"She what?" Levi demanded.
"How did she escape?" Optimus demanded.
"I don't fucking know!" Hanji exclaimed as she sat up from the table, "Oh man, she's going to find out about Bertholdt and hunt us down and-"
"Ms. Zoe, please calm down," Optimus advised, "We need to investigate her whereabouts."
"She could've left the wall by now," Levi retorted.
"But what if she hears about Wall Rose?" Hanji retorted, "Rumors are already spreading about Megatron!"
"God fucking damn it. We can't have people freaking out about buckethead," Levi declared.
"What about the Commander?" Optimus asked, "He is supposed to be traveling to the Capital."
"Yeah, he has to go to the capital about some stuff regarding the council. He'll stop by the prison along the way," Hanji explained, "We had her on total lockdown! She couldn't transform! How the fuck did she get out?!"
A idea suddenly sprang in her head. She remembered Megatron being able to communicate with Optimus by tapping his head and he could do it from a certain distance. Maybe one of them could go over there and send instant feedback.
"Optimus, I have an idea," Hanji began, "Let's send Megatron."
Mobilit yelped as he dropped some supplies he was carrying.
"You've officially lost it," Levi declared.
"That is out of the question," Optimus stated, "I am not sending Megatron into a highly populated area."
"Megatron can fly and stay above the town. No one will notice if he keeps his distance," Hanji retorted.
"Megatron's form already stands out on this world, and this world has not invented the concept of flight," Optimus countered.
"You stick out too!" Hanji shouted, "I haven't seen a caravan other than you that's red and blue!"
"Megatron does not possess a holoform,"
"We don't even know if that's true!"
"Megatron despises humanity," Optimus reminded, "Do you really believe he would install a program that would allow him to walk amongst them?"
"Just ask the bastard about it," Levi cut in, "If he doesn't have one, then we can wait until Erwin sends us something."
Optimus sighed. "Fine,"
"I'll come with you," Hanji suggested.
"You will stay here," Optimus ordered, deactivating the holoform.
Hanji groaned. "I have to do research!"
"Shut up, shit glasses," Levi said.
* * *
Optimus transformed into his bipedal mode and saw Megatron stretching his legs.
"I see you've managed to stop that screeching," Megatron remarked.
"One of the humans was having a panic attack," Optimus explained, "There's been a problem with one of our prisoners."
"I thought there was only one prisoner," Megatron recalled as he stopped stretching and looked at the Prime.
"There was another titan shifter we found a week ago," Optimus explained as he opened his crate and took out two pieces of energon, "She managed to escape from her cell."
Megatron sighed as Optimus threw the piece and he caught it. "How many more of these 'titan shifters' are there?"
"So far there are six," Optimus answered, "But the titan village that three of them hail from may contain more. We need that location."
"What's the point of having the location if there is no map to lead you there?" Megatron asked.
"We will get to that point when we retrieve the information required," Optimus answered, "The Commander is going to her cell to investigate how she escaped."
"And why are you telling me this?" Megatron demanded while biting the energon.
"One of the humans suggested that you help the Commander," Optimus explained, "It is in a rather populated area and I doubt you have a holoform-"
"I do, actually," Megatron stated after he swallowed.
Optimus looked at his former enemy in bewilderment while Megatron rolled his optics. "Soundwave suggested it, and I never bothered to remove it from my systems."
Optimus didn't want to do this, but they needed answers fast. "One of the humans wish to speak with you regarding the meeting."
* * *
"Okay, so we have all the supplies and the three pistols we managed to make before going to Sina," Hanji declared while looking at the table of tools, "Hopefully we can make some more."
"Prime was the one who tested them out so you wouldn't hurt yourself. That might not happen this time around," Levi reminded.
"We'll manage it," Hanji declared while putting gloves on, "Hopefully Optimus and Megatron can put aside their differences and not try to kill each other."
"I doubt that," Levi proclaimed.
"I know," Hanji groaned, "We can't use Armin anymore either if Megatron is going to be here. Can't risk putting him in danger."
"Like Prime's going to let you do research on Buckethead," Levi retorted, "He's keeping everyone away."
"Why do you keep calling Megatron 'Buckethead'?" Hanji asked.
"His head looks like a bucket with those weird cat ears," Levi answered.
"I don't think those are his ears," Hanji remarked.
"I brought Megatron," Optimus informed as he walked towards the two with Megatron's holoform in tow.
Levi's body stiffened, hand sneaking towards the gun on the table. One of them had to be loaded; he knew that. Hanji; however, was ecstatic to meet the ex-con. Her grin looked like it was going to split her face. She was about to run to him and bombard him with questions, but Levi yanked her back by her neck collar.
"Levi," Hanji quietly whined.
"Alright, I'm here. What is it that you want?" Megatron demanded with his arms crossed.
"Our Commander is going to the Capital tomorrow," Hanji explained, "After he talks to our government, he's going to go to Annie's underground cell. We need you to meet up with him and figure out how Annie escaped."
"Yet I have no knowledge of where to meet up with this human," Megatron retorted.
"Hold on, I think Mobilit has a drawing," Hanji stated before going to the table and through Mobilit's sketchbook. Megatron glanced at Levi and noticed his hands behind his back. Levi merely gave an unreadable expression as his finger went for the trigger.
"Found it!" Hanji exclaimed as she showed the drawing to Megatron, "Has a lot of windows. Also the Capital is just north of one of Stohess District. If you see a city surrounding by a smaller wall, then you're already on the right track."
"I'm aware of what those are," Megatron declared.
"Oh, good," Hanji smiled, "And the person you'll meet is Commander Erwin: pretty tall, blonde, bushy eyebrows, can't miss."
"And you want me to communicate with Optimus about the situation," Megatron concluded.
"Well that's what you did with the whole Wall Rose incident," Hanji assumed, "Or at least that's what I saw, but I have no idea if it works long distance-"
"It does," Megatron stated.
"So will you do it?" Hanji asked.
Megatron glanced back at Optimus before sighing. "Fine."
"Really?" Hanji squealed.
"I have nothing else to do," Megatron shrugged.
Levi turned his gaze towards Optimus, trying to find out Optimus was sure about the situation, but even Optimus was startled by Megatron's answer. Why was Megatron agreeing to help the humans?
"So...can I ask you a couple of questions?" Hanji asked as she grabbed her notebook from the table.
"And we're done," Levi declared before grabbing Hanji by her collar and dragging her.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Hanji yelled.
Megatron heard a faint noise and glanced to see an arrow heading straight for him. The ex-con caught the arrow that nearly hit his eye. Hanji gaped in surprise while Levi and Optimus mentally cursed.
"Not a bad shot," Megatron mumbled to himself as he broke the arrow and dropped it on the ground.
Levi dropped Hanji and put the gun on the table before walking towards the cabin.
"Did that hurt?" Hanji asked.
"No," Megatron stated as he leaned against a tree.
* * *
Sasha slammed the front door and panted heavily. "I'm so dead."
"What happened?" Armin asked.
"I may have shot an arrow at the Flying Titan," Sasha whimpered.
"What?!" Armin exclaimed.
Sasha yelped and fell forward from a force that kicked the door.
"Where the fuck is potato girl?!" Levi demanded.
* * *
Eren looked through the window, grimacing at the sight of Megatron's holoform. So the bastard did have a human form? He then heard groaning and turned to see Armin dragging an unconscious Sasha to the couch.
"What happened to Sasha?" Eren asked with concern.
"Levi knocked her out because she shot an arrow at Megatron," Armin answered, "Help me."
Eren helped Armin lift Sasha up to the couch.
"Thanks," Armin said.
"Armin," Eren began, "Why didn't you say anything about Megatron?"
Armin sighed. "Optimus didn't want anyone knowing. He still wasn't sure if he could trust the rest of the Corps with something that personal. They used to be friends, so there's some emotional baggage."
"He's the one who made Optimus suffer!" Eren retorted.
"That may be true, but we don't know their entire story," Armin countered, "For all we know, there could've been some bizarre factor."
"Fuck that bizarre factor!" Eren shouted, "Megatron's no different than Bertholdt and Reiner! He's worse! He destroyed a world and is probably lying about the stupid Unicron thing!"
"Even if Megatron is lying, what difference would it make?" Armin demanded, "Megatron defeated Reiner and Bertholdt in combat! What's the point of getting angry if you don't have the power to defeat him?!"
Eren stared at Armin before scowling. That hurt, but he was right. Even with his power, Eren was nothing compared to the two leaders.
He never was.
* * *
"Can I touch the holoform?" Hanji asked.
"Touch me and see what happens," Megatron warned.
"Bitchy much?" Hanji questioned, causing Megatron to growl.
"Hanji, I need to speak with you," Optimus said as he pulled her away from Megatron.
Megatron looked at the table and saw Hanji's notebook lying there. He picked it up and began flipping through the pages of information. Some were about Optimus, some were ideas in advancing weapons, and some were about Optimus Prime's pet.
Megatron came across the page with the mystery figure and realized that Hanji had some information regarding him. Megatron was aware that only two people knew about him, why does the scientist have this?
"You cannot anger him under any circumstances," Optimus ordered.
"It's not my fault he has issues," Hanji retorted.
Optimus took a deep breath and sighed. "I understand that; however, Megatron will not take it lightly, especially with humans. Just because he stopped the war himself does not mean all of his opinions have changed. That includes how he sees humans. If you do want to know more about him, then try not to anger him, and I will maybe consider it."
Hanji smiled. "Really?"
"Don't get your hopes up shit face," Levi said as he walked up to them, "By the way where's buckethead?"
Optimus merely pointed to Megatron who was still at the table.
"Is he reading my notebook?" Hanji demanded before running towards the table.
"Let it go," Levi said as Optimus was about to grab her, "She's not going to stop so she might as well learn on her own."
"It will not be long before she might actually get killed," Optimus proclaimed.
"We do have to find a way to see if we can trust him, right?" Levi reminded, "Let's see if he can put up with Hanji?"
Optimus looked back at Hanji and Megatron. Hanji was gesturing to something written down while Megatron simply raised an eyebrow.
"Prime, there's something I have to tell you," Levi began, "Four eyes won't do it so I have to."
"What is it about?" Optimus asked.
"It's about the titans," Levi explained, "They 're...or they used to be...human."
"I know," Optimus declared.
Levi looked up at the Prime. "How long?"
"The beast titan told me," Optimus explained, "I...ended up losing what little control I had over my emotions and snapped."
"The beast titan told me," Optimus explained, "I...ended up losing what little control I had over my emotions and snapped."
"How are you cooping now?" Levi asked, "Do you think you can still kill a titan when it comes down to it?"
"I have no choice," Optimus sighed.
* * *
The Next Day
Megatron was in his bipedal mode watching the sun rise before turning to the Prime walking towards him.
"I have to head north, right?" Megatron recalled.
"Yes," Optimus answered, "Make sure to stay out of sight of the humans, and when you arrive, I want the comm. link on at all times."
"You know having the comm. link on for that long takes some energy," Megatron reminded.
"Then inform me of any important information that you find regardless Ms. Leonhart," Optimus instructed, "And if you harm anyone-"
"I won't," Megatron interrupted, "I gave up on conquest. I have no interest in harming anyone. You have my word."
Optimus stared Megatron in the optics. It was hard to believe that, but he had to make sure that Megatron was an ally.
"Report back immediately once you gather the information," Optimus instructed.
Megatron simply nodded his head before transforming and flying off. Optimus watched his form disappear from his sight before walking back to the cabin.
Eren ran out of the cabin after he heard a strange but familiar noise. He walked backwards and saw Megatron's alt mode flying north of the cabin. Eren gritted his teeth and looked behind him to see Optimus walking towards the cabin.
"Optimus, why are you letting him go?" Eren demanded as he crooned his head towards the titan.
"I am not," Optimus answered, "Ms. Zoe suggested that he meet with Commander Smith and investigate Leonhart's whereabouts."
"Why didn't you tell me about him?" Eren demanded, "Why didn't you tell me that Megatron was still alive?"
"I was not sure if he left Cybertron, and I was not sure if I would cross paths with him again," Optimus explained, "It did not affect anyone here, so I believed it would be better not to say anything to anyone."
"But...," Eren sighed.
"Eren, I am sorry about this," Optimus apologized, "I did not want all of this madness to happen."
"You still could've told us," Eren said before mumbling, "Could've told me."
Optimus sighed. "I understand that you're hurt, but there is nothing I can do to change what has happened."
* * *
Bertholdt winced and panted in pain as he curled in on himself and held his hand. It was getting worse; it was getting fucking worse.
Bertholdt was about to call out for help. Call for someone to stop the pain, but stopped himself and merely panted. No one would help him. No one would give a damn about him after what he did.
* * *
Erwin sighed to himself as he walked down the courtroom. The council, they were all lying in front of his face. They were all thinking about their own greed. They were willing to kill anyone that got in the way of their power.
Erwin saw the carriage waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs. Now he had to go investigate how Annie escaped.
"Are you the Commander of the Survey Corps?" a stern voice asked as he reached the bottom of the steps.
Erwin turned around to see a man in a gray trench coat with multiple coat with multiple scars on his face leaning against the brick wall.
"I am," Erwin answered, "Who are you? I doubt you would be trying to rob me if you're coming up to me like this."
"I have nothing to gain from you," the man answered, "I was sent here by Optimus and the mad scientist to investigate the whereabouts of the other creature. Mainly the mad scientist."
"Mad scientist?" Erwin questioned.
"I still don't have high expectations for you humans so don't expect me to call you by your real name," the man said.
"You're...Megatron?" Erwin asked, disbelief laced in his voice.
"There we go, about time you caught on," Megatron smirked.
Erwin tried to keep himself composed. He was so fucked.
* * *
Eren sat at the bottom of the cliff with his arms crossed as the rest of the Survey Corps were on higher ground. Hanji wanted to conduct some experiments and Optimus had to go grab something.
"Hey, Eren!" Hanji called from above, "You wanna transform until Optimus gets back?! Let's try to get a head start on the experiment!"
Eren nodded his head before biting his hand.
Optimus returned to the field with Megatron's sword when he saw Eren's titan form appear from thin air. The titan shifter stood up straight and looked at the Prime before glancing down at Megatron's sword.
"Hey, Optimus where have you been hiding that?" Hanji asked.
"I buried it," Optimus responded.
"Oh," Hanji said.
"Eren," Optimus began, the gaze of the teen falling back on him. The Prime threw the sword to Eren and he caught it.
"There is a switch on the sword," Optimus explained, "The hilt will transform into a full-length sword if you flick the switch."
Eren examined the hilt in his hand before pressing the switch. Eren jolted as the hilt transformed into a sword. Eren used his other hand to balance the weight of the blade. It was a little lighter than he expected, but he still wasn't used to holding it.
"So was that Megatron's main weapon during the war?" Hanji asked.
"Megatron used to have a built in sword and a fusion cannon on his right arm," Optimus explained, "When his body was changed, he lost it and gained the ability to summon weapons."
"Summon weapons?" Hanji questioned, "If he can do that, then why is he using a basic sword and shield?"
"Megatron most likely lost that ability when Unicron was removed from his spark," Optimus explained.
'Either that, or Megatron refuses to use anything related to Unicron,' Optimus thought.
* * *
Erwin remained as calm as possible, tapping his fingers on his knee. Usually he's much more composed, but he wasn't even sure about how to react.
The Commander was on his way to Annie's prison cell, and Hanji thought it would be a bright idea to send the damn Decepticon leader with him.
But Megatron, the leader of the Decepticons, rival and sworn enemy to Optimus Prime, the warlord responsible for destroying worlds, the one who defeated their world's greatest threats...
was sleeping.
Megatron was sitting across from Erwin, legs crossed, chin resting on his hand and eyes closed. Was Megatron letting his guard down? Was Megatron really that arrogant to not see Erwin as a threat? Could he actually sleep in that form?! Erwin was definitely going to cut Hanji's funding when he got the chance.
Erwin held onto his shoulder. This titan could kill him, despite what form he had. Erwin lacked skill, 3D gear, and an arm. Megatron could probably stage his death and make it look like a suicide.
"How long do you plan to stare at me?" Megatron spoke with his eyes still closed.
Erwin's body stiffened, hand moving back down to his side.
"If you're going to ask me questions, then do it," Megatron ordered, "I'm sure that you're curious about me. Depending if Optimus told you anything, or if the mad scientist showed you information about me from her book."
'He's knows about her notebook? How?' Erwin thought before speaking, "I wasn't expecting you to have a human form."
"My former third-in-command suggested it," Megatron informed, "I never bothered to delete from my systems."
"Then where is your real form?" Erwin asked.
Megatron merely pointed upwards.
'His form is flying above the city?' Erwin thought, 'How has no one noticed yet?'
"Would you mind telling me about your prisoner?" Megatron asked as he opened his eyes, "I was told to simply meet you here, but I wasn't told much about the prisoner's condition."
"She's been kept underground to prevent another transformation," Erwin explained, "She's been chained to the wall. Her hands and feet were bandaged to prevent other injuries on her skin and there is a muzzle on her mouth to prevent herself from biting her hand."
"Hand?" Megatron raised an eyebrow.
"Optimus shot Annie Leonhart in her titan form, but we weren't counting on the effects of her human form," Erwin explained, "We never bothered to test it out and she lost her arm."
A chill went up Erwin's spine as Megatron just stared at him before closing his eyes again. Erwin didn't understand. Why was he taking the situation so lightly?
Erwin felt the caravan stop and looked outside his window to see they were in front of the entrance to the underground prison. Erwin's breath hitched as Megatron opened the door and stepped out of the caravan. The ex-tyrant looked back at Erwin with a rather bored expression. "This is the location, right?"
"Why did you go in front?" Erwin asked as he stepped out.
Megatron smirked. "I doubt you would want me behind you, considering the fact you have less of a chance to survive in hand-to-hand combat."
Erwin remained silent while Megatron walked forward. He gripped his shoulder and grimaced. He prayed to whatever God was out there that he would live.
* * *
Optimus grunted as he tried to force Eren's titan form down as the soldiers near him ran back. This was the third time that Eren lost control and he was getting more and more erratic.
"Optimus, try and calm him down!" Hanji yelled as she covered her ears from Eren screaming his head off.
"It is not that easy!" Optimus shouted as he loosened his grip on Eren. The titan shifter almost broke free from Optimus, but the Prime grabbed Megatron's sword and forced it through Eren's chest, stabbing the ground.
Optimus panted and got off of Eren as he continued to struggle from his predicament.
"He's not even thinking about pulling the sword out," Hanji remarked.
Optimus sighed with relief as Eren pulled himself from his titan form. If this kept up Eren might end up fatally wounded.
* * *
"So tell me, if this creature is such a high priority to keep on lockdown, then why is there no one here?" Megatron demanded.
"We had to use as many military forces as possible when the titans were in Wall Rose," Erwin answered, "If it were any other incident, it would most likely be the military police not doing their job."
"Typical of you humans," Megatron mumbled, but not low enough for Erwin to miss.
What the Commander didn't understand was Megatron's dislike for the human race? Was it because Optimus protected them on the world where humanity was free? Did he hate humans out of spite? Anger? Sick grins? Did Megatron see them as easier to conquer?
"What have you been doing after the war ended?" Erwin asked.
"Traveling," Megatron answered, "I didn't feel the need to stay on Cybertron anymore."
"Did you not want to be a part of the rebuilding of your home?" Erwin asked.
"I don't think I'd be wanted there since I'm the one responsible for killing Cybertron," Megatron retorted.
"So you decided to run away from your issues," Erwin assumed without realizing what he was saying. The Commander closed his mouth as Megatron stopped in his tracks and glared at him.
"I suggest you watch what you're saying. Unless you know both sides of the situation, then you shouldn't be saying anything," Megatron said.
Erwin watched as Megatron walked forward before internally cursing. What the hell was wrong with him?! He knew nothing of Megatron's personality! How was he suppose to know what makes him tick?!
Erwin continued to follow the ex-tyrant and noticed some empty cells with blood stains on the cell bars.
'What the hell?' Erwin thought.
"I thought there was only one prisoner down here," Megatron recalled.
"There were other notorious criminals in the city," Erwin said, "I don't understand why they aren't here."
"Hey, who are you?!" a military police called out as he aimed his rifle at Megatron.
"He's with me," Erwin stated as he stepped in front of Megatron, "He's an acquaintance."
"Commander Erwin," the man said, "About time you showed up, not that it would do you any good."
"We need you to take us to Annie Leonhart's holding cell," Erwin instructed.
"I know, follow me," the soldier said.
The three continued walking as Megatron noticed the other cell unoccupied with blood stains.
"Mind explaining why some of these cells have blood?" Megatron asked, "Did someone die here?"
"Your prisoner decided that it would be a sick idea to kill our other prisoners and the two guarding her," the soldier stated, "Should've kept a better leash on her."
Erwin simply remained quiet and looked back to see if Megatron was reacting to the soldier's rather rude behavior. He was able to take it; he was used to the abuse and disgrace that came with being the Survey Corps Commander. He wasn't sure what Megatron would do.
"We're here," the soldier said as he gestured to Annie's cell.
Erwin looked down to see the door to Annie's cell ripped open. The lock seemed to be broken and her chains were ripped from the wall. Both sides of the cell bars were stained with blood.
"When did you find the cell like this?" Megatron asked.
"About two days," the soldier answered.
"Two days and you never bothered to go into further details regarding how she escaped?" Megatron questioned, "Were you too busy sleeping on your ass?"
"Hey!" the soldier yelled, "You should watch who you're talking to, scum!"
"And maybe you should do your job," Megatron stated, "Amazing how you were given such an honor to serve a king."
"We should focus more on the task at hand," Erwin cut in.
"I'll be looking inside the cell then," Megatron stated as he opened the cell door.
"Hey!" the soldier yelled. Megatron ignored him and kneeled down to examine Annie's chains.
"What the hell's wrong with him?" the soldier demanded.
"I just met him," Erwin admitted, "One of my subordinates sent him over to help me with this."
"Well you better keep him on a leash," the soldier hissed.
Megatron drowned out the discussion between Erwin and the other annoying human and picked up one of the chains. They weren't ripped from the wall, and it was unlocked, but the creature couldn't have because her hand was heavily bandaged to prevent movement and her mouth was bound to prevent any further damage.
The ex-tyrant noticed drops of blood in the cell. He looked back at the cell bars to see that the blood didn't stain the wall or the floor in front. The direction of the blood stained inside the cell.
Something wasn't right. Megatron knew that. He glanced back at the nameless soldier. He knew something. The soldier knew that the creature didn't escape. He knew something else was going on.
There was one more thing that irked at him. If this creature escaped on her own, why would she kill the other prisoners?
Then it hit him. No witnesses.
"And no one in the capital saw anyone of suspicious behavior?" Erwin demanded, "No one at all."
"No," the soldier answered.
"Well it has been pleasant coming here to see to sloppy mess you call your job," Megatron stated as he walked out of the cell, "But the Commander here is rather exhausted and we have enough information to find out where Lionheart went. So we shall be on our way,"
Megatron simply walked back up the stairs. Erwin snapped out of his confusion before running towards the fake form.
"What are you doing?" Erwin demanded, "We have to stay,"
"We stay any longer, that soldier is going to get wise," Megatron stated before contacting Optimus and speaking in Cybertronian, "Optimus, we have a problem."
* * *
Hanji sighed as the new recruits began transporting Eren back to the cabin. Nothing. There was no process whatsoever on crystallization.
"What do you mean?" Hanji heard Optimus say. She turned to see Optimus with two fingers on his audio receptors, looking rather frustrated.
"Well then who do you think would want her?" Optimus demanded.
"Optimus?" Hanji called out, "Is everything okay?"
Optimus sighed. "There has been a complication. Return to the cabin. I will meet you there after I take care of the mess."
"You sure?" Hanji asked with concern.
"Yes," Optimus answered.
Hanji looked at Optimus with sadness before walking over to her horse and jumping on it before riding off.
* * *
"That girl was kidnapped," Megatron declared as he crossed his arms.
Erwin stared at the ex-warlord in bewilderment. "Before I ask what made you come to that conclusion, why did you bring us to a bar?"
Megatron glanced behind Erwin from their corner table to see the busy bar. "I thought a busy Commander such as yourself would need some time to relax."
Erwin's eyes narrowed as he attempted to look behind him. It didn't make sense. He guessed the bar was where most people got intoxicated, but wouldn't it be better to go back into the caravan and talk about this.
"That makes it obvious," Megatron commented.
"What's going on?" Erwin whispered.
"When someone tells you not to stare, and then you stare, it's make the situation rather uncomfortable," he explained as he grabbed a knife from the table from the table and started cutting a napkin, "It's also rather rude."
'What the hell is he talking about?' Erwin thought. The Commander looked down at Megatron's napkin which said 'ears everywhere.'
"Guess it's a force of habit," Erwin remarked, playing along with whatever game he was doing.
Megatron twirled in knife in his hands with great precision. "I doubt a girl with a bandaged hand and bound to the wall would be able to grab the key. The guard would no doubt keep a safe distance out of fear. Also, why would a girl who's escaped kill the other prisoners? It seems like a waste of time."
"Maybe it was a scare tactic," Erwin guessed, noticing that Megatron was glancing behind him again. Who was there?
"I doubt it," Megatron declared, "Your military is either too fearful or apathetic about the girl. They don't want to investigate her whereabouts because they don't want to know the end results."
"The government won't even give us support anymore to help with the investigation," Erwin sighed.
"Who's to say that the government was any help in the first place?" Megatron challenged as his eyes darted to the door.
Erwin seemed bewildered. "No help?"
"What if, hypothetically, the government staged for this creature to be kidnapped because they want to shut you up and prevent you from figuring out the truth about the titans in the wall?" Megatron whispered.
Erwin narrowed his eyes, causing Megatron to lean back in his chair and chuckle.
"The mad scientist gathers a lot of information, but your expression shows that you don't believe me," Megatron assumed with a smirk.
"I wouldn't have until earlier today," Erwin admitted, "I'm surprised you came to that conclusion so easily."
"Don't think of me as naïve," Megatron said, "I asked humans passing by about the wall as well. Some looked at me as if I was insane and asked if I came from the underground. But you have noticed your corrupt government,"
"When I went to speak with the council, I noticed something. They didn't want to help humanity. They just wanted to keep their positions secure and have the wealth to themselves."
"Well, what do you expect?" Megatron asked rhetorically, "Your society is nothing more than another caste system designed to be the only safe and secure solution to your race's problem."
"How is our society a caste system?" Erwin demanded.
"The less money you have the farther out you are in the walls. The only way to move further inside is to pledge allegiance to the government, most likely through the military. And your 'Survey Corps' is nothing than a pawn in their game."
"What does my army have to offer to the government's game?" Erwin demanded, "We've had nothing to offer for a long time. Our soldiers keep on dying."
"And that is where you're wrong," Megatron declared, "You see, your government wants control. They keep control and power by manipulating the fear of the people. Your army is the perfect solution. How many of your subordinates died under your command? When was the last time you humans succeeded in gaining territory, or any information about the titans before Optimus showed up? The failure of your army channels the despair and rage of humanity, and they turn to the only thing that has been able to provide security for the past century. You said so yourself: your government cares only for power. Manipulating the humans into believing security is more valuable than freedom is the perfect solution."
"But why Leonhart? She's the enemy to mankind," Erwin retorted.
"I did think about that," Megatron admitted, "I thought why not Optimus Prime's little pet? He's very narrow-minded and wouldn't think the government would go behind your back to kidnap him. Then I realized that the pet has nothing to offer. This 'Lionheart' is more useful to the government than him. As far as I'm concerned, the pet just found about his ability of transforming, and the person who gave it to him is most likely dead and his research is somewhere in titan territory. You've been experimenting, but only found one thing to the secrets of the titans. Lionheart has mastered the ability and has mastered some armor technique while the pet just found out about his mind control ability. She knows the location of the titan village, so all they have to do is torture her until they get what they want."
Megatron placed the knife on the table and tore up the napkin. "Who knows, they might go after the pet just to be safe. But they sent someone after the creature."
"So they take the next best thing while humanity was distracted by Wall Rose. Try to send us on a goose chase while they do whatever they want," Erwin concluded, before groaning, "When did this all happen?"
"Most likely the moment when your walls were built," Megatron declared.
* * *
Optimus read Eren's writing, ignoring the sound of a jet engine above him. Megatron transformed and landed behind the Prime before looking around at the remaining damage done.
"It doesn't look like you yielded much results," Megatron remarked.
"Are you sure that Leonhart was kidnapped?" Optimus asked.
"I'm sure," Megatron answered, "I know a poor crime scene when I see one,"
"So someone who knows about the walls might have taken her," Optimus concluded.
'They also might have sent the gun man to kill Pastor Nick,' Optimus thought as Megatron kicked a few rocks, 'Meaning the government is trying to silence the Survey Corps.'
"The cabin isn't a safe location anymore," Megatron declared, "No doubt someone caught wind of what you were doing,"
Optimus looked towards a mountain and noticed two life signatures crouching to hide their appearance.
"We'll inform the Survey Corps," Optimus said, "For now we must go."
"So be it," Megatron said.
"And one more thing," Optimus began as he turned to Megatron, "He is not a pet."
Megatron simply glanced at Optimus. "When your pet learns how to hold a shield properly, then maybe I won't consider him as such."
Optimus didn't respond, knowing that Megatron was trying to goad a reaction out of him. He merely sighed. "Let's go."
* * *
"Holy shit there's two of them now," a soldier in a trench coat said, "And one of them can fly?"
"So the rumors are true," a man in a fedora hat watched as Optimus and Megatron went on their way, "Another Metal Titan walks among us."
"Commander Ackerman, what do we do?" the soldier asked.
"Lay low for a while," Ackerman answered, "We need time to prepare for combat and Reiss might have the solution for that."
* * *
Commander Pixis and Pastor Nick were playing chess when Erwin opened the door to the room and collapsed on the bed.
"How was the meeting with the council?" Pixis asked.
"I met Megatron," Erwin answered.
Pastor Nick looked in confusion while Pixis became startled.
"And what was Megatron like?" Pixis asked.
"An enigma," Erwin answered as he sat up, "I don't understand him or what he wants or why he's staying to help humanity. Is he manipulating us? Is he doing it for Optimus?"
"Anything else," Pixis asked.
Erwin didn't answer him as he went to the table and grabbed a sheet of paper and a quill. "Despite his ambiguity, he is one hell of a thinker."
* * *
"Hold on, kidnapped?!" Hanji exclaimed, "Who would kidnap Annie?!"
"Someone who knows about the walls," Optimus answered, "And the only ones who would know is the government."
"This might also be related to the gunman that tried to kill Pastor Nick," Levi added.
Megatron raised a metal eyebrow. Who was Pastor Nick?
"So what do we do?" Levi asked, "Go on a goose chase to find her or let the government have her? She committed a capital offense."
"Your government will no doubt use the creature for their own benefits and not for the sake of your cause," Megatron declared.
"Megatron is right," Optimus agreed, "We cannot afford to wait."
"So how long until the government tries to find us?" Hanji asked.
"Someone was watching us not too long ago," Optimus informed, "We must move now."
* * *
Bertholdt was sweating, trying to sleep when he heard the door open. He looked to see Levi climbing down the ladder and walking towards him.
"Having trouble sleeping?" Levi asked.
Bertholdt simply glared at him as Levi pulled a large stick from behind his back.
"Don't worry, I'll help," Levi said in a rather dark tone.
* * *
"Back to the castle?" Eren questioned as he looked at Hanji, "Why?"
"Optimus said that whoever's after us might have already looked there," Hanji answered, "They might not look again so we have the castle for about a day or two before we find a new place to hide."
"So the government really is after us?" Connie questioned as he packed the remainder of the supplies.
"Yeah," Hanji sighed, "Erwin sent us a note and figured out the whole thing with Megatron."
"Are you really going off of his word?" Jean demanded, "Deception is in the name Decepticons."
"Well it's either him or the government, and I'm taking my chances with the giant transformer," Hanji declared, "So let's move out!"
Eren watched Hanji move forward before looking behind him to see Armin. "So no matter what we do now, we're nothing more than criminals,"
"Yeah," Armin agreed, "We are,"
* * *
Annie groaned as she opened her eyes to a candle lit room. She tried to speak, but realized that the muzzle was still on her mouth. But what bugged her was...why was she lying down?
She tried to get up, but realized that her hand and feet were chained to a table. She struggled but was unable to break free.
"Struggling won't help you much," a voice said.
Annie looked to see a middle aged man that looked like...Krista? Who was he? Where was she? What was going on? The man set a box on the ground and opened it to reveal blue glowing rocks.
'Wait,' Annie thought before remembering what that stuff was. It was the same thing that Optimus shot her with. The thing that destroyed her arm.
Annie began to struggle with her restrains, but nothing was working. She couldn't break free.
"I need you to stay still," the man said as he put on gloves, "This will probably hurt less if you don't struggle. I still need you to stay alive. I need to create something important."
Annie gasped as he realized what was going to happen. No, no, no, no!
Someone help her!