Humanity's Butterfly

Chapter 21

Through the rustling grass, the chirping of the birds, and the cool trickling water from the stream, a ghostly melody is being hummed as the sound carried through the wind from the silent area around her. Sunako stood in the garden, plucking fresh vegetables from the cabin's garden and putting them in the basket she brought as she hummed an old lullaby that her mother used to sing when she was young.

Her mind has never been so at peace doing this mundane task. In a way, she couldn't help but reminisce about the good times she spent with her mother in her mother's garden. To think a month has already passed since Eren's rescue as well as discovering Historia's true identity. Enhancing her arms with chakra, she lifts the basket with both hands before turning her gaze at the beautiful wisteria tree by the hill a few distances away from the cabin.

Things may haven't been easy for them in the past month, with all the secrecy and knowing that the government is breathing down on their necks, but the squad found little moments of peace between them. She must admit, she enjoys the little respite from the turbulent lives they had been living in.

With her ever-present smile on her face, she turns her attention and walk back towards the cabin with a basket of vegetables on hand to prepare food for the Cadets as soon as she heard Jean's voice, indicating that their back from gathering provisions.

As soon as the petite woman entered the Cabin, Sunako could already hear the yelling in the main area.

"Did you guys wipe the dust and dirt off your shoes before you came in?"

"What? Of course not. Can't you see all the stuff we're carrying?"

"You... Sunako may have been lenient with you but did you seriously think that attitude will satisfy Captain Levi? If I hadn't personally given your sheets hospital corners this morning—"

"Quit nagging! Who are you? My mom?"

"Ara ara, are you all fighting again?" Sunako questioned after suddenly appearing with a basket of vegetables in her hands and her usual smile on her face.

"Sunako!" Eren turn his attention from Jean to the petite, raven-haired woman and approach her, seeing the basket she was carrying with both hands. "Here, let me get that for you."

Sunako thanked him with gratitude as Eren grabbed the basket from her hands and went to the kitchen to place it.

"We're back."

"Ah, welcome back Mikasa, Historia." Sunako greeted as the black-haired teen entered the door with Historia trailing behind, both of them carrying logs of wood, though Mikasa is lifting the axe over her shoulder. "That's a good haul for the day. Does your ribs still hurt?"

"They're fine. My side is getting better thanks to your treatment." Mikasa replied with a small smile on her face.

"That's good."

"Wait, were you just chopping firewood?" Armin approached them, concern written on his face over his childhood female friend.

"I have to stay in shape."

"You got grabbed by a Titan! You should be in bed."

"I try to stop her, but she won't listen. I saw her doing sit-ups earlier." Eren said quietly as Mikasa walk away to store firewood which irked Jean when he said that. "How dare you, you peeping Tom!"

"How does that constitute 'peeping'?"

"Now now, you boys don't need to worry so much. She can't be expected to recover without any physical activity if she just stayed in bed." Sunako said. Patting Eren's shoulder as she went over to the Kitchen. Her fingers worked to clean and prepare the vegetables she had just picked while listening to the constant bickering between the younger squad members.

"Sasha, what did you put in your bag?"

"It has nothing to do with bread."

"Why, you..."

"Give it back."

"Hey, focus! We've got to finish cleaning before the captain gets back!"

"Take it out."

"What's this commotion about?"

A sudden voice was heard along with a pair of footsteps as Sunako inwardly shook her head, opting to not turn around since she could already tell who it was when silence filled the room and bickering ceased immediately.

"C-Captain Levi!"

Without uttering words of acknowledgment, he headed straight towards the dining room table. In one smooth movement, He swiped his hand underneath the table, feeling the dust coming off as he took his hand off and look at all the leftover dust that was left untouched. His calm face contorted into a scowl.

"I'm quite sure I gave you enough time." He remarked with disdain. Eren put his hand up to his head in irritation since he knew how much of a clean freak Levi is after being in his squad for some time.

"Never mind. We'll discuss your lax cleaning job another time." he said, Wiping his hand off from dust with a cleaning towel. "Eren. Hange is itching to get the experiment started so I want all of you there."

They all stood in the dining room, unmoving.

"Now."

Within a few seconds, The Cadets immediately went straight towards the front door, throwing verbal jabs at each other while doing so until the only people left in that room is Levi and Sunako. The room was still as the two not uttered a single word towards each other but it's not as heavy as it was before. The memory of what transpired a couple nights ago still lingered in their minds. There's simply no point in hiding their attachment for each other that started unexpectedly over the years. following that, the petite woman had retracted her request for transfer.

Levi wanted her to stay. She agreed to stay. Even if they were doomed to be together due to her clan's curse, it didn't matter to them. Curse of hatred be damned if they can't be with each other after all the pain they went through.

Grey eyes stare at her as she meticulously worked as Levi uttered her name. "Sunako."

The petite woman in question halted her movements. She turned her head with her usual but gentle smile on her face. "Ara Ara, you certainly know how to make your presence known." She said, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Surely, with how ridiculous your need for cleanliness is basically why people don't like you." She teased.

"And yet you were willing to indulge into my 'ridiculous' standards for hygiene."

"That's because I'm probably the only person who can withstand your cleaning tendencies." Sunako replied.

The petite woman breathed out a small laugh as Levi clicked his tongue over their little debate but there was a small tug at the corner of his lips. As Sunako turn her head back to her task of preparing food, Levi decided to indulge himself on this other side of the petite, raven-haired woman. the sun shines through the glass window as Sunako works her hands in making food for the squad, her face looking at peace in a way that she looks domesticated.

"I can feel you staring at me, you ought to do something productive rather than staring at your subordinate who's preparing food."

Levi looked at her in amusement, taking a few strides before settling next to her as he lean against the counter with arms crossed over his chest. Despite his expression saying otherwise, if observed closely, there was a small teasing glint in his eyes that no one would've believed nor would he, himself, admit due to his disposition as Humanity's Strongest, and yet here he is. "What can I say? It's a bit difficult to imagine you who could take down Titans 10 times larger than your stature become so domesticated afterward."

"Appearances can be deceiving, Levi. Don't think that I've been domesticated now, my past instincts as a Kunoichi are still sharp." Sunako asserted while peeling the vegetables and putting them aside in a bowl.

Levi silently let out a breath of amusement, seemingly like a chuckle. No matter how peaceful she looked, she'll always has that witty, sharp tongue of hers but that's one of the qualities that makes her so endearing to him. "I know."

"Besides," Levi glanced at her as Sunako continued to speak. "I quite like this respite that we have. This cabin with the garden and a view of the Wisteria in the distance reminds me of that time..."

That time when her family is still around.

Levi understands her too well. Family is supposed to be a safe haven, but it's also the place where they find the deepest heartache. They both lost people who gave them bits of peace only to be snatched by the cruelties of the world. Levi reached his hand out and placed it on top of her hand, rubbing soothing circles on them. Sunako halted her hands as she also placed her other hand on top of his. She turn to look at him and sincerely smiled at him in gratitude for his comfort.

Levi is not always a man with kind words to say. Oftentimes, his words are considered harsh and antagonizing. However, Sunako knew him long enough to know that he also cares greatly for his subordinates' welfare.

Once Levi has ascertain that Sunako is alright, he gently pulled his hand away to let her continue to cook, but one thought still bothered him.

"I thought we agreed to consider and call each other partners than captain and subordinate."

"My apologies, I didn't know we agreed to call each other that, captain~." Sunako rolled her tongue in a teasing manner, earning her a "tsk" from her belligerent partner as she laugh.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Several hours pass as the sun starts to set, and a resounding roar can be heard throughout the seemingly vacant part of the forest. Eren's Titan fell forward to the ground as the surrounding horses neighed in fright.

"Eren!" Mikasa called out in concern.

Above the cliffside, stood the other members monitoring the experiment led by Hange. Sunako was among them as she watch over her younger brother trying to harden his Titan to no avail. Deep concern swirled in the petite woman's onyx eyes as she saw the state of Eren's Titan form this time after countless attempts at shifting. She didn't need to voice out since Levi knew exactly what she was thinking.

"What's wrong, Eren? Get up!" Hange screamed, unconcerned about the state Eren's in. "The future of humanity is riding on you! Get up, dammit!"

"Hey, four-eyes. He's not quite the same this time." Levi pointed out. "He's not even ten meters, and some parts of his body don't have muscles. Plus his ass is hanging out."

"I can see that! Eren! Can you still move? Give us a signal or something!" Hange called out but no response came from Eren.

Suddenly, Mikasa comes down from her horse as she quickly approaches Eren's still Titan form, disregarding Jean's calls to her. Sunako let out a subtle sigh, they'll need to call off the experimentation for today.

"Seeing as how Eren's unresponsive to give out any signals. I suggest we call off the hardening experiment for today." Sunako suggested.

"You're right. We're done here!" Hange called off as she and members of her squad jump off the cliff with their ODM gears to where Eren's decomposed Titan lay as she screamed, "Eren!"

Sunako soon followed after them as Hange started to pull Eren off of his Titan form though with some form of difficulty due to the hot steam the decomposed Titan let out and the flesh sticking into his head and arms as Hange cursed from the heat emitted. However, in doing so, realized that Eren's own face was slightly decomposed with no skin.

Among all the horrifying things she's seen, this is one of the most disgusting cases she encountered as she stared at Hange with hints of disapprovement when the section commander herself screamed with excitement. "Check it out, Moblit! Eren's face! Hurry up and sketch it!"

Moblit argued. "Section Commander! Don't you have human compassion!"

"That's enough, Hange." Sunako reprimanded Hange firmly before she look at the black-haired girl. "Mikasa, cut him loose would you?"

Mikasa nodded and did so without hesitation, freeing Eren from his cartilage ties. This seem to have snapped out Hange as she glanced at Sunako's disapproving stares, an ounce of guilt filled in her light-brown eyes.

"Sorry, I got carried away."

Sunako let out a deep sigh. Onyx eyes glanced up at Levi who was conversing with Armin before averting her attention to the shifter. Though resealing Wall Maria was an ostentatious idea, it would seem as though it'll be a long while for it to come true. Judging the state of how things are, they'll be grasping at straws unless Eren makes a breakthrough with his Titan form.

"The experiments over! All troops, disperse at once!"

"Roger! Make sure there are no witnesses!"

"Yes, sir!"

Meanwhile, Levi stood by the cliff observing as the troops started to pack up and leave. He watched as Sunako went in the wagon to ensure Eren's condition no doubt. He saw how concerned and angry she was at Hange's treatment of Eren while retaining a calm composure. However, there are more pressing matters at hand as Historia, with her hood over her head, halted in her steps when Levi addressed her. "You ride in the same wagon as Eren and Sunako. I'm heading to Trost District with Hange's group. Tell Sunako she's in charge until I get back."

Historia glanced below them before absentmindedly replying. "Got it."

Levi stared as she walks away, recalling Pastor Nick's words the night when they learned that she may be the key to knowing the truth behind the Titans in the Walls.

However, far off into the distance, two figures have their binoculars on the smoke emitted from Eren's disintegrated Titan. One notable figure wears a bowler hat.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sunako breathed in the cool air as the sounds of crickets chirp in the night, standing watch underneath the night sky.

She had tucked Eren in his bed after a thorough examination. His face has healed back which is good, now all he needs is a plentiful of rest. She received orders from Levi through Historia so she had the others eat dinner and rest up for the night. Although Hange means well and didn't mean to slip into her maniacal ways, Sunako was angry. But thinking back to what happened earlier, the way Hange treated Eren in the midst of her adrenaline, she couldn't help but feel sorry.

Eren may have agreed with the experiments but Sunako was sorry that it has to be this way. This world where Titans roam and people that can shift into these beings, walls made of Colossal Titans, and people born and raised within these walls to be protected from the outside world, All of which pose a mystery to her. For 6 years since she arrived in this world, she had questioned everything in this world, providing her answers in turn with more questions.

Eren's Titan abilities are still unknown to her and she's not sure if Eren is able to pull off this hardening ability. 'Perhaps if Dr. Jaeger was still here, he may have known the answers to my questions.' Sunako thought deeply in her mind. After all, she was there when Grisha Jaeger 'disappeared' that night.

"Sunako"

Sunako was lost in deep contemplation when she suddenly heard a faint sound coming from the doorway. She turned around, her eyes scanning the area, and saw Armin standing there in his civilian attire. The sight of him immediately brought a gentle smile to her face, and she quickly changed her demeanor so as not to worry him.

"Armin, I thought you were already in bed with the others," she said, her voice filled with concern.

"I wanted to check on you," he replied, standing beside her with a look of genuine concern etched on his face.

Sunako was taken aback by his thoughtful gesture. She had always known Armin to be intelligent but meek, and his considerate actions only reaffirmed her belief in him. After being separated for five long years and reuniting in the scout regiment, she had seen how much he had grown from the timid boy she once knew into a brave and dependable scout.

"It's a lot to take in with everything that's been happening. With the plan of having Eren seal Wall Maria, protecting him and Historia, and the whole thing with the government. It's hard to think there's a lot of the truth for us to uncover." Armin started.

"Hn. I know what you mean." Sunako hummed, smiling gently. "I'm not born of this world. Naturally, there's a lot that I didn't know of. Every question I had when I first came was answered but soon more questions started to pop up, everything from the Walls, Historia's family, even the outside world."

The two stared out into the distance in silence. The outside world; Sunako remembered after she had told her wards about her true origin, Armin would ask her in secret about the ocean, the endless sea of the desert, the rocky mountains, everything about her old world. To him, it was as if she was the living proof of everything he reads in his book and she was happy to enlighten him with such stories of her past. Thinking about it filled her with nostalgia.

"Hey, Armin. Do you still want to see the sea one day?"

"Of course, seeing the outside world is why I joined the Scouts. I bet it's even bigger than inside the walls! Right, Sunako?" Armin asked, his blue eyes brimming with excitement about the world beyond the walls.

Onyx eyes gazed at him with fondness and giggled at his enthusiasm. "Yes, it sure is." Nevertheless, the heavy feelings she had seemingly went away as she look up into the night sky with a genuine smile on her face.

"Armin?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you. I feel much better now."

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

"Why must you do that?" Levi asked Sunako as he sipped his customary black tea. Before the break of dawn, she had already finished her routinely morning meditation and paperwork, she ought to sew up some of Eren's old garments that had seen better days before Levi joined her with a pair of steaming cups of freshly brewed teas for both of them while she diligently worked. Every stitch was meticulously placed with precision, as her hands moved gracefully.

Levi couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration as he watched Sunako work. Even as she sat there, engaged in the seemingly mundane task of stitching up a hole in Eren's pants, there was an almost ethereal quality to her presence.

Sunako noticed Levi's expression and couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't be fooled," she said, a playful twinkle in her eye. "This kid would be lost without me." With a quick smile, she returned to her work, her hands deftly moving the needle back and forth.

"As Shinobi, we learn to sew our own clothes before a mission. It's a necessary skill," she continued, her voice calm and even. As she worked, the memories of her mother flooded her mind. She remembered how her mother had been the one to sew her, her father, and her brother's clothes. It was a necessary skill for their family - as Shinobi, their garments were bound to get scratched or torn, and it was up to them to repair them before the next mission.

As Sunako continued to sew, her mind lost in the memories of her childhood, she couldn't help but think of Sasuke. He, too, had become a part of this routine, bringing his torn clothes to her to fix whenever she was home. It was a simple task, but one that held a deeper meaning for her - it was a reminder of the family she had lost and the ones she had gained.

Onyx eyes gleamed in satisfaction as she checked the now stitched-up hole from Eren's pants and hummed in content. Sunako looked up the time and find it was almost Lunch. While Levi and she were in the living area, Sasha and Jean are on watch duty while the rest of Squad Levi are in the kitchen preparing food at the behest of Mikasa, who insisted that Sunako must rest and that she and the others would do the cooking. Almost everyone except Eren who's still in bed, the experiments yesterday drained him completely.

Levi once argued that Sunako was being too lenient with the kids, but Sunako disagreed and didn't believe she was being too lenient. If anything, she thinks that treating them with enough respect and understanding gives merits. Of course, she will discipline them when they're out of line.

"I'll go check on the others in the kitchen." Sunako said. Levi hummed in acknowledgment as she stood up with Eren's fixed clothing before going to the kitchen.

Both Mikasa and Connie soon emerged from the kitchen. The petite woman assumed that it was time to change watch duty. the black-haired teen informed her that Eren's awake and in the kitchen much to Sunako's relief. She thanked the two of them before letting them go do their duty.

As Sunako quietly approached the kitchen, she couldn't help but overhear hushed voices between Eren and Historia as the two engaged in a quiet conversation. Her curiosity piqued, she allowed herself to go unnoticed as she listened to their conversation.

"Don't you want to save Ymir?" Eren questioned Historia.

Historia went silent, pondering over his question. "Yeah, but," She paused for a bit as she recall when Ymir, in her Titan form, went back to save Reiner and Bertholdt from the onslaught of Titans gathering around to devour the two traitors. "Back then I thought I couldn't forgive her, while I wanted to save her at the same time. But now, I feel like it's different. Ymir chose her way to live her life. I don't have the right to do anything about it, and it's not needed anyway." She continued.

'She's still thinking about Ymir...' As Sunako pondered, memories of Historia's private conversation with her flooded back. Ymir had given Historia the opportunity to break free from her predetermined fate and become an independent person, free from the influence of others. Sunako's words may have provided some solace, but it was up to Historia to make the ultimate decision.

"It seems like, you're finally able to talk normally again."

Historia turns her head to Eren, curious why he would say that but it seems he figured out what she was meaning to ask as he answered her. "When we came here, you talked about yourself, but, you didn't talk about anything other than that, or join in other conversation."

"It's bothersome." Historia bluntly told him. Eren was astonished for a bit before the petite, blonde-haired girl apologized. "Sorry. The Krista who's really kind and good is gone."

"Nah, isn't it better that way?" Historia was taken aback as Eren continued. "Before, it feels like you're forcing on that expression, it was so unnatural I feel disgusted."

Historia looked down at the ground. She must admit that it did hurt a little but Eren's words held some truth of it. "Is that so."

Eren's lips quirked up slightly. "But now, you're a normal person. Just an honest to a fault, normal person." He said, before his eyes downcast. "Well, you can think more about Ymir later. Even I have a lot to consider about her."

Sunako remained rooted to her spot, her body tense as she tried to process her younger brother's words. The smile that had been plastered on her face faltered before eventually fading altogether. She tightened her grip on the fabric in her hands, her onyx eyes fixated on the floor as she mulled over her thoughts.

In that moment, Sunako couldn't help but wonder if her brother was also referring to her. After all, she had been living a lie, hiding behind a carefully crafted persona that was meant to conceal her true emotions and desires. Did Eren look at her with disgust whenever they were together? The question weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest.

Her train of thought immediately snapped when she heard Sasha announce from the entrance.

"Hange and the others have arrived! Assemble in the living room!"

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Later on that day, everyone from Squad Levi gathered around the living room with Hange and three of her subordinates. the atmosphere in the room was tense with Hange being uncharacteristically silent when she arrived. Sunako could tell that it wasn't good if she was not being her jovial self, something must've gone amiss. Hange's face marred with dread as she spoke solemn news.

"Pastor Nick is dead. He was killed."

All eyes were drawn to the front of the room as the news of Pastor Nick's untimely death was announced. Sunako's expression turned solemn as she processed the information. Despite her personal feelings towards the late pastor, the petite, raven-haired woman couldn't deny the crucial role he played in revealing Historia's true identity. Loyalty needed to be repaid, even if it came at a cost.

Hange then explained what had happened when she came in the morning to see what has become of Pastor Nick in the Trost district barracks. She recounts their encounter with two members of the First Interior Squad standing by Pastor Nick's door. Hange had noticed that something was off between the two when she saw one of their fists teared up and a glimpse of what she saw from Pastor Nick. Putting two and two together, it eventually revealed that the First Interior tortured and killed Pastor Nick.

Everyone in the room became silent as they process what had transpired in the barracks of Trost District. However, the silence soon broke when Armin inquired, "Did the Military torture him to ask about how much he talked to us?"

"Most probably." Levi replied. "Moreover, if they managed to move the First Interior Squad, that means they have the backing of some powerful people."

Sunako contemplated for a bit before turning to Hange. "Hange, what was the state of Pastor Nick's fingernails? How many were torn off?" She asked.

"I only saw a glimpse but, from what I can see, it was all of them." Hange answered.

"Those who talk, will talk with just one nail being torn. However, those who won't, will not talk no matter how many nails were being torn. I must say, his will is a lot stronger than I gave him credit for." Sunako commented. She paid no mind to the few surprising looks that came her way as Levi looked at his partner approvingly. Given the fact that Sunako would use such means to extract information and having a friend who often invites her to the interrogation unit that may or may not end well with the spy being interrogated on.

"In other words," Sharp grey eyes turn to gaze at the petite, blonde-haired girl. "It's not yet that we're sniffing around about the Reiss family. But it's clear that we're being watched by someone from the Central."

"Captain Levi!"

Their discussion soon came to a halt, when one of Hange's missing members, Nifa, came through the front door. Sunako gave her a nod in greeting as Nifa handed Levi a note. "There's a message from Commander Erwin."

As Levi unfolded the note and read through the contents, Nifa explained to him, "I was about to report to him about Pastor Nick, but he directly handed me that."

Levi's eyes narrowed and his brows furrowed as he inspected the note given to him. If the situation hadn't been so serious, on any given day, Sunako would've teased him with how he was frowning so much. However, Sunako knew him better than anyone else, she could tell the slightest twitch in his forehead, how his teeth are biting the inside of his cheek is clearly not a good sign.

"Everyone, withdraw. We'll leave this place. Erase any evidence." Levi ordered, shooting up from the table.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sunako immediately followed suit. "You heard the Captain. Pack up and leave no trace behind, burn any sensitive information if you have to. Move now."

Everyone soon scattered as soon as two of their superiors issued orders, collecting their belongings and burning any information that indicates what they know.

"They're close."

Sunako's onyx eyes met with Levi's straight gaze. "I've sent out a clone to check the perimeter," she whispered to Levi, making sure her voice was low enough not to be overheard. "They're getting close to the house."

Levi nodded in response, his expression serious and focused.

As Sunako turned to leave, Levi reached out and gently grasped her hand. They exchanged a wordless look, both understanding the gravity of the situation. Sunako quickly pulled away and began packing up her belongings, moving with a sense of urgency.

She searched through her possessions, carefully gathering any sensitive information she had come across during her time in the area. As she found each item, she made sure to destroy it completely, burning it to ash to ensure that no traces of it remained.

Levi's own mind raced with thoughts of what they would do next. They had to be careful, but they also needed to act quickly. As Sunako finished packing, they exchanged a final look, both determined to do whatever it took to keep themselves and their comrades safe.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

As the sun sets over the horizon, the two squads combined up on a steep hill, overlooking the cabin where they had stayed for a time being raided by the Military Police.

"I was starting to like the place." Mikasa said as the black-haired teen and Sunako gazed at their temporary home.

"Yeah, me too." Sunako whispered, patting her younger sister. She'll definitely miss the view of the Wisteria, but for now, the kids' safety is of utmost concern.

"That was dangerous." Connie commented, cold sweat going down his face. "What would've happened to us if we were a little bit slow."

Armin glanced at Levi and inquired, "How could Commander Erwin know about this?"

"Seems like there's an order from the Government. Expedition beyond the walls of the Scout Regiment was suspended. And they told us to hand over Eren and Historia." Levi summarized.

"And, right after I received the letter from the commander, the Military Police came to the Commander's place too." Nifa recounted when she had last seen Erwin last before leaving unnoticed.

"So it seems like we'll be treated as criminals," Sunako said. "They're not just moving behind the scenes. That means they don't care about being seen anymore."

"That's how much they want to protect the secrets of the walls."

Sunako hummed in agreement, trying to piece things together. "It's clear that the enemy is aiming for these two. They'll track us down if we wander around here any longer while finding another cabin to hide in. Going too far from the city wouldn't be wise either."

As Levi attentively listened to his partner Sunako's well-crafted plan, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride wash over him. With her innate ability to remain level-headed and efficient during moments of danger, she never failed to step up as a natural leader. A small, contented smile tugged at the corners of his lips at the mere thought of her capabilities.

"You have a point, Sunako," Levi said. "What if we head in?"

"Head in? It's possible but the risks—"

"—I know, but think—"

"—I see. Then how about—?"

"—Exactly what I thought—"

"Trost District?"

"Maybe, but—"

"—That could work."

"—It's safer."

"And the gear?"

"Exactly."

"Right," Sunako said, as she calmly looks over the group as if their little short planning with random words and places didn't happen. "We should head out while we still can."

Sasha was left feeling bewildered by the events that had just unfolded before her. She turned to Levi, Sunako, and the members of Hange's Squad, seeking clarification. "I'm sorry," she said, "could you please explain what just happened?"

The Veterans, who became well-versed in their secret language, didn't seem to bat an eye. However, the rest of the Cadets, minus Eren, shared in Sasha's confusion, and they too were eager for an explanation.

Sasha glanced over at Hange, who was smiling wildly.

Hange playfully teased Levi and Sunako, "I'm starting to think you two are operating on a shared brain cell. But hey, two heads are supposed to be better than one, right? Care to enlighten us on your master plan?"

Levi glanced at Sunako one more time, waiting to speak before she nodded. "We'll move Eren and the other to Trost District. Getting them close to where the Government is would pose a high risk of being caught so while Trost is still in disorder, we should be able to slip in easier. If things get out of hand, we can use our gear. Other than that, it's disadvantageous for us to get targeted one-sidedly. We'll check the enemy faces too."

"That sounds reasonable." Hange commented.

"Hange, would you mind lending us some of your squad members?" Sunako asked.

"Of course." Hange answered. After mulling the plan over, Hange gave the affirmative. "Okay, I'll go to Erwin. Moblit will go with me, the others will follow Levi and Sunako."

"Roger!"

As Hange and Moblit prepared to mount their horses, Eren halted them with a sudden call. The section commander turned to him with a curious expression as he handed her a piece of paper, hastily scribbled before leaving the cabin. Eren explained, "There's something I remembered from what Ymir and Bertholdt talked about. I didn't have the chance to discuss it earlier, so I wrote it down."

"Got it. I'll read it later." Hange nodded in understanding, tucking the note into her pocket as she mounted her horse. With a wave, she rode off, leaving the remaining squad members in the capable hands of Levi and Sunako.

Levi wasted no time in giving orders, his voice sharp and commanding. "The rest of you, no horses. We'll proceed on foot."

As they descended the hill towards Trost, the squad members pulled their hoods up over their heads, the sense of urgency palpable. Despite the meticulous planning, Sunako couldn't shake off the feeling of unease gnawing at her gut. The dark expression on Levi's face only added to her growing sense of foreboding, and she suspected she wasn't the only one feeling that way. Something just didn't feel right, and the pit of their stomachs churned with apprehension.

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The following day, as the sun rose to its highest peak, Squad Levi walked stealthily among the bustling streets of Trost District, weaving in and out of people as they avoid detection. Citizens from every corner were crowded, markets open and operating and Sunako must say that she spotted some children practicing their pickpocketing.

"Don't walk too close to each other, we'll stick out. Eren and Historia, walk normally too." Levi reminded them as they walk.

"Look at all the flags, Sunako," Connie whispered as he looked at the buildings around them.

Sunako hummed in response, observing their surroundings with a critical eye. Based on the royal family flags covering the entire city, today must be the anniversary of the establishment of the government. Every year on that specific day, there would be special food distribution given generously by the king.

Moreover, there are Military Policemen handing out rations to the poorest of citizens, making sure to hand a generous amount in plain sight, especially to the disheveled children. No doubt currying favor and increasing the popularity of the king amongst the public to prevent a rebellion.

"I guess the key to keeping a kingdom happy is just a few loaves of bread, huh?" Sunako quietly commented.

Connie rolled his eyes and snorted. "Clearly, you haven't met Sasha."

Sasha feigned offense. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Humans are weak when tempted by food." Levi put a halt in their conversation as they kept walking.

As they strolled down the bustling streets of Trost, Sunako's keen eyes caught a glimpse of a person shuffling back through the crowd. Her heightened sense of hearing soon picked up the sound of something hurtling towards them, prompting her to issue a timely warning, "Please exercise caution! Something is approaching from behind."

Reacting swiftly to Sunako's warning, the squad quickly dispersed to the sides, just in time to avoid the four arms that suddenly reached out of a wagon. In a matter of seconds, 'Eren' and 'Historia' were snatched up and unceremoniously thrown into the wagon, which then sped off into the distance amidst the throngs of people bustling about their daily lives.

"Armi... No, Krista and Eren! They're kidnapped again!" Sasha yelled, her hand reaching out despite the close slip up but made no move to pursue the captor.

Sunako feigned a look of concern, however, her onyx eyes memorized the captors' faces. She looked at Levi who nodded approvingly as the squad quietly move into the shadows. It's time to execute the next part of the plan.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

"Disguise as Eren again?!"

"Not so loud, Jean." Armin shushed him. While traveling to Trost on foot, the squad discussed the first part of the plan with the use of decoys. However, Jean and Armin were both reluctant in carrying out the plan as they're the ones chosen in disguise.

"You have a problem with the plan, Kirstein?" Levi questions him, his gaze sharp and intimidating.

"N-No sir. But with all due respect, why do I have to be the one disguised as Eren?" Jean inquired.

"Well, for the most part, you and Armin have a similar build as Eren and Historia. Mikasa, Sasha, and Connie are either too tall or too short to be Eren and Historia as we need someone to have the closest resemblance between the two while the latter will be hidden somewhere with Hange's squad keeping an eye on them." Sunako explained.

While the reason wasn't that far-fetched since Jean did disguise himself as Eren back in Stohess. That was an experience he will never live to again. However, if anything, Sunako would've passed off as Historia since their build is similar. However, he bit his tongue back from saying anything when he saw Levi giving him a sharp look that screamed, 'Suggest that and I'll kill you.'

Armin on the other hand was a tad bit offended that the squad believed he could pass for a girl, but he doesn't want to get on the wrong side with his captain either so there wasn't much of a choice.

"Now, now, I was very impressed with how you did well last time that I thought I could rely on you once more. Perhaps your dedication was all just a sham since you can't do it, can't you? What a pity." Sunako stated with her usual smile on her face. While the way she spoke was gentle, her words were like a knife stabbing at him.

A tick mark formed on Jean's head as the others sweatdropped, knowing that Jean is getting riled up. Levi stayed silent, letting Sunako do her thing as the petite woman, herself, continued on, "No matter. Sorry, I was unaware that I was putting such a simple job on you. we'll have someone else disguise as Eren since you can't do it."

That seems to put the nail in the coffin as Jean roared, "I can do it, all right! Why wouldn't I? I'll prove that I can pull off another Eren! You'll see!"

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

'I'm not doing this for another time.' Jean thought, regretting ever agreeing to be Eren's body double, more so for falling into a certain petite, raven-haired woman's mockery as he sat on a chair with his hands tied behind his back. He did not dare to watch Armin being molested as the fat man's greasy hands grope Armin's chest where Historia's breasts would be while uttering profanities.

Up by the window, Mikasa quietly observed what was happening before a snap of a grapple was heard and she was already gone. The black-haired teen flew to where her sister and Levi are on the roof of a building as she landed with a crouch.

"How's it going inside?" Levi inquired.

"Armin's disguise might get discovered if we don't hurry. And I feel bad for him too."

"Is that so."

"Kidnapping in broad daylight. If anything, these captors are merely amateurs. Why are they using them, I wonder?" Sunako pointed out.

Nevertheless, Levi stood up from his crouching position and issued out the next part of the plan. "I think you guys can deal with the rest. Sunako and I will go to Eren's place. For now, once you've subdued them, we'll rendezvous."

"Roger."

"And one more thing," Levi added. "I'll say this for precaution. Tell this to Armin and the others too."

This piqued Mikasa's curiosity as she listened to Levi's next instructions before the duo left the building, leaving Mikasa and the others to deal with the rest.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sunako and Levi flew quietly and discreetly through the city buildings as they avoid being spotted in any wide-open areas by civilians or even the Military Police.

After years of training as a Kunoichi and working as an Anbu member, Sunako has long since perfected the art of stealth. Her steps remained light like a feather when she landed and ran along on tiled roofs. She's able to stalk her enemy like a predator before going for the kill.

But this time, she's not the predator, but rather the prey. Whether faced with Titans or human skin, a prey's instinct is to survive and escape from the clutches of its predators.

The duo soon spotted Nifa after only a couple of minutes as they landed across from her on the rooftop, hiding behind a tall chimney. the girl immediately acknowledged their presence. "Captain, Sunako."

"How is it?"

"Other than the streets being packed, there's nothing irregular. We'll arrive at the lodging house of Commander Pyxis shortly. How's the double plan?"

"Fortunately it worked. If it didn't, I would've had the chance to use my newly made Senbons." Sunako said, showing them her stash of shiny sharp needles ready to be used. However, the petite, raven-haired woman's sadistic glee made them feel unease, more so for Nifa who felt a shiver down her spine.

She may not be able to sleep well at night after seeing that.

"Creepy," Levi remarked with a deadpan expression on his face.

"I'm scared," Nifa added. She doesn't know what's better, being fed by Titans or a sadistic Sunako with her sharp needles. Honestly, she doesn't want to think about it.

Sunako paid no mind to their comments as she puts her senbons away before putting her attention to Levi, who seemed awfully on edge.

"Levi, what's wrong? You look nervous?"

"Does it strike you as odd? It isn't like the First Interior Squad would do." He asked, his nails digging into the palm of his hands.

Sunako gives his words into consideration before finding herself questioning as well. "Now that you mentioned. They're too prideful to be using amateurs for something important as this."

Levi fell deep into thought. He swore he had seen this kind of method in the past but it couldn't be, could it? There's no mistaking that it was something He would come up with.

"Captain, Sunako, the wagon will move shortly." Nifa informed them.

"Nifa, Sunako, do you know about Kenny the Ripper?"

Sunako tilted her head in question. She did overhear someone mentioning that name in passing conversations and for all she know, it was just an urban legend. However, she did meet a man one night named Kenny, it couldn't be a coincidence, could it? Otherwise, why would Levi mention someone in an urban legend?

Unless...

"The mass murderer in the capital? They said he has slit the throat of more than 100 Military Police officers. But, that's an urban legend that was popular a few years back, isn't it?"

"He exists. Everything was the truth. When I was a kid, there was a time I lived with him."

Nifa looked at him with skepticism over his claim that he lived with a mass murderer when he was a child. "What is it, so suddenly, it's not the time to tell jokes."

"What made you draw up that conclusion, Levi?" Sunako asked him, her Onyx eyes brimming with curiosity while trying to ignore the foul scent rising from the streets as the wagon below was still steadily on course.

"Because if it's him, he'll be fine using amateurs. When following a target in a group, he'll make diagonal lines from both sides on the back, and from a high place that has a clear view..."

It was then that they're cover was blown when Sunako sensed someone from behind as Levi also realized this and pulled Sunako down with him as powerful shots rang through the air.

"Nifa!"

More shots erupted before Nifa could get the chance to react. Her face was blown by the shot of a gun, her blood splattered and oozed out of her face as her corpse became still. Sunako and Levi immediately recovered from the shock of the death of their subordinate as they went to the other side of the chimney out of the line of fire.

Now's not the time to mourn over the loss.

"Hey, Levi. Have you grown?" a husky voice taunted through the noise, piercing through it in a hazy, lazy manner. Approaching them each step menacingly as the sound of a gun being reloaded.

Soon many others flew throughout the streets with the use of their modified ODM gear as they surrounded the two with guns loaded to shoot.

"Captain." Grey eyes meet Sunako's onyx ones, holding his hand assuringly. Just one look in her haunted onyx eyes, and he knew he needn't worry.

After all, should the need call for it, Sunako won't hesitate to kill.

"They're too many of them surrounding us. At this point, we'll need to split up and rendezvous for the wagon pursuit."

"Understood."

Then they heard the sound of a grapple attached from the chimney behind them, as Kenny launched himself upside down in mid-air with two of his guns pointing at them to shoot. He smirked and boisterously yelled, "You don't change that much too, huh! Didn't expect to find yourself a girlfriend either!"

Levi whipped out his blades, taking one look at Sunako before exposing himself to the enemy. His furious gaze looks at the man who altered his life forever in vengeance.

"KENNY!"

With a war cry, Levi did not hesitate to hurl one of his blades straight at Kenny. The aged man countered the incoming blade with his gun and it flew somewhere to the side before pointing a shot gun at Levi.

"Bang!" Kenny yelled, firing a powerful shot at Levi with a devilish grin on his face. Levi anticipated this from the older man as he pitched his cloak over his and Sunako's body, avoiding the hit as it blew a hole through his cloak along with another hole formed through the chimney.

He was on his knees as he avoided the shot, propelling himself backward as he discarded his cloak. He held onto the roof with his fingers, looking around as he did Nifa's corpse a few meters away from him.

He looked to his left, his eyes locked with Sunako's onyx ones as she gave him a nod in affirmative. She was ready to escape at his order as he then yelled, "Now!"

With that, the two split up in separate directions. While Levi led Kenny and some others of his team away, Sunako went in the other direction as she flew throughout the city, her grapple attaching to one building and another.

"Damn, she's fast!"

"Don't let her get away this time!"

She could hear the other half of Kenny's team trying to pursue her. Kenny Ackerman, also known as Kenny the Ripper is the man who tried to kill her that night when she investigated her clone's sudden death, and he's also the man who raised Levi as a child.

Unlike last time, the buildings didn't prove much coverage. It's obvious that the First Interior Squad has a major field advantage with how familiar they are with the surroundings, knowing the city's ins and outs. Plus, there are civilians that she must take into account as she refuses to bring an innocent person into the crossfire. However...

A shinobi analyzes and adapts to her surroundings.

Shot fires were heard as Sunako evades every shot. In doing so, her sharp hearing counted the number of times they have to reload before shooting. She immediately deduced that it only took 2 shots for them to reload. This will give her ample time to strike.

Sunako then makes a sharp turn to the right as Kenny's subordinates followed soon after, only to lose sight of the small woman. But little do they know, Sunako was just above them. When she made a sharp turn, she tweak the trajectory just a little bit to make her propel above them.

She counted three of them that followed her, she reached into her pouch and pulled out the exact amount of senbons to be used, all of them coated with deadly doses of poison as it gleamed under the glaring sun. Before the pursuers could react, Sunako had already thrown her poison senbons by their nape. The poison spread quickly into their body as they convulsed before all that was left was their lifeless bodies.

The petite woman quickly moved her head to the side when a bullet went past her face. With a quick glance, the one who attempted to shoot her was a young woman with a fit, thin build. Her blonde hair was tied back with bangs that were parted down the middle. She wore a pair of tight black pants, a white button-up shirt, and a pair of black shoes along with her modified ODM Gear.

Sunako landed on a nearby rooftop, making a full dash sprint on the rooftop before sending out a grapple attached to another building as she jumped and flew and just as she predicted, the woman and two others followed her. She assumed that the blonde woman is Kenny's second-in-command as she seemed to be barking out orders to the other two.

As Sunako attempt to make a sharp turn, three shots were fired at her. At a moment's notice just as the bullets could even touch her, her eyes momentarily flashed red with three black tomoes. As the grapple released its hold to a building, Sunako skillfully twists her body in mid-air, resulting in the bullets missing her.

The blonde woman and her subordinates were taken aback for a bit as Sunako immediately sent a grapple to another building as it pulled her body in another direction.

'I need to finish this soon so I could meet up with Levi and the others.' Sunako thought, formulating a plan in her mind to shake them off of her back somehow as she turns an alleyway.

"She went this way!"

"We got her this time! Don't let her escape!"

Onyx eyes slightly widened. An idea popped into her mind as she continued onwards until she reach a dead end. The moment she opened her eyes, blood-red eyes glowed menacingly through the dark alleyway where the sun doesn't reach.

In the meantime, the blonde woman, Caven, and her subordinates were actively in pursuit of the petite, raven-haired woman. Sunako Uchiha, was allegedly named 'Humanity's Butterfly' by the populace and was regarded as one of the strongest and most skilled soldiers. Her prowess can be considered on par with Levi Ackerman.

However, Caven thinks otherwise. She witness how she killed three of their men with only three needles, deducing that the woman is an expert in the pharmaceutical field. She was able to fool her superior when she escaped from the forest. She was fast and agile than any ordinary human or soldier, and she could have sworn she saw something red before it was gone in an instant. Clearly, Sunako Uchiha poses a more serious danger in the operation and must be eliminated.

They soon stopped at a dead end in a dark alleyway, the target nowhere in sight as they look around for clear signs of the petite woman. Soon one of her subordinates yelled, "From above!"

Caven looked up and found the petite woman coming down from above, her blades glinted under the glaring sun as she went in for the kill.

'Big mistake.' Caven then points her gun at the target and shoots. However, what came unexpectedly was not the splattering of blood and the corpse of the infamous 'Humanity's Butterfly', but a swarm of red butterflies that came after she shot Sunako.

Caven and two of her subordinates were taken aback as the butterflies flutter around them.

"There!" Her subordinate yelled as he shot to the side, assuming it was the petite woman but it was only a phantom as more butterflies swarm around them. No matter how many shots they fired, thinking it was Sunako, they were only met with a horde of butterflies.

When in reality, the three were just motionlessly standing in the alleyway as Sunako stood above them with her Sharingan active before closing them, only to shift back into their haunted onyx eyes. The genjutsu she casts won't last as long as the first time, especially Kenny's second in command as she quickly turns around and left to find Levi and the kids.

And just as Sunako predicted, Caven was the first to break out of the illusion, taking deep breaths as she turn her attention to her two subordinates only to find that they were still in a daze, trapped inside the illusion that she just break out of. Her lips frowned and her eyes narrowed, 'What kind of sorcery is this?'

However, Caven has no time to mull it over as her grapple shoots up from the wall and propelled herself upward, leaving her two subordinates. As she flew through the city, her mind went back to the illusion that she witnessed. The grip on her shotguns tightened, gritting her teeth as her blood boiled. The smile on the infamous 'Humanity's Butterfly' face looks as if it was mocking her prowess and capabilities. She truly came to loathe the petite woman.

'The next time we meet, I won't fall for the same tricks thrice, Sunako Uchiha.'

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Levi clicked his tongue, swiping the crimson blood away from his eye as he finds himself in a predicament when the older man and his goons chased him all the way to a tavern.

The patrons of the tavern, especially the owner were astonished to find Humanity's Strongest around in this establishment with blood running on his face. Levi paid no mind to the surprised gazes of the patrons, rather he was more concerned about the well-being of his squad and partner.

'Damn, at this rate, I'm going to lose my subordinates, Sunako, Eren and Historia.' He thought with gritted teeth. He needs to shake Kenny off of his back somehow.

"Somehow, there's a smell of a dirty rat coming from this shop. A short rat."

And just his luck could have it, Kenny's voice was heard outside of the tavern, mocking the belligerent captain. His steps were heavy but menacing as if a predator has trapped his prey.

The older man soon entered the bar by jumping inside with his shot guns in the air. "Found you! The Military Police is here to kill the bad guys! Bang! Bang!" He yelled.

The tavern owner shakes in fear as the patrons were even more astonished while Levi hid behind the counter as all Kenny received was silence.

"What? He's not here?"

"I'm here, Kenny. It's been a long time. I didn't think you're still alive. You the one who has been killing Military Police, now joining hands with them?" Levi responds. His eyes glanced at a nearby window when he saw something or someone move like a blur. His lips quirked up slightly when he knew she's dealt them on her end, it's only a matter of time before he'll do the same.

"It just shows how kids won't understand the circumstances adults have. Oops, sorry, you're just short, but you've aged quite a bit, huh. Didn't take you for a ladies' man either. What? She couldn't find someone taller?" Kenny taunted, clicking his guns.

"Nevertheless, I was looking forward for your achievements. To think that the wisdom I taught you can be useful in that form. Didn't I taught you the word, 'a cornered rat'? This way, wherever you go, we can shoot you from above, you know? By now, your little girlfriend will be nothing but a heap of corpse." Kenny added.

Levi couldn't help but smirk at Kenny's presumptions. He knew his partner well enough and trusts her capabilities. Unbeknownst to Kenny, outside of the tavern, Sunako has been silently killing off his subordinates one by one that are surrounding the tavern while he's busy confronting Levi.

"I wouldn't say that if I were you. She's more than capable to handle things on her own."

Kenny cocked his head to the side at Levi's confidence to his partner. "Ho? Is that so?"

He then grabbed a vacant wooden chair near him with one hand. "Hey, Levi." In an instant, Kenny threw the chair at no one as the alcoholic beverages were shattered and the chair smashed, contents of the drinks spilled where Levi was however, this garnered an idea when he saw the reflection in the shattered bottle.

"I think I know the reason why you joined the Scout Regiment. We had no choice but to live in a rubbish place. we had to work hard just to stay alive one day at a time, and when we know how the world is actually bigger than that, of course it'll hurt us deeply. But, there's something that saved us." Kenny drawled.

He let out a faint chuckle and smirked knowingly and grabbed another nearby chair with one hand while pointing his gun. "We found the thing that we want to do. I suppose your little girlfriend is added to the list. It's simple, right? It's simple, but the fact is, the one that makes our life worth living, is a hobby."

"A hobby, huh. Does blowing the heads of my men a hobby for you too?" Levi questioned him, reaching for the bottle in front of him and turning it to where he could see Kenny's reflection on the bottle.

"Yeah, if it's for a bigger objective, I'll kill them all. It's the same for you, you kill for your own sake, right?"

"Yeah." Levi replied before pulling a rifle from underneath the counter and shoots at Kenny from behind as the older man staggered before using the chair to block the powerful shot. However, the impact made him fly back outside of the Tavern and he landed on the ground with his hat covering his face.

His subordinates outside witnessed what happened to their leader outside and were prepared to shoot when suddenly they felt their body writhing in pain, their skin loses its color and their mouth foamed while their eyes moved back to the top of their skull before all it was left was their lifeless body. The petite raven-haired woman appeared behind them, her bangs shadowing her haunted eyes while her smile remained almost sadistically as she went on to kill the rest of them surrounding the tavern.

Soon enough, a loud sound of a shattered window alarmed Kenny's subordinates as one of them pulled the trigger to shoot. Once the dust has settled, he was then left in shock only to find a broken chair when Levi suddenly appeared from below. His grapple stabbed the man in the chest and pulled as he went to the other roof where two other members of Kenny's team anticipated him.

Levi used the body of the man that he killed to block bullets shooting at him as he ran. Pulling a blade out of its compartment and slicing them. At the side, he saw Sunako who had already taken care of the others when a woman, a member of Kenny's team snuck behind her, pointing her gun at the petite woman.

Without wasting time, he hurled one of his blades at her before she could pull the trigger. Sunako turns around to find a blade latched onto the woman's lifeless body, her gaze wanders to meet Levi's grey eyes as the belligerent captain went to her side.

"You all right?" He briefly asked her.

"I'm fine, though I could've handled that myself."

"We could argue about that another time. We have more important matters to attend to."

Soon the two went off to rendezvous with the rest of the squad while also taking down any of Kenny's subordinates stopping them.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

"It's the sound of a gunshot!" Sasha anxiously yelled as they stood on top of the tiled roof. After they freed Jean and Armin and apprehended the captors, the brunette suddenly heard shots being fired in the distance.

"There!" she pointed as Connie strained his ears to hear the gunshots. "It's been ringing several times!"

Mikasa, Jean, and Armin look in the direction where Sasha pointed to the gunshots she heard as Jean gaze in concern.

"Did something happened?" Jean asked.

"Most probably." Mikasa answered. The others look at her for answers as she recalled what her captain instructed. "I'll tell you the message from the captain. From now on, we won't be only fighting Titans, but we will fight humans too."

"What? So that means... Hey!"

Before Jean could question more, Mikasa ran off of the roof as her grapple attach to a building before flying off towards the direction where Eren and Historia's wagon should be.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Meanwhile, Kenny Ackerman lay motionlessly on the ground with his infamous bowler hat covering his face. He must admit, the little brat got him good. He lowered his guard there for a bit when Levi shot him with a rifle, good thing he reacted in time.

He soon hears footsteps approaching him before stopping at his stilled body.

"Leader, are you finally dead?" Caven asked as she checked up on her superior.

Kenny grunted at her question, raising his hand to lift the hat from his face, and scowled. "You idiot. How do you expect a corpse to answer you." He said as he try to sit up and fix his hat on his head. "Ouch. He got me. That's right, they've allowed bars to hold guns for self-defense purpose, huh. That shortie has developed in his own way, I guess. And who would've thought, he got that little girl from that night as his girlfriend, that's a given."

"That's good then."

"Huh? There's no way that's good. That's going to make my dream even further, you know."

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

As Mikasa and the others flew through the city, they then spotted Eren and Historia unconscious with someone else manning the reigns with Levi following in pursuit, making a sharp turn.

"Captain!"

Just then 2 men showed up with guns pointing at Levi, shocking Jean. Before one could pull the trigger, Sunako immediately shows up and stabs one of them. The other man has his gun pointed at the petite woman to shoot when Levi comes to her aid. He sends his grapple at the man's stomach as it pulled towards him, the man's blood eventually covered Levi's blade.

Jean stared in horror after witnessing humanity's most formidable soldiers killing people with the same gear designed to kill Titans. His thoughts were shaken up when Levi yelled, "We'll chase the wagon!"

"Yes, sir!" Mikasa answered affirmatively as the squad pursue the wagon that have Eren and Historia in it.

"Listen, they're used to fighting humans. They've already got 3 of us." Levi informed.

"When the chance presents itself, do not hesitate to kill them if we want ta take Eren and Historia back. Understand?" Sunako sternly reminded them, a contrast to her usual gentle tone. Jean have never seen her like this. In front of him was a woman hardened by battle with the face of a kindhearted woman.

Without moments of hesitation, Mikasa understands what she has to do. "Yes, ma'am."

Levi then went ahead to deal with one of them on the wagon, jumping on a stall's cloth roof to gain momentum as he shoots a grapple at the man, stabbing him before he could do anything and pulled him off the wagon while Sunako deals with the other one that came after, throwing a senbon at the other one as his body convulsed and was left lifeless.

"Armin, Jean, get on the wagon! Others, support them!" Sunako called out.

"Right!"

"Again, another person was killed..."

"Jean!"

Jean snapped out of his stupor and followed Armin to the wagon. hearing something from behind, the driver points her gun at them when Mikasa comes in and kicks her as she was knocked back to the wagon, blood oozing out of her nose and lips. Jean then pointed a sharp blade at the woman shakily, his eyes wide in fear and sweat dripping. The woman was right in front of him and yet he couldnt bring himself to do it.

"Don't move!" He yelled.

The woman squinted at the teen, wiping the blood off her face with the back of her hand as she knocks the blade out of his hand and stood up. Jean fell on his butt when a gun pointed at his head, her hand on the trigger as he froze with fear in his widened eyes.

"Jean!"

BANG

A resounding bang was heard as blood splattered and the woman who was about to shoot Jean fell out of the wagon. The one who shot her was none other than Armin as smoke came out of the gun in his hand with gritted teeth. The adrenaline rushes into him when he saw his friend about to get killed overlays his conscience as Jean stares at him in shock, his mouth agape.

Sunako and Levi went back to the wagon to check on them. The both of them glance behind to see reinforcements coming for the wagon. Sunako cursed in her mind.

"Armin, Jean!" Sunako yelled out in warning. Before the bullets could even touch the two boys, both Sunako and Levi pushed them out of the wagon as it made its way underneath the tunnels.

Mikasa evaded the bullets coming at her and lands on the ground, she watches the wagon go far away from her reach, disappearing beneath the tunnels. Furious, she tried to go after them when Levi shot up and held her back.

"No! We'll retreat!" He ordered. This did not stop Mikasa as she attempted to force her way out of Levi's grip while the man held back the strong girl with all his might.

Suddenly her vision goes black. The last thing the black-haired teen remembered was feeling a pair of small hands pulling her in an embrace and a voice telling her so softly in her native tongue.

"I'm sorry."

Sunako locked eyes with Levi who looked as if he had been through quite an ordeal himself as she held her unconscious sister close to her chest, exhaling deeply. Once again, she failed to keep Eren safe from harm's way.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

"There, there, let it all out." Sunako gently coaxed, holding Armin's back and patting him on the back as he continued to vomit as he had been for the past half an hour. It was also the time that Mikasa had woken up and joined her sister's side.

Sunako wanted to apologize to her for knocking her out but Mikasa beat her to it.

"You did what you needed to do, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it." She told her in a monotone voice.

The petite woman knew how important Eren is to her ever since the day he saved her from robbers when she wasn't there to protect her. However, Mikasa didn't hold anything against her beloved older sister for knocking her out. The black-haired teen also knew how distressed Sunako is despite not showing it as she always wear her usual smile. She does not wish to trouble her sister once more as she did when Sunako puts herself in harm's way by protecting her.

The rest of Squad Levi had rendezvoused back to the abandoned warehouse where Armin and Jean had been kept. Mikasa had made sure before leaving to help with the wagon pursuit, that the criminals who had kidnapped Armin and Jean were secured and waiting for them when they returned.

During the duration, Sunako had long since noticed Armin looked sick when they arrived back at the warehouse. She informed Levi that they'll stay outside for a moment while he and the others went in with Mikasa still unconscious then on Levi's back as the man had been the one to carry her. As soon as the others went in, that's when he began hurling.

Mikasa looked at her friend in concern as she also went in to care for Armin, copying Sunako as she rub her friend's back.

Armin wiped the vomit from the corner of his mouth as he looked up at the two female companions.

"Did you and Mikasa feel this too? When you first killed a person? Does this feeling ever go away?" He asked. Sunako's eyes softened, a deep sadness swirled in her eyes when she heard pleading in his voice, a hopeful wish that he wasn't just weak and that taking a human life was something everyone went through.

Mikasa lowered her gaze from him as she tightened the red scarf around her neck.

Realizing how insensitive his question is, he immediately apologizes while tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that."

Sunako shook her head and pulled him close to her, patting his head as Armin cries out of his guilty conscience, apologizing profusely like a mantra. Her heart ached to see the sweet boy that she knew had to go through what they have done.

Killing a person for the first time was never easy, both Sunako and Mikasa know this. But when someone they knew is in harm's way, they will do everything in their power to protect them even if they have to dirty their hands to do so.

"To be honest, the feeling never goes away, it doesn't stop. The haunting feeling always lingered, even in the darkest moments. It seemed impossible to reclaim what was once had, and the lack of control was overwhelming. Learning to live with it became a necessary, yet painful, part of life. " Sunako said, a sad smile gracing her pretty features as Armin looked at her with tearful eyes.

The petite woman says this, not to comfort the boy, she does so out of her own experience. Because even in the present moment, she's still haunted by the vague memories of her victims that died by her hand for the sake of her duty and the people she failed to protect.

Sunako helps Armin to stand up once he calms down as she ushered them inside. "Our enemy just looks a little bit different now. Come, let's head inside for the time being."

Mikasa led the way, parting the metal gates they had broken to get inside in the first place as they soon joined the other members of squad Levi. They sat around a fire they had lit in the center of the room, all hunched up on empty cargo boxes that had been left in the building.

Levi raised his eyebrows at her, his eyes moving from her to Armin. Sunako followed his gaze and solemnly shook her head at him, silently letting him know that Armin was not okay.

They sat down in the open spaces left around the fire with the petite, raven-haired woman taking her spot next to Levi as the belligerent passed her a ration which she ate, muttering a polite 'thank you' beforehand.

As the squad rested and ate their rations, Armin had not once taken a bite out of his rations, his mind still clouded by what happened earlier as this greatly concerned Sunako. Levi took notice of this and took matters into his own hands.

"What is it? You can't eat in this dirty place?" Levi questioned.

"No." Armin replied. The blonde teen turn his attention to the light, ash-brown-haired boy next to him. "Jean, there's something I don't understand."

"What is it?"

"When I shot that gun and saved you, to be honest, I didn't think I'd make it, sorry. But, why was I the one that shot first?"

Jean grimaced, not daring to meet anyone in the eyes as he recalled the look in the woman's eyes. He remembered it clearly there was sadness and regret in her eyes. After a moment's hesitation, Jean opened his mouth and tried to answer him, "That was because..."

"It's because the enemy hesitated for a moment. That's so, right?"

Levi's voice cut through the tension as the two teens looked at him, his form remaining unchanged and stoic. He could feel a pair of onyx eyes on him but does not interrupt.

Jean stare at the ground, regret gnawing at him on the inside knowing he was the one at fault for Armin having to pick up a gun to save him. "Armin, I'm sorry. Even though I should be the one that should've done it." He apologizes.

"Is that so." Armin uttered. "The person that I killed, she must've been a kind person. Someone who's more like a human than me. Even I, could pull the trigger immediately. I..."

"Armin, your hands has been stained in blood. You can't return the way you were." Levi told him harshly. Mikasa was about to jump in and defend her friend when Sunako shook her head. Seeing this, the black-haired teen backed off as Levi continued. "Welcome and accept the new you. If your hands stayed clean right now, Jean wouldn't be here anymore."

Armin looked up at him in surprise, though Sunako had taken care of him earlier before they went inside, he still felt guilty for what he did. He wasn't expecting Levi, of all people, to comfort him, not in the slightest.

"What made you pull the trigger immediately, was because your friend is almost killed. Armin, because you've bloodied your hands, we ended up not losing one of our friends. Thank you." Levi added.

Armin doubted the sincerity of Levi's words, but he accepted them nonetheless.

"Captain Levi, Sunako, I think it's wrong to fight people." Jean suddenly spoke up. "And wrong for you to order us to do it. It's because I'm scared to lay my hands on other people. But, it was me that's wrong. I will definitely shoot next time."

"We didn't say anything about what is right or wrong, Jean."

Jean was surprised a bit as Sunako looked down at her half-eaten ration, her ever-present smile remaining on her face but it was dimmer than it was. There was a tiredness in her soothing voice as she added. "If anything, It's because we don't know about it either. Did you... really make a mistake?"

Jean pondered over her words as a deafening silence filled the air before that silence eventually broke when Levi stood up. "Well then, it's time to listen to their story." He proposed.

Levi then approached the short, overweight man. His head was balding with black hair on the sides and a thin dark mustache and beard. He has brown eyes and bright skin, wearing a brown leather jacket, gray vest, and pink button-up shirt with red-brown dress pants and brown dress shoes.

Dimo Reeves, the head merchant of the Reeves Company. If Sunako remembers correctly, he was also present at Eren's trial after the battle in Trost. To think he was the not-so-genius mastermind behind the decoy heist.

The merchant's face was weary as Levi took off the cloth covering his mouth. "Wait, please. I'm just an old man used by them to transport goods with the wagon." He pleaded.

"I met you once before." Mikasa suddenly spoke up, silencing the merchant as she also approaches him. There was a hint of recognition in his eyes when he saw the black-haired teen. "They're the one people called president in town."

"Ah, I know him. Dimo Reeves, right?" Levi asked for confirmation as the man clicked his tongue and move his gaze away.

"I was just following orders from the First Interior Squad. And moreover, I failed. All of the Reeves Company assets will be confiscated. Me and my idiot son, of course, and even my underlings, will get caught in some kind of accident and die." He explained.

"Are you fine with staying silent and die?"

This made Reeves glance up at Levi as the man continued. "The one that somehow saved Trost District from the verge of collapse, was because Reeves Company played a big part on connecting people and jobs. But if Reeves Company is no more, I wonder how many people will last the winter."

"Are you telling me to follow you guys?"

"We have to know where Eren and the others were brought to. You guys were used by the Military Police. I bet you will have some use for us."

"Will that save the town, me, and my underlings from dying from starvation?"

"We can't guarantee it." Sunaki spoke up, as she calmly walks in and kneels down at eye level with the merchant. "However, be rest assured that you can trust us to prevent the people from starvation. All we ask in return is for your cooperation."

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Deep in the night, Dimo Reeves had agreed to cooperate and led two members of the First Interior Squad into their trap. They just so happen to be the same people who tortured and killed Pastor Nick as they were put into the house's underground torture chamber.

The chamber was dark and cold, the only source of light was but a wick of a candle and the two windows from above. One of the two, Djel Sannes, is currently strapped into a chair, stripped off of his equipment, shoes, and even his proud Military Police vest.

Sunako was left upstairs with the Cadets while Levi had gone downstairs to interrogate and torture Sannes. They could hear the older man's screams of agony bouncing across the walls of the small house as they sat around the table in solemn silence. The screams only began to grow louder when Hange came into the mix.

The petite woman let out a subtle sigh as she listened to the man's howls for mercy by the entrance. She figured that they haven't gotten a word out of Sannes yet.

"I wonder if they're heartless, but his voice is louder than when the captain was doing it."

"Even though it's to save Eren and the others, I'm starting to feel depressed."

Sunako heard the cadets muttering amongst themselves in a somber mood except for Mikasa who stayed quiet and in all honesty, she doesn't blame them for feeling this way. Unlike her and Mikasa, these kids were only taught and trained to kill Titans, not humans. They were ignorant that people can be dangerous monsters just as much as Titans are.

They were betrayed by people whom they thought were their closest allies and friends, they see people shedding blood against one another as one of their own has tainted their hands. These horrific screams and cries overwhelmed them. Their morality shattered after experiencing such horrifying events.

"We're already criminals." Armin suddenly spoke up as they looked at him. "The one we're facing against now, aren't coming to kill us because they want to eat us. It's because our way of thinking is different. No, maybe it's just our organization is different. Just because of that, we're taking life."

"Armin."

"We're not good people anymore."

"There's nothing we can do about it." Sunako cuts into the conversation, their attention turns towards her. "Throughout our lives, we are faced with numerous decisions. Some hold greater weight than others, but all of them are significant in their own way. Many of these choices exist in a gray area between right and wrong. Ultimately, the decisions we make have a profound impact on our overall happiness and well-being, as we must live with the consequences of our actions."

Her words held the truth as the Cadets went quiet, contemplating over her words as Sunako excused herself to go into the underground chamber. The world is harsh and cruel towards those who kept their hands clean and their innocence intact. Sunako and Mikasa were once like that at one point in their lives.

It was a time when they believed that their happiness would endure for an eternity. They felt secure and blissful, thinking that nothing could touch them. However, their joy was fragile and transient, like a layer of thin ice that could break at any moment. Unfortunately, the inevitable happened, and their happiness shattered, plunging them into the depths of the dark waters that represented the harsh realities of life. From that moment on, they were forever changed, and their experience gave them a bitter taste of the cruelties that existence can inflict upon us.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

"Sorry, I couldn't tear it as good as you. I wonder how many nails you've torn to get that good at it?" Hange questioned.

Sannes's eyes were shadowed, his face broken, bloodied, and bruised and his nails were all torn off. He endured all the pain that Hange and Levi inflicted upon him and yet he remain quiet from spilling what he know about the Reiss family.

"It's uncountable." He said with a somber expression. "Do you know why there is no war happening inside this small wall until now? It's because us, the First Interior Squad is protecting it with our dirty hands!"

Sannes then recalled the victims they'd killed in order to ensure the peace of the walls. He remembered every last one of them. "From teachers who talked too much, stupid couple who tried to fly, to prostitute who was in a farm in some suburbs! It's because we erased them, that humanity could come this far! It's a given that you should be thankful of us!"

"Ah, is that so? I suppose we haven't been grateful enough for all your hard work for what you've done for humanity."

A soft-spoken voice suddenly rang through the room as all four of them turn to see the ever-smiling, petite, raven-haired woman who just entered the room after hearing what Sannes spouted in his mouth.

"Good evening, Today is a lovely night, isn't it?" She greeted.

"Suna? What are you—?"

"The screams were getting too loud for the kids to bear, so I thought I should check on what's holding you up." Sunako bluntly answered what Hange has in mind as she turn her attention to Sannes. Although she has a delicate smile and soft voice, there was something about her that the older man couldn't help but feel unease in a way, her onyx eyes held sadistic intent as she approaches him. "Now then, I can see you have no intention of getting along with my comrades."

Sannes gritted his teeth angrily and yelled. "Why the hell would I be!? We haven't seen anyone who enjoys hurting others as much as you lot do! Even after everything we did to preserve the peace in these walls!"

"Oh? Is that really true? That does sound tragic! All right, I'll help you! Let's be friends!" Sunako said.

Sannes looked at her in disbelief as Moblit and Hange looked agape at what she proposed, while Levi on the other hand mentally facepalmed. For goodness sake, they're trying to get f****** answers out of this shit head not trying to be friends!

"Y-You'll help me?"

"Of course!" Sunako enthusiastically gave him a close-eyed smile. "But in order for us to be friends, I must ask you a few questions myself if you don't mind."

Sannes stared at the petite woman with skepticism, wondering what sort of questions the woman have to offer when she kneels at eye level, Her haunted onyx eyes frightened him as she spoke. "Honorable gentleman, how many people exactly have you killed?"

"I said it before, it's uncountable. but I guess around 3-4? But I had no choice! It's what we must do to protect the king and the peace in these walls!" Sannes pleaded, looking away to avoid her gaze.

"Oh! I guess I wasn't being specific enough. You see, not only should you take into account the people whom you personally killed but also the innocent men and women who also died for your so-called peace. You've killed about 250,000, haven't you?"

"What? I haven't killed that many. How could you assume that number?"

"But I came from Shiganshina, you know. Shiganshina District." Sunako pointed out. "4 years ago, the Royal Government that you desperately protected issued an order to send out the refugees to retake Wall Maria. Out of all the 250,000, only a hundred returned back. Majority of them, all dead."

"Wh-What does that have to do with me?"

"Oh, it does actually. After all, you served under the Royal Government by eliminating such external threats that could hinder your lofty lives, isn't it?" Sunako said. Despite the smile playing on her lips, her blood was boiling ever so subtly, recounting the letter she received from Grandpa Arlert. The room became tense as Levi observed the petite woman's subtle shift in demeanor.

"It's not that I'm angry. I'm only trying to confirm the accurate toll."

"What good will it do you to confirm that?"

"It's simple. You'll receive the punishment you deserve and I'll let you go!"

"Punishment?"

"That way, you and I can become friends. If you go unpunished after having taken all those lives, your victims will never receive justice."

Sannes then felt one of his eyelids being forcefully pushed apart, his fearful eyes staring at the menacing look in onyx ones.

"I could gouge out your eyeballs... or tear your skin off with only muscle tissues left, perhaps I'll have water drip unto your forehead and leave you with your hands strapped still for a prolonged period of time until you mentally start deteriorating." Sunako listed off the torture she could do to him, all the punishment he'll receive in vengeance for the 250,000 lives he and the Royal Government took while with a smile on her face.

"I shall torture you for every person you've killed. And after you've suffered through all of the pain and agony, you will tell us what you know and your sins will be forgiven. Let's both give it our all!"

If there's one thing that's more terrifying than Titans, It was the woman in front of him as Sannes stared at the seemingly angelic woman with horror as she cheerfully claimed, "Don't worry! Since I'm also a medic, I'll make sure to treat you with the utmost care and neither will there be any lingering effects!"

"Who do you think you're kidding? You're all just a bunch of monsters! You think I would dare betray the king!? I.. For me... I believe in this peace inside the wall, and the King. That the things we're doing is not wrong. But it hurts this much, huh." Sannes told them, though he was still scared, he stood firm in his belief.

"Go on and do it. Come and beat me to death. That's what my blood-stained whole life amounts to."

Silence filled the air as he uttered those words. Levi calls for a break and motions Sunako to follow them out. The petite woman stood up and obeyed as they all walk out of the door.

"It's troubling. I'm starting to feel bad for him." Hange muttered.

"What a shame, looks like we can never be friends after all."

The iron door creaked shut as they left Sannes alone in the room. It was quiet for a brief moment when he then heard his comrade grunt, "Hey, don't push me. It hurts."

Sannes's teary eyes shot up when he saw by the creak of a door, his comrade being manhandled by Levi with his hands tied behind his back. "Ralph?" He uttered his name.

"What a pitiful guy." Levi's voice resounded underground. "You talked about everything with just one nail just as when we thought we'd have to gouge your eyes out."

"Now, now, no need to add salt to injury, his pride has already shattered as it is." Sunako piped in, appearing behind Ralph.

Sannes's eyes went wide at what he overheard. Ralph betrayed the king? Betrayed what they worked for? Why? For what reason?

Unbeknownst to him, Sunako has her kunai out, poking at his back if he dares so much as a struggle as Ralph was forced to read out the lines given to him.

"Sannes doesn't have anymore nails, you know? He's a big difference than you."

"Who cares, that's up to him. He's a pain for us, he's so stuck up, talking about the king and peace. You guys, just kill him."

Sannes's eyes went wide in horror at what he just heard from Ralph's own mouth. He couldn't utterly believe that his own comrade would sell him out and leave him to die while he tried to defend the king.

But what's the point of it all when it's already been done?

"We can't confirm anything from only your statements, so that's a no-go."

"Even though I've told you the truth from what I spew out, you guys are really careful. Hey, is there a bed in my jail?"

A few moments after what seemed like an eternity for Sannes, the door snapped open, revealing to be Levi, Sunako, and Hange this time. Levi adjusted his gloves, ready to start the interrogation and torture once again.

Hange started, "Well, Sannes. Let's go with a fresh start. It hurts me too, but I'll work hard and torture you."

"The Reiss family is the true royal family."

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Historia was disheveled on what was going on and what had transpired earlier. She remembered being transferred on a wagon with Eren while Captain Levi and the others went with the decoy plan. Everything happened so fast that the last she remembered was a stinging pain in her neck and Eren calling out to her before he too felt the same stinging pain and then she blacked out.

The moment she woke up she was met with a slightly overweight man with a round face, short black hair, and a thin mustache. He wore a white button-front shirt with a black pullover vest, loose black pants, and black dress shoes.

Historia's curious blue eyes stared at his weary blue ones.

"Historia." He called her name softly.

The man scooched closer and hug the confused girl and apologized. "I'm sorry, for all this time."

Historia's eyes widened, a faint glimmer of recognition as she remembered who that man is.

"...Father."

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I'M BACK FROM THE DEAD!

First things first, I must apologize for the sudden absence from Wattpad. During the long period of my absence, I have been very busy with college life, dealing with lots of things in my personal life that I wasn't able to make room for writing as I'd hoped. 

But I'm back once again with another chapter. Thank you to all my readers who stuck by and read this book. I sincerely apologize again for the wait. I have learned my lesson, hopefully, the next chapters won't take too long for me to publish, but we'll see.

So bye and stay awesome!😊 Peace out!✌️