[Part 1: The Commanders]

It's been a week since the battle for Trost and soon we'll be deciding our regiment, and today, well most of us Cadets are in the barracks again as I hold a small ball and look to the others in the room.

"So? Where are you all going?" I ask tossing the ball to Connie.

"The Scouts." Connie answers.

"Really?" I say surprised by his answer.

"Yeah. If we retake Wall Maria then we can use all that land again." He tosses the ball back to me.

I smirk as I lightly toss it in the air before passing it to Sasha. "And you, Braus?"

"The scouts. Just like you."

"What? But you could join the Military Police. Unlike me. How the hell did you even reach the top ten Christa?"

Christa remains silent a small squeaky "Um..." Being all that escapes her.

"Hey, don't speak like that to her." Ymir shouts at Connie.

"It's her choice Connie. And what of you two? Ymir, Christa?"

Ymir grins. "Christa's joining the Military Police, right?"

"Actually... I want to join the scouts."

"What no way!"

"And you Ymir?" I ask.

"If she's joining the scouts, then I am too."

"Makes sense, and what about you three?" I toss the ball to Jean who's seated with Marco & Mina the three having sworn to be on my squad when I join the scouts, however that was in the heat of the moment back during the battle.

Marco grins. "We still agree with what we said. Marcel Squad will consist of Marcel Zoe, Marco Bodt, Mina Carolina..." Marco turns to Jean with a grin.

"...and Jean Kirschtein." Jean answers.

I smile to this which causes everyone to look to me. "Well, in that case, you all better learn to take my orders."

Ymir scoffs. "And why's that?.

"Cause you're looking at the 14th Commander of the Scout Regiment."

"Why would you be the next commander, Marcel?" Christa asks.

"He won't shut up about it. Anyone else who even says they might get it will get an earful that's for sure." Jean groans laying back while tossing the ball back to me.

"Heh. Because I'm already being groomed for it. Hey, horse-face, where's your groomer? Your manes getting pretty long."

Jean shoots up shouting. "I'm not a horse-face!"

I chuckle as I'm seated on the bed meanwhile laying next to me oh so comfortably is Annie not to mention Reiner & Bertholdt a little bit away.

"And you two? Braun, Hoover?" I ask tossing the ball which is caught by Reiner.

"The Military Police." Bertholdt answers.

"Well, alright then."

"Yeah, well... any clue on where Mikasa may go?" Jean asks.

"She'll likely follow Jaeger. So if I had a guess, I'd say the scouts."

"And what about you Annie?" Mina asks.

"The Military Police."

Connie chuckles. "Finally someone with a brain in the top ten." He says catching the ball being tossed by Reiner.

There's a knock at the door and it opens revealing Miche standing with Nanaba & Gelgar.

"Captain Miche, sir."  I jump down from the bed and salute as everyone follows suit.

Nanaba chuckles seeing everyone's reactions. "You trained them well, huh, squirt?"

"Commander Erwin is requesting you to join him up on the wall, kid." Miche says dryly, his gaze scanning everyone.

"I'll be there as quickly as possible, sir." I say still saluting.

Gelgar chuckles. "Try not to make him wait too long. "

"I'll try my best, Gelgar, sir." The three seem to share a smile and walk off as I relax the tension in the room goes down a bit. And I chuckle.

Jean smacks me on the back. "Why didn't you deny that you trained us!?" He shouts.

"Cause it was funny." I say chuckling getting my uniform on. "Well, anyways. I'm going to go. It's best not to keep him waiting. Later." I give a two finger salute to most before I turn and kiss Annie and run out of the room as it erupts in chaos. I close the door just before Jean and Connie can grab me and smile as I pass Levi Squad. I then hurriedly make my way up the wall where I'm met by Erwin and Pyxis Grandpa.

Saluting I speak gathering their attention. "Cadet Marcel Zoe, reporting for duty, sir."

Pyxis smiles. "Ah, you're here earlier than I thought you'd be. Good job. Come, walk with us. "

Erwin eyes Pyxis wearily. "Commander Pyxis. You're the C.O. of the Garrison Regiment. And I'm the commanding officer of the Survey Corp and the Scouts. Some people might disapprove of our meeting like this."

Pyxis laughs. "Ha! You're as straight-laced as your reputation. It seems that hasn't rubbed off yet." He turns glancing to me walking behind the adults. "Nothing untoward here. We just coincidentally bumped into one another while you and your son were also out for a morning stroll. Protocol doesn't prevent us from chatting under the circumstances. You are aware of the Military Police plan to take custody of Eren Jaeger, I presume."

I scoff. "If those fat pigs get their hooves on him, it'll ruin the entire plan to retake Wall Maria."

Erwin nods. "Yes. I received word yesterday. They plan to hold a deliberation on the matter."

"Hm. The decision has been left to Premier Zachary. Whether Cadet Jaeger's future lies with the Scouts, or in the hooves, as you put it, of the Military Police." Pyxis comments.

After a moment of thinking I chuckle gathering fathers attention, "Truth be told I'm gonna have to stop calling them pigs soon."

"Why's that?" He asks.

"My- Hm... Yeah why not- My girlfriend is going to join the Military Police."

Erwin smiles slightly. "So this girl is one of your classmates?"

"Yes sir. Annie Leonhardt. My best friend and well, now girlfriend."

Erwin places a hand on my shoulder gently patting it. "I'd like to meet her one of these days."

"I'll try to make the arrangements." I smile back to father.

"Hm... Zachary. You mean Premier Dhalis Zachary?" Erwin asks Pyxis.

"Do you know who he is, Cadet?" Pyxis turns to me.

"I apologize sir but, no I don't sir."

Pyxis hums. "I see. The Military Police, the Garrison Regiment, and the Scouts. All three fall under his jurisdiction. His decision will be based entirely on one factor; is Eren Jaeger's existence a benefit or a handicap to our survival? If deemed detrimental, Jaeger will be executed without a thought. Right then and there, if need be. I, for one, do not want to see him die. However, many in the Garrison Regiment, I'm sad to say, are fearful of Eren's unique ability. My hands are tied. The most I can do is avoid agreeing with M.P.'s. Do the odds favor you?"

Erwin shakes his head looking out of the district towards Wall Maria. "No, they don't. And yet, we do have a proposal prepared. Whether it will work or not, all depends on how the debate unfolds. Marcel, I'd like you to attend along side the scouts."

"You mean, you're going to play it by ear?" Pyxis asks.

"Our job is reconnaissance beyond the walls. Playing things by ear is all we ever do." I speak out of term, though it gets a smile from both of them.

"Well said, son." Father says.

Pyxis laughs. "You're not so uptight after all, it would seem. Thank you for the pleasant conversation. And good luck, Commander!"

I turn to father after looking at my watch. "Commander, When is the deliberation?"

"In a few minutes. Come, we must meet with Levi. You'll be acting as a witness for this. Your journal will be very important."

"Who'll be taking Eren from the dungeon to the deliberation?"

He takes a moment to respond staring forward as we walk. "Miche and... Hange."

"Hange? Sir, with all do respect sis is far more likely to grab him and run for it to do experiments."

"Yes. That is why I sent Miche with her."

I lower my head into my hand. "Let's hope he doesn't sniff him."

Erwin chuckles. "You know he will."

"Yeah." I sigh out.

After a few minutes of walking we arrive at the location for the deliberation. "You're late." Levi says waiting for us.

[Part 2: Eren's Fate]

We walk into the courtroom where the deliberation will happen as I stand with Commander Erwin & Levi.

"Forgive me, Captain." I say saluting to Levi.

"I was talking to Erwin." Levi brushes me off.

"That is enough, Levi. You too, Marcel." Erwin scolds us both.

Glancing around the room I notice civilians and even some men of the wall cult are here. I lean over to father and whisper to him. "Commander... why are there civilians in a military trial?"

"I don't know..." He responds hushed. "Likely to play on his conscious."

Levi scoffs not lowering his voice. "The idiots. If he wanted to kill us, having a few civilians here won't do anything but make them casualties."

I nod. "Yeah." We then turn and look as the door opens and Eren is brought in. I glance around seeing Mikasa & Armin here as well. Levi Squad, Miche Squad and even Moblit. Everyone's here, from Commander Pyxis, to Captain Rico. The C.O. of the Military Police, Nile Dawk and Nico Harms as well. The only ones missing are the members of the 104th Cadets with the exception of a few of us. We watch as Eren is placed on his knees and locked in place. We'll be starting any second now. We then stand in silence as Premier Dhalius Zachary enters the room.

"All right. Shall we begin? Your name is Eren Jaeger. And as a soldier, you have sworn to give up your life when called to, for the good of the people. Is that correct?" The premier asks, his voice commanding and dominant.

Eren hesitates a moment.p before answering, "Yes."

"As an enlisted soldier during a time of war, military doctrine demands your tribunal be held as a court-martial. As Commander of our armed forces, this matter is left to my discretion. Thus, I will determine whether you live or you die." Figured as much. This won't be easy for him. "Any objections?" Premier Zachary asks.

"No, sir." Eren answers.

"Your astuteness is appreciated. Let us proceed. As expected, covering up your existence has proven quite fruitless. And unless we publicly disclose your existence one way or another, we risk the outbreak of widespread civil unrest."

But civil unrest has been building ever since the fall of Wall Maria five years ago. Even if this information stayed discrete, and he was to be killed quietly, the mounting tension would get only worse every day. Eventually it would lead to a civil war. Our safest bet is to recapture Wall Maria and then look for what may be beyond the wall and hopefully find whatever is creating the titans and stopping it.

"A choice must be made. And the regiment that takes custody of you will determine your fate. The Military Police... or the Scout Regiment? To begin. The Military Police will now present their case."

Commander Dawk steps forward holding two papers in hand. "Thank you. My name is Nile Dawk. I am the Commander of the Military Police. Our recommendation, following a thorough examination of his physiology, subject Eren Jaeger should be disposed of immediately. We acknowledge that Jaeger's ability played a part in turning back the latest Titan incursion. However as has been stated, his mere existence is creating a swell of rebellious sentiment. For the greater good, after we have gathered all the information that we can from him, would see him made a fallen warrior of humanity."

"Unacceptable! This verminous Fiend has defiled the mighty Wall..." Another deranged cultist? Why are they even here? This is a Military trial. They serve no purpose, unless they plan to use the wall cult to test what Eren's intentions towards us are.

Zachary interrupts the cultist. "And now I'd like to hear the Scout Regiment's proposed plan."

Father steps forward. "Yes, Sir. As the commander of the survey corps. I Erwin Smith, propose the following: Let Eren Jaeger join our ranks. Reinstate him as a full member of the scouts, and we will utilize his titan ability to retake Wall Maria. That is all."

After Erwin steps back, I turn to him somewhat confused. "You're not going to use my journal for supporting evidence?" I ask quietly.

Levi stands next to me. "Shut it kid. Your journal should remain secret." He says quietly answering my question.

"Yes, sir."

Zachary also seems surprised. "Hm? Is that it?" He asks father.

"Yes. With his assistance, sir, I'm certain we can reclaim Wall Maria. Ergo, I believe our top priority is perfectly clear."

Zachary hums. "Quite bold. Assuming you were given clearance, where do you plan to launch this operation from? Commander Pyxis. The wall in Trost District has been completely sealed, is that correct."

"Yes. I doubt it's gate will ever open again." Pyxis informs everyone.

"We'll depart from Calaneth District, to the east. From there, we'll make for Shinganshina. A new route can be established as we proceed."

"But that's ridiculous! Our time and money would be better spent sealing up all the gates! They're the only parts of the wall that the colossal titan can break, right? Let's reinforce the blasted things and wash our hands of the entire affair!" A merchant shouts his outrage obvious because he wants a cushier life.

"Shut your mouth you, spineless merchant dog!" Diolvo shouts at the merchant. He's always been a hot-head. "With a Titan on our side we can finally return to Wall Maria!"

"We can't afford any more of your childish antics, or your delusions of grandeur!"

Levi steps forward. "Squealing louder won't help your case, pig." He retorts. "While we're bolstering our defenses, do you honestly think the Titans are going to stand idly by? And when you say "we can't afford," do you speak for anyone other than you fat merchant friends? Do you pigs even realize that most of our people are struggling just to survive off what little land we have left?"

"I'm simply saying that sealing the gates is the only guaranteed protection we've got!"

The Wall Priest turns to the merchant, they've started to turn on each other. "Hold your tongue, you vile, belligerent heretic! Are you really suggesting that we lowly humans meddle with Wall Rose, a gift to us from on high? The wall is a miracle. And it's divinity transcends human comprehension. Don't you understand?"

"It's a wall made of the same stuff we use to power our ODM. By the stats a simple kick from a Titan the size of the colossal could theoretically bring a sizable portion of the wall crumbling down on itself. Basic science and physics. If the colossal titan could move like any other Titan does then it could destroy all three walls in a matter of days." I inform the room, much to their horror.

"Order! I ask that you save your personal sentiments for a more appropriate venue. And you Cadet, what is your name?" Zachary demands.

Saluting, I turn fully to the premier. "Cadet Marcel Zoe, from the 104th Southern Cadet Corps."

"Ah, So you're the child the scouts seem to praise so highly. Commander Erwin, I recommend you keep your son from becoming a target or from dying."

Erwin places a hand on my shoulder shuffling me behind him. "Of course sir. I've promised to protect him with my life."

Zachary sighs turning back to Eren. "Now then Mr. Jaeger, I have a question for you. As a soldier you have made a solemn pledge to answer humanity's call. Can you still serve by controlling your titan ability?"

"Yes! I will, sir!"

"Oh? Is that so? I have two contradictory reports here, from Nico Harms & Rico Brzenska. The report from Nico Harms states that you were in the state of acting by instinct where you were taking orders from Marcel Zoe killing twenty or so of titans and protecting your classmates. Marcel, how accurate would you say this report is?"

I step forward now again in front of Eren. "Very, sir. When we first discovered his Titan form, we had no clue it was Cadet Jaeger. Myself, Cadets Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlelt saw him defeat two 15-meter class titans on his own. Using this we had Mikasa and another cadet, Connie Springer help lure him towards the Trost Headquarters to allow us to get inside. Knowing this I placed myself on the titans shoulder and after being given a glance by him he ignored me. When I spoke to him from this position I directed him towards the headquarters. He nodded and got to work. Cadet Jaeger then proceeded to fight off at the minimum 20 titans while all of us, low on gas, successfully retook the headquarters refilled our gas and escaped. As we were about to head over Wall Rose, the Titan fell over dead, and from the nape arose Eren Jaeger." I give a recap of everything we experienced.

Zachary hums. "I see. And this report from the Battle for Trost contradicts that. Just after transformation. It seems you made an attempt to crush Cadet Mikasa Ackerman. And who is this Mikasa Ackerman?"

Mikasa steps forward. "Me! That would be me, sir."

I turn whispering to Levi. "Ackerman? Why does that name ring a bell?"

Levi hums. "Some would say alarms as well."

"Alarms? Captain, I don't think there's anything a human could throw at you that could make you sweat."

Levi hums. "Not anything most humans can throw."

"Most, Sir?" I ask, Levi however doesn't respond. We spoke just long enough to miss an objection from Commander Dawk. After he speaks many start to panic causing Levi and I to glance at each other.

"Commander, what's out next move?" I ask father.

"Just wait, Marcel. Levi and I can handle this situation."

"If we don't move quick, they could attack both Mikasa & Eren. I hate to say it, but she'll kill just about anything that attacks Eren."

Erwin hums. "I can tell." Of course, Eren has his own outburst, but it leads perfectly to something I made a bet with Jean about.

Flashback

Jean: So what do you think will happen with Eren?

Marcel: With Eren? If I'm correct, he'll get his ass handed to him by Captain Shorty during the deliberation.

Jean: I doubt he'll be given to the Scouts. Come on. The Military Police will ruin whoever doesn't choose them.

Marcel: It's a military trial, they by law can't do anything about the decision made.

Jean: Let's make a bet. I bet that Eren will have an outburst and it'll lead to the Military Police getting their hands on him.

Marcel: Okay. I bet that he'll call the MP's cowards then get beat up by Captain Shorty. I also bet that Eren will join us scouts.

Jean: It's a bet.

Marcel: And what are we betting?

Jean: Loser cleans the men's bathroom for the other for a month.

Marcel: You've got a deal, horse-face. I hope you know how to work a toilet.

Jean: Yeah, right.

Flashback End.

My smirk doesn't go unnoticed by Erwin who repeatedly glances my way as we watch Levi beat up Eren with kicks.

"Something funny, Marcel?" Father asks.

"Not really. But... if this goes on like this, I'll have won a bet."

Erwin frowns. "And what is that bet about?"

"If I win one of my classmates has to clean the recruits restroom in my place for a month sir."

"Did you make the stipulation?" He asks.

"No sir. I simply agreed to the bargain."

"And everything that's happened went according to plan?"

"If the premier chooses us, then everything went perfectly." I smile watching the scene in front of me.

"You know personally, I think nothing instills discipline like pain." Levi says kicking Eren again. "You don't need a good "talking-to". What you're in need of, boy, is to be taught a lesson. And you happen to be in perfect kicking position."

"N-Now hold on, Levi!" Nile calls out scared.

Levi looks up to him darkly. "What is it?"

"It's dangerous. What if he gets angry and turns into a Titan?"

"Don't be silly. After all, you guys just want to dissect him, don't you? During the time he was transformed, Marcel just said Jaeger was able to kill 20 titans before he finally ran out of strength. As an enemy, his intelligence makes him all the more dangerous. But I could still take him down without a problem. How many of you, Shut up Marcel, can say the same?" I smile deviously as he outright calls me out while everyone else stays stunned especially those of the Military Police. "Before you torment the beast, you'd better think. Can you actually kill him?"

Erwin turns to the Premier. "Sir. I have a proposition."

"Proceed."

"There's still too much we don't know. And no doubt, his anger will be ever present. As such, I suggest this; Eren Jaeger will be placed under Captain Levi's supervision. And we'll conduct a recon mission outside the wall."

"Jaeger will join you in this excursion?" Premier Zachary asks.

"Yes, Sir. Then you can look upon the mission's results yourself. And if he successfully controls his ability... Eren will have proven his value to mankind."

"Eren Jaeger will be closely supervised? And if he should lose control?"

Levi scoffs. "I can definitely kill him, if it comes to that. The only downside is, there's absolutely no middle ground."

Zachary hums. "Then I have made my choice."

I smirk knowing full well what that choice is. After all is said and done I walk out of the room and sigh in relief as I see Mikasa walking towards me with Armin trying to hold her back.

"Come to beat me up, Ackerman?" I ask her.

"Why did you let that shorty hurt him?" She glares at me.

"Because, if I didn't Premier Zachary would've let Eren go to MP's." I say buying some water from a street vendor trying to set up shop again after the attack. "Besides, the only person other than you guys to be able to control him would be Levi. And he wouldn't let emotions get in the way. It's far more than I can say about you." I turn to Mikasa. "The report I said, is entirely accurate. It's a shame you do nothing but baby him. He'd be a fine man by now if he lost his safety net and was allowed to fall and get back up on his own. But he has you. A perfect net to make him hate himself more." She recoils, I sighs seeing this and start walking away. "Whatever, I need to find Jean & Annie."

"Annie?" Armin asks.

"Yeah, my girlfriend. And Jean... because I just won a bet. Armin, I'll need you as a witness for something."

Armin nods hesitantly. "Right. Come on Mikasa."

Mikasa follows but barely reacts murmuring to herself. "I make him hate himself?"

"Don't take it too harshly. You constantly baby him, tell him to find you if he needs help, like he's a child who needs mommy's milk. He'll never grow up if never loses that." I speak honestly.

"But what about you? You had the entire Scout Regiment looking out for you."

"Yes, I did." I answer honestly. "However, when they were teaching me to ride a horse, I fell off multiple times. And they didn't pick me up and put me back on. I was told to get up and get back to work or I'll never be Commander." I smile showing them a scar on my back, it's not to gruesome but it's still there. "I worked for everything. Like you, I come from Shinganshina, but unlike you, I didn't have anyone I knew from Shinganshina. I had no family, no friends, no memories, only my name and a letter. Everything since then, I worked for, and I helped the scouts. " I spoke as we walked through the district still recovering from the invasion. Many soldiers were walking about the area, mostly because of the deliberation. And being curious about the results. As we were walking I spotted my squad together as Mina and Marco were questioning Annie while Jean was looking around aimlessly. "Squad Marcel! Hop to!" They all perk up and look to me with Armin and Mikasa behind me. They stand and are about to salute when I smile. "At ease. Marco, Mina, I hope you've been treating her right while I've been away. And, Jean, I win."

Jean's jaw drops. "What? No way?"

"What did you win?" Armin asks.

Jean bangs his head on the table. "No... they gave Eren to the scouts?"

Mikasa turns to us angrily. "You made a game out of this?"

"Yeah. What happens to Eren isn't exactly going to be a big emotional problem for me. Unlike you two, I have no ties to him emotionally. It's why I can make a fair judgement of his character. Now, come on, sit down everyone." I take a seat next to Annie and put my arm around her shoulder and pull her in. She struggles against it a bit, but gives in as we all sit and discuss the regiments and how the deliberation went. Personally I enjoy these times. With my friends, Annie, and with everyone.

[Part 3: Planning of the 57th Operation]

A few days later is finally the ceremony to decide which Regiment we will join. The first Regiment, as usual is the scouts. And while usually I'm behind the stage helping with setting everything up, I know that won't be the case with this year's recruitment as I'm one of the cadet's being recruited. Though, I think I can understand why I wasn't allowed even by people I know. They don't know if they can trust me not letting my friends in back there was well. Oh well. For now I stand with my group, or rather a mix of us either stand together, lean against a wall or sit. However, I also spent some time with Commander Erwin in planning this next mission. He wanted me there with him during his talk with Captain Miche.

Flashback

Miche: We're thirty days out from an expedition to set up a logistics base beyond the wall. And now you're saying we'll have a crop of green recruits along for the ride.

Marcel: Captain, If I may be so bold to say, many of those recruits are the survivors from the battle of Trost. Myself included.

Miche: Yes, but you've been involved with the scouts since you were a kid. Many of them have not.

Erwin: Assuming any sign up, yes.

Miche: Not to be a nay-sayer, but doesn't that seem rash to you both? Honestly what are their odds?

Erwin: Our custody of Eren is conditional on the results of this mission. Right now, the first order of business is persuading the brass we have him under control; that he's an asset, not a threat. The last thing we want is for the Military Police to throw in their lot. Or someone else.

Miche: And you don't want to give me a straight answer. Is that it?

Marcel: Your nose is as sharp as ever, Captain. Not bad.

Miche: Yeah, well. Not as sharp as your dad's on a good day.

Erwin: You'll both have the facts soon enough.

Flashback

A shame so it was that Sawney and Bean, the two titans Hange had been conducting experiments on were killed. It led to something that scares me. I'd hate to be right about this, but still, for now, I'll keep hushed about it. They checked every cadet's ODM gear. Though no one has been found guilty of killing the pair yet. I know for a fact that if they wanted to they could frame whoever they wanted. Personally I feel bad for Eren. He had to deal with both Captain Shorty and big sis for the last few days without me to hold either of them back. An estranged lot, we scouts are the strange, the unique and the few. The crazed who wish to change the world. Though that question from Erwin... it still... has me

"What is it you think you see? Who do you think the real enemy is here?" I hear his question again. Truth be told the answer I gave him doesn't have my own convinced self into it. Someone who's hoping to stop our progress. An enemy looking to ruin the scouts... and take Eren. Though his response to that has me on edge. "I see. Be wary, for those trusted most could be the true enemy."

He knows it's not me as I slept in his office and was no where near my or anyone's ODM. Even then, I wouldn't harm Hange's test subjects unless she gave me permission. I asked my question to them all and they all gave their answers... the only ones on the top of my list... are Reiner, Connie, and... no, it can't be her. I don't even want to imagine her as a traitor. I don't know how I'd act if it was her. Though I never expected she'd ask it back.

"If you were to be ordered to die, would you?" That was her question.

Yes. That's the way of the scout. We sacrifice our lives in order to gain even the slightest chance of humanities survival. If my life helps tip the scales further to our side, I'd happily lay down my life.

[Part 4: Joining the Scout Regiment]

"Marcel." Jean says hitting my head with a rock.

I look around and notice everyone staring at me, Annie has even intertwined our hand, or maybe I did that while lost in my thoughts.

"You've been silent for nearly twenty minutes. Are you lost in thought?" Armin asks.

"I am... a bit. It's just... I'm dealing with a lot of stuff. Everything regarding Eren & the deliberation, what happened to Sawney and Beane, the inspection and everything. I'm just worried is all."

Marco sits next to me. "Hey, I know you'll make a fine Commander."

"You tell everyone they'll make a fine leader?" I tease.

Marco stammers. "Not everyone."

"Good, cause I don't think Jean will be all that happy if you did."

Marco chuckles. "I guess not."

"Well, Marcel Squad will officially be a part of the Scouts today." Mina cheers trying to raise our spirits.

Jean & Marco grin. "Yeah."

"Well, most of Marcel Squad." I comment. The three of them look to Annie and our interlaced hands.

"Speaking of which, Marcel, Annie? When did that happen?" Jean asks.

"When did what happen?"

Mina smiles. "You two." She says sitting next to Marco.

Annie deadpans. "The day of the cleanup."

Connie recoils. "What? You mean to tell me while we were cleaning corpses you were making out?!"

"No, after all of that." I laugh out. "We spoke privately after the fact. Besides, she's been my assistant in the workshop for the past three years. It'd be dumber if we weren't as close as we are. I've had to trust her with a lot of things."

Annie hums. "I've saved your life a few times."

"And that too. It'd be strange if two people as close as us didn't end up like us."

Marco hums. "He has a point."

"I know, it's just strange, Annie seems so..."

""Seems so..." what?"

"Reclusive." Mina says to try and save Jean. "You're a bit of a loner."

"Yeah, well... you're about to meet some of the strangest & diverse people out of every Regiment. There is no sane person who lives in the scouts... other than maybe Nana, and Petra."

"Who are Nana and Petra?" Annie asks.

"Two Scouts. Nanaba of Miche Squad, and Petra of the acclaimed Levi Squad. Both are like sisters to me. And I'm very protective of my family."

"Cadets! Fall in! Head over to the platform! Time to make your choice! Move it!"

Jean hums. "Heh. Well, I won't judge anyone who doesn't join. Unlike a certain suicidal maniac."

"I can agree there. Honestly, every month has led to another goodbye. I just hope that one day there'll be no more need for the scouts,. Then, I think I'll settle down in one of the inner districts. Maybe start a family." I say ponderously.

Annie scoffs. "Wow, in front of me?"

"Come on, Annie. Not any time soon. Besides, I'm sure we'll at least be able to see each other every so often."

Annie huffs. "Whatever.?

Jean speaks first. "Holy..." Followed by Marco. "Shit..." them Mina. "Shes..." and lastly all three at once. "Blushing?!" She walks away even quicker as I chuckle and follow after her every single on of us standing near the front of the cadets as we prepare for Commander Erwin's speech.

"Good evening. I am Erwin Smith. Commander of the Survey Corp, also known as the Scout Regiment. Today, you will choose your regiment. Let's cut to the chase here. The Scouts need you. We need all the warm bodies we can get. After the recent Titan attack, you now know first-hand the horrors of which they are capable. As well as the limits of your own skill. However...! This battles aftermath gave humanity a new chance for victory. I refer to Eren Jaeger. After selflessly risking life and limb, he has proven, beyond a doubt, his unwavering loyalty to our cause. Hope lives in him. Eren didn't just help to deter the Titan invasion. He's offered us a means to discern the truth of their origin! Intel suggests that the cellar of Jaeger's home in Shinganshina holds a vital secret regarding our enemy. We will form an expedition to find this secret. Find it. And use it to break free from the Titans' tyrannical hundred-year reign once and for all!"

He's just giving away that information? That should be top secret unless... he's looking for whoever the traitor could be among us.

"The cellar, huh?" The voice that asks that is one I recognize. Reiner. It's amazing how far things have progressed in a few days. The question now is... whose the one who'll take the bait.

"Before we can reach the aforementioned cellar in Shinganshina, another problem must be dealt with. We must first retake Wall Maria. Of course, this is much easier said than done."

I watch as Petra and Miche, god their heights don't match at all, hold up a map showing the path we'd have to take in order to reach Shinganshina. Father continues to speak. "Now that the gate at Trost has been rendered inaccessible, we'll be forced to stage future operations from the Calaneth District, further east. Thus, the battalion route we've spent the last four years establishing is now useless to us. Over the course of those four years, we've incurred loses in excess of 60%. 60% in four years. That's a horrifying figure. One month from now, we will conduct a recon mission outside the walls. Recruits from among your ranks will be expected to take part. I estimate a third of them will die. After four years, most will be dead. But those who endure will be amongst the most capable soldiers alive. Now having heard this dismal state of affairs, whoever still wishes to put their life on the line and join us, remain here. But first ask yourself. Can you give your heart? Can you give everything for humanity? That is all."

I look directly in front of me. And standing there, Annie. I glance between Erwin and her and he noticing my gaze seems to notice her and despite hiding it his face beams for a brief millisecond. I then shake my head he knows I don't want her in the scouts. And he agreed. It would be best if we didn't both join.

"Those wanting to join other regiments are dismissed." He says then and there. Many of them turn tail and run, I don't budge as some of them barge past me. Come on, Annie, go. Join the Military Police. She then turns to me full of sorrow in her face she then walks up to me grabs my head and plants a kiss on my cheek before speaking quickly.

"Don't you dare die, got it." She says quietly.

"I promise." I return the kiss to her forehead and she walks off as I look slightly behind the curtain to see many of the scouts giving me a thumbs up, that's a bit embarrassing. Those of us that stay, are few.

"I ask you, if you were ordered to die, could you do it?" Father asks.

"We don't wanna die, sir!" A cadet answers.

"Of course. Let us hope that you don't then. You who stayed, you are now one of us. Allow me to welcome you to the Scout Regiment. This is a genuine salute, soldiers! Together, we give our hearts!"

Everyone salutes. And I stand proudly looking to my Commander... no... to my father. Erwin Smith. I'm proud to call myself your son. Even if I'm not your son biologically, you raised me. You and the rest of the scouts are my family. I will help in any way I can and no matter the cost whether it be life or limb, nothing will stop me.

"Sir!" Everyone says to him after the end of his speech.

"Those Of you standing here have worked through your fear. You have proven yourselves courageous. Each one of you has my respect."

Father. I won't let you down. I promise you. I will stand as the 14th Commander, and as your son, I will save everyone. Those who joined the scouts were few, and I made sure to write down every name. We the few, we the courageous, The Scout Regiment will be the spear and the shield to defend humanity and strike back at its enemies!

Chapter End.