Guilt and Sharing the blame

Third Person POV:

Armin and Ian crowd around the wooden crate sifting through strategies, coming up with a blueprint that has the most chance of success. But considering the circumstances, the success of the escapade is uncertain.

The plan set fourth relies heavily on Eren Jaeger being able to shift into a titan, lift the big ass boulder and plug the breach in the Trost District of Wall Rose.

As the two spitball ideas for the blueprint, Mikasa Ackerman keeps an eye out for when Eren will soon be returning with Commander Pixas, whilst keeping a scrutinizing gaze on Captain Moriko.

The said Captain sits idly on the edge of the wall, her feet dangling down and her enormous white feathered wings folded against her back. Mikasa takes the time to study the unknown figure who'd seemingly been missing from action for a few months, being on a 'special assignment'.

The 'woman' is extremely short, her figure being completely concealed by the green Scout Regiment cloak and the hood prevents anyone seeing her face. But because of how long she's been around, Mikasa could only assume that she around her early 20's purely based on how she was said to be an invaluable cadet seven years ago when she joined the survey corps.  (A/N: remember she's 15 now. She was incarcerated by the MP's when she was seven and it took a year to train as a cadet before they threw her out into the Survey Corps, therefore being aged 8 at the time).

'She's a mystery, just like Kaminari.' Mikasa's heart pangs at the thought of her missing comrade, sure the blonde liked to get on her nerves but she respected everyone, treating them as equals and wasn't willing to leave anyone behind without a fight.

But Kaminari hadn't returned.

Amongst all the chaos, she didn't realised that the girl hadn't returned until now. 'What are Reiner and Bertolt going to do once they find out she's missing? How am I going to tell Armin that his biggest supporter is probably dead? How are the 104th Cadet trainees going to function without the wisdom and guidance of the tiny blonde?' A wave of nausea washes over the ravenette as she tries to reign in her wild thoughts, trying her best to remain positive.

But she knew the chances of someone currently missing just suddenly turning up alive is a one in a million chance and that chance is one that everyone is praying for, especially when their friends or family go missing.

Mikasa shakes the thoughts away as Eren and Commander Pixas arrive, the Commander is immediately informed of the plan that Armin and Ian were brainstorming.

Commander Pixas approaches the edge of the wall where the cadets and the Garrison regiment are crowding. "Staff Officers up! We have a plan to flesh out!"

Armin visibly bristles wide eyed, "what?! We can't seriously be moving forward with this plan? It's just something I tossed out there." He exclaims in disbelief, not entirely trusting his idea that Ian had helped him make sense of.

Eren pats Armin on the shoulder reassuringly, "I was thinking the same thing, except he seems like a man who looks like he knows what he's doing especially with Captain Moriko by his side. The two of them have it all under control, we can't see the forest from the trees but they have a bird's eye view." He states as he observes the two of them dealing with the staff officers.

Mikasa and Armin follow his gaze, watching as the Captain and Commander have a few hushed words with the officers. "You think so?" Armin asks hopefully, Eren nods confidently. "I do, but we have a whole other problem to deal with to get this off the ground. My gut tells me that both the Commander and Captain Moriko are keenly aware of it."

"Which would be?" Queries Mikasa, a grave look appearing on Eren's face as he addresses his two friends, "titans aren't our only foe." A brief look of confusion flashes across their faces as Commander Pixas approaches the edge of the wall once again.

"Look sharp soldiers! The fate of humanity lies on your shoulder's." He bellows out, catching the attention of the soldiers and cadets below.

A spark of unease flickers throughout the crowd before igniting into chaos. One man clearly screams out, "WE'RE GOING TO DIE!!"

The hooded Captain groans in annoyance, rubbing her temples as she feels a headache coming on. Moriko gestures towards the angered crowd, "you want to deal with the headless chickens or shall I?"

The Commander simply smiles in response before turning to Eren, "Eren come forth and Moriko standby. These children won't know what hit them....."

Commander Pixas clears his throat before roaring out, "ATTENTION!!!!!!" Suddenly the ruckus from below is halted, they all look expectantly towards the Commander above them, eyeing the brunette cadet and winged Captain's presence.

"Do take note, the blueprint for the Trost recovery plan is this; Our primary objective is to seel the wall." Murmurs of uncertainty reverberate from below, echoing off the walls and reaching the ears of one annoyed winged girl.

"SHUT UP!" She bellow out, cutting off all chatter from below in one clean sweep. She lifts her head so that the Commander can see her upturned lips, "they're all yours Commander."

The Commander's eyes glisten in amusement as he addresses the worried solders below, "You heard it right and the task will be done manually. As for how it will be done? This is where this young fellow comes in. Allow me to introduce you to cadet Eren Jaeger." He gestures to the cadet who pulls out a hearty salute.

Kaminari watches on the rest of the 104th Cadet's reactions in amusement, two obvious features being especially prominent; disbelief and shock.

Dot Pixas keeps his tight smile firmly in place as he places a hand on Eren's shoulder, "As you all know, Captain Moriko is small but you don't let her appearances deceive you. Just like how this man is in fact the successful product of cutting edge science." He reveals.

"You're lying! I'm not going to die for this crap! You all expect us to live and die for whatever comes out of your mouths!" A random garrison soldier screams out, obviously blinded by fear. Not that anyone could blame him, they were all feeling it.

Murmurs of agreement filter throughout the group and soldiers begin walking away, even if it means death by treason. But before they can get very far Commander Pixas' voice rings out loud and clear.

"Anyone wishing to leave, by my order won't be charged with treason." Everyone freezes, unsure if the Commander was being serious or pulling their chains but before they can even question it he continues.

"Those who have seen a titan first hand will not be expected to see such horrors again. Whomever this applies to can leave with my blessings. Additionally, anyone with loved ones they want to spare the same trauma, the crown will continue to recognise your service. Thank you and good luck!"

Some people leave but most turn back, rearing to fight because if they don't fight for the things they love, who will? With newfound determination the hoard turn their attention back to the Commander.

"Now think back four years ago, namely the operation to retake Wall Maria. I bring it up because you all have the right to know and have your suspicions confirmed. Officially, it was reconnaissance but as most of you know, it was a little more than a purge. A thinly disguised exercise in population control. We knew this in our hearts, yet we turned a blind eye and supported the state's sponsored myth because the deaths of our people allowed us to survive. Pure and simple." The Commander eyes Kaminari warily, taking note of her tense figure and clenched fists.

"But what you might not know is the efforts of Captain Kaminari Moriko in both the initial breach in Wall Maria and the reconnaissance mission. She was the last person standing when the boats left in Wall Maria, she fought until she was the last human standing as both civilians and soldier's were mercilessly slaughtered around her. And again during the reconnaissance mission, the higher up's chose her to lead people to their deaths, not caring that she would be the only one to return. Being emotionally scarred and haunted with many sleepless nights while they sat idly in their mansions, eating their fatty foods when the rest of us starved." He finally takes his eyes off the trembling figure as he continues.

"But that is not her fault, she survived and continued to be our symbol of hope for many years. The guilt of the events isn't her's, it's all of ours who survived, we share the blame. If a line isn't drawn now, it won't be drawn at all. If we must die, LET US DIE HERE!" The soldier's rally, their eyes glimmer with hope as they are divided into groups.

Kaminari whispers something to the Commander quickly before flying off somewhere unknown to Eren, Mikasa and Armin. She comes back a few minutes later with a pair of silver dual short swords sheathed where her 3DMG would normally be located, but her 3DMG equipment is now handed off to a nearby officer who takes it away without question.

The hooded Captain slumps against the edge of the wall sharpening her short swords calmly, as if they weren't about to leave on another suicide mission. Knowing full well that many of the people around her won't live to see another day.

Her shoulders continue to droop as the memories of the last time she lead hundreds of people to their deaths, all in the name of population control, wreak havoc in her mind. From gut wrenching screams to bloody amputations and bone shattering snaps and crackles, her mind will forever be plagued with the sounds and faces of the people who died under her command.

Suddenly a hand is placed in her shoulder, making her jump in surprise cutting her palm on her blade. She lifts her head, her green eyes meet concerned blue ones belonging to the one and only Armin Arlert. "Hey- sorry I didn't mean to make you cut your hand! Here I'll wrap it up for you."

The blonde begins pulling out a bandage from his pocket but is stopped from wrapping the 'wound' when he inspects it again. Astonishingly the cut had vanished, blood being the only thing remaining in it's place.

He gingerly inspects her hand, wiping away the blood in awe. "How did you do that?" She wordlessly slips her hand out from his, sheathing her swords as Commander Pixas approaches the duo. "Captain Moriko, I need you to stick nearby Cadet Jaeger as a deterrent."

The hooded girl nods in confirmation, "slaughtering any Titans that interfere?" A pleased smile appears on Dot Pixas' face, "whatever it takes Moriko." She ignores Armin's confused stare as she sends Commander Pixas a lazy salute, "Aye, aye Captain. See you later Arlert."

Armin stands there dumbfounded as she walks away from him, much to the Commander's amusement. Team Mitabi salute the Captain as she approaches the team leader, Mitabi, approaches her cautiously. "It's nice to have you on board Captain Moriko, if you have any doubts with my calls don't hesitate to take over-"

"-No." Mitabi's eyes widen in uncertainly as she continues, her emerald eyes staring into his brown ones calmly. "Commander Pixas elected you to lead, this is your time to show us what your made of and I'm not going to ruin it for you. I'm purely here to follow your orders, even if that means giving my life Sir." She gives his a firm salute, radiating confidence in Mitabi's abilities to lead the misson to success.

Eren watches the interaction in awe, surprised at how a saviour of humanity treats her comrades so equally, with an unrivalled sense of pride in following their lead. Mikasa stands by with a frown, almost unsure as to why Captain Moriko is leaving their lives in the hands of someone less experienced than herself.

She shakes off the thoughts as team Mitabi begins their mission which will decide the fate of humanity.

A/N: Not edited.