Inside the woods, Hitch and Marlo marched through the woods in search for any rogue members of the Scout Regiment, near the Stohess District.
"Hey, don't you think we're a bit far out?" asked Hitch.
"No point in searching if we're not spread out," stated Marlo.
"Why did I get stuck with you?" sighed Hitch. "Wait Marlo... You just wanted alone time with me, didn't you?"
"Hitch... I'm sorry, but you're not my first choice either," stated Marlo.
"Oh, is that right?" she asked. "Well, good for you."
"But, don't you think it's odd?" he asked. "Why would the Scouts kill a civilian and run for the hills? They're the same group that's always ricking their lives for the sake of humanity."
"I can't believe you," she said. "Did you forget? Remember what they did to Stohess District? How they turned it into a battlefield? All those corpses we had to carry? And how Annie's still missing? All of her junk is still in my room... and it's annoying."
"But they also uncovered that Titan in hiding and somehow managed to capture it," he stated. "You think any other regiment could do that? If the Scouts get disbanded like this, humanity can't..."
Hitch's eyes widen as she heard something in the distance. Acting in instinct, she aimed her musket and Marlo did the same.
"I hear water," she whispered.
In the distance, two people were by the river collecting water, while the second person as busy checking the buckets for any dirt collected from the bucket.
"Don't move!" shouted Marlo. "Both of you, slowly turn this way."
The two people held their hands up in the air, but didn't turn around.
"You must be a scout," said Marlo.
The two people turned around, revealing it to be Armin and Fluttershy. Armin didn't have any expression on his face, while Fluttershy tried to keep her cool, before panicking.
"Just like that..." muttered Marlo. "Not a word."
Both Hitch and Marlo were too focused on the two that they didn't see Mikasa and Levi hiding in the trees above like chameleons waiting for their prey.
"Now listen to me and do as I--" ordered Marlo.
Mikasa and Levi pounced on like lions hunting their prey. Both of them had their blades close to Hitch's and Marlo's throats.
"That's right," said Levi. "Hand over your guns to the two in front."
Armin and Fluttershy grabbed the two muskets with a stern face.
"And not a word, right?" asked Armin.
Capital Mitras
Back at the capital, Erwin was held in the underground dungeon where, and MP was guarding his prison cell. Then, his prison cell opened to see one of the royal advisors with short, blond hair kept straight, and a long jawline with few wrinkles on his face, a thin mustache, and sunken looking bright eyes, named Gerald.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Erwin," apologized Gerald. "I know it's sudden, but let's get the interrogation over with."
Trost District
At the barrack of the Trost District, two journalists were interviewing Commander Nile Dawk.
"So, it's unmistakable that the Scout Regiment murdered a civilian?" asked the journalist with a thick mustache named Roy.
"Judging by the evidence, at least," said Nile. "Having said that, we can't just say for sure at the time being. "
"Are you saying the Interior Police are responsible for issuing the search--?" asked a young journalist with a short crop of black hair, who is often seen wearing a cap and a pair of black, thick-rimmed glasses, named Peaure.
"Hey, Peaure!" called Roy, taking Peaure's journal. "Sorry about him, Commander Dawk. He's still a rookie, through and through. He doesn't know how we do things within the walls. Don't you worry about the Interior Police. We won't write anything about 'em. That goes for their new ODM gear, too."
"I appreciate it, Roy," said Nile.
Nile turned round and faced away from the Roy and Peaure and went into a deep thought.
"Their new ODM gear..." thought Nile. "That buckshot is useless against Titans, but it's perfect for killing people. It's a weapon practically made for killing the Scouts... Plus, it's existence being hidden even from us means... sooner or later, we might find ourselves staring down their muzzles all the same."
"Anyways, we should hear a report from from them soon, so be patient," said Nile.
Elsewhere in the Trost District, Flegel was running through the streets of city, being pursued by the Interior Police. Flegel started to run out of breath after running through the city. He quickly looked back to see three Interior Policemen chasing him.
"Wait up, you fat-ass!" shouted Interior Police.
Flegel continued to run away from the Interior Police. He quickly made a sharp left and ran into an alleyway. He then stopped as he made the wrong turn, which was a dead end.
"You idiot!" called Roger. "That way's a dead end!"
"Shit!" hissed Flegel.
Flegel attempted to climb up the boxes, but was unable to climb. Then, Hange slid down the walls of the alleyway and grabbed Felgel and covered his mouth to prevent him from making any noise. Hange then reeled Felgel and herself back onto the roof. One of the Interior Police got to the alleyway and saw no one.
"Shit, he's gone!" shouted one of the Interior Police.
"Find him!" ordered Roger. "Don't let 'em escape!"
The Interior Police started to run down the street to find Flegel. Hange and Flegel sat on the roof waiting for the Interior Policemen to disappear. Once they were gone, Hange stood up.
"You're the son of Boss Reeves, right?" asked Hange. "What's your name?"
"Flegel," he replied.
"Nice to meet you, Flegel," smiled Hange. "I'm Hange Zoë. The thing is, if the Military Police is after you, that must mean you know the truth about your father's death, right? Can you tell what happened?"
"While I was busy taking a piss, the Interior Police got my old man," explained Flegel. "A tall guy wearing a black coat, he killed my father."
"In any case, it's great that you're still alive," said Hange. "Now we can make the truth public."
"How's that?" asked Flegel. "Haven't you seen the paper?! If the Military Police say the Scouts did it, that's the truth! My testimony means jack shit! They know I was there... The Interior Police found out I saw everything... Now there's nowhere safe for me to go. All I go is run and hide in these goddamn cramped walls... My life is... fucking shit!"
"Well, you do have a point," said Hange, standing up. "The thing is, that doesn't sound like living to me. look at it this way, Flegel. Instead of scampering around like a scared mouse your whole life, wouldn't you rather face up to your enemy, even if it means risking your life--?"
"Like hell I would!" cried Flegel. "Not everyone has the same disregard for their lives as you do! Not only that, but you have no right to criticize me either!"
"Don't you care about telling your company and family the truth?!" scolded Hange.
"Huh?! That's just the best for you!" he cried.
"OF COURSE IT IS!!!" scolded Hange, grabbing Flegel by his shirt collar. "You oughta start thinking what's best for you, too!"
"Who's that?!" asked s civilian in a room. "Who's making a scene on my foot?!"
"Now then, you're coming with me, Flegel," said Hange.
"Hell no!" he objected. "Your gang already lost!"
Hange completely ignored Flegel's plead and objection and started to run across the roof, while gripping on Flegel's wrist.
"You've been defeated!" he shouted.
What are you taking about?" asked Hange. "Defeat is all the Scout Regiment has ever know!"
Back at the forest near Stohess, Hitch and Marlo were forced to strip their gear off, leaving their ordinary clothes. Levi and Petra sat in front of them, while Mikasa and Armin were busing tying Hitch's and Marlo's hands. The other members were busy on the look out for any other.
"Disguise as Military Police to get by the guards..." thought Levi. "Then figure put where Eren was taken by snooping around. To think we'd have no better option... We just don't have time... We've got no choice but to do or die."
"Captain," called Jean, handing a document.
Levi and Petra took the document and started both started to circle the capture MPs.
"Now then..." said Levi. "Stohess District Military Police. Private Marlo Freudenberg."
Marlo's eyes wondered at the two Squad Captains, panicking like he saw a ghost hovering around.
"Captain Levi!" he thought. "It's really him! And Petra Ral! The last original member of the Levi Squad!"
"Same assignment, Hitch Dreyse," read Petra. "As for how we'll dispose of you..."
Both Hitch's and Marlo breath hitched as the word "disposed" was read from Petra's mouth. Hitch couldn't stand the intensity.
"Because of you guys, over 100 people from Stohess District were killed!" scolded Hitch.
"What?" asked Petra.
"Hey!" whispered Marlo.
"You people... You might think that you're all heroes of justice, but the victims and their families were dropped straight into hell!" she continued.
"Yeah, I know," said Levi.
"You there... You're from the Sothern Cadet Corps, yeah?" asked Hitch. "Just like Annie Leonhart. Were you friends of hers? No... I doubt she had any friends. Being as gloomy and aloof as she was. It's like she was a kids afraid of other people... I never got the chance to know anything about her. And the reason they still haven't found her... is because she was pulverized by a Titan into a puddle of jelly!"
"Jelly!" chirped Pinkie from a bush. "Where's the jelly?! I love the way they just wiggle with you touch them, like hitting a funny bone!"
"Pinkie!" shouted Lemon Zest. "Can you just be quiet and don't make any noise?!"
"But jelly," whimpered Pinkie.
"Just, please, no more," groaned Lemon Zest.
"Are you two done?" asked Levi.
"Yes, captain," said Lemon Zest.
"Anyways, that's because the Titan in hiding was Annie Leonhart herself," stated Levi.
Both Hitch and Marlo gasped in disbelief at the detail Levi told.
"Goddammit, it makes me sick," groaned Levi. "Nobody knows a damn thing about this world... Not us or anyone else. Expect for those bastards at the center of it all."
"She killed four of my comrades," stated Petra. "And I am the only survivor of the original members. Gunther, Eld, Lightning Dust, and Oruo were killed by her."
"What are we going to do with those two, captain?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"We'll release them as we get out of here," said Levi.
Hitch looked down, still in disbelief at the words Levi said.
"Annie was..." she muttered.
"Captain Levi!" called Marlo. "Please let me help you! I don't think what you guys are doing is wrong! If I can help correct this world's injustice, I'll do whatever it takes!"
"What's with this guy?" wondered Levi.
"I beg of you, Captain Levi!" shouted Marlo.
"Not a chance," said Levi. "I can't tell how to prepare you are about making an enemy of the government. Let's go. Sasha. Applejack. Tie them up somewhere nearby."
"Yes, sir!" replied both of them.
The rest of the Levi Squad started through the forest, until Jean called.
"Captain!" he called. "Please let me do it."
"Knock yourself out," said Levi.
Jean started to walk towards them. Levi looked back and noticed Jean secretly holding a knife in her hand, which got him concerned.
"Petra, get two of your members to follow Jean," said Levi.
"Sure thing," she replied.
"Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest, follow Jean," ordered Petra.
"Yes, captain," both of them replied.
Inside the woods, Jean lead Hitch and Marlo through the woods like dogs on a leash, unaware of Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest following them.
"Stop," ordered Jean.
"We'll forget what we saw here," said Marlo.
"Yeah you will!" chuckled Jean, taking out the knife. "Because both of you will die here!"
"That's not what he said!" shouted Marlo, putting his tied hands up.
"Letting you two run free is too dangerous," smiled Jean like a psychopath. "I'll take it upon myself to kill you!"
"Please, believe us!" begged Marlo. "We know you guys are fighting to save humanity! Right, Hitch!"
Hitch quickly nodded in response like a baby self-soothing herself.
"As if I could trust you," said Jean. "Especially you, Mr. Bowl Cut. Who in the right mind would cut their hair like that? You'll get no sympathy from this guy!"
Jean started to charge at the two, but for some unknow reason, Jean tripped causing the knife to be dropped. Marlo quickly grabbed the knife.
"Hitch, run!" shouted Marlo.
Jean got up and held the knife at bay and jabs a stick under Marlo's chin.
"My gun is faster, you know" hissed Jean. "Wanna take your chances?"
Jean was too focused on Marlo that he forgot about Hitch, who ran away.
"You knife and my gun... Let's race!" offered Jean.
"Wait! I'm really your ally!" stated Marlo.
"Why the hell would anyone believe you'd wanna join us?" asked Jean. "We're so severely outmatched, you really think we can save humanity?"
"Then, why are you...?" asked Marlo. "Why are you still with the Scouts then?"
Jean lowered his stick momentarily listening to the words said by Marlo.
"I picked the wrong regiment to join," stated Marlo. "As long as you guys have it in you to rick your lives and keep fighting... I will trust you."
Marlo lets the knife dropped to the ground. Jean sighed in relief, only to be struck in the head by Hitch, who found a branch.
"Hitch!"
"You damn horse face!" shouted Hitch.
"Wait, Hitch!" called Marlo. "He was just testing us! Also, where did you find that?"
"Them," pointed Hitch.
Marlo looked at the direction where Hitch was pointing and saw Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest popping out of the bush they were hidden in.
"Don't worry, we're friendly," assured Lemon Zest.
"At least you literally knocked some sense into that horse face of his," said Sour Sweet.
"Hey, you!" called Marlo to Jean. "What would you have done if I swung the knife at you? Why did you trust me so much?"
"Somehow or another, you remind me of a guy that I hate," muttered Jean. "A damn idiot."
"This idiot... Is it the same one Annie talked about?" asked Marlo.
"hell if I know," said Jean, getting up. "Everyone's an idiot. Fortunately, we're just both as dumb. Marlo, I think you proved your dedication. That could be enough to convince both Captain Levi and Captain Petra. We're counting on you."
Later the day, Hitch and Marlo led the Levi Squad was stationed away but close enough for them to see the MP checkpoint and not to be spotted by them.
"That over there is the least manned checkpoint around," whispered Marlo.
"Alright," said Levi. "We'll handle it ourselves. Get back to your squad before it's suspicious."
"Yes, sir," said both Hitch and Marlo.
"Also, thanks for the help you," said Petra. "We could've done done it without you two. We're grateful"
Both of them saluted and started to quietly walk away to their base.
"Let's go," ordered Levi. "Now it's our turn to pick a fight!"
"Let's do this," said Rainbow Dash.
"Twilight, Sugarcoat, Armin, how's the plan coming along?" asked Levi.
"We just got it done, Captain," said Twilight.
"Good," said Levi.
Inside the checkpoint, the MPs were minding their business, until they heard something galloping towards their direction. A carriage rammed through the poorly defended gate, like the Armored Titan. Jean, Sasha, and Conny screamed as they rammed the gate.
"PARTY CRASH!!!" shouted Pinkie Pie.
After the raid, they left some of the MPs injured, but they were unable to move. The Levi Squad were near the base watching for anyone. They heard some rustling, causing them to ready their weapons, but Levi came in, dragging a member of the Interior Poilice.
"It's me," said Levi.
"Captain, he's--" said Armin.
"With the Interior Police," finished Levi. "I've got a few questions for him. Let's move."
Trost District
Flegel panted and was once again in a dead end, after being chased by the Interior Police again. Roger and two Interior Policemen came from behind smiling.
"How dumb can you be?" chuckled Roger. "Running into a deserted dump like this..."
"Shit," panted Flegel.
"But I owe you one, Flegel Reeves," said Roger. "When you got away and gave us the slip, I really... I thought I was screwed!"
Flegel was confused by Roger's sudden behavior change. Roger fell on his knees and started to cry hitting his on on the ground.
"For a minute there, I though they'd kill me," said Roger wiping his tears. "Nice knowing you, Flegel. Thanks a bunch!"
The three Interior Military Policemen aimed their muskets at Flegel, causing him to panic.
"Wait!" shouted Flegel. "Why was my old man killed?! Did the Interior Police do it?"
"What does it matter to you?" asked Roger. "You're about to be fresh corpse. "
"I-I wanna know before I die," replied Flegel. "What did he do to deserve being killed?!"
"You don't know?" asked Roger. "He fucking betrayed us and sided with those fucking Scouts."
"Betrayed?" asked Flegel. "So you're saying it was the Interior Police that made him kidnap those Scouts?!"
"Expect it was a different squad than us," stated Roger. "Guess he didn't say a damn thing. Not to his dimwit son."
"And what if he would've refused?" asked Flegel.
"Well, he'd have known a bit too much, so would've had to die," stated Roger. "What a fool. Look where caring for the city and workers got 'em."
"You would never understand," whispered Flegel.
Roger taunted Flegel by placing his hand near his ear, gesturing to speak up more loudly.
"Talking like you're smart shit..." Flegel continued. :My old man taught me something. That merchants gotta follow their nose. And I'm fucking glad that I did. Because I found the people who could avenge my old man! And I found them."
"What's the matter Flegel?" asked Roger, aiming his musket. "Go on and oink like a pig to be slaughtered!"
"You had your time, but it's over!" shouted Flegel. "Look above you up, dumbasses!"
On top, Moblit and Hange jumped off the roof. Both of them kicked the two Interior Policemen in the back. Hange slid on the ground and started to charge at Roger. Roger was blindsided by the surprise attack, who fired his musket, which missed Hange. Hange then threw a powerful punch enough to make a huge bruise on the side of Roger's face.. Hange started to pant and proceeded to scream in pain.
"Section Commander!" called Moblit, tying up one of the MPs. "You're too wild!"
"Hell yeah!" shouted Hange. "Did you hear that, everyone?!"
"The... Scout Regiment?" muttered Roger. "Why?"
Roger looked up and saw the amount of witnesses on the building, realizing that even the damaged buildings in the side of the city was populated.
"Not so deserted, eh?" asked a civilian.
"Perhaps it looks that way to you," said a second civilian. "But, sorry. I know it doesn't look like much but we still live here. We heard everything. The Interior Police and their schemes... Everyone here is a witness."
"S-So, what does it matter?" asked Roger. "It's the government that decided what's the truth! You fools... Don't you think you can do and get away with it! You're all in for a world of hu--"
Flegel would stand another word coming out of Roger's mouth. He trotted over and sat on the side of his head, forcing him to be quiet.
"Everyone... Don't worry," reassured Flegel. "The Reeves Company will protect this city. As of today, I, Flegel Reeves. I'm the boss. So from now you can count on me."
Everything went silent after Flegel's declaration. Then, a civilian clapped, followed by another, and another. Soon after, teh civilians were applauding Flegel, even Moblit and Hange.
"Congrats on the job," smiled Hange. "Keep an eye on these Interior Police."
"Right," replied Flegel.
Night had fallen and Levi was too busy interrogating the captured Interior MP.
"Stop it..." hissed the MP.
Levi ignored the Interior MP's pleads and kicked him in the head. Levi kneeled down in front of him.
"Where are Eren and Christa?" asked Levi.
"Oh, you're so brave," chuckled the MP. "That checkpoint back there was just recruits who could barely wipe their own ass. You think you're some sort of hero, beating them down?"
"What an atrocious thing we've done," said Levi.
Levi then shoved his boot up the Interior MP's mouth, losing some teeth in the shove. Levi shoved the boot further, causing the MP to choke on and wheeze.
"But what's more atrocious is this mouth of yours," said Levi. "I recommend you start talking while you're still able to use it. Where are Eren and Christa?"
Levi pulled back his boot, causing the Interior MP to cough and take deep breaths.
"It's no use!" stated the MP. "All that's left for you now is to run and hide inside these walls, covered in shit! If you don;'t turn yourselves in, every last Scout we captured will get the noose! Starting with the one most guilty of all, Erwin Smith!"
Undeterred, Levi then puts the Interior MP's arm in a painful lock, causing a loud crack to be heard. The Interior MP screamed in pain and had tears in his eyes.
"Shut the fuck up," groaned Levi. "That's for not answering my question. Some Scouts' lives are more valuable than others. Only those dumb enough to acknowledge that join us. Now tell me, where the hell are Eren and Christa at?"
"I don't know!" cried the MP. "I'm not allowed to know! Kenny Ackerman is very cautious man!"
"Ackerman?" asked Levi. "I know Kenny... Is that his last name?"
"It is, but..." muttered the MP.
"true, there's a lot of things he doesn't divulge," said Levi. "Especially the important stuff. But you must have a rough idea. You best try of remember."
Levi then grabbed the MP's another arm and prepared the lock.
"Stop it!" shouted the MP.
"You still have plenty of bones left to break," said Levi.
"You... You're insane!" cried the MP.
"Maybe I am," replied Levi.
"Someone's coming from that way!" warned Sasha, drawing her bow.
Everyone drew out their weapons. Armin and Jean aimed their muskets at the incoming intruder. Pinkie Pie leap onto a tree and hung from like a chimpanzee. Levi pinned the MP down to the ground, while everyone hid behind some trees and bushes nearby.
"More than one!" spotted Sasha.
"Told you so, Captain," said the MP. "It's no use. One way or another, the Scouts will soon come to an end!"
In front of the Levi Squad, multiple intruders marched through the tall grass with their muskets loaded.
In the previous night, in the capital's dungeon, Erwin had his remaining arm chained to the wall. Erwin's face was completely bruised and had a couple of bumps along with it. Nile then entered his cell.
"I've seen you in better shape," said Nile. "And to think you were lecturing me the other day."
Erwin didn't muttered a single word. Nile then squatted beside him.
"You're getting an audience with the King," he whispered. "They'll decide how to dismantle the Scouts and announce your final sentence."
"Nile," soughed Erwin. "Where was your house? Stohess District, wa it? Is Marie...? Is your family doing well?"
"They're doing fine," replied Nile. "Both Marie and the kids. I haven't been home in a while, but... it's around Eastern Wall Rose."
"I see," said Erwin.
"What's with the odd questions?" asked Nile. "I entrusted something to Commander Pyxis. When, and if the time comes... When it comes, I will only watch. It's up to you to decide. You... and them."
The following morning, the royal advisor have heard of the concurrent to Flegels' problem. Gerald, Aurille, a man with short side-swept brown hair, a clean-shaven face with bright eyes, wearing a black suit over a white shirt, as well as a cravat, anmed Deltoff, and a man wearing the similar clothes to the pastors, named Roderich were in a meeting.
"So, I take it not much came out of Erwin in the end," said Deltoff.
"Indeed," replied Gerald. "He must not have learned any secrets from Pastor Nick. Historia Reiss can make all the claims she wants about her name, but they'll amount to nothing."
"How silly," said Roderich.
"In any case, they're all nothing more than birds in a cage," said Aurille. "Just waiting to die..."
Then, there was a knock on the meeting room, directing the advisors' attention.
'Excuse me," said a man. "Erwin Smith has arrived."
"Very well," said Aurille. "We're coming. Once we finally execute him, all will be according to plan. And just like they always have the wall's secrets will stay safe. We'll protect the peace within the walls. Forever..."
Erwin was escorted with the Interior MPs surrounding him. In front of them, the door to the throne room opened. Inside the throne room, the King and royal advisors were sitting around.
"Erwin," called Aurille. "Do you have any last words?"
Erwin has not words to say as he waiting for the right time to come.