"You have never ridden a horse before?!"

(Y/N) stood right in the middle of the stable alley at a respectable distance from all the majestic horses. Just in case.

"I never had a chance..."

"Everyone knows how to ride a horse!"

"Can't we use other means of transport?"

A genuine laugh filled the stable. "Her Majesty thinks I am going to rant a carriage for her? I am afraid the government doesn't pay us well enough for that. You'll have to learn how to ride a horse eventually if you plan to survive," Hange turned to face (Y/N) who just now escaped from an inquisitive nose of a white stallion, not listening to the fact that her whole life might be in danger because of her lack of experience in this regard.

"But maybe not today," they patted the mane of a gorgeous bay mare who was sticking her head outside of the stall. "Nova this is (Y/N). We'll be giving her a lift," then Hange gripped (Y/N)'s hand and put completely dry bread crumbs in it. "Here. Give her this. You can win her over with a piece of bread," (Y/N) swallowed the intimidated feeling horses evoked in her and extended the crunchy snack in Nova's direction. "See, you can be friends. Wait here I'll get the saddle and headstall."

Nova breathed out onto (Y/N)'s shaking hand looking for more treats. Fear seeped onto the surface manifesting itself on (Y/N)'s weak, unsteady palms. The horse wasn't the only reason she felt like that. Normally she would be able to conceal everything but now...

"Can you open the stall for me?" (Y/N) did exactly what was asked of her but stayed outside, watching Hange skillfully handle all the belts and buckles.

"Besides the fact you can't ride a horse, there are more things that are pretty much putting your life on the line."

"And these are?"

"Everything you possess. Your books? Illegal. As well as your research papers.

"My books?"

"Any information connected to the outer world is under restrictions from the government. Advancements that are not government-approved too. You are carrying a death sentence on your back. Also, the fact that you've entered Titan territory without permission and you don't have verifiable identity inside of the walls. Although I am sure Erwin will do something about the last one... you are so fortunate that we were the first one to find you! Otherwise, who knows what would happen,"

Meaning they are also going against these restrictions when covering me up and telling me all of this... but why? Not very politically stable this state. Dissidents amongst government officers, right under everyone's noses...

"That's the only reason why I was captured? For illegally entering the Titan territory?"

"Exactly!" Hange giggled, "and the smoke and lightning thing you know,"

No, I don't. Not yet. One labels me as a traitor completely out of nowhere and the second one thinks I am god knows what but doesn't mention the treason thing once. Was what seemed like a real accusation from the commander supposed to make me talk? Talk about what exactly? I have to find out who do they think I am, or if they believe me... Sounds like others would have detained me forever or executed me straight away but them... I am definitely being observed. My moves, my speech, every single one of my words is being judged. I won't be able to operate on my own. Furthermore, if there is an authoritarian government banning... well, basically anything that would get me back. It's getting more problematic than I anticipated.

"(Y/N)? (Y/N)?!"

Hange's hand waving in front of (Y/N)'s face, invading her personal space, forced her back to reality.

"We are prepared to leave!" "We" included Hange and their mare.

"Sure, I am too," (Y/N) responded without any signs of inner restlessness.

"Where are we heading?"

"Former headquarters of the Survey Corps."

The sun almost set covering the whole Trost district in warm tones, yellows and oranges, when the unusual trio left the stables. Hange helped (Y/N) onto Nova and then gracefully got on too. Never in her life (Y/N) thought she would be in such close proximity with someone she just met. She didn't know where to put her hands. Hange gently took them and wrapped them around their waist, forcing the little space there was left between these two to disappear completely. "Squeeze your legs as much as you can and hold on tight. It won't take long for us to get there." Then they heeled the horse, who responded immediately. (Y/N)'s (e/c) eyes shut in shock from the sudden foreign movement. She pressed her body even more against the brunette's back, praying vehemently not to fall off.

»»————-　　————-««

(Y/N) didn't know how much time has passed since they left Trost, but it was more than she fancied. If it wasn't for a cloudless night, they wouldn't be able to see a thing how dark it suddenly got. Leaves swished in the wind, moonlight shining through them, creating irregular streaks on the forest path. A perceptive ear could even detect bubbling sounds of a distant river.

Finally, the horse stopped. (Y/N)'s relief was barely visible although she never felt happier to stand on her feet again. Their final destination was a well-preserved medieval castle. Its silhouette and some key elements remained recognisable although the castle was drowning in darkness. Somehow it made (Y/N) weirdly excited, awakening the history nerd in her.

Hange was on their way to put Nova in a stall when (Y/N) decided it's time to start asking her own questions. Even tho she couldn't be certain if everything Hange said to her is true, their body language wasn't speaking against it. They have been so authentic and considerate that it was really hard not to believe them. Despite that, she knew she couldn't afford to lose her caution.

"Section coman..."

Hange just smiled. "Leave the rank alone. We are probably around the same age, and you are not my subordinate. From now on we are working together."

"Right, sorry. I just need to get used to... all of this. Hange, can you tell me more about the things you mentioned before? About the "Titans" and the "Walls"? Maybe throw some history and Survey Corps in there. I won't sleep properly till I know at least something."

"Give me a sec. I am going to deal with both of you at once."

»»————-　　————-««

"Good evening Levi squad!"

Perfect. More people to get accustomed to. And one thought this couldn't get any better.

These words crossed (Y/N)'s mind while she was recovering her breath. She had to run through the castle corridors because her pace was nothing compared to section commander's quick mile-long steps. Even tho she was completely empty-handed and they carried a huge stack of books and papers. Luckily no one seated in the mess hall paid much attention to Hange or their company, which (Y/N) appreciated.

"You're too early." a flat-toned voice noted.

"Really? That's weird! Because we had some difficulties on our way here..." section commander said while putting aside the stack of papers on one of the many empty tables.

"We?"

The blissful moment of anonymity was ruined. All five men sitting around a table turned their heads and looked at Y/N.

"Hello! I almost missed you there," a smiling redhead stepped away from the door she opened, so the new arrivers could get in. If anyone was expecting elaboration or explanation of (Y/N)'s unannounced appearance, they would be disappointed. The squad learned not to ask too many questions, especially in the presence of the section commander. Hange grabbed Y/N's shoulders and dragged her deeper into the mess hall.

"Special Operations Squad, let me introduce you doctor (Y/N( (L/N) a newly approved member of TEAM SCIENCE!" No one shared Hange's chaotic and extensive enthusiasm. The only inclusive face in the room had to be the friendly looking redhead girl.

"That makes a total number of... two people." said a petite man sitting closest to the brand new scientific duo, seeming totally uninterested.

"The higher-ups decided we needed a medic on board at all times" WHAT?! I am not a medic and you know that! "and actually..." Hange let go of (Y/N) because someone else had caught their attention. A boy seated right at the head of the table. (Y/N) could swear she spotted a glimpse of fear in his green eyes. He had to be the second person that Hange wanted "to deal with".

"Section commander Hange?" the boy asked simultaneously leaning back, to get as far away from the brunette in a messy ponytail as possible.

"Sorry for the wait Eren, I'm actually in charge of examining the Titans we captured in town. And I'd like you to help with my experiments. I came to get your permission."

Similar phrases (Y/N) has already heard but was yet to discover what exactly was behind them. No one offered her a seat, so she just rested her body on the nearest wall closely observing everyone in the room and half-listening to the conversation. The obviously younger members of the Special Operations Squad came across as disciplined and highly organised. She could tell right away from their neatly kept hair and uniforms, calm expressions, straight almost tense postures even when sitting in a calm, relaxed environment. The one standing out the most to her was the man who spoke before. He was clearly older than the others. Jet-black hair fell into his face casting shadows onto it. As a result, she couldn't read it properly. However, his laid-back posture, crossed legs and the mildly infuriating way he held his teacup seemed quite out of place.

He's clearly this squad's leader. What was the name again?

"Levi! What are Eren's plans for tomorrow?" Hange shouted, conveniently unswerving (Y/N)'s internal question.

"Cleaning the garden," when talking, Levi was fully aware Y/N's eyes lingered on him for a while. People always stared when encountering the "humanity's strongest soldier" for the first time. Truly an annoying reaction. What he failed to understand was, that (Y/N) actually haven't had a clue who he was. She had completely different reasons for this.

"Excellent, then! It's cinched! And THAT makes a total count of three!" Hange stated triumphantly like three people were a crazy impressive amount. Then they evidently remembered something and reached into their cropped jacket. "Hey Levi! Catch this!" A paper scroll flew across the table. Why come closer to the person and just give it to them when you can simply throw stuff with the possibility of it catching on fire from one of the lit candles, right? Everything Hange did just added to the impression they consisted of pure chaos and insanity. Levi nonchalantly caught the scroll with a faint inquiring expression on his face.

"It's from the commander." then Hange teasingly continued, almost whispering "Definitely a love letter, if you ask me." The SOS member with short wavy hair snored into his cup, suppressing laughter, which earned him a death glare from the previously kind girl. In this awkward and refreshing atmosphere, (Y/N) considered asking everyone their names but Eren was quicker with his questions, returning to the previous topic. "Section commander... just so I am clear, what exactly will I be doing? What kind of Titan experiments are we talking about here?"

Everyone froze and (Y/N) didn't know why. It was a very reasonable thing to say. "Don't... don't ask" someone mumbled through their teeth. Section commander's eyes sparkled in sheer excitement. Just from the manner Hange spoke with the boy (Y/N) knew the mad scientist got fully unhinged. A smirk formed on her face because she recognized that information storm was coming. Apparently, others did too, because in no time they vacated the room. They weren't too keen on hearing whatever was going to be said to (Y/N) and Eren. From the short period of time she spent with Hange, and from the experience when she spoke about her own passion projects, it was obvious they already heard it. And not only once.

"In the event, you haven't pieced it together yet; all of this is for you (Y/N)," Hange said, pointing at the enormous stack of reports. "All you need to get started." (Y/N) transferred the papers closer to the candlelight so she could read properly. Hange poured her a cup of tea and put it right in front of her. "If you come up with any questions, just write them down, ok?"

Eren patiently watched them. There was still a chance to escape this crazy soldier. However, he chose to stay. If he wasn't so curious, he would flee the room immediately.

"I definitely will. Thank you."

Section commander adjusted their glasses and sat right next to Eren. (Y/N) listened for a while but it explained nothing to her. Undeniably Hange was not going to teach her 'the basics' in a castle full of people who now believed she's a local. That's why she shouldn't say any prospective questions out loud.

Right, I should probably start reading. Let's treat this like a study session in a library, memorise as much as you can, write down the rest and... and then it hit her. She felt the inside pocket of her coat. Her smartphone was still in there. Sure it wasn't capable of much in a world without a wireless network, but it could keep a ton of information and take pictures. She was not leaving this place without proof and everything documented. Funny how I thought buying a solar battery charger is not that beneficial for me, then bought it anyway... Keeping it on me - also a good idea. (Y/N) looked up at the people on the other side of the table. Eren was completely emerged in Hange's passionate monologue about their Titan specimens. (Y/N) slowly took out her phone. Under the table she checked if it functioned. She lowered the brightness, opened the camera app and switched off the camera flash.

The top folder was titled 'Titan anatomy, latest findings'. She opened it and then she continued 100% mechanically. Read a page, snatch a picture, read a page, snatch a picture... slowly working her way through the provided information.

The more she read the more unwell she felt. She couldn't believe all of this was real. Giant humanoid creatures preying on people, humanity on the brink of extinction, the last survivors hiding behind enormous walls. This... this can't be happening! How did people not go out because of wars, plagues, famine, global warming, or I don't know, maybe a Sun explosion... this is absurd! She was looking for answers. How did this happen? Where did the Titans come from? Was this an evolutionary glitch Hours flew by. Every book, every report brought up more questions and zero answers. She studied maps of various places inside the walls, read about numerous expeditions. The statistics she found were devastating. Survey Corps survival rates were catastrophic. Even for a military branch.

(Y/N)'s hands started shaking and sweating again. She was scared. An intense feeling of panic and fear flooded her. She was now part of the few remaining human survivors on Earth, which was too much to handle.

There has to be a way out of this!

"Doctor, are you alright?" an exhausted voice torn (Y/N) out of her trance. She lifted her head. Both Hange and Eren were glaring at her, concerned.

"Indeed. I am just a little bit cold." It wasn't a very satisfying response since she wore a woolly black coat and the sun was already out. Suddenly, a man she never saw before stormed into the mess hall, saving her from unwanted attention.

"Is section commander Hange here?! The test subjects.. both of the Titans have been killed!"

»»————-　　————-««

Although her features grew cold and detached, she felt very uneasy. Hange's horrific screams didn't light up the mood either. This tantrum distantly reminded her of a toddler losing their favorite toy. But on a bigger scale. Two massive skeletons of creatures she read about the whole night were gradually evaporating right before everyone's eyes. It didn't matter how surreal everything sounded. This was now her grim reality.

An unpleasant feeling interrupted (Y/N)'s thinking process, an icy look pinning the back of her head, shadow towering over her.

"Let me guess; you are here to observe everyone's reactions. And I am still a suspect. Untrustworthy as the devil himself. It's quite disappointing that I have a bulletproof alibi." she said sternly out of true frustration. She then turned around and looked the commander dead in the eye. Little did she know that her attitude very much surprised him. She didn't want to cause a commotion, so she lowered the volume of her voice. "Listen, I don't know what malicious tactics are blooming under the surface here, but right now I am in this hell-pit together with all of you."

Uncomfortable tinnitus filled her ears, indicating an incoming migraine attack. "If you'll excuse me..." She didn't look back, leaving the dumbfounded commander behind. Her head hurt and her desperation couldn't be soothed.

She made the biggest mistake of her life and for once she wasn't sure she could fix it.

»»————-　　————-««

author's note:

Huge thanks to all of you who stayed 🖤 and also apologies. I forced this chapter out of myself (even tho its writing and pacing are all over the place), just to show you that I am not abandoning this. I hope it's somewhat readable 😅

RN I am not doing great when it comes to my exams. That's why I am not working on this at all. Also, I've considered changing the POV to (Y/N)'s. So guys, let me know what you think, what you prefer.