Narrator p.o.v
The two soldiers walking towards the were Marlo Freudenberg, he was a tall man, had bowl-cut black hair and gray eyes. And Hitch Dreyse. They were both wearing their Military Police Brigade uniforms and were carrying muskets.
Hitch: Hey, don't you think we're a bit far out?
Marlo: No point in searching if we're not spread out.
Hitch: Why did I get stuck with you? Wait, Marlo... You just wanted alone time with me, didn't you? - she said with a cheeky face. -
Marlo: Hitch... I'm sorry but you're not my first choice either.
Hitch: Oh, is that right? Well, good for you.
Marlo: But, don't you think is odd? Why would the Scouts kill a civilian and run for the hills? They're the same group that's always risking their lives for the sake of humanity.
Hitch: I can't believe you... Did you forget? Remember what they did to Stohess District? How they turned it into a battlefield? All the corpses we had to carry? taking away the broken parts of the statue of that Titan was a pain in the ass. And how Annie's still missing? All of her junk is still in my room... and it's annoying.
Marlo: But they also uncovered that Titan in hiding and somehow managed to capture it. You think any other regiment would be able to do that? If the Scouts get disbanded like this, humanity can't...
As he was talking Hitch heard something.
Hitch: Quiet. - She stopped walking and pointed her musket in a certain direction, Marlo seen Hitch point her gun, he pointed it too in the same direction. - I hear water.
They saw someone wearing a cap that covered his entire body, sitting next to a creek. The person had two wooden buckets filled with water.
Marlo: Don't move! - He said as he and Hitch were walking towards the person. - Slowly turn this way. - The person stood up with his arms raised. - You must be a Scout. - The person turned to face them, revealing it was Armin. - Just like that... Not a word. Now listen to me and do as I- - He was interrupted by two Scouts jumping at them from a tree. -
The ones who jumped at them were Levi and Mikasa, they were now holding the blades on Marlo's and Hitch's neck in a diagonal position. Levi was holding Marlo while Mikasa was holding Hitch.
Levi: That's right... Hand over the guns to the one in front.
Armin walked to them and grabbed their muskets.
Armin: And not a word, right?
Meanwhile in Mitras
Erwin was jailed in Mitras's dungeon, it was the same one they kept Eren and (y/n) in, but he was in a different cell. Erwin was sitting on the wooden wall bench until a First Interior Squad Soldier entered his cell.
First Interior Squad Soldier: Sorry to keep you waiting, Erwin. I know it's sudden, but let's get the interrogation over with.
While the First Interior Squad Soldier was interrogating Erwin. In Stohess, the Military Police Brigade Commander, Nile Dok, was answering some questions to the chief journalist that ran the company "Berg Newspapers", his name was Roy, he was along with Peaure, a rookie journalist.
Roy: So, it's unmistakable that the Scout Regiment murdered a civilian? - He said while writing in his journal, and Nile nodded. -
Nile: Judging by the evidence, at least. Having said that, we can't say for sure at the time being.
Peaure: Are you saying the Interior Police are responsible for issuing search-?
Roy: Hey, Peaure! -He took Peaure's journal. - Sorry about him, Commander Dok. He's still a rookie, through and through. He doesn't know how we do things within the walls. Don't worry about the Military Police. We won't write anything about 'em. That goes for their new ODM gear, too.
Nile: I appreciate it, Roy. (Their new ODM gear... That buckshot is useless against Titans, but it's perfect for killing people. It's a weapon practically made for killing the Scouts... Plus, its 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 them soon, so be patient. - He said as he began to walk away. -
In a street, Flegel was running away from three Military Police Soldiers.
Military Police Soldier: Wait up, you fat-ass!
Flegel ran into an alleyway but it was a dead-end, but it had some crates on a wall.
Military Police Soldier: You idiot! That way's a dead end!
Flegel: Shit!
He ran to the crates trying to climb them, but he couldn't. As the soldiers were approaching the alleyway, someone dropped from the roof and grabbed Flegel, the person was Hanji, she used her ODM gear to climb up the roof again. When the soldiers entered the alleyway, they didn't find Flegel.
Military Police Soldier: Shit, he's gone! Find him! Find him!
Military Police Soldier: Don't let 'em escape!
They kept running until Hanji couldn't see them, she then kneeled beside Flegel.
Hanji: You're the son of Boss Reeves, right? What's your name?
Flegel: Flegel.
Hanji: Nice to meet you, Flegel. I'm Hanji Zoe. The thing is, if the Military Police is after you, that means you know the truth about your father's death, right? Can you tell me what happened?
Flegel placed his right fist on his forehead before talking.
Flegel: While I was busy taking a piss, the Interior Police got my old man. A tall guy, wearing a black coat... He killed my father.
Hanji: In any case, it's great that you're alive. Now we can make the truth public.
Flegel: How's that?! 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 can do is run and hide in these cramped walls... My life is... Shit!
Hanji: Well, you have a point... The thing is, that doesn't sound like living to me. Look at it this way, Flegel. Instead of scampering around like a scared little mouse your whole life. Wouldn't you rather face up your enemy, even if it means risking your life-?
Flegel: Like hell I would! Not everyone has the same disregard for their lives as you do! Not only that, but you have no right to criticize me either!
Hanji: Don't you care about telling your company and family the truth?!
Flegel: Huh?! That's just what's best for you!
Hanji: Of course it is! - She said while grabbing Flegel's shirt collar. - You oughta start thinking what's best for you, too!
Civilian from inside the house: Who's that?! Who's making a scene on my roof?!
Hanji let go of Flegel and grabbed his wrist.
Hanji: Now then, you're coming with me, Flegel.
Flegel: Hell no! Your gang already lost! - But Hanji ignored him and ran to one of the ends of the roof. - You've been defeated!
Hanji: What are you talking about? Defeat is all the Scout Regiment has ever known!
Back with the Scouts
The group had stripped Marlo and Hitch from his uniform, leaving them in their shirts and jeans, their hands were being tied by Reiner and Mikasa, and they were kneeling next to the creek. Some of the Scouts were hiding in bushes and trees, watching the area.
Levi: (Disguise as Military Police to get by the guards... Then figure out where (y/n) 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. )
His thoughts were interrupted by Jean.
Jean: Captain. - He said while handing him a folded piece of paper. -
Levi: Now then... Stohess District Military Police. - Levi was now walking around Marlo and Hitch. - Private Marlo Freudenberg.
Marlo: ( Captain Levi! It's really him!)
Levi: Same assignment, Private Hitch Dreyse. As for how we'll dispose of you...
Hitch and Marlo straightened up and Hitch gasped, she looked down and had more of a concerned face.
Hitch: Because of you guys, lots of people from Stohess district were killed!
Levi: Huh?
Marlo: Hey! - He whispered.-
Hitch: You people... You might think that you're all heroes of justice, but the victims and their families were dropped straight into hell!
Levi: Yeah, I know.
Hitch: You there... You're from the Southern Cadet Corps, yeah? - She said while looking at Mikasa, Armin, and Eren. - Just like Annie Leonhardt. Were you friends of hers? No... I doubt she had any friends. Being as gloomy and aloof as she was. It's like she-
Eren: You're wrong.
Hitch: eh?
Eren: Annie had friends... All of us were his friends. But still... we don't know why she did what she did...
Everyone who heard Eren just looked down, remembering what happened in the 57th expedition.
Hitch: What do you mean by that? She was pulverized by a Titan into a puddle of jelly! You call yourselves friends with Annie but she was killed in the battle you had in Stohess!
Levi: No... The Titan in hiding was Annie Leonhardt herself. - Marlo's and Hitch's eyes widened at what Levi said. - Goddamit, it makes me sick. Nobody knows a damn thing about this world... Not us or anyone else. Except for those bastards at the center of it all. We'll release you both as soon as we get out of here.
Hitch looked at the ground with a shocked face.
Hitch: Annie was...
Marlo: Captain Levi! Please let me help you! I don't think what you guys are doing is wrong! If I can correct this world's injustice, I'll do whatever it takes!
Levi: What's with this guy?
Marlo: I beg you, Captain Levi!
Levi: Not a chance, I can't tell how prepared you are about making an enemy of the government. - Levi walked to Eren, Armin and Mikasa. - Petra, Oluo, tie them up somewhere nearby.
Petra/Oluo: Yes, sir!
Just as Levi was about to walk past Jean and Reiner, Jean spoke to him.
Jean: Captain. - Levi stopped walking. - Please let me do it.
Levi slightly turned his head to Jean and looked at him for a few seconds.
Levi: Knock yourself out. - He said as he continued to walk. -
Reiner looked at Jean, trying to figure out what he planned to do.
Jean used rope as a leash and he tied it in on the ropes on Marlo's and Hitch's hands. Jean was walking behind them while holding a knife. They walked until they were in front of an unevenness.
Jean: Stop.
Marlo: We'll forget what we saw here. - Marlo said as he and Hitch were turning around.-
Jean: Yeah, you will! Because both of you will die here! - Jean lifted the knife and Marlo backed to the dirt wall behind him and Hitch grabbed his arm.-
Marlo: That's not what he said!
Jean: Letting you two run free is too dangerous. I'll take it upon myself to kill you!
Marlo: Please believe us! We know you guys are fighting to try and save humanity! Right, Hitch?!
Hitch: mmm, mmm!
Jean: As if I could trust you. Especially you, Mr. Bowl cut. Who in the right mind would cut their hair like that? You'll get no sympathy from this guy! . - He ran forward but tripped and fell, making the knife fly to them but not hit them. Marlo quickly grabbed the knife.-
Marlo: Hitch, run!
Jean stood up and ran to Marlo, he pushed his hands upwards and pointed his gun on his chin.
Jean: My gun is faster, you know. Wanna take your chances? - Unknowing to him, Hitch had run away. - Your knife and my gun... Let's race!
Marlo: Wait! I'm really your ally!
Jean: Why the hell would anyone believe you'd wanna join us? We're so severely outmatched, you really think we can save humanity?
Marlo: Then, why are you...? Why are you still with the Scouts then? I picked the wrong regiment to join. As long as you guys have it in you to risk your lives and keep fighting... I will trust you. - As he finished speaking he threw the knife away. -
Jean seemed now more relaxed and sighed, but he was quickly hit in the head by a wooden bar by Hitch, sending him flying, he dropped his "gun", revealing it was a tree stick.
Marlo: Hitch!
Hitch: You damn horse face! - She was preparing to swing again but Marlo stopped her. -
Marlo: Wait, Hitch! He was just testing us!
Hitch: Huh?
Marlo: Hey, you. What would you have done if I swung the knife at you? Why did you trust me so much?
Jean: Somehow or another, you remind me of two guys that I hate. Damn idiots.
Marlo: Those idiots... are the same ones Annie talked about?
Jean's eyes widened and lifted himself up in a sitting position.
Jean: Hell If I know. Everyone's an idiot. - Marlo walked up to him and offered his hand, which Jean took and stood up. - Fortunately, we're just as dumb. Marlo, I think you've proved your dedication. That should be enough to convince Captain Levi. We're counting on you.
After a lot of convincing, Levi finally let Marlo and Hitch help them, and the first thing they were going to do, help them take a checkpoint.
Marlo, Hitch, and Levi were hiding in some bushes near the entrance of the checkpoint.
Marlo: That over there is the least manned checkpoint around.
Levi: All right. We'll handle it ourselves. Get back to your squad before it's suspicious.
Hitch/Marlo: Yes, sir.
As they were walking away, Levi called them.
Levi: Marlo, Hitch. We're grateful.
Both turned around and did the Military Salute.
Marlo/Hitch: Sir!
Levi: Let's go! It's our turn to pick a fight!
The Soldiers at the checkpoint were focused on doing their tasks and failed to notice a wagon coming quickly at the entrance, the wagon was being driven by Jean and Sasha, Connie and Reiner were in them.
After ramming the entrance they quickly knocked out the soldiers. And after they took control of the checkpoint, they went to a hill where the rest of the group was. They heard footsteps and aimed their guns in the direction they heard them.
Levi: It's me. - He was dragging the general of the checkpoint by the collar of his uniform.
Meanwhile In Trost
Flegel was surrounded by the same three Interior Squad Soldiers that were following him before. They were on a dead-end between a building. They were inside the "abandoned zone" Which was the streets that had more broken houses than the rest of the city.
Interior Squad Soldier: How dumb can you be? Running into a deserted dump like this...
Flegel: Shit!
Interior Squad Soldier: But I owe you one, Flegel Reeves. When you got away and gave us the slip, I really... I thought I was screwed! - He said before kneeling and lay down and hit the ground while crying. - For a minute there, I thought they'll kill me. - He said while wiping his tears away. - Nice knowing you, Flegel. Thanks a bunch!
The soldiers pointed their muskets at Flegel.
Flegel: Ah, wait! Why was my old man killed?! Did the Interior Police do it?!
Interior Squad Soldier: Huh? What does it matter to you? You're about to be fresh corpse.
Flegel: I-I wanna know before I die! What did he ever do to deserve being killed?!
Interior Squad Soldier: Eh? You don't know? He betrayed us and sided with those damn Scouts.
Flegel: betrayed? So you're saying it was the Interior Police that made him kidnap those Scouts?!
Interior Squad Soldier: Except it was a different Squad than us. Guess he didn't say a damn thing. Not to dimwit his son.
Flegel: And what if he would've refused? - He asked, now in a serious tone. -
Interior Squad Soldier: Well, he'd have known a bit too much, so he would've had to die. What a fool. Look where caring for the city and workers got 'em.
Flegel: You would never understand. - He said in a low tone. -
Interior Squad Soldier: Hmm? - He said while putting a hand on his ear and leaning his head a bit forward. -
Flegel: Talking like you're smart shit... My old man taught me something, that merchants gotta follow their nose. And I'm damn glad that I did. Because I found the people who could avenge my old man! And I side with them!
The Interior Squad Soldier pointed his musket at him.
Interior Squad Soldier: What's the matter, Flegel? Go on and oink like a pig to be slaughtered!
Flegel: You had your time, but it's over! Look above you, morons! - Flegel pointed upwards and the Interior Squad Soldiers looked up. Hanji and Moblit came down from the roof and took down the two soldiers at the sides with a swing kick. Hanji quickly turned around and ran at the last Interior Squad Soldier, he tried to shoot her but she dodged it, she quickly sent a hard punch to his face, sending him flying knocking him out. -
Hanji: Ouch!
Moblit: Section Commander! you're too wild!
Hanji: Hell yeah! Did you hear that, everyone?!
Interior Squad Soldier: The... Scout Regiment...? why?
He looked at the building and saw how a large group of people was watching the scene. He then heard some people walking up to him.
Civilian: Not so deserted, eh?
Civilian: Perhaps it looks that way to you.
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.
Interior Squad Soldier: S-so, what does it matter? It's the government that decides what's the truth! You fools... Don't think you can do this and get away with it! You're all in a world of hu-
Before he could finish speaking, Flegel sat on his face.
Flegel: Everyone... Don't worry. 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.
As he finished speaking all of the civilians started to clap.
Civilian: We're counting on you, Boss.
Civilian: Speak up, man!
Hanji walked up to Flegel and placed her hand on his head.
Hanji: Congrats on the job. Keep an eye on those Interior Police.
Flegel: Right.
Back with the Scouts
General: Stop it... - After speaking he was kicked again by Levi. -
It was midnight, they had the general sit beside a tree and interrogated him.
Levi: Where are (y/n) and Christa?
General: heh. Oh, you're so brave. 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?
Levi: What an atrocious thing we've done. - He said in a sarcastic tone, and proceeded to place the front of his boot on the inside of the general's mouth. - But what's more atrocious is this moth of yours. I reccomend you start talking while you're able to use it. Where are (y/n) and Christa? - Then he removed the boot from his mouth. -
General: It's no use! All that's left for you is to run and hide inside these walls, covered in mud and shit! If you don't turn yourselves in, every last Scout we captured will get the noose! Starting with the one most guilty, Erwin Smith!
Levi then grabbed him and put him in a arm lock against the tree.
Levi: Shut up. That's for not answering my question. Some Scouts's lives are more valuables than others. Only those dumb enough to acknowledge that join us. - He then released the General. - Tell me where (y/n) and Christa are at.
General: I- I don't know! I'm not allowed no know! Kenny Ackerman is a very cautious man!
Levi: Ackerman? I know Kenny... Is that his last name?
General: It is but...
Levi: True, there's a lot of things he doesn't divulge... Especially the important stuff. But you must have a rough idea. You best try to remember. - He said while walking up to him.-
General: Stop it!
Levi: You still have plenty of bones left to break. - He grabbed the General's left arm.
General: You... You're insane!
Levi: Maybe I am.
Sasha: Someone's coming from that way! - she lifted her bow and everyone dropped to the ground while aiming their guns and drawing their blades at the direction Sasha aimed. - More than one!
General: Told you so, Captain. It's no use. One way or another, the Scouts will soon come to an end!
Meanwhile with (y/n)
(y/n) p.o.v
We were still at the carriage... I think, I don't really know. Whatever things they injected on me were definetly doing something... I don't know why Rod is doing this, did Frieda told him to do this...? No... I dont'-... What if Frieda also thinks I'm a traitor?... I just want to rest... meh, I'll maybe retake Wall Maria by myslef... What am I thinking?... But what if... What if I released the Colossals from the Walls...? If they see me as their enemy... I helped them and still... I might as well become one... I'm kidding... maybe it was all an misunderstanding... yeah... a mis...under...standing.