Content Warnings:

•Season 4 Part 1/2 Spoilers
•Mentions of Death
•Strong Language
•Violence
•Ghosts
•Knives
•Blood

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Flashback

The first time your classmates heard you didn't have a mother was an awkward day for you. The very first assignment of the new class was to draw your family to get to know each other better but yours did not go over so well. Excited to introduce your family members to your class, you eagerly raised your hand to be next to show the students your rough work, considering you were about eight-years-old at the time.

"Y/n, you may come up and show the class your work." Your teacher, Ms. Rees, announced and waited for you to approach the front of the class. You grabbed your paper and hopped out of your seat to address the fellow students with your work of art, which you held up proudly. "Hi! I'm Y/n and this is my family!" You smiled brightly in hope to make some friends. "That's my dad and these are my brothers, Tristan, and Quincy. Oh! And this is my dog, (dog's name). She/He's super nice and loves to play! I also added myself sitting next to her/him." You looked down at the paper in front of you to point at each spot.

The class was quiet as they took in your presentation, every one of them burned with the same question that would eventually come out. "Where's your mom?" A girl, named Maya, raised her hand to ask. Taken aback by her question, you exchanged a glance with your teacher before parting your lips to respond. "Maya, let's not ask questions until Y/n is done presenting and ready to take them." Ms. Rees quickly interrupted before you had the chance to answer. You could tell there was an awkwardness in the room from doing so.

When all fell silent again, you quietly spoke up. "I'm done presenting." Your mood had dipped quite dramatically, no longer as enthusiastic as you were just moments ago. Standing up from her seat, Ms. Rees looked out over the students. "Okay, class, do you have any questions for Y/n?" She asked a bit nervously, hoping they had forgotten the previous question already. However, all their hands shot up immediately. Carefully, Ms. Rees sat back down as she anticipated your next move. "I don't have a mom." You quietly announced to get it out of the way. As everyone took that in, their arms slowly dropped back down to their desks.

That's all they wanted to know, nothing about you. Just the answer as to why you had a single father, for as rare as it was in your time. That was only the start of your long road ahead, dealing with teases and questions regarding your absent mother.

Flashback End

You never thought you'd find yourself back here so soon. Not too long ago, you were visiting your brother after almost a year apart. Today, you kneel before one of your very close friends. You still wonder how she left so suddenly. One second, she was happy to go home after a long time hiding in Marley, the next second, departed to the afterlife. The look on her face when her soul separated from her physical body was one you could never forget. She looked disappointed yet... understanding. As if she had already come to terms with it in seconds.

How could she?

Drizzling rain eventually let's up, leaving you damp but drying as you stare at the multiple cards, and flowers adorning her headstone. As surreal as it is, this shouldn't be happening. This shouldn't be her under the dirt, no longer living. How is Sasha truly gone? Why is she even under there? You lose your sense of reality, confusing it for the reality in your mind, seeing those who are already deceased. Are they actually present? Is this real? Is any of this real?

With a numbing pain in your system, you've already let out all the tears you can. How is it that you can still produce them? After all that has happened in the past two years? It seems that life still manages to screw you over, no matter what. It will always find a way to push you around when things finally seem decent. As you lose your train of thought, an abrupt shout from behind you pulls you back to the real world. "Hey! Aren't you a Marleyan?! What the hell are you doing here?!" A man curses, throwing kicks and punches.

Lifting your head, your eyes meet Mikasa's gaze as she sits behind Sasha's headstone, staring directly at an MP officer in the distance. Following her eyes, you can only see the officer, wondering who the Marleyan is that he is talking to and beating up. "This graveyard is full of people your kind killed!" The man continues to rant. "Wait! Let us take care of this guy!" Jean and Conny run over to stop the officer, pushing him away. Jean mutters something to the guy before he walks off in a huff. "Marleyans can piss off!" You hear him grumble.

Following Mikasa over to the group, you spot Nicolo on the ground, covering the back of his head. "Why? What the hell were you guys doing?!" He asks with a strain in his voice. Leading the blonde man over to her grave, Jean explains what had happened to Sasha back on the airship when you escaped Marley. Hearing it again, it brings back the bad memories, feeling as hurt now as you did on that night, not too long ago.

"Shot by a kid who snuck on the airship? Its too ridiculous to be true." Nicolo comments, crouching in front of Sasha's memorial. "It was no ordinary girl. She'd been trained." Mikasa replies, looking down at the older male. "A Warrior candidate?" Nicolo questions. "I let my guard down. Sorry." Jean apologizes. "Why apologize to me? All I did was cook her food." Nicolo doesn't understand why he would be all that important. "Thanks for letting her eat so much tasty food, Nicolo." Conny leans forward to lay a hand on his shoulder. "What do you think about this, Conny?" The blonde asks stoically. "Sasha and I were like twins. It feels like half of me is gone." Conny explains sincerely.

The sound of footsteps rummaging through grass catches your attention, eyes searching for the source. Spotting a family, your mind instantly connects them to be Sasha's relatives. "You're..." Jean begins to say but pauses. "Y'all knew my daughter, did 'ya?" The man in the front asks you all. Confirming, you back up to give them space and privacy to grieve their loss, every moment of it becoming harder to bear.

After her family leaves, you begin to do the same with your comrades. However, something pulls you back. Looking over your shoulder, you notice a transparent, baby-blue figure standing in front of Sasha's headstone, looking down upon it. Noticing your paused stance, Mikasa waits for you, causing the others to do the same. "Y/n, what is it?" The ravenette questions, waiting for a response. The apparition then turns to face you, flashing a little smile as she reunites with her comrades. Grinning back at the still cheerful girl, you feel a bit of guilt hit you like a wave. "You can never miss anyone because you'll always see them!" Her voice fills your head.

Sniffling slightly at the memory, you repeat her previous words. "Sasha once told me that I would never miss anyone with my ability... that I'll always see them but..." Your voice begins to waver a bit. "I still miss them... so much. I can't feel them the same way I used to, they're just in my head and no longer physical. It drives me crazy." You mumble, eyes still fixated on Sasha's apparition, only visible to you. Cautiously approaching, Mikasa takes ahold of your right hand in hers, looking down at it. "She's right but at what cost? How much more of this can I really take, Mikasa? I feel like I'm talking to myself, most of the time. I wonder how I haven't gone insane, yet." You begin to stare at nothing in particular as Sasha's visiting spirit disappears, losing energy.

"You do a better job than any of us combined. Burden or not, none of us could handle what you do. You're inspiring without realizing it." Mikasa answers softly, giving your hand a squeeze. "You think so?" You don't believe her at first because you've never really been told such when you were growing up. Nodding, the younger female meets your (color) eyes. "I think you can still miss people, even if they still talk to you. Its not the same, like you said. At least you still have them, though." She tries to reassure and comfort you. "I also don't think you're crazy." Mikasa then adds at the end, making you chuckle a bit. "Thank you for that, Mikasa. I can always count on you." You grin shyly, earning a nod from her.
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"Commander, may I speak with Lux?" You ask the Commander for permission to visit your aunt in the cellars. Pondering for only a second, they give you their answer. "Of course, Y/n. I understand your reasoning." They nod, giving a small grin. "Thank you, Commander Hange." You quickly salute before heading towards her cell. Approaching the tiny enclosure, you grab a pair of keys to unlock the door and enter, sitting on Lux's bed, next to her. "Sorry you have to be locked up." You sigh, genuinely feeling bad. "Oh, no, its okay. I wouldn't trust me either." Lux shakes her head, still wearing a Marleyan uniform.

"Will you tell me about my mother? It makes me feel like I don't even know myself because of her absence." You skip straight to your questions without hesitation. The woman sitting beside you chortles, gently nodding. "Of course. Where do I even start?" Lux hums, pursing her lips while she thinks. "My dad said she was a "witch" like me, if that helps." You speak up, almost nervous to finally get the answers you've been desperate to hear. "Ah, right." The (color)-haired woman nods, facing you. "She was a psychic too, only able to see the future. She passed because the Walls found out about it and executed her." Lux sighs a bit, looking as if she's recalling old memories.

"So... she really is gone, then." You mumble, wishing that had not been the case. "I didn't want to believe it because I've never seen her. I see all kinds of spirits and demons, I figured she would have been one of them, too but she hadn't been." You explain. "Is that so?" Lux keeps her focus steady. Nodding, you part your lips. "How did you even know it was me, though?" You furrow your brows in confusion. "She had a vision, a long time ago. She knew you would try to find her one day, knowing it would be me that you find, instead. After she told me, I kept my eyes opened in case we did cross paths. You can always recognize family." Lux grins softly, almost admiring you.

"A vision about me? Can you tell me more about it?" You decide to ask. Swallowing, Lux seems hesitant but willing to tell the truth. "The day you were born, so I've heard, was when she had the vision. Its been so long ago but she told me people would find out about her and you, if she had not left." Her explanation doesn't make a lot of sense. "What do you mean if she didn't leave me?" You question. "Unfortunately, it was destined to become news that your mother was a psychic, either way. If she stayed in your life, the others would know you were one too. The second she held you, she told me she saw your entire future. One where she stayed in it and one where she went into hiding. She knew you would also be a psychic with extra abilities, she did it to protect you." Lux goes into more detail.

"I see." You mumble after digesting all of that information, not exactly sure if it makes any sense to you yet. "When did she leave?" You lift your head up. "Not too long after you were born. Within a day or so." Lux answers which makes your eyes widen. "I didn't think it was so soon..." You whisper, mind wandering off. "Why... were you in Marley, then?" Your next question causes Lux to freeze momentarily. Quickly regaining her composure, she clears her throat. "When we were kids, the Marleyans found out about your mother. They killed our parents and banished us to Paradis Island. I was sent with her in fear that I was a "witch," as well. They didn't inject us because they thought we already had too many powers, that it would be a bad mix." She chuckles dryly towards the end.

"What happened after you got here?" You silence yourself to listen. "We hid in an abandoned house near the gate for a few days until one of your soldiers found us. I remember we had to play dumb and tell them we wandered off by accident so they would let us in. Surely enough, they believed us and didn't feel like starting a big ordeal, so they let us go without punishment. For safety, we decided to split up in case her powers were found out. That way, we both wouldn't be sentenced. I stayed in a village in... Maria, is that what its called?" Lux looks at you for confirmation. Gently nodding your head, she continues. "I stayed there while your mother wandered off a bit towards the interior, can't remember where exactly, though." Her voice trails off.

"I lived in Krolva, so probably there." You respond, causing her eyes to widen a fraction. "Yes, that was it." She nods, remembering it now. "I'm guessing she met your father and you can guess what happened after that. I hadn't seen her in... nine years after we separated that day we entered the Walls. She immediately traveled to find me in Maria to tell me what she had saw after you were born but unfortunately, the news about her being a witch had spread like wildfire. She was caught after meeting with me and they took her back to Krolva to..." Lux pauses, a sadness overlapping her face. "Thank you for telling me." You whisper, resting a hand on her shoulder. Head turning, her (color) eyes land on yours, softening as a smile grows on her lips. "Of course." She whispers back.

"After she passed, I immediately had to get out of town before people would recognize me, and think I was your mother, reincarnated. I managed to sneak out of the Walls and get back to the dock the Marleyans had built on your island but I had to wait until the next ship arrived. The Marleyans agreed to let me come back if I swore to serve in their military, which I did, and have been doing ever since. Twenty-three years now, right?" Lux raises a brow as she calculates. "Yeah." You nod. "I just turned twenty-three a few months ago." You continue to process everything.

"You had siblings, correct?" Lux speaks up after a moment, eyes on you. Returning her gaze, you grin sadly. Its been years since you've seen either of them. "I do. Two older brothers." You answer. "I thought so. Your mother briefly mentioned them when she visited." Her own grin forms. "I'd love to meet them, when the chaos settles." She adds, causing your smile to falter. "Tristan passed away, unfortunately." Your voice is low, dropping your gaze from her. The room is silent for a painful amount of time while Lux searches for the appropriate response to such a statement. "I'm very sorry to hear that." The woman whispers, fiddling with her hands that rest on her lap.

"What was my mom like before she died?" You change the subject after another minute passes. A look of relief flushes Lux's expression, seeming to be happy anytime she thinks of her sister. "She was very eccentric when we were younger. If someone didn't like her, that was their problem. She always wanted to do her own thing, no matter what. It was also hard to change her mind." Lux lightly chuckles. The description lightens your own mood as well, fascinated to learn what she was like. Your father would have never told you anything about her, even on his deathbed. You're just grateful to hear it now.

"I wouldn't say she was stubborn in a bad way, she just always knew what was right for her own path. I could tell she loved her family and that it hurt her so much to leave. Trust me, it was not an easy decision but she was willing to make any sacrifice to protect you. There was no way I could talk her out of it. She told me Paradis Island was no land of devils, she felt more free here than back in Liberio. I guess because no one knew who she was here. She could start over." Lux retells her story, having your full attention.

"If my dad heard that, he would say she sounds like me." You laugh softly, realizing you two were very similar. "I figured so. You definitely remind me of her. Very passionate and protective." Your aunt smiles from ear-to-ear. "What was her name?" You wonder, wishing to know even more. Reaching over to take your hand in her's, Lux's eyes meet yours once more. "Her name was Zeina." She answers quietly, a gentle smile on her face. "Zeina?" You whisper to mostly yourself, repeating the name. Nodding, Lux releases a small sigh. "I haven't said that name in many years." She pats the top of your hand.

"I appreciate all you've told me. It must have been hard." You speak up after a second. "I'm just glad I got to finally meet you, Y/n. You've grown into a strong young woman." Lux smiles brightly, eyes crinkling at the corners. "Me too." You whisper back, finding yourself being wrapped in her arms. "You ought to head back to your squad before you get in trouble, being gone too long." Lux mumbles, eventually pulling away. "Okay." You nod slightly, sitting up straight. "I'll try to get you out of here, in the meantime. I'm sure my Commander will trust my judgement." You say confidently, standing up from her bed. "Thank you." Lux grins, looking up at you. "I'll do whatever it takes, I'm not going back to that hellhole again." She adds.

Locking her cell, you wave "bye" one last time before heading off down the hall. As soon as you turn a corner, a strong force bumps into you, almost making you lose your balance. Catching yourself, a cool metal presses against your right temple, feeling like a gun's barrel. With wide eyes, you freeze on the spot, vision no longer showing your present surroundings. You find yourself in a large meeting room, tall windows allowing natural light to seep in, gun still to your head.

Where the hell am I?

Suddenly, a second force grabs your shoulder, bringing you back to reality. Surprised, your regular vision returns, and you meet maple-brown irises that belong to a fellow comrade, Floch. "Sheesh, you're pretty dramatic. You okay?" The short-haired auburn male snickers as his hand lays on your shoulder. Slowly nodding, your eyes never leave his. "Yeah, I'm fine." You mumble, feeling uneasy around the boy. "Watch where you're going next time." He releases his grip on your shoulder, walking off after. Furrowing your brows, you stand idle for a moment longer before continuing towards the exit again. "What a weirdo..." You mutter to yourself, knowing damn well it was his fault for running into you. At least, you like to think that.

Passing through a corridor, towards the front door, a tingle trails up your spine, reaching your skull. Immediately, your head snaps to the right, landing on your Captain, creepily waiting in the shadows. "Why do you always do that?" You whisper through gritted teeth, only slightly startled by the sight. "Because you never watch your back." The man unfolds his arms from across his chest, left hand gripping your forearm as he pulls you towards the door. "Sir, respectfully, what are you doing?" You then ask, looking up/down/straight at the back of his head. "I told you to be careful how many times? Why were you talking to that Marleyan?" He questions, eyes facing forward as you both leave the dungeon.

Staring at the floor for a second, you lift your gaze back up to glare at his head. "She's my aunt, sir, and I needed to know something." Your voice grows quiet, unsure of how he'll take your answer. He'll just say you're making excuses to disobey his orders. "What even was bothering you so badly to the point of neglecting your safety?" He glances over his shoulder, making it to the exit. "Personal things, Captain. Stuff you probably wouldn't care about, so I'll spare you the story. Although, acknowledging your strange obsession with stalking me, I figured you already overheard." You reply, standing a foot behind him. Looking back at you before opening the door, he releases a small sigh, slightly irritated. "Very well, then." He mutters, holding his stance.

"Sir, I'd like to speak with Commander Hange about releasing her. She's completely surrendered and only served the Marleyans because of a deal she made years ago. She wants to help us." Your words cause the Captain to freeze. "How do you know that for sure?" He eventually questions, not believing it at all. "I know you always doubt me but something told me that she's being honest, sir." You briefly purse your lips, awaiting his response. Turning around, the Captain swiftly pushes you against the door, his eyes sharp, and deadly, glaring up/down/straight into yours. "The reason I'm so strict with you, Y/n, is because I can't have you fail under my command." His words are hushed but you manage to hear each one.

What is he talking about?

Confused, your (color) eyes search his, forgetting the grip he still has on your forearm, as he presses it to the door. While his irises flicker back-and-forth between yours, you catch a small glimpse of them turning pistachio-green. "Big bro!" A feminine voice echoes in the distance, almost startling you. Returning to the present moment, you hardly notice how close you are to the Captain, his face mere inches from your own, gaze intense. "I... I won't fail you, Captain." You whisper, just barely audible to him, eyes half-lidded. "Then don't make a choice you'll regret. Don't make me lose you." The older male quietly replies, his tone just as serious as his expression.

Before the moment gets any quieter, Captain Levi pulls you away from the door, causing you to bump into his chest, while he pushes through the exit. Pulling you along, he eventually releases his hold on you when he spots the others nearby. "This isn't my decision to make but you may speak with Hange about the matter. Just know that I'm against it. I don't trust any of them, especially around you. They'll take advantage of you." The Captain states before beginning to wander off.

Watching his figure become smaller, if possible, your thoughts circle back to the odd vision you had earlier, about Floch. "Sir?" You suddenly call out before your Captain is too far away. Pausing in place, the older man pivots to face you, eyebrows stitching together. Swallowing, you begin to approach your Captain, shortening the wide distance between you both. "What is it, Y/n?" He asks in a bored tone once you're close enough. "Its about Floch, actually." You reply, picking at the skin on your fingers.

What the hell was it about?

"I told him to blow out the candles in there, if that's what you're concerned about." Captain Levi answers, turning to leave again. "No, not that." You shake your head, gaining his attention again. "Then what?" He quirks a brow in anticipation. "I felt... uncomfortable around him. I know he's my comrade but something felt off about him sir. In the future." Your lips purse at the end, recalling the metal sensation against your head. The disturbingly realistic feeling causes you to subconsciously try pushing it away but utterly failing, as its only in your imagination.

The strange behavior catches your Captain's sight, his eyes watching your right hand as you swat at the air, near your head. "That sounds like something you should talk to Hange about." Captain Levi sighs, not seeing how he can come up with a solution for it. "Yes, Captain." You nod, finally dropping your hand once the feeling of a gun barrel leaves. "Thank you for your time, though, sir." You salute but the man turns around completely to finally leave, not speaking another word.
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"Floch Forster and some 100 soldiers and guard vanished from the prison. They're thought to have defected timed with Eren's escape. I'm sure they're behind the Premier's murder, too. They need a name. Let's call these anti-Military insurgents "Yeagerists." And the goal of the Yeagerists... is what, Hange?" Commander Nile of the Military Police announces. "They're hoping to bring Zeke and Eren together. They'll reform the Military with Eren on top. Murdering the Premier shows their resolve. Its obvious what provoked them. The Military schemed to take the Founder from Eren, all without telling us." Your own Commander responds.

"We knew what would happen if we had. In any case, many of the Yeagerists are from the Scouts. How will you take responsibility, Hange?" The man before you questions. "I'll accept any punishment. But resigning now would be an irresponsible thing to do. Besides, we don't know how many Yeagerists are still in hiding." Commander Hange defends. "Indeed. There might even be a suicide bomber standing in front of me." A man with glasses speaks up. "Roeg, don't be ridiculous." Commander Hange comments. "Can you be trusted? Until we know, we can't let you Scouts roam as you please!" The man known as Roeg raises his voice.

Suddenly, the doors into the large room burst open with Commander Pixis and fellow Garrison. "Enough! We have a guest here! We have more important things to do than bicker! Hange, who knows where Zeke's being held?" The old man says confidently, arms held behind his back. "Levi and the 30 soldiers with him. Also, three soldiers who deliver supplies. Lastly, there's me." Commander Hange answers, facing Commander Pixis. "Have those three brought here. Nile, is the Queen's residence safe?" The Garrison Commander turns his direction towards the Military Police.

"Only a few know the location, but I'll check it out." Commander Nile responds. "Eren will attempt to contact Zeke and Queen Historia. Protecting those two is an absolute must!" Commander Pixis orders. "Yes, sir!" The room erupts. "Commander Pixis! Now that we've lost the Premier, the only one who can lead us is you. What do you think we should do?" Armin steps in. Humming to himself, Commander Pixis raises his arms. "We've been utterly beaten. Let's surrender to Eren." This statement catches everyone off guard. "We cant do a thing about enemies in our midst. Even if we flushed them out, who knows how much blood it would cost? We don't have time to waste on such folly. Our decisions made soldiers turn their backs on us. It brought about our defeat." He continues his previous statement.

"You're kidding! Bow down to the people who killed the Premier?!" A woman from the MP's interjects. "I knew Zachary for many years. To live and die by revolution would be what he wanted. Anyways, the four who died wouldn't want their deaths to cause Eldia's fall." Commander Pixis goes on. "So instead, we submit to the Yeager brothers?!" Commander Nile argues, not understanding his point. "We're not submitting. We'll use the location of Zeke to negotiate with the Yeagerists. Like before, Eldia's survival will depend on a test of the rumbling. However, we must look past the fact that they murdered the Premier. If that's the price to prevent countless comrades from being killed... so be it. Get moving, soldiers!" Commander Pixis holds his head up high.

Everyone is making your head hurt, there's so much going on now, far more than before. Everything you thought that you knew is a twisted lie. First, a world full of giant monsters are your own blood, the true monsters being those behind it all, Marleyans. Second, you may have to fight Eren, a former comrade of yours who only wanted the greater good for his homeland. What has come about him? Why is he acting so differently? However, one other person stays on your mind more than Eren, Floch. The thought of running into him not too long ago makes your skin crawl. The feeling of his hand on your shoulder again causes you to shiver, trying to shrug it off but failing. He can never stop tormenting you.

Leaving the building with your comrades, you keep to yourself while you follow them back to your horses. "We're helping Eren when he killed the Premier?" Conny questions openly. "Nobody knows if Eren did it." Mikasa responds to his question. "Keep it down, Mikasa. People suspect us of being Yeagerists." Jean quietly warns. "Whose side are you on anyways, Mikasa?" Conny decides to ask. "Armin and I almost got caught in the explosion. You really have to ask?" Mikasa narrows her eyes on the boy. "Huh?" Conny furrows his brows.

"Enough." Commander Hange approaches their own horse, causing you to turn around. "Like Pixis was saying, fighting will be our downfall." They mention. "So you're okay with entrusting everything to Eren and Zeke?" Jean asks of them. "No, its not good. Zeke and Yelena took precautions and were ready for this sort of situation. We have to expect they took other precautions, too. We need to figure out Zeke's intentions before he makes fools of us. Let's just hope my concerns turn out to be nothing." Commander Hange softens their gaze.

"Something worrying you?" Jean ponders. "Yelena secured work for Marleyan prisoners in odd places. Like restaurants, for example." Commander Hange's statement makes you fidget for an odd reason. Everyone's gaze turns towards you out of curiosity, silently questioning your behavior. Raising your head, you glance around the group, just as confused as them. "What is it, Y/n? What did you see?" The Commander whispers, hoping Onyankopon didn't notice since he isn't aware of your situation. Looking up/down/straight at Commander Hange, your lips slowly separate. "I'm not entirely sure... but something about that statement feels like its important." You answer as best as you can. "We need to go. Now." You then add before anyone can reply to your previous comment.

Arriving at a large, grand building, you follow your Commander inside with your squad and Onyankopon, waiting to speak with Nicolo. Eventually, the blonde dressed in a white chef's coat and apron tied around his waist emerges from behind a chocolate-brown door. "You guys? What, is it urgent? My hands are full with some customers." Nicolo jabs his thumb over his shoulder, clearly not wanting to be bothered. "Uh, you can get back to work if you want. Its just, we'd like to talk once you're done." Commander Hange holds their hands up in defense. "Talk? About what?" Nicolo's eyebrows stitch together. "Oh, you know. Like any concerns you have." The Commander vaguely answers.

"They're investigating our detainment. We're hoping you can help." Onyankopon steps forward, catching Commander Hange off guard. "Yeah, all right." Nicolo finally accepts, turning around to lead your group elsewhere. "You can wait here." Nicolo steps aside in an empty banquet room full of round tables with olive-green cushioned chairs. "Oh? What a fancy room." Commander Hange remarks, walking through the space. "I bet its reserved for MP's." Conny comments in a low voice, hands in his coat pockets.

"Huh? Is this the wine all the soldiers are gossiping about?! They say only higher ranks can get it!" Jean exclaims, picking up a tall, dark bottle. "Yeah? Aren't we high rank in the Scouts?" Conny questions, approaching the taller male. Glancing their direction as you enter the room, you can only rolls your eyes before something feels off. You almost feel uncomfortable to just look at it. "Jean, I don't think you should drink that-" You begin to warn but the male doesn't hear you. "Yup! We deserve a bit of fun, too! A sip or two-" Before Jean can finish, Nicolo rushes to his side, yanking the bottle out of his hands. "Don't touch that!" The blonde cradles the wine in his arms. "Ch-Chill out, Nicolo. We're just screwing around. No need to overreact." Jean responds, taken aback by the sudden grasp.

Composing himself, Nicolo turns back around to face Jean, and Conny. "This good stuff would be wasted on Eldians!" He explains, eyes narrowed. "Nicolo, you're still saying stuff like that? That booze doesn't give a damn what race we are!" Jean grips the front of Nicolo's coat, forcing him to look up at him. "Don't touch me, Eldian. Just because I've been nice doesn't make us pals." Nicolo mutters with an intense glare. Before the situation can escalate, you quickly approach Jean's side to calm him down. "Jean, let go of him! Forget the wine, its not the end of the world!" You threaten, tightly gripping his right arm. Jean shares a short glance your direction before returning his stare to Nicolo.

"Have you forgotten what you are? You're just a-" Jean begins but Nicolo cuts him off. "A filthy captive, huh? That makes us even, Eldian." Nicolo's lips turn into a devilish grin, grasping Jean's hand to pry it off of his coat. Quietly leaving, you eventually drop your hand from Jean's arm, sighing. "What's his problem?" Conny quirks a brow, watching as the blonde male leaves eyesight. "Dammit! Hell if I know." Jean mutters, turning around. Facing the taller/shorter/equal height male, your eyes sharpen on him. "That was completely unnecessary, Jean. Why do you always stir up trouble?" You nag him like an older sister. Jean is quiet for a moment while he thinks of his words before answering with the first thing that comes to mind. "I'm sorry." He mumbles, almost embarrassed to be heard. A bit surprised, you downplay your reaction as to not embarrass him any further. "Thank you for owning up to your actions." You whisper back to him.

Hearing some commotion from down the hall, Armin decides to leave the room and investigate. Within seconds, his voice shouts from a separate room. "Come here, guys!" Armin waves at the Commander who stands in the doorway. "Huh? What is it?" Commander Hange asks, leaving the banquet room you accompany to join Armin. You share a few looks with your comrades, following the Commander out as well. "The kid who shot Sasha!" Jean exclaims, standing beside Armin who stares at Nicolo, holding a large knife. Behind Nicolo, Sasha's family surrounds the dining table. "What's going on, Nicolo? I heard she's on the run!" Jean speaks up, waiting for a response. "What do you think you're doing?! Hey!" He then raises his voice when Nicolo stays silent.

"Don't move! Get back! I'm avenging Sasha! Stay put!" Nicolo threatens as he holds up an unconscious blonde boy, knife near his neck. With wide eyes, you recognize him as the other kid on board your airship when you retreated from Liberio. "Stop... not Falco!" The girl responsible for shooting Sasha begs on her hands and knees with a bloody nose. "What's this brat to you?! He took the hit for you! Do you care about him?! I cared about someone, too! An Eldian! Spawn of the devil! One who loved my cooking more than anyone! She saved me from this shitty-ass war! She taught me that I like making people happy with food! Her name was Sasha Braus! She's the girl you stole from me!" Nicolo goes on a tangent with tears brimming his eyes. Although his feelings are genuine, they're turning a scary route.

"People I cared about were killed, too! They were shot by your Sasha Braus! That's why I got revenge! She killed people first!" The brunette girl shouts back at him with a raspy voice. "Who gives a damn who killed first?!" Nicolo argues, pressing the knife closer to the boy's neck. "Open your eyes! You're a Marleyan soldier! That devil woman bewitched you! Don't lose to the devils!" The girl grits her teeth angrily. "Nicolo, hand me the knife." Sasha's father suddenly interjects. Shocked, the blonde can only stand there. "Come on." Her father mumbles, patiently holding out his hand. Eventually, Nicolo surrenders the knife and places the handle in his palm.

As the older male circles around the girl, Commander Hange steps forward. "Don't do it, Mr. Braus. Please put down the knife." They plead, not wanting any bloodshed. "Sasha was a hunter." Her father calmly explains. "What?" Commander Hange loses their stance. "Even as a wee girl, she shot varmints in the forest for us to eat. That was just our way of livin'. But I knew there'd come a day we'd have to give up that style of life, so I sent Sasha away from the forest. She went into the world, became a soldier, shot people far yonder, and got shot herself. In the end, though she left our forest, the world is a great, big forest where everyone's fightin' for their life." Her father continues, passing the knife to his wife.

"I reckon Sasha died 'cuz she wandered in the forest too long. We've gotta keep the younguns out of the forest. Otherwise, ain't nothin' gonna stop it from happenin' again. That's why its up to us adults to shoulder the sins of the past." Her father finishes, eyeing Nicolo. "Nicolo, let Ben go." Sasha's mother asks softly. Nicolo complies, as hard as it is, laying him back on the floor. Staying near the wall arch with Armin and Commander Hange, a blonde girl from Sasha's family rounds the table, holding up a knife. Before she can pierce it through the brunette girl's head, Mikasa swiftly grips her wrist. "How dare you kill her! You murderer! I thought you were a friend!" The blonde girl screams as Sasha's parents pull her back.

"Let's move you! C'mon!" You hear Armin say he leads the brunette girl out of the room with Mikasa. Staying with the others, you stand behind Jean and Conny who hold onto Nicolo. "Hange, try to rinse that kid's mouth. Some wine got in it." Nicolo quietly asks, confusing the Commander. "Though... its probably too late." Nicolo sighs, looking down. "What's in... the wine?" Commander Hange's eye widens in fear. "I think... Zeke's spinal fluid." The blonde answers in a disappointed tone. With your own wide, (color) eyes, you begin to wonder if maybe Jean did react appropriately, earlier.

Speaking of which, Jean shoves Nicolo against a wall, balling his fists in the blonde's coat again. "What do you mean?! Zeke's spinal fluid is in the wine?!" He shouts in his face. "I don't have proof but... they packed the first Scout fleet to the brim with it- well, more than any scouting mission needed. And... around the time I secured my job here as a chef, I was told to serve it to high-ranking officers." You hear Nicolo explain to Jean. "By who?!" Jean asks as he pushes Nicolo against the wall again. "Yelena." The answer causes everyone to freeze, including you.

"What a lovely name for a lovely lady." Her voice hums in your left ear, making a shiver trail up your spine. "As far as I know, she's the only one in on it. Can't speak for the other volunteers." Nicolo continues as Commander Hange's gaze shifts to Onyankopon in front of them. "Th-This is the first time I've heard about it!" The man quickly defends himself. "It doesn't make sense! Don't Eldians freeze up if they drink his spinal fluid?" Conny questions. "According to Zeke. Nobody witnessed it, so there's no way to confirm it. But... the effectiveness of his little lie had been enormous. Because nobody has frozen up, no one is even aware they drank it." Commander Hange explains.

"Yeah but... you don't know for sure, right?" Jean turns to face a defeated looking Nicolo. "Yeah, I can't prove it. But Marleyans know how Zeke's spinal fluid has been used in the past. About ten years ago, we conquered a capital in just one night. Hundreds of Titans sprung up in the city. Unless that's what he's plotting, I don't know why she wants it served to your Military's top officers." Nicolo looks down at the floor. "So earlier, you grabbed the wine away 'cuz you were protecting us?" Jean keeps his gaze focused on the blonde. "Who knows? I don't know what I'm doing. I came here to save the world from island devils. Now that I've opened my mouth, I'm sure my days are numbered. But, Mr. Braus... I don't think I can be like you but if this can serve as atonement... Killing a child? What's wrong with me?" Nicolo fights back tears as he grips Jean's arms.
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The blonde kid is taken to the kitchen where he's thoroughly rinsed and washed of wine, hoping there's still a chance he didn't swallow any of it. While spaced-out in your own thoughts, wiping up some of the mess it was making, a pinch startles you out of your mindless state. Laying a hand over your temple, you lift your chin up just in time to hear a yelp from the dining room you were once in. Storming out of the kitchen with your squad, you're met with Floch and other Scouts, each holding guns, aimed at you. "Commander Hange." Floch greets, pointing his weapon at Onyankopon. "Floch?!" The Commander furrows their brows at him. "I'm glad you're here. I imagine you know where Zeke's at. We'll have you take us there." Floch pivots to aim at Commander Hange now.

"Wait. We have no intention of fighting you." Your Commander waves off. "We rejected your proposal. We won't negotiate with the Military." Floch responds dryly. "And why is that?" Commander Hange narrows their eye. "Its Eren's decision. Pixis would never leave the fate of the island in our hands. I'm sure he's frantically devising a plan to take the Founder from Eren while we're on the move." Floch explains further. "You're imagining things. Or is that what your comrades in the Garrison Regiment said?" Commander Hange asks. "Does it look like I'm one of your lackeys that'll answer you? I suggest you get moving before I prove to you that I'm not." Floch raises his other arm.

"Shit. How'd they know we were here?" Jean mutters to himself. "Greiz? Did Yelena put you up to this?" Nicolo steps to the side to look at a man across from you. Glancing to your left, you watch the interaction between Nicolo and the other Marleyan. "Nicolo, you're too obsessed with Eldians. I knew this day would eventually come. I was right not to tell you how to reach them." The other Marleyan man looks over at your previous comrade. "Floch, listen! We don't have time to be fighting among ourselves! Wine with Zeke's spinal fluid was spread through the Military! Zeke fooled us all with this plan of his!" Commander Hange raises their voice.

"So what? It'll just make the idiot MP's into bigger idiots. Can we go?" Floch jokes, turning away to leave. "I never said the MP's drank it! No way! You guys knew about the wine?!" Commander Hange gasps as Floch's recruited Scouts grab your arms, pulling them behind your backs. "Idiot, let go!" You bark at the Scout behind you but he only grips you tighter. Ignoring him now, you face forward to see that the redhead stares at you all once again with a disturbing smile on his face, lifting a finger to his lips. "Use your inside voice, please." Floch disregards their question with a hushed tone, his creepy eyes landing on yours for a second.

That bastard...

As Floch leaves the room, his group also leads you out but heading elsewhere. You were such a damn fool for not acting sooner. You had the warning days prior but you were too late, Floch's already turned and gone against you. Now, you have no idea who is right or wrong. You just want this ongoing battle to be over. When will that actually be done though? If ever.

Being led away, your body feels heavy as the ex-Scouts take you outside to a few carriages. You can only imagine where your Captain is now, watching over Zeke so he can't meet Eren. The whole situation is terrifying, you hope they're all okay and didn't drink any of the tainted wine. That would be the last thing you need to happen.

After some time, you're taken deep underground with your comrades, besides Commander Hange. Floch had ordered for them to be taken somewhere else while you join your squad in a prison. As soon as you reach the bottom of the long, spiraling staircase, your head lifts up to meet familiar eyes, behind bars. "Lux...?" You whisper faintly, almost not believing it.

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Words: 7,668

04/08/22
It has been a MINUTE since I updated a chapter, my apologies. I've been in a COD brainrot since spring break, as embarrassing as it is to admit lmfao. I've also been crunching homework since I've got about a month of school left already, I know, it's wild.

Anyway, I hope I can get back to a regular publishing schedule relatively soon because I miss writing! Hopefully, when school is out, that can happen! Thank you for reading and I'll see you in the next chapter!

~AlpineBreadStick