"Train me," Eren demanded.
Optimus sliced a tree in half before looking at Eren in confusion. "Excuse me?"
"I want you to train me," Eren repeated, "Your fighting style is better than the people I know, especially after what I saw in the courtroom. If I can learn your fighting style, I can use that whenever I'm in my titan form, and kill more titans."
"I cannot do that, Eren," Optimus said.
Eren looked in confusion before he became frustrated. "Hey! Why?"
"Because your race does not trust me," Optimus answered.
"What do you mean?" Eren asked.
"We pose a threat to humanity," Optimus explained as he kneeled down to face him, "The Survey Corps is still cautious of us while many want us dead. If I were to train you, that would arouse suspicion, and your race will have more of the reason to kill us."
Eren looked down in sadness. "Oh, I see."
"I have no issue with training you; however, it is not my place to decide. I will ask to see if I am able to train you. If they say no, then there is nothing more than I can do." Optimus told him.
"Then there's a chance?" Eren asked with a little hope.
"It's very slim, but possible," Optimus answered.
"Training?" Erwin asked in surprise.
"Yes," Optimus answered while in his holoform, "Eren wishes to learn my fighting style, so that he may kill more titans while in his titan form without getting tired."
"It is not my place," Erwin answered.
"You are the Commander of the Survey Corps. I do not understand how it is not your place." Optimus admitted.
"Before your trial, Eren was placed under the guardianship of someone else in the Survey Corps," Erwin explained, "You will have to ask him."
"Who do I need to ask?" Optimus asked.
"Captain Levi," Erwin answered.
Optimus walked around the castle in his bipedal mode as he looked for Levi. After looking within the castle, Optimus decided to look for him outside in his actual form. After checking the interior area of the castle, he began to check the perimeter of the castle. Optimus then heard a wiping noise and turned a corner to see Levi wiping a window, using his 3D gear to stay in place.
"Levi, may I speak with you?" Optimus asked.
Levi sighed in irritation. "What do you want? I'm busy."
Optimus resisted the urge to deadpan. "I've come to ask for your permission."
Levi stopped wiping and looked at Optimus. "Permission?"
"Eren has requested for me to train him," Optimus explained, "However, I came to ask for permission because I do not wish for any suspicion to grow about us plotting to destroy humanity."
Levi jus gave Optimus a blank look. "I don't trust you."
"And that is why I am asking for your permission," Optimus retorted, "I have no reason to attack your kind. I am merely trying to gain your trust."
Levi sighed. "All right, let's make a deal."
"A deal?" Optimus asked in confusion.
"You're going to be helping us with Eren's experiments from what I've been hearing from Hanji," Levi began, "If the experiment goes well and we find something new about the titans, I'll let you train him."
"And if there is nothing new?" Optimus asked.
"You help me clean the rest of the castle," Levi answered, "Is that a deal?"
"It is a deal," Optimus answered.
"Good," Levi said before he used his 3D Gear to go around the castle.
Optimus waited a couple of seconds before mentally yelling at himself for what he just did.
"Ready, Eren?" Hanji asked from the top of the well, "When it's prepared, I'll use the smoke round to notify you. After that, any decisions are up to you."
"Roger!" Eren said from the bottom of the well.
"I do not understand how this will help," Optimus admitted as he looked at Hanji.
"The well is able to hold up even the most mindless titans," Hanij explained, "We'll be able to experiment without any problems."
Optimus could've sworn he heard Hanji say probably before firing a green smoke round, signaling for the experiment to start. Levi looked back at Optimus before looking back at the well.
The three waited for the well to be destroyed and for Eren's titan form to appear, but nothing happened.
"Did he not see the signal?" Hanji asked in confusion.
"No," Levi answered, "His ability just isn't that reliable."
Optimus walked over to the well and looked inside. "Eren, are you alright?"
"Did something happen?" Hanji asked as she looked down as well.
The two widened their eyes in shock while Levi kept a neutral expression. Eren looked up at them with a face full of horror as blood was coming from both his hands and mouth.
"I can't become a titan," Eren said with dread.
"I can't believe Eren didn't transform," Hanji sighed with sadness as she inspected Optimus' foot.
"Ms. Zoe, Eren's power is new to him and he never knew he had this power in the first place. You must give it time." Optimus reassured.
'I am more concerned about the fact that Eren will not be able to train with me,' Optimus thought, 'And that Levi will make me clean the rest of the castle.'
"I still don't get why Eren didn't transform," Hanji remarked as she spun the wheel on Optimus' leg.
"Maybe there is another trigger," Optimus suggested, "You thought it was self-injury, but apparently that is not entirely the case."
"But how are we going to find out what it is?" Hanji asked.
"I merely takes time," Optimus answered, "Ms. Zoe, I wish to inform you of something. It is when Eren transforms."
Hanji looked up at Optimus in confusion. "What happens?"
"Lighting," Optimus answered, "When Eren transforms, there is usually a streak of gold lighting that comes down. I thought it was responsible for causing damage within the wall, but when I saw it two more times I realized it had to deal with the transformation."
"So if a single streak of gold lighting comes down, someone has transformed into a titan?" Hanji asked.
"Yes," Optimus answered.
At that moment, a streak of gold lighting came down followed by a thunderous sound. Optimus widened his optics before transforming into his alt mode and driving towards the source.
"Optimus, wait!" Hanji called out as she ran after him.
Optimus arrived at an open area and activated his holoform. Optimus widened his eyes in shock as he saw Eren's hand in a half-formed titan body. Levi's squad was surrounding Eren with their blades out, along with a strong intent to kill.
Optimus heard cheering noise as he looked behind him to see Hanji jumping for joy as she ran towards Eren. Optimus followed the suite and ran towards the squad.
"What happened?" Optimus asked.
"Eren transformed without permission," Eld answered without taking his eyes off of Eren.
"I told you I don't know what happened!" Eren retorted.
"Eren, let me touch it! Can I touch it?!" Hanji asked while drool came from her mouth.
"Hanji!" Optimus called out as Hanji touched the muscular hand. She backed away and as she got on her knees and screamed while raising her hands in the air.
"It's hot!" she yelled, "It's really hot without the skin!"
Optimus then noticed Eren's hand stuck in the muscle of the body. He climbed onto the half-formed titan using the skeletal area.
"What are you doing?" Eren asked as Optimus grabbed his arm.
"Pull," Optimus instructed.
The two pulled together before Eren's hand came out of the muscle. The two stumbled off the body before landing roughly on the ground. Hanji began panicking as the body began disintegrating.
"No wait! I still need to do-" Hanji stopped as she noticed something in the titan's hand. Was that a spoon?
Eren sighed as he sat in a castle room with Levi.
"Until I saw that they were actually ready to kill me, I didn't understand," Eren began, "That they doubted me so much."
"Of course they do," Levi said casually, "That's why I choose them."
Eren looked at him in surprise.
"People say you only become a full member of the Survey Corps after making it back alive from a mission," Levi explained, "But whenever you fight the Titans, you never have enough information. There are too many situations you just can't anticipate, no matter what. They've had to cultivate the ability to take quick action and to make ruthless decisions by assuming the worst case scenario, but that doesn't mean they've become heartless. It's not like they felt anything when they drew their swords."
"Captain Levi, Squad Leader Hanji wants to see you," a soldier informed.
Levi simply looked as he saw his squad and Hanji walk into the room. "Take a long crap?"
"Actually it was pleasantly quick," Hanji admitted, "I wasn't sure what to tell the brass. Well for now," Hanji pulled out something wrapped in cloth and unraveled it to reveal a teaspoon. "Look at this,"
"A teaspoon?" Eren asked in confusion.
"Yes," Hanji answered as she picked it up, "The right hand of the titan hand Eren created was holding this. It's hard to imagine that it was an accident, the heat and pressure didn't warp the spoon at all. Anything come to mind?"
"I was trying to pick it up," Eren answered.
"It makes sense now," Hanji remarked, "'Kill the titans', 'Block the cannon shell,' 'Lift the boulder.' In each case, you must have a strong will in order to transform."
"In other words, you didn't change on purpose," Gunther concluded.
"No, sir," Eren answered.
The four members looked at each other and nodded their heads before biting their hands. Hanji and Eren looked in surprise and confusion while Levi kept a neutral expression.
"That hurt," Eld remarked, "I'm amazed you could bite through, Eren."
"We made the wrong decision," Gunther said, "This is a small price to pay, not that it makes a difference."
"Keeping you under control is our job," Oluo told Eren, "And there's nothing wrong with that so don't get cocky!"
"We're sorry," Petra apologized, "We were just so jumpy, but from now on we're going to rely on you and we want you to rely on us. So have faith in us,"
Eren was silent as he stared at them before nodding his head in understanding.
Levi then sighed to himself. "Looks like I lost,"
Hanji looked at Levi in confusion. "Lost what?"
Levi didn't say anything before walking out of the room without looking back. Everyone looked at the door before looking at each other.
"What was that about?" Eld asked.
"Hey, Prime!" Levi called out.
Optimus looked down to see Levi crossing his arms.
"You win, go ahead and train the brat," Levi told him before walking away.
Optimus raised an eyebrow in confusion. That was rather odd, but at least Eren will be happy.
"He said 'yes'?" Eren asked with excitement.
Optimus nodded his head. "I have been granted permission to train you."
"Yes!" Eren cheered.
'At least I will not be forced to clean the castle,' Optimus thought.
"So when do we start?" Eren asked.
"Right now," Optimus answered.
"Eh? Really?" Eren asked in surprise.
Optimus transformed into his alt mode before activating his holoform. "I see no issue. Ms. Zoe is currently busy and does not require us for experimentation."
Eren smiled. He was finally going to get stronger. He'll be able to kill all the titans.
"Where do you wish to train?" Optimus asked.
"There should be an open area," Eren answered as he pointed in a direction with trees.
"Understood," Optimus said.
Eld, Gunther, and Oluo lifted their heads from a bush as they saw Optimus and Eren walking over to an open area surrounded by large trees.
"Why do we have to spy on the two?" Gunther asked.
"Because Captain Levi doesn't trust Optimus," Eld answered.
"What about Eren?"
"It's just Optimus,"
"Well then why are you here?" Gunther demanded as he looked at Oluo.
"I want to see this guy in action," Oluo answered as he scowled, "Since he thinks he's so great."
"He killed over a hundred titans," a voice said.
The three jumped as they looked behind them to see Mike looking at them with crossed arms.
"What are you doing?" Mike demanded.
"Levi wanted us to spy," Eld answered.
"So Levi's actually letting Optimus train him," Mike remarked.
"Yeah, something about a deal," Gunther said.
Mike sighed to himself. No wonder Levi was grumbling to himself about losing a bet. Mike slightly chuckled to himself. Now that he thought about it, it was hilarious.
Optimus held the wooden dagger in his hand and observed it. "This is what you use to train?"
"Yes," Eren answered.
"I find it rather strange that instead of using those long blades from your weaponry, you would use a small dagger," Optimus admitted.
"Well a friend of mine told me that you're not always going to fight with the same weapon. You have to be resourceful." Eren recalled.
"Your friend is very observant," Optimus said as he threw the dagger to Eren.
Eren stumbled to catch it before looking at Optimus in confusion. "Wait, what are you doing?"
"I want you to fight me," Optimus answered.
Eren stared at Optimus dumbfounded. There was silence between as he heard birds chirping and flying above them. "Eh?"
"I want you to fight me," Optimus restated.
There was another moment of silence between the two before Eren turned away and covered his mouth as his face was filled with dread. Optimus raised an eyebrow in confusion, followed by Eld, Gunther, and Oluo.
"What's the kids so worked up about?" Oluo asked.
"Besides the fact that he killed over a hundred titans, he disarmed three Military Police officers without any weapons," Mike answered as he leaned against the tree, "He could've also killed them."
"This is about what you saw in the courtroom," Optimus realized.
Eren nodded his head. He wasn't going to lie. When Optimus took out those soldiers, it terrified him. The way he fought, it was better than what he's seen at all. Optimus was practically a one-man army.
"Eren, I understand that you are scared of me and that you are afraid to fight me, but I think that it is better to learn right now and fail than to be killed on the battlefield," Optimus explained.
Eren looked at Optimus in confusion as he took his hand off of his mouth. "We fight titans. We know what to except with a normal one."
"I am speaking of in general," Optimus corrected, "You have never been at war with your own kind. You are trained to be prepared for battle. I; however, was forced to adapt to the battlefield. And war is a brutal place that will not show mercy. It is better to learn from your mistakes right now, than for you to make the wrong move."
Eren looked at him before nodding his head in understanding.
"Are you ready then?" Optimus asked.
"Yes," Eren answered as he got into his regular fighting stance.
"Let us begin," Optimus declared as he got into a fighting stance of his own.
Eren looked in slight confusion. His stance was somewhat similar to Annie. The only difference was that Optimus' legs were spread out more.
Eren brushed that aside and let out a battle cry as he attacked him. Eren gasped as he felt the dagger being taken from him as he was elbowed in the chest. Eren grunted as he skidded across the floor on his back. Eren sat up to see Optimus in a different stance. His left hand was in front of him while his right hand was behind him, holding the dagger; however, his legs were still in the same position.
Eld, Gunther, and Oluo widened their eyes while Mike kept a neutral expression. Optimus' hand relaxed and fell to his side before he threw the dagger back to Eren. Eren grabbed the dagger before getting up and charging once again.
Eren slashed at Optimus' face, but Optimus dodged it at the last second before tripping Eren. Eren yelped before his back made contact with the ground. He then widened his eyes as he saw the dagger in Optimus' hand again. How Optimus was able to get the dagger was beyond him.
Eren tried to kick Optimus, but Optimus jumped backwards and skidded to a stop. Eren got up and tried to punch Optimus, but Optimus dodged the attack. Eren widened his eyes in shock as Optimus quickly moved behind him and flipped the dagger so that the hilt was facing him. Eren felt a shock go through the back of his head as the hilt of the dagger made contact with it. Eren fell forward onto his face while Optimus got into another fighting stance. His arm was covering his mouth while the tip of the dagger was pointing at his opponent. His other arm was just below his right, blocking his chest area.
Eren growled to himself as he slowly got up and rubbed the back of his head. He looked back at Optimus as his anger continued to boil. How? How was he so damn calm? How was he able to stop him so easily? Eren forced himself onto his feet before charging at Optimus. Optimus took a deep breath before spreading his feet out a little. Optimus focused his eyes on Eren's chest. He was leaving his chest wide open.
Eren widened his eyes as Optimus moved towards him. Eren tried to punch him, but Optimus ducked before pointing the dagger merely inches away from his chest, right where his heart was.
Eren widened his eyes in shock in horror before slowly looking down at the position he was in. That attack was so simple. How was he able to do that?
Eld and Gunther's mouths dropped while Oluo's feet began trembling.
"Well he has a right to be cocky," Eld remarked, along with Gunther and Oluo nodding their heads in agreement.
Mike raised an eyebrow as he noticed the look in Optimus' eyes. They were never there before when he was talking with other or when the Survey Corps first met him. The only time he saw that look was when Optimus was fighting the three Military Policemen. Those eyes were focused, concentrated, but also, had a killer intent. Those eyes, those were the eyes of a killer.
Eren collapsed onto the ground while panting heavily and clutching his chest. Optimus stood up fully before wiping his hands.
"Your offense and defense both need work," Optimus explained, "You're not on constant guard and you let your emotions take control of yourself fairly easily. Your punches are not focused and rather weak. Even if you were to kill titans in your titan form, the titans would simply devour you like they have done before."
"I..." Eren panted, "I was told that you were able to restrain me in my titan form."
"That is correct," Optimus said.
"You could've killed me then right?"
"Yes,"
"Why didn't you?"
"Even though I killed before, I am not found of taking an innocent life, or the life of a human," Optimus answered.
"How many?" Eren began.
Optimus looked at Eren in confusion. "You are going to have to clarify."
"How many people have you killed?" Eren asked hesitantly.
Eren saw Optimus look away as he noticed an upsetting look in his eyes. Eren slightly widened his eyes. Did he really kill more than just a hundred titans?
"I don't know," Optimus answered.
"What does he mean by he doesn't know?" Oluo demanded.
"What do you mean by that?" Eren asked.
"Eren, Cybertronian life cycles are longer than that of a human. I have been around longer than your race has. I have been at war for eons." Optimus looked at his hands. "I do not know how much energon has stained my hands, nor do I wish to."
"I'm sorry," Eren apologized as he looked away.
Optimus kneeled down before holding out his hand. Eren noticed a gentle look in his eyes before taking his hand. Optimus pulled Eren to his feet before handing him the dagger.
"It is not your fault," Optimus said, "Now we will start by working on your stance."
"My stance?" Eren questioned.
"Yes," Optimus answered, "Your stance is not that strong. That is why I was able to knock you off of your feet very easily. You must get into a strong stance like this."
Optimus demonstrated by spreading his legs apart and using his arms to block his chest. It was a simple stance that Optimus remembered Bumblebee using. He wasn't exactly comfortable with it, but Optimus didn't have any weapons on him. If he did his stance would have been pretty different.
"Like this?" Eren asked as he mimicked Optimus.
Optimus nodded his head. Then without warning Optimus raised his leg and kicked Eren. Eren widened his eyes as he raised his arms and braced for the impact, but was confused as he only felt pain in his arm. Eren looked over to see he had blocked Optimus' kick with his arm.
"Do you notice a difference?" Optimus asked as he lowered his foot.
"Yeah," Eren answered as he rubbed his arm, "But how come you had a different stance when we fought."
"When I hold a weapon I usually have a different stance," Optimus explained, "That was just a simple boxing stance."
"You have a fighting style similar to someone that I know," Eren remarked.
"Similar?" Optimus asked.
"Yeah," Eren answered, "Her name is Annie. Her fighting style isn't as great as yours, but she can flip someone twice her size on their back. But how do know some of this places' fighting style?"
"The other planet I came across before this had advanced fighting style similar to my race. My race has its own fighting style, but I believe that when your race was forced into these wall they were unable to save their documents, history, or fighting style." Optimus explained.
"You mean the world where the humans are free?" Eren asked.
"Yes," Optimus answered.
"Wait, there's a world where humans are free?" Eld asked in shock.
"Did he ever mention that?" Gunther asked.
"I did not mention that," Optimus answered without looking behind him.
The three jumped while Mike slightly flinched. Eren looked at Optimus in confusion before looking before him to see the four coming out from their hiding spot.
"What are you guys doing here?" Eren asked in confusion.
"Captain Levi sent you," Optimus answered.
"Mainly these two," Oluo said as he pointed to Eld on Gunther.
"Why didn't you say anything about that before?" Mike demanded.
"I felt as though it would be unwise," Optimus answered as he turned to them, "If I had mentioned that in the courtroom, it may have caused uneasiness. I also thought that it was unnecessary, because I have already made it clear that I have not been to this world. If it has caused suspicion with you four, then I apologize for the inconvenience."
The members of Levi 's squad looked at each other before each before smiling at Optimus.
"Jeez, you don't have bad bone in your body," Oluo remarked.
"So far, all you've done help humanity and haven't done anything wrong," Gunther said, "You've pretty much proven you're an ally."
"Thank you," Optimus said as he slightly bowed.
Mike didn't say anything as he turned around and walked away.
"I assume that Levi would want you three to keep watch as I train Eren," Optimus assumed.
"Yes," Eld said, "We'll stay out of the way so you two have more room."
The three walked over next to a tree and sat down before Optimus looked over at Eren.
"We will resume training," Optimus told him, "We will practice with your stance and defense while we figure out its flaws."
Eren nodded his head with determination as he got into the stance Optimus showed him. He gripped the dagger before letting out a battle cry and charging at Optimus.
Eren lied down on the ground and looked up at orange sky. He panted heavily as he felt his muscles ache all over.
"I believe that we are down for the day," Optimus proclaimed.
Eren turned his head over to see Optimus kneeling down next to him while holding the dagger in his hand. Eren growled as he tried to grab the dagger, but winced as he felt his muscles ache even further.
"Stop trying kid," Oluo advised as he walked over to Eren, "Your practically useless right now."
Eren winced as he slowly forced himself up. Optimus sighed before putting the dagger down and putting Eren's arms over his shoulders. Eren widened his eyes as he felt himself being lifted up off the ground. He slightly flushed with embarrassment as he realized Opitmus was carrying him on his back.
"I will take Eren back to the castle, if it is alright with you three," Optimus informed.
" It's okay. We have to go plan for the expedition anyway," Eld said.
Optimus nodded his head in understanding before adjusting Eren on his shoulders and walking towards the castle. Optimus heard Eren sigh in slight irritation as he felt him adjust his head on his shoulder.
"My body hurts like hell," Eren remarked.
"It will usually hurt the first time around, but your body will get used to it in due time," Optimus explained.
"I don't know if I can handle anymore," Eren slightly whined.
"You are growing in strength like you wanted to," Optimus reminded.
"Yeah," Eren smiled before it disappeared, "You know something?"
Optimus looked at him with curiosity as the castle came into view.
"I'm actually jealous of you," Eren admitted.
Optimus looked at him with surprise before chuckling, causing Eren to look at him in surprise.
"You're chuckling," Eren said as he lifted his head from his shoulder, "You don't-"
"Eren, I am usually trained to keep my emotions in check," Optimus explained as he gave Eren a warm smile, "I usually show my emotions to people whom I trust, but in all honesty, you did catch me by surprise. I am a being stranded on another world. Why would you be jealous of me?"
Eren rested his head on Optimus' shoulder, "Because you're free,"
Optimus looked at Eren with wide eyes.
"Even though you can't go back, you have a world that you can call home. You've been to a world where humans are free." Eren looked up at the setting sun. "You've even seen what's beyond those worlds and can easily leave these walls without any form of fear for your life. I thought you would try to find a way to go back to your home, but you're willing to waste your time on a weak and spineless species like us."
Optimus was silent for a moment as the two arrived at the castle doors. "You're not weak."
Eren widened his eyes in shock as Optimus carefully opened the door and walked inside. "I have seen great courage with your race. You all have the power to choose, and I applaud you because you would choose to fight in your dire situation. Even though I do not prefer the methods, I have great respect for the Survey Corps because they are willing to risk their lives for humanity to survive. And even if I do find a way back to my home, which is impossible, I would still do everything in my power to help humanity."
Eren just looked at him while adjusting his head on Optimus' shoulder. Optimus really didn't have a bad bone in his body.
"But how come you can't go back home?" Eren asked.
"There are multiple reason. For one, I do not know where this planet is located, nor do I have the tools to contact my comrades," Optimus explained, "I have completed my task of protecting my planet; however, I am not sure it if is wise for me to return."
Eren looked in confusion. "Why? They're your comrades. Why wouldn't you want to go back?"
"We are here," Opitmus said as he arrived at Eren's door.
"But..." Eren trailed off as Optimus carefully set him on the ground.
"Eren, discussing about my past is a rather sensitive topic," Optimus explained, "But the reason why I do not think it is wise to return is because...my comrades believe that I am dead. Even if I were to return, they would believe that I am a fake."
"They think...you're dead?" Eren widened his eyes in shock, "How?"
"It is a rather complicated story," Optimus answered, "I explain to you whenever I get the chance, along with the outside world. For now I must take my leave of you."
Eren nodded his head in sadness before Optimus walked away and disappeared into sparks.
Eren sighed as he walked into his room and took off his jacket, wincing in pain. He looked down in sadness.
Optimus really didn't have anywhere to go. He was stranded on another world while everyone he knew believed he was dead, yet he was willingly throwing his own issues aside just to help humanity. Eren never knew that someone could be that selfless.
One question was running through his mind however: How much was Optimus truly suffering?
"They must've really hated titans," Connie remarked, causing Armin to look at him.
The Military Police was checking the trainees to see if they could discover who the culprit was in the death of the two titans. For some reason, they thought it was the Trainee Corps, causing some complaints.
"Yeah, but they ended up helping the titans instead of humanity," Armin retorted, "It was a really big blow to humanity."
"I guess I could understand what the person was doing, because I'm an idiot," Connie admitted, "I really was planning to join to Survey Corps, but after that day, I never want to see their hideous faces again. And today we have to decide which group were joining."
Connie looked over a Jean who kept a neutral expression, but had his hand clenched into a fist.
'Even Jean's serious,' Connie thought. For the past five years, Jean was acting so arrogant and prideful about joining the Military Police. Now he wants to join the Survey Corps instead. Wouldn't he want to join the Military Police even more after what he saw? But is also made Connie feel guilty. Even after what Jean saw, he was going to do the same daring move again. It made him feel like a fucking coward.
"Damn it," Connie muttered, "What do you think Armin? Jean said he's joining the Survey Corps."
"Jean said that?" Armin asked in surprise.
"Nothing in particular," Annie answered.
"You said that you were going to join the Military Police," Connie remembered, "Maybe I should too,"
"If someone told you to die, would you?" Annie asked.
"Of course not," Connie answered, rather confused and surprised by her question.
"Then why don't you make your own choice," Annie suggested, "What about you, Armin?"
"Um..." Armin trailed off, "If the situation requires me to I'll lay down my life, not that I want to,"
"Then you've made your choice," Annie proclaimed, "You're weak, but you have guts."
"Thank you," Armin said, unsure if he was suppose to take that as an insult or a compliment, "You seem to be awfully nice today."
Annie looked at Armin, slightly caught off guard.
"It's almost as if you don't want me to join the Survey Corps." Armin remarked, "Any reason why, you're joining the Military Police?"
"Not much," Annie answered, "It's just that I want to survive."
"So you weren't equipped with weapons before?" Hanji asked as she inspected Optimus' weapons with gloves.
"Not before the war," Optimus explained, "When the war started and I joined the Autobots, I had to equip myself with weapons in order to fight and defend."
"You said that energon powers your guns, so wouldn't that take a toll on you because your food source is used in your weapons?" Hanji asked.
"I can last without energon for a while," Optimus explained, "however, when I first arrived here, I had to be careful with how I used my blasters since I did not know how much energon I had in my systems."
"How fast can the ammo go?" Hanji asked with curiosity, "Can you show me?"
Optimus quietly sighed before aiming his gun into the air. He charged the blaster and fired, causing a blue light to shoot into the shy and into the unknown.
"Awesome!" Hanji smiled.
"Optimus, I wish to speak with you," a voice said.
Optimus and Hanji looked over to see Erwin walking towards them.
"Commander," Optimus greeted as he transformed his blasters into hands. He really did not want to speak with him.
"Hanji I need to speak with Optimus," Erwin told Hanji.
"I'm experimenting," Hanji retorted.
"It's important," Erwin informed.
Hanji sighed. "Fine, but you owe me for this."
Hanji waved goodbye to Optimus before walking away, leaving Optimus and Erwin alone.
"What do you wish to discuss with me?" Optimus asked.
"I want you to attend the coronation of the Cadets. They're deciding with military branch to join," Erwin explained.
"Knowing your ambiguous personality, you want me to do something different," Optimus assumed.
"Yes, I need you to find someone of interest of being the spy," Erwin explained.
"Without any proof for your claim still?" Optimus asked.
"I've said before I'm willing to take the gamble, but I need as much help as I can in order to win that gamble," Erwin proclaimed.
Optimus just looked at him. He really didn't like the methods he was using in order to achieve his goal. He couldn't do anything to change his methods, because he had no authority and the government wouldn't allow him to. It also would've benefitted him if he had more advanced technology, but this world was too primitive to make devices like tracking technology. He had no choice but to comply.
"I will go," Optimus said. He then transformed into his alt mode before activating his holoform and looking at Erwin.
"Do you think you can change what you're wearing?" Erwin asked, causing Optimus to look at him in confusion.
"Your clothing stands out," Erwin explained, "If you could change into something our race has, then there won't be much suspicion."
Optimus nodded his head in understanding before his clothing began to shift. Erwin slightly widened his eyes as the clothing changed into the Survey Corps uniform.
"Is this more appropriate?" Optimus asked.
"Yes," Erwin answered, "Let's go."
Armin, Sasha, Connie, and Annie were leaning against the wall, waiting for the ceremony to start. Armin and Connie looked over at Sasha who was constantly scanning the area. Connie could've even sworn that she was growling.
"Sasha, are you okay?" Armin asked.
"Fine," Sasha answered rather rudely, not even looking at Armin.
Armin looked at her in confusion while Connie squeaked in surprise. Was she okay? Armin heard footsteps as he turned to see Jean walking towards them.
"Jean, are you really planning to join the Survey Corps?" Armin asked.
"Yeah," Jean answered.
"Aren't you scared, man?" Connie asked, "This is the Survey Corps, why do you want to join now?"
"Of course I don't want to join the Survey Corps," Jean blatantly stated, causing Connie to look at him in confusion.
"Th-then why?" Connie asked.
"I'm not saying titans don't scare me anymore, or that best should join the Survey Corps," Jean explained, "I'm not eager to die like some."
"You mean Eren," Connie realized, "He joined the Survey Corps along with that Prime guy."
Armin noticed Sasha twitching at the name.
"Trainees, line up at the stage!" an authority announced, "The ceremony is about to start."
"I don't want to die or throw my life away needlessly, but I have to do something in order to make a change, or else no one else will." Jean proclaimed before walking away.
Armin felt a hand on his shoulder and looked over to see Sasha giving a deleterious look.
"He's here," Sasha proclaimed, "Armin, he's here."
"Sasha, what are you talking about?" Armin asked.
Sasha pointed past Armin, causing Armin to look over and widen his eyes in shock. Armin saw the back of Optimus' alt mode while the remainder was hiding behind a brick wall. Optimus' alt mode moved once again behind the brick wall, completely hidden from view.
'What's he doing here?' Armin thought.
Optimus' holoform hid behind a brick wall on the stage while observing the sight before him. Erwin was standing alone on the stage while he faced the remainder of the Trainee Corps.
'How will he find anyone of suspicion in a place like this?' Optimus thought.
"I am Erwin Smith: Commander of the Survey Corps," Erwin introduced, "Today you will join a military branch. In short, I am here to persuade you to join the Survey Corps. After the Battle of Trost, you've seen how terrifying titans can be and how limited your power is, but that battle has led us closer to humanity's victory, through Eren Jaeger and Optimus Prime's existence. "
Optimus widened his eyes in shock. What does he think he's doing?
"They have both proven to be friends to humanity. And not have we found ways in advancing our weaponry and stop the Titan's advances, but we also have a way of discovering their true nature. In Eren's basement in the Zhiganshina district lies the secret to the titans."
'What in Primus' name is he doing?' Optimus thought. He can't just go and publicize this information. It could make the spy come after Eren even more.
Optimus raised an eyebrow in curiosity as he noticed someone's eyes gleam with interest for a brief moment before returning to a neutral expression. Perhaps he wanted to lure the spy in.
"That still requires us to retake Wall Maria, so our objective hasn't changed. But with the Trost gate sealed, we will have to make our way to Wall Maria through the Karanes district. The trail made for a large army has gone to waste. Sixty percent lost their lives in the last four years; an insane figure. We are planning a expedition for the next month, and we are estimating that thirty percent will not return. Sixty percent will be gone in the next four years, but even with those distressing facts, are you willing to give your hearts up for the survival of humanity?"
Optimus kept a blank expression. Erwin wasn't entirely mad. He was warning them that if you took the path of the Survey Corps that you will die, but that if they had the courage, they would end up helping humanity thrive.
"For those who are not willing to do so, may leave," Erwin finished.
One by one, the soldiers began to leave. Optimus saw them leaving in crowds, but noticed that some of them were not moving. He could see it on their faces, they were debating whether or not they should stay or go. Then only ones that were left were about ten or so soldiers. He recognized Armin and Mikasa, but the rest were unfamiliar to him.
"If someone ordered you to die, would you?" Erwin asked.
"No I wouldn't!" a soldier answered.
"I see, I like the looks on your faces. Then I welcome everyone here to the Survey Corps! This is a true salute!" Erwin proclaimed as he saluted them.
Everyone followed the suite and saluted Erwin. He noticed some of them had terrified looks on their faces while others wear crying.
"You all came here and faced your fear. You have my heartfelt respect," Erwin said.
Optimus just looked at them one more time before dispersing into sparks.
"I called you four here to discuss what will happen during the 57th expedition," Erwin explained.
"Question," Hanji began, "Why is Optimus here?"
Levi and Mike looked over to see Hanji casually pointing at Optimus' holoform.
"Optimus was able to answer the question," Erwin simply answered.
Hanji thought it over before shrugging casually.
"So what's going to happen?" Levi asked with apathy.
"The goal is to capture the spy during this mission," Erwin explained as he unrolled a map of Wall Maria, "We will lead the spy here."
Erwin pointed to a cluster of trees, causing Optimus to look in slight confusion while the three widened their eyes.
"The Forest of Giant Trees?" Mike asked.
"Oi, Erwin that place is crawling with titans," Levi reminded.
"It's also the place that has the most cover," Erwin retorted, "it would be too obvious if the trap was in an open area."
"A trap?" Optimus asked.
"Yes," Erwin answered, "We've made the assumption that the spy is a titan shifter, so we need enough time to set up the trap, and that is what the cover is for. Mike and Hanji will set up the trap."
Hanji smirked. "This trap is going to be perfect."
"Levi, you and your squad along with Eren will be placed in the safest place of the formation. You will ride into the forest towards the trap causing the spy to go after Eren. When the spy reaches you and you are near the trap, fire a smoke flare so we will be prepared to catch the spy."
"Okay," Levi said causally.
"Optimus, the spy's goal seems to be Eren, but he or she will stay away from you," Erwin began.
"Why would the spy stay away from Optimus?" Hanji asked.
"Because I am more powerful than the spy," Optimus answered.
"The only one who has a chance of standing against him is the Armored Titan, but it hasn't been seen in five years. If anything goes wrong, Optimus you need to engage the spy and detain him or her." Erwin told him.
"Understood," Optimus said.
"Is there anything else?" Mike asked.
"Yes," Erwin answered, "Eren's location must not be told. We don't know if the spy is within our ranks, especially with the new recruits."
"So how you gonna fool him?" Hanji asked.
"I will give a sheet of paper that has Eren in a different location in the formation. Each paper will have a different location. This will also give us more time to set up the trap," Erwin explained, "Once the titan is captured, we will interrogate it by any means necessary. Optimus, we will need your technological experience. Work with Hanji on new devices."
"Sure that's a great idea?" Levi asked.
"Levi, we don't have much time until the mission," Erwin retorted.
"I will do it," Optimus said.
Hanji smiled. "Yes!"
"Great," Levi groaned.
The mission starts in three weeks. Make sure to be prepared," Erwin advised.
Armin yawned as he quietly walked around the castle. Somehow Armin woke up in the middle of the night, even though he was tired before he went to bed. So he decided to look around the castle.
In all honesty, he was quite surprised when most of the Survey Corps could fit into the castle. Maybe he's just not used to living in large houses since he's been living in small ones his whole life.
He walked near a door and looked in slight confusion as he noticed a light emitting from the room. He peaked inside and widened his eyes to see book stacked onto desks and someone flipping through the pages of a book. Armin slowly opened the door to reveal Optimus quietly reading a book. He also noticed another stack of books on the other side of him.
"Optimus," Armin said.
Optimus stopping reading and looked up to see Armin. "I see you are doing well, Armin."
"What are you doing here?" Armin asked.
"I do not know much about this world, so I was given permission to read your books. However, I was not given enough time during the day. That is why I am here right now," Optimus explained, "Shouldn't you be asleep?"
"I couldn't," Armin sighed in embarrassment, "Um...I haven't seen Eren around. Is he alright?"
"He is alright," Optimus answered, "Since Eren is under Levi's guardianship, he must keep a close eye on him."
Optimus noticed Armin sighing with relief.
"Do you have any relationship to Eren?" Optimus asked.
"Yeah, we were friends since we were kids," Armin answered.
"I see," Optimus said.
"Opitmus, were you at the ceremony by any chance?" Armin asked as he grabbed a chair and sat down.
"Yes, I had to keep myself hidden so there wouldn't be any form of chaos," Optimus explained.
"But why were you there in the first place?" Armin asked.
"It was for military purposes," Optimus simply answered.
Optimus knew that Erwin didn't want anyone to know about the plan; so he knew he had to keep any questions about it short and simple.
Armin didn't say anything as he took one of the books from the stacks and began flipping through the pages. Armin looked in confusion as he realized the information in the book was about the titans. He even saw a picture of a titan regenerating its head.
"These are about the titans," Armin observed.
"I am simply looking for any more information about the titans," Optimus explained, "I was only briefed about its history by Commander Erwin, and you were the one who told me how to kill them. I have said I do not know much about this world, so I felt research would be beneficial for me. Learning about the titan's origins and their weaknesses would prove to be beneficial when attacking with my blades. I do not wish to waste anymore energon."
"Does the energon have a blue color?" Armin asked.
"Yes," Optimus answered.
"Does it...have anything to do with the blue smoke from earlier?" Armin asked.
There was silence in the room as Armin noticed a rather choleric expression on his face. Optimus took a deep breath before putting a hand on his head.
"I do not wish to discuss the topic," Optimus answered.
"Sorry," Armin apologized.
Optimus really didn't want to discuss what happened in the afternoon. After Erwin decided to let him and Hanji create new weapons, Hanji decided to tamper with energon since it was toxic to titans. Unfortunately after Optimus' warnings about energon being toxic, flammable, and explosive, she ignited the energon with a fragging flame torch. Optimus had to throw it in the air and shoot it before it hit the ground, causing the blue smoke that Armin was referring to. This resulted in Hanji being 'out-of-commission' for the rest of the day by a certain captain. Optimus was starting to have a very big feeling on where Eren got the bruises from when in the courtroom.
The two suddenly heard footsteps and looked over at the door to see Jean standing there.
"Armin, what are you doing here?" He asked as he walked into the room.
"I couldn't sleep," Armin answered, "What about you?"
"I heard people talking after I went to get water," Jean explained before looking at Optimus, "Who's this?"
Optimus studied the boy quietly. He could've sworn he's seen him before. Didn't he ask for his name?
Optimus suddenly remembered: he was one of the trainees that fought in Trost. He remembered telling him to go to their headquarters and when he was yelling at another fellow trainee when he took six of them to the wall. He was pretty sure it was something about a nice view on his shoulders.
"Jean, if I am correct," Optimus said.
Jean looked at Optimus with wide eyes before taking a step back.
"We've never met before, how the hell do you know my name?" Jean demanded.
"Jean, that's Optimus Prime, the metal titan," Armin whispered.
"Huh?" Jean questioned, "How are you the metal titan?"
'People still call me that,' Optimus thought. Optimus raised his lower arm before it began to shift. The arm became a blur before it changed into the hand of his bipedal mode. Optimus moved the head around as Jean's mouth dropped.
"This is a holoform or a fake imagery," Optimus explained, as the hand changed back, "I am just using it for research right now."
Optimus looked in slight surprise while Armin was trying to keep his composure as Jean bowed.
"I'm sorry," Jean apologized, "This wasn't how I wanted to thank you."
"Eh?" Armin exclaimed.
"Thank me?" Opitmus asked.
"Yeah," Jean answered as he stood up fully, "You saved Trost and many lives, along with the rest of humanity. If Wall Rose fell humanity would've been extinct. Thank you."
Armin couldn't believe it. Not only did Jean join the Survey Corps, but he properly thanked someone without any other intentions. Armin looked over at Optimus and widened his eyes as he saw a small smile grace his lips.
"You're welcome, Jean," Optimus said.
Optimus felt kind of happy right now. Of course he wasn't expecting one and never asked, but it made him feel better. The only thing he got he got ever since he arrived here was constant hostility and distrust (along with constant annoyance). The only other person who ever thanked him was Eren.
"So, Optimus, you said that you were from another world," Armin began.
"You're from another world?" Jean asked.
"Yes," Optimus answered as he grabbed another book, "I explained a little about, but you were not there in the courtroom."
"What was your world like?" Armin asked as Jean grabbed a chair and sat down, wanting to hear the information as well.
"My world is called Cybertron," Optimus explained, "It is not located in a solar system, but it is near its own sun. Cybertron is entirely made of metal and has three moons."
"Moons?" Armin questioned.
"A moon is known to be a natural satellite to a world," Optimus explained, "It's responsible for gravitational pull on the planet and for lighting up the night sky."
"Is that what the thing up in the sky of our world is?" Jean asked.
Optimus nodded his head.
"What was being on the planet like?" Armin asked.
"Majority of the planet was architectural," Optimus explained, "There are many buildings and skyscrapers which are taller than your walls. Since we have created more lights, Cybertron illuminates during the night. As beautiful as that is, I would usually prefer looking up at the starry night sky."
Armin looked at Optimus as he noticed the emotions flowing through his eyes. He could see wonder and a form of happiness in them, but he also saw sadness.
"Optimus-san, can you go back to Cybertron?" Armin asked hesitantly.
Optimus stopped speaking before looking away from the two, "I cannot."
"I'm sorry," Armin apologized, "You probably don't like talking about it."
"It is alright, you did not know," Optimus reassured.
"Optimus, where did you learn how to fight like that in Trost?" Jean asked, realizing he needed to change the topic.
"I was fighting in a war for my home," Optimus answered, "I had no personal training so I was forced to adapt to the battlefield."
"And you're that good?" Jean asked in surprise.
"My lifecycle is longer than that of a human, so I have had experience," Optimus answered.
"Did you ever have a ranking on the side you were on?" Armin asked.
"I was the leader of the Autobots," Optimus answered.
"Leader?" Jean asked in shock.
"You mentioned that in the courtroom," Armin recalled.
"Is...that how you knew what to do in Trost?" Jean asked.
Armin looked in confusion while Optimus kept a black expression.
'He must be referring to that incident,' Optimus thought. He remembered when he and a group of trainee were heading to their HQ when one of them ran out of gas. He saved him and a few others who tried to save him. But Jean probably felt so powerless to save his comrades.
"I do not like bloodshed or the loss of a innocent life. I was mainly focused on saving as many as I could," Optimus answered.
"You said you never knew how to fight before the war. What were you before then?" Armin asked.
"I was an archivist in the Iacon Hall of Records." Optimus answered.
Optimus realized the confused expression on their faces and began to think it over. He remembered Agent Fowler using a term for him when he regained his memories and was informed about what happened during his absence.
"I was a historian, or librarian if you will," Optimus said.
"A-a librarian?" Jean squawked.
"Does that surprise you?" Optimus asked.
"Yeah, it was just something I didn't expect," Jean explained.
"Not everyone is destined for a normal life," Optimus retorted, "I was an archivist in the Iacon Hall of records known as Orion Pax."
"Eh? Isn't Optimus your real name?" Armin asked in confusion.
"Orion Pax was my former name," Optimus explained, "Optimus Prime was the name I took after I was granted the title of Prime."
Jean raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Prime is a title?"
Optimus nodded his head. "On Cybertron, the title of Prime is not granted; it must be earned. Also when given the title of Prime must be worthy of the Matrix of Leadership."
"Matrix of Leadership?" Armin questioned.
"It is a vessel of pure energy and the collective wisdom of the Primes before me," Optimus explained, "It is within my chest in my bipedal mode."
"Did you ever think that you were worthy of the title?" Jean asked.
"I never believed that I was worthy of the title," Optimus admitted, "Many believed that I was worthy of the title."
Jean slightly widened his eyes. Optimus never believed he was worthy of being leader. Optimus knew what to do during Trost, while he just stood idly by. He felt ashamed.
"So who were you fighting against during your war?" Armin asked.
"I led the Autobots in a fight against the Decepticons," Optimus explained as he grabbed a book and began to read it, "The Decepticons are ruthless and deceptive, who sought to rule and oppress. They did anything to get what they want. I saw many Cybertronians who were close went to different sides for what they believed. They were all forced to fight and kill each other."
"Were you forced to fight anyone you were close to?" Armin asked.
"I was forced to fight close friends," Optimus answered briefly.
Armin raised an eyebrow in suspicion. Optimus was answering these questions rather quickly. Almost as if he was trying to avoid a topic. Now that he thought about it, Optimus didn't say anything about the Decepticons until he asked. Matter-of-fact, he didn't mention anything about the leader. He decided to risk it.
"Optimus, you said you were the leader of the Autobots, so who was the leader of the Decepticons?" Armin asked.
Optimus stopped at the progress of flipping a page, causing Jean to look in confusion. Armin noticed a very deleterious look in his eyes. They looked conflicted, angry, but also sad. Armin widened his eyes as he realized what he just did, he hit a nerve point.
"I do not wish to discuss about that," Optimus said as he closed the book.
"But," Armin pressed, "Why?"
"He is just someone I do not wish to speak of," Optimus answered.
"He?" Jean questioned.
Opitmus sighed quietly. He really was trying to avoid anything about Megaton, but he felt as though he pushed any further it may cause distrust, and he didn't want that.
"If I am to tell you, you must not speak of this to anyone," Optimus told them.
Armin and Jean looked at each other before looking back at Optimus.
"All the titans from the gate have been removed from the gate! Thirty seconds until the gate opens!" Optimus heard a soldier yell.
Optimus could feel majority of the human's eyes on him, but he didn't mind. He was more focused on the expedition at hand.
'This is it,' Optimus told himself. He needed to stop the spy and prevent as many casualties as he could.
"Open the gate!" a soldier yelled.
Optimus turned his side-view mirror as he watched the gate rise, revealing the land of Wall Maria.
"Advanced!" Erwin commanded.
The horses rode through the gate while Optimus drove behind them.
"The 57th expedition beyond the wall has just begun!" Erwin yelled, "Onward!"
(Deleted Scene)
Eren grunted as he skidded across the ground on his back to a stop. Eren forced his head up to see Optimus holding the dagger once again. He began to take heavy breaths as he pushed himself up into a sitting position.
"I am rather surprised," Optimus remarked, "Your actually body is not as strong as your titan form."
Eren looked at him in confusion before he began to laugh.
"My titan form can't be that strong," Eren denied, "I got flipping over on my back. How would my titan form be stronger than my actual form?"
Eren looked in slight surprise as Optimus slightly deadpanned.
"You do not remember do you?" Optimus asked.
"Remember what?" Eren asked.
"Besides the fact that you carried a boulder around your size, and killed twenty titans," Optimus began, "After you were being eaten, you grabbed a titan's neck with your teeth since your arms were deemed useless. You hoisted it into the air while your ribcage was collapsing in on itself, slammed two titans with the one in your teeth, and threw the titan into another one, causing them both to crash into a building, along with ripping the nape of the neck in the process. All of that in the span of thirty seconds."
Eren's mouth dropped. "I did that?"
"Yes," Optimus answered.
"Me?"
"Yes,"
"Are you sure?"
"Do you wish for me to repeat myself?"
"Kind of,"
Optimus sighed.
(Bloopers)
"I sense a disturbance within the force," Sasha proclaimed.
"Sasha this isn't Star Wars!" Jean yelled.