulrich hums. "I see... so he was the traitor after all. Damn, even gave you all the Attack Titan. Though, I can't believe you idiots lost Marcel to her." Ulrich scoffs at Reiner & Bertholdt.

"Marcel? What does he have to do with this?" Eren asks.

"No, not that Marcel, Eren. A different one."

[Part 3: The Calm Before the Storm]

Marcel looks around and notice red flares from the right wing. Turning his head behind only see Nifa not far behind him. "Nifa! Tell the right wing to merge with the center and maintain direction. We stay the course. The shortest path is our only option. Straight ahead! We don't have to much time till sundown!" Marcel shouts, he then turns back forward, diving into his thoughts. 'Just hold on until we get there. Ymir. We may not have been the best of friends, but you truly were one of the best. I can't afford to lose another friend to them.'

We then cut back to the forest as now Bertholdt & Reiner are seated looking outwards while Ulrich seems distracted by something.

"Hey, Reiner. Got any water? Help a girl out. I'm dying over here." Ymir says.

"Sorry, there's not a helluva lot I can do. Even if it is a matter of life and death."

Ymir scoffs. "That's comforting. Well, at least now we know where we stand. Sort of."

"Speaking of which. We've been working our asses off. No food, no sleep, no nothing. Ever since those titans showed up. That was yesterday, right? Man we're lucky the wall hasn't been destroyed. Still, you'd think that means they'd give us a break. And don't even get me started on promotion." Reiner says looking to Bertholdt.

Bertholdt stares down at Reiner confused. "What the hell?"

"What? Aww, come on. I don't think that's too much to ask, do you? God knows we've done our share of heavy lifting all things considered. I mean, I get it, we're soldiers. Duty first. It's just nice to be acknowledged." Reiner smiles to his friend.

"You bang your head or something? What are you even talking about?" Ymir asks.

"Ugh. Don't give me that. I'm not saying we storm in and demand the rank of captain or anything." Reiner continues to speak.

"No, that's not what I mean." Ymir says.

"Oh, that's right. Hey, Ymir. Where'd you find that canon, by the way? I owe you one for saving my bacon. Really nice of Christa to patch me up afterwards. I'm starting to think me and her might become a thing."

"Hey..." Eren speaks quietly.

"Right? It's not just me? She always treats me like we're-."

"Hey! What's wrong with you? You've got to be kidding me?" Eren says staring at Reiner.

"Huh? What are you so pissed about all of a sudden? Take it easy, man. Was it something I said, or?"

"If you want to die then just keep talking!" Eren shouts.

"Hold up, Eren. I think somebody's gone of the deep end. Is that what this is, Bertholdt? If you know something we don't, now would be a good time to put it on the table." Ymir says keeping tensions from boiling over.

Bertholdt closes in on himself. "Reiner. Snap out of it. You're not a soldier, okay? You and I are... We're warriors."

Reiner's eyes widen as he begins to breath irregularly until it stops and he gains a far more serious look. 'Right. I see, that's how things are." He then kneels on the branch he's been on and starts sobbing

"What the hells he doing?" Eren asks.

"I have a pretty good idea. At least I think so. Didn't add up at first. Why would the man who broke the wall, risk his neck to save Connie? It's like the poor bastard's personality is compartmentalized. Everything he does is a contradiction in terms. He can't help it. On one hand he's a warrior bent on pushing mankind past the brink. On the other he's pretending to be a soldier. I'm thinking maybe he got a little lost in the role. See. He can't resolve those facets of himself. Can't bear the weight if what he's done. The on,y way to manage his conscious is to fall for his own act. He thinks he is a soldier. This is what you call a split personality. He's gone insane. His heart & mind are at war with each other, and judging by Bertholdt's expression, this isn't the first stalemate. Blows me away! Wow, someone as brutally honest as you losing their grip-!" Ymir laughs at Reiner until he returns a shout.

"Shut up! Not another word!"

Ymir remains grinning. "I'm sorry. Must've really hit a nerve."

"Is this some kind of joke?" Eren says slowly growing angrier and angrier. "Where do you get off pretending to be the victim? You're wallowing in self-pity? How dare you. What was going through your head the day I told you my story, huh? Remember that Bertholdt? I'm talking to you, lackey! I told you everything. You sat there and looked me straight in the eye. Watched me relive seeing my mother eaten alive. Don't you remember? Well it just so happens that the chunk of wall you kicked out fell on our house. It's what kept her from being able to run away. Ring any bells? Take you back? Let me ask you again. What was going through your head when I told you that story?"

Bertholdt doesn't look at Eren, he sits in fetal position. "Want me to be honest? In the moment I felt... sorry for you."

"Huh. Sorry for me? So, then you're not... You're not warriors or soldiers. You're just murderers. Psychotic mass-murderers who snuffed out the lives of countless people that never did anything wrong."

"Don't you think I'm aware of that fact?! I don't need you shoving it down my goddamn throat!" Reiner shouts back.

"Then stop acting like you've got any right to feel sorry for yourself! We're living in a hell you two created! Are you proud of yourselves?! You're not one of us! You've never been! You're not even human anymore!" Eren shouts.

"You want an apology?! Is that what you're hoping to get out of calling us murderers? Want us to feel bad? Want us to take the blame? Who are you talking to? The people you thought you knew don't exist! They're dead! But hey, if screaming does it for ya, go ahead and scream your goddamn head off!"

Ulrich claps, watching the two. "Wow. Nice show you two, but I grow bored of these theatrics. Maybe instead of yelling all the time we can talk. After all, it'd be better for everyone if. You two came willingly. Then since we brought back the Attack Titan it means it'll likely be another few decades before anyone else thinks of even daring to come here. We'll give you time. Time to clear out titans, maybe get a good economy going. You know prep yourselves for a war against actual humans you devils."

Eren murmurs. "You're Right. Who am I? What do I know? Still. I've got to do something. Anything. I swear on you, one way or another, the three of you will pay. And it's gonna hurt."

Ymir scoffs. "You can't be for real."

"Huh?" Eren asks.

"Eren, grow up. Keep spouting off childish bullshit like that and I've got no hope for you. Personally while I don't get along with him I believe the best cadet and the most realistic person was Marcel. If anyone should be championed as Humanities best chance at survival it's him. Not you." Ymir says honestly. Before turning to Reiner and the others. "Tell me something. What's with the giant monkey?"

"Monkey? What're you talking about?" Eren asks.

"Huh. I thought for sure you'd know. Marcel called him the Beast Titan. That's surprising. From the way you guys were ogling it all slack-jawed I figured we were seeing some kind of living legend." Ymir says.

"Say, you said a person by the name of Marcel called it the Beast Titan. Did he have an older gentleman with him?" Ulrich asks.

"Yeah. He had Section Commander Miche Zacharius with him." Eren then turns to Ymir. "Monkey?" He asks jumping back onto point.

"Shut up and listen. Monkey, Beast Titan. Whatever you want to call him, he's behind this latest fiasco. Even Marcel's agreed on that fact. It's why titans are cropping up out of nowhere. I get the feeling he's gauging our strength. Reiner & Bertholdt are trying to get wherever he is. It's how they're getting back home. Feel free to correct me if I'm way off base." Ymir says speaking to the three members of the 104th around her.

"Wait. How did you know? Who are you? What else haven't you spoken of?" Eren asks Ymir.

Ymir scoffs. "Be patient. I'm caught up in circumstances of my own."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Eren shouts.

"You know, yelling like a petulant child isn't going to endear you to anyone." Ulrich says. "If anything it makes them more likely to go against you. But, hey, if I've read your character right, then I'm just an accessory to murder and nothing but an animal for it. Let me be clear here I have nothing against the people who live in these walls. I'm just following orders. It's either that or I die. And I'd much rather live. I've got family I want to see." Ulrich says to Eren, who's not listening to him at all.

"Eren. If you think Killing these morons will put an end to this, you are sorely mistaken." Ymir says offhandedly.

"Huh? Then who's the enemy?" Eren asks.

"The enemy? Look, if I told you, things would get too-."

"Ymir! There's no future for this world and you know it. You have a solid grasp of things. What'd you think comes next? Joining our side wouldn't be out of the question if you were so inclined." Reiner makes Ymir an offer.

"And put my faith in you guys? That's rich. Neither of you trusts me as far as you can throw me." Ymir responds dryly.

"Come on. That isn't true. We know what you really want. All you care about is protecting Christa. If we can all agree on that. I don't see the conflict. I'm being absolutely serious. Is it so hard to believe we want what's best for her, too? Hate to break it to ya, but you're not the only one. Then again, you could always put your trust behind Eren, or even Marcel see where that leads you."

Eren glances between the two. "What?"

Ymir glances at Eren before looking out beyond the trees seemingly towards Marcel as we get a quick shot of him riding a horse at full speed ahead directly for Ymir & Eren as we cut back to Ymir still looking for something.

"You're probably leaning toward escape. Better to take a chance with them than throw in with us, right? Because if we end up taking you, there's not much hope of being rescued. I'll be straight with you. That much is true. Even if you came willingly, we're not in a position to guarantee your safety. But if it's Christa we're talking about, we might be able to do something. It's your call. What's it gonna be? Is it Christa's future? Or your own petty existence?"

Is there really no future for this world? Why? And the beast? How does he figure into this. Eren thinks to himself before turning to Ymir. "Come clean. Who is the real enemy? Please, tell me what you know! Who is it?"

Ymir sighs falling back. "Couldn't Say."

"All right then. Sorry, Eren." Reiner says with a small grin.

Everyone then looks to the side as a gunshot is heard and everyone looks to see green smoke.

'The scouts are here? Already?' Bertholdt stares at the green smoke.

Reiner growls. "Son of a bitch!"

'No. damn you Ymir! Only one hour left until sunset. I will make it home.' Eren thinks to himself as Reiner approaches him.

Cut to Moblit & Mina as they wander through Ragako.

"The report was right. The whole village has been devastated." Moblit comments quietly.

"But... there's not a drop of blood. Not even a single body." Mina says softly.

"It's eerie. Still, maybe they got out? It's not unheard of." Thomas questions.

"In theory I suppose. But then the question becomes why Titans would smash up empty houses? Bit difficult to believe. What's more, how far were these people hoping to get by leaving their horses here?" Moblit asks.

"Huh. Good point. But then, what did happen here?" Mina asks.

"Moblit! I found it! Look!" One of the scouts accompanying the group shouts.

The group all walk to the Titan on Connie's house and stare at it.

Moblit's gaze hardens as he approaches. "There you are."

"You, uh... you should see this." The scout says handing Moblit a framed image.

"A portrait of Connie Springer's parents, I presume?" Moblit mutters.

"Seems very likely sir."

The Titan's eyes move towards them causing Moblit to drop the picture, however, Mina catches it but when she does the photo is upside down. As one of the soldiers draws their blades as it attempts to get up but is unable to Moblit orders them to stand down as Mina holds the photo upside down while looking at her.

"Oh my wall..." Mina mutters.

"What the hell is going on?" Moblit murmurs.

Cut back to Bertholdt & Reiner as Bertholdt grabs Reiner's shoulder as Ulrich swings away in his stolen ODM gear.

"Talk to me, Reiner. What are you right now?"

"I'm a Warrior. Calm down."

"Do you really think it's wise to trust Ymir? Even though she's the one who devoured Marcel?" Bertholdt asks quietly.

"Sure. Don't you see? We have a handle on her motives. When she turned human again, odds are she just wandered around aimlessly only giving a damn about herself. But then Christa came into the picture. That's the kind of girl that can change your whole world. We need her and not just because she's cute. The people she comes from are an important family within the church. Plus suppose Eren's not the coordinate. Our job wouldn't be over. If it comes to that, having Christa around will make the search a lot easier."

Another gunshot is heard as Bertholdt & Reiner realize just how close the scouts truly are.

"Please, let's just be done. The next time we come, we'll take all four. Annie, Marcel, Christa and that. It'll be clean and simple. Then we won't have to come here anymore."

Reiner nods. "Right. And we'll have completed our damn mission. Just do me a favor, huh? Once we're home, if she didn't truly fall for Marcel, try telling Annie how you really feel."

Bertholdt gasps. "Whats that supposed to mean?"

"Ugh. Come on. I've seen the way you look at her. And the glare you constantly give Marcel for how close the pair are. How angry you were when he kissed her. Please, life's short enough as it is. Just go for it. Besides you're both killers so she understands where your head is."

Reiner then jumps down and as Eren attempts to struggle but is eventually knocked out by Reiner.

[Part 4: The Storm]

Marcel continues to ride as a red smoke signal is fired and he aims a green signal still forward but slightly angled away however red signals fire from that direction as well. He growls as he takes note of it before sighing noting that their surrounded.

"We don't have time for a detour." He growls quietly under his breath.

He then grabs a green flare and fires straight forward. As Nifa who's returned to being behind him speaks. "Are we sure we're going straight forward?"

"We can't afford to go around them. Get the word out! All soldiers are to prepare to fight!" He charges forward as Nifa and a few other scouts get in front of him as Erwin returns to his side. "Commander! I'm giving you back the reins. I hope I passed the test."

Erwin nods not sparing Marcel a glance. "You did well."

They then notice a light coming from the forest someone transformed.

"We're out of time. Soldiers, disperse! The enemy has assumed Titan form! Find Eren and get him out of there! Battle is not our objective! Locate, recover, and retreat!" Marcel orders.

"You stay with me, Marcel." Erwin orders.

Jean and Marco meanwhile get into the forest and they land in front of Ymir as many within the class land there as well, while Ymir simply looks at each of them one at a time.

"Ymir?" Marco calls out to her.

Connie shouts. "Say something already! C'mon ugly! We're kinda in a rush!"

"Is she keeping an eye out for Reiner? Somethings not right." Marco comments quietly.

Armin also notices the strangeness. "Why- Why is she looking at us one by one?"

"Ymir! There you are!" Christa/Historia shouts approaching. Ymir looks directly at Historia. "Thank goodness you're all right!"

"Christa no!" Marco shouts finally realizing what's happening.

Ymir then leaps forward and eats Historia or rather traps her inside her mouth before jumping off.

Sasha stares wide-eyed. "What?"

"Did she just-?" Connie stares surprised.

"Everyone! Follow, Ymir! She's sided with Reiner & Bertholdt! Don't let her escape!" Jean orders.

They follow her until they see another flash and then Reiner starting to run away with Bertholdt holding Eren and Ymir on his shoulder. Marco & Jean then ride on their horses chasing after Eren alongside Mikasa, Armin, Sasha, Connie, and Hannes. Marcel seeing this not that far away turns and chases after with Erwin directly behind him.

"Ride! Let the titans chase you! All squads follow our lead!" Erwin orders.

"Erwin! You conniving bastard! You're using us as bait again!?" A military policeman shouts enraged with the father-son duo.

"It's the only way!" Marcel shouts back. "You all fought well as MP's! Now give your all as soldiers! The Armored Titan must be stopped before he takes Eren! Failure is not an option!"

"Exactly! Devote your hearts to humanity and save Eren!" Erwin shouts.

Jean and Marco, while riding with the others seem to notice something as Jean speaks about it.

"Reiner's too slow! We've got 'im!"

Mikasa glares. "I won't hesitate this time. I'll kill them without a thought. If Ymir feels like getting in the way, so much the worse for her."

Marco glances back to Mikasa. "I feel like we've been here before but, your obsessiveness over Eren isn't endearing Mikasa. If anything it's likely to get you in trouble in the future."

Armin turns to Marco. "Whoa. Marco, when did you become so blunt?"

"When we learned who the Female Titan was."

"I guess that makes sense. Speaking of which, do you believe Marcel was truthful about everything he said?" Armin asks.

Mikasa scoffs. "He's an idiot if he did."

"Do I think he meant it when he said he loved her still...? Yes. I do believe he still loves her even now despite everything." Marco comments.

Ymir then pulls Historia out of her mouth to which she coughs up some of the spit from Ymir's Titan.

"Christa!" Bertholdt shouts her name.

"Ymir...!" Ymir then exits from her Titan or at least removes he head and upper body while staying connected to it. "Ymir!"

"Christa- (coughs) No- -Historia,I'm sorry about eating you. You're uh, probably pissed."

"Wha- What is this? I- what's going on? Talk to me! We can to rescue you and Er-!"

"Just shut up! I don't need rescuing. Things have changed. I'm with Reiner & Bertholdt now. Like it or not, you're coming with us. There's no future inside the walls. Here me for a second, Okay? Life outside isn't as bad as you think, believe me. For starters there's no one saying the world woulda been a better place if you'd never been born."

"Yeah, I don't think titans would say much either way! They'd be too busy trying to devour me!"

"We've all got flaws! They're not so bad if you'd just give 'em a break! It's complicated, alright? Get off your high horse!"

"Ymir! I don't know what's going on in your mind, but you're not making any sense! Come on! What did Reiner & Bertholdt say? You're doing this against your will, they, uh, they threatened you!" Historia tries to make an excuse for Ymir.

Bertholdt scoffs. "It's the opposite, actually." He comments quietly.

"I'm right, aren't I? Let go! Whatever they've got on you, I don't care! We can fight them! Put the past behind you! What matters is right now! I'm here! I will always be your ally!"

"Ymir! Look. In case you haven't noticed the scouts are closing in. If we'd left earlier, there might've been a decent chance of outrunning them. Going back for Christa was your idea. You forced us. Remember that. We waited. For what? Damn it, Ymir! What the hell did we do this for? You can't have a change of heart! You want her to rot inside the walls? Does that seem acceptable to you now? Don't be a fool! Think!"

Historia hits the hand of Ymir's jaw Titan. "Let Go! Don't listen to him!"

"I can't! I wish I could. I'm sorry, sweetie. I know you think I did this for you. But at the end of the day I did it for me. A long time ago I stole the power of the Titans from one of their comrades. Not much I can do against them. Sooner or later, I'm screwed. But, they said if I cooperate, Hand you over, maybe I've got a shot at leniency. Maybe my crime gets overlooked. You're crucial to the church. You know the truth about the walls! When this world started going to hell I thought to myself, "couldn't hurt to have a bargaining chip in my back pocket." The castles as close to death as I ever wanna get. Whole experience traumatized me. Gave me perspective. If I have to play dirty to stay alive, then I have to play dirty. Pathetic, yeah. Doesn't make me the ideal friend. Like I said, though, I didn't do this for you. You deserve better, but there it is. I need you. Please save me, Historia!"

"Well, like I said. I'm here, and I will always be your ally!" Historia shouts at Ymir.

Ymir tears up a bit as she says this as Eren begins to wake up seeing the state of affairs he attempts to struggle against Bertholdt a scout seeing this attempts to rush up but is thrown headfirst to the ground by Ymir. When Mikasa takes out Ymir's eye as she goes for Bertholdt he shouts for Reiner who blocked her attack leaving Bertholdt to only see her eye. She's forced to move as Historia prevents her from attacking Ymir.

"You're not going to kill Ymir." Historia shouts.

"That all depends on her. What'll it be? She can step aside or she can die. Her choice." Mikasa says darkly.

"That's not fair! She'll die if she doesn't go along with what Reiner & Bertholdt Tell her to do. She's screwed unless Marcel can guarantee her safety!"

Mikasa readies to fight. "Listen, there's only so many lives I can give a damn about."

Marco then lands next to her and places a hand on her shoulder. "Just because you can't give a damn doesn't mean others are the same. Let's be clear if he wasn't humanity's best shot at winning we wouldn't have wasted the effort or men to get him back."

Mikasa turns to Marco furious. "What?"

"Strategically, he's only being pursued for this rescue because of his value in that regards. If he wasn't what he was no one but you would rush to save him." Mikasa growls as Marco turns to Historia and Ymir. "Can Ymir hear me in there?"Ymir nods and it's all the proof he needs. "Ymir. I promise that I'll do my best to make sure you're protected from any MP or Scout that wishes to harm you. As of today I personally will be your guard. Just help us get Eren. I mean, let's be honest the only reason Reiner probably accepted this idea was cause he has the hots for Christa." Marco comments, trying to act like Marcel.

Ymir doesn't show any signs of agreement as Reiner turns his head and looks to Historia. "Damn it, Reiner! I don't care about you that way! I'm not interested!" Historia shouts. He then snaps his head back as what looks like a tear falls from his Titan.

Bertholdt meanwhile tries to get Eren to stop struggling. "Quit struggling its not going to help."

"Good luck talking sense into that one, Bertholdt." Jean comments from outside Reiner's protection. "When something lights a fire under him, that's it. Getting Eren to calm down's a lost cause."

Marco chuckles. "Honestly, it's one of Jean's only main failures since becoming a cadet. Take our word for it."

Jean hums. "Yeah. I've been on the receiving end more than you have. Whaddya say we teach him patience? C'mon. Show yourself."

Mikasa glares through the cracks. "Give him back! Right now!"

Connie glances around his friends. "Guys, really? This is some kind of joke, right? No way this is you? You've been lying to us this whole time? We were supposed to be comrades!"

"They still are! This is all just a misunderstanding!" Sasha says panicking.

"Where d'you think you're going? You can't keep running forever. You know he won't let you. And besides we're not gonna let that happen. Rat bastards. Through thick and thin we slept under the same roof as soldiers for three years. Matter of fact, the positions you could sleep in were an art form, Bertholdt. I'm not kidding. Marcel and many of us boys loved waking up to see your contortions in the morning. Used to predict the weather with 'em. How'd you do it, Bertholdt? Must not've had a care in the world. Lying beside your victims, yet you slept like a log." Jean says through his hateful glare.

"Was it all just an act to you? What about the way we used to talk about surviving this together? The lavish party we all promised to attend after Marcel became commander. About growing old, looking back on the worst of t over drinks. Remember? What that all bullshit? Answer me! Go on! What was the point? What were you trying to do?" Connie asks earnestly to what he still believes to be his friends.

"It doesn't matter anymore!" Mikasa shouts.

Marco snaps at her again. "It always matters! However, we need to open up their hands and uncover the duo. If we take to much time and we forfeit Eren. "

"Who cares what they pretended to be. This was their choice." Mikasa shouts at Marco.

"No! You're wrong!" Bertholdt shouts back. "Who chooses to be this?! Tell me! What d'you think I am? Huh? What?! You think this is what we aspired to be? People loathe us. And why wouldn't they? We're monsters! We deserve to die for the things we've done. We're lost. We could live thousands of years and never again know peace. Try to imagine that darkness. The only light was our brief time as soldiers. It was never a lie! Do you understand? We're not who we said we were, but it wasn't an act! We genuinely thought of you as our friends! I'm not stupid. I know I have no right to ask forgiveness, but please. I beg of you. If we were comrades, someone find us."

Everyone stands silenced each left to their own thoughts well... all except one delusional lovesick puppy.

"Give him back. I won't ask again." Mikasa says through hatred.

"I'm sorry. I can't. One of you has to do it. One of you has to stain your hands with my blood!" Bertholdt shouts.

"Guys! Get down from there and take cover!" Hannes shouts from his horse.

Hannes looks in front of everyone seeing Marcel & Erwin leading a team as well as a few titans straight for Reiner.

"Squadrons break! Make the titans scatter!" Erwin shouts. Everyone splits up as Reiner attempts to plow through the Titans ultimately being swarmed.

Jean stares in awe. "What's going on? Is this hell?"

"Not yet. But it will be. All soldiers charge! We've come to the moment of truth! Mankind's fate is decided now! There is no future in which we reclaim these lands without Eren- and there never will be! Go! Recover Eren from the Armored Titan and retreat! You're heart and soul to the cause!" Erwin shouts. Marcel & Mikasa are the first to ride after him with others slowly joining in as well.

Jean watches in awe. "It's working. His hands are down!"

"Nows our chance!" Mikasa mutters.

"Uh, Mikasa? You can see those titans, right? I mean, I get it, your strong. But that's one hell of a mess. Slipping through isn't going to be easy."

"Advance!" Erwin orders. He yells seemingly to raise morale however it plummets when a titan bites on his arm and starts dragging him away which causes Marcel to turn to him in utter horror.

"Father!" Marcel shouts turning his horse to go after Erwin.

"I said advance, goddamn it! Eren's right in front of you! Do not falter!" Erwin orders.

Marcel drops a single tear as he turns away and rides for Eren screaming his lungs out as he rushes in alongside Mikasa. The pair able to slip by easily and go for Eren however Mikasa misses and just as she's about to get eaten Jean saves her while Marcel is able to kick Bertholdt he's then grabbed by the leg. He quickly cuts the titans finger and proceeds to kill it he then turns and lands on Reiner's other chest calling for Bertholdt.

"Bertholdt!" Marcel shouts. Marcel stops for a second before gaining a sadist like grin his cheeks flushing red as he places on an act as he stares down at Bertholdt. "So, you're okay with this?" He begins chuckling like a madman. "My, my, leaving your oh so dear Annie to be experimented on?" Bertholdt gasps now that he knows the knowledge Marcel has. "Maybe Annie was weighing you down. Don't worry, I'll pick her up. Maybe put a few buns in that oven while I'm at it. Of course, if she's still able to after Hange and the others get to her. Do you know where she is? She's up in Utopia District. Some of my close friends, Howe, Jacob, and Jette, getting to have their fun first with their torture. The silent treatment only gets one so far." Marcel laughs before continuing, silently he hates this, all of this. "Ara, ara, I loved hearing her screams. Oh, they were just delightful. So loud and full of life. They're taking special care of her. She won't die... nor will she get any rest. The body may heal... but her screams oh those wonderful noises. So many methods, I just wish we had more time. We mustn't waste a prize specimen like the Female Titan. Too precious."

Bertholdt glares at Marcel hatred filling his being. "Shut your mouth, hell spawn! I'll kill you!"

He goes to draw a blade however his arm is cut off and Eren is freed at the same time by Erwin as Marcel smiles seeing Erwin alive. He smirks to himself and jumps away grabbing Erwin and helping to carry him away.

"All soldiers! Retreat!" Marcel orders dropping from the act. Meanwhile Historia and Marco help save Ymir from a titan as she looks to the pair staring her down. He and Erwin ride away together that is until Titans start flying around as he turns and looks to Reiner seeing him throw the damn things in hopes he can stop Eren from escaping.

[Part 5: The Coordinate]

Marcel sits on his horse away from the battle on a hill top with Erwin beside him the pair barely able to see anything through all the smoke and steam. The pair watch as a titan chases to reach them when Ymir saves them

Erwin stares at her. "Is that one-?"

Marel nods. "That's Ymir... Commander, I'd like to make the request to have her assigned to my squad, if she goes rouge, I can always kill her."

Historia turns to Marcel. "You can what?"

Marcel and Erwin look behind them to see Historia with Connie & Sasha. Nearby Marcel notices Nifa saving a fellow scout as she rides towards them, Marcel signals her to retreat silently.

"I'm not the objective. Don't waste time on someone who can be replaced." Erwin says confidently.

"That's the problem. To me... you're irreplaceable." Marcel says looking over to Erwin both on horseback.

Erwin sighs. "Son."

Marcel steps forward. "Ymir!" She turns to him as his sadistic tendency has vanished and he's returned to his commander role. "As the 14th Commander of the Scout Regiment I guarantee that you'll have mine and the scouts support."

Ymir seems to contemplate on this and then eyes up Historia before nodding as everyone seems to relax when they all feel a sensation and they feel Eren's will. When Titans all ignore everyone and attack the titan by Eren. Marcel watches with confusion and wonder

"Ymir, let's go! This may be our only chance. Soldiers! Retreat!" Marcel orders.

Everyone begins running on horseback and Ymir in her titan form they watch as a few of the people in white suits like Ulrich attack and attempt to help some of them being eaten while a few others escaped alongside Reiner & Bertholdt who retreat to Shinganshina.

[Part 6: After The Fact]

Reiner & Bertholdt lay on top of Wall Maria Reiner and Bertholdt looking to each other sadly.

"I... I'm sorry... Bertholdt." Reiner says through exhausted breaths.

"No... I don't deserve such apologies."

With reports maintaining the likelihood of wall rose being compromised, citizens of the region were forced to take refuge in a subterranean city within the confines of Wall Sina. However, though emergency provisions had been stockpiled for the purpose, with over half the population relying on them rations could only last, at most a week. Beyond that lurked a terrible choice turn on each other like animals, or face the prospect of starvation. To avoid a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions, within a week of the titan onslaught, authorities declared Wall Rose secure. And thanks to many scouts and Military Police lives Eren Jaeger was retrieved. And we gained a new ally in Ymir. One other important thing happened along with all this.

Inside a Trost District hospital Miche lays asleep in a room as in a bed nearby is Commander Erwin missing his arm and in the room with them is Captain Levi, Marcel & Commander Pyxis. When a knock is heard at the door.

"Sis." Marcel comments from his position in the chair between the beds. "Come in." He says imitating his fathers voice.

"Pardon the intrusion, Erwin." Hange spots Pyxis and salutes. "Commander Pyxis. Glad we caught you. Um this is... state your name."

"Sir, Connie Springer, sir! 104th Cadet Corps!"

Hange nods. "Connie here is originally from Ragako."

Pyxis nods. "Ah, yes. Where the invasion seems to have begun, correct?"

"Yes, sir. In fact, he's corroborated a valuable piece of evidence in that regard. I think you'll find his story supports our hypothesis. Or rather supports one your theory's Marcel."

Marcel's eyebrows shoot into his hairline with interest. "One of my theory's? Connie, if you would."

Cut to Marco as he sits with Mina the pair relaxing after working hard for several days straight with no rest.

"Well... it seems our squad lived to fight another day." Marco comments stretching after a well deserved rest.

"Only because so many others didn't." Mina comments quietly.

Marco sighs he and Mina stop looking out of the wall inwards towards the inner district. !Yeah. I just hope the new position isn't too much for him." Marco says.

"Huh? What new position?"

"You haven't heard yet?"

Cut back to Marcel as his eyes widen with an unmistakable glow to them, though he ensures he doesn't smile his shock & joy would be evident without it.

"You're saying the titans responsible for this were the citizens of Ragako?" Pyxis asks for confirmation.

Erwin nods. "I see. So, in actuality, titans are human beings."

"Well, we don't have proof yet." Hange says.

"Great. Perfect. I've spent all this time. All this energy. And the things I've been carving through like carrion were people." Levi says frowning.

Hange nods. "Look, we don't know for a certainty." Connie & Hange leave as Levi watches them. While Miche opens his eyes after they leave. Marcel sits with his hands in his hair. "Now what?" He turns back to find Erwin sitting there with an unmistaken smile on his face. A childlike joy beaming. "Um, excuse me. What's with that smile?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Just... seems to me we've taken one more step toward the truth." Erwin comments.

Levi scoffs. "Wow. One whole step, huh?"

Erwin sighs. "Right. Section Commanders. You're both free to do whatever you want."

Levi, Marcel & Miche all turn to Erwin. "Both, sir?"

"After this past mission you've proven to me, that by the time you're eighteen you'll make a great commander. Until then... Marcel Zoe, I am granting you the title Section Commander."

Marcel's eyes widen at this news as Miche smiles and Levi allowing the trio to see one of his increasingly rare smirks. "Thank you, sir. I'll continue my hard work, even as a Section Commander." Marcel salutes to Erwin before turning to leave he opens the door and stops before turning to Erwin. "Just to let you know, Commander. I do plan to visit her from time to time even if she's being held underground in Stohess."

Erwin nods. "I understand." He says quietly, almost like a ghostly whisper.

Marcel walks away closing the door leaving the three together as he walks away now as a far more important member of the scouts than he was when his last mission began.

Chapter End.

Post Credit Scene

It's a beautiful day and yet, here I am traveling along wall Sina alongside my squad as we ride for Stones District. It's only been a few days since we were last here. Jean & Marco both know why we're headed here however, Mina does not. Though currently the scouts are awaiting permission to embark on another mission to Shinganshina.

"Marcel? Why are we riding for Stohess?" Mina asks.

"There's something there I want to check on. Make sure no ones done anything to it since we left." I say not turning to her.

"Huh? What could be so important in Stohess?" She asks.

Marco sighs. "Well..."

Jean riding besides me turns to Marco. "Not right now, Marco."

Once we arrive we hand our horses over to the stable master and nod to them as we make our way over to where they're keeping Annie as the two guards look at me.

"You're not supposed to be here, kid. Keep moving." The first guard says staring down at me.

"Section Commander Marcel Zoe. I've come to check on the prisoner. This is my squad."

"Section Commander? Aren't you a bit young?" The guard asks.

"The promotion came yesterday. I've come to check on the prisoner with my squad."

"Understood sir."

They both return to standing outside the door as my squad enters the room and walks down a staircase that leads us rather deep underground. After a while we look down a section of the stairs to show a glowing crystal with Annie inside. We descend down the stairs and stand in front of the crystal. I sit down as Mina collapses to her knees seeing this. Marco & Jean stand next to me as they both look to the crystal with hardened eyes.

"So... anyone have anything they want to say?" I ask.

Marco shakes his head. "Not really..."

Mina stares on horrified. "Annie... why?"

I shake my head. "I wish we knew. Well, here she is. We'll return to see her soon. First, we need to meet our new squad mates."

Jean now turns to me confused. "New squad mates?"

"Yes. With the amount of deaths the Survey Corps has incurred during Annie's assault, the Beast Titan's assault, not to mention getting Eren back from Reiner & Bertholdt, us recruits are being placed into squads with some of the veterans. Not to mention we now have our fourth Section Commander. Southern Section Commander of the scouts, is me. Eastern Section Commander is Miche, West belongs to Hange, and Nanaba was promoted to Northern Section Commander. Commander Erwin is the overall Commanding Officer. With the promotion, it also means I need to select people to my squad. I need an at minimum five people alongside myself for a total of six." I explain.

"Well, we make three. Who would the other two be?" Jean asks.

"I assume you've already made your decision on this Marcel?" Marco asks.

"You're right with the first three, Jean. And the two others are Ymir, and Sasha."

Jean groans. "You couldn't choose someone like Mikasa."

"You're joking right?" I ask genuinely annoyed.

"What?"

"I'm not dealing with an over emotional child." I put it bluntly.

"Over emotional?"

"You say one bad thing about Jaeger bombastic and she throws a fit. Honestly her love for him is gonna get a lot of people killed." I say crossing my arms.

"He has a point." Marco nods.

"Though, I do wish Armin was on my squad." I say sitting on a chair in the room.

"And why isn't he?" Jean asks.

"Levi needs new people after all of them but Petra died." I say remembering his squad.

"Who's on Levi's new squad?"

"Arlelt, Jaeger Boy, Mikasa, Connie and Christa."

Mina turns to me. "Isn't it-?"

"Not while we're inside Wall Sina." Marco says quietly interrupting her.

Mina nods. "Right."

"Say your goodbyes to Annie, this may be the last time we see her for a while."

Marco turns to the crystal. "Bye... Annie." Jean just hums.Mina looks down, unable to look at the Crystal. "Goodbye."

The three walk away and once their backs are turned I place a hand on the crystal and walk away. We make our way out of the city and quickly ride our horses through a thick forest within Wall Rose to reach the base of operations for my squad.

"Where are we going?" Mina asks, just nonstop questions with her.

"The Castle isn't safe. If I had to guess they'll come for Eren & Ymir." I say quietly.

"So they'll come after us." Mina notes.

"Yes they will."

"They why protect them?" Jean asks.

"Do you wanna recapture Wall Maria?"

Jean nods. "Yeah."

"Then we'll need those two." I say. We slow down on the horses now trotting along. "Well, we just need to hope for the best, expect the worst." I say my mantra.

Jean sighs. "God I wish we joined the MP's sometimes."

"I know, horse-face, I know."

Post Credit Scene End.