Trost District Afternoon
[Part 1: The Reeves Company Promise]

Flegel stands against a wall out of breath as Military Policemen round a corner sneering and chuckling to themselves. "Thanks, dumbass. There won't be any witnesses in an abandoned dump like this." Roger taunts the portly man.

"Damn it..." Flegel says.

"I owe you big time. Thanks a bunch, Flegel. I mean when you gave us the slip before, back in the alley, I really thought I was screwed!" Roger fakes sobbing. "My boss would've killed me. I'm serious. Thanks for coming back, Flegel. Nice knowing ya."

"No! Wait! Don't shoot yet, please! Why did my father have to die? Did the Interior Police Kill him?" Flegel asks.

"What? I don't see how that matters to you. After all, you're about to be a corpse yourself in a moment."

"Please! Before I die, I wanna know. What did my father do for you to justify killing him?"

Roger tilts his head. "Huh? I thought you know. He betrayed us and started helping out those bastards in the Scout Regiment."

"So his orders- -they came from the Interior Police? You guys had him kidnap those scouts?"

"Well, it was a different squad, but yeah. Guess old Dimo didn't say too much about it. At least not to his dimwit excuse for a son."

Flegel starts to lose his stutter. "And what if he'd refused to do it?"

"Oh he knew way too much. We'd have killed him. I mean, we killed him anyway, but that's what he gets. The damn idiot. What made him think the Survey Corps could help this trash city?"

Flegel starts to drop all pretenses, the fear in his voice. "You would never understand." Roger hums. "You think your real smart shit, don't you? Wanna know the last thing my dad taught me? He said a good merchant should trust his nose. And I'm glad I listened because it led me to the people who could avenge him. And I side with them!"

"You're gonna die here, piggie! No need to be brave- go on and squeal!" Roger shouts.

"My business with you is over, asshole! Why don't you take a look above you!"

Jumping down from above the MP's spot Five Scouts descending on the three MP's as Marco, Ymir & Moblit tackle the three Military Policemen, Marcel & Hange stand next to Flegel.

"We pulled it off! Did everyone hear him?!" Marcel shouts out.

"No." Roger says weakly. "The Scouts are here? But why?" He looks up seeing dozens of civilians leaning on railing staining down at the three.

"This "dump" ain't abandoned." One of the citizens says looking down on the Military Police Officer.

"Bet it seems unlivable to you. Yet we're here. The place isn't half as nice as it used to be., but it's still our home. We heard everything. About Reeves and who had him killed. Every last one of us is a witness."

"Yeah? Well, it doesn't matter! Cause it's the government that decides what's true." Roger shouts. "Idiots! Don't even think for a second you can get away with this! You're in for a world of-! "He groans from Flegel sitting on his head.

"Listen. You'll all be fine, 'cause The Reeves company will protect you. You trusted my father, Dimo. Well, now I'm in charge. So, from now on, you can count on me. That's a promise."

The citizens clap for Flegel some cheering for the man as Hange approaches him. "Glad to see you stepped up. Hey, you give 'em hell Flegel."

Flegel nods to Hange and Marcel. "Right." Hange turns to spot Roy & Peaure standing nearby watching having heard it all.

Forests
[Part 2: Pain or Gain]

Levi and Jean stand over the Interior Policemen they caught earlier as he now has a bloodied face. He spits out some blood panting. "Screw You."

Levi kicks him again as Jean is squatting in front of the man. "Where'd they take Eren & Christa?" Jean asks.

"You bastards. You think you're so brave. That post was manned by recruits. They barely even knew how to wipe their own asses. No one's gonna think you're heroes for beating them down."

Levi sarcastically responds. "Yeah, the guilts tearing me apart." Levi kicks him again. "But what really gets at me is this mouth of yours. I'm gonna suggest that you start talking while you're still able to use it. Now, where are Eren & Christa?"

"You can't win. All that's left to you now is to find some filthy corner to hide in! Covered in mud and shit! If you don't turn yourselves in, then every last Scout we captured will get the noose! Starting with the guiltiest one of all, Erwin Smith, then his bastard of a son, Marcel Zoe."

Mina, who was standing nearby kicks the soldier in the crotch, however before he can yell in pain, Jean kicks him with the tip of his boot hitting the soldier's eye making blood spurt from it and he still screams in pain. "Hurts doesn't it." Jean says voice laced with venom. "That's what you get for not answering Captain's question. Some scouts' lives are more valuable than others. Only those dumb enough to agree to that join us."

"Again, where'd they take Eren & Christa?" Levi asks.

"I-I don't know." The Interior Policeman says through tears. "Nobody told me, I swear! Kenny Ackerman doesn't like to make his business known!"

Levi recoils. "Ackerman? I know Kenny. That his last name?"

"It is but-!"

"He never was much of one for sharing information. Not important stuff, anyway. But I bet you have a rough idea. You best try to remember. You still have plenty of bones left for us to break."

"Damn it! Are you insane?!"

Levi shrugs. "Maybe."

"Somebody's coming towards us! There's more than one!" Sasha warns the group. Everyone prepares to fight as Mina hides in a tree watching those individuals arrive.

Mitras Earlier that day
[Part 4: The trial of Erwin Smith]

Erwin sits his face bruised and beaten. He glances over to the Military Policeman entering his cell. "You've seen better days. Kinda funny. You were lecturing me just the other day." Nile says, speaking down to Erwin. "Soon you'll be sent before the king. Then, his council will determine your sentence and what to do with the Survey Corps."

"So you came." Erwin coughs. "Tell me, Nile, where do you live? Stohess, was it? How's Marie? How are your children? I trust they're all in good health?"

"Marie and the kids are- they should be just fine. I haven't been home in a while, but... it's in wall Rose on the east side."

Erwin nods. "I see."

"Why ask that? What's going on?" Nile asks.

"I entrusted something to Commander Pyxis. Whenever that crucial moment comes... what happens next is out of my hands. It'll be your choice to make. Yours and theirs." The following day Erwin is led to the King's council where he prepares to face his trial.

Aurille stands as Erwin enters the chamber. "Erwin Smith. Do you have any last words?"

"When facing your enemy, you can't just guard with a shield. You need a spear to dispatch the threat. If you disband the Scout Regiment, it will be akin to humanity tossing its spear aside. Suppose that in this very instant, Wall Rose was Breached. Once again, half of humanity would be forced to flee, this time to Wall Sina. But the earlier evacuation left us with only a few more days worth of supplies at best. And when they run out, locals and refugees will be forced to fight for survival. Wall Rose and Wall Sina- all of humanity would split, and a civil war would quickly erupt. Even if the walls were not breached again, Wall Rose is suffering from a perpetual shortage of food. It may not be Titans that breach Wall Sina. It's entirely possible that the residents of Wall Rose will do it first." Some of the soldier's nearby murmur to each other others gasp while a few maintain their composure. "Wall Maria must be reclaimed. If humanity is to have any hope for the future, then that is the way."

"And you think that such an undertaking requires the scouts?" Aurille asks.

"Our duty as Scouts has ever been to charge forward at the enemy. Cowering in wait behind these walls will solve nothing. That's my belief. Unless you have some sort of secret plan by which we might overcome this ordeal."

Aurille brings his wrist to his mouth, an attempt to hide his stunned face. "Ahem. Commander, it seems you misunderstand what this is. The reason we brought you here is not to discuss our future within the walls. Nor is it on account of something as simple as a murder. Clause Six of the charter of humanity; One must never prioritize their own gain over humanity's survival. You've broken the most sacred of laws."

Gerald stands. "Indeed. You have refused to hand over Eren Jaeger time and time again. And through this selfish action, you've violated our charter."

"But Eren is vital for the reclamation of Wall Maria!" Erwin retorts.

"That is not for the Scouts to determine! Eren Jaeger is a Titan whose abilities are far from Understood! To shelter him within our walls is to put all of humanity at risk. And the very idea of allowing a single commander to have control of him is absurd."

Aurille nods. "As shown by the way you maliciously schemed against the state. Not only did you feign his abduction in order to conceal his whereabouts, you also slew Dimo Reeves when he learned too much. This amounts to blatant treason."

"It's not a stretch to describe you as a threat to humanity."

Gerald turns to Pyxis. "Commander Pyxis. The Garrison and Scout Regiments frequently risk their lives side by side on the front lines. How are we to know that you aren't working together now?"

Pyxis smiles. "I am deeply disturbed to hear that you believe we would align ourselves with the Scout Regiment. There is nothing more senseless than humans killing each other. In this cramped world that's been left to us, it would take but a single spark to engulf all. Just before the battle to retake Trost began, I said as much to the men I lead, and then sent hundreds to their deaths. If the Scout Regiment is that fatal spark, then it should be smothered at once. Hi I about it. What if the Titans did manage to break through the wall only to find next to no one inside it? The poor monsters might have to go hungry."

"Ha!" Gerald laughs before clearing his throat. "Very well, then. Let's begin deliberations."

"Your majesty. With your permission."

The four councilmen make a small circle as Erwin continues to kneel staring forward. Nile continues to look to Erwin as Pyxis keeps a slight, albeit very hard-to-notice grin on his face. 'Erwin, is this how you want it to end?'

Aurille then steps forward as the others return to their seats. "Now then, in the king's name, I'll announce your final judgment. Commander Erwin Smith. You have been found guilty of violating Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity. Your sentence is death." Many of the soldiers gasp. "Your execution will be carried out at once. Take him."

'Erwin, is this what you wanted? What about your dream?' Nile hesitates. Erwin glances to Nile with an honest smile on his face. When the doors are burst open by Nifa & a member of the Garrison, Anka, both in Garrison Uniforms.

"Wall Rose has fallen!" Anka shouts.

Nifa stares at Erwin. "The Gates have been breached! It was just like Wall Maria. The Armoured and Colossal Titans appeared out of thin air and broke through both gates in Calaneth District! Currently, countless refugees are flooding this way from the east."

Pyxis turns stretching out his arm. "Secure an evacuation route! Order all available Garrison Troops to make for the eastern front and defend the people! We must get those evacuees into Wall Sina! Hurry and go! Saving the people is our highest priority!"

"Sir!"

"No, wait!" Aurille orders, Pyxis turns back and hums. "I want every last gate to Wall Sina closed off! Not a single refugee will be allowed inside this wall!"

Nile's eyes widen. "But... all those people! Everyone in Wall Rose will die! You're commanding us to stand by while half of humanity gets devoured?"

"Like Erwin said, if we let them in, then we'll end up in a civil war. The rule of law must be protected above all! The government mustn't fail!"

"We can't be sure. That's only a possibility! There's no guarantee that w-!" Nile argues.

"It's enough that the possibility exists! Our authority is and must always be absolute! Now follow your orders!"

Pyxis nods subtly as Anka & Nifa rush out of the room. As they do Nile disobeys the council and as he voices up about it, Nifa and Anka return with one very important person and they have men with rifles, and next to the Premier is a young boy, the boy a section commander his scout jacket on full display as he enters the room, Marcel Zoe.

"I stand with him." Zachary says walking into the room.

"P-Premier Zachary."

Pyxis turns to Zachary. "Did you find the way they reacted surprising? Or was it expected?"

"Surprising? Not a bit."

"Premier Zachary. What's the meaning of this?" Gerald shouts.

"That report you all just heard was fabricated by myself & Commander Pyxis. There's no cause for alarm, gentlemen. As of this moment, there have been no reports of any Titan attack." Marcel says standing next to Erwin.

"Bastard! This was all a farce?!"

Pyxis steps forward. "It wasn't his plan. It was mine."

"Pyxis?"

Pyxis smiles. "It would appear that most of the interior police are off rounding up scouts somewhere. Which worked out nicely for me."

"What are you saying?" Aurille asks.

"When you asked me, I declared in earnest that the Garrison Regiment is not aligned with the Survey Corps. But I forgot to mention something else. We are not aligned with your assembly either. That's right. Although I agree with Erwin on several points, I was still willing to put my trust in your government, so long as you could prove yourselves to be, the better choice for humanity. Because you have knowledge that we don't, about both the titans and the walls. Had you shown that you actually gave a damn about protecting the people you govern, I would've stood by and watched as you sent both Erwin and Marcel to the gallows. In fact, depending on the choice you made, all of us were prepared to forfeit our lives. However, you've made it clear that our suspicions were correct. It's true that we soldiers know next to nothing about the titans and their powers. But I dare say that despite this fact, humanity is safer in our hands."

Aurille scoffs. "What? Don't be such a fool! Just what do you expect to accomplish by threatening us? You'll fail. The people will never obey you! The monarchy has ruled for over a hundred years. You would never gain the support of the nobles!"

"It would appear that you've misunderstood what this is." Marcel says walking proudly up the stairs. "It's far more than a mere threat, it's a coup d'état."

Marco then rushes into the room and salutes to Zachary and speaks as Marcel turns to him. "The Interior Police have been subdued. The capital is secured, sir." Marco announces.

Zachary smiles. "Well done." This announcement causes the Nobles gasp in horror. "To be a soldier can sometimes mean obeying your commander over your king."

Pyxis nods. "And that's especially true when the king's a pretender. He'll be exposed and replaced."

"This is real? You plan to-!" Aurille growls. "Don't think for one second that this coup has a sliver of legitimacy!"

Erwin slowly rises still chained up. "Given the scenario, you were presented with, your choice to close Sina's gates broke Clause Six of the Charter of Humanity. Furthermore, you installed a puppet king in order to seize the reigns of power for yourselves. This crime is known as treason."

"Shit!" Aurillethe throne. "Wake up!"

"What, is it dinner time?.

"Oh Shut your mouth, you stupid oaf!" The royals are arrested as Marcel is given the key to Erwin's chains he along with Nifa & Marco go and release him to which Marcel hugs his father who lays a hand on his head.

"Thank you, for everything." Marcel says softly.

"No, thank you, son."

Nile walks over to Erwin as they walk out of the palace. "Well, Erwin. Looks like you managed to pull it off. Wait. You don't seem happy."

"I'm thinking. Humanity is on a new path. One far more dangerous than the last."

The forest that night
[Part 5: Exonerated At Last]

Three figures approach Levi's position until they lower their hoods revealing Hange, Moblit, & Ymir. They hand a paper to Levi that everyone reads while explaining the situation.

"And there you have it. The coup was successful. Premier Zachary now has full control of the capital and government. For the time being at least, the nobles seem to be staying in line." Hange informs them.

Armin nods. "Okay, But what about the incident with Mr. Reeves?"

"Thanks to Marcel & Flegel, we got a public confession out of one of the Interior Police. Reeves' son Flegel really pulled through for us. It's all written right there. The abuse of power, the bogus charges against the scouts, and that King Fritz was a puppet and a fraud. It's clear that we only acted in self-defense. In short, we're no longer criminals." The younger scouts celebrate as Ymir smiles softly at the sight as Jean & Mina hug the celebrating with hugs or cheers.

"That can't be. They beat us?"

Levi nods. "Looks like Erwin's gamble paid off. I assume he was able to get Miche & Nanaba our early?"

Hange nods. "Marcel is to get the pair and meet with us soon. It wasn't just Erwin who gambled here. Many people had to make a lot of hard choices for this to work."

"Whereas my choices got three of your people killed. "

Hange nods. "Still have Moblit & Nifa." She says with a chuckle.

"Assuming Nifa doesn't hitch a ride on Marcel." Levi says jokingly.

"Not if she knows what's good for her. He's my brother after all. I need to protect him." Hange jests.

"Yeah. I'm sorry. Here's the thing- the interiors may have lost, but not all of them know it. They still have Eren, and Historia, too. We need to find them quickly."

"Right. I think I know where they might be. Marcel's leading a group there to rendezvous with us. Let's get there and put an end to this fight." Hange says turning to head towards their next goal.

Chapter End