Part 2
"Hey answer the goddamn question, you brat," demanded Levi. "What do you want to do?"
"i want to join the Scouts and slaughter every Titan that stands in my goddamn way," answered Eren.
"Well played," said Levi.
Levi started walking towards the bars
"Erwin, I'll take responsibility for him," said Levi. "Let the higher-ups know. I don't necessarily trust him, though. If he betrays us or goes out of control, I'll kill him on the spot. The top brass won't complain. Because I'm the only one cut out for this. You're in. I'm make you a member of the Scouts."
Inside the dungeon, Eren woke up from his sleep. He looked at both of his hands that are still chained. Inside his cell, the Military Police provided him with water and bread.
Interior of Wall Sina
Inside Wall Sina, news of Eren had spaerd around like a wildfire and got to every civilian.
"Hey, is it true that a Titan sided with humanity?" asked a male civilian.
"That's obviously just a rumor," replied another male civilian. "I bet the recapture plan failed and loads of people from Wall Rose are gonna flee here."
All of the civilians inside Wall Sina all read the newspaper about the recapture of the Trost District.
"If that happens, we'll have food shortages in no time flat," said the second one.
"Man, please tell me those Wall Rose people aren't going to show up here with this Titan friend of their," hoped the first civilian.
Interior of Wall Rose
"This is huge news! We have a Titan on our side!" shouted a male civilian.
"Who knows, maybe we can retake Wall Maria," suggested another male civilian.
"It's almost like it our savior," said a third one.
At the military court, a bunch of MPs were waiting for the trail to start.
"Savior, huh?" asked an MP with short black hair, dark eyes, and a mustache and goatee. "Throughot history, commoners have always been a rash lot.
"I can see this triggering a revolt against the central powers," said a MP with short blond hair.
"Not if we, the Military Police dispose of Eren Jaeger first," stated the MP. "I won't let those Scout Regiment deviants have him."
Then, a carriage stops in front of the court. An MP opens the carriage door. An old man with gray hair, mustache, and beard steps out of the carriage wearing glasses.
"Hail to the Premier!" yelled the MP.
All of the MPs saluted at the man. The man nodded and fixed his collar.
"It's certainly hot," said the man.
On top of the wall, Erwin was walking with Pyxis and talking about the upcoming trail.
"Commander Pyxis," called Erwin. "You're the top commander of the Garrison Regiment and I'm commanding officer of the Scout Regiment. Won't some disapprove of us meeting like this?"
"Oh, your're as straight-laced as the rumors say," answered Pyxis. "Still, this is just a morning walk. We only net by chance."
Erwin remained silent as they continued to walk.
"So, let's chat during our stroll," said Pyxis. "Have you heard that the Military Police want to take custody of Eren Jaeger?"
"Yes, I received word yesterday," answered Erwin. "They're going to deliberate on the matter."
"It falls entirely to Zachary to decide whether the Scouts get him of the Military Police get him," said Pyxis.
"Zachary?" wondered Erwin. "You mean Premier Dhalis Zachary?"
Dhalies Zachary walks down the ha;l of the court as several MPs salute to him.
"He oversees the three regiments: The Military Police, the Garrison Regiment, and the Scouts," Pyxis stated. "He will base his decision on one thing. Whether his existence is beneficial or harmful to humanity. If he deems him to be detriment, he won't hesitate to have Eren executed. Right there, on the spot, even. I don't want them to kill Eren."
Erwin looked up at Pyxis.
"But, unfortunately, many in the Garrison Regiment are fearful of Eren's ability," stated Pyxis taking out his canteen of wine. "The most I can do is avoid agreeing with the MP. Are the odds in your favor?"
"No," Erwin simply replied. "But we do have a proposal ready. Whether or not it'll work depends on how the debate unfolds."
"You'll be playing it entirely by ear, in other words," said Pyxis.
"Our line of work takes us outside the walls," explained Erwin. "We always play things by ear."
Pyxis chuckled and continued to walk again.
"It seems you're not so uptight after all," observed Pyxis. "It has been a nice walk, Commander Smith.
Elsewhere, Mikasa, Armin, and all the girls were in the cafeteria, eating and have heard about Eren's trail.
"A debate over Eren?" asked Mikasa. "What for?"
"I'm not sure," replied Armin.
"Probably about that incident," said Rainbow Dash.
"I don;t think so, but I think it's about what they plan to do with him," stated Armin.
"But he plugged up the wall, there should no debate," said Starlight Glimmer.
"I don't know, but my guess... is they're going to decide if he should live or die," suggested Armin.
Mikasa got up with shock in her face. Then, the door to the cafeteria opened and three MPs entered.
"Are Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlelt, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Sugarcoat, and Indigo Zap here?" asked an MP with a brown beard.
"Yes!" shouted Mikasa.
"You're all ordered to attend this afternoon's deliberation, as witnesses!" yelled the MP.
Inside the cell, Eren got up and looked at one of the MPs
"Excuse me! I need to us the toilet," said Eren.
"You just went," said the MP.
"Can I at least get some water?" asked Eren.
"Hey!" called the second MP. "Know your place, monster."
"Monster... Yeah, that might be the case..." Eren thought. "But am I so terrifying that I need to be restrained this much? I guess I can't blame them. Even I can't understand any of this."
Eren then remembers the time where he transformed in front of the Garrisons.
"At least they haven't killed me yet..." he thought. "Come to think of it, they weren't afraid of me at all. What are they doing now? What happened to the others?"
Eren then remembers what Erwin said before he and Levi left.
"Just hang on a little longer. We'll try to arrange things somehow," said Erwin.
"How many days has it been since then?" questioned Eren. "What's happening on the outside?. I'm not going to spend the rest of my life in here, am I?"
Eren then heard a door creak open in the distance. Suddenly, a female soldier flashed in front of the bars, pressing her face between the gaps with a shocked face, scaring him.
"So, you're Eren right?" asked Hange. "You okay? How are things?"
Eren didn't say a word.
"I'm sorry you've had to wait so long," apologized Hange. "But now you have a chance to finally get out."
Eren sighed in relief, but much to his surprise.
"Expect, you'll have to put these on," said Hange offering handcuffs.
Eren groaned at the sight at handcuffs
Hange, Eren, and a tall man with blond hair, light eyes, and a dark mustache and beard.
"I'm Hange Zoë, section commander in the Scout Regiment," said Hange.
Eren got very uncomfortable as the man was sniffing him.
"And this is Miche Zacharius, also a section commander," added Hange. "Oh, he also sniffs people like that when he first meets them."
Miche smiled proudly at his sense.
"He has a habit of laughing through his nose," Hange added. "I don't think he means anything by it. Oddness aside, he is skilled enough to be section commander."
Eren had the look of confusion in his face.
"Sorry, I just prattled on, didn't I" Hange asked. "We're already here, but... No, it'll be okay! It's actually better if I don't explain!"
"Wait!" yelled Eren as he was pushed.
"It's selfish of us, but all we can do is have faith in you," said Hange. "Good luck."
Hange then closed the door shut.
In the interior of the court room, Eren looked at the roof, that had a painting of ancient soldiers fighting, having swords and spears in their hands. The Scouts, Military Police, and even some civilians were present at the court.
"A courthouse? Eren thought. "I was in the basement of a courthouse?"
The MP behind Eren pointed his musket at him.
"Get moving!" shouted the MP.
The MPs and Eren walked to the platform, one of them carried a large, metal pin that held the pole.
"Kneel here," said the MP.
Eren kneel on the platform. The other MP pulled Eren's arm back and placed the pole between Eren's wrist and where the pole was placed. Eren looked around and saw the Military Police with a pastor with his hair high up, medium green eyes, and wearing black cassock with three golden colored bands. Eren looked at the other side and saw the Garrison Regiment and the Scouts.
"What are these people doing here?" he wondered. "In fact, what is this trail even about?"
Eren then saw Mikasa, Armin, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Sugarcoat, and Indigo Zap in the courtroom. Then, a door opened and Eren looked at the court podium. Zachary laid his suit and sat on the chair.
"Shall we begin?" asked Dhalis.
Eren didn't saw a word. Dhalis adjusted his glasses and looked at the documents he had in his hands.
"You are Eren Jaeger, a soldier who has sworn to give his life for the people," he read. "Is that correct?"
"Yes, " Eren simply replied.
"Given the extraordinary circumstances, this deliberation will be held as a court-martial. Regular law will not apply in other words," Dhalis read. "I have full decision-making authority in this matter, which includes determining whether you live or die."
"Just as I thought," Armin thought.
"This is insane!" Rainbow Dash thought.
"Any objections?" asked Dhalis.
"No, sir," Eren replied.
"Your astuteness is appreciated," said Dhalis. "I'll get to the point."
On top of the courtroom, Miche and Hange were in the top balcony watching the trail.
"As expected, concealing your existence has proved impossible," said Dhalis. "Unless we publicly disclose your existence, in one fashion or another, we risk the outbreak of a new non-Titan threat. It falls to me to decide which Regiment should take charge of you. The Military Police Regiment led by... Or the Scout Regiment... Now let's hear the Military Regiment proposes."
"Yes, sir!" shouted the MP. "I, Nile Dawk, Commander of the Military Police, offer the following proposal. We believe that, after through examination of Eren's body, he should be disposed of immediately."
Nile looked at Eren and continued to read from his document.
"It's time that his Titan ability helped thwart this latest incursion," Nile continued. "However, his existence is now stirring up rebellious ideas as well. As such, after he's provided us with as much information as possible, he will be made a fallen warrior of humanity."
"There's no need!" yelled the Pastor pointing at Eren. "He is vermin that has defiled and infiltrated... the walls built by God's great wisdom!"
"He's with the Wall cult!" Eren realized. "Everyone ignored them fiver years ago... but they've really grown in power."
"Pastor Nick, please remain silent," pleaded Dahlis.
Nick looked down in anger. Zachary turned to the right to the Scout Regiment.
"Next, let us hear the Scout Regiment's idea," said Dahlis.
"Yes, sir," said Erwin. "I, Erwin Smith, 13th Commander of the Scout Regiment, offer the following proposal. We intend to accept Eren as an official member of the Scout Regiment and utilize his Titan ability to retake Wall Maria. That is all."
Everyone mumbled along themselves about the plan.
"That's all?" asked Dhalis.
"Yes, sir," Erwin simply replied. "With his help, we can reclaim Wall Maria. I believe it's clear what our utmost priority should be."
"I see," said Dhalis. "Tell me, from where would you launch this operation? Pyxis, the wall has been completely sealed in Trost District, correct?"
"Yes," Pyxis simply answered. "I doubt its gate will ever be open again."
"We hope to depart from the Calaneth District, to the east," said Erwin. "From where we would approach Shiganshina, by establishing a new route from scratch."
"Wait just a damn minute!" yelled a male civilian. "Shouldn't we be sealing all the gates now?! The gates are the only part the Colossal Titan can break! If we can just reinforce them, we'll never be attacked again!"
"Shut up, you merchant dog!" yelled another male civilian. "With a Titan's help we can return to Wall Maria!"
"We can't put up with anymore of you childish heroics bullshit!" yelled a third.
"You have a big mouth, swine," insulted Levi. "What guarantee is there that the Titans will be kind enough to wait while we seal the gates? When you say "we" you mean the friends you're protecting so you can fatten yourselves up. Are you pigs blind to the people who struggle to survive off what little land is left?"
"I'm saying that all we have to do is seal the gates if we want to live," suggested the merchant. "
"Hold your tongue, you miscreant!" yelled Nick. "You would suggest that humans meddle wit Wall Rose, a gift from God?! That wall is a divine miracle that transcends human understanding!"
"It's their fault, it took so long to arm the top of the walls," said Armin.
"They practically worship the wall," said Indigo Zap.
"They have that much support and power now," said Rico. "They're a bad sort."
Nick and the merchant continued to argue, until they were silenced by Dahlis' hand hitting the podium.
"Order!" he yelled. "I ask that you save your personal sentiments for another venue. I wish to make certain of something, Mr. Jaeger. As a solider, can you continue to serve humanity by controlling your Titan ability?"
"Yes, sir! I can," answered Eren.
Dhalis adjusted his glasses and started to read off the document.
"But it says here in his report about the Trost battle, that just after transformation you swung your fist at Mikasa Ackerman, Rainbow Dash, Sugarcoat, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Indigo Zap," he read.
Eren looked at them with confusion and shock.
"He doesn't remember that he wasn't in control," Amrin realized.
Mikasa gave Rico an angry glare.
"What the hell Rico?!" whispered Mikasa.
"What, you expect me to lie in a report?" asked Rico.
"She has a point Mikasa," whispered Twilight.
"I heard you can go to jail for that," added Sugarcoat.
"And who are Mikasa Ackerman, Rainbow Dash, Indigo Zap, Sugarcoat, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Sugarcoat?" asked Dhalis.
"We are, sir," said Rainbow Dash raising up her hand.
"Is this true that Jaeger, in Titan form, attacked you?" asked Jaeger.
Twilight Sparkle, Sugarcoat, Indigo Zap, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Mikasa remained silent.
"So, you were saying of telling the truth?" whispered Rico.
Twilight Sparkle and Sugarcoat wanted to take back the words they just said and wanted to sink.
"It's in Eren's best interest that all of you answer honestly," suggested Rico.
"Yes, it's true," answered Mikasa.
Everyone gasped at Mikasa's response.
"I knew it! A Titan's a Titan," said the merchant.
"I tried to kill Mikasa and the girls?! Me?!" Eren wondered.
"However, he also saved my life on two previous occasions while in Titan form," assured Mikasa. "The first time, just as I was about to fall into a the hands of a Titan, he intervened and protected me. The second time, he protected Armin and me from a bombardment. I ask you take these facts into consideration as well."
"Just a minute!" yelled Nile. "I believe that her testimony is driven is also driven by personal feelings. It should be noted that Mikasa Ackerman lost her parents at a young age and was taken in by the Jaeger family.
Mikasa gave an angry glare at Nile.
"What's more, our own investigation into this matter led us to a most surprising discovery," continued Nile looking at his report. "Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman, at the age of nine, stabbed and killed three adult robber-kidnappers."
Everyone gasped at the report.
"Even though it was in self-defense, we can't help but question his basic humanity," he continued. "Should we really place personnel and funds in his hands, not to mention the very fate of humanity?!"
Everyone started to talk among themselves.
"Her too!" said the merchant pointing at Mikasa. "I bet she's not human at all!"
"Yeah! We should dissect her just to be safe," said a male civilian.
"HOLD ON!!!" yelled Eren. "I made be a monster, but she has nothing to do with this! NOTHING AT ALL!!!"
"Like we can believe you!" yelled a civilian.
"It's the truth!" yelled Eren.
"She is one if you have to protect her!" yelled a second one.
"NO!!!" yelled Eren.
Eren's banged the chains his his shackles, silencing the audience into gasping in fear.
"No... It's not like that. But your're all using speculation to push your own selfish agendas," said Eren.
"What?" asked Nile.
"In fact.." said Eren.
"Is this bad?"
"... none of you have seen a Titan, so why are so afraid?" asked Eren.
"Maybe I should stop talking... No, I'm going to tell them everything I think!"
"What's the use of having power if you're not going to fight?" asked Eren. "If you're afraid of fighting for your lives, then help me! You... cowards."
"What?" asked a bunch of civilians.
"JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP AND INVEST EVERYTHING IN ME!!!" yelled Eren.
Everyone was silent after Eren's speech.
"Take aim!" yelled Nile,.
The MP next to him took out his musket and aimed it at Eren. Before he could fire, Eren was kicked in the face by Levi. The kick was hard enough to knock a tooth out. Eren looked at Levi, who proceed to kick in him the gut. Levi grabbed Eren's head and and collided his head to his knee. Levi continued to beat Eren up as everyone watch. Mikasa was horrified at the sight and with an angry glare walked up towards Levi, but was held back by Armin and Applejack.
"Wait Mikasa!" yelled Armin.
Blood ran down Eren's mouth and nose as he gasped for air. Then, Levi stepped on Eren's head.
"My personal belief is that pain is the best tool for teaching discipline," stated Levi. "What you need now is to taught a lesson, not giving a talking-to. And you happen to be in perfect kicking position.
Levi continued to kick Eren in the head and the face. Levi then stepped on his head repeatedly. Everyone coould only watch the beating.
"How is this not illegal?" questioned Rainbow Dash
"Wait, Levi!" called Nile.
"What?" asked Levi.
He lowered his foot off of Eren's face.
“That’s dangerous,” warned Nile. “What if he gets mad and turns into a Titan?”
Eren looked up at Levi, who gave a powerful kick to his face, making him half-conscious.
“Don’t be silly,” said Levi.
Levi grabbed Eren by his hair and lifted him. His face was covered in bruises and blood ran from his nose and mouth.
“You guys are going to dissect me aren’t you?” asked Levi. “When he transformed, he apparently managed to kill twenty Titans before running out of strength. As an enemy, his intelligence makes him all the more dangerous. Even so, I could handle just fine. But could you? Whoever dares to torment him had better think long and hard. Can you actually kill him?”
Erwin then raised him hand.
“Sir, I have a proposition,” he said.
“What is it?” asked Dahlis
“Eren’s Titan ability includes too many uncertainties which pose an ever-present danger,” said Erwin. “We will pace Eren under Captain Levi’s supervision and conduct a recon mission outside the wall.”
“With Eren accompanying you?” asked Dahlis.
“Yes, sir,” Erwin simply replied. “Based on the reports of the said mission, you can decide if Eren has control over his Titan ability and his existence is of benefit to humankind.”
“Supervising Eren Jaeger, huh... Can you do this Levi?” asked Dahlis.
“Oh I can most definitely kill him,” replied Levi. The real problem is that there’s no middle ground.
Dahlis Zachary sighed and fixed his glasses.
“I’ve reached a decision,” he said.
Later on, in a inside a small room consisting of a couch, drawer, desk, and a single chair. Hange was tending to Eren's injures on his face and head. While Miche looked outside the window and Levi leaned against the wall.
"Man, talk about harsh," said Hange. "I bet it hurts."
"A little," said Eren.
"So, how exactly does it hurt?" asked Hange.
Eren only gave Hange a confused expression on his face.
"I'm sorry about that," apologized Erwin. "But it did get you placed in our custody."
"Yes," Eren simply answered.
"The pain was worth it," said Erwin. "It let us play our tramp card when it would be most effective."
Erwin kneel in front of Eren and offered his hand, smiling.
"You have my admiration," he said.
Eren looked at Erwin and was in shock.
"Eren. I look forward to working with you," he said.
"Right! Thank you, sir," Eren thanked shaking his hand.
Then, Levi walked towards the couch and plopped himself down next to Eren, crossing one leg over the other and putting his arm along the back.
"Tell me, Eren," said Levi.
"Yes?" asked Eren.
"Do you resent me?" Levi asked.
"No," Eren simply answered. "I understand it was a necessary performance."
"Good, then," said Levi.
"Still, you don't have to go so far," said Hange. "You knocked his tooth out!"
Hange unwrapped the cloth covering the tooth.
"See?" asked Hange.
"Don't pick that up. It's disgusting," said Levi in disgust.
"This is a precious sample of it's own," said Hange.
"Eren be thankful you aren't getting dissected by people like her," said Levi.
"Don't compare me with them," said Hange. "I would never kill Eren. Hey, Eren. Let me see the inside your mouth."
Eren opened his mouth wide. Hange looked inside and saw something new.
"Your tooth... has already grown back," said Hange.