(A/N: I wanna say sorry for the long hiatus on this book. I've been focusing on many other stories and I really hope this chapter makes up for the long absence.

Hope you're ready for some action and without anymore blabbering, let's get right into this shit!)

~Elias POV~

As Mikasa and I were laying in the tree, waiting for some action, I heard a noise a way's away.

I knew that everyone was close, but I tapped Mikasa to get off of me as we had to be ready. She did get off as I had to get a new pair of blades, and I did just that.

Mikasa: Do you know what's going on?

Elias: I don't know, but I do know that something big's coming this way. Mikasa, go join up with the others, and wait for me.

Mikasa: What are you gonna do?

Elias: I'm gonna go find Team Levi, where Eren is. I'm sure they gonna need some help. For now, go to Armin and the others.

Mikasa: Okay, stay safe.

Elias: I will.

We hugged and kissed for a bit as she had her hands around my neck with a tear down her face as we released a bit with our foreheads touching.

Mikasa: I love you.

Elias: I love you too.

I kissed her forehead and flew away as I kept looking TL.

I had to make sure that they're all okay, but Eren is who I'm concerned about the most. I know that blonde bitch of a Titan is wanting to kill him or possibly capture him, but we have to find out why she's after Eren.

Somehow, she looked familiar to me.

I don't know what it was, but her eyes and hair looked familiar to me in a weird way. I think that once I get a closer look, I'll be able to figure out who it is. Right now, I gotta get to TL and try to see if they're okay, especially Eren.

It was only a few more minutes until I managed to reach them as I saw some Squad members fighting her, but they were all dead in an instant!

I accidentally went way too fast because she tried to swat me away, but I dodged her away and flew away to Eren and Team Levi!

That could've been the end of me right there and Mikasa would've been without her man.

Petra: Elias! What are you doing here?!

Oruo: Yeah, are you outta your mind, rookie!

Elias: I came by to make sure everyone's fine!

Eld: Well, you definitely came at the best time! We're about to be followed by her! How much goa you got in your tanks!

I checked the tubes and it turns out I got a quarter of it gone, so I gotta be careful with how I'm using it in the woods.

However, I saw Eren reaching for his hand, and I know what he plans on doing.

He's gonna turn into a titan to save a Scout that was actually fighting the Titan that was chasing us. I knew that we have to sacrifice soldiers to save humanity in this case, but for Eren, it's not worth it.

He has to trust the Scouts so the plan can go through.

Elias: EREN!!!

He looked at me with horror as I glared at him, making sure he didn't take a bite into his hand.

Elias: WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!!

Eren: We can't leave him back there! He's gonna die!

Elias: The only time you're allowed to assume Titan form is when you're in extreme danger!

Petra: That was the agreement! You swore an oath!

Elias: If you do this, Eren, not only are you breaking trust, you're committing treason! You don't wanna go through that again!

Levi: I wouldn't blame you. Do as your conscience dictates, but Eren, listen. You are not inherently evil.your ability to change doesn't make you a monster. That said, it could be the other way around. How're you supposed to know when you draw the line? Whether you lose control or freely give it up. Maybe it's the same.

I remember something that Eren had said, and I think Levi told me in private one time.

"And slaughter every Titan that crosses my path!"

And it was my time to speak...

Elias: Levi's right because Eren, we don't agree because our experience brings us to opposing views. That may be life, but at the end of the day, there's no reason to go against how you see it. You have a choice: trust in yourself or trust in the corps. Pick a side.

Levi: Elias is spot on here, and I don't know which way is better. I never have. Should I act on my own instincts, or put myself in the hands of my comrades and trust them? Either way, there's no guarantee. In the end, you choose what you choose. If afterwards, your regrets are at a minimum, good for you.

Eren looked conflicted and looked to bite his hand, but I stopped him...

Elias: Eren! If you bite that hand, I will chop it off! I do not care if I get court martialed!

I knew the risk if I do that, knowing that I'll get severely reprimanded if I do this, but of course, this is the military and I have to do my duty whether I like it or not.

I remember something in my dad's book, that has to do with sacrifice and one doing its duty.

Then, I started to get flashbacks on a few days ago, when we were testing out Eren's Titan power.

~A Few Days Before; Scouts HQ~

We were in the classroom, where TL and company were discussing some possibilities of

Levi: Good news. There may be a way to stop you without killing you.

Eren: Sir?

Levi: In your Titan form. We may have some middle ground after all. A fail-safe if you will.

Levi turned to the chalkboard and seemed to come up with something that could help Eren out with his Titan forming stunts.

Levi: The method I've come up with will only leave you mutilated. Well, at least in theory, depends on individual skill. Essentially, we cut the entire nape from the body, with you inside. Your arms and legs'll be severed halfway down in the process, but you'll survive. As a matter of fact, they'll probably just grow back...

No shit, genius.

Levi: ...lizard-style. Creepy little bastard.

Eren: Hold on a sec. I'm not really sure how they do it. I mean, they might, but maybe it's not worth the risk that they won't.

Levi: Oh, I see. You're only up for this if there's no risk involved whatsoever.

Eren: No...

Levi: Then be prepared. We're in the same boat.

Elias: Are we really in the same boat when he's a Titan shifter and all of us aren't?

Levi: Exactly what I meant, because if Eren goes on a rampage and kills us, we're even.

I wanted to lash out, but I knew that it wouldn't end well, so I held back.

Eren: Yes sir. Seems perfectly fair to me.

Hange: Just to be clear, I have the go-ahead, right?

Levi: We can't afford not to run tests. So yes, you're good. Just try to keep him from going rogue right out of the gate.

Hange: Oh, not to worry. I have a plan.

Elias: I'll join Hange in this matter. I know Eren very well, since we grew up together, so the two of us will keep an eye on him, just in case he tries to start something.

Hange: Sounds good to me. And Eren, I know you're still a mystery to yourself, but we learn as we go. Knowledge is always worth the risk. I believe that.

~A Day Later~

The first test we decided to do was put Eren in the bottom of a ln empty well and have him turn into a Titan, just to see if it's possible to control him.

I joined Levi and Hange for this test, just to see if it'll be a failure or a success.

Before the entire test, I wrote to Carla, just to let her know what's going on and how we're doing.

"Dear Carla,

It's been a while since I wrote to you and I wanted to report that Eren is safe, and we're doing what we can to take back the land.

In a few days, we're going on an expedition to plan out on how to take back our home from these monsters. We've seen enough horror from the past five years to where we had to start planning out our ideas to make a route to Shinganshina and retake our home.

Eren is safe, at least from what I know, because Captain Levi has made sure to have his squad keep a close eye on him and try not to have him go insane.

For now, we're doing tests on him, but they're not torturous. It's just to see how Eren can turn into a Titan and how he could behave as one.

I will report back to you as soon as possible, before we go on the expedition. For now, stay in Sina, and stay safe.

Love, Elias"

As soon as Eren got out o the bottom of the well, we were ready to go.

Hange: You read down there, my dear? When we're good to begin, Elias'll fire of a smoke signal. What happens after that's entirely up to you.

Eren: Ready when you are, Commander!

From my knowledge, if Eren loses control, this well should hold him until he wears himself out. If not, we go with Levi's method.

I don't like that method, but it's necessary.

Hange: Elias, fire off the signal.

Elias: Right.

I loaded up the green smoke signal pod and fired it in the air as we were now a safe distance away, waiting for Eren to turn.

However, it was only a few minutes later that something was wrong.

Hange: I don't understand it. Perhaps he missed the signal?

Levi: Perhaps. Or perhaps we're just naive to expect he can turn it on and off.

Elias: I'll check on him, if you guys are all right with that.

Hange: Go ahead.

I got off my horse and ran over to the well to check on Eren.

But when I got to the well...

Elias: Eren! We're done enough for today! Did something go wrong down there?

...I saw Eren, and he looked bloody.

Eren: I'm sorry. I don't think I can do it now.

We managed to pull Eren out of the well and get his hands bandaged up before we headed to dinner with Levi Squad, where my mom was as well.

At least to my knowledge, she's not a part of Team Levi, but she does have a role regarding Hange, and I think that's a good thing.

I managed to convince her that Eren is not a bad kid and what happened with the trial was something that the MPs wanted to happen so it'll work in their favor.

Swing and a miss on their plan though, our morale is still high and their IQ is still low, thinking what they tried to do will ever change anything when it obviously the fuck won't.

And whereas the Church of The Walls cult? Well...

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Levi: You're telling me that the bite wounds on your hands show no sign of healing?

Eren: None, sir.

Levi: No offense, but you're not much good to us in this form. If you can't change, our plans for Wall Maria go up in smoke. Pull it together, and yes, that is an order.

Eren: Yes sir.

As Levi walked away, I had to console Eren a little bit, just to keep him from being discouraged.

I know Levi means well, but the way he's talking down on Eren is something that I can't stand.

Elias: Don't worry about what he said, Eren. You're a badass no matter what.

Eren: Thanks, Elias.

Eld: He's right. Don't lose heart, kid. You'll get it.

Oluo: Well, that's one hell of a way to learn you're more human than expected.

Elias: Is he really human when he can withstand punishment and still go, regardless of how hurt he is?

Oluo: You make a good point. And how's that little shoulder of yours anyway?

I really took it as an insult, as if he was trying to keep me down and render me useless.

So, I jumped the table and looked to punch him, but Eld and Gunther held me back as Eren held Oluo back as he tried to swing as well, but was stopped by Gunther.

Before it could go any further...

Levi: Alright, alright, you two, CALM THE FUCK DOWN!!!

I was forced to go to the other side of the table, where Eren was, as I sat down, glaring at Oluo for insulting me and trying to make me feel like I'm worthless, even if my shoulder's still healing from Trost.

Eld: You finished?

Elias (angry): Yeah.

Eld: Sorry about that, Captain. It won't happen.

Levi: It better not. And Commander Heinrich, if you're out of line again, there will be a court martial for you. Understand?

Elias (angry): Yes sir.

Yeah, go fuck yourself, Levi.

The rest of the time being, I just glared at Oluo, thinking about many different ways that I wanna kill him and get away with it.

He has to die, and I don't care how it happens.

Anyway, I drank my tea and kept an eye on Eren, just so he doesn't go out of control, but he dropped the spoon for his tea.

I then looked to grab it, but Eren beat me to it.

However, he looked to grab the spoon, but then his hand sparked and exploded, causing all of us to fly backwards!

When I got a better look, I saw this...

When the steam cleared, Eren was holding onto a part of a Titan carcass, and I think it's his.

I looked closer and it turned out that the spoon he was trying to grab got caught in his Titan form's hand.

I saw that Petra, Eld, Oluo, and Gunther brandished their weapons, as I ran over and brandished my own.

Levi: The situation is complicated. Now, calm down.

Eld: Eren! What the hell do you think you're doing? No one gave you permission to transform, did they!

Levi: I said calm down!

Oluo: Answer the question, Eren! What got into you!

Gunther: Leave it. Explanations can come later. First things first. You need to persuade us you're not hostile like your life depends on it! Prove it or we kill you! The burden of proof is yours, kid!

Oluo: So much as twitch an arm, and I'll lob your head off! This is the first and last warning you'll receive! I can end you in a heartbeat! Do you understand me, boy?!!

?????: Not on my watch!

I looked back and just Oluo turned around, he got clocked right in the jaw!

And I knew who it was, as my mom came over and joined us as she got her swords out too!

Mom: If you wanna kill my son's friend, you gotta go through me!

Eld: Lena?!! Get away from there! It's not safe!

Petra: Lena! We need you to step away. You're too close!

Mom: Shut up! The only ones that are too close are the four of you!

Levi: Lena is right! Do it!

Petra: Why should we—

Levi: A gut feeling!

Eld: Eren, better say something!

Elias: Shut up, asshole! Eren did nothing wrong! This was an accident, I can guarantee it!

Eld: Why should we trust you, Commander!

Elias: Because I can tell it wasn't intentional!

Oluo: Don't try anything cute!

Gunther: Prove you're not hostile!

Elias: He doesn't have to prove anything! So how about you put your weapons away and stand the fuck down!

Eren: BE QUIET! ALL OF YOU JUST BE QUIET!

?????: EEERRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEENNNN!!!!!

Then, in came Hange, just running like a child and just excitement in her eyes!

Like, seriously, this isn't the time to play with experiments!

When Hange got to us, her smile was so wide, the layout of the land wasn't long enough!

Hange: I wanna touch the arm! I wanna touch the arm! Pretty please with sugar on top! Let me touch this glorious thing!

Elias: It's not a good idea, Hange! Don't!

She touched it anyway to where she burned her hands and ended up running around!

Hange: Aaaahh! Son of a bitch! That mother is so hot when there's no skin! This is the best day in the history of science!

Moblit: You're a maniac! You hear me? A maniac!

Elias: Maniac is an generous term at this point.

Hange: Are you not burning up? What's it like? How is it connected to your hand? Oh, you have to show me! I really, really wanna see!

Then, Eren started to struggle and it looked like he was trying to get his hand out of the partial Titan carcass, but of course, Oluo just couldn't shut his mouth.

Oluo: Are you ignoring me? Don't try anything stupid!

Elias: Well, you're the one who's acting like it!

After a while, Eren ripped his hand out of the carcass, but he fell backwards onto the ground as Hange started going crazy about the carcass steaming away.

After that, my mom and I stood by Eren, making sure that he's protected from these guys, just in case they try to kill him.

It was all quiet as we were dismissed to our barracks soon after and I decided to stay outside and do my own thing.

I wanted to be alone for a while, knowing how close I was to losing my shit towards Team Levi for almost killing him.

When darkness came, I was called to the dining hall, where everyone else was.

Eren and Levi walked in as I just got here in time as I just walked in, so it all worked out pretty well for everybody.

Levi: Man. How long of a shit were you taking, anyway?

Hange: Oh, long enough to get the job done. Thank you for asking. Meeting the brass can do a number on your bowels, but enough about that.

Then, Hange pulled out the spoon Eren was trying to pick up, as it got everyone confused on what Hange was talking about.

Hange: Feast your eyes on this.

Eren: That's the spoon, right?

Hange: The very one. Your spontaneous Titan arm erupted into being while holding it. Like so. Resting between the thumb and the index finger. The world operates on chance, so coincidences are expected, but this begs something more. This utensil wasn't wrapped by the heat or by the pressure. Any thoughts on the matter?

Eren: Uh... All I know is that I went to pick it up. When I did, the arm came out of nowhere.

Hange: Interesting.

Elias: Hange, may I speak?

Hange: Proceed.

Elias: Here's my theory, and it might sound insane, but Eren, I think the reason that Titan arm came out of nowhere is because of a goal you have in mind, and I think that's why you transformed the first time in Trost, when you were "eaten", when you blocked the cannonball to protect Armin, Mikasa, you, and myself, and you moved that boulder into the entranceway of Wall Rose, even though it went ass-backwards in the beginning. With that said, as long as you have a goal in mind and you inflict self-harm altogether, at least from what I know, that could be the reason why you transform at will, as it's not the only catalyst. The point is, an objective could be a crucial ingredient into the transformation, so that could be why you couldn't transform in the well in that test until later on at the table outside.

Eren: I think you might be onto something. This last time was a lot like the time with the cannonball, but I transformed into a Titan just to pick up a damn spoon? That's insane.

Gunther: So, uh, what I'm getting out of this what you pulled wasn't something you did on purpose?

Eren: No, sir.

Then, Petra, Eld, Gunther, and Oluo nodded at each other and started biting their own hands, as if they were trying to get the same result from Eren!

Elias: Hey, hey! What the hell you think you're doing?!!

Eld: That hurts like a son of a bitch. Damn, kid. I'm impressed you can sink your teeth in that deep without shrieking.

Gunther: We made a judgement call today and it was wrong. Consider this way of apologizing, that is if you find it in your heart to forgive us.

Oluo: We have to make spur of the moment decisions, okay? Make the best call we can with what we know.

Elias: Was it the best call when you tried to kill someone I've grown up with when he did nothing wrong?

Oluo: Well, it's our job to keep him check, Heinrich! And you should know that by now!

Elias: Oh, I'm aware of that, but the way you went about it is pure ignorance on your part. I know that it's a soldier's duty to act upon instinct, but in this case, since we're dealing with something that can turn the tide from the Titans' favor to ours, I suggest we start with learning more about Eren's Titan powers until we continue to dive more deeply into this matter. Am I wrong?

Petra: I have to agree with you, Elias, but Eren, the fact is we were scared. That's no excuse, I know. You've every right to be upset, but, all that aside, we're doomed if we can't trust one another. Just as you are if you can't trust us.

~Present Day~

Petra: Eren, I'm asking you, do you trust us!

Levi: Eren! C'mon! Make up your damn mind!

Elias: What's it gonna be, Eren!

It seemed like after a long time of consideration...

Eren: I'M WITH YOU!

...he put his hand down onto the lead and we kept moving forward, but I noticed my tanks were nearly out of gas, so I got onto Petra's horse.

Petra: Out of gas, Elias?

Elias: Just barely. Mind if I ride with you?

Petra: Not at all!

And as I looked back, the Scout was killed.

I knew that we could've saved him, but we didn't have a choice. I'm sure he would've wanted us to keep going with the plan.

Gunther: Target is accelerating!

Levi: Just keep moving! We'll outrun the bitch!

It was only a few more minutes until we reached where the Scouts were and I saw Hange, my mom, and Mikasa on top of the same tree trunk.

I patted Petra's shoulder, she nodded, and I flew up there, nearly dodging the Titan's hand.

And just like that...

Erwin: FIRE!!!

All these spears and whatnot fired from all sides and pinned the Titan down, but I noticed something strange: like the last time we faced her, meaning, Jean, Shitstain, Armin, Reiner, and myself, it protected its nape.

Regardless of Eren's conflicting feelings on whether or not to trust the Scouts, we managed to find this a successful day.

However, when I got up to my mom, Hange, and Mikasa, they were concerned as I kneeled down.

Mikasa: Elias!

I then laid back first onto the tree, just in pain, thanks to my shoulder getting much worse.

Mikasa: Are you alright?!

Elias: I'm fine, just a little exhausted.

Then, Mikasa saw something on me, and when she moved my jacket, along with the cloak, her eyes went WIDE and they were watering.

She saw the blood from my shoulder and it was seeping into my shirt.

Mikasa: You hurt your shoulder again?!!

Ah, shit.

Elias: Mikasa, hear me out. I was with Reiner, Jean, and Armin as we were chasing that Titan, because we felt like there was something wrong. We tried to take care of it, but Armin was gonna get killed, so I had to push him out of the way so I could take it, and I'm pretty sure that was what ripped the wound open.

Mikasa: WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT! DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG THAT'S GONNA TAKE TO HEAL NOW?!! YOU COULD'VE DIED!!!

Elias: So what? At least it means something to this cause, Mikasa. And if you weren't my girlfriend, you'd understand why I'm willing to sacrifice my own life to see this through!

Mom: Wait. "Girlfriend"?

Mikasa: Yeah. He's my boyfriend, so what does it mean to you?

Mom: I'm his mother. He was telling me about you.

Mikasa: You're his mom?

Elias: It's a long story, Mikasa. Until we get back to Wall Rose, I suggest we all calm down and try to find out who this Titan is.

And whoever this is, she ain't coming home to momma.