A/N: Hey everyone, welcome back to chapter two of Our New Daughter. I'm so glad that people are still reading this story. I hope I don't disappoint with this one. Any way that's enough from me, enjoy the story.
Rated T (for right now.)
"Talking."
"Thoughts/Flashbacks/Of screen speech."
"Titan shifter thoughts/Speech."
Chapter 2: Back to Trost
Eren stood observing the wreckage of the village. Looking around, Eren could see a total of eight buildings destroyed. Three other buildings were slightly damaged, but once humanity wins more ground over the Titans, they'll be salvageable. Hearing some giggling, Eren turned and saw Krista playing with the child. They both seem happy about it. Eren sighed in annoyance at the sight of it, but allowed it to continue. Even though Krista could help him locate the package that they are supposed to deliver back to Trost. For the past ten minutes Eren has been searching the wreckage of the village for the package. So far, he hasn't seen any short of either a crate, an envelope, or barrels. This caused Eren to be a little irked.
"Eren!"
Hearing his name being called, Eren turned towards the voice.
"Is there something you need Krista?"
Krista walked closer to Eren with the child in her arms. The child was currently distracted with a handful of white daisies' in her hand as she giggled.
"Eren, two of the Garrison soldiers are slowly walking this way."
Eren eyes widen as he turned towards the direction Krista was pointing at. A little way away were the Garrison soldiers, one of whom was the male soldier that went to rescue the female soldier from the clutches of the Titan. And the other was the female soldier. The female soldier was currently leaning against the male soldier for support.
The male soldier grinned and gave a small wave "Yo."
Eren and Krista walked closer to them.
"Are you two alright?" Krista asked. "Do you need any help?"
The male chuckled and answered, "We're fine, thanks to Mr. Jaeger."
"But I was unable to save your Captain and the others."
"Yet you were able to save us two." The female said. "And if Captain Adam were still here, he'd say something along the lines of, 'Don't focus too much on those you couldn't save. Instead focus on the ones you were able to save.'"
Eren nodded as he lifted his head up high. The female smiled and held out a hand. "I'm Marie Isabell, and this knucklehead beside me is Peter Morgan."
Peter was scratched the back of his head as he grinned. Peter has short black hair that was styled in a spikey fashion. While Marie had bright silver-colored hair tied into two buns. Eren nodded in acknowledgement. He then noticed that Marie was right foot was slightly off the ground.
"Is your leg broken, Marie?" Eren asked.
Marie smiled and shook her head. "No, it's just sprained. I'll be fine tomorrow."
Peter took a breath and turned to Eren. "Eren, did you and Krista bring any horses with you?"
Eren shook his head.
"No, we lost our horses when we fell into a river."
Marie sighed deeply.
"So, how are we going to get back home then?"
"Eren can't you turn into your Titan form and carry us back to Trost District?" Krista asked.
Eren looked towards Krista and answered. "I can't."
"What do you mean 'you can't' aren't you able to transform whenever you want?" Marie stated.
"I mean, that I don't have enough energy to transform. It may not look like it, but I've used a lot of energy fighting those Titans. I won't be able to transform until I rest. It probably won't be until tomorrow morning, 'til I can transform again."
Peter saw the setting sun and sighed.
"Well, if we aren't moving tonight, I suggest we settle down in one of the building for tonight."
Eren nodded in acknowledgement, but before anyone could move, Eren remembered something.
"That's right," Eren said to himself. "Um, Peter."
Peter turned to Eren. "Yes?"
"Do you know where the package that we're suppose to deliver back to Trost is located? We looked everywhere and haven't found it yet. All we were able to find was this child."
Peter and Marie eyes widen when Eren motioned towards the small child in Krista arms.
"That child?!" Marie thought.
"Don't tell me…"
Peter silently sighed before answering Eren.
"Well," Peter stared while nervously smiling. "You see, that child is the package."
This answer shocked both Eren and Krista. Krista looked down at the child, (who was currently eating the white daisys,) before looking at Eren. Before Eren could respond to Peter, he and Marie were already heading towards a house.
"Oi! Peter! Where are you guys going?! What do you meant that child the 'package?!'"
"If you want answers, I'm not going to tell you out here. Let's head inside. It's going to be dark soon."
Eren grit his teeth, then sighed in frustration before slowly walking towards the house.
"Come on Krista, lets go see why it is that the package that we are suppose to bring back is that child."
Krista nodded and followed after Eren, all the while the child in her arms giggled.
Eren walked inside the house that they would be staying for the night. Inside were things in a standard house. There was furniture inside like several chairs and a table. Eren could see a crate with some supplies. He watched as Peter was wrapping one of Marie's ankles with some bandages. Krista had taken this time to set down on one of the chairs in the kitchen. The child in her arms started to fuss.
"What's wrong little one? Huh?"
Krista placed the child on the table while Marie took an apple from the supply crate.
"She's hungry." Marie said cutting up the apple.
Krista looked back to the child and then in a soft voice said, "Is that right? Is someone hungry?"
The child just stared blankly at Krista for a moment before she tried to speak. "Mama."
Krista giggle at the what the child was saying. "You think I'm your mother. Fortunately, I'm not."
"And what makes you say that Krista?" Eren ask.
"Cause, that would make you her father."
Eren just sighed in annoyance at Krista. Though Eren can't tell if that's supposed to be a joke or not. "Har. Har. Are you going to feed the child anytime soon?"
"Just finishing up making her food." Marie stated.
Eren sat down on a chair and sighed heavily. He watched as Peter was looking as some papers on the floor.
"What's with the paper?" Eren asked.
Peter said nothing as he stood up, then he spoke. "Oh, nothing. Just some instructions on the child."
"Like what?"
"Just instruction on how to care for it, feed it. That's all."
Eren watched as Peter put the papers into his pockets. Eren had his suspicion on what the paper says, but for now he ignored it. Instead he turned to Krista, who was currently feeding the child mush-up apples.
"Is it ok to feed her mush-up apples?" Eren stated more or less to himself.
But Marie nodded. "Yes. According to the instructions, apples are her favorite food."
"Can she speak?"
Marie turned towards Eren, and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure. She's just over a year old, between 13-16 months so she should. But I don't know what her vocabulary consist of. Her saying 'mama' is surprising enough."
For the next five minutes Eren looked back and forth between everyone. Something is not right here. Krista, even though she's attached to the child at the moment, that is nothing suspicious there. Since Krista is being Krista, but the other two, Peter and Marie. Eren continued to stare at them. He couldn't put his finger on it. First, he and Krista were hand pick to go on this covert mission. To find and escort a group of Garrison soldiers outside the walls back to Trost. Second, the so-called package that he and Krista were told to protect was this small child. Why? Why is that child so important that she has to come back to the walls? Eren stared at the child as she ate. While she was eating, Eren noticed that the child would look at him. And she wouldn't look away until Krista presented another spoonful of mush apple. Then the child would look at Krista. Back and forth the child would eye both him and Krista. But never at Peter and Marie.
Eren slowly got up and went to the supply crate. There, he noticed as he grabbed a small loaf of bread, that the supplies mostly consist of infant care, a handful of bread, some military rations and some apples. Eren noticed that almost immediately that the supplies were only enough for really two or three people. Not for six or seven people.
"Peter, Marie do you want some bread?"
Marie turned to Eren and shook her head. "No, we're fine. You and Krista help yourself to whatever you need."
Eren slightly nodded, as he grabbed Krista some bread as well. Walking back to the table Eren handed Krista the bread, to which she was grateful for. Then Eren sat back down in his chair. Something was going on. Ever since they came in here Peter and Marie started acting like different people.
Speaking about Peter and Marie, Eren noticed that they aren't that bit surprise on the child being there. But there's something else they are surprised about. Even though the child is the package, that didn't faze them as much unlike Krista holding the child. Eren could tell that they were both nervous about something, since they are constantly eyeing Krista's direction. Peter was reading something in a small journal, what it was Eren can't tell. For the entire time they've sat here, not once has either of them offered to take the child from Krista's arms. Marie moved like she was going to take the child, before stopping herself. Eren did noticed that Marie was biting her thumb, like she's trying to come up with some kind of solution.
"Is that all of the food you have in that crate?"
Peter never looked up from the journal as he answered.
"Yes."
"Did you guys use any of the supplies in the crate?"
"Only the stuff for the child."
They sat through several more moments of silence.
"Say, I got a question." Eren said breaking the silence.
Peter turned his attention to Eren and responded. "Shoot."
"You've never answered my question from before, why?"
Peter glared at Eren and stated. "What question?"
Eren slammed his fist in the table with a loud BANG! Krista jumped at the sudden loud noise as she turned her attention to Eren.
"Don't play dumb with me! Why is the package we were sent to bring back to Trost, that child?"
Peter closed his eyes and sighed. "I don't know."
"Cut the bullshit Peter." Eren ignored Krista as she called out his name. "Why is it that 6 Garrison soldiers are out deep into Titan country, with low supplies? And why is it that this small child, is the package that me and Krista were sent to protect and escort? What's so important about this child that you'd risk your lives to save her?"
Peter closed the journal as sat back in his chair. He ran a hand through his hair as he huffed. Then he stood up.
"Let me ask you something. Why is it that you are important for people to risk their lives to protect?"
Eren was taken back from this question a bit.
"Peter."
Peter held up a hand to stop Marie from speaking.
"Everyone knows who you are a Titan Shifter. The fact that you plugged up the hole that the Colossal Titan made in Trost. That you can transform into a Titan. The fact that many people risked their lives to protect you during the Battle to retake Trost."
Memories of that battle flooded both Eren and Krista's mind. But Peter continued to speak.
"You may not know this Yaeger, but I had a cousin who died in that Battle." Eren eyes widen as Peter continued to speak. "But I don't blame you for his death Yaeger, because I know he died to protect humanity. If you want answers, I'll gladly answer them to the best of my ability. But know this, I cannot give you a lot of information, because I either don't have it, or I don't have the authority to say."
Peter took a pause to sigh as he sat back down.
"If you want to know why it is, that the package we're suppose to protect is that child. The answer is that I don't know. Captain Adam, Isabell, Reed, Hitch, Bateman and I were told to protect the child at the cost of our lives. When asked why, we were told that the child holds the key to humanity surviving. I don't know if it's the fact that she's some lord or noble's daughter or what. She could be the next in line for the throne for all we know. Whatever the reason, we upheld our duty as soldiers. We may not be in the Survey Corps like you two, but we are in the same army with the same goal. Protect humanity."
Peter took a drink from his canteen that he had, before continuing. "Why we were out here? I'm afraid I can't tell you that. As for the supplies, that was all we were given. I don't know if the higher up expected us to die or what, but the food is more or less for you two. Our captain told us that the Survey Corp was going to send two escorts. And he told us that the food was to help them in their duties. Believe it or not, it's your choice. If you want more answers to that, I can't give you and even if I have the answers, I don't have the clearance to let you two know anyway."
Eren listened closely to Peter as he sat back down. For the most part his questions were answered. Though why the child is important, that part is still unclear. But Eren understood most of what Peter was talking about.
"Two more question. First, why was the child covered up with a sheet? And second, you two know about the child and everything, but why is it that neither of you grabbed the child from Krista's arms?"
This time is was Marie who spoke up to answer Eren's question. "To answer your last question, we don't want to disturb the child."
Eren could tell that that answer was a lie, but he let it slide. "And the answer to my other question?"
Marie sighed deeply as she looked down towards the ground. "We don't have an answer for that one. The nurse that was with us, Nurse Bloom, was the one in charge of taking care of the child. And she told us, that the sheet was to protect the child from the sunlight."
Eren sighed deeply. He has more questions, but knows that this is all that he's going to get for now. It doesn't help that he's tired as hell. The rest of the evening was mostly uneventful. After eating the child fell asleep and soon followed by Krista, since Peter told them to get some sleep. As Eren laid on the floor, he couldn't help but think, that someone knows something about this whole thing.
"Why is the package the child? Why is it that Krista and I were picked for this mission? Who knows about the child, and why is she important?"
Eren sighed to himself as he turned over. It's no use to think about this right now. Knowing, that he needs his sleep, Eren closed his eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep.
The next morning was pretty calm. No Titans showed up during the night, and there are no Titans around now. Eren yawned while stretching as he loosened his muscles. Turning around he silently watched as Krista prepared the child for travel, and Marie and Peter grabbed the rest of the supplies that they were going to need. Once they were done, they walked closer to Eren.
"Everyone ready?" Eren asked.
With three nods in approval Eren got ready.
"Alright, let's go home."
Eren brought his right hand to his mouth. With a huge chomp Eren bit his hand. With a flash of bright orange lighting, Eren once again transforms into his Titan form. Eren then turned around, got down onto his knees and placed his right hand onto the ground. Krista walked onto Eren's hand, while Marie and Peter used their ODM gear to Eren's shoulder. Once Krista and the child were in his hand, Eren stood up and started to walk north towards Trost. Eren wasn't sure about how Marie and Peter thought about going back to Trost, but to Eren it'll be nice to be back home.
"Wonder how Mikasa and Armin are doing right now? Hopefully Mikasa won't be too pissed."
-Trost District-
In Trost a Garrison soldier got to his post on the wall, as he yawned and stretched his back.
"Man, this is such a pain."
"Hey, Captain Hannes."
Hannes looked over and saw one of his fellow Garrison soldiers smiling and waving at him. Quietly sighing to himself, Hannes waved back as he walked closer to the soldier.
"How it looking like today Monroe? Many Titans clawing at the wall like usual?"
Monroe just laughed as he placed a hand on Hannes.
"No, there's only about four or five Titans right now. Nothing big just the 3-10 meters. No 15-meters around so far, but who knows when they'll arrive."
"That's good," He quickly took a glanced around and noticed that Commander Erwin wasn't here.
"Say," Hannes stated. "Where is Commander Erwin and his small band of scouts?"
"Commander Pixis came here earlier and told them to go and get something to eat. They've been waiting for Mr. Jaeger and little Miss. Lenz to come back."
Hannes eyes widen at the news of this.
"Eren is gone? For how long?"
Monroe shrugged his shoulders. "Don't know. More than 24 hours from what I was told."
Hannes just sighed heavily as he scratched the back of his head. It's days like this, that he needs a drink.
"CAPTIAN!"
Hannes and Monroe turned towards another Garrison soldier waving them over. Hannes glanced at Monroe for a second before walking towards the soldier.
"What is it?"
The soldier pointed straight down towards the ground. "Look! The Titans are running south."
Hannes and Monroe both watched as the several Titans down below, running down the road heading due south.
"What the hell?"
Hannes is extremely confused. Never, in all of his years as a soldier, has he ever seen Titans standing near the wall suddenly turn around and hightailed out.
Suddenly another voiced called out.
"Captain Hannes, you've got to take a look at this!"
Hannes walked to the third Garrison soldier.
"What is it Iris?"
Iris Green pointed with her right hand, while Hannes got his telescope out of his pocket.
"Take a look out there, it's Mr. Jaeger."
Hannes looked through his telescope and saw Eren out in the distance. He also could see the Titans that were at the wall heading straight for him. He could also see that there were two soldiers on Eren shoulders, and in his right hand a blonde girl.
"It's not only Eren, but Miss Lenz is there and I see two other soldiers."
Monroe sighed quietly to himself. Hannes, however, noticed something else. Something moving way behind Eren, but he can't quiet tell what it is.
"Iris. are you seeing what I'm seeing?"
"No." Isis answered. "Where are you looking?"
"Directly behind Eren."
Iris moved her telescope to where Eren is currently walking. She focused her attention behind Eren.
"What is that?" Iris thought to herself.
She continued to stare for a minute, before what she was looking came into view. As it came into view, Iris eyes widen.
"Captain Hannes, behind Mr. Jaeger is a large group of Titans."
Hannes and Monroe were shocked. Eren is having not only having Titans behind him, they're coming in front of him as well. Hannes then put away his telescope as he spoke to Iris.
"Iris, launch several black flares into the air. That'll alert Commander Pixis and Commander Erwin. Let them know that Eren and Miss. Lenz are on their way and that Titans are after them."
Iris nodded as she replied. "Alright, but what are you going to do?"
Hannes got out two swords from his ODMG. "I'm going to try and provide support."
The sound of several more swords caught Hannes attention. Turning around he saw Monroe and the other Garrison soldier with their swords in hand as well.
"We're coming with you Captain."
Hannes sighed, "Monroe, David…"
"We're coming with you Captain and nothing you say will change that."
Hannes grinned as he sighed. "Alright, lets go and show the two young scouts, how the Garrison Unit works."
With that Hannes jumped down off the wall. Followed by Monroe and David, as they fell through the air. They waited until the right moment to activate their ODM gears. Then they started to move forward heading towards Eren. At the same time, Iris fired a black flare into the air.
Eren meanwhile, was busy trying to not get annoyed by the two chatty Garrison soldiers. But there's nothing he can do about that. Looking down in his hand, he watched as Krista was currently entertaining the child. What she is doing, Eren can't tell. Only that the child is liking it. Eren then turned his attention to the sky. It wasn't cloudless, but if it wasn't for the fact that Titans exist, it could be a beautiful peaceful day.
"EREN!"
Eren looked down at Krista who pointed at something in the distance. Looking up, Eren saw black smoke coming from the top of Wall Rose.
"What's going on?!" Marie exclaimed.
Marie looked ahead and saw several Titans heading their way. After seeing the Titans ahead of them, Marie wondered if there were any other Titans around. She then started to look left and right, but she didn't see anything. Finally, Marie turned around and sure enough behind them were more Titans running towards their direction.
"Shit! This is bad."
"Peter!" Marie yelled.
Peter turned towards Marie who pointed behind them. Peter looked behind him and his eyes widen as he saw the on-coming Titan horde. Marie took this time to talk to Eren and Krista.
"Eren! Krista! There's a horde of Titans coming from behind us. Not only that but we have five Titans coming from in front of us as well."
"What do you want us to do then?" Krista ask as she held the child close to her.
"Our mission is to bring that child back to the Trost. I, for one, will see that it is done. But Krista you must keep the child with you, understand?"
Krista nodded in response as Marie threw Krista a small white sheet.
"Here, use this to tie the child around you, it'll allow your hands to be free."
Krista was surprise at this statement.
"Do you want me to fight?"
"No." Marie stated. "It's so that you can use your arms to hold onto your blade. You are going to use one of your blades and stab Eren in his hand. Make sure you stab horizontally and not vertically. We don't want you to cut Eren's hand unintentionally." Marie then turned her attention to Eren.
Eren turned his attention to Marie.
"Eren! Your job is to get Krista as close to the wall as you can. Don't worry about fighting, let me and Peter handle that. Just make sure you protect them. Got it!"
Eren nodded, while Peter had just finished counting all of the Titans behind them.
"This is bad, we've got over 30 Titans gunning straight for us!"
Marie just tsk. "In that case we better get a move on. Ready Eren?"
Eren nodded in response as Krista just finished tying the child snuggly with the sheet. Krista then took out one of her blades and stabbed Eren's hand.
"I'm ready here too!"
Marie nodded and turned towards Peter, who pulled out two blades. He then gave Marie a grin, signaling his determination. Marie responded with a small smile of her own.
"Alright!" Marie pulled out her two blades. "Let's do this!"
Eren started to pick up his pace and started running towards the five Titans. Then out of nowhere, Eren got tackled by several 3-meter Titans, several 7-meter Titans and two 10-meter Titans.
"What the hell?!" Eren turned his head to the small patch of trees beside him and noticed that there were more Titans walking towards them. Eren eyes widen at this as he fell to the ground. "There's more of them?!"
Marie and Peter both fell off Eren's shoulder from the sudden impact. Krista screamed as she and the child were knocked out of Eren's hand. Krista's scream penetrated Eren's ears and he turned his attention to Krista. He watched as the Titans that tackled him were now scrambling on top of one another towards Krista and the child as they laid on the ground. Eren eyes narrowed in anger.
"Get the fuck away from them!"
Eren grabbed the closest 3-meter Titan towards and used it as a bludgeoning weapon to knock back some of the Titans. He then used his feet to kick a 7-meter Titan into some more Titans. Krista, meanwhile had started to sit up from the fall she had taken. Once she was up, she quickly checked on the child, to see if she was ok. The child looked up at Krista and smiled. This caused Krista to smile as well, for she is glad that the child is not hurt. The child then started to cry, which surprised Krista who tried to calm her down.
"Hey, it's OK."
A large shadow over head cause Krista to look back in shock. Diving towards her was a 10-meter Titan, with its mouth wide open.
Eren meanwhile, noticed that the Titans were completely ignoring him. And the damage he was causing to them didn't seem to bother them at all. It seems like all they care about is to get to Krista. Eren is not going to stand for that. Not. One. Bit.
Getting on his knees, Eren then pushed his body forward as he kneed the 10-meter Titan away from Krista. Eren then roared in anger as he stood between Krista and the Titans.
"Eren." Krista whispered to herself.
Eren got into his fighting stance as he eyed the Titans. For right now, Eren had one goal in mind. To protect Krista and the child and get them home safe. At all cost. Hearing two ODM gears moving, Eren watched as Marie and Peter arrived. With a loud yell from both of them, Marie and Peter each sliced through a Titan killing them. Then, they started to change direction as they both moved through the air. Peter went behind another Titan, sliced and killed it. While Marie went down towards Krista.
"Krista! Are you ok?"
Krista got on her feet and nodded. "Yeah, I am fine, so is she."
Marie sighed in relief as the sound of Eren smashing a Titan penetrated their ears.
"Krista, you've got to get going and deliver that child to Trost. I'll get Eren to pick you up. Now go!"
Krista started to walk away when she responded. "What about you and Peter?"
Marie activated her ODM and yelled out. "We'll be fine! Now get out of here!"
Krista started to run. As much as she wanted to use her ODM gear, she wasn't sure how the child would handle it. So, she ended up choosing the next best thing, running. Marie in the meantime, got closer to Eren.
"Eren!"
Eren turned his attention to Marie.
"You must grab Krista and get out of here!"
Eren turned to see Krista was running on foot. Then he turned to Marie who just nodded at him. Knowing that there's nothing left for him to do. And knowing that Krista right now is defenseless, Eren turned and ran. He slowed down just enough to swoop up Krista before continuing on towards Trost.
On top of Wall Rose, Commander Pixis and Commander Erwin arrived. Getting there as fast as possible once they saw the black smoke.
"What's the situation here?" Commander Pixis asked.
Iris pointed outside Wall Rose. "Commander Pixis, there's a huge group of Titans heading this way. There were five Titans here against the wall, but they suddenly started heading south. That's when Captain Hannes and Monroe spotted Eren Yaeger and Krista Lenz of the Survey Corps!"
Commander Pixis and Commander Erwin were surprised to hear about Eren and Krista.
"Where's Captain Hannes right now?" Commander Erwin asked.
"Sir," Iris started. "He, Monroe and David went to stop some of the Titans."
Some of the Survey Corps soldiers had just arrived. Levi, Mikasa, Armin, Sasha, Jean, Connie, Hange, Reiner, Ymir and Bertholdt, all came when they heard that an Abnormal Titan was spotted outside the walls.
"Commander Erwin, what's going on here? Has the Colossal Titan or Armor Titan reappeared?"
Commander Erwin turned towards his soldiers. "No. Eren and Krista has been spotted. They are on their way here."
Levi sighed heavily. "If it was just Yaeger and Lenz why was the Abnormal signal activated?"
Before Erwin could respond another voice called out.
"COMMANDER PIXIS!"
Turning to the new Garrison soldier, Commander Pixis asked what's wrong.
"It's Mr. Yaeger, Sir. He is getting overwhelmed by the Titans."
"What?!" Pixis exclaimed.
"Apparently, from what I was able to see with my telescope, a group of Titans burst out of a patch of trees. Caught Eren off guard."
"When did this happen?" Erwin asked the soldier.
"Just a few moments ago. I was keeping an eye on them and when that happened, I came and told you right away."
"This is not good." Pixis thought to himself. "If Mr. Yaeger and Miss. Lenz competed their mission. Then she is with them."
Armin's voice brought Pixis out of his thoughts.
"MIKASA!"
Commander Erwin and Pixis both turned and watched as Mikasa Ackerman jumped off the wall. Captain Levi just sighed in annoyance.
"When it comes to that fool, she's always jumping in to save him. Permission to chase after her Commander and bring her back?"
Erwin turned sternly to the rest of his small band of scouts. "No."
This caused a wave of shock to travel across the group of friends.
"What?! But Commander, you aren't going to leave Eren to die out there are you?!" Connie yelled out.
"Krista is out there! I must go and rescue my Krista!
"Oi! Captain Levi!" Jean said as he grabbed Levi's cape. "Talk some sense into Commander Erwin! Our comrades are out there!"
Levi just glared at Jean. "And what would you have me to do about it?"
Jean grit his teeth and raised his fist, while Reiner and Bertholdt grabbed a hold of him and tried to calm him down.
"Hey, now's not the time to be fighting Jean." Bertholdt said as he tried to calm down Jean.
"Listen to Bertholdt Jean," Reiner stated. "I'm sure Commander Erwin isn't going to let us stand by and watch Eren die."
While this was going on, at the same time Hange was trying to talk with Commander Erwin. "Commander, you can't expect us to sit back and have Eren die, would you? I still have many experiments that I still have to run on Eren."
Soon large chatter started to enveloped the area as the noise became chaos.
"SILENCE!"
Everyone stopped what they were saying and looked at Erwin. He glared at them with anger in his eyes, and almost everyone knew that they were screwed.
"Scouts! ATTENTION!"
Everyone got into attention by placing their left arms behind their backs, and their right fist over their hearts. Once seeing he has his scouts behaving properly, Erwin cleared his voice.
"Now then," Erwin started. "your little squabble has cost us valuable time. We're not going to chase after Akerman to bring her back. We are going to assist Commander Pixis men who have gone out after Eren and Krista." Erwin stopped to look at Commander Pixis. "Command Pixis, do I have permission to explain Yaeger and Lenz predicament?"
Pixis didn't say anything, as he just grabbed his canteen, opened it and took a drink. Once finished he just stared at Erwin before smiling.
"Go ahead, they're going to know eventually, when they get back."
Nodding in acknowledgement Erwin turned back to his scouts.
"Now then, Scouts, by now you all know that I've sent Mr. Yaeger and Miss. Lenz on an important mission. Their mission is was to locate and escort a small group of Garrison soldiers, carrying an important package. They were to provide support and bring them back here to Trost. Now seeing as they are just outside the walls, I am assuming they completed their mission, for the most part. However, the package must get back to Trost at all cost. Your mission is to provide support for Yaeger and Lenz to complete their mission. Do you understand?!"
"SIR, YES SIR!" The Scout Regiment shouted.
"Alright! Scouts, begin the mission!"
Erwin and Pixis watched as the Scout Regiment all ran and jumped off the building. They watched as one by one, the Scouts activated their ODM gears and took off to help out Eren and Krista. Pixis smiled as he turned around and started to walk away. Erwin noticed this and called out to him.
"Commander Pixis, where are you going?"
Pixis stopped in his tracks. Without turning around, he spoke to Erwin. "My job here is done. I leave the rest in your hands now. Just make sure you have Yaeger and Lenz stop by the Garrison Headquarters with the package. I'm going to need to talk to them when they come back inside the walls."
With that Commander Pixis left, leaving Erwin a bit confused. But he didn't have time to dwell on that. After all, he turned around and walked to the edge of Wall Rose, two of his Scouts were in trouble. And damn him to hell if he allowed his fellow soldiers fight to the death without him. Leaping of the wall, Erwin fell towards the ground.
"Hold on you guys. All of you, my fellow scouts, you're not allowed to die today. If anyone is going to die, it should be me. Not the future."
Activating his ODM gear, Erwin started heading towards his underlings, as he tried to catch up.
Eren was currently running towards Trost. Both Krista and the child were safely in his hand, however, they weren't out of the woods yet. Ahead of them were the five Titans they saw earlier. Eren swore to himself, as he stopped and got into a defensive stance. As the Titans got closer, one of the Titans a 10-meter jump at him. Eren quickly covered Krista and the child, and prepared for impact. Eren gave a loud shout, only for someone to swing in and kill it. This surprised Eren, but nothing surprised him more than the person who killed the Titan. A person he has known for years.
"Hannes? What's he doing here?"
Hannes turned towards Eren and grinned. "No matter where you go Eren, you always get into trouble. Geez, what would Mikasa say if she was here right now."
Hannes quickly dodged a Titan from running into him. He then fires a hook into the nape of another Titan. Propelling himself forward, Hannes quickly sliced through that Titans nape killing it. After killing the Titan, Hannes turned around to survey his surroundings. He watched as the remaining Titans continued their path towards Eren. This caused something of concern for Hannes.
"So that's why these Titans turned around suddenly. They're after Eren, yet more specifically they're after whatever Eren has in his right fist."
Hannes watched as Eren grabbed the face of a Titan. The Titan just continued to try and reach towards Eren's right fist that Eren kept out of reach. This pissed off Eren as he screeched at the Titan.
"How many times do I have to say this?"Eren tighten his grip on the Titan's face as he lifted it up. "Stay away from them you bastards!"
Eren slammed the Titan into the ground. Then he headbutt another 3-meter Titan was got close to him. Quickly, Eren slammed his left fist into the Titan on the ground finishing it off. He then stood up and seeing the second 10-meter Titan and the 3-meter Titan charging at him, Eren got ready. Once they were close enough, Eren kicked the 10-meter Titan in the side. Pushing it into the 3-meter Titan and kicking them away from him. Standing on the ground, Hannes was impressed by Eren's display as he smiled.
"CAPTAIN HANNES!"
Hannes turned to see Monroe and David landing beside him.
"What is it David?"
"We got more Titans coming from the South."
Hannes lowered his head a little as he replied. "Yes, I know that."
"But that's not all Captain." Monroe stated.
Hannes turned his attention to Monroe as he spoke.
"We got two Garrison soldiers heading this way. They are Peter Morgan and Marie Isabell from Captain Adam's Reserve Team!"
This was news to Hannes, since he thought that Captain Adam and his small team where up north in Utopia district. Hannes doesn't have time to think about that right now. For now, they need to focus on helping Eren and get him back to Wall Rose as soon as possible.
"Alright, David, you and Monroe go and meet up with Peter and Marie, and provide any assistants as needed."
"Captain, what about you?"
"I'll stay with Eren, and help him get to Trost."
David and Monroe both nodded, activated their ODM and left. After they had left, Hannes turned his attention back to Eren. Eren had just finished killing the remainder Titans and was standing over their now dissolving corpses. Activating his ODM gear, Hannes quickly moved to Eren's shoulder. Feeling someone landing on his right shoulder, Eren turned his to see Hannes.
"Yo, Eren, how have you been?"
Eren just stared at Hannes, who just chuckled.
"I know it's been a while. Anyway Eren, it'll be best if you start heading to Wall Rose. A large group of Titans are on their way here. And in the meantime, could I see what's in your hand?"
Eren started moving in the direction of Trost. Then he held out his hand and opened it. Hannes was a bit surprised to see Krista. Smiling, Hannes jumped next to Krista. Krista just continued to kneel as she kept her hands on the blade that was in Eren's hand.
"Ah, Miss Lenz so finally to meet you. How've you been doing lately?"
Krista nervously smiled as she answered. "I've been better Mr…"
"You can just call me Hannes, Miss Lenz. But if you don't mind, could you answer a few questions?"
Krista was taken back by this sudden change of events. But compared to what she and Eren have been through these last day or two, it's not surprising.
"Uh…Sure. What's your questions?"
Hannes stared at Krista and studied her. He then bends down and placed his arms on his knees.
"First off, do you know why the Titans are only after you?"
Krista eyes widen, along with Eren's though only Krista saw that. Eren kept a sharp ear on the conversation that Hannes is having with Krista.
"How does Hannes know that? He can't confirm that after seeing how the Titans are behaving now, can he?"
Krista meanwhile, was dumbfounded at Hannes question.
"What does he mean the Titans are only after me? That can't be right?"
"Um, I don't know what you are talking about Mr. Hannes."
Hannes studied Krista and saw that she truly doesn't believe that the Titans are only after her. If she's feigning ignorance, Hannes can't tell. Just then, Hannes spied movement underneath the white sheet around Krista.
"Oh, and who do we have here."
Krista looked down and saw that the child had poked her head out of the sheet. Hannes just smiled as he stared intensely at the blonde teal-green eyed child. Hannes then felt like the child was staring at him back. Eyeing him. Shaking it off he then grinned.
"How are you doing sweety?"
The child moved her head away from Hannes and snuggled back into Krista.
"Seems like she's taken a liking to you."
Krista didn't say anything as she watched as Hannes stood up. Looking ahead he could see the wall getting closer.
"We're almost home."
"CAPTAIN HANNES!"
Hearing Monroe's voice caused Eren to turn around. Hannes and Krista both gasp at the sight from behind him. Directly behind them, the large group of Titans have caught up to Eren. Peter came bolting down on the front Titan, slicing the nape, killing it. Marie noticed that Eren wasn't moving.
"EREN, RUN!"
Not needing to be told twice, Eren started to run. Krista braced herself on her blade, as Hannes activated his ODM gear.
"Damn it!" Hannes swore as he started to maneuver around Eren.
Meanwhile, David and Monroe were confused at the sight that they were seeing.
"What the hell is going on here? Dozens of Titans and not one of them are interested in us. I've never seen anything like this."
"You guys," Marie said as she came in above them. "keep the front Titans from getting close to Yaeger! He's carrying something important that must be kept safe."
"R-Right." David said as he watched a 10-meter Titan getting closer to Eren.
Shooting a hook into the Titan, David reeled himself closer to the Titan. Lifting his arms, David then sliced the Titan killing it. However, after killing David turned around and looked at the remain Titans.
"Shit! It's like we aren't making a dent in all of these Titans."
Eren, meanwhile looked down in his hand and he ran. He could see Krista, holding on as she looked down at the child. Eren growled slightly as he once more closed his fist, around Krista. This can't go on much longer, for either of them.
"These Titans are relentless!"
In front of Eren, he watched as several more Titans appeared and tried to cut off his path. Eren slid as he stopped running. With Titans in front of him and Titans behind him, Eren needs to find another path. So, he turned left and continued to run. This caught everyone off guard as they watched Eren get further away. The two groups of Titans ran into each other, as they tried to follow Eren down the same path. Using this to their advantage, Peter started to yell out commands.
"Quick! Cut down the Titans before they start after Eren again."
With quick burst of speed, the five Garrison soldiers started to hack down the Titans. This chaos caused the Titans some trouble in following after Eren and Krista. Yet, despite their numbers dwindling, the Titans continued to ignore the soldiers. Marie continued to observe the Titan's odd behavior, as she hacks through another Titan.
"Something is wrong about this whole thing. But what?"
Eren continued to run as he looked behind him. Not seeing the Titans, caused Eren some relief, but he still needs to get to Wall Rose. That is, if the Titans would let him. Eren eyed his surroundings and saw nothing but trees. Even though these trees weren't as tall as the Forest of Giant Trees, trees, they were a good decent size. Eren came to a halt as he sensed something ahead of him. Knowing more Titans were lying in wait, Eren looked around and tried to see what direction they were coming from. Soon, the Titans came into view as they walked towards him. Then the Titans started to charge. Eren watched as several 3-meter Titans lunged at him. Quickly, Eren blocked them with his leg, then he grabbed one of them and threw it. As the Titans continued to swarm, Eren felt a Titan bite his right forearm. Yelling in pain, Eren grabbed the Titan's neck and crushed it. Then Eren yanked it off and then swung it into several more. Getting back into his fighting stance, Eren continued to eye the Titans. A moment later the Titans rushed him. Bracing for impact, Eren dug his feet into the ground. The Titans all slammed into him and Eren pushed back. Eren stood strong against the onslaught of Titans, though he doesn't know how much more he can take. Eren could hear Krista's light screams from his enclosed fist. How much longer both Krista and the child could take of this he doesn't know. But he does know that for some reason the Titans are very determined in trying to get to Krista.
"Damn it all! They just keep coming!"
Then, seemingly out of thin air, Levi and Mikasa came swinging in from Eren's right side. While Armin and Sasha came in from his left side. Together all four scouts started to attack the Titans surrounding Eren. Once several of the Titans were killed, Eren was able to move again. He punched a Titan off of his right arm and started to back away from the horde of Titans. But as soon as he backed away, the Titans started pushing forward towards him. Mikasa and Armin came swinging down as they killed two more Titans. Eren opened his hand to check on Krista. Krista looked up to Eren with the child.
"Don't worry Eren, we're fine."
Levi stood off to the side and watched the Titans behavior. The Titans were ignoring the Scouts presence and was just focus on Eren.
"What the hell is going on?"
Levi activated a hook and landed on the 15-meter Titan's shoulder in front of Eren.
"CAPTAIN LEVI!" Sasha yelled as she cut down a Titan.
"What's he doing?" Armin asked as he watched Captain Levi.
Krista turned behind her at what's going on. While, Eren stood in shock at what Captain Levi is doing. Captain Levi just stared down the on-coming Titans.
"Just what are you after?" Levi asked more or less himself.
The Titans all charge forward and Levi watched in bewilderment as the Titans just ignored him completely. Eren braced himself for the impact, when he heard a voice shout out.
"NOW!"
Eren and Krista watched as the rest of their friends came shooting out. The Scouting Regiment youngest blood of the former 104th Cadet Corps. Krista watched as Ymir swung passed her. They looked at each other for a moment. She saw Ymir sigh in relief, before giving her a strange look. This caused Krista some confusion, but before she could dwell on it further, Ymir zoomed ahead.
"Everyone," Eren heard Commander Erwin say. "protect Eren Yaeger and Krista Lenz! Make sure they get to the wall!"
"RIGHT!" Shouted everyone.
"EREN!"
Eren turned and saw Hannes as he propelled forward to the Titans.
"Leave this to us!"
Erwin landed on Eren's shoulder as the slaughter of the Titans commenced.
"Mr. Yaeger, you must get to Wall Rose. We'll provide cover for you to get there safely."
Eren nodded in response as Erwin took off. Krista turned her attention to Eren, before looking back towards the fight. She watched as Ymir sliced through a Titan, before she quickly maneuvered around another Titan. Turning around Krista looked at Eren. Eren looked down at Krista and quickly he started to run towards Wall Rose. As Eren ran, two people appeared by his side. Looking to his right he saw Ymir following him through the trees. To his left he saw Renier.
"Eren," Renier started. "Ymir and I were assigned by Commander Erwin to make sure you and Krista get to the wall safely. You make sure you keep running. We'll take care of any Titans."
Eren turned to Ymir, who nodded in acknowledgement. If Eren could smile in relief, he would. But for now, he just focused on running. Krista meanwhile, watched Ymir as she followed her and Eren. Feeling the child movement, caught her attention. Looking down at the child Krista started to speak to her.
"Hey, little one. Don't you worry about a thing. We'll be home soon OK?"
Krista, lifted her head and almost immediately saw a Titan jumping straight at her.
"EREN!"
Eren lifted his arm at the last second, just as a 7-meter Titan barely missed chomping on his right hand. Reiner quickly went down and killed the Titan.
"Krista!"
Ymir turned her head and noticed several more Titans running at them.
"Reiner!" She called
Reiner looked over at Ymir and noticed her heading to several Titans. Cursing to himself, Reiner headed to help Ymir. Krista watched as Ymir headed to the Titans.
"Ymir!"
Hearing Krista, Eren stopped running and turned towards Ymir, Reiner and the on-coming Titans. Ymir maneuvered her self above one of the Titans and with a downward strike killed it. Ymir turned to see Eren had stopped running.
"Eren! Get Krista out of her now!"
Eren, knowing that there is nothing can be done started to run once more.
"Damn it! Sorry Krista, all I can do right now it to run! I must get you and the child to safety. Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! What the fuck is going on?"
Soon, Eren came upon the base of Wall Rose, causing him to stop. Quickly, Eren started to look around. He needed to get Krista up on the wall, and fast. However, it seems that luck has run out for Eren, as he was tackled from behind.
"SHIT!"
Eren tried to get the Titan off of his back, but he was tackled from his left side.
"Eren, there's Titans all around us."
Eren looked around and saw that it was true, as dozens of Titans were coming from all sides. And one by one they all tackled against Eren, and all were after Krista. Quickly, Eren lifted Krista and the child high above his head. All the while each of the Titans were trying to reach Krista and the child. Eren tried to fight off the Titans, but it was futile since there was a lot of them, and they kept him from moving. Krista, held onto the blade in Eren's hand, while trying to keep the child safe. Eren looked up at Krista, who looked down at him.
"Krista, you must get up on the wall. You must save yourself and the child."
Krista watched as Eren stared at her intently like he wanted her to go. This caused the to child to cry, which added to the intensity of the situation. A hook hit Eren's wrist as Ymir can flying in.
"Krista!"
Eren watched as Ymir landed on his hand. Krista didn't move as she kept staring at Eren. Ymir looked down at Eren who kept his stern look. For a second, Eren and Ymir eyes made contact, before Eren looked back at Krista. Ymir didn't say anything as she started picking up Krista. Krista of course started to protest, for she didn't want to leave Eren in this situation.
"Ymir, let me go! We have to help Eren."
"Sorry Krista, but you take first priority. I must get you safe."
Ymir wrapped her arms around Krista and fired her hooks in Wall Rose. With that she jumped, as several Titans tried to grabbed Ymir and Krista, though failed. Eren watched Ymir take Krista up to the top of Wall Rose and sighed silently to himself, in relief. At the same time Reiner showed up, followed by the rest of the rescue party. Everyone was shocked at the displayed in front of them. Eren completely surrounded by Titans to the point he can't move. Erwin reached the wall and stood still. Looking behind him, he watched as Ymir and Krista go over the top. Smiling, to himself that part of the objective is complete. As Erwin turned back to Eren, his eyes widen in shock. As the Titans that surrounded Eren, who were doing nothing but reaching for the sky, were now attacking Eren.
Eren roared as he brought down a fist into a Titan's head, as he felt a chuck of one of his calves being ripped out. Erwin knowing that Eren is in trouble of being eaten by the Titans around him bellowed out his orders.
"EVERYONE! KILL THE TITANS AND SAVE YAEGER!"
Reiner fired a hook and propelled himself towards a Titan. With a massive yell, Reiner sliced through a Titan. Levi came barreling down as he twirled in the air and killed the Titan right behind Eren. Jean, Connie, Sasha and Armin came rushing in the fray from Eren's right side. Eren, meanwhile, was struggling against the Titans trying to free himself. Using his one free arm, Eren grabbed a 10-meter Titan and started to push it back. As he did that, Eren felt his Titan's left arm being torn off. Eren cursed to himself. Mikasa, came shooting pass Eren's head and killed a Titan that was eating left shoulder. Soon more Titans were showing up and all were heading straight to Eren. Both Levi and Erwin were confused by this strange event, as the Titans were still ignoring all of the soldiers. Then came the worst part, Eren was losing his Titan form energy.
With Eren losing his energy for his Titan form, Eren came popping out of the back of his Titan's nape. Fortunately, for Eren the Titans surrounding him dwindled. Unfortunately, as he tried to get out, he could feel that his right arm was stuck in the Titan's flesh. Armin saw Eren getting out and barreled down to Eren.
"Eren!"
Reiner, who was next to Armin followed him. As Armin and Reiner landed on Eren's Titan shoulders, Eren was trying to escape his Titan flesh. Eren was a bit surprise to see Armin and Reiner.
"Armin?"
Armin grabbed Eren's left arm.
"Come on Eren, we've gotta go!" Armin said as he tugged Eren's arm.
"I know that!" Eren said as his left arm got freed. "But it's my right arm, for some reason it's stuck!"
Reiner grabbed Eren's right arm.
"We don't have all day, Eren." Reiner said has he started to pull.
"Oi! Yaeger you better get out of there!"
Eren silently curse Levi and his stupid remark, as he continued to try and free his right arm. Armin turned and saw several Titans come straight for them. Reiner, knowing that there was no option left, lifted a blade.
"Sorry Eren," Reiner said as he eyed Eren's arm. "I got to do this."
Before anything could register inside both Eren's and Armin's minds, Reiner swung his blade and cut Eren's arm off, just before his elbow. Eren grinned his teeth together has he tried to suppressed the pain. After cutting his arm off, Reiner quickly grabbed Eren and both him and Armin jumped off Eren's Titan body as the Titans slammed into it. Erwin, who saw the whole thing, watched as Reiner, Eren and Armin started to head up to the top of Wall Rose. Grabbing his flare gun, Erwin raised it in the air.
"EVERYONE RETREAT!"
With that Erwin fired off blue smoke, and watched as one by one everyone retreated to the top of Wall Rose. Their mission has been accomplished.
On top of Wall Rose, Eren was currently sitting down panting. Steam was coming out of Eren's wound as it slowly healed. Having thanked Reiner in saving his life, Eren had watched him walked off to help out the others. Armin stood next to Eren, while Mikasa was kneeling down beside him, looking at him in concern.
"You over exerted yourself Eren." Mikasa stated.
Eren open an eye as he looked towards Mikasa.
"Not as mush as usual." Eren said with a smile.
"You are missing your arm."
"That wasn't my fault, it got stuck and to save me he cut it off. Besides, it's not like it's gone forever. It's healing, though slowly."
Mikasa sighed at Eren's statement, but didn't say anything else.
"Eren do you know whay caused the Titans odd behavior? They completely ignored us out there. We had dozens of soldiers out there and not one casualty. As if they all had a single goal in mind.
Eren turned to Armin and shook his head.
"No clue, though I gotta say that it was strange. I can't explain it, but it seemed that the Titans were only after Krista?"
"Why would that be?"
Turning to the new voice, Eren, Armin and Mikasa watched as Ymir came walking up to them.
"Why would those Titans have any reason to go after my Krista?"
Eren shrugged his shoulder.
"I don't know, but once she was out of their reached, the Titans turned their attention on me. Why they would do that I have no idea. You don't think something was controlling them, do you?"
Ymir just stared at Eren.
"I don't know. There are times where Titans act like mindless beasts and there are times where they act like they know something. There's no telling what could happen when it comes to them."
After a few minutes Krista came walking up to Eren with the child.
"Eren, you're hurt. Are you alright?"
Eren grinned "I'm fine."
He then slowly stood up, a little wobbly, but with the help of Mikasa and Armin, he was able find his footing.
"Eren, you're not fine. You need to rest."
"I said I'm fine Mikasa. Now that I'm back."
The child in Krista's arms started to squirm once Eren got up. Armin noticed the child and raised an eyebrow.
"Krista, what's with the child in your arms?" He asked.
Krista nervously smiled as she tried to reposition the child.
"S-She's a child that…" Krista paused as the child started to bounce really hard. "Sorry, she's a child that Eren and I found. Hey, why are you so fussy right now?"
The child just stared at Krista, for a moment before sliding out of her hands. Quickly, Krista placed the child on the floor. Then to everyone's surprise, the child started to walk. The child slowly walked forward only stopping once she reached Eren. Eren stared at the child in surprise before bending over, picked her up and held her in his left arm. Everyone watched as the child leaned into Eren's neck as she grabbed a hold of his "Wings of Freedom" cape. Ymir glared at Eren, but didn't say anything. Instead she just turned to Krista.
"Did you really find the child outside the walls Krista?"
Krista turned to Ymir and nodded.
"Yes, though we don't really know why she was out there."
Mikasa looked over Eren's shoulder to take a look at the child. However, the minute she did, the child took a look at her. And for a split second Mikasa thought the child glared at her. But when she blinked the child turned her head. Eren just sighed in annoyance, as the child was starting to fuss. But what happened next shocked everyone. The child leaned back to look at Eren in her eyes.
"Dada." She said.
Eren was a bit taken back, along with everyone else, as the child leans back into him. For first the child called Krista, "Mama," the night before. Then she walks over to him and calls him "Dada." Before anyone could wrap their heads around, Commander Erwin spoke.
"Yaeger, Lenz, Commander Pixis wants you to take the package to his office at the Garrison Headquarts."
Eren sighed in annoyance. What Commander Pixis wants with him and Krista for he doesn't know. But considering the fact that the package is currently clinging to him, and shows no sign of letting go anytime soon. Krista too was a bit surprise at the sudden message from Commander Erwin. But Eren started walking to the elevator to head down off the wall. Mikasa tried to follow Eren, but the Commander stopped her.
"Sorry, Ackerman you need to stay here."
Mikasa glared at Erwin, but obeyed her orders. Krista, needing to catch up to Eren, ran to the elevator. Once both Eren and Krista were on the elevator, the elevator started to lower down. The ride down was in awkward silence between Eren and Krista. Once they hit ground floor, Eren and Krista headed towards the Garrison Headquarters.
"What does Commander Pixis wants with us Eren?" Krista asked breaking the silence between the two.
Eren stopped walking and turned to Krista.
"I don't think it's us he wants to see." Eren started. He then leaned over and whispered in Krista's ear. "I think he wants to see the child."
Krista looked at the child, who just smiled, then back at Eren. Eren took a deep breath and resumed walking down the street. Krista followed beside Eren, wondering what the old Commander would say about the child.
A/N: And that's chapter 3 of Our New Daughter. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I'm not sure if this is going to be the only longest chapter. But hopefully it won't be the last. Also, I want to wish you guys all a Happy New Year, and I'll see you guys in my next chapter.
-Sergeant Daniel out.
