Chapter 7: Between Realities

Niikaz stirred awake, the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the creak of the carriage's wooden wheels pulling her from her dreams. She rubbed her eyes, blinking against the sunlight that peeked through the open roof. Looking up, she watched a flock of birds soar across the wide, blue sky. The expanse of tall trees flanking the road gave way to open fields. It felt peaceful—deceptively so.

"Hey, you're up," came a voice, steady and calm. Captain Erwin glanced at her, his sharp blue eyes briefly softening. Niikaz nodded silently, still adjusting to her surroundings.

"Where are we heading?" she asked, her voice carrying the grogginess of sleep.

"We're on our way to Shiganshina District," Erwin explained. "We need to get there before the Titans breach the walls."

Hanji, sitting across from her, leaned forward with an intensity that matched the urgency in Erwin's voice. "The advance team, led by Captain Levi, left before sunrise. Their mission is to evacuate the citizens and scout for the Colossal Titan, Armored Titan, and Female Titan. We have to ensure no lives are lost unnecessarily."

Erwin's tone grew heavier as he added, "We will arrive shortly after them since we are bringing weapons supplies and others. This may be the last chance we have to change the tide."

Niikaz listened, her expression unreadable, though her mind was far from still. "I see," she murmured, gazing out at the horizon. "We'll also need to check Eren's basement. There are answers there—answers that could change everything."

As she spoke, her eyes glimmered faintly, and a hologram flickered to life before her, visible only to her. Her thoughts moved faster than words, the data shifting and reorganizing at her mental command.

Hanji's curious gaze lingered on her. "What are you—"

Niikaz stopped the hologram and turned to Hanji with a calm smile. "Just organizing some thoughts," she said casually, though she could sense Hanji's hesitance.

"Hey," Hanji began awkwardly, scratching her cheek. "I, uh… wanted to apologize. For back in the office. I mean, a kid suddenly appearing out of nowhere, talking about Titans breaking in—it was a lot to process."

Niikaz's smile widened, genuine this time. "It's fine. I get it. I'd be skeptical too if I were in your shoes."

Erwin, who had been silently observing, cleared his throat. "Your abilities are… extraordinary. But we can't risk word getting out especially someone from higher up. Once you're of age, we'll register you with the Scout Regiment officially. Until then, we need to remain it secret at any cost."

Niikaz met his gaze, her tone steady. "I trust you'll handle the details. But you should know my power isn't tied to the Titans. I can create almost anything I can imagine, but it's limited by what I truly understand. For example, I can't use maneuver gear—Well I've never experienced it firsthand."

"Whatever that can create in my minds is based on my understanding, therefore as long as I understand what I want, I can make it into reality" Niikaz added.

She stood, her small figure exuding an unusual confidence. " For instance, Let me show you."

With a soft glow, her hands emitted a light blue energy, and the carriage interior transformed before their eyes. The cramped wooden space expanded, morphing into a modern living area with sleek furniture, a kitchenette, and two bedrooms.

Hanji's excited squeal broke the stunned silence as she began exploring every inch of the new space. Erwin, on the other hand, rushed to the window, his brows furrowing when he saw the soldiers outside continuing their ride, unaffected and unaware.

"Don't worry," Niikaz reassured him, stepping beside the door. "To anyone outside, it still looks like the same carriage. Only those I permit can see this space. If you leave, everything will appear normal again. Tap the wooden seat twice, and you'll return here."

Erwin turned back to her, his stoic demeanor cracking just enough to reveal a flicker of awe. "Your abilities… they exceed anything I could have imagined."

Niikaz chuckled lightly, the sound almost childlike in its simplicity. "Well, I'm glad to be of use."

Hanji darted back to them, her eyes alight with excitement. "Niikaz, you're amazing! We've never seen anything like this before. Just think of the possibilities!"

Niikaz's smile faded slightly as she looked out at the horizon again. "Possibilities are endless, sure. But the future isn't. If we don't act fast, it'll all be for nothing."

Her words lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the weight they all carried.