›–––––––‹
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[Hitch]: Hey, don't you think we're a bit far out?..-Hitch, asks Marlowe. The two were walking in the forest where Levi's Squad was at as Marlowe replied-
[Marlowe]: No point in searching if we're not spread out...-Hitch lets out a sigh-
[Hitch]: Why did I get stuck with you? Wait, Marlowe... You just wanted alone time with me, didn't you?..
[Marlowe]: Hitch... I'm sorry, but you're not my first choice either...
[Hitch]: Oh, is that right? Well, good for you..
[Marlowe]: But don't you think it's odd? Why would the Scouts kill a civilian and run for the hills?..-Marlowe thought out loud- They're the same group that's always risking for the sake of humanity..-Hitch looks at him before looking away, narrowing her eyes-
[Hitch]: I can't believe you... Did you forget? Remember what they did to Stohess District? How they turned it into a battlefield? All those corpses we had to carry? And how is Annie's still missing? All of her junk is still in my room... and it's annoying..
[Marlowe]: But they also uncovered that Titan in hiding and somehow managed to capture it..You think any other regiment could do that?..If the Scouts get disbanded like this, humanity can't..-Hitch's eyes widen as she aims her gun in front of her, shushing Marlowe-
[Hitch]: Quiet..-He aims his gun as well as she says- I hear water...
They see a person wearing a hood over their head collecting water as Marlowe shouts.
[Marlowe]: Don't move!..-The person, who turned out to be Armin, stops as Marlow and Hitch approach him, gun still aimed- Slowly turn this way...
He raises both hands and slowly stands up.
[Marlowe]: You must be a scout..-Marlowe said, following Armin's movements with his gun. Armin fully turns to them- Just like that... Not a word. Now listen to me and do as I--
But then, they were apprehended by Louis and Levi, who were sitting by the trees and had their blades up against their necks.
[Louis]: That's right...
[Levi]: Hand over your guns to the one in front...-Levi ordered as Armin went over and grabbed their guns-
[Armin]: And not a word, right?..
›–––––––‹
Capital Mitras.
In an underground cell, Erwin sits on a bench, staring down at the floor until hearing the sound of the door opening and one of the men walking over to him.
[...]: Sorry to keep you waiting, Erwin..-Erwin's eyes look up at him- I know it's sudden, but let's get the interrogation over with..
Outside, two reporters question a Nile by saying.
[...]: So, it's unmistakable that the Scout Regiment murdered a civilian?..-Nile sighs, crossing his arms together-
[Nile]: Judging by the evidence, at least. Having said that, we can't say for sure at the time being..
[...]: Are you saying the Interior Police are responsible for issuing the search--?..-The other reporter asks-
[...]: Hey, Peasure!..-The other reporter said, taking Peasure's journal from his hands- Sorry about him, Commander Dawk. He's still a rookie, through and through. He doesn't know how we do things within the walls. Don't you worry about the Interior Police. We won't write anything about 'em. That goes for their new ODM gear, too..
[Nile]: I appreciate it, Roy..-Nile said, before looking away from them and going into thought- 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...-He then starts to walk away from the two- Anyways, we should hear a report from them soon, so be patient..
Meanwhile, Flegel runs through the street, being chased by the Military Police as one calls out to him.
[...]: Wait up, you fat-ass!..
He looks over to see three people chasing him before he takes a left towards an alley way. He stops though when he's met with a dead end.
[...]: You idiot! That way's a dead end!..
[Flegel]: Shit!..-Flegel tries to climb over boxes of crates, but then, Hanji flies down, grabs him and covers his mouth with her hand, and flies up as the three men finally reach over to the alley way-
[...]: Shit, he's gone!..
[...]: Find him! Find him!..
As those three run away, Hanji watches them before turning back over to Flegel.
[Hanji]: You're the son of Boss Reeves, right? What's your name?..-Flegel takes a moment before answeing-
[Flegel]: Flegel..
[Hanji]: Nice to meet you, Flegel. I'm Hanji Zoe. The thing is, if the Military Police is after you, that must mean you know the truth about your father's death, right? Can you tell me what happened?..-Flegel places a hand on his head as he went to explain to her-
[Flegel]: While I was busy taking a piss, the Interior Police got my old man. A tall guy wearing a black goat... he killed my father...-Tears were in his eyes as Hanji said-
[Hanji]: In any case, it's great that you're still 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!..-Tears are now falling down his cheeks as Hanji had her eyebrows furrowed-
[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 to 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 grabs him by the collar of his shirt and brings his face close to hers- You oughta start thinking what's best for you, too!..
[...]: Who's that?! Who's making a scene on my roof?!..
Hanji quickly shoots her head over before grabbing Flegel's wrist as she begins to run.
[Hanji]: Now then, you're coming with me, Flegel..
[Flegel]: Hell no! Your gang already lost!..-He retorted, but Hanji kept on pulling on his wrist and running- You've been defeated!..-Hanji turns her head to him, giving him a smirk and raising one brow-
[Hanji]: What are you talking about? Defeat is all the Scout Regiment has ever known!..
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Marlowe and Hitch remove their Military Police uniforms as their hands were tied up. Their ODM gear was also removed as Levi goes to plan in his head.
[Levi]: Disguise as Military Police to get by the guards... Then we figure out where (Y/n) and Eren was taken by snooping around. To think we'd have no better option... We just don't have time... We've got no choice but to do or die..-Jean walks over to Levi, holding a note in his hand-
[Jean]: Captain..-Levi looks over, grabs it, and stands up-
[Levi]: Now then... Stohess District Military Police..-He brings his blade over as he walks over to Marlowe- Private Marlowe Freudenberg...
[Marlowe]: Captain Levi! Captain Louis! It's really you two!..-Marlowe shouted in his head-
[Louis]: Same assignment, Private Hitch Dreyse. As for how we'll dispose of you...-The word 'dispose' makes the two tense up as Hitch's pupils dilate and her eyes widen-
[Hitch]: Because of you guys, over 100 people from Stohess District were killed!..
[Levi]: Huh?..
[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...-Replied Levi. Hitch's breath hitches before she looks over at Armin and Mikasa, who stand in front of her and Marlowe-
[Hitch]: You there... You're from the Southern Cadet Corps, yeah? Just like Annie Leonhart. Were you friends of hers? No... I doubt she had any friends. Being as gloomy and aloof as she was. It's like she was a kid afraid of other people... I never got the chance to know anything about her. And the reason they still haven't found her...-She then turns to Louis, screaming at him-...is because she was pulverized by a Titan into a puddle of jelly!..
[Louis]: No...Because the Titan in hiding was... Annie Leonhart herself..-Hitch and Marlowe look at him with their eyes even wider-
[Levi]: Goddammit, 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..
The two look away from him, still trying to process the information they just learned.
[Hitch]: Annie was..
[Marlowe]: Captain Levi! Please let me help you! I don't think what you guys are doing is wrong! If I can help correct this world's injustice, I'll do whatever it takes!..
[Levi]: What's with this guy?..
[Marlowe]: I beg of you, Captain Levi!..
[Levi]: Not a chance. I can't tell how prepared you are about making an enemy of the government..-He places his blades away and approaches Louis, Armin and Mikasa- Let's go..
[Louis]: Sasha. Tie them up somewhere nearby...
[Sasha]: Yes, sir!..
As Levi walks pasts Jean, he turns over to him and says.
[Jean]: Captain. Please let me do it..-Levi looks over at Jean for a moment before looking away and continuing to walk-
[Levi]: Knock yourself out...
Jean is walking Hitch and Marlowe with a close eye.
[Jean]: Stop..-The two were now facing a rock cliff as Marlowe said-
[Marlowe]: We'll forget what we saw here..-Him and Hitch face Jean as he said-
[Jean]: Yeah, you will! Because both of you will die here!..-He brings out his knife, making Hitch hold onto Marlowe's shoulder in fear and Marlowe raising his bound hands up-
[Marlowe]: That's not what he said!..
[Jean]: Letting you two run free is too dangerous. I'll take it upon myself to kill you!..
[Marlowe]: Please, believe us!..We know you guys are fighting to try and save humanity! Right, Hitch?!..-Hitch nodded her head viciously while Jean continued his smirk at them-
[Jean]: As if I could trust you. Especially you, Mr. Bowl Cut. Who in their right mind would cut hair like that? You'll get no sympathy from this guy!...-Jean charges at them with his knife readied, but he trips over something and falls head first, dropping the knife in the process and making Marlowe go to grab it-
[Marlowe]: Hitch, run!..
But before anyone could do anything, Jean pulls himself up, pins Marlowe's hands above his head, and points a gun under his chin.
[Jean]: My gun is faster, you know. Wanna take your chances?..-As he talked, Hitch had ran away- Your knife and my gun... Let's race!..
[Marlowe]: 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?..
[Marlowe]: Then, why are you...? Why are you still with the Scouts then?..-Jean's eyes slightly widen at his question- 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..-Marlowe lets go of the knife as Jean looked at him for a breif moment and smiled slightly to himself. His face was met with a bat, making him fall as Marlowe gasped- Hitch!..
[Hitch]: You damn horse face!..
[Marlowe]: Wait, Hitch! He was just testing us!..
[Hitch]: Huh?!..
[Marlowe]: Hey, you. What would you have done if I swung the knife at you? Why did you trust me so much?..-It took Jean a moment but eventually he responded with-
[Jean]: Somehow or another, you remind me of a guy that I hate. A damn idiot...
[Marlowe]: This idiot... Is it the same one Annie talked about?..-Jean shot his eyes open and slowly sat himself up-
[Jean]: Hell if I know. Everyone's an idiot..-Marlowe held out his hands for Jean to take, who grabbed them and stood up- Fortunately, we're both just as dumb. Marlowe, I think you proved your dedication..-Marlowe's eyes slightly widen-That should be enough to convince Captain Levi. We're counting on you..
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[Marlowe]: That over there is the least manned checkpoint around...-Marlowe explained to Levi, who him and Hitch had their gear back-
[Levi]: Alright. We'll handle it ourselves. Get back to your squad before it's suspicious..
[Marlowe and Hitch]: Yes, sir..-Marlowe and Hitch began to walk off, but Levi called out to them again-
[Levi]: Marlowe, Hitch. We're grateful..-The face him again, saluting. Levi looks away from them, telling his squad- Let's go! It's our turn to pick a fight!..
In one of the tents, one of the Military Captains are writing a letter until they hear the sound of horse gallops. He looks over to see a wagon bursts through crates and Sasha, Connie, and Jean letting out screams.
Few moments later, all of the Military Polices who were guarding that area were down, as the group kept an eye out for any remaining Military Polices. Then, the sound of trudging was heard, as everyone turned over to the sound.
[Louis]: It's us..-Louis said, carrying the Captain of the Military Police while Levi walked by his side-
[Armin]: Captains, he's...
[Levi]: With the Interior Police..I've got a few questions for him. Let's move..
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Flegel lets out heavy breaths as the three Military Police men that were chasing after him, caught up. One lets out a laugh, then saying.
[...]: How dumb can you be? Running into a deserted dump like this..
[Flegel]: Shit!..-Flegel rasped out, now facing them-
[...]: But I owe you one, Flegel Reeves. When you got away and gave us the slip, I really... I thought I was screwed!..-The guy fell on his knees, tears in the corner of his eyes as he banged on the ground. Flegel rolled a sweat as the man sat up, wiping his tears- For a minute there, I thought they'd kill me. Nice knowing you, Flegel. Thanks a bunch!..-The three men now aimed their guns at him, making him tense up and shriek-
[Flegel]: Ah, wait! Why was my old man killed?! Did the Interior Police do it?!..-The man gives him a bored look-
[...]: 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?!..
[...]: 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?!..-The man lowers his gun a bit at him-
[...]: Except it was a different squad than us. Guess he didn't say a damn thing. Not to his dimwit son..-Flegel then narrowed his eyes at him-
[Flegel]: And what if he would've refused?...
[...]: 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..-Flegel uttered. The man cupped his ear for him to hear better- 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 man aimed his gun at him again, shouting-
[...]: What's the matter, Flegel? Go on and oink like a pig to be slaughtered!..
[Flegel]: You had your time, but it's over!..-Flegel yells as he points up to the sky- Look above you, morons!..
And so they do, as they see Moblit and Hanji kick the two Military Police beside the man. Hanji skids on the floor and goes to charge up to the other one, who used his gun to shot her, but she moved merely inches away from the bullet and punch him right in the face. He falls to the ground as Hanji takes in a breath before letting out a loud groan.
[Hanji]: Ouch!..-She tries to shake the pain off of her hand while Moblit ties up one of the men before turning his head over to Hanji-
[Moblit]: Section Commander! You're too wild!..-Hanji stops her screaming before yelling out-
[Hanji]: Hell yeah! Did you hear that, everyone?!..-The man who Hanji punched looked over at her with creased eyebrows-
[...]: The... Scout Regiment...? Why?..-He then looks around, which makes him gasp-
Citizens come out of their hiding spots and look down at the beat up Military Police.
[...]: Not so deserted, eh?..-A citizen says, as a group comes and walks over-
[...]: Perhaps it looks that way to you. But, sorry. I know it doesn't look like much, but we still live here. We heard everything..-Another citizen said- The Interior Police and their schemes... Everyone here is a witness...
[...]: S-So, what does it matter?..-The man said, sitting himself up to face Hanji- It's the government that decides what's the truth! You fools... Don't you think you can do this and get away with it! You're all in for a world of hu..-But he was stopped when Flegel made his way over and 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..
Flegel looked around to see many citizens clapping for him.
[...]: We're counting on you, Boss..
[...]: Speak up, man!..
Hanji walks over to Flegel and places a hand on his head, congratulating him.
[Hanji]: Congrats on the job. Keep an eye on these Interior Police..
[Flegel]: Right..
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[??]: Stop it...
Levi had tied the man from the Interior Squad up on a tree, as he was beating him up for answers. He kneels down on one knee and asks the man.
[Levi]: Where are (Y/n), Eren and Christa?..-The man chuckles and lifts his head up-
[??]: 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 stood back up, still staring down at him-
[Levi]: What an atrocious thing we've done..-He stuck his boot in the man's mouth, knocking a few teeth out in the process as well- But what's more atrocious is this mouth of yours. I recommend you start talking while you're still able to use it. Where are (Y/n), Eren and Christa?..-He took his foot out, making the man cough for a moment before yelling-
[??]: It's no use! All that's left for you now 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 of all, Erwin Smith!..
At the words, Louis's eyes widened as he gasped. Levi made the man face the tree, grabbed his arm from him, and possibly breaking it as the man let out a scream.
[Levi]: Shut up. That's for not answering my question. Some Scouts' live are more valuable than others. Only those dumb enough to acknowledge that join us..Tell me where (Y/N), Eren and Christa are at..
[??]: I-I don't know!..-The man screeched, tears now falling from his eyes- I'm not allowed to know! Kenny Ackermann is a very cautious man!..-This slightly made Levi's eyebrows raised a bit-
[Levi]: Ackermann?..-Mikasa looks over at him as Levi asked the man- I know Kenny... Is that his last name?..
[??]: 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 goes to approach the man again, to which, he shrieks-
[??]: Stop it!..
[Levi]: You still have plenty of bones left to break..-The man faces him with fear in his eyes, shouting-
[??]: You... You're insane!..-Levi just gives him a look-
[Levi]: Maybe I am..
Sasha becomes alerted as she raises her bow and has her arrows readied as she announces.
[Sasha]: Someone's coming from that way!..
Levi shoves the man to the ground, Mikasa and Louis seethes their blades, and Armin, Jean, and Connie either hide behind a tree or lay in the grass, ready to aim.
[Sasha]: More than one!..
[??]: Told you so, Captain..It's no use! One way or another, the Scouts will soon come to an end!..
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Erwin had his one hand cuffed against the cell walls as Nile makes hi way over to him.
[Nile]: I've seen you in better shape. And to think you were lecturing me the other day..-He kneels down to his level- You're getting an audience with the King. They'll decide how to dismantle the Scouts and announce your final sentence..
[Erwin]: Nile, huh?..-Erwin lets out a small cough and slightly looks over at him, enough to reveal that his left eye had a black eye and his nose was bleeding- Where was your house? Stohess District, was it? Is Marie...? Is your family doing well?..
[Nile]: They're doing fine. Both Marie and the kids. I haven't been home in a while, but... it's around Eastern Wall Rose..-Erwin then looks away from him-
[Erwin]: I see...
[Nile]: What's with the odd questions?..
[Erwin]: I entrusted something to Commander Pixis...When, and if the time comes..-He looks back over to Nile- When it comes, I will only watch. It's up to you to decide. You... and them..
At the Capital, the four men were gathered at a table.
[...]: So, I take it not much came out of Erwin in the end...-One of the men said-
[...]: Indeed... He must not have learned any secrets from Pastor Nick. Historia Reiss can make all the claims she wants about her name, but they'll amount to nothing..
[...]: How silly. In any case, they're all nothing more than birds in a cage. Just wanting to die...-Then a knock was heard, and a man opened the door-
[...]: Excuse me. Erwin Smith has arrived..
[...]: Very well. We're coming..
The four men stand up from their seat as one says.
[...]: Once we finally execute hi, all will be according to plan. And just like they always have, the wall's secrets will stay safe. We'll protect the peace within the walls. Forever...
Now, the four were seated next to the King with Erwin's arms tied up, hands cuffed, and him kneeling in front of them.
[...]: Erwin. Do you have any last words?..
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Preview
In order to protect the kingdom. In order to protect the King, they kept the truth hidden.
However, in doing so, they invite an uprising of the people.
Next episode: "Reply"