"Erwin!" Hanji called out as she walked up to him, "Optimus and I finished a weapon."
She pulled out what looked like a hand gun and pointed it at Erwin.
"That looks less intimidating," Erwin admitted.
"Actually, it's better than the rifle," Hanji smiled, "For starters, it's small, so you can hide it and people won't know you have a weapon. Also,"
Hanji pulled out a rotating device from the center of the gun to reveal six bullets. "This gun can hold four more bullet than a rifle. It also has more power."
"Power?" Erwin questioned.
Hanji placed the rotator back in place and handed the gun to Erwin. "Wanna fire it?"
Erwin shrugged before taking the gun and aiming it at a tree. Erwin fired the gun, leaving a rather large hole. Erwin winced in pain as he held his arm and rubbed it.
"Yeah, it hurts a lot," Hanji remarked as she took the gun back, "maybe because it doesn't require gunpowder."
"It's still effective," Erwin proclaimed, "Can you make more?"
"This was adapted from the rifle, so we could make a couple more," Hanji answered, "Speaking of we, Optimus wanted to talk to you."
"About what?" Erwin asked in confusion.
"Never said," Hanji answered, "He says it's important though."
Erwin was silent for moment. "Where is he?"
Optimus was reading a book in his holoform while sitting on table with a couple of other books next to him.
"Optimus," he heard Erwin and Hanji walking towards him.
"Thank you, Ms. Zoe, for bringing him," Optimus said.
"No problem," Hanji smiled as she sat down next to him.
"You said you wanted to talk to me," Erwin began.
"Yes," Optimus answered, "There has been a question on my processors that I have been unable to find."
"Question?" Hanji pondered.
"What's that?" Erwin asked.
"How were these walls built?" Optimus asked.
Erwin and Hanji looked at Optimus in surprise.
"I...don't know," Hanji answered.
Optimus sighed. "I had a feeling. I was reading through these books and found no information on how these walls were built. They only specify who, when, and why. Your world has very primitive technology, and after the titans' appearance, humanity's population declined very quickly. With these factors, there would be no possible way that humanity would have finished Wall Maria before it was completely wiped out. And there is a group of humans that have had me on high alert."
"A group?" Erwin questioned.
"The Wallists," Optimus said.
"The religious freaks?" Hanji asked.
"The Wallists believe that the walls are gods. A God is a sentient being more powerful than its creation. But the incidents with the Colossal and Armored Titan proved that the walls are not gods. And the walls did not create the humans, it was the humans that created the walls. Also, would it not be logical for the Wallists to lose their faith in the walls after the fall of Wall Maria and the battle of Trost? They also do not want any alterations done with the walls. Would it not also be their intention to strengthen their so-called 'gods'?"
"What...are you trying to say?" Hanji asked hesitantly.
"I feel as though if the Wallist know how these walls were built," Optimus proclaimed.
Erwin and Hanji looked at each other and back at Optimus.
"That doesn't seem possible," Erwin said.
"Commander Erwin," Optimus began, "Why do you think that Eren and I are kept secret from the public?"
"To prevent panic and chaos," Erwin answered.
"Why do you think that the walls have been untouched because of the Wallists?"
"Because of how the walls were built," Erwin answered before widening his eyes in realization, "Or what's inside the walls."
"And whatever it is can lead to chaos," Optimus concluded.
"Hold on," Hanji interrupted, "This whole thing is shocking, yes. But, one, how do we know if Optimus is right? Two, if Optimus is right, how the hell are we suppose to find out what's in the walls? We can't just drill a hole!"
"Do you think that Annie knows?" Erwin asked.
"I doubt that she has been near the Wallists in order to hear that information." Optimus answered.
"We may have to find out the secret covertly," Erwin proclaimed.
"We're going to Sina in two days," Hanji thought over, "We could sneak into the castle or capture one the Wallists."
"I feel as though both are rather dangerous," Optimus commented.
"For now we leave that aside," Erwin proclaimed, "We need to try more interrogation methods. Optimus, can you try to get more information out of Annie?"
"I doubt that," Optimus answered, "I do not know much about Ms. Leonhart or her origins. The only thing I can suggest is to find the two allies who have a similar record to her."
"Got that covered," Hanji proclaimed.
"What about the weapon?" Erwin asked, "Can you make more?"
"We made sure we drew out the design, and Optimus has the data in his head so he can project it with his optics," Hanji explained.
"I see," Erwin mused, "Let's just continue with the tasks."
"Understood," Optimus said.
"Got it," Hanji smirked.
"Is there any way to reduce the force emitted from the gun?" Erwin asked as Optimus took a rifle and began taking it apart.
"The force from the gun is required so it has more accuracy. It simply requires practice in order to be used to it."
"Can't you just make a gun that has more bullets?" Erwin asked.
"Unfortunately with this world's primitive technology, I am unable to make that jump in advancement. We must take this one step at a time." Optimus answered.
Erwin was silent as Optimus took off the handle of the gun.
"So there's a world where humans are free," Erwin spoke.
Optimus stopped looking at the handle before sighing and placing it on the table. "Mike has told you."
"Why didn't you say anything?" Erwin asked.
"Because it would have caused chaos," Optimus answered, "If I were to say that, the people of Wall Sina could have called me a liar and say I was speaking blasphemy. If that information spread, the humans may try to find a way to that world, which would be impossible without the means of proper transportation."
"You don't possess the power to leave our world," Erwin remembered.
Optimus nodded his head.
"So if you have no way of returning to your world, what will you do after you helped humanity?" Erwin asked.
"I do not focus on that," Optimus admitted, "I usually focus on the present, because something that can happen now can easily effect the outcome of the future."
"Well then, if humanity wins, what will you do?" Erwin rephrased.
"I would simply aid humanity and help them live outside the walls," Optimus answered.
"You're not even going to try to return?" Erwin asked.
"I've already stated my reasons why I cannot return in the courtroom," Optimus answered, "I cannot contact my comrades or find some form of communication to reach my home."
"I see," Erwin mused before Optimus returned to his work. "You know I didn't trust you at first."
"I find that hard to believe since you willingly shared your strategic information and the plan on capturing Ms. Leonhart," Optimus admitted without looking up.
Erwin remained silent before Optimus widened his eyes in realization.
"You were willing to gamble on me," Optimus realized.
Erwin nodded his head. "I got suspicious when I first heard the reports of the Armored Titan helping humanity, or rather the metal titan. But when I saw the extent of your abilities in the courtroom, it led me to question your motives. You had the ability to kill everyone in that courtroom and maybe humanity. All you had to do was transform, and humanity was doomed, but you didn't do it. Which got me to think: if people were willing to call you the titan that sought to destroy humanity, then why haven't you? You have all this power but you didn't kill anyone. And I kept wondering why? And then I finally realized that you were an ally to humanity."
"And when was that?" Optimus asked.
"When you were going against my plan," Erwin answered.
"The expedition?" Optimus questioned.
"Yes," Erwin answered, "When you were telling me to find a better solution, you were more concerned for the humans: a species less significant to you. And you were willing to protect them. That was when I knew that you were an ally."
Optimus was silent for a moment. "Your explanation of why you were willing to gamble on me oddly explains how you were able to figure out who the spy was."
Erwin raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"You think 'outside the box'," Optimus explained, "You look at all the possibilities and question everything."
"In this world I have to," Erwin proclaimed, "I have another question for you: how were you able to figure out the government's secret about the wall?"
"It is the concept of analyzing the situation," Optimus answered.
"I'm not following," Erwin admitted.
"I used to live in a corrupt system where no one could escape what class they were born into. The caste system was created for the rich so they could keep their power. The whole system was like a machine. As long as the system functioned as it should, the ones in power will not change anything. However if there is a defect in the system, or someone who could start a revolution, the government would take action. They would find a way to make them conform, or eradicate them from the system."
Erwin widened his eyes in realization. That's exactly what they did with his father. He was the dysfunction in the system and the government killed him.
"Commander, ask yourself something: can you really trust your government?" Optimus asked.
'This is a bad idea,' Optimus thought, 'This was a really bad idea.'
Optimus and a couple of members of the Survey Corps were being taken by the Military Police to the capital in Wall Sina. Since Annie remained undecided, she was forced to come with them to Wall Sina. And in order for her to not run off or do anything brash, she had to be transported in his alt mode.
Unfortunately, since he was still deemed a little deleterious, so was Eren.
Optimus used his side-view mirrors to look at their position. Annie was quietly sitting in the drivers' seat while Eren was in the passenger seat. Both of their arms were crossed as they stared out the window.
However, he could tell Annie was very tense, trying her best not to be terrified. Eren was practically seeping with anger as he kept glaring at Annie.
He understood that Eren was mad at Annie. They've been in the same class for over three years while she was deceiving everyone, and she was responsible for the death of Levi's squad. (may they rest in peace)
Optimus moved his side-view mirror to see them entering the city. It's been quiet the whole time, thankfully. He just hoped that Eren wouldn't say anything that could cause a fight.
"Why'd you do it?" Eren demanded as he looked at Annie.
Scrap, he should've seen this coming.
Annie didn't say anything as she continued staring out the window.
"You're ignoring me now," Eren growled, "Of course,"
"Eren," Optimus spoke through the radio.
"You killed people," Eren continued, "You've killed people without giving a single fuck and you're not feeling guilty about it?!"
"Why should you care? Some of the people didn't even trust you," Annie retorted as she glanced at him.
Eren growled as he almost tackled Annie, but the seatbelt stopped him before pulling him back.
"Enough, both of you!" Optimus ordered.
Eren scowled as he crossed his arms. "You still killed good people."
"Eren, I said that is enough," Optimus warned.
"I need to know!" Eren yelled before turning back to Annie, "I need to know: why? Why did you kill them? What are you fighting for?"
Annie remained silent as she continued to look at the window.
Optimus didn't say anything since there was silence once again. Eren was right. What was Annie fighting for? Did she really desire the destruction of humanity?
The Survey Corps and the Military Police arrived at the front of the courthouse, before Optimus activated his holoform.
"Optimus we need to handcuff the prisoner," Erwin said as he walked towards him.
Optimus nodded his head before Erwin went to get two Military Policemen. Optimus felt the eyes of the Military Police, but he didn't acknowledge them as he walked over to the other side of his alt mode and opened the door to the passenger seat.
"They're all staring at you," Eren observed.
"The Military Police still fear me," Optimus informed, "It is only natural for them to stare at me with skepticism and fear."
"But Optimus," Eren began, "You've proven to be an ally."
"To the Survey Corps," Optimus reminded, "Not the Military Police."
"I see," Eren simply said, "But why are Mikasa, Armin, and Jean here?"
"They are here to represent you," Optimus explained, "Armin also has evidence regarding Annie killing the two titans that were kept captive a month ago."
"So Annie did that too," Eren grumbled as he turned away and crossed his arms.
Optimus was silent for a moment before quietly sighing. "We must go."
Optimus watched from the side of the Survey Corps to see Annie being forced to kneel down in her handcuffs before the pole locked the chains in place. He then looked up to see Zackley sitting in his seat.
"So your mission was a success," Zackley remarked as he turned to Erwin.
"Yes," Erwin answered, "We've managed to capture the Female Titan, with Eren and Optimus' help."
Zackley looked over at Eren and Optimus before sending a silent nod.
"They've both managed to minimize our casualties as well," Erwin added.
"I see," Zackley mused, "You've also mentioned that you've managed to gain insight."
"That was all Optimus' doing," Erwin said.
Zackley almost seemed rather surprised. "Is that true, Optimus?"
"Yes, your honor," Optimus answered, "Her records are a mystery, and were recorded near the same time the Colossal and Armored Titan appeared. It lead to two theories that ended up being true: she is an associate with the Colossal and Armored Titan, and that she was born outside of the walls."
Whispers immediately flew around the room while Zackley looked in slight shock.
"You have confirmed that this is true?" Zackley asked.
"Yes," Optimus answered.
"How is that even possible?" Nile questioned, "Humans can't survive outside without being eaten."
"Considering the fact that Optimus comes from another world, I don't think that anything would surprise me at this point." Levi remarked.
Optimus didn't say anything as he looked back at Annie. He looked in slight confusion as he noticed something on Annie's finger.
'Why is Ms. Leonhart wearing a ring?' Optimus thought.
"We have also concluded that the Female Titan was responsible for killing the two test subjects," Erwin added.
"Is that so?" Zackley asked.
"Yes," Erwin answered, "Armin Arlert was able to discover the truth."
"Is Armin Arlert here?" Zackley asked.
"Yes," Armin answered.
"Explain the situation," Zackley ordered.
Erwin looked over at Optimus and noticed something off about him. He kept staring at Annie, almost as Optimus suspected something was wrong.
"Optimus, what's wrong?" Erwin whispered.
Optimus didn't say anything as he quickly glanced at Erwin before looking back at Annie. Erwin noticed Optimus moving his hand and glanced down to see his hand looking like the shape of a gun.
"Why do you need it?" Erwin whispered.
Optimus simply narrowed his eyes, causing Erwin to look over in Annie's direction. He noticed that Annie was wearing a ring on her finger that had a small blade.
'Oh no,' Erwin thought. She had planned to transform into a titan, here and now. And the courtroom was enough space to do so.
"Don't kill her," Erwin whispered.
Erwin subtly pulled the revolver gun from his side and handed it over to Optimus. Optimus took the gun and held it near his side, away from view.
"So this is the evidence you have?" Zackley asked.
"Yes," Armin answered, "She is also responsible for the death of members in the Survey Corps."
Zackley folded his hands as he began to think the information over.
"Annie Leonhart," Zackley spoke, "You have committed treason and murder. You have deceived the government and passed information onto the enemy. All of these are punishable by death; however, since you have intelligence regarding the enemy, you are still needed alive. As such, you will be handed over to the Survey Corps until further notice."
Annie was silent as her head was down. As Zackley was about to send two soldiers to retrieve her, she suddenly lifted her head and giggled.
The Survey Corps looked in shock while the Military Police looked in fear as Annie began laughing. She continued laughing as Optimus moved his finger towards the trigger.
He knew. He knew what that laugh meant. He's been around too long to not know what that laugh meant. Annie was going to attack; she was going to run.
Annie stopped laughing before smirking. "Guess I clearly underestimated all of you."
She then turned to the Survey Corps. "I applaud you all for your efforts against me. You've clearly won...this round."
Optimus widened his eyes as Annie gave a sinister smile.
"But this is where the next ground begins!" Annie declared.
"Everyone, get down!" Optimus yelled as he aimed the revolver at Annie. Annie lifted her finger above the ring as Optimus pulled the trigger.
People from outside screamed and gasped in surprise as the courtroom exploded.
Optimus groaned as he forced himself onto his knees and looked at his surroundings.
The courtroom was destroyed. The ground was filled with cracks while the roof and the side of the building. He looked up and widened his eyes to see Annie in her titan form picking up and unconscious person and putting it in her mouth.
'Why would she...' Optimus thought before widening his eyes in shock.
"Annie, stop!" Optimus yelled.
Annie didn't say anything as she stepped out of the building and ran. Optimus heard a groan and turned to see Erwin slowly standing with a gash on his head.
"Erwin, are you alright?" Optimus asked as he ran towards him.
"I'll live," Erwin answered.
"Find as many soldiers as you can and get them out of the rubble. After that, evacuate the citizens in the city immediately!" Optimus ordered.
Before Erwin could say anything, Optimus deactivated his holoform.
Annie ran down the streets as the wall seemed to be getting closer. She had to escape. She had to climb the wall before-
Annie heard an engine noise and looked behind her to see Optimus coming towards her in his alt mode. Annie began running faster, but Optimus tripped her with his wheels. Annie fell to the ground as Optimus transformed into his bipedal mode and screeched to a stop.
Annie lifted her head as Optimus stood up fully. She looked with fear in her eyes as Optimus activated his battle mask.
"How many are not fatally wounded?" Erwin asked as Hanji finished wrapping the bandage around his head.
"Hard to tell," Nile answered, "We haven't even finished digging through the rubble."
"We can't afford to waste time," Erwin declared, "We need to evacuate the citizens as quickly as possible. It wouldn't be the best idea to get involved with Optimus fighting Annie."
"Where is Eren?" Mikasa asked, causing the three to turn.
"Where's Eren?! He's not here!" Mikasa yelled as she looked through the rubble.
"Calm down. We'll find him," Armin reassured.
"Annie, stop!" Erwin remembered Optimus yelling. Erwin remembered waking up after the explosion and saw glimpses of Annie putting someone in her mouth.
Someone...
"No," Erwin breathed.
"Erwin, what's wrong?" Hanji asked.
"Optimus didn't just go after Annie to capture her, but to get Eren. Annie has Eren." Erwin proclaimed.
"We need to go after them." Hanji said.
"Levi, can you fight?" Erwin asked.
"I'll manage," Levi groaned as he wrapped his hand with a bandage.
Erwin turned to Nile. "Get some spare 3D Gear for my men. Levi, take the ones that aren't injured to help assist Optimus. Find a way to get Eren."
Annie kept her mouth shut as Optimus was choking her. She crystallized her fingers and tried to claw at his grip, which had no effect.
Annie then crystallized her foot and tried to kick Optimus. He managed to dodge the kick, but that caused him to loosen his grip on Annie, enabling her to break free.
Annie crystallized her fists and threw punches at Optimus which easily blocked. Optimus countered attacked by punching her in the stomach. She tried to keep her mouth shut as she skidded across the ground.
Optimus gritted his dentas behind his mask as Annie slowly got up.
Eren was in Annie's mouth. He already knew that. The issue was getting Eren out without killing him or Annie. He couldn't make any attacks to the head or face or he could be injured, killed, or swallowed. His blades could kill him, and his blasters were completely out of the question. He had to pry her mouth open without hurting him.
Optimus snapped out of his thoughts as he blocked another attack from Annie.
Levi, Hanji, Mikasa, Armin, Jean, and a couple of other soldiers landed on the roof near the battle that was taking place.
"Why the hell hasn't Prime killed her yet?" Levi demanded.
"Because Eren is inside Annie's mouth," Hanji answered, "Optimus doesn't want to land a fatal blow on her because he doesn't want to kill Eren. If we lose Eren, we lose the chance of unlocking the secrets to the titans."
"You mean he's holding back," Levi realized.
"Men, focus on evacuation of the city!" Hanji ordered.
"Got it!" a soldier said before they flew off.
"You three, stay with us," Hanji ordered as she turned to Armin, Mikasa, and Jean, "You were friends with Annie. I doubt that she'd kill you right on the spot."
"Where did Levi go?" Armin asked as he looked around.
Before anyone could answer, They yelled as smoke covered their eyes. When the smoke cleared, they saw Optimus holding Annie in a chokehold. Annie tried to claw at his arms, but it didn't work.
"Release him!" Optimus ordered.
Annie didn't listen as she still tried to break free from his grasp.
"Spit him out, now!" Optimus yelled.
Annie then raised her elbow before slamming it on the side of his face. Optimus gritted his dentas as Annie continued this process, trying to get him to at least loosen his grip.
Annie growled. She would not let him go! She's too damn close! She would not let Eren slip out of her grasp! She made a promise to her father, and she would return.
Annie raised her elbow once again. Just one more hit! One more!
Annie widened her eyes in shock as she felt blades slice open her cheeks. Her mouth opened; revealing an unconscious Eren on her tongue. She then felt someone step on her teeth before grabbing him and jumping off.
Optimus looked over to see Levi flying away with Eren in toll.
"Levi!" Optimus said.
"Just kill the damn bitch already!" Levi yelled as he flew off.
Annie thrashed around violently as she tried to run and get Eren, but Optimus grunted and threw her into another building.
Optimus huffed as some of the debris fell on Annie. Annie had to be stopped, he knew that, but he couldn't kill her. Everyone wants her dead now and he was possibly the only one who currently had the power to do so.
But she was human. He made a promise to himself that he wouldn't harm humans. There had to be some other way around it.
'No,' Optimus realized. Annie was willing, Annie was willing to kill members of the Survey Corps. Annie was willing to gamble Eren's life in order to capture him.
If Annie was willing to act like a Decepticon in human skin, then so be it. He had to do this.
"Eren!" Mikasa cried as Levi landed on the roof and put him down.
"Damn it, the brat's filthy," Levi grumbled as he wiped saliva from his arm.
Hanji kneeled down as she put two fingers on Eren's neck. "He's alive, just unconscious. We've done our job. Now we need to move to a safe location."
"Shouldn't we help Optimus?" Jean asked.
"Optimus has everything under control," Hanji reassured.
Armin didn't say anything as he looked over at Optimus. What was he going to do?
Annie pulled herself from the rubble as her jaws was fully healed.
Eren was gone! She had him and now he's gone! She looked at Optimus and growled. If she was going down, she was taking him with her.
Annie ran towards Optimus and crystallized her fist before throwing a punch. She widened her eyes as Optimus caught her punch.
"Annie Leonhart," Optimus began, "Today I treat you as a warrior."
'What?' Annie thought, but before she had time to react, Optimus punched her in the face, sending her crashing into two buildings.
"Uh oh," Hanji said.
"What do you mean 'uh oh'?" Jean demanded.
"This fight's turning sour really fast," Hanji proclaimed, "Levi, we have to tail him!"
Levi looked over at Armin and Jean. "You two are with us. You take Eren to a safe location."
Mikasa nodded her head before putting Eren on her shoulders and flying off.
"Let's go," Levi instructed.
Annie felt a shadow loom over her as her face was regenerating. She looked up with her good eye to see Optimus in the air. Annie rolled out of the way as Optimus' fist hit the ground.
Annie quickly stood on her feet as she noticed Optimus glaring at her. He stood to his full height and activated his swords. She quickly crystallized her hands and feet as the Cybertronian ran towards her. Annie threw the first punch, but Optimus ducked and stab her in the stomach. Annie gasped as she coughed up blood. She widened her eyes as she came face to face with a charging blaster. She recovered quickly and pushed the blaster upward The energon blast missed her and instead hit the wall.
Optimus punched Annie in the face once again, sending her rolling off of his blade. Annie groaned as she looked over at Optimus. She widened her eyes as he transformed his servo into a blaster.
Annie managed to get up and jump out of the way as Optimus fired at her. She covered her head behind a building as the firing ceased. Fear gripped her chest as she peaked from behind the building, only to find that he wasn't there.
'How is someone like him able to sneak around?' Annie thought.
Annie heard a battle cry as she was kicked in the face, sending her rolling into the street.
She groaned as she tried to get up, but instead dodged a blade that almost went through her head.
Annie crawled back before standing on her feet. She tried to keep her balance s she got into her fighting stance. She crystallized her hands and feet as Optimus walked towards her.
She raised her arm as Optimus stroked, but gasped as the blade shattered her armor.
'He wasn't able to...' Annie began. Optimus wasn't able to break the diamond armor before, so why now?! Why was he able to break it now?!
"The only reason why you are here is because I was holding back,"
Did that mean he was holding back this much strength?
Optimus used his other blade to stab Annie in the stomach once again, causing her to cough up blood. Optimus pulled the blade out before stabbing her arm and slicing it off.
Annie looked in fear at her arm. No! NO! She needed to run! She wasn't able to take him on! She had to leave to warn the people at the village. She had to leave to protect them!
Annie used her good arm and slammed it into the building, sending debris and stone flying in front of Optimus. Optimus covered his face as Annie ran towards the wall.
"What's she trying to do?" Armin asked as she ran towards the wall.
"I don't know," Hanji answered as she saw Annie run.
She looked over at Optimus to see him transform his blades back into hands, but she widened her eyes in horror as he changed his right hand into a blaster.
"No," Hanji whispered as she almost walked off the roof.
"Hey!" Jean cried as he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back, "What are you doing?!"
"Optimus is going to kill her," Hanji breathed.
"Well it's about time," Levi remarked.
Hanji growled as she broke out of Jean's grasped and grabbed Levi by the shoulders.
"Stop being clouded by revenge and look at what the bloody fucking hell is about to happen!" Hanji screamed.
Levi narrowed his eyes while Armin and Jean looked in shock.
"Energon is toxic to anything organic, anything that's not metal. It can disintegrate anything, leaving nothing at all! What Optimus is about to do isn't just going to kill her, it's going to wipe her off the face of the world!"
Optimus aimed his blaster at Annie as it began to glow.
"Fall,"
"Optimus, DON'T!" Hanji screamed.
Optimus fired the energon, blowing off Annie's arm in an instant. Annie's titan form and human form widened their eyes in shock, before letting out a loud scream of pain.
Optimus and the four covered their ears in pain as her screams throughout the city. Optimus gritted his dentas as he transformed his blaster into a blade and ran towards her. He sliced open the nape of the neck as she fell to the floor. Optimus expected Annie to be fine, but she continued screaming as she got out of the nape of the neck and fell to the ground; clutching her arm in pain.
"Annie!" Hanji cried as she landed on the ground and ran towards her and kneeled down.
"Annie, speak to me!" Hanji yelled, but Annie continued screaming and she kept clutching her arm.
Armin, Jean, and Levi landed on the ground and widened their eyes as they saw Annie's arm. The sleeve of her jacket was gone and the arm was turning black fast.
"Annie?" Armin question.
Hanji continued panicking before widening her eyes at an idea.
"Annie hang on!" Hanji ordered as she pulled out her blade and raised it over her shoulder.
"Four-eyes what are you doing?!" Levi demanded.
"Saving her fucking life!" Hanji declared as she sliced the arm off of her body. Annie kept screaming and began sobbing as she held onto her bloody and steaming shoulder.
Optimus looked in shock as Annie cut off arm turned into nothing but bone. That wasn't supposed to happen. Why? How?
Annie's crying became nothing more than whimpers. She curled into a ball and let the tears roll down her face.
Hanji huffed before dropping her sword and putting her hand on her chest. It's over. It's over for now.
"What did you do?" Jean asked.
"It's pretty obvious kid," Levi answered, "She cut off her arm to save her."
Hanji stood to her full height and looked at Annie's broken form. "We need to take Annie to a prison cell. Optimus, help us-"
"By the Allspark," Optimus gasped.
Hanji looked up at Optimus, only to find him staring at the wall in shock.
"What's with him?" Levi asked.
"I don't know," Hanji answered, "He seems pretty-"
Hanji widened her eyes in horror as she looked up at the wall. Levi then looked up and almost lost his composure.
There was a hole in the wall, but inside the wall...
was the face of a titan.
"What's a titan doing in the wall?" Jean asked in shock as he looked up.
Armin widened his eyes realization as he remembered Annie redirecting Optimus energon blast.
Hanji almost jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Pastor Nick panting from exhaustion.
"Don't let...sunlight...hit that titan," he ordered.
'Optimus...you were right,' Hanji thought.
Eren groaned as he woke up, but looked in confusion as he found himself looking at the ceiling and lying on a bed.
"Eren," a voice spoke.
Eren turned to see Mikasa sitting in a chair next to the bed while Armin and Jean were on opposite sides of the room, leaning against the wall.
"What happened?" Eren asked.
"You were injured," Mikasa answered, "You need rest for now,"
Eren noticed to bandage on his forehead and sighed. "What happened to Annie?"
"Annie transformed into a titan and tried to kidnap you. Optimus managed to stop her." Armin answered.
"Where is she though?" Eren asked.
"Underground," Jean answered, "They don't want her transforming again."
Eren sighed. "Thanks for telling me."
Mikasa stood up. "I'll go get you something to eat."
Armin and Jean watched as Mikasa walked out of the room.
"So what now?" Eren asked.
"I don't know," Armin answered, "I don't think you'll be handed over to the Military Police, but we can't say for certain."
"Hanji," Levi began, "It's been almost an hour. Why hasn't her arm regenerated?"
The two looked inside the cell to see their prisoner. She was sitting on the ground with chains on her ankles, left arm, and waist. Her left hand was covered in bandages while there was a muzzle in between her teeth. A bandage was wrapped around her shoulder and chest, but her right arm still had not grown back.
"The energon," Hanji answered, "It's preventing her from regenerating."
"But Prime didn't even shoot her in her human form," Levi retorted.
"It bugs me too, but we did learn something new," Hanji said.
"That if a titan shifter is shot with energon in the titan form, it does damage to the human form as well." Levi concluded.
"We still haven't seen the long term effects, but for right now she's not getting her arm back anytime soon." Hanji declared.
Annie didn't say anything as Hanji and Levi walked away from her cell. She hung her head and let the tears fall.
"Do you have anything to say for this incident?" the councilman demanded as he put his hands on the table.
"No one knew she was planning to transform," Erwin retorted, "She was kept underground for the time we had her and transported under Optimus."
"And you don't think 'Optimus' was allowing her to gain access to her transformation?" the councilman asked.
"Optimus was willing to kill her twice," Erwin retorted.
"That doesn't prove his loyalty," the councilman said.
"He has done nothing more than help humanity," Erwin declared.
"He started a battle in the city," the councilman retorted.
Erwin sighed. "The prisoner was the one who escaped and Optimus pursued. He never wanted a battle and he hates innocent lives being lost,"
"And how would you know that?" the councilman demanded.
"Because he willingly went against my plans for the 57th expedition," Erwin answered, "He was concerned for the lives of Corps. Not himself."
"His loyalty may be to the right cause, but he has shown signs of disrespect-"
"Stop trying to make a petty excuse to get rid of him," Erwin said calmly.
The councilman looked at him in surprise. "Petty?"
"Besides you can't get rid of him that easily," Erwin continued, "Because he's brought the one thing that humanity has desired in over a century."
"And what would that be?" the councilman asked.
"Hope," Erwin answered.
Everyone in the room looked at Erwin in shock.
"Optimus Prime and Eren Jaeger are the hopes to humanity," Erwin proclaimed, "They have brought humanity closer than ever before to victory. And they have done nothing more than help without asking for anything in return. I doubt that they would back down so easily under your rule. They are comrades to humanity, and they are here to stay, whether you like it or not."
Reiner yawned as he made his way back to his bedroom. It was late at night and he had to the bathroom. He hated it when that happened.
As Reiner was almost to his room, he yelped as someone pulled him down another hall and covered his mouth. Reiner was about to fight back, but realized that it was Bertholdt.
"Bertholdt?" Reiner questioned as he took his hand off of his mouth, "Dude, what are you doing? It's the middle of the night."
"We need to get out of here," Bertholdt proclaimed.
Reiner looked at him in confusion as he noticed the worried look on his face.
"Bertholdt, calm down, what are you talking about?" Reiner asked.
"I overheard that Annie now officially a prisoner," Bertholdt informed, "And I think that Annie lost her arm and it hasn't grown back!"
Reiner looked in shock. "What? It should've grown back. Wait, who fought her?"
"Who do you think?" Bertholdt rhetorically asked.
Reiner grimaced. "That titan is the reason Annie's in that position."
"We need to get her out!" Bertholdt said.
"We can't get her out, not with him there," Reiner retorted.
"Then we have to leave," Bertholdt proclaimed, "Go to the village-"
"We can't go to the village," Reiner interrupted, "Not without Eren. We need to get Eren."
"And have someone who took down Annie come after us?" Bertholdt demanded, "We can't go up against that power! Even with our abilities we're just going to end up dead. We need to warn the village about what's going on. So they can be prepared; so we can take him down."
"We can't go back empty handed," Reiner retorted.
"And we can't get Eren while Optimus is here," Bertholdt countered.
Reiner groaned as he clutched his head. "This wasn't supposed to happen. Everything went wrong when he showed up. We can't even complete our mission. And how are we supposed to go back with people in the Scouts possibly breathing down our necks and suspecting us as titan shifters?"
"We have to do something," Bertholdt said.
Reiner sighed. "The only thing we can do is wait."
Deleted scene 1
"I can't believe they're allowing this," Hitch groaned as she was on the roof.
"Why the hell are you so calm about it?" Marlow demanded.
"It's not like we can do anything about it," Hitch retorted.
Marlow looked over the roof to see the metal titan talking to a woman on his shoulders.
"That titan destroyed part of the city," Hitch growled, "If people think he's some kind of Savior, he's not."
"Nile, great to see you!" Hanji greeted as she used her 3D gear to land on the ground.
"Hanji," Nile greeted before looking up at Optimus, "What's he doing here?"
"Optimus is going to help with the reconstruction of the city," Hanji answered.
"Is that even allowed?" Nile demanded.
"Optimus insisted," Hanji answered.
"He destroyed half the city!"
"And prevented the prisoner from escaping," Hanji countered, "Look, Optimus is not going to harm anyone. The Corps have been with him for a month and we're all fine. And Optimus was the one who noticed that the prisoner was planning something."
"What about the people who think he's going to eat them?" Nile asked.
"Optimus," Hanji spoke.
Optimus didn't say anything as he activated his battle mask.
"Battle mask completely covers his mouth," Hanji said, "We already got permission from Zackley and Erwin is completely fine with it."
"Erwin is a nut job and I know that for a fact!" Nile yelled.
'The upsetting fact is that he is not entirely wrong,' Optimus thought.
Optimus slightly widened his optics as he detected a faint life signature from an alleyway. He ignored Hanji and Nile's bickering as he walked towards the alleyway and kneeled down.
Nile looked over at Optimus and widened his eyes. "What's he doing?"
"Let him," Hanji said.
"Let him?!" Nile yelled, "Why?!"
"To prove that Optimus isn't the monster you think he is," Hanji answered.
Marlow, Hitch, and others members of the Military Police, took a couple of steps back as they watched the scene play out.
"Are you alright?" Optimus called out in a gentle voice.
Optimus heard a whimper as he noticed a blue ribbon hiding quickly behind a box of crates.
"Are you alright, young one?" Optimus asked again.
"Go away! I don't want to be eaten!" the voice yelled.
"I will not and cannot," Optimus said, "My mouth is covered so I cannot consume you."
To emphasize his point, Optimus tapped his battle mask twice. This got a little girl to peak over from the crates, revealing her blond hair and blue dress. Optimus noticed her tear and blood stained cheeks and almost looked in sadness.
"You're not going to hurt me?" she asked
"No, young one, you have my word," Optimus promised.
The little girl looked up and noticed the 'Wings of Freedom' on his arm.
"You have the 'Wings of Freedom,'" she said.
Optimus nodded his head. "Do you know where your parents are?"
Optimus saw a melancholy expression appear on the girl's face.
"No," the girl whimpered, "I want my mommy. I want my daddy."
"Calm down, young one," Optimus chided, "Your parents may be trying to look for you."
The girl's crying ceased as she looked at Optimus.
"If you stay here, they may not be able to find you," Optimus explained, "I can take you to someone who may know them."
The girl's eyes grew wide as he noticed a spark in them. "You'll...help me find mommy and daddy?"
"Of course," Optimus answered as he put his servo on the ground.
The girl was silent for a moment, before stepping out from behind the crates. She then stopped for a moment before taking tiny steps towards Optimus.
"What is he doing?" Nile demanded.
"Patience," Hanji simply said.
Optimus didn't move as the girl approached him. He didn't want to frighten the girl as much as she already was. He would let the girl go at her own pace. He was willing to wait for that.
The little girl looked at Optimus' hand before reaching out to touch his finger. She widened her eyes at the warmth and touched his finger with her other hand. She climbed into his hand and sat there quietly, bringing her knees to her chest.
Optimus slowly stood up and out his other servo under his own. He walked over to Hanji and Nile before kneeling down and putting his servo on the ground.
"She may require medical attention," Optimus stated, "And her parents."
The girl climbed down his servo and ran over to Nile. Nile kneeled down and wiped the blood from her cheeks. Nile picked the girl up and held her in his arms, rubbing her back. He looked over to see Hanji crossing her arms and smirking.
"So?" Hanji asked.
"Fine," Nile grumbled.
"Whoo hoo!" Hanji cheered.
"Commander Nile, I suggest looking for any survivors throughout the city." Optimus said.
"Men! Search for any survivors throughout the city!" Nile ordered.
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers saluted before flying off.
"I'm going to leave," Hanji informed, "I have to go talk to someone."
Hanji walked away, leaving Nile Optimus to themselves.
"I will assist in looking for survivors," Optimus informed.
Nile nodded his head as Optimus stood up and walked away. He looked behind him to see the little girl waving a shy goodbye. Optimus looked at her with kind optics before waving a small goodbye and walking on.
"Well, well, well," Hitch began as she crossed her arms.
Marlow didn't say anything before he walked on.
Deleted Scene 2
Optimus looked at Eren in his holoform as he leaned on the side of the doorway. Eren was currently resting with the window open and the wind blowing through it.
"Optimus?" a voice questioned.
Optimus turned to see Mikasa standing next to the doorway with a tray of food.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"I came to see how Eren was doing," Optimus answered as he looked back at him, "He seems to be doing fine, so I do not wish to wake him."
"I see," Mikasa mused, "Optimus, I want to thank you for saving Eren."
"I did not save Eren," Optimus retorted, "That was Levi's doing. You should thank him."
Mikasa scowled. "I'm not thanking him."
"Is it because he hurt Eren in the courtroom?" Optimus asked.
Mikasa looked in surprise. "How did you-"
"I had my suspicions," Optimus answered.
Mikasa was silent. "But still, you were able to go after Annie and help Eren. I still owe you that."
Optimus remained silent before Mikasa spoke once again. "Optimus, promise me something."
Optimus looked at her in confusion.
"I made it my top priority to protect Eren," Mikasa began, "That was the promise I made to Eren's mom before she died. But you told me that I may not be around to protect him forever. And you're right. I could either die by titans, or die by traitors. When I die, will you please protect Eren?"
"Mikasa, it is my top priority to protect all of my comrades," Optimus explained, "I will do whatever it takes to protect all of you, but I will honor your wish to make sure that Eren is safe."
Mikasa smiled. "Thank you."
"But you should make sure you stay alive," Optimus continued as he stood up and put a hand on her shoulder, "You still have not confessed your feelings to him."
Mikasa blushed as Optimus simply walked away.
Deleted Scene 3
Annie suddenly heard her cell open and looked up. She widened her eyes in fear as Optimus' holoform walked in with a tray of food, a pillow, and a blanket.
"Stay away from me!" Annie yelled as she tried to back away, only to be stopped by her chains.
Optimus didn't say anything as he sat down and put the food in front of her.
"Back off!" Annie yelled as she kicked the tray Optimus easily dodged. The tray ended up hitting the wall and spilling all the food.
Annie growled as tears were threatening to fall. "You did this to me. You did this!"
Optimus sighed as he got the keys and unlocked her left hand. Annie reacted quickly by slapping him in the face. She looked in fear as Optimus remained completely unfazed by her attack.
"Do you feel better now?" Optimus asked.
"W-why?" Annie stuttered, "Why are you here?"
"I came here to apologize," Optimus answered.
"Apologize?!" Annie demanded, "You wanted this! This was all on you!"
"If I wanted to kill you I would have shot you in the nape," Optimus explained, "No one knew that energon would affect a titan shifter when in a titan form. We never tested that theory for fear someone would end up getting killed."
"Then why the hell did you spare my life?!" Annie yelled.
"You are still needed alive," Optimus answered.
"So you've come here to interrogate me and break me?!" Annie demanded.
"You are already broken," Optimus countered, "And I will not interrogate because of that reason."
Annie flinched as Optimus put the blanket over her. She looked over at Optimus as she touch the stub on her upper side.
"What you need right now is rest," Optimus proclaimed, "You have been through enough."
Annie closed her eyes as more tears began falling and she began trembling.
"I-I just w-wanted t-to go home," Annie sobbed, "T-that's all I wanted! All I wanted!"
Optimus let Annie cry as he gave Annie the pillow. She held onto the pillow and put her face in it as she sobbed in it. Optimus then dispersed the holoform, leaving Annie to herself.