There was a soft click of a door shutting. It came from the front door, but I don't bother looking. I already knew who had walked past those grand doors.

"Still no leads?" My voice released the notion that I was tired, maybe even irritated. And I was, considering the predicament we were forced in.

No response followed short after my question, only the soft sounds of someone falling down upon the couch behind me and someone releasing a heavy sigh. I was in the front room with my back towards those who'd arrived and those who sat around with long frowns. I stare out the glass window watching a few people walking up and down the streets just outside the Azumabito estate.

There were two guards posted at the main entrance, they were there to ensure our safety. Though I couldn't put my whole trust in them. We were in Marley, after all. This was enemy territory.

"No."

It was male's voice that responded. Exhaustion, bleakness, and even frustration merged as one when he spoke. I didn't blame him considering the anxiety and confusion running high between all of us these past few days.

I glance over my shoulder to see that it was Mikasa who took a spot on the crème colored couch and Armin who leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. Both didn't meet my gaze as if ashamed for coming back empty-handed. Armin kept his cerulean eyes on the wooden floor, his lips pressed firmly together.

Mikasa had her hands clasped atop her lap while she stared blankly down at them. Dark bags were already forming underneath her eyes—she wasn't getting much sleep. Ever since Eren left it was like she was never really here.

She became distant—quiet. In retrospect, I would've snapped at her—twice for being such a hindrance. But I know times were tough now and everyone was on edge.

Even Armin knows it but he had a considerable way of not showing it. Stress may gleam in his eyes but at least he kept his emotions in check. Releasing a heavy sigh I look back out the window.

It's almost been a week since we've set foot on Marley's soil. It was downright dangerous to come here especially with Eren in our midst—the very person that Marley was targeting. But that didn't stop Hanji, of course—it only fueled her ambition to seek out information about the outside world.

She requested my squad for this mission, no—more like she made it mandatory for us to join her. She'd even assured us the Azumabitos would lend a hand during our mission. Their services were complimentary even the estate we currently reside in.

The mission had deemed itself dangerous but also intriguing. Now, this missions as proving itself to be nothing but a pain in my ass. I wasn't sure what was running through Eren's mind or if he was even thinking straight when he decided to disappear.

Even when reading the letter he left I was no closer to understanding his motive. He wants to entrust Paradis's victory in the hands of Zeke? The very man who practically wiped out the Survey Corps and murdered Erwin Smith?

I grit my teeth at the memory—it took all my strength to refrain myself from kicking the nearest person or thing that night. Still, did Eren really expect all of us to suddenly go along with this plan like mindless idiots? I shake my head just as I click my tongue irritably.

This was starting to get old. How many times does this brat plan to run off carelessly? And just how many times do I need to drag his shitty ass back to where he belongs?

"This is starting to become ridiculous." I mutter, furrowing my brows. "Is Eren this stupid?"

"I'm sure everyone wants an answer to that, Captain." Jean sighs. He was stationed atop the cushioned chair next to Mikasa. I turn around, watching him loosening his tie while glancing up at the ceiling.

I knew he was out as well, looking for any signs of Eren lingering on the streets. But despite how rugged and drained he seems, I knew the short time we've spent here had served him beneficially. He may be seventeen but the presence he carried was one of great maturity.

"I've known Eren since the Training Corps," Jean continues, bringing me out of my reverie. "He's always been predictable."

"If that's true then why don't you know where he's at?" Sasha asks with a pout. She also sat on the sofa between Connie and Mikasa. The two numbskulls appeared to be soulless—practically bored out of their minds. She sends Jean a look before crossing her arms. "He's soo predicable, right? Then how come you're not close to finding him?"

"H-hey, it's harder than it looks, alright?" Jean explodes, red coating his cheeks. "And Eren being predicable doesn't mean I have a damn clue where he's at!"

I shake my head, "Shut up, both of you. Bickering about the situation won't bring us closer to finding him."

Their mouths instantly clamp shut as if almost regretting pissing me off. I step away from the window no longer interested in the passerby's on the street. There were people young and old bustling up and down the streets almost eager to head to their destinations.

Despite the few days I've spent here I still found it odd watching people going about their days so casually. They all seemed relaxed, carefree—no worries tainted their minds. They didn't have to live under the constant threat of Titans.

Or the uncertainty of food shortages. None were worried about being the last part of humanity because they never lived in such a way. They spent all their lives here—no walls trapped them in like cattle.

They simply lived. And it was truly bothersome still. It was near sunset now, the reddish orange hue was the only light illuminating the sitting room.

"Where have we looked so far?" My question was abrupt but firm. I rather focus on our task than absorb myself in the lives of these others. Especially when they held no importance to me.

"We've searched the slums again and even the port," Armin replies. His voice was solid, strong. Confident.

No longer was he the crybaby that was peer-pressured to joined the Scouts. Ever since inheriting the Colossal Titan he'd changed. Sometimes I even find myself mistaking him as Erwin. He truly possessed a similar nature to him, but he can never be Erwin.

"Still no sign of him."

"I've looked in the eastern market," Jean adds. "He wasn't there."

I click my tongue angrily, at least the brat wasn't that stupid. He knew how to conceal himself from prying eyes, even from us. He knew we would retrace our old steps, knew we would search the places we've been.

He was determined to hide from us. Damn it, that brat really is a pain in my ass.

"What about Hanji and Oyankapon?" I ask instead. I look at Armin who showed off a troubling frown.

"The commander wanted to search the northern district."

"The northern?" I repeat, raising a brow. "And what's there?"

"I'm not sure," he replies tiredly. "Only that it's where wealthy Marleyans reside."

"Eren is nowhere near there then," Connie scoffs. "He wouldn't hide among the wealthy."

I nod silently, he's right. Eren wouldn't spend his time among the rich. When it came to money they were no different from the ones in Paradis.

They were just a bunch of money-grubbing pigs who wouldn't spend a dime on something that didn't benefit them. So why go there? Did Hanji have something else in mind?

"Damn that, Four-Eyes." I curse under my breath. Hanji's smart—she knows spending time in that location was utterly pointless. Unless—she had another motive. My jaw clenches, when I see that imbecile I'm going to——

"Whew the weather's almost unbearable today!"

The double doors slam shut in the entryway. Heavy footsteps bounced off the walls before two people stood within the entryway of the sitting room.

Both Hanji and Oyankapon smiled tiredly while giving us a small wave. Sweat beaded both their brows and their ties were loosened extensively. Hanji takes off her gate and strides further into the room while Oyankapon mumbled about getting a drink.

Immediately a strong odor invades my nose. My nose instantly scrunches in disgust while I glare hotly at the woman. That smell, it was utterly dissatisfying. It was a mixture of onion, sweat, and heat—it was making my eyes water.

Noticing everyone's eyes widening in response they attempt to cover their disgust. Even Armin had a difficult facade for nonchalance. He hurries to my side while covering his nose. Hanji's stench was dreadfully repellent.

"Go wash yourself, Hanji." I order. "You smell like ass."

Her head whirls in my direction. Her smile slacking. "Excuse me?"

"It's true!" Connie exasperates while pinching his nose. "Why the hell do you smell like that?"

Hanji bristles at Connie's question clearly insulted by his words. She crosses her arms before pointing her nose in the air. "I've had a long day, you know. I don't need this right now."

"A long day, huh?" I nod considerably, "And what does that entail?"

She hesitates as I knew she would. She couldn't lie to me even if she tried. "Oh! Well—you know, the usual. I was looking for Eren—"

"Bullshit." I snap. I take step towards her regardless how filthy she was. I had to refrain myself from dragging her to the bath. "We both know you didn't go to that district looking for Eren, Hanji." She finally glances my way but only sheepishly. Her lips were pressed firmly together.

"You were sightseeing, weren't you." I assume with a scowl. "That's more important than Eren I'm guessing."

Her emotions didn't waver, her face blank as a sheet. Everyone's eyes were on her, studying her almost. Hanji bids her time, wondering what the smart thing is to say. But the more she stays quiet the more her silence speaks for itself.

"Technically, I was continuing our previous mission," Hanji proposes with a glint in her eye.

"And you think that outweighs our current situation?" I challenge hotly. Hanji doesn't seem to mind my hostility, however.

She shrugs, "I mean, Eren did tell us in the letter he would locate Zeke, and we shouldn't go looking for him."

"Commander, with all do respect Eren is our top priority!" Mikasa blurts out. She stands abruptly with her fists shaking uncontrollably at her sides. She sends a dangerous glare towards Hanji—I send one back, but she doesn't quite get the message.

"Eren possesses the Founding Titan, the very thing Marley is after," she continues. "If they find out he's here then he's done for—we're done for."

The room goes silent afterwards. It was like everyone and everything was sinking in her words. She's right, Eren is Marley's goal.

He's the only one who can turn the tides in the upcoming war. But I'm not going to stand by and play along in Eren's stupid game.

"The obnoxious brat is right," I sigh. "Finding him is our main focus. Eren is Marley's top target, and we need to find him before someone does. "

Jean nods in agreement, "I heard out in the streets they're increasing security check on random citizens." He shakes his head. "They're trying to find those of Eldian blood."

Mikasa's expression slacks a bit, her eyes widening in shock. Armin opens his mouth, possibly to assure her Eren will be fine. But he reluctantly closes it, allowing her to process this herself.

This was starting to get annoying. With the Marleyan soldiers on our asses, it's going to be difficult to find Eren. There was really no time to waste now.

"Then we better hurry. Time is not on our side." I stride towards the coat rack and shrug on my coat. "We need to find Eren in the remaining days we're here."

"And if we don't?" Mikasa murmurs into the silent room.

I take my time fixing my cuffs. What would happen if we didn't find him in the next few days? Would we leave him?

Or stay put till we can? I shake my head before heading to the door.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," I reply bluntly. "In the mean time, I suggest you guys get off your moping asses and get back to searching."

I leave soon after, slamming the door on my way out. I scurry down the steps before striding past the gates. The sun had already set, the street lamps were already coming to life.

A string of curse words leave my mouth. With night approaching finding that knucklehead will be even more exhausting.

"Damn it, Eren." I growl under my breath. He always has to be causing trouble no matter the situation.

Now I have to saunter the streets like I'm looking for a damn cat. I swear, when I see that brat again I'm going to kick his ass.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Hope the first chapter came out strong!

I'm really excited for this story as I've been working on it for a few months now. It's kinda the main reason why I haven't been posting much on my other stories:)

Hopefully you guys are just as excited as I am to continue on with this story!

Thank you to those who are beginning to read this! I appreciate you!:)

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