Attack on prime

Eren let out a roar as he charged at the Female Titan. He pulled back his fist as he threw an uppercut, but the Female Titan dodged it at the last second. She then kicked Eren in the gut, causing him to cough up spit. Eren quickly recovered as he pushed the foot away to punch the Female Titan. She managed to dodge each punch as Eren's fist crashed into a tree.

Eren roared as the Female Titan ran away from him to herself more time for her arms to heal.

Levi's eyes slightly darkened as he saw the bodies of his now former squad. His stomach turned and his heart burned in anger and sadness as he saw the conditions of each body:

Eld's body in half, Gunther's hanging corpse, Oluo's broken body.

Levi stopped near a tree as he saw Petra's body, lying against a tree. Her blood stained the tree and face, while her eyes were completely colorless and void of life.

Levi simply blinked. It was just like Farlan and Isabel; they were all gone, and he couldn't do anything about it.

'Why. Won't. She. Stay. Still?!' Eren thought as she continued dodging the punches.

Eren roared as he threw a punch at the Female Titan. She dodged it before rolling on the ground and getting back onto her feet as quickly as she could.

Eren slowly panted as he glared at the Titan.

Damn it. Damn her! He should've believed in himself instead of believing in his comrades. He should've helped Optimus fight her instead of sit idly by and watch! If only he did, then...

The thought of his comrades' dead bodies came to mind, before he started blinking his eyes, preventing tears from coming out. His comrades would still be alive!

Eren roared in anger as he charged at the Female Titan, getting ready to punch her.

He was going to destroy her. He was going to tear her to shreds. He was-

"You are letting your anger take control of you."

'Huh?' Eren thought as he slowed down.

The Female Titan's arms fully regenerated, along with her eye before she punched Eren in the face, sending him crashing into a tree.

Eren widened his eyes as he slowly got up. Why was he thinking of that now?

"Do not let your emotions take control,"

Eren didn't move as the Female Titan charged at him, getting ready to throw a punch.

Eren grunted as Optimus punched him in the face, causing him to skid on his back to a stop.

Optimus waited patiently as Eren stood up while clutching his cheek. Eren charged at Optimus, but Optimus simply tripped Eren as he landed on his back once more.

Eren panted as Optimus sat down and crossed his legs.

"Has something been troubling you?" Optimus asked.

Eren looked at Optimus in confusion as he forced himself into a sitting position. "Why would you ask that? I'm fine."

"You get rather frustrated when we fight," Optimus observed.

'Huh?" Eren exclaimed, "I don't get frustrated!"

"You do," Optimus proclaimed, "Considering the fact that you have been unable to land a single punch or kick ever since we started training."

Eren scowled as he turned away in embarrassment. "Shut up."

"Then is it because I am a titan?" Optimus asked.

Eren looked at Optimus with wide eyes before shaking his head, "No! Not at all!"

"You have a strong hatred towards the titans. Humanity has put that same label on me, so I assume you would think the same," Optimus explained.

Eren looked away from Optimus. That wasn't the real reason.

"Even if that is not your real reason, you cannot let your anger take control of your actions," Optimus said, "It may prove beneficial by increasing your strength; however, you have no control over your actions."

"My actions?" Eren questioned.

"Your punches will become less coordinated, making them weak, and you may forget to observe your surroundings. You can forget when to defend, making yourself vulnerable,"

"Has that ever happened to you?" Eren asked.

"Yes," Optimus answered, "And it has nearly cost me my life,"

"Oh," Eren said as Optimus stood up and held out his hand. Eren took it before Optimus pulled him back onto his feet.

"We will try this again," Optimus proclaimed.

"Yes, sir," Eren said as he got into a fighting stance.

"But I want you to calm yourself, slow your breathing, and focus on your opponent," Optimus informed as he got into a fighting stance.

Eren did exactly as he was told as he slowed his breathing to calm his nerves. Eren shifted his feet before charging at Optimus.

Eren put both of his arms in front of his face to block the Female Titan's punch. Eren then raised his foot to kick the Female Titan, slamming her to a tree.

Eren stood up straight and tall and let out a mighty roar, not as a threat or out of anger, but as a challenge.

The Female Titan rose to her feet as she saw Eren get into a rather unusual fighting stance. His legs were spread out more and his fists were somewhat protecting his chest.

Something was wrong. Really wrong.

Eren attacked the Female Titan, throwing a punch she easily block. The titan widened her eyes as Eren suddenly threw a right hook, hitting the side of her head.

The Female Titan backed away from Eren, trying to recover from the attack, only to be punched in the face again. Eren then sent an uppercut before spin kicking her in the gut, causing her to fly into the air and crash into the ground.

Eren jumped into the air and almost kicked the Titan, but she rolled out of the way before his foot crashed into the ground.

The Female Titan quickly got up and tried to kick Eren in the head, but Eren ducked and punched her in the gut, causing her to cough up spit.

No, that's not possible. It's impossible. Eren was never that strong, and never knew any of those techniques when they fought before. Matter-of-fact, she didn't even know those techniques. How did he get stronger?

The Female Titan widened her eyes in realization. It was the metal titan. Eren was mirroring the metal titan. The metal titan trained him.

The Female Titan crystallized her fist before trying to hit Eren on the head, only for Eren to catch the punch. He then tripped the Female Titan before balancing on his back hands and kicking the Female Titan with both of his feet.

Eren landed on his feet as the Female Titan slammed into a tree, breaking the tree in the process.

Eren smiled in delight within the nape of the neck. It was working. He would be able to defeat the Female Titan.

The Female Titan winced a little as she slowly got up. Eren roared as he charged at her once again. The Female Titan threw a punch at Eren, but Eren caught the punch. He then maneuvered behind the Female Titan before twisting her arm. Eren raised his elbow into the air before slamming it onto her joint.

The Female Titan widened her eyes in shock as she turned around to see around to see her lower arm ripped off.

She looked with concern before kicking Eren in the face, sending him rolling back.

The Female Titan looked in fear at her now damaged arm. She had to run. She couldn't believe she was saying this but she couldn't defeat Eren. Not like this. She needed to go. She needed to run back to the walls. She had to-

The Female Titan's eyes widened her eyes in shock and horror as she felt a blade cut the nape of her neck. She managed to turn and see Optimus looking at her as his blade was stained with her blood.

Eren watched as the Female Titan collapsed onto her knees before falling over on her stomach.

'Optimus,' Eren realized as he stood up.

"Are you alright?" Optimus asked as he transformed his blade into his servo.

Eren nodded his head as he looked down at the Female Titan. Time to find out who this was.

"Eren!" Mikasa cried as she saw Optimus and Eren kneeling down towards a titan's body. She smiled with relief as she landed on Eren's shoulder.

Levi landed on a tree nearby as he stared intently at the Female Titan's form. At least his comrades sacrifices weren't in vain. Levi then landed on the ground as he walked over to the group.

Optimus transformed his servo into a blaster and charged it as he aimed it at the nape of the neck.

Eren watched as he saw the person struggle to get out of the neck. When the person came out of the neck, Eren and Mikasa looked in shock while Levi whipped out his blades.

"It would seem that my assumptions were correct," Optimus mused, "Annie Leonhart."

"Erwin," Hanji called out, "Optimus and Eren are stepping out of the forest."

Erwin and some of the Survey Corps looked over to see Optimus step out of the forest first with Eren right behind him. Levi and Mikasa were on Eren's shoulder while Optimus was holding someone who was struggling to break free from his grasp.

'Who is that?' Erwin thought.

'Optimus, who's that in your hand?" Hanji asked in confusion.

"The Female Titan," Levi snarled.

"What?" Erwin asked in surprise.

"Really?" Hanji squealed with excitement.

Optimus kneeled down and showed Annie to Erwin.

"She looks like the Female Titan," Erwin remarked as Annie glared at him.

"Can I experiment on her?" Hanji asked as she popped up behind Erwin, "I want to see how her diamond armor works."

"Ms. Zoe," Optimus began, "This is not the time or place. We must return to Wall Rose."

Hanji groaned. "Fine,"

"I will transport her in my vehicle mode she will not escape," Optimus informed.

"Do what you have to," Erwin said as he walked away.

"Eren," Mikasa began as Eren looked at her, "I'm going to cut you out, okay?"

Eren nodded his head before leaning forward, revealing the nape of the neck. Mikasa took a deep breath before slicing open the neck, revealing Eren slightly coughing and taking a deep breath.

Jean and Armin loaded the last body onto the cart before looking over to see Eren climbing out of the titan's body.

"Guess Eren did have to fight the Female Titan," Jean remarked.

"Yeah," Armin nodded.

Jean looked over at Optimus and noticed something in his hands. Jean widened his eyes in shock as he realized who it was before Optimus transformed into his vehicle mode with her inside.

"What was Annie...what's she doing here?" Jean asked.

"I knew it," Armin declared, "She's the Female Titan."

Jean looked at Armin like he was insane. "How is that possible?"

"She reacted when I said suicidal bastard, which is something that only the 104th trainees know. The Female Titan also looked like Annie. There could've been other factors, but it doesn't matter now. Annie's been captured."

"But Annie of all people?" Jean asked in disbelief.

Annie grunted as Optimus strapped her into the passenger seat, preventing her from moving her upper body.

"Damn you, metal titan!" Annie growled as she raised her foot to kick the dashboard.

She widened her eyes in surprise and gasped as the seat reclined backwards.

"Ms. Leonhart," Optimus spoke through the radio, "I suggest that you do not struggle, or else I will have to use extreme measures for you to remain silent."

Annie gritted her teeth as she looked around the inside of the metal titan. She tried so hard not to let herself get captured, now she was in the clutches of the Survey Corps. If only the metal titan wasn't here, then she could've gotten Eren. He's so damn close.

Optimus didn't say anything as he felt Annie's heartbeat increasing and her fingers just barely trembling. She wouldn't admit it; he knew that, but she was scared.

"Men, we've completed our mission!" Erwin declared, "Return to the wall!"

The people of Karanes waited near the gate for the Survey Corps to return. They heard that they were coming back, meaning there were possibly many causalities. It wasn't much of a surprise though.

The crowd watched as the gate was raised allowing the Corps to enter, but what they saw, shocked them to no end.

Majority of the Corps was still alive, only a couple seemed to be injured, while a few others were missing, meaning they were dead. They even managed to bring back some bodies.

Optimus heard whispers through the crowd, clearly surprised by the number that returned. He was pretty sure that before he and Eren arrived, the shame and deaths were too great.

"Captain Levi!" a voice called out.

Optimus turned his side-view mirror to see a man walking up to Levi.

"My daughter is on your squad," the man said, "I'm Petra's father."

'What?' Optimus thought.

"Before she sees me, I wanted to talk to you," Mr. Ral continued, "She sent me this letter. She mentioned that you respected her abilities enough to let her join her squad. That she was going to devote herself to you. Well, I guess she's too starry-eyed to see how her father feels. Well, as her father, I think it's too early for her to marry."

If Optimus was in his bipedal mode, he would've looked at the two of them in shock. Marriage? Petra was Levi's fiancée? Oh, Primus, no. It was Elita One all over again, but this time...

Levi didn't get the chance to say goodbye.

Hanji looked at the bodies of Levi's formal squad. They didn't have the cloths covering their bodies, so she was seeing the bodies in their bloody condition.

"They're really gone," she muttered. In all honesty she thought that they would be able to make it out alive, but she was proven horribly wrong. They were killed by Annie, the Female Titan.

But that didn't matter. The bigger picture really was that no one was safe in the Corps. The best of the best just got killed. It was only a matter of time before everyone was dead. She, Levi, Erwin, and everyone else would be gone.

It was only a matter of time.

"Ms. Zoe," Optimus said as he walked over to her in his holoform.

Hanji looked over to Optimus with no emotion in her eyes. "Hey, what's up?"

"I wish to ask for you to help me with these bodies," Optimus answered.

Hanji looked at Optimus in confusion. "Eh?"

Levi stood next to Erwin as he stared at the families of his former squad: Gunther's mother and grandfather, Eld's fiancée, Oluo's parents, and Petra's father.

"I don't want to do this," Levi whispered to Erwin.

"We have to," Erwin retorted, "There's no way around it."

"Then why the hell is he here?" Levi demanded as he glared at Optimus who was currently in the Survey Corps uniform standing next to Erwin.

"He asked to," Erwin answered.

Levi just glared at him. What is he up to?

"Commander Erwin, it's great to see you again, but why did you call us here?" Mr. Schultz asked.

Erwin and Levi didn't say anything, causing rather worried looks to appear on their faces.

"Commander Erwin?" Mr. Bozado questioned.

The door suddenly opened and everyone turned to see Hanji and Mike walk into the room.

"Do you want us to bring it now?" Hanji asked.

"Yes," Erwin answered as he nodded his head.

Hanji and Mike walked out of the room, causing the families to look at the three soldiers.

"What's going on?" Mr. Schultz demanded.

"Eld Jinn, Oluo Bozado, Petra Ral, and Gunther Schultz have all died in the line of duty," Erwin answered. The families looked at Erwin in shock and disbelief. Levi's squad, their loved ones, were dead?

"That's impossible," Mr. Ral denied, "They're part of Levi's squad, the best of the best! They can't be dead, right...Captain Levi?"

Levi didn't say anything as the families turned their attention towards him. Levi tried to keep a steady composure, but that only made it worse.

"Oh God, no," Mr. Ral muttered as tears formed in his eyes.

Eld's fiancée began crying freely as she collapsed on her knees and covered her mouth. Gunther and Oluo's families were still in shock at the information.

Hanji and Mike came in through the door with the bodies of Levi's former comrades on a stretcher. They put the bodies gently on the ground as Levi noticed a set of clean seats covering each body.

"We were able to retrieve their remains in time before the titans got to them," Optimus explained, "What you do with them now is your choice,"

"If you need help with any form of funeral, the Survey Corps will be there to help fund it," Erwin reassured.

"Can I see it?" Eld's fiancée asked, gaining everyone's attention.

"His body," she explained, "Let me see it please,"

Levi looked at her while he clenched his fists. He couldn't let her see it; he had to say no. If she were to see the body, it would be even worse. His body was bitten in half! He didn't want to see her horrified face.

"If that is what you wish," Optimus answered, causing Erwin and Levi to look at him.

Optimus took a step forwards the dead bodies, but Levi grabbed his wrist to prevent him from going any further.

"Levi-"

"What are you doing?" Levi demanded as he glared at him.

"Giving this woman a form of closure," Optimus answered.

Levi almost scowled. He was getting ready to pound this guy's face in!

"Levi, let him," Hanji said.

Levi looked at Hanji. Why was she agreeing to this?

"He knows what he's doing," Hanji reassured.

Levi looked at Optimus before letting go of his wrist. Hanji better be right.

Optimus walked over to the bodies before mentally figuring out which one was Eld's. He then kneeled down to the third one before untying the rope that held the body together. Eld's fiancée walked over to the body while Levi was almost visibly shaking.

'Don't let her see it,' he thought, 'Please don't let her see it,'

Optimus finished untying the rope before grabbing the clean sheet, causing Levi's heart to stop. He didn't want her to see it!

When Optimus pulled the sheet off; however, it caused Levi and Erwin to widened their eyes in shock.

Eld's body wasn't beaten and battered at all. It was cleaned up of any form of blood. His mouth and eyes were both closed, making him look rather peaceful. His arms were crossed in an x-formation while there were two blades in his hands pointing downwards, and there was a flower in his hand.

"You must be careful with his body," Optimus advised, "We found it in half."

Eld's fiancée looked in shock. "What did you do?"

"Ms. Zoe and I prepared the bodies for any funeral," Optimus answered as he rolled up the sheet and put it on the ground, "We did not wish for you to see the bodies in the conditions that we found them in."

"You fixed everyone?" Mrs. Bozado asked.

Optimus nodded his head. "Do you wish to see it as well?"

Mrs. Bozado nodded her head before Optimus began untying the next rope.

"Mike, did you know about this?" Erwin asked as he looked at him.

"Hanji told me as we went to retrieve the bodies," Mike answered.

"How long did you know about this?" Levi demanded as he looked at Hanji.

"Optimus wanted me to help him prepare the bodies, so I was in on the whole thing," Hanji answered as she looked at the bodies.

"Why?" Levi asked.

"Optimus said he didn't want the families to be even more horrified with the way we found them. He also didn't want them feeling hatred of revenge," Hanji added.

Levi looked at Hanji in confusion. "Revenge?"

"They can't fight the titans like we can, but we already know who the killer is. If they found out we know, they would want nothing more than to kill him or her. But it causes nothing more than an empty heart. Revenge won't bring back the dead. It's better to let them cry it out than anger them."

Optimus pulled the sheet off of the last body, revealing Petra's body. Levi became rather surprised as he noticed something different about it.

Her eyes and mouth were closed and there was no blood on her, but her hands were folded with both blades in her hands. There was a white flower in her hair and a ring on her finger.

'A ring?' Levi thought.

Mr. Ral looked at his daughter's body and collapsed onto his knees and hands and let his tears out.

"Petra, I'm sorry," He apologized, "I'm so sorry."

Optimus didn't say anything as he put the sheet onto the ground.

"They were useful right?" Mr. Ral asked.

Optimus kept a blank expression as Mr. Ral looked at him with desperation.

"Levi's squad was the best of the best! They had to contribute to the fight for humanity somehow, right?!" Mr. Ral asked.

All eyes were on the members of the Survey Corps as they remained silent.

Levi really didn't know what to say. He didn't know what they did before they died. He just found their bodies. What the hell was he supposed to say?

"They did," Optimus answered, causing everyone to look at him.

"They fought to protect one of humanity's last hopes in the fight against the titans. They guarded him with their lives and fought until their last breath. And if they did not help the Survey Corps directly, they willingly left the walls knowing that they would die during the expedition. That alone should make you all proud."

"Thank you, Optimus," Erwin said as they left the building.

I deliberately did something behind your back without permission," Optimus retorted, "I do not deserve your thanks."

"I was referring to the expedition," Erwin corrected, "If you weren't here, we would've lost more than just a couple of soldiers."

Mike untied the ropes to the horses and guided one of them to Erwin before getting on his own. Erwin then walked over to the side of his horse before looking at Optimus.

"I also do thank you for what you did for those families," Erwin added, "We wouldn't have been able to do that on our own."

Optimus nodded his head as Erwin climbed onto his horse.

"You've truly earned the trust of the Survey Corps," Erwin declared, "We are in your debt."

"And I you," Optimus said.

"Meet us back at the castle," Erwin informed, "We need to discuss what to do with our captor."

Optimus nodded his head in understanding before Erwin rod his horse towards the castle. Mike looked at Optimus and smirked before following Erwin.

Optimus heard sniffling before turning to see Hanji wiping away tears. He walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look at him with tears in her eyes.

"I look like an idiot," Hanji remarked as she let out a small laugh, "I thought I would be used to the Survey Corps losing and death swarming me and the possibility of dying but-"

More tears formed into her eyes as she let out a gasp. "I didn't think they would die. It's only a matter of time. Only a matter of time before everyone in the Corps is dead."

Optimus didn't say anything as he gave Hanji a gentle hug.

"Death is not something to be used to," Optimus said, "I have never been used to it, but you must be strong."

Hanji nodded he head on his shoulder before he let Hanji go. Optimus then wiped away the remaining tears in her eyes before placing her glasses over her eyes.

"Be strong, Hanji Zoe," Optimus told her.

Hanji nodded her head before giving a small smile.

"Thank you," Hanji said, "I should get my horse and head back," Hanji said as she walked over to her horse and climbed on.

"See you there," Hanji smiled before riding back to the castle.

Optimus sighed quietly before suddenly feeling a small rock hit the back of his head. He turned around to see Levi giving him a bored look.

"Do you drink black tea?" Levi asked.

The waiter gave Levi and Optimus their tea and napkins before walking away. Levi then took his tea and drank it while Optimus left his alone.

"You're not drinking the tea," Levi remarked.

"This form is not designed to have any human intakes," Optimus explained.

"Well then," Levi began as he got up from his chair and grabbed Optimus' cup, "I'll take it."

"If you drink my cup then it will be your fourth cup of tea," Optimus observed as Levi sat down.

"So what?" Levi questioned.

"You'll end up throwing up the contents," Optimus explained.

"I don't mind," Levi proclaimed as he drank from his third cup.

Optimus kept a blank expression as he knew what Levi was doing. He was trying to drown in his sorrows.

"So if you don't eat or drink anything in that thing, why did you come with me?" Levi asked.

"Because you forgot to bring a horse to ride back to the castle," Optimus stated.

Levi gave Optimus a brooding look before taking another sip of his tea.

"Why do you drink your tea like that?" Optimus asked.

Levi looked at Optimus in confusion as he removed the cup from his lips.

"Most of you drink from a cup by holding the handle or the sides of the cup. Instead you hold it from the top," Optimus explained.

Levi put his cup on the table and sighed.

"I'm surprised you asked that. No one usually asks me that question. Not even Hanji and Erwin." Levi sighed, "Whatever, I was around nine in the slums of Wall Sina."

"Sina?" Optimus questioned, "I thought the interior was where the rich lived."

"There's an underground where many poor people live. I was an orphan there who had to fend for myself. And when I was nine, I was able to salvage enough money to buy a tea set along with some black tea. I held the cup by the handle and it broke. Been drinking from the top ever since."

Optimus didn't say anything as Levi took another sip of his tea.

"Then how were you able to learn how to use the Maneuver Gear?" Optimus asked.

"I had a mentor who taught me when I was old enough," Levi answered, "So let's hear about you and your annoying ass speeches or whatever. Where'd you get that from?"

"My mentor, Alpha Trion," Optimus answered, "I lived with him before I went to war. He was very influential in my life in my life since I never knew my creators."

"What?"

"In human terms it is parents," Optimus explained.

Levi just looked at Optimus his finger on the rim of the cup. Petra and Hanji did mention that he and Optimus were a lot alike, but this was just scary. He then remembered Petra's body and the ring on her finger.

"The ring," Levi spoke.

Optimus looked at Levi in confusion.

"The ring on Petra, why was it there?" Levi demanded.

"I overheard Mr. Ral speaking to you about marrying Petra," Optimus answered.

Optimus closed his eyes as Levi splashed the remainder of his third cup of tea in his face.

"Why the hell did you ease drop?" Levi demanded, "Is that some way of fucking with me?"

"I have no reason to seek revenge because you do not trust me," Optimus answered as he wiped his face with the napkin on the table, "I did that out of respect."

"Like hell you did," Levi denied, "You can't even empathize with me."

Optimus remained silent as Levi picked up his fourth cup.

"Elita,"

Levi's cup was almost at his lips as he looked at Optimus.

"Elita One was my lover's name," Optimus told him.

Levi dropped his poker face and looked at Optimus in shock as he put his cup down.

"I met her before the war for my planet," Optimus continued, "She was one of the precious Cybertronians to me. I promised myself that I would protect her when the war started. However, she got captured during the final days of my planet. The one who captured her didn't kill her. Someone sent a blade into her from behind, and she died in my arms. To this day, I do not know who took her life and I was unable to earn some form a closure for her death, nor was I able to give her a proper funeral since I had to lead the Autobots." (Attack on Prime Oneshots if curious for whole story)

Levi didn't say anything as he looked at his tea. "Why are you telling me that?"

"Because I do feel empathy for you," Optimus answered.

"Did you get the chance to grieve?"

"The moment he perished,"

"And you never got closure?"

"No,"

"Did you ever consider finding her killer?"

"I did. I wished to find him and kill him myself, but I chose not to,"

"Why?"

"Because it will not change the fact she is deceased," Optimus answered.

Levi slightly grimaced. "It's called getting justice."

"No," Optimus disagreed, "At the time, my mindset was focused on getting revenge. I wasn't focused on fighting for my cause, and I would have been focused on my personal gain. Revenge will not bring back those that have been lost. Even if I were to find Elita's killer and finish him, it would not change the fact that she is dead. It will only leave me, with a broken and heavy spark."

"You know a lot about this," Levi remarked.

"Wisdom is never granted Levi," Optimus explained, "It must be earned. Sometimes at a cost."

Levi didn't say anything as he looked at his reflection in his tea. Optimus truly does understand. He couldn't believe that he was thinking this, but he does. He understood what he was going through. The reason why he didn't trust him was because he thought he would just use them and betray humanity, or maybe abandon them when the going got tough. Instead, he put the weight of a race that was significantly weaker than him on his shoulders.

Guess he really is the good guy.

"I trust you," Levi proclaimed.

Optimus looked at Levi in surprise.

"I don't usually trust people too easily," Levi explained, "The world has been too harsh on me to do so. You're different though. You've managed to gain the trust of the Survey Corps and possibly most of humanity. You want what's best in the most bloodless way possible."

Levi then drank his last tea cup in one shot. "So I'm putting my faith in you like everyone else is. Help humanity rise by defeating the titans."

Optimus got over his surprise and nodded his head with understanding and determination.

"Optimus, you're back!" Hanji smiled as Optimus drove to a stop towards the castle. He opened his door before Levi stepped out of his alt mode before Optimus transformed.

"Hi, Levi!" Hanji greeted.

"Not in the mood," Levi cut off as he walked towards the entrance of the castle.

"I see he's better now," Hanji remarked.

"How has interrogation been?" Optimus asked.

"Gotta say, she's a tough nut to crack," Hanji sighed, "No matter what we do: questioning, torture, etcetera, she's not breathing a word. And what's worse, the government want you, Eren, and Annie, to come to Wall Sina to find out what happened on the mission in three days. Depending how interrogation goes until then, who knows if we'll get any information out of her."

"Do you have any of her files?" Optimus asked.

"No," Hanji answered, "I'm doing some snooping right now."

"May I look at them when you find them?" Optimus asked.

"Sure," Hanji answered, "The more help the better."

Annie glared at Erwin and Mike as her wounds began to regenerate. She was chained to the chair underground in some castle with no way out. Erwin was sitting in a chair on the other end of the table while Mike was standing next to her. The room she was in was not enough room to transform and run, and that damned metal titan was right outside.

She would've been able to crystallize herself to prevent giving any information, but that metal titan was aiming that gun to her back. For some reason the bullets in the gun can disintegrate titan flesh. Imagine what it could do to her.

"So I'm guessing you're not going to talk," Erwin remarked as Annie didn't say anything.

'What do you think?' Annie thought.

Annie slightly grunted as Mike punched her in the face. She spit out blood from her mouth before looking back at Erwin.

"Erwin, this is getting us nowhere," Mike told him.

"Annie Leonhart, in three days we will be going to Wall Sina," Erwin informed, "If you don't confess to anything right now, you'll end up dead."

She wouldn't give over any information to these two. Not by a long shot,

Erwin sighed before getting up and walking out the door with Mike following him.

"Do you really think that we're going to get any information out of her?" Mike asked as they stood next to the door.

"We have to keep trying," Erwin answered, "It's only a matter of time before she cracks. We'll try other methods tomorrow."

"So judging by your faces, I assume you have not received any information," a voice spoke.

Erwin and Mike turned to see Optimus and Hanji walking down the hall. Hanji was holding a document while Optimus was holding a tray of stew with bread.

"Sadly," Erwin answered, "She's rather tough."

"What's with the food?" Mike asked, "I thought you can't eat human food."

"It is for Ms. Leonhart," Optimus answered, "I assume she hasn't eaten an entire day since she came after the Survey Corps at the start of the expedition."

"He'll need the key to her handcuffs, though," Hanji added.

Erwin didn't say anything as he pulled out the keys to her cuffs and put it on the tray. "Good luck."

Optimus simply nodded his head before Mike opened the door and Optimus walked in the room.

"Optimus is also going to interrogate her," Hanji informed.

"How's Optimus going to do that?" Mike asked.

"We managed to get her record and Optimus memorized it," Hanji explained, "He's not going to attack her physically, but rather mentally."

"I don't think we're going to be able to hear the conversation with the door in the way," Erwin retorted.

Hanji smirked as she pulled out two cups from behind her. "Why do you think I always come prepared?"

Annie heard the door open and lifted he head from the chair to see a new face walk in the room with a tray of food. She found his clothing rather odd, but widened her eyes in shock as she saw the same symbol that was on the metal titan.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Annie demanded as she tried to move away from him with no avail.

"I assume you haven't eaten anything since this morning," Optimus answered as he put the tray in front of her before taking the key off the tray.

Annie was going to retort, but her stomach began growling rather loudly.

'Damn it,' she thought.

Optimus didn't say anything as he kneeled down and unlocked her right hand before walking over to the other side and unlocking her left hand.

"What's to stop me from transforming?" Annie asked as she raised her right hand to her mouth.

"Because if you could you would've done so already when Commander Erwin was in the room," Optimus answered as he sat down on the other side of the table, "Ms. Zoe has done enough experimentation to learn that you cannot transform in tight spaces."

Annie quietly scowled as she put her hand down and crossed her arms. She glanced over at the food before slowly moving her hand towards the bread. Before she grabbed it, she pulled her hand back and glared at him.

"I have not done anything to the food," Optimus stated, "Matter-of-fact, it took me a while to retrieve the food since many were adamant about giving you food."

Annie didn't say anything as she grabbed the bread and began eating it. Wow, she didn't realize how hungry she was.

"You want something in return," Annie said as she finished her bread, "You wouldn't really do this for someone without anything in return."

"What do you think I would want?" Optimus asked.

"Information about the titans," Annie answered.

"From what I have been hearing from Commander, you have been adamant about giving information," Optimus said, "However I do not require that for right now,"

Annie looked at Optimus with skepticism. What could he possibly know?

"Name: Annie Leonhart, age: sixteen, Date of birth: March 22nd, Height: 153cm, weight: 54kg, 104th trainee ranking: 4th, village of birth: unknown, wall of birth: unknown, Mother: unknown, Father: unknown, siblings: none," Optimus listed, "As a matter of fact, your information was recorded around four to five years ago, near the same time the Colossal and Armored Titan appeared."

Annie slightly tensed up as she clenched her fist under the table. How did he get that information?

"From what I could gather, I have come to two possible conclusions," Optimus declared, "The first is that you are an associate with the two titans, meaning that they are titan shifters as well. The second is that you were born outside of the walls. An place much like humanity's stronghold."

"How would you know if your right?" Annie challenged, trying to keep her composure.

"Because you tensed up when I mentioned your information," Optimus stated.

Annie widened her eyes in surprise. He saw that?

"And since you have confirmed my suspicion, I can find out who the other two associates are," Optimus declared, "I already have one person in mind."

"You lay a hand on them, I'll-"

"The only reason why you are here is because I was holding back," Optimus admitted, "There are many reasons as to why, but one of them was because I was under direct orders from Commander Erwin to capture you."

Annie crossed her arms and looked away from Optimus.

"However, I am willing to offer you something," Optimus began.

Annie looked at Optimus. "What would you even want to offer me?"

"A choice," Optimus answered.

Annie looked at Optimus in surprise before deadpanning. "Is this some kind of joke?"

"No," Optimus answered.

"Then what the hell would you offer me?" Annie demanded.

"The first choice: you can help fight for humanity. I will vouch for you if necessary and possibly train you if you can gain my trust. If you choose not to, I can guarantee you will be tortured for information and disposed of if the Survey Corps no longer needs you." Optimus said.

Annie was silent for a moment. "What if I'm undecided?"

"Then you will be forced to go to Wall Sina where the government will decide your fate," Optimus answered, "When that happens I will be unable to do anything to help you."

"Why are you doing that?" Annie asked, "Why are you trying to help me?"

"Because I believe that every sentient being deserves an opportunity for redemption," Optimus answered, "Tyrants, thieves, killers, destroyers, and you."

"It got quiet," Hanji remarked as her ear was still on the cup.

"Do you think he's done interrogating?" Mike asked.

"I'm unsure," Erwin answered as he took his ear off of the cup before pulling it down from the door, "But he managed to figure out she's from outside the walls and that she's an associate with the Colossal and Armored Titan."

"He managed to figure that out?" Mike asked in surprise.

Hanji grunted in pain as she rubbed the side of her head when Optimus opened the door.

"Ms. Zoe, what are you doing?" Optimus asked.

"Listening to the conversation," Hanji answered.

"You managed to figure out that there's another stronghold outside of these walls?" Erwin asked.

"It was an assumption," Optimus explained, "However, her actions confirmed my suspicion."

"A village full of titan shifters," Hanji pondered over, "But do you know where it is?"

"Just because there is a village where she hails from, does not mean I know its location," Optimus retorted.

"Then what about the Colossal and Armored Titan," Erwin began, "You said you had a person in mind,"

"I may be wrong, but if there is a soldier's file with the same information of Ms. Leonhart's birth and ancestry, then they should be up for suspicion," Optimus explained.

"I am completely impressed," Hanji smiled.

"We will continue this conversation tomorrow," Optimus declared, "My holoform has been overused and you three need rest."

"I have another question though," Erwin said, "Do you really believe that anyone can change for the better?"

"Yes I do," Optimus answered.

"Has that ever been proven?" Erwin asked.

Optimus remained silent as he remembered the Decepticons that changed before he became one with Primus.

"Yes, many times," Optimus answered.

Optimus was quietly resting in his alt mode pondering over Annie. In two days, Annie would be sent to Wall Sina, and she hasn't made her choice yet. He hoped that she would make the right one, but he didn't know much about Annie, so he wasn't sure if she would.

Optimus snapped out of his thoughts as he suddenly heard a knock on his door. He turned his side-view mirror to see Eren with a rather tired expression on his face.

"Eren?" Optimus questioned, "What are you doing up this late?"

"I couldn't sleep," Eren answered sullenly, "Can we talk for a bit?"

"Is there something that is troubling you?" Optimus asked.

Eren didn't say anything as he rubbed his arm. He looked away from Optimus as he slowly nodded his head.

Optimus didn't say anything as he opened the door to the passenger seat before Eren climbed inside. Eren sat down and crossed his legs as Optimus closed the door. There was silence between the two as Optimus quietly turned on the heater.

"Eren, what has been troubling you?" Optimus asked through the radio.

Eren didn't say anything as he moved his knees close to his chest.

"Eren," Optimus began.

"It's my fault their dead," Eren spoke.

"I do not understand," Optimus admitted.

"Levi's squad," Eren clarified, "It's my fault their dead."

"Eren, you did not kill them," Optimus reminded.

"Optimus, I made the wrong choice!" Eren yelled, "I had the power to take on Annie back then. When I was fighting her after they died, I was winning. I could've transformed and stopped her without any of them interfering, or I could've helped you when you were fighting Annie."

Eren stopped as tears began falling out of his eyes. "Instead I just watched helplessly as they all died right in front of my eyes. It's my fault their dead. I could've saved them! I could've saved them! It's just like five years ago! I could've saved my mom, instead she died in front of my eyes!"

Optimus didn't say anything as he let Eren cry for a little bit.

"Eren, what happened to your mother?" Optimus asked.

Eren looked at the radio before silently wiping some of his tears. "It was...during the first attack from the Colossal and Armored Titan. When the Colossal one kicked in the wall, some of the boulders crashed into the houses, and mine was one of them. Mikasa and I...we ran towards the house and found my mom trapped underneath the rubble. We tried to lift the wood, but it was too heavy. My mom told me her legs were crushed, and there was a titan coming near us. We were both refusing to leave, and then a Garrison soldier came. He said that he would take on the titan, but he got scared and...he took me and Mikasa and ran in the opposite direction. I watched the titan pull my mother from the rubble and..."

Eren didn't finish the last sentence as more tears came down his face. "I was so close! I was so damn close to saving all of them, and I just sat idly by watching them all get killed! Damn it!"

Eren slammed his fists onto the dashboard as he practically began sobbing as Optimus remained silent.

"I am sorry, Eren," Optimus apologized, "I did not mean to bring up troubling memories."

"Did it happen to you?" Eren asked through his tears, "Did it happen to you too?"

"Yes," Optimus admitted, "It has,"

"Who?"

Optimus was silent for a moment. "He was a member of my team named Cliffjumper. It was a simple scouting procedure when the Decepticons found him. By the time we reached his location, it was too late. Cliffjumper was already gone and killed by the enemy. We were not even able to recover his body. The only thing that was left of him was his horn."

"Optimus...why is the world so cruel?" Eren asked.

"I do not know," Optimus answered.

Eren didn't say anything before he continued crying and trembling. He kept on muttering why to himself before suddenly feeling a hand on his back. He kept crying as he was pulled into a gentle hug before clutching the fabric from the shirt. After that he just kept crying in the shirt before falling asleep.

Deleted Scene

Optimus drove towards the castle with Levi sitting in the driver seat. The drive so far was rather silent. Optimus made the assumption that Levi just wanted silence for right now.

Optimus became rather surprise as Levi moved to rest his head at the bottom of the steering with one hand gripping one side.

Optimus didn't say anything as he felt Levi suddenly trembling. He felt something wet fall onto the floor mat.

"Levi," Optimus began.

"Thank you," Levi said in a barely audible whisper.

Optimus didn't say anything as he continued driving. He let Levi drop his façade for this moment. He needed that.

Deleted scene 2

Hanji didn't get it. She could fucking get it.

How could a piece of machinery work so well? It was amazing. It swayed too. It fucking sways! Human body parts don't sway, or rotate. But it looked so amazing.

Levi entered the room while drinking his tea before noticing Hanji staring out the window.

"Hanji, what are you doing?" Levi asked.

"I got a question for you," Hanji began.

"And what's that?" Levi asked as he took a sip of his tea.

"Do you know that Optimus has nice hips?" Hanji asked.

Levi widened his eyes before choking on his tea.

Blooper 1

Optimus closed his eyes as Levi splashed the remainder of his third cup of tea in his face.

"Why the hell did you ease drop?" Levi demanded, "Is that some way of fucking with me?"

"Primus sakes it burns," Optimus winced as he grabbed the napkin and tried his best not to yell in pain.

Blooper 2

Levi grabbed the bucket and began throwing up the liquids from his stomach.

"Jeez, Levi what happened to you?" Hanji asked.

"He drank four cups of tea," Optimus informed in his bipedal mode.

"Four?" Hanji asked in surprise, "I'm surprised you didn't have a tea hangover."

"Shut up shit glasses before I throw this bucket of thrown up tea in your face," Levi threatened, before gagging and throwing up in the bucket again.

"I warned you, Levi," Optimus reminded.