Kenny jumped out of the cart before coming face to face with the doors of the church. He then instructed his team to unload the supplies they needed to defend themselves in case the Survey Corps found them. He then watched two of them carry a tied up Eren into the church followed Rod guiding Historia after them.
Kenny looked up at the stars as he began to ponder. If all went right, then he would get the powers of the titan Rod is so desperate for. But he still wondered if it would hold against the two metal titans? Would the power to control the titans be enough?
Kenny ordered the lackeys to return the cart to the mansion before going into the chapel and closing the door behind him. Once he realized everything was in the cave, he walked down the stairs and closed the door to the cave.
Even if the powers worked against the metal titans, there was also the matter of getting it at the right opportunity, and getting the serum for Rod's bag.
Kenny opened the door to the glowing cavern before continuing his way down the stairs. He noticed something out of the corner of his eye and stopped to get a better look.
It was a crack in the wall of the cave. He then kneeled down and noticed small shards of said cave on the smooth ground. That was odd. This place had a very good structure. Why was there damage? Unless…the Corps found this place.
"Look alive!" Kenny shouted at his squad, "The Corps know about the location. Get ready in case if they attack!"
"Yes sir!" they shouted as they continued getting everything ready.
Kenny picked up one of the shards and stood up. They had to prepare for the danger ahead.
The cadets and the two MPs sat around a fire while Levi sat in the cart, watching their prisoner. Meanwhile, Nifa was keeping guard to see if anyone would try to find them.
Armin looked around and noticed that Sasha wasn't hissing, or a shadow lingering among the tree, meaning that Megatron wasn't back yet. He didn't know what the former tyrant was thinking, or whether he was scheming to eliminate him without it being traced back to him. It did seem like something Megatron would do. At the same time, Megatron probably didn't believe he would keep his promise about not telling anyone what he knew. If trust didn't come easy to the former warlord, then he had no doubt the titan was suspicious of him.
"Jean, when did you grab people from the Military Police?" Mikasa asked her comrades.
"We grabbed them while you were…out," Jean answered.
"We have names," Hitch grumbled.
"Can we trust you?" Mikasa questioned the two.
Marlow gulped as he noticed Mikasa staring him dead in the eye. "I…do see your side of the story, and I want to help out. To try and make a change in our society."
There was silence amongst the cadets because Connie sighed in irritation.
"You know what, fuck it," Connie proclaimed, "I'm not got to find out later because I'm too much of a chicken to try. Mikasa, Armin, I gotta know: what was working with Megatron like?"
Armin tensed and looked up to see all eyes on him and Mikasa. He glanced over to see even Levi showing a certain amount of interest.
Armin tensed as he began to panic. What was he supposed to say? He knew Megatron's biggest secret and was now put on the spot. He couldn't even come up with a good lie! What was he-?
"He's very angry," Mikasa spoke.
"Angry?" Connie questioned.
"He gets angry very easily," Mikasa explained, "He started ranting in his own language when he was talking to Optimus earlier, and got mad at Armin when he convinced him not to kill Annie."
"He didn't hurt any of you, did he?" Jean demanded.
"No," Mikasa answered, "Megatron said that he tolerated me."
"You're joking," Sasha said in disbelief.
"He told me that himself," Mikasa proclaimed.
"Okay, moving on," Connie said before turning to Armin, "What about you Armin? What was it like for you?"
"He was…," Armin trailed off. There had to be something that he picked up from Megatron without going into too much detail.
"He's…manipulative," Armin finally said, "And has a desire of being a step ahead of his opponents. He managed to convince a woman living in the area that we were his niece and nephew and that he was training us to be prepared for the military."
"She believed him?" Connie asked.
Armin nodded his head. "If I didn't know who Megatron was, I probably would've believed him too. He never really goes so far to express his feelings, and he doesn't seem to trust anyone. Probably because-"
Armin felt Mikasa tap his foot with her own before realizing he was rambling. "-he doesn't like humans. But the thing that irked me the most was that he didn't have an issue with killing."
"I don't blame you," Jean agreed, "He's a heartless monster. He probably has some sick satisfaction for it if he's willing to kill anyone that gets in his way."
"What about me?" Mikasa challenged, "I've killed people before. You saw me kill someone. Does that make me a monster?"
"That's not what I meant," Jean said.
"But that's what you're implying," Mikasa retorted.
"You can't be serious. You're defending his action?!" Jean exclaimed.
"He destroyed a world!" Sasha added.
"He what?" Marlow breathed while Hitch's mouth dropped.
"I'm not defending that, and I don't think Megatron would deny that," Mikasa began, "But Megatron had to kill in order to protect us, to defend himself, to survive. Some of the blood on Megatron's hands is no doubt unjustified, but some were justified. If he didn't kill, he wouldn't be standing here now to help us."
"Mikasa-"
"She's right," Levi cut Jean off as he stood up.
"Captain, you agree with Megatron's actions?" Connie asked.
"As much as I hate the bastard, I can understand where he's coming from," Levi answered, "And Mikasa does make a good point. Some of Megatron's killings were no doubt unjustified, but he was at war. He had to kill his own people in order to survive and lead his followers to achieve his cause."
"But his cause was about oppression!" Jean retorted.
"True, but let's put this into perspective: what about Optimus? He had to kill his own people as well, and no doubt has the same about of blood on his hands as Megatron. They're both murders. The only difference between them is their goals and motivations. And Optimus prefers to give people a chance to stand down."
Jean grimaced in refusal. He didn't want to agree with Levi. He didn't want to justify Megatron's action.
"I know you hesitated to kill that girl earlier," Levi added, "You were afraid to take the life of your own people. Picture Prime in that position, picture Megatron. They no doubt had their hesitation, but they had to make their choice. Mikasa did too, and if she didn't she wouldn't be here. And if Megatron didn't pull that trigger, you wouldn't be here either. His mentality, no matter how twisted it is, saved your life."
Levi looked at the rest of his squad. "That goes for the rest of you. You all need to make your choice. You may have to sacrifice innocence of the life of someone else in order to survive. But if you can't make that choice, you won't be able to live another day."
The children were silent as Levi walked over to the cart, but not before taking a quick glance at Armin and Mikasa. The two knew something.
Nile walked over to Erwin's cell and saw Erwin's bruised face as his arm was chained to the wall for precautionary measure. The Commander sighed as he kneeled down on the other side of the bars.
"You'll be meeting with the king in a couple of hours," Nile said, earning no response from Erwin.
"You could've walked away from this," Nile remarked, "You could've stayed in hiding, pretending you were still kidnapped until all of this blew over."
"I could've," Erwin agreed.
"Why didn't you?" Nile asked.
"…Guess I felt guilty," Erwin admitted, "Guess I wanted to do a selfless act for once. Protect what's left of the Survey Corps."
"That doesn't seem like you," Nile remarked, "You were always after that dream of yours."
Erwin laughed. "I still am…I don't know if I'll be able to achieve it anytime soon. I'll probably be killed, the Survey Corps will be erased from existence, and Optimus will no doubt leave the walls."
"Why would the metal titan leave the walls? I thought he said he was fight for humanity," Nile recalled.
"If the Corps is disbanded and the Police want him, he'll probably leave," Erwin declared, "The only one strong enough to take on the Colossal Titan."
"Rumor has it there's another titan," Nile said, "That true."
"I don't know what he'll do once Optimus leave," Erwin remarked.
Nile quickly stood up. "What are you talking about?"
"Optimus is keeping an eye on him due to his…criminal record," Erwin stated, "Once Optimus leaves, who knows what he'll do. He'll probably destroy the gates like he told me."
"You're joking," Nile denied, "Who is this titan?"
Erwin finally made eye contact with Nile. "You don't want to know."
"Why are you even telling me this then?" Nile demanded.
"The Survey Corps is humanity's spear," Erwin declared, "Without us, without Optimus, humanity is doomed."
"And what do you expect me to do about it?" Nile demanded, "Join the team? You're not the Savior of humanity. How are you going to be able to pull it off?"
"…I left something in Pixis' hands," Erwin merely answered, "When the time comes, it'll be you who decides, and I will merely watch."
Nile remained silent, fixated on his words, before deciding to leave Erwin in his cell.
Orion pushed his way through a small crowd in the gladiator pits of Kaon with Megatronus right behind. The librarian looked up at the screen displaying the news while the gladiator crossed him.
"There's been another terrorist attack in Polyhex three cycles ago," a news reporter said, "The terrorists that claim to be from the Decepticon movement led by gladiator Megatronus, have planted bombs inside three building. Two of them were defused, but one of them did go off. There were over 10 injured, but thankfully no one was killed."
Orion stared in horror as the reporter continued speaking. "This is madness."
"This is the beginning," Megatronus declared.
Orion turned to Megatronus in disbelief. "The beginning? You…planned this?"
"No," Megatronus merely answered.
"But you support this?!" Orion exclaimed.
Megatronus merely sighed. "Let's move away from the crowd for a moment."
Megatronus stepped from the crowd as Orion followed. The gladiator led the librarian to another section of the Pits void of any Cybertronians.
"Megatronus, this is madness," Orion began, "They'll label you as criminals. The Decepticon movement could be destroyed because of this."
"The higher ups have always been trying to tarnish the name of the Decepticons," Megatron retorted, "I doubt that even if I denounce the attacks, there will be another attack and I will be blamed for it."
"But even if you did decide to denounce it, that doesn't mean you disagree with their actions," Orion proclaimed.
"…No," Megatron admitted.
"This isn't the way," Orion declared, "If we continue down this path of violence, then the Decepticon movement will be destroyed."
"So do you suggest that we sit idly by?" Megatronus questioned with a hint of irritation.
"I suggest that we find a much more peaceful solution." Orion answered.
"You're asking a gladiator to seek peace when ever battle he faces almost ends in death?" Megatronus questioned in amusement.
"This is not a game," Orion declared, "The Council will not accept violence as a means for change."
"And you believe peace is the better solution?" Megatronus demanded, "'Peace' is the system we have right now, where Cybertronians like me do not matter in this world, and are discarded with another replacement along the way."
"I understand-"
"No you don't," Megatronus hissed, "While I fight every day to keep my life, you hide behind the walls of Iacon reading fantasies and deluding yourself into thinking the Council will listen to your talk of peace. My people are dying every day. If not in the arena, then by a mine or some other dangerous contraption. You're safe and secure. You get to live, while I'm forced to die."
Orion grimaced. "Maybe my thoughts may seem like delusions. Maybe I will never fully understand your struggles, but I do understand the Council will see their acts as a means of war. More of us are going to die if you continue down this path. Are you willing to lead the Decepticons down this path? Are you willing to lead the entirety of Cybertron down this path?"
"If it takes war for the Council to listen, then I will gladly go to war," Megatronus answered.
Orion stared at his friend in confusion and pain before placing his servo on his shoulder pad. "Megatronus, I beg of you, please avoid war. I see your point, but war will only lead to more bloodshed. More Cybertronians will die. That may not compare to the oppression you and others have faced for years, but we may forget what we are really fighting for if there are bodies lying across our planet."
"I agree, but Cybertronians like the ones on the news are not going to be appeased because they believe nothing is changing. They're taking action into their own servos. How do you propose that we appeal to their needs?" Megatronus asked.
"….Alpha Trion had a suggestion," Orion began.
Optimus snapped out of his thought when Hanji knocked on the door to the driver's seat.
"Prime, are you okay?" Hanji asked.
"I am alright," Optimus answered, remembering that they were hiding in a wedged spot in a large alleyway in Trost, "I was just…thinking."
"Well whatever you're thinking about will have to come later," Hanji proclaimed, "Reeve's kid got caught by the Police as is running around Trost. Once he's cornered in this alleyway we're in and get's them to confess, you come into play and immobilize them."
"Hanji, I have a question for you," Optimus began.
"If it's a quick one, I can answer it. I just want the quickest way to save Erwin." Hanji said.
"Do you think violence is the best way to achieve peace?" Optimus asked.
Hanji thought it over. "Some cases, maybe. Like with the titans outside these walls, we can only use violence because we'll be devoured if we don't. But with our own kind…I'm not sure. I mean, whatever way is the most effective. It doesn't have to be violence, but if it comes down to it I'd probably use it. Maybe peace is the better solution. Maybe it could be a mix of both. It really depends on the circumstances and which route is the best that doesn't cause destruction. Why do you ask?"
"I just required someone else's point of view," Optimus answered.
Hanji heard panting and turned to see Flegel Reeves running down the alleyway. Hanji managed to cover Optimus' form with a tarp before hiding away from view.
"Thanks for saving us the work, Flegel," one of the three military policemen remarked as they cornered the teen, "Almost thought that we weren't going to be able to find you. I…almost thought it was over for me."
Hanji saw the man get on his knees and wail, before getting up and smiling. "Well then, time to die."
"Wait! Wait!" Flegel screamed as he man aimed his gun at him, "Why did you kill my dad? What did the interior squad want to do?"
"What good would know that do? You're just going to die," the man retorted.
"Please, I just want closure before I die!" Flegel begged.
"Fine, because he betrayed us and went to the side of the Survey Corps," the man said, "You must be really stupid if you didn't think to ask your father this."
"…Then what would have happened if he said no to you?" Flegel asked in a calmer tone.
"We would've killed him," the man said, "Even if he didn't deliver the supplies, we would've killed him. The contractors are so useless. Reeves could've gone north to protect you and your family, but he could to stay here and protect the town."
"You don't understand anything," Flegel whispered as he felt anger rise in him, "My father told me that I needed to read people. Meanwhile, you fuckers think you know it all. My father chose the people, and so will I!"
"What gotten into you?!" the man demanded, "You should be begging for your life!"
"Doesn't matter!" Flegel declared, "We got the information we needed! And I suggest you look behind you!"
The three policemen heard a loud honking noise and looked behind them to see Optimus' alt mode driving towards them. They stepped back in fear as Optimus transformed into his bipedal mode and glared at the three.
"Hello, boys," Hanji greeted with a smile as she and Mobilit walked in front of Optimus, "I would like you three to meet Optimus Prime. And unless you don't want to be blown into oblivion, I suggest you drop your weapons."
The three began to shake as they let their rifles drop to the floor. Mobilit picked up the three rifles while Hanji casually walked up to the leader and punched him in the face.
"Hanji, that was unnecessary," Optimus scolded as the man fell to the floor and cried out in pain.
"Well it felt good," Hanji declared as she shook her hand, "You hear that everyone! We got it!"
The two helped their leader recover before looking around in shock to see the citizens of Trost walking onto the streets and out of the buildings surrounding them.
"Guess it was your mistake to think these places were abandoned," Hanji remarked, "Guess you were too blinded by the good life to notice the difference."
"The Reeves Company, regardless of what you may think of them, put their lives on the line for this town," Optimus declared, "And I, along with everyone else, will attest to that."
"You think…you think that by stopping us you'll solve this whole damn problem!" the leader shouted, "The king is the one that controls what is true and what isn't! He'll wipe you off the face of the Earth in order to keep the peace and no one would give a damn! You'll all be dead by the-Agh!"
Flegel shut the man up by knocking him down again and sitting on his face. "Don't worry everyone. The Reeves Company will protect this town. Because starting today, Flegel Reeves is going to be the new boss. So I hope we can get along."
Optimus merely looked down at Flegel with approval while the entire town began to clap for him. The Prime noticed Hanji speaking to Flegel for a moment before walking over to where the news reporters were. If all went well, then this coup would be successful. But what happens after? He couldn't follow Erwin's orders anymore. He would still fight for humanity, but following someone who would lead others to their death for a selfish gain was absurd.
Another issue as well was Megatron's presence. Megatron was considered a rumor at the moment. If they managed to succeed in this coup, do they reveal him to the public? Do they still keep him hidden? Megatron wasn't exactly the friendliest of beings. He didn't even want to be here. Maybe the best option is…to let him leave.
If Megatron was true to his word, he wouldn't continue the Decepticon cause and not harm another soul. And instead of allowing him to do that, he forced him to stay on a world full of a species he despises. Once this was over, he would allow him to leave. It would cause fewer problems, and this world managed to survive with just himself and Eren.
"Hey, you!" one of the townsfolk standing by his apartment shouted at him, causing Optimus to look at him.
"Yes?"
"Rumor has it that you're a titan from beyond the stars," he proclaimed, "Is that true?"
Optimus merely nodded his head.
"That's…that's actually pretty cool," the man admitted.
Optimus noticed something out of the corner of his optics and glanced at Hanji waving at him. She merely shook her head as she pointed behind the crates where the news reporters were. The Prime felt his processors stop working for a moment. The reporters weren't going to do it. If they didn't do it, then the other side would win.
Optimus noticed Hanji bickering with Mobilit on what to do about the situation, but didn't pay attention as he was lost in his own thoughts. What were they supposed to do now? Were they supposed to sit and do nothing? The people of Wall Rose would suffer because of that. The King and the Military Police wouldn't listen to a peace talk. They were willing to kill the innocent just to keep their own version of order and peace. The rich would never help them. He only way that they would understand was if action against their lives were taken. Peace would always be the best solution, but if he didn't want a repeat of what happened on Cybertron, he had to take action.
"People of Trost!" Optimus bellowed.
Silence rang throughout the area as everyone turned their attention to the titan. Hanji looked at the Prime with confusion and worry while Mobilit looked at Hanji for some kind of reassurance.
"The horrible truth is that your government, your king, never cared for you," Optimus declared, "As long as the king's livelihood is not threatened, he would have no issue in letting you suffer. He has the resources and people needed to improve the lives of everyone else and protect you from the threat that lingers beyond your walls. Instead, he has let his greed and powers blind his actions and interpret his own version of peace."
"What's he doing?" Mobilit mouthed to Hanji, causing her to raise her hands in surrender.
"There is one who wishes to fight for you: Historia Reiss," Optimus declared, "While her father lives in the safety of the walls, she has continued to risk her life for humanity by helping the Survey Corps. But now her father has taken her hostage along with humanity's last hope, Eren Jaeger, and has full intention of killing them both."
"What?!" one of them shouted in disbelief while everyone, "Why would they do that?!"
"Because they would go to any lengths to keep their power," Optimus declared.
"Then we should kill these bastards right now!" another shouted as he gestured to the two policemen.
"No," Optimus ordered, "Killing them will not solve anything. It will instead give your government more of a reason to kill you all. They will see you as violent savages, and they have the newspapers to prove that claim and have everyone turn against you. But we cannot sit here and do nothing while your suffering continues. I propose that we march to Sina and demand a new government!"
"I appreciate your enthusiasm, but how exactly would we pull that off?" a woman demanded, "Compared to them, we're nothing."
"And that is where you're wrong," Optimus retorted, "The rich rely upon you. Many have built their riches on the backs of poor that struggle to just survive. You are many, and if they decide to get rid of you or abandon you, it will prove how corrupt they truly are. If we sit and do nothing, Historia, Eren, and the Survey Corps will be destroyed, and there will be no one to protect when the time comes."
"And what about you?" another demanded.
"I pledged my allegiance to humanity the moment I arrived," Optimus declared, "I will lay down my life and fight anyone who intends to do any harm. The Survey Corps, Eren, and Historia, your queen, will not hesitate to protect you all as well! And as long as Historia still breathes, there is still a chance for the walls to survive! Your queen will fight for you, so you must help fight for her! For you, you're loved ones, and the future of humanity!"
Optimus raised his fist into the air. "Down with the king and long live the queen!"
Silence rang throughout the air, causing Optimus to believe that they choose to not do it.
"Down with the king and long live the queen!" someone shouted.
Hanji and Mobilit began to look around as more people began to chant the phrase. The next thing that they knew the entire crowd was chanting 'down with the king and long live the queen!'
"We march to Sina!" Optimus declared.
The crowd roared in agreement as they followed the titan to the gate.
"What the fuck is going on?!" Mobilit demanded as he grabbed Hanji's arm while the rest continued to follow him.
"I don't know! I've completely lost control!" Hanji shouted, "Prime's going to do this! Okay, uh, I'm going to follow him and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, for the first fucking time in my life! You go back to the castle and keep watch over Bertholdt!"
Mobilit nodded his head as he ran to grab a horse.
"It's going to take us the whole fucking day!" Hanji screamed as she ran after Optimus.
Bertholdt gritted his teeth as he slammed his body to the cage door. This wasn't working; he needed to get out before Optimus or the flying titan came back.
Bertholdt yelled in pain as one more body slam against the door seemed to have hurt his shoulder. He looked at the brick wall before he began to feel it, seeing if one of the bricks were loose. He found a brick that was loose and began to pull it out of its socket. Bertholdt stumbled back as the brick came loose and fell to the floor, breaking in two. Bertholdt picked up one of the bricks and started slamming it against the door.
Bertholdt yelled in anger before throwing the brick against the back of the key pad. He couldn't die here; he refused to die here. He wanted to go back home. He wanted to go back to Liberio.
4 hours later (Stohess District)
Erwin kneeled before the council with members of both the Garrison and the Military Police behind him. He was about to be executed by hanging, and the council along with their fake king, wanted to hear his case first.
"Erwin, do you have any explanation of the actions that the Survey Corps has committed during the past couple of days," one of them asked, "Attacking Military Policemen and even killing them, refusing to turn themselves in, and the refusal of turning Eren and Optimus when requested. Not to mention the Survey Corps killing the Reeves Company for an unknown reason. Understand that whatever you say now decides your fate and the rest of the Survey Corps. So please, find a way to persuade us."
"Losing the Survey Corps would mean that humanity would lose its spear," Erwin declared, "You do not protect yourself from an enemy with a shield. You do it with a spear, a sword. If you get rid of us, humanity has nothing left. What if Wall Rose was destroyed at this exact moment? Wall Sina would have to take in refugees once again. But there is a lack of food and supplies, and humanity will have to worry about another threat besides the titans. A civil war between Wall Rose and Sina would begin."
"Are you saying the Survey Corps is the best solution for a situation like this?" the man asked.
"If we do nothing, humanity's survival will only dwindle," Erwin retorted, "Or…do you have some sort of solution for that problem."
"Do you?" the man countered, "A rumor has been flying around about another titan like Optimus. One who can fly and was able to defeat the Colossal Titan. Is that true?"
Erwin remained silent before speaking. "Yes."
Nile became confused at Erwin response while Pixis looked down at Erwin.
"You mean to tell us you've kept a titan strong enough to defeat the Colossal Titan a secret?" a priest questioned, "Explain yourself now."
"He's not like Optimus," Erwin declared, "He's sadistic and manipulative. He can get inside your head and figure out your motives. He's only one in this world that can go head to head with Optimus. The only reason he hasn't done anything rash is because Optimus has restrained him. But what happens when the Survey Corps is disbanded? Optimus will leave the walls like he said, and the flying titan has no restraint, no one to watch him. He'll destroy everything. And I doubt you have a solution to that problem."
Erwin noticed the council giving quick glances towards each other. Did they have a solution to counter act Megatron and Optimus?
"Commander Pixis," one of them began, "The Survey Corps and the Garrison have been working together recently, laying down their lives to protect humanity. Are you working with the Survey Corps right now? Do you intend to turn against humanity?"
Pixis looked Erwin in the eye before looking back at the council. "No. Turning against humanity would be foolish. All we wish to focus on is defending against any threat that might destroy our small world."
The councilman who asked the question laughed at his response. "My apologies for the rudeness. I guess we wouldn't want it to come to that."
"I suppose that's all we need," the priest said, "Take Erwin to the gallows."
Nile watched as a soldier picked up Erwin by his arm and noticed Erwin was smirking. What…what was he up to?
At that moment, Pixis' escort, Anka, barged into the room with a grim expression on her face.
"Wall Rose has been breached!" She shouted, "The Colossal and Armored Titan have breached the wall after their sudden appearance! Refugees are coming in from the South at this moment!"
Nile got over his shock and noticed Erwin was looking at him, waiting for his decision. What would he do? Would he help or let people die?
"Secure an evacuation route!" Pixis ordered, "Get the Garrison to support the evacuation route! Safely evacuating these people is our top priority!"
"NO!" a councilman shouted as he stood up, "Close the gates to Wall Sina! Don't let a single refugee in!"
Nile stared at the councilman in shock while Anka whispered something in Pixis' ear.
"But the people of Wall Rose," Nile began, "Do we just let half of humanity die?"
"Letting them in would cause a civil war!" the councilman retorted, "There would be no way to prevent that!"
"But we don't know if that would happen," Nile retorted.
"But it could happen!" the councilman said.
"In that case…, I'll stand with Wall Rose," Nile declared, "I'm not going to stand by and allow millions to die."
"We gave you an order!" the councilman shouted.
"And is that order worth more than the lives of the innocent?!" Nile demanded, "I'm standing by my decision."
"Then may I join to help you folks," a voice said.
Everyone turned to see Commander Zackley walking in with multiple soldiers.
"Sorry I'm late, Zackley remarked, "I just wanted to confirm the reports. There in fact is no breach; however, Optimus Prime is outside demanding the presence of the council."
Suddenly the whole room was silent as they heard…chanting, coming from the other side of the wall.
"What the hell is that?" the councilman demanded.
"You're audience," Zackley answered.
The councilmen were forced to ride their way to the top of the wall with Erwin and the other members of the military. When they reached the top, the councilman looked in shock and horror at the sight before them. Erwin looked at their faces before staring down at the sight before them. A large portion, maybe even half of the population of Wall Rose, was standing before them with Optimus Prime in front of them chanting "down with the king and long live the queen!"
Erwin noticed Hanji down at the foot of the titan as she mouthed something about 'losing control of the situation.'
"Erwin, call off the metal titan!" the councilman ordered.
"I don't think I can do that this time," Erwin admitted.
The councilman gritted his teeth before looking back at the metal titan. "What is the meaning of this, titan?! Call these people off!"
"My name is Optimus Prime!" Optimus exclaimed, "And I will not follow your orders! The people you see before you are tired of your rule! You have refused to help repair their homes and their lives while you hide behind Wall Sina! You squander you resources to make the system benefit your own while harming the people you swore to protect!"
"Trost's is about to go bankrupt!" one shouted.
"Too many of us are dying of starvation!" another added.
"You-we've provided protection for you all!" the councilman shouted, "We kept you safe from the titans!"
Nile gritted his teeth as he aimed his rifle at the councilman's head. "Five minutes ago, you were willing to shut the gates to prevent the people from coming in and seeking refuge!"
"You liars!" someone shouted, causing uproars from the crowd.
"Multiple eye witnesses state that your government ordered the death of members of the Reeves Company, a provider for the Trost District and other parts of Wall Rose!" Optimus retorted, "Sources also state that you ordered Eren Jaeger and Historia Reiss to be taken from the Survey Corps without a direct order! You have also framed the Survey Corps, claiming they were the ones that attacked Military Police, when they were defending themselves from your soldiers! You've personally used my resource to live to make advancements in technology, but refuse to share it with this world because of your irrational fear of losing power! And now you wish to close the gates of Wall Sina because you refused to try and save what was left of humanity!"
The councilman looked uneasy, realizing that they have been figured out. Meanwhile, Erwin felt a swell of hope while Pixis made sure to wait before giving any orders.
"The people refuse to serve a king that would willingly let them die!" Optimus declared, "And while you were cowering in fear behind these wall, Historia Reiss, an heir to the throne you believed was a mistake, was risking her life to help these people take back Trost and Wall Maria! She didn't have to, but she chose to, and that is why I would rather follow her than humans like you!"
"Wh-what makes you think we'll just step down?!" the councilman demanded.
"You're council was the exact system on my home!" Optimus answered, "A council that inevitably led to a revolution, war, and the destruction of my home! I refuse to let that happen on any other world again, and I will do what I must to prevent that from happening again! And I will always choose to side with the people who wish for a better life and future! Down with the king and long live the queen!"
"DOWN WITH THE KING AND LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! DOWN WITH THE KING AND LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!" the crowd chanted.
Erwin felt chills rush up his spine as the crowd continued to chant. Pixis nodded his head towards Zackley before ordering some of his men to aim their weapons at the council.
"Well, the people have spoken," Zackley declared, "You four will be arrested for your crimes of treason along with anyone else that cooperated with you."
The crowd began to cheer as the former council was being dragged away by the military. Hanji cheered with relief while Optimus felt the tension and adrenaline leave his body. He looked back at the walls and noticed Erwin looking down at him. The situation was still far from over. They still needed to retrieve Eren and Historia.
"Kenny, we have a problem!" his lieutenant called out as she jumped from her post on the pillars in the cave, "Reports stated that the government has been overthrown! The metal titan somehow managed to lead nearly half the population of Wall Rose."
"Fucking hell," Kenny cursed, "We need this power more than ever. The Survey Corps will no doubt be coming for us soon."
"How do you plan to steal the power for yourself?" his lieutenant asked.
"I'm working on it," Kenny stated, "Just get back to your post,"
She nodded her head as she returned to her position while Kenny used his 3D gear to go to where Eren and Historia were. The Survey Corps would be here, and so would that gray swordsman. He had no doubt that the swordsman was the flying titan. His skill, his attitude, and his speech sounded similar to the metal titan. Meaning that him taking down the Colossal Titan was also a true report as well. He needed that power, and fast.
"The military is helping the crowd Optimus brought with him back to their homes," Zackley explained to him as they walked down the hallway of the castle, "The councilman and the aristocracy helping out with the government are currently being sought after and will no doubt be arrested. And as far as I'm concerned, they don't know about Bertholdt's condition."
"Thank you," Erwin said before noticing Hanji stomping towards him with Pixis right behind her.
"If you'll excuse me, I have some…interrogation I need to be," Zackley said before walking past Hanji while greeting Commander Pixis.
"Hanji-"
Hanji slapped Erwin in the face before he could say anything else. "You're a fucking idiot."
Erwin grunted in surprise as Hanji gave him a tight hug. "I missed you, you bushy brow overlord."
Erwin felt his cheek sting as Hanji slapped him in the face. "Why would you do that, you fucker?!"
"Hanji, any more of this and you may smack his face off," Pixis remarked.
"I know! I'm sorry! I'm just-ah! I'm glad you're okay!" Hanji cried as she strangled him once more.
"Thank you, Hanji," Erwin winced, "But I need you to let go."
"Sorry," Hanji apologized with a sheepish smile before letting Erwin go. The Commander gave a small smile at Hanji's antics before noticing Optimus remaining aloof from their conversation with his eyes on him.
Pixis seemed to notice this and put his hand on Hanji's shoulder. "Hanji, why don't we discuss a method of retrieving Eren and Historia?"
"Oh, right," Hanji remembered before glaring at Erwin. "You better not do anything fucking stupid you ass."
Erwin sighed as Hanji walked down the hall with Pixis, leaving him alone with the former Autobot leader.
"That was foolish of you to go and turn yourself in," Optimus proclaimed, "You could've been killed."
"But I wasn't, thanks to that stunt you pulled," Erwin retorted.
That earned an unamused look from Optimus, causing Erwin to gulp.
"I…am sorry…for lying to you," Erwin admitted, "It was wrong; it was selfish of me, especially since you've been giving your life and time to protect humanity. I've just been using you for my own personal gain, and I've ended up killing people I cared about because of that reason."
"I'm not the only one you should be apologizing to," Optimus declared, "Hanji and Levi have dedicated their lives to this cause."
"I know," Erwin sighed, "I've done horrible thing. If you want to leave-"
"I will not leave," Optimus interrupted, causing Erwin to look at him in shock.
"I don't understand. Why?" Erwin asked.
"Many reasons, but the main one is that the people here need my help," Optimus answered.
"I…see," Erwin trailed off.
"Erwin, you lied to me, and I did trust you," Optimus declared, "I listened to your side of the story and have seen your situation with my own eyes. It will take time for me to forgive you for your deception, but there is one thing that I need to know.
Erwin tensed as Optimus looked him in the eye. "Do you still intend to lead the Survey Corps with your own selfish intention?"
"How will you respond?" Erwin asked.
"It depends on your answer," Optimus merely stated.
Erwin averted his gaze from the Prime. If he lied, humanity would still have one of the most powerful titans in the universe. If he told the truth, Optimus might change his mind and abandon the Survey Corps.
"If you use Optimus for your own selfish intention and not for the thing he is truly fight for, I guarantee that you will die, but not before the rest of humanity dies before your very eyes,"
Erwin closed his eyes and sighed. No more lies. The walls didn't have to pay for his actions.
"I…I can't lie to you," Erwin answered, "I feel like I am closer to the truth than ever, and I can't turn away from that now. I'm sorry Optimus, but I still have to do this. Once we do discover the truth, I will happily relinquish my command, but for now, I cannot."
Optimus stared at Erwin with sadness and disappointment. "Then you have made your choice, and I cannot follow someone who has their own selfish desire. I will no longer follow your orders."
Erwin merely nodded his head as Optimus deactivated his holoform.
"So…," Hanji trailed off as she and Pixis walked back to Erwin.
"How much did you hear?" Erwin asked.
"All of it," Pixis answered.
"So now what do we do?" Hanji demanded.
"Our next scouting mission will be towards Wall Maria and Eren's basement," Erwin declared, "Once we figure out what is in there, I will relinquish my title to you, Hanji."
"Are you sure about that?" Hanji asked, "You sure there isn't anyone else alive that is more qualified?"
"I'm sorry, Hanji," Erwin apologized, "But we still need Optimus."
"We've made strides without Optimus," Hanji retorted.
"But he had provided humanity hope," Erwin countered, "Something the Survey Corps failed to do for a century. We still need him."
"But…I'm not ready," Hanji sighed.
Erwin looked at Hanji and gave her a small smile. "I couldn't think of anyone else more qualified."
Optimus raised his helm towards the orange sky in his bipedal mode before placing two fingers against his audio receptors.
"Me-"
"I called you more than ten times and you have refused to answer me!" Megatron shouted through his comm., "What were you doing?!"
"I apologize," Optimus said, "Today was rather…eventful. We've managed to succeed and overthrew the council currently in power."
"Well, that's just splendid, but it's most likely going to get worse from here," Megatron retorted, "That Lionheart you asked me to get has had energon in her systems for nearly twelve hours, but is still breathing and functioning properly."
"What?" Optimus breathed in horror.
"Also, the girl can instantly regenerate her wounds!" Megatron added, "Whatever that Reiss person did, he clearly succeeded in whatever he was trying to create."
"A more powerful titan," Optimus realized.
"Most likely meant to combat us," Megatron proclaimed, "I'm really suggesting that we kill her, but the other humans are saying not to, for some slagging reason! She will kill them! But of course humans are just too slagging incompetent and merciful that-"
"Megatron, you can leave," Optimus interrupted.
"…Excuse you?"
"I understand that you do not want to be here. Even when I yelled at you before, I would have most likely kept you here because I was afraid you would do something heinous," Optimus explained, "Once we retrieve Eren and end this coup, you can leave this world, and I will not stop you."
"…What made you change your mind?" Megatron asked.
"Nothing," Optimus answered, "I should not have kept you here, even though you said that you wouldn't harm another. Instead, I threw you into a situation that wasn't your choice causing you to do more harm. I forced you into a conflict that you did not wish to be a part of. I should not have done that to you, and I am sorry for that. Once all of this is over, I will not stop you from leaving."
Before Megatron could respond, Optimus ended the comm. The Prime sighed to himself and rubbed his head. He just wanted this to be over.
Megatron felt his servo shaking before clenching it into a fist. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Optimus wasn't supposed to apologize. He wasn't supposed to leave! He…can't leave! He had to fix the damage between them; it still wasn't right!
Megatron yelled as he stomped his foot into the ground. What was he supposed to do?! If he leaves, Optimus is stuck here and things aren't right! If he stays, Optimus might think he's plotting something! How was he supposed to do this?!
He…he needed advice. But from who? Everyone feared him or despised him! The Ackerman is merely on a mutual term with him. She wasn't one who he would discuss something personal. He merely respected her for her will and combat!
Megatron growled in irritation. The only one who he could discuss anything with was Pax. But he knew too much! Even if he promised to keep his motivation a secret, how long would it take for him to tell it to everyone?! But…he needed to figure this out!
Megatron screamed in anger and frustration before transforming and flying to Wall Sina.
Later in the night
Mikasa quickly checked on Annie to see that she was still unconscious before grabbing a rifle from the cart and loading it for her turn at reconnaissance.
"Mikasa, I need to talk to you," Levi stated as he walked towards her.
"What about?" Mikasa asked.
"I know that you and Armin didn't talk fully about what happened between you and Megatron," Levi declared.
"It's…not safe to share," Mikasa admitted.
Levi raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean 'not safe'? Did he hurt you?"
Mikasa merely shook her head.
"Then why is it not safe to share?" Levi demanded.
"I can't say," Mikasa answered.
"Mikasa, I'm giving you an order," Levi declared, "Tell me what happened out there."
"Captain, if I do, then it put's Armin in a dangerous spot," Mikasa proclaimed.
Levi remembered Armin being tense while talking about Megatron and Mikasa quietly tapping him while he told his friends what the 'con was like. "Does Armin know something?"
Mikasa nodded her head.
"Do I have to ask him?" Levi questioned.
"Don't ask him," Mikasa pleaded, "I can tell you what I know, but…you have to pretend you don't know yourself."
"What does Armin know?" Levi asked.
Mikasa scanned the area to make sure no one was listening to them. "It's about what Armin figured out. He figured out Megatron's motivation for staying on our world."
That took Levi completely off-guard. Armin managed to figure out Megatron's motivation? Maybe that was the reason why he went to help Megatron find Annie.
"Do you know Megatron's motivation?" Levi asked.
"Something about making things right with Optimus," Mikasa answered, "If Megatron did what Optimus asked, then that would help fix part of their relationship."
"Did Megatron confess to that?" Levi demanded, "He could have easily duped Armin."
Mikasa shook her head. "When Armin stated his claim, I know it threw Megatron completely off guard. He didn't say anything,…but it looked like he was in so much pain."
"Are you…sure about that?" Levi hesitated. The idea of Megatron being vulnerable was too surreal. He was supposed to be this undefeated champion and one of the strongest titans. Then he remembered Optimus breaking down in front of him because he didn't know how to handle Megatron.
"I'm sure," Mikasa answered.
"So why exactly does this put Armin in a dangerous spot? Dangerous enough to withhold the information?" Levi demanded.
"Because Armin wasn't supposed to find that out," Mikasa emphasized, "He mentioned it before: Megatron wants to be one step ahead of his opponents. He wants to know their weaknesses and strengths. Armin managed to outsmart a former tyrant, someone Optimus was fighting for years. What if Megatron's wants to kill him because he knows the truth? What if Armin's dead because we know something we weren't supposed to?"
"Why not you then?" Levi asked, "What's the difference between you and Armin?"
"Megatron said that he tolerated me because I didn't show any fear towards him and that I'm willing to kill," Mikasa explained, "I wasn't trying to find out anything personal about him. He can keep that to himself. I just wanted him to see that humanity was something worth fighting for and that it wasn't a spineless waste."
Levi sighed. "You shouldn't keep that to yourself."
"I know," Mikasa admitted, "It seems selfish too, but if I don't, Armin is killed. We don't have many Survey Corps members as it is. Until the situation changes, please pretend you don't know."
Levi thought it over for a moment. He didn't want anyone dying, especially from that buckethead. "Fine, but you can't keep this to yourself."
Levi and Mikasa heard galloping coming towards them, causing the captain to grab the other rifle in the cart. The two got into position and fired at the horse, but horse stopped in alarm and knocked off its rider. They looked over to see Hanji groaning in pain as her horse calmed down.
"I tried looking for you for the past hour!" Hanji shouted, "A hello would've been nice!"
"What happened?" Levi asked.
Hanji merely smiled as she pulled out a sheet of paper. "We won."
Megatron located the Survey Corps in Wall Sina and activated his holoform a couple of yards from their area. As he walked towards them, he could've sworn that he heard cheering. He arrived at their camping site to see most of the Survey Corps cheering and hugging each other.
'Seems they received the news,' Megatron thought before noticing the mad scientist speaking with the dwarf. As the dwarf walked away, the former warlord walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise.
"God fuck-" The mad scientist stopped herself when she looked at the holoform, "Hey,"
"I see the news has reached the children," Megatron remarked.
"Optimus told you," the mad scientist assumed, "It might go to waste if we don't retrieve Eren and Historia."
"Have you figured out why Reiss wants to eat Prime's Pet?" Megatron demanded.
"Something about the royal family having the ability to wipe memories," the mad scientist answered, "I managed to get some of the information from those councilmen before I came here. I didn't get full detail, but it does make sense considering whatever power is in Eren can control titans. Point is if we don't get Eren and he gets eaten by someone of the royal family, they can wipe the memories of everyone in the walls. Survey Corps will be labeled as criminals and be executed and Optimus could be labeled as another titan. Maybe even exiled or executed."
Megatron merely held his tongue. He didn't want that for Optimus. If Optimus does get exiled, he has nowhere to go. He can't get him off of here and to Cybertron. That also meant there was no excuse: he had to kill Reiss the moment he saw him.
"Why isn't Optimus here now?" Megatron asked.
"We needed help securing any loose ends from the old government," Hanji answered, "Once he's done with that, he'll make his way here with Erwin and the others."
"By the way," the mad scientist began, "I know that don't like being here and that you don't like human and we disgust you and all-"
"Get to the point, mad scientist," Megatron ordered.
"Thank you," the mad scientist blurted out, "For you know helping us humans out. You could've left, but you didn't, and we really appreciate it."
Megatron looked down and raised an eyebrow as she held out her hand towards him. He didn't shake it, causing the scientist to awkwardly retract her hand.
"Still hate humans, right," the mad scientist mumbled to herself.
"Hey, buckethead!" the dwarf called out as he walked towards him with a sheet of paper; "You said you know where to find Eren. We need you to explain."
Megatron growled in irritation while the mad scientist got in front of him.
"Please just bare this for a couple more hours," the mad scientist pleaded, "I already had to deal with Optimus going crazy and leading the people of Wall Rose to Wall Sina."
"He did what?"
"Long story. Just please help us with the plan," she begged.
Megatron sighed as the dwarf set the paper down with a pencil in hand. "It's a small church that shouldn't be too far from our location. There is a hatch under a carpet in the center of the room which leads to a set of stairs descending into deeper ground. There's another door that needs to be opened which leads to the underground cave. As far as I'm concerned, that's the only entrance there. That mean the moment you enter, you're left wide open. The only issue is the length of the cave. I wasn't able to discover how long the cave goes. Staying to long could have gotten us caught."
"Any hide outs?" the dwarf asked as he finished the small sketch, "Any way we can use the cave to our advantage?"
"The pillars in the cave would be the closest thing to a hideout," Megatron answered, "The Military Police would most likely hide behind the pillars and commence a surprise attack. The cave itself is still rather spacious, so you could use that to your advantage."
The mad scientist snapped her fingers. "Smoke covers! Like the way Megatron pulled it off when the Military Police attacked you guys. We need it on a bigger scale."
"We don't exactly have the ammunition from a TNT cannon," the dwarf retorted.
"We could use barrels and fill it up with oil," the mad scientist suggested, "The smoke will make the guns on their 3D gear useless since they leave a smoke trail."
"I did manage to grab one of their ammunition rounds," Megatron added.
"The round that was laced with energon," the mad scientist recalled, "We could use that as a last resort. Use it to take out the rest of the soldiers if it gets too hard."
"We might have to gather them all in one place," the dwarf decided, "Let's tell the kids."
The mad scientist nodded her head as the two of them ran over to the children. Megatron watched them discuss the plan before making his way towards the cart and picking up his sword. He pulled it slightly to reveal the sharp blade, looking at his reflection.
He would have to stay a little bit longer. A little longer, and he had the option to leave. Where would we go? He had nowhere to go. If he was by himself, he would be tortured by his own thoughts, his failures, everything that he did wrong. Here, he had a chance to make this right, but he didn't know how he could do it. Who was he supposed to be? Who was he now? What was he supposed to do?
Megatron placed his head on the handle of the sword. He had no time to dwindle on that now. He had to focus on the mission. For Optimus…
Eren opened his eyes and found himself in a bright, underground cave. He noticed that his hands and feet were bound to change while he had a muzzle on his mouth. Where was he? Was it day time? Was it night time? Where were his friends?
He looked down to see Historia discussing something with her father. Rod walked away to grab something before Historia noticed Eren was awake.
"Eren, are you awake?! Eren, everything is alright!" Historia proclaimed, "My father is fighting for humanity! He's here to help us! He may have fought the Survey Corps, but he did all in the name of humanity!"
Eren became confused. What did Rod tell her? How much time passed since she first talked to him? Why does this place look familiar?
"What is wrong?" Rod asked as he and Historia walked up the stairs, "This is your first time here, but it wouldn't be odd if you remember seeing it."
'What did he mean?' Eren thought.
Rod raised his hand. "Historia, I need you to place your hand on his back. Doing so will allow access to his memories and provide you an explanation."
Eren felt two hands being placed on his back, and suddenly a surge of memories flooded through his mind. A church? The cave? More members of Historia's family, the woman he saw before, and another female titan. Whose memories were these?
People were dying, the church was on fire, the key. His father giving him the key and the serum! He was screaming, he turned into a titan. He was holding his father's glasses as the titan corpse rotted behind him.
He ate his own father.
Armin quietly sat in the cart next to an unconscious Annie while he was fixing one of the pistols. Apparently one of them was broken, so he took a look and noticed one of the parts were loose. He managed to put the part back together before looking over at Annie's form. He thought of the days of the Cadet Corps and how she, Reiner, and Bertholdt played them all. Did they…did they really want them dead?
Armin grunted as he felt someone grab his arm and pull him off the cart. Armin turned around and looked up to see that he was face to face with Megatron.
"What are you doing?" Megatron demanded.
"I-I was fixing the pistol," Armin stuttered.
"While sitting next to that creature that would've no doubt killed you since you were in such close proximity to her," Megatron retorted, "And you foolishly let your guard down simply because she was unconscious!"
Armin winced as he felt Megatron squeezing his arm. "I-I didn't mean to,"
Megatron noticed the pain in Armin's face and quickly let go of his arm. Armin rubbed his arm to ease the pain while Megatron refused to look the boy in the eye.
"You said that you were fixing the pistol," Megatron recalled.
Armin looked at the pistol in his hand and gave to Megatron. "I worked with Hanji to make technological advancements. So I know a thing or two about how to fix the pistols."
Megatron opened the revolver to reveal that the gun was loaded. He closed the device before looking down at Armin. "Did you tell anyone?"
Armin felt the pain in his arm fade away as he noticed Megatron's eyes were on him. Armin slightly gulped as Megatron pulled down the hammer of the pistol.
"No," Armin answered, "I didn't say anything."
Megatron pushed the hammer back up before walking over to the cart and grabbing his weapons.
"Even if I did say anything, what good would killing me do?" Armin demanded.
Megatron stopped and glared at Armin. "If you did tell someone, I would see you as a liar, a traitor. I pour my spark to you and you go and tell the people that either hate or fear me."
Armin took a step back as Megatron positioned his sword at his neck. "Liars and traitors don't deserve mercy."
"Guess that same logic would apply to you then," Armin retorted.
Megatron chuckled as he lowered the sword. "I suppose so."
Armin sighed to himself as Megatron placed his shield on his back. "I'm guessing you wanted to see if I lied to you or not, so I'm going to help Hanji set up the bomb."
Megatron watched as Armin made his way around the cart, but put a hand on his shoulder to prevent him from moving any further. The former warlord felt the boy tense at the contact and decided to remove his hand.
"I…I need advice," Megatron admitted in a rushed manner.
Armin gave Megatron a bewildered look as he took a step back, causing Megatron to sigh in irritation.
"I'm not going to hurt you," Megatron growled through his teeth.
"Just...Why would you ask me? Why not Mikasa? You get along better with her," Armin reasoned.
"As much as I am impressed by her motivation, Ackerman is only here for one reason, and that is to keep watch over Prime's Pet," Megatron explained, "She's not exactly one I can get solid advice from."
"So…you ask me?" Armin questioned.
Megatron growled to himself. "This was a mistake."
"I'm sorry," Armin apologized as Megatron was walking away, "You're not used to this."
Armin rubbed his hands together to ease his nervousness. He was giving advice…to a four million fucking year old titan that's been bent on destruction. This is going to be fun. "What is it that you need advice on?"
Megatron took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Optimus said that I could leave this world once the coup is over."
Armin…didn't know how to respond to that. He knew Megatron hated humans, so this should be something that he wants. But his main motivation is to make this right with Optimus, and leaving wouldn't exactly be the best option for him. However, Armin had to make sure his response didn't sound half-assed or insulting.
"Do you…want to leave?" Armin asked.
"I prefer rotting at the bottom of Earth's ocean than staying on this backwards planet," Megatron hissed.
"But what about Optimus?" Armin continued, "He's left here by himself."
Megatron merely pinched the bridge of the holoform's nose before he began to pace. "I'm completely aware. If I leave, Optimus is left here and nothing between us changes. If I stay, Optimus might think I have some ulterior motive in destroying you humans."
"Or maybe Optimus might think you're having a change of heart," Armin suggested, causing Megatron to stop his pacing, "You did say you forfeited the war."
"And the moment I've stepped onto this planet I've been met with hostility, death threats, and creatures like Lionheart," Megatron countered.
"That is true," Armin agreed, "But you thought Optimus was dead before you found him here. The next time he does die, there won't be another chance like this again."
Megatron took a quick glance at Armin and thought it over.
"If Optimus really means that much to you, I think staying on this world might be a small sacrifice in order to get what you want," Armin declared, "You are still helping us out, so that is a start. If you do want to leave, then that's your choice."
Megatron didn't respond, causing Armin to shift at the awkward tension.
"So…why did you tell me about this?" Armin asked.
"Because talking to the dwarf would be such a nice conversation," Megatron answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Armin merely deadpanned, noticing the former warlord's guard was back up. "I'm going to help set up the bomb."
Megatron watched as Armin walked over to the mad scientist. Once he was out of sight, the ex-con turned towards the cart and walked over to Lionheart. He checked the creature's pulse to see if she was still alive while noticing the energon still in her veins. He left the girl alone and grabbed the other pistol before walking away, unaware that Annie opened both of her eyes.